All Around Matawan Aberdeen - 2024

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN VOL 2, NO 8

A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen

THE EVOLUTION AND On behalf IMPACT OF THE MATAWANo f t h e Chamber of ABERDEEN FIRST AD SQUAD

CHAMBER CONNECTION

Commerce and all of our members, I Jeff Pantelas would like to President wish you all Chamber of a Safe, Happy Commerce and Successful New Year! We would like to welcome our newest member: Liberty City Weed Deliveries, Andres Carmona and Peter Simpson. It has been a wonderful and successful year for our business community and friends, and we look forward to even greater success for the coming year! We hope our community continues to support our local businesses as this makes our community stronger. We would like to invite potential new members to our Chamber to join us for one of our upcoming events to get to know our Chamber and Community and how we can help support each other and grow!

We will have our next Chamber Luncheon on January 10th at Peppino’s Restaurant, Guest Speaker & Sponsor: Audrey Tesora of Right Touch Organizing.

Also, join us for our January After-hours networking event with the Facebook group “1st Monday Networking at 3BR” at 3BR Distillery in Keyport on Monday, January 22nd. Please Visit MACOCNJ.COM for times and further information.

May 2024 bring you everything and More! Jeff Pantelas: President : Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

Continuing the legacy of service and dedication established in 1934, the newly named Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad, formerly Bayshore EMS, has been a beacon of hope and assistance in the Matawan-Aberdeen community for nine decades. This remarkable journey, fueled by the unwavering commitment of its volunteers, has seen the organization evolve into a vital component of the area’s emergency response system.

The squad, driven by a team

of 42 active volunteers, is a testament to the power of community service. These volunteers, diverse in backgrounds yet united in purpose, embody the spirit of selflessness and dedication. Each member brings their unique skills and expertise, contributing significantly to the effectiveness and reliability of the squad. Their commitment ensures that the residents of Matawan and Aberdeen have access to critical emergency medical services, day or night.

The rebranding to Ma-

tawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad is not just a change in name; it’s a reflection of the organization’s deep-rooted connection to the communities it serves. This name proudly highlights their local focus and dedication, reinforcing the trust and reliance placed in them by the residents of Matawan and Aberdeen.

In addition to providing emergency medical services, the Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad is profoundly committed Continue on page 4

All American Ford and Subaru In Old Bridge are proud to have

taken part in Feel Better Bears once again this Holiday Season.

Imagine you’re a child in an emergency situation going on in your home; a fire, a burglary, a crime of any kind. You’re anxious and confused, and the adults around you are busy trying to deal with the situation at hand. But when the police arrive, they take the time to dedicate a few minutes to calm you down and hand you a cuddly teddy bear to hug and take your mind off things. That’s the idea behind Feel Better Bears, an initiative designed to help police make children feel better during emergencies, giving them brandnew bears to hug - that’s why they are called “Feel Better Bears”.

You can help by donating a new and unwrapped stuffed animal less than 18 inches tall.

All donations are given to the New Jersey State PBA. The stuffed animals will go from your hands to squad cars to help children on the scene of crisis situations. All American Ford and Subaru have been proud to take part in this initiative for the last 5 years and it is one of their favorite charities to take part in. Donation bins will be located throughout the All American Ford and Subaru showrooms which are located at 3698 Route 9 South, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. Please consider donating and giving comfort and love to a child this holiday season. You can also purchase a brand new teddy bear or stuffed animal online at nj1015.com/bears to donate directly to the PBA! Thank you to all who have donated for this great cause this Holiday Season

LOCAL DEALERSHIP CHAMPIONS ‘FEEL BETTER BEARS’ INITIATIVE

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SCAN APPOINTS MICHAEL V. GRANDI AS BOARD TREASURER

The Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN), a New Jersey-based nonprofit serving people fifty-five and older since 1988, announced the appointment of Michael V. Grandi, CFSP, to the SCAN Board of Directors. Mr. Grandi will additionally serve as a member of the Executive and Finance Committees. Following the appointment of Mr. Grandi, the Board will comprise of fourteen directors.

“Michael brings with him a background of significant business success and financial insight as well as an impressive track record of serving with community-based organizations,” said Mike Ciavolino, Executive Director of SCAN. “We are honored to have Michael join our Board of Directors and serve in the role of Board Treasurer. “ Mr. Grandi, who serves as VP of Funeral Operations at Jersey Memorial Group, a fourteen location Funeral Home Group,

headquartered in Old Bridge, NJ. Michael has spent twenty-five years working as a licensed funeral director and twenty years as a licensed life insurance agent.

His extensive volunteer experience includes serving as a trustee for the Monmouth-Ocean Funeral Director Association and he is current Treasurer of the Kiwanis club of Marlboro where he also served as President, Vice President and Secretary. He is also current Treasurer for the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce where he also served as a Trustee for many years.

“I am proud to join such a great organization, and work along side the executive leadership to continue the great work of SCAN, as well as to continue to perpetuate, SCAN and all it does for the senior community”. –Michael V. Grandi Mr. Grandi, who resides in Jackson, NJ, enjoys boating, golfing, travel and wine making in his spare time.

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MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE First and foremost, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

At our annual reorganization meeting, we were proud to honor our Citizens of the Year, who were responsible for helping a resident Matawan Mayor who lives alone Joseph Altomonte on a small social security income, who was a victim of scammers who came to her door and took advantage of her. Our neighbor was taken advantage of for $27,000, almost all her savings. On top of this financial misfortune, a large tree limb took out her electric service, and we discovered she’d been without a furnace for the past four winters; if you can imagine, think about how cold it can be in the winter. In true Matawan spirit, 250 local people contributed monetarily, and various businesses banded together to help her fix her electricity and heating and get back up and running. We, therefore, honored these businesses at our meeting: CK Electric, Lambertson Landscaping, Barrett Tree Service, Grapevine

Pro, Lupu Enterprises/Maloneys on Main St, Borough Administrator Ryan Michelson, Matawan Police and PBA We thank everyone who came together and made this happen, especially the Nussbaum and Holland families who came together and who advocated on her behalf and continue to care for her.

People taking care of one another is one of the many things I love about this town.

I want to remind all our seniors and residents to be mindful of scammers. If it doesn’t feel right, please ask for help.

In addition, keep your info and bank private over the phone. Be wary of people who sound like a grandchild or relative asking for something. If you’re concerned, it’s best to say something and call the non-emergency number for the Matawan Police Department at 732-566-1010.

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THE EVOLUTION AND IMPACT OF THE MATAWANABERDEEN FIRST AD SQUAD Continued from page 1 to public education and training. Recognizing the importance of community preparedness in emergencies, the squad hosts numerous training sessions for the public. These programs are designed to empower residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations, further enhancing the community’s resilience and safety.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, fully volunteer organization, the Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad heavily relies on the support of the community. This support is crucial for the squad to maintain and enhance its services. Through community donations, fundraising events, and volunteer contributions, the squad ensures it has the necessary resources, equipment, and training to respond efficiently and compassionately to emergencies.

Embracing its new identity, the Matawan-Aberdeen First Aid Squad remains steadfast in its commitment to serving the community with the highest level of emergency medical care. As they continue their noble mission under this

new banner, the dedication and spirit of volunteerism that have defined the squad since 1934 shine brighter than ever, solidifying its role as an indispensable part of the Matawan-Aberdeen community.

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A BRIEF(ISH) TIMELINE OF THE SAT AND ACT 1900—twelve university presidents formed the College Entrance Examination Board in order to create a uniform college admission test in essay format.

This allowed students to take one test for several universities instead of a test for each university. During World War I. the first IQ test was given to a large group of Americans—the Army Alpha—administered to identify soldiers qualified to fight.

By 1926—Carl Brigham, a Princeton psychology professor and eugenics advocate, adapted the Army Alpha into the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

1934—Harvard president James Bryant Conant first used the SAT to identify gifted Midwestern scholarship students who did not attend Eastern boarding schools.

1939—after grading tests by hand, the SAT introduced

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machine scoring to accommodate the 10,000 test takers.

At this point, only 1% of high school graduates took the SAT. 1946—Stanley Kaplan began SAT prep in his parents’ Brooklyn home. Background: Kaplan was an aspiring doctor, but explained that he was rejected from every medical school program because each school had already filled its quota for Jewish students.

He strongly believed that each student should be taken on his or her own merit despite any difference of race (and despite the needs of any particular school).

He also strongly believed that the SAT could be a vehicle for that meritocracy. The idea of an even playing field is central to what many who believe in the test believe. The SAT was first dubbed an “aptitude” test and touted as a test students could not prepare for. (Wikipedia) Kaplan saw patterns in the test and began to teach strategy.

1957—more than 500,000

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1958—High schools began sharing results with students.

1959— University of Iowa education professor E.F. Lindquist launched the American College Testing Program (ACT).

1 9 6 0 — T h e Un i ve r s it y of California began requiring the SAT for admissions.

1969—The College Board began to offer fee waivers to low-income students. Bowdoin stopped requiring the SAT, becoming a pioneer in the test-optional movement. (93% required scores pre-covid) 1979—the FTC determined that Kaplan’s test prep could raise student’s scores, following an investigation into his marketing. At 1st the College Board denied that preparation was possible, now they make the best-selling test prep books.

1994—the College B o a r d d r o p p e d “a p t i tude” from the SAT’s name.

2 0 0 5 — t h e S AT a d d e d

writing…and made other changes.

2012—For the first time in history, there were more ACT testers than SAT testers.

2016—the SAT became more like the ACT and announced it will have a summer test to replace the January test.

2017—The ACT announced it will have a summer test.

2019—The Rick Springer college admissions scandal.

2020—The ACT announced single-section retakes. This still has not happened and will likely never happen. The pandemic hit. The SAT and ACT were cancelled nationwide in April, May, and June. Many universities adopted test-optional policies.

2021—The SAT essay and SAT subject tests were discontinued.

2023—The SAT goes digital Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ ivymasters.com 732-4856480 www.ivymasters.com

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HAPPY NEW YEAR MATAWAN!

By Deann Gunn, Matawan Council President The Mayor and Finance, Construction, Environmental C o u n c i l h e l d it s Commission . Councilman Steven annual reorganization Russell-Personnel and Historic Sites meeting on January Councilwoman Melanie Wang- Animal 1st to organize for the Welfare, ADA, Property Maintenance new year. Mayor AlMany commissions and departments, tomonte was proudly such as Economic Business Development, sworn in for a third Planning and Zoning, Recreation, Shade term along with myself and newly Tree and Environmental Commissions, elected Councilman Arlan Feiles. Animal Advisory, and ADA, have regular It’s an honor to serve you again, and I meetings open to the public. Meeting look forward to working with the Council dates and times can be found on the to execute the Mayor’s agenda. In bigger calendar on the borough website, or cities, councils serve wards or districts. you can reach out to the Council liaison In smaller boroughs, like Matawan, for information regarding the meeting Councilmembers chair and act as liaisons schedule or to address any concerns. to departments instead. We thought it Our email addresses and way to contact would be helpful to share with the com- us can be found on the borough website munity the following council liaisons at www.matawanborough.com under for each department should you have ‘Your Government’ and then by clickquestions, suggestions, or challenges: ing on the ‘Mayor and Council’ tab. As 2024 Council Department Assignments: always, we are here to serve the commuCouncilwoman Deana Gunn-Council nity in big and small ways. I will keep President: Police, Economic Business Devel- you informed as the year progresses; opment Commission, Planning & Zoning however, feel free to reach out anytime Councilman Arlan Feiles- Recre- at deana.gunn@matawanborough.com. ation, Sanitation, and Recycling Councilman Brian Livesey- Department of Public Works, Fire, Shade Tree Commission.Councilman Charles Ross-

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MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE D e ar Ab erdeen Residents, It has been a truly special year in Aberdeen, as we hosted a number of community events that have been well-attended and memorable. Throughout Mayor Fred Tagliarini – 2024, the Aberdeen Aberdeen Mayor Town C ouncil plans to build on what we have created for you. The Aberdeen Township Manager, Bryan A. Russell, has given our Aberdeen Recreation Department additional resources to create memorable events for you and your family. 2024 will be our best year yet.

Besides the excellent recreational programming which includes the consistently sold out Summer Camp Adventures, we plan to expand on our Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Celebration and our Summer Concert Series in 2024. Our Tuesday night Summer Concert Series, though hindered by some rain, was a tremendous hit, with a musical lineup that kept drawing our residents back for the best live music around.

2023 also brought us a memorable 9/11

Memorial Ceremony at Town Hall, our Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting events, and a variety of other activities that brought more and more families out to our enhanced parks and other improved amenities around town.

Your Aberdeen Township Council has made a heavy investment in our parks over the last few years and we hope that you will join us in the spring of 2024 when we open the all new Northland Park, which will include all new facilities and 6 pickle ball courts.

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season with your family as we turn the calendar once again. May all carry the holiday joy into a healthy and prosperous 2024. Let’s show other communities that Aberdeen is a warm and accepting community that makes it a wonderful place to live, raise a family and work in. We should all give thanks to the brave men and women in the military , Police, Fire and First Responders.

As always, thank you for allowing me to be your Mayor.

It is truly the honor of my life.

Respectfully, Fred Tagliarini Mayor, Aberdeen Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

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JANUARY 2024

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MELANOMA Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, which is why it’s smart to know the signs that show on your skin. Learn the signs of melanoma so you can seek early treatment and help prevent this skin cancer from spreading.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread if not detected and treated early.

Our team at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, with offices in Old Bridge, Freehold, and Union, New Jersey, has advanced training in preventing, diagnosing, and treating melanoma.

Whether you need a regular skin cancer screening or expert cancer removal, we can provide the care you need.

Key points about melanoma: Risk Factors: Sun Exposure: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk.

Fair Skin: People with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes are at a higher risk.

Family History: Having a family history

ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP REORGANIZATION MEETING SET FOR JANUARY 14TH After each election, every municipality must have a reorganization meeting to swear in whoever one the November Election. Aberdeen Township officials have set that date for January 14th. Aberdeen Township is set to swear in Democratic Council Members Gregory Cannon, Arthur Hirsch, Connie Kelley and Robert Swindle.

“I am very proud to have earned re-election from our residents,” said Councilman Arthur Hirsch. “There is so much left to do for the neighborhood, I am excited to get back to work.”

Councilman Greg Cannon, who just two weeks before the election welcomed his first baby girl, thanked the residents for giving him another opportunity to serve the residents. “This is a close knitted community, we stick together and we help each other out when we are in need. I am thankful to have another opportunity to help better the community that raised

me into the man I am today.”

Councilwoman Connie Kelley explained that she wanted to continue working on the Parks Replacement Program, which has lead to 11 of the 16 parks being remodeled over her last two terms. “After spending my career teaching in our school system, our parents always complained about the lack of investment in our parks,” she explained.

“When I was elected to Aberdeen Township Council, I made it my mission to ensure we provided the parks and recreation programs that our families deserve. We are

going to finish what we started.”

Councilman Swindle simply stated his goals for his new term were to bring further investment to the Cliffwood and Cliffwood Beach communities.

“People here feel forgotten, we have been investing more into these specific neighborhoods and will continue to invest in them further,” Swindle said.

Council members will be sworn in on January 14th at 3:30pm in the Council Chambers at Aberdeen Town Hall.

All are invited to attend.

of melanoma can increase the risk.

Multiple Moles: Individuals with a large number of moles or unusual moles may be at a higher risk.

Warning Signs: A change in the size, shape, color, or texture of a mole. The development of a new, unusual-looking mole. Itching or tenderness in a mole.

Diagnosis Skin Examination: A dermatologist may perform a visual examination of the skin to check for irregularities.

Biopsy: If a suspicious mole is identified, a biopsy may be performed to confirm whether it is cancerous.

To learn more about melanoma or get the treatment or preventive care you need, call Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, or schedule an appointment through our website. www.dermatologyassociatesnj.com 732-679-6300

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JANUARY 2023 2024

2023 HAS BEEN A SPECTACULAR YEAR FOR CELEBRATING MATAWAN HISTORY :76 MAIN STREET 2023 has been a spectacular year for celebrating Matawan history thanks to the Historical Society commemorating the building of Burrowes Mansion and reenacting the 1778 British Raid.

The Borough, with the assistance of the Historical Society and the Historic Sites Commission, will ensure that Matawan residents will enjoy the Mansion for many generations, thanks in part to recent grants for its preservation. But there are many other historic buildings in town. I stopped by one the other day at 76 Main Street and visited with Jeffrey Kagan, owner with Joel Pascua of KP Edgestone Realty, who have lovingly restored this 19th century home, and created an abode for their business that “Lets people who

enter travel back in time and see what it was like here as a home,” in Jeffrey’s words. The property was first owned by Captain Haddock Whitlock, a childhood friend of Philip Freneau. With the help of Emily Robinson of Rally Point Title, also a resident business in the house, who did some title searching on the property, and Mark Chidichimo, Matawan resident and genealogist at Project Recover, who did detailed research on the property, Jeffrey and Joel are armed with a treasure trove of history on the inhabitants of the house.

In their renovations they discovered two fireplaces buried beneath sheetrock, one of which had a framed portrait of former resident Abram Vreeland hanging above it. Jeffrey and Joel, or Matt Lewellen, manager of the Matawan office, would be happy to show off the home to anyone who stopped by. Or, if we are lucky, they will be on next year’s Haunted History Tour, where you can hear about haunting secrets of this historic Matawan gem.

TOY DRIVE COLLECTS OVER 2000 TOYS FOR HOLIDAY

Old Bridge Business Alliance partnered with All Around Old Bridge to once again give back to our most prized community members, our children.

With help from our friends at Quality Chevy and All-American Ford serving as the main toy drop-off centers, donations continuously increased over the weeks leading up to the holidays.

Wit h t he help f rom Mayor Henry-senator elect, C ou n c i l Vi c e - Pre s i d e nt Debbie Walker-mayor elect,

Steve Mamakas-Executive Officer, Councilman Erik DePalma and his two daughters-Sophia & Brianna, Rich Bruno from the Max and his son Nick, Midge & John Hauser, Chief Bob Verney & Anthony Cosentino from All Around Old Bridge and the team at All American Ford and Quality Chevy.

We loaded NOT 1, NOT 2 BUT 3 box trucks filled with 55 boxes and over 85 bags, over 2,000 toys.

This year, we exceeded our goal collecting over 2,000 toys with over 25 drop off sites throughout town to continue to help bring a little extra joy for the 2023-holiday season.

With multiple pick-ups each week made by Chief Bob Verney, Chief of Fire Administration for Fire District #3, and Anthony Cosentino, All Around Old Bridge Sales Manager, 25 drop-off locations throughout the town, and the support of our local businesses, we were overcome with joy to learn our efforts resulted in over 2,000 toys being collected! Additionally, over $2,500 was donated

by residents and businesses across town to purchase toys. The generosity once again displayed by the citizens and businesses in Old Bridge & Matawan has led us to a great accomplishment and shows the true character and kindness of our home.

A Heart-felt Thank You to our businesses who became drop off sites for 5 weeks and displayed all the toys collected at their business. Pet Center, The Max of Old Bridge, South Old Bridge Fire Station, The YMCA of Old Bridge, Columbia Bank, Kenary Bank , Parlin Dupont-Sayreville, ,Old Bridge School of Dance, Giuseppe’s Pizza ,ProFysio (all locations) The Old Bridge Public Library, Café Luna,Chick-fil-A, Doughlicious, La Rosa Chicken, Retro Fitness, Simpson United Methodist Church, Bubba’s 33 & A Step in Time Dance Center in Sayreville.

Special thank you to Archer Plumbing, Visionstream LLC, Litz Tax & Consulting and for all those who sent in private donations!

A thank you to Jacob Rosa,

General Manager, at UHAUL on Rt 9 Old Bridge, who donated 2 box trucks for 2 days to help us load all the toys. John & Midge Hauser for your time and the use of their box truck to drop offs at Toys for Tots in Neptune City.

A special thanks to the Board of Fire Commissioners, District # 3, Chief Bob Verney, for the use of their pick-up truck for toys picks and transports, Anthony Cosentino from All Around Old Bridge for organizing this year’s event and continuous support given.

We are looking forward to the 2024 Toys for Tots Giving Event and will be expanding into Matawan and Aberdeen.

See additional photos on our FB page.

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CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

Happy New Year!

It’s 2024, and many of you have made resolutions for the new year.

Let the library help you meet your goals!

Maybe you are hoping to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in your diet this year? The library has hundreds of cookbooks of every kind in our collection as well as a wonderful online resource: A to Z World Food! AND on Thursday, 1/11 at 7pm, Cooking with Nick will be back with Polish staples: Zapiekanka, Placki Ziemniaczane, and Poppy Seed Cake.

Hey, teens! Are you hoping to do some good things for our community this year? Teen Volunteer Day is on Wednesday, 1/17 at 7pm. We are going to make dog toys to donate to local shelter animals. Other teen volunteer opportunities will be on our youth services calendar throughout the year!

Maybe your resolution is just to have some fun! We have an upcoming After Hours Music Event on Friday, 1/19 at 7pm – Ronnie & the Engineers are a classic rock band that will be performing the best of 60s, 70s, and 80s rock! For more music

options, check out Freegal on our website!

Free downloads and 24-hour streaming!

Join us on Monday, 1/22 at 7pm, for Teen Tiny Fairy Gardens. We’ll be making spring gardens in tiny mint tins so teens can enjoy a bright spot during the dreary winter months. If you want to do more crafting this year, take a look at Creativebug on our website - high quality arts and crafts instructional videos.

Perhaps 2024 is the year to get your finances in order! We have many books on this subject that could be of help.

AND on Thursday, 1/25, we’ll be hosting Financial Wellness with Carolyn Seiter.

You can learn about improving your spending habits, making the most of your money, and saving for long term goals.

Don’t forget, we also have plenty to offer kids of all ages, even if they don’t make new year’s resolutions!

For more details about our January events and to register, or for questions about any of the above resources, make sure to visit our website at www. matawanaberdeenlibrary.com, stop by, or give us a call at 732-583-9100.

Wish i ng you and you rs a very happy and healthy new year!

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

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REVOLUTIONARY WAR VETERANS HONORED AT MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY

By John Lazar

On December 10, volunteers from the Matawan Historical Society and New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution temporarily placed three new Veteran grave markers at Historic Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Matawan.

Permanent foundations will be installed

by our volunteers in the coming weeks.

The Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had these markers made through the US Department of Veteran Affairs for Matawan Veterans Captain Samuel Carhart, Colonel Samuel Forman, and Major Thomas Hunn who all fought in the NJ and Monmouth Militias during the Revolutionary War. The Daughter of the American Revolution were generous enough to assist us in obtaining these beautiful marble grave markers for these three Veterans.

The previous markers had weathered badly over the centuries and had become almost impossible to read.

These new markers will properly honor these local men who risked it all in the American War for Independence.

Many thanks to the Middletown Chapter of the daughters of the American Revolution, the New Jersey Sons of the American Revolution, the Matawan Historic Sites Commission, Matawan Borough DPW and Mayor Altomonte and Council for their assistance on this project.

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LOCAL PET SHOP OPPOSES EFFORT TO BAN PET SALES Earlier this month, a hearing was held in Trenton to discuss Senate Bill 4079, which would prohibit the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and repeal the state’s Pet Purchase Protection Act. Animal advocates testified that the bill would help keep puppies bred in sub-standard conditions out of New Jersey. However, a number of pet shop owners in the state advocated in support of the Pet Purchase Protection Act and disputed the activist claims about their operations. According to Tom Gallo, whose family owns Pet Center at the Shoppes at Old Bridge, the bill would mandate that New Jersey replace the regulated pet shop market that includes pet shops like his families’ for an underregulated one that would require New Jersey residents to only find a new family pet at a shelter, rescue, or hobby breeder.

Among other provisions, the Pet Purchase Protection Act requires pet shops in the state to obtain puppies only from breeders licensed and inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture, and to provide consumers with extensive warranties. In addition, the law requires all puppies to be examined

by a veterinarian before they can be sold.

When asked about the legislation, Mr. Gallo said “In no uncertain terms, S4079 would result in our business closing its doors, all while repealing the strongest consumer protections in the nation for pet purchasers. It is not in the best interests of New Jersey residents and our pets to drive all pet sales to unregulated sources.” He added, “S4079 would remove guaranteed health checks, facilities inspections, and leave New Jersey without animal welfare safeguards.”

Mr. Gallo welcomes the opportunity to educate customers about the law and the breeders from whom Pet Center obtains their puppies.

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FIND YOUR GOOD HEALTH. FIND YOUR Y! At the Y, you’ll find more than a place to work out. With opportunities to connect with new people, develop skills and explore interests, you’ll find good health in spirit, mind and body!

Start the new year off strong at Freehold, Red Bank and Old Bridge branches with a special membership promotion: Become a member in January, with no joiner fee or contract! There are wellness activities for every member of your family—from quality swim lessons, sports and enrichment for kids, to a variety of classes that help adults look and feel their best. Kids Club is offered free for family memberships to support a commitment to good health.

In addition to wellness branches, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County serves over 36,000 residents through preschool, before and after school care, teen leadership and mentoring, personal and family counseling, mental and behavioral health care, community outreach, and summer day camp.

Visit our YMCA open houses on January 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to enjoy healthy fun and info on membership, fitness, wellness, swim, camp, child

care, mental health, community events, and Y careers that strengthen lives.

The Y strengthens lives. A non-profit charity, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has served community for 150 years with programs that support healthy living and well-being for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. All are welcome and no one is turned away for the inability to pay.

Follow the Y on www.facebook.com/ ymcaGMC and www.ymcanj.org/findyour-y for affordable opportunities to jump-start a new year of good health.

The Y is here for all and here for good, and their doors are always open to help all people reach their fullest potential.

We ’ r e s t r o n g e r t o g e t h e r !

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