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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
VOL 7, NO 5
OLD BRIDGE STUDENTS CONTINUE TO COLLECT LETTERS TO SUPPORT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Old Bridge Students Continue to Collect Letters to Support the Make-a-Wish Foundation Since his wish was granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation in 2012, OBHS student Anthony “AJ’ Silvestri has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the foundation through the Macy’s Believe Campaign in an effort to ensure that other children with life-threatening diseases can also have their wishes granted. This year, AJ is Continue on page 7
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SETS GOAL TO DONATE 2,000 TOYS THIS YEAR FOR THE TOYS FOR TOTS GIVING EVENT children, this season with a goal
Last year during the pandemic, Old Bridge has risen to the challenge time and time again of helping those in need, including our locally owned businesses. The sense of the community and kindness has given hope and reassurance to those who have needed it most. Last season with your help we donated 700 toys to Toys for Tots,
an amazing achievement in only 3 weeks and with only 1 drop off location, this year there are over 15 drop off locations in town. Now, as we venture into a Holiday season again, the Old Bridge Business Alliance has joined hands again with the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce to give back to our most prized community members, our
of 2,000 toys to donate, we can reach that goal this year with your help.Just think the smiles we will bring to the children this year. Each year, the residents and businesses of Old Bridge support those in need around the holidays by participating in our Annual Giving Event for ‘Toys for Tots’, we will begin collecting donations through December 17th to help provide the much-needed joy the children deserve for the holidays. Over the last 18 months, we have watched as residents both from and outside Old Bridge lent a helping- hand to our struggling businesses; now our businesses are eager to return the kind gesture. With a donation from each of our businesses and residents, we can help provide Continue on page 24
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Dear Old Bridge Residents, It’s hard to believe that we are now at the end of another busy, successful year and the holiday season is in full swing. To kick off the holiday season at the Township, we will be
hosting our annual celebration by lighting the township Christmas tree and menorah. I would like to extend an invitation to all our residents to join us in celebrating with Santa at the Municipal Complex on Tuesday, December 14th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be face painting, craft workshops, caroling singers, and more. On Tuesday, December 7th, 2021, in the George Bush Silver Linings Center, Old Bridge Township will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with our annual wreath laying ceremony. All are welcomed to join us as we lay the wreath and read a proclamation to honor and remember all our brave veterans. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past year. Despite the setbacks from the pandemic, we were able to open our doors back to the public in June, and my administration continued to work hard to keep our residents safe and to keep the economy growing. We
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had multiple grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies throughout the year. We have a brand-new renovated courtroom, and we were able to bring back some of our public events such as Old Bridge Day. Also, we held our annual Memorial Day Ceremony and the 20th Anniversary 9-11 Ceremony which honored those who have sacrificed for our country. Thank you to all our residents, businesses, and township employees for making 2021 such a successful year. We hope to be back in full swing for 2022. I wish you all a blessed and merry holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.
Thank you. Mayor Owen Henry
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THINK OLD BRIDGE
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MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development The Most (Ex- good for both parties. One to attract pensive) Time of customers ordering specialty items the Year is here: or meals to just stop in to quickly Let’s look at how pick up. Making it convenient for the holidays can them as they rush around during help businesses. As the holiday season. So let’s (THINK we know business- OLD BRIDGE) and keep our local es prepare every businesses in mind and thriving day for the consumer to enter their this coming year. (THE NEW establishments. As well as looking BUSINESS CORNER) businesses at opportunities to capture new cus- that have open in the last couple tomers. They also switch into high of months. Let’s welcome to Old gear preparing for the holidays with Bridge. The new (Hampton Inn by advertised specials and deals. As Hilton Hotel - Spring Valley Road, people tend to stay as close to home Red Seal Gaming - Market Place II, as possible during these days and Salon Vevo, Day Spa, PAL Learning really prioritize for gifts and other Center - Ticetown Shopping Center. holiday-related items. Trying to Kickboxing Plus, Bad Axe - Park anticipate what will sell and stocking Plaza Shopping Center. Studio 4 up on the holiday gift items, restau- Threads - South Old Bridge Plaza. rants will order extra product in The Collectors Corner - Shoppes at these last months of the year as they Old Bridge). Stay tuned for future try to meet the needs of their local businesses investing in Old Bridge. patrons. At the same time the resShop, Dine and Buy Local idents visit businesses across town Feature Business for home and office related items All of our businesses like decorations and place food orders for hosting holiday gathering or attending parties. And out there OLD BRIDGE searching for the perfect gift or even last minute item for coworkers, friend or family members. Businesses tend to generate a good amount _ _ of their revenue during the holidays _ _ _ Pursuing Progress accounting for a good uptick in Mayor's office of sales according to a financial related Economic Development shopping source. Businesses having online presence these days is also
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Mayor Owen Henry and Anita Greenburg-Belli Welcomed Salon Vevo to the Ticetown Square Shopping located in the Heart of Old Bridge, NJ. On November
6th, with a small grand opening celebration. Owner Joesph Valli & Stylist Dawn Zick Fratello couldn’t be happier with the amount of support from everyone in the town.
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OLD BRIDGE STUDENTS CONTINUE TO COLLECT LETTERS TO SUPPORT THE MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION
Continue from page 1 continuing to partner with Jillian Bresocnik, a 6th grade student at Jonas Salk Middle School, to also honor her sister, Kendall, and her legacy of selflessness and love. Since 2014, with the help of the Bresocnik family and the Old Bridge Public Schools, AJ has collected over 500,000 letters in support of the Macy’s National “Believe” Campaign. For each “Believe” letter that Macy’s receives from November 26th to December 24th, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This year, during “Believe” week (November 28th through December 4th), Macy’s will donate $2 for each letter that they receive- written or digital. The money raised will be used to grant wishes for children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses in an effort to bring hope and joy to them and their families. Diagnosed at ten days old, AJ suffers from cystic fibrosis, a chronic and progressive genetic disease that impacts his entire body (primarily the lungs and gastrointestinal system). When AJ is well, he takes 16 medications per day and receives supplemental nutrition through a feeding tube. He has had 17 surgeries throughout his life and frequently received intravenous antibiotics through a port-a-catheter. While he has been hospitalized countless times throughout his life, AJ is a devout member of St. Lawrence Parish, serving as a lector and altar server, and is a very proud member of the Old Bridge Marching Knights and Indoor Percussion. In 2012, AJ had his wish granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. Amid the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, AJ and his parents went to Las Vegas to have his wish come true: a meeting with the cast of the History Channel show, “Pawn Stars.” He also was honored to meet the cast of “American Restoration,”
also on the History Channel. When AJ began his mission to support the Make-a-Wish foundation through Macy’s “Believe” Campaign, he was immediately supported by the Old Bridge Public School District, which included the Bresocnik family from Southwood Elementary School. Along with their parents, Kerri and Erik, Jillian and Kendall Bresocnik tirelessly worked to support AJ and his mission by collecting thousands of letters from throughout the region and with the support of their parent’s school districts, including Sayreville and Carteret. In 2020, seven-year-old Kendall was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. During her brief but fierce battle, Kendall was also granted a wish from the foundation- a swimming pool for her family to enjoy in her backyard. Even though she fought her battle months before Christmas, Kendall continued to write “Wish” letters until she was physically unable to do so. For those who had the privilege of knowing Kendall, we will always remember her perpetual smile, along with her love for rainbows and unicorns. According to Silvestri, the campaign will continue to honor Kendall’s legacy, encouraging everyone to “Believe in Unicorns.” The families will be collecting letters and are also encouraging everyone to submit digital letters using the following link. All letters will be delivered to the Macy’s of East Brunswick on Friday, December 3rd. http://nj.wish.org/BelieveBresocnikSilvestri Any questions about the campaign or requests for “Believe in Unicorn” templates can be directed to AJ and Jillian at officialunicornbelievers@gmail.com Here’s a little video made by Jillian & AJ. https:// youtube.com/shorts/UL-HxiJXaZk?feature=share
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1. COAT Trust approved the Urban Aid DRIVE Park grants for park development T h e O l d that will provide open space and Bridge Food recreation opportunities. Old Bank and the Bridge Township has been notiDepartment of fied that $1,200,000.00 has been Public Works approved for the Cottrell Farm hosted its first Park Development Project. The “ S h a r e t h e additional funds will be used Himanshu R. Warmth Coat towards Phases 3 through 5. Shah Drive” on Sat4. THRO CKMORurday, November 6th. We col- T O N L A N E R E S U R lected 389 coats and 8 full bags F A C I N G - P H A S E I of hats, scarves, and gloves. The Township of Old Bridge We thank our many residents has been selected to receive for their generous donations. $425,270.00 in funding from the 2. FALL LEAF PICKUP New Jersey Department of TransFall leaf pickup has begun portation’s (NJDOT) Fiscal Year in all wards. Please have your 2022 Municipal Aid Program paper leaf bags placed at the for Throckmorton Lane Resurcurb the night before your facing – Phase I Project. The first scheduled week and keep them phase of the project encompasses outside, rain or shine. Resiresurfacing approximately dents can visit oldbridge.com/ 0.75 miles of roadway located recycling for the full schedule. between NJSH Route 9 and Hast3 . C OT T R E L L FA R M ings Road. In general, the work PARK – URBAN AID PARK includes milling, resurfacing, DEVELOPMENT GRANT pavement striping & markings, The Garden State Preservation replacement of inlet grates and
head pieces, and construction of ADA compliant curb ramps. Old Bridge Township anticipates completing the remaining length of Throckmorton Lane (Phase II), approximately 0.59 miles, in 2023. 5.OLD BRIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT The Old Bridge Police Department has begun the process to equip all officers with Utility, Inc.’s BodyWorn camera technology. This represents the start of the first permanent body worn camera program for Old Bridge Police. The program is being funded by the township along with a state grant of $305,000.00. The body camera program, being mandated by the NJ State Attorney General’s Office, is a coordinated effort to better protect and serve our community, while also increasing trust and transparency. The cameras are expected to be operational by mid-December.
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IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO PREPARE FOR THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS I recommend all students and parents start activities for the college admissions process in 9th grade. At first glance, this may seem ridiculously early, but in truth, it is the time to create a plan which will allow for flexibility and changes to the program. Believe it or not, there is much a student can do in 9th grade to help him/ her in the upcoming college admissions process. Below is a list of some of those activities: Course Selection: In 9th grade, a student should start looking at the courses available over the four years of high school and create a general plan of study for each year of high school. By carefully planning all four years of classes, a student can maximize his/her GPA and explore classes to support potential college majors. For example, if a student wants to be an electrical engineer, it would be critical that the student maximize STEM-related classes taken in high school as he/she plans which math and science classes to take. A student who plans to study electrical engineering may take AP Physics in lieu of AP Biology. Exploring Majors: A student should start thinking about college majors. This is the time for the student to explore areas of interest through his/her studies and explore various majors and careers that support those interests. A student should look into potential career paths and the education needed for those career paths— job shadowing, and potential internships— to support those career interests. Standardized Testing: A student should also take practice SAT and ACT exams in 9th grade. This will help the student know which test is the right test for that student based on preference or sheer comparable score. Once the student determines the
best fit test, he/she can focus on studying for that test. This test will also create a baseline for the student and determine areas of strengths and weaknesses. The test can also be used to help define the college list. Ivy Masters Learning Center can support test preparation with practice exams and tutoring. Extracurriculars: 9th grade is also the time for a student to start finding his/her passions and delve into new areas of study and interests. Colleges take a holistic approach when evaluating a student’s college application. Admission officers want to know that a student is using his/her free time wisely by pursuing a passion, making a difference, or exploring new experiences. This is the time for a student to participate in clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities to find activities of interest. These activities can help students become more self-aware, which can also be a foundation for the student’s college essays. All of these steps help a student prepare for college admissions. The new experiences, the academics, the successes, and even the failures help define the college applicant. If a student waits until he/she is a rising senior to start this journey, the student will have limited time to gain these experiences. Therefore, we recommend working with an experienced college advisor to help a student create a plan and optimize opportunities in high schools to support acceptances into best-fit universities. You can book a free 30-minute consultation at www.ivymasters. com/college-admissions-advising/ Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul. Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732485-6480 www.ivymasters.com
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVING
OLD BRIDGE, SAYREVILLE & SOUTH AMBOY
Chamber of Commerce & Old Bridge Business Alliance
Holiday Event 2021 Online Giving & Drop off begins 11/8/2021 - 12/17/2021
$20
Donation
Help support the children
To Donate online scan QR CODE
DROP OFF LOCATIONS - Pet Center – 2833 Rt 9N - The Max – 3879 Rt 516 - Quality Chevy – 1292 RT 9N - South Old Bridge Fire Station14 Throckmorton lane 6am-6pm Mon-Fri - YMCA- 1 Mannino Park - Grillstone- 2658 Rt 516
- Columbia Bank – 2988 Rt 516 - Kearny Bank – 510 Rt 34, Matawan - Parlin Dupont – 389 Washington Road, office 2 , Sayreville - SETS - 3996 County Rd 516 - Old Bridge School of Dance 419 Rt 34 - All American Ford – 3698 Route 9
- Giusseppe’s Pizza – 2581 Route 516 - ProFysio Physical Therapy – 2665 Route 516, Old Bridge 1212 NJ-34, Aberdeen - ProFysio Physical Therapy – 1212 RT 34, Aberdeen 510 Rt 18, East Brunswick1921 Rt 27, Edison - Old Bridge Public Library – 1 Old bridge Plaza, Old Bridge
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LIVING STONES YOU ARE NOT ALONE
“Why is the tea kettle whistling?” the wideeyed little boy inquisitively asked his father. “Well, son, as the Lloyd Pulley, heat of the Senior Pastor fire transfers to the metal pot, it heats the water to a boil, which goes from a liquid to a gas, which expands through a small opening creating a whistling sound.” Puzzled, the little boy shifted his question to his mother. “Why is the tea kettle whistling, Mama?” “Because I’m going to make a cup of tea,” she replied. Clearly, the father answered the “how,” but the mother answered the “why.” Science originated not from a pagan worldview, but from a biblical worldview. Those who believed God is a God of order, not of chaos, sought to discover how things work and to find consistency in nature and within nature’s laws. You can’t miss the greatness of God in His creation—from the infinitely
complex patterns of mathematics, music, and fractals, to human DNA, to the farthest stretches of space. The Bible tells us in Psalm 139 that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” That word “fearfully” expresses a sense of awe when gazing into the face of Who is behind the act of creation. But as fascinating as creation is, it is impersonal! Yes, “The heavens declare the glory of God,” says the psalmist in Psalm 19:1, and science can be applied in searching out the works of our Creator. We can learn all of the “what’s” and the “how’s” of God through the things He has made. But what science cannot reveal is the “why’s” of God. To discover God’s moral attributes—such as his love, mercy, kindness, holiness, and justice— we need revelation knowledge which is not discoverable by human wisdom and intelligence. The Bible is God’s revelation of His nature and character to man. It unveils why we are here, why we need salvation, and why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. All throughout the Bible we learn that Jesus came to reveal to us what God is like; not just His power, but His love and justice as well. Beyond what we learn
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about God from creation, the pages of Scripture reveal God is merciful and loving. From the Bible we learn that Jesus revealed to us the very heart of God, because He is God! Mercy and justice are mutually exclusive until the cross of Jesus Christ merged them. Psalm 85:10 says, “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” Jesus’ death satisfied both the righteous requirement of a Holy God and His great love for us. Creation reveals God’s marvelous power and wisdom. But without the Bible we would grope for meaning. Since the beginning of time we have wondered, “What is the purpose of our being and what went wrong? Where did evil originate? What is the plan of rescue from this evil and corruption?” People may be impressed with raw power and intelligence and beauty today. But these can be sadly impersonal. Power intimidates, as do beauty and intelligence. These things are often only valued in this world as a means to achieve what one wants. But we could not know much about a personal God if all we had was the ability to
behold His power, beauty, and strength in creation—and so He reveals Himself personally to us through His Son Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The Bible tells us that Jesus is the “Captain of our salvation,” in that He suffered that He might lead us out of death and into eternal life. In this, the personal God reveals His heart of love and compassion for us, His willingness to bear the burden that we might know Him! Forgetting our true purpose— to know and love God—we find ourselves seeking impersonal things like power, pleasures, and possessions. How shallow these are without a genuine relationship with God and with others! By the trophies and awards which line someone’s shelf, you will know what a person has done. What you will not
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understand by these things is who they were as a person. Were they a loving father or mother or a devoted husband or wife? Were they harsh and cynical or patient and kind? There are very few tombstones that list accomplishments, but rather that which is more deeply personal, as a beloved husband or wife or son or daughter. May we stop to reflect in this season on what really matters? Let’s be thankful that God sent His Son to reveal His love and justice and rescue sons and daughters from the effects of sin. God revealed Himself by becoming a Man, the man Jesus, so that He could restore us. He stepped out of eternity into time and showed that we are not alone—you are not alone! Why not pray, open your Bible, and read His Word for yourself? Discover He is the God who is there and knows you and hears your prayers.
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GRAND OPENING OF BRIDGE LIFE THRIFT STORE
We are so excited to announce the opening of BridgeLife Thrift, located right in the Marketplace At Matawan (Route 34 and Disbrow Road). The store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. BridgeLife Thrift store is a ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, with a heart for families. Through thrifting, we hope to make an impact in the community around us. Proceeds will go to Calvary Christian School to support Christian Education and Bridge Women’s Center by providing support to women who have chosen life—
all while sharing the love of Jesus! Times for donation drop offs are between 10am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Drop off is located behind the thrift store, and there will be signs posted with directions on where to drop your items off. We are so thankful for the interest and support BridgeLife Thrift has received, and look forward to meeting and serving our local community through thrifting! Be sure to stay up-todate with all of our announcements by liking and sharing our content on Facebook at www. facebook.com/bridgelifethrift.
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FEEL BETTERS BEARS CAMPAIGN
During the holiday season, All American Auto Group teamed up with New Jersey 101.5, the New Jersey State PBA and the local police departments for the Feel Betters Bears campaign. This campaign is designed for police to help children in emergency situations by providing a cuddly teddy bear to hug, play with, and calm them down to take their mind off things. While all the adults are busy dealing with the situation at hand, a child can feel lost and confused, and a Feel Better Bear can help ease their mind in an emergency situation. Last year, there were
over 15,000 stuffed animals donated. There were boxes throughout all of their locations in New Jersey. The staff at All American Auto Group came through in such a big way to exceed the number of donations from the year prior. ““Feel Better Bears continues to be one of our favorite things to get involved with as an Auto Group. Our staff, friends, family and the entire community really get behind it and donate a lot.” said Marketing Director of the All American Auto Group, Jason Savino.
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OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SETS GOAL TO DONATE 2,000 TOYS THIS YEAR FOR THE TOYS FOR TOTS GIVING EVENT.
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Please note, Old Bridge Business Alliance is not able to directly accept donations
Continue from page 1 toys for many children whose lives have not only been affected by the pandemic, but who have always needed us. Together, we can make these difficult times a little brighter by helping light up the world with the joy of our children.
Please visit www. chamberofcommerceobssa.org to make your donation,call Anthony Cosentino 732-713-2295 for more information or you can scan the QR code to make a donation. Happy Holidays from our family to yours.
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