CHAMBER CONNECT
Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
I am pleased to share some exciting updates from the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce as we continue to grow and strengthen our business community. Please join me in welcoming our newest members: Bury the Hatchet –Ben Bingert, General Manager; Gary Dixon, Regional Manager; Heidi Neufeld, COO, Caring for Angels Home Care – Johanna Chicaiza, BSN, RN and ReMax First – John DeStefano. We are thrilled to have you as part of our Chamber and look forward to supporting your success! In February we had our Networking Luncheon at Ginkaku Japanese Bistro, sponsored by Thomas Vastardis, CPA which was a fantastic opportunity to connect over lunch and gain valuable insights from a local financial expert. We also had Our Annual Bowling Event at AMF Strathmore Lanes. This fun-filled evening did not only bring our community together but also contributed net proceeds to the MACOC Scholarship Fund. Our upcoming Networking Luncheon will be March 4, 2025 at Cugini’s Pizzeria, Middletown, sponsored by David Nathan, owner & principal of Waypoint Legal. Join us
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THANK YOU PTL. JEFF GRIFFITH FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE
On Friday January 31st,2025,, Ptl. Jeff Griffith #64 arrived at the Aberdeen Municipal Building,
for his last shift. Jeff first served his country in the US Navy, and then moved on to serve the residents
of Aberdeen Township in 1998. Jeff started with the department as a Police Dispatcher, and one year later, became a sworn officer. Jeff continued to serve the residents of Aberdeen Township for the next 25 years. Jeff would play critical roles in firearms training, crisis negotiation, and juvenile anti-drug education.
Jeff’s last assignment was as the department’s School Resource Officer, working in the schools throughout the Aberdeen school district. Thank you for your service, Ptl. Griffith, and best of luck on the road ahead of you.
SENIOR PROGRAMS COMING TO THE MATAWAN MUNICIPAL CENTER!
The Matawan Borough Recreation Commission is thrilled to announce the expansion of activities, programs, and clubs for Matawan senior citizens aged 55 and older. This exciting initiative is designed to provide new opportunities for engagement, learning, fitness, and social interaction right here in our community. To ensure you’re among the
first to hear about all the new offerings, we are asking seniors to share their contact information with us. If you would like to be added to our list, please send your name, address, phone number, and email address to Recreation@matawanborough.com.
In mid-March, we’ll be hosting an information session at the Matawan Municipal Center to
introduce all the exciting programs available, including details on registration, schedules, and how to get involved. This is a great opportunity for you to learn about the variety of activities and programs available, from fitness classes and recreational clubs to arts and crafts, all tailored for senior citizens.
We’re eager to help you stay active, connected, and engaged with our community. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover everything we have planned for the upcoming months! Please be sure to submit your contact information so we can keep you informed.
We look forward to seeing you at our information session in March and welcoming you to our expanded senior programs at the Matawan Municipal Center!
A MESSAGE FROM THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board members are charged with two essential school tasks: setting policy and approving the budget. We are working consistently on both now. Our systematic approach to reviewing policies entails making sure each is in line with modern times while continuing to protect our students and staff. A sample of those we are reviewing includes student attendance and assessments. We are also focusing on a new policy to guide the rise in artificial intelligence-powered apps and platforms, and how teachers and students can use AI ethically, safely, and appropriately in classrooms. This is a crucial time of year for school budgets. We’re working closely with the administration to find ways to manage costs that will not affect our students. With staff salaries and benefits amounting to 85% of our overall budget, and costs always rising, it’s challenging to find ways to save money. Our adoption and filing of the tentative budget is due to Monmouth County on March 19th. We are grateful that our schools remain secure. Because school safety is imperative and a district-led commitment, the Board has approved a private security
contract for services from the Praetorian Agency. This effort is funded by state aid that is earmarked for security. Officers started on 2/14/25. Working in tandem with our Matawan and Aberdeen police departments, this partnership has added one school security officer at MAMS, one officer shared between Lloyd Road and Strathmore, and one officer shared between Cliffwood and Ravine Drive. Our School Resource Officer is an Aberdeen PD officer stationed at MRHS. All Praetorian Agency officers are trained by the NJ State Police. They are building connections with our students and staff, and are offering training such as CPR and AED.
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
I am proud to announce an important initiative to preserve the woods near the Presbyterian Church, protecting this valuable natural space from development. This property, which backs up to the lake, is a cherished part of our community, and ensuring its protection aligns with our commitment to balancing smart development with maintaining open space whenever possible. This effort has been strongly supported by the public, and I am grateful for the collaboration between my administration and the Monmouth County Parks system. Through this partnership, Monmouth County will cover 75% of the total purchase price—$360,000—helping us secure this land for future generations. While we have not yet closed on the property as legal details are finalized, I am proud to have played a role in making this deal happen. Preserving open space is essential to maintaining the character and environmental integrity of our borough,
and this initiative ensures that our community can continue to enjoy the beauty of this natural area for years to come.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Borough Administrator Ryan Michelson for his dedication and hard work in bringing this effort to fruition. His commitment were instrumental in moving this project forward. I also appreciate the support of our residents, whose voices and advocacy have made a real difference in protecting this land. Together, we are ensuring that our borough remains a place where nature and community thrive side by side.
MATAWAN HISTORY TO ENJOY
Steven Russell, Councilman
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating a piece of Matawan history, the Wason Piano in the Burrowes Mansion Museum. This piano was built in Matawan in 1914 by the Wason Piano Company, which used to sit where the parking lot is by the train station. I will be performing a concert on this piano at the Mansion on Sunday, March 9 at 3 PM. There is no charge. I hope you can attend. I’ve selected a variety of pieces I think work exceptionally well on this particular piano. Joining me on some of the numbers will be a recorder player, a flute player, and a cellist. Councilman Arlan Feiles has graciously donated his time to tuning the piano and getting it ready for its first performance in a long, long time. And the setting in the Mansion Museum is charming. If you’ve never been to the museum, this is a great introduction. Refreshments will be served. Recently I was thrilled to attend the Matawan Historical Society January meeting, “Archaeological Treasures of Matawan and Aberdeen” given by Ralph Phillips, who grew up in Matawan. He
told fascinating tales about, and showed examples of, the many, many native artifacts he has found in Matawan and the surrounding areas. It made me want to start digging around in my backyard! I learned that many of the artifacts you can find are not just arrowheads. Many of them, some going back thousands of years, are called projectile points. They were used at the tips of things that were not arrows.
I plan to attend the February 24th event, “Railroads, Tourism, and Commuters at the Jersey Shore” with speaker Bill Elwell. It’s at 7 PM at the Matawan Masonic Lodge,192 Main St. Matawan has such a rich and varied history. It’s a history that deserves to be honored, celebrated, studied, and brought to life. I hope to meet you at one of these events. When you attend, make sure to say, “Hello.”
Steven Russell, Councilman Borough of Matawan
VERONICA QUAIN
AUGUST 22, 1944 – FEBRUARY 4,2025
SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
DANIEL REED, III
JULY 18, 1954 – FEBRUARY 6, 2025
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
MARC WARSAW
FEBRUARY 27,1967 – FEBRUARY 10,2025
SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
RODGER F. MARTIN
FEBRUARY 20,1954 – FEBRUARY 10,2025
SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
MARY J. ANDERSON
SEPTEMBER 28, 1932 – FEBRUARY 11,2025
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME CAROL TERZULLI
APRIL 7,1945 – FEBRUARY 11,2025 SERVICES WERE
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
As the liaison to various departments, including our Police Department and Economic Business Development Commission, I wanted to share a few updates with you: Traffic Safety Unit Launches to Address Borough Concerns
The police department has established a new Traffic Safety Unit to enhance road safety and address traffic concerns throughout the borough. Patrolman Ramcheran and Patrolman Cinquemani have been assigned to this unit and have been actively enforcing traffic laws since January. Their efforts focus on ensuring compliance with motor vehicle laws. Residents are reminded to follow all traffic regulations, including posted speed limits and road signs, to help create a safer environment for everyone. Economic & Business Development Plans Exciting Events for 2025
The Economic & Business Development team started the year focused on key priorities, including organizing community events that promote local businesses and
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
MATAWAN PUBLIC WORKS
Eric Frye, CPWM Director of Public Works
As we welcome the spring season, I’d like to take a moment to emphasize the essential work performed by the Matawan Department of Public Works and highlight the dedication of the team that makes it all possible. Having had the privilege of serving as Director of Public Works for the past three years, I am continually impressed by the professionalism, expertise, and tireless efforts of our staff in ensuring the seamless delivery of essential services to our community. Our department is responsible for managing and maintaining the critical infrastructure that supports daily life in Matawan. We operate the water treatment plant and distribution system, maintain the sewer and stormwater systems, and oversee road maintenance, municipal buildings, and parks. In addition, we assist with community events, ensuring smooth logistics and setup. These efforts directly contribute to public safety, health, and the overall quality of life in our town. Our team’s work requires dedication,
expertise, and commitment. You may find them repairing critical infrastructure, clearing storm debris, responding to utility emergencies, or braving difficult weather conditions to ensure the roads are safe. Their work is often demanding and time-sensitive, yet they approach every task with professionalism and pride. A special aspect of our department is that we are your neighbors—over 80% of our team either grew up here or currently live in town. We share the same streets, parks, and community spaces, and that personal connection drives us to take immense pride in our work. We’re not just maintaining the town; we’re maintaining our town. We understand the high expectations placed on the department, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our goal remains to provide the highest level of service, improve efficiency, and maintain and upgrade our town’s infrastructure. Thank you for your trust and support and thank you to the DPW team for all their hard work. If you have any questions; I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can continue to make our town a great place to live, work, and play.
ALL AMERICAN FORD TEAMS UP WITH
SOFLO CUSTOMS
All American Ford in Old Bridge has proudly announced an exciting new sponsorship with SoFlo Customs, an elite custom vehicle shop based in Pompano Beach, Florida. SoFlo Customs is renowned for their ability to create one-of-a-kind vehicles that perfectly combine extraordinary performance with bold, eye-catching design.
All American Ford has earned its reputation as the Bronco Headquarters, being the only dealership in the tri-state area to feature a Bronco Barn within their showroom. Now, thanks to their new partnership with SoFlo Customs, they are adding some of the most uniquely crafted Ford Broncos in the country to their inventory.
Christopher Savino, General Manager and a member of the ownership family, shared his excitement “At All American
Ford, we strive to deliver the best experience for our customers, and this partnership with SoFlo Customs will allow us to offer Ford Broncos that are truly one-ofa-kind—custom-built vehicles that no other dealership in the tri-state area has.”
Jason Savino, Marketing Director and fellow member of the ownership family, had this to say about the partnership, “It’s an exciting step forward for All American Ford as we continue to expand our offerings and ensure our customers have access to exclusive and custom-tailored vehicles that stand out on the road.”
Whether you’re looking for a Bronco with enhanced performance capabilities or a bold new design, All American Ford has you covered!
DEPUTY MAYOR MONTONE MESSAGE
At our February 6th council meeting, Director Keith Heckman gave a detailed presentation highlighting the remarkable achievements of the Recreation Department over the past year. During his talk, he emphasized the significant expansion of our program offerings as well as the quality that continue to set our Recreation Department apart.
Throughout 2024, the department hosted 65 titled programs, many scheduled on a quarterly or weekly basis to fit the varied needs of our community. In total, they facilitated 191 programs, a noticeable increase from 2023. This growth is a testament to our Aberdeen team’s dedication as they work tirelessly to make our programs bigger, better, and more engaging every year.
An exciting highlight was our Family Halloween Costume Party, which introduced an innovative approach to resource management. Our team repurposed the
decorations from this event for the Family Pumpkin Carving & Painting program, and applied the same strategy to this year’s Mother Son and Daddy Daughter Dances, themed “You’re My Superhero.” This approach allowed us to optimize our resources while maintaining a vibrant and engaging atmosphere at every event.
Looking ahead, they are already planning for an even more dynamic 2025. Registration for this year’s events is now open, and residents are encouraged to visit AberdeenNJ.org to view the full calendar of upcoming activities. Some programs require pre-registration, so checking the website in advance is highly recommended to secure your participation.
We are proud of our achievements and deeply grateful to our dedicated staff for their hard work and creativity. Their efforts ensure that our recreation programs remain a vibrant and essential part of our community. We invite everyone to join us in making 2025 a memorable year.
Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone
CHECK
It’s time for Makers Day at MAPL!
As in years past, we have tons of fun and educational maker activities planned for all ages – from preschool through seniors! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 22nd. We’ll have drop-in sessions from 10am12pm and 2-4pm. No registration required!
For kids and teens we are planning some great upcycling activities! Bits and Bobs Upcycled Necklaces (all ages), Soda Bottle Lanterns (age 5+), Multimedia Collaging (all ages), Teen Junk Journaling (grades 6-12), and Build with Tubes (all ages).
For adults (and teens 16+) we’re doing Felted Spring Garland, Wordy Resin Key Chains, DIY Recycled Magazine Flower Bouquets, Shrinky Dink Zipper Pull Charm Station (all ages), and Cecelia’s ever-popular Planting Station (all ages).
For techies of any age, there will be a demonstration video of how 3-D printed Gus the Leopard Gecko is made, and then lucky participants will be able to color on Gus’ spots and take him home (the 3-D printed version, not the real Gus!). We’ll also have a cool Take-Apart
Breakerspace where you can put on some protective gear and see what the insides of some everyday electronics look like!
Don’t forget to stop at the front entrance on your way out to enter to win a Makers Day prize!
Of course, there are plenty of other fantastic programs and activities at the library this month – check out our events calendar on our website at www. mapl.org, give us a call at 732-583-9100, or stop by – we’re open 7 days a week!
Hope to see you soon, Kimberly Paone Library Director
IS TECHNOLOGY GOOD OR BAD?
By Paul Pscolka
Before the advent of the mobile phone, many small business owners were finished with work when they left the office. While the cellphone has made us more productive, this increased productivity has often been accompanied by a loss of work/ life balance, resulting in a lower quality of life. So…is technology good or bad?
Recently Gemini, an AI notetaker, popped up on my Google Meet. I figured I would let it take notes for my lesson. Immediately, I was hooked. I found it to take very good notes that I could send to students as a study guide and to their parents so they were “kept in the loop.” In a different application of technology, Google Forms can take a student’s answers, automatically populate them on a classroom form, and tell me what percentage of students had each question right and wrong. This form allows me to target those questions that each group of students has had the most difficulty with. These days students can join classes virtually. My team and I can now teach
thousands of miles away from our students. In my classes, if a student is sick or travelling, that student can join the class virtually for just that lesson. Every advancement has a downside. Today’s students can easily write papers using chat GPT instead of doing their own work. They also tend to spend so much time on social media that it is cited as a reason behind our society’s record-high depression. So…is technology good or bad? Technology, used correctly, can aid both business and instruction. As long as AI doesn’t take over the world, I think we’ll be AOK. We just need to learn when to put our devices down. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833-SATsACT (833-7287228) www.ivymasters.com Stay tuned for my podcast on this topic.
Aberdeen Township Mayor, Town Council, and Aberdeen Recreation invite the community to a Health Fair on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Fiorendo Sigismondi Community Center (651 Prospect Avenue, Cliffwood Beach, NJ 07735).
ABERDEEN WELCOMES NEW OFFICERS AND HONORS RETIRED PATROLMAN ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP HOSTS COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR ON MARCH 7
During the February 20th council meeting, the Aberdeen Police Department officially welcomed its newest officers in a swearing-in ceremony at Town Hall. Aberdeen is pleased to welcome Officer Alex Cella and Officer Anthony J. Babek to the force, as they
This free event will feature health/wellness resources, and valuable information from local healthcare providers and organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your health and explore the services available in Aberdeen Township!
embark on their commitment to protecting and serving the community.
In addition to the swearing-in, Mayor Fred Tagliarini and the Council recognized retired Patrolman Jeff Griffith with a proclamation honoring his 26 years of dedicated service to the township.
ODYSSEY THE THERAPY HORSE
In a heartwarming initiative, Swan Hospice has generously sponsored Odyssey, an exceptional therapy horse, to bring joy and comfort to the residents of Reformed Church Home. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the well -being of those
in care through equine-assisted therapy, allowing residents to experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals. Odyssey is an American Miniature horse, silver bay with bald face and blue eyes born July 23,2019. Odyssey. Known for his gentle dementor and friendly nature , has already began making regular visits to the Reformed Church Home community. These visits provide residents with opportunities for companionship, emotional support, and physical engagement, fostering deep connection and uplifting spirits. As Odyssey continues to visit the residents, both the horse and the community at Reformed Church Home benefits from these interactions. Residents often express their delight during therapy sessions, sharing smiles, laughter and cherished moment that bridge the gap between human and animal companionship. With Swan Hospice the future looks bright for Odyssey’s continued impact at Reformed Church Home, promising many more memorable experiences for all.
PICKLEBALL HQ NOW OPEN IN ABERDEEN
Pickleball HQ – the ultimate destination for pickleball enthusiasts of all skill levels! Their facility is designed to provide a fun, engaging, and competitive environment, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your game. At Pickleball HQ, They offer stateof-the-art courts available for rental, perfect for both casual games and intense matches. Looking to elevate your skills?
Pickleball HQ professional instructors provide lessons tailored to your level, helping you master techniques, improve strategy, and boost confidence on the court. In addition to their courts and coaching, we offer a fully stocked pro shop featuring top-quality pickleball paddles, balls, apparel, and accessories, ensuring you have everything you need to play your best. And coming soon—Fuel Up, Pickleball HQ on-site café and smoothie bar, where you’ll be able to recharge with refreshing shakes, fresh juices, and gourmet coffee.
Whether you’re here to play, learn, shop, or socialize, Pickleball HQ is the perfect place to experience the excitement of pickleball. Join our community and discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country!
