The Enterprise

Did anyone catch the flyby of the Enterprise yesterday as it circled NYC before making its way to rest at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum ? It was spectacular and breathtaking.

Off With Their Heads! These Head Shots are Brainless

Has anyone seen the pictures of the Township Committee posted on the Middletown website? Who posted them, the Queen of Hearts? The tops of their heads have been cut off.

There are many around town that already think these people are brainless, these pictures send the subliminal message that confirms it.  

To be fair, these brainless head shots act as links to larger, full view glamour shots of individual Township Committee members, but there no directions or explanation that tells you this.

Bridging the Gaps

The following is from the Newsletter of Congressman Rush Holt:

Too many research discoveries and technologies never make it from the laboratory to the marketplace or the patient’s bedside.  Researchers speak of a “Valley of Death” between basic R&D in laboratories and the creation of marketable technologies and medical treatments.

Earlier this week, I introduced legislation with Sen. Frank Lautenberg to help to bridge this gap.  The America Innovates Act would create an American Innovation Bank to help universities and other research institutions establish and grow “proof of concept” funds to invest in science and technology-based projects in their earliest stages.  The legislation also would provide high-tech innovators with business development training so they can turn their ideas into marketable products.

Bridging this gap between laboratories and the marketplace will help to save American lives, create jobs, and ensure America’s continuing role as a leader in innovation.

America Remains the World’s Largest Manufacturing Power

One way that American innovation can translate into market success is through our manufacturing sector.  Despite much political hand-wringing about the challenges facing American manufacturing, the fact is that American manufacturing is strong and growing.

In March, America’s manufacturing sector experienced its 32nd straight month of growth.  According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. remains the world’s largest manufacturing power:  We produce 21 percent of global manufacturing, compared to just 15 percent for China.

Congress must act to ensure the continued success of American manufacturing – not just for the benefit of manufacturing businesses or workers, but for the success of our economy at large.  As the director of the president’s National Economics Council, Gene Sperling, recently put it, “Economic studies have shown that there are clear and measurable spillover benefits from manufacturing activity that benefit the locations and particular nations that house such manufacturing activity.... Manufacturing matters; manufacturing promotes the innovation and productivity that will keep America on the cutting edge.”

Celebrating 100 Years of Girl Scouts

A century ago, Juliette Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Georgia for the first Girl Scout meeting.  From Daisy Low’s start, 50 million people have been counted among the ranks of the Girl Scouts of America, and today its membership is more than three million.

Girl Scouts are involved in much more than cookies.  I’ve had the privilege to see their wonderful community service projects, to attend award ceremonies, and to witness their work to introduce girls of all ages to math and science.  Recently I had the opportunity to spend time with members of the Girl Scouts from West Windsor and Plainsboro.  Their robotics team placed first in the Eastern Pennsylvania Division of the FIRST LEGO League, and they are competing in the world festival in St. Louis this week.  I send them my best wishes.

I am inspired by the Girl Scouts’ achievements over the last century and wish the Girl Scouts success for the next 100 years.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/28/12: Helping our Veterans and Servicemembers Make Informed Decisions about Higher Education

WASHINGTON, DC— In this week’s address, President Obama told the American people about a new Executive Order he signed on Friday to crack down on bad actors that prey on our veterans and service members considering higher education. Unfortunately these brave men and women are often bombarded by schools that provide false or misleading information about things like interest rates on loans, credit transfers, and job placement programs. The President’s new Executive Order makes it easier for veterans and service members to make informed decisions about financial aid and paying for college and also takes a number of steps to fight deceptive practices by some institutions. President Obama will always make sure that those who serve this country get every opportunity they deserve.

Mtown News Flash 4-27-12

Traffic Advisory

Middletown-Lincroft Road Closure Extended Until 6 pm
The Middletown-Lincroft Rd closure between Dwight Road and West Front St will be extended until 6pm on Friday, April 27th for necessary road work.

 

Got Drugs? Prescription Medication Collection
April 28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm
Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway
Turn in unwanted or expired medication for safe disposal to the Middletown Police Department. The collection is part of the National Take Back Initiative. Call 732-615-2039 for local information. Call the DEA at 1-800-882-9539 for program inquiries. MEDICATIONS ONLY, NO NEEDLES PLEASE

 

Township Committee Special Meeting – Budget Hearing
April 30, 6:00 pm, Town Hall
An Open Public Meeting of the Township Committee is scheduled for April 30, 2012 in the Main Meeting Room at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a budget hearing.

 

Brush Collection Update
www.middletownnj.org/collection

Zones	Approximate Start Date	Status
A & B		Completed
C & D		Completed
E & G		Completed
J & L	April 16	In Progress
I & K	April 23	In Progress
F & H	April 30	Not Started

Please don’t place material at the curb earlier than seven days before a zone’s start date as doing so creates a hazard for pedestrians and drivers.  Leaves, tree stumps, lumber, plywood, fence posts, railroad ties, or garbage will not be collected. Residents or their landscapers can bring leaves to the Recycling Center at 52 Kanes Lane until June 1^st.  Brush is accepted year-round. Do not put brush curbside after a zone has been collected. Violators will be charged up to $750 for a separate, individual collection.  Leaves will not be collected until Fall 2012.

 

2012 Swim Club Registration
Middletown Township is accepting 2012 membership registration payments. The Middletown Swim Club will be operated by the New Jersey Junior Titans Hockey Team effective Summer 2012. Tennis will not be available. Fun in the Sun Summer Camp will available. Last year’s members receive FIRST consideration in RESERVING the Bathhouse or Cabana they rented in 2011 provided their application is received with FULL PAYMENT by April 30, 2012.  Registration is accepted by postal mail and in-person at the Recreation Department Administrative Office, 900 Leonardville Road from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Download application.

 

Save the Date!

• Summer Recreation Open House – May 5 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Croydon Hall
• Middletown Police Week Memorial Service – May 18, 11 am, Town Hall
• Reaching Out To Prevent Substance Abuse – May 24, Middletown Arts Center
• Memorial Day Parade, May 28, 10 am

Middletown Day 2012 – Saturday, September 29
Middletown Day 2012 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road. The Fall festival is slated to include live entertainment, a petting zoo, craft show, food court and a business and community organization showcase. Sponsors are needed.  Call the Recreation Department at 732-615-2260 for more information or click here for details on sponsorship opportunities.

 

Like Us on Facebook
Visit us at www.facebook.com/middletowntwp

Do you Tweet?
Follow us on Twitter @middletownnj

HSN Project Prom
2012 Sponsors

Buy Middletown
Business Directory

Calendar
http://www.middletownnj.org/calendar

Middletown Arts Center Classes and Programs
www.middletownarts.org

Middletown Library
Event Schedule

Middletown Police
Activity Reports

Middletown Recreation facilities
Download the 2012 Permit Application

Middletown Senior Center
Special Events

Poricy Park Camps and Programs
www.poricypark.org

___________

Congressman Pallone Statement to Interior Department Opposing Testing for Atlantic Offshore Drilling

For Immediate Release:

April 27, 2012

Atlantic City, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone submitted the following statement for the Department of Interior Public Hearing in Atlantic City, NJ on Programmatic Environmental Impact Study on Seismic Testing in the Atlantic Ocean:

Thank you for having this having this public hearing.  I am in Washington, DC voting today and therefore could not appear personally.  I am glad that the public has this opportunity to inform and shape how the Department of Interior proceeds on the important issue of offshore drilling. 

I am totally opposed to offshore drilling off the Atlantic Coast.  My opposition includes any preparatory steps including seismic testing in our waters off the AtlanticCoast.  The time and resources that the Department of Interior is allocating to seismic testing could be better used on higher priorities that will allow us to move away from dirty fuels and faster achieve U.S. energy independence through renewables such as wind and solar power. 

We all know how important New Jersey's beaches are, not only to residents of our state, but also for countless visitors.  Our beaches are a tremendous resource for those who come here to enjoy them, and they are a huge economic engine for our state.  They're the primary driver of a tourism economy that supports nearly 500,000 jobs and generates $38 billion in economic activities for the state each year.

Seismic testing is the first step in the direction of opening up the Atlantic coast to oil drilling.  Most drilling off the Atlantic coast would be deepwater drilling just like Deepwater Horizon.  Yet in the two years since the BP spill none of the proposals recommended by the National Commission on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling have been put in place.  There have been no improvements in worker safety regulations that will help ensure that another blow out will not cost 11 human lives.  We need increased environmental review and planning that will ensure valuable fishing grounds and other ecological assets are not destroyed in the event of an oil leak. 

The Department of Interior must halt this process and reconsider its priorities in ensuring American energy independence.  The process you are embarking on will have severe consequences on our ocean environment, beaches, marine resources, and coastal economies in the short term and long term.  Thank you for listening to my comments and I encourage you to fully consider the public’s input here today. 

Middletown Republicans Obviously Don't know Their Neighbors As Well As They Thought

A couple of days ago I was contacted by a friend who received a recruitment letter in the mail from the Middletown Republicans. The Middletown GOP has been looking for bodies to fill County Committee seats and evidently they have been sending out letters to register Republicans around town as a means of identifying those that may be interested in joining their ranks.

"We are your neighbors here in Middletown and serve, respectively, as Chair and Vice Chair of Middletown's Republican Party. From your voting history we know you are a strong Republican..."

 I find this letter somewhat interesting for a few reasons.

First off, it is dated April 18th, 2012 and it was received by my friend on the 23rd, the cut off date for filling petitions for County Committee seats was April 2nd. I think they were a few weeks late sending out this letter.

Secondly, the tone of the letter is weak and seems as if the Middletown Republicans are groveling, almost begging people to join them after extolling all the wonderful things that the local republicans have accomplished:

"Do you think you might be willing to server as such a representative in your neighborhood? It does not entail much effort..."

"... if not, would you be wiIling to be a little bit more involved in your community by joining our Republican club or allowing us to put a campaign sign on your lawn?" 

Also, I would have thought that Middletown GOP Chairman Peter Carton would have been a little more careful about sending out political correspondences that contain his work email. Carton works for the Newark law firm Gibbons Del Deo Dolan and you would think that mixing business and pleasure (in this case recuiting locals to join his Republican Party) is an ethical No-No, but seeing how his corporate bio boasts of his political affiliations, I suppose his bosses condone his use of company resources to promote party politics.

Addtionally, this letter is somewhat funny to me. It just so happens that the person that this letter was sent to, changed their party affiliation a while back and hasn't vote Republican for years.

I think Peter and Chantal need to get to know their neighbors a little better in the future before sending out letters like this again, obiviously they didn't know this neighbor as well as they thought they did.

Pallone and LoBiondo Team Up to Bring Sports Gaming to New Jersey

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012

Congressmen offer bills that will allow the state to legalize gambling of professional and amateur sports

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) announced today that they are joining together in one concerted effort to expand sports gaming to New Jersey. A statewide ballot measure to amend New Jersey’s state constitution to allow sports gaming was overwhelmingly supported by New Jersey citizens by a 2-1 margin.

Both Congressmen Pallone and LoBiondo have separate bills to allow sports betting, but are working together in a bipartisan effort to gather support to bring sports betting to New Jersey.   The Congressmen issued a letter to Members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation asking them to support and co-sponsor both bills.  In the letter, Pallone and LoBiondo state that their bills represent different, but equally effective pathways of bringing sports gaming, and its associated revenue potentially amounting to billions, to the state.

The federal ban on professional and amateur sports betting enacted in 1992 currently prohibits states from implementing any new form of sports gaming. The Congressmen introduced two bills that that would provide for changes in the law that would allow sports gaming in New Jersey. H.R. 3081 would exempt New Jersey from current federal law and H.R. 3797, opens a window in which all states can enact a law providing for sports gambling in their state until January 1, 2016.  

“Sports betting is widely supported in the state of New Jersey, but federal law stands in the way of considerable revenues that will undoubtedly benefit the state,” said Pallone. “Both of these bills will enable us to bring sports betting to the state, and I look forward to working with my New Jersey colleagues to achieve this goal.”

“New Jersey has been clear about its intent to host sports-betting. Legalizing sports-betting would strengthen Atlantic City in the face of stiff competition, giving it an additional edge to attract visitors and critical tourism dollars,” said LoBiondo. “I appreciate Congressman Pallone’s partnership in gathering support for our effort to bring sports-betting to our state.”

In November 2011, New Jersey voters supported a ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to allow sports gaming at casinos and racetracks by an almost 2-1 margin. The state of New Jersey subsequently passed and the Governor signed legal sports betting into law, but federal law still prohibits sports betting in the state.

What Power Does An Alleged Felon Hold Over Monmouth County GOP Chairman Joe Oxley?

Monmouth County Republican Chair Joe Oxley has dumped the duly elected, loyal Republican committee and surrendered the ballot column to Art Gallagher's hand picked slate. In so doing he has removed loyal Republican Committee people from the same ballot column where this year's County and State Representatives will appear.

  

As the municipal chair of the Highlands County Committee I have been trying to get in touch with Mr. Oxley regarding suspected underhandedness that was brought to my attention.  Using phone calls and emails he finally responded that he would speak to me after Easter.  He did not.

 

My concern was that a sitting Councilman had indicated that he was going to run as an independent.  Mr. Oxley failed to get back to me and on April 13, 2012 he chose to remove the elected County Committee from the Republican line on the Primary Ballot and replace it with an entire slate submitted by Art Gallagher an alleged felon who may still have theft charges pending from the State of Delaware.  What power does Mr. Gallagher hold over Mr. Oxley?

 

I have been a loyal Republican for nearly 50 years and half of that time served as a Municipal County Committee member.  I am asking all Highlands Republicans to Stand Up for Highlands by voting for us in the June 5, 2012 Primary election. We can be found in column 5.

 

Thank you,

Carol Bucco

Chair of the Highlands Republican Party

 

NEW JERSEY CONSUMERS TO RECEIVE OVER $106.4 MILLION IN HEALTH INSURANCE REBATES THANKS TO AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012

(NEW JERSEY) – New Jersey consumers will receive $106,462,468 in health insurance rebates as a result of provisions of the Affordable Care Act, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report released earlier today.

“This year, New Jersey consumers will actually be getting money back from their insurance companies,” said Joshua Henne, New Jersey spokesman for Know Your Care. “This sort of rebate would have been entirely unheard of a few years ago. Thanks to President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, we can now come to expect this sort of transparency and consumer protection.  It’s nice to finally have someone on our side and looking out for the best interests of consumers.”

The Affordable Care Act requires that insurance companies spend at least 80% of premiums on patient care. This provision, the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR), guarantees that consumer premiums are going back to the consumers themselves – and not used for CEO bonuses or corporate retreats. Insurance companies who do not meet this 80% mark must pay rebates to consumers. The amount depends on the extent to which the insurer fell below that threshold.

The MLR provision is just one of many ways that the Affordable Care Act increases transparency and extends new protections to American consumers.  The rule went into effect on January 1^st, 2011. The first rebates to consumers will be issued this year. However, in the small group market, one insurer in New Jersey has already paid $18,934,071 in rebates to consumers.

****

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23^rd, 2010. Over the past two years, it has been a tremendous help to millions of Americans as this real reform lowers costs and guarantees more choice for consumers.  As additional provisions are implemented, ACA will continue to benefit millions more people. 

BUONO BILL PROTECTS WOMEN’S SERVICES DURING REORGANIZATION

For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2012

EDISON – Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) expressed serious concern regarding the Governor’s decision to downsize the Division on Women. She also announced legislation to ensure that at a minimum the Division’s programs and funding are maintained and preserved in the proposed reorganization.

Senator Barbra Buono

“The Division on Women has been a pioneering state agency for nearly four decades under the leadership of both parties,” Buono said. “While I understand and appreciate the need for better coordination of state agencies, I cannot allow these programs and the women they serve to disappear in the governor’s budget.”

The Governor’s plan would move the Division on Women from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and would reduce the status of the Division. Under the new Office on Women, several programmatic lines in the budget have been combined in Governor Christie’s budget proposal.

“In 2010, when Governor Christie cut funding for family planning centers, I called on him to preserve this Division as a clearinghouse of information and services for women. Now he is downsizing it and playing keep-away with the details.”

DCF Commissioner Dr. Allison Blake came before the Assembly Budget Committee earlier this month and admitted that the Division’s was in fact being downgraded.

Senator Buono is currently drafting legislation that would ensure that the existing programs and services are maintained by the Office on Women in the DCF. Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer) will sponsor an Assembly version of the bill.

“Commissioner Blake testified that ‘there would be no reduction in funding, services, personnel, or scope,’ but no proof of that exists in the Governor’s budget,” Buono said. “This bill ensures that the mission, programs, and funding of the Division on Women are maintained.”

“There’s no clear reorganization plan. Budget line-items for several programs have been removed,” Buono said. “The absence of facts is causing alarm at the ground floor–among the women the Division serves and the men and women providing these services.”

“Last budget cycle, Gov. Christie shocked a lot of people by cutting funds at the last minute for abused children at The Wynona Lipman House,” Buono said. “No one saw that cut coming and the Governor allowed the families and employees to endure uncertainty for two weeks while he was on vacation.”

“How do we know the Office for Prevention of Violence Against Women isn’t this year’s ambush on women and those most vulnerable in our state? This bill makes sure women’s services are not targeted politically,” Buono said. “There is a political war on women going on and these services cannot be imperiled. I know the Governor’s track record and I’m being proactive.”

The Division on Women was established in 1974 and has worked to fulfill its mission of creating promoting and expanding the rights and opportunities for all women the State of New Jersey. It is currently comprised of the Office on the Prevention of Violence Against Women and the Office on Women’s Policy and Research, Support, Employment and Training. Below is a list of programs currently managed by the Division on Women.

·                                 Advisory Council on Domestic Violence

·                                 Displaced Homemaker Programs 

·                                 Governor's Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence

·                                 New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women

·                                 New Jersey Women's Micro-Business Credit Program

·                                 NJ Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board

·                                 Rape Care & Prevention Program

·                                 Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Program

·                                 The Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline

·                                 Women’s Referral Central Hotline

·                                 Women’s Shelter Grants

Tax Cuts Fix Everything

(Hat tip to my Facebook friend Mario DeStefano)

Middletown Township Committee Meeting 4/16/12

This video is of the April 16th, 2012, Middletown Township Committee Meeting.  It was at this meeting that a public hearing was held to sell the Middletown Swim & Tennis Club, after which the Committee voted to approve the sale to the non-profit group New Jersey Junior Titans, Inc..



As a companion to the video, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Stop Bullying Now

This image shows the top half of the front page of The Sioux City Journal's Sunday, April 22, 2012, edition, featuring a full-page piece to an anti-bullying editorial after a gay teen committed suicide. The Sioux City Journal's front-page opinion piece calls on the community to be pro-active in stopping bullying and urges members to learn more about the problem by seeing the acclaimed new film, "Bully," which documents the harassment of Sioux City middle school student. Relatives have said 14-year-old Kenneth Weishuhn Jr. suffered intense harassment, including threatening cellphone calls and nasty comments posted online, after coming out to family and friends about a month ago. He died April 15 from what the local sheriff's office described only as a "self-inflicted injury." (AP Photo/The Sioux City Journal)

States In Northeast Cap And Trade Program Reduce CO2 20% Faster And Grow GDP At Twice The Rate of Other States

Just in time for Earth Day, Think Progress posted an article on Friday that gives credence Cap and Trade. Not only does the capping of carbon emissions and trading the credits work to reduce carbon polution, it has created $1.6 billion in real economic value and has not driven up electrical rates paid by consumers here in the Northeast.
Cap and Trade has also stimulated the investments in efficiency and renewable energy, which has lead to $1.1 billion savings for ratepayers.

Northeastern states participating in America’s first carbon cap and trade program have outperformed the rest of the country in GDP growth and reduction in global warming pollution.

That’s according to a new report from Environment New Jersey, which examined emissions data and economic growth indicators from 2000 to 2009.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a nine-state cap-and-trade market designed to reduce emissions in the utility sector 10% by 2018. A recent independent analysis showed that the program has already created $1.6 billion in economic value and set the stage for $1.1 billion in ratepayer savings through investments in efficiency and renewable energy. 

This latest report shows that states under the RGGI program saw a 20% greater reduction in per-capita carbon emissions than non-RGGI states — all while growing per-capita GDP at double the rate of the rest of the country....

Continue reading ....Here

Earth Day 2012

Happy Earth Day !

We need to take care of the Earth,it's the only planet that we have.

"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ~Native American Proverb


The Big Blue Marble
The following 4-minute film takes you around the world and into some of the most scenic wild places on earth -- from Norwegian fjords to southsea islands; from giant sequoias to towering mountain peaks; from urban stress to the quiet splendors of a coral reef. Throughout it celebrates the beauty and diversity of our planet. It asks us to celebrate Earth Day, every day! Earth Day: Take It To Heart

Oil Spill Amnesia

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's Newsletter:

Today marks the two-year anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. On April 20, 2010, the oil rig exploded, killing 11 workers. The platform soon collapsed beneath the water’s surface, but over the course of the following 87 days, more than four million barrels of oil spewed from the blown-out Macondo well, coating nearly 1,000 miles of Gulf coastline and temporarily closing more than 88,000 square miles of some of the nation’s most productive fishing grounds.

The Deepwater Horizon tragedy was a wake-up call, but some of my colleagues seem to have missed the sound of the alarm. In the two years since the disaster, I have offered bills to implement the safety recommendations of the National Commission on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. I also have introduced the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act to make sure that oil companies pay the full cost of damages resulting from future oil spills. Unfortunately, the Republican majority has refused to allow these much-needed reforms to be considered by the House of Representatives.

We owe the families of those killed two years ago a serious examination of the lessons learned in order to ensure that the ongoing drilling in the Gulf is as safe as possible. We owe the families and workers who depend on the coastal resources of New Jersey and elsewhere a promise that a similar accident will never take place off of their shores.

Free Student Aid Workshop on Monday, April 30
Do you have concerns about affording higher education? On Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m., I will be organizing a free Student Aid Workshop for high school students and their parents in conjunction with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and Rutgers University. The workshop will be held at the South Brunswick Public Library, 110 Kingston Lane in Monmouth Junction.

Experts will be on hand to offer information on financial aid opportunities at the federal, state, and campus levels, including Pell Grants, Perkins Loans, and scholarship programs offered by the State of New Jersey. They will also be glad to answer your questions and provide information about your own financial aid situation.
For more information, please contact Andrew Black of my staff at (609) 750-9365 or andrew.black@mail.house.gov.

Celebrate National Park Week: Visit Any National Park for Free
Wallace Stegner, the famed Western writer and historian, once said that national parks are “the best idea we’ve ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst." And next week, you’ll have the opportunity to visit any of America’s 397 national parks – and any of the hundreds of battlefields, historic places, and other associated sites managed by the National Park Service – without paying any entrance fee.

National Park Week 2012 runs from this Saturday, April 21, through Sunday, April 29. It presents a great opportunity to visit any of New Jersey’s national parks, including America’s newest national park, Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. Many other parks are within easy driving distance.

To learn more about National Park Week and to plan your trip, visit NationalParkWeek.org.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

President Obama's Weekly Address 4/21/12: Calling on Congress to Prevent Student Interest Rates from Doubling

WASHINGTON, DC—In this week’s address, President Obama called on Congress to act before student loan interest rates double for more than 7.4 million students, adding an average of $1000 to their debt. Having a college education has never been more important, but it’s also never been more expensive. While the Obama administration has taken historic steps to provide Americans with a fair shot at an affordable college education, Republicans in Congress have instead prioritized huge new tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. Congress has a chance to take action on what should be an area of bipartisan agreement to prevent this unnecessary and damaging increase in interest rates and give our young people a chance to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Congressman Pallone and Senator Menendez Vow to Protect Medicare for New Jersey Seniors

For Immediate Release:
4/20/12

BELMAR, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) met with seniors at Matisse in Belmar, NJ to discuss the future of Medicare, Social Security and the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  The lawmakers also talked about Republican efforts to end the Medicare guarantee and reopen the Medicare Part D “donut hole” by repealing the ACA.  Pallone and Menendez were hosted by Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty.

 “Republicans in Congress have launched an all-out assault on seniors,” said Pallone.  “Whether it’s through their budget, which ends Medicare as we know it and turns it into a voucher program, or their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which has done so much to make health care more affordable for seniors, Republican policies are hurting seniors.  Senator Menendez and I will continue to fight to maintain the programs that are so critical for New Jersey’s seniors.

” The Republican House Majority recently passed a budget that slashes $1 trillion from Medicare over the next decade and ends the Medicare guarantee, shifting costs to seniors by privatizing the program and creating a voucher system. Based on estimates, this would increase seniors’ health costs by over $6,000 each year.

The Affordable Care Act, which was eliminated in the Republican House budget, has already resulted in real benefits for New Jersey’s seniors. Almost a million New Jersey seniors have taken advantage of free preventative health services now covered under Medicare, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. New Jersey seniors also saved more than $95 million on prescription drugs in 2011 because of discounts provided for in the health care law.

 “Respecting seniors in this country means protecting Medicare and Social Security, not cutting them so we can give tax breaks to Big Oil Companies and tax cuts to billionaires who don’t need them. I can tell you that I will continue to do all I can in Washington and here at home to keep our promise to seniors,” said Senator Menendez.

When it was a game...

(Hat Tip to Jim over at the North Shore Blog) 

BUONO ISSUES STATEMENT ON NEW JERSEY JOB LOSS, URGES GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER VETO

For Immediate Release:
4/20/12

EDISON - N.J. Senator Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex) issued a statement in response to the New Jersey Department of Labor’s employment report for March 2012. The report shows the private sector lost 11,600 jobs with an overall loss of 8,600 jobs across the state.

“The jobs report from NJDOL underscores how fragile New Jersey’s economic recovery is.  Unemployment remained stalled at 9.0 percent for March, still higher than the national average and the highest in the region.  Now an additional 11,600 private sector jobs are off the books.   These recent job losses represent opportunities lost for our unemployed residents,” Buono said.

 “We must work together to create opportunities for job growth instead of seeing the governor veto and in the process, ridicule jobs bills passed at the end of the legislative session by referring to them as a “pile of crap”.

“This slackening of job creation in the private sector should serve as a clarion call to the governor to hold his fire before vetoing bills and refrain from deriding the Legislature’s credible initiatives to lift job growth and grow the economy.

Given the recent precipitous job loss in the private sector I urge the governor to reconsider his vetoes of the Legislature’s jobs creation package when these bills reach his desk again this legislative session.”

The Jersey Comeback

(Courtesy of New Jersey Policy Perspective)

While unemployment rates are going down nationally (8.2%) and regionally (NY 8.5%, CT 7.7%, Penn 7.5%) the unemployment rate is still stuck at 9% here in New Jersey. So much for that big Jersey Comeback which the Governor keeps talking about, New Jersey lost 8,600 jobs in March.

New Jersey Policy Perspective has a blog posting about it today.

Crime Scene Middletown: Juveniles Busted For Pot, Others For Underage Drinking And Other Recent Police Activity 4/12/12-4/16/12

Written and Issued by the Middletown Police Department
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - Arrests do not indicate convictions


Adam Stranges, age 20, from Evergreen Terrace in Belford, NJ, arrested on April 15, 2012 by Patrolman Jason Caruso on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Keyport Municipal Court. He was held on $750.00 bail.

James Georgianna, age 20, from Hudson Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 14, 2012 by Corporal Richard Fusella for Shoplifting from the Foodtown Store. He was released pending a court date.

Steven Nalbach, age 51, from Hamilton Avenue in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on April 14, 2012 by Patrolman Ryan Riffert for Disorderly Conduct. He was released pending a court date.


Krystal Gonsalves, age 24, from Mercer Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on April 13, 2012 by Corporal Douglas Wiatrak for Simple Assault. She was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.


David Curiel, age 26, from Boyd Avenue in Jersey City, NJ, arrested on April 13, 2012 by Corporal Richard Fusella on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court. He was held on $1,500.00.


Janis Vanortwick, age 43, from Oakdale Drive in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 13, 2012 by Patrolman Brian Dilworth for Shoplifting. She was released pending a court date.

On April 14, 2012 Patrolman Nicholas Fenezia arrested a 17 year old male juvenile, a 17 year old female juvenile, and a 16 year old male juvenile, all from Roselle Park, NJ, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. All three subjects were released pending a court date.

On April 15, 2012 Corporal Douglas Wiatrak arrested a 16 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Theft. He was released pending a court date.

On April 12, 2012 Patrolman Robert McNair arrested a 15 year old female juvenile from port Monmouth, NJ, for Criminal Mischief and Simple Assault. She was released pending a court date.

On April 12, 2012 Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit arrested a 16 year old male juvenile and a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; a 17 year old male juvenile from Leonardo, NJ, and a 17 year old male juvenile from Middletown, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana; and a 17 year old male juvenile from Lincroft, NJ, for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Tampering with Evidence. All subjects were released pending a court date.

Alexander Hernandez, age 25, from Elm Avenue in Hazlet, NJ, arrested on April 15, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Jason Castillo, age 32, from Teasdale Road in Morganville, NJ, arrested on April 15, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Timothy Van Brunt, age 44, from Laurel Avenue in Keansburg, NJ, arrested on April 14, 2012 by Patrolman Stephen Greenwood on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court and on a warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court. He was being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in Freehold, NJ.

Susan Jackson, age 35, from Nautilus Drive in Leonardo, NJ, arrested on April 14, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne on a Contempt of Court warrant issued by the Tinton Falls Municipal court. She was released after posting $300.00 bail.

Frank McQuade, age 19, from Veronica Place in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 14, 2012 by Patrolman John Soltysik for Driving While Intoxicated. He was released pending a court date.

Lauren Farney, age 21, from York Avenue in Port Monmouth, NJ, arrested on April 16, 2012 by Patrolman James Beirne for Possession of under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Legend Drug. She was released pending a court date.

James Jelinski, age 44, from Delaware Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ, arrested on April 16, 2012 by Patrolman Anthony Dellatacoma for Criminal Mischief. He was held on $2,500.00 bail with a 10% option set by Judge Richard Thompson.

Brian Clancy, age 19, from Baldwin Avenue in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 16, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was released pending a court date.

Justin Salazar, age 20, from Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 16, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was released pending a court date.

Adam George, age 20, from Cherry Tree Lane in Middletown, NJ, arrested on April 16, 2012 by Patrolman Keith Hirschbein and Patrolman Brian McGrogan of the Quality of Life Unit for Underage Possession of Alcohol. He was released pending a court date.

Hubbards Bridge Replacement Topic Of Meeting

If you live in the vicinity of West Front Street and Hubbards Bridge this press release announcing a public meeting to discuss the bridge's replacement maybe of interest you. From what I've been hearing this replacement project is a mess and will do little to alleviate congestion into and out of the Middletown/RedBank area due to NJ Transits refusal to allow any up grading work to the West Front St/Bridge Avenue train tressel.

For Immediate Release:

RED BANK, NJ – The public information meeting about the scheduled replacement of Hubbards Bridge (S-17) over the Navesink River between Middletown and Red Bank is scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18 at the Red Bank Borough Hall, Council Room, 90 Monmouth St.

A second public information meeting will be held in Middletown from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on April 23 at the River Plaza Elementary School, 155 Hubbard Ave.

The public is invited to attend a presentation of the current project plans and ask questions regarding the bridge replacement project.

“This is an important project,” Freeholder Deputy Director Thomas A. Arnone said. “For people who are unable to attend the meeting they should visit the county website at www.visitmonmouth.com to learn more about this project. Written comments will be accepted through Wednesday, May 24.”

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering at 732-431-7760 or by email to engineer@co.monmouth.nj.us.

Foster's Name Surfaces for Monmouth Democrat's Vice-Chair

With all the attention being paid to who will be succeeding Victor Scudiery as the next Monmouth County Democratic Chairman, no one has mentioned or spoke about who will be running for the Vice-Chairmanship position when Democrats get together on June 12th to chose Scudiery's successor.

Historically, the vice-chairman position has been held by a woman and with so many strong Democratic women around the county to chose from, who will step forward to seek the postion is anyones guess; former Freeholder Amy Mallet, former Manalapan Mayor Michelle Roth and Keyport's Joy Tomczak are just a few of the names being past around.

One name that I know no one has heard of or thought of, is Middletown's Mary Foster.

Mary Foster has been a hard working County Committeewoman for years and has acted as Middletown's Corresponding Secretary for as long as I have been involved with the Middletown Democrats. And from what I understand, Mary has recently been chosen to be an Obama delegate at this years Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this September.

From what I understand, Mary Foster also happens to works in the offices of Scudiery Enterprises, which may give her a leg up on the competition. I also understand that she is a favorite of Vin Gopal, who is seeking to succeed Chairman Scudiery.

Look for her name to surface soon.

Pallone Welcomes Wounded Warrior to Long Branch Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Sgt. John J. Irwin III has joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.’s (NJ-06) Long Branch office to assist with veteran case work. Irwin comes to Pallone’s office through the Wounded Warrior Fellowship Program, which provides employment opportunities for wounded or disabled veterans within the House of Representatives in Washington DC and district offices.

Irwin served as an Airborne Infantry Squad Leader in the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and performed three tours of combat duty, two in Afghanistan, and one in Iraq. He received a Purple Heart and an Army Commendation Medal with "V" (Valor) Device for his service.

“As more men and women return to civilian life after serving our country, it is our responsibility to help make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Pallone. “I am very happy to welcome John to my staff, so we can best address the needs of veterans in our communities.

” Following his military service, Irwin dedicated much of his time to serving his fellow veterans. He volunteers as a Veterans Advocate for the Tip of the Arrow Foundation, where he assists veterans with employment placement and access to financial and medical resources. He also provides training to employers on how to accommodate wounded and transitioning warriors.

"When we serve, we promise to never leave a fallen warrior behind. Now that the uniform is off that should not change. I look forward to working in Congressman Pallone’s office to assist veterans in New Jersey, so we can ensure that we live up to our promise,” said Irwin.

Mtown News Flash 4-16-12

Traffic Advisory
Mtown-Lincroft Rd Construction: Road Closure April 16th-21st
Beginning Monday April 16, 2012, Middletown-Lincroft Rd will be closed between Dwight Road and West Front St between the hours of 9am and 3 pm. Any roadwork starting prior to 9am and continuing after 3 pm will cause delays due to lane shifts or alternating traffic. Drivers should follow the posted detours or plan alternate routes. The final phase of water main construction on the roadway is underway and can be expected to last through May 2012. Any questions regarding the closure should be addressed to the Police Department Traffic Bureau at 732-615-2045.

 

Public Information Center Meeting
Monmouth County Bridge S-17 (Hubbards Bridge)
W. Front St. (CR10) over the Swimming River

Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Red Bank Borough Council Room, 90 Monmouth Street, Red Bank

 

Monday, April 23, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
River Plaza Elementary School, 155 Hubbard Avenue, Middletown
Monmouth County is hosting two Public Information Center meetings regarding the replacement of Monmouth County Bridge  S-17, Hubbards Bridge.  The purpose of the Public Information Center meetings is to inform the public of the project status as well as to respond to any questions you may have regarding the project.  There will be a brief presentation of the project at approximately 7:30 p.m. at both meetings. These meetings are being conducted in conformance with Federal and State regulations. The public is invited and encouraged to comment on the project. Written comments will be accepted through Thursday, May 24, 2012.  Comments may be mailed or faxed to: Inkyung Englehart, Project Coordinator, Monmouth County Div. of Engineering & Traffic Safety, Hall of Records Annex, 1 East Main Street, 3rd Floor , Freehold, NJ  07728, Fax 732-431-7765; e-mail: engineer@co.monmouth.nj.us.

 

Home Rehab Grant Info Session April 19th
Fix Your Home! Interested Middletown Homeowners Wanted!
Do you need a new roof? Worried about an old heating system? Plumbing or electrical problems? Accessibility issues? If you are a Middletown homeowner, you may be eligible for home rehabilitation grant assistance from Middletown’s Community Development Program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).The Community Development Department will be holding a meeting for interested homeowners to find out more about the Program. The meeting will be held on Thursday April 19, at the Middletown Library-Main Branch, located at 55 New Monmouth Road, at 2:00 PM. Applications will be available at the meeting.  For more information, please call (732) 615-2281. For more information on HUD visit www.hud.gov. Grants of up to $25,000 are available to households that meet income limits. Read more

 

Beach Sweeps April 21
Clean Ocean Action will host their annual Beach Sweeps from 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm at Ideal Beach and Leonardo Beach. Volunteers are needed to keep our beaches beautiful. Ideal Beach is located off Bayside Parkway, Middletown, NJ 07748. Leonardo Beach is located off Beach Avenue, Leonardo, NJ 07737

 

Brush Collection Update

Zones	Approximate Start Date	Status
A & B	March 19	Completed
C & D	March 26	Completed
E & G	April 2	In Progress
J & L	April 16	Not Started
I & K	April 23	Not Started
F & H	April 30	Not Started

Please don’t place material at the curb earlier than seven days before a zone’s start date as doing so creates a hazard for pedestrians and drivers.  Leaves, tree stumps, lumber, plywood, fence posts, railroad ties, or garbage will not be collected. Residents or their landscapers can bring leaves to the Recycling Center at 52 Kanes Lane until June 1^st.  Brush is accepted year-round. Do not put brush curbside after a zone has been collected. Violators will be charged up to $750 for a separate, individual collection.  Leaves will not be collected until Fall 2012.

Visit www.middletownnj.org/collection for collection updates. Call 732-615-2008 for more information.

 

American Water Spring Flushing
The utility company is conducting Spring Flushing through April 20. Read more.

Website: New Jersey American Water  Customer Service: 1-800-NJ AM WTR (1-800-652-6987)

 

Wednesday, April 25, 6:00-9:00 pm
Business to Business Night
Meet and greet fellow Middletown business owners in a relaxed atmosphere at the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street. There will be a light buffet with open networking. The 4^th annual event is free and open only to Middletown-based business owners. Space is limited. RSVP to Event Chair Lori Anne Oliwa at middletownbusinessevent@yahoo.com. The event is hosted by the Community Affairs Council and the Middletown Business Association. B2B is sponsored by Whole Foods of Middletown, CMDS, The Write Angles Public Relations and Gateway Press LLC.

 

Got Drugs?
Prescription Medication Collection
April 28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm
Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway
Turn in unwanted or expired medication for safe disposal to the Middletown Police Department. The collection is part of the National Take Back Initiative. Call 732-615-2039 for local information. Call the DEA at 1-800-882-9539 for program inquiries. MEDICATIONS ONLY, NO NEEDLES PLEASE

 

Township Committee Special Meeting – Budget Hearing
April 30, 6:00 pm, Town Hall
An Open Public Meeting of the Township Committee is scheduled for April 30, 2012 in the Main Meeting Room at 6 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a budget hearing.

 

2012 Swim Club Registration
Middletown Township is accepting 2012 membership registration payments. The Middletown Swim Club will be operated by the New Jersey Junior Titans Hockey Team effective Summer 2012. Tennis will not be available. Fun in the Sun Summer Camp will available to members at a weekly rate. Last year’s members receive FIRST consideration in RESERVING the Bathhouse or Cabana they rented in 2011 provided their application is received with FULL PAYMENT by April 30, 2012.  At this time registration is accepted by postal mail and in-person at the Recreation Department Administrative Office located at 900 Leonardville Road from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Download application

 

Middletown Summer Recreation Open House
Saturday, May 5 9:00 am to 11:00 am
The Recreation Department is gearing up to offer a new and expanded Summer Recreation Program June 25th through August 3rd that includes themed activity weeks. Summer Recreation will be offered at four locations - Croydon Hall, Thompson Middle School, Thorne Middle School, and the Tonya Keller Community Center. Parents will be able register children for one or more weeks and take advantage of an extended aftercare option. Beginning this year, registration will be based on the grade the student will be entering this fall. Registration will begin in late April. Registration will be accepted online and in-person at Croydon Hall Administrative Office, 900 Leonardville Road, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration will also be accepted at the Summer Recreation Open House on Saturday, May 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 am at Croydon Hall. Watch the website for registration start dates or call 732-615-2260 for more information.

 

Save the Date!
Middletown Police Week Memorial Service – May 18, 11 am, Town Hall
Reaching Out To Prevent Substance Abuse – May 24, Middletown Arts Center

Middletown Day 2012 – Saturday, September 29
Middletown Day 2012 will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road. The Fall festival is slated to include live entertainment, a petting zoo, craft show, food court and a business and community organization showcase. Sponsors are needed.  Call the Recreation Department at 732-615-2260 for more information or click here for details on sponsorship opportunities.

 

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