OB OLD BRIDGE
OLDBRIDGE ALL AROUND
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
VOL 9, NO 8
PASSING OF OLD BRIDGE TOYS FOR TOTS OFFICER PETER KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 10TH, BENEDICT OVER 7,500 TOYS DONATED Old Bridge PBA Local 127 is mourning the tragic de at h of Peter Benedict, a dedicated officer and passionate father who passed away unexpectedly On Monday Oct 2. Officer Benedict was a resilient police officer and a former United States Marine Corps. He died suddenly leaving our entire Old Bridge community and family devastated. Benedict was a 31-year-old Old Bridge High School graduate and a former volunteer at the Old Bridge First Aid and Rescue Squad. He also served in the United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Letter of Appreciation expert rifle marksman pistol badge, and was then honorably discharged. “Peter was a very resilient police officer. He dedicated his entire life to public service and had many friends here and across the country. He was a true American patriot who adored his three children very much. Always having a smile on his face, he was truly a great person to work with and tremendous human being. He will be missed”.
The past 3 seasons, 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 given hope and reassurance to those who have needed it most. The past 3 years we collected over 7,500 toys for Toys for Tots an amazing achievement in 3 years. This year our goal is to donate 2,500 toys with additional drop off locations in the Old Bridge area. Now, as we venture into a Holiday season again, the Old 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 children this season, 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 businesses of Old Bridge support those in need around the holidays by participating in our Annual Giving Event toys “Toys for Tots”, we will begin collecting donations through December 14h to help provide the much-needed joy the children deserve for the holidays. 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 pandemic, 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. If you have a local business in town and would like to donate or place a donation box at your business email: anthony@allaroundob.com by November 13th. To make a donation, call Anthony Cosentino 732713-2295 or you can scan t h e QR c o d e t o d on at e .
DID YOU COME HERE FOR A PIE, SIR?
By Jeffrey Kagan
There’s a magical twinkle in the eyes of every child when mom brings out her apple pie. The aroma of this lukewarm slice of heaven transports each of us back to a time when we had not a care in the world. The perfect combination of apples, butter, flour, sugar and cinnamon has brought smiles to faces for centuries. A recipe for Apple Pie can be found in the first American Cookbook, published in 1796. Fast forward 165 years — to 1961.
Madison Township, NJ (present day Old Bridge Township) hosted its first-ever Apple Festival. At the time, the event was run by Pauline Drake and Gertrude Terpilli. Drake was the President of the Historical Society and Terpilli chaired the Apple Festival. Pat Schuck, an Old Bridge resident since 1959 recalls, “People came in to buy home-made pies. There were just a couple of craft vendors.” Years later, Pat would step up as the Apple Festival Chair. She now serves on the Board of Directors of the Madison-Old Bridge Twp. Historical Society. At 84, Pat continues to organize the pie production each year. When they are ready to begin, she heads over to Hauser Hill Farms.
The Hauser family has proudly donated the apples for years and years. Next, the volunteers meet in Pat’s kitchen and they start peeling, then slicing, mixing, and then preparing the dough with an assembly line that would make Henry Ford jealous. Pat uses her grandmother Elizabeth Nagy’s recipe for the perfect pie. Many other volunteers bake on their own, like Robin Zahn, and turn out some magnificent apple-creations! Pies and more on sale at the Apple Festival, Saturday, November 11th (12pm-4pm) at the Old Bridge Municipal Center. Craft vendors, exhibitors, food! Toys donations can be dropped off for the OBBA Toy Drive. Visit www. thomas-warne-museum.com.
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MAYOR HENRY MESSAGE It is my pleasure to welcome the month of November. The cool, crisp fall season is fully upon us, school is well underway, and har vest activities have been plentiful. Mayor Owen The Township’s Henry 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 supporting all our local athletes. I would like to remind residents that Tuesday, November 7th 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. As a reminder, paint and fluorescent bulbs are accepted on the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Township Recycling Center. The next drop off
date is Saturday, November 11th 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 opportunity 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 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. Saturday, November 11th is Veterans Day. This day recognizes the service and sacrifices our veterans 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 in observance on Friday, November 10th. I extend my best wishes to all our residents for a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Owen Henry
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SOBFD FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH: ERIK SOSA
Erik Sosa joined the South Old Bridge Fire Company in 2014 after relocating his family from the opposite side of the township. He previously served five years with the Cheesequake Fire Company. Upon membership with SOBFD as a trained firefighter, he quickly moved up the ranks and is serving his third year as Deputy Chief. Erik is married to Priscilla, and they welcomed their child to the family. Erik is a coach in the OB Little League, OB Basketball Association, and SWS Rebels.
Steve Mamakas Executive Officer Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
SHOP, DINE, AND BUY LOCAL
Feature Business
ALL BUSINESSES IN TOWN 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.
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GRAND OPENING SPECIAL Parties $500 for 2 hours includes 2 lg. plain pizza, water, juice, coffee, tea, plates & napkins
$400.00
Let your kids make a mess at my place
732.812.7207 109 White Oak Lane Old Bridge Kidzpartyplace.com Text or call for more information
OPEN PLAY Only $10 for 1.5 hrs (Tues,Wed & Thurs 10am-2pm)
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STUDENTS FIND THIS YEAR’S PSAT EASIER THAN THE PAPER-AND-PENCIL TEST The PSAT is a pivotal step in the college admissions process. Every year, students across the US anticipate this test as practice for the SAT and as a chance to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. However, recent reports indicate this year’s digital PSAT was met with relief, with students deeming it easier than the paper-and-pencil test. Traditionally administered on paper, the PSAT took a digital leap this year. The shift from paper to computer introduced changes in the testing experience; this year’s iteration raised some eyebrows. Students who had previously taken the PSAT reported that the digital format felt easier. One significant change students noticed was in the math, where the digital platform offered an embedded Desmos calculator, which students who knew how to use, found more helpful than their own calculator. This feature not only enhanced graphing capabilities, but also allowed students to focus problem-solving strat-
egies, rather than getting bogged down by manual calculations needed for the former PSAT’s no-calc math section. The transition to digital seems to have been well-received by students, with many acknowledging that it felt more user-friendly than the traditional paper-and-pencil test. While it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue, the easier experience could encourage more students to take the test seriously as a steppingstone towards achieving their academic aspirations. The reality, however, is that every PSAT is based on percentiles, which are not changing. For example, a 1350 is the 94th percentile of juniors for both digital and paper tests. Since this year’s PSAT had fewer questions than it did in years past, each wrong answer will be a greater detriment to a student’s score. Fewer questions wrong will lead to that same 1350…so, in the end, it is all a wash. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 833SATsACT (833-728-7228) www.ivymasters. com Use this coupon code to save $20 on any of our services: ALLAROUND20
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SOME PETS ARE NATURAL ESCAPE ARTISTS
By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 Pets can escape even with your pet. Make sure your pet’s chip with the best intentions. registration is up to date, and if you move If your pet is lost, contact or change your phone number, be sure the shelter immediately. to correct that information. If your pet is If your pet is not there, brought to an animal shelter or a veterinary leave a photo of your dog hospital, the chip can be scanned, enhancor cat with your person- ing your chance of recovering your pet. al information. Pet owners reclaim Celebrations, holidays and severe only 14 percent of lost dogs and four weather conditions can spell trouble for percent of cats that enter animal shelters. your fearful pet. Create a safe place in your There are steps to take which will home where your pet is secure for the dumake your pet less likely to roam. ration of the event. Put pets in a separate Spaying and neutering are critical. room to prevent them from escaping from Basic obedience training is import- opened doors as guests are coming and ant. Regular training helps keep your going. Provide food and water, a comfortpet engaged and stimulated at home. able bed and even soft music will be helpful. Select an appropriate collar or harness that fits your pet properly. If traveling or transporting your pet, make sure to use a secure carrier. Utilize an ID tag and rabies tag for proper identification. Keep accurate pet records, including a current photograph of your pet which can be used for flyers or uploaded online with a lost pet report in a nationwide database such as Petco Love Lost. Microchipping cannot prevent your pet from getting lost, but it can help reunite you
2023 POLLING LOCATIONS Polling Location
Address
Ward
Districts
Memorial School
11 Ely Ave. Laurence Harbor
1
1, 2, 5
Cliffwood Beach Fire House
53 Ocean Blvd. Cliffwood Beach
1
3, 4
Cheesequake Village Clubhouse
33 Galewood Dr. Matawan
1
6, 7
George Bush Senior Center
One Old Bridge Plaza Old Bridge
1
9, 10
Old Bridge High School
4209 Route 516 Matawan
2
3, 5
The Plaza Grande
1200 Falston Circle Main Ballroom
2
7
Madison Park School
33 Harvard Road Parlin
3
1, 2
Nieuw Amsterdam Village
25 Van Delft Dr. South Amboy
3
3, 4
Cheesequake Fire Dept.
113 Route 34 Matawan
3
6, 7
Alan B. Shephard School
33 Bushnell Rd. Old Bridge
4
1, 2, 4, 5
Walter M. Schirra School
1 Awn St. Old Bridge
4, 5
4, 7
James McDivitt School
1 Manny Martin Way Old Bridge
4
8
M. Scott Carpenter School
1 Par Ave. Old Bridge
4, 5
1, 3, 6, 10
Southwood School
64 South Wood Drive Old Bridge
5, 6
2, 5, 7
South Old Bridge Community Center
515 Marlboro Rd. Old Bridge
5, 6
6, 8
Voorhees School
30 Midway Road Old Bridge
6
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8
Carl Sandberg Middle School
3439 Route 516 Old Bridge
2, 4
2, 3, 4, 8, 9
Richard Cooper Civic Center
One Old Bridge Plaza Old Bridge
1, 2, 3
1, 5, 6, 8
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SPRING VALLEY TURKEY FARM IS A FAMILY-OWNED FARM IN OLD BRIDGE RAISING OVER A THOUSAND TURKEYS EACH YEAR! At Spring Valley, we understand the importance of Farm to Table eating. It truly provides better health and nutrition through whole, real food. Our fresh killed only a few days prior to Thanksgiving, unlike those processed in large industrial facilities and kept frozen for months. Our birds are tested by the NJ Department of Agriculture and processed by the USDA. The shorter time between the farm and your table, the less likely that nutrients will be lost from fresh, whole food. Buying a locally grown Spring Valley turkey ensures freshness every time, giving more moisture and tenderness then a store-bought turkey. Our fresh killed turkey is locally grown to be lean and flavorful in the most wholesome way. Always fresh, it has no added hormones, steroids or artificial enhancers, so you can feel as good about serving it as your family will about eating it. We are open the week of Thanksgiving where our local customers can come pick
up their Fresh Thanksgiving Turkey. All of our turkeys are sold oven-ready. They are inspected by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and also approved by the USDA to ensure the highest quality of poultry for your Thanksgiving. You can reserve an oven-ready turkey for your next holiday meal at our website SpringValleyNJ.com. Spring Valley Turkeys are a farm fresh poultry product rich in taste and flavor, perfect for this Thanksgiving !
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Hello from Hauser Hill Farms! We’re in the home stretch here on the farm and dealing with the aftermath of way too much rain! It definitely hurt some crops, but we will be able to help out with all your Thanksgiving needs! We will have broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, pumpkins, apples, potatoes, onions, greens and yams, just to name a few fall staples. Our homemade apple cider will also be available. It freezes well, so make sure to stock up for the upcoming
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holidays! We all wish you a blessed Thanksgiving with your friends and family! Come visit us at our farm stand, 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge Tuesday – Sunday 9-5, or at any of the weekly farmers markets we attend: Thursdays – Rahway Train Station, 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays – Highlands, Huddy Park 9am – 2pm and Sundays – Red Bank in the Galleria parking lot 9am – 2pm. Buy fresh, buy local! Thank you for your support of our family’s farm!
CALLING ALL COMMUNITY ENTHUSIASTS! Join Our Team as the Local Newspaper Volunteer Ambassador for Old Bridge Are you passionate about your town and love staying up-to-date with the latest local events and happenings? Do you have a knack for storytelling and connecting with people? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are seeking a dedicated individual to become the heartbeat of our newspaper as the Local Newspaper Ambassador for Old Bridge. As our ambassador, you will play a vital role in providing our readers with the most engaging and informative content about the heart and soul of our community. Responsibilities: Act as a liaison between the newspaper and the local community, gathering and sharing news, events, and stories. Attend various community events, representing our newspaper and building relationships with local organizations and individuals. Conduct interviews and write captivating articles that highlight the unique aspects of our town. Collaborate with our editorial team to contribute to future publications and special features. Work with our Digital and social media director to engage with our readers and promote our newspaper's content.
Qualifications: A deep passion for your town and a strong desire to share its stories with others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with diverse groups of people. Reliable and organized, with the ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity with social media platforms and basic digital marketing techniques is a plus.
Benefits: Opportunity to become an influential figure within the community. Build connections with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders. Gain valuable experience in journalism, writing, and community engagement. Flexible schedule that allows you to balance other commitments. Coverage of events at no cost Press Badge
To apply, please send your resume, a brief introduction about yourself, and a writing sample showcasing your ability to capture the essence of a local event to Editor@allaroundob.com by 11-30-23. We look forward to hearing from you and discovering the next Local Newspaper Ambassador for Old Bridge!
888-523-4331 - Editor@allaroundob.com - facebook.com/Allaroundob
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ALL ODDS: ISRAEL’S PROPHETIC JOURNEY
Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley Israel stands as a testament to divine providence in a world filled with unsettling geo-political challenges. True to 2500-year-old biblical prophecies, the Lloyd Pulley, modern state of Israel Senior Pastor was born on May 14, 1948, against a backdrop of global intrigue and mounting tensions. Quickly, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria rose to cut the nation off in its embryonic state—yet, Israel emerged victorious, against all odds, carving out its homeland by establishing the ‘green line.’ Following this came the Suez Crisis in October 1956, a military maneuver against Egypt by powers including Britain, France, and Israel. Then, the Six-Day War in June 1967, which led to Israel’s territorial expansion marked by the ‘purple line’—further evidence of the small nation’s big God. I have heard that military academies like West Point leave Israel’s wars out of their syllabi because, by tactical and strategic standards, they defy logic. The
sheer improbability of Israel’s successes—whether during the Yom Kippur War, engagements with the PLO, or various confrontations with Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Hamas—attest to a force beyond mere military might. From an evangelical biblical standpoint, the narrative becomes even more apparent. The sovereign hand of God is seen in His promises to Israel, whether to chastise them for their disobedience or to restore them following their repentance. Israel faced exile in Babylon for 70 years, as predicted by the prophet Jeremiah, and then returned. Jesus also predicted the destruction of the temple and Israel’s scattering through the world by the armies of Rome, but that they would one day return. In these turbulent times, it becomes paramount to recognize the spiritual dimension underpinning Israel’s journey. Please pray and act in ways to first bring peace with God through the gospel and also peace with each other.
All Around Old Bridge, Old Bridge Business Alliance and The Chamber of Commerce.
OVER 7,500 TOYS DONATED Help support the children
All Donations Are Appreciate
Holiday Event 2023 Online Giving & Drop off begins 11/10/2023 – 12/14/2023 DROP OFF
- All American Ford – 3698 Route 9 - Café Luna – 3679 Rt 9 - Chick-fil-A – 770 Texas Rd. - Columbia Bank – 2988 Rt 516 - Doughlicious – 2591 Rt 516 - Giusseppe’s Pizza – 2581 Route 516 - Kearny Bank – 510 Rt 34, Matawan - La Rosa Chicken – 3885 RT 516 - Old Bridge Public Library – 1 Old Bridge Plaza
To Donate online scan QR CODE
20 LOCATIONS 23
- Parlin Dupont – 389 Washington Road, office 2 , Sayreville - Pet Center – 2833 Rt 9N - ProFysio Physical Therapy – 2665 Route 516, Old Bridge - ProFysio Physical Therapy –1077 NJ-34 Suite M, Aberdeen Township - ProFysio Physical Therapy –510 NJ-18 East Brunswick - Quality Chevy – 1292 RT 9N
- Reformed Church Home – 1990, Rt 18 North - Retro fitness – 419 NJ-34 - Old Bridge School of Dance 419 Rt 34 - South Old Bridge Fire Station14 Throckmorton lane 6am-6pm Mon-Fri - The Max – 3879 Rt 516 - YMCA- 1 Mannino Park
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Let Us Cater www.giusseppespizzaoldbridge.com Your Holiday Party! 732-607-2066
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Mon-Thurs 11am - 10pm 2581 Route 516 Fri-Sat 11am - 10:30pm Billow Park & Shop Sun 12 Noon - 10pm
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OLD BRIDGE FIELD HOCKEY TEAM WINS DIVISION By Ritee Karmacharya The field hockey team clinched first place in the GMC White Division and looks forward to continuing to dominate. The team’s senior leadership and outstanding sophomores have made this start possible and set the team for future success. The girls clinched first place in the White Division on October 7 with a 6-0 shutout win over Sayreville. “This is my senior year, so winning the division is hopefully a good start to winning the entire GMC tournament!” exclaimed senior defensive-back Gabriella Malanga. The girls enter the post-season on a tengame winning streak where they outscored their opponents 41-7, bringing their record to 13-2. “Last season, we changed the program and raised the bar really high,” said sophomore mid-fielder Jamie Hazel. Sophomores Addison Albrecht, Adrienne Cabrera, Kyleigh Rhodes, Kyra Vella, Hazel, and Laila Vaughn have all made significant contributions to the varsity squad this season. “Laila is our scoring machine. Jamie and Kyra know that once they get the ball to her, she’ll do something with it,” shared senior captain Karina Cracchiolo. Vaughan leads the GMCs in points
with 68 this season, and she scored her 100th point of her career in the division-clinching win. “This makes me feel accomplished and confident in myself that I can keep on putting in work and effort to only get better,” said Vaughan. NJ.com named Sam Larkin and Ariella Lazoja Top 100 Juniors in the state, Vaughn a Top 100 Sophomore, and Cracchiolo one of the Top 100 Seniors. “I think this year we have an even stronger, and dedicated group,” said Cracchiolo. “We have all the tools we need to make it to the finals.” Originally printed at KnighLifeOB.com
Sophomore Laila Vaughan, who leads the GMC in points with 68, chases down and airborne ball.
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CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY AT CARL SANDBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Old Bridge Township Public Schools unveiled the first of three cutting-edge district E-Sports arenas at Carl Sandburg Middle School on October 3, 2023. The arena, which is also used as a classroom lab during the school day, features massive viewing screens with ten computer gaming stations and chairs. Esports is a popular extracurricular activity that increases student engagement, improves student attendance, offers plentiful opportunities in both STEM and social-emotional
learning, and prepares participants for higher education pathways as well as a wide-variety of professional fields. Adjacent to the arena is a flexible professional development space offering seating areas for teaching teams and Promethean boards for presentations. In the coming months, Jonas Salk Middle School and Old Bridge High School will unveil similar spaces. The arenas and professional learning areas have been funded using dedicated ESSER III grants.
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THE OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOW TO JUMPSTART WRITING YOUR BOOK WITH AUTHOR MARISA SANTORO SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH @ 2:00 PM
To celebrate National Novel Writing Month, the Old Bridge Public Library will be hosting author Marisa Santoro! Marisa is the author of Own Your Authority: Follow Your Instincts, Radiate Confidence and Communicate as a Leader People Trust (OwnYourAuthorityBook. com) published in 2021 by McGraw Hill. Marisa is a TEDx and keynote speaker, corporate leadership trainer, career coach and Old Bridge local who will inspire and walk you through how to navigate the writing and publishing process. She is also the CEO and founder of In Our Shoes - InRShoes.com a professional and leadership development training practice with a global community of mid-career professionals and senior leaders. This program will include an: • Author meet and greet • Presentation on getting started writing and preparing for publication • Author Q&A • Book giveaway • Light refreshments You can also watch Marisa’s 3-part televised interview where she sat down with Mayor Owen Henry to discuss the writing and publishing process. We invite
you to bring your questions from this interview to the library presentation where she will answer your burning questions about becoming a published author! To watch Marisa’s interview on “Old Bridge Outlook”, you can visit OBTV channel 15 (Cablevision), OBTV channel 22 (Verizon), the Old Bridge Township YouTube Channel (@OldBridgeTownshipNJ), the OBTV channel on Roku, Firestick and Apple TV as well as on the OBTV app on your Android phone and iPhone. “O l d B r i d g e O ut l o o k” a i r s Thursdays and Sundays at 6pm. This presentation is free and open to the public. Registration is not required to attend. For more information visit www.oldbridgelibrary.org
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