News Archive

Middle Police Youth Camp mentors receive Middle Matters Awards

Township honors officers, staff members for their roles in character-building program

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Middle Township honored each of the employees and law enforcement officers who encouraged teamwork and good citizenship through the Middle Township Police Department Youth Camp.

During an Aug. 7 Township Committee meeting, camp mentors received Middle Matters Awards for their work with 70 campers this summer.

“Each officer and staff member deserves individual honors because their personal interaction with young people in our community is what makes this program so special and successful,” said Mayor Tim Donohue.

Around 450 local middle-school students have graduated from the MTPD camp over the past six years. The township relies on annual grants, business sponsorships and individual donations to offer the weeklong program at no charge to families.

The annual camp features fun team-building activities such as laser tag, boat rides, and a zip-line course. Representatives from Cape Assist, a Wildwood-based substance-abuse treatment and prevention agency, talk to the campers about making healthy decisions. Physical training is also a daily part of the program.

Sgt. Ron Miller, who runs the Youth Camp, said the experience is designed to develop communication, empathy, generosity, leadership skills and, of course, teamwork.

“They helped one another continually throughout this camp without any hesitation. I’m very proud of them and what they have achieved,” Miller said at the campers’ graduation ceremony during National Night Out on Aug. 1.

The camp provides two-way advantages, said Police Chief Jennifer Pooler.

“The camp not only benefits the youth but provides our police officers involved in the youth camp with opportunities to act as mentors and positive role models. By interacting with young people outside of enforcement situations, officers can showcase their human side, helping to dispel negative stereotypes and perceptions,” she said. “The camp also provides officers with opportunities for skill development in leadership, communication, and community engagement.”

Members of the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and Cape May County Sheriff’s Department also participated in the camp.

Township employees played a big role as well. Accounts Clerk Betzy McClintock interacted with campers and attended events, and Director of Grants and Economic Development Nancy Sittineri coordinated the logistics for all the field trips and secured camp funding, as she has for the past five years.

Sittineri seeks grants to help cover the $30,000 annual operating cost of the Youth Camp. The state Juvenile Justice Commission contributed $8,000 this year, and the Impact Club of Cape May County, a philanthropic group, donated $10,000. The Township is “beyond appreciative” for the community donations that are needed to sustain the program, Sittineri said.

Individuals and businesses can contribute to next year’s camp by mailing a check made out to “Middle Township Police Youth Camp” to 33 Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 in care of Sgt. Ron Miller.

Pooler said the investment pays off for the whole community.

“By investing in the youth camp, our agency can work toward creating safer, more understanding communities with empowered and engaged youth.”

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Middle Tax Collector honored for saving resident’s home from wrongful foreclosure

Veteran employee Sandy Beasley is known for her expertise and helpful nature

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Middle Township’s Tax Collection Department occasionally receives thank-you notes from residents who appreciate the staff’s level of customer service.

One week before Christmas, Middle Township resident Rita Foss received notice that her home was going into foreclosure. Foss, who never missed a mortgage payment, was shocked and scared. She went to Town Hall looking for answers and was fortunate enough to find Tax Collector Sandy Beasley.

Beasley reviewed Foss’ paperwork and spotted an address error on a tax-service company document. The mistake had resulted in an erroneous lien that put Foss’ home in jeopardy. After multiple calls to Foss’ mortgage firm and the tax-service company it contracted with, Beasley finally slashed through the red tape. Her persistence paid off when the tax company agreed to investigate and confirmed the error. “It was a very scary time,” said Foss. “Sandy kept calling the company and then giving me updates. She helped ease my mind. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She went above and beyond to help me.”

Beasley might have viewed her efforts as just part of the job, but tax clerk Julianne Calverley knew it was worth acknowledging.

“I said, ‘Sandy, you saved this woman’s home. That’s a big deal!’” said Calverley, who nominated Beasley for Middle Employee of the Month honors. Beasley will be recognized at the Aug. 7 Township Committee meeting.

Beasley has worked for the Township for nearly 30 years and said troubleshooting tax issues is nothing new.

“We have wonderful people living in Middle Township, and my colleagues and I work together to resolve challenges and get to the bottom of problems,” said Beasley. “We will help everyone that comes in here.”

The three-person Tax Collection department takes pride in being able to explain bills to residents who call and stop in, Calverley said.

“If people don’t understand a change, we can break it down for them,” she said. “It’s nice to see the light bulb go on and you know they get it.”

Beasley’s helpful ways extend beyond residents, Calverley said.

“Other municipal tax collector will call Sandy for help with questions. She is the go-to person.”

The Tax Collection Department’s personalized service is an extension of Middle’s neighborly vibe, Calverley said.

“It’s a small town. Everyone kind of looks out for each other.”

Four Decades of Community Building: Middle Township Gears Up for Its Annual National Night Out

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National Night Out is a community engagement event that takes place on the first Tuesday in August throughout the entire country
Residents can explore fire, EMS and police vehicles at Middle Township’s 40th annual National Night Out event.

Cape May County residents are invited to connect as a community while participating in many exciting activities at Middle Township’s 40th annual National Night Out on Aug. 1.

Local youth and families will have the opportunity to explore fire, EMS and police vehicles as well as take part in the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 demonstrations at the event, which runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Members of the Mounted Horse Patrol will also be in attendance.

Participants can challenge friends to a game of laser tag, giant Jenga, Connect 4, and corn hole. Other activities include a Court House Fire Department fire simulator, inflatable sports game, glitter and airbrush temporary tattoos, and more. Police will set up an impaired driving obstacle course. Residents also can enjoy summer favorites such as hot dogs, cold drinks and frozen sweet treats.

The Middle Township Police Department Youth Summer Camp graduation will take place at 5 p.m., and Nolan Quinn will provide live music for dancing.

National Night Out is a nationwide event held on the first Tuesday of August with the goal of enhancing relationships between community members and their local law enforcement agencies. The community-building campaign began in 1984 with the first event involving 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. The event will take place at the Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Road in Cape May Court House. For more information, call (609) 465-8700, ext. 1915.

Middle Township  Final 2023/Preliminary 2024 Tax Bill will be mailed by the week of July 31, 2023 .

Due to the delay, the grace period for the 3rd quarter taxes ONLY has been extended until August 31, 2023. This extension does not affect the 4th quarter payment due November 1, 2023.

All payments received after August 31, 2023 will accrue interest to the statutory due date of August 1, 2023.

To check your account or to pay Property taxes online visit our website at opens in a new windowwww.middletownship.com and click the “View & Pay Property Taxes” button.

Sorry – Due To Impending Thunderstorms Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series & Christmas in July – “Animal House” has Rescheduled “Christmas in July” at Ockie Recreation Complex from tonight (7/25) to August 29th 

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’Tis the season for Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series

Santa Claus will add merriment during a new Christmas in July-themed concert

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Residents can bring their chairs and enjoy a varied musical lineup during the Summer Concert Series.

Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series has become a popular event over the years, but this season, it’s even drawing a visitor from the North Pole. Santa Claus will be on hand for a Christmas in July concert on July 25. Animal House Band will perform.

Santa will be available for photos, giving families an early start on their Christmas cards. The event also will kick off the Middle Township Police Department toy drive. Guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the drive, which benefits local families in need during the holiday season.

The Summer Concert Series will be held Tuesdays from July 11 to Aug. 22 (except on National Night Out on Aug. 1) at the Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex. The events run from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and admission is free.

Food vendors will include Mac’s Café, A&T Ice, and The Patriot Food Truck.

Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, bug spray, coolers, and, of course, their dancing shoes.

Here is the lineup of musical acts, including returning favorites:
July 11 – Shot of Southern
July 18 – Independence Day
July 25 – Animal House (Christmas in July)
Aug. 8 – The Big House Band
Aug. 15 – Don’t Call Me Francis
Aug. 22 – One Hit Wonders

Concertgoers who arrive early can take in some of the fun features at the Ockie Wisting Complex, which includes walking trails, a wildlife observation deck, boardwalk and fishing pier at the pond, picnic area and playground. There’s also a regulation-size disc golf course and soccer fields.

Middle Township appreciates the support of Summer Concert Series sponsors: Engineering Design Associates, Exclusive Land Design, Kindle Ford, Kelly Products, Tobacco Mart LLC, Crest Savings Bank, DiPalantino Contractors, Green Holly Campground, Morey Organization, Stefankiewicz & Belasco, OceanFirst, Delco Development, Ford, Scott & Associates, Seagrass Homes, and Sound Advice and Video.

For more information, call Special Events at (609) 465-8728.

The 96^th Street Bridge along Stone Harbor Boulevard leading into the Borough of Stone Harbor will be undergoing repairs to the bascule span (movable span) during nighttime hours beginning on Monday, July 10^th and ending on July 13^th.  Work will proceed Monday thru Thursday nights between 10:00pm to 6:00am.  Due to the nature of the work, the bridge cannot remain open as work proceeds. Thru traffic wishing to access Stone Harbor via Stone Harbor Boulevard will be detoured during these work times with access to Stone Harbor directed to Avalon Boulevard.  Local traffic wishing to access businesses and residences up to the west side of the bridge will be permitted to proceed along Stone Harbor Boulevard. The bridge will re-open at 6:00am each workday and remain opened until 10:00pm that night.  There are no anticipated closures on Fridays thru Sundays during the construction phase.  The contractor anticipates that the work will be completed by July 13^th barring any unforeseen complications.

Traffic heading north on the Garden State Parkway wishing to access Stone Harbor at exit 10 will be redirected to proceed north on the Parkway to exit 13 and proceed east on Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) to Ocean Drive (C.R. 619). Traffic will then be directed south along Ocean Drive to Stone Harbor. Traffic travelling south on the parkway will be directed to take exit 13 onto Avalon Boulevard as well. Traffic heading east on Court House South Dennis Road (C.R. 657) will be advised to either take Route 9 north to Avalon Boulevard or to take exit 10 north onto the Garden State Parkway to Avalon Boulevard. Stone Harbor traffic wishing to head west along Stone Harbor Boulevard will be directed north along Third Avenue /Ocean Drive (C.R. 619) and west along Avalon Boulevard (C.R. 601) to the Garden State Parkway.

The proposed work was prompted by the deflection/vibration of the top side bascule back plates under traffic loads.  The proposed repairs will arrest this situation and reduce the likelihood of continued vibrations and damage.  The detour will be in place only during the periods of night work and normal traffic will resume Monday thru Thursday between 6:00am to 10:00pm.

Middle Township to honor America with 4th of July celebration

Family-friendly festivities will include a kids’ freeze dance, line dancing and fireworks opens in a new window
Kids will compete in a pie-eating contest as part of the 4th of July fun in Middle Township

Middle Township will light up the night with fireworks and festivities in honor of America’s independence at its 4th of July celebration.

The family-friendly event will be held on Tuesday, July 4, at the Goshen Complex in Cape May Court House. There is no entry fee or registration required.

Activities will take place on Field 1, starting with a kids’ freeze dance at 6 p.m. Adults can get in on the fun, too, with a line dance for all ages at 7:30 p.m. Standing Room Only Studios, a new local dance studio, will lead the dances.

A kids’ pie-eating contest at 8:15 p.m. will have contestants eating a pie topped with mounds of whipped cream as quickly as they can – with their hands behind their backs. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in age groups 5-7, 8-10, and 11-13.

Guests who build up an appetite from all the dancing and activities can check out food trucks including Spanky’s BBQ, Mac’s Café, The Patriot, and S&H Custom Cuisine. Craft vendors and music by Animal House will round out the fun.
After a full evening, visitors can relax and watch a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

For more information or questions about Fourth of July events, please contact (609) 465-8728.

Middle approves pay raise for Special Law Enforcement Officers Class II

Increase in hourly rate will keep officer recruitment competitive

Middle Township approved an increase in the hourly pay rate of Special Law Enforcement Officers Class II (SLEO) at the June 19 Township Committee meeting. After graduating from the police academy, these officers will now receive $23 an hour, up from $20 an hour.

“Recruitment is a priority for law enforcement nationwide,” said Middle Township Police Chief Jennifer Pooler. “We are struggling to maintain our workforce level and must be aggressive in our recruiting efforts. When full-time positions become available, we will hire from our current list of SLEO II officers, so it is important that we can back-fill these positions. Increasing the SLEO II pay is one way to be competitive.”

The Special Law Enforcement Officers are important for supplementing the police department, added Pooler. They are assigned to squads and patrol the township. Their responsibilities include enforcement of criminal laws, traffic laws and local ordinances; arrestee/prisoner processing; and court security. Officers of this class are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to a permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officer.

The SLEO II position also is a pathway to becoming a police officer, Pooler said. After graduating from the police academy, an officer enters the Middle Township Police Field Training Program. Officers are assigned to a squad upon completion of the program. When a full-time police officer position becomes available, the township usually hires from the current SLEO II group.

Middle Township currently has two SLEO II openings and is anticipating four more in December. Candidates with SLEO II training will be given preference. The Cape May County opens in a new windowSLEO Class II course consists of more than 460 hours of training mandated by the Police Training Commission.

For more information, visit opens in a new windowwww.middlepd.com.