Will the Fate of Hazlet Campers be Decided Tonight?

Has anyone been following the plight of the Hazlet Township Recreation Department? Camp may be canceled this year for Hazlet kids, leaving working parents in the lurch and many kids losing out on a favorite part of summer.

A February 21 meeting at Town Hall  at 8 p.m., located at 1766 Union Avenue, may finally put to rest some of the uncertainty, according to the Asbury Park Press.

The Hazlet Rec camp has always provided a safe, affordable place for parents to send their kids in the summers to participate in sports, swim at the pool club, and spend time with friends. The camp was run by Recreation Director Barbara Ronchetti.

After 22 years of service, Ronchetti was informed she was being laid off, so she decided to retire. The township recreation department commissioners are asking township officials to allow Ronchetti to delay her retirement until September so as not to interrupt this year's summer camp and swim season. Hopefully, the delays will end and a decision will be reached tonight so that families can plan accordingly.

For many, this moderately priced camp was their only affordable option. It is in danger, because the township that we pay our taxes into is trying to save money by eliminating Ronchetti, who was experienced in running this kid friendly program.

The meeting is open to the public. Perhaps some community input would prove valuable.