All Around Matawan Aberdeen-APRIL 2023

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN

WELCOME TO SPRING 2023!

As we welcome the new season, I would like to take a moment to thank all our members for their support as we continue to grow. Welcome our newest members, Diane Turton Realtors: Maria Borella SA., Kessler Rehab, Law Office of Hanan Boulos Esq., PuroClean: Charles Cacici, TD Bank: Frank Hancock S.B.R.M., Veitengruber Law LLC. Also, congratulations to DRIPBaR & Function Forward PT on their Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings. Hope you can join us for our upcoming events: Our Annual Chamber Awards & Installation Dinner on May 9th at MJ’s Buttonwood Manor, and Matawan’s 2nd Annual Blues+Cruise Night on Main Street on May 24th. Please Visit our website: MACOCNJ.com for further information. Have a prosperous Spring! Jeff Pantelas, President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

CAITLIN MILLER NAMED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF HOSPITAL EXECUTIVE OF BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, announced today that Caitlin Miller, MBA, MS, BSN, RN-BC, has been appointed as President and Chief Hospital Executive of Bayshore Medical Center.

“Caitlin’s experience and rise, beginning as a staff nurse at Bayshore Medical Center and most recently as vice president of operations, will bring an extraordinary perspective in her new role as president and chief hospital executive,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.

NICOLE’S HEART 5K WALK/ RUN SCHEDULED

“Under her leadership, Bayshore Medical Center will undoubtedly enhance its reputation as a health care destination in New Jersey.”

During her time at Bayshore Medical Center, Caitlin has played a significant role in the improvements to growth, quality of care, reputation and patient experience, and team member engagement. She led the design and construction of the $48 million dollar, 32,000 square-foot, Dr. Robert H. Harris Emergency Care Center that opened last year, and the implementation of new outpatient

Continue on page 18

Established more than a decade ago, Nicole’s Heart facilitates free cardiac screenings to high school students and athletes, administers a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors, and donates defibrillators to various organizations.

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Nicole’s Heart Foundation will sponsor a 5K Walk/Run at Thompson Park (Preston Grove area), 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ. This

annual fundraising event supports the foundation’s mission concerning the importance of cardiac screening for high school athletes. The 5K Run is USA Track & Field sanctioned.

The foundation honors the memory of Nicole Trott of Old Bridge, who passed away shortly after graduating from St. John Vianney High School in 2011, following a cardiac event brought on by an undiagnosed congenital heart defect known as Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). Nicole’s Continue on page 14

2022 MATAWAN TURKEY TROT PLAQUE PRESENTATION

On Tuesday, March 7th, at a Matawan Council Meeting, Councilwoman Stephanie Buckel, liaison to Recreation, and Mayor Joe Altomonte presented the 2022 Turkey Trot sponsorship awards. The Turkey Trot sponsorship program allows the Matawan Recreation Commission to invest the net proceeds

from its 5k Turkey Trot race back into the community through its beautification program. The Recreation Commission is very proud of the contributions it makes to beautifying Matawan and values the continued support received from local and corporate business sponsors whose generous sponsorships facili-

Commission’s motto has been to beautify one park at a time. Over the course of several years, the Commission has had the opportunity to add custom banners to Main Street and Clinton Street Park, replace a tree at Terhune Park, update the Canoe Station at Lake Lefferts,

add a gazebo to Hourihan Field, replace benches and install a chess table at Penniplede Park. This year 16 businesses were recognized: T & M Associates, Roadly Logistics, Town Tire Service, Scarlet Reserve, Spring Valley Turkey Farm, Tim Clifton Insurance, Suplee, Clooney, & Company, Mullaney & Asso-

ciates, Therapy Enlightens, NJ Spine & Wellness, Law Office of Hanan A. Boulos, Vallee Construction, KP Edgestone Realty, All Around Matawan Aberdeen, Matawan- Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Studio B Matawan Recreation Commission hosted its 16th Annual Matawan Turkey Trot, a 5K Race/Fitness Walk through the historic and scenic streets of Matawan on Saturday, November 26th, 2022 by bringing out families, neighbors and dedicated runners. The 5k has become a staple event in Matawan, always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, that the event now has the distinct recognition as being part of the community’s Thanksgiving tradition. The Borough registered approximately 650 runners and is already looking forward to its 17th Annual race scheduled on Saturday, November 25th, 2023. If any businesses are interested in being a part of the Turkey Trot Sponsorship program, please contact the Recreation Director at recreation@matawanborough.com.

MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

Hello Residents, On Friday, March 24th, I attended the Matawan Football Alumni Foundation dinner at MJs. The Matawan Football Alumni Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports local youth through yearly scholarships, awards, and team assistance. Along with Mayor Tagliarini, we presented proclamations from each town honoring this year’s inductees: The 2022 Matawan Football Alumni Hall of Fame induction class includes: Mark Jones – Class of 1981 (Rutgers), James Tumulty – Class of 1981 (Temple) Undefeated 1966 All County Team: Bill Bond, John Caliendo, Randy Davis, Charles “Chic” Geran, Mike Grimaldi, Jim Lauro Spirit Award: Mrs. Rebecca Pocsaji

A big congratulations to all inductees; your contributions are admirable. It was a fabulous evening, and we thank the Alumni Foundation for all they do to support the youth.

As a reminder, we have several exciting events this spring, so please mark your calendars. Our second Blues and Cruise car show will be on 5/24, the annual Memorial Day Parade on 5/29, and the Burrowes Mansion 300th from 6/2-6/4. Please check the website for more info, and I’ll share more details as we get closer.

In addition, I wanted to share that we have a new business administrator, Ryan Michelson. We are excited to have him with the Borough. The Borough administrator handles the day-to-day operations of the Borough. He can be reached at BoroughAdmin@matawanborough.com should you need assistance. As always, you can always reach out to me at joseph. altomonte@matawanborough.com.

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

JOURNALIST MORTON PLANTS TREES, TRANSFORMS LANDSCAPE

By Councilman Brian Livesey

of trees and shrubs in what was a primarily a flat stretch of desolate plain. As a journalist, Morton began writing stories on the value of trees and the need to plant more in the virtually treeless region. His ideas began to resonate.

On January 7, 1872, Morton proposed a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their community. The agriculture board agreed, and after some back-and-forth about the title—the event was originally going to be called “Sylvan Day” in reference to forest trees—Morton convinced everyone that the day should reflect the appreciation of all trees, and “Arbor Day” was born.

Arbor started back in the 1870s in Nebraska City. A journalist by the name of Julius Sterling Morton moved to the state with his wife, Caroline, in 1854, a little more than 10 years before Nebraska gained its statehood in 1867. The couple purchased 160 acres in Nebraska City and planted a wide variety

Matawan is proud to take part in this 151 year old event. Come join the Matawan Shade Tree Commission on April 29, 2023 at Borough Hall on Broad Street. We will be planting a tree in honor of Arbor Day, honoring our Arbor Day Poster Contest winners from Ravine Drive School, and distributing over 250 free saplings. Shade Tree members will be on hand with information about planting and tree care.

MESSAGE FROM DEANA GUNN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

The Economic Business Development, with assistance from the Chamber of Commerce, is well underway in planning for the 2nd annual Blues and Cruise night, which will be held on Main Street on May 24 from 6–9 pm. Last year’s event was quite a success, with over 150 cars and about a thousand people participating! We look forward to bringing you another exciting night on Main Street!

This year Hot Rod Mike will host the event along with music, food, and vendors where you can shop and support local businesses. Restaurants on Main Street will

be open, and we will have food trucks too. In addition, groups will provide live music from the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation in one location on the street, and in another, DJ Hot Rod Mike will be spinning hits from past to present.

You can find information about how to register as a vendor on MatawanBorough.com. If you or someone you know has a car to show, there is no advanced registration. Instead, first-come, firstserved registration for the car show will start at North St. and Main on May 24 at 5:00 pm. The net proceeds from this event will be given to Bayshore EMS and Habitat for Humanity. So come out for a night of fun on Main Street and to support local causes!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at can be reached at Deana.Gunn@matawanborough.com.

MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE

Hello everyone, as promised I will follow up with additional facts from our 2022 Township Annual Report. In March I discussed Roads and Park plans for 2023. This month I will spotlight Recreation. In 2022, our Recreation Department increased participation from 692 participants in 2021 to 4278. For our Senior population, they can participate in 5 clubs and numerous bus trips.

Our youth Summer Camp is now a full day camp. The Township was able to hire 15 Aberdeen Residents to serve as counselors. We also offer numerous programs and trips through out the year. We also present a Summer Concert Series at the Beach and our Independence Day celebration with food trucks also at the Beach. The Council is very proud of our H.A.M program. This program was established to provide camps, general programming and trips to our Adult Special Needs residents.

In addition to all the programs, Recreation rents our Community Center when available. In 2022, the center was rented 42 times, three times as many as 2021. We are very proud of Keith Heckman, Director of Recreation and his staff. For additional information, log on to www.aberdeennj.org

My best to all of you. The Council is honored to serve.

Ifyouneedtocontactme,pleaseemailme, Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

PARTY -Birthday’s -O ce Event -School event And more….. WWW.DEMARCOSCATERING.COM Monday-Wednesday 9am-5pm - Thursday-Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 9am-4pm

Let Us Catering Deli Sandwichs $5 OFF

Order Now Scan To See Our Deli Menu any purchase of $25 or more. Best Caterer in Central NJ By New Jersey Monthly Magazine.

WINNER DeMarco’s Family owned & operated since 1975 Gourmet Deli & Catering Route 34 & Lloyd Road (Next to Bed Bath & Beyond) Aberdeen - 732-566-2112

A VIEW FROM MATAWAN’S PAST- LAKE LEFFERTS

By Pat Noble

This is a view of downtown Matawan from Lake Lefferts. Ravine Drive is on the left and the Methodist Episcopal Church steeple can be seen between the trees. The lakefront looks newly landscaped, so the photo is likely early 1930s.

Matawan Creek was dammed in 1928 at Ravine Drive to form the lake. The creek passes through the dam and is joined by Gravelly Brook after the latter flows through the Lake

Matawan dam at Main Street. From the meadows to the Raritan Bay, Matawan Creek is affected by the tides. Please consider joining the Matawan Historical Society to support our work. There are lots of fun and exciting events in the works for 2023. June 2-4 will be our 300th Anniversary of Burrowes Mansion Celebration and Battle Re-enactment. Follow our Facebook page for the latest news.

LOCAL FUNERAL DIRECTOR MENTORS YOUNG FUNERAL PROFESSIONALS DURING NATIONAL PROGRAM

in the profession. “Spending time with these future leaders, helping to open their minds to different views and watching as their vision expanded, was the best part,” said Hernandez. “The range of topics from the Mentors and round table discussions allowed us to spend time with each one of them and learn about their goals and aspirations.”

David Hernandez Jr. of Jersey Memorial Group with locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania was one of three leading funeral directors who served as mentors for the National Funeral Directors

Association’s (NFDA) Meet the Mentors program. Meet the Mentors, which took place March 12-14 in Atlanta, Georgia, brought new funeral service professionals together to learn from some of the country’s

leading funeral directors and to network with like-minded peers.

Hernandez’s presentation titled, “Who is Successful in Death Care and Why?” taught mentees the value of the foundational skills needed to be leaders

David Hernandez is the Founder and CEO of Jersey Memorial Group, the largest private operator in New Jersey. He has received numerous professional awards and is often asked to participate as a presenter at study groups and conventions. Meet the Mentors has been wholly funded by the Funeral Service Foundation since the program’s inception in 2011. More information about the Meet the Mentors program can be found on the NFDA website, www.nfda.org/mentors.

THE MAX OF OLD BRIDGE HAS BEEN PRIVILEGED TO SERVE THE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS!

On behalf of the entire sta , we want to thank all our members, past and present, along with all the government and township o cials who have supported our MAX Challenge program in Old Bridge for the last TEN years!

We were so grateful to have launched a new tness and nutrition concept to the towns of Old Bridge, Matawan and

surrounding areas back in March 2013. We were instantly embraced by the local government, and very quickly we began to form very strong relationships with our members and within the community for a variety of charitable causes.

e members and sta from our program are second to none. What starts as a tness and nutrition program to help our members live healthier and happier lives, goes way beyond workouts or

food prep. It is about relationships, mental and physical well-being, with an emphasis on support, shared goals, and an incredibly positive environment. We actually have fun in the process, while we collectively charge toward achieving our own individual goals.

In the last ten years, together, through the generosity of our members and the support of our community, we have supported numerous 501C3 local non-pro t organizations, raising

well over $100,000 in the process. Aside from this amazing achievement, we have also consistently been involved with Toys for Tots, Township fundraising events, and street fairs. We are blessed to be so embedded within an amazing community of great citizens.

Inside the four walls of our MAX Challenge center on Route 516, there isn’t a friendlier, more genuine, and happier place we’ve ever been in, and that is all because of the people in our program who have

created such an amazing culture.

e MAX is a transformational program that changes lives, and we are happy to have been a small part of that journey for thousands of people over the past ten years. Cheers to ten more years of helping and serving the community.

Rich and Maureen Bruno Owners – e Max of

Old Bridge

SPRING FUN & HAZARDS TO AVOID

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Much like you, your pet welcomes spring.

After a long winter cooped up indoors, it is nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, but take into consideration the safety of your pets. As the weather gets warmer, fleas, ticks and heartworms become more prevalent. Be sure to use preventative medicine to stop flea infestations, tick borne illnesses and heartworm disease, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Fertilizer, herbicides, and insecticides can be toxic to pets. Keep your pets indoors while mowing the lawn, or using a weed whacker and trimmers, to avoid injury.

Decorative Easter grass or plastic Easter eggs represent choking hazards for pets and potentially intestinal obstructions, requiring surgery. Keep candy out of reach, especially chocolate and sugar- free candies that contain xylitol. Xylitol causes low blood sugar and, potentially, liver failure. With the time honored tradition of

spring cleaning, remember to keep cleaners and chemicals away from your pets, avoid contact and consider products that are rated pet-friendly. Spring is a great time of the year for home improvements. Paints and solvents can be toxic for your pets and very messy with spills. Be cautious with nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It is best to isolate your pets away from the work area.

As the weather gets warmer, pets especially, cats love to nap on window sills and bird watch. Make sure the screens are secure to keep your pet from falling out the window, not only preventing injury, but also from running away.

Pets have spring allergies like their owners. With seasonal allergies the skin may be red or irritated and they may suffer hair loss. If your pet is scratching excessively, suffering from a nasal drip or watery inflamed eyes, visit your veterinarian to get medication to ameliorate the symptoms and make your pet more comfortable.

In severe cases, allergy testing (RAST blood test) is recommended.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD’S SAT/ACT TESTING TIMELINE LOOK LIKE?

Students should start with a mock test. When a student takes a mock test depends (mostly) on what math class the student has that year. A high-achieving, busy student who takes algebra 2 or pre-calc sophomore year, should take the SAT August before Junior year, or, if taking the ACT, September of junior year. The student should take the mock tests in May to see which test is a better fit. Prep for these tests should start in June.

If a student is taking algebra 2 as a junior, he or she should hold off until March of junior year (SAT), or April of junior year (ACT). This student should take a mock test of each in November and start prep in December (SAT) or January (ACT). This schedule will still allow time for students to apply early while taking their chosen test 3 times if needed with time between tests to prepare.

A student who takes a first SAT in August can take the test again in

October and November. A student who takes the ACT in April, can take the test again in June and July. Taking the test multiple times is an advantage because 80% of universities will look at the superscore. Although on different days, each test is offered 7 times per year.

Overall, parents should take advantage of all the different test dates offered and should have their child take the test when the student has a solid 3 months to prepare leading up to the test. So, when is the best time for your child to take it?

Sign up for a free mock test of each here https://www.ivymasters.com/register-now/ using this coupon code: AllAroundOB

NICOLE’S HEART 5K WALK/ RUN SCHEDULED

Continued from page 1

athletic background included track, gymnastics, and cheerleading. Besides her academics and extracurricular activities, the 18-year-old also volunteered at the Old Bridge Animal Shelter and expected to start a pre-veterinarian college program the following fall. Anyone interested in participat -

ing in this year’s 5K Walk/Run may register at the Race Forum website (www.raceforum.com/nicole ). Register by May 15 to guarantee a shirt. For additional information about this 501 (c) 3 organization, the scholarship program, or to make a donation, visit Nicole’s Heart Foundation at www.nicolesheart.com.

MATAWAN FOOTBALL ALUMNI

presented proclamations to this year’s recipients from each town. The Huskies had a great season this year and we wish them and all previous players the very best. Congrats to this year’s honorees!

On Friday March 24, 2023 was a fun evening at the Matawan Football Alumni Foundation dinner honoring the new inductees and celebrating Huskies past and present, Council President Gunn and Councilman Livesey attended. Mayor Altomonte and Mayor Tagliarini

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

This year, National Library Week is April 23rd-29th! Last year, you may remember that we took the Library on the road – staff members popped up in businesses around the towns, registering patrons for library cards, handing out information and goodies, and entering participants into a raffle. This year, we’re also getting out into the community, but with a special twist!

Get ready for the MAPL Super Scavenger Hunt! Each day during National Library Week, we will release clues throughout the day to lead you to the location where you will find a Matawan Aberdeen Public Library staff member that afternoon/evening. (Think Where’s Waldo, but for patrons of all ages!)

To get the clues, you can check our website or social media, you can call the library, or you can stop by – the clues will be posted at our front entrance.

Some days’ clues might be very easy – others might be a little harder. Every person who finds the staff member (who will be wearing a distinctive shirt so they can be spotted more easily) will have the opportunity to

enter our raffle, sign up for a library card, get information and giveaways, and can pose with our staff member for a selfie for our social media pages.

We hope to see many of you while we’re out and about! Look for more details on our web page and on fliers at the library as we draw closer to the start of National Library Week. (If you are a local business and you would like to donate a gift card for our National Library Week raffle prize giveaway, please contact me at kpaone@lmxac.org.)

Need more information about any of the above? Give us a call at 732583-9100, stop by, visit our website at www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com, or drop us an email at info@matawanaberdeenlibrary.com to get started. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!

We’relookingforwardtoseeingyousoon!

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

CAITLIN MILLER NAMED PRESIDENT AND CHIEF HOSPITAL EXECUTIVE OF BAYSHORE MEDICAL CENTER

programs and state-of-the-art technology upgrades to enhance patient care.

With this appointment, she will continue to be responsible for all aspects of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and community services for the hospital, and will continue to build upon the tremendous expansion and momentum that the medical center has achieved over the past few years.

“Bayshore Medical Center has made tremendous milestones under the leadership of Caitlin Miller,” said Todd Way, regional president, central market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “I am

extremely confident that these successes will continue under Caitlin’s leadership as Bayshore continues to provide compassionate, high-quality care for our patients and the community.”

For more information about BMC, visit: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/Locations/ Bayshore-Medical-Center . For a free physician referral, call 844-HMH-WELL.

Continued from page 1

A Flag Retirement Box was placed in front of the Matawan Lodge 192 located on Main Street, by Scout Sklyer Loui. Photo: Skyler Loui with his parents Vincent & Anita Loui

TWO MATAWAN OFFICERS PROMOTED TO SERGEANT

of Sergeant at the Borough of Matawan’s March 7th Council Meeting.

Sgt. Borsari began his law enforcement career in 2006 and has been with the Matawan Police Department since 2012. While serving as a Patrolman, he became a member of the Advanced Services Unit (ASU) before being assigned to the Detective Division. Borsari returned to the Patrol Division as a Senior Patrolman and Field Training Officer (FTO) and currently serves as an Active Threat Instructor for the Bayshore Task Force Training Unit.

Sgt. Brooks began his law enforcement career in 2011 and attended the 38th Special Law Enforcement class at Monmouth County Police Academy in 2012, where he graduated earning the Marksmanship Award, Physical Training Award, and the Outstanding Trainee Award. He has been with the Matawan Police Department since 2013 and currently serves as the supervising range instructor, taser instructor, and the departments’ resiliency officer.

Congratulations to our officers, Jonathan Borsari and Jamil Brooks, who were promoted to the rank

We wish Sgt. Borsari and Sgt. Brooks continued success and safety in their careers serving the residents of the Borough of Matawan