News Updates as of 26 May 2010

• Matawan-Aberdeen Idol auditions are scheduled for 16 July 2010 at AARIUS Studios in Sayreville, according to MACAC. (Check the Chamber's site for the various releases you must sign to enter) The event itself will be held 3 August 2010 at the corner of Ravine Drive and Main Street from 6 pm to 9 pm. Winners will get to sing at Matawan Day (12 September at Terhune Park) and Aberdeen Day (26 September at MRHS).
• Business students from South Brunswick High School visited Matawan's Art Associates Design Group, according to The Independent. The company has provided design and marketing services for over twenty five years. Joseph Kanaska, who founded the company in 1984, met with the students for about an hour.
• The Huskies softball team fell last week to Delran Township High School in the first round of the Central Jersey Group II Tournament, according to The Trentonian.
• Matawan Makes It Look Easy is the title of the APP article about the high school boys track and field team's victory at the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III championships. It's the team's second straight championship. See also the coverage by NJ.com. The girls came in 5th place in Group 2 competition, per NJ.com.
• An APP editorial bemoans the loss of Tyler Blackmore by Asbury Park High School and congratulates Matawan Aberdeen Middle School on its fine acquisition. He is described as follows: Blackmore, 36, was a principal who got things done. Among other things, he started a mentoring program, administered through the Boys and Girls Club, in which 37 high school students have signed up. Another 15 teenagers attend a college-bound mentoring program run by Monmouth University. He recently received a special Spirit of Asbury Park award from the city Chamber of Commerce.
• Be sure to check The Independent's Notes Around Town for a local story about a new Eagle scout in Matawan as well as announcements about upcoming events.
• It's time again for Mission Matawan. Community volunteers and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan dedicate one week each year to serve their neighbors in need by doing small chores, yard work, small paint jobs, etc. As you can imagine, the requests are piling up and volunteers are needed to meet the need.  Sign up for a day or two of community service. The project runs from Saturday 26 June to Saturday 3 July 2010.
• The Post-Bulletin has some great coverage, including photos, of Brookdale's national softball championship victory in Minnesota last week.