Middle Matters Award to be Presented to Mr. Herman at the December 19th Committee Meeting
Middle will present award to bus driver who started school reading program
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Mr. Herman reading with Middle Township Elementary #1 student Ayden Green (top), and with Corbyn Conroy (below), who was the bus driver’s first reading student last year.
The feel-good story of Middle Township Public Schools bus driver-turned-reading volunteer Herman Cruse has inspired national media coverage – and plenty of local appreciation.
Middle Township will demonstrate its gratitude by presenting Mr. Herman with a Middle Matters Award at its Dec. 19 Township Committee meeting. The award was created to “recognize residents for their wide variety of endeavors toward building a better Middle Township.”
Mr. Herman is a resident of Egg Harbor City and commutes 40 minutes each way to Middle Township, where he’s worked for the school district since 2013. He was always seeking worthwhile ways to spend his time between his busy morning and afternoon bus runs.
“His routes have always been loaded with students,” said Dawn DeVico, Transportation Coordinator for the Middle Township Board of Education. “He always manages to maintain the students’ behavior with great communication skills. He gets to know his students very well. He takes the time to listen to them and get to know them.”
When a kindergarten teacher from Middle Elementary #1 proudly told Mr. Herman about one of her students learning to read, the bus driver quickly found a new purpose. He volunteered to help other children at the school with their reading and began working with students two days a week last February.
Mr. Herman, a father of five, was a natural with the kids, who appreciated the attention and conversations that accompanied the one-on-one reading sessions. The informal lessons soon blossomed into “Mr. Herman’s Kids,” a three-day-a-week reading program open to all students at Middle Elementary #1.
“He’s a very humble man,” said teacher Alexandrea Byron, whose kindergarten students were the first to get help from Mr. Herman. “He doesn’t brag, he does it because he genuinely wants to.”
But Mr. Herman’s generous work drew praise from many corners. He was recognized at a Middle Township School District Board of Education meeting last April. His story was featured by local and national news outlets, including “Good Morning America.”
And now, Middle Township will honor Mr. Herman for stepping up to help young students.
“Mr. Herman exemplifies the community spirit that makes Middle Township such a special place to live and work,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “The simple act of giving his time to read with and listen to students makes a huge difference in the lives of these children. We commend Mr. Herman for spreading compassion and we are proud to present him with a Middle Matters Award.”
Traffic Advisory – Great Channel Bridge Repairs to Start December 7th
Traffic Advisory:
Cape May County Contractor, South State Inc, will be starting work on the repairs to the Great Channel Bridge (Ocean Drive CR619) that connects Middle Township to Stone Harbor. The work includes under-deck structural steel repairs and the replacement of the fender system.
In order to safely complete the work, traffic across the bridge will be restricted to a single-lane alternating traffic using a temporary traffic signal. This setup will be in place starting on December 7th, 2022 and is expected to be in place until early May 2023.
Motorists are advised to allow for a little more time to cross the bridge and to use caution for the safety of the workers.
Joe LaConte Honored as Middle Township Employee of the Month
Middle’s Joe LaConte named Employee of the Month for his kindness and concern
The Sewer Department worker stepped up when his colleagues needed aid
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Joe LaConte said he enjoys the variety of his job with Middle Sewer Department, as well as his outdoor ‘office.’
While on a recent lunch break, Middle Township Sewer Department employee Joe LaConte spotted a township vehicle on the side of a shopping center lot. It seemed a little unusual, so LaConte wanted to make sure everyone was safe.
When he approached the car, he learned Business Administrator Kimberly Osmundsen and Deputy Business Administrator Suzanne Schumann were awaiting some assistance from Public Works with a roadside matter.
Osmundsen and Schumann naturally assumed LaConte was the staff member who responded to their call for help. It wasn’t until another Township truck arrived that they realized LaConte was voluntarily taking on the job.
“Without being assigned, Joe stopped just to check on us,” said Osmundsen. “He gladly pulled out his shovel and rake, put on a pair of gloves, and joined in on our project, without ever blinking an eye. It’s employees like Joe who make Middle Township a better place to live and visit.”
To show her appreciation for LaConte’s kindness, Osmundsen nominated him for Middle Township’s Employee of the Month.
“It’s a privilege to be nominated,” said LaConte. “All I did was something simple. It should be a given that people help others, but I’m old school.”
Middle’s Sewer Administrator Steve Mills said LaConte deserves to be recognized as Employee of the Month at the Township Committee meeting on Dec. 5.
“Joe is always willing and ready to go above and beyond helping out with any project or job that needs to be done,” said Mills.
LaConte plans to work at the township Sewer Department until he retires. He is enrolled in wastewater and water treatment classes at Atlantic Cape Community College and plans to take a state exam in the spring to earn a license.
“The best part of my day is being outside all the time,” said LaConte. “I don’t care if it snows or rains. I am driving and going from one place to another. Every day is different.”
Christmas Parade Friday December 2nd at 6pm
Middle Township makes season bright with Christmas Parade and Celebration
Tree lighting, S’mores bar and decorating contest will help spread holiday cheer
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Dance performances, the high school marching band, and a sing-along will help welcome the holidays in Middle Township.
Residents can also get into the spirit by entering the Christmas House Decorating Contest.
Middle Township residents will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree on Friday, Dec. 2, as the town hosts its annual Christmas parade and celebration.
The parade will include decorated fire trucks and ambulances, floats, marching groups and the Middle Township High School Panther Marching Band. Santa and Mrs. Claus will close out the procession, which begins at 6 p.m. on Pacific Avenue next to Memorial Field.
After the parade, a tree-lighting celebration will take place around 7:15 at Town Hall at 33 Mechanic St. Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by before dashing to the Middle Township Volunteer Fire Department on Hand Avenue to hand out candy canes and stockings. The public is also invited to the fire department, for a Christmas carol sing-along and hot beverages and cookies.
New this year, Girl Scout Troop 46436 will run a S’mores bar and the Township’s Environmental Committee will welcome guests to a crafts station.
Dance performances will take place in front of the library after the tree lighting. Judges will select winners in the following parade categories: first responders, dance groups, community group, single/family, and float.
Those who want to participate in the parade can register by 3 p.m. on Nov. 30 at opens in a new windowmiddletownship.recdesk.com or call (609) 465-8728 for more information.
House decorating contest
Residents who want their homes to make the season bright are encouraged to enter Middle Township’s Christmas House Decorating Contest. Registration is required and must be completed by Dec. 9. Judging takes place Dec. 13 and winners will be announced on Dec. 15.
To register, visit opens in a new windowmiddletownship.recdesk.com, or email a registration form to nmcdevitt@middletownship.com. For more information, call (609) 465-8728.
Trash and Recycling Schedule for Thanksgiving Holiday Week 2022
Gold Medal Environmental would like to remind all customers of the upcoming holiday.
All Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday routes will run on a normal schedule. Routes that run on or after Thursday, November 24th will be on a one day delay. Thursday routes will be serviced on Friday and Friday routes will be serviced on Saturday.”
Chad Murnaghan Honored as Middle Township Employee of the Month
Middle accounts clerk ‘goes above and beyond’ for finance department
Chad Murnaghan earns Employee of the Month honor after recent career change
Chad Murnaghan is a team player in the Middle Township Finance Department. He said it is an honor to work for the town he ‘was born and raised in.’
Almost a year ago, Chad Murnaghan decided to trade in his hard hat and construction site scenery for a calculator and an office environment – and his new coworkers are so happy he did.
The former laborer is now an accounts clerk for Middle Township’s Finance Department, helping manage the township’s expenditures. He takes pride in his work and is a valuable part of the team, earning him recognition as November’s Employee of the Month.
“I pay the bills,” said Murnaghan. “I have an accounting degree and am a numbers person, so this job is right up my alley. And it’s an honor to work for the town I was born and raised in.”
Murnaghan is indeed a numbers person: His close review of Middle’s utility accounts has reduced the township’s liability by about $50,000.
“I have a lot of helpful coworkers behind me that make success possible,” said Murnaghan. “A lot of people in this town are working very hard. This is a whole new career for me and everyone in the department has been accepting and nice.”
Fellow accounts clerk Betzy McClintock nominated McClintock for the Employee of the Month honor.
“Working with Chad is an absolute pleasure,” said McClintock. “He has helped keep the ship afloat in the finance office. He is humble about his accomplishments and says he is just doing his job, but the time and energy he puts forth goes above and beyond.”
Mayor Tim Donohue, who oversees the Township’s Finance Department, said Murnaghan is a model employee.
“Chad has been an exemplary member of our Township finance team,” he said. “His strong work ethic, willingness to learn new skills, and overall disposition have made him a joy to work with for everyone in the office. He is very deserving of this honor, and I am happy to have him on our team!”
Murnaghan will be recognized at the Nov. 21 Township Committee meeting.
Middle Township Renews Contract for Business Administrator
Middle Township renews contract for Business Administrator
Kimberly Osmundsen appointed to second four-year term in position with budgetary oversight
An experienced professional with deep roots in Middle will serve as the Township’s Business Administrator for another four years.
Township Committee passed a resolution at its Nov. 7 meeting to renew the contract of Kimberly Osmundsen, who also will continue in her role as Municipal Clerk.
“On behalf of Township Committee, I’m happy to announce that Kim will be leading our Township team for another four years,” Mayor Tim Donohue said. “Her intelligence, leadership, tireless work ethic and personal integrity have played a key role in keeping our hometown on a steady and stable course through one of the most challenging periods in our history. No one cares more about protecting the interest of our taxpayers and improving the quality of life for all of our residents.”
Osmundsen will continue serving as the main administrator representing Township Committee and has other duties that include:
• Working with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to regularly review budget operations, work progress and costs of municipal services, and preparing an annual report on the Township’s financial status
• Preparing the annual municipal budget, also with the CFO
• Coordinating with Township Committee members on oversight of departments
• Making recommendations for plans and programs to meet Township’s needs, based on research of operations
• Working with the Personnel Officer to create and maintain policies regarding employees, and recommending hiring, transfer, termination and other personnel actions to Township Committee
• Responding to questions and complaints about Township business
• Remaining on call for emergencies on a 24-7 basis
“As a lifelong resident of Middle Township, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents and visitors of this great community,” Osmundsen said. “I will help ensure our Township runs with the level of financial responsibility and quality services that our residents have come to expect.”
Osmundsen has spent more than 20 years working for the municipality.
She joined the Township’s work force in 2000, taking over as Clerk in 2009 after that position was vacated by a retirement. Osmundsen was the Township Clerk and Deputy Business Administrator since 2012.
Osmundsen is active in the community and served on the Middle Township School Board for three years, resigning in 2019 once she accepted the position of Business Administrator. She also served on the Township’s Emergency Management Committee and was secretary of the Economic Development Council.
Osmundsen also has represented her profession with outside roles. During her term as the Clerk and Deputy Business Administrator, she was the Fund Commissioner for the Township for the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund and Fund Commissioner for the Health Insurance Fund.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, Osmundsen went on to earn state certifications for Registered Municipal Clerk and Certified Municipal Registrar from Rutgers Center for Government Services.
Osmundsen lives in Cape May Court House with her husband Doug, a retired Middle Township police officer, and their four children.
