DUI Lawyers in Middlesex, NJ

It’s Spring and we are back in our yards, with our spring projects and getting ready for another year of cutting the grass. The DPW did a great job with the snow this year and my back appreciates that it wasn’t too bad of a snow season.

At Borough Hall, we have been busy working on a number of projects to improve and enhance Middlesex. Budget season is in full-swing, and I ask all of our residents to pay attention to both the municipal and school budgets. That is the best way to see how your tax dollars are being used. The Borough has really taken a hard stance on expenditures and although not a flat budget the increase on the municipal end will be significantly less than last year.

Some updates:

The Fireman’s Carnival will not be held this year. Last year’s situation was unsafe and we have yet to find the right combination of event activities/times etc. with projected costs to make this the fundraiser that it is meant to be. In the meantime, it is important for people to support our volunteer Firemen with their remaining fundraising activities. Please be as generous as your means allow.

The Beautification Committee is now a part of the Culture and Arts Committee. This is a logical merger and we look forward to even more activities from this expanded Committee.

We are looking forward to the opening of the new Middlesex History Room at the Library. It has been a long time coming but it will be worth the wait.

There will be some upcoming changes to our Recycling Program as we are going to be required by Middlesex County to use provided cans for recycling. It’s a change in the way we do things, but is necessary and a requirement.

For 2025, we again have a Volunteers Recruitment Committee whose efforts are working will all of our volunteer groups to solicit new members. They have been doing an awesome job. Some additional information can be found here. https://www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/ local-volunteering Middlesex Borough and the Committee are hosting a Volunteer Fair. Come and learn more about opportunities and departments in our Borough where you can get involved to make our community stronger! Most of our volunteer organizations will be represented. Make it a point to visit. We need your help.

MIDDLESEX BOROUGH VOLUNTEER FAIR

May 3, 2025 - Middlesex Borough Library 10:00AM to 3:00PM 1300 Mountain Avenue

The Borough of Middlesex now has a Hometown Heroes Banner Program. This program honors Middlesex Borough residents and former residents who have served or are currently serving in any branch of the military. Go to https:// www.middlesexboro-nj.gov/latest-news/hometown-heroes-banner-program for more details.

Jason Bond, having served 20 years on the Shade Tree Commission was recognized by the Governing Body as a Pillar of the Community at the April 22, 2025 Council Meeting. Congratulations Jason on your many years of service to the borough on the Shade Tree Commission!

I have been notified by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities that they are sponsoring The Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. This information was publicized at the High School to all juniors and seniors who plan to continue their education after high school to apply for this scholarship. I appointed a committee to select one statewide semi-finalist from the Borough. Jasleen Parmar has been selected as Middlesex Borough’s semi-finalist and her essay will now be forwarded to the League Headquarters in Trenton to be reviewed and potentially be awarded as one of 15 finalists or as one of three winners. Good luck Jasleen!

That’s all for now. We have a lot to do and time is at a premium as we continue to work to do what is right for Middlesex.

Please come to the council meetings. It’s the best way to keep current on things.

Mayor Jack Mikolajczyk

reminder: this years middlesex borough volunteer fair is this saturday, may 3 at 10am.

Want to make a difference in our community? Come to the Middlesex Borough Volunteer Fair on May 3rd, 10 AM - 3 PM and hear directly from volunteers about essential local needs and opportunities.

Come learn how vital volunteers are to Middlesex Borough and see how you can make an impact!

Middlesex Borough is indeed a special place, and it's fantastic to see how committed the community is to making it even better through volunteer efforts. The upcoming Volunteer Fair on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to connect and contribute to the town's well-being.

We are thrilled to invite you to our Volunteer Fair at the Middlesex Borough Library! This exciting event is designed to attract potential volunteers and provide a unique opportunity to learn about the Essential and Quality of Life Needs in our community directly from our dedicated volunteers. Join us to discover the vital role volunteers play in our hometown, Middlesex Borough, and find where you best fit in. Our theme for this year's event is "Middlesex Volunteers: Celebrating Community Connection". This theme perfectly showcases the unity, creativity, and celebration of the spirit of Middlesex Borough which makes our community a thriving, vibrant, and community-oriented place to live.

Important Note: We continue to face a crucial need for volunteers in the Fire Department and the Rescue Squad, which directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community residents. Your involvement can make a significant difference. There’s a place for everyone and we believe that every resident has something valuable to contribute. Please join us to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and community connection! We can't wait to see you there!

For more information, please contact Barbara Benson: bbenson@middlesexboro-nj.gov.

This initiative aims to help older residents remain in New Jersey by easing property tax burdens.

Patch Staff

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County is raising awareness and encouraging eligible homeowners to apply for the Stay NJ property tax relief program—a new State of New Jersey initiative providing significant financial support to older residents.

The County has launched a comprehensive public service announcement campaign highlighting the program's benefits and eligibility requirements.

For convenient access and helpful resources, the County has created a dedicated webpage at middlesexcountynj.gov/taxrelief.

This initiative aims to help older residents remain in New Jersey by easing property tax burdens and supporting the senior community's well-being.

Stay NJ offers a 50 percent reimbursement on property taxes—up to $13,000 annually—with a cap of $6,500 for 2024. The program is available to homeowners who are 65 years of age or older and meet income and residency requirements. The application deadline is October 31, 2025, with payments expected in early 2026.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

This year, residents can conveniently apply for property tax relief by submitting a single application to claim benefits for Stay NJ, ANCHOR, and Senior Freeze.

"The Stay NJ program will provide meaningful relief to our senior homeowners, helping them remain in the homes they have built and cherished within their community in Middlesex County," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "We know many older residents are facing growing financial pressures, and we urge all who are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity, as it can provide more financial stability."

To aid with the application process, the Office of the County Clerk, along with the Office of Information Technology, offers two web-based tools: the Middlesex County Tax Relief Program Address Lookup and the Middlesex Clerk Records Search Tool, both available on middlesexcountynj.gov/taxrelief. These tools allow residents to search for information about their property, including their block and lot numbers.

"Middlesex County is here to assist residents as they apply for the Stay NJ program by making the process more accessible through online tools on our County website," said Middlesex County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin. "I encourage residents to use these tools to simplify their application process as their property information is readily available online."

The Middlesex County Office of Aging & Disabled Services will conduct outreach efforts county-wide to educate older residents about this vital program and provide support during the application process. As a designated AARP Age-Friendly Community, Middlesex County helps older adults stay engaged with the community through various services and programs offered by the Office of Aging & Disabled Services, including meal services, health and fitness events, fraud prevention and elder abuse conferences, an annual art contest and show, and more.

For more information on programs and services provided by the Office of Aging & Disabled Services, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

The Middlesex College American Sign Language Club's monthly Deaf Coffee Chats are open to the public to promote ASL learning.

Patch Staff

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — The Middlesex College American Sign Language (ASL) Club at Edison's Middlesex College will be hosting their next Deaf Coffee Chat on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

These monthly gatherings aim to foster inclusivity and promote ASL learning in a welcoming, interactive environment.

The club's inaugural Deaf Coffee Chat in February exceeded expectations, drawing more than 60 participants from across the state, the club said.

"We were in shock when ASL students and members of the Deaf community from all over the state came to be with us," said Crystal Shook, Middlesex College ESL, Languages, and Cultures professor.

The event attracted participants from various educational institutions, including Kean University, Seton Hall University, Ramapo University, Brookdale Community College, John F. Kennedy High School, Colonia High School, and several other programs.

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Alyssa Pollock, founder and president of the ASL Club at Middlesex College, created these events after recognizing the need through her participation in other community Deaf gatherings. The Coffee Chats are free and open to the public, offering light refreshments, games, and opportunities for social connection.

"Unfortunately, a part of our society continues to participate in audism—a form of discrimination against deaf/hard of hearing individuals," Shook explained. "This is why our ASL Club takes the time to recognize the importance of not only the language but also the unique culture. In hopes of building more awareness, we also strive to prevent audism in our community and promote equality among the deaf and hearing."

Community members interested in upcoming ASL Club events and locations can follow their official Instagram page @mcnjaslclub.

Middlesex College continues to make good on promises to expand programs for all students.

The Middlesex College Center for Adult Transitions is enrolling participants for two free educational courses this spring, specifically designed for students ages 18-24 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Known as The Compass Program, the initiative welcomes a broad mix of current high school students working on developing their social and academic skills and high school graduates taking the next step into the college world.

"The Compass Program helps students develop essential skills for personal and professional growth while connecting them with resources that support their transition to a more independent life," stated Elvia Valdez Gonzalez, the Adult Transitions coordinator at Middlesex College.

In collaboration with Middlesex College’s Workforce Development program, the Compass Program offers a Computer Skills course from March 25 to May 14, providing students with essential introductory knowledge of computers to prepare them for the workplace. The course covers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, resume writing, and more.

Additionally, an Introductory Culinary Arts course runs from March 27 to May 22, teaching students kitchen safety, teamwork, and practical cooking skills for everyday life.

To participate in the Compass Program, students must be able to navigate the college environment, follow directions, and engage actively in program activities.

The program also offers supplemental workshops on job readiness, social skills, and college exploration to further support students.

Enrollment is open online with limited space available. For more information contact Elvia Valdez Gonzalez at evaldezgonzalez@middlesexcc.edu or 732-548-6000, ext. 3024.

email:cmakin@gannettnj.com

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.