It's spring, and warmer weather has drawn local kids back to play in our local municipal complex, which is so great to see. On a recent day, photographer Debra Powell captured members of the Raritan High School Hockey Team playing a spirited game for fun with friends. View the slideshow.

The roller hockey rink is located next to Town Hall. Nearby is the skate park, Swim Club, tennis courts and playgrounds.

TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE

March 19, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Sign-Up a Success

The Hazlet Township COVID-19 vaccine sign-up for those over 65 is having an impact! On March 19, 80 elderly residents of Bethany Towers in Hazlet received the J & J vaccine, thanks to the VNA. Others who signed up on the township list in the first wave in early March have begun to receive calls from Hackensack Meridian Health nurses for appointments at Bayshore Hospital, as early as Tuesday. 

Please be patient if you have not gotten a call yet, your turn is coming! As of today, Hazlet Township has submitted the names of 794 residents over 65 years of age to the schedulers. 

"Please think of seniors in town who may not have gotten the word and let them know they can sign up on our website," said Mayor Tara Clark. Here is the link for Hazlet residents.

'Bike with a Bunny' for Hazlet kids

On Saturday, March 27, Hazlet kids and their bikes will take over a portion of Middle Road for an exciting event to welcome Spring. 

In order to comply with the Governors Executive order, the Easter Bunny's friends will lead riders in groups of 50 or less on a freewheeling bike ride down a 1.7 mile route along Middle Road, from Airport Plaza to Veterans Park.  Everyone will ride at their own pace. It's not a race.

Hazlet Police officers will clear the road of traffic and will be on duty to ensure safety. This free event is open to all Hazlet families. The Raritan High School Marching Band will provide motivating tunes. And the Perna Dance Center dancers will perform with pizazz.

This event is sponsored by the Hazlet Township Recreation Advisory Committee. Registration is required as we will be following the Governor's social distancing guidelines. (And also because we have a little gift for every bike rider!) After registering, you will receive instructions by March 25 on where exactly to gather at the Airport Plaza parking lot. 

This event is for kids aged 13 or younger. They will need a bike and must wear a helmet and face mask to participate. They will need to arrive at the Airport Plaza lot by 10:30 a.m. on March 27. The rain date is March 28. 

We hope to see you there! Sign up here.

Register your Pet

It's time to renew your dog and cat licenses. Licenses must be renewed no later than March 31, 2021 or a late fee of $5 fine per license will apply on April 1.

Hazlet First Aid Gets New Rescue Tools 

Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad now has two new rescue tools that will save precious minutes at a car accident scene when it is urgent to pry apart the wreckage in order to free people trapped inside.

Recently, the squad acquired the latest technology of the Jaws of Life cutting tool and a spreader. These battery electric hydraulics are smaller, lighter and stronger than the previous gas powered hydraulics. Most importantly, as they are battery operated and untethered from a power unit, rescuers can extricate trapped people faster. The tools also allow the volunteers to spend less time in confined places with victims, reducing their potential for exposure to COVID-19.

“When we arrive on a scene we can literally pull this equipment out and work on the vehicle instantly, as opposed the current technology of starting a gas motor to power the hydraulic system,” said Jim Cavuto, the township's rescue squad captain. 

The squad has been practicing with the new rescue tools, which will be kept in the rescue rig. The tools cost $10,000 each and were purchased by the squad through community fundraisers. 

"Our town is blessed to have a strong volunteer first responder force in First Aid and fire," said Township Committeeman Skip McKay, who is also a Hazlet First Aid volunteer.  "The pandemic has not slowed our volunteers a moment." 

McKay said that in addition to selflessly volunteering around the clock, the volunteers also run fundraisers for life-saving equipment to help anyone in town. He added, "Please be supportive of their fundraising efforts." 

Natco Lake Cleaned Up

On March 13, 2021, there was a clean-up around Natco Lake Park, located behind the Gramercy at Lakeside Manor on Route 36. Clean Communities leader Ron Dente was joined by members of the Hazlet Environmental Commission, Save Coastal Wildlife, Americorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors and the Boy Scouts.