All Around Old Bridge - January 2022

OLDBRIDGE

OB RESIDENT WINS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY

OLD BRIDGE HOCKEY RINK RECEIVERS $3,000 SPONSORSHIP CHECK

rector, Parks & Recreation.

Once approved, David and Anthony began reaching out to local businesses to gauge interest. In only 36 hours, nine new advertising placements were sold and a waitlist for next season had been created.

Old Bridge to clean and wax the boards and complete the rink upgrades. After 4 hours the rink had a rejuvenated look for the upcoming season.

Old Bridge Municipal Alliance member, Erin Kelleher, won Volunteer of the Year for Middlesex County for 2022. Being selected for this prestigious award, she was honored by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in acknowledgment of her exemplary service and commitment to the Old Bride Township Municipal Alliance.

Erin, co-founder of Club Serenity, established in 2014, understands when an individual is in recovery it impacts the entire family. Club Serenity is about creating a safe place for families to gather during the healing process.

In a home where one or both parents or guardians are abusing alcohol and/or drugs, the chil-

For many years, outdated advertising was displayed at the Old Bridge John Piccolo Arena, generating zero revenue for the township. Publisher David L. Hernandez Jr. and Sales Manager Anthony Cosentino of All Around Old Bridge set a goal to change that by pitching the idea to onboard new sponsors and update the advertising banners to Matt Mercurio, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Lisa Valsera, Deputy Di-

With the help from Hobie of Bright Sings in Old Bridge and Lisa Valsera, the outdated advertising was removed, and the new banners were installed for the season. Unfortunately, due to years of wear and tear from games played, the new banners were difficult to view alongside damaged plexiglass and puck-marked boards.

Continuing the rink improvements, David and Anthony located a specialized company in Boston that focuses on board cleaning. Purple Tractor Dasher Board Cleaning traveled to

On Wednesday, December 13th David and Anthony presented a check to the Mayor, Matt Mercurio, and council amounting to $3,000 for the sponsorship banners sold this season. The funds will be used for the hockey rink’s future upgrades.

Thank you to all the sponsors this year; Mayor Henry, Card Smart, Giusseppe’s Pizza, Dr. Deluca, Glow Car Wash, All American Ford, The Bridge Radio, Calvary Chapel, Bridge Women’s Center, All Around Old Bridge, and Old Bridge Funeral Home.

OVER 2,400 TOYS COLLECTED FOR TOYS FOR TOTS GIVING EVENT

All Around Old Bridge, O.B. Chamber of Commerce & O.B. Business Alliance Achieves Great Success for Toy-for-Tots with over 2,400 toys collected.

The Old Bridge Business Alliance partnered with All Around Old Bridge and the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce to once again give back to our most prized community members, our children. With help from our friends at

All American Ford & Quality Chevy serving as the main toy drop-off centers, donations continuously increased over the weeks leading up to the holidays.

For the last two years, we collected over 2,800 toys with limited drop-off locations. This season, with the help of our local business, we were able to facilitate over 25 dropoff sites throughout town.

On December 8th, The Old

Bridge Business Alliance held its Annual Holiday Gathering at the Hampton Inn, with food and drinks provided by Café Luna and the Hampton Inn. Members arrived with hundreds of toys, resulting in the South Old Bridge Fire Engine running out of space in a transport van from All American Ford. Multiple pick-ups were made each week made by Chief Bob Continue on page 19

Mayor's office of Economic Development

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays amongst family and friends. I would like to extend my greatest wishes for a happy and healthy year ahead. To all residents for their continuous support, thank you, I am honored to serve as your mayor. As I look ahead, there are several initiatives that I hope to expand upon in the coming year. We are committed to Business Development, and our Business Alliance has worked hard to ensure the success of our hundreds of local merchants – both large and small -- and to guarantee that our residents have desirable businesses available to them. We will continue to aggressively pursue bringing more top merchants and needed establishments to Old Bridge. We also pledge to continue

providing outstanding essential services. Our Public Works and Recycling Departments will ensure that roads are maintained and plowed quickly and will continue to enhance our recycling services being offered, while our Building and Code Enforcement Departments guarantee that our structures are safe. Our excellent Police Department will have the equipment and manpower necessary to ensure resident safety.

I would like to thank all our youth sports volunteers. Old Bridge is a very large sports town, and we rely on this volunteerism of parents and guardians for the success and longevity of our programs. These board members and coaches that volunteer numerous hours of their time on a year-round basis to ensure that the children not only have a good time while playing the sport, but develop a lifelong love of that sport, is what makes our town a great place to live.

Our Recreation and Cultural Arts Departments will keep enhancing their programs and special events in 2023, offering a wide array

of activities. The Recreation Department’s winter program guide is now available for viewing and there is plenty to do during the season. For more information, please visit oldbridge.com/recreation. Also, Silver Linings at Old Bridge has grown into one of the state’s most highly respected Senior Centers and strives to offer innovative programs and services that our active seniors desire, with an emphasis on health, wellness, and socializing.

Furthermore, my heartfelt appreciation is extended to the residents and partners of Old Bridge Township who have made a significant effort to give back to the community over the past year. We have witnessed your generosity through donations to the Old Bridge Food Bank, toy drives, and food drives. You have truly made a difference!

In closing, I would like to thank the residents, dedicated volunteers, first responders, councilmembers, and staff members for their commitment to make Old Bridge Township a great place to live, work and raise a family. Have a joyous, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Mayor Owen Henry

On Friday January 20th, Bridge Women’s Center will be taking a bus down to Washington, DC for the National March for Life and join with thousands to stand for life at our Nation’s Capital at the world’s largest Prolife Rally. This first March since the hardfought victory of Roe v Wade being overturned will be a bold and triumphant event. Why march? We march to uphold the value of every human life. The Sanctity of Life reflects the belief that because people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), human life has an inherently sacred attribute that should be protected and respected at all times, and that no man has an authority to destroy life. Through

prayer and education our great hope is of one day ending the atrocity of abortion.

Though Roe v Wade has been overturned, our fight to save pre-born lives has just gotten started. With new challenges like sanctuary states and ordering chemical abortions posing grave risks to vulnerable women now is the most important time to stand up for the right of Life for the preborn.

Price per person is $55, and includes a round trip bus ticket, continental breakfast and boxed lunch.

Space is limited. Deadline to register is January 17. Visit BridgeWomensCenter.com For more information and to register.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator

1. DPW MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LOCKER-ROOM AND RESTROOM REHABILITATION

On November 30, 2022, bids were received, opened, and read in public for the DPW Men’s and Women’s Locker-Room and Restroom Rehabilitation. Bids from seventeen (17) contractors were received with Harshi Construction LLC being the lowest qualified bidder with a base bid of $178,000.00. Award of this contract has been included on tonight’s consent agenda with construction anticipated to start in the Winter 2023.

extended to Tuesday, January 31, 2023. All payments will be issued in the form of check or direct deposit beginning in late Spring 2023. For a full list of qualifications and details on how to apply please visit https://www.state.nj.us/ treasury/taxation/anchor/index.shtml.

3. RECYCLING CENTER

Himanshu R. Shah

2. ANCHOR PROGRAM

Beginning in 2022, the Homestead rebate program will be replaced by the ANCHOR program. The State of New Jersey mailed out applications for the ANCHOR program the last week of September. To qualify, applicants must have owned or rented their primary residence in New Jersey on October 1, 2019. The deadline to file the application has been

The Recycling Center will operate on a normal schedule this week. It will be open on Saturday, December 31st from 8am –12pm. The 2023 schedule as well as the Christmas tree pickup has been posted on the township website. Please visit OldBridge. com/Recycling for all updated information.

4. PARKS AND RECREATION

Looking for something to do over the Holiday Break? Join us at the John Piccolo Ice Arena for our various open public skating sessions over the next week. For schedule details please visit www.oldbridge.com/recreation.

THE KINDEST CUT –NEUTER FERAL CATS

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 It is the time of year to get serious about the feral cat population. There is a window now when the cats are not reproducing. It is wise to confront the problem before the start of spring when breeding resumes. If you are feeding stray cats, it is imperative to be responsible and trap, neuter, vaccinate and release [TNVR] these poor felines. I cannot emphasize this enough!

TNVR is the most humane way to stabilize feral cat populations. Consider the cost factor of feeding a large, continuing growing colony. In the long run, it would be wiser and less expensive to alter them. Cats multiply quickly and can reach sexual maturity as young as four months

of age. Kittens can have kittens. The gestation period for cats is between 63 and 65 days. It is obvious to see how quickly the population multiplies.

It is rough and stressful for a cat to live its life out in the elements, facing not only adverse weather conditions but also disease, fighting with other cats, parasites, falling prey to predators, and the risk of getting hit by vehicles.

The only way to reduce the amount of feral cats is through a well-managed TNVR program. The population will diminish naturally through attrition.

Feral cats do not belong in animal shelters. They are not adoptable. If you get the kittens young enough, or the rare friendly cat, sometimes they can be fostered and adopted. Feral cats are not socialized and usually have a sad ending if they find themselves in shelters. Therefore, feral cats need to be TNVR’d and fed by a colony caretaker.

Post-Covid, the shelters were inundated with feral cats and kittens. The cats that are unadoptable are sadly euthanized after a holding period to make Continue on page 21

A BRIEF(ISH) TIMELINE OF THE SAT AND ACT:

1900—twelve university presidents formed the College Entrance Examination Board in order to create a uniform college admission test in essay format. This allowed students to take one test for several universities instead of a test for each university. During World War I. the first IQ test was given to a large group of Americans—the Army Alpha—administered to identify soldiers qualified to fight.

By 1926—Carl Brigham, a Princeton psychology professor and eugenics advocate, adapted the Army Alpha into the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

1934—Harvard president James Bryant Conant first used the SAT to identify gifted Midwestern scholarship students who did not attend Eastern boarding schools.

1939—after grading tests by hand, the SAT introduced

machine scoring to accommodate the 10,000 test takers. At this point, only 1% of high school graduates took the SAT.

1946—Stanley Kaplan began SAT prep in his parents’ Brooklyn home. Background: Kaplan was an aspiring doctor, but explained that he was rejected from every medical school program because each school had already filled its quota for Jewish students. He strongly believed that each student should be taken on his or her own merit despite any difference of race (and despite the needs of any particular school). He also strongly believed that the SAT could be a vehicle for that meritocracy. The idea of an even playing field is central to what many who believe in the test believe. The SAT was first dubbed an “aptitude” test and touted as a test students could not prepare for. (Wikipedia) Kaplan saw patterns in the test and began to teach strategy.

1957—more than 500,000 students took the test.

1958—High schools began

sharing results with students. 1959— University of Iowa education professor E.F. Lindquist launched the American College Testing Program (ACT). 1960—The University of California began requiring the SAT for admissions. 1969—The College Board began to offer fee waivers to low-income students. Bowdoin stopped requiring the SAT, becoming a pioneer in the test-optional movement. (93% required scores pre-covid) 1979—the FTC determined that Kaplan’s test prep could raise student’s scores, following an investigation into his marketing. At 1st the College Board denied that preparation was possible, now they make the best-selling test prep books. 1994—the College Board dropped “aptitude” from the SAT’s name. 2005—the SAT added writing…and made other changes. 2012—For the first time in history, there were more

ACT testers than SAT testers.

2016—the SAT became more like the ACT and announced it will have a summer test to replace the January test.

2017—The ACT announced it will have a summer test.

2019—The Rick Springer college admissions scandal.

2020—The ACT announced single-section retakes. This still has not happened and will likely never happen. The pandemic hit. The SAT and ACT were cancelled nationwide in April, May, and June. Many universities adopted test-optional policies.

2021—The SAT essay and SAT subject tests were discontinued.

LIVING STONES

POSSIBILITIES IN AN OLD INSTITUTION

There is a reason the first institution God established was marriage— see Genesis 2! Study after study shows the impact of marriage on society and how the well-being of our children and children’s children comes back to the stability of family. As the family goes, so goes the stability of a nation.

Why then do we observe such little effort into building up families and instead focus on the selfish pursuit of personal happiness, which leads away from family commitment which would impact us more deeply in the end?

There is a grave consequence to simple neglect. If we don’t maintain our health or house, they will deteriorate. In marriage, the stakes are much higher—every divorce is the death of a small civilization that could have been.

The truth is, the greater the difficulties to overcome in adjusting to another, the deeper the relationship will be if we work them out! A marriage study out of Texas revealed that if we rank high in marital unhappiness, but choose to stick it out for five more years, we will rank high on the happy scale. Let’s just say, if we used the energy we would spend in finding another mate, directing that love, patience, and diligence instead towards our marriage, we would be far happier— not to mention the rescue it will prove for our children!

Commitment, companionship, love and friendship, are what marriage is about. There are no secrets beyond the basics of love and respect!

The most difficult part of marriage is navigating ourselves. If our soul is at rest, our marriage will be as well. Unhappy singles make for unhappy married couples—instead of trying to find Mr. or Mrs. Right, how about being right ourselves? There are

many passages in the Bible about marriage, but many more about the need to put our own lives in order before we can make the commitment to another.

Marriage is a thrilling, fulfilling dream, learning to serve and bless another—but it is a horrible nightmare with our untamed selfish nature on the throne! Not regarding the principles of the Bible in marriage would be like visiting a zoo with no enclosures. It would be traumatic!

We can either build up or tear down! What if we made it our aim to love, cherish, and inspire our spouses, overlooking their flaws? Anyone can tear down— it is much harder to plan and work at putting a life together. And forgiveness is essential! We married a sinner like ourselves, after all. If it seems too hard because we did not realize how horrible our spouse would be, perhaps we may not be in touch with just how bad we really are!

OLD BRIDGE MUSEUM FOUNDER

PASSED AWAY

Mildred Low, age 92 of Old Bridge passed away on November 26, 2022. In 1964, Low helped organize the Madison (Old Bridge) Township Historical Society and was named its first president. She had always been interested in local history and was the driving force behind the founding of the historical

society, which continues her work today at the Thomas Warne Museum (4216 Route 516, Matawan). The board of the historical society and its members will always remember Millie for her dedication to preserving the history of Madison Township and Old Bridge.

FRESH

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

Mildred Low

OB PBA 27TH ANNUAL COPS FOR KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

On Friday, December 2, Old Bridge PBA Local 127 held its 27th annual Cops for Kids Christmas Party at the George Bush Senior Center for Old Bridge families in need. With the help of donations from local businesses and families, the PBA was able to provide community members with a festive night out, including dinner, dessert, a DJ for holiday entertainment, and gifts for those children in attendance. Additionally, the PBA was able to host a bicycle raffle with the generous amount donated this year.

Of course, no holiday party is complete without a visit from Jolly Old St. Nick. The children were surprised with a visit from Santa and his Elf, who gave out presents and participated in photo ops.

“We take great pride in hosting this event for our community each year. The excitement of

the children is priceless, and the event wouldn’t be as successful as it is each year without the tremendous amount of donations we receive,” said Jim Ford, Superior Officers Association President, and event coordinator.

“We are thankful to have a great partnership with the township and community. This is one of our best community events in the year. Sgt. Ford puts a tremendous amount of work into making this perfect,” Local President Vinny Galgano expressed.

All Around Old Bridge would like to recognize this year’s Biggest Donor Award recipient, Walmart of Old Bridge, and a special thank you to the many volunteers from the police department, residents, Anna, Brianne, and the Parks and Recreation Department helped to make the night a huge success.

SOUTH OLD BRIDGE FIRE FIGHTER

OF THE MONTH

Kristen has been a member of the Fire Company since 2004; she joined shortly after turning eight-teen years old. After only a few years, she achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and eventually served as Captain at Engine Company #3. She is one of the few females that held rank within the organization, but the only one that served as Captain.

In 2022, Kristen was the recipient of the company’s first-ever Trailblazer Award, as she provided leadership and demonstrated that women are agents of change. She is one of the few Level One Fire Instructors in the organization. Kristen serves as the company’s State Delegate for the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association and currently serves as a 9-1-1 operator.

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,

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

January 9, 23 January 10, 24 January 11, 25 January 12, 26 January 13, 27

February 6, 20 February 7, 21 February 8, 22 February 9, 23 February 10, 24

March 6, 20 March 7, 21 March 8, 22 March 9, 23 March 10, 24

April 3, 17 April 4, 18 April 5, 19 April 6, 20 April 7, 21

May 1, 15, 29* May 2, 16, 30 May 3, 17, 31 May 4, 18 May 5, 19 June 12, 26 June 13, 27 June 14, 28 June 1, 15, 29 June 2, 16, 30

July 10, 24 July 11, 25 July 12, 26 July 13, 27 July 14, 28 August 7, 21 August 8, 22 August 9, 23 August 10, 24 August 11, 25 September 4*, 18 September 5, 19 September 6, 20 September 7, 21 September 8, 22 October 2, 16, 30 October 3, 17, 31 October 4, 18 October 5, 19 October 6, 20 November 13, 27 November 14, 28 November 1, 15, 29 November 2, 16, 30 November 3, 17

11, 25* December 12, 26 December 13, 27 December 14, 28 December 1, 15, 29

OVER 2,400 TOYS COLLECTED FOR TOYS FOR TOTS GIVING EVENT

Verney, Chief of Fire Administration for Fire District #3, and Anthony Cosentino, Chamber of Commerce-Trustee. With the 25 drop-off locations throughout the town and the support of our local businesses, we were overcome with joy to learn our efforts resulted in over 2,400 toys being collected!

An additional $2,200.00 was donated by residents and businesses across the town to purchase toys. The generosity once again displayed by the citizens and businesses in Old Bridge has led us to a great accomplishment and shows the true character

and kindness of our hometown.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the businesses that became drop-off sites for 5 weeks and displayed all the toys collected: All American Ford, Quality Chevy, Pet Center of Old Bridge, The Max of Old Bridge, South Old Bridge Fire Station, The YMCA of Old Bridge, Grillstone, Columbia Bank, Kenary Bank Rt 34, Parlin Dupont-Sayreville, SETS of Old Bridge, Old Bridge School of Dance, Giuseppe’s Pizza, ProFysio (all locations), the Old Bridge Public Library, Card Smart (all locations)A Step in Time Dance Center in Sayreville, Bubba’s 33, Chick-

fil-A, Reformed Church, and the Godard School on RT 516.

Special thank you to John Archer and Danielle Vazquez of Archer Plumbing for their donation of $1,000.00, as well as Dr. Deluca and all who donated to the purchase of toys. Thank you to Lynn Pulvermuller, General Manager, at UHAUL on rt 9 for donating a box truck for the day to make all the pickups around town.

Continuing Thanks to: Mayor Owen Henry and his office for their continuous support. Steve Mamakas from The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development for his support

and dedication in all his efforts, and the Old Bridge Council members. Jordan Wright and his team at Quality Chevy, along with Jason Savino and his team at All American Ford for providing the pickup trucks to store and display the toys collected in their showrooms.

John & Midge Hauser for their time and the use of their box trucks to help deliver over 29 boxes and countless bags filled with toys to Toys for Tots in Union.

Thank you to all the volunteers who help load the box trucks, and Bob Verney, Chief of Fire Administration for Fire District #3, for all your support and time

Continued from page 1 VISIT OUR FB PAGE TO VIEW MORE IMAGES

to put into this event each year.

Anthony Cosentino, Sales Manager at All Around Old Bridge and Trustee at the O.B. Chamber of Commerce with David Hernandez Jr., Publisher at Old Around Old Bridge and President of Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce for organizing this year’s event and continuous support given.

We are looking forward to the 2023 Toys for Tots Giving Event.

Thank you to the Old Bridge community for their support each year.

TREATING AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS WITH WELLNESS, GUIDANCE & CARE

By

Accidents occur every day. Unfortunately, even the slightest incidents can lead to years of aches and pains if the proper care is not received within days or even hours. Just ask the more than three million people who suffer the detrimental effects of car accidents every year as well as the two million individuals who are permanently injured during these crashes as reported by DriveKnowledge.com.

Consequently, never underestimate the destructive power of a car, truck or bus striking a vehicle even at reduced speeds. Depending on the impact, the damage and pain in icted can vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle and among all the involved parties. For some, the fallout can be instantaneous and include anything from scrapes and bruises to broken bones, concussions and spinal problems. In contrast, others may seem to walk away totally unscathed only to feel the aftermath within days of the event.

This is particularly true of the sudden force trauma causing the head or neck to violently “whiplash” in the opposite direction, while severely straining and/or injuring the surrounding soft tissue. In such cases, the tightening, contracting and stiffening of the muscles around the head and neck are symptomatic of individuals who are either roughly jolted or struck by something inside the car.

As a result, whiplash is among the most common ailments associated with car accidents given its ability to severely damage the connective tissue of everything from muscles and ligaments to tendons and nerve endings. Depending on the individual and the force and angle of impact, the injuries can cause anything from a mild soreness that disappears after just a few days to deep, excruciating bouts of pain that last weeks, months or even years. It is also extremely important to remember that the signs of whiplash -- pain, headaches, dif culty swallowing, nausea, blurred vision and stiffness – can begin all at once or build slowly only to gradually intensify over the rst 48 to 72 hours.

However, in most cases there is no need to suffer the long-term debilitating effects associated with whiplash injuries. With the proper care, short- and long-term relief is available. Ice and/or heat treatments can help control the pain and reduce muscle spasms, while other physical modalities like electrical stimulation, ultrasound and spinal manipulation are available to provide long-term relief and care.

Commonly performed by chiropractic professionals, neck adjustments involving the precise cervical manipulation of neck joints often provide safe and effective therapies for enhancing the spine’s mobility as well as restoring and increasing the range of motion of the surrounding muscles. Patients who undergo this

in-of ce procedure typically notice the improved ability to turn and tilt the head as well as the reduction of pain, soreness and stiffness.

Of course, the proper aftercare is also essential for the successful treatment of whiplash and related conditions. Unless the injury requires immobilization, patients should remain active under the guidelines set by trained medical professionals, while adhering to strict pain management plans. This includes an active care program consisting of exercise and stretching that is speci cally prescribed to treat the individual and his or her injuries, physicality and tness levels.

For more information on the treatment of whiplash and related traf c accident injuries or to establish a new sense of health, balance and well-being please feel free to contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com. 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 the least invasive yet highly-effective techniques and services.

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

THE KINDEST CUT –NEUTER FERAL CATS

Continue from page 9 way for cats more likely to get a home. There are low cost spay and neuter facilities. One such location is People for Animals, which has several facilities in New Jersey. The phone number is 973-282-0890. Cats are seasonal breeders and enter their reproductive cycle in late winter/ early spring as daylight starts to lengthen. That is why during this idle time of the reproductive cycle it is wise to trap the feral cats and have them sterilized.

Female cats -- the queens -- will signal when they are in heat by being more active and noisy. They will rub and roll, seeking attention. They arch their back downward with their hind quarters raised. Females can mate with

more than one male. Cats are prolific breeders, with their eggs released from the ovaries in response to mating.

Remember, being kind-hearted is nice, but when you feed cats it adds to the problem if you are not going to be responsible and follow through by having them altered! If you are sincere about helping cats, have them spayed and neutered.

You cannot save all the cats in the world, but for the cat you do save, you saved his whole world.

Please consider donating to organizations that take care of feral cats. One of the best local groups is Save All Stray Cats. P.O. Box 5303, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. saveallstraycats@ yahoo.com www.saveallstraycatsinc.org

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

PET CENTER’S “PICTURES WITH SANTA” GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Throughout the two days, Pet Center received a visit from 101.5’s Steve Trevelise and Bill Spadea, who helped promote the event in effort to raise funds for the Old Bridge Animal Shelter. As a result, Pet center not only donated over $600 for supplies & food to the shelter, but due to the publicity and foot-traffic of the event, the shelter has seen a substantial increase in cat adoptions. Those who attended the “Pictures with Santa” event were able to view the cats that Pet Center houses for the shelter, generating a multitude of applications.

Pet Center in Old Bridge hosted its 2nd Annual “Pictures with Santa” event in December. After the success of last year’s event, Pet Center extended Santa’s visit to span two days bringing in hundreds of people with their pets for a holiday

photo-op! Those in attendance had the option to take their own photos or pose for professional ones with the photographer onsite; but the best part of the event was Pet Center welcoming back many of the pets they had helped find a home for over the last year.

With the event growing in popularity each year, Pet Center continues to help not only bring holiday joy to the community and its pets but continues to help find homes and raise funds for those animals residing at Old Bridge Animal Shelter. The team is already looking forward to next year’s visit from Santa!

IN MEMORIAM

ANGELA MAZZEO

JULY 9, 1934 - DECEMBER 21, 2022

88 OF MORGANVILLE,VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME.

WALTER HOWARD JONES, JR.

NOVEMBER 5, 1937 - DECEMBER 17, 2022

85 OF MATAWAN, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME

CATHERINE MARTINO

OCTOBER 8, 1927 - DECEMBER 15, 2022

95 OF LINCROFT, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME

THERESA MCCAULEY

JUNE 7, 1935 - DECEMBER 14, 2022

97 OF OLD BRIDGE, A VISITATION WAS HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

To send condolences to families please visit www.oldbridgefh.com

LAURENCE HARBOR TEEN SHOWS PROMISE OF FUTURE FENCING CHAMPION

Laurence Harbor’s own Nicole ‘Nika’ Ganser, is showing immense promise of becoming a future champion in the world of fencing. Following her older sister Sofia, Nika started fencing a few years ago after regularly attending practices at Medeo Fencing Club in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Coach Yakov Danilenko has trained Sofia and Nika for years, gaining immense respect and admiration from both the Ganser family and throughout the fencing community. After her first year, Nika ended the season as a regional points winner (Region 3 - NY, CT, NJ, PA, VA) under Y10 category (10 and younger), proving that her future in fencing is very bright.

Maintaining High Honor Roll status at Carl Sandburg Middle School, Nika shows no signs of slowing down on her quest for success in fencing and aca-

demics. With a packed schedule of four practices a week and regular weekend competitions, she continues to prove that hard work and dedication will lead to phenomenal accomplishments. Last year, Nika finished second in the region under Y12 category and headed into this year intending to finish first. After winning her first competition this year, her drive for 1st place is stronger than ever. When the opportunity arose to participate in the Y14 tournament, Nika took it on with confidence, ending her second tournament earning an E rating. So what’s next for Nika; her newest goal is to attend the North American Cup in Texas in March 2023. She continues to train vigorously to earn her spot on the podium, but there is no doubt that regardless of the competition outcome, Nika has made her parents and sister proud beyond measure.

OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2022 HOLIDAY DINNER

Mayor Owen Henry ,

Hernandez Jr. of Old Bridge Funeral Home,

Russ Azzarello of Denholtz Properties,

Vice President

Bruno of the Max Challenge of Old Bridge , Second Vice President Midge Hauser of Hauser Hill Farms, and Trustees, Anthony Cosentino from All Around Old Bridge, Chief Bob Verney from SOBFD District 3, John Hauser of Browntown bus company and two new officers: Joe Gallo from Pet Center of Old Bridge and Chris Nasta from the Old Bridge YMCA. Not in attendance Trustee Jason Savino from All American Ford,Treasurer Nora Schmitz of Litz Tax Consultant, Secretary Lynette Davis, Old Bridge Hackensack Meridian and Annette Kwiecinski of Columbian Bank.

President David Lee

past President

First

Rich

OB RESIDENT WINS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Continued from page 1

dren are silently suffering. Identifying these children within our community will make it possible to give them the support and compassion they need. It is important that they understand they are not at fault, they cannot fix the problem, and most importantly that they are not alone. They need to know there are trusted adults that understand and are here to help them.

The Alliance deals with the prevention and intervention of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. As an Alliance Member, Erin knows how important it is that these

children feel safe, and that they are educated to make healthy choices and break the cycle as they become adults.

Erin has been working on identifying suitable programs to begin educating the members of our community on how to recognize these children, and once we do, how we provide them with the resources they require.

Erin’s work with the Municipal Alliance is invaluable. Moving forward, her dedication and work with the members of the Alliance will make a difference in the lives of the youngest members of our community.