This month, we will honor those who lost their lives during the horrific attacks on our country on September 11th, 2001. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. First responders, civilians, and countless heroes displayed extraordinary courage in the face of an unimaginable tragedy. We also remember the families forever changed, and the lasting impact this day has had on our nation. Our yearly remembrance ceremony will be held at 6pm on Thursday, September 11th at the 9-11 Memorial Site located near the Library in the Municipal Complex. The ceremony will be moved to the Silver Linings senior center building should it rain. Please visit Oldbridge.com and the Town's social media pages for more information.
This solemn occasion allows us to honor those local residents and all those who lost their lives during this devastating day in our history. We must never forget.
OLD BRIDGE DAY IS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
Please Join us on Saturday 9/20 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm,rain date of September 21st, at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex. We will be opening the day with our traditional ceremony which Mayor Debbie Walker will be presiding over.
We will have live bands performing all day – TBA and vendors of all kinds from Crafts, Toys, Clothing, Accessories, 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.
Old Bridge Township Depart-
ments 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.
Calvary Chapel will be sponsoring the kids’ corner, the theme this year is “Carnival” it is completely free and fully equipped with Carnival Games, Rides,
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YMCA OF THE JERSEY SHORE "WELCOMING WEEK"
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore will open its doors to all during national Welcoming Week, Sept. 13-20, reaffirming its commitment to creating a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging, no matter their background. Our membership branches will be free and open to all, and we are waiving the enrollment fee for new members during Welcoming Week.
The annual event is hosted at YMCAs across the country in partnership with Welcoming America, a nonprofit that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and community-building with a strong focus on newcomer immigrants. By bringing people together, we’re embracing the rich diversity within our communities and helping to encourage un-
derstanding and respect for one another. Whether you're here to enjoy a Zumba dance class, share a meal or learn about valuable resources, Welcoming Week is a time to celebrate what unites us as a community.
A Week for Everyone
During Welcoming Week, new residents and long-time neighbors are invited to come together to swim and workout at the Y at no cost. Many events focused on wellness, culture and community will happen throughout the week at four Y locations in Monmouth and Middlesex counties.
Let us come together to celebrate our shared humanity and
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MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
Dear Old Bridge Residents, I have an important message I’d like to share. The Township has been receiving numerous phone calls, e-mails and complaints about the recent 4th quarter tax increase. I would like to provide clarity on what’s behind the numbers and ensure everyone understands where their tax dollars are going.
Please note that the largest portion of the increase is driven by school taxes, which account for approximately 60% of the total property tax bill. The school tax levy rose by 13.87% this year, significantly contributing to the overall change. In contrast, the municipal tax rate increased by only 1.58%, reflecting the municipality’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient service delivery.
It is also important to note that the Township ONLY has control of the municipal portion of your tax bill, which is 16% of your total taxes.
We’ve worked hard to keep the municipal portion of the tax increase as low as possible, even as we continue to face rising costs. It is also very important to note that
we do not control, nor do we have a say, in what the tax levy for the school should be. It is based on their budget. For more information on the school budget, please reach out to the Board of Education at 732-566-1000.
My staff is available to answer resident questions and will continue to promote transparency in all budgetary matters. Residents can review detailed tax breakdowns and budget information by visiting www. oldbridge.com/Finance. For additional information or assistance interpreting your tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector’s office at 732-721-5600, ext. 2999 or by email at taxcollect@oldbridge.com. Thank you.
Debbie Walker
YOUR VOICE IN TRENTON
By Senator Owen Henry
I want to take a moment to extend my best wishes to all the students in Old Bridge as they return to school. To our youngest learners stepping into classrooms for the first time, to our high school students preparing for the next stage of their journey, and to everyone in between: may this school year be filled with growth, discovery, and achievement. To those who graduated and are moving on to college, trade schools, or entering the workforce—congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Your hard work has brought you to this moment, and I know you will continue to make Old Bridge proud as you pursue your dreams and contribute to our community and beyond. When the Senate convenes this fall, I will be focused on several key priorities: Fixing the Broken School Funding Formula (S2): Our current system has
left our districts underfunded, resulting in unfair and targeted tax increases. I will fight to restore fairness and stability to school funding so that every child receives the quality education they deserve while stabilizing the local school tax obligation.
Protecting Family Farms from Eminent Domain Abuse: Family farms are the heart of New Jersey’s heritage and economy. I will work to restrict the use of eminent domain that threatens these vital lands and the families who steward them.
Making New Jersey More Affordable: From property taxes to everyday expenses, affordability remains a top concern. I will continue advocating for policies that ease the financial burden on working families and seniors such as energy, insurance and property tax relief.
I remain deeply committed to ensuring that our schools, families, and communities have the support they need to thrive. Together, we can build a future where opportunity is abundant, education is strong, and our communities are protected.
Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:10-16*, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing and the issuance of a New Jersey certification of ownership for, Honda Accord, 2010, 1HGCP 2F41A A1444 09. Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017.
INSPIRED LIVING AT REFORMED CHURCH
As the warm summer months are almost over, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect— with yourself and with others. At
Reformed Church Home Assisted
Living in Old Bridge, New Jersey, we believe that assisted living should enrich every aspect of your life: Body, Mind, and Spirit. Our community is here to support you with care, joy, and meaningful connection.
Inspired Living for the Body
Staying active is essential to well-being, and at Reformed Church Home, we make it enjoyable. Residents can take part in summer wellness classes and daily walks through our beautifully maintained grounds. Our team provides warm, personalized care rooted in dignity, respect, and heart.
Inspired Living for the Mind
Lifelong learning and curiosity never fade—and we embrace that fully. Residents enjoy engaging discussion groups, creative expression through music, art, and storytelling, and even intergenerational
programs that bring in young visitors and digital tech fun. It’s a vibrant way to stay mentally sharp and emotionally fulfilled. Inspired Living for the Spirit Spiritual well-being is honored here, with faith-based and inclusive gatherings that welcome everyone. Our community celebrates moments of peace, reflection, and purpose through meaningful activities and seasonal events that lift the spirit and foster deep connection.
Find a Community That Feels Like Home
Reformed Church Home is more than a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. We’re rooted in faith, committed to exceptional care, and inspired every day by the people who call this community home. Come in for a tour and see what makes Reformed Church Home so special. Fall in love with inspired living this summer. Call us at (732) 607-9230 to schedule your visit.
your time. That’s how healthy happens.
SEPTEMBER IS FILLED WITH FUN OPPORTUNITIES AT SILVER LININGS
By Kristin Agunbiade
As the summer winds down and autumn approaches, September is filled with exciting opportunities for Silver Linings at Old Bridge members to stay active, engaged, and connected. Come see what’s in store for September!
Outdoor Pickleball: Members can join weekly outdoor Pickleball classes, suitable for all skill levels, on Tuesdays in September. Our experienced instructor offers coaching to help participants improve at their own pace. A great opportunity to connect with fellow Pickleball enthusiasts!
Bollywood Karaoke: In addition to our popular Karaoke program, Silver Linings members can now enjoy Bollywood Karaoke! Members will gather on Thursday, September 4th to enjoy classic Bollywood hits in a lively atmosphere filled with vibrant music and dance. Be on the lookout for Karaoke and Bollywood Karaoke at Silver Linings!
Annual Luau: On Friday, September
12th, Silver Linings will host its Annual Luau at Palms Plaza Catering, nearby, in Matawan. The event will feature music, dancing, a cold bar, hot buffet, dessert and drinks. Guests are encouraged to wear tropical inspired attire and floral leis to celebrate Silver Linings spirit!
Health & Wellness Fair: The Annual Silver Linings Health & Wellness Fair returns on Thursday, September 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event features health screenings, chair massages, local vendors and more! Members are invited to bring friends and family.
Ongoing Activities: Each month, Silver Linings provides a diverse selection of ongoing weekly activities, including fitness classes, art instruction, bus trips, tech assistance, educational seminars, Mahjongg, Garden Club, Billiards, Bingo, crafting, and much more. Complimentary transportation is offered for members who lack alternative means of getting around. For more information, visit http://www. oldbridge.com/silverlinings , call (732) 721-5600, extension 6600, or stop by for a visit! We are located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza in Old Bridge.
WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS, THE HACKENSACK MERIDIAN OLD BRIDGE
MEDICAL CENTER EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IS READY TO
Each year, New Jersey emergency departments collectively see 369 visits per 1,000 population, or more than 3 million visits.
Reasons for going to the Reasons for going ED range from sprained ankles to cuts and burns and serious injuries suffered, say, in a car accident.
Another common scenario is when symptoms emerge such as shortness of breath, dizziness, unusual headaches or numbness or paralysis in a part of the body. These symptoms can stem from heart disease or a stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in the U.S.
But they don’t have to be. Getting to an emergency room quickly can make the difference between life and death, as well as reduce the likelihood of lingering damage and a diminished quality of life.
At Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center, we know that timing and
optimal care can make the difference if you find yourself in the midst of a critical medical emergency. We also know that many people might hesitate to go to the ED, envisioning crowded and chaotic spaces, and opting to ride it out at home in the hope that symptoms will subside.
That is why three years ago, to provide even better care to our community, we debuted an expanded, state-of-the-art ED that spans 24,000 square feet and serves pediatric to geriatric patients.
Care is enhanced with faster arrivals thanks to more ambulance bays and on-site technology that provides faster diagnostics and treatment. We take your comfort seriously, so our ED has 25 beds that are in private rooms, four rooms for patients experiencing mental health emergencies and a sensory room to accommodate our autistic patient population.
I’m proud of the many prestigious recognitions our emergency services, as well as our hospital in general, continue to receive. They include the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award,
which honors emergency departments.
As Richard Ortiz, our Director of Nursing, Raritan Bay & Old Bridge Medical Center Emergency Services, puts it, in case of a stroke: “It’s better to be safe than sorry. Get to the Emergency Department immediately if you're experiencing sudden changes in vision, balance, speech, or are experiencing numbness of the face or extremities. Doing so can greatly affect your clinical outcome for the better."
The same applies to cardiac emergencies.
As patients come into our ED, they are assessed according to the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), which is a 5-level triage algorithm used in emergency departments to prioritize patient care based on acuity and resource needs.
For those coming in with symptoms such as blurred vision or severe headaches, our priority is to get a CT scan if there’s a suspicion that it can be a stroke. Then we set out to identify the kind of stroke. Ischemic strokes, the most common, result when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is obstructed. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs
in the case of weakened blood vessels, such as aneurysms. And in a transient ischemic attack, a clot temporarily blocks blood flow to the brain and often dissolves but can signal a forthcoming full-blown stroke.
In the case of chest pains, for example, we act quickly to see if it’s a cardiac emergency, or something like indigestion, where pain and discomfort can mimic a heart issue. Remember, don’t wait, don’t try to self-diagnose. If your symptoms are too severe, call 911. Have your medical records, including a list of medications you are taking, handy–this is a good move to make ahead of time. Ensure that a trusted loved one has access to this information in the event that you’re unable to provide it to medical personnel. When the unexpected happens, you can expect us to be here for you.
Patricia Carroll, President, Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Centers.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN SAT
By Paul Pscolka
Students and parents often want to know how to best prepare for an SAT.
Some assert it is to simply repeatedly take practice tests. It is not. Others argue it is to take a class. Not really.
Still others swear by private lessons. That doesn’t cut it either.
While the above 3 can be contributing factors to student success, I’d like to share what I’ve found to be most helpful to students. Students should…
1) take mock tests. A student could be a rock star at 4pm…or in the comfort of their own home…or when they take a test in pieces. The problem is that students need to perform early in the morning, in a classroom environment, all in one shot. Mock tests ensure this.
2) do each question to the best of your ability, under timed conditions.
3) use the Bluebook App to go over the explanation to every question you had wrong. Then try to do all the questions over again that you had wrong without looking at any notes or explanations. It is the only
way to ensure you really know how to do it.
4) click on the Khan Academy link below the results of the practice test. Set the difficulty level appropriate to your ability level. Work on the categories that reflect your trouble spots.
5) click on the “Practice Specific Questions” link below the results of the practice test. These will be questions that are similar to the questions you had wrong when you took that practice test.
6) practice and study for an hour each day. If you play baseball and watch film once per week but never practice during the week, you will be a terrible baseball player. Test prep is no different. If you, the parent, would like a sense of direction—whether or not you want paid prep—book a me for a consultation. I’d be happy to advise you on how your child could best reach his/her potential: https:// www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation/
We are living in a time of deep uncertainty. Political unrest, economic instability, wars and more wars, natural disasters, and the rise of division across communities can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even hopeless. Add to that the disturbing increase in hostility toward people of faith—especially Christians around the world who face imprisonment, violence, and even death for their beliefs— and the weight can feel unbearable. It’s no wonder many are asking: Where is hope to be found?
As a pastor, I believe that hope isn’t found by ignoring the reality of suffering, but by facing it honestly. Two thousand years ago, Jesus prepared His followers with these words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Those words still ring true today. They acknowledge the brokenness of our world while pointing us toward a
greater reality—that evil, injustice, and despair do not have the final word.
History shows that when life is darkest, people often rediscover the strength that faith can bring: courage to endure, compassion to serve others, and confidence that there is meaning beyond the chaos.
The Church, at its best, rises in times like these not with fear but with love—feeding the hungry, comforting the hurting, and offering light in the shadows.
Whether you consider yourself religious or not, there is an invitation here. Hope is not naïve optimism; it is a steady anchor that looks beyond today’s turmoil. For Christians, that anchor is Christ, who promises peace, purpose, and a future.
And perhaps that is what our world needs most—people who live not paralyzed by despair, but strengthened by hope.
Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley Senior Pastor
BridgeLife Thrift is a wholly owned, single member LLC of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ with all proceeds supporting Bridge Women’s Center, and Calvary Christian School.
OLD BRIDGE DAY IS SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 20TH
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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 Mayor Debbie Walker 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.
OLD BRIDGE REPUBLICANS
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
• Moody’s AA1 Bond Ratings
PUBLIC SAFETY
• Balanced budgets and long-term planning
• Fully funded police department
• Supporting our First responders
SMART INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS
• Paving roads and fixing drainage systems
• Upgrading parks and community facilities
PRESERVING OUR TOWN
• Fighting Trenton mandates
• Advocating for responsible growth and preservation
Kevin Garcia Ward 1
Darin Accettulli Ward 2
John Reilly Ward 3
Tony Paskitti Ward 5
Carl Von Stetten Ward 6
YMCA OF THE JERSEY SHORE "WELCOMING WEEK" SAVE YOUR VACATION
We all have a story. We were a young family with two children. We each had 2 weeks of vacation and sick days from our jobs. Each year, we would split the days the kids were off from school. We would ask friends, family, and neighbors for coverage. Summer
camp, winter and spring break helped, but nearly every month
we had to juggle who was going to watch them on those random days off. If 10 days went to childcare, what was left afterwards?
The time with their grandparents was priceless. Family vacations were memorable, but the rest of the days, being shuffled around or home watching TV were…eh.
That’s when the concept started to formulate. A TRIP-A-DAY, an ADVENTURE, a MOMENT of CHILDHOOD to be remembered.
We needed childcare, but couldn’t keep taking days off. We couldn’t keep asking favors from family and friends. We needed childcare, but wanted to use our time for VACATION.
EPIC DAYZ is childcare- with a twist. Our staff are CPR certified, insured caregivers who are from a community of people that work with kids and love watching them discover things.
We created EPIC DAYZ as a program that has a TRIP for every day. We have a 1:6 ratio of Adventure Guides to children, with Adventure Coordinators that oversee all. Our goal is to make these days count for your child.
Our program is not for everyone, yet everyone is welcome. It is not by town nor district, it is by volume. We have limited spaces of 200 children per location.
Visit us at www.epicdayz.com.
EPIC DAYZ, it is Epic for the children and E-Z for the parents.
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commit to building bridges. Welcoming our neighbors is not just an act of kindness; it is an investment in the future of our community. At the Y, we are proud to lead this charge, ensuring that the YMCA of the Jersey Shore remains a place where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
For details on Welcoming Week activities at each location visit https://ymcanj.org/ welcomingweek-2025. For information on Y membership or volunteering, visit www.ymcanj.org.
Follow the Y on www.facebook.com/ yjerseyshore to connect with the Y community.
ARTS & JAZZ FEST
The Old Bridge Township Cultural Arts Committee proudly presents Arts & Jazz Fest at Cottrell Farm Park on Saturday, September 27, from 3-6 pm. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community!
Enjoy a soulful lineup of jazz performances featuring 3 amazing ensembles. B.D. Lenz Quartet, led by acclaimed guitarist B.D. Lenz, plays a smooth blend of jazz, funk, soul, and rhythm and blues. New Orleans Renaissance, a vibrant brass ensemble, delivers an authentic experience rooted in early jazz, Dixieland, and swing traditions, and brings that vintage New Orleans jazz energy to life. Our last perfor-
mance, Eric Daab Trio, led by guitarist Eric Daab, plays a modern, genre-blending twist on jazz, crafting instrumental jazz-fusion covers of iconic pop and rock tunes.
As the music fills the air, stroll through our gallery at the historic farmhouse, showcasing the works of talented visual artists from across the region. From vivid paintings to striking sculptures and stunning photography, there's something to inspire every art lover.
Situated just around the back, by the new pavilion, visit our various vendor stands, offering hand-made craft items. Food trucks will be on site as well to serve up delicious options.
Re-Elect Re-Elect
Rob CLIFTON Alex SAUICKIE Rob CLIFTON Alex SAUICKIE
In the Assembly, Clifton and Sauickie are leading the fight against the disastrous policies of the far-left Democrat majority in Trenton, that have made New Jersey unaffordable for the seniors and hard working families in LD12.
Rob and Alex will continue to:
FIGHT reckless Democrat Energy policies that have reduced generation and caused Energy bills to skyrocket.
WORK to get our fair share of school funding and restore funding cuts by Trenton Democrats
OPPOSE reckless Budgets & out of control spending that is making New Jersey unaffordable for seniors & hard working families.
BRING COMMON SENSE to Trenton. IT’S TIME to end the far-left, extreme agenda of Trenton Democrats.
