What Makes a Bouquet Romantic? [Video]

Local florists have bouquets from the heart for your Valentine.

This Thursday is Valentine's Day and local florists are busy crafting hundreds of gorgeous bouquets and floral arrangements to be shared between lovers, friends and family members. But what is it that makes certain flowers more romantic than others? Watch the video clip above to see Melanie Straniero of Flowers By Melanie in Aberdeen share some tips for selecting the perfect Valentine's Day arrangement for your loved one.  Make sure to place your order at your local florist soon, however, as Feb. 14 is the busiest day of the year, according to Straniero.  "Valentine's Day is the biggest time of the year. Everybody has a Valentine, whereas on Mother's Day, not everybody has a mother or mothers don't always want you to spend money on them. …

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PNC Bank Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

The bank, located at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Route 34, held a grand opening ceremony recently.

Find Last-Minute Christmas Gifts in Matawan-Aberdeen

If the holidays leave you with little time to shop for gifts, try these stores in Matawan and Aberdeen for great last-minute gift ideas.

With all of the tree trimming, cookie baking and partygoing, there is so much to do during the holidays that it's easy to leave shopping for Christmas presents until the last minute. But by then, the malls and chain stores are usually chaotic and the mere thought of battling crowds is exhausting. Here are some ideas for easy gifts that can be bought locally and require little stress: Tell us: What are some of your own last-minute gift ideas? Share in the comments below. Don't forget to tell us where you can pick them up!

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Business Owners Can Scan This List For Helpful Resources

Several federal, state and county agencies that offer help to Hurricane-Sandy affected businesses came to Middletown to introduce themselves.

When water crept five blocks into Port Monmouth and filled Alise Pipitone's house, basement and garage, it not only wrecked her home but also threatened to snuff the life out of the C&G Electrical contracting business. Ten inches of water ruined the home-based business's equipment and killed the phone, fax line and the Internet service.                  Painting contractor Bob Crane of Voorhees & Crane Painting, also in Port Monmouth, has a similar story. He said he lost $10,000 worth of equipment in the flooded basement of his home-based business, and insurance won't pay.  Both joined about 40 others Wednesday at the "Business After Sandy" Resources Forum at the Middletown Township Library, sponsored by the Northern Monmouth Chamber of …

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Plenty of Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Options in Monmouth County

Where will you go to get your tree?

With less than a month to go until Christmas many people will be going down into their basements or up into their attics to set up their tree for the holiday season. For those people brave enough to want to cut down their own real trees the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has put together a list of local farms that have plenty of options to choose from.  The lists are even broken down by county and here in Monmouth County some of the most popular sites are in Manalapan, Howell, Aberdeen and Colts Neck. For more information check out this website or the list below.   Phone: 732-583-6436 Address: 329 Wilson Avenue, Matawan Directions: Route 9 North or South towards Old Bridge. Take Ticetown Rd. exit, going east for 3 miles. Cross over …

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Update: 40+ Facebook Pages Matawan, Aberdeen & Keyport Residents Should 'Like'

Keep track of small businesses in the area through these Facebook pages.

Matawan-Aberdeen Patch first published a list of 25 small business Facebook accounts that all Matawan, Aberdeen and Keyport residents should 'like' on Nov. 24 for Small Business Saturday.  Since then, the community has shared numerous more small business Facebooks that should be added to the list.  Show your support! Like the Facebook pages below and share any more in the comment section.  Please note that we included a few businesses who have vowed to rebuild after Sandy as well, so you can keep an eye on their progress. Here are some places to start: Know a really great Matawan, Aberdeen or Keyport Facebook page for a small business that should be added to the list? Tell us in the comments section! Don't forget to include the link to the…

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Aberdeen Economic Business Council to Hold Open Forum for Local Business Owners

Attendees will be able to discuss issues that impact their businesses with a panel that includes Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini, Township Manager Holly Reycraft, Zoning Officer Maxine Rescorl, and members of the Economic Business Council.

The following is a notice from Aberdeen Township: The Aberdeen Township Council and Aberdeen Economic Business Council will jointly hold an open forum for local business owners and businesses thinking of locating in the municipality on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Aberdeen Town Hall.  “We’re inviting members of the Aberdeen business community to join us for a discussion of the issues that they feel impact their organizations,” said Business Council Chairman Carmine Visone, co-owner of Home Away From Home Academy.  “By working together, it is our goal to improve the climate for doing business here for current and future companies.” Attendees will be able to discuss issues that impact their businesses with a panel that includes Aberdeen…

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JosephGhabourLaw

10:14 am on Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The economic impact of Sandy, while severe at shore, did affect most of New Jersey. Our prayers go out those who have lost their homes, and/or have had their livelihoods impacted. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, were the hardest hit. http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ is the FEMA site for both individuals and businesses. Unfortunately for us, Sunday the 11th is when our office …   more ›

Hurricane Sandy

Seventh Annual Matawan Turkey Trot Canceled

Runners who preregistered will receive a refund, recreation director says.

The seventh annual Matawan Turkey Trot is canceled due to the ongoing recovery efforts in the wake of Sandy, according to Recreation Director Deirdre Ring. The 5K race was scheduled for Nov. 24, 2012. Any runners who preregistered will receive a refund. Anyone with questions may contact Ring at recreation@matawanborough.com.

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Hurricane Sandy

What's Open in Matawan and Aberdeen?

Looking for groceries, to get out of the house, or a hot meal? Check our list of businesses that are open in the area. If you know of a business not on our list, make sure to add it.

Hurricane Sandy have left numerous businesses in the dark since Monday night, but a few have managed to keep their doors with generators. Here is a list of businesses that Patch noticed were open in spite of the power outages. If you would like more information or the phone number of the business, click their name in the list below. Groceries Food Activities Liquor Stores Other Services Help us make sure this list is as up-to-date as possible. If a business has since shut down due to lack of gas or have since regained power and reopened, please leave a comment below with detailed information for your neighbors.

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