All Around Matawan Aberdeen-May 2024

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN

CHAMBER CONNECT

The Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we are once again assisting the Economic Business Development Commission of the Borough of Matawan with the 3rd Annual Blues & Cruise Car Show in Matawan. All are welcome to stroll down Main Street from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on May 29th to enjoy the vintage cars, jazz music, vendors, and variety of food from local restaurants and food trucks. A limited number of vendor spots are available for crafters and resellers. Visit our website at macocnj.com or call 732-290-1125 if interested in a spot. There is no rain date, so let’s hope for good weather.

The MACOC Annual General Meeting was held on April 9th at the Woman’s Club of Matawan with record attendance. We would like to thank DiBari’s, Panini Bistro, Main Street Donuts and Brew Coffee for their generous donation of lunch. The Chamber will also be holding its regularly scheduled networking events during May with a luncheon on May 7th at El Rinconcito and an after-hours event on May 21st at OceanFirst Bank.

Welcome to our newest members who joined the Chamber last month: The Brand of Me-Cliff Moore, The Canna Bar, Grand Marquis, Hermes Expo Int’l., The Italian Guys, Postmark Plus, and Project Journey.

A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen

By Cathy Zavorskas, Community Engagement Coordinator

There is something nostalgic about parades. They have become a mainstay in our culture as we use them to celebrate holidays, bowl games, and championship teams. In Matawan, the Memorial Day parade has been a tradition since it originated in 1959. It was first organized by a newly formed committee, the Matawan Parade Committee comprised of representatives from the American Legion Post 176, VFW Post 2218, Matawan Fire Department, and the Matawan First Aid & Rescue Squad. Although the parade committee was eventually replaced in later years by the Recreation Commission, their legacy lives on.

Many of the initial organi-

– Borough of

zations still participate in the parade each year. Veterans, town organizations, the local chamber of commerce, businesses, musical groups, fancy cars, and entertainers continue to be a part of the event. I walked as a Brownie and with my sports teams while growing up. When I wasn’t marching, I was watching the parade right on the corner of Park Ave and Main Street with my parents or family friends, proudly waving the flag, clapping, or cheering on all that passed by. My grandchildren come now, the fourth generation, to watch and march.

This year, as we celebrate the parade’s 65th year, the Recreation Commission would love

Matawan

to have as many organizations as possible represented and has reached out to several already. At a time when there is such discourse, and instability in the world, we need parades like Matawan’s to remember and honor our veterans, our service men and women, their bravery, their sacrifice, their duty to country.

We invite you to come to Main Street on Monday, May 27th at 11 am to watch, wave, and cheer all our veterans, Grand Marshal Lonnie White, and all the marchers who are there to honor the day. There is something nostalgic about parades and with your presence, this 65th year will be a memorable one for all.

TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

By Steven Russell, Councilman for the Borough of Matawan

Spring is an exciting time to explore the outdoors. There are beautiful places in Matawan not only to enjoy being outside, but also to appreciate local history. You may have noticed that the historical marker at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, on the corner of

Main Street and 516, has been refurbished by the Historical Sites Commission, and reinstalled. It marks the spot of the original Presbyterian Church in Matawan, and the cemetery that surrounded it. According to Matawan and Aberdeen: Of Town and Field by Helen Henderson and the Matawan Historical Society, “The 1763 deed for 1.88 acres for the Mt. Pleasant church property was made to the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County…” Thirteen Revolutionary War veterans are buried there. The cemetery was used for burials by the Presbyterian Church until 1959, and deeded to the Borough in 1978, when it came under the care of the Historical Sites Commission.

If you find a pleasant, warm day with some free time, enjoy a stroll through Matawan history.

ABERDEEN’S NEW NORTHLAND PARK IS NEARING COMPLETION

It always looked good on the designs, but in person the new Northland Park really is an amazing sight to see. There has been a lot of work done over the past year, but there is a little more left to do. The 6 pickle ball courts are complete. So is the new basketball court, parking area and the gazebo eating area. The playground, which will be Aberdeen’s largest and will also include an ADA accessible component, is now nearing completion. The township council is aiming for a grand opening in the middle of May and plans to invite everyone.

“Keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook and our website for grand opening and ribbon cutting information,” said Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone, who is part of the Council’s Recreation Committee. “We are excited to see parents and children alike enjoy this park.”

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN AND SCOUTS’ HYDRATION DRIVE: SUCCESS, SUPPORT NEEDED

The recent Hydration Fund Drive organized by Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad in collaboration with Girl Scout Troop 449 was a resounding success, thanks to the generosity and support of the local community. The event, held on Sunday, April 21st, saw an outpouring of donations comprising cases of water, Gatorade, Powerade, and Vitamin Water, all of which will directly benefit first responders in Matawan and Aberdeen. The spirit of camaraderie and community engagement was palpable throughout the day, as residents came together to show their appreciation for the invaluable service provided by the first aid squad. The event exemplified the power of collective action in addressing the needs of our community and underscored the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety and well-being. However, the need for ongoing support remains, as the demand for hydration resources persists beyond a single event. Recognizing this, Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad and Girl Scout Troop 449 are extending the call for donations, with

drop-off opportunities available any night of the week from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The drop-off location remains the same: 28 Little Street, Matawan, NJ 07747. In the event that Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad is on a call during drop-off hours, donors are encouraged to leave their contributions outside the door, ensuring that they reach those in need in a timely manner. This ongoing initiative seeks to ensure that first responders have access to the essential hydration they require to perform their duties effectively, particularly during emergencies and demanding situations. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference and contributes to the overall resilience and efficiency of emergency services in Matawan and Aberdeen. As we move forward, let us continue to demonstrate our unwavering support for our local first responders and the organizations that support them. By coming together as a community and showing our gratitude through action, Continue on page 3

“They certainly didn’t have parks like this when we were kids,” commented a resident on Facebook.

“They’re right,” Councilman Greg Cannon went on to say. “We promised major investment into rebuilding our entire parks system and we are delivering on that promise. Our park was awarded multiple grants from various partners including the Monmouth County Open Space Grant that has helped expand the scope of this project.

We also received the “Community Champions Playground Grant” from Gametime, the manufacturer of the play equipment, that helped us add an ADA accessible component to the playground.”

One thing is certain, all of our kids in town are going to love the all new Northland Park located in Aberdeen’s N-Section!

MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

The warm weather is here, and we have many exciting things to look forward to in the Borough. Our DPW has been hard at work taking care of the Spring clean up for all the parks in town. We are finishing renovations at both Pennipleede and Clinton Street Parks as well. We had our first event of the year, the Easter Egg Hunt, last month, and May and June will also be busy! We hope to see you at the following events:

May:

27th: Our annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Main St., and there will be a service at Me morial Park at approximately noon.

29th: our third annual Blues and Cruise Night will occur on Main Street. Join us for music by The Chris Plunkett Band and car show.

June:

1st: It’s time for our annual fishing derby, a day of fun and friendly competition at Lake Lefferts. Food will be supplied by our very own Washington Engine Company, adding a local touch to the event.

8th: 2nd annual Main Street Donut 5K! Join us for a run in town and get a donut at the end. Register at Shark5K.com.

29th: one of our most popular and well-attended events, our annual fireworks show will take place at dusk at Lake Lefferts with a rain date of June 30th. Please check the Borough website or Facebook page for more details as we get closer and for our full schedule of events. I look forward to seeing you at some of these events around town! If you have any questions, please reach out to me at joseph.

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN AND SCOUTS’ HYDRATION DRIVE: SUCCESS, SUPPORT NEEDED

Continued from page 2

we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Together, let us keep the momentum going and ensure that Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad has the resources they need to continue their vital work. Your support is greatly appreciated and makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve our community selflessly. Thank you for your generosity and continued support.

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

Since the weather has finally taken a turn for the better, consider borrowing a museum pass from the library to enjoy a visit to a local museum – on us!

MAPL offers passes to eight area museums: Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY)

Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA)

Guggenheim Museum (New York, NY)

Intrepid Museum (New York, NY)

Monmouth Museum (Lincroft, NJ)

Morven Museum & Garden (Princeton, NJ)

Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia, PA)

NEW!! NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum (Cape May, NJ) (Two museums are currently closed: Battleship New Jersey (Camden, NJ) is currently on dry dock through June, and The Frick Collection is under construction and will reopen later this year. Those two passes are on hold at this time.)

Adult patrons with a valid MAPL library

card can check out up to two passes at one time (to the same museum or to two different ones) for a three day loan – the pass is picked up on day one, used on day two, and returned on day three. (It is very important that the pass is returned on its due date so that the next person can check it out. Fines are still in effect for late/lost museum passes.) Passes can be reserved in person, on the phone, or online. Each pass admits one or more people to the museum, and each museum has its own rules and procedures; please see our museum pass page for more information (https://mapl.org/pages/museum.php) and check the individual museum’s website to confirm hours and exhibit availability.

We thank the Matawan Aberdeen Friends of the Library for generously funding the MAPL museum pass program. Need more information about any of the above? Give us a call at 732-583-9100, stop by, visit our website at www.mapl.org, or drop us an email at info@mapl.org to get started. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!

Have a wonderful May!

Hope to see you soon, Kimberly Paone Library Director

FIDUCIARY

RESPONSIBILITY

In accounting, fiduciary responsibility is not usually heard in everyday conversations.

A Fiduciary is someone who is responsible for managing money for someone else. When you are named a fiduciary and you accept the role, you must care for the person’s money for their benefit, not yours. In any organization or relationship, the financial responsibly requires trust, care and attention. As a fiduciary, the duties require you to act in the person’s/ organization’s best interest; manage and protect the income, expenses, and accounts; keep the funds separate from your own; and keep true and complete records. Itisnotaquestionoftrust;itisamatterofcare.

In a family relationship, caring for an elderly parent, or acting as care giver, it is necessary to provide the information to family members. Have the detailed information available during care, but also for estate purposes if something happens. The details show how much you care about the person, and the trust the family members relied on you.

In an organization, it is the role of the fiduciary to provide detailed records to the Executive Board of the organization, and the Board should regularly review the details. By-laws of any organization should include the process for review.

Examples include, the Vice President review the bills, two people review the checks, three people count cash, etc. Board members accepted the positions knowing the they are acting on behalf of the members, and the members should be able to rely on the Board to act on their behalf and trust that the Board members protect the organization.

Bank records, loan statements, credit card bills record the transactions, but do not provide details of the transaction. Receipts and check copies provide details. As a fiduciary you must have records available for review. Regular review is the care for the money and the details to back it up. In accounting we use the term auditing, in the real world, it should just be considered as part of the job.

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DEANN GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

As spring rolls in, we’re gearing up for a plethora of exciting events around town. In addition to the events mentioned in the Mayor’s column this month, we will also joyously celebrate National Police Week, which was introduced in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy. This year, it will take place from May 12th to May 18th. Our police department will honor those who serve their communities through law enforcement and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while protecting others. During this week, our local police department is dedicated to strengthening ties with our community. As part of their outreach efforts, they are organizing an event, ‘Coffee With A Cop,’ on May 11th at Starbucks from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This informal gathering is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to meet and chat and connect with our police department over coffee.

for everything they do not only during Police Week but all year round to keep our community safe. As always, if you need anything or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at deana.gunn@matawanborough.com.

GPA IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Grade Point Average (GPA) has been the most important factor in college admissions. It reflects a student’s capabilities, which are essential for success at university. It is intended to distinguish students. However, grade inflation has complicated reliance on GPA. In 1966, 20.8% of high school seniors applying to university reported A averages. Through the years, that percent gradually increased until, post-covid, 80.6% reported A averages. “We’re not trusting, frankly, of GPA these days. Grades are definitely inflated and not as connected to true class performance as they used to be.” (John Latting, Emory Dean of Admissions) GPA does not seem to convey the distinction it once did and has been used by many universities to reject students who do not have an A average. It has become challenging for colleges that rely on GPA to discern ability.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) began requiring SAT or ACT scores again. UT Austin found that students who submitted scores were 55% less likely to be on academic probation (GPA under 2.0). Submitters also had an average of .86 grade points higher, the difference between a 2.4 (in danger of academic probation) and 3.26 (mix of As and Bs).

Grade inflation has necessitated a reevaluation in college admissions. Admissions officers consider many factors to obtain a holistic view of an applicant’s capabilities and potential contributions. “Standardized test scores are a much better prediction of academic success than high school grades.” (Christina Paxson, President of Brown University) Extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, letters of recommendation, and personal essays also offer insights into a student’s interests, character, and resilience. These diverse criteria build a more comprehensive student profile. While GPA remains a sig-

nificant indicator of academic readiness, grade inflation has required college admissions processes to evolve, placing greater emphasis on other evaluations to identify capable students.

Thank you, Brian Eufinger, of Edison Prep in Atlanta, for some of these statistics, and Barak Moore, of Barak Moore SAT-ACT Tutor in New York, NY for the quotes. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul. Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833SATsACT (833-728-7228)

MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE

Mayor Fred Tagliarini –Aberdeen Mayor

Dear Neighbors, In the years since COVID, Aberdeen Township has become a destination for many new families. As Mayor I am committed to unite our diverse community around quality of life issues. It’s no secret that we are committed to public safety, a Roads Program that we have invested millions of dollars this past

decade, twice a week sanitation that includes bulk and recycling pick up and new neighborhood parks including 6 Pickleball Courts in Northland Park. We certainly have built a solid foundation that will assure a bright future for Aberdeen. Let us continue to live in harmony with our neighbors and find common ground to enjoy our Town. Let’s all enjoy the best Aberdeen has to offer.

Sincerely, Fred Tagliarini Mayor

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NAVIGATING MENTAL WELLNESS WITH ELLIE

MENTAL HEALTH THIS

May marks the unofficial start of summer and Mental Health Awareness Month! Anticipated social events can often lead to increased social anxiety. While gatherings with family and friends offer joy, they can also trigger mental wellness challenges.

Many of us may grapple with reluctance to attend events, feeling guilty for not feeling joyful, and debating attendance. This internal conflict can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, potentially causing disputes with loved ones. Our brain’s instinct to protect us from perceived threats may result in avoidance behaviors. However, there are effective strategies to navigate these feelings. Employing DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) techniques, such as opposite action, can significantly disrupt this cycle. If you’re not ready for that step, DBT distress tolerance skills offer another supportive route. Additionally,

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soothing the five senses—seeing the blue sky, feeling the warm breeze, hearing birds chirping, tasting the salty air, and smelling fresh mulch—can help manage these internal debates, turning what may seem impossible into something achievable.

Aligned with our commitment to mental health, Ellie Mental Health actively participated in the mayor’s local 5K and ‘Happy Kids Day’ at the Old Bridge Y. These events highlight our dedication to community outreach and supporting Old Bridge residents.

We currently offer virtual consultations (accepting all major insurances with no waitlist), and we’re excited about our new facility opening soon on Rt 18, near the Wawa. This space will provide a welcoming environment to address various mental health issues. We look forward to partnering with you to challenge stigma and improve access to mental health care in Old Bridge and surrounding areas.

Billie-Jo Stuto LCSW, LCADC, CCS Clinic Director Ellie Mental Health, Old Bridge

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MRHS VARSITY SOFTBALL FIELD NAMED AFTER DEDICATED COACH, FAYE IRONS

Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone, Councilmembers Kelley and Swindle joined Superintendent Nelyda Perez, Principal Wells, MRHS staff, students and members of the Board of Education as they dedicated the varsity softball field and named it the Faye Irons Field. Faye Irons spent over 40 years as a health and phys-ed educator in the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District. She established the MRHS Varsity Girls Softball Program in 1970 and was the head coach for 36 seasons. Her softball teams won 8 shore conference titles, 1 overall shore conference title and 1 state section title during her tenure as coach. She was

inducted into the NJSIAA Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990 and she was inducted in the Matawan Hall of Fame in 2007. Overall, she led her teams to a staggering 442 wins.

During a ceremony on April 22nd, Mrs. Irons was honored with a framed jersey, a ribbon cutting, an unveiling of the new “Faye Irons Field” scoreboard and threw out the first pitch, which was a perfect strike.

“She is a long time coworker of mine who became a great friend,” stated Councilwoman Connie Kelley, having also taught at the district for decades. “This is a well-deserved honor for someone who has given her life to this program.”

“Faye Irons is a dedicated member of this community. She coached parents and went on to coach their children. We thank her and congratulate her on this great honor!” added, Mayor Fred Tagliarini during the ceremony.