Matthew Bernstein Honored for “Dedication, Innovation and Heart” In His Role
The New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), which runs the state’s litter abatement program, has honored Matthew Bernstein, the Borough of Ship Bottom’s Clean Communities Coordinator, with the 2025 “Municipal Coordinator Award.”
Bernstein accepted the statewide award at the 20th annual Clean Communities Expo and Awards Celebration, held Oct. 8, for the coordinator’s “dedication, innovation and heart” in his role.
A former teacher, Matt brings an educator’s mindset to his work, focusing not just on cleanup but on cultivating long-term awareness and behavior change among residents and visitors alike, according to NJCCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden.
“I was truly honored to receive the NJCCC Municipal Coordinator of the Year Award,” Bernstein said. “Keeping our communities clean is something that brings people together and makes a lasting difference for everyone. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Ship Bottom and beyond to protect and beautify our environment.”
As part of his responsibilities, Bernstein organizes volunteer cleanups for Earth Day as well as throughout the summer months, assists as a captain for the Barnegat Bay Blitz clean-up event, helps distribute supplies for other clean-ups on Long Beach Island and collaborates with local businesses on clean-up initiatives.
He also works closely with the Ship Bottom Taxpayers Beach Access Clean-up Program, a new initiative that began in May 2025, showing his ability to build sustainable partnerships that enhance community impact.
“Bernstein’s passion, initiative, and unwavering presence made him an outstanding candidate for the Municipal Coordinator Award,” Gemenden said. “He is not just managing programs at one of the state’s busiest towns during the summer; he is building a culture of care and accountability in Ship Bottom.”
SHIP BOTTOM – October 21, 2025