All Around Matawan Aberdeen- September 2023

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN VOL 2, NO 4

A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen

IT’S FESTIVE MATAWAN DAY STREET FESTIVAL FALL SEASON! 2023 COMES OCTOBER 7TH!

After a restful and fun summer, it’s time to gear up for some great fall fun activities in our great community! Let’s get it started with a networking After Hours Event at Alternate Ending Beer Company sponsored by Washing Well Laundromat on Tuesday, September 19th at 5:30 p.m.

Please go to MACOCNJ.com to register for this event. Next: Aberdeen Day 2023. Join our community for a day of fun and friendship with members of our community. Visit local vendors and enjoy kid and family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Event to take place from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Matawan Aberdeen Regional High School grounds. For further information call Aberdeen Recreation at 732-583-4200. Finally, Matawan Day Street Festival on Saturday, October 7th from 12 noon - 5 p.m. Event to take place on Main Street in Matawan. Enjoy a day of fun, music, and family entertainment and visit over 200 vendors for your shopping needs. There will be numerous live bands and performances from our local youth as well as a beer garden for adults and a kids corral for the children. A great day to share with 5000 people! Vendor space and Sponsorships are available.

For further information go to MACOCNJ.com. Have a Fun and Fruitful Fall! Jeff Pantelas: President: Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

When stepping onto Main Street for the Matawan Day Street Festival, you’ll instantly sense the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm stretching along the quarter-mile event. Explore the entire festival from one end to the other. The food, music, canopies, flags, and vibrant

signs will entice your senses to delve into the festival’s offerings.

Discover over 200 vendors encompassing local businesses, crafts, specialty gifts, and organizations. Enjoy live band performances, dance, music, and vocal artists: witness yoga and skilled martial arts studio

demonstrations. Visit the beer and wine garden, tour the 300-year-old Burrowes Mansion, or savor a meal. With a multitude of food vendors, you’ll have ample choices.

“Matawan Day embodies our town’s pride and togetherness.

The strong sense of community showcases the charm that make Matawan truly special. It’s heartwarming to see Main Street filled with enthusiasts enjoying the day, growing every year. It’s one of my favorite days, and I look forward to seeing everyone!” said Mayor Joseph Altomonte.

Visit the broadcast booth for interviews and live streaming of activities. Tune into the Borough of Matawan Continue on page 5

AFTER YEARS OF WORK, CLIFFWOOD BEACH RESTORATION WILL BECOME A REALITY

Over the last several years, Aberdeen’s Mayor and Township Council have been taking steps to preserve the rich history of

Cliffwood Beach so that it will be here for future generations to enjoy. As of Summer 2023, The Township is in the final

stages of securing the proper permits from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in order to maintain, restore and protect this beach from future coastal erosion.

Back in 2018, Rutgers University commissioned a study to find out the cause for the deterioration of Cliffwood Beach and reported back to the Town Council. However, without proper permitting, the Township was not allowed to do any work to the beach. “Each storm Continue on page 8

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WOMAN’S CLUB OF MATAWAN The Woman’s Club of Matawan celebrates clubhouse ownership with an Open House on Sunday September 10 at 3-6 pm at 199 Jackson Street. Memorabilia will be displayed and refreshments served.

60 years ago the members of the Woman’s Club of Matawan (now celebrating 108 years of service to the community) fulfilled a long time dream of owning their own building. Building accounts had been started since the early years but were used to support events such as war efforts.

When the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street was burnt by an arsonist on Christmas Day night 1955, that disaster became an opportunity. All that remained after the fire was the lecture hall built in 1876. Being too small to house the church, the Trustees sought another location, rebuilding the church on Route 34 Matawan, and the lot was divided and sold. The area next to Main Street became part of Bedle Funeral Home parking lot and the lot with the lecture hall was offered to the Woman’s Club of Matawan. The Club purchased it on August 9, 1963. The Trustees held the mortgage and the interior was reorganized as a clubhouse with the entry on Jackson Street. The building was dedicated April 1964. The adjacent lot was purchased in 1966 and the mortgage

paid off in 1978 with a grand celebration.

Surprisingly the club has managed to maintain an old building with the help of many people and numerous fundraisers.

In the late 90s the club began renting to small groups and continues to do so today as well as continuing to fundraise.

There are many members, organizations, contractors and friends to thank for donations and support over the years.

Members were especially generous especially during the pandemic. The building has also provided projects for a number of Eagle Scout and Gold Award programs.

The Woman’s Club is very proud of its volunteer service to the commu n it y a s w e l l a s b e i n g a b l e to preserve a Borough landmark.

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Matawan is one of 164 women’s clubs with 6,000 members in the state. All are part of the New Jersey State Federation and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. For more information about the projects and programs of the club as well as our first club meeting after the summer contact the club at 732705-7638, email: gfwcmatawan@ gmail.com or view us on Facebook.

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MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE As we say goodbye to another vibrant summer, I am grateful for our incredible journey over the past few months. From commemorating the 300 years of our town’s history to celebrating the Matawan Mayor unity of our comJoseph Altomonte munity through events like the Shark Run, National Night Out, and many recreational events.

June began with our 300th-anniversary celebrations, reminding us of our deep-rooted history and Matawan’s remarkable journey. The echoes of our past resonated through the streets as we came together to honor our heritage.

The new Main Street Donuts Shark 5K Run exemplified our commitment to partnering with our businesses in town. We enjoyed a fun night with law enforcement and our community at our annual National Night Out. Our fire department also performed a live demonstration—I’m so thankful for our first responders’ dedication and commit-

ment to providing a safe community.

In August, I attended an end-ofsummer 300th-anniversary celebration featuring a brass quartet led by none other than our own Councilman, Steven Russell. Right in the backyard of the historic Burrows Mansion, the event was a testament to the harmony between our rich history and our vibrant present. As we progress, my administration remains unwavering in our commitment to preserving our unique history while propelling Matawan into a bright future.

I appreciate all the departments, employees, and volunteers who made this summer a resounding success.

Your dedication and hard work have created these times for our residents.

If I can help you with anything, please reach out to me at joseph.altomonte@matawanborough.com

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MESSAGE FROM BAYSHORE EMS D e a r N e i g h b o r s , Nearly 2,300 times each year someone in our neighborhood dials 9-1-1 for a medical emergency and the volunteers of Bayshore Aberdeen-Matawan EMS responds. We are in a time of need. We have been helping this great community since 1934 and we do not want to see our doors close. In the event of an emergency, everyone expects that an ambulance will arrive quickly, have highly trained individuals, and have everything it needs to properly care for you, your friend, neighbor, or loved one. And so do we.

Our volunteers strive to provide nothing but the best level of care. To allow us to continue our high-quality care, we ask that you support us with a tax-deductible donation. Your donation is necessary so that we can continue to provide free ser-

vices to our community. We rely on donations to cover our expenses including but not limited to: ambulance costs/maintenance, equipment/supplies, uniforms/ apparel, training/operations, insurance, building upkeep, and so much more. We understand that not everyone can donate much, but please donate whatever you can. To donate you can either drop off cash or checks in a sealed envelope to our mailbox at our headquarters at 28 Little Street Matawan, NJ 07747. Please make checks payable to Bayshore EMS. You can also Venmo us at @BayshoreEMS. On behalf of the members of Bayshore EMS, thank you for your consideration.

We greatly appreciate your support so that we may continue to respond to emergencies within our community.

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MATAWAN DAY STREET FESTIVAL AFTER YEARS OF WORK, CLIFFWOOD BEACH RESTORATION 2023 COMES OCTOBER 7TH! WILL BECOME A REALITY

Continued from page 1 wiped more and more sand away from the beach, so we began to investigate why and how we could fix it. After many years of hard work by our staff, we are nearing the finish line,” said Mayor Tagliarini.

In 2021, Aberdeen Township applied and has since been selected for Naval Station Earle’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program. This is essentially a grant that will pay for Cliffwood Beach to become more resilient during increasing storm activity.

This initial construction proposal could begin as soon as the spring of 2024. Following the REPI program, the Township has been working with the Army Corp of

Engineers, who are in the early stages of a project that will ensure that Cliffwood Beach is here for generations to come.

The costs of these projects are in the millions. We are proud to say that once complete, federal REPI funds will reimburse the taxpayers of Aberdeen entirely.

In speaking to the need for replenishment at Cliffwood Beach, Councilman Cannon stated, “Cliffwood Beach is part of our history, and we’re taking the necessary steps to preserve that history. We are proud to have partners like Monmouth University, Naval Station Earle and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to help us through this process.

Continued from page 1 YouTube channel for the live broadcast.

Bring your kids to the KidZ Corral which features a magic show, craft activities, face painting, a balloon artist, and a giant slide. Encounter a stilt walker for a photo op or use the photo booths for impromptu pictures. Whatever your choice, you’ll be glad you explored what makes Matawan a remarkable town.

“Matawan Day Street Festival is a celebration of community spirit, where the heart of our town comes alive with unity, music, and local businesses. It reflects the essence of Matawan - diverse,

lively, and brimming with economic growth possibilities,” stated Council President Deana Gunn, Chair of the Economic Development Commission.

The Matawan Day Street Festival is on October 7th from 12 – 5 pm. Presented by the Matawan Economic Development Commission and the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce with support from generous donors. Parking is available at the Matawan Train Station with shuttle buses to Main Street. Share your experience using #MatawanDay2023 to capture special moments. See you on Main Street!

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MESSAGE FROM DEANA GUNN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

The summer of 2023 in our town has been a whirlwind of excitement and community engagement, thanks to many events that brought residents and visitors together. Beginning with the kickoff of the 300th Anniversary in June, the town has been abuzz with activities.

A standout event was the first-ever Shark 5K, which took place in July and was jointly organized by the Economic Business Development Commission and Main Street Donuts. The event, managed

by Live, Run, Give, witnessed an astounding turnout, with over 300 enthusiastic runners participating! As they crossed the finish line, each runner was rewarded with a symbolic shark medal and delicious donuts generously provided by Main Street Donuts. That the event went beyond just a run; its net proceeds were dedicated to supporting the Matawan Aberdeen Regional High School Theater Group. The

event’s success was a collective effort, and we thank our police, Department of Public Works, and Commission Volunteers for their contributions.

There’s anticipation and excitement to make the Shark 5K an annual tradition.

As summer gradually transitions to fall, I extend warm wishes to all the students embarking on a new school year. With school buses back on the roads and pedestrians making their way to school, a reminder is shared to drive safely, adhere to speed limits, and exercise caution. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me at deana.gunn@matawanborough.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2023

MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE

We will have Food Trucks and FREE bus shuttles from the Aberdeen Train Station and the Community Center in Cliffwood Beach.

The Hobby Shop in the Aberdeen Town Square Center will have an RC Track in their parking lot.

Call them for hours of operation.

A perfect way to end the Aberdeen Day is to visit Alternate Ending Brewery and the Court Jester for after parties. Kick back, relax, enjoy live music and enjoy your favorite drink.

I look forward to seeing you!

Mayor Fred Tagliarini – Aberdeen Mayor He l l o n e i g h b or s a n d f r i e n d s , I wou l d l i ke t o i nv it e you t o our event of the year. Aberdeen Day is Saturday, September 23rd.

This year the e vent will b e at Mat awan Reg iona l Hig h S cho ol between the hours of 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Bring the family to our “Family Fun Zone”, “Car Show featuring 80 Exotic Cars, Jeep’s and Bikes, and our popular FREE Celebrity Autograph event from 1:00- 3:00 pm in the High School Gym.

Best regards, Fred Tagliarini Mayor, Aberdeen Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

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SEPTEMBER 2023

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH RECREATION COMMITTEE WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE MEMBER, ABERDEEN C e l e b r a t e t h e an environment that encourages strength of commu- open dialogues and understanding. COUNCILWOMAN CONNIE KELLEY nity and the power of hope on September 10, 2023, at the 1st Annual Brady’s Walk & Mental Health Wellness Fair.

Th is momentous event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, focusing on promoting mental health wellness and suicide prevention, especially among our youth.

The event, hosted by Brady’s Voice, is an essential gathering for families, providing valuable resources and tools to aid struggling children. Engage with local businesses showcasing mental health services designed to help kids manage their mental health challenges. Gain vital knowledge about resources and solutions previously unknown, enabling a better understanding of the available support network.

At the heart of this gathering is our mission - to help kids cope with their mental health. We strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, aiming to create

In honoring Brady’s memory, we passionately work to raise suicide awareness and foster a community of support for those grappling with mental health challenges. We firmly believe in the value of each life, and our goal is to ensure that everyone can access help and support when they need it most.

Join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Lombardi Field, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, for a day filled with unity, learning, and hope. The event begins at 10:00 AM featuring a 3-mile walk, a Mental Health Wellness Fair, many food trucks and live music by The E Street Shuffle, a very popular Bruce Springsteen cover band. Most importantly, there will be over 40 businesses explaining how they are helping kids cope with their mental health, like talk therapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, yoga, meditation, karate and many more.

Let’s join hands in fostering mental health awareness and preventing suicide in our community. To find out more about Brady’s Voice, please visit www.BradysVoice.org.

Last week, while at the newly renovated Cambridge Park, residents came up to Councilman Cannon and I to discuss the new play equipment.

We are happy to hear that the oversized yellow slide is a big hit with our children. Being a member of the Town Council Park’s Committee and having taught in the Matawan Regional School District for more than 30 years, I am thrilled to see our kids enjoying the upgraded parks they deserve.

But these upgrades are a part of a bigger picture we have for Aberdeen’s kids.

This is not the first park that we have upgraded. Since being elected to Town Council, we have upgraded or totally renovated 12 of the 16 parks in Aberdeen.

In 2015, we worked with Monmouth

County to create Freneau Woods Park, saving over 300 acres from being developed into apartments. In 2017, we rebuilt Veterans Memorial Park, creating an award-winning space that became a gathering space for the whole town, especially for the residents of Cliffwood Beach. The playscapes, safety surfaces, splash pad, bathrooms and seawall are some of the best recreational investments ever made in Aberdeen. Ross Park and Fordham have both received extensive upgrades and new basketball courts. Northland Park is up next and will feature pickleball courts with soundproofing, new playscapes, new basketball courts and an enhanced parking lot.

We are very proud of the work we have done for your children and there is still work to be done. While speaking with residents, the most common thing said about our upgraded parks is “we certainly didn’t have that when we were kids” and that always puts a smile on my face.

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HIDDEN CEMETERY HONORS MATAWAN’S HISTORIC HEROES

By Steven Russell, Councilman for the Borough of Matawan Yo u m ay Even though much has been done since have driven then to honor the site, the cemetery has down only one legible headstone. Four African Johnson American soldiers from the Civil War Avenue and are buried there: Charles Hendrickson, not noticed William A. Jamison, James H. Riley, a p i e c e o f and William Sherno. I encourage you Matawan to commemorate them and the others, history. I re- thought to be more than 65, buried there cently rode by paying a visit and reading the historical my bike there plaque and memorial stone placed there to take this to honor this part of Matawan history. picture and had to turn around because I missed it. Nestled between houses is the Saint James A. M. E. Zion Cemetery, a small but important part of the history of this borough. The St. James church, nearby on Atlantic Avenue, was organized by Richard Little in the living room of Matilda Conover’s Atlantic Avenue home in 1843. This neighborhood was known as Africa in New Jersey around that time, even though people of African ancestry, often people formerly enslaved, had been living there since the 1700s. The cemetery came under the care of the Borough and the Historic Sites Commission in 1997.

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DON’T TAKE LITTER LIGHTLY IF YOU WANT A HAPPY CAT

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 Little is said about litter near the washing machine or furnace. box training, but it is essen- Bright lights should be avoided, also. tial to coexisting with cats. If you have a dog, make sure your dog If your cat refuses to does not have access to the litter box. use his litter box, conOnce a cat has marked an area with sider the possibility he urine or feces, a problem cat regards it as may have behavioral an appropriate area to relieve itself. Clean problems, medical problems or be the area thoroughly to eliminate any trace following his natural instincts. When of odor. Do not use any products containhe does use the litter box, reward ing ammonia. It will attract the cat back your cat with treats immediately. to that area. A lemon scent air freshener Cats may not purchase their own helps repel the cat from using the area. If litter, but their preference may not the cat soils in the same spot, use alumimatch your selection and changing num foil, sticky tape or paper to cover the the type of litter may be necessary. area. Sometimes placing his food there Most cats prefer unscented, fine-tex- will deter him from eliminating in that tured litter about one to two inches deep. space as he will not soil where he eats.

Cats have a keen sense of smell, much You may need to retrain your more sensitive than ours, and, there- cat by confining him to a smaller fore, a dirty litter box may contribute to space, such as a bathroom or laundry litter box aversions. Clean the litter box room, with food and water on one daily, removing feces and urine clumps. side and the litter box on the other.

Have one more litter box than you Covered litter boxes are designed have cats. Not all cats like to share their for owners, not cats. If you have a box. Location matters, too. Cats prefer a covered litter box and your cat is soiling quiet spot that is away from feeding areas. outside the box, remove the cover.

Place a litter box on each level of your A healthy and happy cat will thank home. Avoid placing your litter box you with perfect litter box behavior.

SEPTEMBER 2023

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SAT AND ACT I’m often asked the differences between the SAT and ACT to determine which test will be the better option to maximize a student’s acceptances at universities. This is a great question because students usually do a bit better on one than on the other.

One consideration is a student’s math ability. The SAT is half math. The ACT is one quarter math. Students whose math score is better than their verbal will often have a better SAT than ACT; a student whose verbal is better than math will often do better on the ACT. The choice is sometimes not that simple, though.

Instead of a second math section, the ACT has a science section, which is just a test of reading comprehension and data analysis. There is typically only 1 question out of 40 whose answer is not provided in the text and graphics. Aptitude in science seems not to be as much of a deciding factor because the SAT also tests science, just differently. 2 of the 5 reading passages are science-based (1 is literature and 2 are history/social studies), 1 of the 4 writing passages is science-based (1 is history), and there are science-based and history-based math questions sprinkled throughout the math section. When we consider

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content, math is usually the deciding factor.

Another consideration is time per question. The ACT is a faster test. Students are given 36 seconds per English question as opposed to the SAT equivalent writing section where students are given 48 seconds per question. Students have exactly 60 seconds to answer an ACT math question, while they have 75 (sections 3) and 87 seconds (section 4) to answer an SAT math question. That being said, most students find the ACT to be more straightforward. Since the ACT is a test of speed, students with an IEP or 504 that includes extended time may have more of an advantage on ACT. While these differences merit consideration, here’s the kicker—half of the time a student is a better fit for one test on paper, but does comparably better on the other one…so why not take a mock test? You can sign up here https://www. ivymasters.com/in-person-practice-test/ using this coupon code: ALLAROUNDOB Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

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MATAWAN URGES RESIDENTS TO REGISTER FOR ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY ALERTS FOLLOWING BUSTLING SUMMER EVENTS

By Ryan Michelson Business Administrator of Matawan This summer has been a busy summer with fantastic community events. Some of our events have required traffic plans to be adjusted, including road closures, underscoring the importance of every member of the Matawan Community to be signed up for our Emergency Notification System powered by Rave Mobile Saftey.

Signing up for our emergency notification system is paramount for everyone’s safety and well-being. Our system is designed to provide timely and critical information during emergencies, such as natural disasters, severe weather events, active threats, or, in much lighter cases, fun community events and other important information. By registering for these notifications, individuals can significantly enhance their preparedness and response to emergencies or plan for opportunities for community engagement.

One key advantage of this system is the ability to receive real-time updates.

Emergency alerts can be sent directly

to your mobile device via text and email. This ensures that our residents and neighbors are promptly informed about any potential danger or changing situation in your area.

Another important aspect is the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. This emergency notification system is operated and maintained by the Borough of Matawan and its various departments, including the Police and Office of Emergency Management.

This means that the information one receives is verified and comes from trusted sources. By relying on these notifications, one can avoid misinformation or rumors that may circulate during chaotic or uncertain times.

To register, visit our website, www. www.matawanborough.com, and click on “Notify Me: Emergency and Alert Sign-Up.” As always, please call us at 732-566-3898 if you need any assistance.

MESSAGE FROM ABERDEEN COUNCILMAN ROBERT SWINDLLE The condition of your roads in Aberdeen is a top priority for me as a local councilman.

This year we have the largest roads replacement program in the history of the town. We are just finishing up Deerfield Phase III, which was a multi-million dollar reconstruction project. As you may have noticed, Chilton reconstruction has begun, which is the final C section street needed to be replaced. Norwood and Bank street would be next for full reconstruction. Afterwards we plan to come to Cliffwood to replace Salem Place, which will get all new water, curbs and drainage along with a new street. Rounding out our street reconstructions for the year, we have Prospect Ave in Cliffwood Beach, which will include 4 blocks of all new roads, drains and concrete work.

This does not include all of our repaving and sidewalk work in the I-Section.

Following a major gas main replacement project by New Jersey Natural Gas, the gas company planned to pave only the part of the road that they dug up. We as the Town Council Roads Committee did not want to see your roads only half paved, so we worked a deal to make sure the other half of those roads would be paved. I am very proud to say that over 22 roads in the I-Section will be fully repaved curb to curb by the end of 2023.

We know there are a few roads out there that still need work, especially in Cliffwood Beach. We will get to them you have my word. This council has spent over 30 million dollars on your roads since I was first elected, all while lowering the municipal tax levy 4 years in a row. We are proud of that number and each year we will continue to take your tax money and put it back into your roads so that you can be as proud to live here, as I am to serve you on this town council. Thank you.

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SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH My wife was never sick a day in her vengeance. Monica went through a life. In 35 years of marriage, I don’t recall seeing her take an aspirin. That all changed around Thanksgiving in 2017.

Monica was having some trouble catching her breath. What we thought was walking pneumonia turned out to be a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. That’s the problem with ovarian cancer. Most often, by the time it is discovered it has already spread.

It was in her lungs, she was diagnosed in Stage 4. Our lives were changed forever.

Amazingly, through a combination of surgery, chemo and immunotherapy treatments, by the summer of 2019 Monica was in remission. In celebration, we took a long overdue cruise down the Danube River. The highlight was a visit to the city of Salzburg Austria, where the Sound of Music was filmed. Monica always loved that movie and we re-traced the steps of the von Trapp family, singing and dancing to her favorite melodies.

When Covid hit in March of 2020, Monica was again feeling drained. The world had shut down. By the time we navigated our way back to MSK in NYC, it was already a problem. This time, the cancer came back with a

series of treatments, but sadly, modern medicine could not save her. By June of 2021 she was in hospice. We planned a small wedding for our daughter Jess in July so we could celebrate together.

Monica passed away one month later.

Last year, my four children convinced me to establish a charity in Monica’s memory. I wasn’t sure Monica’s legacy should be associated with the disease that ultimately took her life. But knowing how difficult this journey was for us, we wanted to make it a little easier for others, and most importantly, to help find a cure.

We established the Monica K Young Foundation and developed alliances with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Drapkin Research Lab at University of Pennsylvania.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Please join us for our 2nd annual one mile walk this Sunday morning, September 10th at Bell Works in Holmdel NJ. You can support us with a donation and/or register for the event online at mkyfoundation.org.

T h a n k y o u !

D a v i d Yo u n g a n d f a m i l y

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SEPTEMBER 2023

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

GREETINGS FROM September is here at the library with the staff expert who – and so is Library will share information on that subject. HAUSER HILL FARMS!

Card Sign-up Month!

From September 1st through October 8th, we challenge you to SHOW US YOUR CARD! Drop by the library (we’re open 7 days for your convenience) and show us your MAPL library card - then you can spin the prize wheel to win a great prize!

If you have a lost or expired card, or you don’t yet have a card, just bring in ID with proof of address and we’ll remedy that in just a few minutes. Once you have your card, you can spin the prize wheel! Everyone’s a winner and all ages are welcome.

As an extra bonus, anyone who comes in to show us their card will also be entered in a very special raffle. You could be one of 10 winners to participate in MAPL’s Human Library – a pilot program we’re trying out this fall. MAPL staff members have a lot of knowledge and expertise in many different areas, so we have compiled a list of these topics (i.e. learning to crochet, being an EMT, speaking Portuguese, etc.).

The 10 winners will be able to choose a topic and spend an hour one-on-one

Lastly, we ask you to please take a few minutes to complete our survey. We are currently updating the library’s Strategic Plan, and we want to hear from YOU about our programs, hours, materials, services, and more. The survey can be found on our website, linked from our social media pages, and paper copies are available, as well. Look for us at Back to School Nights, Aberdeen and Matawan Days, and other community locales and events – we’ll have a handy QR code to get you to the survey!

Thank you in advance for your input!

Have a question? Give us a call at 732-583-9100, stop by, visit our website, or drop us an email at info@ matawanaberdeenlibrary.com. Check out our full calendar of events: www. matawanaberdeenlibrary.com.

Wishing all of our teachers, school staff, and students a fantastic school year!

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

Fall is nearly upon us and as the summer begins to wind down, we are still in harvest mode here on the farm!

September is a big month for us because we are picking almost everything we grow! Zucchini, peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, string beans, potatoes, tomatoes, plum tomatoes, several varieties of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, watermelons, cantaloupes, yellow peaches, white peaches and different varieties of apples.

As we move into the late fall, we will be picking greens, apples and winter squashes as well as all you’ll need for your fall decorations, mums, pumpkins and corn stalks.

The one thing everyone looks forward to is our homemade apple cider. John won’t begin pressing cider until October, because it’s a certain blend of apples that makes the cider so good, and we have to wait for those apple varieties to be ready.

Come visit us at our farm stand, 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge Tuesday – Sunday 9-5, or at any of the weekly farmers markets we attend: Thursdays – Keyport Firemen’s Memorial Park (across from the Fishery) 11am – 7pm, and Rahway Train Station, 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays – Highlands, Huddy Park 9am – 2pm and Sundays – Red Bank in the Galleria parking lot 9am – 2pm. Buy fresh, buy local! Thank you for your support of our family’s farm!

ALL AROUND Matawan & Aberdeen

17 SEPTEMBER 2023

18

ALL AROUND Matawan & Aberdeen

SEPTEMBER 2023

ALL AROUND Matawan & Aberdeen

19 SEPTEMBER 2023