Few events are as eagerly anticipated at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack as the annual concert presented by Holiday Express, the all-volunteer band that delivers music, food, gifts and friendship to those in need during the holiday season. Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities. Holiday Express has been coming to Matheny since 2001, and several of the volunteer musicians are like old friends, just stopping by for a visit.
Tim McLoone, the leader and funder of Holiday Express, dedicated this year's concert, held on December 8 in Matheny's Robert Schonhorn Arts Center, to "all the volunteers, social workers, therapists, all the staff members. You are so amazing for what you do for all of these wonderful people."
From the Holiday Express theme song, "Nobody Ought to be Alone on Christmas" to the rollicking, interactive "12 Days of Christmas", the afternoon translated into two hours of pure joy and happiness. Thank you to Holiday Express and all the wonderful musicians who give so freely of their time. Matheny is but one of 60 venues they visit between mid-November and Christmas Eve.
