Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
As summer hits full swing, I’m excited to share some energetic updates from the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, starting with a warm welcome to our newest members.
Please join me in congratulating and supporting: Michael Saladino, 99 Elite, John Desien, Republic Services, Angelo Scialfa Shore District Advertising, Pedro Rivera, Antares Painting, and Michael Compton and Dana Goldfarb, Brightview Senior Living Holmdel. Each brings unique talents and services to our Chamber family, further enriching our vibrant local business community.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our upcoming After Hours Event at Bury the Hatchet on Monday, July 15th, generously sponsored by Vigor Dispensary. It’s sure to be a dynamic evening of networking, friendly competition, and community spirit.
Also, don’t miss our Networking Luncheon on Monday, July 29th at Hyderabad Spice. It’s a flavorful opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and share ideas over authentic cuisine.
Reflecting on recent events, we’re grateful to all who joined us at Patrizia’s of Matawan in May and The Burger Shop on June 24th.
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CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES
COMMUNITY AT ANNUAL MAC AWARDS & INSTALLATION DINNER
The Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce held its annual MAC Awards & Installation Dinner on June 12, 2025, at MJ’s Buttonwood Manor in Matawan. The evening brought together local and state leaders, Chamber members, and community supporters for a night of celebration, networking, and recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations. A standout moment of the evening was the Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award presented by President Michael Grandi to Mayor Fred Tagliarini, who is retiring after 16 years as Mayor of Aberdeen. In addition to this honor, Senator Vin Gopal presented the mayor with proclamations from the County of Mon-
mouth and the State of New Jersey, recognizing his dedicated service and impact on the community.
This year’s award recipients included Michael Giasi, NY Life - Chamber Ambassador of the Year; Matawan Aberdeen Public Library - Community Cornerstone Award; Court Jester of Aberdeen - Business of the Year; and Sal Longette, Town Tire Service – Philanthropic Impact Award. Maria Milazzo of Young at Art received the Spirit of Matawan Award, and David Shah of Dunkin’ was honored with the Spirit of Aberdeen Award. The Chamber also recognized legacy and milestone members for their long-standing commitment. Honorees included Barbara
Downs McNulty, Esq.; DaCosta Design; Matawan Lodge #192 F&AM; and Matawan Wellness Center – all celebrating 10 years. Fifteen-year members were An Eye to the Future, Court Jester of Aberdeen, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel. Amboy Bank and LoDrago Insurance Services marked 20 years, while Joan Roum of the Matawan-Aberdeen Hometown Shopper celebrated 35 years of membership. Recognition awards were presented to David Hernandez & Michael Grandi of Waitt Funeral Home for its 60th Anniversary, and Marc Spallino & Nicholas Taberna represented Meadowbrook Industries receiving a Centennial Celebration Award.
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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DONATES TO LOCAL FAMILY
The Hoffman Family would like to acknowledge the St. Joseph Council #3402 in Keyport for their generous donation to our Family. The money that they raised will
help our son Benjamin as he continues his treatments, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, to fight the tumor in his brain. Benjamin is a 12 year old boy who enjoys learning about Presidents, Astronomy, and of course his favorite animal, Sloths.
Throughout the five rounds of chemotherapy and the weekly OT and PT therapy sessions, he has continued to have a happy disposition and a wonderfully positive attitude. The next step is for him to receive six weeks of radiation therapy to fully eradicate the tumor. Ben is hopeful that he will be able to return to Matawan Aberdeen Middle School in the fall as a 7th grader. We are incredibly grateful for what the St. Joseph Council has done for our family.
Sincerely,
The Hoffman Family
INTERNATIONAL
New Jersey Day July 27
MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOE MESSAGE
As our community continues to grow, the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District (MARSD) is preparing for the future. The Board of Education recognizes the need for long-term planning to ensure we can continue providing a high-quality education for all students.
To guide this planning, the district retained an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive demographic study to project future student enrollment.
The findings, presented at the June 5th board meeting, confirmed what many in our community are already seeing: steady population growth that will impact our schools in the years ahead.
From 2010 to 2020, our towns grew at a rate well above neighboring districts. While overall populations in neighboring districts grew by 0.8% during that decade, our towns’ overall populations grew by 6.9%.
That trend is expected to continue, with a projected 4.2% increase in the district’s population from 2020 to 2030. Growth is anticipated to slow significantly after that, but in the near term, our elementary schools are likely to face capacity challenges.
To address these needs within our current school infrastructure, the district is explor-
ing two main options: redrawing elementary school boundaries or adjusting which grade levels are housed in each building.
As we develop solutions, community input will be essential. Our focus is on maintaining small class sizes, maximizing our resources, and supporting every student as a proud member of the MARSD community.
Planning discussions for the changing future needs of our district are already happening. Enjoy the rest of the summer in the knowledge that the district is actively and diligently working to best serve our students and our community. In addition, the Board remains committed to community engagement as we plan for the future.
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
Under my administration, we have significantly expanded services for our valued senior citizens, ensuring they remain active, engaged, and connected within our community. Recognizing seniors’ vital role in our lives, we’ve worked hard to create programs and spaces that reflect their importance and enhance their quality of life.
Our improved senior services now include many new classes and activities to promote physical health, mental wellness, and social engagement. Exercise classes tailored to all mobility levels are now offered several times a week, providing seniors with safe, guided ways to stay active. For those seeking entertainment we’ve introduced group outings to local theaters, concerts, and museums, making cultural experiences more accessible and enjoyable. We’ve added new recreational activities such as ping pong, games and workshops to enhance our daily offerings further. These additions have been met with great en-
thusiasm and foster camaraderie and fun. We’ve also made meaningful investments in upgrading our facilities to improve accessibility, comfort, and overall experience.
We’ve actively solicited feedback from our senior residents to shape these offerings and will continue to do so as needs evolve. Our seniors are a treasured part of our community, and we are proud to support them with services that honor their contributions and celebrate their ongoing involvement. For more information about programs or upcoming activities, please visit www. matawanborough.com or contact Cathy, our community engagement coordinator
Warm Regards, Mayor Altomonte
FIND YOUR Y!
Learn about rewarding careers in child care, counseling, membership, fitness, wellness, sports, and aquatics. YMCA of the Jersey Shore is recognized as a 2022-2025 NJ and 2025 USA Top Workplace for our positive culture and dedicated employees.
SUMMER SUCCESS ON THE SAT
By Paul Pscolka
Now that school is out, many students will take advantage of their extra time to prepare for the SAT. At Ivy Masters, we are stoked to be serving so many students in preparation for the August and September SATs. That said, I would like to present you with some pointers on how to best prepare on your own or, if you are already preparing with us or with another company, how to best supplement what you are already doing.
1)If you are preparing for the tests with a test prep company or preparing on your own, you can build your foundation, practice medium-level questions, or work on advanced concepts in any of 4 different math categories or 3 different reading/writing categories on https://www. khanacademy.org/test-prep/digital-sat
2) Practice in pencil. Go over and take notes on any questions you have wrong in red—ideally a red erasable pen. This will make it easy for you to distinguish the work you’ve done and what you must study to improve.
3) Once you study what is needed to
improve, redo the questions you had wrong without looking at your notes. Anything you have wrong again should be studied further until you can get it correct without looking. Repeat until you can get all the questions correct. Make this cumulative practice. This is easy to do with the linear tests. For the digital tests, find a PDF.
4) Find and complete extra drills that focus on your weakness. Work backwards from the answer choices to any questions you had incorrect. See if you can figure out where you went wrong. Make sure you can get these question correct without looking at your notes.
5) If you are not, and do not plan to prepare with a company, do the tests on the Bluebook App. If you are a low scorer, begin with the PSAT 8/9 (1 linear and 2 digital tests), then the PSAT/NMSQT (1 linear and 2 digital tests) before taking the SAT (10 linear and 10 digital tests). After you complete each digital test, click on the Practice Specific Questions link. The College Board’s question bank algorithm will give you questions like the ones you answered incorrectly when you took the test. Would you like further advice? Book me for a free 15-minute consultation: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
As the school year ends, we proudly celebrate all of Matawan’s graduating students— from our high school seniors preparing to take their next big steps to our 8th graders moving up to high school and all those participating in moving-up ceremonies across our elementary schools. These milestones result from years of hard work, dedication, and resilience by our students, families, and educators. Congratulations to every one of you!
To our high school graduates: your journey is just beginning. Whether you’re heading to college, entering the workforce, joining the military, or exploring new paths, we are proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next. To our middle and elementary school students moving up: keep striving, keep learning, and know that your community is behind you every step of the way. Now, it’s time to celebrate and enjoy a well-deserved summer break! There’s
so much to look forward to in Matawan this season. Join us for our Summer Concert Series and Movie Nights, known as Family Night Under the Stars, Shark Tours offered by the Historical Society on July 12 or the viewing of the film Jaws as part of the 50th anniversary on July 18th. or enjoy Lake Lefferts by fishing, kayaking or enjoying the view.
Have a safe, joyful, and relaxing summer. You’ve earned it, and we can’t wait to see all the great things the next school year will bring!
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
MAYOR FRED TAGLIARINI HONORED WITH CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD AT MAC AWARDS DINNER
The Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual MAC Awards & Board Installation Dinner on June 12 at MJ’s at Buttonwood Manor, bringing together local leaders, business owners, and public officials for an evening of celebration, reflection, and recognition. While the event highlighted the accomplishments of numerous local businesses and welcomed the Chamber’s incoming Board of Directors, one of the most memorable moments of the night was the presentation of the Chamber President’s Special Recognition Award to Mayor Fred Tagliarini. The award was
presented by Chamber President Michael Grandi and State Senator Vin Gopal in honor of Mayor Fred’s 16 years of dedicated public service and unwavering support for the local business community.
Joined by his wife Donna, their children, Township Council members, and municipal employees, Mayor Tagliarini became emotional as he took the stage to accept the honor. “This community has given me everything,” he said. “It’s where we raised our family, where I’ve had the chance to serve, and where I’ve made some of the most meaningful connections of my life. I’m deeply grateful.”
The recognition was first proposed by Grandi earlier this year during the grand opening of PickleballHQ, when he learned the mayor would be retiring at the end of 2025. Mayor Tagliarini accepted the invitation with humility and gratitude.
In addition to the Chamber’s honor, the mayor received a Joint Legislative Resolution from the NJ Senate and General Assembly, co-sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywomen Lisa Swain and Victoria Flynn. The resolution celebrated Mayor Tagliarini’s exemplary leadership, his com-
mitment to bipartisanship, and his role in shaping key projects, including the creation of Aberdeen’s first county park and the restoration of Cliffwood Beach’s coastline to protect against erosion and flooding.
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners also presented the mayor with a Certificate of Recognition and proclaimed June 12, 2025, as “Mayor Fred Tagliarini Day” in honor of his legacy of public service.
A longtime Aberdeen resident, Mayor Tagliarini has called the township home since 1987. Before holding office, he volunteered extensively with youth sports, civic groups, and nonprofit organiza-
tions, even earning the title of Aberdeen’s Citizen of the Year in 2000. First elected in 2010, he has since served four terms as mayor, becoming a deeply respected leader in both local and state circles.
As the evening continued with awards for outstanding businesses and the formal installation of the Chamber’s new Board of Directors, the atmosphere remained celebratory, a fitting backdrop for a mayor whose leadership has left a lasting imprint on the community. “I may be stepping down,” Tagliarini said, “but I’ll never stop being part of Aberdeen. This is my home and always will be.”
MARK BISHOP MARK BISHOP
ABERDEEN TOGETHER
A small business owner, husband, and father of two who has lived in and around the atawan-
Aberdeen area his entire life, ark Bishop is
ready t
to bring
real accountability, honesty, and communitydriven leadership to Aberdeen
COMMUNITY DRIVEN COMMUNITY DRIVEN
Live streaming all meetings.
More public discussion and town halls
Open up process so more residents can
serve on community boards such as
Zoning & Planning
Social media advertising and community orums or ma or issues
Working hand in hand with Board o
Education and other governmental entities
Respecting residents' opinions
LAUREN RAMOS LAUREN RAMOS
A dedicated mom of three, auren has been a proud resident of Aberdeen since 2006. he's a local real estate professional as well as a medical office manager for two very busy successful surgical practices. aving raised her children in the community, she is deepl
MICHAEL LACORTE MICHAEL LACORTE
Review all budget lines every year
to ensure programs are still bene itting residents
Commit to staying within tax cap to keep rates predictable
Prioritize economic growth which
will create more local ob
opportunities & more revenue or
important programs
Work with our local business community to re establish an economic business council
Making sensible upgrades to the town
while preserving our suburban character and open space
Smart development that its our community and bene its our residents
Negotiating any uture developments to contribute to education and recreation
Ensure our BOE has a seat at the table or all uture development negotiations
Take immediate action to ix unsa e intersections
Community meetings with CP&L and others to resolve in rastructure issues within town.
CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!
We hope you’re enjoying your summer so far! Just a reminder that the Library will be closed on Friday, July 4th, our 9am-1pm summer Saturday hours start on July 5th, and then we go back to 9am-5pm on September 6th. We are open on Sundays from 12-5pm year-round. Check out a sampling of some of our amazing summer programs (full schedule and details can be found at mapl.org – some programs require registration): FOR KIDS:
Half-way Party 7/19 for all ages! Our summer reading program has nearly reached its halfway point! We have been having a fabulous time as we continue to celebrate our theme, “Color Our World!” The halfway celebration will be an art extravaganza! We will have lots of fun activities, including bracelet making, model magic sculpting, and more! Make sure to come by and add your artistic flair to the fun!
FOR TEENS:
Teen Lock-in: Christmas in July on 7/18 for teens entering grades 6-12. Join us after
hours for some pizza and Christmasy fun! We will watch a few Christmas movies, try our hand at Christmas trivia, and play a fantastic holiday game. We will end the night with some Grinch-approved treats!
FOR ADULTS:
For all of our crafters… don’t miss these fun events! On 7/16, Shell Art with Megan T; on 7/18, Summer Craft on the go for Adults; on 7/24, Alcohol Ink Adventures. Don’t forget about our electronic resources – available 24/7 and free to MAPL cardholders! You can get ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, newspapers, magazines, language learning, genealogy, craft classes, and so much more online! Check out all of our offerings at www.mapl.events.mylibrary.digital/ Need more information about any of the above? Give us a call at 732583-9100, 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!
Happy summer!
Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
MATAWAN HOSTS FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
By Cathy Zavorskas, Dir of Community Engagement
This summer, the Matawan Borough Recreation Commission invites residents to enjoy two exciting Friday night movie events under the stars at Terhune Park. These community movie nights will take place on July 18 and July 25, with screenings beginning at 7:00 PM on a giant LED screen.
Kicking off the series on Friday, July 18, is the classic thriller JAWS, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The film, known
for sparking the nation’s fascination with sharks, has a unique local connection. Before the movie, the Matawan Historical Society will present a brief introduction about the uncanny ties between JAWS and the infamous 1916 shark attacks that occurred right in Matawan Creek — an event believed to have inspired the film. The following Friday, July 25, brings family-friendly fun with Moana 2, the popular
sequel to the Disney favorite. Viewers of all ages can join in this heartwarming ocean adventure and enjoy a relaxing summer evening with family and friends. Both movie nights are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating comfort. A limited number of tables and chairs will be available for those who want to eat dinner there. Feel free to bring your own or order takeout from Matawan’s local restaurants. During the Moana 2 screening, Cub Scout Pack
66 will also be offering snacks for sale. With community spirit, historical storytelling, and cinematic fun, these events promise to be memorable highlights of the summer season. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the movies, history, and outdoor entertainment in one of Matawan’s favorite parks. For updates or in case of inclement weather, visit the Matawan Borough website – matawanborough.com or social media pages – FB: Borough of Matawan or Instagram @MatawanBorough.
CHAMBER ANNUAL MAC AWARDS & INSTALLATION DINNER
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A surprise award was presented to Cathy Zavorskas, the event’s Master of Ceremonies, in recognition of her many years of unwavering dedication and service to the Chamber as a member, President, and Past President. The evening also included the formal
installation of the Chamber’s 2025 Executive Board. Mayor Fred Tagliarini installed Michael Grandi as President; Alan Ao and Matthew Saldutti as Co-Vice Presidents; Barbara Downs McNulty as Secretary; and Kimberly Paone as Treasurer. Mayor Joseph Altomonte of Matawan installed new Board Members Ervis Bida, Michael Cline, Tanya Jones-Awolusi, Kevin Moran,
and Marina Plantz. These individuals will join returning Board Members, Erika Boyer and Lindsay Constantino. The Chamber extends sincere thanks to its sponsors: Waitt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Aberdeen Together, Restore Matawan & Aberdeen Forward, Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, and the Vin Gopal Civic Association. Media sponsors included Mic Squared Events who provided the entertainment and Greyshore Studios provided photography services. Special appreciation goes to the Events
Committee - Linda Martin, Caitlin Zavorskas, and Cathy Zavorskas for their time and effort in planning this memorable event and the Event Team, Lindsay Constantino and Donna Delgrosso whose assistance helped make the evening a success. The Chamber thanks everyone who generously donated door prizes and all the attendees who made the night truly special! photo credit to Greyshore Studios Event photos are available at www.macocnj.com.
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY AT REFORMED CHURCH HOME
Father’s Day is a cherished occasion to honor the love, guidance, and enduring presence of fathers, grandfathers, and paternal figures. At Reformed Church Home, the day was celebrated with joy, reflection, and connection—bringing together residents, staff, and families for a series of uplifting activities that honored both legacy and community.
Antique Car Show: A Journey Through Time
The festivities began with an eye-catching antique car show, where classic vehicles from decades past lined the parking lot. Residents and guests admired the craftsmanship and beauty of each automobile, sharing stories sparked by the familiar curves and chrome of days gone by. The event stirred fond memories and meaningful conversations—an ideal start to the day that celebrated tradition, legacy, and the timeless bonds of fatherhood.
Father’s Day Worship Service: Honoring Faith and Family
The heart of the day was a special worship service led by Reformed Church clergy. With hymns, prayers, and reflections, the service offered a space to honor the spiritual and moral influence of fathers and
paternal figures. It was a time of reverence and gratitude—reminding all present of the faith-filled love and steady presence that guide us through life.
A Day to Remember and Cherish Father’s Day at Reformed Church Home was a beautiful blend of celebration, remembrance, and togetherness. Every moment—from the classic cars to the moving worship—was thoughtfully created to honor the fathers and father-figures in our lives.
As the day came to a close, the smiles, stories, and shared gratitude lingered— reminding us that family, faith, and community are gifts to treasure not just on special days, but every day.
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A special thanks to Mic Squared Events for adding extra fun to the Burger Shop with fantastic photo opportunities. Stay Tuned for an updated date for the Car show due to postponement for rain.
The Chamber continues to thrive because of strong members and an engaged, active, community. Great things happen when we come together.
