March 2021
March 26, 2021
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
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

Dozens have signed up for the Town-Wide Garage Sale on April 17, and the location map is beginning to fill out with purple markers. Last October we had over 200! See who's selling what on the Recreation Events page. Add your address to the list. Special note for book lovers: check out the Hazlet Library, which will be selling used books by the bag.
HAZLET FIRST AID WELCOMES NEW AMBULANCE
Read about the new rig and see a slideshow.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Hazlet Township is hiring! View job descriptions and learn how to apply.
- Payroll Clerk / QPA (Fulltime)
Apply by April 5. - Recreation Director (Part-time)
Apply by April 15.
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.
March 11, 2021
Hundreds of Hazlet Seniors Sign Up on Vaccine List
On Monday, March 8 the township announced an online sign-up list for anyone over 65 years old to get the COVID-19 vaccine. This was an expansion of the prior March 4 "over 75" list that gave our most vulnerable seniors priority. By March 11, over 500 residents have joined the list. They will be contacted by Hackensack Meridian Health for vaccine appointments in coming days. The Hazlet Township Committee would like to thank our Monmouth representatives, Sen. Declan O'Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, for making this possible. Those without computers can fill out a form at Town Hall. The list will remain open and available until further notice. Sign up here.
Seniors who have secured appointments but lack transportation should call for a ride with the SCAT van. Read more about the free service for those disabled or over 60.
Looking Forward to Summer
On March 3, Mayor Tara Clark released a statement to assure residents that summer planning is on the agenda.
"The Hazlet Township Committee is currently evaluating options to open the Hazlet Swim and Tennis Club to members, as well as offer a summer recreation camp program for township children. Our planning must take into consideration the COVID conditions that persist. We will have to operate under strict health and safety guidelines established by the CDC and by Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders. Logistical and financial planning considerations are under review.
Thank you for your patience. As soon as we have news, we will share it."
Focus on Natco Park
Natco Lake Park is a 220-acre area in Hazlet with a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands and open water areas, as well as a trail network. At the March 2 Township Committee meeting, an engineering firm was authorized to perform a tick analysis, as well as evaluate Natco's wetlands, sensitive habitats and diverse wildlife. The goal is to be able to maintain the park for public enjoyment.
COVID-19 UPDATES
As of March 10, there has been 1641 positive COVID-19 cases among Hazlet residents since the beginning of the pandemic a year ago. Please visit our COVID-19 section for links to testing centers, resources and vaccination sites.
March 5, 2021
Vaccine Scheduling for Hazlet's Seniors
This week, Hazlet was able to partner with health systems to offer a limited supply of vaccines to seniors over 75. On March 5, the township posted a sign-up form and alerted senior groups and organizations in town. Within 24 hours, 100 have signed up. Eligible residents may join the list on our website. There is also a downloadable PDF version that can be filled out and brought to Town Hall.
Also, Monmouth County Division of Transportation (SCAT) is providing free transportation to our seniors 60 years old and older and people with disabilities to receive COVID-19 vaccines. The residents must first secure an appointment before contacting SCAT for a ride at 732-431-6480. They will be asked for current home address and phone number and name and phone number for emergency contact.
Discounts Coming for Families Struggling to Pay for Broadband
The FCC has approved the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The program is expected to be available in 60 days to eligible residents. Learn more in this article.
Lucky Gnome Contest
One Lucky Gnome will be hidden each day among our books and movies at the Hazlet Library every day through March 17.
Find the Lucky Gnome and present him to the circulation staff to receive a small prize. The Lucky Gnome is also yours to keep.
Build an Osprey Nest
A local wildlife nonprofit is seeking volunteers to help install a new osprey nesting platform near Raritan Bay on Sunday, March 7, 2021.
They need 10 volunteers (adults or children ages 14 and up with an adult) to help carry a nesting platform and pole, carry tools, dig holes, or take pictures and video.
Please bring knee boots, hip or chest waders to wear and a pair of work gloves. Conditions will be muddy and wet. Please bring a post-hole digger, shovels, and rope.
Heavy or intense weather will cancel the event. All details at SaveCoastalWildlife.org
Motoring For Music
Calling all classic car fans! The amazing Raritan High School Marching Band is holding "Motoring for Music." on May 16 from 10 am to 3 pm. They are seeking car registrations and sponsorships that start at just $50.All proceeds support the program, which now tops 80 students this year. Complete details are available on the group's Facebook Event Page and website.
Hazlet Citizen News Weekly is compiled and published by Hazlet Township Public Information Office and published each Friday to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly newsletter is placed on our website and delivered directly to your inbox. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or cjohnson@hazletnj.org.