Middletown Minutes

Mayor Tony Perry Attends Briefing on Drones

Screenshot of interview

Mayor Tony Perry discusses drone activity on PIX11.

Screenshot of interview

Adam Harding of NBC News speaks with Mayor Perry after the briefing. 

Screenshot of interview

Mayor Perry also appeared on Fox News Channel's 'Your World with Neil Cavuto'. 

Click on the screenshots above to watch the respective interviews.

On Wednesday, the State Police and NJ Office of Homeland Security held a briefing with mayors across the state to discuss the recent drone activity.  

During the briefing, the NJ State Police and NJ Office of Homeland Security with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security noted that there is no credible threat, but the source of the drones remains unknown. They have asked the public to report any relevant information related to recent sightings to the FBI at 800-225-5324 or tips.fbi.gov. 

In addition, they cautioned against shooting down a drone because it may be an FAA-approved manned aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes. If you come across a downed drone, please do not touch it and call 9-1-1. 

As airspace is controlled by the federal government, Mayor Tony Perry appeared on several national news programs this week to discuss this ongoing situation and demanded our government step up and address this blatant aggression. “Until we determine where these drones are coming from, they pose a serious threat to the safety and security of our nation and our communities,” said Perry.

The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management will be opening warming stations on an as-needed basis.  Please call the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) if you need access to a warming station.

Warming stations will be available on an as-needed basis tonight, December 13th. Please call the MTPD if you need access to one.

Rustic Roots Opens in Lincroft

Group photo

Last Friday, Rustic Roots (336 Everett Road, Lincroft) hosted its official grand opening! Mayor Tony Perry and Committeeman Ryan Clarke presented a congratulatory certificate and assisted with their ribbon cutting, as well as their Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The event, which featured picturesque artificial snow and a visit from Santa and Elsa, was a Hallmark-like experience for everyone to enjoy.

Rustic Roots offers event space, home décor, and a beautiful garden center. Check out the new business and all they have to offer at rusticrootsgc.com!

Group photo

No Limits Cafe Hosts Christmas Giving Celebration


Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz was honored to attend No Limits Cafe's giving celebration this week! At this annual event, gift cards were donated to help support local organizations carry out their various missions.

Group photo

St. Augustine's Monastery Hosts Feast of the Immaculate Conception


On Sunday, Mayor Tony Perry and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz attended the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at St. Augustine's Monastery in Belford. The Ecumenical Fathers have been an integral part of Middletown and help serve our most vulnerable with compassion and dedication.

Township Logo

Township Committee to Host Meeting on Monday, 12/16 at 7 PM


The Middletown Township Committee Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, December 16th at 7:00 PM in the courtroom at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The meeting is open to the public.

The meeting will also be made available to view and listen to through CivicClerk. Previous Township Committee Meetings were available to view and listen to through Cisco Webex. Going forward, all Township Committee Meetings will be accessible via CivicClerk.

The meeting will be made available to watch or listen to by visiting middletownnj.portal.civicclerk.com. Once you visit the link, please scroll to the information for the Monday, December 16th meeting. Once the meeting begins, the event will say "LIVE" and a camera icon will appear. You can click on the camera icon to stream the meeting. After the meeting ends, a recording of it will be available.

Prior to the Township Committee Meeting, the event link will be published on the Township’s Facebook page. The recording of the meeting will be aired on the Township’s TV channel (Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20) and YouTube channel. 

Click HERE for more information and to access the meeting agenda.

Tune in to a Holiday Recap on Middletown Memo

Middletown Memo: 12/13/24

Check out the latest Middletown Memo segment, hosted by Communications Director Tara Berson, that covers recent and upcoming Township events and initiatives. 

Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube.

Donate to Middletown PBA Local 124's Toy Drive by Wednesday, 12/18

Middletown PBA Local 124 Toy Drive: Donate Today!

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.

Middletown Holiday Collection Schedule Changes

MTFD Shares Safety Tips for Residents with Live Christmas Trees

MTFD PSA

This holiday season, the Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Middletown Fire Prevention would like to provide residents with tips on how to take care of live Christmas trees.

Click HERE to watch their Public Service Announcement on YouTube.

Middletown Township Leases Historic Train Station to Middletown Township Historical Society

Historic Train Station

Photo courtesy of the Middletown Township Historical Society

At the September 23rd meeting of the Middletown Township Committee, the Township entered into a formal agreement to lease the town’s historic train station to the Middletown Township Historical Society, a non-profit organization.
 
The historic train station, which dates back to 1876, sits in the daily commuter lot across the street from the current Middletown Train Station and the Middletown Arts Center. After serving as an active train station for 110 years, it became home to community organizations, most recently the Middletown Police Auxiliary. The Middletown Township Historical Society plans to use the station as an exhibit space, set to officially open in 2026 to coincide with the building’s 150th birthday and the nation’s 250th.
 
“As Middletown Township celebrates its 360th birthday this year, and the nation honors its Semiquincentennial in 2026, it’s the perfect time to partner with the Middletown Township Historical Society to use this historic building as a museum to showcase our rich heritage,” said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry.

Click HERE to read more about the museum.

Nominate a Middletown Veteran for the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award by Friday, 12/20

The Middletown Veterans Affairs Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award. All nominations must be received no later than Friday, 12/20. Please visit middletownnj.org/voty for more information.

Visit middletownnj.org/voty for more information.

Want to Give Back? Register Now for Middletown Township Health Department and NJ Blood Services' Blood Drive on Thursday, 1/9

Blood Drive
Upcoming Events

Register Now for MAC's Winter 2025 Classes

MAC 2025 Winter Classes

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.

Celebrate the Holidays at Middletown Recreation's PJs & Storytime with Santa on Tuesday, 12/17 from 5-6 PM

Middletown Recreation PJs and Storytime with Santa

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.

Attend Our Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the MAC on Thursday, 12/26 at 6 PM

Chanukah Menorah Lighting

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.

Learn About Careers in the Animal Field at the MTPL on Wednesday, 12/18 at 7 PM

MTPL Teen Happenings

Teens, come to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) to learn all about different jobs working with animals... and maybe meet a critter or two! Zoophoria NJ, a wildlife education company, will be leading this presentation in the MTPL's Children's Program Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is required.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Sign Up for Middletown Recreation's Daddy-Daughter Winter Ball Happening Friday, 1/31 & Saturday, 2/1

Middletown Recreation Daddy-Daughter Winter Ball

Middletown Recreation's Daddy-Daughter Dance returns to Jacques Banquet Hall (500 Palmer Avenue) on Friday, January 31st and Saturday, February 1st! Join us for a winter ball with a DJ, buffet, photo booth, surprises, and more! Registration is now open on RecDesk.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Attend the Middletown Preschool Fair on Wednesday, 1/8 from 5-7 PM

Middletown Preschool Fair

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.

Traffic Safety & Detours

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. 

NJDOT News Logo

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.

Resources

Middletown Township Health Department Encourages Holiday Toy Safety

Toy Safety Tips

Photo courtesy of United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Tips on How to Winterize Your Home

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!

Fall 2024 Leaf Collection Schedule
Middletown Township has an ordinance that requires owners of a business or vacant and abandoned property to maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions. The ordinance holds property owners responsible for maintaining and securing the property since vacant, abandoned, and blighted properties can cause a cycle of neighborhood deterioration. The ordinance penalizes owners whose property remains vacant year after year. Please visit middletownnj.org/abandonedproperty to either register your vacant/abandoned property or report a vacant/abandoned property. You can also contact Lisa Vena from the Planning & Community Development Department at 732-615-2000 ext. 2283 or lvena@middletownnj.org if you have any additional questions.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms with Flood Insurance and Precautionary Steps

Snowmelt can lead to floods. Don't flake on insurance. Get flood insurance.

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.

Apply Now for Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Households

Middletown Township is offering free tutoring services to 3rd through 8th grade students from income-eligible households who have fallen behind academically due to the pandemic. Tutoring takes place on Saturdays from October 12th through April 5th in the Training Room at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). The program runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Visit middletownnj.org/ngsp to see if your household qualifies and middletownnj.org/apply to complete the application.

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.

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

Three ways to get emergency notifications, such as severe weather updates, from Middletown Township: Text your zip code to 888-777; Visit www.middletownnj.org/nixle to register for/customize notifications; Download the Everbridge Nixle mobile app on Apple Store or Google Play to receive/manage notifications and limit text messages. Less urgent messages will be delivered to your email address on file. If it isn’t on file, text your email address to 888-777 or download the mobile app.

Visit middletownnj.org/nixle to register for Nixle.

MCSO Register Ready Logo

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. 

How to Report a Concern to Township Departments

You will need an account to log in. If you don't have an account, it only takes a few minutes to create one. 

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

Social Media Platforms

Facebook    X      Instagram      YouTube 

Verizon FiOS Channel 26/Comcast Cable Channel 20

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email

Copyright 2015 Middletown NJ. All Rights Reserved.
1 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748

Powered by
CivicSend - A product of CivicPlus