OLDBRIDGE ALL AROUND
VOL 13, NO 9
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
IN OB NATIVE DRAFTED MEMORIAM, BY BOSTON RED SOX By Lena Gilman OFFICER PATEREK
It is with profound sadness that Chief Thomas Montagna and the Old Bridge Police Department announce the untimely passing of one of our officers. Officer Andrew Paterek, a young and dedicated member of the Old Bridge Police Department, passed away suddenly last night at his home. Officer Paterek served this department and our community with honor and dedication for the past 2.5 years. Though his time with us was brief, he made a lasting impact through his professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to public service. We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Paterek’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. Please keep Officer Paterek and his family in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss. Rest in peace, Officer Paterek. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. (Reprinted with permission from OB Police Dept).
On Monday July 14th 2025, Jason Gilman, an Old Bridge native, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, in the 16th round, as the 478th pick to Major League baseball. Career stats noted
include APP = 32, GS = 28, IP = 198.2, ERA = 2.58, whip = 1.09, SO = 261. From 18 months old his acuity in throwing was noted by his parents. Jason began playing t-ball
OB SALTWATER DAY 2025
Saltwater Day is a fantastic festival on the beach, located at the Old Bridge Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor on Saturday August 9, 2025, from 2pm -10pm. Admission is free to this fun filled day!! Come over and join us; we have vendors of every type, from toys, face painting, henna, jewelry, homemade doggie treats, all kinds of beautiful handmade
crafts, clothes, hats, handbags, and sunglasses just to name a few. The kids will love the rides and keep them busy for hours, we have mechanical rides, obstacle courses, bounces, and interactive adventures. Tickets are $2 each, 7 for $12 or a wristband for $25 ride cost is 1-2 tickets each. Stay for Lunch or Dinner our handpicked food trucks are
from the age of 5 at Old Bridge Little League. A perpetual team member in the OB recreational league, he was selected to play on district teams and travel ball. There he had countless opportunities to demonstrate and develop his baseball skills, and competitive nature. As the age cutoff worked, having a late April birthday, Jason typically played with teammates almost a year older, learning how to compete on the mound when you're one of the smaller kids on a team was part of his pitching development. Jason believed that challenges made him better. Facing older more experienced batters didn't deter him, but rather inspired him to compete harder, he believed if he wanted “to be the best he needed to compete Continue on page 12
serving some delicious dishes!! We have BBQ, Seafood, Greek delights, Latin Cuisine, all American Burgers and Hot Dogs to start off with!! Then on to dessert, our food court is loaded with all your festival favorites from Ice Cream, Ice’s, Zeppole’s, and fried everything!! The Laurence Harbor Fire Department will be back with the Beer Garden to wash down all that good food and rock the night away to the bands. $10.00 mugs and $2.00 tickets. Live Music starts at 5pm!! Bands TBA. We are hoping to wrap up the night with our annual spectacular Fireworks Show at 930!!! Any businesses out there who wish to contribute toward the fireworks show? Your company will be credited with your generous donation on our website, Continue on page 14
AUGUST 2025