Congratulations! Cottrell Farm Park, in Old Bridge New Jersey, has recently been recognized and received two prestigious awards. The recently renovated park contains a farm-themed playground and splash pad, walking paths through the apple orchards, restroom building, picnic area, parking areas, landscaping, stormwater management facilities and renovations to the existing five farm buildings. The Township is currently beginning the construction phase for a park pavilion as an added amenity to be used for additional picnic and event space.
Cottrell Farm Park received the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Excellence in Design Award. This prestigious award highlights the state’s most outstanding parks and recreation facilities, celebrating designs that enhance community spaces through innovation. Cottrell Farm Park earned the NJRPA Multi-Use Facility Award for its thoughtful design, which seamlessly blends historical preservation with modern-day recreation. Cottrell Farm Park was also recognized at the American Council of Engineering Companies New Jersey (ACECNJ) Engineering Awards
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A NEW ERA FOR AN OLD FAVORITE
The beloved local eatery, G'ZEPPS, has officially reopened its doors, marking a new chapter in a long history of family tradition, hard work, and exceptional pizza. Formerly known as Giusseppe's, the restaurant’s grand reopening on March 17, 2025, promises to bring fresh energy and a revitalized experience to both loyal customers and new guests.
The grand reopening of G'ZEPPS is more than just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a full-scale revitalization. The restaurant has undergone an extensive renovation, both in terms of its physical
RUNNING SAVED MY LIFE
By David Lee Hernandez Jr
I remember the day vividly. My wife, Stacey and I were outside in our backyard with our three children. She had just given birth to our daughter; our family grew to five. I recall
that day distinctly because my daughter was born right before a snowstorm in February 2017, and not two weeks later we had one of those bizarrely warm days that felt like spring. We took our newly expanded family outside and enjoyed the weather playing on the swing set and running around. I realized in short order that after chasing the kids around I was easily out of breath. I looked at my kids, my wife holding our third child and said to myself, “I have to be around for a while, I need to get into shape!”. It was around that same time I met Carlo Castronovo, the Owner of G’zepps (Guisseppes) and he invited me to a new gym named SETS. After about a month I finally made it to a class, and being out of shape, I was sore for days. After I wasn’t sore, I went back, and as expected, I was sore again, but this time not as long.
space and its brand identity. The new, contemporary design offers a warm, inviting atmosphere while preserving the welcoming charm that has always made the restaurant a favorite among locals. With its revamped interior, G'ZEPPS now boasts a sleek yet cozy dining experience, with comfortable seating, updated decor, and state-of-the-art cooking equipment that invites guests to relax and enjoy their meal. Their new pizza oven can cook a large pie in under 6 minutes! The journey of G'ZEPPS is deeply rooted in the rich history
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Then a week went by then two then a month. I’d drive the kids to school, go to work, head home, give the kids and wife a kiss then off to the gym, making it home to eat the meal alone and miss the kids at night as they were going down to bed. I was just starting to grow my business as an entrepreneur, juggling the demands of work and family. I soon realized that I couldn’t sacrifice family time to pursue my personal goal of fitness and the best way to accomplish this was to wake up and finish before anyone woke up. I started getting up every morning at 5am going to the gym, getting a full workout in and back home just in time to have breakfast with the family and drive them to school and get to work. I soon found a similarly motivated group of individuals whose schedule and lives were just as
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MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
Dear Old Bridge Residents, Spring is in the air here in Old Bridge Township. Hopefully, winter is behind us, and we can look forward to spending time outside and enjoying the warmer weather.
Mayor Walker’s Clean Team will kick off the litter program on Saturday, April 5th. Any nonprofit organizations who are interested in participating should contact the Clean Communities Coordinator at (732) 721-5600 x6107, or by emailing Recycling@OldBridge.com. Volunteers will be cleaning up local roadways on various weekends now through November. Please slow down in our town and drive with care. Let’s also make a difference by educating others about the negative impact that litter has on our environment and the appearance of the town.
The Parks and Recreation Department is in full spring mode getting our parks, fields, and courts in top condition for the upcoming season. The spring brochure is currently available and filled with programs for all age groups. The department is also
looking for summer camp employees for Camp Robin, Full Day Summer Camp, and Half Day Summer Camp. Please visit www. oldbridge.com/recreation to view the job vacancies, classes, activities, and recreational opportunities Old Bridge has to offer.
The Mayor’s Annual Health and Wellness 5K Race to honor our hometown heroes is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex. Registration will be at 7AM, and the 5K will start at 8AM. For more information, and to register, please visit oldbridge.com/5k.
The Old Bridge Township Cultural Arts Committee will host an Earth Day Celebration at the municipal complex Civic Center on Saturday, April 26th, from 2PM to 5PM. The event will feature arts and crafts, vendors, displays of student recycling projects, and a performance
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Debbie Walker
MESSAGE FROM WARD 3 COUNCILMAN KIRAN DESAI
As your proud Ward 3 representative, I’m excited to share the great things happening in our community.
Ward 3, located in the northernmost section of Old Bridge, borders Sayreville and includes the Parlin section of town. This area is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, and I’m honored to serve you. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in the transformation of former brownfields into solar farms, promoting clean energy. We are also eagerly awaiting the Transit Village, which will enhance accessibility and boost local businesses. Our ward already benefits from the Old Bridge Park and Ride, making commutes to New York City easier.
Public safety remains a top priority. The volunteers of the Madison Park and Cheesequake Fire Companies work tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods, while Old Bridge Township EMS (OBTems) provides excellent emergency medical care, along with our dedicat-
ed police force, which works around the clock to keep our community safe.
The Route 9 corridor continues to thrive with diverse shopping and dining options. The Gateway Shopping Center, home to numerous stores, features popular spots like Texas Roadhouse and Bubba’s 33. Across Route 9, additional shopping options include Kohl’s, Aldi, and Ollie’s.
Ward 3 is home to vibrant residential communities, including Central Park, Madison Park, Springhill Village, Cedarview Estates, and Brewster Circle. Apartment complexes like London Terrace, Parkwood, Nieuw Amsterdam, and Madison Gardens offer additional housing options.
Education remains a cornerstone of our community, with Madison Park Elementary shaping the future of our children.
It is an honor to serve Ward 3, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make our community even better.
Warm regards, Kiran Desai, Ward 3 Representative
Kiran Desai
SENATOR HENRY FIGHTS BPU RATE HIKES
By Senator Owen Henry
In a significant step forward, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee has voted to advance legislation that I proudly sponsor, aimed at modernizing how construction-related fees are paid to local governments. This bill, S3323/A4436, would require municipalities to accept electronic payments from construction contractors. Presently, while local governments are permitted to establish card payment or electronic transfer systems, they are not obligated to do so. My legislation seeks to change that, ensuring that contractors have access to more flexible, efficient, and streamlined payment options. Modernizing payment systems isn’t just a matter of convenience, it's common sense. Contractors often face unnecessary administrative burdens due to outdated payment processes. By mandating electronic payment acceptance, this bill provides a simple yet highly effective way
to support our construction industry and improve the operations of municipal government. Furthermore, by enabling contractors to file permits online, they are better equipped to assist residents.
Our construction sector is a cornerstone of economic activity and development. With this legislation, we take one step closer to ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive in a modern economy. I’m encouraged by this progress and will continue working to ensure its successful passage. Stay tuned for updates as we move forward and thank you to my colleagues on the Committee for supporting this important initiative. Together, we’re building a better future for New Jersey.
A DAY FULL OF EASTER FUN!
Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time for sunshine, laughter, and—of course—an epic Easter Egg Hunt! If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the season, Reformed Church Home’s Easter Extravaganza is the place to be on April 5, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM in Old Bridge, NJ. This isn’t just an egg hunt, it’s a full-on Easter celebration, packed with activities, music, food, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re bringing little ones to collect eggs, catching up with neighbors, or just looking for a great way to spend a Saturday, this event has something for everyone.
A Day Full of Easter Fun
• The Ultimate Egg Hunt – Picture this: kids racing across the lawn, baskets in hand, scooping up colorful eggs filled with surprises. It’s a classic tradition that never gets old!
• Games & Prizes – Test your skills, have some laughs, and win some awesome prizes while you’re at it.
• Easter Crafts – Get creative with some hands-on activities that make for the perfect keepsake.
• Live DJ & Music – What’s a party without great music? Our DJ will keep the vibes high with festive tunes.
• Local Vendors – Browse through a variety of vendors offering unique goodies and treats.
• Snacks & Refreshments –Because all that fun works up an appetite, we’ll have plenty of tasty bites to keep you going.
By Paul Pscolka
YOUR EMERGENCY ROOM: A LIFELINE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
As president of Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center, I want to assure you that our Emergency Room (ER) stands ready 24/7 to provide critical care when you need it most. While we encourage preventative care and utilizing primary care physicians whenever possible, there are times when the ER is the only place to receive the life-saving treatment you require. Understanding the vital role the ER plays and when to seek its services can make all the difference in a medical emergency. The ER is much more than just a place to go when you’re seriously injured. It’s a sophisticated medical hub staffed by highly trained physicians, nurses, and specialists equipped to handle a wide range of critical conditions. Dr. Michael Eagan, director, emergency services at Old Bridge Medical Center explains why the ER is essential and how it can help you: Immediate Care for Life-Threatening Conditions: The ER is designed to provide rapid assessment and treatment for conditions like heart attacks, strokes, severe
bleeding, and difficulty breathing. Every second counts in these situations, and the ER’s specialized teams are trained to act quickly and decisively. Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities: From state-of-the-art imaging technology to on-site laboratory services, the ER offers immediate access to advanced diagnostic tools. This allows our medical team to quickly identify the cause of your symptoms and initiate appropriate treatment. Specialized Expertise Around the Clock: The ER is staffed by a diverse team of medical professionals, including emergency physicians, surgeons, and specialists in various fields. This ensures that no matter the nature of your emergency, you’ll receive expert care from the appropriate specialist. Stabilization and Transfer for Complex Cases: If your condition requires specialized care beyond the scope of our ER, we can stabilize you and facilitate transfer to a higher-level trauma center or specialty hospital within Hackensack Meridian Health or your choice. This seamless coordination of care ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment, even in complex cases. 24/7 Availability, 365 Days a Year: Emergencies don’t adhere to a schedule. The ER is always open, providing a safety net for our
community, regardless of the time or day. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience:
• Chest pain or pressure: Particularly if accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea. These could be signs of a heart attack.
• Stroke symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, or a severe headache. Time is of the essence in stroke treatment.
• Difficulty breathing: Sudden onset or worsening of existing breathing problems requires immediate evaluation.
• Uncontrolled bleeding: Deep wounds, persistent nosebleeds, or coughing up blood warrant emergency care.
• Severe abdominal pain: Sudden, intense pain could indicate a serious condition requiring immediate attention.
• Sudden severe headache: Unlike any headache you’ve experienced before, especially if accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, or vision changes.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting: Especially if accompanied by a head injury.
• Major burns or significant trauma: Including broken bones, deep cuts, or serious falls.
• Seizures: Particularly prolonged seizures or a first-time seizure.
• Suspected poisoning or overdose: Involving medications, drugs, or chemicals. Your health is our priority. Don’t hesitate to seek emergency care when you need it. The ER at Old Bridge Medical Center is here to provide expert, compassionate care, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome in any medical emergency.
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
Patricia Carroll, President, Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Centers.
GOOD FRIDAY: A SACRIFICE OF LOVE – EASTER SUNDAY: A HOPE THAT RISES
Good Friday reminds us of sacrifice. Easter Sunday declares the triumph of hope—because the cross was not the end but the beginning of redemption.
For many, sacrifice has been a source of pain rather than hope. You may have longed for love from a parent, spouse, friend, or mentor, only to be betrayed or abandoned or perhaps just discouraged by the confusion of this present culture. If you carry wounds from those who should have cared for you, know this: Jesus understands. He, too, was betrayed, denied, and despised by those closest to Him. Yet, in the greatest act of love, He chose to lay down His life—not for the perfect, but for the broken. For you. The cross is where pain meets redemption, where injustice meets mercy, where your story can be rewritten. And Easter morning? It declares that brokenness
does not have the final word—hope does.
If you feel distant from God or uncertain about faith, bring your wounded heart to the One who can restore it. Jesus sees you. He knows your name. And He gave everything to make you whole.
This Easter, as many—including a surprising number of Gen Z—are rediscovering Jesus and the Bible, we invite you to take another look.
Join us at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge: Good Friday (April 18th) 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM. Easter Sunday (April 20th) 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM
Don’t let past wounds keep you from healing. Come as you are. Hope is alive, and it’s waiting for you.
Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley Senior Pastor
A NEW ERA FOR AN OLD FAVORITE
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of its founder, Carlo Castronovo, who opened the restaurant in 2007. Carlo’s story is a familiar one to those in New Jersey’s culinary scene—one shaped by a deep family commitment to the art of pizza-making. Carlo hails from a long line of pizzeria owners, with his father, Francisco Castronovo, opening Santino's Pizzeria in Parlin, NJ in the 1970s. Carlo spent his formative years working at Santino's, where he learned the ropes of the restaurant business, from kneading dough to managing the daily operations. His brother Anthony Castronovo now runs Santino's, continuing the family’s legacy. In fact, Carlo's roots in the pizza industry run even deeper—he is the youngest of five brothers, all of whom own and operate pizzerias across New Jersey, with one even reaching as far as California. Together, they form a tight-knit group of entrepreneurs united by their shared passion for quality, authenticity, and community. Perhaps the most significant change, however, is the rebranding. The transition from Giusseppe’s to G'ZEPPS reflects a renewed focus on the restaurant’s New Jersey roots. While the name may have changed, the heart and soul of the restaurant remain the same. G'ZEPPS is still the
go-to spot for classic Italian-American comfort food, including the famous pizza that has earned the restaurant its reputation. The rebranding is a tribute to Carlo’s deep connection to the Garden State and its vibrant culinary traditions, all while embracing modern tastes and trends.
"We're so excited to welcome our guests back to G'ZEPPS," says Carlo Castronovo, owner and founder. "This reopening is not just about a fresh new look—it’s about celebrating the rich history of our family’s restaurants and showing our love for New Jersey. G'ZEPPS is about more than just great pizza; it’s about community, family, and creating lasting memories."
MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
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from a recycling magician. This event is free of charge and open to the public.
Round one of spring leaf collection will begin on Monday, April 21st in all wards. As a reminder, all leaves must be placed in paper leaf bags as plastic bags are not accepted. We will spend a few days in each ward and appreciate your patience while collection is underway. For the full schedule, visit oldbridge.com/recycling.
I hope to see all our residents taking advantage of the many activities Old
Bridge has to offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our coaches, parents and volunteers that work so hard to keep our children active and safe.
Finally, I hope everyone had a blessed Ramadan last month, and I wish everyone a Happy Easter and Passover with their loved ones.
Please continue to stay safe and be well.
Mayor Debbie Walker
COTTRELL FARM WINS 2 AWARDS
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Dinner with a Distinguished Award. This event brought together leading engineering professionals from across the state to honor projects that have made a significant impact in NJ communities.
Congratulations to Old Bridge Township for leading this project, French & Parrello Associates for their innovative design while preserving history and Precise Construction Inc., for delivering the park amenities on time and under budget. For continual project construction updates visit www.oldbridge.com/projects
RUNNING SAVED MY LIFE
By David Lee Hernandez Jr
Continued from page 1 busy but sacrificed the comforts of a warm and cozy bed to make their health a priority in the early AM hours. Early mornings might not work for all, but for me and my family it made sense. I worked out, cut out the garbage food, ate healthy and the weight slid off. My energy increased, my mental focus and sleep improved, as well as my confidence. I’ve never had a hard time sleeping since. My gym became a second home, made great friendships and was inspired to take on fitness challenges that I would have thought crazy to do. A group of us even started running races which took us all over the country. We would work out in the morning, set our nutrition for the week, get a couple of weightlifting sessions in and find parks, trials and roads to run on. Running never came naturally to me and most of all I didn’t like it. But the mentality soon turned to, “If I don’t like it, I need to be self-disciplined to LOVE IT”, and thus my running journey started. The best piece of advice I received was from the owner of SETS, Anthony Kapasakis, who told me to get a heart monitor and start heart training. Heart rate training involves monitoring your heart rate via a watch or heart strap during exercise to ensure you are working within specific intensity zones, which can optimize endurance, fat burning and overall fitness. By training this way you quickly learn your body and when you are pushing it to be anerobic (building cardio) vs anabolic (burning fat and building muscle). Over time you know your “heart rate” especially when training for marathons, ultras or any intense race such as Spartans and Triathlons. Fast forward eight years and I’ve run hundreds of races, reached running PR’s (personal records), achieved goals lifting, finished the NYC Marathon a couple of times and finished with a few podiums. I also had the opportunity to create the Old Bridge Township 5k down 516! It’s been a lifestyle that inspired coworkers, family, friends and the community on their own paths of healthy living with their own unique way of achieving their goals. Then in October of 2024 my life changed. I was with my daughters, hunting on our farm in Morganville, and as we walked to the pickup truck to head home, I realized I left my gear at the stand. It was no more than 200 yards away and since the sun was going down, I told them to go to the car and I would run to the tree stand and see them in 2 minutes. As I began to run I noticed that I had an elevated heart rate and jaw pain which was unusual. I normally wouldn’t feel that for at least 10-15 minutes at the pace I was. I brushed it off with “Bro-Sci-
ence” thinking I am losing my speed, getting old, or after hundreds of ads on social media I must have low testosterone. I brushed the symptoms off, but it bothered me. Later that week I was with my son at a hockey tournament in New England and needed to get something out of the car, and I used this opportunity to push through my “out of shape old man body” and run to the car, same thing except I was exhausted and pale. Fatigued, I went to bed.
Still not feeling right I made a call to a fellow contributor to AAOB, Pat Carroll the President of Old Bridge Medical Center who recommended I speak immediately with a Cardiologist. I was taken back, “Me, go see a Cardiologist”. I thought to myself, “I’m 42, I just ran NYC, its probably heart burn.” Sitting in his office the next morning telling him the symptoms and how I felt my heart, I was told it could be serious. I was advised to take a stress test which being a runner thought I would breeze through, I lasted only six minutes, before the nurse ended the test. I knew that wasn’t good. The Dr came in and said he would get me in surgery first thing in the morning for cardiac catheterization. His words were profound, but the speed and development of the issue caught me off guard. I believe my family and friends were the most shocked, of all the people I was the last they thought would have heart disease or an issue. The Doctor told me to go straight to the hospital, but I didn’t listen, maybe it was the Funeral Director in me, but I wanted to go home, have lunch with my wife, write some notes to my kids and pull out the EMERGENCY folder.
The next morning, I had my procedure, awake! As I was being wheeled out of the operating room, my doctor came over and told me the news, I was 90% blocked in the LAD artery, aka the Widowmaker. So serious, that a catastrophic event could have happened at any time before, but had I not had the procedure, certainly after and it would have been lethal.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity that many may not receive, in having time to identify symptoms, having a great medical team and the love and support of family and friends. Significant life changes are often a series of small decisions that you follow through on. The birth of my daughter, a warm February day, inspiration to become fit, meeting Carlo and Anthony, training with a heart monitor, making a phone call to Pat along with a host of events small and big led me to being here.
As I close, I think of a dear friend of mine who was an avid runner that was diagnosed with cancer. He had beaten it once before and ran several big races but
the second time it came back much more aggressive, and he was terminal. No longer able to run, he loved vinyl records, as we listened to his music, this visit I was his friend but also his Funeral Director to help him prearrange his wishes. When we finished, he asked me, “Did you run today?”. I told him I didn’t with legitimate excuses, and he said something to me that I have never forgotten, he said, “There will be a day when you cannot run. Today isn’t that day.”
Find your inspiration, it doesn’t matter what clothes you buy, what gym you go to, or how much you spend, you need to simply just start. There are plenty of amazing gyms and trainers in our town that will fit everyone’s needs and style. This year on April 26th, Old Bridge Township will be hosting its Annual Run for Hero’s 5k. Perhaps this is the small decision that you need to save your life or the life of someone you love. Running might just save your life.
HEALTHY KIDS DAY AT THE OLD BRIDGE FAMILY YMCA!
Local families are invited to YMCA Healthy Kids Day, a free community event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at the Old Bridge Family YMCA. At Healthy Kids Day, part of a national YMCA initiative, children and families will enjoy a wide variety of activities aimed at motivating and teaching kids how to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and stressing the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Local businesses, nonprofits, and
other community groups, such as Old Bridge Library, Old Bridge Police and Fire Departments that support children and families, will be present at Healthy Kids Day to share resources that help strengthen kids and families.
“The Y is proud to bring our community partners together for a day of sharing good health,” said Christopher Nasta, Executive Director of the Old Bridge Y. YMCA activities will include:
• Fitness Classes
• Mental Health Resources
• Summer Camp & Child Care Info
• Facility Tours & Program Info
• YMCA Job Fair
• Arts, Crafts, Snacks & Giveaways
All Healthy Kids Day participants will receive a complimentary one-week family pass to the Y, and non-members will have a chance to win a free, three-month family membership.
Families are also welcome to attend Healthy Kids Day at the Freehold Family YMCA, the Red Bank Family YMCA, and Camp Zehnder.
For more information about Healthy Kids Day, membership or how to support the Y, visit the nonprofit’s website at ymcanj.org.
