Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Middletown’s school board meeting turned so tense this week

Also check out 5 Things You Must Know About Estate Planning After 65 (Online) on the Middletown Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Middletown? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Middletown’s school board meeting turned so tense this week
  • What newly released video shows about the fatal Route 36 police crash
  • How Middletown neighbors are being asked to thank police today

Also on today's calendar: 5 Things You Must Know About Estate Planning After 65 (Online) and 9 more events.

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

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Andrew O.!

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A little afternoon rain, with a high of 52 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Saturday: Rain, becoming heavy at times, temps: high: 44, low: 39.
  • Sunday: Clearing and breezy, with a high of 44 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Chris Aveta Is Middletown BOE President, Frank Capone Is VP As Many Arguments Break Out (patch.com) — Middletown’s school board has a new leadership team, with Chris Aveta elected president and Frank Capone chosen as vice president after a tense, divided reorganization meeting. Board members clashed over last year’s budget process, parents criticized meeting scheduling, and members debated committee assignments and how the board should structure its 2026 meetings.
   

2. UPDATE: AG's Office Releases Video Footage from Investigation into October 10, 2025 Fatal Vehicle Collision in Middletown, N.J. (njoag.gov) — State investigators have released surveillance video from a fatal October 2025 collision on Route 36 in Middletown involving an Atlantic Highlands police vehicle and an e-bike rider, 73-year-old Henry Phillips Jr. of Atlantic Highlands. The Attorney General’s Office is continuing its mandatory review of the police-involved death, with the case to be presented to a grand jury and no further details available yet.
   

3. 💙January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! 🇺🇸Thank You Today and Every Day, to Middletown's Finest. (tapinto.net) — Middletown residents are encouraged today, Jan. 9, to thank local law enforcement as part of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The piece highlights the daily sacrifices of Middletown’s officers and suggests simple ways neighbors can show support, from wearing blue to offering a smile, wave, or note of gratitude.
   

4. Nutley wrestling meets early-season challenges (theobserver.com) — Nutley’s wrestling team recently traveled to Middletown North in Middletown and came home with a statement win over perennial power High Point, 37-30. The article spotlights individual Raider standouts, their records, and a challenging upcoming schedule, including a charity duals event later this month.
   

📸 Around Middletown

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📸 Northern coast of Sandy Hook —Andrew O. Like

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Middletown Township EMS Welcomes New Leadership at Annual Reorganization Meeting —James De Rugeriis Read on Patch
  • New Jersey Blood Services Declares Blood Emergency —Shauna Lynch Read on Patch
  • Target posted a job opening for GM and Food (General Merchandise, Closing, Fulfillment, Inbound, Food and Beverage , Starbucks) (T1192) in Middletown. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Janitor/Custodian Position in Atlantic Highlands. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Middletown here.

Ok Middletown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I really dig you!
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