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Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ | NJ Sports Spine & Wellness
The toe didn't always look like that. Maybe it started after a long stretch in shoes that pinched, or after a bunion changed how your foot loaded weight, or after your second toe just quietly decided one day not to lie flat anymore. Then a corn appeared on top of the joint, where shoes rub. Then a callus showed up under the ball of the foot. And now the toe stays bent - even when nothing is pressing against it.
Hammertoes are common, progressive, and very treatable. Our podiatrist at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness in Middletown, NJ sees them at every stage - from a barely noticeable curl that responds to a different shoe, to a rigid, painful deformity that needs surgical correction. The right approach depends on how flexible the toe still is, how much it hurts, and what you need your feet to do.
This page covers what a hammertoe is, why they develop, how we treat them, and what makes our practice a good fit for serious foot care.
- Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ
- What Is a Hammertoe?
- Common Hammertoe Symptoms
- What Causes a Hammertoe?
- Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ
- Hammertoe Surgery in Middletown, NJ
- Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Middletown, NJ
- Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which the middle joint of the toe bends downward, forcing the tip to point toward the floor. The shape resembles the head of a hammer - which is exactly where the name comes from. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and it often shows up in feet that already have a bunion or significant mechanical issues.
Hammertoes fall into two categories, and the distinction matters for treatment:
Flexible hammertoe
The toe is bent but can still be manually straightened. Treatment focuses on preserving flexibility, controlling pain, and slowing progression.
Rigid hammertoe
The toe has lost the ability to straighten. The joint has stiffened, and surgical correction is usually the most effective path forward.
Most hammertoes start flexible and gradually become rigid if they aren't addressed. That's why earlier care almost always means more options.
Common Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes announce themselves through both visual changes and patterns of pain. Many patients first notice the appearance - a toe that's curled where it didn't used to be, or that stays bent even when there's no shoe touching it. The discomfort tends to follow shortly after.
Common signs of a hammertoe include:
- A visibly bent middle toe joint
- A corn or thickened skin on top of the affected toe, from shoe friction
- Calluses on the ball of the foot beneath the bent toe
- Pain in the toe when walking, standing, or wearing certain shoes
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the toe
- Open sores or blisters in advanced cases, especially in patients with diabetes
- Difficulty finding shoes that don't aggravate the joint
The corn or callus is often what brings patients in. The pain at the top of the toe - where shoes rub against the raised joint - becomes a daily irritation that doesn't respond to home remedies, because the underlying problem is structural.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe fall out of balance. The tendons that pull the toe up and the ones that pull it down work against each other, and when that balance shifts - usually over years - the joint settles into a bent position.
Several factors contribute to that imbalance:
- Genetics and foot structure - Some feet are simply built in a way that predisposes them to hammertoes. If your parents had them, your risk is higher.
- Footwear - Shoes that crowd the toes - narrow, pointed, or too short - force them into a bent position over and over until the position becomes permanent. High heels concentrate the problem by pushing weight forward.
- Bunions - When a bunion pushes the big toe inward, it crowds the neighboring toes and often triggers hammertoe formation in the second toe.
- Arthritis - Inflammatory joint disease damages the small joints of the toes and can lead to progressive deformity.
- Injury - A previous toe fracture, jam, or trauma can alter mechanics and trigger a hammertoe over time.
- Nerve and muscle conditions - Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and certain neurological conditions weaken the small muscles of the foot and can accelerate hammertoe formation.
The takeaway: you didn't get a bunion because you wore the wrong shoes once. It's almost always a combination of how your foot is built and how it's been used over years.
Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ
When a hammertoe is still flexible, conservative care can be remarkably effective. The goal isn't full anatomical correction - once the joint has started bending, complete straightening usually requires surgery - but to control pain, preserve flexibility, and slow the slide toward a rigid joint.
Our podiatrist builds non-surgical plans around what's actually causing your symptoms. Common options include:
Footwear changes
This is often the single most important step. Shoes with a wider, deeper toe box give the toes room to lie flat. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the bent joint. Lower heels shift weight off the forefoot. These changes alone can dramatically reduce pain.
Custom orthotics
A properly designed orthotic supports the arch, controls pronation, and redistributes pressure away from the ball of the foot and the bent toe joint. For patients whose hammertoes are driven by foot mechanics - not just shoes - orthotics are often the most impactful single treatment.
Toe splints and pads
Gel pads cushion the corn or callus and reduce friction inside the shoe. Splints can hold the toe in a straighter position and help maintain flexibility. Neither corrects the underlying deformity, but both can meaningfully reduce day-to-day pain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Targeted exercises - toe stretches, towel scrunches, marble pickups - strengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the foot and improve toe flexibility. When a hammertoe is caught early, consistent exercise can slow or sometimes halt progression.
Anti-inflammatory care
For flare-ups, ice protocols, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, and occasional corticosteroid injections can break the pain cycle and let the joint calm down.
Physical therapy
Because NJ Sports Spine & Wellness brings podiatry and physical therapy under one roof, our podiatrist often coordinates with our PT team for gait retraining and lower-extremity strengthening when foot mechanics are part of the picture.
Many patients with flexible hammertoes manage them effectively for years on this kind of layered plan. The conversation about surgery starts when the joint stiffens, when conservative care can no longer control the pain, or when secondary problems - like recurring infected corns or skin ulcers - start showing up.
Hammertoe Surgery in Middletown, NJ
When a hammertoe has become rigid, or when pain persists despite consistent conservative care, surgical correction can realign the toe and resolve the symptoms that have been pulling your attention down to your foot all day.
Several surgical approaches are available, and the right one depends on the specifics of your deformity:
Tendon release or transfer
for flexible hammertoes that don't respond to conservative care. The procedure rebalances the tendons that are pulling the toe into the bent position.
Arthroplasty
for rigid hammertoes. A small portion of the stiffened joint is removed to allow the toe to straighten.
Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
for severe, painful rigid hammertoes. The joint is fused in a corrected position, providing permanent stability and pain relief.
Many of these corrections can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions, specialized instruments, and modern fixation hardware allow the procedure to be done with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. The cosmetic result is better, and patients generally experience less postoperative discomfort and a sooner return to walking.
Our podiatrist will examine your foot, review imaging, and recommend the approach most likely to give you a durable, functional result - not just for the affected toe, but for your foot as a whole.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in Middletown, NJ
Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed what hammertoe surgery looks like and feels like:
- Smaller incisions and minimal visible scarring
- Less disruption to surrounding tendons and soft tissue
- Reduced post-operative swelling and discomfort
- Earlier weight-bearing in most cases
- Precise correction of the joint with modern fixation
- Better long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes
These advantages matter especially for patients who want their feet to look and function normally, and who can't afford to be off their feet for an extended period.
Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in Middletown, NJ
A hammertoe rarely exists in isolation. It usually shows up alongside a bunion, alongside arch problems, or in the context of a foot whose mechanics have been off for years. Treating the toe without considering everything around it tends to produce short-term relief and long-term frustration.
That's where our integrated approach matters:
A board-certified podiatrist with both conservative and surgical expertise
You won't be funneled toward surgery because that's the only tool available. Our podiatrist treats the full spectrum of hammertoe presentations - from early, flexible deformities to rigid, painful joints - and recommends what's genuinely best for your foot.
A multidisciplinary team under one roof
Hammertoes often connect to broader mechanical issues. Our Middletown, NJ office combines podiatry with physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine, and pain management - so you can address the toe and the upstream causes in one place.
Sports medicine experience
Many of our patients are athletes, runners, or active adults who need their feet to perform, not just survive. Our care model is built around getting people back to the activities they love.
Patient education that respects your time
You'll leave your first appointment knowing what you have, what your options are, and what we'd recommend and why. No pressure, no upsell - just the information you need to make a good decision.
Local, accessible care
Our Middletown, NJ office is built around making thorough foot care convenient, with appointment availability designed to fit real schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
A flexible hammertoe - one that can still be manually moved into a straight position - can often be managed effectively with non-surgical care. Splints, taping, exercises, orthotics, and the right shoes can reduce pain and slow progression. A rigid hammertoe, where the joint has stiffened, cannot be fully straightened without surgical correction. That's why early evaluation matters: the sooner we see the toe, the more likely conservative care will be enough.
All three involve abnormal bending of the smaller toes, but the affected joints differ. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe. A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. A claw toe involves bending at both joints, often combined with an upward bend at the base of the toe. Treatment principles overlap considerably, though the specific surgical approach may vary.
Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box that doesn't press down on the bent joint. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the corn or callus. A low heel shifts weight away from the forefoot. Stiff-soled shoes can also help by reducing the bending forces on the toes. Many athletic and comfort-focused brands now make styles specifically designed for patients with toe deformities.
Look for a wide, rounded toe box that doesn't squeeze the joint, a low heel (under one inch is ideal), soft and flexible upper material that won't rub the bunion, and good arch support. Many athletic and walking brands now make models specifically designed with bunion-friendly features. During your appointment, our podiatrist can recommend specific styles that suit the shape of your foot.
Recurrence is uncommon when the underlying foot mechanics are addressed alongside the surgical correction. If a hammertoe is corrected but the original drivers - poor footwear, untreated bunions, abnormal pronation - aren't addressed, the deformity can return over time. A comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery with mechanical correction and supportive care offers the best long-term results.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
If you've been managing around a bent toe - adjusting your shoes, dodging the corn, hoping it doesn't get worse - there's a better path forward. Our podiatry team in Middletown, NJ can examine your foot, identify exactly what's happening, and build a plan that fits your life.
Schedule a consultation today. Call (908) 866-7246 or request an appointment online - we offer same-day availability for many appointments.
Latest News in Middletown, NJ
This NJ station has $6 gas that you can never buy — here’s why
Mike Branthttps://nj1015.com/six-dollar-gas-station-middletown-nj/
When I saw this, I had to do a double-take. Did the price per gallon really shoot past the $6 mark?I know gas prices are going up all throughout the state, but $6 gas is just ridiculous. In fact, it's probably the highest unleaded price any of us will see in New Jersey (as of Mar. 19, 2026, that is).Look, if gas prices everywhere got to this point, I think it's safe to say most of us will stick to walking and only drive when necessary. There's just no way any of us in the right mind will stop at this station displaying such an ...
When I saw this, I had to do a double-take. Did the price per gallon really shoot past the $6 mark?
I know gas prices are going up all throughout the state, but $6 gas is just ridiculous. In fact, it's probably the highest unleaded price any of us will see in New Jersey (as of Mar. 19, 2026, that is).
Look, if gas prices everywhere got to this point, I think it's safe to say most of us will stick to walking and only drive when necessary. There's just no way any of us in the right mind will stop at this station displaying such an astronomical price.
Fortunately for us, you can't fill your tank here (not that you'd want to anyway). Even if you wanted to pay those prices or stop into the convenience stores, you'll never be able to.
That's because this brand new gas station isn't functional. Instead, it was built as a set for a movie shoot that just so happens to be taking place at the old Circle Liquor Store location off of Route 35 in Middletown.
Or, as I refer to it as, the famous evil clown parking lot.
If you don't remember seeing this gas station in Middletown, you're not alone. This movie set was built incredibly fast, and, quite honestly, it looks very impressive considering how fast it went up. I almost wish it would open to the public as I think it would do well here (well, maybe not with those gas prices).
According to Patch, Middletown "cannot reveal any details about who is in the movie, including actors. The production companies are MRC and Truck Stop Productions."
Crews are expected to continue filming through late June. Once filming is complete, it'll go back to the empty evil clown parking lot we're all familiar with.
So for now, it's a mystery. What's this movie going to be about? And more importantly, is it a lens into what our gas prices are eventually going to be? I sure hope not.
If you have a chance, take a ride and check it out for yourself. But please keep in mind that it is an active movie set and filming may be taking place. That's why the lot is closed off... don't trespass.
But the fact that it's right by the evil clown makes it that much more interesting. It legit looks like a fully functional gas station in person. You have to love it when filming like this happens in New Jersey.
The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.
Parents Chant “Put Children First” As NJ School Board Votes To Close 3 Schools
Matt Ryanhttps://943thepoint.com/middletown-nj-school-closures/
Big decisions about schools always hit close to home. Recently, a very populated and divided town ended a long and emotional night with a vote that will reshape the local school system for years to come.After hours of debate, public comment, and some very tense moments in the meeting room, the local board of education voted to close three school buildings as part of a plan to shrink the district's overall size.The meeting stretched for more than five hours. Dozens of parents showed up, many pleading with the board to reconsider...
Big decisions about schools always hit close to home. Recently, a very populated and divided town ended a long and emotional night with a vote that will reshape the local school system for years to come.
After hours of debate, public comment, and some very tense moments in the meeting room, the local board of education voted to close three school buildings as part of a plan to shrink the district's overall size.
The meeting stretched for more than five hours. Dozens of parents showed up, many pleading with the board to reconsider. At one point, the room erupted into chants of “Put children first” as board members prepared to take the final roll-call vote.
It was the kind of scene that shows just how personal these decisions are for families.
It usually comes down to money (of course) and enrollment. In many cases, school districts see student numbers decline, while costs continue to climb.
In this New Jersey school district, officials say the financial outlook is getting worse quickly. A projected deficit of about $3.2 million is expected for the 2026 to 2027 school year. They claim that the number could grow to nearly $14 million within a few years if major changes are not made.
Administrators in this town believe shrinking the district footprint will help manage staffing levels, which make up the largest portion of the budget.
The plan also continues a trend already underway in the district. One elementary school closed back in 2020 after enrollment dropped.
The district at the center of this decision is the Middletown Township Public School District, one of the largest districts in Monmouth County.
Three schools will close as part of the new plan. Leonardo Elementary School, Navesink Elementary School, and Bayshore Middle School will all be affected.
Students from Leonardo and Navesink will move into the current Bayshore building, which will be converted into Bayshore Elementary School.
Middle school students who currently attend Bayshore will be reassigned to Thorne and Thompson Middle Schools.
Once the changes are complete, the district will operate 10 elementary schools feeding into two middle schools.
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According to The Patch, the final vote was extremely close.
Five board members voted in favor of closing the schools, while four voted against the plan. Several members who opposed the closures warned that the changes could lead to overcrowding and questioned whether enough financial analysis had been done.
Others argued the district had no choice.
One board member became emotional while explaining her vote, acknowledging that the decision would be painful for many families but saying delaying tough decisions could make the situation even worse later.
If anything was clear by the end of the night, it was this. For many families in Middletown, the conversation about the future of their schools is far from over.
March Programs For Adults At Middletown Public Library
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/march-programs-adults-middletown-public-library
Here is everything planned, all free and open to the public:MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) announced its line-up of adult events for March.Additional information and registration can be found at mtpl.org. Any questions, please contact the reference desk at 732-671-3700, ext. 320.Virtual Talk: Humor, Heart, and Reflective Rural Stories with Author Michael PerryOn Wednesday, March 4 at 2 pm, humorist Michael Perry will share humor, heart, and reflective rural stories fr...
Here is everything planned, all free and open to the public:
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) announced its line-up of adult events for March.
Additional information and registration can be found at mtpl.org. Any questions, please contact the reference desk at 732-671-3700, ext. 320.
Virtual Talk: Humor, Heart, and Reflective Rural Stories with Author Michael Perry
On Wednesday, March 4 at 2 pm, humorist Michael Perry will share humor, heart, and reflective rural stories from his books. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.
Virtual Seminar: Cracking the Code — Affordable College Solutions
On Thursday, March 5 at 7 pm, Carl Barling and Jodi Simon of Cornerstone College & Wealth Solutions will explore ways to pay for college, including financial aid, scholarships, college savings strategies, recent legislation impacting affordability, and ways families at all income levels can reduce costs and preserve their financial future. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.
NJ Author Talk: Paging New Jersey: A Literary Guide to the Garden State
Join the New Jersey Book Club on Friday, March 6 at 1 pm as author James F. Broderick discusses the Garden State's numerous contributions to American literature and shares his own personal experiences writing about New Jersey history. This lecture is part of the library's Community History Project and was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
New Jersey Book Club: The Barrens: A Novel of Suspense
Join us on Monday, March 9 at 12 pm to discuss this startling and complex tale by Rosamond Smith (aka Joyce Carol Oates), following a serial killer and the people his crimes touch and transform. Participants may attend in person in the History Room or register at mtpl.org to receive a Zoom link.
Tech Tuesdays: Design with Canva Basics & Internet Basics and Online Safety
Perfect your design and internet safety skills with a Tech Tuesday session in March at MTPL. Join us on Tuesday, March 10 at 2:30 pm to learn the basics of Canva, a free online design platform that makes it easy to create professional-looking graphics. New computer users are invited to the Internet Basics session on Tuesday, March 31 at 2:30 pm to learn how to navigate the internet, use search engines, and explore websites safely.
Virtual Talk: Book Portals and Journeys of Literary Magic with Kate Quinn
On Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm, acclaimed author Kate Quinn will discuss her latest work, The Astral Library, a fantastical novel that poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.
Emo Music Bingo
Grab your eyeliner and skinny jeans and join us on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 pm for a night of music bingo dedicated to all your favorite emo hits. This program is for adults 18+.
America 250 Lecture: The Continental Soldier — How He Lived, Dressed, and Fought
Part of MTPL’s continuing celebration leading up to the United State’s 250th birthday, Dr. Bill Anania will lead a presentation on Friday, March 13 at 2 pm to discuss and demonstrate the clothing and equipment of the average Patriot soldier during the American Revolution.
Genealogy Club: Researching Your Irish Ancestors
Join fellow researchers on Wednesday, March 18 at 2 pm as Maureen Winski Maloney presents this month's topic, "Researching Your Irish Ancestors."
America 250 Community Read: 1776 by David McCullough
Join us by the fireside at the Grover House, located at 930 West Front Street, on Thursday, March 19 at 2 pm to discuss chapters 5 and 6 of David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize winning account of the events of 1776, the American Revolution, and its effect on communities, soldiers, people of color, Native Americans, African Americans, and women.
Researching Revolutionary War Patriots, Part 3 with the Middletown DAR
Join the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Friday, March 20 at 11 am for one-on-one help with a Middletown DAR genealogist as you use FamilySearch public trees and the National Society DAR database to identify potential Revolutionary War ancestors. Please bring a laptop — Chromebooks are available to borrow at the Reference Desk with a Middletown Library card (please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the workshop).
Makers Day: Technology Through the Ages
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary on Saturday, March 21 from 11 am to 2 pm with a special themed Maker Day event featuring demonstrations, games, crafts, and an exploration of how STEM has evolved over the past 250 years.
Virtual Author Talk: America's Failed Response to the Opioid Crisis with Shoshana Walter & Barbara Kingsolver
On Tuesday, March 24 at 2 pm, author Shoshana Walter and special guest host Barbara Kingsolver will discuss Walter's book Rehab: An American Scandal, in which the Pulitzer finalist exposes the country's failed response to the opioid crisis and the corruption plaguing the drug rehabilitation industry. Visit mtpl.org to register for a link to the virtual presentation.
Adult Zining Workshop
Embrace your creativity at MTPL’s Zining group for adults with resident archivist Laura Poll on Wednesday, March 25 at 1 pm in the Makerspace. No artistic skills are needed, and all supplies will be provided.
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence
Join presenter Eddi Khaytman on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 pm for an engaging and informative introduction to the world of Artificial Intelligence and its real-world applications. The presentation will explore why AI excites and concerns so many people, its implications for society, and will feature demonstrations of some of today's most powerful AI tools, including ChatGPT, Midjourney, Sora, Perplexity, ElevenLabs, and Adobe Firefly.
Visit mtpl.org to read more or to sign up for upcoming programs. Please contact Jenna O’Donnell at jodonnell@mtpl.org for additional information.
Middletown Library's March Programs For Kids, Tweens And Teens
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/middletown-nj/middletown-librarys-march-programs-kids-tweens-teens
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – As spring blooms and Maker March arrives, the Middletown Township Public Library invites children and teens to explore a season of fun, hands-on, and educational activities.What's planned for kids:The Brainy Bunch – Wednesdays at 4:30 pm: Join a weekly STEM-based program for Grade K–5 combining education, experimentation and fun.Duplo Free Play – Fridays at 11 am: Bring your little builders for open-ended Duplo playtime! Ages 2+ are invited to get creative, build big, and have fun...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – As spring blooms and Maker March arrives, the Middletown Township Public Library invites children and teens to explore a season of fun, hands-on, and educational activities.
What's planned for kids:
The Brainy Bunch – Wednesdays at 4:30 pm: Join a weekly STEM-based program for Grade K–5 combining education, experimentation and fun.
Duplo Free Play – Fridays at 11 am: Bring your little builders for open-ended Duplo playtime! Ages 2+ are invited to get creative, build big, and have fun together—no registration needed.
Tween Game Night – Tuesday, March 3 at 7 pm: Bring a friend or make a friend while playing games like Trivia, Bingo, Pictionary, HeadsUp and more. For ages 9-12.
Cards for a Cause – Wednesday, March 4, 3–5 pm: Drop in to make St. Patrick’s Day greeting cards for Middletown seniors. Volunteer Hours will be offered for each card with a limit of 5 cards for 5 hours. For ages 13-18.
Gymboree for Walkers & Crawlers – Thursday, March 5 at 10 am and 11 am: Gymboree of Red Bank will offer gym classes for toddlers and babies.
Dinosaur Storytime and Craft – Friday, March 6 at 10 am: Join Monmouth Museum volunteer Denise Hibell for a story time and craft inspired by the museum’s dinosaur exhibit.
Family Storytime and Craft Spinning Wooden Tops – Saturday, March 7 at 10 am: Join us for a special America 250 themed storytime & craft to learn about wooden tops, one of the oldest toys in history, and a favorite pastime for children during the colonial era, over 250 years ago.
Gymboree for Infants – Tuesday, March 10 at 12:30 pm: Join a special gym class with Gymboree of Red Bank for newborns up to seven months with music, a parachute, bubbles and more!
Tween Book Club – Tuesday, March 10 at 4:15 pm: Tween ages 9–12 will meet to discuss their monthly book selection, enjoy a related activity, and socialize during the second half of the program.
Stuffed Animal Storytime and Sleepover – Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 pm: Children ages 3 and up are invited to bring stuffed animal friends for a special library sleepover! Enjoy a bedtime story before tucking your plushie companion in for the night, then come back the next day to discover what adventures they got up to.
Teen Catapult Competition – Wednesday, March 11 at 7 pm: Learn how to make catapults out of popsicle sticks and compete against your friends for prizes. For ages 13–18.
Read to a Dog – Thursday, March 12 at 4 pm and Monday, March 16 at 6 pm: Improve the literacy skills of children by reading ten minutes to a certified therapy dog. Four sessions are available on each date. For independent readers in Grades K–5.
Leprechaun Storytime – Tuesday, March 17 at 10 am: Join us on St. Patrick’s Day for a special story time and craft with a leprechaun, co-sponsored by Middletown Parks and Recreation.
St. Patrick’s Day Craft – Tuesday, March 17 at 3:30 pm: Create a craft with Bayshore Family Success Center.
Bookworms Book Club – Thursday, March 19 at 4:15 pm: Join the Bookworms Book Club for grades K–3 to share your love of reading and join the Bookworms Reading Challenge!
Sensory Family Storytime – Friday, March 20 at 10 am: Read, sing, dance, and play, then explore our interactive sensory stations! Designed for ages 0–3.
NJ Makers Day, “Technology Through the Ages” – Saturday, March 21 at 11 am: Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a special Makers Day event! Enjoy demonstrations, games, crafts and learn how STEM evolved over 250 years. All ages welcome.
Teen Anime Club – Monday, March 23 at 4 pm: Join the Anime Club create trading cards featuring your own manga characters! For ages 10+.
Tween Craft Night – Tuesday, March 24 at 6:45 pm: Join a special craft night for tweens to create Yarn Art Masterpieces. For ages 9–12.
Pokémon Trading Night – Thursday, March 26 at 6:30 pm: Join fellow Pokémon fans to trade cards, chat about Pokémon books and movies, and play the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Bring your own deck; best for ages 5+ / Grades K–4.
Community Leader Storytime – Friday, March 27 at 10 am: Celebrate Women's History Month in March with Middletown Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz, who will share stories and talk about what a committeewoman does!
Drop-In Tiny Art Show – Saturday, March 28 at 10 am: Create a tiny art project with The 4-H Kindness Club to add to a month-long display in the Children’s Program Room.
Eyes of the Wild – Monday, March 30 at 2 pm: Meet and learn about another fascinating and entertaining group of animals with handler Travis Gale.
Snapology – Tuesday, March 31 at 2 pm: Join Snapology’s STEAM lab for For ages 5-8 and actively experiment with the principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
Visit mtpl.org to read more or to sign up for upcoming programs. Please contact Jenna O’Donnell at jodonnell@mtpl.org for additional information.
Middletown to close 2 schools a year after raising taxes to save them
Amanda Oglesbyhttps://www.app.com/story/news/education/2026/02/27/middletown-school-district-says-it-will-close-2-schools-parents-tax-hike-10-million/88893928007/
Feb. 27, 2026Updated March 2, 2026, 12:32 p.m. ETMIDDLETOWN ― The Board of Education has crafted a plan to close two elementary schools by September, a decision that drew screams and shouts from parents during a school board meeting on Feb. 26.That evening, a majority of the Board of Education voted to direct school administrators to draft the 2026-27 school budget assuming that Leonardo and Navesink elementary schools are closed.The district is facing an estimated $3 million budget gap for the 2026-27 school year. All...
Feb. 27, 2026Updated March 2, 2026, 12:32 p.m. ET
MIDDLETOWN ― The Board of Education has crafted a plan to close two elementary schools by September, a decision that drew screams and shouts from parents during a school board meeting on Feb. 26.
That evening, a majority of the Board of Education voted to direct school administrators to draft the 2026-27 school budget assuming that Leonardo and Navesink elementary schools are closed.
The district is facing an estimated $3 million budget gap for the 2026-27 school year. All New Jersey public schools must have a tentative, balanced budget prepared by spring.
More than 100 parents protested the move to close schools during the board meeting, which was held at Middletown High School North and lasted through midnight. At times, the crowed yelled and shouted at school board members. Some yelled profanities. Others raised their voices into the microphone during a public comment period. Students lined up to plead for board members to leave their schools open.
Last year, the board raised school taxes 10.1% to eliminate a $10 million budget hole and prevent closing schools. This year, the school is reconsidering that earlier proposal.
A higher "student-teacher ratio is really just gonna create chaos," said Maggie Weikel, a mom with children in River Plaza Elementary who attended the meeting.
Logan D'Alessio, a sixth grader at Bayshore Elementary, worried about how the changes would impact him and his friends. He worried about being pushed into a more crowded school next year.
"I just got to the (Bayshore) school, and I think it's very fun, and I don't want to switch schools in the middle of my middle school career," he said.
In a district restructuring plan shared by NJ.com, students at the Leonardo and Navesink schools would be moved to Bayshore Elementary beginning in September. Bayshore Middle School would be closed in the future and its students moved Thorne and Thompson middle schools.
The Board of Education did not include any mention of closing Bayshore Middle School in its recent resolution on the budget.
Middletown currently has 11 elementary schools in a district that serves less than 8,700 students. For comparison, Toms River Regional School District has 12 elementary schools, but has more than 14,100 students.
However, Middletown school officials are anticipating overcrowding within some of the schools in the southern section of the township. Last month, the school board heard plans to redistrict students at Harmony, Lincroft and River Plaza schools and shift them to Middletown Village and Ocean Avenue in order to reduce future crowding.
Under the most recent plan, district officials are looking to sell or lease Leonardo Elementary and Bayshore Middle School. The district does not own the Navesink school building.
Officials also plan to also hold a bond referendum that would help pay for construction and build classrooms on the remaining schools. Construction could begin sometime in 2028, according to the plan.
By laying off the schools' staffs and eliminating spending on maintenance and repairs of the buildings, the district would save between $3.5 million and $4 million every year, according to the restructuring proposal.
Board President Chris Aveta said that maintaining the status quo and only raising taxes 2% annually ― the maximum allowed under state law without voter approval ― would leave the school district with an ever widening budget gap.
"We'll still face budget deficits of $6.6 million in (school year) '27-'28, $10.2 million in '28-'29, and $13.9 million in '29-'30," he told the school board during the meeting.
That was little consolation for the parents and students who believed the changes would upend their educational experience.
"I am pretty upset about this," said Benjamin Hecht, a Bayshore Elementary sixth grader. "It's hard for me to get adjusted and connected in a school's environment."
The 11-year-old said he felt safe with classmates and staff at Bayshore.
"All the other schools in Middletown are already overcrowded," he said.
Elizabeth Hamill also worried about the future school closures, and said she worried her child's education at River Plaza Elementary would be impacted by the changes under discussion.
"It seems like every year we kind of get a runaround and the same plan… regurgitated to us," she said.
"I think that people move into this community because of our small schools, because of the low student-to-teacher ratio, because when you walk into the school, you can almost recognize everybody by name," Hamill said. "I'm worried about what a closure would do to our community, what it would do to ― most importantly ― our children."
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.
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