MATAWAN-ABERDEEN VOL 1, NO 7
CHAMBER IN SPRING MODE
With the groundhog’s job completed, our Chamber community is tracking toward a great Spring Season. We would like to take a moment to welcome back returning member - Nautical Media Group: Mary Foti and welcome new members Caliber Construction NY & NJ: Oriana Calise and Mattress by Appointment, Hope Muniz. We would also like to thank all of those who turned out for our February luncheon with special thanks to Don Newman from NJBAC for a great presentation and Mike Page and staff from Court Jester for the great food and service. We look forward to our upcoming events which we would love to have you join us for. We will have our Monthly Luncheon on Tuesday, March 7th at DiBarri’s Pizza and Restaurant at 12 noon. Also, please come and join us for a very special Meet and Greet hosted by Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Aberdeen and featuring a performance by MJXpressions Dance School for Special Needs. For further information, please visit our website at MACOCNJ. COM . Have a great Spring and remember Shop Local, it helps us all! Jeff Pantelas, President, Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.
A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen
THE SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE GETS READY FOR ITS 12TH RUN
By Cathy Zavorskas, Matawan Borough Community Engagement Coordinator hold the parade in Matawan (Kate Chieffo has the honor), after observing a similar event in and marchers such as civic Jersey City. Raymond organized organizations, boy/girl scouts, the inaugural parade in 2010 and and sports teams along with the has continued to do so ever since. mayor and council members. The parade, which takes place The Friendly Sons of Shillelagh in downtown Matawan along pipe band plays as antique cars, Jackson Street between Spring Matawan firetrucks, first aid/ The Washington Engine Co. and Church Streets, is only EMS vehicles, and other vehi#1’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day one block long, earning it the cles from neighboring towns Parade is an annual event that moniker “shortest parade”. drive by. The police department has gained popularity since its Despite its length, the parade arranges for street closures, inception more than a decade includes many of the traditional traffic, and safety for the occaago. The parade can be cred- elements of a St. Patrick’s Day sion, and the mayor and council ited to Raymond Bassford, a parade, such as a Grand Marshal approve the painting of a green retired Jersey City firefighter (Washington Engine chose line down the middle of the and member of Washington Doug Weber Sr. and sons Doug street to define the parade route. Engine Co. He had the idea to and Eric this year), a Colleen Continue on page 9
ABERDEEN POLICE PROMOTE & SWEAR IN 13, INCLUDING NEW CHIEF
Aberdeen - Thirteen Aberdeen Police Officers were either promoted or sworn in at the Aberdeen Township Police Swearing in Ceremony on February 22. Held at MRHS, the long-awaited ceremony was delayed due
to COVID-19. Being sworn in as Chief of Police was Matthew T. Lloyd, who’s been an Aberdeen Police Officer since 2002. During the swearing in, Town Manager Bryan Russell noted, “Chief Lloyd is not only part
of our team, he has become a friend whose advice I seek out and trust.” Mayor Fred Tagliarini stated, “There is no one better suited to lead this police department into the future. I am proud of the ATPD command staff we’ve built and wholeheartedly thank the department who are there 24/7 to assist the residents we all serve.” Other promotions included a number of highly decorated officers with collectively nearly 100 years of service to the Aberdeen community. Promoted to Captain were Craig Hausmann and Roger Peter, promoted to Lieutenant was Brian Alberti, promoted to Sergeant were Edgar Serrano, Mohamed
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MARCH 2023