FREEHOLD BOROUGH

A new recycling schedule is now in effect in the Borough. Residents will now be able to place all their recyclables (commingled glass, tin, plastic & aluminum items, as well as paper/cardboard) at the curb for collection on the same day. The new schedule will be repeated each Wednesday of the month.

May 4 & 18; June 1, 15, 29; July 13 & 27; August 10 & 24; September 7 & 21; October 5 & 19; Nov. 2, 16 & 30; Dec. 14 & 28.

May 11 & 25; June 8 & 22; July 6 & 20; August 3, 17, & 31; September 14 & 28; October 12 & 26; November 9 & 23; and December 7 & 21.

From the desk of Councilman Jaye Sims, liaison to the Community Information Committee

Freehold Borough's Community Information Committee has been recognized for its many fine accomplishments during its brief three year history including: a resident resource packet that orients new residents to life in Freehold Borough (available at Borough Hall); "The Lantern," a quarterly newsletter about the Borough (available from downtown businesses or by E-mail); a Volunteer Fair; various committee press releases, etc. We're looking for additional volunteers to help us do even more for our town and its residents.

As a Community Communications Committee volunteer, you will work side-by-side with your fellow Borough residents on a variety of communications projects like those mentioned above. Our volunteers gain practical career experience they can often apply at work or in school. Here's the best part - sharing your special expertise benefits our town.

In 2011, we have several projects that require knowledge and experience in either Social Media (platforms, tools) and/or Web Design (basic HTML, Flash, SEO, etc.).

Attention HS Students: We are also looking for Freehold Borough HS students seeking to fill their education-mandated volunteer requirements within the field of communications. We are currently seeking beat reporters and media production (audio/video) volunteers to help with several projects. Anyone with an interest in Social Media and/or Web Design is also welcome to volunteer.

The commitment averages about an hour or two per month, depending on assignment to any special projects. Our monthly Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in Borough Hall. Most meetings conclude within an hour.

For current HS students: We will work with your teachers and counselors to help you fulfill your volunteer commitment

For further information, please contact Community Information Committee Chairman, Marc LeVine by phone (732-492-9726) or by E-mail at stffgpr2003@yahoo.com.

The Senior Citizens' Housing Corporation of the Borough of Freehold, in conjunction with the Borough of Freehold, is offering free transportation for senior citizens and disabled persons residing in Freehold Borough.

Transportation is available Monday through Friday, to and from local doctors' offices, CentraState Medical Center, local grocery stores, WalMart, and Freehold Raceway Mall. Please call 732 431-7599 for complete information.

Freehold Borough is pleased to announce a new e-mail alert service for residents who would like to be kept up to date regarding announcements and happenings in the Borough. Beginning in January, 2010, residents who register for this new program will be notified via e-mail with all the latest updates as they occur.

Residents may remain anonymous if they wish. Please call the Administrator's office at 732 462-4200 if you would like to register for the program.

Open burning in approved containers shall be allowed without a permit at single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, subject to the regulations contained herein.
Fires shall be limited to a maximum 3 ft. diameter and 2 ft. in height, and must be contained in a non-combustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or other method approved by the Fire Prevention Officer.
All openings in the container or fire pit must be covered with wire mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of sparks and embers.
Fires must be kept at least 10 ft. from any structure or combustible exterior wall.
Fires must be constantly attended.
No such fire or container used for open burning may be used on any porch, deck, balcony or other portion of a building; within any room or space; or under any building overhang.
The burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, vines, evergreen needles, branches smaller than 3 in. in diameter, untreated lumber, garbage, paper products or anything other than firewood as set forth herein is prohibited.
The Fire Prevention Officer, Police Officer, or Code Enforcement Officer may order any open fire, or use of a chiminea, outdoor fireplace or fire pit which creates a nuisance to be extinguished.

The Monmouth County Mosquito Commission currently provides tick identification and testing at their Tinton Falls location for County residents who have received a tick bite. The identification service is free, but there is a $25.00 fee for testing the tick for the organism which causes Lime disease. For more information, please log on to the website www.vistingmonmouth.com/mosquito/tick.html.

In order to control the mosquito population in our area, the County will be conducting aerial spraying of pesticides on an “as needed” basis starting June 1 through November 30th. Residents may request that they be notified 12 hours prior to the scheduled application. Please log on to the County website at www.visitmonmoouth/mosquito.com for more information.

The Freehold Borough Assessment Abatement Program is a five year, $25,000 abatement for work that has been determined by the Assessor to have added value. Applications are available from the Assessor’s office. As a courtesy, the Construction Office advises building permit holders, upon the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) or Certificate of Approval (C.A.) of the program’s availability.

Application must be made within 30 days of completion of the work. Tax increases are payable for the partial year of completion with the abatement commencing the January of the new year, and remaining for 5 years.

THE FREEHOLD BOROUGH POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED A NEW “TIP HOT-LINE” WHICH WILL ALLOW RESIDENTS TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OF ANY KIND (GANGS, DRUGS, CRIMINAL ACTIONS, ETC.) DIRECTLY TO THE POLICE.

THE HOT-LINE NUMBER IS 732 431-0420, AND CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS IF THEY WISH.

The Memorial Day Parade takes place on Main Street on Memorial Day and is among the oldest and largest parades in Monmouth County. www.freeholdmemorialdayparade.com/

Each summer, Freehold Borough and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County sponsor a summer day camp for school age children who live in the Borough. Camp sites are located at the YMCA Community Center on Jackson St. and at various parks throughout the Borough. Activities include field trips, games, arts & crafts, and contests. Applications are available at the Y and at Borough Hall during the month of March. An extended day program is also available.

The Freehold Borough Recreation Commission presents a free concert for senior citizens’ in September, followed by refreshments. Transportation is available.

Each year, local high school students compete to paint the best Halloween scene on store windows along Main Street. Prizes are awarded for 1 2 and 3 place.

At Christmastime, teams of Borough youngsters are driven through the Borough judging all the homes decorated for the holidays, then they enjoy pizza at one of the local restaurants.

Each year, the Freehold Borough Recreation Commission provides financial assistance and scholarship aid to various organizations in need of help, among them Colonial Basketball, Open Gym Program, Little League, Pop Warner, Community Youth Soccer, and the Hispanic Baseball League.

Application forms are available from the Recreation Commission for any organization wishing to use the local ballfields and parks for athletic events.