All Around Matawan Aberdeen - March 2023

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN 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.

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 after observing a similar event in Jersey City. Raymond organized the inaugural parade in 2010 and has continued to do so ever since.

The Washington Engine Co. #1’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an annual event that has gained popularity since its inception more than a decade ago. The parade can be credited to Raymond Bassford, a retired Jersey City firefighter and member of Washington Engine Co. He had the idea to

The parade, which takes place in downtown Matawan along Jackson Street between Spring and Church Streets, is only one block long, earning it the moniker “shortest parade”. Despite its length, the parade includes many of the traditional elements of a St. Patrick’s Day parade, such as a Grand Marshal (Washington Engine chose Doug Weber Sr. and sons Doug and Eric this year), a Colleen

(Kate Chieffo has the honor), and marchers such as civic organizations, boy/girl scouts, and sports teams along with the mayor and council members. The Friendly Sons of Shillelagh pipe band plays as antique cars, Matawan firetrucks, first aid/ EMS vehicles, and other vehicles from neighboring towns drive by. The police department arranges for street closures, traffic, and safety for the occasion, and the mayor and council approve the painting of a green line down the middle of the street to define the parade route.

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ABERDEEN POLICE PROMOTE & SWEAR

IN 13, INCLUDING NEW CHIEF

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.”

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

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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MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

Hello Residents, I am proud to share that at our January 17 Council meeting, we passed the ordinance and resolutions for a new animal control agreement and our trap, neuter and release program related to stray cats. We are happy to have this program in place finally. Working cooperatively with the Monmouth County SPCA, they will act as the program sponsor going forward. The MCSPA will set guidelines for the trap neuter and release program, schedule appointments, maintain records, and be responsible for humanely trapping and neutering all feral cats. In addition, the MCSPCA will designate a member of the SPCA to serve as a program representative and coordinate with the Matawan desig nee. As we advance, we will update this program’s process and point of contact.

A big thank you to Commissioner Ross Licitra for working with us on this program. He will attend the council

meeting on March 7th and. speak further about the program. Also, I want to thank everyone who worked on this, including the Animal Advisory Committee, Council, all the volunteers, and the residents who came out and shared their contributions and experiences in getting this done. Matawan is a cat and pet-friendly community! For more information and details, refer to the Borough website and resolution 23-01-39, resolution 23-01-40, and ordinance 23-01.

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

MATAWAN POLICE DEPT WELCOMES NEW PATROLMEN & HONOR RETIRE OFFICERS

The Matawan Police Department recently welcomed three new Patrolmen and honored two officers in their retirement.

Ptl. Joseph J. Piscopo Jr. is a graduate of Matawan Regional High School and New Jersey City University. He previously served as a Class I and Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) for Sea Girt Police Department.

Ptl. Christopher Ibarra, a graduate of Rutgers University, previously served as a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) for the City of Long Branch and the Borough of Rumson. Prior to joining the Matawan Police Department, he served as a Patrolman for the Borough of Little Silver beginning in March 2021.

Ptl. Justin Cinquemani, a graduate of Raritan High School, previously served as a Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) for the Borough of Keyport after completing the Monmouth County Police Academy in June 2022.

Best of luck Ptl. Piscopo, Ptl. Ibarra, and Ptl. Cinquemani! Wishing you a safe and successful career serving the residents of Matawan.

Sgt. Brian Murphy first served as a Patrolman, a Detective, and then a road supervisor upon promotion to the rank of Sergeant. During his twenty-one years with the Matawan Police Department, he served as the agency’s Supervising Firearms Instructor, Narcan Coordinator, CPR Instructor and as an EMT while a member of the Advanced Services Unit.

Ptl. Eric Budelmann served twenty-four years with the Matawan Police Department beginning in January 1999. Throughout his career, he obtained various traffic safety credentials while a member of the department’s Traffic Safety Unit.

Thank you, Sgt. Murphy and Ptl. Budelmann for your years of dedicated service and best of luck in your retirement!

MESSAGE FROM DEANA GUNN

As I mentioned last month, each Council Member has departments for which they act as liaisons.

Two of mine are the Police Department and the Economic Business Development Commission, and I’d like to share some updates with you. First, for the police, for the past year the Police Committee has been working on lowering the speed limit on Broad Street from 35 to 25, similar to Main Street. Since this is a County road, it required their approval. I am happy to report the County has granted this request, and all speed limit signs have been updated accordingly. We remind motorists to please slow down and be mindful as they travel through Matawan and drive 25! For Economic Business Development, at our February meeting, the Chief of Police attended, and he spoke to the Commission about the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Safe Place Program. The Safe Place program is a program that enhances

public education regarding bias incidents and hate crimes. This program collaborates with police, businesses, schools, and other organizations to make our community an even safer place to live. In addition, any individual who sees the SAFE PLACE logo will know that the business or location will provide a safe space for someone to call 911 for assistance should they feel unsafe.

The SAFE PLACE PROGRAM is free to participate in and is voluntary. The responsibility is minimal. If you are interested in becoming a participant, please get in touch with Sgt Paul Ryba, Community Policing, at pryba@matawanpolice.org.

We are proud that Matawan offers this program, and we strive to make Matawan a safe community for all. If I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at deana.gunn@matawanborough.com

LETTER FROM FRED TAGLIARINI

mouth County Grant, we are moving forward with upgrades to Cambridge Park. We will enter Phase 2 of upgrades to Ross Field and Veteran’s Spray Park will have improvements. In fact the Township was awarded an Excellence in Design for Aquatic Facility by the NJ Recreation &Parks Association.

I would like to share a few highlights of the Township of Aberdeen Annual Report. This was presented at the Feb 16 Town Council Meeting. We thank Town Manager Bryan Russell for his dedicated service and leadership for all these accomplishments.

2022 was a strong but difficult year as we transitioned from a COVID to a post COVID routine. We hired 5 police officers, additional DPW employees and increased recreational programs.

PARKS: with the help of a Mon

ROADS: in 2012, the Aberdeen Town Council designed a road program to reconstruct all the roads in our town. Each year we spend nearly 25% of our annual budget to this program. Ardmore, Autumn and Asbury were completed in 2022. In 2023, we look forward to phase 3 of Deerfield Lane, Bank St and phase 2 of Van Brackle. We will also address Smith St and Smith Court.

Next month, I will share with you other highlights of our Annual Report.

I will also like to thank Deputy Mayor Kelley and Council members Montone, Cannon, Martucci, Swindle and Hirsch.

Thank you for your support and again, the Council

is honored to serve you. If at anytime you need to contact me, please email me, Fred.Tagliarini@aberdeennj.org

My best to all of you.

THE SHORTEST ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE GETS READY FOR ITS 12TH RUN

By Cathy Zavorskas, Matawan Borough Community Engagement Coordinator

Continued from page 1

Following the procession, fresh hot corn beef and cabbage meals are for sale, and youngsters are offered free hot dogs and water.

Matawan Washington Engine Co. #1 may put on the shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade around, but that means little

to the tremendous enthusiasm, pride, and spirit displayed by both parade participants and spectators, making it an event to experience and enjoy.

The procession will take place on Jackson Street in Matawan on Friday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m.

ABERDEEN POLICE PROMOTE & SWEAR IN 13, INCLUDING NEW CHIEF

Continued from page 1

Mahmoud, Bruce Munro and Anthony Marone. Newly sworn in patrolmen were Evan Tyler, Marcus Neal, Carmen Catena, Samuel Benson and Dennis Natale. Officials from all around Monmouth County were in attendance on the rainy evening, including the Aberdeen Town Council, Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone and Commis-

sioner Ross Licitra, and newly appointed Prosecutor Raymond Santiago. After all oath’s were administered, Chief Matthew Lloyd took a moment to thank his family, all who came before him and those who entrusted him with this honor. He went on to finish, “Rome was not built in a day and I will continue to need your help to make this organization successful.”

EVEN PRETTY PLANTS CAN POSE A POISON DANGER TO PETS

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

As the days grow longer, and we start to plan our flower gardens, keep in mind that there are some plants which may be harmful to pets.

While most cause gastrointestinal issues, there are a few plants which can be truly life threatening.

The calcium oxalate crystals in tulip and hyacinths bulbs, may cause the pet to hyper-salivate, vomit, have diarrhea and show signs of depression. Supportive care is recommended. Start by rinsing out their mouth, use anti-nausea and gastro protectants to coat the digestive tract.

Daffodil bulbs contain the alkaloid Lycorine, which can also cause nausea and need similar care, if ingested.

Foxglove and Lily of the Valley contain cardio toxins, causing irregular heartbeats – too slow or too fast -- high potassium levels, gastrointestinal upsets and central nervous system signs, such as a seizure. Therapy includes fluids to assist in supporting the pet’s blood pressure,

along with anti-nausea, anti-arrhythmia and anti-convulsing medications.

Some lilies are toxic, while other are benign. The dangerous lilies include: Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day Lilies. Even eating a small amount of leaves or petals can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, gastro protectants and intravenous fluid therapy.

All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons plants are considered poisonous. Ingestion of only small amounts of leaves can result in coma or possible death. Excessive salivation, vomiting and weakness occur, loss of coordination, dangerously low blood pressure and low heart rate can be exhibited. Keep goats and sheep away from these plants also.

Whenever toxic plant ingestion is suspected, contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Enjoy your garden, but keep your curious pets safe.

IS AN SAT/ACT CLASS OR PRIVATE LESSONS BETTER FOR MY CHILD?

Parents often ask whether I recommend class or private lessons for their child. There are 3 (or 4) criteria to consider.

(1) What is the student’s PSAT/SAT/ ACT baseline score?

If the student’s score is too low, the class will move too quickly. If the student’s score is too high, the class will run too slowly. For students scoring very high or very low, private lessons are recommended. Otherwise, the class is fine.

(2) What is the difference between the student’s math and reading/writing and language score?

If the student is much stronger in one content area than the other, the weaker area should be targeted with private lessons. If a student’s score is close, the class is fine.

(3) Does the student need to be held closely accountable?

If a student needs more oversight to ensure work is completed, private lessons are better. If a student will do his/her homework without needing to be held

closely accountable, the class is fine.

If all 3 of these criteria qualify a student for the class, this doesn’t necessarily mean the student should take the class. Parents can still decide on private lessons if they deem it better for their particular situation (especially if the student has already taken a class before).

Lastly, parents may consider their finances. Private lessons are more costly. Classes are great for a self-motivated student whose scores are in the middle 70th percentile and not too far apart.

Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833-728-7228 www.ivymasters.com

REV. CHARLES MCKNIGHT: THE PATRIOT PREACHER OF MATAWAN

By John Lazar

Reverend Charles McKnight is a name every local resident should know. Born C 1710, Charles McKnight was a local Preacher and War Hero who sacrificed everything for the cause of Liberty during the Revolutionary War. Reverend McKnight greatly opposed British rule and became a loud advocate for Independence locally. He praised and encouraged our local Patriots every chance he was given from the pulpit. Even though he was well into his sixties at the time of conflict, McKnight epitomized the spirit of our Revolution, even joining in the fighting himself. He survived a severe wound to the head at the Battle of Princeton. His two sons also fought in the Revolution, with Charles McKnight (Jr.) becoming the first Surgeon General under George Washington’s command. In 1777 British troops were sent to kidnap McKnight and burn the Presbyterian Church in Matawan to the ground (then known as Middletown Point). A skirmish broke out with local minutemen running down Main

Street and New Brunswick Avenue to fight. Men were killed on both sides of the conflict, but the British Loyalist troops succeeded in burning the church and kidnapping McKnight.

While in British custody aboard the prison ship, HMS Jersey, his health rapidly declined. Sadly, he was released just days before his death. It is reported that at his time of death he weighed less than 100 lbs. due to the abuses of his captors. Reverend Charles McKnight would pass away on January 1, 1778.

245 years later, Reverend McKnight’s story and sacrifice for our Country remain as relevant as ever. The site of this skirmish is located at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on the corner of 516 and 79. It is owned by the Borough

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

March means MAKERS DAY at the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library! The 9th Annual New Jersey Makers Day will take place at MAPL (and all around the state at libraries, schools, museums, and maker organizations) on Saturday, March 25th. Makers Day celebrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as well as other maker activities, and MAPL has been part of the fun from the beginning. Since that time, we’ve expanded our offerings and welcomed patrons of all ages and varied interests to participate each March. This Makers Day will feature a little bit of everything for everyone!

For our youngest patrons, there will be a bridge-building activity, a pipe cleaner challenge, magna-tile building, and paper plate hovercrafts. Older kids and teens can do some gardening, make circuit bugs, and learn about Fiero, a coding program we offer in our collection of electronic resources. Adults can make seed bombs and air fresheners, and do some planting, as well. Patrons of all ages will be able to see a 3-D printing demonstration,

make a homemade Shrinky Dink, and participate in raffles throughout the day.

Information about these programs can be found on our website – times, descriptions, age requirements, and registration (if necessary).

While we will be putting our energy into Makers Day on the 25th, we aren’t forgetting about our regular programs! Storytimes, clubs, crafts, movies, and all of our other great activities will be offered as usual! Check out our online calendar for details.

Since April is right around the corner, don’t forget that we will be celebrating National Library Week soon: April 23rd29th. There will be a great new activity where the whole community can get involved! Stay tuned for more details!!

Need more information about any of the above? Give us a call at 732583-9100, stop by, visit our website at www.matawanaberdeenlibrary.com, or drop us an email at info@matawanaberdeenlibrary.com to get started. The library is open 7 days a week and our friendly staff is happy to assist you!

See you on Makers Day!

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

IN MEMORIAM

MARGARET LASCHI

FEBRUARY 24, 1938 - FEBRUARY 22, 2023

84, OF MATAWAN, SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

ANN EILEEN DEPALMA

OCTOBER 8, 1941 - FEBRUARY 21, 2023

81 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

GINETTE N. BABO

DECEMBER 24, 1923 - FEBRUARY 18, 2023

99 OF MATAWAN, SERVICES WERE HELD AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME.

GERALD O’CONNOR

JANUARY 25, 1938 - FEBRUARY 17, 2023

85 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

KP EDGESTONE REALTY ANNOUNCES AWARDS

DOLORES MONTI

JULY 13, 1935 - FEBRUARY 17, 2023

87 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

SUSANA PILAR ZAMBRANO

AUGUST 19, 1953 - FEBRUARY 16, 2023

69 OF MORGANVILLE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

CARMINE P GUADAGNO

JANUARY 28, 1947 - FEBRUARY 16, 2023

76 OF HOWELL, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME.

JAMES SULLIVAN

MAY 23,1937 - FEBRUARY 15, 2023

86 OF MARLBORO, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

KP Edgestone Realty of Matawan announced two winners of the 2022 NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award. The prestigious award recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in sales. KP Edgestone Realty is proud of our sales professionals who have been honored with this award for 2022.

Kushal Shah was awarded the Gold Level which is given to a Salesperson who has sold over $12 million and a minimum of 25 units, or 90 units in total. Kushal Shah has been a recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award since 2020: 2020-bronze, 2021-silver, and 2022-gold.

Jeffrey Kagan was awarded the Silver Level which is given to a Salesperson who has sold over $6.5 million and a minimum of 20 units, or 70 units in total. Jeffrey Kagan has been a recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excel-

lence Sales Award since 2015: 2015bronze, 2016, 2021, 2022-silver, 2017, 2018, 2020-gold and 2019-platinum.

Joel Pascua has been a past recipient of the NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award: bronze-2019, 2020.

This year, the Monmouth Ocean Regional REALTORS® Board honored 943 members who achieved the 2022 New Jersey REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Award. 154 Platinum, 136 Gold, 271 Silver and 283 Bronze.

KP Edgestone Realty is a full-service real estate brokerage at 76 Main Street in Matawan. Broker-Owners Jeffrey Kagan and Joel Pascua launched the company in 2018. They opened their second office in Jamesburg last year. The brokerage has over 50 agents and closed over $50,000,000 in sales in 2022.

2023 MFAF HALL OF FAME DINNER

The Matawan Football Alumni Foundation’s annual dinner and Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Friday March 24, 2023, from 7 – 11pm at MJs (formerly Buttonwood Manor) located at 845 Rt.34 Matawan, NJ. We would like to invite all past alumni and community members to join us for this special occasion.

Below is this year’s Matawan Football Alumni Hall of Fame induction class:

Mark Jones – Class of 1981 (Rutgers)

James Tumulty – Class of 1981 (Temple)

Undefeated 1966 All County Team: Bill Bond, John Caliendo, Randy Davis, Charles “Chic” Geran, Mike Grimaldi, Jim Lauro

All previously inducted Hall of Fame members will receive a MFAF Hall of Fame pin. There will also be a pin ceremony at the dinner presenting all past inductees with this special honor. Tickets may be purchased via our website below or by contacting Scott Bellone at (732) 241-4580 or sbellone@ hesofnj.com. We are also seeking sponsors for ad space in our banquet program and would be grateful for any local support.

-Matawan Football Alumni Foundation Organizing Committee

Joe Martucci ‘68, Rick Derechailo ’76, Scott Bellone ’78, James Byrd 79’ Glen Dwyer ‘80, Jeff Shaw ‘80, Bruce Derechailo ’81, Joe Vaccarella’93, John Lazar ‘07, Chris Shea ‘93, Christian Dapolito ‘00, Bruce Monro 08’

About us:

The Matawan Football Alumni Foundation is a non-profit organization that proudly supports our local youth through yearly scholarships, awards and team assistance. James C. Dwyer Huskie Alumni Park and the Matawan Football Hall of Fame located at Matawan High School are both maintained by the MFAF. Please follow our Facebook page for more information and updates.

www.matawanfootballalumni.com