ALL Around Matawan Aberdeen_February 2026 by anthony-allaroundob-com

MATAWAN-ABERDEEN

CHAMBER CONNECT

V. Grandi President, Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

As the new year gets underway, the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce continues to grow, not just in numbers, but in energy, collaboration, and opportunity.

Over the past month, we proudly welcomed several new members into our Chamber family, each bringing unique expertise and perspective to our local business community. Aurora Computer Technology, Inc., Michael Wagner, Cross Country Mortgage, Martin Meltzer Crunch Fitness Aberdeen, Tara DeLorenzo, First Aid & CPR, LLC, Steve Ross, Hello Tish Lifestyle Boutique, Tish Fierro Hess, ITEX, John Castoro, Nautical Media Group, Mary Foti and River Road Development, LLC, Robert Galbraith. We look forward to seeing them build connections and get involved. That spirit of connection was on full display at our recent events. Our networking luncheon at G’Zepps featured an informative and timely presentation by Anthony Caltabilota of Calta Tax & Financial Services, offering valuable insights that sparked great conversation among attendees. Members gathered for

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YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART IN FEBRUARY

by Cathy Zavorskas, Director of Community Engagement, Borough of Matawan

The Matawan Recreation Commission is proud to announce the return of the Love, Matawan Project, a joyful, community-driven initiative rooted in kindness, caring, and giving. Designed to brighten the cold,

gray days of winter, this uplifting project also brings neighbors together around a shared goal: raising funds for our local food pantries. Net proceeds from kit sales will benefit the Matawan Community Food Pantry and

Last month, Aberdeen Township formally began the new year with its annual Reorganization and Swearing-In Ceremony, held Sunday, January 4th, in the Council Chambers at the Aberdeen Township Municipal Building. The event marked the official start of the Township’s 2026 governing year and brought

together residents, elected officials, and community leaders. The ceremony’s central moment was the administration of the Oath of Office by Mayor Emeritus Fred Tagliarini, officially swearing in Greg Cannon as Mayor, Margaret Montone as Councilwoman, and Pedro Mirabal as Councilman. Fol-

the Matawan United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

Participation is simple, meaningful, and fun. Individuals, families, and businesses are invited to purchase Love, Matawan Project kits for $15 at Matawan Borough Hall (201 Broad Street), Feb. 2nd –Feb. 27th, Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Each kit includes two large red cardstock hearts, a love lock, a luminary bag, and instructions for decorating and returning the items. Completed hearts will be displayed on the 8-foot heart in the Borough Hall lobby, while love locks will be secured to the Terhune Park fence, creating a growing visual symbol

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ABERDEEN SWEARS IN 2026 TOWNSHIP LEADERSHIP AND WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL MEMBER

lowing the roll call of the 2026 Township Council, Arthur Hirsch was nominated and elected as Deputy Mayor.

Senator Vin Gopal offered brief remarks during the program, recognizing former Mayor Fred Tagliarini and former Councilman Joseph J. Martucci, Sr. for their years of service to Aberdeen Township. Senator Gopal thanked both for their leadership and dedication to the community.

In his remarks, Mayor Greg Cannon spoke about the responsibility of public service and the importance of collaboration.

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MATAWAN ABERDEEN BOE MESSAGE

The Board of Education’s work has centered on two responsibilities: strong fiscal stewardship and transparent, long-term planning for our district’s future.

On the financial side, Board approvals focus on reducing costs where possible, generating new revenue, and supporting classroom instruction. MARSD has expanded shared services agreements to save and generate new revenue annually. A Board-approved advertising contract brings in additional funds. Meanwhile, the popular and long-running Summer Theater program has been restructured to become revenue-generating vs. a district expense. We also approved a new K–5 MARSD summer recreation program that serves families.

The Board has consistently worked to deepen our understanding of the budget process. We formed an ad hoc Finance and Facilities Committee that has been touring school buildings to identify maintenance, repairs, and potential upgrades. The budget timeline will be shorter with a new Governor just sworn in. We are fortunate to have County support through the process. A tentative budget is due to the County for

review by mid-March.

Transparency has guided our work beyond the budget. Since June, the Board has discussed enrollment growth and building capacity in open meetings, supported by a professional demographer. These discussions were publicly announced, covered in local media, and shared by the district. District administration has continued to actively listen to feedback and work to address many common concerns.

Our focus remains on shaping our district’s future for the long term while minimizing student disruption and maintaining equal opportunities. Every step is being taken with student outcomes at the center. To learn more, visit www.marsd. org/parents-students/shaping-our-districts-future.

Lastly, the Board is proud to share that we have preserved our Certified Board status and continue state-mandated training. We remain committed to serving the community to the best of our ability.

NEW JERSEY E-BIKE E-BIKE LAW ADVISORY

MATAWAN MAYOR ALTOMONTE MESSAGE

Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte

Thank you for placing your trust in me as your Mayor for the past 10 years. It is truly an honor to serve the residents of Matawan. I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2026.

I congratulate and welcome our new council members, Megan Taraszkiewicz and Dan De Zaio. They will be great additions to our team. I also thank our outgoing council members, Brian Livesey and Steven Russell, for their dedicated service to the Borough.

As we closed out 2025, I am proud to highlight several accomplishments. The Aberdeen Road and Bridge project was successfully completed by Monmouth County, and the results have been outstanding. High Street, from the bridge to Main Street, is scheduled for paving in 2026. The Borough acquired key properties this year. Land purchased from the First Presbyterian Church along Route 34, bordering Lake Lefferts, will be preserved permanently as open space through a

cost-sharing partnership with Monmouth County. We also acquired the former Bank of America property at Main Street and Ravine Drive, expanding our municipal footprint, protecting the area from overdevelopment, and increasing parking capacity. The nearby Maghon Insurance property was also acquired, further strengthening downtown parking. These purchases are investments—exchanging cash for valuable assets that will benefit Matawan long term.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue pursuing grants to ease the tax burden, explore exiting the Assessment Demonstration Program, and complete major projects including Clinton Street Park renovations and the first building in the redeveloped train station zone. We will continue investing in roads, infrastructure, parks, and Borough services, with restoration and preservation guiding our decisions.

I thank all Borough employees and volunteers for their dedication, and I commend Chief Tom Falco and Rich Michitsch upon their retirements for their exceptional service. First, I wish to formally recognize and commend Chief Tom Falco upon his retirement after 35 years of distinguished service to the

Borough. Chief Falco served with honor and integrity, including eight years as the 10th Chief of the Matawan Police Department. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety set a standard of excellence for the entire department. In addition to his role as Chief, he dedicated 20 years as the Borough’s Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. In that capacity, Chief Falco and Rich successfully secured more than $1 million in FEMA funding for Matawan and oversaw the installation of the emergency generator outside this building—critical resources that strengthened our preparedness and resilience during emergencies. His calm leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on this community. On behalf of the Borough of Matawan, I extend our deepest gratitude for his lifelong commitment to public service and to Matawan.

I also want to recognize and thank Rich Michitsch upon his retirement as OEM Assistant Coordinator. Rich has been a dependable and invaluable partner in emergency management, always willing to step forward when the Borough needed him most. His experience, reliability, and behind-the-scenes efforts played a vital

role in ensuring our emergency operations ran smoothly. Although Rich is retiring from his formal role, we are grateful that he has committed to continuing to assist the Borough when needed. His continued willingness to serve speaks volumes about his dedication to Matawan.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. Let us remain united as we continue to Restore Matawan and move forward together.

MATAWAN COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Deana Gunn Matawan Council President

As we begin a new year, I’m honored again to be the Council President and excited to work with our entire council and our newest members Megan Taraszkiewicz and Dan De Zaio. They bring their own unique talents and experience, but the commonality is the dedication to Matawan and serving our residents. In bigger cities, councils serve wards or districts. In smaller boroughs, like Matawan, Councilmembers act as liaisons to departments instead. We thought it would be helpful to share with the community the following council liaisons for each department should you have questions, suggestions, or challenges:

2026 Council Department Assignments:

Councilwoman Deana GunnPresident: Police, Economic Business Development Commission, Planning & Zoning

Councilman Dan DeZaioof Public Works, Fire, Shade Tree Com mission

Councilman Arlan Feiles-

Sanitation, and Recycling

Councilman Charles Ross- Finance, Construction, Environmental Commission

Councilwoman Megan Taraszkiewicz-Personnel and Historic Sites

Councilwoman Suzanne ReynoldsAnimal Welfare, ADA, Property Maintenance

Many commissions and departments, such as Economic Business Development, Planning and Zoning, Recreation, Shade Tree and Environmental Commissions, Animal Advisory, and ADA, have regular meetings open to the public. Meeting dates and times can be found on the calendar on the borough website, or you can reach out to the Council liaison for information regarding the meeting schedule or to address any concerns. Our email addresses and way to contact us can be found on the borough website at www.matawanborough.com under ‘Your Government’ and then by clicking on the ‘Mayor and Council’ tab. As always, we are here to serve the community in big and small ways. I will keep you informed as the year progresses; however, feel free to reach out anytime at deana.gunn@matawanborough.com. It’s an honor to serve you and I look forward to working with the Council to execute the Mayor’s agenda.

MAYOR CANNON MESSAGE

Beginning this February, Aberdeen Township will be launching a new initiative to strengthen emergency medical services for our community.

The Township, along with the Borough of Matawan, has entered into a shared services agreement with MedStar, operated by the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, to provide emergency medical services in Aberdeen. This five-year agreement allows us to improve coverage, enhance reliability, and ensure residents receive timely, professional care when emergencies arise.

Public safety has been the focus of my entire time on the Township Council, and now, as Mayor, I’m proud to help bring this long-term effort to fruition. Through this partnership, Aberdeen gains access to additional resources and equipment while creating long-term stability for emergency medical services.

It is important to be clear that our volunteer emergency medical squad will remain active and involved. Our volunteers will

continue serving as the primary response unit on select nights each week and will remain present at Township events and community activities. We are deeply grateful for their years of service, dedication, and commitment to our town, and we look forward to supporting them as this new partnership moves forward.

This shared services agreement is not a replacement for our volunteers. It is a collaboration designed to strengthen our overall emergency response system. By combining county-level resources with the experience and community knowledge of our volunteer squad, we are creating a more dependable and sustainable model for the future.

The Township Council supported this agreement because it is in the best interest of Aberdeen’s residents, employees, and first responders. I want to thank the Council, Township Manager Bryan Russell, our volunteer EMTs, and our partners at the County for working together to make this initiative possible.

Aberdeen has always been a community that looks out for one another, and this step helps ensure that help is there when it is needed most.

Greg Cannon Mayor, Aberdeen Township

TAX EXPERTISE ALL YEAR LONG.

Aberdeen Mayor Greg Cannon

DEPUTY MAYOR HIRSCH MESSAGE ALL AMERICAN FORD WELCOMES FRONT SIGHT COFFEE CO.

I am honored and grateful to my fellow Council members for the trust they have placed in me by appointing me to serve as Deputy Mayor of Aberdeen Township. I take this responsibility seriously and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively on behalf of our residents.

I want to congratulate Mayor Greg Cannon as he begins this new chapter of leadership for our Township. I’m proud to serve alongside him and truly appreciate his dedication to public service and his thoughtful approach to leading our community. I also want to congratulate Councilwoman Margaret Montone and Councilman Pedro Mirabal. Both bring valuable experience, insight, and a strong commitment to Aberdeen, and I’m grateful for the teamwork and collaboration we share as a governing body.

I would also like to offer a special congratulations to newly appointed Councilwoman Catherine Zavorskas. Her long history of community involvement and service

to Aberdeen speaks for itself, and I look forward to working with her as she steps into this new role.

As we move into the year ahead, the Mayor and Council are excited to introduce new initiatives while continuing the Township services that residents know, rely on, and appreciate. From public safety and infrastructure to recreation and community programs, our focus remains on maintaining a high quality of life for everyone who calls Aberdeen home.

Residents can also look forward to a full schedule of community events, with more details to be announced soon. In addition, we are pleased to share that new EV charging stations are coming to the Aberdeen Train Station, supporting sustainability efforts and providing added convenience for commuters. More information on this project will be shared in the coming weeks.

I am proud to serve this community and look forward to the work ahead as we continue moving Aberdeen forward together.

Arthur Hirsch

Deputy Mayor, Aberdeen Township

The All American Ford Auto Group is proud to announce a new community partnership with Front Sight Coffee Co., coming together to create a custom collaboration: the All American Ford Bronco Brew. This special release brings together two brands that share a commitment to quality, service, and giving back.

To celebrate the launch, All American Ford welcomed Front Sight Coffee Co. and guests to its Old Bridge showroom on Saturday, January 17, for an in-store release event. The showroom provided the perfect backdrop for the debut of Bronco Brew, allowing customers, community members, and coffee enthusiasts to experience the collaboration firsthand. Attendees enjoyed fresh pours of the custom blend while learning more about the mission

behind the partnership and the impact it aims to make.

Front Sight Coffee Co. is a company with a powerful mission at its core. With every cup of coffee they produce, Front Sight Coffee gives back to veterans and first responders, supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Their purpose-driven approach to business made them a natural partner for All American Ford, a dealership group deeply rooted in community involvement and long-standing support for those who serve.

Through the All American Ford Auto Group and Front Sight Coffee Co. partnership, the Bronco Brew launch helped raise $680 to support therapeutic outdoor adventures for veterans and first responders. This contribution reflects the shared belief that meaningful community partnerships can create lasting, positive change.

The All American Ford Bronco Brew is now available for purchase at store.frontsightcoffee.com, marking the beginning of what both organizations hope will be a lasting partnership focused on community engagement and giving back to those who dedicated their lives to others.

Aberdeen Deputy Mayor Arthur Hirsch

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITHOUT GIVING MORE WORK

By Paul Pscolka

Since my last article, a parent asked me the best question I can remember a parent asking: What can I do to support my daughter without giving her more work? (Although this question was asked about SAT prep, it applies to academics as a whole.) Students today are often swamped with work—some graduate high school with their associates degree. Others take 8 (or more) AP classes. A student may do some type of formal SAT (or ACT) prep. This is just academics. On top of that, a student may have a sport (or several) and may be playing on one or more teams for a single sport. A student may also have a job and possibly a social life that exists outside of all these commitments. All these factors made this an excellent question. The best fixes are simple. A parent can best support their child by making sure that child is getting enough sleep. Parents can provide their child with a quiet space where they won’t be interrupted. For the

SAT, make sure the child is registered early to ensure the closest test center. It is also important to normalize questions that a student gets wrong—instead of saying “Why did you miss it?”, say “What did you learn from the last question?” Reminding students that the SAT measures hard work, not intelligence, will help reinforce the crucial growth mindset needed to improve. Praise effort and approach.

A student explaining how to do each question reinforces how to do each question. This practice is great for retention. Parents can remind students that improvement is not linear—there are ups and downs along the way. The result can still be much better than the initial assessment. Not mentioning practice test scores every week can help here. Positive support, from the background, (almost) never adds pressure.

Questions about how to best support your child without overwhelming them? Book me for a free consultation: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Edward M. Merski

Wanting to be more effective in relationships? Riding an emotional roller coaster?

I have been a clinical psychologist for the past 35 years and have treated thousands of patients in a supportive and caring milieu. I employ a comprehensive, efficient and flexible approach with widely varying problems and circumstances. My approach integrates cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, sensory, imagery and biological modalities. After a pragmatic assessment of a patient's particular needs, procedures for developing a cohesive strategy are established and implemented. A collaborative effort is maintained throughout the treatment process with the goal of not only FEELING better but GETTING better. I care and invite you to reach out.

OVER $45,000,000 SOLD IN 2024 & 202

CARE THAT ADAPTS BRINGS PEACE OF MIND INSPIRED ASSISTED LIVING @ RCH

One of the quiet concerns many families carry when exploring assisted living is not just how care looks today — but how it will respond tomorrow. Life changes. Energy shifts. Needs evolve. At Reformed Church Home (RCH), these changes are met not with disruption, but with thoughtful adaptation — care that flexes while preserving dignity, independence, and personal identity.

Assisted living at its best does not force people to fit a system. Instead, it reshapes the system around the person. For some residents, support begins lightly — help with medication reminders, housekeeping, or transportation. For others, it may include assistance with dressing, bathing, or mobility. What matters most is how that support is offered — respectfully, patiently, and without drawing unnecessary attention to change.

Care at RCH adapts quietly. Staff members notice subtle shifts — a resident who seems more fatigued in the afternoons, someone who prefers a different pace during meals, or a change in confidence

with daily routines. These observations are shared, discussed, and acted upon with care — often before families feel the need to ask.

Daily routines are adjusted thoughtfully. A resident who once enjoyed early mornings may later prefer a slower start. Another may discover new interests as schedules change. Assisted living at RCH allows for this evolution — honoring past preferences while remaining open to what works best today. For families, adaptable care provides reassurance. It means your loved one doesn’t need to “start over” as needs change. It means familiar faces remain, routines are adjusted gently, and care evolves in place. This continuity fosters trust — not only in the care team, but in the community itself. This kind of care doesn’t just support daily living. It supports peace of mind — for residents and families alike.

For more information, see our website, www.reformedchurchhome.com or call

David Boles at (732) 607-9230 ext. 161

CHECK IT OUT: LIBRARY NEWS!

Tax season is here again, and MAPL will be welcoming back the AARP Tax-Aide program. Since 1968, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has provided free tax help to over 75 million taxpayers, with a focus on older adults with low to moderate income. There is no charge for this program, and it doesn’t require AARP membership. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.

In-person tax assistance will be available at MAPL starting on February 10th, 2026, on Tuesdays and Fridays through April 19th by appointment only.

There are three ways to register for tax assistance:

• Make an appointment online at https:// mapl.org/aarp-tax-aide.

• Make an appointment by calling the library at 732-583-9100.

• Make an appointment by visiting the library’s Computer Assistance Desk.

Appointments on alternate appoint ment days and at other locations can be made by visiting the AARP Monmouth County website, or at the National AARP Foundation website.

Once you have made an appointment, you will need to do two things before ar riving at your scheduled time:

1. Read the “List of items to bring to your appointment” available on our website or at the library.

2. Complete the intake questionnaire either online (link on our website) or pick up a printed copy at the library.

We look forward to seeing you! Should you have any questions, please refer to the Tax-Aide page on our website, or contact our Computer Assistance Desk in person or by phone. For patrons doing their own taxes, Forms 1040 and 1040 SR and instruc tion booklets will be available at the library.

For more information about our Febru ary events and to register, or for questions about any of our resources, make sure to visit our website at www.mapl.org, stop by, or give us a call at 732-583-9100.

Stay warm!

Kimberly Paone, Library Director Matawan Aberdeen Public Library

AJ HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, LLC

ABERDEEN SWEARS IN 2026

TOWNSHIP LEADERSHIP AND WELCOMES NEWCOUNCIL MEMBER

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He also shared a personal connection to the role, noting that his grandfather once served as Mayor of Aberdeen.

“This Township has always been about neighbors stepping up for neighbors,” Mayor Cannon said. “It’s an honor to serve as Mayor, and when residents, Council, and staff work together, we can keep Aberdeen moving forward in a positive direction.”

Councilwoman Montone and Councilman Mirabal also thanked their families and supporters and expressed their commitment to serving residents throughout the year.

At the following Township Council meeting held on January 15th, Aberdeen Township welcomed a new member to the Township Council, filling the seat left vacant when Mayor Cannon assumed office. Councilwoman Catherine Zavorskas was sworn in, officially joining the Mayor and Council.

Councilwoman Zavorskas is a longtime Aberdeen resident with an extensive record of community involvement. Her

background includes serving as President of the Strathmore Elementary School PTO and more than a decade of service on the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional Board of Education, including three years as Board President. She has also remained actively involved with the Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. Her appointment adds experienced leadership and a strong understanding of local education and community issues to the governing body.

Residents who were unable to attend either meeting can view them through Aberdeen Township’s new Live Stream platform. Beginning in 2026, all Township Council meetings are streamed live on the Township’s official website, allowing residents to follow meetings in real time and stay informed on Township business.

Aberdeen Township looks forward to continuing resident engagement, whether in person or online, throughout the year as the 2026 Mayor and Council begin their work on behalf of the community.

RYER HOUSE/ BLUE MANSION OF MATAWAN

Below is one of the only known images of the original owner and builder of the Ryer House/ Blue Mansion of Matawan, David Ryer, along with his wife Adelaide, and daughter, Alice Ryer.

This never-before-seen photo is from the 1880’s and was taken on a business trip to Jamaica according to the descendants

of the Ryer family. David Ryer ran a large successful produce business in New York City and would frequently take steamships from Main Street Matawan to NYC and back. He built the famous Blue Mansion, that now sits beautifully restored on Main Street, in 1873.

CHAMBER CONNECT

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an After-Hours event hosted by Provident Bank, where Ervis Bida, Catherine Lombardo, and Gloria Velez shared resources and guidance on small business lending, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to education and support.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep that momentum going. On Tuesday, February 3rd, we’ll gather at Lenora’s Café in Keyport for a networking luncheon sponsored by the Arts Society of Keyport. Later in the month, we’ll host another

After-Hours event on February 17th, with details to be announced soon. We’re also looking forward to welcoming our newest members at a special invitation-only breakfast on February 27th.

Each event, conversation, and connection strengthens our mission: to support local businesses and build a vibrant, engaged community. Thank you for being part of that story. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing to grow together.

Photo credit Karen P. (printed with permission by Matawan Historical Society NJ)

YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART IN FEBRUARY

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of community spirit.

To make participation even easier, additional kit-sale locations at local businesses will be announced, offering evening and weekend hours.

Last year’s project was a tremendous success, with all the kits sold, $2,500 was raised and donated equally to both food pantries. The hearts filled not one, but three large displays, and the project concluded with a heartfelt community celebration featuring music, crafts, firepits, and s’mores.

With your help, we hope to exceed that impact this year. Join us in sharing uplifting messages, favorite quotes, memories, artwork, and photos that reflect the very best of Matawan. Then celebrate the culmination of our collective effort on February 28th, 4:30 pm in Terhune Park, as luminaries are lit and donations are officially presented.

Let’s come together to make a difference, and remember, you’ve gotta have heart this February in Matawan.