Message from Mayor John L. Madden: Springtime
One year after a tragic, awful season, Spring 2021 does seem to be a time of rebirth and renewal.
Message from the Mayor
This newsletter is being published on the first day of Spring, March 21, 2021. Almost exactly one year ago on March 23, 2020, Borough Hall closed its doors to the public, and, like many in the Tri-State area, staff began to work from home.
It was a dark Spring – bleak from a constant barrage of bad news on the television of sickness and death with no end in sight. It was a silent Spring – with outdoor activities and sports being cancelled for fear of contagion and no mandate that masks had to be worn. It was a sad Spring – with children being educated remotely, unable to see their friends, restaurants not able to open and people afraid to have Easter and Passover meals with extended family.
A Spring of Renewal
One year later, Spring 2021 does seem to be a time of rebirth and renewal. Businesses are re-opening, outdoor dining is beginning to resume. Middlesex Borough will be holding our sports program for the first time in a year with Spring Sports fully resuming. Middlesex Little League and Baseball is up and running. Children are back in school. Our Easter Bunny will be in Mountain View Park on March 27th. Our Library is planning to reopen. Outdoor events are being planned throughout our community and, as more and more people are being vaccinated, life is starting to feel like it may soon resume to normal – not the “new normal” of the virus, but our real normal of Sunday dinners, all the pews filled at church, children playing in full playgrounds, concerts and festivals, and all of the pleasures we used to take for granted and now know as our lives’ true blessings.
Spring 2021
Please enjoy this Spring newsletter. As the Borough reopens, we will be delighted to see you strolling in one of our beautiful parks, taking out a membership at our fabulous swim club, or enjoying a library book on a sunny bench.
Stay safe,
Mayor John Madden
Spruce up your homes!
Starting in May, the Middlesex Borough Beautification Committee is restarting their Homes of the Month program and will be spotlighting the prettiest borough homes each month. They are looking for the best front yards with beautiful flowers, shrubbery, home exteriors and holiday decorations. The Committee will be leaving signs indicating that you have been selected as a Home of the Month and posting pictures (with your permission) on the Borough’s Facebook Page and municipal website – giving you the kudos you deserve!
Adult Programming
We have some music programs and lectures planned for the spring to get up moving and grooving while learning about rock, classical, the Beatles, and all kinds of other music!
Theresa and Mary are compiling lots of creative “Take and Make” projects as well – focusing on self care, entertainment, crafting, and more! We continue to host some “surprise” book giveaways for the public – choose a wrapped book to KEEP from the table in our Walkup Pickup area – there are a few clues on the book’s wrapping, so try your luck!
Community Pool: Be in on the Fun this Summer
Come on in, the water’s fine! Our pool opens Memorial Day weekend. Learn about all the activities and attractions here…
Community Pool - Register Online
(This link opens in a new browser window.)
Let’s Spring into Summer – Community Pool Applications are Open Now
You’ll want to be in on the fun this summer. Members have access to our main pool with slide and diving board, lap pool, and kiddie pool. Swim lessons and fun activities like Aqua Zumba are also available. Secure our best rates by submitting your Community Pool Application by April 15. Registration for Middlesex residents started on March 1, 2021. Registration for Non-Residents begins May 1, 2021.
Come on in - the water’s fine!
The Middlesex Community Pool is located behind the Middlesex High School at 300 John F. Kennedy Drive. We offer affordable resident and non-resident memberships -- receive a discount if you join early!
A Summer Swim Club… where happy memories are made!
Our pool opens Memorial Day Weekend, including Monday (May 29-31). We are open weekends only starting Memorial Day weekend. We are then open seven (7) days a week starting June 19 through Labor Day weekend, including Monday.
Hours of Operation:
The pool is open from 12 Noon to 8 pm.
Attractions
Main Pool with Water Slide & Diving Board
Kids Wading pool - a zero entry to 2.5 foot deep pool. Features include ground sprays, fish dump buckets, an interactive on/off waterfall, and a fun kid sized “frog” sliding board!
Lap Pool
Snack Bar with food to purchase, bring your own food, or have food delivered from your favorite restaurant.
Celebrate Birthday Parties and other parties
Activities
Child and Adult Swim Lessons for a nominal fee
Aqua Zumba
Swim Team and Synchronized Swimming Team
Early morning lap swimming 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
Swim Team
The Middlesex Water Wrats Swim Team is for children ages 5 to 18. It is preferable that they have some swimming background. The Swim Team earned 2nd place Group B Championship in 2019! All swimmers must be members of the pool to join the team. There is a fee to join the team. There is an informational meeting on Saturday, May 29th at 1pm at the Pool. Please contact the Swim Team Coaches with any questions: h2owrats@gmail.com
Visit their Facebook page: “Middlesex Water Wrats Swim Team”
Synchronized Swim Team
The Aqualytes Synchronized Swim Team is a recreational team that is inclusive of all genders ages 5 17 with basic to advanced swim skills. Synchronized swimming combines elements of dance, swimming, and gymnastics. All swimmers must be members of the pool to join the team. There is a fee to join the team. Please contact the Team Coaches with any questions: middlesex.aqualytes@gmail.com
Visit their Facebook page: Middlesex Aqualytes
Find them on Instagram under “Middlesex.Aqualytes”
From our Coaches
Middlesex Aqualytes is a recreational team. Synchronized swim is almost like a dance routine, however, in the water. Team members are taught different arm and leg movements, called “figures,” matched up with designated music.
Team members are put together in groups to perform. It is not as hard as it sounds! Each year we pick a theme for the season such as Decades. Children as young as five can join and they love the team!
We put the music and swimming together and have an amazing, non-competitive performance at the end of the season!
Aqua Zumba
Our certified Zumba instructor helps you splash your way into shape with fun and invigorating lowimpact aquatic exercise. Aqua Zumba is a workout that is fun cardio-conditioning and body-toning.
Learn more or to purchase a membership
Visit our page on the Borough website here to find the Application, Newsletter, and Postcard. If you would like a membership application mailed to you, please call the Pool Secretary at 908 202 3651. Applications may also be found at Middlesex Borough Hall, Middlesex Public Library Walk-up Door during their open hours, and in the lobby of Middlesex Borough Senior Center/Recreation building.
Contact
website: www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/pool
Email: middlesexpoolnj@gmail.com
Pool Secretary Phone: 908-202-3651
Pool Phone: 732-752-3366
Visit our pool facility on May 22nd for our Open House!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SWIMMING EVENT.
The Middlesex Community Pool will hold an Open House on May 22nd from 9am-12 Noon; Rain date May 23rd, from 9am-12 Noon. If you’ve ever thought about joining the pool, you can now visit us prior to the season to view our facility and discover all that we have to offer! Once you see our pool, we know you’ll want to be a member! We are also one of the most affordable pools in the area!
Recreation: A Fun and Healthy Spring
Get ready for a fun and healthy spring the return of many local classes, sports, and activities!
Recreation: Visit the Rec Department’s Regular Web Page
Keep up with the latest local classes and activities on the Rec page here.
Hop on out for our March 27 drive-thru event at Mountain View Park! Saturday, 3/27 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Download the flyer here for more information.
Library: We're on Our Way Back!
Staff are actively working on a tentative May reopening for Library services!
Staff are actively working on a tentative May reopening for Library services!
The safety of our community and our staff is of the utmost importance to us, so things may seem a little different in the Library when you come see us again. Rest assured that our smiles (under our masks) remain the same, and we are so very happy to see all of our Middlesex friends! We are diligent in making sure your Library visits are safe, friendly, fun, and worthwhile, with all the necessary precautions to keep everyone healthy and well!
Keep an eye on our website at www.middlesexlibrarynj.org for opening announcements, guidelines, hours, and temporary policies and procedures!
Walkup/Pickup Service
Our Walkup/Pickup service will continue to operate 5 days a week, regardless of opening status: Mondays, Wednesdays 10am-5pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays, 10am-8pm; and Fridays 10am – 5pm. Call us at (732) 356-6602 or email us at reference@middlesexlibrarynj.org with your requests: books, audiobooks, DVDs, or a combination! We will pull and check out any of your requests that we have in house, and call or email you when they are ready for pickup! Pickup is in the Community Room vestibule – please wear a mask and bring your ID!
Not sure what to choose? Let our experienced Reference Librarians help! Fill out the Reader’s Advisory form at www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/digital-resources/readers-advisory and our librarians will choose several items based on your likes and dislikes!
Or, browse our new books, DVDs, and other selections online at our Virtual Bookshelves! Go ahead, judge a book by its cover – you can view them all here.
We also offer printing and copy services at our Walkup/Pickup area – email documents to be printed to printers@middlesexlibrarynj.org, or come in person with your documents to be copied. Only black and white copies/prints, $0.20 per page.
Notary service is offer at Walkup/Pickup Mondays-Wednesdays at $2 per signature. Please call in advance to ensure notary is in the building.
Program Updates!
Our programs remain virtual at this time – so go ahead and join in your pajamas! We have an amazing lineup for the Spring for ALL ages!
As for our young Library patrons, we’ve got weekly programs and some super cool special events – check out the entire lineup here.
Teens, get ready – we’re going to have some neat programs for you, as well! Tarot Time for Teens, where you can learn the basics on Tarot cards - a pack of playing cards, used from the mid-15th century in various parts of Europe to play games such as Italian tarocchini or interpret the present or future. Miss Mo has some great opportunities for social distanced volunteering for service hours as well! Keep your eyeballs on our website: http://www.middlesexlibrarynj.org/teens/
With the weather starting to get milder, we also have some socially distanced, in person programs up our sleeves – pop up libraries and storytimes outside, weather permitting! Our Facebook page will announce these last-minute pop up programs a week or so in advance, so make sure you follow us on social media!
facebook.com/middlesexlibrarynj
instagram.com/middlesexlibrarynj
Adult Programming
We have some music programs and lectures planned for the spring to get up moving and grooving while learning about rock, classical, the Beatles, and all kinds of other music!
Theresa and Mary are compiling lots of creative “Take and Make” projects as well – focusing on self care, entertainment, crafting, and more! We continue to host some “surprise” book giveaways for the public – choose a wrapped book to KEEP from the table in our Walkup Pickup area – there are a few clues on the book’s wrapping, so try your luck!
Police: Spring Safety
Spring safety issues; Sharing the roads; Nixle alerts; Obtaining police records…
Spring is a time when flowers bloom, grass grows – and burglars, thieves and scammers are more active. Remember:
Unlocked vehicles
…are popular targets for opportunistic sneak-thieves. Residents are urged to lock their vehicles when they are unattended and keep valuables stored out of view of prying eyes.
Burglars often pose as solicitors,
…enabling them to approach homes to determine if anyone is present, without arousing suspicion. For this reason, the Borough of Middlesex requires that all solicitors obtain a license before engaging in such activity. If you suspect that someone is soliciting without a license, please report them to the police.
Spring is also popular time for yard sales and garage sales.
…Residents are reminded that New Jersey law prohibits signs from being “painted, drawn, erected or maintained upon trees, rocks, other natural features or public utility poles”.
You may stake signs advertising your sale on your property, or on private property with the permission of the property owner. We also ask prospective buyers to make sure to obey all traffic and parking laws while attending a garage, yard or estate sale.
During Spring Cleanup,
…trim bushes, shrubs and trees so that they don’t provide concealment for would-be burglars.
Clean up after your pets
…Spring brings the increased use of our parks and ballfields. Those that choose to use these recreational areas to walk their dogs are reminded that it is their responsibility and it is the law to clean up after their pet and to keep their dog on a leash. Our children depend on these parks, schoolyards and ballfields for recreation. Dog feces, when not disposed of properly, is a health hazard and an environmental hazard.
Warm Weather Brings With It Increased Pedestrian Traffic
Keep these tips in mind:
Pedestrians:
Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional)
Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
Always walk facing traffic.
Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk.”
Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.
Motorist
Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Failure to stop carries a $200 fine (court costs additional), a 2 point license penalty, 15 days community service, and insurance surcharges.
Watch for pedestrians when turning right on red.
Obey speed limits.
Do not block or park in crosswalks.
Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
Be alert for pedestrians at all times.
Share the Road: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility
Milder temperatures also mean that there will be more people taking to the roads on bicycles and motorcycles. Drivers should be mindful that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards so follow at a safe distance.
Special Olympics Torch Run
The Middlesex Police Department will participate in the 36th annual New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June 5th.
Residents! Sign Up for Nixle Community Notifications and Alerts
The Nixle Messaging System allows the Police Department to communicate important, emergency information and instructions directly to residents using the latest technology. Messages will be delivered by email, SMS/text message (cell phone), and over the Internet. Residents are urged to sign up to receive Nixle Alerts and Messages. Notifications may include crime related alerts, traffic advisories and other relevant safety and community event information.
Nixle also enables citizens to submit anonymous tips to the police department to aid in crime fighting efforts. To learn more about Nixle and to sign up, please visit our web site at www.middlesexpd.com.
Report a Traffic Safety Concern
We ask that you support our Safe Roads Initiative by obeying all traffic laws at all times. Please report any non-emergency traffic concerns to the Middlesex Police Department – (732) 356-1900 ext. 235, or trafficsafety@middlesexpd.com.
Police Records
The Police Department’s Records Bureau window is located inside the lobby of the Middlesex Borough Police Department at 1101 Mountain Avenue. The window is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Citizens can obtain motor vehicle crash reports and police incident reports by completing a request form, by providing their information and by providing a proper form of identification.
Please allow up to 5 business days for report availability. Contact the Records Bureau at (732) 356-1900 ext. 230/231 for information or to check the status of your report request.
Internet Exchange Zone
The Middlesex Police Department has established an Internet Exchange Zone in the parking lot at police headquarters. The zone will be monitored by a dedicated video surveillance camera. The goal is to create a place that promotes safer transactions between individuals making sales, purchases or exchanges with total strangers.
Firearms Applications
Firearms Applications can now be completed online. Visit njportal.com/NJSP/FARS. When filling out the online application (for Middlesex Borough residents only) use ORI NJ0121100. Contact Detective Paul Steffanelli at 732-356-1900 Ext. 311 or Detective Daniel McCue at 732-356-1900 Ext. 312 with questions or if more information is needed.
Department of Aging and Disabled Services
We can help you with Property Tax Reimbursements forms, Social Security issues, Pharmaceutical Assistance, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and resources for COVID 19 vaccine appointments.
Contact us for all kinds of help
We can help you with Property Tax Reimbursements forms, Social Security issues, and Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged & Disabled (PAAD)/Senior Gold.
LIHEAP
Our department can also help you with LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Please reach out to us at 732-356-0414 to schedule an appointment for assistance with any application and forms.
2021 Eligibility for PAAD - Maximum income:
single - $28,769 couple - $35,2702021 Eligibility for Senior Gold - Maximum income:
single - $38,769 couple - $45,270
Seniors 65+ are able to access free, dedicated COVID 19 vaccine appointments in New Jersey
Directly call senior-specific hotline
1) Seniors, 65 and older, can call 856-249-7007(senior-specific NJ COVID Call Center hotline, available 8am-8pm) to: Register, schedule and reschedule appointments as needed. This is a phone number just for those 65 and older
Receive calls from the NJ COVID Vaccine Call Center
2) Seniors, 65 and older on the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System wait-listmay receive calls or messages from the NJ COVID Vaccine Call Center to schedule dedicated appointments at the following locations:
Walmart (~60 sites being activated) -call stores directly https://www.walmart.com/store/directory/nj
These sites may have dedicated appointments for those 65+
Schedule directly with pharmacies and other sites
3) Seniors, 65 and older may also be able to access dedicated appointments at certain hospitals as well as the following retail pharmacies across the state:
CVS: (800) 746-7287
www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccineRite Aid: (800) 748-3243 http://ritea.id/newjersey
Walgreens: 1-800-9254-73367(1-800-WALGREENS)
www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
for Walgreens account holders only
This information is current as of March 11, 2021. Please contact New Jersey Department of Health for the latest information.
Department Programming resumes
Ageless Grace and Chair Yoga will resume early April with all safety precautions in place. Space is limited, please call in advance to reserve your spot.
Lend us your Emails
Send us your email address - We are in the process of gathering email addresses to virtually connect with our seniors. If you or a loved one would like to get on our email distribution list please give us a call or email seniors@middlesexboro-nj.gov
Public Works (DPW)
There is a lot of activity at the DPW and at our work sites throughout town. Please take extra care when you encounter our crews so they can complete their work as safely as possible.
From the DPW Family
Warmer spring weather has arrived at last, and our busy work schedule is underway. There is a lot of activity at the Department of Public Works and at our work sites throughout town. Please take extra care when you encounter our crews so they can complete their work as safely as possible.
In this newsletter you will find updates within the Borough, Bulk pick up information, and Street sweeping schedules per district.
As usual if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call our shop. Your help is always appreciated in every way to make us a better department. Thank you and we hope everyone has a safe and happy spring.
Bulk Pick Up
Got Junk? The Borough of Middlesex is here to assist residents with any of their spring clean ups. Bulk pickup is limited to one per year and is arranged by appointment only.
Rules are strictly enforced, so please read carefully.
Please do not place anything at the curb without scheduling an appointment.
Please call (732) 968-1603 between 6am and 2pm. Please leave your name and number; your call will be returned within 24 hours to arrange for pickup.
Bulk collection is designed for residents that need to discard household trash that is too large or too much to place into your regular curb side garbage can.
Large appliances (“white metal”) can be picked up by appointment throughout the year.
Bulk items NOT ACCEPTED curbside include:
Construction debris
Propane tank
Cement
Television (accepted at the Recycling Center only)
Hazardous materials
Yard waste
Tires and metal
Pallets
Lumber
Fencing
Household garbage
Grass, Leaves, and Branches
GRASS WILL ONLY BE PICKED UP IN BIODEGRADABLE LEAF BAGS.
GRASS/LEAF COLLECTION: Grass and Leaf pick up will begin the last Wednesday of March and end on the last Wednesday of December. Place bags at curb the night before for pick up. Grass/leaves will only be picked up in paper biodegradable bags.
Plastic bags will NOT be picked up.
Grass/leaves can also be taken to the Recycling Center. Refer to Ordinance #1727-06, Chapter 355 or call 732-968-1603 for more information.
Branch collection: Branches are accepted at the Recycling Center all year and must be tied and bundled in 4-foot sections. Only place branches at the curb on designated days (third Wednesday of the month from April thru October). Branches that are not tied and bundled will not be disposed of and will be subject to a violation.
Recycle Center
Visit our Recycle Center Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday located directly behind 1200 Mountain Ave. Do not forget to bring a photo ID for proof of residency and a bulk coupon to dispose bulky items. Our employees are there to asist you in any way.
"How Do I Know if It's Recyclable?" Download Recycle Coach!
Please download app to stay up to date on recycle pickup news and schedule changes. Recycle hotline for missed pick up or complaints should be directed to MCUA. Many complaints can be reported on the app as well. Or call the Recycle Hotline, 1-800-488-6242.
Street Sweeping
Street sweeping will commence weather permitting on March 29, 2021.
We always thrive to keep our roads clean from stone and debris from the winter months. Cars should be off the street from 7am until 3pm on scheduled sweeping in your district. Please read the following schedule. If you have any questions, feel free to call 732-968-1603.
District 10
March 29 to April 2…….August 2 to August 6District 9
April 5 to April 9…….August 9 to August 13District 8
April 12 to April 16…….August 16 to August 20District 7
April 19 to April 23…….August 23 to August 27District 6
April 26 to May 30…….August 30 to Sept 3District 5
May 3 to May 7…….Sept 7 to Sept 10District 4
May 10 to May 14…….Sept 13 to Sept 17District 3
May 17 to May 21…….Sept 20 to Sept 24District 2
May 25 to May 28…….Sept 27 to Oct 1District 1
June 1 to June 4…….Oct 4 to Oct 8
Clerk's Office: Shred Day
“Shred Day” is June 11. Learn what you can (and can't) bring.
“Shred Day” is June 11 in the Borough
Date: Friday, June 11, 2021 (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.
Limit of 5 file boxes or 100 pounds per car. Paper must be in a manageable container - no Plastic Bags. NOTE: No need to remove paper clips or staples.
Residents must wear face coverings, keep their vehicle windows closed and stay in their vehicles at all times. Please have your materials in your trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to our staff, who will remove it from your vehicle.
Event coordinated by Middlesex County.
DO NOT BRING
Newspapers, magazines, hardcover books, junk mail, photos, x-rays, CDs, shredded paper, or garbage. Loads containing unacceptable items may be rejected.
RESIDENTIAL PAPER ONLY - NO BUSINESSES.
Due to the new safety measures adopted for these events because of the COVID 19 Emergency, we will not be accepting any MCFOODS program food donations at these events.
Tax Assessor
Tax appeal deadlines; Understanding the NJ Senior Freeze reimbursement.
Tax Appeal deadline
Appeals must be received (not just postmarked) by the Middlesex County Board of Taxation on or before April 1 of the tax year. Forms are available on line at this website:
http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/Government/Departments/Finance/Pages/Office_TaxBoard.aspx
Tax freeze for senior citizens:
To check the status of your New Jersey Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement). Contact the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) Hotline: 1-800-882-6597. Have a copy of your application available when you call.
Tax Collector
Quarterly taxes; Updates to Veteran property taxes and how to get applications.
Veteran Property Tax Changes
On November 3, 2020, New Jersey voters approved a Constitutional Amendment, effective December 4, 2020, to eliminate the wartime service requirement for both the $250 Veteran Property Tax Deduction and the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption.
Beginning on December 4, 2020 to receive both these veteran benefits, active military service is still required as well as an honorable discharge. However, when and where the veteran served are no longer criteria for eligibility, as long as he or she was called to active duty. Reservists and National Guard personnel must still be called to active duty to qualify. Active Duty for Training continues to be non- qualifying.
With respect to the $250 Veteran Property Tax Deduction, the pretax year is October 1, 2020 with the Deduction applied to the property’s taxes for calendar tax year 2021.
Applications are available through the tax office or by visiting www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/lpt/lpt-veterans.shtml.
Remember Your Quarterly Taxes
2nd QUARTER taxes due May 1st , 2020
Grace period: May 10th by 4:00 P.M.
When scheduling a bank to send in tax payments please note on the check the tax account # and/or Block & Lot.