All Around Old Bridge- February- 2023

OLD BRIDGE PBA WINE TASTING EVENT SELLING OUT FAST

On Friday February 17th, between 6pm and 10pm, please join the Old Bridge Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 127 at Palms Plaza Catering, 343-Route 34 in Matawan for their “Sip and Support” wine and spirit tasting fundraiser. Over forty wine, beer, and liquor vendors will be on hand providing samples of the newest spirits on the market. The event will also include food, a tricky tray raffle and a 50-50 drawing. Some of the prizes being raffled off are 65in TV’s, overnight stays at the Hard Rock and Trop Atlantic City, gift cards and liquor baskets. Tickets to enter the tasting are $100 online at Eventbrite or $125 at the door the night of.

16 YEAR OLD DONATES TOYS TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Every October, 16 year old Madison Szumera begins preparing for her Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Inspired by Hurricane Sandy (2012) Madison started her Toy Drive while she was in kindergarten. Her motivation was to give back to the children

who lost everything during the storm. Families and their children lost their homes, toys, and personal belongings. She wanted to ensure that those children were able to receive new toys, in replacement of the things that they lost in the storm and to

make sure that they felt a sense of normalcy and joy during the holiday season. In the first two years of the Annual Toy Drive, Madison donated the toys she collected to the RAINE Foundation. The following year, she donated the toys to Operation Jersey Shore Santa. Both of these foundations made sure that the toys were given to families who were impacted by the destruction of the storm. However, for the subsequent years, she started donating to Bristol-Myers-Squibb Children’s Hospital & St Peters University Children’s Hospital. Madison switched to

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SOBFD HELD THEIR ANNUAL OFFICER INSTALLATION DINNER

Also, on hand on the night of the event will be John Stanisci, NY Times bestselling artist for Marvel and DC Comics who will be selling his amazing artwork. John, who also has many acting credits under his name, is a proud member of both American Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA unions. A portion of his sales will be donated back to the PBA.

The members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 are extremely active in the community. A portion of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by the PBA to fund many of the

The South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company came together for its annual Officer Installation Dinner at The Reception Center in Matawan on January 21, after taking two years off due to COVID. The annual dinner was attended by well over 120 patrons, including several members of neighboring fire departments and members of the Old Bridge township council. Jeff Sellmeyer was elected to serve as Fire Chief. Chief Sellmeyer, a 30-year member, has been working his way up the ranks since becoming a lieutenant in 2002. Chief Sellmeyer mentioned he is a second-generation firefighter, following his Continue on page 21

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Stockert after completing his 5th year with SOBFD.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

I hope everyone had great a start to the new year and is looking forward to all that 2022 will bring. Our days are staying bright a little longer and before we know it, we’ll be resetting our clocks for Daylight Savings time again. Spring is right around the corner!

It’s always good to remember the things happening around town that are fun to do with the family even when it’s cold outside. In addition to cheering on our local teams here in town, check out Old Bridge’s John Piccolo Ice Arena. To plan parties and birthdays or simply to spend a fun afternoon with friends and family, the rink is open for your enjoyment. For complete details and additional information, residents can visit www.oldbridge.com or contact the Department of Recreation at 732-721-5600 ext. 4999.

Once again this year, I am excited to sponsor the New Jersey League

of Municipalities Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship

Competition for high school juniors and seniors planning to continue their education after graduation. The purpose of this scholarship is to advance the virtues of elected and volunteer positions in municipal government, while raising awareness of municipal government in general. To compete for the scholarship, the student must write an essay with the theme, “What My Municipal Government Does Best” and it must be approximately 500 words. The deadline to submit the essay to the Mayor’s office is Friday, March 10th. Once my office receives the essay, it will be judged by our committee and then forwarded to the League of Municipalities for their consideration. The fifteen finalists will each be awarded finalist certificates. The three winners will each be awarded $1,000 by their mayor at a hometown ceremony. For additional details, please call my office. Good luck to all participants!

Resident involvement in government is an integral component in maintaining Old Bridge Town-

ship’s quality of life. The feedback, suggestions and new ideas received by residents is not only welcome but is invaluable in keeping Old Bridge Township heading in the right direction. There are many boards and committees that residents can volunteer to serve on and make a difference. Please visit the township website to review all the opportunities available.

Every February, people in the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. It is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society. We also observe Presidents’ Day on February 20th, which is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all US presidents, both past and present.

In closing, I share the township’s goal to be a place where people want to live, work and raise a family, and it is my honor to serve as your Mayor. I wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, and a safe, healthy, and happy month of February.

Mayor Owen Henry

2015, her childhood friend, Ryan passed away. He was a 9-year old boy who lost his battle to cancer. With the destruction of Hurricane Sandy having subsided and the loss of a friend, Madison felt compelled to strive to provide children who were ill or in the hospital with toys in anticipation they would feel as happy as possible during the holidays. Madison wanted to do

face. With the help of social media platforms, family, friends, neighbors and her former elementary school St. Benedict, she has successfully collected hundreds of toys each year with each year the donations increase.

This year was her 11th year hosting her Toy Drive. Madison has collected hundreds of toys that were donated to Bristol Myers Squibb Children’s Hos-

and one of the largest toys for tots’ campaign in the state. We invite you to become acquainted with the Chamber of Commerce by attending one of our events. To learn more about our group please visit http://www. chamberofcommerceobssa.org/.

David L Hernandez Jr. President 2023

pital. Madison is committed not only to an annual toy drive but one that can impact children year-round and has no intention of stopping! The Annual Holiday Toy Drive is very important to her, and she looks forward to it every year because she has recognized the benefit it has for others. She is now in the process of extending her initiative and starting a non-profit foundation while continuing to work with hospitals and charities throughout the year.

HOW HISTORY WAS MADE… AND KEPT IN OLD BRIDGE

By Jeffrey Kagan

Sylvia Marcin was a teacher at the Cheesequake school in 1964. One day a novel idea popped into her head — it was to create an exhibit of historical artifacts for her students. She brought the idea to other teachers and friends, including Mildred Low, and something amazing began to take shape. They pooled their efforts and collected more artifacts for the exhibit which would take place at the Whited Brown School (now the Cheesequake School). It was the talk of the town. John Partridge, a local farmer called Mildred. “Millie, I have a book for you.” It was a government publication called ‘How to Organize Your Local Historical Societies’. The Madison Township Historical Society was founded later that year and the school house became its official home. Mildred Low was elected as the first president. “We needed a place to meet and we asked the Board of Education for either the Morristown School or the Cedar Grove School, the latter being the last of seven one-room schoolhouses in town. The Board of Education agreed to lease it to the historical society for $1 per year. This would become a place for the

school children to look back into history. Even the Town Clerk, Mary Brown got involved after Mildred told her, “The Whited Brown School was named after your son, but none of the kids know anything about him.” This inspired Mary to get a photo of him and create a display listing all of his activities throughout World War II.

The Thomas Warne Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-4pm. Learn more about Old Bridge’s history by visiting www.thomas-warne-museum.com.

PETS CANNOT KEEP WARM WITH FUR ALONE

By Anita Greenberg, DVM

Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for more than 30 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

Cold tolerance can vary from petto-pet based on their coat, breed, body fat stores, age and health. Fur is not enough to protect pets from the elements. They are susceptible to hypothermia, which lowers body temperature, and frostbite. The normal function of the central nervous system – the brain -- is affected as well as the pet’s ability to effectively circulate blood and breath. Hypothermia can be fatal. Frostbite causes a great deal of pain and possibly loss of the affected body parts, most often the ears and paws. Sweaters and jackets are helpful for short hair dogs, and properly fitted

booties may be appropriate. Short legged dogs are more susceptible to the cold as they come in contact with the snow and are more likely to get soaked. Arthritis may worsen when it is cold outside as joints stiffen. The pavement may be icy and slippery, causing falls and injuries to joints and ligaments.

The cold also impacts pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Pets with hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, have a harder time regulating body temperature.

Snow packed between toes and pads, as well as road salts adhering to the fur, should be removed.

CHALLENGING THE NEW DIGITAL SAT

In June I had the opportunity to present at the National Test Prep Association, alongside such esteemed colleagues as Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning in Rochester, NY, Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio, and Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, Inc. At the conference, Angela DelBrocco, Executive Director of SAT Program Management and Strategy, also presented about the New SAT. In this article, I will challenge some of what was reported about the test. The College Board reported that students prefer the embedded (computer) calculator provided to their own calculator. (Students are permitted to use either.) I always advise my students to use the calculator they are used to on test day. After having used the embedded calculator, I find it to have more capability and be more user friendly than even the best graphing calculator, but students must practice to become more familiar with it. Only if students practice will this make the test more accessible to everyone

who takes it, and thus, more equitable. The test was also praised because students could start the test at different times. However, studies show that a 2.8 second break in concentration doubles the chance a student will make an error on a difficult question. Although starting the test at different times may be convenient for students, it will inevitably impact their scores by breaking their concentration. This is especially concerning for students with learning differences such as ADD and ADHD. Regardless of the perceived flaws of the test, it is still good that we will have a standardized national assessment that will cut through the fluff of inflated GPAs and padded college applications. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

LIVING STONES

IN THE BEGINNING

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

is that something came into being out of nothing and then exploded into something of complexity and beauty.

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

Some attempt to compare this majestic account with befuddled and silly ancient mythologies. But the Bible is more related to a modern view of the universe which consists of time, space, and matter as expressed in this verse. And God, of course, is the Conductor and Creator of this symphony of existence and life. If you can accept this first verse, acknowledging that there is a Designer of the cosmos who wrote the incredible digital code of life, the rest of the Bible is easy. The alternative position

It is simple logic involving the law of cause and effect! The universe had a beginning and therefore had a cause. But one may say, “What caused God?” The Hebrew Scriptures reveal He never had a beginning and thus there is no attempt to answer from where God came. He always was! He simply is: “I Am Who I Am.” So with superior knowledge, God in the Bible can describe the “circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22) long before it was proven a sphere. God reveals the law of gravity long before people comprehended it: “He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7). And being outside of time and faster than light, God knows all. After all, He spoke it! Read your Bible—you’ll be amazed!

SOUTH OLD BRIDGE FIRE FIGHTER

OF THE MONTH

for the past 27 years as director of the training and responsible to ensure each member is provided with up-to-training including compliance with State regulations. In addition, to helping the organization, he sometimes could be found at the Middlesex County Fire Academy training new recruits where he has instructed for the past 30 years.

Bert Shelters is a third-generation firefighter, which includes one of the founding fathers of the organization. He has been a member since 1984, and in 1993 and 1994 served as department Chief. He was the youngest member to be elected Chief. The organization had numerous father and son members, but Bert and his father were the only combos to serve as department Chief. Currently, Bert serves as Captain and

BATTLING SCOLIOSIS WITH CARE & TREATMENT

By Dr. Anthony DeLuca, Director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, New Jersey, Selected for the Olympic training center in San Diego California and Colorado Springs Colorado

Scoliosis can af ict any person at just about any age. About 3% of children ranging from infants to 15-year-olds develop symptoms annually, while nearly 60% of our population aged 60 or better can expect to suffer from increasingly progressive forms of the disease.

Commonly associated with a C- or S-shaped curve to the spine, scoliosis is often recognized when an individual’s head is off center, their ribcage is asymmetrical, one hip appears more prominent than the other, and/or legs and shoulder blades appear uneven. Although the causes are generally unidenti able, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bi da, and birth defects stand as the leading culprits.

Fortunately, most cases, especially those among the young, are only accompanied by minor symptoms that often disappear over time. In fact, four out of ve people with scoliosis have curves of less than 20 degrees, which are generally unnoticeable and not a cause for concern given that the symptoms don’t progress.

However, children and adolescents can be plagued by mild curvatures that can worsen by 10 degrees or more in just a matter of months. These conditions can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can decrease lung function by placing added pressure on the chest cavity. It can also signi cantly limit the performance of physical activities, cause pain and/or affect heart function. These challenges can even diminish the person’s self-esteem and create other psychological problems since adolescents and teens who exhibit extreme conditions are commonly subjected to ridicule.

The good news is that most chronic cases of scoliosis are treatable and rarely require surgery. Many people with the disease lead normal,

happy and productive lives. Physical activity, including exercise, is generally well-tolerated and even encouraged to help alleviate symptoms and increase the individual’s overall well-being.

That’s because minor scoliosis problems cause few, if any, physical challenges. Bracing is generally reserved for children who have not reached skeletal maturity (the time when the skeleton stops growing), and who have curves between 25 and 45 degrees. Spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise and electrical muscle stimulation have also been advocated for its treatment.

Performed under the guidance of licensed professionals, exercise and core-strengthening programs designed speci cally to alleviate scoliosis affects can help improve the balance and posture of patients, minimize the spine’s curvature and reduce pain. For example, here are just a few of the therapeutic exercises commonly prescribed during the rehabilitation process:

• Pelvic tilts. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet at on the oor. Tighten your belly and buttocks, while slowly curling your pelvis bone inward and feeling the lower back atten against the oor. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 to 10 times

• Cat-camel. Start facing down with your knees and the palms of your hands at on the oor. Abs should be tight and head straight. Take a deep breath, while lifting the lower rib cage, rounding the back and relaxing the neck. Breathe out while lowering your chest toward the oor and looking slightly upward. Return to starting position. Repeat for two sets of 10

• Bird-dog. Begin on hands and knees with back held straight. Place

hands directly under the shoulders with knees directly under the hips. Extend one arm straight out and forward while extending the opposite leg straight back. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat with the other arm and leg. Perform 10–15 repetitions on each side

• Foam roller balancing. Lie longwise on a foam roller with your tail on one end, head on the other and feet about hip-width apart. Lift one knee so your calf is parallel to the oor. Lift the opposite arm so your ngers are pointing toward the ceiling. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side

• Superman. Lie on your stomach with arms extended and palms down. Lift both feet and arms several inches off the oor. Start by holding this position for 10 seconds. Lower and repeat 5 times

• Basic plank. Start in a pushup position and then lower yourself onto your elbows, which should be directly under the shoulders. Keep head relaxed while looking downward. Hold for 10 seconds. Build up to 30, 45, 60 seconds or more

Please feel free to contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com to establish a new sense of health, balance and well-being, Our dedicated staff located at 2309 Hwy 516 in Old Bridge, NJ will be happy to meet with you and tailor a chiropractic and wellness program speci cally targeted to your needs using minimally invasive, yet highly-effective techniques and services.

SOBFD HELD THEIR ANNUAL OFFICER INSTALLATION DINNER

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father’s footsteps, who died in 1983 while he was company president. His older brother, John, is also a member, and for his 18th birthday handed him an application to become a member of a second family. Chief Sellmeyer said he has many ideas and goals for this year and feels they would positively impact the organization. Dennis Cahill returned as President of the Fire Company after taking a fiveyear break, which will be his 11th term. When speaking with Cahill, he explained that his main focus this year is to rebuild the number of firefighters by having resiliency through recruitment—focus-

ing on new community members and those who recently entered college. He said our organization is open to taking anyone who can perform the tasks of today’s standard. He said we are a melting pot of people that make the origination unique. Last year, the organization was struck with some adversity, but with leadership and peer support, he is confident membership will be at an all-time high. President Cahill and Chief Sellemeyer also honored Joseph Czop, who has been a member since 1955 and continues to respond to emergencies. A visit from Friendly Sons Of-Shillelagh Pipe and Drums provided surprise entertainment.

OLD BRIDGE PBA WINE TASTING EVENT SELLING OUT FAST

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local charities which they donate to each year such as Old Bridge High School Scholarships, American Cancer Society and various sports teams throughout Old Bridge Township. It will also help fund some of the community events which they host such as Coffee with a Cop and

the Annual Cops for Kids Holiday Party. This will be a fun event that you don’t want to miss. For additional event information please contact the PBA at oldbridgepba127donations@ gmail.com or follow them on Facebook @ Old Bridge PBA Local 127

CONGREGATION BETH OHR

PRESENTS NAVIGATING AN INFLATION OR DEFLATION

Edward Mendlowitz, CPA/PFS will present his 43rd Annual Financial Program on February 12 at 10:15. The topic is Navigating an Inflation or Deflation. Inflation is a serious economic occurrence and the “cure” according to the Federal Reserve is a recession. Each of these extremes will affect almost everyone’s personal finances. Mr. Mendlowitz will give his opinions on some of the effect of inflation and recession on individuals and what to expect, his feelings about the Federal Reserve’s actions, how to protect or position yourself so you do not get hurt too much or what you can do to benefit from what might happen. Ed has taught this subject material in the Fairleigh Dickinson MBA Program where he is an adjunct professor and he is designated a person-

al financial specialist by the AICPA. Ed is a CPA and emeritus partner with WithumSmith+Brown, the author of 30 books and one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People. The program is sponsored by Congregation Beth Ohr Men’s Club and is open to the public and will run for 1 hour. It is free and will be presented as a live presentation at the Synagogue building at 70 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ or can be viewed on Zoom. To obtain the Zoom log-on please email bethohrprograms@gmail.com by February 10. There is no charge for the program. Those attending in person can arrive at 10:00 and enjoy a free bagel breakfast. Additional information is available by emailing emcpa1@aol.com.

STEPHANIE GOLEY

AUGUST 17, 1955 - JANUARY 26, 2023

67 OF OLD BRIDGE, VISITATION WAS HELD

MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2023, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM, AT THE OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

LEONEL R. AYALA

AUGUST 1, 1974 - JANUARY 21, 2023

48 OF OLD BRIDGE, VISITATION WAS HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

JOSEPH EDWARD BLISS

DECEMBER 24, 1931 - JANUARY 20, 2023

91 OF HOLMDEL, WAITT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE

KATHLEEN PERCIBALLI

JULY 1, 1954 - JANUARY 19, 2023

68, OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

DOLORES M. HANLEY

MAY 26, 1931 - JANUARY 17, 2023

92, OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

CLARISSA O. MCNAB

JUNE 16, 1944 - JANUARY 16, 2023

78 OF OCEAN TWP. ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN THE CARE OF THE WAITT FUNERAL HOME

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

KNOW A PIECE OF HISTORY IN OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP

The clay soil in Old Bridge Township has been used for pottery and bricks even before the arrival of the first European settlers. By 1800’s it was a major industry in the town. Many of the small ponds in the area are actually the remains

of pits dug to extract clay. This photo shows digging clay at the Harry C. Perrine Clay Bank, formerly the Otto Ernest Clay Bank near Route 9 and Ernston Road. Photo from the Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society Photo Collection.

*May 29 moved to Sat, June 3

*Sept 4 moved to Sat, Sept. 9

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE

2023 CURBSIDE RECYCLING SCHEDULE

(732) 721-5600 Ext. 6107 / Recycling@OldBridge.com oldbridge.com/recycling

FEBRUARY 2023

**IMPORTANT NOTES**

*Dec 25 moved to Sat, Dec 30 **Central Park & surrounding streets (Stone Ct, Aimy Ct, Rachele Ct) are picked up on Mondays (although fall in Ward 3)

**The Arbors section, Sonoma Court & Lakeridge West are picked up on Tuesdays (although fall in Ward 4)

**For scheduling questions or missed pickups, please contact the MCIA: #(800) 488-6242 / mciarecycling@mciauth.com

Useful Information:

~ The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) picks up curbside recycling bi-weekly throughout the Township of Old Bridge.

~ No plastic bags. Recyclables that are contaminated or in plastic bags will be rejected.

~ Cardboard must be flattened, bundled neatly & tied up.

~ If a Holiday falls on your recycling day, it will be picked up the following Saturday.

~ Your address should be written on the side of all recycling bins.

~ Recycling bins should be placed at the curb the night before and kept outside, rain or shine.

~ Recyclables are typically picked up 6AM - 6PM. If the truck is full, it will return the next day. Please be patient.