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.

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.