Image of newly refurbished fountain through birch trees in Hazlet

Hazlet Township Newsletter

December 1-7, 2023

 Holly Jolly is Saturday, Fountain Lights Up Veterans Park, Kudos for Marching Band & Blood Drive

Holly Jolly is Saturday, Dec. 2

Join Hazlet Recreation for the annual Holly Jolly indoors at the James J. Cullen Center. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. The annual Tree Lighting will be at 5 p.m. There will be North Pole fun, including visits with characters, a reindeer snack craft table and hot cocoa. Vendors will offer face painting and stuffed toys. Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus!


Holly Jolly 2023  - 450


New Fountain Makes a Splash

The pond at Veterans Park got an upgrade this week with the installation of a big and better fountain to replace the former unit which had been experiencing failures. The new aeration pump creates a bigger and bolder spray, resulting in a dash of class and beauty to the park while contributing to the health of the shallow pond. The fountain also comes with LED lights, which will create a nice look for the park at our public events. This image was taken Thursday evening.

New Fountain

Mayor Sachs Congratulates Raritan HS Marching Band

Mayor Michael Sachs read a Proclamation Wednesday night celebrating the Raritan High School Marching Band for bringing "immense pride to the entire Hazlet Township community" with their recent triumph at the Atlantic Coast Group 1 Open championship in the prestigious Tournament of Bands. 

At the Nov. 29 ceremony, Marching Band Director Ray Lahaye thanked his dedicated student musicians, their parents, Raritan HS school administrators, faculty, band staff and township leaders for all of the support. 

The Marching Band continues to dream big, with plans to perform in France on June 2024 at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy. 

Collage of photos from RHS Marching Band Proclamation Nov. 29 2023

Appreciation for Blood Drive Success

The US is currently experiencing a severe shortage of blood, according to the National Institute of Health. Hazlet Emergency Services (HES) volunteers are doing something about it.

On Monday, HES in collaboration with New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), celebrated a significant milestone on Monday as they hosted their monthly blood drive, marking the collection of over 3,000 units of blood since June 2020.

Mayor Michael Sachs stopped in to offer a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Hazlet Township. “I am impressed by the number of people who come out on a monthly basis to help others in need. It is truly a phenomenal thing” said Mayor Sachs. “I’d like to express Hazlet Township’s appreciation to all of them, as well as the volunteers with Hazlet Emergency Services and the New Jersey Blood Center for achieving this 3,000-unit blood donation milestone.” 

Mayor Sachs, center, stands with organizers of the monthly blood drive

Mayor Michael Sachs, center, offered congratulations to organizers of the monthly blood drive at the North Centerville Volunteer Fire Co. building. From left: New Jersey Blood Center representatives Kathleen Nolan and Lynne Ross; Hazlet Emergency Services' representative Marie Wood; Mayor Sachs; and Lois Marr, Laura Wood, Tommy Hesse, Frank Wood, all volunteers with Hazlet Emergency Services.

Hazlet Police Announcements

Recent postings from the Hazlet Police Facebook Page

Helicopter in Area of Natco

Helicopter in sky hovering over power lines You may have noticed a helicopter flying around lately in the area of Natco Lake. This helicopter has a name, and it’s Crazy Horse (distant relative to the Screaming Mimi).

The helicopter is being used to set metal poles in the areas of Natco Lake that trucks cannot reach. These poles are part of an electrical line project JCPL is working on. 

Letters to Santa at HPD 

You asked, so we asked, and Santa said yes! 

Santa loves using the Hazlet Police Department as a drop off location for letters to the North Pole. From now until Christmas we will be accepting the letters in our mailbox located inside the lobby of Police Headquarters. 

Letters to Santa at Hazlet PDThe lobby is open 24/7 so feel free to come by anytime to drop off your letter to the big guy!

If you include a self-addressed and stamped envelope inside your letter to Santa he will send back a personalized letter!

Please include #hpdsantamail for any pictures posted to social media!

Sheriff's Inmate Program Contributes to a Cleaner Community

On Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the invitation of Hazlet Clean Communities, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Inmate Labor program removed discarded debris from public land behind the First Aid building on Maple Drive. They collected used tires, trash, fencing, and numerous industrial construction materials. We are grateful to Sheriff Shaun Golden's Inmate Labor program, which is a cost savings to towns and helps re-integrate individuals back into society.

Sheriff's Inmate Labor Program Cleanup Nov. 29, 2023


Holiday House Decorating Contest 

Hazlet Recreation has announced a competition for Hazlet's most outstanding holiday houses. Categories are Most Creative, Most Original, Brightest Lights and Most Yard Decorations. Nominate your favorite Hazlet house by Dec. 13. Voting takes place on the Hazlet Recreation Facebook Page Dec. 14-20. Winners get a yard sign to display. Here is the submission form.

Ugly Sweater Party at Hazlet Senior Center

On Friday, Dec. 15, members of the Hazlet Senior Center at the James J. Cullen Center will have an Ugly Sweater Party and New Year's Toast & Celebration. There will be a luncheon, DJ, Festive Punch Bowls, Hot Chocolate Bar, Dessert Table, $25 per person, pre-registration required. Learn more about the Hazlet Senior Center

New Members Sought for Friends of the Hazlet Library

There is a new nonprofit group forming called Friends Friends of the Hazlet Library logoof the Hazlet Library to support programs and resources at the library.

New members are warmly invited to join! Send an email to FriendsofHazletLibrary@gmail.com


Public Meetings

Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center

  • The Environmental Commission will meet 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 at the Environmental Building at Natco Park, 399 Middle Road.
  • The Township Committee will meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Town Hall for a Regular Meeting
  • The Land Use Board meeting for Thursday, Dec. 7 has been canceled.

Hazlet Township Event Calendar

Save the Date

December 2, Saturday: Holly Jolly inside the James J. Cullen Center from 3 - 5 p.m.  Free admission. Holly Jolly Flyer (PDF). Sponsored by Hazlet Recreation. Holly Jolly event page 

December 9, Saturday: Yuletide Magic Holiday Show by Perna Dance Center. 1:30 p.m. at Raritan High School. Sponsored by Hazlet Recreation. View Flyer (PDF)

December 16, Saturday: Natco Park Tree Decorating Holiday Event. Tree decorating and crafts. Meet at the Hazlet Environmental Center, 399 Middle Road at 1 p.m. Facebook Event listing.

January 2, Tuesday: Township Committee Reorganization Meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall


Hazlet Township | 1766 Union Avenue | 732-264-1700 | www.HazletTwp.org

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Hazlet Citizen Weekly is published by the Public Information Office. It is posted on the township website at noon on Fridays. You can be alerted by signing up here. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or via email form.