Families receive awards for outstanding holiday decorations.
By: Melissa Hayes
MONROE With the holiday season over and decorations being retired until next year, the Monroe Township Recreation Department has concluded its annual Holiday Decorating Contest.
The Recreation Department announced this year’s winners Tuesday and will be presenting the families with certificates at its Jan 18 advisory board meeting.
The Gatto family of Monmouth Road was named the grand prize winner.
Several families were named residential division winners including: the Perschilli family of Baker Street for "Holiday Train Ride," the Fusco family of Throop Avenue for "Santa in Candyland," the Rokose family of George Avenue for "Dollywood" and the Handwerk family of Tyndale Avenue for "Simply Holiday."
Honorable mentions were given to the Schenkel family of Texas Road for "Colorful Activity," the Lobrow family of Julian Court for "Hills of Color" and the Mancuso family of Buckelew Avenue for "Holiday Outline."
The Recreation Department encourages those who entered this past year’s contest to enter again next year.
Those interested in entering should contact the Recreation Department after Thanksgiving.
The department hopes to have established themes by next year so that people can enter their homes based on the style of the decoration.
The Recreation Department also is holding its annual Snowman and Snow Sculpture Contest through March.
Once it snows, residents interested in entering should take a picture of their snow creations and send them to the Monroe Township Community Center at 120 Monmouth Road.

