MATAWAN-ABERDEEN VOL 4, NO 8
CHAMBER CONNECT
MACOC is proud to announce its new Executive Board as of Oct. 1, 2024. Please join me in congratulating Michael Grandi, President, Alan Ao, Co-Vice President, Matthew Salducci, Co-Vice President, Barbara Downs-McNulty, Esq., Secretary, and Kimberly Paone, Treasurer. Following on the trail of a successful Matawan Day in its new location on Oct. 5th, this past month saw the Chamber hold two unique events. We hosted a fun tailgating party at Stewarts Root Beer of Matawan and an informative luncheon presentation on AI by Dr. Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes of NJSBDC of Brookdale at Alternate Ending Beer Co. in Aberdeen. We also celebrated Matawan Dental Galleria’s grand re-opening of its brand new state-of-the-art facility on Hwy 34 in Matawan/ Old Bridge. As we head into the holiday season, we are looking forward to a few more networking events. The Chamber would like to welcome our newest members - Care at Home Agency, Melinda’s Meat Market & Zen Business. Finally, on behalf of the Board of Directors & Chamber Members, we wish you all a blessed, peaceful & Happy Thanksgiving.
A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen
MATAWAN TURKEY TROT 5K HAS BECOME A THANKSGIVING TRADITION
By Cathy Zavorskas, Matawan Borough Director of Community Engagement
This year marks the 18th year of the Matawan Borough Turkey Trot 5k and Fitness Walk. It began in 2006 with discussions held by the Matawan Recreation Commission. “The members were aware of the need to do something to enhance and improve the parks within the Borough. We wanted to create a revenue source specifically targeting park utilization and beautification. The result was the Turkey Trot 5k and Fitness Walk” stated Michael Mullaney, a commission member at the time. With the assistance of commission members, family
and others, Mike served as race director, and on November 25th, the inaugural Turkey Trot 5k took place with roughly 200 registered runners and walkers. Eighteen years later, with a new certified course ready to debut, the event remains focused on raising funds for the beautification of the Borough parks and downtown. The Recreation Commission has purchased downtown seasonal decorations and park items such as new benches, plants, bushes, and flowers, and a gazebo by Hourihan Field. Turkey Trot 2024 funds will
purchase additional decorations, benches and perhaps even improved lighting for Terhune Park. To register, go to matawanborough.com, or RunSignUp.com and search Matawan Borough Turkey Trot. We would like to have at least 650 runners again this year. A free kids’ dash and medal ceremony are also part of the event. Keep in mind that only those who register before 11/19 are guaranteed a race shirt. After seventeen years, it is fair to say that the Matawan Borough Turkey Trot 5k & Fitness Walk Continue on page 2
REMEMBERING JOSEPH “BUD” MULLANEY
Joseph “Bud” Patrick Mullaney, Sr., 79, passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2024, surrounded
by his wife and three children. Born in Red Bank, NJ on March 30, 1945, Bud was the youngest of Patrick and Catherine (Gahan) Mullaney’s five sons. He will be eternally remembered as a visionary, a humanitarian, and a devout Catholic. In 1964, Bud established Mullaney Tire & Car Care. Celebrating his 60th year in business brought him great pride and joy. He was heavily involved in the automotive industry and volunteered on many boards and associations. He served as
president of the New Jersey Tire Dealers Association, on the Board of Directors of the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association and Tire Industry Association, and on the Brookdale Community College Advisory Committee on Automotive Technology. Bud was a true, goodwill ambassador of his community; a past Grand Knight and member of the 4th degree of St. Joseph’s Council #3402, Knights of Columbus, a committee chairperson for 30 years for the Boy Continue on page 14
NOVEMBER 2024