January 2023

Kristina's Day

Mayor Sachs honored Hazlet resident Kristina Krivicic at the last Township Committee meeting, proclaiming January 24, 2023 as Kristina Krivicic Day to show Hazlet's support for her volunteerism and advocacy.

Krivicic, recently crowned International United Ms. New Jersey 2022-2023, will represent New Jersey in the next step of the competition in July in Florida. She works as Registered Nurse at Hackensack Meridian Health and has volunteered her time and expertise on a mission trip in Costa Rica, the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Association and Donate Life - New Jersey Sharing Network, as well as the Girl Scouts. Kristina is founder of "Kris's Kaps," which aims to raise awareness of hair loss and distribute head coverings to treatment facilities. Read an article.

Mayor Michael Sachs with Kristina Krivicic at the January 24, 2023 Hazlet Township Committee meeting, where Krivicic was honored with a Proclamation.

Free Tire Pick-Up Program

Monmouth County Mosquito Control personnel will come to your property and pick up as many as 10 car tires without rims. You don't even have to bring them to the curb! Tires stored outside hold enough rainwater for mosquitoes to grow. One tire can produce more than 10,000 biting mosquitoes. For service, call 732-542-3630. You will need to provide your name, address, number of tires and the location of tires on your property. Tires will be picked up between now and March 31.

Road Improvement Program

The Township Committee has authorized T&M Associates to provide preliminary planning services for continuation of the township road improvement program.

The township has also just learned it has received a $191,990 state DOT Cresci Boulevard Improvements

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Land Use Board is scheduled to meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.
The Township Committee gathers 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7 for a workshop meeting.

Agendas are posted prior to the meetings in the Agenda Center

8th Street Park
The township is currently out to bid for 8th Street Park project improvements. The bid calls for rehabilitation of the existing playground and basketball court, installation of a perimeter walking trail, installation of a multi-purpose court and various park amenities. Bids are being handled by T&M Engineering and are due February 7.

New Programs for Active Adults 60+

Indoor Cornhole is now offered at the James J. Cullen Center. Come join the fun starting Monday, Jan. 30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hook & Needle Nuts meets for the first time 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31. Free.
The Kenja Club low impact fitness (similar to Tai Chi) will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. $5 per class.
The Foundations of Drawing starts 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6. Fee is $42 for 6 weeks.

For help registering for programs, contact the James J. Cullen Community Center.

Especially for Crafty Kids
Just Craftin Around for kids ages 5 to 9 will be 5:15 to 6:30 pm starting Feb. 3 at the James J. Cullen Center. The fee is $100. Sign up at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.

Hazlet Summer Jobs Summer Jobs
Hazlet Township is now hiring 2023 summer employees. Job applications are posted for Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp and Hazlet Swim Club.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old by May 16, 2023, to apply for jobs at the Swim Club. Lifeguards must be at least 16. Summer Camp counselors must be 17 years old or high school seniors.

Working papers for anyone under 18 at the time of employment must be obtained from the applicant's hometown high school guidance office.

COMMUNITY VIGIL

There has been an outpouring of grief and support for the Montanaro family of Hazlet, who suffered unimaginable loss in the early hours of January 13. A fire ripped through their Brookside Avenue home, claiming the lives of Jacqueline Montanaro and her young daughter Madelyn. William Montanaro said that his wife had heroically charged into the burning home to try to retrieve their daughter. The tragic story spread near and far, breaking hearts.

In an effort to acknowledge this stunning loss in Hazlet and provide some kind of solace, a Community Vigil was organized for Tuesday, Jan. 17. Hundreds came by car and by foot for the solemn remembrance, encircling the gazebo at Veterans Park.

Mayor Michael Sachs called for a moment of silence, and Police Chaplain Barry Mulligan offered prayers. Singer Taylor Kitzman sang Amazing Grace. The Montanaro family and friends shared their feelings and memories, including William. Following the ceremony, volunteers of The RAINE Foundation offered refreshments.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Montanaro family.

Community Vigil Jan. 17, 2023

Mayor Michael Sachs is interviewed by a TV news crew outside Town Hall.
RAINE Foundation volunteers offered light refreshments following the candlelight vigil.
Will Montanaro reflects on the lives of his wife, Jacqueline, and daughter, Madelyn.
Hazlet Police Chaplain offers a prayer at the center of the candlelight vigil.

RECREATION EVENTS

Hazlet Recreation, in consultation with the volunteer Advisory Committee, has selected the following dates for 2023 events. More details will be announced as plans develop and dates are subject to change. There will also be some pop-up events throughout the year to celebrate Hazlet’s 175th Anniversary.

February 25 - Hazlet's 175th Anniversary. Cake at the James J. Cullen Center.
March 24 - Teen Night for Beers Street & Cove Road Schools. At Cullen Center
April 1 - Bike with a Bunny. Show at Cullen Center with Egg Hunt at Veterans Park.
April 15/16 - Spring Town-Wide Yard Sale
~~May 5 - Pinatas in the Park, at Veterans Park~~ Event canceled
May 29 - Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park and Cullen Center
July 2 – Fireworks at Veterans Park
Concerts in The Park Series - details TBA
Sept. 16 - Hazlet Day in Veterans Park
Oct. 14/15 - Fall Town-Wide Yard Sale
Oct. 21 – Bonfire at Leocadia Park
Oct. 27-29 Haunted House at the Cullen Center
Nov. 21 – Thanksgiving at the Cullen Center
Dec. 2 - Holly Jolly at the Cullen Center.

HELICOPTER INSPECTIONS

Announcement from JCP&L
Please be advised that beginning on or about 1/20/2023, weather permitting, Chesapeake Bay Helicopters will be mobilizing to the JCPL region to begin performing comprehensive visual inspections (CVIs) on all JCPL 500kV and 230kV lines. These inspections are expected to take approximately six weeks to complete, however, any storm or outage-related patrols could prolong completion. The helicopter to be used is as follows:

• White w/black and red stripes, Hughes MD500 with red tail registration number N717MA (see photo below)

A comprehensive visual inspection (CVI) is a slow, structure-by-structure, span-by-span inspection where the inspector onboard the helicopter gets a thorough look from top to bottom of each structure, associated hardware, and conductors of the transmission line(s). The helicopter will be moving very slowly along each of the transmission lines and will often be seen hovering while carrying out these inspections.

Senior Center
It may be winter but fitness enthusiasts are in t-shirts at the James J. Cullen Center, which has been lit up with energy this week with Indoor Pickleball games and Fitness classes for Active Adult 60+.
More than 25 have registered for the exercise classes. On Mondays, it is Walk and Tone (Indoors); Wednesdays is Strength and Balance and Fridays is Cardio Lite and Low. Classes are led by Certified Group Fitness Instructor Denise Bucciero, who offers modifications for people of all abilities.
The classes are friendly and fun, and many remarked it was so great to be together again and work towards good health in the New Year. Classes are free for Hazlet residents; $15 for non-residents. Join in! More information.

Pet Licenses

Residents may renew 2023 Dog/Cat Licenses at the second-floor Municipal Clerk's Office weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Licenses must be renewed no later than March 31, 2023 or a late fee of $5 fine per license will apply on April 1. (This fee does not apply to new pet owners in 2023.)

The fee for renewal is $12 if your pet has been spayed / neutered or $15 if it has not. Proof of spay / neuter is required one time only for our records. Rabies inoculation valid through October 31, 2023 is required. See applications.

Tree Collection
Hazlet DPW will pick up trees at curbside with your regularly scheduled brush. You can consult the RecycleCoach App or view the webpage to learn when your zone will have a pickup.

Please be sure to remove all ornaments, tinsel and lights. No plastic bags.

The Recycling Yard will also accept trees at the facility, located at 39 Leocadia Court. The yard is open weekdays from 7:30 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from 8:15 am to 1:45 pm. It is closed on Monday, Jan. 16 for the MLK holiday.

Organization Meeting, Jan. 3, 2023

Organization Meeting 2023: Robert Preston
Organization Meeting 2023: James Cavuto
Organization Meeting 2023: TC Members
2023 Organization - Peter Terranova
Organization Meeting 2023: Michael Sachs

Township Committee Organizes for 2023
Hazlet's governing body held its annual Organization Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Town Hall. Following their wins in the November elections, Robert Preston, Jr. and James Cavuto were sworn in for full three-year terms; Peter Terranova previously took the oath for his two-year unexpired term.

The all-Republican Committee selected Michael Sachs as Mayor in 2023, and Terranova to serve as the Deputy Mayor.

Visit the Township Committee page to learn more about Hazlet's elected leaders, their assignments to different boards and committees, public meeting dates and links to agendas.

The Members welcome public input and participation. Use the online form to reach out to one or all five town leaders with a comment, suggestion or issue. You will also find a link to an application if you would like to be considered for a seat on a board, commission or committee.

Mayor Sachs announced that the schedule of Regular Meetings of the Township Committee will change in 2023. Meetings will now be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. Exceptions occur. Always view the Meeting Calendar.

ANCHOR Benefit - It's for Renters Too
Formerly known as the Homestead Rebate, the NJ ANCHOR program offers both renters and home owners a benefit. This program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019, and met the income limits.

The deadline to apply has been extended to February 28 to encourage more to apply. Information about the Anchor program and the application process is available on the State website, or by calling 1-888-238-1233.

Food Staples for Income-Eligible Seniors
Do you know a senior who needs food? The Fulfill organization of Monmouth & Ocean County helps seniors 60 years of age and over who meet income requirements receive a monthly food box of items like the ones in the photograph.

In Hazlet, seniors may submit applications to the program through our liaison at the James J. Cullen Center. Contact Denise Bucciero by email or stop by the Cullen Center at 1776 Union Ave. Hours are 8 to 4 p.m. Phone: 732-217-8683.