Leeann

Middle’s Employee of the Month is known for dedication and delightful disposition

Robert Luzny enjoys being the head of the Chipper Crew and driving recycling trucks

Robert Luzny is ‘the first person in the yard and the last back at the shop every day,’ says Dave Maahs, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works.

Robert Luzny can be found on the job an hour before the start of his shift, ready to head the Chipper Crew and drive the recycling truck to designated stops.

Although the work is physically demanding, Luzny remains upbeat and completes tasks with diligence and efficiency every day. His demeanor and outstanding work ethic led to his selection as Middle Township’s September Employee of the Month.

“I am very happy to be the Employee of the Month,” says Luzny. “I have two responsibilities, being the head man of the Chipper Crew and driver of the recycle truck, and I enjoy both jobs very much.”

Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Dave Maahs cherishes workers who do their job well and without complaint, which is why he nominated Luzny.

Luzny clears branches and tree limbs with the help of an apparatus that can lift 9,000 pounds in one scoop. But the Chipper Crew leader does plenty of his own heavy lifting to make sure the job is completed, Maahs said.

“Bob is definitely an asset to our workforce and community,” says Maahs. “He is the first person in the yard and the last back at the shop every day. I believe the world would be a better place if there were more people like Bob in it. I’m honored to know and work with him.”

Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy is the Director of the Department of Public Works and agrees Luzny deserves praise for his efforts on the job.

“In a time that is hard to hire employees, it is an honor to have an employee who comes to work every day with a positive attitude and great work ethic,” says Gandy.

Luzny will be recognized for his achievement on Sept. 19 at the Township Committee meeting.

Please note that the Cold Spring Bike Path in Lower Township will be closed to thru traffic in the proximity of Cresse Lane and the Pantry One convenience store beginning on September 15^th and extending until September 30^th to allow for the jack and bore operations associated with the construction of a sewer pumping station. The path will be closed both day and night at this location during this time.  Variable message signs will be placed at each end of the construction area alerting pedestrians and bicyclists of the portion of the path that will be closed. A safety fence will be constructed around the construction area to cordon off access. The contractor expects to re-open the bike path on Friday September 30^th.

NOTICE: There will be no interruption of trash & recycling services for the week of September 5th-9th. GME will be running on a normal schedule.

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Middle’s Deputy Tax Assessor named Employee of the Month for going above and beyond
Liz Simpkins’ caring ways even extend to the Town Hall gardens

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Deputy Tax Assessor and Township Claims Coordinator Liz Simpkins says she enjoys ‘being there’ for her coworkers and the community.

Liz Simpkins is Middle Township’s Deputy Assessor and Township Claims Coordinator, but also claims a few unofficial titles around Town Hall.

Simpkins describes herself as the office’s “barista, snack provider and water cooler coordinator.”

And when she is not helping the public with their tax assessments and insurance claims, she also can be found caring for the garden at Town Hall and even cleaning the windows.

Simpkin’s extra efforts, along with her cheerful personality, led to her selection as Middle Township’s August Employee of the Month.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by fellow employees,” says Simpkins. “I truly enjoy being there for the public and my coworkers.”

Committeeman Jim Norris, who oversees the Assessment of Taxes department, says Simpkins does a terrific job for the Tax Assessor’s office.

“Her knowledge, skills, and attitude toward our residents make her indispensable to our Township operations,” he says. “Great job, Liz, and thank you for the work you do for the people of Middle
Township!”

Simpkins will be recognized for her achievement on August 15 at the Township Committee meeting

Norris calls for community partnership in Rio Grande

Residents and business owners would serve on board to address quality-of-life issues

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A resolution to form the Rio Grande Community Partnership will be introduced at the Aug. 15 Township Committee meeting.

Middle Township Committeeman Jim Norris is calling for the establishment of the Rio Grande Community Partnership to tackle challenges facing that area of town.

Norris envisions a committee that brings together Rio Grande residents, business owners, social-service agencies and local government to address the ongoing quality-of-life concerns in the Township’s southern business district.

“I grew up in Rio Grande and the area has certainly changed in my lifetime,” Norris said. “Many of those changes have been positive, but we need to recognize that we face growing issues related to the social ills affecting our entire country. We must come together to seek smart and innovative solutions to the challenges presented by homelessness, petty crime, drug use and an ongoing housing shortage.”

Norris will propose a resolution, to be voted on by Township Committee on Aug. 15, to create the Rio Grande Community Partnership as an official nine-member volunteer board. The Board would consist of Rio Grande area residents and business owners as well as representatives and advisers from local and county government and the Middle Township Police Department. The Township would appoint a staff member as secretary to the board and provide legal counsel from the municipal solicitor.

“I hear the frustrations of the businesses and residents in the Rio Grande area,” Norris said. “They have deep concerns for this community that they care so much about. The challenges we face here are not unique to Middle Township but we will address these concerns in a Middle Township way, by bringing good people together on common ground to work to continually improve our quality of life.”

Residents and business owners interested in serving in the Rio Grande Community Partnership may email Committeeman Norris directly at jnorris@middletownship.com.

Middle Hosts 39th Annual National Night Out

The event encourages the community to connect with police while participating in fun-filled activities

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Middle Township National Night Out is an opportunity for fun and positive interactions with police.

Residents can explore fire, EMS, and police vehicles while connecting as a community at Middle Township’s 39th annual National Night Out on Aug. 2. The Cape May County Sheriff’s Office will add to the fun with a K-9 Demonstration and members of the Mounted Horse Patrol.

The family-friendly event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. with activities that include a Court House Fire Department fire simulator, giant Jenga, Connect 4, corn hole, inflatable sports games, glitter and airbrush temporary tattoos, and much more. Police also will set up an impaired driving obstacle course. Music will be provided by the Bitter Sweet Duo.

Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner is excited for this year’s National Night Out. He says the event provides many residents with a chance to build relationships with law enforcement.

“We encourage residents to join us for a night of fun activities,” he says. “This is a great opportunity for police officers and residents to come together under positive circumstances and strengthen our sense of community.”

Guests who attend also will be able to meet Miss New Jersey Augostina Mallous, a resident of Cape May County Court House, and Meteorologist Joe Martucci.

And come hungry – hot dogs, pizza, cold drinks and frozen sweet treats will be available to satisfy summer cravings.

The event will take place at the Davies Sports Complex, 626 Goshen Road in Cape May Court House. For more, call (609) 465-8700, ext. 1915.

Middle Township 2022 Final/2023 Preliminary Tax Bills will be mailed by August 5th, 2022.  Due to the delay, the Grace Period for the 3rd quarter taxes ONLY has been extended until August 31, 2022.

Payments received after August 31, 2022 will accrue interest from the Due Date of August 1, 2022.

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.