Middletown Hosts 2026 Reorganization Meeting
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 Mayor Perry gives his address where he highlights everything the Township accomplished in 2025 and his goals for 2026. |
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Middletown Township held its annual reorganization meeting on Sunday, January 4th. Rick Hibell and Kevin M Settembrino, who were elected in November, were sworn in to the Township Committee to serve their three-year terms. The Township Committee selected Tony Perry to serve his eighth consecutive year as mayor, making him the longest serving mayor in over 75 years. Rick Hibell was also chosen to serve as deputy mayor for his sixth consecutive year. This duo is the longest-serving mayor and deputy mayor leadership team in Middletown's history. Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon led the Pledge of Allegiance and Father Luigi Hargain of St. Augustine's Monastery performed the Invocation. The 2026 Middletown Township Fire Department (MTFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) chiefs, as well as the Middletown Fire Police, were also sworn in by Mayor Perry. The meeting ended with our dedicated volunteers from various boards, commissions, and committees reciting their Oaths of Office. Congratulations to everyone who was sworn in and thank you for your commitment to our community! Click HERE to view photos from the meeting. 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, 5:00 PM, and 8:30 PM through Monday, January 19th. All photos courtesy of Patrick Olivero |
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 Monmouth County Surrogate Maureen Raisch swears in Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, alongside his family. |
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 Mayor Tony Perry poses with his family and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone after being sworn in. |
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 Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino, with the support of his family, gets sworn in by Mayor Perry. |
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Anne's Thrift Shop Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Under New Management
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 Pictured from left: NJBCA Board Member Dan Velez, Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell, Anne's Thrift Shop Managers Virna Broderick and Lynn Shapiro, and NJBCA Board Member Sherilyn Przelomski |
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Earlier today, Deputy Mayor Rick Hibell and Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz joined the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA) for the grand re-opening of its thrift shop, Anne's Thrift Shop! Now under new management, the thrift shop serves as a place for people to donate and shop for one-of-a-kind items all while supporting the NJBCA's mission. The NJBCA (18 Burlington Avenue, Leonardo) is a nonprofit that provides statewide assistance for those who are blind and visually impaired. The nonprofit also currently hosts "Camp Happiness" biweekly, which is a day full of programming for the nonprofit's members, fostering an inclusive environment for them to socialize and participate in fun activities. Visit njbca.org for more information. |
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Christmas Tree Collection Dates: South Zone on Saturday, 1/10 & North Zone on Saturday, 1/17
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The Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance are partnering to offer a free "Quit Kit" to anyone who would like to quit smoking or vaping. Each kit includes nicotine gum, minty toothpicks, Dum-Dums lollipops, a lung stress ball, a bracelet, and quitting resources. If you're still having trouble quitting smoking or vaping, the Middletown Township Health Department and Middletown Alliance encourage you to visit tobaccofreenj.com/gaso for additional helpful resources. |
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Complete Our Croydon Hall Multi-Use Turf Field Improvement Project Survey by Sunday, 1/18
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In a Green Acres Grant application, Middletown is currently proposing to renovate an existing, heavily-used baseball field at Croydon Hall (900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo) into a modern, multi-use turf baseball/softball field. A striped multi-sport area in the outfield for flag football or other sports will maximize year-round functionality of the park. The proposal also includes lighting system improvements and accessibility updates to allow for "Buddy Baseball" style programming. The Township is seeking public input as part of its application. If you would like your voice to be heard, we encourage you to fill out our brief survey, which will be closing on Sunday, January 18th. Please keep in mind that this is a grant application and not a guaranteed project.
Click HERE to complete the survey and click HERE for more information. |
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Online Parking Permit System Now Open
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Renew Your Dog License Before Sunday, 2/1 to Avoid Late Fees
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With dog license renewals currently taking place, Middletown Animal Control would like to remind residents about the benefits of licensing your dog! Throughout the month of January, we will be sharing these advantages via our communications channels. Be sure to follow Middletown Township on Facebook, Instagram, and X! |
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Introducing Our New Revolutionary Reflections Video Series: Watch First Episode to Learn About Edward Taylor's Unique Role in the Revolutionary War
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To commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, the Middletown America 250 Committee recently launched Revolutionary Reflections — a mini-docuseries exploring the real lives, struggles, and choices of Middletown’s residents during the Revolutionary War. Learn about the families, conflicts, and untold stories that defined Middletown’s role in America’s fight for independence. Our first episode begins with Edward Taylor, a suspected spy, Loyalist sympathizer, and prisoner under house arrest at Marlpit Hall (137 Kings Highway). Click HERE to watch the episode on YouTube. |
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Browse Our Middletown America 250 Merch Store!
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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. Each purchase will directly support upcoming events and initiatives that honor our community’s rich heritage as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this year. Once you decide on your item(s), please click "Participate Now" on the online store to place your order! Credit and debit cards are the only accepted forms of payment. All payments must be made through the online store. Items are available for pickup at Town Hall (1 Kings Highway). Visit middletownnj.org/250pickup to schedule your pickup.
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Learn About Revolutionary War Patriot Thomas Burrowes in the Latest Locally Sourced Middletown America 250 Series Podcast
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In the fifth episode of our Middletown America 250 series, Patriot Profiles — a special edition of Mayor Tony Perry’s Locally Sourced podcast — we honor a Middletown patriot whose service to the American cause came not through the battlefield, but through the essential work that sustained the Revolution. This episode tells the story of Thomas Burrowes, a lifelong Middletown resident whose labor at the Pennsylvania Salt Works and material support to the war effort helped both civilian life and the Continental forces. His story reminds us that American independence depended not only on those who fought, but on those who quietly ensured the fight could continue. You can listen to the podcast on middletownnj.org/locallysourced, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podbean, and Spotify. |
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Check Out the MTPL's Monthly America 250 Events
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This January, help the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL, 55 New Monmouth Road) kick off the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with engaging programs for the whole community. Join a U.S. history or New Jersey–focused book club, attend a fascinating lecture on Revolutionary War–era medicine and surgery, or explore your own family history through genealogy programs. Click HERE to visit the MTPL's calendar for full details and upcoming events. |
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Register for MTPL's First "Community Read America 250" Event and Discuss the First Two Chapters of 1776 on Thursday, 1/22 at 2 PM
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Join Sand Hill Indian Historical Association Director/Middletown America 250 Committee member Claire Garland and local author Rick Geffken for a fireside book discussion at the MTPL as they discuss the events of 1776. This is the first of four meetings and each meeting will cover two chapters of the book 1776, written by David McCullough. They will discuss chapters 1 and 2 this month. This program welcomes all community members interested in learning more about the American Revolution and the effect it had on communities, soldiers, people of color, Native Americans, African Americans, and women. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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MonmouthNJ 250 Committee Launches Digital Art Contest: Last Day to Submit Entries is Friday, 4/3
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Monmouth County officials and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee have proudly introduced a digital art competition for professional and non-professional artists who are at least 14 years old to celebrate America's 250th anniversary! Participants must create digital artwork that portrays one or all of the following themes: Patriotism for Our Country, Pride in Our Communities, and Participating in the Celebration. Each first-place winner in the professional and non-professional categories will receive $1,776. Additional prizes will be presented for second and third place. The winners will be announced on Thursday, July 2nd. Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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MonmouthNJ 250 Committee's Parade to Take Place in Middletown on Sunday, 6/28 Beginning at 12:30 PM
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MTPD to Host Free Car Seat Safety Checkpoint on Wednesday, 1/14 from 2-6 PM
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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 Corporal Michael Reuter at 732-615-2046 if you have any questions or concerns. |
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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 (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. |
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Register for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Winter Skateboarding Classes: First Class is on Tuesday, 1/13
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Does your child want to learn how to skateboard or expand their existing skillset? Regardless of their experience, Middletown Parks & Recreation's winter classes will teach them the fundamentals of skateboarding in a safe, courteous manner and at a skill level appropriate to everyone. Beginners and intermediates will be broken into two classes. Visit mtownrec.recdesk.com to sign up. |
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New Year, New Hobby: Make an Artistic Resolution and Register Now for MAC's Winter Classes!
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The Middletown Arts Center's (MAC) winter classes may have already begun, but it's not too late to jump in and join the fun! Pick up a hobby and sign up for a class in theater, dance, visual art, music, yoga, and more. Click HERE to view the youth classes and click HERE to view the adult classes. |
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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 last year. The team will be working in the Lincroft Elementary School District in Area 3 this upcoming week. 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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Attend Middletown Parks & Recreation's and the MTPL's Preschool Fair on Wednesday, 1/14 from 5-7 PM
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Find the perfect fit for your family at our preschool fair! Local schools will be at the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL, 55 New Monmouth Road) to answer questions, explain program structures and fees, and more at this free event. Schools/preschool organizations can set up a table for free. Please reach out to recreation@middletownnj.org to secure your spot! Click HERE to view a list of the fair's participating schools. |
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Register for MTPL's Local Author Visit with Rich Romano Happening on Saturday, 1/17 at 2 PM
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Join author Rich Romano in the MTPL's Community Room as he discusses his three new books celebrating New Jersey’s history, landmarks, and hidden gems. Featuring original photography and engaging historical insight, Romano brings the Garden State’s past to life in this free program. Registration is not required. Signed copies of all three titles will be available for purchase. |
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Buy Tickets for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Daddy-Daughter Dance Happening on Sunday, 2/1 at 11 AM
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Middletown Parks & Recreation's Daddy Daughter Dance is returning to Jacques Banquet Hall (500 Palmer Avenue)! The theme is "In Our Daddy Daughter Dance Era", so wear your favorite Taylor Swift-inspired outfit and dress to impress! Semi-formal attire is encouraged. Enjoy dancing, good food, and fun surprises. Two of the three dances are already SOLD OUT — register while you can on mtownrec.recdesk.com! |
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Sign Up for Middletown Parks & Recreation's Maple Sugaring Program for Scouts Happening on Saturday, 2/7 and Saturday, 2/21
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Calling all scouts! Join Middletown Parks & Recreation to learn why you can collect sap only during this time of the year, how to identify maples and other trees in the winter, and how boiling increases solution concentrations to create syrup. Visit mtownrec.recdesk.com to sign up. |
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- 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.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Port Monmouth Flood Control Project Road Closures and Updates: - Broadway remains closed between Main Street (Port Monmouth) and Church Street (Belford) due to ongoing construction. Broadway will be closed until May.
- Campbell Avenue will be closed at the intersection with Creek Road starting Monday, January 12th and is estimated to remain closed until October 2027.
- Detours will be posted. Vehicles traveling between Belford and Port Monmouth can use Highway 36 or Port Monmouth Road.
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Register for Middletown's Emergency Alerts & Updates
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Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather
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The Middletown Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages residents to winterize their home. Follow the tips above and visit weather.gov for additional information. Stay safe and warm! |
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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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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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