Thoughts On Middletown Day 2014

My hat goes off to everyone who helped put Middletown Day together and volunteered their time, without them the day wouldn't have been as successful as it was. The event was well organized and you couldn't ask for a more beautiful day.

However, I was a little disappointed. In years past there seemed to be many more people in attendance then were there on Saturday. I can remember being on the grounds of Croydon Hall and not being able to walk around without bumping or nudging into people. And parking, I didn't have a problem finding a parking space near Croydon Hall, not once but twice. My wife and son volunteered for the day and I walked around the grounds for an hour afterwards before leaving and coming back a couple of hours later. In all I spent about 5 hours at Middletown Day and just couldn't get over how few (relatively speaking) people were there. I was also surprised to see how many marked vendor spaces were unoccupied. Why was that? I couldn't tell you but it was noticeable. I know it seems like I am being nit-picky but this is all just an observation on my part.

While walking around the grounds I stumbled upon the Middletown 350 birthday cake that was donated to Middletown by the "Cake Boss" himself Buddy Valastro of Carlo's Bake Shop. The cake was set up in the Croydon Hall field house behind the "White House". If you didn't know it was there you'd have missed. It wasn't well advertised.  The cake itself was nice, it was pretty big but I wasn't overly impressed with it. I think it was too "busy" and looked a little sloppy even though a lot of work went into making it. After the cake was cut, I did taste a small piece of it. It was good, the cake was firm but moist and the chocolate filling was decadent, but over all it was very sweet. You couldn't eat much if you wanted.

Front view of Middletown 350 birthday cake from Carlo's Bakeshop

Rear view of Middletown 350 birthday cake from Carlo's Bakeshop

As I said above, my hat goes off to everyone who helped put Middletown Day together and volunteered their time. They did a great job!  Below are just few random pictures from the day.

UPDATE:

I forgot to mention that I stayed to watch the Beatlemania concert and watch the fireworks display. The concert was very enjoyable, you can't go wrong listening to the Beatles. It doesn't matter if the band interpreting the group does a good job or bad job at performing the legendary songs (and the Beatlemania band that night was good), it's the songs that matter and will always be timeless.  The fireworks were also very nice, the display lasted 15-20 minutes with some spectacular mid-air kabooms. It's too bad though that more people didn't stick around to watch. I'd say by that by the time the concert and fireworks started there were less that 300 people there. MM 9/30/14

Reminder Middletown Day Set for September 27

From Middletown Alerts:

Middletown Day returns to Croydon Hall on Saturday, September 27th from noon to 6:00pm followed by an anniversary concert and fireworks display.

Middletown Day 2014 is the pinnacle of a year-long celebration of the township’s founding 350 years ago. The fall festival will feature an anniversary cake created by the legendary Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, the Business and Community Showcase, live demonstrations, and an expanded food court. The Beatlemania Stage Show will begin at 6:00pm. A fireworks display follows 7:30pm to mark the close of the Middletown 350 celebration.

The Business and Community Showcase features local businesses, community associations and school groups that support Middletown. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the many businesses spread across the township’s 42 square miles and meet the volunteers that work so hard to make Middletown a great place to call home.

The day will also include family favorites such as bouncy houses and carnival games, children's activities, a craft fair, hayrides, live local music, a petting zoo, pony rides, Touch-A-Truck exhibits, and a tag sale.

Middletown Day has opportunities for family learning as well. Learn about nature and colonial times at the Poricy Park Conservancy exhibit; storm water pollution at the Clean Communities display; emergency preparedness at the Emergency Management tent; and fire safety in the Fire Department’s smoke house.

Middletown Day activities and exhibits will close at 6pm. The best place to view the concert and fireworks will be on the football field. A beach chair or blanket is recommended.

Middletown Day, which is sponsored by local business, community groups and individuals, will be held rain or shine. Free shopping bags will be given to the first 1,000 attendees.

Visitors should park at Bayview Elementary School or Kunkel Park and ride the free shuttle to and from the Middletown Day grounds. Continuous round trip shuttle services will be provided every 5 to 10 minutes. Parking very limited at Croydon Hall.

Visit www.middletownday.org for more details and a schedule of events.

Middletown Day Coming September 27th Sponsors, Volunteers Needed

From Middletown Alerts:

This year Middletown Day returns to the Great Lawn at Croydon Hall on Saturday, September 27 to mark the end of a year-long celebration of the township’s founding 350 years ago The fall festival will be held from noon to 6pm, followed by an anniversary concert and fireworks. The festival will feature a Middletown 350 anniversary cake created by the legendary Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, the Business and Community Showcase, bouncy houses, a food court and more. An outdoor concert begins at 6pm followed by fireworks at dark.

Sponsors are needed to help celebrate all that makes Middletown special. Sponsorships begin at $100. The benefits of sponsorship increase with the sponsorship. They include a place in the Business and Community Showcase, recognition in promotional materials and more. Donations are tax-deductible. Call the Recreation Department at 732-615-2260 or visit middletownday.org for more information.

Volunteers are also needed at Middletown Day. Civic, fraternal, community and school groups are welcome and encouraged to participate. Youth volunteers must be in the 7th grade or higher. Letters documenting community service are provided. Send an email to mtownvolunteer@middletownnj.org with volunteer’s name, phone number and email address. Please include grade level if volunteer is a youth. Call 732-615-2260 for details.

Middletown 350 Anniversary Gala, Parade & Time Capsule Celebration June 20-21

From Middletown Alerts:


Middletown Township is dedicating the third weekend in June to celebrating the township’s official founding 350 years in 1664. This jam-packed weekend features a formal gala, parade and burial of the Middletown 350 time capsule.

The festivities begin on Friday, June 20th at the Middletown 350 Anniversary Gala. This formal evening will be held from 7-11 pm at the Middletown Arts Center. Tickets are $85 and include two glasses of wine or beer, dinner, dancing, a preview of the Middletown 350 Time Capsule, casino tables, and more than more 30 prizes donated by local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at www.midletownarts.org or in person at the Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street. Call 732-706-4100 for details.

The Middletown 350 Parade and Time Capsule Celebration begins with a parade on Saturday, June 21 at 11 am at Middletown High School North, 63 Tindall Road. Hundreds of friends and neighbors will show their hometown pride by marching 1.6 miles along Tindall Road and across Route 35 into the oldest section of township, Middletown Village. The parade then continues along historic Kings Highway and down Church Street to Middletown Arts Center, 36 Church Street. On-line parade registration is closed. Call 732-615-2260 for information.

After the parade, a brief ceremony will be held on the lawn adjacent to the Middletown Arts Center to mark the burial of Middletown 350 Time Capsule. The ceremony is part of the Time Capsule Celebration. This family-friendly celebration begins at 11 am on the Arts Center lawn and includes live entertainment and children’s activities. Food, drinks and snacks will be available for sale.

Free parking for the Time Capsule celebration will be available in the main parking lot at the Middletown Train Station. Please remember that the parade route will be closed to traffic as it travels along Tindall Road, across Route 35, to Kings Highway and Church Street. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes late morning and early afternoon.

The 50-year time capsule will be surrounded by an “Anniversary Plaza” designed with personalized bricks. Donors who purchase a brick will have their special message be part of this beautiful plaza for years to come and also will help the Middletown Arts Council continue its mission of bringing enriching arts programming to the community. Those interested in purchasing a brick can download an order form at www.middletownarts.org or visit the Arts Center.

Whirl Construction is donating labor and equipment needed to install the plaza and assist with digging the hole for the time capsule. Marturano Recreation Company (MRC) is donating two benches that will be installed at Anniversary Plaza.

The Middletown 350 Committee reserves the right to cancel the Middletown 350 Parade and Time Capsule Celebration in the event of inclement weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather conditions, the Parade and Time Capsule Celebration will be moved to Sunday, June 22nd if weather conditions permit.

Visit www.middletownnj.org for a full list of Middletown 350 activities, memorabilia available for sale, and to learn more about the township’s rich history.

Military Shout Out May 24 at Thorne MIddle School

From Middletown's  website:
A Middletown 350 Event

The three Middletown middle schools, in conjunction with Middletown 350, will be honoring World War II veterans at Middletown Military Shout Out, on May 24, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The theme of this multi-faceted event is to “Remember, Educate, and Entertain,” culminating in an authentic World War II U.S.O. show performed by students from the Thorne, Bayshore, and Thompson middle schools.

Thorne Middle School, which houses the Battle of the Bulge Monument, will host the event. Special guests will include survivors of that battle and other World War II Veterans. The school is named for Corporal Horace Thorne, Middletown’s only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. The medal was awarded posthumously for Corporal Thorne’s heroism during the Battle of the Bulge. The Middletown Military Shout Out event is part of a series commemorating Middletown’s 350th anniversary.

Middletown Military Shout Out will feature three events, beginning with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Battle of the Bulge monument in front of the school. The Battle of the Bulge monument, previously housed at Fort Monmouth, was relocated to Thorne in May of 2011, with a re-dedication ceremony that included over 90 survivors of the battle. Next, attendees will be welcome to visit inside the school to see a “Wall of Heroes” and showcases of World War II gear and uniforms. There will be a special presentation by Mr. Frank McGinley, an artist who captures history through painting. Several of Mr. McGinley’s original paintings depicting the battle will be on display. The program will conclude with the U.S.O. show, which will take place outside, behind the school.

Veterans who wish to attend Middletown Military Shout Out should contact the school, at (732) 787-1220. Families and the general public are welcome to attend any part of the program, and need not contact the school. For the U.S.O. show, seating will be available for veterans and their families. Other attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Thorne Middle School is located at 70 Murphy Road, in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown.

Middletown 350 Brick Fundraiser: Volunteers Pave the Way for Arts Programming

For Immediate Release:


50th ANNIVERSARY BRICK FUNDRAISER LAUNCHES WITH PERSONAL MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM MIDDLETOWN ARTS CENTER VOLUNTEERS

CJ Marsini Performing (Credit: Tammy Marsini)

Middletown, N.J. (May 19, 2014) – The Middletown Arts Council is excited to launch a brick campaign to celebrate Middletown’s 350th Anniversary and raise funds for arts programming. A 50-year Time Capsule will be buried on the lawn at the Middletown Arts Center, surrounded by an “Anniversary Plaza” designed with personalized bricks. Donors who purchase a brick will have their special message be part of this beautiful plaza for years to come and also will help the Middletown Arts Council continue its mission of bringing enriching arts programming to the community.

The Arts Center’s Executive Director Maggie O’Brien has been thrilled to receive donations of bricks from several of her volunteers. “These are individuals who have donated their time and now their dollars to express their appreciation for the organization,” said O’Brien. “It’s touching to read their messages and realize just how much the Arts Center means to them. It’s also wonderful to see members of the community express themselves in these bricks.”

Nineteen-year-old CJ Marsini of Middletown stepped up with a brick donation. Marsini performed in the Arts Council’s first Talent Show at the age of seven. He has grown up on the Middletown Arts Center’s stage and has volunteered at the MAC in numerous capacities from performer to summer camp counselor. His mother, photographer Tammy Marsini, serves on the Board of the non-profit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council, which operates the Arts Center.

"I am so proud of CJ for everything he has accomplished and all that’s in store for him in the future," says Tammy. "The first time he performed in the Art Center's Talent Show he was very shy. Through the years, he continued to perform at the MAC and each time his confidence grew. I am grateful to Maggie and her team for always providing a fun, welcoming environment and for providing CJ with many performance opportunities to hone his craft. He considers the MAC his home away from home.” CJ will be leaving this fall to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. “It’s been an honor to see CJ grow into such a talented musician and wonderful young man,” says O’Brien. “Like so many children in our community, the arts played an important role in his life. When we nurture our children with arts experiences, they are equipped to succeed.”

To Kathy Rauffer and her late husband, Walt Rauffer, a pioneer in television broadcasting and engineering, the Middletown Arts Center meant more to them than just bricks and mortar. Walt donated his expertise and time to create the Art Center’s state-of-the-art theater sound and lighting system and worked the equipment for performances. The Rauffer Family purchased a brick in his honor.

“Walt started volunteering in 2007. He felt the organization was truly community focused and he loved the diversity there,” says Kathy. “With so many threats to the arts, Walt wanted others to see the value the Arts Center offered, and he praised its value every chance he had. He wanted people to embrace it, and get behind everything it offered.”

Walt was Technical Director for the Children’s Television Network’s Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and many other commercial sets. He worked with stars like Big Bird, Jim Henson and the Muppets, Mr. Rodgers and Bill Cosby. Highlights from Walt’s career include the creation of the first mobile news truck, the creation of Sesame Street’s first tape room at its 81st Street Theater set, and a 1978 Emmy Win for “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” According to Kathy, “Walt told me that when he graduated from RCA Institute and told his father he was getting a job in television, his father said “Why don’t you get a job in something that will last?” Walt just knew when something felt right and had the potential to grow and take off. That’s the way he felt about the Middletown Arts Center –he knew it would succeed. ”

The Arts Center relies on donor contributions to maintain its affordable, year-round arts and cultural programs. In 2013, the MAC boasted over 60,000 visits from area residents of all ages and abilities. Those interested in purchasing a brick can download an order form at www.middletownarts.org or visit the Arts Center.

The public is invited to the Time Capsule Celebration on June 21. This free, family friendly event will feature a parade, the burying of the Time Capsule, entertainment and more! Brick donors will be recognized at this event and the “Anniversary Plaza” will be dedicated later in the year.

March in the Middletown 350 Parade June 21st!

From Middletown Alerts:

Get your walking shoes ready for the Middletown 350 Parade and Time Capsule Celebration on Saturday June 21st. Community and school groups, families and located businesses are invited to participate in this very special parade designed to celebrate the township’s founding 350 years ago in 1664.

The parade begins at 11 am at High School North on Tindall Road and ends at the Middletown Arts Center where the Time Capsule Celebration will be held. The free celebration include entertainment, food vendors, family activities and of course burial, of course burial of Middletown time capsule on the Arts Center's grounds. The 50-year time capsule will be surrounded by an "Anniversary Plaza" designed with personalized bricks that are being sold by the Middletown Arts Center and will be installed later this year.

Pre-registration is required to participate in the parade. Participation for community groups, schools, families is free. There is a $50 participation fee for businesses. Online registration begins tomorrow, via our Community Pass website: https://register.communitypass.net/Middletown. For more information or questions, please call 732-615-2260.

Middletown 350: Navesink Hook and Ladder Fire Company Open House

From Middletown Alerts:


Saturday January 11th, noon to 2 pm
In celebration of Middletown's 350th anniversary, Navesink Hook and Ladder Fire Company will host an open house on Saturday, January 11th from noon to 2pm. Station 1 is the township's oldest fire company and was established in 1886. Stop by to meet some of our brave volunteer firefighters while the kids check out their fire engines.

Navesink Hook and Ladder firehouse is located at 141 Monmouth Avenue. Bring your Middletown 350 passport to get your cancellation mark as a memento of your visit.. Passports will also be available for sale at the firehouse for $5 each.

Middletown 350: Video Living History Project

Don Watson
Chairman, Middletown Democratic Party



Middletown Township has been advertising the celebration of its 350th anniversary this coming year. The following is an excerpt from promotional materials on the township website:

“A series of programs and special events are scheduled to celebrate the township's founding in 1664...If your organization is hosting any special events with a historic focus between September 2013 and September 2014, we would like to include them in the Middletown 350 listing. Please fill out the form attached and return it by July 1, 2013 for possible inclusion in printed materials. Postings for the web and social media should be sent at least two weeks in advance.”

The Middletown Democratic Party submitted the required form in June of 2013 to notify the Township of our intentions to provide non-partisan video interviews of residents in Middletown who have knowledge of the history of the Township. The video interviews would be personal accounts of historical events and how things have changed over time and would not include any political comments.

We believe Middletown residents have a wealth of knowledge that would provide a living history of the Township. When a story is presented by the person that lived through it, it is always an added treat, so we encourage every resident to come and tell their stories of life in Middletown and how it has changed over the years. Leave your contact information in an email sent to middletowndems@gmail.com.

 The first video we submitted to the township is a brief history of VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth and includes how the VFW Post participated in helping township residents during the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. We invite you to view the video accounts of people’s lives to gain an appreciation of how Middletown has grown and changed over the years. This will be an excellent way for residents and non-residents to get a sense of how our community has changed over time.

Our concern now is that, as of this posting, we have not received any acknowledgement from the township regarding our application to participate in this celebration through submission of our video interviews. We sent a certified letter on November 8th requesting a response and so far have not received one. It appears that the Middletown 350 Committee does not consider the historic accounts of our residents worthy of inclusion. The Democratic Party of Middletown thinks these accounts are important, so we are participating in this historic celebration of our town by posting these videos for all to view. The first video can be seen below:

A History Of VFW Post 2179 And The Role It Played During Sandy

You can download a copy of the letter inviting participation in the celebration, as well as the application that was submitted by the Middletown Democratic Party in June, seeking to participate in the Middletown 350 -  HERE.


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UPDATE: 
There seemed to have been a problem with this video freezing on the YouTube server it has now been fixed and can now be viewed.

Middletown 350 Banner Sponsorships

Middletown Alerts:

Middletown 350 is a year-long celebration of the township'a founding in 1664. The community is invited to its show pride in our rich heritage by sponsoring a Middletown 350 banner. Banners are located along Kings Highway and Church Street in the heart of the township's oldest historic district.

Sponsorships costs $350 - that's just one dollar for each year that has passed since Thomas Whitlock officially purchased the first tract of land our beautiful township in 1664. Businesses, community organizations and familiies are welcome to participate. The text of your choice will be added to the bottom of a double-sided color banner through early 2015.

Download the Banner Sponsorship Form  >>>  Here

A Middletown 350 Halloween Treat: The Mystery of the Spy House

Here's a blast from the past that I originally posted in 2011. Seeing as Middletown has started to celebrate its 350 anniversary this year, a little local lore is in order for the day.

While looking for an interesting ghost story to post in honor of Halloween, I came across a real treat. I found a 2003 documentary posted on Youtube (posted in three parts and recently updated in 2010 ) that featured arguably one of the oldest, if not the oldest home in Monmouth County, the Whitlock/Seabrook House a.k.a The Spy House located in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown NJ. It is said that as many as 23 ghosts call the Spy House home.

The documentary features Psychic Consult Jane Doherty, who years ago use to give ghost tours of the Spy House during this time of year. I remember taking a tour of the old house years ago when Doherty was acting as our psychic tour guide. It was a fun night and enjoyable experience even though we didn't meet any ghosts first hand that night.

I also remember meeting Gertrude Neidlinger on a few other visits to the house, she really was a special person she always made you feel at home, and boy could she tell a story! Neidlinger pasted away in 1998.

The 4th video below is a more recent, updated story of the Spy House. It was posted online this past August 17th and contains a brief summary of the house's history (containing some clips from the original documentary) along with the results of a paranormal investigation that was performed at the site.

These video's were posted on Youtube by The Paranormal Rangers, I hope you enjoy them.

Your Lives, Our Town – a video history series

Share your memories about the changes in our lives and local landscape.

Middletown Township celebrates its 350th anniversary in 2014, and a year-long celebration is planned to commemorate it. Sharing pride in our mutual heritage, the Middletown Democrats are taking part by interviewing residents throughout our community.

The series of short videos will feature the stories of your friends and neighbors with familiar local establishments in the backdrop. Recordings will be provided to the Township for airing on the Township’s free cable television stations for residents’ enjoyment.

Residents who have lived in Middletown 50 or more years are encouraged to participate in this project, which is nonpartisan in nature. If you would like to take part or know someone who would make a great interview subject, please send an email to middletowndems@gmail.com or call 732-939-4751.

Thank you for contributing time and history to this documentary series.

August 19, 2013 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Here is the video of the latest meeting of the Middletown Township Committee that took place last week on Monday night August 19th.  It was a long meeting, a lot took place most notability was the comments made by Gerry Scharfenberger pertaining to the Township cutting back the hours of part-time employees to avoid having to comply with the terms of the Affordable Care Act. Scharfenberger's comments can be found at the 1:18:15.

Here are the points of interest from the meeting:

• The Township swore in 8 new police officers, declared September 28 Middletown Day and the beginning of the 350 year celebration of the founding of Middletown.
• An award was presented for the Middletown 350 logo contest conducted last Spring.
• September was declared Paint the town teal for ovarian cancer awareness.
• The Pt. Monmouth Fire Company presented the Middletown Disaster Relief Fund with a check and gift cards that will be used for a family in Oklahoma affected by the tornado, that the fund adopted.
• An ordinance was passed that authorizes the township to outsource payroll services.
• An ordinance was introduced that redefines the fees that are levied to use sports facilities in town.
• Another ordinance was introduced to regulate the type of signs businesses can use to advertise.
• Resolutions were adopted to increase the cost of the artificial turf field and to purchase equipment to convert the Conference Room into an emergency command center, among others.
• The mayor announced that part time employees' hours will be cut to avoid providing them with health insurance.
• Residents brought concerns regarding conditions on Beacon Hill Rd., Pine St., Texas Ave., events surrounding the recent library closings and how the Library Board operates, requirements surrounding woman police officers' working conditions and dedicated police impound yards.

As always, you can download a copy of the meeting agenda that contains the discussion items and 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.

Middletown 350 Events

From Middletown Alerts:


Middletown is turning 350 years old in 2014! To mark the occasion the Middletown 350 Committee is planning a town-wide, year-long celebration starting in September 2013. The growing list of celebration partners includes the Middletown Cultural and Arts Council, Middletown Fire Department, Middletown Historic Commission, Middletown Library, Middletown Recreation Department, Middletown Schools, and the Poricy Park Conservancy.

If your organization is hosting any special events with a historic focus between September 2013 and September 2014, we would like to include them in the Middletown 350 listing. Please fill out the form below and return it by July 1, 2013 for possible inclusion in printed materials. Event information received after July 1st will be posted to the Internet.

Middletown 350 Event Submission Form