News

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:

1. Instrumental in creating the Police Department’s Drone Program;
2. Reviewing and developing bids and specifications for all non-engineering projects;
3. Fostering professional relationships with vendors;
4. Exploring cooperative partnerships on behalf of the Township to more quickly procure items at the most competitive pricing;
5. Liquidating obsolete assets to provide value back to the Township;
6. 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 5^th 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 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.

DONOHUE TO JOIN MIDDLE TOWNSHIP WALL OF MAYORS

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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 5^th 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.”

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GRANT FUNDS MIDDLE TOWNSHIP’S CLEAN COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

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On July 1^st, Middle Township Committee took action to add a Special Item of Revenue to its current budget in response to a grant received to help fund the municipality’s 2024 Clean Communities Program. The grant, totaling $73,263.23 was awarded by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.

New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. The mission is to reduce litter in public places, promote the volunteer cleanup of public lands, and sustain a reduction in litter through education. The Act provides a funding source for the program by placing a tax on fifteen categories of businesses that may produce litter-generating products. 

The Clean Communities Program Fund generates about $20 million annually and is disbursed each year to municipalities (80%), counties (10%) and state parks service (10%).

The Clean Communities Council oversees the implementation of litter abatement programs in 558 municipalities and 21 counties, collects statistical reports, maintains a database of information that tracks local programs, and implements a statewide program of public information and education that targets Clean Communities coordinators, schools, and the general public. The Clean Communities Council also administers New Jersey’s Adopt-a-Beach and Adopt-a-Highway programs.

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Notice of Upcoming Roadway Work – Avalon Boulevard (in the area of Leonards Lane & Old Avalon Blvd)

In response to requests by both the residents of Avalon Manor and the Township of Middle to provide for additional warning for vehicles approaching the Leonard’s Lane intersection along Avalon Boulevard, the County prepared a plan to include rumble strip arrays and traffic markings approaching the intersection. These enhanced traffic markings are schedule to be installed beginning at 7:00am on Wednesday, July 10th.

The nature of the work will require a lane shift and/or alternating traffic with flaggers. The anticipated operation will take about 4 hours to complete. Please plan travel accordingly.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP SUMMER CONCERT SERIES RETURNS JULY 9^TH

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Middle Township’s Summer Concert Series returns to the Robert “Ockie” Wisting Recreation Complex in Rio Grande for six concerts, beginning Tuesday, July 9^th.

“Middle Township is excited to offer another great series of summer concerts.  We are fired up to Rock the Ock,” Mayor Chris Leusner said. “We have an awesome lineup of bands on Tuesday nights, along with a variety of food trucks and vendors. There is fun for the whole family in a beautiful setting.  Bring your coolers, chairs, and blankets.  And your dancing shoes!”

The Summer Concert Series is made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Division of Culture & Heritage.

“Township Committee is grateful for the generous support of the New Jersey Council on the Arts,” Committeeman Jim Norris said. “We also want to recognize the sponsorship of Engineering Design Associates and thank EDA for their donation of $2,000 to support the 2024 summer concerts.”

SUMMER CONCERT LINE UP 2024

July 9^th – 40 North Country – Opening night will feature 40 North Country, voted the best country bar bands at the Jersey Shore 2021, 2022, 2023. Grab your cowboy boots and hat and join in the line dancing lessons.

 July 16^th – Brian McConnell – Nashville recording artist Brian McConnell brings his guitar and original music to the stage. McConnell has shared performances with Garth Brooks, Luke Coombs, Brad Paisley, and many more.

July 23^rd – Subliminal Message – Celebrate Christmas in July with Santa and the Subliminal Message Band! Bring an unwrapped toy to support the MTPD Annual Toy Drive. Subliminal Message Band is one of South Jersey’s top cover bands, playing everything from blues, to funk, to Motown, to reggae, to 90s alternative, and much more!

 July 30^th – Animal House Band – Get on your feet for the Jersey Shore’s favorite party dance band!

August 6^th – No concert – Join us for National Night Out at the Clarence Davies Sports Complex in Goshen.

August 13^th – Independence Day Band – Local favorites covering the greatest hits of the 80’s and 90’s and today!

August 20^th – The Mugshots – Legendary, North Jersey cover band. Performing classic rock hits from artist such as REO Speedwagon, Rush, Journey, Led Zepplin, and more.  The Mugshots feature the world-class vocals of lead singer Kristina Rigamonti.

MIDDLE TO PROCLAIM JULY 1^ST ELIZABETH MENDEL – MISS NEW JERSEY DAY

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Mayor Chris Leusner announced that Middle Township Committee would pass an official proclamation declaring July 1st as Elizabeth Mendel—Miss New Jersey Day. Mendel was crowned as the New Jersey Representative to the Miss America Organization on June 8th.

Elizabeth was raised in Cape May Court House by parents Steve and Jacqueline Mendel. She has a twin sister named Emily. She graduated from Middle Township High School in 2020 and now attends Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, where she is studying business, marketing, and sales. She plans to join her family’s business, Sand Jamm 5Mile, upon graduation.

“We could not be prouder of Elizabeth and all she has accomplished,” Mayor Leusner said. “We are blessed to live in a community full of great families that foster the amazing qualities we see personified in our Miss New Jersey 2024.”

Mendel’s crowning continues a trend of Miss New Jersey winners from Middle Township. She joins Alyssa Sullivan-Cristelli in 2021 and Augostina Mallous in 2022.

Mendel, who held the title of Miss South Jersey, is a strong advocate for Eating Disorder Awareness. Elizabeth has been bravely honest when discussing her own struggles and plans to use her platform as Miss New Jersey to bring further awareness to this important issue through her service initiative, “Image Is Everywhere.”

Mendel will be honored at the Township Committee Meeting on July 1st at 6 pm.