Mtown News Flash 12-16-11

Rabies Alert
The Middletown Township Animal Control Division has received laboratory confirmation of 2 wild animals testing positive for Rabies.

The first animal, a skunk was in a fight with a dog in the Leonardo section of the Township. In another incident, a Good Samaritan picked up a sick raccoon and brought it to a veterinarian on their own. This raccoon was found on Kings Hwy near Church St.

Luckily, the dog was up to date on its rabies vaccination and only needed a rabies booster and 45-day quarantine. The person who handled the raccoon was not exposed to the animal in the way they transported it.

In light of finding 2 rabid animals in one week, we would like to remind residents about the possibility of wildlife being infected with Rabies. Everyone should make sure that all domestic animals (dogs, cats, and livestock) are currently vaccinated with a Rabies shot. In addition, residents should be aware that they should not be interacting with wildlife. If you come across a sick or injured animal, keep your distance and please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2094 immediately.

Remember, Rabies is a fatal disease. The best course of defense is the vaccination of your pets and not handling wildlife.

Leaf Collection
Fall leaf collection is underway. Get status reports at www.middletownnj.org/collection

Municipal Offices Holiday Schedule
Municipal offices will be closed Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2, 2012.

Holiday Garbage and Recycling Collection Schedule

There will be no garbage collection Monday December 26, 2011. The next collection for residences with a Monday garbage collection will be Thursday December 29, 2011.

There will be no garbage collection on Monday January 2, 2012. The next collection for residences with a Monday garbage collection will be Thursday January 5, 2012.

There will be no recycling collection on Monday December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2012. Recycling will be scheduled to be collected on the following day.

Recycling Center Open Dec 27, 28 & Jan 3,4
The Kanes Lane Recycling Center will be OPEN on Tuesday & Wednesday December 27, 28 and January 3, 4 to accommodate residents who need to recycle cardboard, mixed paper and other items after the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

The Recycling Center is closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Regular operation hours will resume after January 4th. Hours are Thursday through Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Organization Day 2012
The Township Committee will hold Middletown's annual Organization Day meeting at noon on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway.

On the agenda will be the swearing in of the 2012 Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Under the township's form of government, the Township Committee designates two members to serve as mayor and deputy mayor for a one-year term. Committeeman Anthony P. Fiore will accept the oath of office to serve his second consecutive term. Committeewoman Elect Stephanie C. Murray will be sworn in as the newest member of the Township Committee. The term for each Committee member is three years.

Scores of volunteers traditionally attend to accept oaths of office to serve on more than a dozen township boards, committees and commissions. Each group focuses on different aspects of the community and works to enhance Middletown's quality of life. Residents are appointed to these positions by the Township Committee.

For more information call the Township Clerk at (732) 615-2014 or visit www.middletownnj.org

Christmas Tree Collection 2012
Christmas Tree Collection begins January 5, 2012. Click here for schedule. Trees can also be brought to the Kanes Lane Recycling Center, 52, Kanes Lane by Middletown residents only free of charge.

Homestead Rebate Update
The Middletown Tax Collection Office advises property owners that the state Homestead Benefit, for property tax year 2010, is being credited to the February 2012 tax quarter for applicable property owners. Adjusted February 2012 tax bills will be mailed on or before December 30, 2011. Please pay the adjusted amount shown on the bill by 4:00 pm February 10, 2012 to avoid interest charges. All questions regarding the homestead credit should be directed to the state Division of Taxation at 1-888-238-1233.

Vote for the MAC in the 2012 NJ Monthly Best of NJ Poll
Please vote for the Middletown Arts Center under the category of "Recreation & Attractions: Live Theater / Arts Venue". This is the link to cast your vote: http://njmonthly.com/articles/best-of-Jersey/2012-jersey-choice-the-best-of-new-jersey.html. Deadline for voting is January 15, 2012. By winning the poll, the Middletown Arts Center would continue to spread the word statewide about its talented instructors, affordable classes, and free events and programs. It's a true pleasure to represent an organization that educates and entertains thousands of families year-round.