Final Rabies Clinic – Saturday November 16th
MIDDLE TO HOST FINAL 2024 RABIES CLINIC
Middle Township will hold the municipality’s final 2024 rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, November 16. Free vaccines will be offered for both cats and dogs from 9:30am to10:30am at the Township’s Public Works facility, 400 W. Mechanic Street, Cape May Court House.
Rabies shots are required by NJ State law for all dogs and cats, including pets that are primarily indoors or indoors only. The first Rabies vaccine is good for one year. Each vaccine after that is good for 3 years.
“As rabies is 100% deadly, prevention is the only key to effective control,” said Middle Township’s Animal Control Officer William Candell. “The most effective prevention is had when domesticated animals are vaccinated against rabies.”
Middle Township dog owners will need a current rabies vaccination to receive a license for their pet. Dogs over 6 months old must be licensed in January of each year.
A one-year license for a spayed or neutered dog is $8.20 and dogs that are not spayed or neutered, a one-year license costs $11.20. Dog licensing can be completed at the Township Clerk’s Office or online by visiting Middle Township’s dog license portal.
Joanne Ciccotelli Honored as Employee of the Month
JOANNE CICCOTELLI IS MIDDLE’S AUGUST EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Middle Township Alternate Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics, Joanne Ciccotelli, has been named the municipality’s August Employee of the Month. Joanne, who joined the Township team in December of 2021, was nominated for the Award by Deputy Administrator Suzanne Schuman.
“We are proud to honor Joanne for her hard work and dedication to the Municipal Clerk’s office,” Schumann said. “Joanne has assumed new duties over the past several months, while assisting thousands of folks in obtaining copies of vital records or applying for marriage licenses. She is always eager to step in whenever extra help is needed.”
Ciccotelli is a valued member of the Township’s Administrative team which is led by Business Administrator/Municipal Clerk, Kimberly Osmundsen. Osmundsen praised Joanne for her outstanding customer service.
“Joanne keeps the morale of the office bright and cheery and is always willing to lend a hand,” Osmundsen said. “We are excited to have her begin taking classes towards her Registered Municipal Clerk certification in September.”
Ciccotelli will be recognized by Township Committee during the September 4th Township Committee meeting at 6pm.
It’s always a pleasure to see Joanne’s smile when I enter Town Hall,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “The ladies in our busy Clerk’s office do an outstanding job of assisting our residents, preparing for our public meetings, managing our local elections, and preserving our public records. They are the folks that keep the Township running smoothly.”
The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.
Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall at two locations: Human Resources and Training Department and the Administration Department.
Residents from the Township who have had a very positive interaction with any Middle Township employee may pick up the one-page nomination form and fill it out on the employee’s behalf.
Deputy CFO Dan Shustack Honored as Employee of the Month
DEPUTY CFO SHUSTACK IS MIDDLE’S JULY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Middle Township’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Qualified Purchasing Agent, Dan Shustack, has been named the municipality’s July Employee of the Month. Shustack, who formerly worked in the finance departments in the Cape May City and the County of Cape May, joined the Middle Township Team in December 2022.
Shustack was nominated by co-worker, Betzy McClintock.
“Dan is one of the most kind-hearted and caring individuals. Over the past year and a half, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping his co-workers,” McClintock said. “His willingness to lend a hand, no matter the task, speaks volumes about his character and dedication. Dan’s versatility and extensive experience mean that he’s able to assist with just about anything you can imagine, making him an indispensable asset to our team.”
Middle Township CFO, Neil Young, cited Shustack for his willingness to take on any task and highlighted several initiatives taken on by the Deputy CFO:
- Instrumental in creating the Police Department’s Drone Program;
- Reviewing and developing bids and specifications for all non-engineering projects;
- Fostering professional relationships with vendors;
- Exploring cooperative partnerships on behalf of the Township to more quickly procure items at the most competitive pricing;
- Liquidating obsolete assets to provide value back to the Township;
- Serving as a volunteer member of the Township’s Office of Emergency Management.
“The list could go on and on,” said Young. “They don’t call him ‘Dan the Man’ for nothing.”
Shustack was lauded for his genuine care for his co-workers. It was noted he is the first to offer support when someone is struggling or needs advice on a tricky issue. His positive attitude is infectious, and he has a remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around him.
“Dan’s broad skillset is truly impressive,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “Beyond his professional competence, from day one, Dan has fostered a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged.”
Shustack will be honored and recognized at the Regular Meeting of Township Committee on August 5th at 6pm.
The Middle Township Employee of the Month program was initiated by the Township Committee to honor employees who exemplify the Township’s commitment to better delivery of services and going the extra mile for residents. The program culminates with the Darius Graham Employee of the Year honor that is named after one of the Township’s most beloved employees in its history.
Nominations for the Employee of the Month Program are available at Township Hall at two locations: Human Resources and Training Department and the Administration Department. Residents from the Township who have had a very positive interaction with any Middle Township employee may pick up the one-page nomination form and fill it out on the employee’s behalf.
Middle Township Tax Bills to be Mailed Week of July 29th
Middle Township Final 2024/Preliminary 2025 Tax Bill will be mailed by the week of July 29, 2024 .
Due to the delay, the grace period for the 3rd quarter taxes ONLY has been extended until August 30, 2024. This extension does not affect the 4th quarter payment due November 1, 2024.
All payments received after August 30, 2024 will accrue interest to the statutory due date of August 1, 2024.
To check your account or to pay Property taxes online visit our website at www.middletownship.com and click the “View & Pay Property Taxes” button.
Notice of Upcoming Roadway Work – Goshen Road (CR 615)
Notice of Upcoming Roadway Work – Goshen Road (CR 615)
Starting July 19, 2024 the Cape May County planned roadway resurfacing project of Goshen Road (Cr 615) in Middle Township will commence.
Goshen Road, from Dias Creek Road (CR 612) heading approximately 1.2 miles to the north, will be undergoing roadway reconstruction that will result in a detour beginning on 7/19 and extending thru 7/22. Goshen Road will be passable but motorist should expect delays.
Beginning on 7/29/24, Goshen Road (Stage 1 construction) will be undergoing major reconstruction resulting in the closure of the roadway. Thru traffic will be detoured around the work area via Route 47 and Hand Avenue (Cr 658). This detour will be in place until approximately the second week in September.
After the second week in September until approximately the end of November , Goshen Road (Stage 2 construction) will begin. Goshen Road will be opened to thru traffic, however, only north bound traffic will be maintained.
The timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Please plan your travel plans accordingly.
Donohue to Join Middle Township Wall of Mayors
DONOHUE TO JOIN MIDDLE TOWNSHIP WALL OF MAYORS
Middle Township Mayor Chris Leusner announced that former Mayor Tim Donohue’s portrait will join the Township’s Wall of Mayors. The ceremony will take place during the August 5th Township Committee meeting at 6pm.
Donohue served four terms on Township Committee, from 2012 through 2023. He served as Mayor for seven years, 2014 – 2015 and 2019 – 2023. Most memorably, he led the Township through the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
“Mayor Donohue was committed to bringing good people together to do good work,” current Mayor Chris Leusner said. “His many years as Mayor were exemplified by his hard work, intelligent leadership, and an unflinching dedication to building a better Middle Township.”
Donohue, who relocated to Florida with his wife Carole earlier this year, will return home for the portrait unveiling.
“Serving as Mayor of my hometown was the greatest honor of my public life,” Donohue said. “Every portrait on that wall represents a man or woman who held the courage and commitment to step up and lead Middle Township. I’m truly humbled to join their ranks. If I think about a sense of legacy, I’m most proud of the amazing leadership team we built together through a dozen years of tough challenges. We worked hard to listen to all voices, respect all viewpoints, and construct successful policies to provide the best outcomes for Middle Township residents. That commitment remains strong under the leadership of Mayor Leusner, Deputy Mayor Gandy, Committeeman Norris, and Administrator Kim Osmundsen. I’m confident the future is bright for our hometown.”
