CHAMBER CONNECT
Michael V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
On behalf of the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, I am delighted to announce two outstanding new members: Cugini’s Pizza of Middletown and Roe Bruno, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Rate. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions to our vibrant network of local businesses and professionals. We also want to thank everyone who attended our recent holiday gathering at Maloney’s Pub in Matawan. The event was a great success, filled with good cheer, delicious food, and valuable connections. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the season and close the year together. Looking ahead, we have exciting events. Mark your calendars for our Networking Luncheon on January 7th (venue TBD) and an After-Hours Networking Event at Kearny Bank (Matawan/Old Bridge branch) on January 21st. These events provide fantastic opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow your business. We look forward to seeing you at our gatherings and to another successful year supporting local businesses and fostering connections.
MATAWAN PBA 179 & ABERDEEN PBA 163 COLLECTED HUNDREDS OF TOYS
The Matawan PBA 179 and Aberdeen PBA 163 want to give a HUGE thank you to our amazing community for making this year’s Toys for Tots program a big success! We couldn’t have done it without the help of Matawan Borough Hall, Ravine Drive School, Matawan Library, Matawan Post Office, Starbucks, Park Place Diner, Dunkin’ Donuts, Bagel Nook, Sprouts,
and DeMarco’s, who all let us collect gifts at their locations. Your support really made a difference, and we’re so grateful. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we collected hundreds of toys and were able to brighten the holidays for many local kids and families. It’s amazing to see our community come together like this. Thank you to Brian Gartley from Lawn Spa who provided invaluable assistance
with picking up and transporting a trailer full of toys to Old Bridge
A special thanks goes to Anthony Cosentino of All Around Publications in Old Bridge, NJ. Since we met Anthony, he’s gone above and beyond to help us out. His support was a big part of making this our most successful Toys for Tots in years.
A huge thank you to Anthony and his team for their hard work!
We also want to give a big shoutout to the volunteers who spent their time organizing, collecting, and handing out the toys. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we truly appreciate all your efforts. This program showed just how caring and generous the people of Matawan and Aberdeen are. Thank you for making this holiday season brighter—we’re looking forward to doing it again next year!
REFLECTING ON 2024: CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF SERVICE AND LOOKING AHEAD
As we close out 2024, the Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad (MAFAS) would like to take a moment to thank the residents of Matawan and Aberdeen for being part of our journey during this special year. Celebrating our 90th anniversary of service has been an honor, and we are proud to continue representing the towns we serve with dedication, compassion, and teamwork. This past year has truly highlighted the spirit of neighbors helping neigh-
bors, a tradition that has defined us since our founding in 1934.
In 2024, our 50 members responded to countless calls, offering emergency care and support to our neighbors during their most vulnerable moments. We are also proud to stand beside our local fire departments, providing medical assistance and ensuring their safety on calls. Whether it’s during emergencies or moments of celebration, we are committed to being there for those who serve
and protect our community.
Beyond emergency responses, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with residents at various town events in both Matawan and Aberdeen. These opportunities to engage, educate, and celebrate together strengthen the bond between MAFAS and the community. Working closely with our police departments and local officials has also been a rewarding experience, as these
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A MESSAGE FROM THE MATAWAN ABERDEEN
BOARD OF EDUCATION
It’s the New Year, which for the board means that it’s time to start working with our school administration on the school budget for 2025-26. The budget is an essential part of a board’s job and also one that has many misconceptions. Here are some basics to help clarify.
• We are only allowed to raise the budget 2% each year, no matter what we may need to support our students.
• The State of New Jersey determines what an “adequate” budget should be for each district, decides how much money they can provide, and then leaves it up to the district to raise the difference from taxpayers.
• How much each of us pays is based upon our property value and resident income.
• Each district is only obligated to locally raise and spend the funds that are needed to provide all their students with a constitutionally guaranteed “thorough and efficient” education.
• In the 24-25 school year, state aid was only 23.89% of our budget. We should be proud of the MARSD district as we are able to provide a
strong education for our students at one of the lowest costs in Monmouth County. Here is how we rate:
• Our budgetary cost per pupil is the 6th lowest out of 95 districts
• Our administrative cost per student is the 47th lowest out of 95 districts
• Our operations and maintenance spending is 5th lowest out of 95 districts
So while we would all like our taxes to be lower, it’s important to recognize that we are paying less than most Monmouth County residents. And this year we will be working with administration to do the same –provide an effective education for each student while keeping costs down for you.
BURROWES MANSION BENEFITS FROM MATAWAN’S PIANO HISTORY
By: Steven Russell, Councilman Borough of Matawan
Did you know that there were two piano manufacturing companies in Matawan? Many households would have a piano, since this was a major source of entertainment and recreation in the days before radio, television, and computers. On October 30, 1913, the Wason Piano Company
produced its first piano. This was twenty years after the Antisell Piano Company of Matawan closed its doors, but fortunately for Wason, still manufactured the metal piano plates it would need. Wason occupied the former American Rice Food Factory, across from the old train station, in what is now the parking lot. But by 1916 they were bankrupt. Soon after, a fire destroyed the factory. In 1979 a Wason piano that had been given to the borough to settle a water bill and was purchased by the Midway Fire Department, was donated to the Historical Society, and now sits in the tearoom. Go to the Historical Society website for information on these Matawan businesses. Matawan Councilman Arlan Feiles will be helping to get the piano tuned and back in working condition. On Sunday, March 9, at 3 PM I will give a concert on the Wason piano located in the Burrowes Mansion Museum. This concert will include a variety of pieces that feature the piano, and will also include other instruments. I hope to see you at this event. It will be a great way to celebrate the rich history of Matawan.
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
As we look ahead to the new year, I am thrilled to share our aggressive approach to improving Matawan’s roadways. Safe, reliable, and modern infrastructure remains a top priority, and the Borough is making significant strides in this regard. At the end of 2024, Matawan was awarded a substantial Fiscal Year 2025 Municipal Aid grant of $299,002 from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). These funds will be dedicated to essential roadway improvements on MacArthur Drive and Eisenhower Court. This award reflects our commitment to securing outside funding to minimize the financial burden on local taxpayers while achieving critical infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, we are advancing plans for several other projects. The Borough will soon go out to bid for the milling and paving of Crescent Place, a project funded by a prior year NJDOT Municipal Aid
grant totaling $329,140. Other roadway improvements slated for construction in the coming year include Crestwood Road, Claire Court, Washington Avenue (from Grant Street to Liberty Street), Washington Avenue (from Ravine Drive to Grant Street), and Oak Knoll Drive.
These projects are part of Matawan’s comprehensive road program to enhance the safety and accessibility of our streets for residents and visitors alike. I am excited about the progress we are making and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition in 2025.
Together, we are building a stronger Matawan for the future.
CHARILE ROSS, MATAWAN COUNCIL MEMBER
Volunteers play a huge role in building and fostering a healthy community. They create bonds and bring a shared purpose to all involved. To ignore a select group for what seems like political motivation is a shame.
An article was published in last month’s edition thanking groups that only had ties to the Democrat council and two groups were conveniently left out: Animal advisory and Environmental Commission both headed by Republicans. How can anyone leave out a group that dedicates their time to helping our furry friends? The Animal advisory listened to the residents and signed on for the TNR program with Monmouth county ASPCA, provided shelter, food, helped with licensing among other programs; with more to come in the future. As a person who has six rescues, I know what these volunteers do and am grateful for them. As the council liaison for the Environmental commission their goal is to help make Matawan a greener and environ-
mentally friendly community and who does not want that. When I was tasked with this committee, I admit I was clueless on the subject, but the group showed, advised, and educated me on the subject matter, and it made me a better representative of the community. Their passion is inspiring, their knowledge is unparalleled, and their dedication is infectious.
I simplified what these groups do for the community but make no mistake they are extremely important and appreciated by this council member even if they are ignored by others.
To all our Matawan volunteers I thank you Council Member, Charlie Ross
A Step Above...
• Top 15% Nationally in Mathematics & Language Arts.
• Award-Winning Academic Teams.
• Extra-Curricular Clubs & Athletic Programs
• Engaging & Differentiated Instructional Strategies.
• Curriculum Aligned to Data-Driven Standards for Academic Excellence.
• Enrichment and Intervention Classes.
• Offering Art, Music, Technology/Coding, P.E., World Language
• Pre-K3 through 8th Grade
• 3 & 4 Year Old Preschool Programs
Family today... a traditional community!
Visit our OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 26, 2025 11:30am-2:00pm 732-679-4700
81 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge
Council Member Charlie Ross
DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
As we step into a fresh new year, there’s something magical about reflecting on the moments that made the holiday season so special in our small town. This December, our community came together to celebrate traditions that highlight the warmth and joy of living here.
The festivities began with Santa’s arrival at our annual tree lighting and holiday lights festival. The evening sparkled with twinkling lights, carolers filling the air, and the smell of roasted marshmallows. Thanks to the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), steaming cups of hot chocolate kept everyone warm as we welcomed the holiday season.
Santa made another magical appearance —a cherished tradition that brings smiles to children and adults alike. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the PBA, Fire Department, Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad, Recreation Committee, and all the volunteers who make it happen.
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
CELEBRATING SERVICE AND NEW LEADERSHIP
A THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Lt. Matthew O’Boyle began his law enforcement career with the Matawan Police Department on March 7, 1994 as a Patrolman before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant on December 1, 2017.
On December 16, 2020, O’Boyle was pro moted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as the co-commander of the Field Services Bureau and Watch Commander until his retirement on July 1, 2024. Thank you, Lt. O’Boyle, for your thirty years of honorable and dedicated service to the residents of the Borough of Matawan.
School Crossing Guard, Linda Smith, started her post at Ravine Drive Elementary in September of 2006 where she worked until her retirement on September 1, 2024. Thank you, Linda, for keeping the children of the community safe while on their way to school for eighteen years.
Captain Sean McCabe began his career with the Matawan Police Department
in January of 2004. Since joining the department, he has served in a number of different capacities as both Sergeant and Lieutenant, most recently operating as the commander of the Support Services Bureau. In his new role as Captain, he will oversee the Administrative, Field Services, and Support Services Bureau.
Lt. Joseph Lovallo joined the Matawan Police Department in October of 1999. Lovallo has served in multiple capacities as a Patrolman, Detective and most recently operating as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division and the Traffic Safety Supervisor. In his new role as Lieutenant, he will serve as the co-commander of the Field Services Bureau, as well as Watch Commander.
Lt. Jeffrey Bodner began his career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO II) with the Matawan Police Department in 2006, before being promoted to Patrolman in 2007. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, where he was assigned to the Patrol Division prior to being assigned to Supervisor of the Support Services Bureau. Most recently, he returned to the Patrol Division before being promoted to Lieutenant.
Congratulations to all!
By Cathy Zavorskas, Dir. of Community Engagement, Matawan Borough
Matawan Borough’s holiday season offered a reprieve from the hectic pace often felt during that time of year. Borough Hall, Terhune Park, and the downtown were illuminated by the festive lights and decorations. The Borough Recreation Commission, non-profit organizations, and businesses offered holiday-themed events, programs, and activities while residents adorned their homes with colorful lights and decorations to create some breathtaking displays. The citizens of Matawan supported the town’s holiday toy, games, and food drives, and card writing campaigns. Their response was inspiring.
The Matawan Food Pantry received over $1500 and many bags of food from the participants of the Turkey Trot while the PBA collected numerous boxes of donated toys and games for Toys for Tots. The Economic Development Commission, in coordination with the Matawan Handy Helpers, distributed over 900 cards and letters for the Sending Seniors Smiles campaign. These outcomes showcased the kindness and compassion of the community and Matawan at its best.
The season also served as a reminder
of the tremendous dedication and involvement of our volunteers - our first responders, Boy and Girl Scouts, high school students, senior citizens, and those appointed by the mayor to sit on the various commissions and boards within the Borough. Whether it was responding to residents’ calls for assistance, putting out 4000 colorful eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt, organizing the activities for the fireworks, registering and handing out water bottles to over 800 Turkey Trot runners, working clean-up days, or assisting the DPW crew hang thousands of Christmas lights for the Winter Lights Festival in Terhune Park, volunteers continued to give countless hours. We’re grateful to all our volunteers and thank them for all they continue to do to help Matawan be the best it can be for all who live and work here. As 2024 came to an end, we saw it finish on a grand note. People enjoyed the sights, sounds and traditions of the holiday season, gave generously from the heart, and reaped the benefits of the volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and talents to the citizens of Matawan Borough. Thank you one and all!
Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad is proud to have partnered with Damien C. on his Eagle Scout project to provide a proper retirement drop box for American flags. Located right at our squad building, this box ensures that worn-out flags can be retired with the dignity they deserve.
Thank you, Damien, for your dedication to our community and your hard work on this amazing project! Stop by and drop off your flags!
MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE
As you know everyone you met are saying, “Where did the year go”? For us at Town Hall it sometimes feels like one big day. Our number one goal everyday is to deliver the services you day. Ever department manager has that common goal. From the Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Building Department and Recreation Department pledge to provide the best service for you. I can say with conviction that each and every Aberdeen employee is committed to help you.
In February, the Council along with our Town Manager will be working together on the 2025 Budget. You can be assured that the Police will be fully funded, the
Road Project will continue and the Recreation needs of all ages will be addressed. Let close by wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The Council is honored to serve you!
Fred Tagliarini Mayor Aberdeen,NJ
Happy New Year!
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library is excited for 2025. We recently completed our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan (available to view on our website) and we will be working on all areas of our strategic focus this year. This winter, we have some wonderful programs for patrons of all ages!
Our Winter Reading Challenge for children and teens runs from January 2nd to February 28th. While it’s cold outside, why not curl up with a good book and earn some prizes while you’re at it? Stop by the library to pick up your Winter Reading Challenge sheet and get reading! When you bring it back, you will get a prize, and a raffle ticket for one of our fabulous grand prizes! Open to children and teens ages 0-17.
On Friday, January 31st, from 6:309pm, we’ll be hosting Teen After-hours Movie Night. There’s nowhere better to spend a cold winter Friday night than at the library eating snacks and watching a movie with your friends. Join us after hours to watch The Fall Guy on the big screen in our meeting
room while eating some library-made toaster oven s’mores. Open to patrons in grades 6-12. Registration is required.
For adults, we have two special programs in January:
Find Your Voice: Public Speaking with Paul Ireifej is on Wednesday, January 15th at 7pm. In this one-hour program, participants will discover the tools to speak with confidence, structure their message effectively, and captivate any audience. Registration is required.
The Grateful Day: 5 Daily Exercises in Gratitude for Lifelong Wellbeing is on Tuesday, January 28th on Zoom. Author, speaker, and psychologist Dr. Peggy DeLong will show you how to achieve wellbeing through gratitude in just five minutes a day. Registration is required. For more details about all of our January events and to register, or if you have questions, make sure to visit our website at www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com, stop by, or give us a call at 732-583-9100. Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy new year! Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO KNOW IF SAT OR ACT IS BETTER FOR YOUR CHILD
By Paul Pscolka
When I receive a phone call, the first piece of advice I give to parents is for them to send their child for a mock SAT AND ACT. It is a bit easier for me to focus on just the SAT since everyone All Around Old Bridge seems to be taking that test…. So why would I suggest taking a mock test of each?...because, having taught these tests for the past 26 years, 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 other students were admitted to universities that may have never accepted them had they not taken the right test. For example, a former student who found that the ACT was a better fit graduated from Emory, the #21 ranked university (out of over 2800 4-year insti-
tutions) on US News and World Report.
To give you a mental toehold, Emory is among the top 99.993% 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 important to remember the purpose of these exams—to maximize a student’s chances of getting into his or her topchoice university. Mindful of this fact, why not first figure out which test is better? Suggestion for a topic? You can reach us at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833SATsACT (833728-7228) www.ivymasters.com
A HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY: REFORMED CHURCH HOME TOYS FOR TOTS SUCCESS
As the festive season envelops us in warmth and cheer, the Reformed Church Home has embraced the spirit of giving by organizing a successful Toys for Tots. This Year initiative brought together dedicated staff, generous community members, and the joyous hearts of children, creating a powerful testament to the magic of communal generosity. Our journey began with determination of our talented residents in Reformed Church Home assisted living ,who crafted an array of wonderful handmade goods for a special craft sale, raising
$633. These funds went directly towards purchasing toys for the Toys for Tots.
The idea to collect toys for children in need was not just an act of charity: it was a rallying call to foster hope and happiness among our youngest community members. The response was nothing short of remarkable from the moment the Toy drive was announced , donation began pouring in. The Reformed Church Home staff worked diligently to set up collection points and coordinate logistic while community volunteers joined the effort with enthusiasm. Thanks to the commitment and compassion of everyone involved, The Toy Drive exceeded all expectations. As we reflect on this wonderful experience, Reformed Church Home would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Toy for Tots drive. Your generosity kindness, and willingness to give back embody the true spirit of the holiday season.
HONORING DECADES OF DEDICATED SERVICE
service and Mark Hawkey, DPW Heavy Equipment Operator with 40+ years of service to the Township! We wish them well in their retirement and can’t thank them enough for their years of service to the township. You will be missed!
IN MEMORIAM
ELAINE DINSMORE
JUNE 17, 1942 - DECEMBER 23, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
JIMMY I HAYNES
JUNE 27, 1967 - DECEMBER 22, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
DOROTHY A FISHER
JANUARY 6, 1927 - DECEMBER 22, 2024
Services held at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
JONATHAN VAWTER
SEPTEMBER 6, 1958 - DECEMBER 21, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
PHYLLIS AGNES MARUCCI
MAY 1, 1932 - DECEMBER 20, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
MARLENE SHERMAN
MAY 21, 1938 - DECEMBER 19, 2024
Services held at Bedle Funeral Home & Cremation.
MARK LESCHINSKI
APRIL 28, 1959 - DECEMBER 17, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
BERNICE DAMIANO
JUNE 24, 1941 - DECEMBER 17, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
JOSEPH MAGIELNICKI
DECEMBER 12, 1941 - DECEMBER 16, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
ISILIO M VILLA PENA
SEPTEMBER 4, 1937 - DECEMBER 16, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
ANITA SMITH
MAY 27, 1965 - DECEMBER 14, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
PHILIP MCGOVERN
NOVEMBER 19TH,1949- DECEMBER 28, 2024
Services held at Old bridge Funeral Home.
ANN M. DEVIZIA
JANUARY 27, 1930 - DECEMBER 13, 2024
Services held at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
GRACE PARISI
NOVEMBER 11, 1938 - DECEMBER 13, 2024
Services held at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
ELIZABETH MARY GILLARD
SEPTEMBER 21, 1934 - DECEMBER 12, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
MAUREEN DIBATTISTA
JUNE 7, 1960 - DECEMBER 11, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
DOMINICK N. BUONPANE
MARCH 11, 1926 - DECEMBER 11, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
ANNE MAUREEN-RASMUSSEN
AUGUST 26,1966 – DECEMBER 27, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home
JOHN QUINN
JANUARY 23, 1943 - DECEMBER 11, 2024
Services held at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
JOANNE ST. JOHN
AUGUST 7, 1960 - DECEMBER 11, 2024
Services held at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
PHILOMENA VIVONA
JUNE 27, 1939 - DECEMBER 10, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
HERMAN R DEISSINGER, JR.
NOVEMBER 9, 1932 - DECEMBER 10, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
MARY ROCHE
AUGUST 16, 1946 - DECEMBER 4, 2024
Services held at Old Bridge Funeral Home.
REFLECTING ON 2024: CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF SERVICE AND LOOKING AHEAD
Continued from page 1
partnerships allow us to serve our towns with the highest level of care and teamwork. This year, our cadet program has been an integral part of our success. With 14 cadets serving as the backbone of our squad and the future of EMS, their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment inspire us all. One of our cadets, Sarah, a 17-year-old junior at Matawan Regional High School, reflected on her journey, describing how being a cadet has given her a second family and a passion for the medical field. Earlier this year, Sarah witnessed a medical emergency involving CPR, which left her feeling helpless and unsure of what to do. That moment became a turning point for her, motivating her to join MAFAS and learn how to help in critical situations. Now, as a cadet, she has grown confident in her ability to respond. “Being a cadet has helped me embrace who I am and pushes me to be who I want to be,” she shared. Stories like hers remind us that the future of MAFAS is in good hands. Your continued support through our annual fund drive has been vital to our mission. Your generosity ensures we can maintain the equipment, training, and
resources necessary to provide top-quality care. Just as we are here for you in your times of need, your contributions allow us to keep serving our community with excellence.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on the foundation of our first 90 years. We remain committed to our mission of neighbors helping neighbors and look forward to another successful year of serving and growing with the Matawan-Aberdeen community.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you and for being part of our journey. Here’s to celebrating the past and embracing the future - together!
