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I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the residents of Holmdel for placing their confidence in me on Election Day, and need to express my immense pride in our community for turning out to the ballot box in record fashion.
There are 13,062 registered voters in Holmdel Township, and Election Day saw more than 55 percent make their voices heard. Though I am honored and humbled to have won re-election, I am even more proud to reside in a municipality that fosters this type of citizen engagement.
In order to secure a prosperous future for our Township we need teamwork between citizen leaders and the governing body. These collaborative efforts have already helped us accomplish so much, and civil, constructive communication is the method by which will be able to achieve so much more.
Now that election season is behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the holiday season.
On behalf of the Township Committee I would like to wish all of our residents a Happy Thanksgiving. May your homes be filled loving family members, and your table plush with turkey, stuffing and the works…and hopefully your favorite football team won’t cause too much indigestion. If you’re looking for some pre-holiday fun for the family, be sure to head to Holmdel Township Library and Learning Center on Monday, Nov. 19 for Thanksgiving Facts & Crafts Session at 4:15 p.m.
This time of year is all about reflection, and recognizing all we have to be thankful for. For me, it’s my family, my friends, colleagues and the wonderful community in which we all reside. I’m also thankful for the incredible team we have serving us at Town Hall. One of those team members, Township Administrator Donna Vieiro, was recently honored by the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association with their prestigious Outstanding Manager Award. Donna was not only recognized for her outstanding day-to-day efforts, but particularly for her oversight of the responsible development and continued growth of the Bell Works property. Donna has been an absolute superstar since joining the Township in 2013, and I am truly thankful to have her at the helm helping to lead our community toward a brighter future.
Congratulations are also in order for the Holmdel Township Green Team. This organization is dedicated to making our Township a cleaner, greener and healthier living environment, and earlier this month the group earned Sustainable Jersey Bronze recertification. Municipalities who gain this stature are considered by their peers, state government leaders, experts and civic organizations to be environmental leaders. We’re very proud of our Green Team’s efforts, and encourage other community members to get involved with our many volunteer organizations, boards and committees. If interested please contact Township Clerk Wendy Patrovich at wpatrovich@holmdeltownship-nj.com.
And since retailers have been forcing us to look ahead since the dog days of August, I suppose it’s not too early to start planning for all the holiday fun coming up in December. The Township will host its annual Christmas tree and menorah lighting on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Come join friends, family and neighbors…and a very special guest. On Saturday, Dec. 13 you can take part in the Recreation Department’s “Christmas Celebration” Cooking Class at the Senior/Community Center. And the two following Saturdays Longstreet Farm is the place to be, with a Caroling and sing-along event on Dec. 15 and a visit with Santa Claus on Dec. 22.
I’ll wrap this up with a reminder that the Township Committee meeting initially scheduled for Nov. 20 have been rescheduled to Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. in the municipal court room.
I hope you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Mayor Tom Critelli