Outstanding Residents

Certificates of Recognition are given by the Mayor and Township Committee to formally recognize outstanding residents for their volunteer spirit and stellar accomplishments.

Below is a sampling of some of the outstanding residents that have been honored.

2010

Firefighters Recognitions for Dedicated Service
The Township Committee joined Fire Chief John Kardel at the October 2009 meeting in thanking Fire Dept. Secretary Samuel Posten Jr., Fire Dept. Training Academy Administrative Services Director David D’Arcy and Facilities Director Jacob Lawrence, III and Probationary Firefighter Eric H. Isaksen for outstanding service. Posten coordinates the Length of Service Awards program, a benefits program for active emergency service volunteers. D’Arcy upgraded the academy’s computerized record keeping systems. Lawrence used his engineering skills to upgrade crucial training props. Isaksen mapped the fire hydrant system.

2009 Photo Contest Winners
Nearly 100 photos were entered in the 2009 My Middletown Photo Contest. Winners were announced at the November 2009 Township Committee meeting. Winners are featured on the homepage of the township website. A gallery of all eligible photographs is also located on the website. Winners received gift certificates donated by the Middletown Arts Center. Congratulations to all the winners!

     First Place – Susan Boston, Historic Murray Farm
     Second Place – Cindy Jones, Falls at Shadow Lake Falls
     Third Place – Lois Wilkes, Belford Dock
     Honorable Mention – Fred Saunders, Family Fishing Fun
     Honorable Mention – Noelle LiVolsi, Pond at Deep Cut Gardens

2009/2008

Sgt. Major Miller
The Middletown Township Committee officially welcomed home Sergeant Major Roger Miller at the July 20 meeting. Miller, a Middletown resident and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Officer, has been serving in the Army National Guard for 28 years.

Senior Center Volunteers
The Middletown Township Committee recognized the dedication and commitment of two of its most dedicated and active Senior Center volunteers at the June 2009 meeting. Stella DeLorenzo, a Middletown Senior Center member since 1999, is well-known for her willingness to help others. Kathleen Yuro, a member since 2007, volunteers her assistance for many activities including the Middletown Day Granny Attic Sale, Senior Center Fashion Show and Happy Days String Band.

Yuro, a retired Middletown Community Development Office employee, also donates her time as treasurer for the Middletown Senior Center Travel program.

Delta Company, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion
The Middletown Township Committee officially welcomed home the township’s adopted military Unit, Delta Company, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, at the June 2009 meeting. Staff Sgt, Eric McCoy, a Middletown resident and employee, 1st Class Aleksandr Restrepo and 1st Sgt Patrick Gongora, were in attendance.

Resident wins Buy Middletown Logo Contest
Christine Alvarez, a free-lance designer, was named of the winner of the Buy Middletown Logo Contest at the May 2009 Township Committee meeting. The winning logo will be used to help create an identity for Buy Middletown, a local program that encourages residents to shop in their own hometown before going elsewhere. Alvarez, who lives in the Belford section of Middletown, was one of about a dozen participants who submitted original designs. In addition to unveiling the logo, Middletown has launched an online business directory at www.middletownnj.org/buy to help businesses and shoppers to find each other.

First Aider Honored for Exemplary Service
The 200 Club of Monmouth County has honored Middletown First Aid and Rescue’s First Lt. Bob Pfleger for his exemplary response to an overturned vehicle in the woods in Port Monmouth in Nov 2008. Bob is the only Emergency Medical Service member to receive an commendation from the group this year. Congratulations and thank you for your continued service.

Employee and Resident Honored for Bravery
Crossing Guard Officer Lois Nicolai and Margaret McDermott, a Middletown resident, were recognized by the Township Committee at the January 2009 meeting for their brave response to a road rage incident that that erupted into a physical assault before their eyes. Nicolai, who has been employed as a crossing guard since October 2007, was named Middletown’s Employee of the Month for going above and beyond her duties, by stepping into harm’s way, to stop a criminal act. McDermott was honored for her actions with a Good Citizenship award helping Nicolai stop the assault without regard for her personal safety. The offender in this incident was captured and charged with unlawful passion of a weapon, burglary and two counts of aggravated assault. He was subsequently lodged in the Monmouth County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

2008/2009 Special Olympic Team and Supports Honored
The Middletown 2008/2009 Special Olympic Team was honored by the Middletown Township Committee for an outstanding season at the May 2009 meeting. The 20-member team competed most recently against Monmouth and Ocean School Districts at the 2009 Track Meet at Toms River South High School. Each team received a certificate of recognition from Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill on behalf of the Township Committee. The team members are:

• Vincent Argiro
• Jake Chalmers
• Blake Ferrell
• Patrick Givens
• Justin Haggan
• Emily Lennon
• Lorriann Leone
• Megan McGarry
• Nishan Patel
• Nicholas Pappagallo
• Valerie Pedretti
• llie Rech
• Andrew Ricci
• Ricky Santiago
• Ralph Santiago
• Michelle Saydah
• Heidi Beth Scheer
• Brandon Schienes
• Megan Vadon
• Gerard Wazeter

Certificates of Recognition were also presented to twelve student volunteers who assist the team and the program coordinators. The volunteers are Gabby Ariemma, Corinne Clark, Kevin Cuddihy, John Dwyer, James Fitzgerald, Kathleen Griffin, Kerry Healey, Calvin Kim, Stephanie Lanza, Brianna Leone, Megan Lepkoski, Rob Maiello, Alex Melore, Stephen Monaghan, Aly Niven, Nicole Quintero, Alex Sarlo, Jessica Saunders, Alyssa Sudman, Nick Squicciarini, Danielle Troccoli, Patrick Weimer and Ryan Wilton. Thank you to Special Olympic Coordinator Jack Saylor and the Special Olympic Committee Bonnie Squicciarini, Judy Saydah, Linda Argiro and Colleen Saunders for their hard work to provide this outstanding program!

Tietjen Memorial Foundation
The Mayor and Township Committee issued a proclamation at the November 2008 recognizing the Tietjen family and the Police Officer Kenneth F. Tietjen Memorial Foundation for granting holiday wishes to needy families. The foundation, created to honor the memory of Kenny Tietjen, a 31-year-old Port Authority Police Officer who lost his life on 9/11, is formally working with the Social Services Department this year to bring holiday cheer to 150 Middletown families. Last year they helped more than 600 Monmouth County Families. For information and donations visit www.kentietjen.com.

Hometown Heroes
Middletown honors our brave men and women serving in the military with a tribute wall at Town Hall. Currently photographs of more than 30 Hometown Heroes are displayed.
Click here for list of heroes and submission guidelines.

Eagle Scouts
Gregory A. Johnson - Troop 242
Andrew Vitkansas - Troop 242
Steven R. Hoverson - Troop 122
Matt Kortlander - Troop 110
Steven White - Troop 242
Tristen Avery - Troop 122
Jonathan Caminiti - Troop 242
Ryan Clapp - Troop 242
Bryan P. DeWindt - Troop 242
Austin Alexy - Troop 110
Daniel Waters - Troop 32
David Fegley - Troop 32
Willam Froner - Troop 242
James Siuzdak - Troop 134
Tyler Maxson - Troop 122
Oliver Ryan – Troop 122
Brendan Flanagan – Troop 88
Daniel Marrero – Troop 242


WWII Veteran Gets Well-Deserved Medals
Luftman Towers resident Joseph Sekerzicky finally received the Bronze Star Medal and other awards for his service during World War II. Mr. Sekerzicky, 89, did not receive his medals because he was in the hospital having surgery during the award presentation held more than 50 years ago. Mr. Sekerzicky, a life-long New Jersey resident, received his awards during a special ceremony held at Luftman Towers on November 13 from Colonel Michael Christian. Col. Christian is stationed at Fort Monmouth. Mr. Sekerzicky received his Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Service medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. November 13, 2008 was proclaimed Joseph Sekerzicky Day in honor his of meritorius service to our country. Congratulations and thank you for your meritorious service!

Middletown VFW 2179 Wins Community Service Award
The Mayor and Township Committee congratulated 2007-2008 VFW Commander Brody Force and Senior Vice Commander Charles Gallagher for VFW 2179's at the October 20, 2008 meeting for receipt of the 2007-2008 National Community Service Award. The award, sponsored by the VFW's national headquarters, marks the Post's outstanding contributions to veterans and the community. Among other community services, the VFW was instrumental in supporting Middletown's Adopt a Troop program.

2008 Digital Photo Contest Winners
The Mayor and Township Committee proudly announced the winners of the 2008 Digital Photo contest at the September 15 meeting.

Twenty-five residents submitted digital photographs of their favorite spots in Middletown. Residents were invited to submit photographs of nature, landmarks and township events. Click the links below to view the winning photos!

First Place - Lois Wilkes
Sunset at the Bayshore Waterfront Park

Second Place - Cindy Jones
A View from the Belford Dock

Third Place - Lloyd Kelegher
Winter's Over at Shadow Lake Village

Honorable Mention - Janice Barchat
Olden Days, Locust

Honorable Mention- Susan Boston
Sunset at Sunnyside Equestrian Center

Winning photographs will be used in the website's homepage photo gallery.
Congratulations to all the winners!

Middletown Little League Softball 10/11 All Stars Team
This team was honored on September 15, 2008 by the Township Committee for winning the New Jersey State 10/11 Little League Softball Tournament. The members of the winning team are:

• Nikki Alfano
• Julia Beck
• Danielle Colucci
• Nicolette Curran
• Elizabeth Gulino
• Kendell Keelen
• Kristi Miceli
• Samantha Politano
• Kelly Rasmussen
• Nicolette Scheinhartz
• Phoenix Starick
• Noelle Vizzone
• Frank Miceli — Coach
• Nick Alfano - Coach
  

Volunteer Appreciation Night- Board, Commissions and Committees
On August 13, 2008, The Mayor and Township Committee recognized approximately 200 volunteers who serve on more than a dozen boards, commissions and committees during Volunteer Appreciation Night. The event was organized by the Community Affairs Council. Click here to view event photos.

First Aider Kevin Toomey Received 2008 Matthew P. Henkel Memorial EMS Services Award
Middletown First Aid and Rescue member Kevin Toomey has been named the 2008 recipient of the 2008 Matt P. Henkel Memorial EMS Service Award. The award was presented at the June 19 Township Committee meeting by the Henkel family with the help of the Middletown Township Committee and the EMS Department .Kevin has been a member for 2 years and has recently received his EMT certification. While has yet to participate or respond to any "spectacular" situations that go above and beyond the call of duty, he has had to overcome his own personal fight for health. To memorialize his hard work and dedication to Middletown Emergency Medical Services, the Henkel family established the Matthew P. Henkel Memorial EMS Service Award in 2006. after Matt's death following kidney transplant surgery.

Tyler Maxon Troop 122 - 2008 Bike Rodeo
Tyler Maxson of Troop 122 was honored by the Middletown Township Committee at the May 19, 2008 meeting for his successful organization of the 2008 Youth Bike Rodeo. The Rodeo was held for students in grades K-5 will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Middletown Swim Club, 214 Harmony Road. More than 100 students attended. Maxson organized the event for his Eagle Scout Project. The project was sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 122, Middletown Police Explorers, Middletown Police, and Parks and Recreation departments, Middletown Arts Center, Tom’s Atlantic Cyclery and Middletown PTAs.

2007/2008 Special Olympics Team
The Middletown Township 2007/2008 Special Olympic Team was honored by the Middletown Township Committee for another outstanding season at the May 19, 2008 meeting. The 21-member team competed most recently against Monmouth and and Ocean School Districts at a May 3rd Track Meet at Toms River South High School. The team members are:

• Vincent Argiro, Thorne Middle School
• Jake Chalmers, MTHSS
• Anthony Cifaldi, MTHSS
• Blake Ferrell, New Monmouth Elementary
• TJ Geant, MTHSS
• Patrick Givens, Thorne Middle School
• Justin Haggan, MTHSS
• Lorrie Leone, MTHSS
• Anna Matuszak, Thorne Middle School
• Thomas Murphy, MTHSS
• Nicholas Pappagallo, New Monmouth Elementary School
• Valerie Pedretti, Thorne Middle School
• Allie Rech, MTHSS
• Ralph Santiago, MTHSS
• Michelle Saydah, Bayshore Middle School
• Heidi Scheer, MTHSS
• Jack Veech, MTHSS
• Gerard Wazeter, MTHSS
• Chris Upchurch, MTHSS

Certificates of Recognition were also presented to twelve student volunteers who assist the team and the program coordinators. The volunteers are Gabby and Mario Ariemma, Jenny Caruso, Claire Griffin, KathleenGriffin, Calvin Kim, Megan Lepkoski, Ryan Marcini, Jessica Saunders, Danielle Simone, Meaghan Sperring and Nick Squicciarini.

Thank you to Special Olympic Coordinator Jack Saylor and the Special Olympic Committee Bonnie Squicciarini, Judy Saydah, Linda Argiro and Colleen Saunders for their hard work to provide this outstanding program!

Girl Scout Troop Daisy 1619
Girl Scout Troop Daisy Troop 1619 was recognized on April 21, 2008 for collection of 416 pairs of pajamas through the Open Your Hearts Collection Drive for the NJ Pajama Program.

The Daisies who participated were: Mia Botti, Lake Cardinale, Giana Carofine, Taylor Cirigliano, Brianna Felice, Kiera Forsythe, Sarah Galyas, Julianna Germek, Madison Holloway, Patsy Lennon, Alexandra Macris, Kelly Otterbine. A special thank you was given to Troop Co-Leaders of the Troop Cathy Botti and Danielle Carofine and Pajama Collection Drive Coordinator Jill Cirigliano for helping the girls earn their Yellow Petal!

Middletown South Eagles Basketball Team
This outstanding team was recognized on April 21, 2008 for winning the Central Jersey Group III State Championships. The team members were Matthew Callori, Robert Callori, Kyle Cancillieri, Brian Clabby, Peter Clabby, Tyler Cotterell, Jason Dluhi, Steve Gisondi, Jason Levy, Will Low, Erik Mate, Matthew Pasquale, Garret Thiel, Jake Brodsky, and Brian Benedetto. Managers Jim Geant, Lindsey Matre, Lauren Fisher, Tori Woordward, Coaches Kevin Cullen, Mike Dooley and Don Cernera receivied a special thanks for leading the team to victory