All Around Old Bridge-August 2023

OLDBRIDGE

REV. FR. JAY JOHNSON REAPPOINTED TO ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

A few months ago, parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle, in Old Bridge were asked to complete a survey sent out by the diocese for the reappointment of Fr. Jerome “Jay” Johnson to a second term as their Pastor. Priests are usually appointed for 6-year terms. The result of the lengthy reappointment process is that Fr. Jay will continue to shepherd the flock of St. Thomas the Apostle, and we wish him all the best!

Fr. Jay was born in Fort Dix, NJ in 1960. His father served in the Army, so as a boy his family moved around quite a bit! In third grade Fr. Jay’s parish priest was visiting his classroom and as he was leaving said he was praying that someone in the class would one day become a priest. That was the first time Fr. Jay thought about the priesthood. He began to think seriously about seminary in high school. His pastor, Father Higgiston, a military chaplain is the one who helped him discern his vocation.

On May 31, 1986, he was ordained and was first assigned to St Thomas in Old Bridge in

Continue on page 18

Mayor's office of Economic Development

SALTWATER DAY AUGUST 12TH

Saltwater Day is a fantastic festival on the beach, located at the Old Bridge Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor on Saturday August 12, 2023, from 2pm -10pm.

Admission is free to this fun filled day!! Come over and join us; we have vendors of every type, from toys, face painting, henna, jewelry, homemade doggie treats, all kinds

of beautiful handmade crafts, clothes, hats, handbags, and sunglasses just to name a few. The kids will love the rides and keep them busy for hours,

Continue on page 25

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE

Celebrate the strength of community and the power of hope on September 10, 2023, at the 1st Annual Brady’s Walk & Mental Health Wellness Fair. This momentous event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, focusing on promoting mental health wellness and suicide prevention,

especially among our youth. The event, hosted by Brady’s Voice, is an essential gathering for families, providing valuable resources and tools to aid struggling children. Engage with local businesses showcasing mental health services designed to help kids manage their mental health challenges. Gain vital knowledge about resources and solutions previously unknown, enabling a better understanding of the available support network. At the heart of this gathering is our mission - to help kids cope with their mental health.

We strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, aiming to create an environment that encourages open dialogues and understanding.

In honoring Brady’s memory, we passionately work to raise suicide awareness and foster a community of support for those grappling with mental health challenges. We firmly believe in the value of each life, and our goal is to ensure that everyone can access help and support when they need it most.

Join us on Sunday, September

Continue on page 16

MAYOR HENRY MESSAGE

I hope you are enjoying your summer! Throughout the summer months, there is much to see and do here In Old Bridge Township. For great family and friend outings, please visit our local parks and fields for some outdoor recreation. We have fantastic outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.

The nationally accredited Silver Linings Center continues to develop new and exciting social, wellness and lifestyle programs to service the seniors of our community. A full calendar of activities is planned in August 2023. If interested in joining the fun, call 732-721-5600 x6600 to set up an appointment to register, or visit the Township website at oldbridge.com/silverlinings for more information. The Silver Linings Center also provides services including transportation, healthcare guidance, pharmaceutical assistance and so much more.

The Old Bridge Township Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce our annual Saltwater Day which will take place on Saturday,

August 12th from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This event will have arts, crafts, vendors, rides, entertainment, food, and conclude with fireworks. Live music will be played throughout the day. For our 21 and older guests, the Laurence Harbor Fire Department will be hosting a beer garden, proof of age required. This event will take place rain or shine.

On August 31st at 4pm, I invite residents to join myself along with the Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse in the Silver Linings Center for International Overdose Awareness Day. We will remember those without stigma that we have lost to overdose and those who continue to struggle.

I would like to thank all the local organizations that have participated during the summer months in Mayor Henry’s Clean Team in conjunction with the Township’s Public Works Recycling Department.

As you enjoy the remainder of your summer, please continue to be safe and stay well.

Mayor Owen Henry

Mayor Owen Henry

WAS THE SAT MORE DIFFICULT IN MARCH?

After a parent posed the aforementioned question to me for the 100th time, I decided it was a good topic for this column. The answer is...maybe.

The March SAT may have also been “easier.” Each SAT, just like every other standardized test (the NJGPA, the ACT, the GRE, the LSAT, and the MCAT) is “equated.”

Unless you are a psychometrician, you may have heard that the SAT is “curved.” This is not exactly true. A 10 point curve, as we’ve always understood it in school, is what happens when the best score in the class is a 90. The SAT is scored out of 1600, but there are not 1600 questions on the test, nor is the score reflective of the percent of questions a student gets correct.

First, the SAT is centered, or scaled so that the mean (average) score is about 1060. In 2021, the average reading and writing and language score was 523 and the average math score was 528. The standard deviation (which is a calculation of the difference in scores) is about 100 points.

The SAT is scored comparatively, that is, each score represents a percentile. For

example, a 1400 is the 94th percentile. Although the College Board tries to make all tests of equal difficulty, inevitably, there is some variation. As a result, on some tests, getting 19 questions wrong is a 1400, while on others, getting 21 wrong is a 1400. Simply put, on a harder test a student could get more wrong and get the same score as a student who gets more right on an easier test. In the end, it is a wash.

It is poppycock that the SAT is more difficult in any given month. The March test is released to the public every year. It is equated differently every year…and I can tell you from personal experience that sometimes my students perform better on the March test, while other times they do not perform quite as well.

Special thanks to Aaron Golumbfskie of Prep Matters, Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning, and Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros for the information that made this article possible. Check out Aaron featured on Mike and Amy’s podcast, Tests and the Rest, at https://gettestbright. com/how-the-sat-is-actually-scored/ Suggestions for a topic? Contact Paul Pscolka at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters. com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

DOG WALKS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH, TOO

By Anita Greenberg,DVM.

member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Exercise is important for your dog’s health as well as yours, but one must be responsible while walking a pet.

Keep your pet on a three to fourfoot leash, and keep your pet close to you. Dog walking on a leash teaches your pet many lessons: good behavior, control, as well as obedience. Owners and pets receive many benefits while walking together. It is a bonding experience as well as exercise and companionship. People who walk their dogs are 34 percent more likely to meet expected goals of exercise, with a recommended goal of 150 minutes of activity per week. Retractable leashes are not wise to use as there is lack of control of your pet, and they can get injured or injure others. Retractable leashes should be reserved for use when hiking or in parks. The length of the walks should take

Long walks, over an hour, should not be undertaken for smaller breeds under 12 months of age and for larger breeds up to 18 months, to protect bones and joints while they are still growing. In the hot summer months, it is best to exercise your pet in the early morning or evening after the heat of the day has dissipated. A good idea is to bring bottled water along for both you and your dog. Walking should be time for you and your pet without distractions. Safety first -- do not wear headphones or ear buds while walking, in order to be aware of other people, pets and cars. Use this time as a training session. Bring treats along to reinforce positive behavior. Enjoy your walks. The new sights, sounds and smells will be fun for your pet to explore.

BBQ PACKAGES

Starting At (min. 25 People) $18.50 per person

Includes: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Sausages, Corn on the Cob, Baked Beans, Watermelon. Grilling Chef Available. Wait Staff Available.

COLD BUFFET

Starting At (min. 15 People) $9.50 per person

Beautifully arranged trays of the finest Cold Cuts and Cheeses. Choice of four Meats & one Cheese. Plus, Fresh Baked Rolls, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, & Macaroni Salad, Pickles & Olives, Mustard & Mayonnaise.

Starting At (min. 20 People)

$16.95 per person

Choice of Chicken Cacciatore, Sausage Peppers & Onions, Eggplant Rollatini, Stuffed Shells, Chicken Francaise, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi, Sliced Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy, Barbeque Ribs, Pepper Steak, Tortellini with Sundried Tomato Cream Sauce & Much More!

Choice of Homemade Italian Bread or Rolls, Green Tossed Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Package Includes: Sterno , Chafing Dishes And Free Cookie Tray

$339.99 Party Specials

(Feeds 18-20)

Choice of 1 (Full Tray)

Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Francaise

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Modena

Choice of 3 (Full Tray)

Italian Meatballs

Cavatelli & Broccoli

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Tortellini & Broccoli

Chicken Meatballs

Penne Vodka • Lasagna

Sausage & Peppers

Broccoli & Garlic

Eggplant Parmigiana

Roasted Potatoes

Baked Ziti • Stuffed Shells

Roasted Vegetables

Choice of 1

Garden Salad

Caesar Salad Mixed Baby Green

Italian Bread or Rolls, And Sternos included

HEALTHY KIDS RACE STARTS SEPTEMBER

17TH

Healthy Kids Running Series is a fiveweek program with once-a-week races on Sundays at 12pm, from September 17th to October 15th at Old Bridge High School Practice Fields 4209 County Rd 516, Matawan, NJ 07747. Kids compete each week in their designated age or grade level division. Registration is $40 and every participant will receive a running t-shirt, sponsors giveaway and a medal at the end of the series. Early bird registration ends on August 27th, after that price increases to $45. Single day race registration is available for $20. Registration is now open at HealthyKidsRunningSeries. org. The program also boasts the CHALLENGER DIVISION, an all abilities race for youth with extra support needs. Last Spring the HKRS-Old Bridge had 255 registered runners, and over 19 Sponsors and Donors. “We couldn’t be more proud to see how these kids are growing thru these five-weeks of races. They learn how to be active and

healthy while creating meaningful relationships within our community. They experience support, they motivate others and share wins together” said Laura.

Our Fall Series is sponsored and supported by the Mayor Owen Henry, Councilman Erik DePalma, All Around Old Bridge, Matthew Gregorin of Coldwell Banker Realty, Cohen Eye Institute, the Max Challenge of Old Bridge and Lightbridge Academy. Learn more at www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org or call Laura at 917-6749456.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Please join Mayor Owen Henry at four o’clock in the afternoon at the Silver Linings ,Old Bridge Township to remember those in our community that we have lost to overdose.

OB MAYOR CANDIDATE PLEDGES SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY AMIDST DEVELOPMENT BOOM

Since I moved to Old Bridge, 25 years ago, this town has grown. I understand that growth is necessary for progress, but we cannot allow it to happen at the expense of our safety, our families, or our quality of life.

One of the most critical issues that affects us all is the overdevelopment of our town. While development can bring economic opportunities, we must prioritize the unique character of Old Bridge and ensure that growth is sustainable, balanced, and thoughtful. With overdevelopment in our town, we will see an increase in traffic brought by the businesses that arise. We need to be conscious of how this affects our

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP PROPELS OLD BRIDGE’S SUCCESS AMIDST CHALLENGES

safety and day to day life. We have already seen instances where our roads can be unsafe for motorists, and affects cyclists and pedestrians as a byproduct. We need a comprehensive traffic management plan, working side by side with our police department, that addresses this issue head-on. Investing in infrastructure, implementing traffic safety measures, and enhancing public transportation options will ease congestion and make our roads safer for everyone. As your Mayor, I will work with families, residents, small businesses and the Old Bridge Town Council to openly and honestly deal with every challenge that may arise. I pledge to be straightforward and transparent to the Old Bridge residents to make sure all of their concerns are heard. I am truly excited for the future of Old Bridge.

outdoor recreation, and in a time of sky rocketing costs Old Bridge remains among the most affordable towns in the area.

Experienced leadership has allowed our town to successfully confront major challenges. Together, we’ve built back from Superstorm Sandy and managed our way through the COVID pandemic - saving lives and local businesses and fighting back against crushing state mandates.

All that is on top of tackling challenges that get less attention but are no less important. When our team first got elected, we learned that the existing police radio system was woefully out of date. Local police officers couldn’t directly communicate with other first responders. We acted quickly and were able to replace the system with state-of-the-art technology without a tax increase for our residents.

One of the challenges facing Old Bridge today is the traffic on Rt 9. This is mainly due to the overdevelopment of the towns to our south. The building was approved in 1996, and the state does not allow us to stop the building as the approval does not sunset for 30 years. Since this has been caused by state-mandated COAH housing, I will work with state representatives to remove COAH mandates from the judges’ hands and put them back in the hands of the state legislators.

I believe we can confront any challenge with experienced and responsible leadership and continue to better serve our residents every day.

Jill DeCaro (D)

Debbie Walker (R)

LIVING STONES: A PAGAN RELIGION

Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley

Next month, as many children go back to school, many will experience a world of confusion from the religious and radical ideologies of diversity, inclusion, and equity (DIE), wokeism, and Critical Theory, that have taken over public education—a realization many parents are now waking up to! Many school boards now seem to represent they are under some obligation to the NJ Department of Education. Still, there is no force of law—only “guidelines” given by the unelected bureaucrats of it.

Yet, parents, not the government, are ultimately responsible for their children. While we should always treat people with dignity and respect, we should not tolerate a wholesale indoctrination of children by a religious pagan ideology. This belief system is not about equality or diversity, or inclusivity. It’s about creating a new kind of person without moral constraints—one who will reject any “norms,” calling them oppressive. And this all starts in the class -

room as a generation of innocent children are propagandized and sexualized under the guise of education.

Do parents have the will to stand against the rising tide for their children’s sake? There was a time when removing the Bible and prayer from public schools seemed to be the virtuous neutral position. But eventually, even the Supreme Court recognized that humanism was a religion. How much more religious is the idea of gender fluidity, whose roots run deep in paganism? Should they be given preferential treatment in schools and universities while their pronouns are forced upon teachers by the priests of that religion?

Then at least, in fairness, let the Bible back into the schools as well— that children can learn of the Savior, who came to rescue us from the depravity of our sins.

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE

Continue from page 1

10, 2023, at Lombardi Field, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, for a day filled with unity, learning, and hope. The event begins at 10:00 AM featuring a 3-mile walk, a Mental Health Wellness Fair, many food trucks and live music by The E Street Shuffle, a very popular Bruce Springsteen cover band. Most importantly, there will be over 40 businesses explaining how

they are helping kids cope with their mental health, like talk therapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, yoga, meditation, karate and many more.

Let’s join hands in fostering mental health awareness and preventing suicide in our community. To find out more about Brady’s Voice, please visit www.BradysVoice.org.

CHESSEQUAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY RECEIVES A $4,000 DONATION FROM LOCAL BUSINESS

The Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company recently received a $4,000 donation from the Tito’s Handmade Vodka company in partnership with Buy Rite Matawan. Buy Rite Matawan owners Anoop Khiani and Bobby Patel stopped by the firehouse on June 8th to present the fire company with a check. The donation was the result of a promotion that ran at Buy Rite Matawan in which Tito’s pledged to donate a portion of every sale of their products from December 1st to March 1st to the fire company. The donation will assist the fire company

with their ongoing training and membership recruiting efforts.

The Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company is in need of members. Anyone interested in joining can contact them at 732-588-7877 or email membership@cheesequakefire.com to learn more.

Buy Rite Matawan is located in The Marketplace shopping center at 443 Route 34 on the corner of Disbrow Road in Matawan.

Pictured in photo L to R: Robert Karmel, Vincent Lovallo, Bobby Patel, Scott Kennedy, Anoop Khiani, Lisa Lent, Joseph Dunn

SOBFD- VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

REV. FR. JAY JOHNSON REAPPOINTED TO ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE

Continue from page 1 1988 where he served until 1995. In 2015 he returned to St. Thomas and began his first term as pastor in 2017.

“St. Thomas is a special place. Parishioners here are diverse in nature, from many different parts of the world. They are dedicated, giving and committed to the Gospel and the Mission entrusted to them by the Lord to bring His message and joy to this corner of

the world! I thank God every day for my vocation, and I thank Bishop Checchio for his confidence in me as pastor of St. Thomas. I am truly blessed!”

Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. No one takes this honor upon himself, but only when called by God.

– Hebrews 5:1,4

Joseph Czop has been a member of the fire company since 1955. He is currently the most senior member of the organization. He is an asset to the organization and a prime example of being a volunteer in Old Bridge Township. throughout all his years of service he held many ranks and positions in the organization, but currently serves as a company trustee to oversee the financials of the organization.

JAR OF HOPE & CRIMSONRISE UNITE FOR NJ/NYC AUTISTIC COMMUNITY

Asbury Park, NJ: July 13, 2023 - Jim Raffone, Founder/ CEO of JAR of Hope, has announced that Barbara D’Amora has joined the Board of Directors. D’Amora is a founding member of The GRACE Foundation of New York and a board member of Staten Island-based CrimsonRise, both serving the autistic community.

In 2013, Jim and Karen Raffone were told their fouryear-old son James Anthony (“Jamesy”) had an extremely-rare disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Duchenne is a fatal, muscle-wasting disease occurring only once in 3,500 live births. There is no cure. These kids are unable to walk by about 13. They’re unable to breathe on their own by the mid-teens. And they generally pass on in their early-twenties…from asphyxiation.

“Karen and I founded JAR of Hope (https://www.jarofhope. org/) to search for a cure,” Jim Raffone says, “and to create

awareness of Duchenne md through events focused on fitness, lifestyle, and motor capabilities. When we discovered that many kids with Duchenne also have autism, we invited Barbara D’Amora to join our Board. She’s been a leading advocate for the autistic community in this region for many years.”

To raise funding to research a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Raffone has created signature events around the world, among them climbing Mount Everest and launching the National Push-Up campaign. He’s participated in events like the “Alps to Ocean” in New Zealand, experiencing 50,000’ of altitude changes in seven days while carrying a heavy pack. And he holds six world records for his age group.

“Jar of Hope recently expanded our mission statement to include Autism,” Raffone says. “And we’re working hard to raise funding and awareness for both causes.”

HAPPY SUMMER FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS!

Barbara D’Amora’s son Nick passed away in May at 25. He was a non-speaking autistic person who communicated by spelling, and a co-founder of Staten Island’s CrimsonRise (https://www.crimsonrise.org/). And his mother has been instrumental as an Advisor there.

“Autism is now being correctly understood as a motor and sensory disorder, rather than a cognitive one,” Barbara D’Amora says. “And we’re building an important partnership with JAR of Hope to get that message out.”

Their first joint effort, CrimsonRise’s inaugural “Waterfront Run/Walk for Autism,” takes place at the scenic trails of Wolfe’s Pond on Staten Island, Sunday, September 10.

“There’s a trail running along the ocean and through the woods, and great picnic and barbecue facilities for afterwards,” Jim Raffone says. “We see this becoming a marquee event for autism.”

We are in full swing here on the farm and happy to report that the “BIG THREE” are in: sweet corn, tomatoes and peaches!!! We are also picking zucchini, onions, cabbage, greens, cucumbers, plums, string beans, summer apples, blackberries and more. Did you know that there are three seasons for apples? There are Summer apples, Fall apples and Winter apples. Summer apple varieties are generally in season from July to September. We have some delicious summer apple varieties that are also “must haves” like the

Zestar and Molly Delicious. Come visit us at our farm stand, 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge Tuesday – Sunday 9-5, or at any of the weekly farmers markets we attend: Thursdays – Keyport Firemen’s Memorial Park (across from the Fishery) 11am – 7pm, and Rahway Train Station, 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays – Highlands, Huddy Park 9am – 2pm and Sundays – Red Bank in the Galleria parking lot 9am – 2pm. Buy fresh, buy local! Thank you for your support of our family’s farm!

ALL AMERICAN FORD SPONSORS NJ14 SOCCER CLUB

NJ14 Soccer Club is sending two teams to Sweden this summer to compete in the Gothia Cup(The Youth World Cup) and All American Ford in Old Bridge is proud to sponsor them. Old Bridge is lucky enough to have a member on each team, Alessandria Covolus who plays on the 2007 Adiona team and also plays

on the Old Bridge High School Varsity Team and Brianna Korn who plays on the 2010 Nike team and also plays soccer at Carl Sandburg Middle School. We are rooting for you and good luck in Sweden! #allamericanford #allamericanfordinob #oldbridgenj #builtfordtough #builtfordproud #soccer #gothiacup #gothiacup2023

SALTWATER DAY AUGUST 12TH

Continue from page 1 we have mechanical rides, obstacle courses, and interactive adventures.

Stay for Lunch or Dinner our handpicked food trucks are serving some delicious dishes!! We have BBQ, Seafood, Greek delights, Latin Cuisine, all American Burgers and Hot Dogs to start off with!! Then on to dessert, our food court is loaded with all your festival favorites from Ice Cream, Ice’s, Zeppole’s, and fried everything!! The Laurence Harbor Fire Department will be back with the Beer Garden to wash down all that good food and rock the night away to the bands. $10.00 mugs and $2.00 tickets

Live Music starts at 5pm!! Bands to be announced.

We are hoping to wrap up the night with our annual spectacular Fireworks Show at 930!!!

There is no onsite parking available, please visit www.oldbridge.com or our

Facebook page ‘Saltwater Day 2023”

https://www.facebook.com/obswd for the most up to date information, Shuttle schedule and pick up information will be posted by August 1st.

General Shuttle & Parking Information- Shuttles will be available from… Cheesequake Village, Metro Park South, Memorial School, Cliffwood Beach 7-11, & Divers Cove Lot. Additional Parking will be available at Saint Laurence Church AFTER 6pm

There’s something here for absolutely everyone, spanning every generation from the nature lover, the gothic, the fashionista all the way to the American Indian. Did you know the tradition of Saltwater Day started in the 1600’s with the Lenape Indians? Saltwater day is a long tradition in Old Bridge Township, and is sponsored by Old Bridge Township, Middlesex County and Laurence Harbor First Aid Squad.

OB HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS TOP PLACE

Students from Old Bridge won top prizes at the 2023 National Leadership Conference of Future Business Leaders of America, Inc. (FBLA), the nation’s largest Career and Technical Student Organization focused solely on business. The event, held in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 27 to 30, attracted more than 13,000 middle school and high school students and educators from across the country. More than 8,700 High School members from nearly 1,600 high schools and more than 850 Middle School members from more than 250 middle schools competed for cash prizes in more than 100 competitive events over four days. Students also engaged in learning workshops, met with representatives from more than 60 colleges, universities, and employers, and heard from Jordan Davis, an educational speaker and FBLA alumnus, during the opening ceremony. This year, Old Bridge High School

was represented by two of our outstanding members in Atlanta, Georgia.

Anika Dugal, Old Bridge High School Chapter Incoming President 20232024 who is also the New Jersey State Vice President of Community Service 2023-2024, placed 1st in the country for the Computer Problem Solving Event. This is the first time a New Jersey student has won this highest accolade.

Tamara Kasikovic, former Old Bridge High School Chapter President for 20222023 as well as former New Jersey State President 2022-2023, won the prestigious Who’s Who Award. This award honors exemplary FBLA members who have made outstanding contributions to the association at the local, state, and national levels.

“Our student members did an exceptional job in wowing the judges with their keen understanding of areas as diverse as accounting, cyber security, and health care administration,” FBLA President & CEO Alexander T. Graham said. “They headed home with a renewed sense of accomplishment, a robust network of peers from across the country, and connections to colleges and employers as they explore future career opportunities.”