Dear Hazlet residents,
I hope this letter find you and your family safe and well!
We are at the height of our shutdown and it is important to continue to do our part to break the back of this virus. Throughout New Jersey, the curve of new COVID-19 cases remains significantly flat and there is a slowing of the rate of spread. With our diligent work of staying home, practicing social distancing, wearing a cloth face covering when we must go out in public and other CDC recommended practices, this curve will start to go downward
Since early March, when this pandemic hit our state, approximately 100,000 people have tested positive in New Jersey. Of these positive cases, 46,000 people have already exited the two-week incubation period and have likely defeated the virus. The terrible casualties in this war have climbed to over 5,000 in our state and we pray for those who have passed.
This pandemic has had a huge impact on our economy as well. While some are doing fine, others are struggling. This has been a difficult experience for so many.
The digital billboards on Route 35 in Hazlet are reminding people they can access food resources via Fulfill by texting “FindFood” or calling 732-918-2600. Also, the food pantry at St. John’s United Methodist Church at 2000 Florence Ave. is available to anyone on Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. The Hazlet-based RAINE Foundation stands ready to help with its basket of resources. Find them at RAINEFoundation.com or call (732) 865-3555. Nobody in need should hesitate. So many have been financially affected through no fault of their own.
Hazlet has been tracking some of the federal fiscal stimulus programs. You can read updates on the HazletTwp.org website.
Please know, our Hazlet Township parks (but alas, not the playgrounds or equipment) remain open for mental health breaks. Take a walk, enjoy the flowering trees and the brilliant sunshine. We are cheered by the sight of children’s colorful drawings in the windows around town and blacktop chalk messages of encouragement. There was a moving salute by our Hazlet first responders and other area agencies to our heroic healthcare professionals at Bayshore Medical Center that made us all proud. We know many of Bayshore’s employees live here in town, and we are so grateful.
And love lives on! I was happy to officiate at a small, "socially distant" wedding this week at the gazebo in Veterans Park. It was my first wedding as mayor. I look forward to more!
Reminders:
Our U.S. Census response rate is at 65.1% in Hazlet. Let’s nudge that upwards today. Just go to 2020Census.gov to fill yours out. It just takes a few minutes.
Hazlet First Aid’s annual fund drive is going on now. Please help them help us by responding to their mailed appeal or via their website.
The Township Committee is conducting regular business and township employees are working. Though public access to buildings is temporarily suspended, you can still call or email staff members for assistance and use the drop off next to the flagpole to submit payments or documents.
Please take care and stay safe!
Mike Glackin
Mayor
Township of Hazlet
Email: mglackin@hazlettwp.org