All Around Old Bridge-November 2022

OLDBRIDGE

IN MEMORIAM:

OB TOYS FOR TOYS KICKS OFF THIS MONTH

given hope and reassurance to those who have needed it most. Last season with your help we donated over 2,000 toys to Toys for Tots an amazing achievement in 6 weeks and with 10 local drop off locations, this year we have increase our drop off locations.

Last year during, Old Bridge has risen to the challenge time and time again of helping those

in need, including our locally owned businesses. The sense of the community and kindness has

Now, as we venture into a Holiday season again, the Old

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55TH ANNUAL APPLE FESTIVAL RETURNS TO OLD BRIDGE, NOVEMBER 12TH

By Jeffrey Kagan

for “Recreation in Old Bridge for Those in Need”. He dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of those who really needed it. He created programs for our special needs population and gave these participants a support system that has grown into a community which is more than just friends; it’s family. Over the years Pete grew a small program with a few dozen participants to the success we see today. The program currently has a variety of recreational educa tion, exercise, and socialization programs for our special need’s children and adults ages 5 and up; servicing approximately 150+ participants each session. Pete had such a huge impact

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Looking for the perfect holiday gifts? Get ready! On Saturday, November 12th, the Apple Fes tival returns to Old Bridge after a two-year hiatus due to the pan demic. This is the 55th Annual event which was conceived in the autumn of 1961 at the first meeting of the Browntown Parent-Teacher Association. This has become a yearly tradi tion in our town for over half a century, and now that it’s back,

expect the tradition to continue! Why apples? Apples have deep roots in Old Bridge? In 1831, the Cottrell family established a 150acre apple orchard just across the street from their home on the corner of what is now Cottrell Road and Route 516. For many, many years they produced crops of delicious apples and barrels of cider and brandy. To remember this rich history, the town cele brates each year with this festival.

The Apple Festival takes place indoors at the Old Bridge Civic Center. Dozens of vendors & exhibitors will be on-hand selling fresh honey, jewelry, socks, crafts, prints, floral ar rangements and much more. Lunch will also be available at the snack bar which will serve hotdogs, soda, water and desserts.

Stop by the 55th Annual Apple Festival to purchase fresh apple pies baked right here in Old Bridge from apples donated by Hauser Hill Farm. This event is a fundraiser for the Madison-Old Bridge His torical Society and the Thomas Warne Museum, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Toy donations can be dropped off for the Old Bridge Busi ness Alliance Toys For Tots Toy Drive. Please bring new, unwrapped toys. For more information, please visit www. thomas-warne-museum.com.

Mayor's office of Economic Development

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

supporting all our local athletes.

I would like to remind resi dents that Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day. Please take the time to exercise your right to vote. For information regarding this year’s election, please visit our website at oldbridge.com.

and make wonderful baskets to distribute to local families who are not as fortunate as others. If you would like to donate to the Old Bridge Food Bank, please call (732) 721-5600 x2022 or x6625 for more information.

Dear Old Bridge Residents,

It is my pleasure to welcome the month of November.

The cool, crisp fall season is fully upon us, school is well underway, and harvest ac tivities have been plentiful. The Township’s fall and winter youth sports are in full swing. I personally look forward to attending our local sporting events and going over to the John Piccolo Ice Arena to support our local hockey teams. Check out the full fall and winter lineup of programs and events at oldbridge.com. Additional information on high school sports can be found on the Old Bridge Public School website at obps.org. Please join us in

As a reminder, paint and fluorescent bulbs are accepted on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Township Re cycling Center. The next drop off date is Saturday, November 12th from 8am-12pm. Please visit oldbridge.com/recycling for the list of accepted items.

With the fall season upon us, it is also a perfect time to spend with family and friends. Thanksgiving gives us the op portunity to give thanks for all that we have and to spend time with those who are close to us. We must always try to remember those who need our help during the holiday season and perhaps donate to our local Old Bridge Food Bank. The volunteers at the food bank work very hard to collect food

Friday, November 11th is Vet erans Day. This day recognizes the service and sacrifices our vet erans made for this country. It is also a day to reflect and say thank you to those veterans for putting their needs aside to protect our freedom. As a reminder, Township offices will be closed.

Please continue to be on the lookout for this publication to keep well informed of the new projects in town as well as family events that occur throughout the year. I extend my best wishes to all our residents for a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.

Mayor Owen Henry

Mayor Owen Henry

THINK OLD BRIDGE

By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development

The first annual Old Bridge (Restau rant Week)

‘Taste of the Town” Fall Food Fest was well received. The townwide event allowed residents and others from the surrounding areas to visit our local food establish ments and partake in the specials each provided. It was great seeing people out and support the restaurants and great to see even some of the bigger food chain like our local Chick Fil A, Bubba’s 33 and Friendly’s participating. Here is a list of establishment that participated, and we also want to thank them for making the event a success for all.

Pine Tavern – 151 NJ34 Old Bridge NJ 08857

Dolce Vita Cucina Italiana - 42 NJ-34, Old Bridge, NJ 08857-

Chick Fil A located at 770 Texas Rd , Morganville 07751

Cafe Luna - 3679 US-9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Panini Bistro - 745 NJ-34, Matawan, NJ 07747

Friendly’s - 180 Ferry Rd, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Bagel Talk Café - 3175 US-9 N, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

BubbleLicious Lab - 4012 US-9, Morganville, NJ 07751

Bubba’s 33 - 1002 9, Parlin, NJ 08859

Grana Pizza Café - 25 Morris town Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747

Meliani’s Italian Deli - 3135 US-9, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Torino Pizza NJ - 57 NJ-34 South Amboy , NJ 08879

We look forward to the next Old Bridge Restaurant Week and seeing even more partic ipating. Mayor Office of Eco nomic Development Progress with a measurable difference

“Think Old Bridge” Shop, Dine and Buy Local Feature Business All of our businesses Visit the Mayor’s Office of Eco nomic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetowne do or Twitter @ twitter.com/ obedonj for more information

Mayor's office of Economic Development

OLD BRIDGE Pursuing Progress

FIELD HOCKEY TEAM EARNS FIRST EVER DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

By Katelyn Buchalter and Natalie Goldberg

cially impressive considering they won just three games last season. “Having a successful preseason gave us the confidence we needed going into confer ence play,” said junior Karina Cracchiolo, who is tied for the team lead in assists with seven.

an amazing end to our season.” Originally printed at KnightLifeOB.com Photos by Natalie Goldberg reprinted with permission from Kightlife Tim O’Neil

SOUTH OLD BRIDGE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

Vaughn leaves a defender behind her and looks upfield and controls the ball.

The OBHS field hockey team, 10-4 overall and 6-0 in the di vision, won the White Division regular season championship.

This accomplishment rates as a ground-breaking achievement for the program. “Winning the white division has been an honor as the first field hockey team to get a banner put up in school,” explained outstanding freshman Laila Vaughn, who leads the county in goals with 17.

The team’s success is espe

According to sophomore goalie Erin Parrett, who has 92 saves and shut outs in seven of the team’s 14 games, every player has contributed to the team’s success. “All of our players are great, but one person to really help the team with goals is Izzy Duval, and our defensive players, Gaby Malanga and Julia Testa, have also saved us from many goals and helped get the ball up the field,” said Parrett. With the regular season cham pionship already in the books, the team has set their eyes on the next prize. “Our main goal right now is making it to GMC finals,” said Cracchiolo. “We’ve worked so hard, and it would be

On Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Old Bridge High School, the South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company Celebrated 75 Years of Honorable and Dedicated Service to Old Bridge Township. The day began with an anni versary ceremony recognizing achievements and milestones in the fire companies history.

Commemorative Service Awards went to Lorraine (Denker) Shelters and Nancy Ritz. Lifetime achievement awards went to Joseph Czop; Bertus Shelters IV; Robert E. Verney Jr.; Martin Ruane; Richard Diaz; Kenneth Gibson Sr.; Eric Timmins; Harry Davis; David DeMarco; Thomas Hart; Robert Ritz Jr., Kenneth Gibson, Jr. and William Drake. Trailblazer award went to Firefighter Kristen Kellett. 75th Anniversary Committee

awards went to Chief Richard Dunn, Secretary and firefighter Lisa Lent, Deputy Chief Erik Sosa, Chaplin Kevin Davis, Fire fighter Anthony Campagna and Firefighter Timothy Chevalier. Proceeding the ceremony, the Fire Company Chaplin Kevin Davis blessed their new fire truck, Engine 327. The new Fire Truck was dedicat ed to all the members, past and present for their sacri fices over the last 75 Years. SOBVFC would like to thank the Old Bridge Community, Board of Fire Commission ers, District 3, Mayor Owen Henry and the Town Council, the Old Bridge Board of Ed ucation and our gracious and generous sponsors including Old Bridge Funeral Home, Pet Center of Old Bridge, Neder

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator

1. FOURTH QUARTER TAX PAY MENTS

November 4th. For additional information, residents should contact the Division of Tax Col lection at (732) 721-5600 x2999.

2. COTTRELL FARM PARK SITE IMPROVE MENTS – PHASE II

Himanshu R. Shah

The Township Division of Tax Collection will be open Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm during the fourth quarter tax collection period. The Tax Office will also be open from 9am-1pm on Saturday, November 5th, and from 8am-7pm on Thursday, November 10th. Payments can be made in person at the Tax Office, at the drop box located near the front doors of the Thomas J. English Administra tion Building, by mail, online through our website, and by signing up for automatic with drawal. For Homeowners who are enrolled in our automatic withdrawal program, your taxes will be withdrawn on or about

The township received five (5) bids on October 14th for the Cottrell Farm Park Site Im provements – Phase II. Precise Construction Inc. was the lowest qualified bidder. The construc tion work includes a children’s farm themed playground and splash pad areas, rustic farm house style prefabricated re stroom building, picnic/sitting observation area, stormwater management facility, utilities, and landscaping. Award of this contract is included on tonight’s consent agenda. Construction is scheduled for Spring 2023.

3. COUNTY ROUTE 516 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

Old Bridge Township has re ceived $350,000 from the Federal Transportation Alternatives (TAP) grant to construct nearly 2/3 mile of new sidewalk along the southerly side of County Route 516 from Higgins Road to Bennett Road to provide a safe route for pedestrians from Old Bridge High School to the Town Center District. A Com munity Information Meeting is being held on Thursday October 27th from 6-7:30pm in Con ference Room 201 to present an overview of the project, as well as invite participants to submit questions/comments to the project team. Following the meeting, the presentation will be made available through the Old Bridge Township website until November 11th with the opportunity to provide feedback.

TIPS FOR A THANKFUL THANKSGIVING WITH PETS

By Anita Greenberg, DVM

Dr. Anita Green berg 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 Thanksgiving is a wonder ful time to gather with friends and family, but be mindful of your pets.

If your pets get anxious or overly excited with a houseful of guests, try keeping them in a quiet room away from the action with a favorite toy and plenty of water. Be careful when opening doors to greet guests so your pets don’t try to escape.

Thanksgiving is all about the food. Feeding your pet a small piece of cooked turkey without skin or bones is all right. Remind your guests not to share food with your pets. Discard the carcass safely after carving. Even a small piece of bone can cause intestinal injury. Your pet may choke

on a bone that lodged in their throat or, if swallowed, the bone could perforate the intestine or cause an obstruction.

Turkey brine should be discarded immediately after its use. This salty solution can be toxic for your pet.

If using string to tie the turkey legs make sure to discard it safely. If in gested by your cat or dog, the string, along with aluminum foil used in roasting and other food preparations, can cause intestinal obstructions.

Fatty foods are difficult for your pet to process and may lead to pancreatitis.

Foods that contain onions or raisins are toxic for your dogs.

Remember to keep the trash bin secure and covered as it is an easy target for your pet to get into trouble.

Use caution around the hot stove, keeping your pets clear when the oven door is open.

Decorations such as lit candles, glass ornaments, ribbon and tinsel are also potential concerns.

Wishing you a wonder ful and safe Thanksgiving!

HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES WILL TAKE THE NEW SAT

“Put Down Your #2 Pencils. Forever” quipped the New York Times in their January 25th article. It is true. The SAT is going digital. This new test will be available outside the US in 2023. Current sopho mores will get their first taste of the new format as a PSAT in October 2023 before they take the new official SAT in 2024.

The test is section-adap tive, which means that, if a student does well on the first reading section, he or she will receive a more difficult second reading section. Since some students will have a more dif ficult overall test, the test will be weighted accordingly. Also, as a result of this format, the assessment will be cut from 3 hours to 2 and can still accu rately reflect the student’s ability.

There will be no more no-calc math section. Longer reading

passages with be replaced by short passages, which have just one question each, allowing the College Board to test students on a wider range of topics.

Students will can use their own computers or tablets or will be provided with one at the test center. Testing will not be done at home. Students will have more test dates and locations to choose from as a result of the digital format.

The test will still be scored out of 1600. Students will receive their scores more quickly than the current 13-day turnaround time.

Practice tests are now available. To see sample questions and their video solutions, visit https:// www.youtube.com/c/IvyMaster sLearningCenter/playlists and click on “The Digital SAT Sample Math,” “The Digital SAT Sample Reading and Writing,” “Digital SAT Test 1 math,” and “Digital SAT Test 1 Reading and Writing.”

The College Board plans to make a clean break from the paper format to the digital format, except in the case of 504 or IEP accommodations calling for a paper and pencil test.

We may see many current

sophomores flee to the ACT (as happened in the last SAT overhaul in March of 2016) since students (as well as universities) will know what to expect from that test. Also as in 2016, we may see students rush to take the old format test before the new one appears. Hey soph omores—what is your plan?

Suggestion for a topic? Ques tions about the new SAT? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ ivymasters.com 732-4856480 www.ivymasters.com

LIVING STONES

In Tuscany sits “The Leaning Tower of Pisa,” a grand bell tower with a nearly four-degree lean. Unable to support its foundation, the soft ground underneath gives this famous tower its tilt—because something is only as stable as the founda tion upon which it is built!

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

beauty, in addition to chaos and flaws. But visiting a bombed-out cathedral, no one would con clude the architect was an idiot. The apparent design was the result of intelligence, but it would be clear something happened to bring it to ruin. The Bible ex plains that what was amazingly beautiful went horribly wrong. What was perfect was affected by sin and rebellion against God.

have been created for a specific purpose. Then we can live our lives with meaning and value the lives around us. Thus, we will protect the unborn, speak out for the oppressed, love the unlovely, and genuinely care for the souls of all. Our lives will be abundant and satisfying. Truth is based upon the authority of the Bible, and we will live a life worth living by its precepts!

A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN RIGHT HERE IN OLD BRIDGE

The most important foun dation to be concerned about in life relates to the matter of origins: Do we have a Creator, or did we evolve from something which ultimately would have to come from nothing? (Being seeded by aliens only pushes evolution further back). If our lives are the result of an explo sion somewhere in space, we have no purpose—but if we are created, then we have meaning.

Some argue against creation because we see both order and

And it is that very sin within us that causes many to deny the existence of a loving Creator, instead choosing to follow the lonely path of self-worship and meaninglessness. Yet people cannot live without meaning, purpose, or hope, so it would seem obvious we were created!

Those abandoning the Bible’s answers for life have a consider able challenge deriving meaning for words like justice, right, wrong, and intrinsic worth. But since there is a Creator in heaven who “knit me together in my mother’s womb” and “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him, we realize we

Have you settled this question in your mind? It matters what foundation you build your life upon! Saturday, November 12th, and Sunday, November 13th, Calvary Old Bridge is excited to host Ken Ham, CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis, the Ark Encounter, and the Creation Museum, for all weekend services with a message entitled, “Divided Nation: Culture in Chaos and a Conflicted Church.” Discov er your origins and intrinsic worth. Learn more at ccob.org.

10 Lil Acres Animal Rescue farm is a little piece of heaven right here in Old Bridge. Debbie Molnar always had such a strong love and devotion to animals; she turned the farm into a rescue. She has 70 farm animals, all of them are victims of neglect, abuse, abandonment or worse. When Covid hit and everything shut down, she opened the farm to the public, with help from passionate volunteers. We have lots of fun family events that support our rescues, please visit our Facebook page 10 Lil’ Acre Rescued Aminal Farm for a full schedule. The cost to feed and care for these sweet animals is $5,000.00 per month, “If you’re looking for some where to bring the children to have a hands-on experi ence getting to know farm animals, this is your place. The love and compassion that Debbie and her volunteers have for these rescue animals will definitely put a smile on your face and warm your heart.”

If you would like to make a donation, they can always use the following items, Purina Equine Senior Horse feed, Friskies can or dry cat food, fresh bails of hay and bedding. We are always looking for volunteers to help, if you have some spare time. Come visit us at– 116 Texas Road, Old Bridge NJ we are open Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12pm – 4pm weather per mitting November 5th and 6th is Moo-Vember celebrating our cows, please visit our Facebook page for more information.

PARTNERSHIP WITH A VOICE FOR ALL FOUNDATION

All Abilities on October 9th at Lombardi Field in Old Bridge. The event had activities, music and lunch for all. This was an incredible event with over 250 people of all abilities par ticipating in unity to support SEPTA. They successfully raised $6000 which covered the cost of seven Communication Boards and supplies to frame them.

embraced this inclusive project and started their school year by building the wood frame around our Communication Board for Lombardi Field at the Bob DeMarco Stadium.

MARIA LUIZA KORTZ

MARCH 13, 1940 - OCTOBER 20, 2022

82 OF MATAWAN, VISITATION WAS HELD AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME IN MATAWN

JOHN RUBINO

Communication Boards are used to enhance and increase al ternate access to functional com munication through symbols, images, letters and numbers.

Communication Boards are becoming a popular addi tion to communities nation wide and are useful in many everyday locations such as restaurants, emergency ser vices, schools, parks, police/fire and senior citizen residences.

To obtain funds for this project, SEPTA held their very first Walk, Run & Roll 3k For

The Special Education PTA (SEPTA) worked with Dr. James Tuohy from the Old Bridge Public School District and Mayor Owen Henry & Mr. Matt Mercurio from Old Bridge Township and were able to place permanent Communication Boards at the following locations:

Lombardi Field at Bob DeMarco Stadium, Higgins Park, Geick Park, Mannino Park, Veterans Park

John A. Phillips Park (potential)

Laurence Harbor Wa terfront Park (potential)

Our very own Old Bridge High School Woodshop students

IN MEMORIAM: PETER PERO

our daughter from summer camp year after year; as she got older, I remember him telling me it was okay to move her to the adult program. That she would be okay!! And she was.

John Mayer, an Eagle Scout with Troop 129 and an OBHS Football Player, installed the Communication Board at Lom bardi Field and has designed an amazing beautification landscape around the board that will be fully accessible.

Diane Michael - President of The Special Education PTA of Old Bridge (SEPTA) ensured this to be a community project from start to finish. Our com munity is invested in diversity and inclusion. Everyone com municates differently and, as Michael often says, “it is our mission to identify needs of our residents and work together to provide accessibility to all.”

Key Contact: Diane Michael, SEPTA, demay_2000@yahoo.com

will do it just the way he would have wanted it done, for the children and for the families!

DECEMBER 11, 1959 - OCTOBER 17, 2022 62, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

ARLENE L. MACKAY

JULY 9, 1932 - OCTOBER 14, 2022

90 OF MORGANVILLE, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

ELEANOR WEISS MCGILL

MARCH 24, 1936 - OCTOBER 12, 2022

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

PETER R. PERO

JUNE 7, 1951 - OCTOBER 12, 2022 71 OF OLD BRIDGE, VISITATION WAS HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME, OLD BRIDGE

JOHN JEAN

JUNE 17, 1958 - OCTOBER 9, 2022 64 OF MARBORO, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

JOHN “SATCH” R. SANDERS, JR.

DECEMBER 22, 1946 - OCTOBER 8, 2022, 75 OF MATAWAN, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

on not only his family but also the community around him.

When we asked Claudia Puccio a long time Camp R.O.B.I.N Mom, what Pete meant to her family she said “When we think of Pete, we think of an ever-present smiling face. When I would pick up

He would ride the bus with the skating team to compete and always made sure the kids and chaperones were ok. When we went to cold Speed Skating practices in the winter, there was Pete to greet us with a smile, always asking how we were doing. He was the face of Camp Robin, the heartbeat of every single program cheering our kids on. He loved them all like they were his own; they would lovingly call him Principal Pete, which he adored. My family was truly blessed to have known him. Our children are thriving in a community they call Camp Robin all because of Pete Pero.”

Pete was truly the heartbeat of the Camp R.O.B.I.N program for the last 35 years, and his shoes will be hard fill. We will do it now, from here on out and we will do it for Pete! We

Not only did he touch count less community members and families’ lives, but he molded so many of his staff into the amazing individuals that they are today. When Kimberly Tengi was asked what impact Pete had on her and the community she said “Pete’s impact on our com munity was truly immeasurable. He was patient, empathetic, and kind to every individual he met. Pete was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light not only to his staff, but to the families that he worked with every single day. I, and so many of the Camp R.O.B.I.N. staff members, will use the skills and experience he taught us to carry on his life’s passion and help as many people as we can.

Pete’s legacy will forever live on in the individuals, sports, and programs he advocated and cared for so deeply.” Pete was a true gift to all the lives that he touched over these years, and he will truly be missed!

GRACE N. DEFAZIO

DECEMBER 17, 1951 - OCTOBER 7, 2022 70 OF MARLBORO, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

HAROLD “HARRY” CUNNINGHAM

MARCH 28, 1947 - OCTOBER 4, 2022

75 OF MORGANVILLE, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

PAUL S. CEDARDALL

MARCH 17, 1968 - OCTOBER 3, 2022 54 OF KINGSBURG, CREMATION WAS PRIVATE AND TOOK PLACE IN THE JERSEY MEMORIAL CREMATORY

MATTHEW MUDD

JULY 13, 1989 - SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 33 OF KINNELON, VISITATION WAS HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME, MORGANVILLE

(Above: Diane Michael fourth from left, Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry (2nd from right) and Old Bridge Township Public Schools Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs James Tuohy, Ed.D (right end).

ST. THOMAS SCHOOL TEACHER CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

On Friday, October 14th St. Thomas Scool celebrated the 50th Anniversary of one of our beloved teachers, Suzanne Hoos, at a surprise luncheon in her honor at Saint Thomas the Apostle Pastoral Center. Our township’s Mayor, Mayor Owen Henry, was there to present Mrs. Hoos with a proclamation!

This is Mrs. Hoos’ 70/50 year -70th Birthday (Septem ber) and 50 years of teaching.

Sue’s sense of service paral leled her mother and father’s. Her mom cooked for the priests at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church for decades. Mrs. Hoos

graduated from Saint Thomas the Apostle School in 1966, fol lowed by her graduation from Saint Mary’s in South Amboy and received her Bachelor’s degree from Middlesex College. Sue was 19 years old when she started teaching at Saint Thomas the Apostle School. Sue met her husband Gary of 43 years at college. Together they organized and participat ed in community theater all around the Old Bridge area. They co-founded GB productions and provided an arts center for com munity theater in this city. Ms. Hoos loves Disney and traveling.

Mrs. Hoos has taught Lan guage Arts and grammar to more than 4000 Saint Thomas the Apostle students, many have become lawyers, doctors, engineers, bankers, nurses,

teachers, a priest, parents and EVEN [POLITICIANS) LOL reference to our Mayor Owen Henry of Old Bridge. Mrs. Hoos has a few 2nd generation students where

she taught the parents of a student, she always teases it’s time to go when the third gen eration arrives in her class! She is also a published author of numerous romance books.

OB TOYS FOR TOYS KICKS OFF THIS MONTH

Continued from page 1

Bridge Business Alliance has joined hands again along with All Around Old Bridge and the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce to give back to our most prized community members, our chil dren, this season with a goal of 2,500 toys to donate, we can reach that goal this year with your help. Just think the smiles we will bring to the children this year. Each year, the residents and busi nesses of Old Bridge support those in need around the holidays by partici pating in our Annual Giving Event toys “Toys for Tots”, we will begin collecting donations through December 16h to help provide the much-needed joy the children deserve for the holidays. Over the last 2 years we have collected over 3,650 toys and watched as residents both from and outside Old Bridge lent a helping- hand to our struggling businesses; now our businesses are eager to return the kind gesture. With a donation from each of our businesses and residents, we can help provide toys for many children whose lives have not only been affected by the pandem ic, but who have always needed us.

Together, we can make these difficult times a little brighter by helping light up the world with the joy of our children.

To make your donation, call Anthony Cosentino 732-713-2295 or you can scan the QR code to donate.

Thank you again for your support.

*Please note, Old Bridge Busi ness Alliance is not able to di rectly accept donations*

OLD BRIDGE PARKS & RECREATION IS OFFERING THE FOLLOWING CLASSES AND EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

The John Piccolo Ice Arena is now open to the public on Mondays, Thursdays and through the weekend Paint a Ceramic Tree or Wreath November 18th 7pm – 9pm PRE-REG ISTRATION IS MANDATORY, register early this class fills up quickly. Colin Meany fundraiser Hockey Game November 25th John Piccolo Ice Arena - Time TBA

Our annual Holiday Celebration on December 13th at 6:30pm in the Municipal Complex – The Township Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting,

followed by pictures with Santa, Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Activities and more.

Cardio Kickboxing and Yoga classes are offered on Mondays & Wednes days all year long on a monthly basis

Open Basketball on Tuesdays and Open Volleyball on Wednesdays both held at the Ellen McDermott Grade Nine Center

Please visit our website at https:// www.oldbridge.com/page/recre ation for full information on ev erything we offer and how to regis ter; or join our Facebook page “Old Bridge Township Virtual Recreation”

Continued from page 6 lander Productions, Krispy Pizza, All American Ford, Campbell Supply &

Spartan, Paramount Assets, All Around Old Bridge, Bagel Boy, Tropical Hut, Custom Lawn Care and Landscaping

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.

LIBRARY DIRECTORS REPORT

Early Voting for the 2022 General Election will be held at the Old Bridge Public Library from October 29 through November 6, 2022 in the Large Meeting Room. Hours are: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

In addition to Early Voting, we have some interesting programs happening this month at the Old Bridge Public Library.

• NJ Beer: 381 Years & Counting will be presented by Tara Maharjan, Pro cessing Archivist for Rutgers University Libraries, on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 PM. Tara will discuss the long and complicated history of brewing beer in the Garden State. No registration is required.

• The Second Saturday musical concert series this month features Ellen LaFurn, jazz singer extraordinaire, as she per forms music from the Great American Songbook. Ellen will be singing on Saturday, November 12th, and the show starts at 1:00 PM in the Large Meeting Room. No registration is required.

• Coffee: Should it be your mug of choice? Coffee has undergone intense research and the findings may change the way you look at your morning routine. This program is presented by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County and takes place on

Thursday, November 17th at 2:30 PM in the Large Meeting Room. Register online, over the phone, or in person.

• Our monthly Book Discussion Group will be held on Monday, November 21st at 7:00 PM in the Large Meeting Room. This month’s selection is: “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett. No registration required, and copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk.

Please visit https://www.oldbridgeli brary.org/events to view a schedule of all the wonderful programs for children and adults at the Old Bridge Public Library. We are open 7 days a week, including Election Day, Veteran’s Day, and Black Friday, so stop by and say “Hi.”