CHAMBER CONNECT
Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
In a historic first for the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, President Michael V. Grandi delivered a presentation to the Aberdeen Township Mayor and Town Council at their regular meeting. Grandi, a 24-year Chamber member who has served as board member, treasurer, and now president, highlighted the Chamber’s progress, initiatives, and future goals. Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration, Grandi emphasized that 2025 has brought new energy to the Chamber with a renewed board and committees, leading to greater collaboration. With 198 member businesses, the Chamber’s leadership team, including Vice Presidents Alan Ao and Matthew Saldutti, and Chamber Director Linda Martin, who were present, has worked to align committees for maximum impact. Key committees for the chamber are Events, Membership, Finance, Marketing, and social media are now working more closely together to enhance the Chamber’s mission.
Building Business and Community Engagement, One of the Chamber’s key roles is integrating new businesses into the community through ribbon-cutting ceremonies in
Continue on page 14
RUNNING SAVED MY LIFE
By David Lee Hernandez Jr
I can still picture that day in February 2017, just after the birth of my daughter. Our family of five was outside enjoying an unusually warm winter day, playing in the backyard. As I chased my children around, I quickly became out of breath. In that moment, I realized I needed to
get in shape for my family’s sake.
Around that time, a friend urged me to join a gym. Initially, my attempts to get fit were met with soreness, but I persisted. Balancing work, family, and fitness became a juggling act. To reclaim my time, I started waking up at 5 AM to hit the gym before anyone else was awake. It was a decision that changed everything. I found a community of motivated individuals who also prioritized their health during those early hours. Together, we encouraged one another, transforming our fitness journeys. I focused on cutting junk food from my diet, and as the weight melted away, my confidence soared. My gym became a second home, a place where I formed friendships and tackled fitness challenges I had once
deemed impossible, including running races across the country.
Running was never my strong suit, but I adopted a new mentality: “If I don’t like it, I need to learn to love it.” With guidance from Anthony Kapasakis, the owner of SETS, I began heart rate training. This method helped me understand my body better and optimize my workouts. Over the years, I’ve run hundreds of races, including the New York City Marathon, and even helped create the Old Bridge Township 5K. However, in October 2024, my life took an unexpected turn. While hunting with my daughters, I felt strange symptoms— an elevated heart rate and jaw pain—after a short run to retrieve my gear. Dismissing it as nothing serious, I pushed through, but
Continue on page 5
THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER FOR AN AMAZING CAUSE
Benjamin Hoffman, a young Matawan boy, was diagnosed with brain cancer just before his 12th birthday. The Matawan Aberdeen School District held a gift card drive for the family and gift cards
were purchased and dropped off at the district’s 7 schools. This community did not stop there. Many local restaurants such as Attilio’s Pizzeria, Esposito’s, Es Burrito’s, Patrizia’s of Matawan,
DeBari’s, Melinda’s Meat Market, just to name a few, generously gave donations to help the family.
On March 12, The Burger Shop of Matawan, together with the Dorata Family and My Fairytale Dream came together to organize a fundraiser for him and his family.
The Burger Shop generously offered to donate 20 percent of all sales. The many teenagers and staff who work there, offered to donate 20 percent of their tips as well. There was even a surprise guest who arrived for some pictures with many of the children!
Continue on page 12
A MESSAGE FROM THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education is working to finalize the ‘25-’26 budget. We are required by law to provide a “thorough and efficient education” for every student in our district - while also operating under a balanced budget. The district budget is similar to your household budget in many ways. We allocate spending based on three things: 1) what we know, such as staff benefits and salaries, 2) what we can predict, like student enrollment and special services needs and 3) unpredictable expenses such as substitute staff requirements, emergency repairs and out of district placements.
To minimize placing students out-ofdistrict to receive the specialized services they need, we are fortunate to have a state-funded, full-time preschool program. This program allows the opportunity for early learning, early identification, and importantly, early interventionshould students need additional support. In staffing, we have the fewest number of Central Office administrator positions in years. To remain competitive with our teaching staff benefits and salaries, the starting salary next year is $58.5k. Nearly 62% of our certificated teaching staff earns more than $80k annually. One
of our challenges is substitute coverage. With the number of staff and the PTO days they are entitled to, so far the district has covered over 4,000 requests for substitutes in all areas across all buildings. The district is always looking for ways to decrease costs in ways that don’t impact students, AND find sources of revenue. Smaller school districts pay our district for services through our business office. One example is payroll services. These shared services agreements bring in $400k in revenue to our district annually. As the district finalizes the ‘25-’26 budget, our priority remains providing a high-quality education while maintaining financial responsibility.
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
I am thrilled to announce that the long-awaited Aberdeen Road project is on track to be completed ahead of schedule by late summer! This
the Lake Lefferts dam, which will happen shortly after Aberdeen Road opens. The dam repair project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. While we will share additional details as we finalize plans, I want to assure everyone that access to the lake will remain open throughout
MATAWAN LOVES ITS HISTORY
Steven Russell, Councilman
It was heartwarming on March 9th to discover such excitement about Matawan history. Over 60 people attended the Reawakening the Burrowes Mansion Piano concert. We had to seat people in three different rooms and ran out of chairs. Luckily I had set up for video transmission into one of the other rooms where people could easily hear, but only see the action on the screen. The 1914 Wason piano, built in Matawan, is most definitely awake and ready for more. Special thanks to the Matawan Historical Society for keeping this musical part of Matawan’s history, and to Councilman Arlan Feiles for tuning it and doing several repairs to get the piano in good playing condition. There will be more events using the piano in the future. The Mansion will soon be undergoing a much-needed electrical upgrade, so if you’ve not been on a tour recently, make sure to get there soon. The Historical Society will have their 2nd Annual Rummage Sale and Fundraiser on Saturday, May 10, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the
Burrowes Mansion Museum. They will be collecting donated items for the sale every Sunday from 5-6 PM at the Mansion. Put the Shark Tour on your calendar. This is a great event where you will learn much about the 1916 Matawan Shark Attack in Matawan Creek. It will be on Saturday, July 12th. Check the Historical Society webpage or Facebook page for more information. We wait with great anticipation for the reopening of Aberdeen Road sometime later this summer, as it is being raised with a new bridge over Matwan Creek. This is the site of the Shark Mural, and very near the location of the 1916 attacks. The Borough of Matawan Council passed a resolution ceremoniously naming the road and bridge the Fisher-Stillwell Memorial Bridge and Road, in honor of the two victims of the attack, Stanley Fisher and Lester Stillwell. Look for information about a ceremony for this sometime in July or August.
Steven Russell, Councilman Borough of Matawan
GET READY FOR MATAWAN BOROUGH’S TOWN WIDE YARD SALE
By Cathy Zavorskas, Director of Community Engagement
What’s synonymous with spring cleaning in Matawan Borough? The Annual Matawan Borough Town Wide Yard Sale! It’s the perfect opportunity to declutter your closets, attic, and basement. Now in its 6th year, this popular event will take place on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (rain date: Sunday, May 4th).
This year, we’re introducing an exciting new option! Registered participants can choose to set up at the Borough’s municipal building parking lot, located at 201 Broad Street. Simply drive up, claim a parking space, unload your items, and start selling. While this requires transporting your items to a different location, those who choose this setup will also have the option to donate any unsold goods to the Matawan Historical Society. No need to pack up items you didn’t sell—MHS representatives will be on-site to collect donations and provide a 501(c)(3) receipt.
We especially encourage residents on busy roads, cul-de-sacs, or more isolated streets to consider this option. If enough people sign up for
the Broad Street lot, we’ll include it on the event map and participant list. Additionally, we’ve adjusted the event hours to match the peak times when bargain hunters are out and about. To register for the 6th Annual Matawan Borough Town Wide Yard Sale, visit our website at matawanborough.com and sign up through the Recreation section. A $5 registration fee is required to secure your spot on the participant map and list. Registration is open to Matawan Borough residents until Monday, April 28th. We’re excited for another successful event and look forward to seeing you there!
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
I am pleased to announce that the courts have upheld the denial of a proposed 24/7 gas station and convenience store at Broad Street (Route 79) and Route 516 (Main Street). This decision reaffirms the Borough’s commitment to responsible development that aligns with our community’s values and long-term vision.
After extensive public input, the Matawan Planning & Zoning Board carefully reviewed the application and voted 6-1 to deny the zoning variance. Residents voiced concerns about traffic, safety, and the impact on our historic town. This ruling validates our efforts to protect Matawan’s integrity and quality of life.
As Chair of the Economic Development, Business & Redevelopment Commission, I am proud of the thorough review given to this project and the advocacy of our residents. Mayor Altomonte and the administration have worked tirelessly to ensure growth reflects the best interests of our community.
We remain committed to thoughtful development that enhances Main Street, respects surrounding neighborhoods—including Mount Pleasant Cemetery—and preserves Matawan’s small-town charm.
Thank you to the residents who attended meetings, spoke out, and engaged in this process. Your voices made a difference. Matawan will stand firm against projects that do not align with our town’s best interests while supporting responsible growth.
RUNNING SAVED MY LIFE
By David Lee Hernandez Jr
Continued from page 1
the feelings lingered. After training and logging numerous hours and miles with heart rate training, I knew something was amiss. After consulting with a friend at Old Bridge Medical Center, I was advised to see a cardiologist. To my shock, I was told I would have surgery the very next day. The news was sobering. Fortunately, I had the time to seek medical help. After, I learned I had a 90% blockage in the LAD artery, known as the Windowmaker. I had always considered myself healthy and fit, yet here I was, 42 with a heart condition. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that significant life changes stem from small, decisive steps. The birth of my daughter, the warm day outside, the support from friends and Anthony, and the choice to prioritize my health all led me to this moment.
As I close, I think of a dear friend and avid runner who faced terminal cancer. During our last visit, he reminded me of the importance of running and living fully, saying, “There will be a day when you cannot run. Today isn’t that day.”
This April 26th, Old Bridge Township will host its Annual Run for Heroes 5K. Perhaps this is the small decision you need to start your own journey
to health. Running may very well save your life. Make that choice today.
Full article on www. issuu.com/anthony-allaroundob-com/ docs/all_around_old_ bridge-_april_2025
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
DEPUTY MAYOR MONTONE MESSAGE
Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone
Aberdeen Township is proud to announce an important expansion of services that will directly benefit homeowners and businesses in our community. Starting this month, the Aberdeen Construction Department will now offer Saturday hours for Building, Electric, and Plumbing inspections. For many residents juggling work and personal responsibilities, finding time to schedule inspections during the week can be a challenge. Recognizing this need, we have taken proactive steps to ensure Aberdeen remains a town that puts its residents first. With this new initiative, homeowners and contractors can now access Building and Electric inspections on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Plumbing inspections from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This expansion comes at the perfect time as homeowners and businesses begin tackling summer projects, from home renovations to deck installations, pool
setups, and new construction. With these new Saturday hours, residents won’t have to take time off work or shuffle their weekday schedules, they can keep their projects moving at a time that works for them.
If you have an existing permit submitted with the department, scheduling your Saturday appointment is easy. Residents and contractors can contact Paula Ramsay, Director of Planning & Zoning, Technical Assistant, and Zoning Officer at Paula.Ramsay@aberdeennj.org to set up their inspections.
We know that time is valuable, and this improvement is just one of many ways we are working to streamline services and reduce red tape for our residents. Aberdeen is moving forward, and we are excited to provide more flexibility, efficiency, and accessibility for all who call this town home, especially as we head into a busy season of home and business improvements.
Sincerely,
Margaret Montone Deputy Mayor, Aberdeen Township
BridgeLife Thrift is a wholly owned, single member LLC of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ with all proceeds supporting Bridge Women’s Center, and Calvary Christian School.
MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE
As your Mayor, I want to take a moment to talk about why recycling matters and how we’re making it as easy as possible for you to do your part. Recycling isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about protecting our environment, preserving resources, and keeping Aberdeen a cleaner, greener place for everyone. Our goal is to make sure every resident has the tools and information needed to recycle with ease. Recycling in Aberdeen is simple, and we’re here to help. The Department of Public Works and Town Hall are committed to making sure every household has what it needs to recycle properly. If you don’t have a green recycling bin, we’ll give you one for free. Just call Town Hall at 732-583-4200 to request yours. Aberdeen follows a single-stream recycling system, which means there’s no need to sort. Paper, cardboard, plastic containers labeled #1 and #2, glass, and metal all go in the same bin. However, some things should never go in your recycling, like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and greasy food containers, since they
can contaminate the process and cause entire loads to be discarded. Recycling pickup alternates between Section I and Section II, so be sure to check the schedule. You can also download the Recycle Coach app to stay updated on collection days, guidelines, and other helpful info. Every year, we submit a tonnage report to the State of New Jersey. The more we recycle as a community, the more funding we receive to improve and expand our programs. So when you take a moment to recycle properly, you’re not just helping the environment, you’re directly supporting the services we provide to Aberdeen. Let’s work together to keep our town clean and green. Thanks for doing your part!
Mayor Fred Tagliarini Township of Aberdeen
Hors D’oeuvres - AppetizersSalads - Party Subs - Cold & Hot Buffests - Sandwich Trays - SidesDesserts
Order Now Scan To See Our Deli Menu
Monday-Wednesday 9am-5pmThursday-Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 9am-4pm
(min.
Choice of Chicken Cacciatore, Sausage Peppers & Onions, Eggplant Rollatini, Stuffed Shells, Chicken Francaise, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Sliced Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, Barbeque Ribs, Pepper Steak, Tortellini with SunDried Tomato Cream Sauce & Much More!
Free Cookie Tray.
COLD BUFFET
$1400 per person (min. 20 People)
Beautifully arranged trays of the finest Cold Cuts and Cheeses. Choice of four Meats & one Cheese. Plus Fresh Baked Rolls, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, & Macaroni Salad, Pickles & Olives, Mustard & Mayonnaise.
CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!
Spring is here and everything old is new again – at your public library!
We have recently installed new computers for the public in our Reference room, we are working on a new (and improved) website [coming soon to mapl.org!], and we are in the process of visiting all of our district schools to register teachers for new library cards so they can share our resources with their students.
April is full of fun programs and activities!
This year, National Library Week is April 6th – 12th! Since our Winter Reading Challenge was such a success in the Youth Services Department earlier this year, we have decided to host a Library Week Reading Challenge for ALL AGES! All you need to do is read, read, read and you will get a raffle ticket for each hour read during the week. Look for more details on our website and on social media.
For kids, we have a special Springtime Scavenger Hunt in the children’s room during spring break (April 14-17) along with all of our regular programs. We also have two mid-week Stuffed
Animal Workshops on 4/30 at 4:20pm and 6:30pm (registration is required).
For teens, we have a Teen Yoga Class just for you on April 28th at 7pm (registration required) and all month long we’ll be accepting letters for Operation Gratitude (due by April 29th).
For adults, we have an interesting Zoom program on Gut Health on April 16th at 7pm, and we will be hosting our 4th Annual Craft Swap on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th. 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. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!
We’re looking forward to seeing you soon! Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD YOU TAKE THE SAT?
By Paul Pscolka
With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, students wonder how many times they should take the SAT. While students can take the SAT as many times as they want, it is best to take it two to three times. Studies show that most students increase their score on a second attempt, especially if they focus on targeted preparation. 80% of colleges "superscore"—they consider the highest section scores from multiple tests.
However, according to College Board data, improvements plateau after three attempts. Ideally, a student is “one and done.” That said, when the student takes that test depends entirely on the student’s classes, grades, and PSAT score. The earliest I recommend a student take a test is August before junior year. I only do so when the student has stellar PSAT scores, has finished algebra 2, and has a crazy-busy junior year. The August (or September) SAT is an opportunity for the student to prepare
for the test over the summer without the pressures of the school year. A student on this trajectory can take the test in August, September, and (if needed) October. Alternatively, if a student has a below average PSAT score and/or has algebra 2 or lower in junior year, I do not recommend that student test before the March SAT. In this case, the student can test in March, May, and June (if needed) and still be the first out of the gate when applying early. If a student applies regular decision, that student can test as late as October, November, and sometimes even December of senior year. It is better to prepare for consecutive tests than to spread prep out. It is best to stop after three attempts unless a student can achieve a major increase. Students should focus on crafting a strong overall college application. While retaking the SAT can be beneficial, students should balance test preparation with other academic and extracurricular commitments to present the strongest possible college application. Need a sense of direction? Book me for a free 15-minute consultation: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER FOR AN AMAZING CAUSE
Continued from page 1
Brandy from My Fairytale Dream accompanied, the one and only, Minnie Mouse to make the event that much more special. There were over 500 orders placed online, by phone, and in store!
Although the Burger Shop was fully staffed and stocked, no one could have ever imagined quite how big the turnout would be!
From 3pm until after closing orders were constantly coming in and being fulfilled as quickly as possible. Since they did not want to turn away any orders,
there did end up being a long wait at times for those order to be fulfilled.
They also offered some patrons the option of coming back the next day for their order if they could not wait as long as it was going to take due to the high volume of orders and then extended it through Friday.
Many people may have been upset waiting so long. this community showed how strong they are when they come together for one of their own. They waited, they laughed, shared stories, some even made new friends in the crowd.
The amount of children who came out to support this cause with their families, even if they didn’t personally know him, was heartwarming. Police officers from both the Matawan and Aberdeen Police departments, a church pastor, people from other neighboring towns, young and old, showed what it truly means to be a “community” and to come together to make a difference.
We all wish nothing but the best for this family during this challenging time and hope it brings comfort to know you have an army of people supporting you!
A DAY FULL OF EASTER FUN!
Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time for sunshine, laughter, and—of course—an epic Easter Egg Hunt! If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season, Reformed Church Home’s Easter Extravaganza is the place to be on April 5, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM in Old Bridge, NJ. This isn’t just an egg hunt, it’s a full-on Easter celebration, packed with activities, music, food, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re bringing little ones to collect eggs, catching up with neighbors, or just looking for a great way to spend a Saturday, this event has something for everyone.
A Day Full of Easter Fun
• The Ultimate Egg Hunt – Picture this: kids racing across the lawn, baskets in hand, scooping up colorful eggs filled with surprises. It’s a classic tradition that never gets old!
• Games & Prizes – Test your skills, have some laughs, and win some awesome prizes while you’re at it.
• Easter Crafts – Get creative with some hands-on activities that make for the perfect keepsake.
• Live DJ & Music – What’s a party without great music? Our DJ will keep the vibes high with festive tunes.
• Local Vendors – Browse through a variety of vendors offering unique goodies and treats.
• Snacks & Refreshments –Because all that fun works up an appetite, we’ll have plenty of tasty bites to keep you going.
CHAMBER CONNECT
Continued from page 1
collaboration with the towns administration. Grandi also noted the success of the first-ever Board of Directors Kickoff Party and Brainstorming Session, which reinforced the Chamber’s commitment to: Establishing and demonstrating value, promote Advocacy for the businesses, Community engagement, Economic growth and sustainability, Strengthening business relations, and Implementing metrics and accountability. Grandi also highlighted the importance of Business development in partnership with the township, which Alan Ao reflected on in a prepared speech as both a board member and local business he is opening in town. In recognizing Leadership and Commitment, looking ahead, the Chamber will host its Awards and Installation Dinner on June 12, 2025, where notable community members will be honored, specifically Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, who will receive the President’s Special Recognition Award, while the Spirit of Aberdeen Award will be selected by the Mayor and Town Council. In his closing remarks, Grandi underscored the importance of continued support for local businesses, noting that the Chamber’s success relies on strong partnerships. He urged the Township Council to encour-
age larger businesses to engage with and support the local business community, emphasizing the mutual benefits, including: Enhanced visibility through Chamber promotions, Networking opportunities, Advocacy efforts via membership in the NJ Chamber Alliance, Access to grants, legislation updates, and resources from NJBAC, the NJ Chamber of Commerce, the US Chamber of Commerce, and SBDCNJ at Brookdale Community College.
A recent example of this advocacy is free assistance for businesses in preparing documentation for the Corporate Transparency Act, ensuring local businesses remain compliant with new federal regulations. Grandi’s address marked a milestone in the Chamber’s 57-year history and set the stage for stronger ties between the business community and township leadership. With a renewed focus on collaboration, advocacy, and economic development, the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce is positioning itself as a key driver of local prosperity. For more information on joining or supporting the Chamber, visit www.macocnj.org
