Township Committee Celebrates Belford Brewing Company's New Location

Earlier today, Belford Brewing Company (888-890 Main Street, Belford) hosted a grand re-opening for its new location on Main Street in Campbell's Junction.

The small business, which has been in Belford since 2014, serves as a vibrant community hub where open-mic events, trivia nights, and hand-crafted brews bring people together. Cheers to its continued growth!

Visit belfordbrewing.com for more information.

Honey Baked Ham Holds Grand Re-Opening

On Saturday, Honey Baked Ham (770 NJ-35) celebrated the completion of its recent renovations with a grand re-opening. Known for their beloved holiday and special-occasion hams, the Township Committee was proud to commemorate this accomplishment just in time for the holiday season!

From their signature honey-glazed meats to the everyday sandwiches, sides, and meals our community enjoys all year long, Middletown is excited to welcome this business back home.

Click HERE for more information.

Monmouth Museum Hosts Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony for Community Members

On Saturday, Mayor Tony Perry, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, and Committeeman Kevin Settembrino helped kick off the holiday season by participating in the Monmouth Museum's holiday tree lighting ceremony. While there, kids were also able to make crafts and listen to stories read by Mrs. Claus!

Middletown Senior Center Members Shine in Festive Performance at the MAC

Our talented Middletown Senior Center members recently put on an incredible show at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC)! Led by their amazing teacher, David Meenan, the show featured a lively tap performance, a Broadway-style dance number, and a fun skit from their acting class. The Senior Center wrapped up the festive day with pizza and a showing of Deck the Halls.

Middletown Hosts Second Annual Great American Smokeout Event

On Thursday, the Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance held their second annual Great American Smokeout event at Town Hall. The Great American Smokeout is an annual campaign sponsored by the American Cancer Society that challenges people to stop smoking for at least 24 hours, with the hope that their decision not to smoke will last longer.

Residents and Township employees visited the information table throughout the day for smoking and vaping cessation resources. People were also encouraged to build their own smoking "quit kits" with the following items that were being given away: nicotine gum, minty toothpicks, water bottles, lollipops, and a lung-shaped stress toy.

Smoking "quit kits" are also available during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) at the Health Department, located on the middle floor at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway).

If you're having trouble quitting smoking or vaping, the Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance encourage you to visit tobaccofreenj.com/gaso for helpful resources.

The Middletown Arts Center will also be closed on Thursday, November 27^th and Friday, November 28^th.

The Middletown Township Public Library will be closing at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 26^th and will be closed on Thursday, November 27^th. The library will follow its regular business hours the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Check Out the Fall 2025 Edition of Middletown Matters!

Our bi-annual newsletter, Middletown Matters, will be arriving in residents' mailboxes soon! In the meantime, feel free to read the digital version at middletownnj.org/matters.

Sign Up for MTHS's Presentation about Colonial Taverns of New Jersey Happening on Tuesday, 11/25 at 7 PM

New Jersey was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” and as battles raged, colonial taverns were the main stage for the unfolding drama of a colony transitioning into statehood and making decisions about declaring a war of independence. The Middletown Township Historical Society (MTHS) will be hosting author Michael C. Gabriele as part of its special America 250 Speaker Series.

People can attend the event in person at the Middletown Township Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road) or register to watch it online. Admittance is free.

Click HERE to register.

Find Out the Answer to This Week's Township Trivia Thursday!

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, December 4^th. The answer will be revealed in the Friday, December 5^th issue of Middletown Minutes and on our Township Trivia page.

Make sure you follow the Middletown America 250 Committee on Instagram!

Browse Our New Middletown America 250 Merch Store!

Join us in commemorating Middletown’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary era by purchasing a keepsake from the Middletown America 250 Merch Store!

Visit middletownnj.org/america250store to explore all items, including our limited-edition Sandy Hook Lighthouse ornament. Crafted by the same renowned company that produces the official White House ornaments, this piece offers a beautifully-made tribute to one of the nation’s oldest and most treasured landmarks. You can also browse other Middletown favorites that make thoughtful gifts and meaningful mementos this holiday season.

Each purchase will directly support upcoming events and initiatives that honor our community’s rich heritage as we approach our nation’s 250^th anniversary next year.

Items are available for pickup at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway).
Click HERE to schedule your pickup.

Learn about Revolutionary War Patriot Reverend Abel Morgan, Jr. in the latest Locally Sourced Middletown America 250 Series Podcast

In the second episode of our Middletown America 250 series Patriot Profiles — a special edition of Mayor Tony Perry’s Locally Sourced podcast — we explore the life of Reverend Abel Morgan, Jr., a steadfast spiritual leader who helped guide Middletown through the Revolutionary War.

You can listen to the podcast on middletownnj.org/locallysourced, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podbean, and Spotify.

Our next Patriot Profiles episode will air on Thursday, December 4^th.

MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Parade to Take Place in  Middletown on Sunday, 6/28 Beginning at 12:30 PM

DPW crews are out clearing drains across town, but with over 6,000 catch basins in our neighborhood streets, every bit of community help goes a long way.

Thank you for helping keep Middletown safe and prepared for fall and winter weather!

Township Committee Tests Out New Tindall Park Courts by Competing in Exciting Pickleball Game

Pickleball is taking off and Middletown is ready to play! With eight brand new dedicated pickleball courts and 12 refurbished tennis courts at Tindall Park, we’re serving up more ways to stay active and connected. 

Click HERE to watch as the Township Committee gives the game a try and see how we’re keeping our "parks in play" for everyone!

Sign Up for a Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation with the MTFD and American Red Cross

The Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office are partnering with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms for free throughout Middletown. We encourage all residents to check if their smoke alarms are working.

If you are interested in this free service, please schedule an appointment at middletownnj.org/smokealarm.

Click HERE to watch a Public Service Announcement for more information.

Write a Letter to Santa by Thursday, 12/4

Our Middletown elves are currently collecting letters in our special mailboxes and will be delivering them directly to the North Pole! Santa will write a personalized return letter to your child through the joint Middletown Parks & Recreation and the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) Letters to Santa program. 

Please include $1 with your letter to donate to the MAC. To help our elves, we encourage you to download our letter template. 

Click HERE for more information, the letter template, and drop-off locations.

Give Back through Township's Holiday Helpers Program: Donations Will Be Accepted Until Friday, 12/12

Looking to spread some holiday cheer? Middletown Township is pleased to announce the return of our Holiday Helpers program! Support a Middletown family in need this season by either "adopting a family" or donating a gift. We kindly ask our community to give back if they are able.

To participate, please email holidayhelp@middletownnj.org or drop off gift donations at the location and times found on middletownnj.org/holidayhelpers.

Thank you for your generosity!

Pay Off Late MTPL Fees with Food Bank Donations from Monday, 11/24 through Wednesday, 12/31

Food for Fines returns to the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) beginning Monday, November 24^th and will run through the end of December! During this time, patrons can pay off library late fees with donations of nonperishable food items. Each item donated will reduce late fees by $1.00. Patrons can donate up to a total of $10.00 per library card. Donations may be dropped off at the Circulation Desk.

Please note that donations cannot be applied toward lost or damaged items. Expired food also cannot be accepted. All collected items will be donated to local food banks.

Participate in the MTPL's Strategic Planning Survey by Sunday, 11/30

The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) is planning for the future — and your voice matters!

The MTPL is working on its next Strategic Plan, which will help guide the library’s goals and priorities for the coming years. Your input ensures the library reflects the needs, ideas, and dreams of our community.

Click HERE to complete the short survey.

Fall 2025 Leaf Collection to Begin Monday, 12/1

Visit middletownnj.org/collection for more information.

MTPD to Host Free Car Seat Safety Checkpoint on Wednesday, 12/10 from 2-6 PM

Residents are invited to a FREE Car Seat Safety Checkpoint hosted by the Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) at Station 11 Old Village Fire Company (1340 NJ-35) to ensure your child is in the right car seat and that it is installed correctly. The checkpoint will be open from 2-6 PM.

Car seat safety checkpoints are held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Please contact Officer Michael Reuter at 732-615-2046 if you have any questions or concerns.

MTPD Promotes E-Bike Safety in PSA

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.

NJAW Lead Service Line Replacement Program Door-to-Door Canvassing Continues

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 3^rd. The team will be working in the Middletown Village Elementary School District and Nut Swamp Elementary School District in Area 3 this upcoming week. There will be no work conducted on Thursday, November 27^th or Friday, November 28^th due to Thanksgiving.

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.

Listen to Live Music at the MAC's Monthly Music Cafe on Sunday, 11/23 from 4-6 PM

Join the Middletown Arts Center (MAC) this Sunday, November 23^rd for its monthly music cafe, featuring the following local talents: The Sunken City, Carl Alderson, Daniel Ravaglia, and Ralph Rasa. The concert will take place at the MAC (36 Church Street). The event is free with a suggested donation of $5.

Click HERE for information about the showcase's artists and click HERE to donate to the MAC.

Exercise at Middletown Parks & Recreation's Turkey Trot Hike on Wednesday, 11/26 at 2:30 PM

Come stretch your legs before your Thanksgiving feast! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation to hike the trails of Poricy Park (345 Oak Hill Road) with a guide, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.

Visit mtownrec.recdesk.com to register on RecDesk.

'Tis the Season: Attend Our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Sunday, 11/30 from 5-7 PM

Santa's coming to town! Catch the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the MAC (36 Church Street). Bring the whole family — get your photo with Santa and enjoy some crafts, bonfires with classic holiday cartoons, a holiday train ride, and an inflatable gingerbread house! The event is free for residents and food will be available for purchase.

Purchase Tickets for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Annual Santa Ferry Happening on Saturday, 12/6

Middletown Parks & Recreation is back on the bay to celebrate Christmas! The annual yuletide ride features Santa and friends, presents, entertainment, and a scenic ride around the Statue of Liberty. All children and infants will receive a holiday present!

Tickets are only sold in person at the Poricy Park Nature Center (345 Oak Hill Road) on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Only a limited amount remain, so buy yours today!

Click HERE for more information.

• On Saturday, November 22^nd, avoid Dwight Road and Middletown-Lincroft Road in the area of Thompson Middle School from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM due to heavy traffic.
• Cherry Tree Farm Road will be closed Monday, November 24^th through Wednesday, November 26^th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for road work. The closure will be between Wilson Avenue and Leonardville Road. Please follow the posted detour.
• 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 most likely be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic for the remainder of 2025. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the course of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
• As of Monday, January 13^th, 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 13^th, providing an alternate detour route for the Broadway closure.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

The Middletown Township 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!

Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates 

Need Assistance? Utilize the Monmouth ACTS Navigation System

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

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

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.

Click HERE to access hi-res photos from this

e-newsletter. 

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