May 2021
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY
Hazlet Township will hold the annual Memorial Day ceremony at 10 am on Monday, May 31 in the monument park next to the Cullen Center at 1776 Union Ave. More details about the ceremony.
HONOR HAZLET HEROES BANNER DISPLAY
This year's ceremony will be an opportunity to view the new Honor Hazlet Heroes banner display at Veteran's Park featuring the names of those who died in service to our nation, as well as veterans and actively serving military.
Hazlet Township Committeeman Skip McKay has announced that Provident Bank has stepped forward to sponsor a portion of the Honor Hazlet Heroes Banner Display.
Attractive red, white and blue banners featuring the names and photos of town residents will be displayed on light poles and the Hazlet Swim Club’s Wall of Heroes beginning Memorial Day, May 31 through Veterans Day, November 11. Provident Bank’s gift of $2,000 will pay for banners for all of Hazlet’s actively serving military members and those of Hazlet citizens who have perished in service to our country.
Township Mayor Tara Clark thanked Provident Bank for supporting the banner project, which will be seen by all visitors to the township’s busy park – including the Swim Club members, young day campers and visitors to the adjacent Town Hall. “Veterans Park will truly be a place for people to reflect upon the people in our town that have protected us, and our nation, for generations.”
“Provident Bank is pleased to be able to show its support for these brave men and women who supported our country when the need was its greatest,” said Heather Baker, Banking Center Manager, Provident Bank, 765 Poole Ave., Hazlet. “They answered our nation’s call, and we are proud to be able to honor them.”
Committeeman Skip McKay praised the bank for its generosity. “Provident Bank’s sponsorship is enabling a number of families to see their loved ones recognized that otherwise due to the pandemic, might not be able to afford the $100 banner. Hazlet is fortunate to have such a good corporate citizen in our community.”
The Honor Hazlet Heroes program is in its inaugural year and seeks to recognize Hazlet’s Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines (WWII) and Women Air Force Service Pilots (WWII).
Memorial Day & Swim Club
On Memorial Day Monday, the Hazlet Township Committee welcomes township veterans and Hazlet first responders, along with their families, for a free day at the Hazlet Swim Club. Identification will be required.
PUBLIC WORKS SUMMER HOURS
The Public Works Yard at 39 Leocadia Court is closed Memorial Day.
Please note the DPW Yard will begin summer hours. From Monday through Friday, the yard will be open 7 am to 2:30 p.m.; Saturdays 8:15 am to 1:45 pm. Through Labor Day.
HAZLET POLICE
The Hazlet police department hosted a regional active shooter preparedness exercise Wednesday, May 27 at Raritan High School. The scenario included a law enforcement response coordinated with other emergency responders and medical personnel.
The intent of the exercise was to improve the capabilities of the Bayshore Monmouth County Active Shooter Partnership, which includes law enforcement agencies in Hazlet, Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Brookdale College, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Matawan, Middletown, and Union Beach. The exercise also involved fire departments from Hazlet, as well as EMS agencies from around the Bayshore Region. Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, Monmouth County Fire Marshal, Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT) also participated in the event.
Hazlet Police Chief Ted Wittke said, "I think the most important thing that we can takeaway from this training is that we have identified tactics that worked, but more importantly what we can be doing better. We will continue to build upon those areas moving forward from here."
Hazlet Police thanked all the responders, many whom are volunteers, who attended the exercise. They also expressed gratitude to their partner, the Hazlet Township Public School District, for providing the facility to train in. Hazlet United Soccer Association provided the soccer complex for the first portion of the exercise. The RAINE Foundation provided food and beverages to participants on a very hot day.
Photos courtesy Charles Webster of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
MEETINGS
- The Library Commission met May 26. There is an outdoor book sale planned for next Saturday, June 5 from 9 am to 1 pm.
- The Township Committee Workshop meeting on May 25 was canceled for lack of quorum. The next meeting is June 7. As required by law, there will be a public hearing on the contents of the township's grant request from the DEP to improve 8th Street Park.
- The Open Space Advisory Council meeting on May 27 was also canceled for lack of quorum. The next meeting is June 24.
Coming to a park near you, the new Clean Communities Litter Bug! Purchased for $9,100 with Clean Communities grants, the 4-wheel drive Kawasaki Mule SX with hitch will be used by Clean Communities coordinator Ron Dente to clear trails, haul items and transport materials for repairs. "It really is going to help clean up Natco Park a lot," said Dente. "Now during clean-ups, volunteers can fill bags and leave them for pick up instead of hauling heavy bags."
There is another advantage too. In winter, the Litter Bug can be used by first responders to access people needing help in areas inaccessible to ambulances. This happened last winter, when two children were hurt sleigh riding in Natco Park.
The vehicle will be parked securely in the new Natco Environmental Building at 399 Middle Road.
COVID-19 VACCINES
Vaccines are available to residents at Brookdale Community College who are at least 18 years old and live, work or attend school in Monmouth County.
For over 18: Vaccines are available for residents who are at least 18 years old and live, work or attend school in Monmouth County. (Moderna) Site open Tuesday through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. More information: www.visitmonmouth.com.
RABIES AWARENESS
A Hazlet resident’s dog was bitten by a raccoon in its backyard on May 22. The raccoon has been captured by Hazlet’s animal control services provider, Middletown Animal Control. The raccoon has tested positive for rabies. The Monmouth County Health Dept. asks residents to take precautions. Read more.
- Signs that the Spotted Lanternfly has affected plants include:
- Plants that ooze or weep and have a fermented odor
- Buildup of sticky fluid (honeydew) on plants and on the ground underneath infested plants
- Sooty mold on infested plants
Inspect trees and plants for signs of this pest, particularly at dusk and at night when the insects tend to gather in large groups on the trunks or stems of plants, and inspect trees (in particular, tree of heaven), bricks, stone, and other smooth surfaces for egg masses.
If the Spotted Lanternfly is found, residents can go http://www.badbug.nj.gov/ to report a sighting. More info
The June 8 Primary election will be conducted primarily in-person. Registered party members will not automatically receive ballots by mail. The usual polling places in Hazlet Township will be open to anyone who wants to vote in-person using a voting machine. Mail in ballot applications are available. Ballottrax is available to track the status of mail-in ballots. All the details here.
HAZLET SWIM CLUB
Saturday, May 29 is the opening day for the 2021 Swim Club season. Unfortunately the weather does not look so great, but we have all summer to make up for it. Keep an eye on the Swim Club page for any weather-related closures.
The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit the Membership page for all the details on how to join.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is forming. Register a child for the team. More information.
BAND CAMP
A community band just for young musicians! It is called Hazlet Pops Junior. The campers will meet for a half-day on weekdays July 19 through 30 at North Centerville Firehouse, 372 Middle Road. For kids grades 4-8. Led by Raritan High School Marching Band's Ray Lahaye. Read more details and find out how to enroll.
HAZLET TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2021 SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Free enrichment and developmental programs for Hazlet residents. Offered Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10:30 or 10:30 to noon, beginning Tuesday, July 6.
Registration closes June 1. There is a 2 class maximum per student.
All programs will be taught by certified teachers and held at Raritan High School. Room assignments and confirmation of programs will be emailed by Monday, June 16, 2021.
Saturday, May 29 - Hazlet Swim Club Opening Day. The club is open weekends until June 21.
Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day Service at Veterans Memorial Park. Unveiling of the Honor Hazlet Heroes banners, music and brief speeches. Begins at 10am.
Saturday, June 5 - Library Book Sale outside the library at 251 Middle Road.9am to 1pm. More info.
Tuesday, June 8 - Primary Election. More info.
Saturday, June 5 - Free paper shredding for county residents at Keyport Fireman's Park. More info.
Monday, June 21 - Hazlet Swim Club opens for daily use.
Thursday, July 1 - Hazlet Pops community band free performance in Veterans Park "Patriotic Night: Honoring Our Heroes." 7 to 8 pm.
Thursday, July 8 - Hazlet Pops performs free concert "Give Our Regards to Broadway!" Location TBA. From 7 to 8 pm. Directly following the concert there will be an outdoor movie showing of Mamma Mia.
Thursday, July 22 - Hazlet Pops performs free concert "Back to the Classics." This is the Raritan HS Alumni Night Honoring Fred Mosher. Directly following the concert, there will be special performance from the Pete Wikul Band.
Thursday, July 29 - Hazlet Pops performs Cinema Spectacular! A special night featuring the Hazlet Pops Junior community band. Directly following the concert there will be an outdoor movie showing of the Disney movie, Moana.
Saturday, August 7 - Special fundraising event at Hazlet Swim Club to benefit RAINE and Hazlet Hope Foundations. 6 to 9 pm.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ACTION
At the May 18 meeting, elected officials:
- Introduced the 2021 Municipal Budget. A Powerpoint presentation and public hearing is scheduled for June 15. Copies of the budget are available in the office of the Municipal Clerk at the Municipal Building. It will also be posted on our website.
- Appointed Chris McManus to the position of full-time Recreation Director. McManus, who holds a Recreation Administration degree from Kean University, formerly served as the activities director at the Hazlet Swim Club and has experience with the Keyport and Middletown recreation departments.
- Agreed to pursue two competitive grants to improve 8th Street Park, located in the West Keansburg section of Hazlet. One is in the amount of $500,000 from the New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Urban Parks Initiative. The other is for $310,250 matching grant from the DEP. A public hearing on the grant is scheduled for June 7.
Note: The June 1 meeting has been rescheduled for June 7. All groups continue to meet remotely.
STAY IN TOUCH
Agendas and minutes of the Township Committee, Land Use Board and other councils and commissions are posted in the Agenda Center. As of today, all groups continue to meet remotely via Zoom.
Monmouth County law enforcement officials will partner with municipal first responders in the county’s Bayshore region to conduct an active shooter drill at Raritan High School in Hazlet on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. It is important to note, there will be no students or school personnel on the property during the drill, though administrators from the Hazlet Township Schools District will be present at the command post to add realism to the event and improve the school’s emergency planning.
“The drill will give municipal and county law enforcement and first responders an opportunity to train together during a realistic active shooter simulation,” said Hazlet Township Police Chief Ted A. Wittke. Read more.
Coming to a park near you, the new Clean Communities Litter Bug! Purchased for $9,100 with Clean Communities grants, the 4-wheel drive Kawasaki Mule SX with hitch will be used by Clean Communities coordinator Ron Dente to clear trails, haul items and transport materials for repairs. "It really is going to help clean up Natco Park a lot," said Dente. "Now during clean-ups, volunteers can fill bags and leave them for pick up instead of hauling heavy bags."
There is another advantage too. In winter, the Litter Bug can be used by first responders to access people needing help in areas inaccessible to ambulances. This happened last winter, when two children were hurt sleigh riding in Natco Park.
The vehicle will be parked securely in the new Natco Environmental Building at 399 Middle Road.
COVID-19 VACCINES
Vaccines are available to residents at Brookdale Community College who are at least 18 years old and live, work or attend school in Monmouth County.
Just for Teens: There will be a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for anyone aged 12 to 18 years old Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. until noon. (Pfizer) Book an appointment.
For over 18: Vaccines are available for residents who are at least 18 years old and live, work or attend school in Monmouth County. (Moderna) Site open Tuesday through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. More information: www.visitmonmouth.com.
The June 8 Primary election will be conducted primarily in-person. Registered party members will not automatically receive ballots by mail. The usual polling places in Hazlet Township will be open to anyone who wants to vote in-person using a voting machine. Mail in ballot applications are available. Ballottrax is available to track the status of mail-in ballots. All the details here.
HAZLET SWIM CLUB
The pools are filled with water in preparation for the 2021 Swim Club season. Visit the Membership page for all the details on how to join. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is forming. Register a child for the team. More information.
BAND CAMP
Announcing a community band just for young musicians! It is called Hazlet Pops Junior. The campers will meet for a half-day on weekdays July 19 through 30 at North Centerville Firehouse, 372 Middle Road. For kids grades 4-8. Led by Raritan High School Marching Band's Ray Lahaye. Read more details and find out how to enroll.
HAZLET TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2021 SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
See Course listings.
Free enrichment and developmental programs for Hazlet residents. Offered Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10:30 or 10:30 to noon, beginning Tuesday, July 6.
Registration closes June 1. There is a 2 class maximum per student.
All programs will be taught by certified teachers and held at Raritan High School. Room assignments and confirmation of programs will be emailed by Monday, June 16, 2021.
Saturday, August 7 - Special fundraising event at Hazlet Swim Club to benefit RAINE and Hazlet Hope Foundations. 6 to 9 pm.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ACTION
At the May 11 special meeting held outdoors at Veterans Park, the Township Committee:
- Promoted two police officers to their new ranks.
Joseph Forgione was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Tara Theis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Lt. Forgione will continue to work as the school security liaison while he is assigned to the patrol division. Sgt. Theis is the first female officer in the department history to be promoted to the supervisory ranks and she will be assigned to the patrol division. - Recognized Lt. Vincent Quinn, who recently retired from the force, for his 24 years of dedicated service. May 11, 2021 was proclaimed a day in his honor.
- Appointed Pastor Barry Mulligan as the Hazlet Township Police Chaplain. Mulligan will serve our police officers in times of crisis and support officers struggling with issues such as burnout, stress, and trauma. He will also assist the police and community with death notifications and crime victim support. He is the lead pastor at Hazlet Bible Church on Holmdel Road.
Chief Ted Wittke ended the ceremony with a congratulations to all and thanked the Township Committee for their continued support. He also thanked the great residents of Hazlet for their unwavering support during these recent times.
LAND USE BOARD MEETING
At the May 6 Land Use Board Meeting, the members heard two proposals that generated interest from the public.
- Monmouth Jet Ski LLC., 53 N. Park Ave. (Block 2, Lot 1 & 6.01, IM zone) is seeking preliminary and final site plan approval for a jet ski rental business on the site. The testimony will continue at the June 3 meeting with additional information about operation and engineering. There will be an opportunity for public comment.
- A carryover case from Ronko Developers, Munro Avenue (Block 39, Lot 14, R-70 zone.) The applicant proposes to construct a new single family dwelling on an undersized lot. Variances requested for lot area, lot width, lot frontage and side yard setbacks. The case will be continued for June 17 for further discussion.
STAY IN TOUCH
Agendas and minutes of the Township Committee, Land Use Board and other councils and commissions are posted in the Agenda Center. As of today, all groups continue to meet remotely via Zoom.
JUNE 8 PRIMARY
The June 8 Primary election will be conducted primarily in-person. Registered party members will not automatically receive ballots by mail. The usual polling places in Hazlet Township will be open to anyone who wants to vote in-person using a voting machine. Mail in ballot applications are available. Ballottrax is available to track the status of mail-in ballots. All the details here.
HAZLET SWIM CLUB
The pools are filled with water in preparation for the 2021 Swim Club season. Visit the Membership page for all the details on how to join. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is forming. Register a child for the team. More information.
CAR SHOW TO BENEFIT MARCHING BAND
BAND CAMP
Announcing a community band just for young musicians! It is called Hazlet Pops Junior. The campers will meet for a half-day on weekdays July 19 through 30 at North Centerville Firehouse, 372 Middle Road. For kids grades 4-8. Led by Raritan High School Marching Band's Ray Lahaye. Read more details and find out how to enroll.
HAZLET TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2021 SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Free enrichment and developmental programs for Hazlet residents. Offered Monday through Thursday from 9 to 10:30 or 10:30 to noon, beginning Tuesday, July 6.
Registration closes June 1. There is a 2 class maximum per student.
All programs will be taught by certified teachers and held at Raritan High School. Room assignments and confirmation of programs will be emailed by Monday, June 16, 2021.
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ACTION
At its May 4 regular meeting, Hazlet Township's governing body:
- Awarded a contract to low bidder S. Brothers for the Lynn Boulevard Area Road Improvement Program in the amount of $2,301,117.65. The township received 9 bids.
- Appointed Courtney Hogan to the position of Certified Tax Collector and Jamie Stein to be Payroll Clerk.
- Appointed Jim Rimbault as Head Swim Team Coach
- Awarded a contract to Fiore Paving for Chestnut Drive Emergency Drainage Repair in the amount of $20,400.
Check the Agenda Center for agendas and minutes of the Township Committee, Land Use Board and other councils and commissions. All groups continue to meet remotely via Zoom.
HONOR HAZLET HEROES
Hazlet Township Committeeman Skip McKay announced today that Provident Bank has stepped forward to sponsor a portion of the Honor Hazlet Heroes Banner Display.
Attractive red, white and blue banners featuring the names and photos of town residents will be displayed on light poles and the Hazlet Swim Club’s Wall of Heroes beginning Memorial Day, May 31 through Veterans Day, November 11. Provident Bank’s gift of $2,000 will pay for banners for all of Hazlet’s actively serving military members and those of Hazlet citizens who have perished in service to our country.
Township Mayor Tara Clark thanked Provident Bank for supporting the banner project, which will be seen by all visitors to the township’s busy park – including the Swim Club members, young day campers and visitors to the adjacent Town Hall. “Veterans Park will truly be a place for people to reflect upon the people in our town that have protected us, and our nation, for generations.”
“Provident Bank is pleased to be able to show its support for these brave men and women who supported our country when the need was its greatest,” said Heather Baker, Banking Center Manager, Provident Bank, 765 Poole Ave., Hazlet. “They answered our nation’s call, and we are proud to be able to honor them.”
Committeeman Skip McKay praised the bank for its generosity. “Provident Bank’s sponsorship is enabling a number of families to see their loved ones recognized that otherwise due to the pandemic, might not be able to afford the $100 banner. Hazlet is fortunate to have such a good corporate citizen in our community.”
The Honor Hazlet Heroes program is in its inaugural year and seeks to recognize Hazlet’s Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines (WWII) and Women Air Force Service Pilots (WWII). To date, 71 banners have been requested. Hazlet VFW Post 4303 has received over 54 requests for veteran banners from World War II to the Global War on Terror. Hazlet PBA 189 is managing 17 banners for actively serving members and is seeking to find all those citizens serving so they can be recognized. Email any questions to Committeeman McKay, former Navy Seal, at jmckay@hazletnj.org.
HAZLET POLICE FOCUS ON TRAFFIC SAFETY
NEW STOP SIGNS AT BEERS & CLARK STREETS
Hazlet Police ask the public to take note of new Stop signs at the intersection of Beers and Clark Streets. This creates a four-way stop at this intersection. It is a new traffic pattern and everyone should use caution while navigating.
The rules of a four-way stop are:
- Pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Each driver arriving at a four-way stop must first come to a stop, then one driver proceeds at a time.
- If you cannot determine whether you or another motorist arrived first, you must yield to the driver on the right.
- Vehicles that are already in the intersection must be given the right of way.
- You must yield to any traffic that is in a position where your failure to yield could cause an accident.
Please be aware some drivers will ignore all the rules of the four-way stop and mistakenly assume that they have the right of way. Even if it is your legal turn to proceed forward, always do so with caution, being wary of impatient drivers who may be too hasty to wait another ten seconds for you to clear the intersection.
April - Distracted Driving Campaign Month
Hazlet Police made 235 stops and issued 100 citations
May - Speed Enforcement and Education month.
This month police will be cracking down on speeders with more radar posts, more speed trailers on the streets, and new lawn signs township residents can place on their property.
Signs are available at no cost to you and were procured with funds from a Traffic Safety Grant. If you would like a lawn sign, please send an email to Ptl. Charleigh Logothetis at Clogothetis@hazletpd.org with your name, address and top two choices (make sure your speed limit is 25 if that is the sign you request). Signs will be delivered to your residence by the Friday after your request. There are limited amounts per design and they will be distributed on first come first serve basis.
SUMMER FUN
The pools are filled with water in preparation for the 2021 Swim Club season. Visit the Membership page for all the details on how to join. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is forming. Register a child for the team. More information.
AT THE LIBRARY
Free offerings presented by our Monmouth County Library System. Hazlet is a branch library. Here are a few available to all:
- Celebrate and share the rich literature heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans during #AAPI Heritage Month. View a selection of curated print and visual media.
- The New Jersey State Youth Orchestra offers "Symphony of Hope" virtual concert, with works by Dukas, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Bizet, and Dvorak. Premieres on Library Website on Sunday, May 9 at 2pm & will be available through Monday, May 31 (no registration needed)
- The Navesink Twin Lights: A Virtual Exploration
Join Twin Lights Historian Nicholas Wood for a live, virtual exploration of the history of the lighthouse along with other notable historical events on and around the Navesink Highlands. Free. Registration will close at noon on May 11. Register.
Announcing a community band just for young musicians! It is called Hazlet Pops Junior. The campers will meet for a half-day on weekdays July 19 through 30 at North Centerville Firehouse, 372 Middle Road. For kids grades 4-8. Led by Raritan High School Marching Band's Ray Lahaye. Read more details and find out how to enroll.
MONMOUTH COUNTY PARKS
Registration is underway for programs listed in the summer issue of our Parks & Programs Guide. Visit online programs & registration page for a full listing.
Sunday Walk - A Lady Slipper Adventure from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, May 9 at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen. Look for flowering Pink Lady’s Slippers during this Park System Naturalist-led walk. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. Pre-registration and fee required.
Explore a Freshwater Pond from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, May 15 at Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen. Join a Park System Naturalist for this hands-on program and discover the fish, insects, and plants that live together in a pond. Pre-registration and fee required.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms of Hazlet Township