LAST FEW
V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
As we move into the holiday season, I’m pleased to share another month of growth and activity within the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.
Welcome New Members: Aesthetics with Val – Valerie Poesl, Keller Williams Central Monmouth – Cathy Carroll, Keller Williams Realty – Jacqueline Mazzucco, Lenora’s Café – Lenor Jimenez, and Should Call Paul LLC – Paul Ireifej. We look forward to supporting your growth in our community.
As the year comes to a close, join us for our signature seasonal gathering: our Annual Holiday Mixer on December 5th at Maloney’s Pub. Sponsored by Laurel Bay Health & Rehabilitation Center. We hope to see you there for networking and community spirit.
For our Annual Food Pantry Drive, we are collecting nonperishable food and monetary donations to support The Matawan Food Pantry and The Matawan UMC Food Pantry. Your generosity helps local families directly. To donate, contact us at info@ macocnj.com or 732-290-1125.
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and continued success. Thank you for your commitment to our Chamber.
WEEKS TO DONATE
TO TOYS FOR
Now, we are in our Holiday season again, All Around Matawan Aberdeen and Matawan and Aberdeen Police Dept, wants to give back to our most prized community members, our children, this season with a goal of 2,500 toys to donate, we can reach
TOTS
that goal this year with your help. Just think the smiles we will bring to the children this year.
Each year, the residents and businesses of Matawan & Aberdeen support those in need around the holidays by participating in our Annual Giving Event
“Toys for Tots”, we will begin collecting donations through December 16th to help provide the much-needed joy the children deserve for the holidays. Over the last few years, we have collected over 10,000 toys and watched as residents both from and outside Matawan & Aberdeen lent a helping-hand. With a toy donation from each of our businesses and
residents, we can help provide toys for many children this holiday season, together we can make a difference. We invite all residents and businesses to join us at Holiday in the Park at Cottrell Farms in Old Bridge on December 14th from 1pm-4pm for a fun holiday time with the family.
To make your donation, you can drop-off a toy at any drop off locations or call Anthony 732713-2295
Thank you again for your support this year.
A LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR IN MATAWAN
Matawan was filled with energy, celebrations, and a renewed sense of togetherness this past year. From the start of 2025 to the end, our Borough once again showed why it is such a special place to live—the people, the passion, and the pride that shine through at community events. Looking back, the story of our year is one of shared moments, full hearts, and memories that will last well beyond 2025.
The year kicked off with the Love, Matawan Project, an initiative started in February centered on community, connection, and kindness. The project ended in early March with a joyful celebration that included $2500 in donations divided
among two local food pantries— an inspiring start to the year.
Spring brought the Easter Egg Hunt, Arbor Day tree planting in honor of former councilman Bud Mullaney, and one of Matawan’s longest-running traditions, the Memorial Day Parade, which filled Main Street with music, floats, and heartfelt remembrance.
Summer was about energy— from camps and lakefront activities to concerts and a summer movie series. The Fourth of July Fireworks were a standout moment, creating a magical night of music, festivities, and community pride. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing and the ever-popular Lakeside Dining kept the lakefront buzzing all season long.
Fall brought a successful Blues and Cruise Night, followed by the always popular Matawan Day Fall Festival, Oktoberfest, and family favorite Halloween Boo-tacular.
The year wrapped with the 19th annual Turkey Trot and the festive Winter Lights Festival, complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Across the events—big and small—one message echoed throughout the year: Matawan is defined by its people- gathering, sharing, celebrating together with the community spirit that sets Matawan apart.
by Cathy Zavorskas, Dir. of Community Engagement, Borough of Matawan
MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOE MESSAGE
As 2025 winds down and we near the halfway point of the school year, the MARSD Board of Education would like to share an update on discussions around enrollment growth. As we consider “Shaping Our District’s Future”, we want to ensure everyone understands the process. Everything the Board does happens publicly, with a quorum present, because transparency is a core value. Both students and data are at the heart of everything we do. The District has been making all information publicly available since June. The initial report outlined several options for managing growth within our current facilities. Since June, these topics have been discussed at Board meetings and posted here. The Board and District continue to welcome comments and questions. The Superintendent and administrative team will develop recommendations based on the demographer’s data and professional expertise. Initial recommendations will be provided in February. Community feedback will be part of the process. The next step would be for the Board to vote. Any implementation would not begin until September, and
could even be phased in over several school years. Detailed information can be found here: https://www.marsd.org/parents-students/shaping-our-districts-future
We want to reassure you that MARSD is committed to providing families a preschool experience. New Jersey’s ultimate goal is Universal Pre-K statewide, without a commitment to full funding. MARSD is grandfathered into the current system and fully funded, ensuring stability at this time.
Our Board represents both towns, based on student population as required by statute. But, we remain united by the same priority: doing what is best for all MARSD students. As we move into the new year, we remain focused on communication, engagement, and supporting the administrative team in making well-informed decisions that put students first.
FINDING HOPE AND LOVE IN TIMES OF GRIEF AND LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Grief during the holidays can be an especially poignant experience, as the season often serves ished relationships that have been irrevocably altered by loss. The very essence of grief reveals the depth of the bond shared with those we have lost; it underscores the tionship so special that it creates a lasting connection, one that transcends even death. When we grieve, we acknowledge that our loved ones were integral to our ories in ways that cannot be replicated. The holidays, typically filled with joy, laughter, and familial gatherings, can amplify feelings of absence and sorrow. Each ornament hung on the tree, every carol sung, and each tradition observed
can evoke memories of the person who is no longer present. It is in these moments that the reality of the forever bond becomes starkly apparent; the love we shared does not dissipate with their absence but rather transforms into a bittersweet reminder of what once was.
In navigating this complex landscape of grief, it is essential to recognize that coping does not equate to moving on or getting over the loss. Instead, coping involves finding ways to honor the memory of our loved ones while allow ing ourselves to feel the pain of their absence. This might include lighting a candle in their memory, sharing stories that evoke their spirit, or participating in charitable acts that reflect their values.
Ultimately, the process of coping through the holidays is about finding a way to coexist with our grief, embracing the love that remains while acknowledging the sorrow. It is a testament to the bond that endures, reminding us that while loss is profound, love is lasting and can provide comfort even in the most challenging times.
MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE
Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte
As someone who spent most of my life in turnout gear as a firefighter, I’ve always believed in rolling up your sleeves, doing the work, and letting the results speak for themselves. This week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed that Matawan’s water and sewer systems are “generally in good or fair condition” and that the Borough is fully capable of maintaining them. This outcome didn’t happen by chance. It reflects years of steady planning, re
we’ve known all along: Matawan’s systems are strong, stable, and well-managed. That’s something every resident can take pride in.
Our Department of Public Works continues to play a crucial role, working in every kind of weather to keep clean water flowing and our sewer system operating reliably. Their day-to-day dedication is the backbone of these positive results.
The entire governing body also supported this effort by unanimously approving the WIPA report prepared by professionals and submitting it for state review. This was a complete and thorough process focused on facts—not assumptions. This was a practical, professional approach to ensuring that our infrastructure remains strong for years to come. As Mayor
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Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce - 201 Broad St, Matawan
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DEANA GUNN, MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT
The Governor announced the allocation of $150 million in Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Aid grants to support infrastructure upgrades across 537 New Jersey communities. These funds will help advance critical road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life projects, underscoring the Department of Transportation’s ongoing Commitment to Communities initiative. This year’s competitive Municipal Aid grant cycle drew significant interest. In total, local governments requested more than $363 million in funding. Despite the high demand, the State ensured that every municipality that applied—100 percent—received support. This broad distribution reflects New Jersey’s commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and improving transportation safety and accessibility throughout the state. Matawan received $202,867 in Municipal Aid, which will be used to pave and
improve Tina Place. Under the Mayor’s administration, Matawan has implemented a regular and aggressive road improvement program, paving over 35 roads to date, and continues to do so. One of the Borough’s priorities has been securing grants to offset costs to taxpayers because we believe in delivering a strong return on investment for our tax dollars. To date, our administration has received and obtained 7 million dollars’ worth of grants, and keeping our roads paved and our parks up to date remains a central part of that commitment.
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SENIOR SPECIAL
Deana Gunn Matawan Council President
DEPUTY MAYOR MONTONE MESSAGE
a meaningful time in Aberdeen. As the year comes to a close, our community has a way of showing exactly what makes this town special. Families come out to celebrate, neighbors reconnect, and our shared traditions bring people together in a way that feels uniquely Aberdeen. We begin the month with our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3 Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Margaret Montone
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MAYOR TAGLIARINI MESSAGE
As I prepare to conclude my 16 years of service as your Mayor, I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the people of Aberdeen.
Serving this township has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and looking back on all we’ve accomplished together fills me with immense pride and appreciation.
Over the course of these years, I have been privileged to witness the true character of Aberdeen, one defined by resilience, unity, and a genuine commitment to community. From our neighborhoods and parks to our schools, businesses, and faith communities, the strength of Aberdeen has always come from its people. The kindness of our residents, the dedication of our volunteers and coaches, and the willingness of neighbors to step up for one another have shaped this community into something truly special.
I have also been fortunate to work with so many talented and committed individuals throughout my time in office. This includes my colleagues on the Township
Council and our Township Manager and staff, as well as our Police Department, Fire Departments, Office of Emergency Management, and our Department of Public Works. These teams work tirelessly and often quietly behind the scenes to keep our community safe, supported and moving forward. Their professionalism and dedication have played a vital role in helping Aberdeen grow, improve and meet challenges head on.
As my chapter as Mayor comes to an end, my gratitude only deepens. I am profoundly thankful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to serve a community I care so deeply about.
I also want to extend my best wishes to Mayor-Elect Greg Cannon. I know he will bring energy, dedication, and strong leadership as he guides Aberdeen into its next chapter. I am confident that, with his vision and the continued support of our residents, the township will keep moving forward with strength and purpose.
As we enter this festive season, I wish every resident a joyful holiday, a peaceful end to the year, and a happy, healthy New Year ahead.
With gratitude and pride, Fred Tagliarini
Mayor, Aberdeen Township
Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini
UNDERSTANDING ELDERCARE LAW
Understanding Eldercare Law is crucial for ensuring the rights and well-being of our elderly loved ones are protected. At Reformed Church Home, we recognize the complexities surrounding legal matters in elderly care and aim to provide guidance and support to our residents and their families.
Eldercare Law encompasses a range of legal issues affecting the elderly, including estate planning, wills, guardianship, and the rights of the elderly within care facilities. It’s a specialized area that requires careful navigation to ensure the elderly are protected and their wishes respected.
Here are some tips for families navigating Eldercare Law:
• Estate Planning: Start early with estate planning to ensure assets are distributed according to your loved one’s wishes. It’s not just about wealth; it’s about making decisions easier for those left behind.
• Clear Wills: A clear, legally sound will is essential to avoid disputes and ensure your loved one’s wishes are followed.
• Power of Attorney: Establishing a power of attorney can allow a trusted family member or friend to make decisions on
behalf of your loved one when they are no longer able to do so themselves.
• Understanding Rights: Familiarize yourself with the rights of residents in eldercare facilities. This knowledge is crucial in advocating for your loved one’s well-being and quality of life.
Being well-informed about Eldercare Law is not just a necessity but a duty to ensure the dignity and rights of our elderly are upheld. At Reformed Church Home, we are dedicated to ensuring you and your loved one’s rights are respected within our community, we’re here to support you.
If you’d like to learn more about assisted living or skilled nursing options for senior-aged family members, contact Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge, NJ today.
CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!
Once again, MAPL will be celebrating The Festival of Giving – we collect items throughout the month of December to then give to individuals in need.
This year, along with our ongoing collection of nonperishable items for the Matawan Food Pantry, we are again requesting donations of new mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for our Mitten Tree. We are continuing our partnership with the Woman’s Club of Matawan and their lovely Giving Tree, where those who donate books for children and teens in need may take a handcrafted ornament. We are once again serving as a drop-off point for TOYS FOR TOTS! We’re accepting new, unwrapped toys through mid-December. Don’t forget about all of our special holiday programs for patrons of all ages!
For kids: Special Craft-on-the-Go each Friday, two Family Holiday Gathering events, Family Cookie Baking, and Family Movie Afternoon! Don’t forget about the New Year Fun Packs!!
For teens: Teen Volunteer Night, and Teen Holiday Wrap-a-palooza!
For adults: Decorate a Winter Tote Bag, Paper Bag Stars, and (for all ages) a Holiday Sing-Along!
Registration is required for many of our programs due to space limitations. For more details about our December events and to register, make sure to visit our website at www.mapl.org, stop by, or give us a call at 732-583-9100.
We will continue our partnership with AARP for free tax assistance in 2026. Vol unteers will be at the library on Tuesdays and Fridays starting on February 3rd. Appointments are required and can be made starting in mid-January.
Finally, keep an eye on our 2026 events calendar! We will be starting two series of programs in the new year: AI Decoded: Understanding the Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence and Grandparenting 101.
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season!
Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
Possessions don’t
last. Memories do. Create a legacy.
ABERDEEN KICKS OFF
THE SEASON WITH A HOLIDAY RECEIPT CHALLENGE AND A SWEET NEW GINGERBREAD HUNT
Aberdeen Township is ushering in the holiday season with two joyful community initiatives aimed at supporting local small businesses and bringing families together for festive fun. This year, the Township is proud to launch the Aberdeen Holiday Receipt Challenge, a shop-local campaign designed to boost foot traffic and highlight the diverse businesses that make Aberdeen such a vibrant place to live. At the same time, residents can look forward to a brandnew tradition, the Aberdeen Gingerbread Hunt, a family activity set to roll out in December that promises to sprinkle a little extra magic throughout town.
The Holiday Receipt Challenge, running from November 28 through December 24, invites residents to embrace the spirit of the season by doing their gift shopping, dining, and errands right here in Aberdeen. The rules are refreshingly simple: shop anywhere within the township, save your receipts, and submit them to Town Hall by January 9. What makes this initiative especially accessible is that winners are not chosen based on the amount of money spent, but rather the number of
receipts submitted (1 receipt per business). Whether you’re treating yourself to a cup of coffee, picking up last-minute stocking stuffers, or making a routine purchase, every receipt counts. The goal is to reward participation and encourage residents to explore all that Aberdeen’s business community has to offer.
In January, Aberdeen will announce its first-, second-, and third-place winners, each of whom will receive a gift card from the Township as a token of appreciation for supporting local businesses. Township officials hope the program becomes an annual tradition one that strengthens the local economy, highlights neighborhood shops and restaurants, and makes holiday shopping a more engaging, community-driven experience.
Adding excitement to the season, Aberdeen is also preparing the debut of its Gingerbread Hunt, a whimsical scavenger-hunt-style activity designed especially for children. Beginning in December, participating businesses will display a gingerbread character somewhere inside their storefronts. Families will then be able
to visit local shops, search for the hidden gingerbread characters, and enjoy a festive way to explore Aberdeen together. The Gingerbread Hunt encourages family outings, promotes small businesses, and creates a sense of adventure as children try to find each character throughout town.
Full details about the Gingerbread Hunt, including how to participate and where to begin, will be released in the coming weeks. Parents are encouraged to check for updates at https://parksrec.egov.basgov. com/aberdeen, where complete information will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen is still actively seeking additional businesses to join the Gingerbread Hunt. Participation is completely free and offers a fun, effortless way for businesses to welcome new customers during the holiday season. By signing up, businesses can expect increased foot traffic, added visibility in Township promotions, and the chance to be part of a new holiday tradition that the community is already buzzing about. Business sign up: https:// forms.gle/13irdiSTNdKnjK4QA
Together, the Holiday Receipt Challenge and the Gingerbread Hunt reflect Aberdeen’s ongoing commitment to celebrating local businesses, fostering family-friendly activities, and building a stronger, more connected community. With festive programs like these taking, our Menorah and Tree lighting this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most engaging and spirited that Aberdeen has ever seen.
A YEAR OF THANKS: RECOGNIZING OUR VOLUNTEERS AND REACH STUDENTS
by Cathy Zavorskas, Dir. of Community Engagement, Borough of Matawan
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on all that has unfolded—the challenges, the achievements, and the moments that shaped our community. With that reflection comes genuine gratitude for the opportunities, relationships, and support that made this year meaningful. That sense of gratitude also reminds us to honor the many volunteers and first responder units whose time and dedication bolstered our events, programs, and Borough commissions. Volunteers are often the quiet heroes of a community, yet their impact is extraordinary. They take on tasks large and small, simple and complex, all with a shared goal: to make Matawan better for everyone. Their commitment continues to inspire us, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each one.
This year, we are especially grateful for the remarkable partnership with REACH. REACH students provided essential support to the Recreation Commission, tackling time-consuming projects that would have been difficult for volunteers alone.
REACH serves special needs students ages 18–21 who have completed high school and are developing job-readiness skills to prepare for meaningful employment. The students eagerly accept projects that build these skills while giving back to the community. Their contributions in 2025 were exceptional. REACH students assembled 600 s’mores kits for the Love, Matawan Project and Winter Lights Festival, and another 600 goodie bags for the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Boo-tacular—each requiring careful assembly of multiple items. It was many hours of dedicated work. We are deeply grateful for their help and incredibly proud of the care, effort, and professionalism they brought to every task.
ALGEBRA 2? TAKE THE MARCH SAT
By Paul Pscolka
Parents regularly ask me when their child should take the SAT. While the answer is nuanced, a major factor is the math class a student is taking this year. Reading skills continue to develop naturally through schoolwork, but math is different: if a student has not yet learned most of the material covered on the SAT, the test becomes significantly more challenging—no matter how strong the student’s reasoning skills might be.
Math builds on itself. As a test of critical thinking, SAT math can only be conquered with a solid foundation of content knowledge. Just as a student needs strong phonics skills before being able to truly comprehend what she reads, a student must have a firm grasp of core math concepts before she can think critically about them. That’s why the timing of the SAT is so important.
For students taking Algebra 2 as juniors, the March SAT is often the ideal first test date. By March, most Algebra 2 courses have covered the essential topics
that appear on the SAT—quadratics, polynomial operations, exponent rules, systems of equations, rational expressions, functions, and basic trigonometry. Waiting until March ensures that students have learned most of the skills they will be tested on, giving them a fair chance to apply those skills strategically instead of being blindsided by unfamiliar content.
In addition, taking the SAT in March gives students time to reflect on their score and prepare for a second attempt in May, June, or August if needed (and still apply early to universities). Well prepared students can perform well during the school year and then can enter senior year with their testing already behind them.
In short, if your child is taking Algebra 2 this year, March is the smartest, most efficient SAT starting point. It aligns with the curriculum, maximizes confidence, and positions students for meaningful score growth. Would class or private lessons be a better fit for your child? To find out, book me for a free consultation: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
