MATAWAN-ABERDEEN
CHAMBER CONNECT SUMMER IN MATAWAN: WHERE COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
Spring has been a season of connection and celebration for the Matawan Ab erdeen Chamber of Commerce, and I’m proud to share some highlights from the past few weeks and offer a look ahead at what’s to come.
By Cathy Zavorskas, Dir of Community Engagement
We began the month with our Annual General Business Meeting, graciously hosted by the Woman’s Club of Matawan. It was a valuable opportunity for members to meet and engage with our Board of Directors and hear the annual “State of the Chamber” address. The conversations were engaging, the energy was high, and the commitment from our membership was truly inspiring.
Keeping with our tradition of bringing people together, we then gathered for our annual Cinco de Mayo celebration — on Seis de Mayo! this event was full of authentic Mexican cuisine, camaraderie, and a dynamic presentation on telephone sales from Michael Galkin of VoiceNEXT. We thank Michael for his insight and everyone who joined us for this lively and informative evening.
This month, we’re also pleased to welcome a new member to our growing Chamber family: Community Magazine, represented by Roseann Sofia and Arts Society of Keyport. We
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As the school year winds down and summer begins, Matawan comes to life with countless ways to make the most of the season. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone. If you love the outdoors, Matawan’s parks are the perfect escape. Enjoy peaceful moments reading a book, listening to the sounds of nature, fishing or watching the sunset over Lake Lefferts. For those looking for more active fun, our parks offer
basketball courts, playgrounds, trails for walking or jogging, and plenty of open space for a game of catch or a picnic. Water lovers can canoe or kayak across the lake for a refreshing summer activity.
A stroll down Main Street offers its own delights—grab a cup of coffee, a smoothie, a specialty donut, a gluten-free muffin, or dine outside with a delicious meal. You’ll also find unique local businesses like the comic bookstore, bike shop, barber, and salons. Beyond downtown, explore over 20 restaurants and a variety of shops and services along Routes 34 and 79.
Summer entertainment is a cornerstone of our community spirit. We kick off the season with the Blues and Cruise Car Show and the Memorial Day Parade in May. June brings the kids’ fishing derby, teen movie night, and the fireworks celebration at Lake Lefferts. In July, enjoy
movies in Terhune Park, teen gym nights at the municipal center followed by our summer concert series in August. September wraps up the season with music and dining nights by the lake.
Seniors can take part in an expanded lineup of activities including aerobics, Broadway dance, ping pong, cornhole, tea talks, crafts, a picnic in the park, and a summer day trip to remain active and engaged.
No matter how you choose to spend your summer, we hope you’ll find these events enriching and enjoyable. At the core of each activity is a shared commitment to creating fun, meaningful, and inclusive opportunities for residents of all ages. By staying active, connecting with one another, and celebrating the spirit of community, Matawan continues to thrive as the vibrant, welcoming place we’re proud to call home.
ABERDEEN ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS AND SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Aberdeen Township is kicking off summer in a big way, with its annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Monday, July 1st (Rain Date: July 11th) at Veterans Memorial Park and the return of the beloved Summer Concert Series every Tuesday night in July.
The July 1st celebration is one of Aberdeen’s biggest events of the year, taking place from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with fireworks
set to light up the sky around 9:15 PM. The event is packed with family-friendly activities, including local food trucks, character meet-and-greets, face painting, inflatables, and live entertainment featuring both a band and DJ. The splash pad at Veterans Park will also remain open until 8:00 PM for extended fun in the sun.
To make the event more accessible for all residents, bus
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MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOE MESSAGE
It’s important to your Board of Education that we remain educated on current topics as well as master the skills for running effectively. That is why we have worked with New Jersey School Boards Association to earn the designation of a “Certified Board”. Our next goal is to earn Master Board Certification, which would make us the first MARSD Board of Education to do so. This year we have been trained on our role in Curriculum & Instruction and Communication Strategies.
When we talk about educating all of our students to succeed, it’s important to look at the numerous ways our students feel energized to learn. One that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves is vocational training, which includes essential careers such as auto mechanics, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and welding. Yet there
is more demand for these certifications than our county vocational school can accept. If you have a business that may be interested in partnering with our school district in offering mentorship and apprenticeship in the trades, please reach out to start this important conversation.
We can also use your help at our buildings sites. There are many improvements we all would like, yet with our tight budget, we do not have the funds to fix them presently. If you or others you know might be interested in donating materials or labor to our schools, we welcome it. Some that are top of mind now are asphalt repair and cosmetic improvements. For both the vocational skills and building improvement projects, please contact us from our Board of Education page at marsd.org. We thank you in advance!
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE
MESSAGE
As we welcome the summer season, I’m happy to share that our town is enjoying warm, sunny weather. It’s perfect for spending time outdoors and connecting with our wonderful community.
Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Mark your calendars! Our annual fireworks celebration will be held on Friday, June 28, at Lake Lefferts, with a rain date of June 29. It will be a festive evening full of fireworks, games, food, music, and more. I hope you’ll join us for this exciting kickoff to the holiday. Enjoying the Outdoors
This is a fantastic time to explore all that our town has to offer:
Canoe rentals are available at Lake Lefferts from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Whether you’re out paddling solo or with loved ones, it’s a peaceful way to enjoy the water. Our parks are open for picnics, frisbee, basketball, or just soaking up the sunshine. While enjoying our parks, please
help us keep them beautiful by disposing of trash properly, cleaning up after pets, and respecting others and the environment.
Park Improvements & What’s Ahead
We’ve completed the Clinton Street parking lot, and I’m pleased to announce that Phase 2 of our park improvement plan will begin around June.
Upcoming upgrades include:
New pickleball courts
Additional basketball courts
More seating areas for comfort and convenience
These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to making our parks and facilities the best they can be for everyone to enjoy.
I look forward to seeing many of you out and about enjoying all that our town offers this season. I also hope to see you at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on June 12 at MJ’s, an excellent opportunity to celebrate the partnerships that help our community thrive.
Let’s continue to take pride in our town, support one another, and make the most of this beautiful season together.
Warm Regards, Mayor Altomonte
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
CHAMBER CONNECT
By Michael V. Grandi, President, Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
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extend a warm welcome to them both. Looking ahead, we’re proud to continue our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. On June 3rd, we’ll be awarding a MACOC Scholarship to a deserving local student, the honor reflects our shared investment in youth and education. Then, mark your calendars for June 12th, when we host the MAC Awards & Installation Dinner, one of our most anticipated events of the year. This evening of recognition and celebration is a chance to honor
outstanding community contributors and formally install the Chamber’s new officers. Finally, we invite you to join us for some midday networking and great food at our Networking Luncheon on June 24th at The Burger Shop. It’s a perfect chance to reconnect with fellow members and expand your professional circle in a relaxed and friendly setting. As always, thank you to our members for your continued support and involvement. Your dedication fuels the strength of our Chamber and our community.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MATAWAN SHARK EVENT ON JULY 12
Back due to popular demand, the Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society is proud to present our annual 1916 Matawan Shark Attack Tours. Tours will be held in the afternoon of Saturday, July 12. We need local residents to help us run the event in a variety of positions as guides, ticket takers, traffic control and more. Come
join us, meet some new neighbors, and have fun while helping our community. Volunteer credit letters also available. Please contact us through Facebook messenger or email MatawanKurtis@ gmail.com if interested in volunteering. More event details will be released soon. Please follow our Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
Shark 5K Donut Run & Walk Set for June 14 — A Sweet Way to Support the Arts
Get ready to run, walk, and indulge — all for a worthy cause!
The highly anticipated Shark 5K Donut Run & Walk will take place on Friday, June 14, with the race kicking off at 8:30 AM. This fun-filled event will benefit the high school theater group, helping fund their productions, equipment, and future performances.
With over 450 registered participants so far, the community has shown overwhelming support for both fitness and the arts. The event promises a unique and playful experience — each runner and walker will receive a custom shark-and-donutthemed medal as a keepsake, along with a fresh, mouthwatering donut from the beloved Main Street Donuts in Matawan.
The event is sponsored by the Economic Business Development Commission, organized by Live Run Give LLC, and brought to life through a true community
collaboration. Working hand-in-hand with Main Street Donuts as a local business partner, the Shark 5K is exactly what the EBD Commission is all about — supporting local initiatives, encouraging economic growth, and building connections through fun, engaging events.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, casual walker, or just want to support a fantastic cause, this 5K is for everyone. Costumes and festive outfits are encouraged — after all, where else can you run for donuts and theater at the same time?
How to Join
Registration is still open! Sign up now at shark5k.com to secure your spot, medal, and donut. Come out, have fun, and help keep the spotlight shining on our talented high school performers. Don’t miss the chance to make memories, break a sweat, and support the arts — one sweet step at a time.
DEPUTY MAYOR MONTONE MESSAGE
Aberdeen is going green again! I’m proud to announce that electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will soon be installed at two key locations in town, Aberdeen Town Hall and the NJ Transit train station. Construction is expected to begin this summer, bringing more accessible, eco-friendly infrastructure to our residents, commuters, and visitors. This initiative is part of Aberdeen’s broader and ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We recognize that the choices we make today shape the future of our community, and we’re committed to ensuring that future is cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient. Our work toward a greener Aberdeen didn’t start this year. In fact, we’ve been leading the way for over a decade. Back in 2011, Aberdeen took a bold step by installing solar panels at all municipal buildings, reducing both our carbon footprint and
our energy costs. That forward-thinking investment is still paying dividends today.
Now, as electric vehicles become more common, we’re taking the next step by providing convenient charging options that support clean transportation. The addition of EV charging stations reflects the evolving needs of our residents and helps make sustainable choices more accessible for everyone.
Whether you already drive an electric vehicle or are considering one in the future, we want Aberdeen to be ready to support that choice. These charging stations are not just an environmental upgrade, they’re a community investment. They demonstrate that small, smart changes can add up to real impact when we plan with purpose.
We’re excited to help residents and commuters reduce their carbon footprint while encouraging the use of renewable energy. Let’s keep the momentum going, together, we can move Aberdeen toward a greener, smarter future.
Margaret Montone Deputy Mayor, Aberdeen Township
Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone
MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE
As we welcome the summer season in Aberdeen, we also take a moment to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful milestones, graduation.
On behalf of the Aberdeen Township Council and myself, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates of the Aberdeen-Matawan School District, as well as those in our community who are completing college and other academic programs.
Whether you’re moving on from 8th grade, graduating from Matawan Regional High School, or earning a college or graduate degree, this achievement is the result of years of hard work, late nights, and perseverance. We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and the strength you’ve shown through challenging times. Graduation isn’t just the end of a chapter, it’s the beginning of a brandnew one. Wherever your next steps take you, into high school, college, a trade, the workforce, military service, or another path of public service, know that your hometown is cheering you on every step of the way. You are the future
leaders, thinkers, creators, and changemakers of our community and beyond.
In Aberdeen, we believe in supporting our students and their families at every stage of the journey. We encourage you to stay involved, stay connected, and continue to represent the spirit and strength of our community in all that you do.
To the Class of 2025, enjoy the celebrations, take pride in your accomplishments, and embrace what lies ahead. On behalf of our entire Township team, congratulations and best of luck on your next endeavor!
Mayor Fred Tagliarini
Township of Aberdeen
ABERDEEN ANNOUNCES FIREWORKS AND SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
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transportation will be available to and from Veterans Park. Details on pick-up locations and schedules will be announced soon on Aberdeen Township’s official social media channels.
The summer celebrations don’t end on July 1st, Aberdeen’s Summer Concert Series also returns next month, continuing the township’s tradition of free live music by the bay every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Veterans Memorial Park:
• July 8 – Screaming Broccoli
• July 15 – 80’s Revolution
• July 22 – Larger Than Life
• July 29 – Southern Steel
These concerts bring the community together for relaxing, music-filled
evenings under the summer sky. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to make the most of each night.
“What I love most about summer in Aberdeen is seeing families, friends, and neighbors come together,” said Councilman Greg Cannon. “These events aren’t just fun, they’re what make Aberdeen feel like a true community. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Aberdeen Township is proud to provide these free, fun-filled events that bring residents of all ages together to celebrate summer. For updates and weather alerts, follow @aberdeentownship on Instagram and @AberdeenTwpNJ on Facebook.
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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.
Private Pre School Stands at the TO ASS in Ea cation
HOME AWAY FROM HOME ACADEMY continues to remain parents’ number one choice, serving the community for over 30 years. Children are benefiting more and more from their curriculum every day, every month and every year. Parents are realizing the difference between daycare vs. private school. Children are not just ‘playing’ all day anymore; they are playing with a purpose. Parents are finding that their young children, by incorporating fun and play into their academic curriculum, are retaining what they learn and have a significant competitive edge. Within every area of early education which includes reading, writing, math, social studies, foreign language, science, music and art, children are also developing socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and academically. Marketing studies have shown that an astonishing 70% of students who left Home Away From Home Academy after Kindergarten remained in the top ten percent of their classes, while the other 30% continued in Gifted and Talented programs. Lisa McCoy of Aberdeen, a mother of three children in the school says, “I am certain that the superior education my children are receiving at Home Away From Home Academy will provide them with a solid foundation for their future. Every day I know that my children’s best interests are a primary concern with academically qualified and loving teachers.” She couldn’t have said it better since the school firmly believes that a child’s first school experience will be carried with them for a lifetime.
As leaders in early childhood education, Home Away From Home Academy is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools as a private school paving the way in excellence for over 30 years. Carmine and Phyllis Visone, owners, say “given the right tools, balanced with the right kind of play and guidance, delivered during the right stages of development – children would grow into adults who were not only ‘smart’ academically, but smart in a life sense who would lead productive, abundant lives.” The school prides itself on the feedback of so many families who have went through this program, and are now successful in their professional careers after college.
The school exists in the centrally located
Aberdeen/Holmdel area, and under the capable guidance of the owners, the Academy has grown and developed over the years, currently shaping more than 200 young minds from infancy through Kindergarten with 30 praiseworthy teachers on staff, three fourths of whom are certified in addition to a registered nurse on premise. At the top of its class, Home Away From Home Academy is dedicated to ensuring the success of well-rounded children in an environment that is safe, loving and happy. A child’s brain is said to be a sponge and the Visone’s are taking every opportunity to soak it up with the aforementioned academic subjects all while emphasizing the importance of the individual child at each stage of development and keeping the essence of ‘play’ in the core of this curriculum.
The educational values of Phyllis and Carmine Visone have served as a model to other early childhood educators, and their inspiring book entitled: “The Visone Method: A New Philosophy in Early Childhood Education” has been awarded “Publisher’s
Choice”, STAR status within the publishing company and nominated for “Book of the Year” by Foreword Magazine. The Visone Method is a common sense approach to early childhood education that happens to be extraordinary; it considers the whole child at every turn. There is an array of small components to this entire philosophy that developmentally prepares children younger for higher learning. The main purpose of the book is to give parents and teachers a complete and new understanding of how a child’s learning develops in the early years, how a child accumulates 50% of lifelong knowledge ages 0-7.
Both Carmine and Phyllis have enthusiasm, integrity and love for what they teach and practice. They take great pride in their professional, yet nurturing environment as a family owned business. Community involvement is no small feat for this couple as they strive to teach the children lifelong lessons through charitable giving. Phyllis Visone, owner and director, states “that giving is just as important as receiving and this is a lesson for children of all ages to embrace”. Over the last several years, Home Away From Home Academy has received many accolades including Township Proclamations, a NJ State Senate Resolution, and an award for their collection of over 800 pounds of food for Fulfill: Students Change Hunger. Additionally, owners Carmine and Phyllis Visone were the recipients of the Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of the school’s annual generous donation of toys to Hope for Children Foundation. In the most recent years, the school has also participated in a Hop-a-Thon fundraiser to benefit the ALS Clinic at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
The school invites you to take the time to schedule a private tour and see for yourself as hundreds of other parents have – what you read is what you see and what you see is what you get; allow your child to be a part of this growing success story.
For tour scheduling, please call 732-290-0033 or visit www.hafha.com.
CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!
It’s hard to believe that it’s already JUNE! Of course, that means that MAPL’s Summer Reading Program is about to begin! This year’s theme is “Color Your World!” and we will be celebrating art and color and reading, of course, all summer long. Join us on Saturday, June 21st for our Summer Reading Kick-Off! We are having our rainbow party to celebrate our theme. Come in to do all sorts of bright and colorful art, participate in a scavenger hunt, and sign up to start logging the books you read!
Saturday, July 19th is the half-way point in Summer Reading and we are hosting an Art Extravaganza! Join us while we paint, sculpt, bead, and play!
On Saturday, August 16th, we say goodbye to Summer Reading with a little Multimedia Mayhem! It’s your last chance to check in your reading logs, and while you’re here, make sure to create art with ink, pencils, yarn, paper, and more. There may be some surprises, too! Check the online events calendar for details about the above and all of the other fabulous programs for children this summer!
Summer reading isn’t just for kids, though! Teens and adults can also sign-up to log books, get raffle tickets, and win prizes. For adults, this summer will feature lots of crafts, a program on eBay, after-hours music, and more! There will be two Teen Lock-ins this summer. There will also be a Zine making workshop and Arrayscape Gaming for students in grades 6-12.
(Some programs will require registration – check out our online events calendar for details.)
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!
Enjoy the May flowers!
Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
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.
REGISTER FOR THE AUGUST SAT NOW!
By Paul Pscolka
The month leading up to the August SAT is always the busiest for me—students do not have school so I can work from early morning until late at night. But that is not the only reason. The August allows students to prepare for the SAT without the pressure of the school year. As a result, I get a crop of highly motivated students who want to take advantage of their time. Some of those students are rising seniors who take the test for this reason, and also to ensure they have a score with which they can apply early to universities, which is typically an advantage. The other group of students are academic alphas—rising juniors who have the ability to score well enough to “be one and done”—score so well that they don’t have to worry about taking the test during the pressure kettle of junior year. I am writing this article on May 21st. Registration for the August SAT opened yesterday—the same day we emailed current Ivy Masters students, urging them to register for the test today. Why?
The August SAT has fewer test centers than any other month the test is offered. This is understandable—most high schools are waxing their floors, getting ready for the upcoming school year. Administrators can not grab teachers from the hallways to proctor the exam…. the whole school may be needed to be air conditioned for that one day. The demand of the test, coupled with fewer testing centers creates a bottleneck, which is why…
I’ve had students register for the test in Baltimore because all local test centers were full. What’s the takeaway? If you are definitely taking the SAT in August, make sure you register today so you don’t have to spring for a hotel room. How?Visit https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines Students probably already have a username and password, but they can create one they don’t. Fill out the required information and choose the August test date. Upload a photo and pay the $60 and you’re all set! Want advice on how to prep on your own? Book me for a free 15minute consultation: https://www. ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSING HOME WEEK AT REFORMED CHURCH HOME
National Nursing Home Week is a special time to honor the residents, staff, and families who bring life and love to Reformed Church Home. This year, our theme — Visit the World, Grow Together — reflects our deep belief in the power of shared experiences, curiosity, and connection. And we couldn’t be more excited to share the incredible journey we’ve taken together.
Throughout the week, we’ve explored cultures and traditions from around the globe. We began with virtual visits to Australia, taking in breathtaking landscapes and learning about the unique challenges of its wildfires. We felt the thrill of the Running of the Bulls with our own spirited “office chair races” — lively, fun, and full of energy! A cultural fashion show brought the week to a vibrant close, featuring attire from Africa and Asia that celebrated global beauty and diversity.
These joyful experiences remind us that creating a home isn’t just about where we live — it’s about how we live together. At Reformed Church Home, we build community with heart. We empower one another, listen with curiosity, lead with compassion, and grow side by side.
To all who are part of our journey — residents, families, and team members, especially our nurses and others in the Old Bridge community — we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your presence adds to the rich fabric of our home. Together, we are stronger. And each day brings new opportunities to learn from one another and lift each other up.
