Hazlet Citizen News Weekly

Happy New Year! 
Dec. 31, 2021
We are taking a break this week and enjoying vacation time. The Hazlet Citizen Weekly will return in 2022. Please view the homepage of HazletTwp.org for recent announcements and review last week's issue below. 

Thank you for being a reader!
Christina Johnson, Hazlet Public Information Office. 

December 24, 2021

Track Santa Through West Keansburg Section
Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 is the date for the West Keansburg Fire Co. Santa Run! 
Santa will be out around dusk. Check out the Santa Tracker at that time. 


Hazlet Is AglowHoliday Lights Icon
Fun, free entertainment for the family! The crowd-sourced Hazlet Holiday Lights Map gives you the location of 47 spectacularly-decorated homes. Take a drive (or walk) to see creativity at work  More info.
You may also wish to visit the Live Nativity at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Avenue, Hazlet .  

Hazlet Holiday Lights 2021 Map


Holiday Hours

  • The Hazlet Township Municipal Building will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday through the end of the year except for Monday, Dec. 27 (Christmas observed) and Jan. 3 (New Year's Day observed.) Town Hall is closed on Fridays.
  • The Hazlet Dept. of Public Works Recycling Yard will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31. 
  • The Hazlet Library will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. 
  • US Post Office locations are closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

COVID-19 Case Spike
In New Jersey, COVID-19 cases jumped significantly on Thursday, just as families were planning to gather or travel for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. The state reported 15,482 COVID cases, breaking the state record for the second straight day. It represents nearly 6,000 more than the day before when the state reported 9,711 cases.  The omicron variant is blamed. In Hazlet, demand for PCR testing was high, take-home rapid tests were hard to find in stores. 

The Monmouth County Health Department said Monmouth County had 2,243 additional positive cases reported from Dec. 20 and Dec. 23, which includes 104 Hazlet cases. Read more. 

You can find information about testing and vaccines, links to resources and announcements about COVID-related hardship relief in our COVID-19 Information section of the Hazlet Township website. 

Save Immunization Records
Docket is an app from the NJ Department of Health that makes it easier for you to securely access your COVID-19 vaccination record. If you don't have your vaccination card with you or you have lost it, you can easily access your record through the app to provide proof of COVID-19 immunizations as needed. Read more about Docket.

COVID-19 Relief Grants for Businesses & Non-Profits
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for grants up to $20,000 for eligible COVID-19 expense reimbursement through the Monmouth County Community Development Block Grant program. Applications accepted through Jan. 31. More details. 

Now Hiring
Hazlet Township is now accepting applications for the full-time position of Superintendent of Public Works. A full job description is available at HazletTwp.org/Jobs.

Teen Yoga & Mindfulness
Hazlet Recreation is offering a yoga & mindfulness class just for teens on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. from Jan. 5 through Jan. 26. The fee is $55.

On January 15, there will be a special Glow Yoga event for adults from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee is $45. Instructor for both is Christina Ausiello. Sign up.

   

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Events in Hazlet Township

Monday, Dec. 27 - Blood Drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at North Centerville Vol. Fire Co. Sponsored by Hazlet Emergency Services.  How to participate.

Saturday, Jan. 1 - Township Committee Reorganization Meeting. At 1 p.m. at Town Hall. Open to public.

Details may change as we approach event dates. Be sure to check back! 


Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Dec 17 2021

December 17, 2021

Kids' Gymnastics 
Registration begins Monday, December 20 at 9 a.m. 
This is a high-energy class designed to excite, motivate and stimulate kids. They will learn gymnastic skills like vaulting, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercises, rings and rope. Classes will be held at Cove Road School in Hazlet. The fee is $80. Sessions run from Jan. 31 through March 28, 2022. See the Recreation section for details. 

Registration begins for Kids' Gymnastics, from Hazlet Recreation

Trash Survey Results
In its effort to explore whether Hazlet Township should offer a town-wide garbage collection service, township elected officials offered an "interest survey" to residents for feedback. This week, results were shared. View as a slideshow presentation (PDF) or see the information in article form.

View results of the Hazlet Township Committee's Trash Collection Interest Survey

Track Santa Through Hazlet
A message from Hazlet PD

The three volunteer fire companies will again be taking time out of their day this Holiday Season to bring Santa around town to spread holiday cheer to the residents of Hazlet! Each fire company will be bringing Old Saint Nick around their respective areas of town on different days. We have laid out three maps of the town as well as the days each fire company will be driving around. Please check the map to see when they will be in your neighborhood.

Be advised, the green marking indicates their responsible area- not necessarily the roads they will take. Their route can change due to many circumstances but they will stay within their coverage area. SantaRuns

Here is the schedule:

🚒Saturday, December 18 - North Centerville Fire Company (Will begin around 6:30 pm, weather permitting)

🚒Sunday, December 19 - Hazlet Fire Company (Will begin around noon; was previously scheduled for December 18)

🚒Friday, December 24 - West Keansburg Fire Company (Will begin around Dusk)

Our wonderful Volunteer Fire Departments may have two Santa’s out in order to visit as many streets as possible. But rest assured the Santa that comes by your house will definitely be the real one. Please keep in mind if the FD is needed for an emergency, Santa’s route may deviate. Santa also may stop for a short break a few times to enjoy some of Mrs. Claus's cookies, but once he's done eating he'll be back on the road!

In case you don’t want to wait outside and listen for Santa’s sirens, we will have our Santa Tracker up and running!

https://www.hazletpd.org/santa-tracker/

(Password will not be required on the days Santa is mobile. No need to join or do anything but keep your eyes on the map and watch for Santa to move about town!)

Santa-visit HFC (Instagram Post)
Santa-visit NC (Instagram Post)
Santa-visit WK (Instagram Post)

COVID-19 Relief Grants for Businesses & Non-Profits
Small businesses and nonprofits can apply for grants up to $20,000 for eligible COVID-19 expense reimbursement through the Monmouth County Community Development Block Grant program. More details. 

Hazlet's So SparklyHoliday Lights Icon
Wow! The crowd-sourced Hazlet Holiday Lights Map gives you the location of 42 spectacularly-decorated homes. Take a drive and see the sights. More info.

Help for Renters
Emergency rental assistance is available through Monmouth County. Eligible households can receive up to $30,000 in rental costs if they experienced a loss of income or face financial hardship due to the pandemic, or if they are at risk of becoming homeless or being evicted. More info.

Volunteer for Boards and Committees
Any resident wishing to serve as a volunteer member on a township Board, Commission or Committee can submit an application for consideration. Fill out an interest form.

   

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Events in Hazlet Township

Saturday, Dec. 18 - Bird Feeder Event from 2 to 4 p.m. at the new Environmental Commission building at 399 Middle Road. Make pinecone bird feeders. Free, open to all. 

Monday, Dec. 27 - Blood Drive from 1 to 7 p.m. at North Centerville Vol. Fire Co. Sponsored by Hazlet Emergency Services. How to participate..

Saturday, Jan. 1 - Township Committee Reorganization. At 1 p.m. at Town Hall.

Details may change as we approach event dates. Be sure to check back! 


Hazlet Citizen Weekly edition of Dec 8, 2021

December 17, 2021

8th Street Park Renovation Project Awarded Funding

The Hazlet Township Committee is pleased to announce the township has received a $250,000 Monmouth County Municipal Open Space reimbursement grant for the redevelopment of the 8th Street Park in the West Keansburg section of town. 

Monmouth County awarded a total $2,816,000 in reimbursement grants to parks in 19 municipalities through the program at its December 9 meeting. Hazlet Township was awarded the highest grant award to pursue its community vision to revitalize the underutilized park in a densely inhabited neighborhood at the intersection of 8th Street and Brown Avenue. 

“We are so thrilled and grateful to receive the Monmouth County Municipal Open Space Grant,” said Mayor Tara Clark. “During this pandemic, we realize how much our residents need access to a beautiful green space for their mental and physical well-being. From our stakeholder meetings with local residents, we developed a great plan on how to revitalize this park, to make it inclusive, exciting and essential.” 

The proposed improvements to the park, estimated at $1,241,000, includes playgrounds with safety surfacing, basketball courts, a recreation pavilion, walkways, parking improvements, sports and walkway lighting, picnic tables and benches, irrigation, a security system, fencing, and landscaping. 

Recreation Director Chris McManus said he is excited to bring activities to this section of Hazlet Township, such as concerts, fitness programs and social events, for all township residents to participate in. “It’s important for the people of West Keansburg to have a local park to enjoy,” he said. “Seniors living in the neighborhood will especially appreciate events at the covered pavilion," which will be designed for accessibility. 

View the concept plan of the proposed improvements. 

On October 20, 2021, Hazlet was also awarded the option to accept a $600,000, 20-year, low-interest Standard Park Development loan from the NJDEP Green Acres Program. At the next Township Committee meeting on December 21, the Township Committee will discuss funding strategies for the 8th Street Park project and next steps to proceed with the park improvement plans.

8th Street Park Visioning

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The Hazlet Holly Jolly 
We had a wonderful time at the Hazlet Holly Jolly Sunday afternoon at the Cullen Center! Children did crafts and had hot chocolate as they waited to meet Santa and take a picture. He gave the Believers a little bell. Outside, they hopped on the Hazlet Polar Express for a ride through the park on a seasonably warm day. Elf on the Shelf, Olaf and The Grinch waved, and the Victorian Strolling Carolers sang in harmony. Santa led the countdown and the tree was lit at 5 p.m. The delightful event was sponsored by Hazlet Recreation.

Holly Jolly 2021

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Hazlet BedazzledHoliday Lights Icon
Wow! The crowd-sourced Hazlet Holiday Lights Map keeps growing with amazing displays. There are nearly 40 spectacular Hazlet locations. Please input your address if you would like to be on the map. You can also nominate others. The Google map is updated regularly, so you can check it out any time this month. You can even create a turn-by-turn tour for your GPS, making it easier to navigate at night. More info.

Help for Renters
Emergency rental assistance is available through Monmouth County. Eligible households can receive up to $30,000 in rental costs if they experienced a loss of income or face financial hardship due to the pandemic, or if they are at risk of becoming homeless or being evicted. There are five in-person events this month where you can learn more. More info.

Emergency Alerts
Hazlet Township uses CivicReady to send emergency alerts and notifications. Subscribers can register to receive emergency alerts via phone calls, text messages, and/or email. Non-emergency messages will be sent by text and/or email.

If you wish to subscribe to emergency alerts by SMS text message only, text your zip code to 38276.  More info. 

Volunteer for Boards and Committees
Any resident wishing to serve as a volunteer member on a township Board, Commission or Committee can submit an application for consideration. Fill out an application form.

   

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Events in Hazlet Township

Saturday, Jan. 1 - Township Committee Reorganization. At 1 p.m. at Town Hall.

Details may change as we approach event dates. Be sure to check back! 


Hazlet Citizen Weekly-Dec. 3 2021

December 3, 2021

The Hazlet Holly Jolly is Sunday
Join Hazlet Recreation on Sunday for a special event starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa. Take a ride on Hazlet's Polar Express. Listen to carolers. See an ice sculptor at work. Help us keep an eye out for Elf on the Shelf, Olaf and The Grinch

At 5 pm, we will light up the Christmas tree outside. It's all free, no registration required. Bring your favorite munchkins for a photo with this gentleman. Letters to Santa can be dropped in the mailbox at the Hazlet Police station 

Meet Santa Claus at the Hazlet Holly Jolly Dec. 5

Happy Hanukkah
The Festival of Lights is Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. The township Menorah is lit outside the Cullen Center and visible from Union Avenue. We wish all our Hazlet families peace and joy this Hannukah season!

Hazlet Township's Hannukah Menorah at Union Avenue


Hazlet BedazzledHoliday Lights Icon
Wow! The crowd-sourced Hazlet Holiday Lights Map keeps growing with amazing displays. In our first week, we have collected the addresses of 31 spectacular Hazlet locations. Please input your address if you would like to be on the map. You can also nominate others. The Google map is updated regularly, so you can check it out any time this month. You can even create a turn-by-turn tour for your GPS, making it easier to navigate at night. More info.

Hazlet Holiday Lights 2021 Locator Map

Get Your Baseball Bus Trip Tickets
We're going to the stadiums this summer! 

  • NY Yankees vs Boston Red Sox on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Yankee Stadium – Section 305. Ticket cost: $160
  • NY Mets vs. Atlanta Braves on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 7:10 pm. at Citi Field - Field Reserved, Section 139. Ticket cost: $110 

All the details can be found on the Recreation Events page. 

Bus Trip to Smithville
The deadline to purchase tickets for the bus trip and luncheon in Historic Smithville is Thursday, Dec. 9. The trip is scheduled for Dec. 12. More info.

Vaccination Event
More than 100 people turned out for the December 2 vaccination event in Hazlet Township, including some who came for their first dose. The event was sponsored by the Monmouth County Health Dept. with help from Hazlet Health Services. 

Landlord Registration
The Housing Bureau reminds landlords that annual registration is required for all who own rental property in Hazlet Township. License fees are due and payable by January 15. More info.

Volunteer for Boards and Committees
Any resident wishing to serve as a volunteer member on a township Board, Commission or Committee can submit an application for consideration. Fill out an application form.

   

Hazlet Township Save the Date


Events in Hazlet Township

Sunday, Dec. 5 - Hazlet Holly Jolly. A fun family-friendly party at the Cullen Center from Hazlet Recreation. 3 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 12 - Holiday bus trip to Historic Smithville and Village Greene. Includes lunch at The Historic Smithville Inn. Tickets $65. Register online or visit Hazlet Recreation.

Details may change as we approach event dates. Be sure to check back! 



Hazlet Citizen Weekly is compiled and published by the Hazlet Township Public Information Office to share news and events with our citizens and neighbors. This weekly news roundup is posted to our website on Friday. Get an email or text alert to see the week's news by signing up here. Questions? Contact Christina Johnson, Public Information Officer: (732) 217-8660 or cjohnson@hazletnj.org.