April 2021
SUMMER FUN
Hazlet Township has begun accepting registrations for the 2021 Swim Club season. Visit the Membership page for all the details on how to join. Note our prices remain the lowest in the area. It's going to be an especially great summer to get out, reunite with friends and enjoy a cool dip in the pool. Don't forget the tennis courts. Did you know you can play pickle ball in Hazlet?
It's a full swim club season this year, unlike last year. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp has accepted several more children from the wait list and is now full.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is starting to organize their season, and you can register a child for the team. Updates will be posted to their Facebook page.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hazlet Township is hiring! View job description.
- Recreation Director - Full Time
Apply by May 14
QUARTERLY TAX BILLS DUE MAY 1
There is a 10-day grace period. You can pay via mail, by dropping your payment in the building Night Drop, or online. For more details, visit the Tax Collector Department page.
BAND CAMP JUST FOR KIDS
Announcing a community band just for young musicians! It is called Hazlet Pops Junior. The campers will meet for a half-day on weekdays July 19 through 30 at North Centerville Firehouse, 372 Middle Road. For kids grades 4-8. Led by Raritan High School Marching Band's Ray Lahaye. Read more details and find out how to enroll.
LET'S GET TOGETHER SOON
NOMINATE A LOVED ONE
The Township of Hazlet, in partnership with Hazlet PBA 189 and VFW Post 4303, is launching a special outdoor banner display called "Honor Hazlet Heroes." We wish to honor Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. We also are looking for the names of residents who served as well as those who died in service to our country. Banners honoring our Hazlet heroes will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day 2021 on the lamp posts at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall. Email any questions to Committeeman James "Skip" McKay, former Navy SEAL.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Members of Bayshore Hooks and Needles met under the gazebo in Hazlet's Veterans Park on April 20. The friendly group donates beautiful lap blankets, shawls, baby clothes and more. New members welcome!
HAPPY EARTH DAY
In celebration of Earth Day, the Hazlet Environmental Commission volunteers will be handing out bundles containing 5 tree seedlings on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 11 am to 2 pm.
Pick up your free bundle at the township's brand new Environmental Building, 399 Middle Road (near Raritan High School).
There are 100 bundles available. First come, first served. One per household. No pre-registration required.
Each bundle includes one each of Cornelian Cherry, Red Cedar, Bayberry, Sycamore and Beach Plum. (Shown in picture.)
The New Jersey Forest Nursery provided these species to Hazlet Township, because of available stock, there are what grows best in our environment. Sycamore is a great street tree, red cedar is a native juniper, Cornelian Cherry is a spring-blooming dogwood specimen tree, and bayberry and beach plum are commonly found on dunes and in other coastal environments.
The seedlings are supplied by the New Jersey Forest Nursery in Jackson, NJ. View the 2021 NJ DEP nursery catalog for more details. (PDF)
ANOTHER GREAT TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE
A family on Dogwood Lane sold formalware and shoes.
On Saturday, April 17 more than 141 households signed up to be listed in the Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale Google map.. Many more came into town to shop the sales. A quick tour revealed incredible bargains for things like ball gowns, costume jewelry, a Tiki bar, Crockpots, camping gear, tools, lamps, wreaths and Christmas decorations. The weather was great! And because Hazlet Township charges no fee to residents to host a garage sale, it's safe to say every seller could turn a profit. We will do it again next October..
SUMMER FUN
Registration has begun for the 2021 summer season at the Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club - a cherished gem of our community. Not every town has its own club as we do!
Visit the Membership page to sign up. It's going to be an especially great summer to get out, reunite with friends and enjoy a dip in the pool or tennis game.
The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The club will operate under all CDC, state, and county Board of Health requirements and guidance due to ongoing COVID-19 conditions.
The Hazlet Township Swim & Tennis Club celebrated its 50th year in 2020. It is in the municipal complex and features four pools in a spacious park setting. Members enjoy an Olympic size main pool, a diving tank, an intermediate pool, a splash pool, and four tennis courts.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hazlet Township is hiring! View job description.
- Recreation Director - Full Time
Apply by May 14
NOMINATE A LOVED ONE
The Township of Hazlet, in partnership with Hazlet PBA 189 and VFW Post 4303, is launching a special outdoor banner display called "Honor Hazlet Heroes." We wish to honor Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. We also are looking for the names of residents who served as well as those who died in service to our country. Banners honoring our Hazlet heroes will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day 2021 on the lamp posts at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall. Email any questions to Committeeman James "Skip" McKay, former Navy SEAL, at jmckay@hazletnj.org.
GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANTS
A new opportunity for restaurants, child care providers, micro-businesses and other small businesses to be reimbursed for lost revenue. The NJEDA will be distributing $85 million in grants as "Phase 4" of COVID-19 economic relief. Learn how you must pre-register April 19-29 to apply in May on the NJEDA website.
UNEMPLOYED?
The Monmouth County Workforce Development Board wants to help you get back on your feet. They have the ability to pay for career training. Learn more on their pre-recorded Career Services Orientation video.
Skill Up Monmouth: For all Monmouth County Resident workers who plan to return to their former employer as well as those who are looking to change careers or add skills to their job search toolkit. Free and unlimited access to more than 5,000 high-quality online training courses. Read more.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
On Monday, the Hazlet Library Commission presented a gift to the Hazlet Library: a solid $1,300 reference and information desk to replace an old one that had fallen into disrepair. Branch Manager Mary Patterson expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for the work to improve and upgrade the library. The desk was purchased entirely with funds raised through the used book sales.
There is an outdoor book sale Saturday from 9am to 1pm, please stop by!
At last count, 141 households have signed up for the Spring Town-Wide Garage Sale. Look for the advertisement on the OutFront Billboard at Route 35 and Hazlet Avenue. All locations have been charted on a Google Map, which shoppers can use to map their route or see items for sale. The list of addresses is also posted in the glass cases outside the Cullen Center at 1776 Union Ave. Happy Garage Sale-ing!
Check out the Google map to see what's happening in your neck of the woods.
SUMMER FUN
The township is getting ready to start online Swim Club registration. Look for an announcement and link to the registration portal on the Hazlet Township website once rates are approved.
The popular Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club will open to pool club members, guests, and the Swim Team this summer for a full season. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, and then daily beginning on June 21 through September 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The club will operate under all CDC, state, and county Board of Health requirements and guidance due to ongoing COVID-19 conditions.
On Saturday, 150 children ages 5 to 13 were registered for Hazlet Recreation Summer camp. Registration is now closed. They will attend a five-week camp in Veterans Park for $450. Camp Coconuts will also simultaneously offer its own Summer Day Camp, open to all local children.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team is also returning for practice and meets.
"I am so happy that the Hazlet Township Committee has reached an agreement with Camp Coconuts to provide professional services, especially in light of rising labor costs and the logistical difficulties of operating under strict health protocols during a pandemic,” said Mayor Tara Clark. “Camp Coconuts safely and successfully managed the club last year under these conditions, and the township received overwhelmingly positive comments from members in our post-season survey. We look forward to working with Camp Coconuts on providing another great summer experience.”
The Hazlet Township Swim & Tennis Club celebrated its 50th year in 2020. It is in the municipal complex and features four pools in a spacious park setting. Members enjoy an Olympic size main pool, a diving tank, an intermediate pool, a splash pool, and four tennis courts.
- The Township Committee took another step forward in its Road Reconstruction Program by approving a $3.8 million bond ordinance on April 6 to fund various road improvements at Brookside Avenue, Irwin Place, Nevada Drive, Winthrop Place, Roland Place, Virginia Avenue, Crescent Place, Dover Court, Creek Road, Kentucky Drive, Vermont Drive, Wyoming Drive, Michigan Avenue, Ohio Drive, Colorado Drive, California Avenue, Raritan Road and Oregon Avenue.
- Mayor Tara Clark has declared April as Alcohol Awareness Month in Hazlet.
- New stop signs will be installed at the intersection of Beers Street and Clark Street.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hazlet Township is hiring! View job description.
- Municipal Tax Collector
Apply by April 30
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
EARTH DAY EVENT
Free tree seedlings will be available Saturday, April 24 as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.
Residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at our brand new Environmental Building at 399 Middle Road, near Raritan High School between 11 am and 2 pm.
We will announce which seedlings we will be able to offer on April 20.
Seedlings will be available on a first come, first served basis. They come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant the trees. The guides help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out.
Note we will be following the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask and remain in your car for pick-up.
HAZLET LIBRARY
Create a Bookmark
Through April 30: Create a bookmark to celebrate your favorite branch, a favorite library program, a favorite book...See information on MonmouthCountyLib.org.
Book Sale
Stop by the Book Sale on Saturday, April 17 from 9 am to 1 pm, 251 Middle Road. Paperback & hardcover books for adults and children. Hard cover: 50 cents, Paperback 25 cents / $5 a bag. Please bring your own bag. More information: 732-264-7164
HAZLET POLICE
The Police Dept. thanked representatives from the Discovery Institute for donating over 200 doses of life-saving Naloxone that will be distributed throughout the Bayshore area.
The partners are hosting "ASSIST" which has been very successful in just a few short weeks that it’s been implemented. People can come into the municipal court room on Wednesdays between 10am and noon for help with substance abuse rehabilitation, support, or just some advice. Members from Hazlet's Hope Network are on hand, with no police involvement.
JOIN THE BAND
Something new! Hazlet is starting up a community band to play outdoor concerts in town this summer. Over 30 have stepped forward with their instruments.
Want to join in? Learn more and sign up to be contacted by Director Raymond Lahaye and Associate Director Carmine Fiumano with details and dates. Musicians from other towns are welcome. It's going to be great! Find more details on this page.
NOMINATE A LOVED ONE
The Township of Hazlet, in partnership with Hazlet PBA 189 and VFW Post 4303, is launching a special outdoor banner display called "Honor Hazlet Heroes." We wish to honor Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. We also are looking for the names of residents who served as well as those who died in service to our country. Banners honoring our Hazlet heroes will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day 2021 on the lamp posts at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall. Email any questions to Committeeman James "Skip" McKay, former Navy SEAL, at jmckay@hazletnj.org.
VACCINATIONS
This week the Monmouth County Office on Aging offered Hazlet Township Moderna vaccinations on two days. After first sending out emails to the 1,000+ seniors who had registered with us to see if they still needed an appointment, we shared the information on our website to those 55 and older (40 doses), and again for those 18 and older (25 doses). We believe we will be able to do this again, but we do not know when we will get the next opportunity. Please watch the website. Our 65 and older priority list is still available.
GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
ECONOMIC RECOVERY GRANTS
A new opportunity for restaurants, child care providers, micro-businesses and other small businesses to be reimbursed for lost revenue. The NJEDA will be distributing $85 million in grants as "Phase 4" of COVID-19 economic relief. Learn how you must pre-register April 19-29 to apply in May on the NJEDA website.
UNEMPLOYED?
The Monmouth County Workforce Development Board wants to help you get back on your feet. They have the ability to pay for career training. Learn more on their pre-recorded Career Services Orientation video.
Amazon Open House, Weds. April 21 from 11 am to noon. Now hiring Warehouse Associates in NJ and PA. Learn about the available positions, company benefits, and how to apply to them during this short presentation. Register.
Skill Up Monmouth: For all Monmouth County Resident workers who plan to return to their former employer as well as those who are looking to change careers or add skills to their job search toolkit. Free and unlimited access to more than 5,000 high-quality online training courses. Read more.
HAZLET IN THE NEWS
- Overdoses Up 40 %: Hazlet Police Organize Donation of over 200 Life Saving Doses of Naloxone, Donated by Discovery Institute to Bayshore Community
By Jeanne Wall, TAP Into Hazlet & Keyport, April 14, 2021 - Hazlet Township Launches Military Tribute Program
By Nicole Rosenthal, Holmdel-Hazlet Patch, April 13, 2021 - Catherine Baldini: Beloved teacher and counselor at Beers St. and Hazlet Middle School Remembered
By TAP Into Hazlet & Keyport, April 10, 2021 - Hazlet Ranks Among Highest Student Drug, Alcohol Cases In NJ
By Holmdel-Hazlet Patch, April 9, 2021 - Holmdel and Hazlet First Aid Squads: Coordinated Efforts Helps Save Lives
By Jeanne Wall, TAP Into Hazlet & Keyport, April 10, 2021
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
A modern new LED sign was installed in front of the police department, replacing an old one that was hard to update. New messages coming soon!
SUMMER FUN
The Hazlet Township Committee is pleased to announce fun in the sun is back!
The popular Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club will open to pool club members, guests, and the Swim Team this summer for a full season. The pool club will operate on weekends and holidays beginning on Saturday, May 29, 2021, and then daily beginning on June 21, 2021 through September 6, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The club will operate under all CDC, state, and county Board of Health requirements and guidance due to ongoing COVID-19 conditions.
A five-week summer recreation camp will also be offered exclusively to Hazlet children. It will be operated by Camp Coconuts, which will also simultaneously offer its own Summer Day Camp, open to all local children.
The Hazlet Summer Recreation Camp will be open to 150 children ranging in age from 5 to 13 years of age for the period June 28, 2021 to July 30, 2021, between 9:30 am and 3:00 p.m. daily. The total cost for the 5-week camp will be $450 per child. Recreation Camp will have scheduled access to the pool club for daily swimming, recreational activities, and arts and craft activities. Weekly off-site excursions will also be offered at an additional fee. Online sign-up begins Saturday, April 10 at 9 am on Camp Coconuts website. The sign-up link will be posted on the Hazlet Township Recreation page.
The Hazlet Hammerheads Swim Team will also return for practice and meets
"I am so happy that the Hazlet Township Committee has reached an agreement with Camp Coconuts to provide professional services, especially in light of rising labor costs and the logistical difficulties of operating under strict health protocols during a pandemic,” said Mayor Tara Clark. “Camp Coconuts safely and successfully managed the club last year under these conditions, and the township received overwhelmingly positive comments from members in our post-season survey. We look forward to working with Camp Coconuts on providing another great summer experience.”
Registration for swim club will be posted once the rates are passed by town ordinance. Registration is slated to begin around April 21. There will not be an Early Bird rate, nor a cap on registration, so don't feel rushed! You will find links to register, at your convenience, on the Swim Club webpage. Due to COVID-19, online registration is preferred but we will also have paper registration forms available.
The Hazlet Township Swim & Tennis Club celebrated its 50th year in 2020. It is in the municipal complex and features four pools in a spacious park setting. Members enjoy an Olympic size main pool, a diving tank, an intermediate pool, a splash pool, and tennis courts.
HOMESTEAD REBATES
From the Hazlet Tax Collector
The full 2017 Homestead Property Tax Credit has been applied to the May 2021 tax quarter for eligible property owners and adjusted statements have been mailed.
If you sold your property after 2017 and have not contacted the State, you should reach out to your closing attorney for guidance. All credits must remain with the property and cannot be refunded to prior owners because of a sale.
For more information about the program, visit the NJ Division of Taxation website or the Hazlet Township Tax Collector's Office.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Hazlet Township is hiring! View job description.
- Recreation Director (Part-time)
Apply by April 15.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
EARTH DAY EVENT
Free tree seedlings will be available Saturday, April 24 as part of the New Jersey Forest Service’s New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign.
Residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at our brand new Environmental Building at 399 Middle Road, near Raritan High School between 11 am and 2 pm.
Sorry, due to a change of procedure we will not know which varieties we will receive from the nursery until pickup on April 20. Therefore we do not plan on requiring pre-registration, but we will post the varieties on the front page of HazletTwp.org as soon as we know.
Seedlings will be available on a first come, first served basis. They come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant the trees. The guides help residents choose the right place on a property to plant a tree while keeping in mind the tree’s full-grown size in the future. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out.
Note we will be following the CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please wear a mask and remain in your car for pick-up.
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK
Create a Bookmark
Create a bookmark to celebrate your favorite branch, a favorite library program, a favorite book... we look forward to sharing your creativity with others. See information on MonmouthCountyLib.org.
Book Sale
Stop by the book sale on Saturday, April 17 from 9 am to 1 pm, 251 Middle Road. Paperback & hardcover books for adults and children. Hard cover: 50 cents, Paperback 25 cents / $5 a bag. Please bring your own bag. More information: 732-264-7164
APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH
Hazlet Police will be sporting special magnets as well as wearing a special patch during the month of April to promote awareness.
HAZLET POLICE TRADING CARDS
A project to promote friendly interactions between Hazlet Police and Hazlet youths. Follow the Hazlet PD Facebook Page to learn about the cards in the collection. They each feature a member of the staff. Kids up to the age of 14 can approach an officer, introduce themselves, and ask for a card. Some cards are only available at the police station located at 255 Middle Road. Once a child has all 45 they can bring them into HQ to collect a prize, which is a $5 Ralph’s Italian Ice gift card.
JOIN THE BAND
Something new! Hazlet is starting up a community band to play outdoor concerts in town this summer.
Want to join in? Learn more and sign up to be contacted by Director Raymond Lahaye and Associate Director Carmine Fiumano with details and dates. Musicians from other towns are welcome. It's going to be great!
TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALE 
As of Thursday, 90 families have signed up for the Town-Wide Garage Sale on April 17, and the location map is beginning to fill out with purple markers. See where the sales are on the Recreation Events page. Add your address to the list. Free!
NOMINATE A LOVED ONE
The Township of Hazlet, in partnership with Hazlet PBA 189 and VFW Post 4303, is launching a special outdoor banner display called "Honor Hazlet Heroes." We wish to honor Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. We also are looking for the names of residents who served as well as those who died in service to our country. Banners honoring our Hazlet heroes will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day 2021 on the lamp posts at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall. Email any questions to Committeeman James "Skip" McKay, former Navy SEAL, at jmckay@hazletnj.org. Go to: http://hazlettwp.org/HonorHazletHeroes
COVID-19 UPDATE
Information about the County’s COVID-19 testing program is available on www.visitmonmouth.com. Residents are encouraged to fill out the testing requisition form ahead of testing in order to expedite the process.
GATHERING LIMITS ADJUSTED
On April 7, Go. Murphy announced an adjustment of a recent administrative order about gathering limits for non-professional and non-collegiate indoor sports activities. The adjustment clarifies that athletes, coaches, up to two parents and guardians per participating athlete under the age of 21, and other individuals necessary for the practice or competition do not count towards the general indoor gathering limit, which is currently 25 persons. The order also allows retail businesses to permit customers to utilize self-service food, such as buffets and salad bars.
The Governor also announced that as of April 19, all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination.
HAZLET MUNICIPAL COURT
HAZLET IN THE NEWS
- Florida's Scottie Lewis says he'll enter NBA draft; 6th player to leave program
About Hazlet's Scottie Lewis
By the Associate Press via ESPN.com, April 2, 2021 - The Rock and Roll Chef of Modern American Cuisine
About Hazlet's David Burke
By Karlo Sta Cruz on Vue New Jersey, April 2, 2021
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Come visit our town parks to see everything coming into bloom. At Veteran's Park you will find daffodils, hyacinth, cherry and green grass. April showers bring May flowers, so expect a colorful Easter weekend! Find a park near you.
CHICK-FIL-A RIBBON CUTTING
Welcome to town, Chick-Fil-A! Ahead of the April 1 grand opening, franchise owner/operator Brandon Jones was thrilled to cut the ceremonial ribbon Tuesday alongside Hazlet Mayor Tara Clark. He was surrounded by his family and colleagues and representatives of the Hazlet Business Owners Association
Establishing the brand new Hazlet franchise on Route 35 North, even despite the pandemic, is a longtime "dream come true" for Jones, a Holmdel resident who came from the healthcare field.
The Holmdel Boy Scouts led a flag raising ceremony. It was important to owner Brandon Jones, the father of former Scouts, to include this patriotic event at his new restaurant. Hazlet Girls Scouts were also on hand. Over 140 people are now employed at Chick-fil-A of Hazlet, many of them teens and college students.
For now, it will be mobile pick up and drive-thru only. With the potential for over 100 cars in queue, a traffic pattern has been set up to lessen knots. There will be helpers onsite to help direct motorists.\
Something new! Hazlet is starting up a community band to play outdoor concerts in town this summer.
Want to join in? Learn more and sign up to be contacted by Director Raymond Lahaye and Associate Director Carmine Fiumano with details and dates. Musicians from other towns are welcome. It's going to be great!
More details:: https://www.hazlettwp.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=632
As of Thursday, 55 families 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.
The Township of Hazlet, in partnership with Hazlet PBA 189 and VFW Post 4303, is launching a special outdoor banner display called "Honor Hazlet Heroes." We wish to honor Hazlet residents currently serving in the military. We also are looking for the names of residents who served as well as those who died in service to our country. Banners honoring our Hazlet heroes will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day 2021 on the lamp posts at Veterans Park, next to Town Hall. Email any questions to Committeeman James "Skip" McKay, former Navy SEAL, at jmckay@hazletnj.org. Go to: http://hazlettwp.org/HonorHazletHeroes..
It was such a beautiful day for Hazlet's first-ever Bike with a Bunny on Saturday, March 27.
With Middle Road cleared of traffic, kids had the rare freedom to ride bikes all the way from Airport Plaza to a musical finish at Veterans Park.
A round of applause for the Recreation Advisory Committee for thinking up this creative idea and seeing it through! Police, first aid and fire helped keep the event safe. The kids were accompanied by their parents and the Hazlet Running Club. The Perna Dance Center performers and Raritan High School Marching Band made it very celebratory! Raritan High School volunteers helped make it go smoothly.
All the bikers and little spectators got a little plastic egg to open. Inside was a stuffed animal to attach to their bike. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs Bunny for coming to Hazlet and spreading spring joy.