Message from Mayor Madden: Graduation Season and Summer
Graduation is certainly among the positive and consistent highlights that we recognize for academic achievement of our children…
Graduation is certainly among the positive and consistent highlights that we recognize for academic achievement of our children. In our crazy world of broken traditions, new social mores, activities and challenges, the single thing that never changes is the “ritual” of the culmination of the educational experience in a graduation ceremony. At any level, it represents a distinct new page in the legacy of each of us. With each chapter, we leave behind us a plethora of interactions and experiences with family, friends and others who have shaped our persona giving us knowledge and wisdom in preparation for that next chapter.
In my time as Mayor, I have enjoyed being a part of these ceremonies each year, reminiscing about my own experience, which I always cherish. Everybody knows that summer is really in full swing once graduation concludes. That is a time to unwind, relax and do things that could not be done time wise during the school year. I am including this, my last graduation speech, which I hope will inspire and motivate others to pursue their own legacy.
Middlesex High School Graduation, June 15, 2023
Welcome everybody. It is truly an honor standing here before you on such a memorable occasion. A special note of sincere gratitude goes out to the families, friends, teachers, aids, coaches and others in their unwavering support and encouragement for our graduates.
I remember in my High School years, I, like many, were caught up in the fathomless abyss of dreams. Vietnam was raging and my draft number was looming.
Today marks the start of a new exciting journey into adulthood, a time when you will be confronted with new experiences, challenges and decisions. There will be many obstacles and unknown byways along the way. At times it will be daunting, even terrifying, while other times, fulfilling and rewarding. Such is the great dichotomy of life.
Just remember, because of Covid, your graduating class, the class of 2023, has experienced the most difficult and demanding lifestyle change, never seen in over 100 years!
Yet, you have come through unscathed, better equipped and better prepared than ever before for the next journey. Recognize then, that you are the beacon to become the stewards of leadership whether from your vocation or advocation.
Along the way, make kindness, compassion, integrity and honesty your guiding spirit. Your moral compass will then always be pointing North. With these new experiences, embrace them all with passion and enthusiasm, but never extinguish the fire kindled within your heart.
As Art Linkletter said, “Things turn our best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”
Thank you again for this honor,
Mayor John L. Madden
Recycling Center Dedicated as "John Sweeney Recycling Center"
At this week’s Mayor & Council Meeting, our Borough Recycling Center was dedicated as the John Sweeney Recycling Center.
Above, left to right: Fran Sweeney (John’s son); Mayor Madden; Kay May (John’s daughter); and Melanie May (John’s granddaughter).
At this week’s Mayor & Council Meeting, our Borough Recycling Center was dedicated as the John Sweeney Recycling Center.
John Sweeney served the Borough of Middlesex from 1972 to 2021 in various capacities as a Life Member of the Rescue Squad, Volunteer Recycling Coordinator, Mayor’s Liaison to the Green Brook Flood Control Commission, Member of the Joint Land Use Board and also as a Council Member.
Mr. Sweeney began the Recycling Program in Middlesex Borough in the early 1980’s when he met with the late Mayor Dobies and got the program up and running by getting a donation of 6 drums for the center and once they were filled he would transport them to the recycling substation in Piscataway. As the years went by, the Recycling Center became self-sustaining and the Borough purchased a recycling truck for curbside pickup, which was done by the Borough DPW employees.
John Sweeney became the unofficial Recycling Coordinator for the Borough as a volunteer, and once retired became the Recycling Coordinator for Middlesex County, and Middlesex Borough became a model for other municipalities to start their own Recycling Centers and curbside pickup.
Read the full Proclamation below.
June: Street Paving in the Borough
The following is the schedule of Paving and Milling work to be done in the Borough. This milling and paving project is subject to availability of equipment and weather permitting.
The following is the schedule of Paving and Milling work to be done in the Borough.
This milling and paving project is subject to availability of equipment and weather permitting.
THIS WEEK: MILLING (American Water)
Fairview, East Green lawn, Delaware, Clinton, Melrose Ave, Seneca, South Woodland, Greene • 6/12 through 6/15/2023, 7am-5pm
C street, A street, D street • 06/16/2023, 7am-5pm
PAVING
The Contractor will start the Paving of the streets listed below the following week once milling is completed
Fairview, East Green lawn, Delaware, Clinton, Melrose Ave, Seneca, South woodland, Greene
C street, A street, D street
NEXT WEEK: PAVING
Hazelwood Ave, Judson Ave, Shearn Drive, Misty Lane, Lonnabe Drive
Contractor starting June 19, 2023
“Shred Day” is July 8 in the Borough
Saturday, July 8, 2023 (rain or shine), from 9:00 am - 12 pm (or until shredding truck is filled) in the Borough Hall Parking Lot…
Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023 (rain or shine)
Time: 9:00 am - 12 pm, or until shredding truck is filled, whichever occurs first.
Location: Middlesex Boro Municipal Complex, 1200 Mountain Ave.
Borough Hall Parking Lot
No Plastic Bags. Use a box, crate or other sturdy container – we will give it back to you.
Limit of 5 file boxes or 100 pounds per car.
Paper must be in a liftable, manageable container. If it is hard for you to bring it to your car, it is too heavy!
NOTE: No need to remove paper clips or staples.
Loads containing unacceptable items will be rejected.
Event coordinated by Middlesex County.
DO NOT BRING
Plastic binders/sheet protectors, newspapers, magazines, hardcover books, junk mail, photos, x-rays, CDs, shredded paper or garbage.
Residential personal paper only - no business (home-based or other) paper
Community Day 2023 at Mountain View Park
Community Day will be held in Mountain View Park from 1-8pm. We will have local bands, vendors, restaurants, fun for the kids, and food trucks.
Saturday, June 3rd: What a Fun Day!
Thank you to Unity Bank for sponsoring the bounce house, and to Superfoods for keeping us hydrated by donating cases of water.
Saturday, June 3, 2023 • 1–8 pm • Mountain View Park
Local Bands and Entertainment throughout the day
Local Vendors
Fun Activities & Games for the kids
Community Groups
Food Vendors
Beer and beverages available for purchase provided by Ellery’s
Rain or shine
FREE and Open to the Public. Bring your own lawn chair, blankets, and 4-legged friends!
Sneak Peek (eff. Friday AM)
We've got snow cones, Columbian food, Ellery's biergarten, bubble tea, cheesesteaks, dog treats, toys, home improvement services, youth sports tables, a bounce house – and so much more! The weather forecast temperature looks LOVELY so join your local neighbors and celebrate our community at Mountain View Park!
Our Entertainment Schedule:
1:00 Remember Yesterday
2:15 Rockstar
4:30 Distant Memories
5:30 Mama’s Stew
6:45 Inciong All Stars
Vendor Applications
Your organization can reach hundreds of residents by signing up to be a vendor at this year’s event. The park will be full of a variety of food, alcohol, live music, and lots of residents. This is a great opportunity for your organization to get involved with our community!
Food & Beverage Booths • Community Affairs Booths • Retail/Services Booths
DOWNLOAD THE FLYER AND HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS!
Watch the animated commercial
Community Pool: Join Us for Family Day 2023
There's still time to join the Pool – our annual members-only family-fun event is July 15th! With games and a barbeque…
Pool Members: Join us for Family Day 2023!
Saturday, July 15th, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Join us for fun family games and a barbeque at the Pool! Hamburgers and hot dogs available for purchase at the Snack Bar.
There's still time to join the Pool!
Become a member and attend this fun event! Learn more on the Pool Membership page here.
This event is weather-dependent.
Twice-a-week Garbage Pickup Begins Monday 6/5
Twice-a-week garbage pickup begins the first Monday of June (6/5).
Twice-a-week garbage pickup begins the first Monday of June (6/5). This schedule will continue until the last week of August. (Remaining months, September through May, will be on a once-a-week schedule). For more info visit the DPW page here.
Your Next Open Mic Opportunity is Friday, June 2
Our next Open Mic Night at the Middlesex Public Library Community Room is Friday, June 2nd at 6:30 pm. PERFORMERS should arrive a few minutes early…
The Middlesex Cultural & Heritage Committee presents our next community "Open Mic Night" event at the Middlesex Public Library Community Room.
Join us on Friday, June 2 at 6:30 pm. PERFORMERS should arrive a few minutes early in order to sign up for a 10-minute performance slot. All ages are welcome!
Middlesex Public Library
Community Room
1300 Mountain Ave. Middlesex, NJ
Questions? Email MiddlesexCulturalandHeritage@gmail.com.
Memorial Day Parade: Calling All Community Organizations!
All Middlesex community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade!
Save the Date!
The Middlesex Borough Recreation Department and American Legion Post 306 invite you to this year’s Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29!
10:00 am…..Ceramony at Victor Crowell Park
10:45 am…..Parade Kickoff Rain or Shine
Music and refreshments will be served at the Legion immediately after the parade.
All Middlesex community organizations are welcome to participate in the parade!
If you are interested, please contact the Middlesex Recreation department at 732-356-7400 x258 or recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov.
Download and share the flyer
In Memory of Bill Weigel
Bill served as a lifeguard and swim coach for many years, managing and developing aquatics programs for over 40 years. Everything from the water slide and the kids wading pool and more was his vision and is carried on today.
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of William “Bill” Weigel. Bill was instrumental in developing the Roy K. Harkness Community Pool, now known as the Middlesex Community Pool. Everything from the water slide and the kids wading pool and more was his vision and is carried on today.
Bill served as a lifeguard and swim coach for many years. He managed and developed aquatics programs at the Roy K. Harkness Community Pool in Middlesex, New Jersey for over 40 years. As a lifelong educator, he also trained and instructed countless individuals in lifesaving skills and water safety.
We extend our condolences to his family and gratitude for creating Middlesex’s “hidden gem.”
UPDATE 5/18: Lincoln Blvd. Milling and Resurfacing
Please be advised the Middlesex County Department of Highways will be milling and resurfacing Lincoln Blvd. This project is scheduled to begin on or about…
UPDATE 10am May 18 | The Middlesex County Road Department will be paving Lincoln Blvd between Mountain Avenue and Cedar Avenue on Friday, May 19 and Monday 22 between 7 am–3 pm.
UPDATE 4pm May 10th | The County has informed us there will be a delay from the original projected start date. The contractor will now begin milling on Wednesday, May 17. 2023. Due to weather and equipment failures the milling/paving project will be delayed a few days.
The Middlesex County Department of Transportation’s Office of Public Works has advised the Borough that work is scheduled to begin on Lincoln Boulevard this week. The milling and resurfacing project is subject to availability of equipment and weather permitting. The anticipated schedule is shown below.
Project: Milling and Resurfacing Lincoln Blvd
Project Limits: Cedar Ave to Mountain Ave
Approximate time(s) 7:00 am to 3:30 pm (Mon-Fri only)
Activity – Start/End Date
Milling – Wed-Thu, May 17-18 May 11-12, 2023
Paving – TBD Wed-Thu, May 17-18, 2023
Striping – TBD Fri, May 19, 2023
Dates are Tentative (Subject to Change)
We regret any inconvenience that may result from this activity. Should you have any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact the County DOT, Office of Public Works, at 732-940-3800, www.middlesexcountynj.gov.
Colors & Flowers Festival: Sunday, May 21
Join us for a spring celebration! FREE and open to the public at Mountain View Park, and sponsored by the Middlesex Cultural & Heritage Committee.
Due to weather issues on the original date (4/30), This event has been rescheduled to May 21st at the same time and place.
Join us for a spring celebration!
Sponsored by the Middlesex Cultural & Heritage Committee.
Sunday, May 21
2–5 pm
Mountain View Park
Dedicate Our New Community Garden
Throw Colors
Bring Home Seeds for Planting
This event is FREE and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Hardik Shah at 201-936-2225 or hshahculture@gmail.com.
Download the flyer and help us spread the news!
Message from Mayor Madden: Action for Creighton Lake
On Monday, May 22, 2023, a special meeting will be held to discuss with urgency what can be done to greatly improve the existing atrophy of our historic Creighton Lake.
On Monday, May 22, 2023, a special meeting will be held among the various groups such as the EPA, DEP, County Health and our Local Health Departments to discuss with urgency, what can be done to greatly improve the existing atrophy of our historic Creighton Lake.
Despite persistently high bacteria test results, a significant loss of lake depth, constant ongoing erosion of the lake banks and long-term neglect and spoliation of the island within the Creighton Lake, action needs to be taken to restore the Lake and the Park to its original splendor and natural beauty.
The goal of this meeting is to petition these environmental groups to register us on the grid for the benefits to improve, enhance and protect (from their playbook) those bodies of water and small municipalities which are “underserved”.
I will vigorously request and expect that we must participate in the various programs available to all municipalities regardless of size. Since we are listed as part of the lower Delaware River Basin, such programs as the monitoring of water quality of the lake, including data-driven time sensitive assessments of the collected data through the Surface Monitoring Stations and other measurements will provide a specific program to tailor our needs for restoration. In addition, we should be included in the New Jersey Non-Point Source Management Program, which currently runs between 2020 and 2025.
Although we are a small municipality, equal and fair access to these benefits and programs must apply (think of “Mouse That Roared” by Leaonard Wibberly).
Therefore we are seeking:
Water quality assessment of the Lake.
Complete assessment of the current physical condition, restoration, monitoring and return to it’s original condition.
This is long overdue.
Thank you,
Mayor John L. Madden
Taxes are Due for Quarter No. 2
2nd Qtr. 2023 taxes due Wednesday, May 10th by 4:00 P.M.
REMINDER
2nd Qtr. 2023 taxes due Wednesday, May 10th by 4:00 P.M. Pay online at the Borough’s online dashboard here, or use drop box at the Municipal Building main entrance.
For more information about property tax bills, visit the Finance page here.
Tree Planting Event a Growing Success
Last weekend, the Shade Tree Commission and Girl Scouts worked together planting trees at the Open Space on Raritan Avenue…
Last weekend, the Shade Tree Commission and Girl Scouts worked together planting trees at the Open Space on Raritan Avenue. In attendance was the entire Middlesex Borough Shade Tree Commission, along with Girl Scout Troop 60509.
They planted 90 redbud and northern red oak tube seedlings. Troop leader Kris Zaccone said, "Thank you for allowing Girl Scout Troop 60509 to participate! The girls enjoyed the experience!"
Middlesex Borough is proud to be a Tree City USA® for 34 years!
Primary Election June 6: Useful Information
Be sure you are registered to vote! Then vote by mail or in person during the Early Voting period or on Election Day. We’ve got useful links and your voting timeline for the 2023 primary…
Be sure you are registered to vote! Then vote by mail or in person during the Early Voting period or on Election Day. The NJ Primary Election date is June 6, 2023. Here are some additional important dates for the upcoming Primary Election:
May 16 – Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Election
May 30 – Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by mail for Primary Election
June 2–June 4 – Early Voting Period
June 5 by 3 pm – Deadline for in-person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election
June 6 – Primary Election Day
For links to register and apply for mail-in ballots, visit our Clerk page here.
Voting Locations
| District No. | Location |
|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | Middlesex High School Gymnasium, 300 Kennedy Drive |
| 4 & 10 | Middlesex Recreation Center, 1400 Mountain Avenue |
| 5 & 6 | Hazelwood School Gymnasium, 800, Hazelwood Avenue |
| 7, 8, 9 | Von E. Mauger Middle School Gymnasium, Fisher Avenue |
Polling Locations will be open from 6AM – 8PM. Locations will also be noted on the sample ballot that you receive in the mail.
How Can You Vote?
Here are the 3 ways you can vote in the upcoming Primary Election:
Vote-By-Mail Ballot
In-Person Early Voting
At Your Polling Place on Primary Election Day
The last day to register to vote for the 2023 Primary Election is May 16th. Any resident who would like to receive a Mail in Ballot for the Primary Election must apply by the May 30th deadline. For more information about voting in this election (and other voting information), please visit the "Clerk" page on our website here.
In addition to our Borough’s website here, the Middlesex County Vote website here has voter information and links to additional resources surrounding the elections process for residents.
Honoring Former Mayor Ronald S. Dobies
Middlesex Borough is saddened to learn of the passing of former Mayor Ronald S. Dobies Our Borough family acknowledges his many years of dedicated service to our community.
Community Reception to Honor Mayor Dobies’ Life and Legacy
A Community Reception will be held Sunday, April 23rd from 2:00 until 5:00 pm at the John Lupo American Legion Post, Legion Place, Middlesex. Visit with Blanche, Mary, Trisha and Family.
Ron's Favorite Music
Light Refreshments
Please wear a tie, (ladies included) even with your sweats. it was Ron's favorite accessory.
Come one and all!
April 4, 2023
A Message from Mayor Madden: Former Mayor Ronald S. Dobies
We are saddened to hear about the passing of one of the longest-tenured mayors in New Jersey’s history, former Middlesex Borough Mayor Ronald S. Dobies. His service has spanned nearly 40 years. I am honored to have served with him on Council.
Ron started as a member of the Board of Education from 1970–1976 before joining the Borough Council for 1 term. He was then elected Mayor in 1980 and served consecutive terms until 2006. He stepped down as Mayor from 2006–2008 to serve as the Business Administrator and ultimately took the Administrator position back for an annual salary of only $1.00. He remained in this position until 2011 when he successfully ran for Mayor again. He retired permanently in 2015 after his 4-year term. During his time in office he pushed for new development, increased parks & recreation and oversaw the construction of our Senior Citizen Building.
With all these accomplishments, he still maintained his full-time position with Wyeth-Ayerst Research in Pearl River, New York. He was still employed while concomitantly serving as Mayor, which bespeaks so well of his character.
In fact, in 1999 he was elected to the inaugural class of The New Jersey State League of Municipalities New Jersey Elected Officials Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Mayor John L. Madden
Notice of Sale: Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2023
Bids are being solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 for the purchase of $6,177,000 Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2023…
$6,177,000 BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES, SERIES 2021A
(Bank Qualified) (Non-Callable)
Bids are being solicited through a fair and open process in accordance with N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.5 for the purchase of $6,177,000 Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2023 (the “Notes”) of the Borough of Middlesex, in the County of Middlesex, New Jersey (the “Borough” or the “Issuer”). All bids will be received by the Borough’s municipal advisor, Phoenix Advisors, LLC (the “Municipal Advisor”), on behalf of the Borough on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., prevailing local time (“Sale Date”).
Full details are available in the Notice document available at the link below.
Summer Playground is Right Around the Corner!
Registration Open Now! Summer Playground is for children who want to have fun and for parents who want some structure to the summer.
Registration is Open Now
Register today! Don't miss out on the fun. Summer Playground is for children who want to have fun and for parents who want some structure to the summer!
WHO: Children currently in grades K-5
WHEN: Monday - Friday, 9AM-Noon, June 26th–August 5th
WHERE: Mountain View Park
ENTIRE SUMMER FEE: $250 per child
OR
WEEKLY FEE: $60 per week per childPLANS INCLUDE: Arts and crafts, themed days, games, free play, science experiments, trips and educational activities! You will receive a confirmation letter with camp rules and regulations after the deadline has passed.
Program is open to Middlesex Borough residents ONLY. Deadline to register is June 9, 2023. o refunds will be issued after June 16th. You will receive a confirmation letter with camp rules and regulations after the deadline has passed.
Registration: Online
The easiest way to register is through MyRec. If you do not have a MyRec account, you will need to create one.
Registration: Paper Form
Or if you prefer, you can stop by the Recreation office to complete a registration form and pay for Summer Playground.
Middlesex Recreation Department
1200 Mountain Ave., Middlesex, NJ 08846
(732) 356-7400 Ext. 277
recreation@middlesexboro-nj.gov
Recycling Issues: Route Delay Today (Week of 4/14)
Please refer to the map for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call the County office at 1-800-488-6242.
The MCIA and IWS (Interstate Waste Services) has informed us one of their trucks is experiencing mechanical issues and there may be some delay to recycling collection today. This proactive notification may help residents understand later truck traffic or are curious about recycling pickup. Any stops that are not completed today will be completed tomorrow.
Please refer to the map for the affected areas (highlighted). For any recycling questions call the County office at 800-488-6242.
