MATAWAN-ABERDEEN VOL 6, NO 10
CHAMBER CONNECT
The Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce (MACOC) continues to bring local businesses together through networking opportunities, comMichael munity events, V. Grandi and programs President, designed to Matawan strengthen our Aberdeen Chamber of local business Commerce community. As we move through the fall season and begin looking ahead to the holidays, we are excited to welcome new members and invite our business community to participate in several upcoming events. The Chamber is pleased to welcome two new businesses to our growing membership, Nulevel Health – Joe Giaconia, Give Me Service – Marc Gruben We thank Joe and Marc for joining the Chamber and look forward to helping them connect with fellow business owners, build relationships, and take advantage of the many opportunities MACOC offers. On Wednesday, October 14, the Chamber gathered for an after-hours networking event at C1 Farms from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event provided members with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships in a relaxed setting. Events like these are an important Continue on page 10
A Publication for the community of Matawan & Aberdeen
NOVEMBER 2026
more than $200,000 to THE TURKEY TROT, TWENTY raised benefit the community. In recent years, it has raised thousands of PUBLICATIONS YEARS OF GIVING BACK dollars for the Matawan Borough By Cathy Zavorskas, Director of Community Engagement Community Food Pantry which provides much-needed meals and groceries to local families in need. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser have supported downtown beautification projects, park improvements, and recreational programs, including park benches, flags, street banners, shrubs, planters, seasonal flowers, holiday decorations, and supplies, equipment, and materials for renovations to the Borough’s gymnasium and the Clinton Street Park building. The Turkey Trot has become much more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of commuContinue on page 14
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COMMUNITY RALLIES AS ALL 13 GLENWOOD FAMILIES RECEIVE AID AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE
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In 2006, the Matawan Borough Recreation Commission recognized the need to enhance the Borough’s parks and recreation facilities while adding beauty and appeal to the downtown area. From those early discussions and ideas, the Matawan Turkey Trot
Old Bridge residents, local organizations, and Old Bridge Funeral Home distribute gift cards and essentials while recovery efforts continue OLD BRIDGE — In the days following the four-alarm fire that damaged a building at the
5K and Fitness Walk was born. What began with just 200 participants has grown into one of Matawan’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions, attracting more than 1,000 runners and walkers annually. Over the past 20 years, the Turkey Trot has
Glenwood Apartments on Peach Lane, the Old Bridge community mounted a coordinated response that allowed every affected family to receive immediate help. All 13 families displaced by the fire were able to visit Old Bridge Funeral Home, select essential
items, and receive gift cards so they could purchase what they needed most as they begin settling into temporary or new housing. The fire, which broke out the evening of October 9, damaged all 12 units in one building and caused a partial roof collapse. No serious injuries were reported among residents, but dozens of people lost access to their homes and belongings. By the day after the fire, so many donations had arrived at Old Bridge Funeral Home that OEM and David Hernandez coordinated the sorting and distribution efforts out of one of the chapels. The location quickly became the central hub for the relief work. Continue on page 8
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MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOE MESSAGE November is a fitting time to reflect on the people who make our school community stronger and express our gratitude for their contributions and partnership. First, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Board members Laurie Skop and Danielle Spruell, who conclude their service at the end of their current term. Their immeasurable contributions and deep regard for the students of the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District have made a lasting impact. Serving on the Board requires time, dedication, and a willingness to tackle difficult decisions. The Board is so grateful for all they have given to our school community. We are also grateful for the district’s commitment to expanding access to preschool. In collaboration with community partner Lightbridge Academy, additional classrooms are now open. At the start of the school year, dozens of children remained on the waitlist for state-funded Pre-K. The Board appreciates the district’s efforts to address the need and place many of those students. To our families, educators, and community members: thank you for reaching
out, attending meetings, asking questions, and sharing perspectives. Engagement matters. Input is welcome and appreciated. We cannot always provide the resolutions sought. But we know it is important to explain the reasoning behind decisions and the considerations that guide them. Finally, we recognize the challenges of developing a responsible school budget amid rising costs and competing needs. We are especially grateful for the diligent work of our Finance Committee and administrative team. Their commitment to providing clear answers helps make informed decisions while remaining mindful of our responsibility to students and taxpayers. Gratitude is more than a November tradition. It is a reminder that our district is strongest when we work together, listen, and keep students at the center of every decision.
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MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE As we enter the last stretch of the year, we have much to be proud of in Matawan. We recently celebrated another fabulous Matawan Day, right back on Main Street, and I thank everyone Matawan Mayor who helped make it a Joseph Altomonte success. We f i n i s h e d Clinton Street Park, and Terhune Park is underway, a commitment I pledge to carry into the future. The playground area will be expanded, walkways will be more accessible, and it will be a place where many come to gather and create memories. With the holiday season officially upon
us, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. After your meal with family, come work off that dinner at our annual 5K Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 28th. One of our most popular events, with over 700 runners, this post-holiday run is on a certified course, welcomes walkers, and includes a kiddie dash that’s fun for the whole family. Everyone who signs up in advance is guaranteed a race shirt, and proceeds benefit our parks, so you’ll get some exercise while helping better our community. Reserve your spot today at www.runsignup.com. Lastly, please join us for our Winter Lights Event on Thursday, December 3rd, for a fun evening of festivities. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer. We hope to see you there!
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MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT By: Deana Gunn, Matawan Council President
On behalf of the Economic and Business Development Commission, thank you to everyone who helped make Matawan Day back on Main Street such a huge success! More than 3,000 people came out, and Main Street was buzzing from start to finish. To our partners at the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, our vendors, our many, many volunteers, our DPW, our Police and Fire Departments, and our First Aid Squad: we couldn’t do it without you. And to our residents, thank you for showing up and filling our downtown with so much energy. A special thank-you to our Community Engagement Coordinator Cathy Z., Doug P., and Linda M. for their late nights and their attention to every detail that has to come together. They say it takes a village, and it truly takes one to pull off Matawan Day. I’ve been reflecting on what this commission has meant to me. It had gone dormant before our administration, and bringing it back to life is one of our priorities and one of the things I’m proudest of from my time in office. From the start, I wanted it to be a place where the Borough, our businesses, and our residents could work side by side
to create and expand events that bring people downtown and support our local shops and restaurants. Just as important, we worked to rebuild the Borough’s relationship with our business community. We held forums, listened to the challenges our business owners were facing, worked through issues together, and made real improvements based on what we heard. Even though there’s still work to do, I believe that openness built trust and partnership that will serve Matawan for years to come. I’m incredibly proud of the role I’ve played in building what we have today: the Shark 5K, Matawan Day, the Blues and Cruise, and our signature Lakeside Dining events, born out of necessity during COVID and continued because people love them. Seeing those ideas grow from conversations around a table into traditions our town looks forward to every year has been one of the most rewarding parts of my public service. Thank you for your time, your ideas, and your belief that Matawan could be a thriving place to live, work, and visit. It has been an honor to be part of it, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
NOVEMBER 2026
TOYS FOR TOTS Now that the holiday season is upon us, All Around Matawan Aberdeen, Aberdeen PBA and Matawan Police department is committed to giving back to our cherished community members, particularly our children. Our goal this year is to donate 2,500 toys, and we believe that with your generous support, we can achieve this remarkable milestone. Imagine the joy and happiness we can bring to the children this holiday season. Every year, the residents and businesses of Matawan & Aber-deen come together to support those in need during the holiday season. We host our Annual Giving Event, “Toys for Tots,” which allows us to collect do-nations until December 18th. These donations help provide the much-needed joy and comfort that children deserve during the holiday season. Over the past few years, we have been
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fortunate enough to collect over 10,000 toys, and we have witnessed the incredible gener-osity of residents from all over Matawan, Aberdeen and beyond. With a simple donation from each of our businesses and resi-dents, we can make a significant impact and ensure that many children receive the toys they need this holiday season. Together, we can create a positive difference in the lives of our community. If you’re interested in donat-ing, you can drop off a toy at any of our designated drop-off locations or contact Anthony Cosentino at 732-713-2295. Your contribution will help us make this holiday season truly memorable for the children.
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR When I took office as Mayor in January, one of the first changes to our Township Council was welcoming Councilwoman Cathy Zavorskas to fill the seat I had previously held. Now, as Aberdeen Mayor we approach the end Greg Cannon of the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on her service to Aberdeen and the many years she has dedicated to our community. For Cathy, public service began long before she joined the Council. A lifelong Aberdeen resident, she spent more than a decade on the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional Board of Education, including three years as Board President. She has also served as President of the Matawan-Aberdeen Historical Society, worked with our local Chamber of Commerce, and dedicated countless hours to our schools and community organizations. Her professional career has also centered on bringing people together. Today, she serves as Director of Community Engage-
ment for the Borough of Matawan, helping connect residents, businesses, and local organizations. Over these past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Cathy on the Council and see that experience firsthand. She brings a strong understanding of our community, its history, and the people who call Aberdeen home. What stands out to me is that Cathy’s involvement in Aberdeen has never been limited to holding public office. From our classrooms to our community organizations, she has spent decades giving her time to the place she has always called home. As Mayor, I appreciate the experience and perspective she has brought to our Council this year, and I thank her for her continued service to Aberdeen Township. Mayor Greg Cannon Aberdeen Township
Meet Cathy Zavorskas • Lifelong Aberdeen Resident • Aberdeen Homeowner since 1992 • With husband, Peter, raised five children in Aberdeen • Director of Community Engagement, Matawan Boro • Patient/Family Advisory Council, Bayshore Med. Ctr. • Past Pres., Matawan-Aberdeen Board of Education • Past Pres., Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Comm. • Past Pres., Matawan-Aberdeen Historical Society • Past Parish Council, St. Benedict Catholic Church
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DEPUTY MAYOR HIRSCH MESSAGE As Veterans Day approaches, I’m looking forward to one of Aberdeen Township’s most meaningful traditions, our annual Veterans Breakfast and Ceremony. It’s an event that brings our Aberdeen Deputy community together Mayor for a very important Arthur Hirsch reason: to honor the men and women who have served our country. On Saturday, November 7, Mayor Cannon, my fellow Council members, and I, along with our Recreation Department, will welcome Aberdeen’s veterans and their families to Matawan Regional High School for a morning of gratitude, recognition, and community. Our Veterans Breakfast has been a longstanding tradition here in Aberdeen, and one that I’m proud to be part of. It gives us an opportunity to sit down with our veterans, share a meal, hear their stories, and personally thank them for the sacrifices they have made. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Aberdeen is the strong sense of
community we share. Our veterans aren’t just names on a list or faces in a crowd. They’re our neighbors, friends, and family members. They have served our nation, and many continue to give back to our community long after their military service has ended. The complimentary breakfast will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with a special ceremony recognizing our local veterans. Those wishing to attend the breakfast or be recognized during the ceremony are asked to register in advance by calling (732) 5834200 ext. 132 or emailing Brittany.Shea@ AberdeenNJ.org. I want to thank our Recreation Department and everyone who works to make this special event possible each year. To all of Aberdeen’s veterans, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued contributions to our community. I look forward to seeing you on November 7. Deputy Mayor Arthur Hirsch
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WHY YOUR SMART STUDENT ISN’T GETTING THE SAT SCORE YOU EXPECTED By Paul Pscolka
Over the 100 years since the SAT was first administered, the test has become a rite of passage for American teens. Parents remember taking the test themselves. Their child works hard, earns strong grades, and cares about school. Many parents set, consciously or subconsciously, expectations for their children in their minds. When scores fall short, it can be discouraging for parents and students. The biggest offender is grade inflation. In the 1960s, 16% of students applying to university had an A average. This metric grew over the years and is now 60%. Researchers find that today’s students are not more capable, and hours spent on homework have dropped significantly through the years. Still, when a student has straight As, it is natural for parents to conclude that their child would have a stellar SAT score. The SAT is unforgiving—it does not care what year it is. Over the past 100 years, the average score for each section has been between 500 and 530 (except for the 1970s
and 1980s when average scores dipped into the 900s). Ironically, in today’s test-optional world, the SAT may be more important—if nearly every student applying to Georgia Tech has a 4.0 unweighted GPA, how does Georgia Tech decide? Since 92.5% of its freshman class had 4.0s in high school, the percentage applying with an A average must also be high. The gap in classroom success and SAT scores does not erase your child’s accomplishments. It provides us with feedback—areas that can be improved so students are better prepared for college. Some students have difficulty performing well on standardized tests. If those students have done well on their classroom tests, they may perform much better on an SAT, given the opportunity to prepare for it correctly, which includes learning from their mistakes along the way. Want to prepare? Book a free 15-minute consultation with me: https://www.ivymasters.com/ free-consultation/
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COMMUNITY RALLIES AS ALL 13 GLENWOOD FAMILIES RECEIVE AID AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE Continued from page 1
The broader effort brought together Bridge Life Thrift, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, Old Bridge OEM, the Old Bridge Animal Shelter, and U-Haul of East Brunswick, along with hundreds of Old Bridge residents and people from surrounding communities who donated clothing, outerwear, footwear, toiletries, children’s toys, books, and gift cards. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” said David L. Hernandez, Jr., Executive Director of Old Bridge Funeral Home and President of the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce. “Thank you to
the Old Bridge community, the team here at the funeral home, Dan and Lynn from U-Haul on Rt 9, Old Bridge for donating a truck for the team to use, the pastors and volunteers from Calvary Chapel who spent hours sorting, and every organization and individual who stepped up. Watching the donations come in and seeing the families come through to pick what they needed has been remarkable.” Mayor Debbie Walker also recognized the effort. “The response of Old Bridge Funeral Home and the many volunteers and organizations that supported this work
has been a powerful example of what our community does when neighbors are in need,” Walker said. “I am grateful for their coordination and for the residents who gave so generously.” While the initial wave of distribution has met many urgent needs, efforts remain ongoing as families settle into new homes. At this moment, gift cards are the greatest source of relief. They allow families to purchase the specific essentials that have not been donated and to address the unique needs of each household as they rebuild. Organizers continue to work with the
families and encourage anyone still wishing to help to check current needs before organizing new collections. The fire’s cause remains under investigation. Red Cross assistance was provided in the immediate aftermath, and local coordination has continued through the funeral home and partner organizations. Residents who contributed clothing, gift cards, or time have helped turn a sudden loss into a demonstration of how Old Bridge comes together. The work of getting every family the resources they need is continuing.
David Lee Hernandez Jr., Executive Director, NJ Lic No. 4626
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MATAWAN-ABERDEEN 12U HUSKIES: A TEAM, A COMMUNITY AND A ROAD TO COOPERSTOWN
There is something special happening on the baseball fields of Matawan and Aberdeen. The Matawan-Aberdeen Babe Ruth 12U Huskies are a group of young athletes who have spent countless hours practicing, competing and growing together—not only as baseball players, but also as teammates and friends. Representing the Matawan-Aberdeen community, these boys have already given their families and hometown plenty
to be proud of. Throughout their time together, the Huskies have celebrated some memorable accomplishments and built an impressive record, compiling 159 wins, 31 losses and six ties for a remarkable 82.7% winning percentage. Their accomplishments include: * 11-time USABL Tournament Champions * Seven-time USABL Season Champions
* Ripken Experience Maryland Finalists * Four-time Babe Ruth District 11 Champions — 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026 * 2026 NNJ State Tournament Finalists But their success is about more than what appears on the scoreboard. Through baseball, the players are learning lessons about teamwork, commitment, sportsmanship, perseverance and what it means to represent their community. Behind them is a dedicated group of coaches, parents, families and supporters who give their time and energy to help these young athletes succeed. Now, the Huskies are preparing for what promises to be one of the most memorable experiences of their young baseball careers. Cooperstown Bound — August 2027 In August 2027, the Matawan-Aberdeen 12U Huskies will travel to Cooperstown, New York, for a special youth baseball experience that will give the players an opportunity to compete, make lifelong memories and represent Matawan and Aberdeen on a much bigger stage. Getting an entire team to Cooperstown, however, requires significant fundraising and community support. The Huskies are currently seeking local
businesses, organizations and community members interested in sponsoring the team and helping these young athletes reach Cooperstown. Every sponsorship—large or small—will help support the team as it prepares for the trip. Most importantly, sponsors will be supporting local children and showing them that the Matawan-Aberdeen community is behind them. For local businesses, sponsorship is also an opportunity to support youth athletics while becoming part of an exciting hometown story. We are asking our community to help send the Huskies to Cooperstown. Businesses or individuals interested in becoming a sponsor, making a contribution or learning more about sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact: Danny DePaolo huskiescooperstown2027@gmail.com The road to Cooperstown begins right here at home. With the support of Matawan, Aberdeen and the surrounding communities, these 12U Huskies hope to make August 2027 an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. Go Huskies!
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THANKSGIVING AT REFORMED CHURCH HOME Thanksgiving is often measured by what is on the table. At Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, its meaning also rests with the people around it—and those whose care makes the celebration possible. This November, “Celebrating Thanksgiving: Before, During & After” connects a season of appreciation across rehabilitation and respite care, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Before Thanksgiving, Veterans Day on November 11 offers an opportunity to honor those who served in our nation’s armed forces. Listening to their stories, when they wish to share them, is one way to express gratitude. On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, residents, families, and friends can celebrate through familiar traditions, conversation, and companionship. For someone recovering from an illness or receiving ongoing care, the holiday may look different this year. A visit, a telephone call, or a shared memory can still bring warmth and connection. Executive Director Kate Shepard offers special thanks to the staff and volunteers whose kindness and dedication help make
the holiday meaningful. Appreciation extends to the vendors and friends who contribute to the community throughout the year. After Thanksgiving, that spirit continues as the RCH family partners with residents’ families in preparing for Christmas. Gifts of love and encouragement can take many forms, from a thoughtful message to an unhurried visit. The season reminds us that gratitude belongs in everyday life. At Reformed Church Home, being remembered, included, and cared for helps carry Thanksgiving’s warmth well beyond the holiday itself and into the weeks of preparation and celebration that follow. David Boles Marketing Director, Reformed Church Home
NOVEMBER 2026
CHAMBER CONNECT Continued from page 1
part of the Chamber’s mission to bring local professionals together and encourage collaboration among our member businesses. We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make the evening a valuable networking opportunity. The Chamber has several exciting events planned for the weeks ahead, and we encourage members and prospective members to join us. On Tuesday, October 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m., the Chamber will host a networking luncheon at Court Jester Aberdeen. The luncheon is sponsored by Danial Krause of Prudential Financial. Members will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch, make new connections, share business insights, and continue building relationships with other professionals in our community. On Tuesday, November 3, the Chamber will host an after-hours event at 3BR Distillery. We are pleased to recognize 3BR Distillery as our First Drink Sponsor for the event. This gathering will provide another great opportunity to meet fellow Chamber members, make new business connections, and enjoy an evening of networking. Mark your calendars for Thursday, De-
cember 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., for the Chamber’s annual Merry Mixer Holiday Party at Maloney’s on Main in Matawan. As we close out another year, this festive gathering will give members a chance to celebrate the season, reconnect with colleagues, and recognize the value of the relationships we have built throughout the year. We encourage our members to attend upcoming events, introduce a colleague to the Chamber, and continue supporting the businesses that make our communities thrive. We look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming events and wish our members a successful and enjoyable fall and holiday season!
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CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS! By Kimberly Paone, Library Director, Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Happy Autumn! Hope you are enjoying the cooler weather and all of the wonderful fall activities. As you know, our monthly calendar is always full of fun and educational activities for all of the members of our community: babies through seniors. (You can find out more about our upcoming programs at www.mapl.org.) We have also enjoyed hosting this year’s Good Neighbor Day and the Senior and Memory Care Resource Fair and attending town events like Matawan Day and the Bonfire Bash, all the Back to School Nights, and several Trunk or Treats. It’s such a pleasure for us to see you out in the community! During this season of giving thanks, we want to show our gratitude to our Library Social Worker, James, and remind you of his free and confidential services. James has been here at MAPL for more than a year now, and he has provided assistance to almost 100 patrons in over 200 appointments! The connections James has made with organizations like Lunch Break, Social Services, Monmouth County Aging Services, The Office of Congressman Frank Pallone, Affordable Housing Alliance, and others
have been invaluable. He has helped patrons with applications for SNAP, Medicaid, utility assistance, connections to housing resources, senior programs, mental health resources, employment support, and more. If you would like more information about our social work services, you can visit our website: https://mapl.org/resources-2/socialwork/ or reach out to James at 732-5839100 or SocialWork@mapl.org. Please note that the library will be OPEN from 9am-12:30pm on Wednesday, November 25th (the day before Thanksgiving), but we’ll be CLOSED on Thursday, November 26th (Thanksgiving) and Friday, November 27th (the day after Thanksgiving) so that our staff can enjoy time with family and friends. We will reopen on Saturday, November 28th, at 9am so you can come visit us after the Turkey Trot! Be sure to mark your calendars for our December Festival of Giving. The library will be collecting books, mittens, scarves, hats, and gloves, toys, and non-perishable food items for those in need. More details to come! Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
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ABERDEEN’S BONFIRE BASH BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Hometown spirit, family fun and a glowing bonfire marked the return of one of Aberdeen’s newest fall traditions. Cambridge Park was filled with the sights and sounds of fall on Saturday, October 10, as Aberdeen Township welcomed residents and visitors for its second annual Bonfire Bash. What began as a new community celebration in 2025 has quickly grown into a fall favorite, bringing families, friends and neighbors together for an evening of entertainment, food and hometown fun. This year’s celebration was bigger than ever, thanks in part to an unexpected change of plans. When severe weather forced the cancellation of Aberdeen Day in September, Township officials and Recreation Department staff worked quickly to
incorporate several of the planned attractions into Bonfire Bash, creating an even larger community celebration. Throughout the evening, Cambridge Park was buzzing with activity. Children climbed a towering 24-foot rock wall, tested their skills on a mechanical pumpkin, bounced through inflatables and visited a petting zoo. Face painting and appearances by the Sanderson Sisters added a little Halloween magic to the festivities. A lineup of ten food trucks offered something for every appetite, while local favorite Alternate Ending Beer Co. provided samples. Court Jester added some friendly competition with a wing-eating contest, where Corey Williams claimed the top spot! Congratulations to Corey on
THE TURKEY TROT, TWENTY YEARS OF GIVING BACK By Cathy Zavorskas, Director of Community Engagement Continued from page 1 nity spirit, bringing together families, friends, neighbors, and visitors of all ages. Spectators line the streets to cheer on participants as they make their way through Matawan’s downtown and charming residential neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking to walk off some of that Thanksgiving feast, challenge yourself to a 5K run, or simply enjoy a morning of fun with family and friends, we invite you to be part of this special 20th anniversary tradition!
Registration is open online at RunSignUp.com through November 19th. After that, participants may register on race day, Saturday, November 28th, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Race lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. on Main Street. Our goal is to have 1300 runners! With your participation, we may just get there. Come celebrate 20 years of the Matawan Turkey Trot and help us continue a tradition that gives back to the community we love!
taking home the win and adding another memorable moment to the evening. The Mayor and Township Council also hosted a tailgate party, offering another opportunity for residents to gather, catch up with neighbors and enjoy the festivities. Live music from Screaming Broccoli kept the energy going throughout the evening, leading up to the night’s main attraction. As darkness settled over Cambridge Park, the lighting of the massive bonfire brought the community together for one of the most memorable moments of the night. “There’s something special about seeing families, friends and neighbors gathered together and simply enjoying their community,” said Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone. “We loved the hometown feeling of the first Bonfire Bash, and it was wonderful to see that continue this year. These are the kinds of traditions that make Aberdeen such a wonderful place to call home.” Behind the scenes, the expanded celebration required considerable coordination, particularly following the cancellation of Aberdeen Day just two weeks earlier. “I’ve been involved in community events for many years, so I know how much work happens behind the scenes,” said Coun-
cilwoman Catherine Zavorskas. “Our Recreation Department did an incredible job making these changes on short notice. I also loved seeing our local businesses involved. Those partnerships are such an important part of what makes these events successful.” Although the Township was disappointed to cancel Aberdeen Day, the expanded Bonfire Bash offered an opportunity to bring some of that celebration’s excitement to Cambridge Park. Township officials also extended their appreciation to the Aberdeen Day sponsors whose generosity and support helped make this year’s community programming possible. With another successful year in the books, Bonfire Bash is quickly establishing itself as an Aberdeen tradition. More than just an evening of activities and entertainment, the event reflected something residents have long appreciated about their community: the opportunity to come together, reconnect with neighbors and create lasting memories close to home. And as the flames illuminated Cambridge Park on an October evening, one thing was clear: the spirit of small-town America is alive and well in Aberdeen.
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