'Idol' contest caps Matawan Night Out
BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY staff Stephanie Mauton, Hazlet, and Police Lt. Ben Smith prepare for the Matawan Police Department's National Nite Out Against Crime event on Aug. 5.

MATAWAN — Residents turned out early for the National Night Out held in the borough 6-10 p.m. Aug. 5 at the Matawan Borough Police Department and throughout Main Street.

Members of the police department were handing out free hot dogs and soda, as well as manning an inflatable moon bouncer for youngsters and a uniform display booth for history buffs.

"This is something that we have been doing [for] close to 10 years now," said Sgt. Thomas Falco.

"We strive to be involved with the community. This gives us the opportunity to get out with the residents and keep in touch with the community. It gives the community a chance to get to know their police department."

According to nationaltownwatch.org, the Web site for the organization that sponsors National Night Out, America's Night Out Against Crime, this year marked the 25th year that the event has run.

Created in 1984, the event encourages residents across America to get out into their communities during the evening hours in an effort to deter crime in their neighborhoods.

Traditionally, Falco said, Matawan has a car show and music at the event, but this year was a little different with a street fair atmosphere on Main Street and the introduction of Matawan Idol, a contest sponsored by the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

Among the street vendors was LaVonne Butts, of Lakewood, who owns Auntie's Sand Designs and was offering sand art creation at her booth.

"I used to be a Matawan resident and I love doing the sand art with people, so I always say yes when the recreation department calls me," Butts said. "I have been going to festivals and fairs with the sand art for about 16 years, but this is my first year doing the National Night Out. I thought it would rain, but so far the weather has been perfect."

Also out and enjoying the weather was the Ladies Auxiliary of the Midway Hose No. 2 of the Matawan Fire Department.

"We are trying to raise money for equipment," said member Angela DiBella.

Fellow auxiliary members Jessica Marsicano, Joanna Kierce and Tammy and Jessica Michitsch joined Di- Bella.

"One hundred percent of the money raised will go to purchasing extrication equipment for the fire company," explained Tammy Michitsch. "It is going to take a while to raise the funds because it is expensive equipment, but hopefully our being out here tonight will help with donations."

Michitsch said that residents wishing to donate should send donations to the attention of the Midway Hose No. 2 Ladies Auxiliary at 161 Broad St.

The Matawan Historical Society was represented, with members handing out information on upcoming events and lectures at Burrowes Mansion. Also available for purchase were several books published regardingMatawan and Aberdeen history.

Most residents and nonresidents found something to their liking, but the inflatable moon bouncer seemed to be the biggest hit among youngsters.

Freshly bounced from the large inflatable were cousins Julianne and Nick Gallo.

"I like the bouncer the best so far," Julianne said.

"I liked the face painting the best," offered Nick.

Nick's mother and Julianne's aunt, Kathy Gallo, said the night out was a nice opportunity to see old friends.

"My husband works for the police department and we used to live here, so it is nice to come back for a night and see old neighbors," she said. "Plus it is fun for the kids."

The culmination of the evening was the Matawan Idol contest, which comprised eight contestants from neighboring towns as well as some Matawan natives.

The judging panel included local musician Lee Deedmeyer, of Mission Dance Entertainment in Freehold, Jeannie O'Neill, a singer/songwriter of O'Neill & Martin and Firelight, Matawan Mayor Paul Buccellato, and Sovereign Bank manager Nathaniel Holiday.

Contestants were judged on stage presentation and on their choice of material.

Kayla Ryder, 13, of Matawan sang "Black Velvet" and was pronounced the winner. Ryder was presented with a trophy and an Apple iPhone.

"It was a fabulous night. It was all we had hoped for," said Rosemary Conte, vice president of the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. "My Idol co-producer, Pat Pasqua, of Twist N Shout Party Club, was wonderful. His crew took care of the DJing, and the singers' karaoke needs, and while judges were conferring in between rounds, he played games with the children in the crowd and they won prizes, so there were no awkward lulls. I was pleased."

The contestants sang to an enthusiastic audience while children chased one another with cans of silly string. New and longtime residents alike turned out with their families and even their dogs.

"I just moved in and I said 'What the heck's going on in my backyard?' I mean how cool is this?" said Joanne Seward, a former Hazlet resident. "I was pleasantly surprised. This is my first Night Out and I always wanted to do it, but it just seems like a good thing. Everyone shuts the television off and gets out of the house."

Among the residents out and about were members of the Borough Council.

"I am very happy to see the road closed so residents can meander to stores and it allows for more vendors and entertainment," said Councilwoman Linda Clifton.