Mtown News Flash 1-18-13

2013 Mayor's Open Office Hours Begin Jan. 19
Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger generally holds open office hours the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 am to noon at Town Hall, 1 Kings Highway. Visitors are seen on a first-come basis. Residents can also contact the Mayor's Office at 732-615-2024 during regular business hours or through the township’s website at www.middletownnj.org

As part of Middletown’s annual Organization Day, Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger was selected to serve as Mayor and Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray as Deputy Mayor for 2013. Read more


Free Seminar: Sandy’s Impact on Your Federal Taxes – Jan 21st
H&R Block will be conducting an informational seminar on Super Storm Sandy and its impact on your federal taxes on Monday, January 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Middletown Arts Center on Church Street next to the Middletown Train Station. The seminar is open to the public and free of charge.

Sandy Recovery
Croydon Hall Relief Center Hours
The main distribution center for the town at the Croydon Hall Gym. Croydon Hall Relief Center (900 Leonardville Road in Middletown) is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm. Clean-up supplies, non-perishable food items, clothing and personal essentials are being distributed to residents as they recover from Superstorm Sandy. The Center is closed January 21 in observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday

Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/croydonhallreliefcenter

Americorps Is Here to Help
www.facebook.com/AmericorpsReliefMonmouthCounty

Americorps is now stationed at the Croydon Hall Relief Center. If you need assistance with storm clean up, they are available to help. They offer free labor and clean up assistance, gut outs and other tasks related to storm damage. They have individuals who are trained in mold removal, sheetrock installation and spackling. Please contact Americorp directly at 609.508.2500, americorpsmonmothcounty@gmail.com or visit them at Croydon Hall.

Middletown Disaster Relief Fund
The Mayor and Township Committee has established the Middletown Disaster Relief fund to directly assist the hardest hit residents of our Bayshore. Please visit the website for information on how to apply and donate www.middletownrelief.com.


Seasonal Job Opportunities
Applications Accepted Beginning Feb 2
Looking for a fun job this summer? Come work for Middletown Township! The Recreation Department Recreation is looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates for our Summer Recreation Program. Lifeguarding positions are also available for our beaches – applicants must be a certified lifeguard from an accredited agency. The Public Works Department is seeking candidates to work in Maintenance – Parks, Roads, Buildings and Automotive.

Applications will be accepted beginning Saturday, February 2 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Croydon Hall Senior Center, 900 Leonardville Rd. After that day, return recreation applications to the Recreation Office, 900 Leoanardville Rd, Leonardo and maintenance applications to Public Works, 52 Kanes Lane, Middletown. Download applications from www.middletownnj.org. Go to Forms and Resources then Parks and Recreation to access application


2013 Ski/Snowboard Trips Now Open!
Like to Ski? Interested in learning how to Snowboard? Join the Middletown Township Department of Recreation on a trip to Camelback Mountain Resort (Tannersville, PA).

Trips are open to all Middletown residents, any age! Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Parent/Guardian not required to ski. Helmets are required for anyone under 18 years of age. If you do not own one, you must rent one.

All trips leave from the Town Hall parking lot (1 Kings Highway, Middletown) at 6:00am SHARP. The lifts open at 8:30am. All participants are REQUIRED to check in with a Recreation Department staff member in the CBK Lodge between 12:00pm – 1:00pm. All participants are required to be on the bus ready to leave at 4:00pm SHARP. The expected return time is 6:30pm. Any participant failing to follow these procedures will not be permitted on future trips with the Department of Recreation.

Registration has begun and will be on going until filled. All trips are first come, first served. Sign up for one or both trips. If needed, a waiting list will be generated. Registration can be done via mail or in person at the Croydon Hall Administrative Office, Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Visit www.middletownnj.org, go Recreation, then special events to download registration form.


Bray Avenue Bridge in Port Monmouth Closed
Monmouth County’s bridge on Bray Avenue over Pews Creek Port Monmouth is closed in the interest of public safety. While only the bridge is closed, traffic between Main Street and Thompson Avenue is being detoured. Bray Avenue will be open to local traffic only. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Pedestrian access will continue. Detour signs have been posted. Prior to the closure, Monmouth County had been in the process of preparing plans and specification for the replacement of the 60-year old bridge. Read more


Seeking Employers for Youth Job Fair
Middletown's 22nd annual Youth Job Fair will be held Wednesday, April 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at High School North, located at 33 Tindall Road. The event. which is organized by Middletown Community Affairs Council, will bring together Middletown youth and employers to explore the possibility of full-time and part time job placement at no cost to the student or employers. Employers interested in participating can contact Mitch Gotesky at 732- 915-2445 or John Giordano at 732-996-7495.


Sandy Recovery Information Tips and FAQs

FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations
Superstorm Sandy Information

FEMA Assistance - Register By January 30, 2013
www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center
945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737


RESOLVE TO EXPLORE THE ARTS IN THE NEW YEAR AT THE MAC
Class registration for Winter through Spring 2013 is now open at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC), located on 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ. The institution is encouraging adults and children of all ages and abilities to make 2013 the year to explore the arts. This past fall left many families with little or no time to spend together, but the Middletown Arts Center invites the public to visit its 23,000 square-foot arts facility for some much needed rest, relaxation and entertainment.

The Middletown Arts Center’s arts programming allows members and non-members to discover their inner artist, musician or dancer and also offers children unique activities to explore their imagination and express themselves. The classes offered for children include Doodle Dude’s cartooning and animation, musical theatre fun, puppetry, fashion design, guitar, dance classes for boys and girls, kiddie rock concerts and music lessons with Miss Sherri and much more. There are also exercise classes available for adults looking to carve out some time to de-stress in the New Year. Classes include Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga, Hula Hooping, authentic Argentine tango, Irish-step, tap and ballroom dance.

For individuals and families in need of financial assistance due to Sandy, please contact Maggie O’Brien, the Middletown Art Center’s Executive Director, at 732-706-4100 and she will discuss opportunities for discounted programming. MAC members also receive discounts on classes and camps throughout the year.

Join the Middletown Arts Center Team The Middletown Arts Center is currently looking for artists and educators to join its team. Individuals who are interested can contact Maggie O’Brien at 732-706-4100. The MAC is currently looking to expand its programing by offering classes in adult crafts such as jewelry, beading, fiber and photography, as well as children’s classes in film making, animation, advanced art, drawing and arts and crafts.

Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.


Save the Date
Jan 30 - FEMA Registration Deadline
Feb 2 – Season Job Applications Accepted
Feb 9 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 – Poricy Park Summer Camp Open House – 2-4p
March 23 – Eggstravaganza
Oct 25 - Halloween Hullabaloo
1st & 3rd Saturday Monthly – Mayor’s Office Hours – 10 am to noon, Town Hall.

Mtown News Flash 12-21-12

Storm Recovery Information Tips and FAQs

FEMA Advisory Base Flood Elevations

Superstorm Sandy Information

www.disasterassistance.gov/
Find assistance, request assistance and track applications

Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until January 30, 2013 to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Association

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) REVISED HOURS
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays
Chrismas Eve December 24 - 9 am to 1pm

Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Highway 36, LEONARDO, NJ 07737
Services: VA, Legal Referrals, Health, Crisis Counseling, Aging, USACE, Web Registration, Insurance, Hazard Mitigation, Housing Assistance, EPA, HHS, ONA, NEFRLS, Federal Other, FEMA Other, State/Local Other, USDA, SBA Home Loan, Information, HUD, National Council on Independent Living, Housing Services, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Volunteer Organization, IRS, HOPE Coalition America, Other, SSA, Teleregistration, DUA, Fax, Copy, Phone useSBA Business Loan.

Middletown Disaster Relief Fund - www.middletownrelief.com
Donations are tax-deductible. 100% of donations go to Middletown families

Christmas, December 25
Municipal Offices are closed on December 25.

Happy Holidays!

Mtown News Flash 9-30-11

Dog Rabies Clinic October 1

The Middletown Health Department will hold a free rabies clinic for dogs only at the overflow parking lot on the corner of Kings Hwy and Penelope Lane on Saturday October 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to all residents of New Jersey. All dogs must be on a leash. Middletown residents may renew and or apply for new licenses - proof of neutering must be supplied for reduced fees. Please bring proof of any previous rabies vaccinations.

Fall Recreation Class Registration
The Middletown Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is currently accepting registration for youth and adult classes offered this fall. Adult classes include computers, karate and volleyball. Youth classes include Computer Explorers, ceramics, bowling and gymnastics. Registrations are accepted on-line, by mail and at the Parks and Recreation Office, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo. Call 732-615-2260 for details. Online Registration - https://parkpay.middletownnj.org/vsiwebtrac.html

FEMA Disaster Recovery Center open Mon-Sat
Assistance Claims must be filed by October 31
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Monmouth County Park System's Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center, 945 Route 36 will be processing claims from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The office will be closed on Sundays effectively immediately

Monmouth County residents and business owners whose properties sustained damage as a result of Hurricane Irene are also reminded to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster assistance no later than Oct. 31.

Before visiting the DRC, residents and business owners who sustained losses should register online anytime at www.disasterassistance.gov or www.fema.gov or via mobile phone application m.fema.gov. You can also register by phone between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily to 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or for the speech or hearing impaired, TTY 1-800-462-7585.

After registering for FEMA assistance, claimants should receive notification by mail within 10 days on whether they qualify for federal disaster assistance. If eligible, the letter explains how much the grant will be, and how it is intended to be used. You should keep receipts and other documentation for at least three years as proof the funds were spent as intended. If ineligible – or if the grant amount reads "0" – you may still qualify. The denial may just mean the application is missing information or that you missed an appointment with an inspector. FEMA recommends that you consider the appeals process.

The Oct. 31 deadline also applies to loan applications submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program. Additional information is available at www.sba.gov or 1-800-659-2955. Other storm recovery information and links to FEMA resources are available on the Monmouth County Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com

Police Advise Residents to Lock Car Doors
The Middletown Police Department has warned township residents to lock their car doors and to remove their car keys and any valuable items from their vehicles. Most of the burglaries and thefts from vehicles occur when residents leave them unlocked. "Cherry Picking" is the practice of walking through randomly chosen neighborhoods and checking vehicles in order to identify those that are left unlocked. Once a thief locates an unlocked car he or she will enter the vehicle and remove any items of value.

Police also warn residents to remove any of value from their vehicles such as keys, money, cell phones, computers, etc. Recently, there have been numerous thefts from vehicles where the suspects have only removed the vehicle's keys. This permits the thieves to return to the area at another time and possibly steal the car.

Almost all of the car burglaries, thefts from vehicles and actual stolen cars occur in vehicles that have been left unlocked. The simple process of locking your doors, even when the vehicle is parked at your home, and removing valuable items from your car, often discourages a thief from choosing your vehicle.

The Middletown Police Department requests that anyone with information in reference to any car burglaries or vehicle thefts to call Police Headquarters at (732) 615-2100 or the Detective Bureau at (732) 615-2120.

Written Comments on Oceanic Bridge Accepted Through 10/26
If you missed the chance to voice your concerns about the Oceanic Bridge at recent public information meetings held in Rumson and Middletown, you can still do so in writing.

The Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering has created and posted a form online that you can download and use to submit your written comments.

The public meetings were held to discuss the replacement alternatives of the Oceanic Bridge over the Navesink River between Rumson and Middletown, in accordance with federal and state regulations. The public is encouraged to voice their opinions on their preferred bridge replacement alternative. All written public comments will be included in the submission to the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

The forms, as well as the materials presented at the public information meetings, are posted on the Monmouth County website via this link.

Written comments will be accepted through Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Comments may be mailed or faxed to:

Monmouth County Engineering
1 East Main Street
P.O. Box 1255
Freehold, NJ 07728
Attn: Inkyung Englehart
Fax: 732-431-7765

Pallone Announces FEMA Briefings for State and Local Governments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2011

Long Branch, N.J. – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. Tuesday announced a schedule of public assistance applicant briefings to be conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The briefings will inform prospective applicants such as state and local governments of available assistance and eligibility requirements for obtaining Federal assistance as a result of damage from Hurricane Irene.

"I encourage local officials to take advantage of these briefings which will benefit towns in my district,” said Pallone. “FEMA will provide information that is critical receiving federal assistance.”

In the days since Hurricane Irene caused significant damage, FEMA has released $38 million in federal disaster assistance.

As of September 11, 2011 statewide, 31,400 individuals have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance, nearly $36 million in disaster assistance for housing needs has been allocated and more than $2 million in Other Needs Assistance (i.e. personal property, transportation, medical and dental expenses, funeral and burial expenses) has been allocated.

In addition to the Disaster Recovery Centers that are currently serving sixth district residents in Somerset, Union, Middlesex and Monmouth counties, FEMA will continue to open more of these centers.

There are three ways to register – go to www.disasterassistance.gov, to m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

Federal assistance became available after the president issued a major disaster declaration on Aug. 31. Assistance is provided for eligible damage from the Hurricane Irene and related flooding, Aug. 27 through Sept. 5, 2011.

Pallone’s staff will also be present at the following briefings to assist constituents.

Wednesday, September 14

1:00 p.m.
Middlesex County
Middlesex Fire Academy
101 Fire Academy Drive
Sayreville, NJ 08872
732-316-7104

1:00 p.m.
Union
Rahway Public Library
2 City Hall Plaza
Rahway, NJ 07065

Thursday, September 15

9:00 a.m.
Monmouth County
Monmouth County Fire Academy
1027 Highway 33 East
Freehold, NJ 07728

1:00 p.m.
Somerset County
402 Roycefield Rd.
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
908-725-5070