Mtown News Flash 1-6-12

Christmas Tree Collection Underway

Residents with private garbage collection:

Residents within the garbage district: Put trees curbside the second day of any collection week. Click here for schedule

Residents can also bring trees to the Recycling Center at 52 Kanes Lane free of charge. Call Recycling at 732-615-2008 for more information.

Free Rabies Clinic for Dogs
Saturday, January 21, 2012
The Middletown Health Department will hold a free rabies clinic for dogs on Saturday, January 21^st at the Belford Engine Fire Company located at 739 Main St., Belford, NJ 07718. The clinic will run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. All dog licenses must be renewed by January 31, 2012 as late fees start as of February 1^st. Residents can obtain a license during the clinic if they have not done so yet. For more information, please contact Animal Control at 732-615-2097.

Winter Recreation
Poricy Park January & February Camps and Programs
www.poricypark.org

Middletown Arts Center Winter Programs and Classes
www.middletownarts.org

Middletown Senior Center
Special Events

Middletown Organizes for the New Year
As part of Middletown's annual Organization Day, Committeeman Anthony P. Fiore was selected to serve as Mayor and Committeeman Stephen G. Massell as Deputy Mayor for 2012.

Mayor Fiore noted during his Organization Day comments that priorities and goals this year include: full compliance with the Governor's property tax cap, enhancing the township's ability to communicate with residents during emergencies, and establishing an all-volunteer Middletown Day Committee that can bring back the community festival.

The selection of the 2012 Mayor and Deputy Mayor came after Fiore accepted the oath of office to serve his second consecutive 3-year term on the Township Committee. Committeewoman Stephanie Murray accepted the oath to serve her first 3-year term. Murray and Fiore were elected in November 2011. Oaths of office were issued by state Sen. Joseph Kyrillos.

The members of the 2012 Township Committee are:

• Mayor Anthony P. Fiore
• Deputy Mayor Stephen G. Massell
• Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray
• Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger
• Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino

Middletown's Fire Chiefs also accepted oaths of office as part of the day's agenda. They are: Fire Chief Andrew Spears, Deputy Chief Chief John D'Atilio, Sr, First Assistant Chief Peter Laimann, Second Assistant Chief Rick W. Hibell and Third Assistant John Gorsenger, Jr.

Many volunteers turned out to accept oaths of office to serve on the Township's boards, committees and commissions. There are more nearly 20 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.

Police Seeking Witnesses of Fatal Pedestrian Crash
The Middletown Twp. Police Department is investigating a Fatal Pedestrian crash which occurred on January 4, 2012 at 5:48 p.m. The crash occurred on State Highway 36 west at the intersection of Thompson Ave in the Leonardo section of the Township. The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian, William L. Segebush 66 years old from Middletown, was crossing the highway and was struck by a westbound vehicle being operated by a resident of Leonardo. The victim sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Leonardo First-Aid & Rescue Squad, MONOC Medics, Middletown Fire Police and the Middletown Emergency Services Field-Com unit responded to the scene. The crash is being investigated by Cpl. Cliff O'Hara and Ptl. Darrin Simon from the Departments Traffic Bureau assisted by Ptl. Nick Caprio and DFC. Peter White. Anyone that witnessed the crash or can provide any additional information on the investigation are asked to contact the Traffic & Safety Bureau at 732-615-2045.

Fire Department Receive Federal Grant for Radios
The Middletown Township Fire Department has received a $465,320 federal matching grant for the purchase of needed radio equipment. New Federal Communications Commission standards slated to go into effect on January 1, 2013 will make older radio equipment obsolete. Without this investment, many of their radios would be unusable. Fire Department members Peter Lucyk and Vern Peterson were instrumental in crafting the grant proposal. Pete and Vern's dedication and hard work over the past decade have resulted in the department receiving a half dozen Assistance to Firefighter grants totaling more than $2,000,000.

Main Train Station Lot Has Available Parking
The Township Parking Lot on Church Street next to the train station no longer has a wait list! We are at the half year mark and Parking Permits for the Main Lot are now on sale for $200 resident rate and $225 nonresident rate and are good through June 30, 2012. Please take advantage of this special offer and ride the NJ Transit train instead of fighting the traffic! Contact the Office of the Township Clerk 732-615-2015 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday for more information on how to obtain a Parking Permit.