Monmouth Disaster Recovery Centers to Remain Open Until April 1st.

LONG BRANCH, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Leonardo and Union Beach, which were scheduled to close February 28th and March 5th, respectively, will remain open until April 1st. Pallone sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA), Craig Fugate yesterday calling on him to halt the planned closure of the DRCs, citing the needs of many Monmouth County residents still requiring assistance registering with the agency and making claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“I called on FEMA to keep the DRCs open because I have talked to too many families that still need help to justify shutting them down,” said Pallone. “I’m pleased to learn that FEMA has agreed to my request and will continue to provide vital services that will help residents get back on their feet from Sandy’s devastation.”

Pallone to FEMA: Don’t Close Disaster Recovery Centers and Extend Registration Deadlines, New Jersey Still Needs Your Help

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 28, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator (FEMA), Craig Fugate calling on him to halt the planned closure of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) located in Leonardo and Union Beach, which are scheduled to close February 28th and March 5th, respectively. DRCs have offered a variety of services for victims of Superstorm Sandy including serving as direct points of contact for residents to speak with FEMA representatives to register with the agency and make claims with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Pallone’s letter also called on FEMA to extend the deadline for New Jersey residents to register with FEMA, citing the extension already approved in New York.

“Too many in New Jersey are still suffering and need as much help from FEMA as they can get,” said Pallone. “The DRCs have served an important role in helping residents move forward with recovery and their closure is simply premature.”

Noting a previous letter sent to Administrator Fugate, Pallone also called on FEMA to address the slow and cumbersome process of advancing flood insurance claims. In his February 6, 2013 letter, Pallone told Administrator Fugate that, “It is simply unacceptable for residents of New Jersey, who have faithfully paid flood insurance premiums for years, to be left in the lurch when they need this assistance the most…I respectfully request that you take necessary steps within your power to cut the red tape and expedite the NFIP claims process so that New Jersey homeowners and businesses can begin the path to recovery.”

The following is the text of Pallone’s February 28, 2013 letter:



February 28, 2013
W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20472

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I write today regarding the planned closure of the two remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Monmouth County, New Jersey. My office was notified today that the DRCs in Leonardo and Union Beach will be closing February 28th and March 5th, respectively. I respectfully request that you continue operation of a DRC in Monmouth County so that residents and businesses can continue to meet with FEMA staff as they move forward with the recovery process. I also request that the FEMA registration period for New Jersey be extended for one month, which has been done in New York.

Much work remains to be done to help homeowners and businesses recover from the historic damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. While I understand the registration deadline is approaching, many residents still have questions about their settlements and claims that require the assistance of FEMA representatives. These DRCs also serve as a local hub for all recovery activity in the area, with volunteer groups and local officials based nearby so residents can have their issues addressed all in one place.

Further, I am still seriously concerned about the slow pace at which National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims are being paid out in New Jersey. I have yet to receive a response to the letter I sent to you on February 6th outlining several problems my constituents are facing with delays in processing NFIP claims. As of last Friday, according to FEMA data, over 24,000 claims remain open in New Jersey.

Homeowners and business owners in New Jersey are still struggling as they work to rebuild after this devastating storm. I believe it is the responsibly of FEMA to be present in the community to help them as this process moves forward.

Sincerely,



FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress

Mtown Newsflash 2-1-13

Seasonal Job Opportunities
Applications Accepted Beginning Saturday, 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.


High School Scholarship Contest
High school juniors and seniors who live in Middletown are invited to submit essays about their local government for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship in the 2013 Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.

The scholarship is offered through a joint venture between local mayors and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. The contest is open to any high school junior or senior who lives in Middletown. Each student must write an approximately 500-word essay on the theme, “What My Mayor and Governing Body Do Best,” to be included in the contest. The theme is chosen by the state League of Municipalities, said Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger.

All essays must be received by March 8, 2013. Read more

2013 Scholarship Application


New Hours
FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)
Saturday hours for New Jersey disaster recovery centers will change to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 2. Monday through Friday the hours will remain 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center|, 945 Highway 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737

New Hours
Croydon Hall Relief Center
Wednesday and Saturdays Only 10am to 2:00 pm
900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo NJ 07737
Clean-up supplies, non-perishable food items, clothing & personal essentials
Keep Updated: www.facebook.com/croydonhallreliefcenter
VOLUNTEER: please click here http://vols.pt/hEK3M7 and sign up for a shift


2013 Ski/Snowboard Trip Registration Open!
Like to Ski? Interested in learning how to Snowboard? Join the Middletown Recreation Department on a trip to Camelback Mountain Resort (Tannersville, PA) on February 9th or February 23rd. Trips are open to all Middletown residents. Children under 13 years of age must have a parent/guardian present. Registration is ongoing until all slots are filled. 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.



Help Wanted: Part-Time Recreation Aide
Middletown Township is seeking part-time recreation aides for Tonya Keller Community Center to assist with recreation activities and preschool program. Must 18 or older, have a background in recreation and/or education, basic office skills, and be able work flexible hours including weekends. HS diploma req. Apply at Recreation Dept, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo 07737.


Sandy Recovery

Sandy Recovery Information Tips and FAQs
Americorps:www.facebook.com/AmericorpsReliefMonmouthCounty
Middletown Disaster Relief Fund www.middletownrelief.com
FEMA Assistance, SBA Assistance - REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO MARCH 1, 2013 www.disasterassistance.gov/ Find assistance, request assistance and track applications

SAVE THE DATE
Feb 2 – Season Job Applications Accepted – Senior Center, 10 am to 2pm
Feb 2 – Duprees and Planotones @ the MAC
Feb 9 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 14 – Tea & Chocolate Tasting – Library, 7pm
Feb 23 - Ski/Snowboard Trip
Feb 23 – Poricy Park Summer Camp Open House – 2-4p
March 1 - FEMA Registration Deadline
March 3 – MAC Open House 1-4pm
March 23 – Eggstravaganza
Oct 25 - Halloween Hullabaloo
1st & 3rd Saturday Monthly – Mayor’s Office Hours – 10 am to noon, Town Hall.