All Around Matawan Aberdeen- March 2024

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN CHAMBER CONNECTION

On behalf of the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, we would like to welcome you to our Journey into Spring!

First a welcome to our newest members: Beautify by Luna: Taryne Castell and Matawan Pharmacy: Diane Zaccaria. Thanks to all who attended our February Luncheon at MJ’s Restaurant sponsored by Roman Balandin Realty. It was a great presentation and networking opportunity! Also, thanks to AMF Strathmore Lanes for the use of their facility for our annual Bowling and Networking fundraiser for our Matawan High School Scholarship Fund. As we roll into spring, we are excited to announce our upcoming events. Join us on March 5th, at DiBari’s for our next luncheon with guest Speaker Erica Boyer from Edward Jones. Also, join us for a great night of networking hosted by Cross of Glory Church with entertainment by MJXpressions on March 19th at 5:30 p.m. Also, SAVE THE DATE! Join us for our Multi-Chamber Speed Networking Event on Thurs. April 25th, 2024, at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge. Limited Sponsorships and vendor spots are available! For information and reservations go to MACOCNJ.com.

Jeff Pantelas, President: Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

DEPUTY MAYOR MARGARET

MONTONE OUTLINES ABERDEEN’S KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2024

I am thrilled to share with you Aberdeen’s top priorities for 2024. As in years past, we are dedicated to enhancing our community’s infrastructure and

recreational opportunities. One of the most exciting projects on our agenda is the completion and grand reopening of Northland Park, which represents a 1-million-dollar grant funded investment for our residents. Additionally, we have a comprehensive road improvement plan that aims to deliver on our promises to reinvest in and upgrade your local roadways.

Our team is working tirelessly to complete Northland Park making it a true gem for

our community. Having heard from the residents, we upgraded playgrounds, built 6 pickle ball courts, a new basketball court, an inviting picnic area with a gazebo and all new parking and drainage. We can’t wait to unveil the newly renovated Northland Park in the spring.

In 2024, we are committed to the continuation of the Road Replacement Program, upgrading Aberdeen’s road infrastructure to enhance the safety and con-

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MR. ROBERT CARNOVSKY WINS 2023 OUTSTANDING AMERICAN HISTORY TEACHER AWARD

A graduate of Matawan High School, he then attended William Paterson University earning a double major in Education and History. He followed that by earning a history degree and secondary education at that school. He was hired at the Matawan Regional High School in 1998 and has now taught there for 26 years.

Mr. Carnovsky has taught many classes in the social studies area, teaching honors sections of World

History and United States History

2, among others. While doing so he has acquired a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Plus 30 credits in US History. Completing those reignited his passion for teaching United States History. He gets enthusiastic showing the students the links between historical past and the present. He recognizes that New Jersey has a rich history in the American Revolution and encourages his students to find personal links to historical subject matter. He has taken his students to the Vietnam Memorial in Holmdel, the Battle of Monmouth grounds in Freehold, the 9/11 Memorials in and around Monmouth County,

and to Washington Crossing on the Pennsylvania border. He then also created virtual visits to share with his department to show their classes and inspire them to make similar visits. His principal summed up his recommendation as such: “I have had the opportunity to watch as Mr. Carnovsky brings topics within the American History curriculum to life with his valiant, animated and engaging stories surrounding the birth of this great nation. His authentic approach to teaching grasps student interest and makes for meaningful dialogue with the classroom setting.”

(reprinted with permission from Middletown Chapter,NSDAR-Middletown, NJ)

Jeff Pantelas President Chamber of Commerce

BUSINESS FORUM FOR MATAWAN BOROUGH BUSINESSES PLANNED

By Cathy Zavorskas – Matawan Borough Community Engagement Coordinator

The Matawan Economic Development, Business & Redevelopment Commission is inviting all Matawan business owners or their representatives to attend a business forum they are hosting on Monday, March 18th at 7:00 p.m. The forum’s primary goals are twofold. The first is to introduce the members of the Economic Development Commission and inform the business owners and representatives about the purpose of the commission and the objectives for the year. The second is to have a conversation with the business owners and understand their experiences operating in Matawan; what has worked well, what could be better, solicit their

ideas, and hear about their aspirations for the future as they grow and manage their businesses in the Borough. Representatives from the Matawan Borough Council and Mayor Altomonte will be available to provide updates and respond to inquiries from the business community. The Economic Development Commission will be sending out an email invitation to all businesses registered within the Borough. The Business Forum will be held at the Matawan Borough Municipal Center located at 201 Broad Street, Matawan. This forum will be the first of more to come as the commission continues to build strong relationships with the business community.

MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

The long-awaited project, which is the precursor to fixing the Lake Lefferts dam, has begun! We won’t bore you with the details of getting this project off the ground, but we are super excited it has started. The hard closure of Aberdeen Road will take place in early March, so please plan accordingly and be on the lookout for detour information.

As a reminder, we negotiated the deal to include raising Aberdeen Road, which had a long history of flooding regularly, making it unusable and inconvenient for residents. It is a project valued at almost $20 million picked up by the County. This will serve as the bypass road while the dam is under construction and must be completed first. Aberdeen Road will take approximately 12-18 months to complete. Once finished, the dam work will begin. The dam is expected to take 18 months to complete. After the Lake Lefferts dam is completed, Lake Matawan will be addressed.

We’ve agreed to a 75% (County) and 25% (Matawan) split. While we recognize this may cause some inconvenience, we are excited about these very important infrastructure updates for Matawan.

From the beginning, I said I wanted to get a better deal for these projects, and we are proud to have delivered on that promise. We appreciate the Monmouth County Commissioners’ understanding and working with us on these important and much-needed infrastructure updates. As the project progresses, we will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at joseph. altomonte@matawanborough.com

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

WOULDN’T YOU RATHER KEEP YOUR MONEY THAN GIVE IT AWAY?

Every year when I sit down with a client, I say, “Tell me a story, what changed this year?” We discuss family changes, colleges, parents, kids, jobs, concerns, and eventually we get to the elephant in the room, taxes.

Most people go into tax season with the hope of a secret savings account, or the terror of the tax bill. Some people believe in a secret savings account to use refunds for vacations, bill payments, or just having beat the tax man. Other know there is a tax payment coming and wait as long as possible.

My advice: let me explain the reasons, the ramifications, and the processes, and then you do what makes you comfortable.

If you have a difficult time saving money and putting it away, the tax refund is a benefit. Is it a great choice? No. Would you be better off putting money into your retirement account, and save the taxes by having the funds tax deferred? You can access the money in an emergency and save the taxes at the time you earned it. If you chose to contribute to a ROTH plan, then you do not save on taxes immediately, but it will grow tax free.

However, you can compromise. If your refund is greater than $2,400, consider deferring money into your retirement. Keep the $2,400 and defer the rest. Plan ahead $7 a day equals about $2,400 per year in a 10% Federal tax bracket and the 7% NJ tax bracket you are paying 17% tax on every dollar. You would save 17% on every dollar you put away. The higher the tax bracket, the more you defer, the more you save. Open an IRA, contribute to your retirement, contribute to a 529 college savings plan. There are ways to save money. Your HR department can help with planning, your local bank can open an IRA, a financial advisor can help you plan. Wouldn’t you rather keep your money than give it away?

Nora L Schmitz EA MBA

Litz Tax & Consulting

21 Ernston Rd

Parlin, NJ 08859

DEANN GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm, and hopefully, we are done with the snow. Thank you to our Department of Public Works for clearing our streets quickly with the last two storms. As a friendly reminder, should we have any additional storms, please ensure your vehicles are off the roads, which is required via Borough Ordinance. In addition, it is all property owners’ responsibility to clear their sidewalks. Please do so quickly so people can walk safely and not have to walk in the streets. Thanks as always for your continued cooperation.

We have exciting improvements happening around the Borough. We have two major road projects happening. Please read Mayor Altomonte’s column about the long-awaited Aberdeen Road Project this month. In addition, New Jersey Natural Gas will be upgrading gas lines on Mill Road in March. As a result, Mill Road will be closed for 2-3 months from 7 am-5 pm. There’s been a notification for both of these projects, and we will continue to send reminders. We appreciate your patience during this

time for these very important projects. JCP&L also attended our most recent council meeting to answer questions and issues with recent power outages and listen to some of our other problems, including street light outages. In addition, they informed us of some infrastructure improvements they have coming and that we are a part of their vegetation plan, which happens every four years for 2025 to trim back vegetation and trees related to the power lines.

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

March is here – are you ready for Makers Day at MAPL?

As in years past, we have tons of fun and educational maker activities planned for all ages –from preschool through seniors! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 16th. We’ll have drop-in sessions from 10am-12pm and 2-4pm. No registration required!

In the morning, our littlest patrons can use their building skills to make Three Little Pigs in the Library with different materials from the classic story. Students in K-5th grade can build a Lego structure to send on our zip line from the balcony to the main floor. Tweens, teens, and adults can make felt coasters or popsicle stick LED flashlights. All are welcome to visit our planting station – a patron favorite.

In the afternoon, students in K-5th grade can create their own pom pom launcher, while tweens and teens make simple circuit paper cubes. Teens will be making a sand art creation topped with a lovely air plant, and older teens and adults can make their own soap and reusable sandwich wrap!

All day long we will have two group projects available: kids of all ages can help

decorate our special castle – this will be a collaborative effort so bring your friends and your creativity! In the Reference room, we’ll be preparing to make a paper mosaic! Everyone is invited to decorate a paper tile any way they wish, and after Makers Day, we’re going to assemble the mosaic in the balcony for all to see. You can come back to try to spot your tile!

Don’t forget to stop at the front entrance on your way out to enter to win a Makers Day prize! This year, we are focusing on some great experience prizes.

Of course, there are plenty of other fantastic programs and activities at the library this month – check out our events calendar on our website at www. mapl.org, give us a call at 732-583-9100, or stop by – we’re open 7 days a week!

Hope to see you soon,

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

ARE STANDARDIZED TESTS MAKING A COMEBACK IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS?

The SAT and ACT, long-standing pillars of college admissions in the United States, have staged a remarkable comeback amidst a landscape of uncertainty and change. After a period of widespread test-optional policies adopted by universities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tide seems to be shifting back towards standardized testing. Institutions such as Dartmouth and Yale are at the forefront of this resurgence, reinstating SAT and ACT requirements for prospective students.

One key factor driving this return to standardized testing is the desire for a more comprehensive evaluation of applicants. While test-optional policies were initially implemented to alleviate the challenges posed by the pandemic, many institutions found themselves grappling with an

influx of applicants and a lack of standardized data for comparison. As a result, admissions officers have increasingly turned to SAT and ACT scores as valuable metrics for assessing academic preparedness and potential.

Dartmouth, known for its rigorous academic standards and holistic approach to admissions, recently announced its decision to reinstate SAT and ACT requirements. By reintroducing standardized testing, Dartmouth aims to ensure fairness and consistency in the admissions process while identifying candidates who demonstrate the intellectual aptitude and academic rigor necessary for success at the university.

Similarly, Yale, renowned for its commitment to excellence and diversity, has also embraced the return of standardized testing.

Recognizing the value of SAT and ACT scores in predicting academic performance, Yale seeks to identify students who not only excel academically but

also contribute to the vibrant intellectual and social fabric of the campus community.

While the return of the SAT and ACT may signal a shift towards tradition in college admissions, it also underscores the ongoing evolution of the process. As universities like Dartmouth and Yale navigate the complexities of modern education, they remain steadfast in their commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of leaders and scholars, using every tool at their disposal to make informed and equitable admissions decisions.

Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ ivymasters.com 833-7287228 www.ivymasters.com

DEPUTY MAYOR MARGARET MONTONE OUTLINES ABERDEEN’S KEY PRIORITIES FOR 2024

Continued from page 1

venience of our residents. We are down to three remaining original roads and we as a council will concentrate on finishing the complete reconstruction of these roads while maintaining a stable budget. Our road projects include roads in Strathmore’s A Section, Cliffwood and Cliffwood Beach. It’s early in the process but our administration is collaborating closely with our engineering team to ensure a seamless execution of these crucial projects.

As Deputy Mayor, I am focused on improving the quality of life for all our residents, and I believe that these initiatives will make a significant difference in Aberdeen. With the Northland Park renovations and our comprehensive road replacement program, Aberdeen is poised for a year of positive growth and development, ensuring that our town remains an excellent place to live, work, and enjoy the outdoors. Together, we are building a brighter future for Aberdeen in 2024.

MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE

Over the years many folks and students ask me what a typical day is for me and what responsibilities I have as Mayor. Let me share with you. First, I am elected for a four term.

The most important thing starts with hiring a Town Manager. They run the day in and day out responsibilities of the town, They hire the best department managers. I also appoint the Municipal Judge. I preside at Town Council meetings that meet twice a month, create committees such as Roads and Parks, respond to numerous residents communications,help appoint the Deputy Mayor, appoint many volunteers to our Boards and help prepare the annual budget. I serve on the Planning Board. I also meet regularly with my fellow Bayshore Mayors and represent Monmouth County in the New Jersey Conference of Mayors.

Quality of Life issues are very important to residents in Aberdeen. I meet with our utility companies and make sure that the Police, Fire, Public Works, Sanitation and

Emergency Services are well funded. I also have the pleasure of performing Marriage Ceremonies. Meeting with the business community is also very important. I am honored to serve as Mayor and I enjoy helping Fred Tagliarini

Mayor

Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

Mayor Fred Tagliarini –Aberdeen Mayor

MAYOR TAGLIARINI PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS

Dear, Aberdeen Parents and Students, The New Jersey State League of Municipalities and I have an excellent scholarship opportunity for the high school juniors and seniors from the Aberdeen Matawan Regional School District. We have teamed up to offer three $1,000.00 scholarships through the Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. This statewide scholarship competition centers on the theme, “What My Municipal Government Does Best” and seeks to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer members of the municipal government.

Many of the elected officials and appointed board members serve Aberdeen with little or no compensation. It is their altruistic desire to serve their community which compels them to public service. These officials, along with a cadre of dedicated professionals, are guardians of our hometown comforts and security. They give of their time and talents to help plan our community and preserve our way of life. They serve us year-round,

every day and yet are hardly noticed. This scholarship competition will help rectify that while encouraging our future municipal leaders. Full details on the application process and contest can be found on the front page of our website at www.aberdeennj.org. I hope to see many of our young adults representing the Aberdeen Matawan Regional School District in the Louis Bay II Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.

Sincerely,

Fred Tagliarini Mayor, Aberdeen

Township

ABERDEEN’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT RETURNS ON SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD

Aberdeen Township is gearing up for the much-anticipated Annual Easter Egg Hunt, set to delight families and children on Saturday March 23rd, 2024. Hosted by the Aberdeen Township Mayor, Council and Recreation Department, this beloved tradition promises a day of joy, excitement, and egg-hunting fun for all the kiddos. Preparations are in full swing as the recreation is finalizing arrangements for what is expected to be the biggest egg hunt yet. With over 10,000 colorful eggs available to children throughout the designated area of Veterans Memorial Park, the children will have specific times set up for their age range.

Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of Easter. It’s a joy to see the smiles on the faces of children as they embark on their egg-hunting adventures.”

The festivities will kick off at 9:30am with children ages 0-2. Ages 3-4 will have their turn at 9:40am, ages 5-6 at 9:50am, ages 7-8 at 10:00am, ages 9-10 at 10:10am. Children with special needs ages 0-18 will start their hunt at 10:20am. Families are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot and enjoy the pre and post hunt activities, including bounce houses, a petting zoo, popcorn, cotton candy and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny himself.

Mark your calendars and join us for a day of egg-citement at the Aberdeen Township Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23rd. It’s an event not to be missed!

For more information and updates, visit the Aberdeen Township Parks and Recreation Department’s website at www.aberdeennj.org/273/recreation .

HISTORICAL MARKERS

By Steven Russell, Councilman for the Borough of Matawan and Liaison to the Matawan Historical Sites Commission

Compelling history is all around us if we pause to notice it. Fortunately, we often have indicators that point us toward them. The Borough of Matawan has seven historical markers at key historical sites that invite us to examine the rich history in our midst. Six of them have just been refurbished by the Matawan Historical Sites Commission through the masterly work of Pete Lambusta, owner of Cardinal Made LLC design and marketing solutions company. Three of the recently sandblasted and repainted markers have just been reinstalled at the Hawkins House (the oldest

house in Matawan) on Mill Road, the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at 516 and Main Street, and the former Glenwood Institute on Church Street. Others undergoing further repair will go in at Burrowes Mansion, the Philip Morin Freneau Cemetery on Poet Drive, and the Old Hospital on Ravine Drive and Wyckoff Street. The seventh marker is at the St. James AME Zion Cemetery on Johnson Avenue, which was new and not in need of repair. On the next nice day, stop by one of these locations and learn more about Matawan history.

IN MEMORIAM

DENNIS MAHER

JUNE 28, 1950FEBRUARY 3, 2024

JOANNE SZARO

MAY 4, 1942FEBRUARY 5, 2024

MARION BUCCI

NOVEMBER 6, 1940FEBRUARY 7, 2024

FRANCES LUDEKE

NOVEMBER 25, 1928FEBRUARY 8, 2024

MARTIN K. SCHEUING

SEPTEMBER 11, 1942FEBRUARY 9, 2024

ROSEMARIE BLOOD

JUNE 5, 1933FEBRUARY 9, 2024

NUMERIANO E. GONZALES

JULY 5, 1946FEBRUARY 14, 2024

JOHN PATRICK FOLEY II

OCTOBER 20, 1957FEBRUARY 15, 2024

LINDA CANNON

JANUARY 21, 1944FEBRUARY 16, 2024

LOUIS VIGNAPIANO

MARCH 11, 1954FEBRUARY 17, 2024

ROBIN ONA SIMON

FEBRUARY 2, 1957FEBRUARY 19, 2024

LEWIS W. BRYANT

JUNE 13, 1970FEBRUARY 19, 2024

RICHARD JOHN ALBERTI

OCTOBER 14, 1942FEBRUARY 19, 2024

THOMAS BOGAN

JULY 29, 1936FEBRUARY 20, 2024

DANIEL HIGUITA - A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER IN ACTION

dedication, compassion, and a thirst for knowledge to every call and interaction.

Daniel’s commitment to serving our community shines through both in his professional and volunteer roles. As a patient care technician at Hackensack Meridian Health, he already possesses a wealth of expertise in healthcare. However, Daniel’s desire to continuously expand his skills and deepen his understanding of patient care led him to join our first aid squad, where he has flourished as an integral member.

What sets Daniel apart is not just his impressive skill set, but also his genuine

warmth and camaraderie. He approaches every interaction with a smile, bringing comfort and reassurance to those in need.

Whether he’s on a call, training with fellow members, or simply lending a listening ear, Daniel’s compassionate nature leaves a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.

Daniel’s dedication to learning and growth is truly commendable. He actively seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge and refine his skills, always striving to provide the highest level of care possible.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to serving others, we extend our deepest gratitude to Daniel Higuita. His selflessness, kindness, and dedication exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and embody the values of our first aid squad.

Thank you, Daniel, for your tireless efforts, your compassionate care, and your uplifting presence. Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad is truly fortunate to have you as a member, and we look forward to many more years of serving our community together.