All Around Old Bridge- May 2023

OLDBRIDGE

woman who dedicated her life to animals. Going without so the animals had food. Debbie was a part of the horse world from birth. Debbie & her sister Laurie rode, competed, and showed. She was a part of 4H and contributed whenever possible. Debbie did it all pony parties, petting zoo, fairs, riding lessons and events. She was always there to help a horse in need. Debbie went even further by rescuing horses and ponies and then all farm animals. We are all broken hearted without her. We the volunteers will keep the farm going in her honor and memory using all she has taught us to care for them as she would have. Debbie loved seeing all the kids at the farm smiling and laughing with all her animals. We will cherish her memory and miss & love her always.

If you wish to donate to the farm vist: www.10lilacres.org

116 Texas Road, Old Bridge | 732.646.0698

On Monday May 29, 2023, Old Bridge Township will be hosting our Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade will kick off at 9am from Memorial Elementary school, the parade will proceed down Laurence Parkway toward the waterfront, cross over route 35 and loop around shoreland circle before ending at Memorial Park in front of the Laurence Harbor Fire Company, where refreshments will be served, and we will commence with our ceremony. We’re excited to announce that our Grand Marshall this

year will be Corporal Armando Sasso, who served in the United States Army Infantry as a Medic in WWII, from 1943 to 1946. Armando has lived a very interesting life since those years oohh so long ago, in addition to being Grand Marshall Armando will be turning 100 years old this August. Memorial Day began on May 30, 1868 then called Decoration Day, as a way to honor those who died in the Civil War; and has become a day to honor all American veterans who gave their lives in sacrifice to our nation. Please come out to cel-

ebrate Memorial Day with us, to honor all our veterans who came home and mourn those who did not while defending our nations flag. Today, we know all too well that Freedom is NOT and will never be free.

God bless all of those that paid with blood, PTSD, and in all too often with their very lives to keep and preserve the freedoms that are enjoyed by all of us today!

For questions on the parade of if you would like to participate in the parade, please email lvalsera@oldbridge.com or call 732-721-5600 ext 4999

OLD BRIDGE LITTLE LEAGUE OPENS SEASON WITH SPECIAL FIELD DEDICATION

What better way to start the baseball season than a special first pitch? How about five of them, all delivered by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Old Bridge Little League’s Opening Day took on special significance as the league dedicated its senior field U.S. Armed Forces Field, honoring generations of league volunteers who also served in the military.

With hundreds of this year’s players on hand — Old Bridge Little League offers

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MAYOR HENRY MESSAGE

Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of the summer and I am sure that all our residents are looking forward to firing up the barbeques! It is an important time to acknowledge all our veterans and active military members of our U.S. Armed Forces. It is our duty to honor, reflect, and remember all those who may have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

As we spend our weekends spring cleaning, you may notice volunteers with Mayor Henry’s Clean Team clearing litter in our parks and along our roadways. I would like to thank everyone who has participated thus far and worked together to keep Old Bridge clean. If any not-for-profit groups are interested in volunteering, please visit the township’s website at OldBridge.com/CleanTeam.

Please note the Township Recycling Center accepts paint and florescent bulbs the 2nd Saturday of each month, as well as a long list of other items that are accepted weekly. Visit OldBridge.com/ Recycling for the full list. Additionally, the Department of Public Works offers

appliance pick-ups, as well as brush collection by appointment only. Please call 732-721-5600 x6140 to be placed on the list, or email recycling@oldbridge.com.

On Friday, May 26th, we invite all our veterans, VFW Posts members, and residents of Old Bridge to join us in the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony. This annual event takes place at 10:00 a.m., in the Silver Linings Senior Center at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex, One Old Bridge Plaza. We begin the program by reflecting and remembering all veterans with a few words from our VFW Post Commanders. As Mayor, I will also read the Memorial Day Proclamation and the Old Bridge Seniors are happy to provide a medley of music which is sure to inspire. The ceremony concludes with the VFW members laying the Memorial Day Wreath by our memorial site.

We are also pleased to announce the return of our Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29th. The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Memorial School, 11 Ely Avenue, Laurence Harbor, and will conclude with Memorial Day services at Memorial Park, which is located directly across the street from the Laurence Harbor Fire House. It is a wonderful

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Mayor Owen Henry

THE LOCAL LEADER IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Ellen Rosenbaum Real Estate, Inc. was established in Old Bridge in 1994 and has remained a family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage. Its founder, Ellen Rosenbaum and her son David Rosenbaum are very much engaged with their customers, the local communities, and the company sales team. They pride themselves in providing a personalized real estate experience.

As the Local Leader in Residential Real Estate, they have helped thousands of sellers and buyers achieve their real estate goals. Focus on customers and clients remains the hallmark of the company. Their reputation has generated an extensive network of local professionals -- from preferred lenders, attorneys, and title agencies, with whom they communicate daily, to home inspectors, engineers, surveyors, photographers, videographers, marketing professionals, social media professionals, graphic designers, contractors, handymen, landscapers, painters, all the way to home stagers and cleaning crews. Their marketing and advertising program along with this network helps owners achieve “Top Dollar” for

their home. Their extensive marketing plan translates into success.

Ellen and David are hands-on broker/owners who work every day on behalf of their clients. Beyond them, the company is represented by a group of exceptional licensed Realtors®. You can trust their impeccable reputation, which was earned through hard work, excellent follow-up, keen attention to detail, and a joyful approach. After all, buying and selling a home is a major step in a person’s life. You can depend on Ellen Rosenbaum Real Estate’s commitment to guiding you through this process with care and experience. This spring market is confusing to many sellers and buyers as a direct result of the high interest rates and low inventory.

Ellen Rosenbaum Real Estate is always available to answer your real estate questions and tell you what your home is worth.

BOOK A FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION

Since the advent of COVID, most universities have gone test-optional. Since this is a relatively recent phenomenon, it leaves many parents confused.

Many universities have purportedly remained test-optional to increase diversity. What universities may not share, is that they receive more applicants when they “go test-optional.” This is an advantage to two different types of universities. First, a university that is struggling financially (after losing millions of dollars due to closures in the spring of 2020) can secure students who may not otherwise apply, thus making them more financially secure. Second, a university that is borderline competitive will show a lower admittance rate due to more applicants, which will make them ostensibly more competitive. Also, if only students in the 50th percentile or higher submit scores, their average SAT and ACT score will increase. These two factors can boost their rankings on US News and World Report.

Parents should keep in mind that test

optional does not mean test blind (universities that will not even look at scores— whether the score is 400 or 1600) and that a good score will always be more attractive to a test-optional universities. Admissions offices often assume that a student who does not submit scores did not do so because the scores were bad. When Covid hit, my alma mater, for example, admitted 92% more (That’s almost double!) students who applied with scores than without. Lastly, SAT and ACT scores are often tied to scholarship money. Not submitting scores could hurt a student’s chance of affording a given university. The best practice is to call the prospective university to see their admissions policy. You can book a free 30-minute consultation at www.ivymasters.com/ college-admissions-advising/ Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833-728-7228 www.ivymasters.com

MAYOR HENRY MESSAGE

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community event for all our residents and families to enjoy. It is also a great opportunity to show your thanks and support for veterans and military person nel who have dedicated their lives for our country. If you or your organization or troop would like to march in the Memo rial Day Parade, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at x4999.

arriving, this is also a great time to enjoy all the wonderful parks and programs the Township has to offer. The 2023 Summer Recreation Program Bro chure is available and includes another exciting line up of classes, programs and events for residents of all ages.

Registration for half day camp and all of our summer programming starts on May 10th at 6pm. For complete details, please visit our website at oldbridge.com.

derful Moms a Happy Mother’s Day, and for everyone to have a very healthy and enjoyable start to summer.

Mayor Owen Henry

STRATEGIES TO BATTLE FELINE IBD

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

Chronic vomiting or diarrhea may signal that your cat has inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. These frequent bouts of an irritated and inflamed gastrointestinal tract occur most often in middle-aged and older cats.

If the stomach is the primary site, the condition is called gastritis. If the small intestine is inflamed, it is referred to as enteritis. And if the site is the large intestine, it is called colitis. The clinical signs of IBD can mimic that of other disorders, making diagnosis challenging without a fairly thorough work-up.

Common signs of feline IBD include vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, bloody stool, lethargy and decreased appetite.

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine in the cat may cause chronic vomiting. While, inflammation in the colon will likely lead to chronic diarrhea.

Making a diagnosis of feline IBD requires an extreme work-up, starting with baseline blood work, fecal exam, x-rays and an ultrasound. B vitamins - B12 and folate - are measured in the bloodstream,

as IBD hinders the absorption of these vitamins from the gastrointestinal [GI] tract. A hypoallergenic food trial may also be conducted if food allergies are suspected.

To achieve a definitive diagnosis of IBD, an intestinal or gastric biopsy is necessary, either by endoscopy or exploratory surgery.

Treatment involves suppression of the inflammatory response in the GI tract by using prescription diets and immuno-suppressive drugs. Hypoallergenic diets use a protein source new to the cat. Hydrolyzed diets are those in which the proteins are in fragments so small that they are not detected by the immune system, preventing it from overreacting.

Metronidazole is used for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-protozoal properties.

Prebiotics and probiotics promote good bacterial populations in the GI tract, establishing good GI health. Supplementing with folate or vitamin B12 is recommended.

Although IBD is not curable, it can be controlled so that affected cats can live a comfortable life. Keeping the disease in check requires strict compliance with dietary and medical therapies.

SOBFD FIRE FIGHTER OF THE MONTH ROB BELL

Ward Gribben has been a South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company member since December 2014 and is the current Captain of Engine Company #2. In his first nine years of active service with the company, he has responded to thousands of calls and completed Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Incident Level 3 Certification, all at the Middlesex County Fire Academy.

At 16, Captain Gribben started his firefighting career with his father at Robertsville Fire Company in Marlboro, NJ. After a long break, he decided to rejoin a fire company.

In the upcoming months, he plans to attend courses at the National Fire Academy located in Maryland. Later in

Run, which honors the lives of the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. He is currently a manager for Lowe’s Home Improvement, Marlboro. In his spare time, he can be found at the gym, his local camping site, or walking along the Keyport Waterfront.

National Police Week is celebrated on whatever week May 15 falls in, under President Kennedy’s decree to honor the men and women who risk their lives every day in the line of duty. This year it takes place from May 15th to 21st.

One of the most important parts of National Police Week is to dedicate some time for police officers to honor their fallen colleagues, make sure those surviving them are supported, as well as to remember their commitment to keeping people safe. In years past, members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 have participated in the Police Unity Tour. The Unity Tour is a 4-day bicycle ride which starts in New Jersey and ends in Washington D.C. The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Citizens and civilians can also celebrate the day by showing some love and gratitude to the policemen around them. National Police Week is all about honor, gratitude, remembrance, servitude, and peer support.

Two ways citizens can observe National Police Week are, hold a vigil for the fallen. You can attend the official

you can’t make it down to D.C., you can organize a memorial service or vigil of your own or simply light a candle in honor of the fallen police officers you know. Secondly, appreciate a local police officer. Police work can sometimes be a thankless job. You can take some time out during National Police Week to appreciate your favorite local police officer. Find out how you could help out, whether it is by giving them a meal during a long night shift or just writing a thoughtful note to keep them going.

The members of Old Bridge PBA Local 127 are always grateful for the support they receive from all members of the community.

BBQ PACKAGES

$18.50 per person

Starting At (min. 25 People)

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

9-5

$339.99

(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

LIVING STONES: NO REASON TO BLUSH

The origin of family names and mottos is a fascinating study. Mine came from England with a motto in Latin, “Nulla pallescere culpa,” meaning “no reason to blush.” Despite the moniker of good character and courage attached to my name, my youthful rebellion led me to do many bad things. But when I was caught, I would turn beet-red, leading to the nickname “Pink Lloyd.” Determined to stave off this humiliation, I purposely practiced becoming shameless. I could string enough curse words together to shock a gang member! But the weight of my guilt eventually got to me, and in my first year of college, I surrendered to God and began to experience a new kind of freedom¬¬—the ability to do the right thing and enjoy it most!

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

Dealing with shame from disobedience, Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves and hid from God. One can hide bad behavior and avoid embarrassment for a season, but ultimately this leads to an overwhelming gap between what you are and what you appear to be. Many today hide in appearances of goodness, but the facade is hard to keep up and is inevitably exposed. To live honorably and enjoy doing right is true freedom. But without God’s help, that is impossible! Today there are growing numbers not hiding evil but openly celebrating it with pride. They reject biblical morality and, with hardened hearts, are fulfilling Jesus’ prediction of love growing cold and leading to lawlessness. Unless we experience a revival of true Christianity, realizing Jesus died to take our shame, bearing our sin on the cross, I fear it may be too late. Surrender to God that you might have true freedom and no reason to blush!

IT’S TIME TO GET UP & MOVE

Years ago, Americans walked everywhere. School, work, the store, it really didn’t matter. People were constantly on the move looking to go elsewhere as quick as possible.

Unfortunately, that’s all changed. Even before the pandemic left many of us homebound or forced others to work from a home/of ce, research by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention found that one in four Americans sat for more than eight hours a day. And less than half of these people said they had little to no physical activity during the course of an entire week – an incredibly discouraging and embarrassing fact that ranked the U.S. near the bottom of world rankings.

Not a big deal. Think again. Studies conducted by leading organizations like the National Cancer Institute and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) revealed that “sitting for 5-6 hours a day watching TV still increases mortality rate by 50%.” Other signi cant consequences include a slew of life-altering problems like obesity, depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s.

But take heart, it doesn’t take much to incorporate

DeLuca Family

Chiropractic

at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com 2309 Hwy 516 in Old

Bridge, NJ

By Dr. Anthony DeLuca, Director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, New Jersey

exercise into your weekly schedule. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Americans should get “at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity.”

Sound daunting for those of us who have done little to nothing for the past few months, let alone the past few years? It doesn’t have to be if you just simply break the workouts into smaller sessions. If all you can manage is a ve-minute walk, do it. Eventually, you’ll be able to work your way up to 30 minutes or more, while building strength and endurance.

For those in a time crunch, consider walking up and down a small ight of stairs a few times a day or even taking the dog for a brisk walk. Think also about the many ways exercise can be incorporated into daily everyday activities like shopping, cleaning or even yardwork. Walk around the entire perimeter of the mall before going into a store. Consider washing your car by hand rather than using a drive-through car wash. Mow the lawn as a workout and the opportunity to work up a sweat. The same is true of raking leaves and vacuuming the living

room—anything that gets you up and moving can be bene cial to your health.

Still not motivated? Think about the bene ts. Aren’t you tired of getting out of breath or tired when doing simple tasks? Don’t you want to keep up with the grandkids or play 18 holes of golf with a bit more gusto? Wear a fabulous dress or look good at the beach?

The key is to stay the path, while realizing there will be occasional setbacks. If you miss a day, pick it up the next. If you feel pain or something hurts, take a break. And if it continues, seek the advice of certi ed medical professionals that will not only help you to identify the problem, but keep you from injuring yourself in the future.

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.

OLD BRIDGE LITTLE LEAGUE OPENS SEASON WITH SPECIAL FIELD DEDICATION

Continued from page 1 co-ed baseball for players from 4-16 — the biggest cheers came for first pitches by Vincent Perschilli (Marines), Barbara Perschilli (Army), Ed Howley (Navy), Victor Rodriguez (Air Force) and Anthony Drago (Coast Guard).

“There is something so special about baseball, the memories, the friendships, the connections between parents and kids,” said league president Brian Howley. “Being out here today, seeing league members like Vinnie, who just turned 90 and has been supporting the league for some six decades, standing next to the parents of a 4-year-old tee baller playing for the first time, it just reminds you how baseball spans the generations and really helps stitch a community together.”

The newly dedicated field was showing off its offseason facelift, thanks to a year-long fundraising effort to replace and upgrade fencing. This year, the league is focused on raising funds for a site-wide fence upgrade.

U.S. Armed Forces Field joins OBLL’s First Responders Field, which honors the police, fire and EMTs who serve the community. As has become an OBLL Opening Day tradition, teams sponsored by the PBA #127 and South Old Bridge Fire Department squared off in a Pony division opener.

Old Bridge Little League has been a township institution since its founding in 1955, and now features facilities at both ends of town. The Route 516 complex boasts four fields. In Laurence Harbor, another five fields underwent offseason improvements, including refurbished dugouts.

U.S. Armed Forces field was showing off an offseason facelift, thanks to a year-long fundraising effort by the league’s families to replace and upgrade fencing. This year, the focus is a sitewide fence replacement. To contribute, contact OBLLPresident55@gmail.com.

HAUSER HILL FARMS OPENING MAY 1, 2023

Happy Spring from Hauser Hill Farms! We have been busy bees here on the farm getting ready for the 2023 season! The greenhouses are filling up and we’re getting ready to start work in the fields. Some of the winter activities we have been doing are such tasks as pruning the apple, peach, nectarine, pear, and cherry trees. We have also pruned the blackberry and raspberry bushes and the grapes. The strawberries have wintered over and have already had their first weeding. The tomatoes were planted in the high tunnel greenhouse at the end of March, so that we can begin picking tomatoes earlier in the season. The peach and apple orchards are in full bloom and the bees have started their work!

If you are getting ready to plant your garden, here are some tips from the farmer himself.

1.) Before planting, it’s a good time to prepare your soil. If you haven’t added lime, you may want to consider starting with a coating of lime along with a good layer of compost. Incorporating these thoroughly before planting will increase the organic and nutrient level in the soil.

2.) Be sure to rotate your crops and

avoid planting the same crops in the same spots year after year. This will help avoid disease and crop failure.

3.) Aim for Mothers’ Day as a plant date for most crops to be safe from frost or freeze.

4.) Come see us for your flowers and vegetable plants. We carry what grows best in our area and can answer any questions you may have.

Our farm stand is located at 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge or find us on Facebook or Instagram. We can’t wait to see you!!