All Around Old Bridge-September 2023

BIOBLITZ CHALLENGES MIDDLESEX RESIDENTS TO BOOST NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH

The Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation will run a month-long BioBlitz in September 2023 as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Parks for Pollinators campaign. Open to all individuals, groups, and families, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a nation-wide, virtual event in which community members help to create a snapshot of the variety of plants and wildlife that can be found in any of the 11,000+ acres of Middlesex County parklands. Created in 2018, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a collaboration between the National Parks and Recreation Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. Community members participate by using an app to take photos of plants, insects, and animals found in the park, to see what wildlife is present in the park during the BioBlitz. This provides the park system with more information about local pollinators, which are essential to our ecosystem. Last year, 66 observers submitted 298 observations of 155 different species throughout 21 dif-

Continue on page 23

OLD BRIDGE DAY IS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Jewelry, Doggie Treats and more!

Our Food Court will boast all those good food trucks; take your pick from all the great staple festival foods we all love to indulge in now and then.

Please Join us on Saturday 9/23 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm at the old Bridge Municipal Complex. We will be opening the day with our traditional ceremony which Mayor Owen Henry will be presiding over. We will have live bands performing all day – TBA and vendors of all kinds from Crafts, Toys, Clothing, Accessories,

Old Bridge Township Departments of Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, Public Works, and MUA will be displaying their vehicles and large construction equipment that the kids can climb into and explore.

The Mayor’s office & Parks & Recreation has lots of free giveaways, along with a lot of the businesses in town as well.

Old Bridge Animal Shelter will be hosting an Adoption Day; with greatly reduced adoption fees of 20.00.

Calvary Chapel will be sponsoring the kids’ corner, the

REMEMBERING PETER PERO

theme this year is “Carnival” it is completely free and fully equipped with Carnival Games, Rides, Crafts, Calvary Motorcycle Club will be here for pictures on the bikes, and lots of free giveaways. Parking is limited, you can park at Carl Sandburg School and walk over to the municipal Complex or park at old Bridge High School parking lot and take a shuttle bus over. Several shuttles will be running back and forth all day long.

As always, we want to thank the Mayor and Council for allowing us to provide you with fun-filled events throughout the year. For more information, please check our website www.oldbrdige.com or call Old Bridge Parks & Recreation at 732-721-5600 ext. 4999.

On October 12, 2022 Old Bridge lost a beloved citizen and friend, Peter Pero. Pete had been the face of Old Bridge’s Camp R.O.B.I.N. and its largest advocate. Starting out as a small program, Camp R.O.B.I.N. grew into a program any township would be honored to have. It was under the direction of Pete

and his peers, that our differently abled and special needs neighbors had a place to call their own. From year-round programing, adult programs to the TIP ice skating program, each addition was personally influenced by Pete. But his impact went beyond Camp R.O.B.I.N., as he was a great friend to many throughout our community, but most importantly, he was a loving father, grandfather and husband. His impact to the many he advocated for may never be fully quantified as it was his selflessness and caring heart that will forever be remembered.

On August 11, 2023, a fitting

tribute to a great man was held. Just adjacent to the Camp R.O.B.I.N. building where Pete made such an impact, the Geick Playground Park was dedicated to his name. The heartfelt dedication ceremony was attended by many friends and loved ones of Pete’s in which his name and memory will forever be part of not only our memories, but now as a permanent symbol within out township. Mayor Owen Henry, Council President Mary Sohor and Councilman Kevin Garcia were deeply honored to be part of ceremonies that will cement Mr. Pero’s legacy into the future.

MAYOR HENRY MESSAGE

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is excited for the new school year and the events planned for September. I look forward to supporting our local sports teams and interacting with residents at the many activities planned around town. Please be mindful of the increased number of pedestrians, cars, and school buses on the road. Stay alert when driving, and be sure to obey the posted speed limit, especially in the school zones. This month, we will honor those who lost their lives during the horrific attack on our country on September 11th, 2001. It is hard to believe we have hit the 22nd Anniversary of this appalling event. Our yearly remembrance ceremony will be held at 6pm on Monday, September 11th at the 9-11 Memorial Site located near the Library in the Municipal Complex. This solemn occasion allows us to honor and pay tribute to those local residents and all those who lost their lives during this devastating day in our history. We must never forget.

We will gather for a happier occasion during our annual Old Bridge Day on Saturday, September 23rd from 12pm to 5pm at the Municipal Complex. The event features live entertainment, food, games, performances from local groups, vendor tables, and the opportunity to meet with Township and local government officials. Let’s hope for good weather!

I also want to thank all the residents who continue to show support to our local businesses. A wide variety of establishments have chosen to call Old Bridge home because of all it has to offer. Residents are the best support system for our businesses, and I am pleased to see our business owners receive the support they deserve. 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. Please continue to stay safe and be well.

Mayor Owen Henry

Mayor Owen Henry

WALKING FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS WITH BRADY’S VOICE

Celebrate the strength of community and the power of hope on September 10, 2023, at the 1st Annual Brady’s Walk & Mental Health Wellness Fair. This momentous event coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day, focusing on promoting mental health wellness and suicide prevention, especially among our youth. The event, hosted by Brady’s Voice, is an essential gathering for families, providing valuable resources and tools to aid struggling children. Engage with local businesses showcasing mental health services designed to help kids manage their mental health challenges. Gain vital knowledge about resources and solutions previously unknown, enabling a better understanding of the available support network. At the heart of this gathering is our mission - to help kids cope with their mental health. We strive to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, aiming to create

an environment that encourages open dialogues and understanding.

In honoring Brady’s memory, we passionately work to raise suicide awareness and foster a community of support for those grappling with mental health challenges. We firmly believe in the value of each life, and our goal is to ensure that everyone can access help and support when they need it most.

Join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Lombardi Field, Old Bridge, NJ 08857, for a day filled with unity, learning, and hope. The event begins at 10:00 AM featuring a 3-mile walk, a Mental Health Wellness Fair, many food trucks and live music by The E Street Shuffle, a very popular Bruce Springsteen cover band. Most importantly, there will be over 40 businesses explaining how they are helping kids cope with their mental health, like talk therapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy, yoga, meditation, karate and many more.

Let’s join hands in fostering mental health awareness and preventing suicide in our community. To find out more about Brady’s Voice, please visit www.BradysVoice.org.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SAT AND ACT

I’m often asked the differences between the SAT and ACT to determine which test will be the better option to maximize a student’s acceptances at universities. This is a great question because students usually do a bit better on one than on the other. One consideration is a student’s math ability. The SAT is half math. The ACT is one quarter math. Students whose math score is better than their verbal will often have a better SAT than ACT; a student whose verbal is better than math will often do better on the ACT. The choice is sometimes not that simple, though. Instead of a second math section, the ACT has a science section, which is just a test of reading comprehension and data analysis. There is typically only 1 question out of 40 whose answer is not provided in the text and graphics. Aptitude in science seems not to be as much of a deciding factor because the SAT also tests science, just differently. 2 of the 5 reading passages are science-based (1 is literature and 2 are history/social studies), 1 of the 4 writing passages is science-based (1 is history), and there are science-based and history-based math questions sprinkled throughout the math section. When we consider

content, math is usually the deciding factor. Another consideration is time per question. The ACT is a faster test. Students are given 36 seconds per English question as opposed to the SAT equivalent writing section where students are given 48 seconds per question. Students have exactly 60 seconds to answer an ACT math question, while they have 75 (sections 3) and 87 seconds (section 4) to answer an SAT math question. That being said, most students find the ACT to be more straightforward. Since the ACT is a test of speed, students with an IEP or 504 that includes extended time may have more of an advantage on ACT. While these differences merit consideration, here’s the kicker—half of the time a student is a better fit for one test on paper, but does comparably better on the other one…so why not take a mock test? You can sign up here https://www. ivymasters.com/in-person-practice-test/ using this coupon code: ALLAROUNDOB Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

DON’T TAKE LITTER LIGHTLY IF YOU WANT A HAPPY CAT

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

Little is said about litter box training, but it is essential to coexisting with cats.

If your cat refuses to use his litter box, consider the possibility he may have behavioral problems, medical problems or be following his natural instincts. When he does use the litter box, reward your cat with treats immediately.

Cats may not purchase their own litter, but their preference may not match your selection and changing the type of litter may be necessary.

Most cats prefer unscented, fine-textured litter about one to two inches deep. Cats have a keen sense of smell, much more sensitive than ours, and, therefore, a dirty litter box may contribute to litter box aversions. Clean the litter box daily, removing feces and urine clumps.

Have one more litter box than you have cats. Not all cats like to share their box. Location matters, too. Cats prefer a quiet spot that is away from feeding areas. Place a litter box on each level of your home. Avoid placing your litter box

near the washing machine or furnace. Bright lights should be avoided, also. If you have a dog, make sure your dog does not have access to the litter box.

Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, a problem cat regards it as an appropriate area to relieve itself. Clean the area thoroughly to eliminate any trace of odor. Do not use any products containing ammonia. It will attract the cat back to that area. A lemon scent air freshener helps repel the cat from using the area. If the cat soils in the same spot, use aluminum foil, sticky tape or paper to cover the area. Sometimes placing his food there will deter him from eliminating in that space as he will not soil where he eats.

You may need to retrain your cat by confining him to a smaller space, such as a bathroom or laundry room, with food and water on one side and the litter box on the other.

Covered litter boxes are designed for owners, not cats. If you have a covered litter box and your cat is soiling outside the box, remove the cover.

A healthy and happy cat will thank you with perfect litter box behavior.

GREETINGS FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS!

The one thing everyone looks forward to is our homemade apple cider. John won’t begin pressing cider until October, because it’s a certain blend of apples that makes the cider so good, and we have to wait for those apple varieties to be ready.

Fall is nearly upon us and as the summer begins to wind down, we are still in harvest mode here on the farm! September is a big month for us because we are picking almost everything we grow! Zucchini, peppers, eggplant, sweet corn, string beans, potatoes, tomatoes, plum tomatoes, several varieties of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, watermelons, cantaloupes, yellow peaches, white peaches and different varieties of apples.

As we move into the late fall, we will be picking greens, apples and winter squashes as well as all you’ll need for your fall decorations, mums, pumpkins and corn stalks.

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 – Keyport Firemen’s Memorial Park (across from the Fishery) 11am – 7pm, and 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!

LIVING STONES: SCRAPPY FAITH: A LESSON IN PERSISTENCE AND TRUST

In the biblical account of the foreign woman seeking healing from Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter (found in Matthew 15:21-28), we uncover a profound lesson about perseverance and trust.

Despite being an outsider to God’s chosen people, she displayed a level of faith that resonates across time and culture. Her journey offers a compelling reminder that pressing through, even when put off by followers of Jesus, is essential to experiencing the transformational power of Christ.

At first glance, the disciples’ response to her cries might mirror our initial reactions. In today’s world, where ‘safe spaces’ are preferred and sensitive egos abound, there’s a tendency to distance ourselves from the messy, complex struggles of others.

Yet the woman’s determination to encounter Jesus prevailed even through

His initial silence and His followers’ complaints. Her unwavering pursuit demonstrates that sometimes faith requires navigating through disheartening moments when we feel ignored and rejected. Her story illustrates that pressing forward, even when met with indifference, can yield unimaginable blessings. She teaches us that even when our beliefs are challenged, a scrappy faith firmly rooted in the unwavering truth of Christ’s love prevails.

In a world often marked by discouragement, misunderstanding, and the harsh treatment of those in pain, her story is a beacon of hope. My own story serves as a powerful testimony that faith doesn’t always operate in the realm of feelings or emotions. And this woman’s tenacity teaches us that despite obstacles, pressing through to Jesus is an imperative journey.

And as followers of Jesus, our task isn’t just to seek the easy and comfortable. Instead, we’re called to reflect His character by offering compassion, understanding, and grace to all who seek solace and hope—that others might find healing too.

Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor

Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley

OB CELEBRATED THE 40TH ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

On Tuesday August 01, 2023, members of the Old Bridge Township Emergency Services (Police, Fire, First Aid and OEM) celebrated the 40th Annual National Night Out. This was the first ever National Night Out hosted in Old Bridge Township. National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August in communities across the country every year.

This event brings together the public safety community, residents and community leaders to promote and support community relationships. Community engagement strengthens relationships with the residents of Old Bridge Township. Residents were able to meet with numerous members of the Emergency Services Com-

munity and see various equipment that these agencies have to protect the residents of Old Bridge. This year’s event featured activities for people of all ages. The events included free food including ice cream and hot dogs, lemonade stand, music, bounce house and a face painter. Residents were also able to see various Emergency Services Equipment and kids were allowed inside on various equipment.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our first ever National Night Out. It was a wonderful evening and we enjoyed meeting and talking to our residents. We plan to make this event bigger next year and look forward to supporting from the Old Bridge community.

SOBFD VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: WILLIAM BRIGHT

Originally from Highland Park, William joined their local fire department in 1996 after serving as a Combat Medic in the United States Army. Throughout his time in the Highland Park Fire Department, he was promoted to Captain. In 2019, William moved to Old Bridge, joined the South Old Bridge Fire Company, and was assigned to Engine Company #1. William is a full-time truck driver and enjoys spending time with my family. His Hobbies include hiking, motorcycles, and football.

BIOBLITZ CHALLENGES MIDDLESEX RESIDENTS TO BOOST NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH

Continued from page 1 ferent Middlesex County parklands. The most observed species was the American Pokeweed, and the most observed pollinator was the Western Honeybee. This year, community members will again use the iNaturalist app on their smart phone or tablet to take and submit pictures of plants and pollinators to see what species are present in any of Middlesex County’s parks or open space preserves during the month of September.

The photos and observations that users generate with iNaturalist — including participants in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz — are collected on the iNaturalist website and become part of a worldwide effort to gather information on biodiversity.

The data compiled through this event will be available for the public to view on the iNaturalist website and will be utilized by scientists. For more information, visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov/bioblitz.

HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES – OLD BRIDGE CELEBRATES

2 YEARS!

Time really goes by fast when you have fun!, says Laura Aliberti, coordinator of the Healthy Kids Running Series in Old Bridge. After an amazing Spring Season, with over 250 runners we are ready to continue with the mission of promoting a healthy life style to all kids. Thanks to the wonderful support of this great community and sponsors, HKRSOld Bridge chapter won the DISTINGUISHED HONOR AWARDS and THE OUSTANDING SPONSOR GROWTH AWARD for the Northeast Coast award.

Healthy Kids Running Series it’s inspiring boys and girls all over the country (ages 2-16) to believe in themselves and lead an active healthy lifestyle. The program also boasts the Challenger Division, an all abilities division for youth with extra support needs. This season’s first race will begin on Sunday, September 17 at 12pm in Old Bridge High School Practice Fields 4209 County Rd 516, Matawan, NJ 07747

Whether it’s running or another outdoor activity, we just want to get kids and families moving. Our races are kid focused with the ultimate

goal of teaching them how to be active and healthy while creating meaningful relationships within our community. Our Series is sponsored by the Mayor Owen Henry, Councilman Erik DePalma, All Around Old Bridge, Matthew Gregorin of Coldwell Banker Realty, Prime Time Mortgage Corp., The Max Challenge, Lightbridge Academy-Old Bridge and Function Forward Physical Therapy. Learn more at www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.

SEPTEMBER IS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

My wife was never sick a day in her life. In 35 years of marriage, I don’t recall seeing her take an aspirin. That all changed around Thanksgiving in 2017. Monica was having some trouble catching her breath. What we thought was walking pneumonia turned out to be a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. That’s the problem with ovarian cancer. Most often, by the time it is discovered it has already spread. It was in her lungs, she was diagnosed in Stage 4. Our lives were changed forever. Amazingly, through a combination of surgery, chemo and immunotherapy treatments, by the summer of 2019 Monica was in remission. In cel ebration, we took a long overdue cruise down the Danube River. The high light was a visit to the city of Salzburg Austria, where the Sound of Music was filmed. Monica always loved that movie and we re-traced the steps of the von Trapp family, singing and dancing to her favorite melodies.

When Covid hit in March of 2020, Monica was again feeling drained. The world had shut down. By the time we navigated our way back to MSK in NYC, it was already a problem. This time, the cancer came back with a vengeance. Monica went

through a series of treatments, but sadly, modern medicine could not save her. By June of 2021 she was in hospice. We planned a small wedding for our daughter Jess in July so we could celebrate together. Monica passed away one month later.

Last year, my four children convinced me to establish a charity in Monica’s memory. I wasn’t sure Monica’s legacy should be associated with the disease that ultimately took her life. But knowing how difficult this journey was for us, we wanted to make it a little easier for others, and most impor-

tantly, to help find a cure.

We established the Monica K Young Foundation and developed alliances with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the Drapkin Research Lab at University of Pennsylvania. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Please join us for our 2nd annual one mile walk this Sunday morning, September 10th at Bell Works in Holmdel NJ. You can support us with a donation and/or register for the event online at mkyfoundation.org.

Thank you!

David Young and family