All Around Old Bridge- March 2023

OLDBRIDGE

OB JR. KNIGHTS IN IT’S 23RD SEASON

The Old Bridge Jr Knights Youth Ice Hockey Club, in it’s 23rd season, plays out of the Old Bridge Township John Piccolo arena. Fielding roughly Eleven (11) travel teams competing in Tier2 NJYHL Hockey league with clubs all over NJ state.

These teams’ range in age groups from 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U & 18U with kids ranging from 6yrs old to 18yrs old

We compete in “stay away” tournaments in PA, MD, DE & NY on a regular basis, in early March four (4) of our teams will play in Can/Am Challenge Cup in Lake Placid NY, home of the “1980 USA Miracle On Ice”

This season has been an especially successful season with seven (7) of our eight (8) NJYHL Playoff eligible teams advancing to Playoffs.

Our U16A National team (see team photo), by winning NJYHL Playoffs, earned a berth in PA in the yearly NJYHL vs DVHL District Tournament of USA Hockey in March

We also run very popular Learn to Play Hockey programs for beginners from Oct thru March in partnership with NHL NY Rangers

HEALTHY KIDS SERIES SET FOR APRIL 23RD

for this reason Mrs. Shantiana Duchatellier is coming on board this year as a co-coordinator.

Last fall the HKRS-Old Bridge chapter celebrated the first anniversary. “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.

“The running community is growing in Old Bridge thanks to the support from our leaders, business owners and parents

to programs like Healthy Kids Running Series”, says Laura Aliberti, coordinator of the running series for kids in Old Bridge. And

GIRLS BOWLING ROLLS TO GMC CHAMPIONSHIP

By Gaby Malanga and Frank Papeo

Healthy Kids Running Series is a five-week program with oncea-week races on Sundays, beginning APRIL 23rd at 11:30am

Continue on page 4

of girls,” Gomez mentioned. After losing to Woodbridge twice in the regular season last year and being eliminated by them in the GMCs, the team got revenge in two dominant regular season wins and the victory in the GMC finals. “We worked so hard during the regular season to remain consistent with our victories that it was only fitting to end on the highest note possible with a GMC championship,” junior Gianna Blamer stated.

This acts as a successful feeder program of talent development for our travel program teams

Each season end, in March & April, open tryouts are held

For the first time in school history, the girls bowling team won the Greater Middlesex County Tournament. The team defeated fourth seed Woodbridge 2-1 to take the title. Continue on page 17

The girls bounced back from a disappointing 5-11-1 season last year to go 14-1-1 this season and make history in the process. “It feels amazing, and I’m glad to have done it with a great group

Tensions ran high heading into the GMC championship round. Less than 100 pins decided each game. In game one, Old Bridge earned an 818-802 victory. Woodbridge won game

Continue on page 17

Madeline Hickel, Madison Freudenberg, and Savannah Gomez chat between frames.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Welcome to March! This year is going by fast already and hopefully the weather will start to warm up and we can put the cold behind us.

I had the distinct pleasure of participating, as I have in years prior, in “Read Across America”. This year, I read with the kids at Grissom Elementary School and Carpenter Elementary School. I also read to the first-grade classes of Memorial Elementary and McDivitt Elementary Schools at our monthly gathering. It’s a great feeling to see kids so excited about reading and learning, and our teachers and educators should be recognized for their hard work to ensure that their students are getting a great education.

Mayor Owen Henry

I am proud this month to recognize and thank the Kiwanis K-Kids Club from James McDivitt Elementary School for sharing the proceeds from their used book drive with the Old Bridge Food Bank. Each year, the K-Kids Club, under the supervision of School Counselor, Phyllis Bloom, works hard to raise money in support of the Old Bridge Community.

Please remember to take a look at the Spring edition of our Parks and Recreation Brochure for all of this season’s events and programs. I encourage you to check out the town’s website for all the information and details on youth sports, summer camp, and classes that might be just right for you, your family, and friends.

The month of March is Women’s History Month. This is the time to reflect, celebrate and acknowledge women’s contributions to our history, culture, and society. We thank you for your hard work and commend your accomplishments, both historical and contemporary.

I wish all our residents a great month and don’t forget to turn your clocks forward on Sunday, March 12th. Lastly, I wish you all lots of cheer, luck, and Irish blessings this Saint Patrick’s Day! Please continue to stay safe and be well. Thank you.

THINK OLD BRIDGE

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of

2023 is moving along

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Developments’ slogan is “Pursuing Progress”. Leading in a proactive approach to smart growth and revenue generation. It has been stated that Old Bridge has been a one of the driving forces in economic growth in the county.

Along with Mayor Henry, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development continue to build relationships within the community and work with many different groups. Including working closely with Middlesex County Economic Development Office and Regional Chamber of Commerce providing that also provide leads on businesses that seem to fit our vison.

As we continue to explore new and trending businesses that can help attract others.

As we move into 2023 you will see more growth in the goods, food services and supermarkets and other smaller business as the new centers come online across the township. Together continuing to sources diverse and cutting-edge businesses that can add value and fit into the needs of the township. Small and large to provide a broad landscape

the

Mayor’s Office of Economic Development

to deliver goods and services to the resident. We have not had many closures due to today economic landscape. But it is critical to support local businesses today.

Some new businesses on the horizon Ollie’s in Kohls shopping center, teriyaki madness restaurant in Gateway shopping center, Evoo restaurant and a new sports bar in Shoppes at Old Bridge, New business in-town as of the end of last year Five Below – Gateway Shopping Center, My Salons and Doggy DayCare

– Shoppes at Old bridge, Jenna’s Boutique Renaissance Plaza, Card Smart - Matawan Rd, Cozy Breakfast and Lunch – 516 and Torino Pizza Rt-34 to name a few.

Shop, Dine and Buy Local

Visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetownedo or Twitter @ twitter. com/obedonj to check out all the exciting happenings from grand openings to groundbreaking events across the town.

HEALTHY KIDS SERIES SET FOR APRIL 23RD

Continued from page 1 in Old Bridge High School Practice Fields 4209 County Rd 516, Matawan, NJ 07747,with age-appropriate race distances. Kids compete each week in their designated age or grade level division. Every participant will receive a T-Shirt and Medal. Up until three weeks before the first race, early bird registration starts at $40 for the five-week Series and is open now at HealthyKidsRunningSeries. org. The program also boasts the CHALLENGER DIVISION, an all abilities division for youth with extra support needs. Healthy Kids Running Series programming is supported by Stride Rite.

Our Series is sponsored by the Mayor Owen Henry, Councilman Erik DePalma, All Around Old Bridge, Matthew Gregorin of Coldwell Banker Realty, Cohen Eye Institute, Prime Time Mortgage Corp., Maxx Mgmt. We are thankful for the support and donations received from Mae Field School, Dancation Studio and Theater, Card my Yard-Morganville, Old Bridge Road Runners, A’s Handyman Services, Creations by Sheana, SEPTA Old Bridge, The Old Bridge Kids Daycare. Learn more at www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.

IS AN SAT/ACT CLASS OR PRIVATE LESSONS BETTER FOR MY CHILD?

Parents often ask whether I recommend class or private lessons for their child. There are 3 (or 4) criteria to consider.

(1) What is the student’s PSAT/SAT/ ACT baseline score?

If the student’s score is too low, the class will move too quickly. If the student’s score is too high, the class will run too slowly. For students scoring very high or very low, private lessons are recommended. Otherwise, the class is fine.

(2) What is the difference between the student’s math and reading/writing and language score?

If the student is much stronger in one content area than the other, the weaker area should be targeted with private lessons. If a student’s score is close, the class is fine.

(3) Does the student need to be held closely accountable?

If a student needs more oversight to ensure work is completed, private lessons are better. If a student will do his/her homework without needing to be held

closely accountable, the class is fine.

If all 3 of these criteria qualify a student for the class, this doesn’t necessarily mean the student should take the class. Parents can still decide on private lessons if they deem it better for their particular situation (especially if the student has already taken a class before).

Lastly, parents may consider their finances. Private lessons are more costly. Classes are great for a self-motivated student whose scores are in the middle 70th percentile and not too far apart. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833-728-7228 www.ivymasters.com

EVEN PRETTY PLANTS CAN POSE A POISON DANGER TO PETS

By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016

As the days grow longer, and we start to plan our flower gardens, keep in mind that there are some plants which may be harmful to pets.

While most cause gastrointestinal issues, there are a few plants which can be truly life threatening.

The calcium oxalate crystals in tulip and hyacinths bulbs, may cause the pet to hyper-salivate, vomit, have diarrhea and show signs of depression. Supportive care is recommended. Start by rinsing out their mouth, use anti-nausea and gastro protectants to coat the digestive tract.

Daffodil bulbs contain the alkaloid Lycorine, which can also cause nausea and need similar care, if ingested.

Foxglove and Lily of the Valley contain cardio toxins, causing irregular heartbeats – too slow or too fast -- high potassium levels, gastrointestinal upsets and central nervous system signs, such as a seizure. Therapy includes fluids to assist in supporting the pet’s blood pressure,

along with anti-nausea, anti-arrhythmia and anti-convulsing medications.

Some lilies are toxic, while other are benign. The dangerous lilies include: Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day Lilies. Even eating a small amount of leaves or petals can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, gastro protectants and intravenous fluid therapy.

All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons plants are considered poisonous. Ingestion of only small amounts of leaves can result in coma or possible death. Excessive salivation, vomiting and weakness occur, loss of coordination, dangerously low blood pressure and low heart rate can be exhibited. Keep goats and sheep away from these plants also.

Whenever toxic plant ingestion is suspected, contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. Enjoy your garden, but keep your curious pets safe.

SOBFD FIRE FIGHTER OF THE MONTH RYAN VERNEY

By Ryan Verney

Firefighter Ryan Verney has served the department for 9 years, joining right out of high school. Riding out of Engine Company 1, he was inspired to join by both his dad and uncle, also

Ryan and other members often attend training classes and conferences both locally and out of state. Believing the department has helped him accomplish his life long goals, Ryan has said the fire department gives members the training, resources, and avenues for success.

LIVING STONES

REVIVE US AGAIN

The Jesus Revolution movie recently received an unprecedented amount of national attention with a record-breaking opening weekend—is something strange afoot in our nation?

I was in Southern California in the late 70s as the impact of the Jesus Movement was still strongly felt. This period followed arguably the most challenging time in our history in the late 60’s. Droves of hopeless hippies filled the churches and their impacted children became the yuppies (young urban professionals) of the 90’s. “Liquid love” was used to describe what it felt like entering into Spirit-filled churches, and a great hunger for God’s presence, love, and power prevailed in those that opened the Bible, proclaiming and explaining the timeless Word of God. It was practical and full of meaning and purpose!

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

tianity from the first, second, and third Great Awakenings, as well as the Welsh Revival, where all sense of dull religion was done away with as people realized their deep need of God. Hypocrisy in the church ceased as open and honest confession and repentance of sin prevailed, influencing many to take another look at Jesus and the Bible. Look at these points expressed by Evan Roberts to believers in the time of the Welsh Revival:

1. Confess any known sin.

2. Put away any doubtful habit.

3. Obey the Spirit promptly.

4. Confess Christ openly. The result of such happenings was a supernatural awakening that changed the hearts of millions! Oh, how we need another one today!

FUNDRAISER HELD FOR LOCAL OB FARM.

On January 27th a Paint and Sip fundraising party was held at the Old Bridge Elks in support of 10 LilAcre Rescued Animal Farm. The farm provides a loving home to neglected horses, ponies,sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks.

Debbie Molnar is the owner and caretaker along with many volunteers.

The farm is located at 116 Texas road, Old Bridge and is a fun experience to visit.

Calvary Chapel was birthed in that movement as the movie Jesus Revolution portrays—and it impacted many parts of the world profoundly! It would not be a stretch to declare that America has been shaped by the revival of Biblical Chris-

SITTING OUT THE CRISIS IS NOT THE ANSWER

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

Everywhere you look there seems to be a ban on something. During these strange, stressful times, most of us are either working from home or unfortunately not working at all. Even the simplest of pleasures now seem a distant memory. That’s because as caring, thoughtful and compassionate human beings we’re all doing our parts to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy in this new and scary environment.

But that doesn’t mean shutting down totally. There’s still a lot you can do within the con nes of your own home and neighborhood to keep yourself mentally and physically t. Staying-at-home doesn’t mean sitting at home because sitting can be as dangerous to your long-term health as most diseases. In fact, it can lead to numerous health problems ranging from weight gain and obesity to high blood pressure, diabetes, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression and dementia. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us were already sitting way too much. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four American adults sit for more than eight hours a day. As for how the time is spent, the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 25 percent of us are on the computer three hours or more each day outside of school or work, while Nielsen recently reported that the average American aged 18 and older spends about four and a half hours

a day watching TV.

And make no mistake, none of this was good during the best of times. First, always remember that we are a resilient, determined and resourceful people backed by dedicated healthcare professionals who will guide us through the current pandemic. Next, don’t get down. Sitting, eating and binge-watching the latest batch of Network serials is not the answer.

Get up and move. Find something physical to do that is both practical and safe given the current circumstances. Start using that exercise equipment that’s been sitting in the garage or basement or the old Taebo or Firm CD that’s been accumulating dust on your bookshelf for years. Most cable providers even offer a wealth of workout videos from which to choose. Now’s the time to try everything from Zumba and cardio kickboxing to yoga, pilates and exotic dance. Who knows? You might even nd a new passion that serves you well long after the coronavirus threat ends.

To break the monotony, take advantage of the solitude, longer days and warming weather by going for a long walk. Just be smart. Keep your distance. Wear a mask when near others. And walk with purpose. The results will not only help you lose weight and burn calories, but also reduce stress and improve your mood.

But even if you have the most demanding desk job or suffer from an assortment of physical ailments, there are numerous activities

you can still do safely and effectively work towards a tter self. Get up and move about every 30 minutes to an hour. Try some general stretching and conditioning exercises right at the desk or in your chair throughout the course of the day. Invest in a stress ball. They are not only available in numerous shapes and sizes, including cute animal gures, these very simple toys offer an excellent method for strengthening arms, forearms, wrists and hands as well as relieving the tension that is part of most of our days.

The point is there are hundreds of exercises just like these that can be done simply and easily from your favorite chair or in the of ce without anyone even knowing your working out. The key is to nding the time and will to develop a daily system that works best for you and blends nicely into your everyday routine.

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.

HERB COTTRELL, OLD BRIDGE FARMER

By Jeffrey Kagan Herbert Cottrell

Herbert Cottrell, Jr. passed away at age 95 in 2013. He was a lifelong resident of our town, and his family lineage dates back to the founders of New Jersey. In an interview Herb gave a year before he died, he talked about life and he paints a rustic picture of growing up on the Cottrell Farm.

Herb was born in the house that still stands on the northeast corner of Route 516 and Cottrell Road, back when the local traffic was one car driving by per hour. His father, Herbert Cottrell Sr. ran the farm back then and always kept a sharp eye out to ensure the quality of their products. Herb Jr. says that his father was the only graduate in his class at Rutgers College of Agriculture, Class of 1900. Farming was his life, as it was for generations in their family.

“He had a good education and he had a good brain and he knew how to use it,” Herb Jr. said. After prohibition was repealed, they decided that they would go into the distilling business.” The four Cottrell brothers formed a corporation, the New Jersey Apple Growers Inc. and they kept the distillery going until 1955. Two of their popular products

were Browntown Applejack Cider and 86% proof Apple Brandy, which was marketed as “rich, mellow, smooth”. Herb Jr. reminisces about their horses Dan and Beaut. As a young boy, he would drive the rig to plow the fields. He’d think about many of the old westerns that he saw at the movies and imagine that he was driving a stage coach. The Thomas Warne Museum is open on Saturdays from 12pm-4pm. See more at www.thomas-warne-museum.com.

OB JR. KNIGHTS IN IT’S 23RD SEASON

Continued from page 1

to create our next seasons teams. More information can be found on our club site, OldBridgeJunior-

Knights.com, our FB & IG accounts

Please email or call questions to info@oldbridgejuniorknights.com or 732-705-1385

GIRLS BOWLING ROLLS TO GMC CHAMPIONSHIP

By Gaby Malanga and Frank Papeo

Continued from page 1 two 867-777, which meant the third game would determine the champion. The team’s top-performer, Gomez, said, “The key to success this season was working together as a team and never giving up, even when we were down.” Fortunately, this proved true in the third game of the finals as the girls fell behind while watching a bowler on Woodbridge bowl strikes consistently.

Despite the rough start, the girls knew they needed to finish the job. “We fed off the crowd and we all just synced together and knew we could do this,” Blamer said.

The Knights won the third round 830-767, taking the conference title. “We rallied together and pushed through for the final win!” Gomez exclaimed.

Originally published at KnightLifeOB.com

MARGARET LASCHI

FEBRUARY 24, 1938 - FEBRUARY 22, 2023

84, OF MATAWAN, SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

ANN EILEEN DEPALMA

OCTOBER 8, 1941 - FEBRUARY 21, 2023

81 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME

GINETTE N. BABO

DECEMBER 24, 1923 - FEBRUARY 18, 2023

99 OF MATAWAN, SERVICES WERE HELD AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME.

Please

GERALD O’CONNOR

JANUARY 25, 1938 - FEBRUARY 17, 2023

85 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME.

DOLORES MONTI

JULY 13, 1935 - FEBRUARY 17, 2023

87 OF OLD BRIDGE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME.

SUSANA PILAR ZAMBRANO

AUGUST 19, 1953 - FEBRUARY 16, 2023

69 OF MORGANVILLE, SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE MARCH 2023

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE

2023 CURBSIDE RECYCLING SCHEDULE

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

oldbridge.com/recycling

CALVARY CHAPEL OLD BRIDGE

At Calvary Old Bridge ‘church’ is less about the building and more about the people. It is a vibrant community of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We gather to worship Him, study His Word, serve His people and share His Gospel. In every ministry, class, service and outreach our goal is to glorify God and see Him at work in our midst. You may have seen us at Old Bridge Day, and maybe even had a chance to meet some of our outreach ministries such as The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridge Women’s Center, Ground

Zero and Addiction to Freedom for Substance abuse Recovery, or the BridgeLife Thrift Store! Whether in church, on the radio, or out in the community our hope is to share the good news of the Gospel, showing people Jesus on the level that meets them most.

It is our sincere prayer that you will come out to Calvary Old Bridge and meet with God and become part of our church family.

Calvary Chapel Old Bridge is located at 123 White Oak Lane in Old Bridge, NJ. Visit us on the web ccob.org

*May 29 moved to Sat, June 3

*Sept 4 moved to Sat, Sept. 9

**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

OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP WELCOMES MISSING SOCK LAUNDRY ON RT 9.