Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Deputy Mayor Stephanie Murray and Committeemen Tony Fiore, Tony Perry, and Kevin Settembrino were getting into the holiday spirit at this year's Christmas Tree Lighting at the Middletown Arts Center on Sunday, December 3rd.

Middletown Kicked Off the Holiday Season at the Township Christmas Tree Lighting Last Sunday

Middletown's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration drew a huge and festive crowd last Sunday evening! Residents enjoyed Christmas carols and crafts, pictures with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, and reveled in the spirit of the season.

Thank you to the staff of the Middletown Arts Center and Recreation Department who worked so hard to put this together, and thank you to all of the parents and children who made this an event to remember!

EMERGENCY ALERTS AND COMMUNITY NOTIFICATIONS

As we approach the winter season, make sure that you sign up to receive alerts about emergencies, flooding, weather alerts, road closures, power outages, and other information relevant to the community. Register at www.middletownnj.org/emergencyalerts. Since some alerts can be targeted to a specific geographic area, we recommend you register with your street address.

12/8/2017: Winter Storm Advisory In Effect Tonight Through Tomorrow
All Township residents are urged to move vehicles, trailers or portable structures off the street (where possible) so that the Department of Public Works can safely and efficiently remove all snow.

On Tuesday, December 5th, Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger, Ph.D. and Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante, P.P. AICP discussed the Township’s successful Open Space Program and explained the process of the program in the face of development. The presentation was recorded and will be airing on our Municipal TV channels (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) and the Township's YouTube Channel soon.

Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger and Committeeman Tony Perry (pictured) were honored to attend the Annual Senior Center Christmas party that was held at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands today, December 8th.

Township-Wide Garbage and Recycling Program Public Information Sessions
Frank Fiumefreddo of Central Jersey Waste/Solterra, Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante, and Department of Public Works Director Ted Maloney held two Garbage and Recycling Public Information Sessions on Thursday, December 7th at Poricy Park to hear residents' comments and concerns regarding the new Township-Wide Garbage and Recycling Program. The next two information sessions will be held on Monday, December 11th from 12-2PM and 7-9PM at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street).

Middletown Township Explorer Post 102 Meeting on 12/13

The Middletown Police Department will be hosting a meeting for registered Explorer Post 102 members on Wednesday, December 13^th.

If you are a registered member and did not receive an email with the meeting details, please contact Post Advisor Lt. Charles Terefenko MTPDExplorers@middletownnj.org as soon as possible.

Stephanie Murray Visits with Nut Swamp Third Graders

Deputy Mayor Stephanie Murray visited with Nut Swamp 3rd graders today. The students, who are studying local government, asked bright questions and learned about our Township Committee, local elections, taxes, and our Municipal budget.

MTPL Presents: The Band of the Two Rivers
The popular Band of the Two Rivers returns with a selection of holiday favorites on
Sunday, December 10th @ 2:00 PM in the MTPL Community Room.
Click the image to learn more!

Come and support your favorite team at the 9th Annual Dodgeball Tournament & Toy Drive! Registration is closed, but residents are welcome to watch or drop off an un-wrapped toy to help this wonderful cause! The event will take place December 9th from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Croydon Hall Gymnasium (900 Leonardville Rd). Click on the image for more information.

The New Jersey State Youth Orchestra
Sunday, December 10th at 1:30 PM
Middletown High School South
The New Jersey State Youth Orchestra will present their annual Holiday Concert. Please support NJSYO's talented musicians and the Middletown Arts Center. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the MAC (36 Church Street). Click on the image to view the event!

NJ Department of Health Reminds Residents to Protect Themselves and Pets From Rabies Exposure

The New Jersey Department of Health reminds residents to protect themselves and their pets. More than a dozen people in three New Jersey counties may have been exposed to a kitten who tested positive for rabies at the New Jersey Department of Health lab on Nov. 28. To read the News Flash, click HERE.

In addition to vaccinating pets for rabies, there are several things residents can do to protect themselves and their pets:
. Avoid unknown wildlife and animals
. Keep pets on leashes. Do not allow them to roam and possibly encounter rabid wildlife
. Never feed or touch wild or stray animals, especially stray cats, bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes or groundhogs
. Teach children that they should tell an adult if they were bitten or scratched by an animal
. Call a doctor and the local health department if bitten or exposed to saliva or blood of a wild or stray animal
. Contact a veterinarian if your pet was exposed to a bat, raccoon, skunk or other wild animal.
. If you or your pet is bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention.

Garbage and Recycling Public Information Sessions

For those who have questions regarding the new Township-Wide Garbage & Recycling Program starting in January, there will be two Public Information Sessions available for residents to attend on Monday, December 11th.

The forums will take place from 12-2 PM and from 7-9 PM at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street).

Garbage and recycling carts are being delivered curbside on a rotating basis over the next few weeks through Friday, December 22nd. You do not need to be home to receive the carts. Please note that there will be an informational flyer inside your cart from the Township.

There is now a calculator available online that allows residents to calculate the financial impact of the new program. To access the calculator, click HERE.