Anyone whose ever baked an apple pie knows the importance of using the freshest ingredients and following the recipe carefully to create something special. At the Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society, they’ve been following a recipe for over half a century. That recipe is for the Apple Festival, a celebration that brings together hundreds of people each year to celebrate the history of Old Bridge Township, enjoy fresh baked goods and kick off the holiday shopping season.
If you’re familiar with the expression, “the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts”, you know why an apple pie tastes better than just apples, sugar and flour by themselves. Everything come together and creates something new. This is why the Apple Festival has been such a success for so many years: teamwork. The team behind the the Apple Festival works very hard each year to make every event better than then last.
Amongst the notable pillars of production are Carol Sicinski who wrangles up volunteers year after year to ensure there are enough people to help with getting things in place; Pat Schuck, the
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LAURENCE HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
terways, and part of the New Jersey Transit Railway. With the complexity of the area the LHFD covers, they are also often called for Mutual Aid in surrounding areas since they have various apparatus, and the volunteers are trained in many different Firefighting techniques and rescues. When the LHFD originated they had limited apparatus such as the 1925 REO Speed wagon and the 1937 Ford. The LHFD Fleet has grown since then to over 9 apparatus including, 3 pumpers, a rescue truck, a brush truck, mule, 2 marine units and still a 1956 Ford. Operating as all volunteer is often challenging for a Fire Department as you are constantly looking for new members; the
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AMBOY BANK TO HOST FOOD DRIVE
Nearly one million New Jerseyans are impacted by food insecurity, and the access to affordable and nutritious food continues to affect even more families on a daily basis. Amboy Bank has
been New Jersey’s local bank for over 135 years and an integral part of their community minded mission has been to support their clients and employees, many of whom are often also their
families, friends and neighbors. Being a part of the local community for over a century, Amboy has a deep understanding of some of the challenges people are facing, like food insecurity. As such, Amboy is kicking off their annual food drive on Halloween for their monthlong event taking place in all 22 branches, at the administrative offices and online. In addition to bringing in boxed and canned donations to any Amboy branch, customers will also have the added convenience of making monetary donations to any of the listed organiza-
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State Parkway, the local wa - of men and women of the local
MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
Welcome to the month of November. The cool, crisp fall season is fully upon us, school is well underway, and harvest activities 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 supporting all our local athletes. I would like to remind residents that Tuesday, November 5th 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.
The 57th annual family-friendly Apple Festival will take place on Saturday, November 9th from 12pm-4pm at the Old Bridge Civic Center. This event, presented
by the Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society, will include lots of vendors , delicious apple pies, scrumptious desserts, hot dogs, snacks and refreshments. This is the perfect family event to help kick off the holiday shopping season.
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 9th from 8am-12pm. Please visit oldbridge.com/ recycling for the list of accepted items.
Reusable bags can now be recycled at the Township Recycling Center! Public Works has partnered with Goatote to recycle reusable cloth bags. Goatote will wash and donate gently used bags to local food banks. This bin is for cloth bags only, no plastic bags will be accepted. For more details, visit OldBridge.com/Recycling.
I would like to congratulate the Laurence Harbor Fire Department who recently celebrated their 100th Anniversary! The Township thanks all the current and former volunteers for their devotion and acknowledges their 100-year dedication to the residents of Old Bridge.
All Township offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance
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FIND CALM THIS SEASON WITH ELLIE: NAVIGATING HOLIDAY AND ELECTION STRESS
The holiday season and political events, such as elections, can significantly contribute to stress and anxiety for many individuals. Juggling family gatherings, managing financial strain, and meeting expectations for gift-giving during the holidays often creates overwhelming pressure. At the same time, political events can stir strong emotions, heightening feelings of division and uncertainty. Together, these factors can disrupt routines and lead to increased anxiety, stress, and even depression.
To navigate this challenging period, prioritizing self-care is essential. Make time for healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. These physical activities can help stabilize both your mental and physical well-being. Setting boundaries is also important—limiting your exposure to social media or political news can reduce anxiety. Additionally, avoiding contentious political conversations during family gatherings can help preserve a peaceful atmosphere. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing, or
journaling, can help center your thoughts and reduce stress. These practices, combined with grounding exercises, can bring a sense of calm amid the chaos. Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether it’s confiding in a friend or seeking professional guidance from a therapist.
At Ellie Mental Health in Old Bridge, we are here to help you navigate the challenges of stress, anxiety, and mental health during the holidays and beyond.
Offering both in-person and virtual therapy, Ellie Mental Health is dedicated to serving the community’s needs with care and compassion. Reach out today to begin your journey to well-being.
YOUR VOICE IN TRENTON
By Senator Owen Henry
As Veterans Day approaches, I am reminded of the immense debt of gratitude we owe our veterans for their courage, dedication, and countless sacrifices they made in defense of our freedoms. Their commitment to our country, often at great personal cost, is a testament to their extraordinary character and patriotism. The bravery and resilience they have demonstrated, both in times of war and peace, serve as an inspiration to us all. Their selflessness and dedication have ensured the security and prosperity of our nation,
and for that, we are eternally grateful. It is crucial to also recognize and honor the families of veterans for their silent strength and invaluable support they provide. They bear a unique kind of bravery and resilience. The contributions of our veterans should not go unnoticed or unappreciated. The sacrifices they have made are the foundation upon which our nation stands, and we are forever indebted to them. As we honor you on Veterans Day, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your service and my continued support for you and your fellow veterans.
TREATING AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS WITH WELLNESS, GUIDANCE & CARE
By Dr. Anthony DeLuca Director, DeLuca Family Chiropractic
Choice of Pasta
Lasagna Layers of fresh pasta with mozzarella cheese, creamy ricotta and our fresh homemade tomato sauce
Baked Ziti Ziti pasta mixed with fresh ricotta cheese, mozzarella and our fresh tomato sauce baked golden brown. Topped with grated cheese
Stuffed Shells lled with ricotta cheese covered with our fresh sauce
Penne & Vodka Penne pasta with DeMarco’s famous vodka sauce
Choice of Half Tray Sides
Sausage Stuf ng sausage, celery onions, peppers, apples, bread & white wine
Roasted Sweet Potatoes, fresh sweet potatoes, brown sugar & butter in a light maple glaze
Mashed Potatoes, white mashed chef
potatoes whipped with butter & cream
Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms, spinach, ricotta, cream, Romano cheese
Broccoli & Garlic, fresh steamed broccoli with sautéed garlic
Sweet Baby Carrots, sautéed baby carrots in a light brandy butter sauce
Mashed Sweet Potatoes, marshmallows baked golden brown
Blueberry, Pumpkin, Coconut
in Old Bridge
Senator Owen Henry
MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
Continued from page 3
of 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. 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. I extend my best wishes to all our residents for a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Debbie Walker
WHEN CAN MY CHILD APPLY TO UNIVERSITY?
By Paul Pscolka
Deadlines are 11/1 or 11/15. For best advantage, a student should be the first to apply ED. Be done testing by June (SAT) or July (ACT) because the Common App(lication) (which is a website students go to to apply to many universities at once) opens August 1st. Students applying early can take the test as late as August (SAT) or September (ACT), and in some cases October (SAT, ACT). ED could confer the greatest advantage because it is binding–students who get in are committed. Universities love ED because it improves yield– the percent admitted who go–which improves rankings. ED could cause students the most stress. Admissions decisions for ED are made in mid-December.
Early Action (EA)
Deadlines are the same as ED deadlines. Early Action is non-binding. Early Action can still be an advantage, especially if a college has a bigger or more competitive than normal applicant pool applying regular decision. Applying early confers the greatest advantage to females, who apply in greater numbers than males and to disadvantaged students. Early action decisions are made in December and January.
Regular Decision
Regular Decision deadlines are typically January 1st or 15th. To be safe, students applying Regular Decision should be finished testing by November (SAT) or October (ACT) of senior year. However, taking these tests in December of senior year is usually not too late. Like Early Action, Regular Decision is non-binding. Applicants usually receive their decisions in March or April.
Rolling Admissions
Students applying to a university with a Rolling Admissions policy can apply as late as the summer before the academic term. Students might be able to test as late as March (SAT) or April (ACT), but December would be safe. Decisions are usually returned within a few weeks of submission. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at info@ivymasters.com 833-SATsACT (833-728-7228) www.ivymasters.com
SOBFD FIRE FIGHTER OF THE MONTH: JUSTIN IRIZARRY
Justin Irizarry joined the Keasbey Fire Department in 2012 because he is passionate about serving the community and helping others in need. His initial inspiration stemmed from his older brother’s selfless dedication to volunteering in Hopelawn. After his marriage, Justin and his family relocated to Old Bridge. In January 2024, Justin became a proud member. Justin currently serves as an environmental supervisor at Atlantic Response, where
A BREATH OF HOPE: LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION
Patricia Carroll, President, Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Centers
As president of Old Bridge Medical Center, I am reminded daily of the importance of proactive health care. This November, in honor of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I want to stress the critical role early detection and screening play in the fight against lung cancer. Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of cancer worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer accounts for nearly 25% of all cancer deaths, surpassing breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined. The majority of these deaths are linked to late-stage diagnoses when the cancer has already spread and treatment options are limited. However, there is hope: early detection
significantly improves survival rates. When diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type, rises dramatically.
The Importance of Screening
Lung cancer is notorious for being a silent killer, often not showing symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. This is why screening is so critical. A low-dose CT (LDCT) scan can detect lung cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be treatable. For high-risk populations, such as long-term smokers, regular screenings can be life-saving.
Dr. Kostantinos Poulikidis, a leading thoracic surgeon for Hackensack Meridian Health’s central region emphasizes the importance of these screenings, “the earlier we detect lung cancer, the greater the patient’s chance of survival. Low-dose CT scans are a powerful tool in identifying cancer before symptoms even begin to appear. For those at high risk, such as current or former smokers, screening should be viewed as essential, not optional.”
Lung cancer screening is recommended for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a history of smoking—specifically, those who have smoked a pack a day for 20 years or more,
and either still smoke or have quit within the last 15 years. Despite these recommendations, only a small percentage of those eligible for screenings actually receive them. The reasons range from lack of awareness to fear of diagnosis. This is a gap we must close if we are to reduce the mortality rate of this devastating disease.
As a health care institution, we have a responsibility not only to treat illness but to prevent it. Early detection is one of our most effective weapons in reducing lung cancer deaths, and we must do everything in our power to encourage people to take action. This Lung Cancer Awareness Month, I urge everyone—especially those at high risk—to talk to their healthcare provider about lung cancer screening. Early detection saves lives, and we are here to help you take that crucial
step toward safeguarding your health. Let us all take a breath of hope. By raising awareness, encouraging screenings, and supporting ongoing research, we can work together to save lives and turn the tide against this devastating disease. Remember, early detection is our most powerful weapon in the fight against lung cancer. Don’t wait, schedule your lung cancer screening today.
Scan the QR code to take a lung screening assessment today
HMH Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy: 530 New Brunswick Ave, Perth Amboy
HMH Old Bridge Medical Center Old Bridge: 1 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge
- All American Ford – 3698 Route 9
- Bagel Nook – 1071 Rt-34, Aberdeen
- Chick-fil-A – 770 Texas Rd.
- Columbia Bank – 2988 Rt 516
- Demarco’s – 1121 Rt 34, Aberdeen
- Giusseppe’s Pizza – 2581 Route 516
- Garden State Barber shop – 351 Maple Pl, Keyport
- Kearny Bank – 510 Rt 34, Matawan
- La Rosa Chicken – 3885 RT 516
- Old Bridge Public Library –1 Old Bridge Plaza
All Around Old Bridge, Old Bridge Business Alliance and The Chamber of Commerce.
- Quality Chevy – 1292 RT 9N Help support the children OVER 10,000 TOYS DONATED
- 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
- Old Bridge School of Dance419 Rt 34
- South Old Bridge Fire Station14 Throckmorton lane6am-6pm Mon-Fri
- Sprouts Farmers Market – 327 Rt. 35, Cliffwood
- The Max – 3879 Rt 516
- Top Tomato – 3105 RT 9, Old Bridge
- Uncle Louie G – 2590 Rt 516, Old Bridge
- YMCA- 1 Mannino Park
UNCOVER YOUR ROOTS: EXPLORE FAMILY HERITAGE WITH LIBRARY RESOURCES
This Thanksgiving, consider discussing your family’s heritage. Different relatives may hold unique pieces of your family’s history, but you may need extra resources to confirm details and trace your legacy across generations and places. As you embark on this journey, remember that the library has tremendous resources to assist you with discovering your family’s history. A library edition of Ancestry.com is available to you on site which provides you with federal census records going back as far as the late 1700s, as well as military records, immigration records, federal slave narratives, and many other types of documents that you will find helpful in your research. Through another library resource, Heritage Quest Online; you can explore Native American Census Rolls going back as far as 1885 and Freedman’s Bank Records between 1861 and 1875 to discover information on African Americans who may not have been listed within the vital records of that time period. Heritage Hub can help you identify the biographical information of an individual family member who
passed away long ago, using death notices, detailed obituaries and new articles where your family member was mentioned. These library databases allow you to facilitate searches based on any pieces of information that you have to start out with and there are many tools to help you sort through all the information gathered, organize and document your findings, and even work collaboratively with other family members as well.
On November 13th at 6:30 PM, local genealogists–Cherekana Feliciano and Janice Gilyard will present a program on general strategies for genealogical research for individuals of all backgrounds.
A BIBLICAL FRAMEWORK
Many of America’s founding fathers had a biblical worldview. Biblical principles guided the foundations of government, education, and business. They believed that people are inherently flawed by sin and fundamentally bent toward evil, even with a redemptive change of heart through the gospel. By understanding human nature, they knew people needed restraint by law and order, or society would descend into chaos. Therefore, we became a nation with checks and balances in government that no one person or group had complete power. And due to the influence of the Bible, America prospered and was generous like no other nation in history. A liberal view of people, however, is that they are basically good. It is society’s fault that they do evil things. When liberal views hold sway that society, not human nature, is flawed, they fixate on rejecting the present norms as oppressive. Social, not impartial, justice becomes king, and the oppressed overthrow or cancel the oppressors to equal the playing field. Critical theory, BLM, and LGBTQ+ ac-
tivism should become the new standard. Yet true justice relies on moral standards that are not subjective but grounded in an unchanging Creator’s design. Without these divine absolutes, we are left to wobble on the unstable pendulum of human opinion. Unless believers in objective truth and the Bible are revived and boldly speak the truth in love, we risk further moral decline. As of this writing the election has not yet taken place, but Barna’s research group projects that 40 million evangelical Christians and 30 million mainline Christians will not vote. If that happens, secular and liberal views will fill that vacuum, and we will move toward socialism. Perhaps then, when socialism fails once again, the human utopian dream will fail again and things will worsen. But hopefully people will cry out to God for mercy and get back to the Bible!
LAURENCE HARBOR FIRE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF SERVICE
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LHFD proudly has 24 Life Members, 29 current active members, which includes more than 6 new Probationary members who are working through the Fire Academy looking to graduate with their Firefighter 1
AMBOY
Certifications. Anyone looking to support the Laurence Harbor Fire Department can do so in many ways, such as donations, attending LHFD events, or even joining as a new volunteer firefighter!
BANK TO HOST FOOD DRIVE
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tions through Amboy’s Digital Banking Giving Center. Amboy is generously matching up to $100 per individual donation or total campaign match of $1000. Many customers look forward to visiting their Amboy branch on Halloween to see the extensive Halloween themed celebration kicking off the Food Drive. In years past, customers were delighted to walk into their branch to find they had been transported to Jersey diners, circuses, movie sets and other creative adventures, but the most important aspect of the Halloween festivities is to continue to support the local communities and to bring more
awareness to food insecurity in New Jersey. Each of the 22 Amboy branches choose the food bank their donations will go to, with most of the branches having formed long-standing relationships with their town’s food banks, including the Old Bridge Food Bank, Lunch Break of Red Bank and Open Door Food Bank. To find the nearest Amboy Bank branch near you, please visit AmboyBank.com.
Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley Senior Pastor
TIPS TO ADDRESS CAT AGGRESSION
By Anita Greenberg,DVM. member of Old Bridge Township Council since 2016
Cats are social in certain circumstances, yet the behavior and personalities of individual cats can create conflicts in the home.
The cat society is matriarchal, meaning that it is based on female bloodlines and bonding. In the wild multiple queens and kittens occupy a territory and may stay together. Once males are full grown, they will leave their mother’s group and seek other female territories. When fights occur over territories and resources, the losing cat will move to another area where it may be more welcome. Timid cats may flee the group whereas more aggressive cats stand their ground. In the home, hissing, and biting may be observed. Dominate cats may guard food and water bowls, litter boxes, and prime lounging areas. Timid cats may have difficulty separating themselves from the more dominate cat. This conflict may lead to anorexia, hiding, inappropriate elimination and other destructive behavior.
Prevention is the best medicine. When choosing more than one cat, it is best to choose female littermates or one male and one female to reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.
Spaying and neutering every cat in the home helps to reduce aggression behaviors. There should be multiple food and water bowls, litterboxes, and lounging locations. Providing toys in different areas of the home reduces competition among the cats.
Lack of mental stimulation may cause behavioral problems. Daily individualized attention per cat is important.
Most conflicts happen when a new cat is introduced to the home. New cats should be introduced gradually. Initially, the new cat should be placed in a separate room. The cats can smell each other through the door. Blankets and toys can be exchanged so the cats get used to each other’s scents. Switch locations so that the new cat can roam the house and put the other cat in the separate room.
Once the cats are accustomed to each other and there are no signs of aggression, they can then be allowed to see each other
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OLD BRIDGE UNVEILS NEW SAFE EXCHANGE ZONE
In September, Old Bridge Township introduced the Safe Exchange Zone in the parking lot of the Old Bridge Public Library. Two designated spots located in the library parking lot closest to the tennis courts provides the community with a secure place to conduct online transactions and safely exchange goods. The Old Bridge Police Department monitors this area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sitaara Patel, a local student at Old Bridge
High School and a member of Old Bridge Girl Scout Cadette Troop #82114, proposed the idea of the Safe Exchange Zone, as a part of her Girl Scout Silver Award. The Silver Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can achieve, encourages Girl Scouts to identify issues in their community and take meaningful action to address them.
Sitaara was inspired to propose this idea after her mother struggled to find a secure location when meeting people to exchange goods bought or sold on online marketplaces. After noticing that nearby towns designated a safe space for these types of transactions, she wanted to bring something similar to Old Bridge.
Sitaara presented the idea to the Mayor’s Office and worked with the Police Department, Public Works and Administration to bring this project to life. Additionally, Sitaara helped design digital marketing images and created her own website to promote the Safe Exchange Zone to the community. At the October meeting, Old Bridge Township Council presented Sitaara with a Certificate of Recognition for
TIPS TO ADDRESS CAT AGGRESSION
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through a gate. If there is no sign of aggression, they can start having direct contact. If a cat starts showing signs of aggression return them to separate locations. Sometimes it may take a month for them to acclimate. Pharmaceuticals may be considered to treat behavioral problems but must be used in conjunction with behavioral modifications.
Pheromones use may be appropriate, such as Feliway, to make a cat feel
A GOOD RECIPE
By Jeffrey Kagan
Continued from page 1 master chef who works with even more volunteers to bake several apple pies and other treats; and the “Eighties Ladies”, a group of cheerful octogenarians whose name we won’t mention out of chivalry — we must never disclose the age of a lady. They manage the kitchen which brings in a significant amount of the day’s fundraising efforts. Lastly, Jeffrey Kagan is the Apple Festival Chair. He coordinates everything to bring everyone together for a recipe for success. Teamwork makes the dream work! The Apple
more comfortable in its environment. With slow introduction and behavioral modification, the likelihood of inter-cat aggression can be greatly reduced, and the cats will become best buddies.
Festival will take place at the Old Bridge Civic Center on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 12pm-4pm. Free admission! www.thomaswarne- museum.com.
