February 2023
All February 2023 issues of Hazlet Citizen Weekly.
The digital newsletter is produced by the Hazlet Public Information Office and published every Friday on the township website.
February 24, 2023
Hero Banner Applications Open, Hazlet Pops Announces Season, Updated Town Hall Hours
Happy Birthday, Hazlet!
Hazlet Township turns 175 on Saturday, Feb. 25. Mayor Michael Sachs will read a Proclamation and we will have a piece of cake. The 175th Anniversary celebration theme will continue throughout the year, especially at Fourth of July and Hazlet Day.
Join us 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Town Hall!
Honor Hazlet Heroes Banner Program
Applications will be accepted through April 30 for the outdoor display honoring the military service of our Hazlet residents.
More than 100 attractive banners with the names, service and photos of our local heroes will once again be installed in Veterans Park from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Our Honor Hazlet Heroes program, started by former Navy SEAL and Committeeman Skip McKay, helped Hazlet win the We Value Our Veterans Award in 2022. New banners are organized by Hazlet VFW Post 4303, with township support.
You can learn more about the program and find the application on the township website.
Hazlet Pops Announces New Season
Hazlet's community band will soon begin warming up for its third season of outdoor free concerts at Hazlet's Veterans Park. New members who are 9th grade and up are welcome to fill out a form on the township website to apply for a seat. There is no residency requirement. View application.
Hazlet Pops is led by Raritan High School Marching Band Conductor Ray Lahaye and Keyport Schools' Tiffany Slattery. Rehearsals start in May and will be held at Raritan High School. Mark your calendar for concert dates:
- July 13: Patriotic American Theme
- July 20: Cinema Spectacular
- July 27: Give Our Regards to Broadway
- August 3: Back to the Classics
Updated Town Hall Schedule
Effective Feb. 27, the hours of operation for Town Hall will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Town Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, the hours will be 8:00 a.m. to noon.
For bill pay, residents may use online payment options or the Night Drop slot located outside the building, near the flagpoles. View Tax Collector page.
Job Opportunity
Hazlet's Clean Communities program aims to tackle the litter problem through various ways. For the first time, we will use part of our state grant to pay a dedicated laborer or two to pick up trash around town. This is part-time seasonal work. Interested or know someone? View job description.
Upcoming Public Meetings
- Township Committee Regular Meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28
- Land Use Board, 7 p.m. March 2
- All meetings are at Town Hall. Agendas are posted prior to the meetings in the Agenda Center.
Summer Camp Update
Hazlet Recreation Summer Camp for children in K-8 is currently in the planning stages. Fee information will be available mid-March.
March 24 - Free Hearing Screenings
Hosted by Hackensack Meridian Health. Free 15-minute appointment with audiologist. Friday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration requested. RSVP to the Senior Center.
February 17, 2023
175th Anniversary Celebration, Presidents' Day Closures, New Senior Center Events
Hazlet's 175th Anniversary Day
On Saturday, Feb. 25, Mayor Sachs will read an official Proclamation to mark the 175th anniversary of Hazlet Township outside Town Hall at 11 a.m.
Hazlet Township was originally incorporated as Raritan Township by an act of the state legislature on February 25, 1848, from portions of Middletown Township. It was renamed Hazlet Township as of November 28, 1967, based on the results of a referendum, and in recognition of Dr. John Hazlett.
Presidents' Day Holiday
Municipal Offices are closed on Monday, Feb. 20 for Presidents' Day. Closures include Town Hall, the James J. Cullen Center and the Recycling Yard.
A reminder of the recent announcement that starting Monday, Feb. 27, Town Hall will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
In the summer, Town Hall hours will shift. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, hours will be Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. and on Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon.
HAZLET SENIOR CENTER
Check out the new events and programs at the Hazlet Senior Center at the James J. Cullen Community Center, 1776 Union Ave.
EVENTS
Feb. 23 - Pizza Party
Refreshments, pizza, dessert and games. Suggested donation $5.00. Must RSVP to Senior Center Director Denise Bucciero.
March 24 - Free Hearing Screenings
Hosted by Hackensack Meridian Health. Free 15-minute appointment with audiologist. Friday, March 24 from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration requested.
March 30 - Hands Only CPR
Hosted by Hackensack Meridian Health.
Thursday, March 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration required.
NEW PROGRAMS
Zumba Gold
Free Demo Class 1 p.m. on March 7.
Six week session $60. Starting March 30 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Dynamic Duos - A Family and Me Class
Starting March 6 & 7. Register at Hazlet.Recdesk.com
Sit & Get Fit Gentle Fitness
Starting March 7 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (No class March 14, 21)
Active Adult Fitness Program
Starts March 8 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Book Club & Potluck Lunch
First meeting noon Thursday, March 30
March reading is "Brooklyn" by Colm Tolbin. Pickup at Hazlet Library Monday, Feb. 27.
Stress-Free Spanish for Business
With Frank Prignoli, language instructor
Six-week session starts March 31. $60. Classes 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
TRIPS
Niagara Falls May 15-18
$75 deposit required by Feb. 28
$709 pp double occupancy; Single rate $918
Atlantic City Cruise & Casino August 14
$93 pp with $15 Resorts clot bonus and $20 food voucher.
Pittsburgh Express Trip August 29-31
$519 pp. Deposit due May 1.
LEARN MORE, SIGN UP
Visit the expanding Senior Center section of the township website for all the information you need, including how to reach Director Denise Bucciero, as well as programs, events, center hours and the newly-launched Senior Center newsletter.
Youth League Spring Registration
Hazlet Youth Athletic League (HYAL)
Spring 2023 Recreation Baseball & Softball registration is open online through March 31. Visit www.HazletHawks.com.
Hazlet United Soccer Association (HUSA)
Registration for Rec Soccer is now open through Feb. 24. Season starts April 8. www.HazletSoccer.org.
February 10, 2023
Early Bird Swim Memberships On Sale, New Recycling & Waste Cans, Town Hall Summer Hours
Discounted Swim Club Memberships Now on Sale
We are happy to announce 2023 Hazlet Swim & Tennis Club memberships are now available for sale to residents and non-residents!
Everyone can take advantage of special discounted Early Bird rates from now through April 30, 2023. This year, every member will receive a few free one-time use Guest Passes. Also, Day Passes will be for sale.
Memberships can be purchased online or by downloading a paper form. Please visit the Swim Club section today for registration information, rates, photos, rules and more.
New Litter Receptacles
Hazlet Township Clean Communities receives an annual state grant to be used towards litter abatement. This year, some of that money has been used to replace old recycling and trash receptacles.
In recent days, 24 new attractive receptacles have been placed around town by Public Works. They replace several old cement containers at the library, police station, James J. Cullen Center, Town Hall, as well as some plastic blue bins in several parks. The new ones have a slat design to complement their natural environment. The brown waste barrels have dome tops to keep out wildlife. The green barrels have a flat top with a restrictive opening and messagng to encourage proper recycling. All of these new long-lasting barrels are constructed with recycled plastic.
You may have noticed these cans have been in use at Veterans Park since August, 2022 where we have been testing them out!
Learn more about Hazlet Clean Communities on our website.
Paper Shredding Dates
Hazlet will host a Paper Shredding day on August 19. This time, the event will be based in a portion of the Hazlet Swim Club Parking Lot. The event, in partnership with Monmouth County, will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. County residents may shred up to 100 pounds, which is equivalent to four office paper boxes or four large-sized trash bags. View all dates.
Updated Town Hall Schedule
Effective Feb. 27, the hours of operation for Town Hall will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Town Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, the hours will be 8:00 a.m. to noon.
As always, residents may use online payment options and the Night Drop slot located outside the building, near the flagpoles, for bill pay.
Presidents' Day Holiday
Town Hall and the Recycling Yard will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 for Presidents' Day.
Upcoming Public Meetings
- Township Committee Regular Meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14
- Land Use Board, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are at Town Hall. Agendas are posted prior to the meetings in the Agenda Center.
Baseball Clinic Registration
Raritan High School Assistant Coach TJ O'Donnell will oversee a Baseball Clinic in the high school Rear Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 28-March 30. Sessions are offered for 5-8 year-olds from 6-7 p.m. and 9-12 year-olds from 7 to 8 p.m. The five-week session is $150. Register through Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
THE SENIOR CENTER at the James J. Cullen Center
EVENTS
Feb. 14 - Free Alternative Yoga Demos
- 11:30 a.m. - Try Yoga on the mat or standing up.
- 12:30 p.m. - Try Yoga on the chair
Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. : Latin Dance demo class
Feb. 23: Pizza party. Refreshments, pizza, dessert and games. Suggested donation $5.00. RSVP to Denise.
PROGRAMS
Sit & Get Fit Gentle Fitness
Starting March 7 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (No class March 14, 21)
Active Adult Fitness Program
Starts March 8 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Book Club
A book club will start in March. Let us know if you wish to join.
GET IN TOUCH
Visit the expanding Senior Center section of the township website for all the information you need, including how to reach Director Denise Bucciero, as well as programs, events, center hours and the newly-launched Senior Center newsletter.
February 3, 2023
Mayor Welcomes Grocery Outlet, New Senior Activities Newsletter, Healthy Heart Info
New Grocery Store Opens
Hazlet Township Mayor Michael Sachs and Committeeman Jim Cavuto were present for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the new Grocery Outlet at Hazlet Plaza on Thursday, Feb. 2. (Actually the ribbon was more like a long receipt, very clever!) Grocery Outlet announced donations to the St. John’s UMC Food Pantry and Keansburg First Aid. The Hazlet Business Owners Association came to support to the owners, Tracy and Kent Encarnacion. Inside, curious shoppers walked slowly, exploring the aisles. Welcome to Hazlet!
Paper Shredding Dates
Hazlet will host a Paper Shredding day on August 19. This time, the event will be based in a portion of the Hazlet Swim Club Parking Lot. The event, in partnership with Monmouth County, will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. County residents may shred up to 100 pounds, which is equivalent to four office paper boxes or four large-sized trash bags. View all dates.
Paper Shredding Dates
Hazlet will host a Paper Shredding day on August 19, 2023 at the Hazlet Swim Club Parking Lot. The event, in partnership with Monmouth County, will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. County residents may shred up to 100 pounds, which is equivalent to four office paper boxes or four large-sized trash bags. View all dates.
Updated Town Hall Schedule
Effective Feb. 27, the hours of operation for Town Hall will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Town Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, the hours will be 8:00 a.m. to noon.
As always, residents may use online payment options and the Night Drop slot located outside the building, near the flagpoles, for bill pay.
New Senior Center Newsletter
Hazlet has a new monthly newsletter especially for Active Adults 60+ describing events, programs and activities offered through the James J. Cullen Center, including an upcoming trip to Niagara Falls! View the February issue. (PDF)
Upcoming Public Meetings
- Environmental Commission, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6
- Township Committee Workshop, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7
All meetings are at Town Hall. Agendas are posted prior to the meetings in the Agenda Center.
Baseball Clinic Registration
Raritan High School Assistant Coach TJ O'Donnell will oversee a Baseball Clinic in the high school Rear Gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 28-March 30. Sessions are offered for 5-8 year-olds from 6-7 p.m. and 9-12 year-olds from 7 to 8 p.m. The five-week session is $150. Register through Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
THE SENIOR CENTER at the James J. Cullen Center
EVENTS
Feb. 14 - Free Alternative Yoga Demos
- 11:30 a.m. - Try Yoga on the mat or standing up.
- 12:30 p.m. - Try Yoga on the chair
Feb. 15 at 11 a.m. : Latin Dance demo class
Feb. 23: Pizza party. Refreshments, pizza, dessert and games. Suggested donation $5.00. RSVP to Denise.
PROGRAMS
Sit & Get Fit Gentle Fitness
Starting March 7 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Tuesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. (No class March 14, 21)
Active Adult Fitness Program
Starts March 8 for 8 weeks. Free.
On Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Book Club
A book club will start in March. Let us know if you wish to join.
GET IN TOUCH
Visit the expanding Senior Center section of the township website for all the information you need, including how to reach Director Denise Bucciero, as well as programs, events, center hours and the newly-launched Senior Center newsletter.
Property Tax Payments
First Quarter Taxes were due on February 1. There is a 10-day grace period. View Tax Collector's webpage.
Temporary Water Treatment Changes
New Jersey American Water's annual maintenance program is Feb. 6 through April. Customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This normal and only temporary, according to the utility company. See press release.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
Free income tax preparation service is available at select Monmouth County Library System branches by AARP volunteers. This service is available for low-and middle-income taxpayers with simple returns. Find tax information on the county library site.
Take Your Child to the Library Day on Feb. 4
The staff at Hazlet Library invites families to visit the Library on Saturday, Feb. 4 to share what they love about the library. Take out a book or movie, learn about library services. The library is located next to the Police HQ at 251 Middle Road. View the February Children's calendar.
New Knitting Club
Knitting with Friends
The Hook & Needle Nuts had a great start on Tuesday, January 31, with 10 participants.
The group was led by one of the Hazlet Senior Center volunteers, Lois Brennan, who also supplied the group with cookies and homemade drawstring bags to hold everyone’s individual projects.
The group meets every Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. at the James J. Cullen Center to work on a scarves project to be donated to a local charity.
For more information contact Denise Bucciero, Director at (732) 217-8683
Wear Red Day
Healthy Hearts Information Session
February 8
February is American Heart Month! 💓In honor of National Wear Red Day, the Friday Fitness crew at the James J. Cullen Center showed their support in raising awareness for heart disease and stroke in women. You can learn more about Healthy Hearts at a free information session with Hackensack Meridian Health's Patricia Hessinger, RN on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cullen Center.
Baseball Clinic
Hazlet Recreation announces a 5-week Baseball Clinic Feb. 28 through March 30 at Raritan High School, under the supervision of Assistant Baseball Coach TJ O'Donnell. There are session for players ages 5 through 12. Registration and information at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
First Snow, Feb. 1
Is that...Snow?
During this season of above-normal temperatures, we finally woke up to a dusting in Hazlet on Wednesday morning, Feb. 1! In case you missed it before it melted away, here was Veterans Park playground at 9 a.m.
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.