Leeann

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The Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control performs mosquito control pesticide applications throughout Cape May County in response to larval mosquito production and adult mosquito populations from April 15 through November 15 of each season.

Question and Answer sheet explaining the aspects of our program:

Q: WHAT IS THE LIFE CYCLE OF A MOSQUITO?

A: Despite all of the different species and various mosquito habitats in Cape May County; mosquitoes have at least one thing in common: all species require water to complete their life cycle. Mosquitoes have four different developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Depending on the species, female mosquitoes lay their eggs either on the water’s surface, edges of emergent vegetation or in damp soil depressions that may become inundated by rain or tide. The eggs hatch into the aquatic life stage known as “larvae” (plural). Larvae grow by feeding on organic matter in the water and going through four growth stages called “instars”. After the fourth instar, larvae molt into “pupae” (plural).

In the pupal stage, the larvae undergo a complete transformation into the flying adult that we are most familiar with. Shortly after emerging the female mosquitoes fly off to seek a “bloodmeal”. The mosquito doesn’t gain nutrition from the blood, but instead uses the proteins found in it to develop eggs. Once egg-laying is complete, the female mosquito must seek another bloodmeal in order to lay further batches of eggs.

Q: WHAT MOSQUITO SPECIES ARE FOUND IN CAPE MAY COUNTY

A: In Cape May County, we have identified 45 different mosquito species. These are found in a wide variety of habitats including roadside ditches, flooded woodlands, freshwater swamps, storm water basins, artificial containers (i.e. tires), and coastal salt marshes. Species that use salt marshes constitute, by far, the majority of pest problems throughout the county. These mosquitoes can fly over 20 miles and so are found throughout Cape May County.

Q: WHAT HUMAN AND ANIMAL DISEASES DO MOSQUITOS TRANSMIT?

A: It is through biting and bloodfeeding that a mosquito can act as a vector, or transmitter of diseases between humans and animals. Depending on the species, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dog heartworm and encephalitis, such as eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV). West Nile virus was first detected in the United States in the New York metropolitan area in 1999. Fortunately, WNV activity in Cape May County has been minimal, although the virus is detected every year in birds, horses and sometimes humans. Historically, EEE has been the major health concern transmitted by mosquitoes. In previous years, EEE outbreaks have caused sickness and even fatalities in our area, but these are rare. Other mosquito transmitted diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika have only appeared in NJ from individuals that have come from places where these viruses are endemic. So far there has been no local transmission of these viruses although our department does monitor for them just in case.

Q: WHAT CAN THE HOMEOWNER DO?

A: Mosquito control begins at home. If standing water around your home can be eliminated, mosquitoes will have no place to lay their eggs. Anything that can hold water has the potential to support mosquito larvae. Keeping adult mosquitoes out of our house is an additional step. Make sure all window and door screens are free of holes and closed securely. A wide variety of repellents exists for relief from adult mosquitoes and other biting insects and can be purchased in many retail establishments. Repellents are generally effective, but should be used with caution in accordance with label directions. Please read the label completely before application.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO IF THERE IS AN ADULT MOSQUITO PROBLEM OR THERE IS POSSIBLE LARVAL HABITAT AROUND MY HOUSE?

A: Contact the Department of Mosquito Control at (609)465-9038. Our staff will investigate your situation promptly. If an on-site inspection is deemed necessary, a service request form will be filled out and handled as soon as possible.

Q: WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

A: Visit our website: www.capemaycountynj.gov/481/mosquito-control. . There you will find more information on our program and numerous links to information about mosquitoes. You will also find updates on any adult mosquito control applications if they are needed.

For more information on the pesticides used for larval and adult mosquito control, please refer to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection approved pesticide fact sheets. Only state licensed pesticide applicators or operators perform pesticide application in Cape May County. All pesticides applied by the Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and can therefore be legally applied in New Jersey.

Please feel free to contact the Cape May County Department of Mosquito Control directly with any questions or concerns. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:00am- 3:00pm.

New Jersey American Water’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program

In July 2021, the state of New Jersey enacted legislation that requires all water providers to share with customers the material of both the utility-owned and customer-owned service lines leading to their properties. In addition, it also requires utility companies replace utility-owned and customer-owned lead and galvanized, which is now being treated as lead according to the new state law, service lines by 2031.

New Jersey American Water is committed to replacing all lead and galvanized water service lines by 2031. Customers can visit www.newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts to learn more about the program, look up their address on the interactive inventory map as well as a variety of resources to help educate customers about lead service lines and the company’s replacement process.

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Over the coming weeks, New Jersey American Water qualified contractor, Pioneer Pipe will be assessing service line materials in Middle Township by performing a “test hole” near the water meter or curb stop of identified homes.  The service line is the pipe that connects your home to the water main in the street. A portion of the service line to your residence is owned by New Jersey American Water, while the other portion is owned by the homeowner. One or both portions of the service line may be exposed for inspection.

If the service line is confirmed to be lead or galvanized, New Jersey American Water will add it to an upcoming replacement project in your area. There is no direct, out of pocket cost to you at the time of the replacement.

Please note: Customers can still use their water as you normally would as the water provided by New Jersey American Water continues to meet state and federal water quality standards, including those set for lead.

Customers are strongly encouraged to update their contact preferences and opt-in for service-related notifications from New Jersey American Water at www.amwater.com/mywater. Customers can decide how they are notified either via phone, email or text and can add up to three phone numbers and three email addresses.

To learn more about the program, please visit www.newjerseyamwater.com/leadfacts. Any questions customers may have about the program that are not answered by the frequently asked questions online can be sent to New Jersey American Water Lead Team at leadfreenj@amwater.com.

Middle presents award to former boxer who is dedicated to helping youth

Josh Mercado’s community-centered No Limits Academy earns him the Middle Matters Award

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Josh Mercado (center), owner of No Limits Academy in Rio Grande, prepares for boxing lessons
with Christopher Cuevas (from left), Ty’Shon Bryant, Adrian Valentin and Denum Jones. Mercado will receive the
Middle Matters Civic Recognition Award for his work with young people in Cape May County.

The name of Josh Mercado’s No Limits Boxing Academy captures the facility’s message about perseverance in the face of challenges. But “no limits” also describes Mercado’s commitment to uplifting the kids of Cape May County.

Middle Township will honor Mercado’s community involvement and dedication to youth with a Middle Matters Civic Recognition Award on March 20.

Mercado, a former professional boxer who opened No Limits Academy in 2020 to help kids “be their best selves,” said the acknowledgement is validating.

“I have an incredible team of coaches and supporters, and receiving this award motivates us to keep working hard,” he said. “We want to empower kids. We know that investing in our children is investing in our future.”

Mercado understands how much boxing and adult guidance can benefit kids – especially those who could use some extra support.

“I grew up without a father and that made some gaps in my life, but boxing filled those gaps,” he said. “So now I’m using the gift of boxing God gave me to help children learn to be the best they can be. No Limits Academy is a safe space where they can be themselves. It also challenges them physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Before opening New Limits, which he describes as a boxing and youth development facility, Mercado taught psychology and sociology classes at Cape May County Technical School. He brings this knowledge along with his love of boxing to reach the kids who attend the academy.

Although boxing classes begin at 5:15 p.m., Mercado said many children arrive around 3 p.m. to do homework, play sports and spend time with their peers and mentors. After boxing, the kids will stay until closing time, helping clean the facility or talking with one of the faith leaders or therapists on site. Some nights, around 120 children are learning important life skills at No Limits Academy, which is a cellphone-free zone.

“We work with guidance counselors, local therapists, and law enforcement to give our kids the best support we can,” said Mercado. “We are bringing the village back.”

In fact, Mercado has been working with Middle Township Police Chief Chris Leusner and Sgt. Ronald Miller, as well as Cape May Police Chief Dekon Fashaw to initiate the Future Guardians program. The program aims to foster a relationship between Cape May County youth and police through activities such as fishing, “cops and hoopers” basketball games, chat sessions, and more. For now, kids and police can train side-by-side at the academy through the Gym Buddies program.

“What Josh has done in this community is a prime example of what we want here in Middle Township, good people coming together to do good work,” said Committeeman Jim Norris, who nominated Mercado for the award. “The positive impact he’s made in the lives of these students will be felt for many years. I am proud of Josh’s accomplishments in building and growing No Limits Academy here in Middle Township, and look forward to seeing even more success from him in the future!”

No Limits Academy is at 1086 NJ-47, Rio Grande. For more information, visit opens in a new windowwww.nolimitsboxingacademy.org.

Middle will honor three years of volunteers at first awards dinner since 2019

Volunteers of the Year from 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be recognized at the event

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Middle Township volunteers support a variety of community efforts, including the Township’s free rabies clinics efforts.

After saving up its appreciation, Township Committee will officially recognize volunteers and first responders at its first Volunteer Board Member Appreciation Dinner since 2019.

The dinner will be held March 31 at the Avalon Golf Club in Cape May Court House.

The committee is looking forward to the return of the event after a four-year hiatus because of Covid. Of course, many members of Middle Township’s large network of volunteers provided invaluable community support during the pandemic.

The awards dinner will honor Volunteers of the Year from 2020, 2021 and 2022, as well as volunteer board members, fire chiefs and residents, EMS and fire police.

“Township Committee is looking forward to honoring our outstanding volunteer boards,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Our hometown came through the pandemic (and it’s many negative impacts) stronger and more united than ever, thanks to the unsung heroism and unselfish sacrifice of our volunteer community.”

Volunteers from the following boards will be acknowledged at the dinner:

• Animal Advisory Board
• Board of Health
• Cable TV Advisory Board
• Code of Conduct Review Committee
• Council on the Arts
• Economic Development
• Emergency Management Defense
• Environmental Commission
• Fire Districts #1, #2, #3 and #4
• Law Enforcement Community Engagement
• Middle Township Ambulance Corps
• Plan Endorsement Citizens Advisory
• Planning Board
• Recreation Advisory Board
• Rent Leveling Board
• Rio Grande Community Partnership
• Senior Citizen Advisory
• Veterans Advisory Board
• Zoning Board

The Annual Board Appreciation Dinner was established to recognize all volunteers and first responders who have selflessly shown exceptional dedication, determination, innovation, and performance. Those individuals are honored and celebrated for going above and beyond, and helping the township run smoothly and efficiently.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit opens in a new windowmiddletownship.com or call (609) 465-8732.

The Middle township non-emergency phone line, 609-465-8700, is currently not working.

If you have a non-emergency, please call 609-600-5061.

For emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Notice of Great Channel Bridge closure and detour of Ocean Drive (CR 619)

Due to complications resulting from unfavorable weather conditions during this past week, between 3/6/23 thru 3/10/23, the Ocean Drive Bridge over Great Channel, which connects Middle Township to the south end of Stone Harbor, will be closed due to construction. During active construction hours, typically from 7:00am until 3:30 pm, those motorists wishing to use Ocean Drive (Cr 619) and cross over the bridge will be detoured around the work zone, as this section of Ocean Drive will be closed to through traffic. The bridge and roadway are being closed in order to allow barge mounted cranes the ability to drive new piling that are part of a planned fender replacement project. The bridge will be re-opened at night.

Motorist wishing to travel north on Ocean Drive and access the south end of Stone Harbor will be detoured west onto US Route 147 to the Route 9 intersection.  They will then be directed north along Route 9 to Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) where they will be directed east along Stone Harbor Boulevard back to Third Avenue (CR 619).

Motorists traveling south on Third Avenue (CR 619) and wishing to continue heading south to US Route 147 will be directed west at the 96^th Street intersection onto Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657). Motorist will travel west on Stone Harbor Boulevard to the Route 9 intersection.  Motorists will then be directed south on Route 9 to the intersection of Indian Trail Road (CR 618) where they will be directed east onto US Route 147.

Local Traffic will be permitted approaching the Great Channel Bridge, however, no traffic will be permitted to cross the bridge during the periods of active construction.  The detour will end on or about March 10^th .

Middle Township police chief announces retirement

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Christopher Leusner prepares to step down in May after 26 years with the department

Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner, who created a model for community policing and shaped policy at the local, county and state level, will retire after 26 years
with the department – half of them in the top role.

Leusner will step down on May 31. In his retirement letter of March 2, he expressed pride in the members of the Middle Township Police Department.

“I always say they don’t work for me, I work for them,” Leusner said.

The chief’s reputation for innovative and steady leadership earned him a number of prestigious positions with law enforcement groups. Leusner was president of the New Jersey State Association of
Chiefs of Police from June 2019 to June 2020, and is a past state president of the FBI National Academy Associates New Jersey Chapter and past president of the Cape May County Chiefs of Police Association.

“As an elected official, I consider myself blessed to have served the past 12 years side by side with Chris Leusner,” said Mayor Tim Donohue. “Chief Leusner has been a truly transformative figure in law enforcement, pioneering programs and strategies that defined progressive, positive community policing.  Chris will be missed, but he leaves behind a department embedded with a strong command structure and a well-established tradition of excellence. On behalf of Township Committee and the good people we represent, we thank Chris for his service and wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement.”

Leusner’s legacy will include a stronger network of support for Middle residents. Through an initiative with Volunteers of America, two social service navigators will be embedded in the police department to refer community members in need to the appropriate agencies.

The chief consistently emphasized the connection between mental health and public safety, and is one of six original members of the Cape Regional Wellness Alliance, a small coalition of community leaders founded in 2016 to help children affected by trauma.

Leusner introduced the “Handle With Care” partnership with local schools to alert the district to students who might need extra support after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic incident. That
program is now statewide.

Engaging young people was a priority for Leusner, who touts the success of community programs such as the police youth camp.

“These types of contacts create relationships with trusted adults they can talk to,” Leusner said.

The chief also said his role in ensuring reliable radio signals for police was one of his proudest accomplishments.

“Solving the continuing issues with the radio was so important so police could communicate for safety,” said Leusner, who worked with Donohue on the project in 2015.

As Leusner explores his next chapter, Middle Township will begin the interview process for a new chief, who will be selected from current department captains.

Leusner expressed confidence in the future of the force, and appreciation for the support of the community.

“Because of the work our officers have done and continue to do, we’re able to accomplish more and adapt to a challenging environment,” he said.

FINAL State-of-Township-Presentation 2023 pdf