Santa Brings Holiday Magic to Middletown
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 Mayor Tony Perry gets a bear hug from Santa after the official tree lighting! Pictured from left: Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger with his granddaughter, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell with his daughter, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Mayor Perry with Santa |
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Middletown kicked off the holiday season by hosting two fun festivities on Sunday, December 1st! The day started with Middletown Recreation's Santa Paws event at the Tindall Park Dog Park where residents were able to take photos of their dogs with Santa and receive a free photo ornament. Later that evening, Santa came to our annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Middletown Arts Center! After arriving in a decked-out sleigh with Belford Engine Fire Company, he helped the Mayor and Township Committee light the tree. Residents were also able to make arts and crafts with Doodle Dude, mail a letter to the North Pole, take a photo with Santa, jump in an inflatable gingerbread house, and watch classic Christmas cartoons while being warmed up by the fire pits. We had a blast getting into the holiday spirit and ho-ho-hope you did too! Click HERE to view photos from the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and click HERE to view photos from the Santa Paws event. |
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 Photo courtesy of Middletown Recreation |
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Middletown Recognizes Native American Heritage Day
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There was a special presentation at the Monday, December 2nd Township Committee Meeting to recognize November 29, 2024 as Native American Heritage day in Middletown. Mayor Tony Perry presented Sand Hill Indian Historical Association Director Claire Garland with a sign that is a replica of the historic marker the Township will be installing next year to honor the site of the Chaquasitt Village Pow Wow Field in Ramezing. Located near the Middletown Arts Center and Middletown Train Station, this was a Native American place for assembly, trading goods, celebrating, communication, and spirituality between the Lenape Navesink people and the early settlers who arrived in 1664. Claire advocated for the marker with the help of local historians Rick Geffken and Marc Gottwerth. All three are part of our Middletown America 250 Committee, which is working to promote our nation's 250th birthday in 2026. Click HERE to watch the meeting on the Township's YouTube channel or catch it on our TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) every day at 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8:00 PM through Sunday, December 15th. |
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Township Committee Commends Middletown Girl Scouts for Earning Girl Scout Silver Award
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 Pictured from left: Mayor Tony Perry, Mina Lee, Anisa Dietz, and Lucy Warner |
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At the meeting, Mayor Tony Perry presented certificates to local girl scouts who recently received the Girl Scout Silver Award, which is the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. To qualify for a Silver Award, girl scouts must complete a community project. Girl scouts Mina Lee, Anisa Dietz, Lucy Warner, and Annabelle Warner (who was unable to attend) dedicated their project to addressing the need for more pollinators and butterflies in Middletown. They built a community butterfly garden at the Middletown Arts Center, hosted a virtual event to raise awareness about the issue, and created a garden of perennial flowers. Girl scout Mary McGee-D'Alessio, who was also unable to attend the meeting, dedicated her project to enhancing accessibility at Shorecrest Mini Park in the Fairview section of town. She researched the Americans with Disabilities Act, reached out to a local business about playground equipment, and attended the grand opening of our all-inclusive playground at McMahon Park. She also contacted several Township employees to get the Township involved. The Township hopes to implement some of her suggestions, such as featuring inspirational quotes and sidewalk games and art, in the future. |
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Middletown Soccer Club Spirit Red Celebrates 2024 New Jersey President's Cup Championship
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Mayor Tony Perry also recognized Middletown Soccer Club Spirit Red at the Township Committee Meeting for winning the 2024 New Jersey President's Cup! They are the first Middletown team to win this championship since 2015. They lost in the finals last year, but were determined to come out as champions this time. The Township Committee presented certificates to each of the athletes and coaches to help commemorate this accomplishment. |
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Check Out New Episode of Minute with the Mayor
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Join Mayor Tony Perry as he provides a recap on Middletown's recent holiday events and the presentations that took place at the Monday, December 2nd Township Committee Meeting. Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube. |
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Local Nonprofit Holiday Express Brings Cheer to Middletown Students with Disabilities
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 Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz poses with Santa and her friends Tyler Marxen and Jake Mark from No Limits Cafe! |
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On Wednesday, Holiday Express came to Middletown High School South to host a fun and festive event for all Middletown students with disabilities. The nonprofit performed a one hour concert and students were able to enjoy entertainment such as face painters and characters and complimentary lunch from Jersey Mike's. Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was honored to attend the event and join in on the fun! |
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Nut Swamp Elementary School Students Provide “Boxes of Hope” to Local Veterans
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This holiday season, Nut Swamp Elementary School Special Education Teacher Amy Jennings and her students in the Language and Learning Disabilities (LLD) program spearheaded a “Boxes of Hope” drive to benefit local veterans. Students from kindergarten through 5th grade collected items such as warm socks, winter hats, gloves and handwarmer packets, shampoo, toothpaste, granola bars, and candy. They filled 25 boxes and also donated cases of water. Mayor Tony Perry and Middletown Township Public School District Superintendent Jessica Alfone stopped by the school on Tuesday, December 3rd to thank the students for their efforts. The students were proud to present their donations, especially their letters of hope and patriotic ornaments to thank veterans for their service. Thank you to the Nut Swamp community for giving back to our veterans. |
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Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee Teaches Flag Etiquette to Cub Scout Pack 242
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 Photo courtesy of Middletown VAC |
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Dennis Beauregard and Bob Siemer, who are both members of the Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee (VAC) and former Middletown Veteran of the Year Award recipients, recently held a flag etiquette presentation at Harmony Elementary School for Cub Scout Pack 242. The scouts were proud to host these veterans and are very appreciative of their knowledge and, most importantly, their service to our great country. |
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Nominate a Middletown Veteran for the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award by Friday, 12/20
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New Locally Sourced Podcast Episode with Comedian Vinnie Brand Available Now
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In the latest episode of Locally Sourced, Mayor Tony Perry sits down with local comedian Vinnie Brand. Vinnie is the owner of the Stress Factory Comedy Club in New Brunswick and a Middletown resident. You can listen to the podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podbean, and Spotify. You can also click HERE to watch it on YouTube. |
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Sign Up Now for Middletown's Holiday Helpers Program: Last Day to Donate Items is Friday, 12/13
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Looking to spread some holiday cheer? Middletown Township is proud to announce the return of the Holiday Helpers Gift Drive to support local families in need! We are looking for individuals, groups, and/or businesses to help make the holidays a little brighter by “adopting” a family to purchase new toys and clothing for them. Please use this Google Form link to sign up and be matched with a family in need. All donations should be new, unwrapped, and dropped off to the Croydon Hall Annex at 900 Leonardville Road in Leonardo by Friday, December 13th. Staff will be onsite to collect gifts Monday-Wednesday from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and Thursday-Friday from 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Staff will be there until 3:30 PM on Friday, December 13th to receive final gift drop-offs. If you have any questions or are a family in need of assistance this holiday season, please call the Middletown Township Health Department at 732-615-2000 ext. 2164. Thank you for your generosity! Visit middletownnj.org/holidayhelpers for more information. |
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Donate to Middletown PBA Local 124's Toy Drive by Wednesday, 12/18
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Looking for an incredible cause to be part of during the holiday season? Please consider supporting Middletown PBA Local 124's toy drive! Police officers will be collecting unwrapped toys for donation at the Middletown Township Police Department's main lobby (1 Kings Highway) now through Wednesday, December 18th. Toys collected will be distributed to local nonprofits 180 Turning Lives Around, Jason’s Dreams for Kids, and Middletown Helps Its Own.
If you are a local business willing to assist by becoming a collection location for toys, please reach out to Ptl. Brian Macdonald or Ptl. Daniel Flannigan at bmacdonald@middletownnj.org or dflannigan@middletownnj.org. |
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Register Now for MAC's Winter 2025 Classes
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Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) winter 2025 classes has officially opened! Pick up a hobby and sign up for a class in theater, dance, art, or music. Classes begin Thursday, January 2nd. Click HERE to view the youth classes and click HERE to view the adult classes. |
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Veterans Affairs Committee Encourages Community to Attend Pearl Harbor Service on Sunday, 12/8 at 1 PM
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Attend Middletown Recreation's PJs & Storytime with Santa Free Event on Tuesday, 12/17 from 5-6 PM
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Cozy up by the fire as Santa reads a Christmas classic at the Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Road). After, take photos with the "Big Guy" and enjoy a hot chocolate bar! This festive and fun event is free for residents. Click HERE for more information. |
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Attend Our Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the MAC on Thursday, 12/26 at 6 PM
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Please join us at our annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting with the Chabad Jewish Center at the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street)! There will be crafts, goodies, and more at this free event. |
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Enjoy Middletown Recreation's Winter Solstice Hike on Saturday, 12/21 from 5-6 PM
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Join Middletown Recreation for a hike on the longest night of the year! Bundle up and enjoy beautiful Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) in the early evening. A headlamp or flashlight is recommended. Warm up after with hot cocoa by the fire! Click HERE for more information about the event and how to register. |
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MTPL is Hosting Two Winter-Themed Teen Programs Next Week: Sign Up Today!
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The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) has lots of teen happenings taking place this month! There will be two fun programs next week: Macrame Snowflakes Craft: On Monday, December 9th, learn how to make macrame snowflakes just in time for winter! Registration is required for this program, which will take place in the MTPL's Children's Program Room (55 New Monmouth Road) from 4:00-4:45 PM. Click HERE for more information and to register. Murder Mystery Night: On Wednesday, December 11th, wear your ugliest sweater and try to solve the murder at the MTPL's ugly sweater party! Registration is required for this program, which will take place in the MTPL's Children's Program Room from 7:00-8:00 PM. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Enjoy a Holiday Show at the MTPL on Wednesday, 12/11 from 4-5 PM
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Celebrate the December holidays with a performance from Broadway actor, singer, tap dancer, and storyteller Richard Stillman in the MTPL's Community Room! Registration is recommended, but not required. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Attend the Middletown Preschool Fair on Wednesday, 1/8 from 5-7 PM
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Finding the perfect preschool for your child can be tough, so we're here to save the day! Middletown Recreation is bringing preschools throughout the town together in one place for your convenience. Representatives from various schools will be at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) to speak about class options, program structure, and answer any questions you may have. Click HERE to view a list of featured schools. |
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Bridge Replacement on Whipporwill Valley Road
As part of the replacement of a bridge structure, Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to traffic for a period of 90 consecutive calendar days. The project began on Monday, December 2nd and a detour will be in place during the closing period. The bridge area at Whipporwill Valley Road will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the allowed closing period. Vehicular and pedestrian access to all residences and businesses within the project limits will be maintained during construction. |
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Upper Navesink River Channel Dredging Project to Begin Soon
On November 21st, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced the upcoming Upper Navesink River Channel dredging project is scheduled to begin in early December in Middletown. Dredging operations are expected to be completed in January 2025. Work will be conducted during daylight hours on a 7-days-a-week schedule. The area roads are expected to remain open through the duration of the project. Click HERE to read NJDOT's press release for more information.
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Middletown Township Health Department Encourages Holiday Toy Safety
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 Photo courtesy of United States Consumer Product Safety Commission |
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Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
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The Middletown Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages residents to winterize their home ahead of the winter season. Follow the tips above and visit weather.gov for additional information. Stay safe and warm! |
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Fall 2024 Leaf Collection Schedule
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Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms with Flood Insurance and Precautionary Steps
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The snow will be here before you know it, so be prepared! Middletown Floodplain Management encourages residents to purchase flood insurance and winterize their homes by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Remember to clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure during or following a storm. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. |
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Apply Now for Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Households
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Middletown Township is offering free tutoring services through the Next Generation Support Program to students from income-eligible households who have fallen behind academically due to the pandemic. The program has begun, but the Township is still accepting applications. Visit middletownnj.org/ngsp for more information and to apply. |
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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Know Someone with a Disability? Make Sure They Register with NJ Register Ready!
Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management encourages residents with disabilities to register with NJ Register Ready. This free program is designed to assist first responders and emergency planners in identifying community members who may need assistance evacuating in advance of an emergency. For more information about the program and the three ways you can register, visit middletownnj.org/oem.
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Click HERE to access hi-res photos from thise-newsletter. |
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Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20
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