Township Celebrates New Playground and Renovations at Waloo Park
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 Middletown Township Committee members and Township officials are joined by Whirl Construction employees, Super Bowl champions Ottis Anderson and Stephen Baker, and county and state elected officials for the ribbon cutting! |
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On Tuesday, Middletown Township was proud to unveil the new playground and newly resurfaced basketball courts at Waloo Park (Main Street, Port Monmouth)! Earlier this year, residents voted on the playground design they liked best. This week, our community came together to officially cut the ribbon and celebrate its grand opening! Attendees were able to meet Giants Super Bowl champions Ottis Anderson and Stephen Baker, get autographs, and even take pictures with them and the famous Vince Lombardi Trophy! There was also free cotton candy, a face painter, and a DJ pumping tunes. A huge thank you to Whirl Construction for bringing our shared vision to life and to everyone who made this event so special! Click HERE to view photos. |
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Sebastian's Hair-em Commemorates 50th Anniversary
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 Pictured from left: Committeeman Ryan Clarke, co-owners Sheri Gatanas, Donna Tactikos, Lynda Rohrmann, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, and Committeeman Kevin Settembrino |
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On Saturday, Sebastian’s Hair-em (872 NJ-36, Leonardo) celebrated 50 years of providing exceptional beauty services to our community! Founded in 1975 by Anne Muratore, who opened a five-chair salon for her daughters Donna, Lynda, and Cheryl, Sebastian’s Hair-em has blossomed into a thriving beauty destination that continues to be rooted in family tradition. The salon has also expanded its offerings beyond hair to include nail care, skin care, and waxing services. After Anne passed away, ownership was given to her three daughters. When Cheryl passed away, her daughter Sheri stepped in to continue the family legacy. Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeeman Kevin Settembrino were thrilled to present the three co-owners a proclamation in recognition of this milestone. Visit sebhairem.com for more information about the salon. |
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Community Raises Funds for Pediatric Cancer Research at Annual Love for Luca 5K
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 Pictured from left: Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Luca's parents Michele and Frank Iacono, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke |
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Early Sunday morning, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Ryan Clarke, and Committeeman Kevin Settembrino joined hundreds of community members to participate in the fourth annual Love for Luca 5K Walk/Run! Deputy Mayor Hibell was honored to welcome all the participants before the race kicked off at Middletown High School North. The event was held in memory of Luca Iacono, a beloved 11-year-old resident who passed away from cancer in 2019. All proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer. Donations will be accepted until Sunday, September 28th, so make a difference and donate today! Click HERE for more information about the event and to donate. |
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Belford Engine Fire Company Hosts Successful Annual Classic Car Show
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 Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz and Mayor's Choice winner Joe Toma take a picture together in front of the winning car! |
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On Sunday, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Committeeman Kevin Settembrino, and Committeeman Ryan Clarke had fun selecting the Mayor's Choice winner at Belford Engine Fire Company's annual classic car show. Committeewoman Kim Kratz was especially excited to present Joe Toma with the trophy for his beautiful 1970 Ford Mustang. Congratulations! |
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CORRECTION:
In our coverage of the Township's 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Middletown World Trade Center Memorial Gardens in the 9/13/25 issue of Middletown Minutes, we inadvertently omitted that American Legion Post 338 also presented a wreath during the ceremony. We sincerely apologize for this oversight and thank Post 338 for their meaningful participation in honoring the memory of the 37 residents we lost and those who have since passed from 9/11-related illnesses.
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Middletown Township Certified Floodplain Manager Stacy Krause Holds Educational Session for Local Realtors
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 Photo courtesy of CENTURY 21 Thomson & Co |
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On Friday, September 5th, Middletown Township Certified Floodplain Manager Stacy Krause was the guest speaker at CENTURY 21 Thomson & Co (254 NJ-35).
The session focused on educating local realtors about flood mapping, flood insurance, and building requirements for both sellers and buyers. It also highlighted the partnership between the real estate industry and local government in ensuring all FEMA and NJDEP regulations, as well as local building codes, are followed.
Agencies that are interested in providing educational sessions for their realtors can contact Stacy at 732-615-2000 ext. 2167. |
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Master Plan Public Hearing to be Held on Wednesday, 10/8 at 7:00 PM
The Middletown Township Planning Board will hold a hearing on Wednesday, October 8th at 7:00 PM in the courtroom at Town Hall to consider adoption of the 2025 Middletown Township Master Plan dated September 2025. The 2025 Master Plan represents the Township’s continued effort to ensure that its planning policies and land use goals and objectives remain current, effectively respond to issues facing Middletown, and reflect the community’s long-term vision for the future. Following the public hearing, the Planning Board may take action by amending and/or adopting the 2025 Master Plan. Click HERE to access the 2025 Middletown Township Master Plan (September 2025). Click HERE to read the public notice for the Planning Board hearing.
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New Mandatory Bulk Pickup Advanced Scheduling
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As of Monday, September 1st, your bulk pickup day is now your bulk pickup week! The Township’s contractor, IWS, now has a dedicated truck and crew for this effort 5 days per week! Simply register by 3:00 PM Sunday through Thursday of your scheduled recycling week to have your bulk collected within 48 hours. There can only be one bulk collection request per household during your recycling week. If you don’t schedule in advance, your bulk will not be collected. You can conveniently do this by using the Recycle Coach app, emailing bulk@middletownnj.org, or leaving a voicemail at 732-615-3278. Click HERE to download Recycle Coach on the App Store and click HERE to download Recycle Coach on Google Play. |
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Middletown Senior Center Programs Moved to Different Locations Due to Renovations
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Submit Photos to Middletown America 250's Weekly Photo Contest: This Week's Winners to be Announced on Friday, 10/3
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After three months and many incredible submissions, the Middletown America 250 Photo Contest officially wraps up next week. From highlighting historic landmarks to relics from the Revolutionary Era, your photos have helped bring our history to life. Our last contest theme is “One Final Hurrah”! We encourage you to capture a photo of a replica, historic site, figurine, or type of media that showcases an aspect of the Revolutionary War. This could be a movie, book, model of Revolutionary War-era clothing or weapons, and more. Upload your photo to middletownnj.org/250photocontest, along with your name, social media handle, and a short description of your image and its location. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 3rd. Your photo will be featured on Middletown Township's and the Middletown America 250 Committee's social media channels, Middletown Minutes, and our municipal TV channel (Comcast Cable Channel 20/Verizon FiOS Channel 26), so we encourage you to participate! Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's photo contest with the theme "Interiors of the Past"! Below is the winning photo chosen by Mayor Tony Perry. Danielle Adams submitted this charming photo of the hearth fireplace at the Murray Farmhouse, which is located at Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road). The house was built circa 1770. |
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 Photo courtesy of Danielle Adams |
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Find Out the Answer to This Week's Township Trivia Thursday!
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The Middletown America 250 Committee and Middletown Township Historical Society are partnering to present Township Trivia Thursdays every other week. Test your trivia skills while learning more about our town and its rich history. This week's question can be found on middletownnj.org/trivia and the Township's YouTube channel. The next trivia question will be featured via the Middletown America 250 Committee's Instagram story on Thursday, October 9th. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, October 10th issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page. Make sure you follow the Middletown America 250 Committee on Instagram! |
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Learn How to Clean Historic Cemetery Gravestones with Middletown America 250 on Saturday, 9/27 at 10 AM
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Middletown DAR to Host Genealogy Classes at MTPL: Register Now for Part 1 Happening Tuesday, 9/30 at 11 AM
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The Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be hosting a two-part workshop at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) called “Researching Revolutionary War Patriots in Your Family Tree”. Registration is required. Part 1 will take place on Tuesday, September 30th and will focus on how to add yourself to Family Search and connect your family into the public tree. For the class, you’ll need to come prepared with the names on your family tree, date and place of birth, and date and place of death for each one of your parents and your four grandparents. Part 2 of the workshop will take place on Tuesday, October 21st. Once you are connected into the public tree, you will use that tree in conjunction with the DAR’s Genealogical Research System to identify any potential Revolutionary War ancestors. This workshop will only help you identify a potential branch of the tree to explore further. Once a candidate ancestor is identified, traditional genealogy techniques will be required to prove that line. Click HERE to register for Part 1 and click HERE to register for Part 2. |
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Monmouth County Officials Release Free Educational Resource for Monmouth County Students for America’s Upcoming 250th Anniversary
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The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee recently released 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. |
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Township's Free Tutoring Program for Income-Eligible Students Returns Saturday, 9/27: Apply Now!
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Register Now for MAC's Fall Classes
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Registration for the Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) fall classes has officially opened! Pick up a hobby and sign up for a class in theater, dance, art, or more. Click HERE to view the youth classes and click HERE to view the adult classes. |
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Middletown Township Health Department Encourages Residents to Be Proactive About Cancer Screenings
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Middletown Township Floodplain Management Shares Preparedness Tips in Observance of National Preparedness Month
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Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month with the MTPL
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If you live, work, or go to school in Middletown, you’re eligible for a free Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) card! Your card is the key to so much more than books — it unlocks access to the library's digital resources, research tools, Makerspace, private study rooms, and extensive collection of books, movies, TV series, music, and magazines for all ages. This September, keep an eye out for library card sign-up pop-ups around town and enjoy special perks and giveaways when you sign up. There’s no better time to get your library card and start exploring everything the MTPL has to offer! Click HERE for more information. |
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Register for Alerts from New Jersey American Water
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Middletown EMS Provides Vital Information About Narcan Administration
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In a recent Public Service Announcement (PSA), Middletown EMS Public Information Officer Jimmy De Rugeriis describes the signs of an overdose, explains how to use Narcan, and shares information about where people can access Narcan. Click HERE to watch the PSA on YouTube. |
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Learn More About Middletown Wellness Wheels
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The Middletown Township Health Department officially launched Middletown Wellness Wheels in partnership with Uber Health. The program was announced in February when the Middletown Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution to award Uber Health the contract. Middletown Wellness Wheels, which is funded through a portion of the Opioid Settlement Funds awarded by the state, provides free local transportation for residents with substance use disorders, at risk of substance use disorders, or those who need access to mental health services. Middletown Township is the first municipality in Monmouth County to utilize the settlement funds in this manner. Click HERE to watch our Public Service Announcement about the program. |
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Complete the Monmouth County Opioid Settlement Survey
The Monmouth County Opioid Settlement Survey is officially open for public input! The goal of the survey is to find out what Monmouth County residents see as priorities for the opioid settlement funds so the Monmouth County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council can make informed decisions that are inclusive of the community's feedback. Click HERE to complete the survey.
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MTPD Promotes E-Bike Safety in PSA
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Across the country, and right here in Middletown, we’re seeing a surge in injuries involving electric bikes and scooters, especially among young riders. Deputy Chief Paul Bailey of the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) shares some crucial information in this Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the different types of micromobility devices and the regulations that riders should follow when using them. Please tune in and stay safe!
Click HERE to watch the PSA on YouTube. |
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Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross
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The Middletown Township Fire Department and Middletown Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. If you are interested in this service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm. Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information. |
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NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues
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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 Bayview, Leonardo, Fairview, and Navesink elementary school districts in Area 2 on the map above. 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. |
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Support the Friends of MTPL and Register for The Wonders of Honey Program Happening on Monday, 9/29 at 5:30 PM
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Discover the fascinating world of honey in an evening that blends history, science, and taste at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL). Presented by Emily Walsh Arguedas of La Cegua Botanicals and the Neshanic Valley Beekeepers, this program is perfect for food lovers, herbal enthusiasts, and curious minds alike! You will enjoy a guided honey tasting flight while supporting a good cause — a $10 per person donation is requested, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of MTPL. All the money raised will go toward funding library programs and services. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Learn About the Importance of the SAT and ACT and How to Ace Them at the MTPL on Wednesday, 10/1 at 6:30 PM
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High school students and families are invited to the MTPL to learn how the SAT and ACT still impact scholarships, placement, and admissions. Huntington Learning Center will share insights, strategies, and prep tips to help you navigate testing and make the most of your college opportunities. This program will take place in the MTPL's Community Room (55 New Monmouth Road). Registration is recommended. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Uncover Treasures at Middletown Parks & Recreation's Guided Fossil Hunt on Sunday, 9/28 at 11 AM
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Join Middletown Parks & Recreation for the last guided fossil hunt of the season! Come dig up history at the Poricy Brook Fossil Beds where there are many Cretaceous-Era marine fossils waiting to be found. Middletown Parks & Recreation's guide will supply equipment for screening for fossils and identifying your treasures. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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Middletown Township Floodplain Management Encourages the Public to Learn About Flood Insurance on Thursday, 10/2 at 6 PM
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Pre-Register for Middletown Township Animal Control's Free Cat and Dog Rabies Clinics Happening in October
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Attend the Middletown Youth Wellness Event on Thursday, 10/16 from 6:00-7:30 PM
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Participate in Trunk-or-Treat at Middletown Day on Sunday, 10/19: Last Day to Register is Wednesday, 10/8
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Calling the most epically decorated Halloween trunks for the new Trunk-or-Treat feature at this year's Middletown Day! Trunk-or-Treat will take place from 2-4 PM. Help spread treats (or tricks!) in addition to getting an awesome parking spot for the day! First place ($200 Amazon gift card) and second place ($100 Amazon gift card) winners will be voted on by attendees. Pre-registration is required and costs $15 per car. There is limited capacity available, so register today! Click HERE to complete the registration form. |
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Raise Money for Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens Fund and Participate in Annual Mayor's Challenge Happening on Saturday, 10/25
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We hope you'll join us to run the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) for a good cause! Middletown Parks & Recreation is raising money for the Middletown World Trade Center (WTC) Memorial Gardens Fund through this year's Mayor's Challenge. A special 25th anniversary improvement project is taking place and this event will help fund it. Register now for early-bird pricing! The Middletown WTC Memorial Gardens are located next to the Middletown Arts Center (36 Church Street) and pay tribute to the 37 residents who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as the first responders and individuals who have lost their lives as a result of that fateful day. Visit middletownnj.org/5K for more information and to register. |
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- There will be paving on Newman Springs Road between Half Mile Road and Swimming River Road on Friday, September 26th from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The paving will continue to NJ-35 in Shrewsbury. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Expect delays in the area.
- In June, 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.
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Middletown Township Health Department Provides Information on How to Properly Dispose of Sharps
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Middletown OEM Shares Information about How to Stock Up on Hurricane Supplies
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The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds residents about the importance of being prepared, especially during hurricane season. 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. |
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Prepare for Hurricane Season by Purchasing or Renewing Flood Insurance
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Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System
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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. |
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Middletown Township Building & Inspection Department Launches New SDL Online Permit Portal
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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. |
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Connect with the Township to Help Correct Concerns
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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. |
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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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