November 2023

This page is an archive of November 2023 issues of Hazlet Citizen Weekly. View the current edition. 
Hazlet Citizen Weekly is published on Fridays by the Hazlet Township Public Information Office. 

Hazlet Township Newsletter

November 24-30, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving, Shop Local for Holidays, New DPW Vehicles

Municipal Holiday Closure for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving illustration of turkeyHazlet Township municipal offices and the James J. Cullen Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Recycling Collection

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there are changes in the Recycling pickup and are reflected in your household green booklet. 

    • Zone 6 collection is Monday, Nov. 20
    • Zone 8 collection is Monday, Nov. 27

DPW Recycling Yard on Leocadia Court 

The Recycling yard is closed for the holiday on Nov. 23 and 24. It will open on Saturday, Nov. 25. Hours are 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Shop Hazlet This Weekend

Support Local BusinessThis is the time of year to pay a visit to your favorite local retailers and support small business! Here are some reasons to shop for the holidays here in Hazlet:

The money you spend cycles back into our community, stimulating our local economy. You can reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the need for delivery. Small businesses employ community members you probably know. Local merchants support local charities, youth organizations, first responders and more. And you'll get better customer service! 

Group For Business Owners

The nonprofit Hazlet Business Owners Association meets at Airport Plaza monthly. Membership has grown to over 100 business leaders from the greater Hazlet area. In the past two years, the friendly group has hosted over 25 grand openings for small businesses in our community.

Crafters & Makers Expo

The annual Made in Monmouth shopping event will be held Saturday, Dec. 9 on the campus of Brookdale Community College. Browse over 200 vendors or use this online Made in Monmouth Vendor Directory to find a local maker! 

Hazlet DPW Gears Up for 2024

Over the last 2 years Hazlet Township’s Department of Public Works has had the opportunity to upgrade its fleet and replace some aging and outdated equipment. With the help and understanding of the Township Committee and Business Administrator Robert Bengivenga we are setting up the Public Works Department to introduce new programs and more efficiently serve Hazlet’s residents with new and updated technology.

The equipment pictured is only part of the upgrade as we are still waiting to take delivery on a front-end loader, which will assist in streamlining brush and leaf pick up, a rear loading refuse truck that will be utilized in the collection of bulk items due to kick off in April of 2024 and an automated recycler which will be replacing a 22-year-old piece of equipment.

For the first time in over 4 years the DPW will have a sweeper that will be out on a regular basis starting in the Spring of 2024.

These pieces of equipment along with other upgrades within the DPW should benefit the Town for years to come.

DPW Fleet

Hurricane Awareness

Hurricane Survival Guide The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30. As we’ve seen too many times before, all it takes is one major hurricane or tropical storm to devastate a community, neighborhood, or family.

When a hurricane hits, it can bring high winds, heavy rainfall, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and even tornadoes. 

Take a moment to review the NJ Office of Emergency Management's Hurricane Survival Guide (PDF). 

Senior Center in December

December 2023 - Senior Center Newsletter The December Newsletter is out. In addition to lots of daily scheduled activities, the center is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party with New Year's Toast and Celebration on Friday, Dec. 15. 

Plans are also underway for several trips, including an Andy Cooney Irish Celebration; a Musical Tribute to Diana Ross & The Supremes; the Sights and Sounds of Lancaster PA and a trip to Pittsburgh.

Read the full December Newsletter and find links to more information about a daily lunch offering, volunteer and job opportunities and more. 

Serving Seniors - Aging at Home

On Friday, Nov. 17, the Monmouth County Senior Advisory Council held a Listening Session at the Hazlet Senior Center at the James J. Cullen Center. Participants talked to the council members about the challenges of aging at home and offered their own ideas on how things could be made easier. Several county agencies and departments set up tables to introduce services, answer questions and distribute information, including the Monmouth County Clerk's Office, Sheriff's Office, South Jersey Legal Services and more. 

Listening Session - Nov. 17, 2023

Hazlet Senior Center Listening Session - Nov. 17 2023

Clockwise: At the listening session at the Cullen Center on Nov. 17, 2023 were Monmouth County Commissioner Sue Kiley, Senior Advisory Council's Pat Bohse, Hazlet Senior Center Director Denise Bucciero and Office on Aging Director Michele O'Shaughnessy; Representatives of Family and Children's Services (FCS) and Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey; Hazlet Township Administrator Robert Bengivenga explains how the Hazlet Senior Center, under Bucciero, is addressing needs of local seniors.

Pipeline Work To Start Monday

BRSA - 2nd Notice Work - 150On November 14, the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority sent notice that work to replace a sanitary sewer pipeline in the Beers Street School area will begin on November 27, instead of December 4 as previously announced.

Residents are asked to refrain from parking on Briscoe Terrace during the week of November 27, if possible. 

Read the full notice.

Holly Jolly - Dec. 3, 2022

Holly Jolly 2023 Event Flyer

Public Meetings

The Open Space Advisory Council is scheduled to meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30. 
Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center. 

Hazlet Citizen Weekly - Nov 17 2023

Hazlet Township Newsletter

November 17, 2023

Thanksgiving Schedule & Event, Pipeline Work Notice, Collection for Troops

UPDATE: Pipeline Work To Start Nov. 27

BRSA - 2nd Notice Work - 150On November 14, the Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority sent notice that work to replace a sanitary sewer pipeline in the Beers Street School area will begin on November 27, instead of December 4 as previously announced.

Residents are asked to refrain from parking on Briscoe Terrace during the week of November 27, if possible. 

Read the full notice.

Municipal Holiday Closure for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving illustration of turkeyHazlet Township municipal offices and the James J. Cullen Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Recycling Collection

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there are changes in the Recycling pickup and are reflected in your household green booklet. 

    • Zone 6 collection is Monday, Nov. 20
    • Zone 8 collection is Monday, Nov. 27

DPW Recycling Yard on Leocadia Court 

The Recycling yard is closed for the holiday on Nov. 23 and 24. It will open on Saturday, Nov. 25 . Hours are 8:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

RFP - Professional Services Solicitation 

RFP Professional Services 2024 - 150Hazlet Township is accepting bids and proposals for professional service for 2024. Bid/RFP due date is December 5, 2023.

View the Request for Proposals package.

Public Meetings

The Township Committee meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 for a Regular Meeting at Town Hall. 

Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center. 

HFC - Open House

Special Hearts Adaptive Yoga at Hazlet Library 

Special Hearts Adaptive Yoga -150A few spots are left for a special event at Hazlet Library especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.  

Yoga Instructor Danica Zolofra will lead the class at the Hazlet Library, 251 Middle Road, Please contact Librarian Jennifer Brennan to register at 732-264-7164.

History of HorrorHistory of Horror Film at Hazlet Library

Are you a film buff? On Nov. 29 at the Hazlet Library, Filmmaker Elliot Passantino will use pictures and film clips to guide audiences on a tour through horror film history, from Mary Shelley to the silent film era into the heyday of William Castle's horror era, Hear stories about the lives, careers, and works that defined the horror genre and horror in every medium. 

Starts at 6 p.m. Free. Please register at 732-264-7164. 

Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Once again, the volunteers of the RAINE Foundation will host a free community turkey dinner for anyone who wishes to come. 

Thanksgiving Dinner Raine

Hazlet's American Hero Project Collection Thru Dec. 1

Military mom Kathy Bossert has launched an ambitious project to show hometown support to all of Hazlet's troops, serving stateside and abroad, through care packages.

Bossert kickeAmerican Hero Projectd off Hazlet's American Hero Project November 2022 with holiday packages. Last May, she sent out more for Armed Forces Day. Now she is back for the holidays again, gathering practical items to send by December 1. Her Donation Wish List, compiled with the help of her son, Michael, an Airman, includes humble items. like toothbrushes, lotion, trail mix and hand warmers. Read about her campaign in Patch and Tap Into Hazlet & Keyport.

Anyone can contribute! Drop-off locations are located at Hazlet Police HQ, Airport Plaza Laundry, Buhler Auto, Provident Bank (Hazlet), Bethany Liquors, At Home Recreation and Here We Grow Preschool (Keyport).

Bossert is shown at Hazlet Day 2023, when she pitched a tent to spread awareness. 

Follow the project Hazlet's American Hero Project Facebook Page for updates! 

Holly Jolly 2023 Event Flyer
Hazlet Citizen Weekly - Nov 3 2023

Hazlet Township Newsletter

November 3, 2023

Freedom Park Is Open, How to Vote in General Election, Township Welcomes 2 New Businesses

Freedom Park Grand Opening

Saturday, Oct. 28 was a great day in Hazlet Township! It was the long-anticipated grand opening of all-new Freedom Park at 140 Eighth Street, at Brown Avenue. Residents of all ages came to try out the innovative playground equipment with a soft falling surface, to stroll around the perimeter of the park on the paved walking path, to shoot baskets on the new court and try pickleball on the multipurpose court. 

Mayor Michael Sachs, who played in this park as a child, applauded its transformation as a place for people of all abilities. In his remarks, he thanked those who helped guide the project: the Township Committee from 2022 to the present; former Mayor Tara Clark who initiated the project, and the local residents' group that gave design input; Monmouth County Commissioners, who approved an Open Space Grant; the Hazlet Township Open Space Advisory Council, Hazlet Recreation and the VFW. The park was named Freedom Park to honor Hazlet veterans who originally created a ballfield at the site, many years ago. VFW Hall 4303 is nearby, on Davern Ave. 

Sachs said there are plans to improve other parks. "This is number one. We will move to another park, hopefully next year, and start refurbishing that one, which will be Veterans Park." 

The ribbon was cut by Skylar Tarter, 8, who declared last year she would overcome her health challenges just to be able to play in her beautiful new neighborhood park. 

Park Grand Opening - Oct. 28, 2023

Collage of photos from opening day

General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 7

The Monmouth County Clerk's Office reminds voters they have choices on how to cast ballots in the Nov. 7 General Election.

Vote ButtonEarly In Person Voting
Early voting on machines is currently available and through this weekend at 10 designated early voting locations in the County. The hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters in Monmouth County can vote at any of the 10 designated locations in the County, regardless of which municipality they reside in.

Vote by Mail-In Ballot
Mail-in ballots are now available and can be obtained by completing the Vote by Mail application form. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot in person at the County Clerk's Election Office at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold is the day before Election Day, November 6 at 3 p.m.

In Person on Election Day
Voters can also vote the traditional way on Election Day, November 7, at their assigned neighborhood polling locations, which will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sample ballots have been mailed out and can be viewed. For more information, including extended office hours, visit MonmouthCountyVotes.com 

Haunted House Shuts the Door

As the saying goes, "They killed it!" Thanks to all the creepy characters who staffed the Hazlet Haunted House for Halloween weekend. Hazlet Recreation thanks the RHS Drama Club and its Advisor, Melanie Taylor, as well as the volunteers on the Hazlet Recreation Advisory Committee. It was a lot of fun for hundreds of people who took the free tours. 

Halloween Haunted House cast ensemble gather for a photo in costume.

Special Hearts Adaptive Yoga

Hazlet Librarian Jennifer Brennan is introducing new programming at the Hazlet Library. Please tell someone with intellectual or developmental disabilities about this opportunity to engage in community recreation in a friendly environment. 

Adaptive Yoga Flyer

Municipal Holidays: Tuesday and Friday

StarsThere are two Municipal Holidays next week: Tuesday, November 7 for Election Day and Friday, November 10 for Veterans Day. Closed will be Town Hall, The James J. Cullen Center and the DPW Recycling Yard on Leocadia Court.

Recycling Reminder

Recycling for Zone 2 will be collected on November 6th due to the holiday on November 7th. The recycling yard and offices will also be closed on November 7th.

Welcome to Hazlet

Hazlet residents have a new bakery in Airport Plaza called Hello Sunshine Treats. There is also a new childcare center at Poole Avenue and Middle Road called The Tot Lot. Hazlet elected officials joined the Hazlet Business Owners Association and other supporters to welcome the new businesses to town. 

Two New Businesses Open in Hazlet

  1. 1
  2. 2

Public Meetings Next Week

  • The Township Committee meets Monday, Nov. 6 for its regular meeting. 
    Tuesday, the usual meeting day, is Election Day and Town Hall is closed.

Agendas are posted prior to the meeting in the Agenda Center.