Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
The MatawanAberdeen Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of several new members who joined during March and April. These businesses bring fresh energy, ideas, and services to our growing network, and we are proud to welcome them into the Chamber family.
New Members – March & April 2025:
• Aby’s Mexican Restaurant, Elias Martinez
• Advisors Mortgage Group, Jordan Podos
• BridgeLife Thrift, Sarah Quackenbush
• The Burger Shop & More, Joyce Gambilonghi
• Emera Realtors LLC, Max Emera & Mona Salmon
• Grillestone – Old Bridge, Prabhakar Baluguri
• G’Zepps Old School Italian Pizza (formerly Giuseppe’s), Carlos Castranova
• Matawan Sign, Mike Placko
• Pickleball HQ in Aberdeen Looking Ahead: May Events
The Chamber invites members and the community to participate in several upcoming events:
• Networking Luncheon at El Rinconcito de Mama – May 6
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MATAWAN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Mark your calendars - Saturday, May 24th at 11:00 AM (rain date May 26th) - because Main Street is about to come alive with the sights and sounds of patriotism, and community spirit. You won’t want to miss this hometown tradition when the 66th Annual Matawan Memorial Day Parade kicks off from the First Presbyterian Church to march down Main Street. It will end at Memorial Park in time for the memorial service scheduled for 12:00 pm.
Since January, the Matawan Recreation Commission has been hard at work planning the parade to include more music, more marchers, and
more floats than last year.
We’re thrilled to announce a wonderful lineup of five musical performances, featuring: Fred Lehotay and The Ragtimers, Saints of Swing, Balancing Act Quartet, The Demolition Brass Band, Matawan Regional High School Marching Band, And more musical groups might join in before the big day! Thanks to the generous support from Locked and Loaded Trailers, Aberdeen, we’re adding two brand-new platform trailers to the parade. That means four fabulous floats—with space to transport and honor our veterans, grand marshal, and special guests in style.
We’re proud to welcome back Colonel Wildermann from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, along with a fantastic lineup of local participants, including: Youth organizations & sports leagues, Matawan Borough Mayor, Council, and Administration, Grand Marshal, Volunteers from Economic Development, Business & Redevelopment,
Environmental, Historic Sites, Shade Tree, Recreation Commissions, and the Animal Advisory Committee, Matawan Police Honor Guard, Matawan Police Department, Matawan Borough Fire Department, Matawan Department of Public Works, Matawan Historical Society, The Shore Knights, The Woman’s Club of Matawan, Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library, Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, Local businesses, Classic cars, Uncle Sam.
With floats being decorated, instruments tuned, and uniforms ready, everything is set for a spectacular celebration. But there’s one last piece, we need - YOU!
We invite everyone to line Main Street, cheer, smile, wave, and most importantly, help us honor the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the military, and those who continue to serve our country. Let’s come together as a community to remember, salute, and honor our heroes. See you at the parade and the memorial service that follows.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOARD OF EDUCATION
Misinformation often clouds discussions about the school budget. The town and school budgets are separate: the town collects the school district’s state-approved local “fair share” through property taxes. For the 2025-26 school year, MARSD’s budget is fully funded. Challenges persist. This year, 4,636 substitute requests yielded only a 58% fill rate (2,678 filled). Projected costs for substitutes in FY’26 are $3.5 million, up from $3.3 million in FY’25. Custodial services also cost $3.1 million annually. Calls to cut administrative roles, especially in central office, miss the facts. The district has reduced approximately seven high-level positions in recent years through attrition, streamlining, and reassigning duties. Our current central office team— superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of personnel, and business administrator—is the leanest in years, handling state-mandated roles like Security Specialist, HIB oversight, and a newly mandated AI Specialist. We have a lower admin-to-student ratio than the county’s 1:116.5 average, reflecting efficiency. The Superintendent plans, administers, and evaluates all programs, curricula,
and services, aligning with community needs and Board priorities. The assistant superintendent oversees curriculum compliance and safety; the business administrator manages finances and facilities including maintenance, transportation and food services; and the personnel director drives recruitment, ensures daily staffing and aids in staff development. These experienced professionals are on call 24/7. The state’s recent tax levy application to raise taxes limited community input by shifting approval to a Board vote. Board members worked diligently, analyzing finances and engaging with district leadership to make informed choices and voted against the measure. The budget process is complex, but it’s approached with utmost care. While the future is uncertain, we’re grateful for our leadership’s stewardship and the board’s dedication to serving our schools and community responsibly.
MATAWAN MAYOR
ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of longtime resident Sheila Clarke. Sheila was a kind and gentle soul who faced hardship a few years ago—living without heat, in need of home repairs, and scammed by dishonest vendors. But in true Matawan spirit, neighbors stepped up. Meals were delivered, repairs were made, and most importantly, she was surrounded by care and compassion.
Sheila’s quiet strength and sweet nature left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She was known for her kindness and her signature parting words: “Bye for now.” Even in difficult times, she always found a way to make others feel appreciated and seen.
Now, as spring blooms across Matawan, we’re cleaning our parks, refreshing Main Street, and planting new life. Daffodils— Sheila’s favorite flower—are popping up in corners of town. If you see one, think of her. Take a breath, enjoy the moment, and
remember how precious each day truly is.
Sheila’s story is also a powerful reminder: let’s look out for our elders and neighbors. If something doesn’t feel right—an unfamiliar vendor, a strange phone call—don’t hesitate to speak up. A quick check-in could make all the difference.
Let’s carry Sheila’s legacy forward by being kind, staying connected, and making sure no one in Matawan feels forgotten.
Right in the heart of Matawan, where Ravine Drive meets Main Street, just next to the post office, is a small park that many would miss. It’s been called “Pocket Park,” however there is a large stone with a plaque naming the place “Peter Buxbaum Park.” Peter was a Matawan Post Office employee and cancer victim who died in early 2002. The park features two benches and a small fountain. An evergreen tree grows there that was planted in Peter’s memory. Take advantage also of two events in May: The Matawan Historical Society’s 2nd Annual Rummage Sale & Fundraiser will be on Saturday, May 10th in the backyard of Burrowes Mansion from 9 am - 1 pm. The rain date will be May 17th. You might pick up a treasure! Items start at $1. All
proceeds from the sale will go towards supporting this non-profit organization and maintaining Burrowes Mansion Museum. Parking will be available at the Matawan Train Station, the municipal parking lot located at Broad & Little Streets, and street parking along Main Street. And don’t forget about the 4th Annual Main Street Blues & Cruise Night, on Wednesday, May 21st, with live music, food, vendors, trophies, and above all, cars! The rain date will be May 28th. The event is put on by the Matawan Economic Development, Business, and Redevelopment Commission, and the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. There’s plenty to enjoy in Matawan in May.
CHAMBER CONNECT
By Michael V. Grandi, President, Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
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• Main Street Blues & Cruise Car Show
– May 21 (rain date: May 28), in partnership with the Matawan Economic Business Development Commission
• Memorial Day Parade – May 24 (members are invited to march with the Chamber)
• Chamber Happy Hour at Patrizia’s of Matawan – May 27
As we continue to grow and serve the Matawan-Aberdeen area, we thank all our members and supporters for their commitment to making this community a wonderful place to live and do business.
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Mark your calendars! Matawan’s 4th Annual Blues & Cruise Night is rolling back into town on Tuesday, May 21st (Rain Date: May 28th), and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable evening on Main Street.
This fun-filled night brings the community together to celebrate local pride, music, and classic American cars. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a great night out with neighbors and friends, there’s something for everyone.
Hosted by the one and only Hot Rod Mike, the evening will feature live music from Blues People, whose smooth, soulful sound will set the perfect vibe as you stroll down Main Street. Classic cars will line the street, allowing enthusiasts to show off their rides and connect with others who share their passion. Car owners can register their vehicles on the night of the event—no pre-registration required!
Local vendors will also participate, offering food and a variety of goods
to explore as you enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Matawan.
As tradition goes, the event’s net proceeds will benefit two local nonprofits, chosen each year by the organizing commission. This year, we’re proud to support the Matawan Historical Society and the Local Matawan Lodge #192 F&AM, two organizations deeply rooted in the fabric of our community.
So grab your friends, bring the family, and join us for a great night on Main Street! We’ll see you there!
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
DEPUTY MAYOR MONTONE MESSAGE
Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone
As Deputy Mayor of Aberdeen Township, I’m proud to announce an important upcoming event designed to help our senior residents and those navigating the latest changes to the State’s property tax relief programs.
On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Aberdeen Mayor and Council, in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, will host a STAY NJ Informational Session from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Fiorendo Sigismondi Cliffwood Beach Community Center (651 Prospect Avenue, Keyport, NJ). This session will provide vital information about the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program, as well as the Senior Freeze and StayNJ initiatives. For the first time in New Jersey’s history, seniors aged 65 or older, along with disabled homeowners and mobile homeowners, will be able to apply for all three state property tax relief programs
through a single, simplified application. This new process, mandated by the StayNJ Act (P.L. 2023, c.75) is a major step forward in making these benefits more accessible. This session is part of a larger effort here in Aberdeen to support our residents. With this year’s changes to the application process, we know questions will arise. That’s why we’re not stopping with this event, we’re also working closely with the State to plan an upcoming filing assistance event, where trained staff will help eligible residents complete the new combined application. While May 8 is strictly informational and no application assistance will be provided that day, it’s a great opportunity to learn what’s new and what steps to take next. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows. Register online at aberdeennj.org, or call 732-583-4200 ext.130 for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!
Margaret Montone Deputy Mayor, Aberdeen Township
MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE
May has arrived, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and anticipation throughout Aberdeen. As the days grow longer and spring shifts into summer, our community comes alive with the promise of outdoor gatherings, family activities, and cherished traditions. One of the most meaningful events of the season is our annual Memorial Day observance. On Monday, May 26, I invite you to join the Aberdeen Township Mayor and Council for a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 11:30 AM at Veterans Memorial Park, located at Lakeshore Drive and Ocean Boulevard. This solemn service provides us with a moment to reflect and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the very reason we enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, and it is our privilege and responsibility to remember them. Immediately following, at 12:00 PM, VFW Post 4745 will host a Memorial Day Remembrance. This ceremony continues the tradition of honoring those who served and sacrificed for
our nation. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served in the Post Hall immediately following the ceremonies, offering our community a chance to come together in remembrance.
As we honor the past, we also look ahead to the joys of the season. I’m excited to share that the Splash Pad at Veterans Memorial Park will officially open for the season on Saturday, May 24, and will be available daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It has become a staple of our community in the summertime, offering a safe, fun, and free way for families and children to cool off and connect.
I look forward to honoring our heroes, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying all that our beautiful town has to offer. On behalf of the Township Council and our dedicated staff, we wish you a safe, meaningful, and joyful start to your summer.
Mayor Fred Tagliarini Township of Aberdeen
Hors D’oeuvres - AppetizersSalads - Party Subs - Cold & Hot Buffests - Sandwich Trays - SidesDesserts
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! Choice of Homemade Italian Bread or Rolls, Green Tossed Salad with Balsmic Vinaigrette. Package
Stemo, Chafing Dishes and 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!
May is a great time to get out of the house. Did you know that you can visit a local museum free of charge courtesy of MAPL? All you need is your library card! MAPL offers passes to ten area museums:
• Battleship New Jersey (Camden, NJ)
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia, PA)
• The Frick Collection (New York, NY)
• Guggenheim Museum (New York, NY)
• Intrepid Museum (New York, NY)
• Monmouth Museum (Lincroft, NJ)
• Morven Museum and Garden (Princeton, NJ)
• Museum of the American Revolution (Philadelphia, PA)
• NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum (Cape May, NJ) Please see all of the borrowing details on our website, stop by, or give us a call to speak to a staff member. We thank the Matawan Aberdeen Friends of the Library for generously funding
the MAPL museum pass program. You may also want to attend some of our fantastic May programs (registration may be required):
• 5/1 Teen Summer Reading Volunteer Sign-ups start
• 5/3 Drop-in DIY Comics (for Free Comic Book Day)
• 5/4 May the 4th!
• 5/16 After-Hours Music with Tal Naccarato (Folk Blues) – 7pm
• 5/21 Teen Terrarium Making – 7pm
• 5/22 Cooking with Nick: Polish Food - 7pm
• 5/30 Big Book Reading Day - 10am-12pm AND… May is Get Caught Reading Month! Send us a photo of you reading on our social media –and see what staff are reading, too! Need more information about any of the above? Give us a call at 732-583-9100, stop by, visit our website at www.mapl.org, or drop us an email at info@mapl.org to get started. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!
Enjoy the May flowers!
Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
THE HOW-TO GUIDE TO SAT AND ACT PREP
By Paul Pscolka
When I receive a phone call, the first advice I give to parents is for them to send their child for a mock SAT and ACT. It is easier for me to focus on just the SAT since every high school junior All Around Old Bridge, Aberdeen, and Matawan seems to be taking that test… So why would I make that suggestion?…because having taught these tests since 1998, I have watched students over and over as they have struggled with the SAT when the ACT was likely a better fit for them. I have seen others who have done their due diligence shine on the test that was a better fit for them. As a result, these students were admitted to universities that may have never otherwise accepted them. For example, a former student who only took the ACT is now a graduate of Emory University, the #24 ranked university (out of over 2800 4-year institutions) on US News and World Report. To give you a mental toehold, Emory is among the top 99.1525%
of 4-year colleges. Another former student was admitted to an even higher-ranking school—an Ivy League—UPenn, after posting an ACT score that was comparably better than his SAT score. Granted, crushing both exams will only help students chances of getting into the nation’s most elite universities, but what about the rest of us? It is best to find out which test is a better fit immediately and prepare for it moving forward. This could save time and money. Universities do not favor one exam over the other. It is important to remember the purpose of these exams—to maximize the chance a student has to get into his or her top-choice university. Mindful of this fact, why not first figure out which test is better? Need a sense of direction? Book me for a free 15-minute consultation: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
CELEBRATING VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION MONTH
April was a special time of the year as we celebrated volunteer appreciation month, a time to recognize and honor selfless individuals who dedicate their time and energy to enhancing the lives of others. At Reformed Church Home, we are fortunate to have an incredible group of volunteers whose contributions have a significant impact on our residents. Their commitment to service not only enriches the lives of those they help but also foster a
strong sense of community and belonging.
One of our cherished volunteers is Bob, who generously shares his musical talents by playing Piano for our residents every month. His performance brings joy and nostalgia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that many look forward to.
We also want to shine light on Terry, who selflessly helps in the hair salon service to our residents twice a week. Terry’s work is in making our residents feel cared for and valued.
Maggie, alongside her friends from Colts Neck Reformed Church, their visits bring companionship and support to our residents. Also, we are grateful for the presence of Ray, Linda and Boomer from Lares Home Care and all the students who volunteer to make our residents happy. Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to various pastors and priests who graciously visit Reformed Church Home regularly.
As we celebrate volunteer appreciation month, let us take a moment to acknowledge the profound impact that these individuals have on our community at Reformed Church Home. Thank You to all the remarkable volunteers who make Reformed Church Home a better place.
