Middletown Minutes

Middletown Township and Monmouth County Celebrate Acquisition of Mater Dei Property

Signing

Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, Father Jeff Kegley of St. Mary, Mother of God Church, and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone at Wednesday’s signing ceremony at the future Mater Dei Park (Photo courtesy of Monmouth County Government) 

Front from left to right: Mayor Tony Perry, Father Jeff Kegley, and Commissioner Director Tom Arnone. Back from left to right: Township Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Township Committeewoman Kim Kratz, and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon

To commemorate a major milestone in open space preservation and community investment, officials from Middletown Township, Monmouth County, and St. Mary, Mother of God Church gathered on Thursday morning at the newly-purchased Mater Dei property to sign documents symbolizing their collaboration.

In March, the Township announced that it reached an agreement to purchase the 25-acre property, formerly home to Mater Dei Prep, for $11.75 million – with 75 percent funded by a Monmouth County grant and 25 percent from the Township’s Open Space Trust Fund.

The Township’s acquisition of this property, with financial assistance from the County, preserves the land as protected open space while reimagining it as Mater Dei Park – a place that pays homage to its sacred and cultural roots and offers residents Middletown’s first outdoor track, a football field, and four baseball fields.

Click HERE to read our press release for more information.

Congratulations to the First Middletown Township 

Police Youth Week Graduates of the Summer!

Police Youth Week Officers and Township Committee
Police Youth Week Wound Packing
Police Youth Week Golf Cart Goggles
NJ State Wildlife Conservation Police

Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) just held its first Police Youth Week Camp of the summer! There were 67 children, between the ages of 8 to 11, who participated in this program that gave them their first exposure to law enforcement at the recruit phase. The Police Youth Week program, run by Detective Sergeant Ric Cruz, is a combination of classroom style learning and physical training. Participants learned firsthand about a wide variety of law enforcement training and techniques including officer safety, internet safety, crime scene investigations, traffic enforcement, and the K-9 unit. The program also emphasized the importance of citizenship and community policing. 

The week concluded with a graduation ceremony at Brookdale Community College's Student Life Center. Each graduate received a certificate and a well-earned honorary badge. Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Deputy Chief John Werner, Detective Sergeant Ric Cruz, and many officers were present to congratulate each child. The graduates even had the opportunity to show off their push-up skills alongside the mayor!

Special thanks to Tactical Medics, a unit of Middletown's Emergency Medical Services, for conducting the first aid and wound packing lesson and Conservation Officer Allyson Rooke from NJDEP's Fish & Wildlife Division for talking to the kids about endangered wildlife. Laurie Tietjen and her staff at Freedom Reins also provided fun activities on the horse farm and free ice cream sundaes. 

Kudos to our newest Police Youth Week graduates and the dedicated officers who run this amazing program – D/Sgt. Cruz, Sgt. Carr, Sgt. Mahon, Cpl. Buhowski, Cpl. Reuter, Cpl. Seymour, Ptl. Lanfranco, Ptl. Ruane, and Class II Officer Caprio, as well as volunteers Natalie Pizzuto, Noah Fleming, Alex Rowland, Rylee Higgins, and John Cella!

Click HERE to view photos from the graduation ceremony. 

Middletown Supports Arc of Monmouth at Annual 

Awards Ceremony 

Committeewoman Kim Kratz at Arc of Monmouth Awards

On Tuesday evening, Committeewoman Kim Kratz had the pleasure of attending The Arc of Monmouth’s annual awards ceremony at their headquarters in Tinton Falls. The Arc of Monmouth works to improve the lives of people with intellectual and development disabilities. The event highlighted the agency’s accomplishments over the past fiscal year and celebrated individuals who have made a meaningful impact.

A special moment was the recognition of Tom Baffuto, Executive Director of The Arc of New Jersey, who is retiring after 40 years of remarkable service. The evening also honored many dedicated employees and community members making a difference in the lives of those The Arc of Monmouth serves. 

Drop Off Worn, Faded, or Damaged American Flags by Monday, 6/30 for Flag Retirement Ceremony

Flag Retirement Ceremony
Flag Dropbox at Middletown Recycling Center

Please drop off your tattered flags in the designated drop box located at the Middletown Recycling Center through Monday, 6/30.

Ahead of Independence Day, Middletown Township is hosting a flag retirement ceremony so residents can properly dispose of their worn, faded, or damaged flags. 

Flags can be dropped off at the Middletown Recycling Center (52 Kanes Lane) prior to or at the ceremony. The Recycling Center will be open this weekend, as well as on Monday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Visit middletownnj.org/recyclingcenter for more information.

MTPD Reminds Residents about Fireworks Regulations

Fireworks Safety Tips & Guidelines

Visit middletownnj.org/fireworks to read the Middletown Township Police Department's (MTPD) advisory.

Municipal Offices Closed on Friday, 7/4 in Observance of Independence Day

Municipal offices will be closed on Friday, 7/4 in observance of Independence Day.

The Middletown Recycling Center, Middletown Township Public Library, and Middletown Arts Center will also be closed. 

Garbage in the South Zone WILL be collected on Friday, 7/4. 

America 250 Banner

Monmouth County Officials Release Free Educational Resource for Monmouth County Students for America’s Upcoming 250th Anniversary 

MonmouthNJ 250 Committee Revolutionary War History Book Cover

The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee is proud to release a free educational resource for Monmouth County students in recognition of America’s 250th birthday. Schools are invited to implement this book about Monmouth County’s Revolutionary era history into their curriculum.  

This free educational resource includes stories about influential people, significant places, and key events that have made an indelible impact on American and New Jersey history. It also includes interactive activities for students to learn from while having fun. 

For questions or to request printed copies of this resource, please email Ted.Maturo@co.monmouth.nj.us.

Click HERE to read the book and click HERE to read the committee's press release.

NJAW Logo

NJAW Announces Hydrant Flushing Will Begin in Middletown, Belford, and Leonardo on Friday, 6/27


New Jersey American Water (NJAW) crews will begin routine flushing of the water distribution system in Middletown, Belford, and Leonardo beginning on Friday, June 27th through Friday, July 25th to provide high-quality water service. Flushing in these areas will occur between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

When crews are working in your area, you may notice reduced pressure or discolored water. If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear. If discolored water occurs please also refrain from doing laundry during that time.

Click HERE to read NJAW's full alert.

NJCCIC Logo

NJCCIC Warns about Texting Scam that Impersonates NJDOL


New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) recently received reports regarding the impersonation of NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) personnel in SMS text phishing (SMiShing) schemes. 

Cybercriminals are contacting claimants via text message, identifying themselves as "NJLWD Claim Department" and alleging they need clarification on a claim.

Middletown Township encourages residents to be aware of any unexpected and suspicious messages. 

Click HERE to read the NJCCIC's alert for full details.

MTPD Provides Safety Tips for Scam Text Messages and Online Threats

MTPD Safety Tips

Click on the graphic to view it in a larger PDF format.

The Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) has recently been contacted by residents who have received text messages stating that they have outstanding traffic violations. THIS IS A SCAM. Please review the information above for tips on how to stay safe from scam text messages and online threats. Always remember: NEVER CLICK ON A LINK YOU MAY BE UNSURE OF.

Register Now for Middletown Alliance's July 

Parent Presentations

Middletown Alliance July Parent Presentations

Click HERE to view the graphic in a larger PDF format and visit middletownnj.org/presentation to register for the presentations.

Sign Up for Free Narcan/Naloxone Administration Training Happening on Thursday, 7/17 at 5 PM

Narcan Administration Training

Visit middletownnj.org/narcan to register.

NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program 

Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues

Canvassing Map

Click on the canvassing map to view it in a larger PDF format.

CDM Smith, on behalf of New Jersey American Water (NJAW), started a door-to-door canvassing effort related to the Lead Service Line Replacement Program (LSLRP) in Middletown on Monday, February 3rd. The canvassing and internal inspections are currently taking place in the Middletown Village Elementary School District in Area 3 on the map above. There will not be any work conducted on Friday, July 4th due to Independence Day. The entire canvassing is expected to take place over the next few months. 

All CDM Smith inspectors will wear co-branded (NJAW and CDM Smith) high visibility logo vests and will have NJAW-issued Contractor ID badges. Inspectors will introduce themselves and the program to property owners and will then ask to enter the home to inspect the water service where it enters into the home (typically in a basement or crawl space). 

The inspector will take exterior photos of the property and interior photographs of the service material and record the pipe material identified. Inspections generally take 15 minutes or less. At no time will residents be asked for money. Any customer that prefers to not have an internal inspection completed will be directed to alternatives to the inspections including self-reporting. 

The Middletown Township Police Department is aware of the canvassing. If you have any questions about LSLRP, please email njawlead@cdmsmith.com and LeadFreeNJ@amwater.com.

MTPS Logo

Participate in Middletown Township School District's Strategic Planning Meetings


The Middletown Township Board of Education invites everyone to participate in a Strategic Planning Initiative along with their neighbors, community members, friends, teachers, students, and school district administrators to create a shared vision for the future of the Middletown Township School District. This process will be facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association.

The goal is to create a shared vision for the district to discuss strengths, challenges, and solutions. Staff members, parents, guardians, students, community leaders, and other interested members of the public are invited to contribute their thoughts and ideas to help plan for the future of Middletown's students.

The third and final meeting will take place on Thursday, August 28th from 6:00-7:30 PM at Middletown High School North (63 Tindall Road). The first two meetings were held in May and June. 

Click HERE to RSVP to the meeting.

Upcoming Events

Watch A Minecraft Movie at MTPL's Family Movie Night on Tuesday, 7/1 at 6:15 PM

MTPL Family Movie Night

Please join the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) for Family Movie Night! The MTPL will be screening A Minecraft Movie, which is rated PG, in the Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). This movie is best suited for people ages 9 and up, but open to all ages. 

Parents and guardians must accompany children under 12 years old. All registrants will receive a Minecraft souvenir tin. Please register each person in your party.

Click HERE for more information and to register.

Watch JAWS at Ideal Beach with Middletown Parks & Recreation on Wednesday, 7/2 at 8:45 PM

Middletown Parks & Recreation JAWS

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of JAWS with a special screening on Ideal Beach! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation and bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks for this free event. This screening was supposed to take place on Friday, June 20th, but was postponed due to the weather.

Click HERE for more information.

Enjoy Middletown Parks & Recreation's Movie in the (Jurassic) Park on Wednesday, 7/9 at 8:30 PM

Middletown Parks & Recreation Jurassic Park

Have a DINO-mite time at Middletown Parks & Recreation's summer screening of Jurassic Park! Get to Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) 30 minutes before the movie begins to discover your own dinosaur bones in a fun fossil activity. Please bring your own chairs, blankets, and snacks.

Click HERE for more information.

Reserve Your Seats for The MAC Players' Hairspray

MAC Players Hairspray

Get ready for big hair, big laughs, and an even bigger heart as Hairspray lights up the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) stage! 

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show”. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!

The MAC Players will be performing the musical the weekends of 7/11-7/13 and 7/18-7/20. Performances will take place on Friday, July 11th and July 18th at 7 PM, Saturday, July 12th and 19th at 7 PM, and Sunday, July 13th and 20th at 2 PM.

Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.

Buy Tickets for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Happening on Friday, 7/18 at 7 PM

Middletown Parks & Recreation Middletown Night

Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for Middletown Night at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in July. Sit with our community as we cheer on New Jersey's team, watch fireworks, and enjoy a Star Wars-themed night! A $20 ticket includes a hot dog, soda, ice cream, and boardwalk game ticket. 

Click HERE for more information and to get your tickets.

Join MTFD at Touch-a-Truck on Monday, 7/21 from 6-9 PM

MTFD Touch-a-Truck

On Monday, July 21st, stop by the former Mater Dei High School parking lot for the Middletown Township Fire Department's (MTFD) third annual Touch-a-Truck to check out fire trucks, food trucks, games, and fire safety demonstrations!

Traffic Safety & Detours
  • Navesink River Road is currently closed between Club Way and McClees Road to all traffic for repairs. This work is anticipated to take several weeks. Please follow the posted detour.
  • This week, Monmouth County began the construction of the replacement of Bridge S-14 on County Route 50 (Swimming River Road). The road will remain open throughout construction and two 11-foot-wide travel ways in each direction will be maintained. Construction is anticipated to take two years. Please follow all posted signs and stay alert while driving in the area, as temporary changes to traffic patterns may occur. Click HERE to read the County's press release for more information.
  • Church Street in Belford (near Saint Mary's School) between Leonardville Road and Drift Road is currently closed to replace Bridge MT-10. It will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic through October, but pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project.
  • As of Monday, January 13th, Broadway is closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to construction of the final phase of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Port Monmouth Flood Control Project. Broadway will be closed for approximately two years. Detours were posted. Port Monmouth Road between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) reopened on Monday, January 13th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.
Resources

Middletown Township Health Department Provides Information on How to Properly Dispose Sharps

How to Dispose Sharps

Click on the graphic to view it in a larger PDF format.

Middletown OEM Shares Information about How to Stock Up on Hurricane Supplies

Hurricane Supplies

Click on the graphic to view it in a larger PDF format.

With hurricane season officially here, the Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents about the importance of being prepared. Now is the time to review your emergency plans, stock up on essentials, and stay informed. Whether securing your home, checking your supplies, or signing up for emergency alerts, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Visit weather.gov/hurricanesafety for safety tips and resources.

Prepare for Hurricane Season by Purchasing or Renewing Flood Insurance

Floodplain Management Flood Risk and FEMA CRS

MTFD and Middletown Fire Prevention Remind Residents About the Importance of Smoke Alarms

MTFD PSA

The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Fire Prevention Office would like to remind our residents about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your residence.

Click HERE to watch their Public Service Announcement on YouTube.

Health Department Logo

Middletown Township Health Department Shares Information about Ticks and Mosquitoes


'Tis the season for ticks and mosquitoes! The Middletown Township Health Department would like to share some useful resources with our community. 

Click HERE for more information about ticks and click HERE for more information about mosquitoes.

Monmouth County Currently Offering Greener Blue Pump-out Boat on Fridays and Saturdays

Monmouth County Greener Blue Pump-Out Boat

Click on the graphic to view it in a larger PDF format.

The Greener Blue Pump-Out Boat, which is operated by the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services, is currently in service on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

This free program, which is available to all recreational boaters and not limited to Monmouth County residents, helps properly dispose sewage from boats. Service is available on a first come, first served basis and does not require any paperwork. The service areas are the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers and the Atlantic Highlands Marina (Sandy Hook Bay).

If you have general inquiries, please call the Monmouth County Division of Health at 732-431-7456 (Option 3). On service days, you can contact VHF Channel 9 (Marine radio) or call 732-761-4997.

Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System

Monmouth ACTS

Monmouth County proudly offers the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System – an easy way for residents to find and access appropriate services in Monmouth County to meet their needs. Created as part of Monmouth County’s Department of Human Services, the Navigation System serves as one point of entry for residents to be connected to any human service provider in the County without needing to make multiple calls.

Call the Warm Line at 732-683-8959 to reach countless service providers and visit monmouthacts.org for more information.

Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal

Information about SDL Portal

Visit sdlportal.com to access the portal and create an account.

Need assistance? Click HERE for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account.

Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns

Connect & Correct Logo

Middletown Township is now utilizing the “See-Click-Fix” platform so residents can easily contact the Township to report any concerns. The Township is branding this reporting tool as Connect & Correct since you can submit your request via the website and track its progress through completion.

Visit middletownnj.org and click on the Connect & Correct button. This link will direct you to a page of categories you can choose from to report your concern. Simply choose the relevant category from the list such as lost pet, pothole, sidewalks, playgrounds, etc. and add a brief description of the issue. You will be able to enter an address or pinpoint the location of the issue on the map. You will also have the option to attach a photo if you would like, and then you can click to submit the report.

You will then be able to track the status of the issue through updates on the platform or via email notifications.

Exciting news — the Connect & Correct app is now officially available on the Apple App Store and Google Play! The goal of the app is to make it even easier to report your concerns on-the-go as well as streamline communications regarding any concerns you may have.

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.
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.
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. 

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