OB OLDBRIDGE OLD BRIDGE
ALL AROUND
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
VOL 6, NO 3
MAX OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP ENGINEERING CHALLENGE DEPARTMENT CDBG-CV SMALL RECOGNITION BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR READER’S CHOICE AWARD The Township of Old Bridge has appropriated $100,000 of its federal Community Development Block Grant CARES Funds for the Small Business Assistance Program. The program was established to provide working capital funds to the community’s small businesses that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have not received assistance from the SBA. Old Bridge Township has assisted approximately 18 small businesses to date in its first
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In mid-November, as owners of The MAX Challenge of Old Bridge and Manalapan locations, we received recognition as “One of the Best Health / Fitness Clubs” by both the Asbury Park Press and My Central Jersey publications! Continued on page 24
round, distributing $5,000 to each. The township of Old Bridge appropriated an additional $100,000 for Round 2 of its federal Community Development Block Grant CARES Funds for the Small Business Assistance Program. Businesses interested in learning more about and/or applying for Round 2 of the Small Business Assistance Program can do so by visiting www.oldbridge. com/page/smallbusinessgrant APPLICATIONS ARE DUE
BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 AND MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO smallbusinessgrant@oldbridge.com
OLD BRIDGE TOYS FOR TOTS ONLINE GIVING EVENT 2020 During this 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. Now, as we venture into a Holiday season that will be unlike any other, the Old Bridge Business Alliance has joined hands with the Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce to give back to our most prized community members, our children. Each year, the residents of Old Bridge support those in need around the holidays by participating in our Annual Giving Event for ‘Toys for Tots’. Although we cannot come together in-person this season, we have found a way
to continue this treasured tradition, while making the needed adjustments to keep our community safe. The Old Bridge Online Giving Event: A Donation to Toys for Tots, will begin collecting donations through December 18th to help provide the much-needed joy our children deserve for the holidays. Over the last ten months, we have watched as residents both from and outside Old Bridge lent a helpinghand to our struggling businesses; now our businesses are eager to return the kind gesture. With a simple $20.00 Donation from each of our Old Bridge proprietors, we can help provide toys for many children whose lives have not only been affect by the pandemic, but who have always needed us.
To donate, please visit www. chamberofcommerceobssa.org ,All Around Old Bridge Face Book page for the link to donate or you can drop off a unwrapped toy to Quality Chevy at 1292 US 9, OB
DECEMBER 2020
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Dear Residents; The holidays are upon Old Bridge! I truly hope you had a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. During this holiday season, Old Bridge Township will be holding its annual holiday events virtually and we have added new events to celebrate the season while making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The pre-Thanksgiving COVID19 testing sponsored by Old Bridge Township and the Old Bridge Township School District provided hundreds of residents COVID-19 testing prior to Thanksgiving gatherings.
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In our continued effort to keep resi- toiletries. This event will be held dents safe and prevent the spread of on Tuesday, December 8th from 10 COVID-19, we will continue testing am to 8 pm at the Grand Marquis, in December. For more information Route 9 in Old Bridge Township. regarding December’s COVID-19 On Monday, December 14th at testing, please visit the Townships 6:30 pm, we will be hosting our website oldbridge.com/COVID. annual Christmas Tree and Menorah On Monday, lighting at the December 7th Municipal at 10:30 am, Complex. Old Bridge Old Bridge will commemorate Again, due to will commem- the anniversary of the attack on C OV I D re Pearl Harbor with our annual strictions, this orate the anniwreath laying ceremony. Due event shall be versary of the attack on Pearl to COVID-19 restrictions, this closed to the Harbor with our ceremony will be closed to the public. Our public. annual wreath annual Christlaying ceremas Tree and mony. Due to Menorah COVID-19 restrictions, this cere- lighting event will be livesmony will be closed to the public. treamed on Old Bridge TownResidents may view the ceremony s h i p’s Yo u Tu b e C h a n n e l . being livestreamed on Old Bridge Our Recreation Department Townships YouTube Channel. will be doing Letters to Santa. Coordinated by Old Bridge Letters to Santa must contain the Township Council President Mary child’s name and a return address Sohor, Old Bridge will hold its to receive Santa’s response letter. first ever “Day of Giving” drive- Parents/guardians are asked through food drive to collect to drop off the child’s letter at a non-perishable food items and mailbox placed in the Municipal
DECEMBER 2020
Complex by December 18, 2020. Old Bridge will be holding a new Gingerbread House Contest and Virtual Display. Residents are asked to submit pictures of their Gingerbread House to recreation@ oldbridge.com by December 18, 2020. Submissions will be displayed online for all to enjoy and voting will take place from December 18 through December 20, 2020. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Old Bridge residents
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a blessed and merry holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year. Owen Henry Mayor
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REFORMED CHURCH HOME ADDS AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM AS COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURE
Reformed Church Home’s main lobby is one of the facility’s many common areas and open spaces benefitting from improved air filtration from Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI), a Global Plasma Solutions product. NBPI uses ions to disrupt surface proteins of viruses and bacteria, rendering them inactive and reducing the volume of infectious agents in the air Reformed Church Home, a long-term care community offering nursing home, rehabilitation, and assisted living services to the elderly, has announced the addition of a Needlepoint Bipolar
Ionization (NPBI) system from Global Plasma Solutions (GPS) to improve air quality. The installation helps improve ventilation in all common areas, alcoves, and corridors throughout the Home
by deactivating harmful pathogens. NPBI is an air cleaning system that uses ions to disrupt surface proteins of viruses and bacteria with which they come in contact, rendering them inactive and unable to spread. This in turn reduces the volume of infectious pathogens in the air and improves the efficiency of air filtration, without introducing ozone or harmful byproducts into the ventilation system. Independent tests have determined the GPS NPBI system reduces many types of harmful pathogens in the air, including COVID-19, and the company is actively undertaking additional research, development, and testing in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Company literature reinforces that all applicable federal, state, and local health guidelines as well as official guidance from the CDC must be followed when NPBI is in use. This includes but is not limited to social distancing, hand hygiene, cough
etiquette, and the use of face masks. According to Kate Shepard, Executive Director and Administrator at Reformed Church Home, “We felt it was important to make this investment and do everything possible to reduce exposure to COVID-19 in our building. Earlier this year, our Building Services Department began applying a clean surface mist product called GR-AD Pro in resident rooms and common areas, so the addition of GPS’ bipolar ionization product was one more important step in mitigating risks to our air quality and living environment.” In clinical studies documented in 2017 by Crothall Healthcare and conducted in various hospital systems, the GR-AD Pro mist created a protective barrier that lasted 4-5 weeks. The product has no harsh chemicals, is odorless, works in a single application, and safe for use in medical settings. NPBI has been used for particle reduction, odor control,
DECEMBER 2020
pathogen control, energy savings and static electricity control for more than 10 years, according to GlobalPlasmaSolutions.com, and has had over 250,000 installations worldwide. More information is available on the company’s website. About Reformed Church Home Reformed Church Home is a highly respected, not-for-profit healthcare community offering assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and respite care to seniors of all faiths and beliefs. The facility earned a 5-star rating by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) every quarter since inception of the ranking system in 2008, and has been named Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report for 2020-2021, among many other awards for quality of care and customer satisfaction. For additional information, please contact Andrea Walls, Director of Marketing, at 732-607-9230, or visit www.reformedchurchhome.org.
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DECEMBER 2020
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1.CDBG November 16th in Wards 5 & 6. 2019 ANNUAL Wards 1 through 4 collections will ACTION resume during the week of NovemPL AN SUB- ber 30th. Leaves must be placed in STANTIAL paper leaf bags. For the full schedule AMENDplease visit oldbridge.com/recycling MENT is 3. OLD BRID GE TOWNr e q u i r e d t o SHIP AND THE OLD BRIDGE i n c l u d e t h e BOARD OF EDUCATION will a d d i t i o n o f be sponsoring Covid-19 Testing Himanshu R. Shah $ 4 5 3 , 5 7 9 i n before the Thanksgiving Holiday. Community Testing will be held at the Old Development Block Grant CV funds Bridge High School Parking Lot, awarded through the 2020 Coro- located at 4209 County Road 516. navirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Testing will begin on Sunday, NoSecurity Act (CARES Act). It is the vember 22nd from 9:00am-3:00pm; addition of these funds and creation Monday, November 23rd from of new activities that constitutes a 4:00pm-8:00pm and Tuesday, Nosubstantial amendment as outlined vember 24th from 7:00am-2:00pm. in the Township’s Citizen Participa- Results will be received the foltion Plan. The Substantial Amend- lowing day of testing via email. ment has been on public display Old Bridge residents will need to beginning Thursday, November bring their driver’s license and in5th on the Township’s website. A surance cards. Additional Covidvirtual Public Hearing on the Grant 19 testing will be held after the Amendment was held on Thurs- Thanksgiving Holiday. For details day November 12th at 2:00 p.m. please visit the township website 2.THE 2ND ROUND OF FALL 4.THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL LEAF COLLECTION began today, BRUSH AND BRANCH pickup on
Monday, November 23. Bundles must be tied up and placed at the curb the night before. Please contact the Recycling Department by 2pm on Friday to be placed on the pick-up list at (732) 721-5600 Ext. 6107 or visit recycling@oldbridge.com 5.TOWNSHIP-WIDE PICKUP OF TELEVISIONS will begin on December 1st in Wards 4, 5 & 6. Wards 1, 2 & 3 are scheduled for pickup on December 3rd. To be placed on the pickup list, please call the recycling department by 2pm the day before at Ext. 6107 or email recycling@oldbridge.com 6. THE STATE HAS EXTENDED THE DEADLINE TO FILE THE 2019 PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT “SENIOR FREEZE” FORMS with the State of New Jersey. Applications must be postmarked by December 31, 2020. For additional information, residents should contact the State of NJ Division of Taxation at 1-800882-6597 or the township’s Division of Tax Collection at Ext. 2999 7 . V I RT UA L T R E E A N D
MENORAH LIGHTING WILL BE held virtually on Monday, December 14th at 6:30pm. The event will be live streamed for the public to view on the Old Bridge Townships Youtube station 8.THE BASKETBALL COURT project which resurfaced four courts and included the installation of 10 new backboards with rims at both Central Park and the Waterfront at Laurence Harbor are now completed and open for use
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9.DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, OUTDOOR DINING areas would require provisions for heating and/or a permanent anchoring system. The design guidelines for the same were issued by the Township in October of 2020 and are available on the Township’s website
OB OLD BRIDGE
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
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THINK OLD BRIDGE - THE 2020 HOLIDAY SEASON.
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office F o r m a n y beyond, dealing with many variables businesses this they are faced with these days. The can be like the questions asked and observed for first holiday small businesses are items such s e a s on t h e y as. How do they follow the new w e r e o p e n . and changing safety guidelines? Business op- Do they have an infrastructure in erators might place for curbside service? Will the h av e t o a s k online shopping portal be able to themselves “If handle the possible influx of orders? Steve Mamakas this were my Do they need to adjust traditional first holiday season, how would advertising and marketing plan to I approach it?” This also relates to reach their usual or new customeveryone; how do we all approach ers? How can they appeal to new this new environment in a safer customers best? All these questions manner including shopping and need to be addressed to ensure the dining locally and going forward business is equipped to handle a in the new way for a while. As we slightly different type of holiday approach the big holiday shop- season. As we work together on ping season and while these next this recovery. It has been a major few months are usually a time of challenge for all. The business comgreat opportunity and revenue for munity in the few short month of small businesses. Just as our small the reopening, continue to strive businesses had to adapt quickly to at being profitable, especially after the rapidly shifting market. Many such a tough year. Technology has are looking at other ways they can emerged as one of the clear winners prepare for the holiday season and in helping small businesses in many
DECEMBER 2020
OB OLD BRIDGE
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
cases survive. From QR codes to order, menu presentation and online ordering, etc. Tech solutions helped with pivoting as the consumer base has also pivoted as referenced in the last article. It’s proven to be the lifeline of most businesses at this time especially our restaurants. As we approach the holidays, we must shine a light on how critically important it is to support all our local businesses. Any support you
can provide might help keep that business continuing to operate here in town. Ways you can support, purchasing gift cards in person or even online for future use. Support our restaurant with takeout orders to keep business going. Even calling your favorite local business to see how their doing on a regular basis. Our local merchants are a vital part of the fabric of our town. You’re not just supporting a business; you’re
supporting workers and their families as well and maybe help bring a little more “holiday cheer” despite the challenges in these times. So the power of the people of a community is so important to assist by patronizing the Business community. As we roll into the colder months. We need to stay the course “Please Keep Supporting our Local Businesses”.
FEATURED BUSINESS
ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES Visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetownedo or Twitter @ twitter.com/obedonj to check out all the exciting happenings from grand openings to groundbreaking events across the town. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development works closely with the NJ Motion Picture & Television Commission. To bringing the first filming productions event to Old Bridge. Starting the ball rolling on future collaboration with major Movie and TV Production Companies to use Old Bridge as a backdrop. Given the location and all the attributes the Town has to offer the industry for sets. All focused on establishing future revenue generating for the Township.
LIVING STONES At a time when the entire nation LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
In the darkest times in Jewish h i s t o r y, t h e cl e are st and most amazing promises of the coming Hope and Messiah were given. Just after the By Lloyd Pulley, fall into sin in Senior Pastor, t h e G a r d e n Calvary Chapel of Eden, Eve, Old Bridge the mother of all, was given the Promise that her Seed would defeat the s er p ent, Sat an (G enesis 3). When enslaved in Egypt and on the eve of great uncertainty, Israel was given the promise of the Passover lamb’s blood sprinkled on doorposts as a sign of deliverance from the angel of death (Exodus 12). When the prophet Balaam was hired by a brutal enemy to curse Israel, God intervened to guide His promise of a coming Star from Jacob who will rise and rescue Israel forever (Numbers 24).
was corrupt with sin and oppression and the very foundation of the nation was crumbling, the precious Cornerstone was promised to come (Isaiah 28:15-16). When the religious leaders of Israel were on the brink of judgment, a promise came: “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness…” (Jeremiah 23:5) When many Jews were threatened in Persia with extinction by the evil man, Haman, God raised up Mordechai and Esther to expose his plot and rescue the Jewish people worldwide, including the coming Messiah (Esther). And when pagan leaders threatened to defile the Jewish Temple, jeopardizing once again the very existence of the Jewish nation, God performed the miracle of the oil lighting the Temple for 8 days, now remembered in the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah). We see in the Bible, the greatest prophets of Israel, Elijah and Elisha, were given to the people as a voice during the greatest times of evil. It is always darkest before the dawn!
ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE But yet another dark time loomed. Rome had crushed the sovereignty of the nation of Israel at a time when there was great anticipation of the Messiah’s coming. Then a star appeared and wise men of the east came searching for Him who was born King of the Jews, and they were directed to Bethlehem, for according to the prophet Micah it was there He would be born. Traditionally Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus in December, although there is a strong hint in the gospels that Jesus was most likely born in the fall, around the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The Bible actually indicates His birth was six months after John the Baptist, meaning Jesus then was most likely to have been conceived in Mary’s womb in December, and perhaps right on the Festival of Lights (Hanukkah). Light did come into the world that still shines against the darkness of our days. Jesus fulfilled all that was anticipated of the Messiah. He is the Seed of the Woman born of a virgin. He is the Lamb of God that died for the sin of the world. He is that Star from Jacob. He is that precious
DECEMBER 2020 Cornerstone of the Temple. He is the Branch of Righteousness. But there is still one more thing. Jesus said He was going to return and fulfill the remaining Messianic prophesies and set up His Kingdom. It is what we pray regularly for, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, the kingdom come, thy will be done…” Before this glorious Light shines in His new kingdom, as in every other time, it will get darker before the dawn. Evil will have its run! The Bible predicts a fierce leader will arise (Daniel 8), deceive many (1 Thessalonians 5), and establish a dark reign powered by technology to control all commerce (Revelation 13). Many now wonder if we are approaching this era. Everything seems to be in place…except America. America stands in the way of the globalist dreams of the World Economic Forum and the elite billionaires of the world. Christianity appears to be in the way as well, because though we will be subject to Caesar, we must obey God first and will never bow to Caesar. Perhaps America’s time for judgment is near. But God is merci-
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ful and there are many praying for His mercy. We know God hears those cries, so fear not! Perhaps the time is coming soon in which the church, the salt of the earth and light of the world, will be removed and brought home to heaven. We know when that happens there will be no more restraining the rebellious evil of people who want to replace God. All hell will then break loose as the Great Tribulation will ensue (Revelation). Even so Lord come quickly! As believers we know this world is not our ultimate destination. Even so we try to leave this world a better place for the next generation. And so in the meantime, let’s do our best to spread God’s terms of peace to a rebellious world: Jesus died and paid the debt of sin we all have so that those who believe in Him would not face the punishment of sin, which is eternal death. Call on His name, the long anticipated One, Jesus.
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YOU CAN’T HERD FERAL CATS BUT YOU CAN MANAGE THEM
DECEMBER 2020
By Anita Greenberg, DVM
Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for more than 30 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 Whether you see them or not, they are out there – feral cats. As the days are getting shorter and colder, it is the best time of year to practice trapping, neutering, vaccinating and releasing these cats, a program better known as TNR for Trap-Neuter-Return. Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane and effective approach for managing feral cats. Having an active TNR program at this time of
year is critical. Spaying and neutering the feral cats diminishes the influx of new kittens in the spring. This program is totally staffed by volunteers, who are needed for the program to be successful. The free roaming cats do not belong to anyone, nor the township, but create problems if left unchecked. If one is feeding the feral cats without humanely trapping them and having them neutered, common sense would tell you the problem will be perpetuated. Without reducing the reproduction rate, there will be more cats that will need feeding. Instead of spending money on feeding the cats, it would be better have spent your generosity on neutering the cats. There are many low cost spay and neuter facilities. Feral cats have existed for decades and the problem is exacerbated by irresponsible people who have abandoned their pets and allowed them to roam freely without being sterilized. Through TNR programs, the
cats are trapped, sterilized and vaccinated. Once recovered, they are returned outdoors. This program stabilizes feral cat populations by instantly ending reproduction. By attrition, the cat community will diminish. A feral cat who has been released by a TNR group will be identifiable with left ear tipping. Since the cat will be vaccinated against rabies, it reduces communicable health concerns. Sterilizing the cats help to minimize many of the problems that exist in the feral cat population, such as roaming, fighting, yowling and spraying. Kittens and any cats that are friendly and socialized to people may be adopted into homes. Most adult feral cats do not belong in the shelter -- they are not adoptable. It is understandable that the feral cat population can create a nuisance, which is why it is important to have them sterilized. Some things you can do to keep cats away from your
property include putting a tight lid on your trash can, blocking gaps in the foundations of all sheds and outbuildings, and applying nontoxic deterrents around your yard. These cat repellent fragrances should be liberally applied around the edges of the yard and the tops of fences. There are ultrasonic animal repellents that have been successful and motion activated water sprinklers, too. If cats are digging in your garden, scatter fresh orange and lemon peels or spray with citrus scented fragrances. Coffee grounds, vinegar, oil of lavender, lemongrass, citronella, or eucalyptus also deter cats. Plant the herb rue to repel cats, or sprinkle dried rue over the garden. For more information about TNR, please contact the Animal P r o t e c t i o n L e a g u e o f Ne w Jersey -- www.ProjectTNR.com Please consider donating to the local TNR group, SAVE ALL STRAY CATS, Inc., P.O. Box 5303, Old Bridge, NJ
08857 www.saveallstraycats.org There are many loving animals at the Old Bridge animal shelter waiting to be adopted. Let’s clear the shelter for the holidays. The Old Bridge Animal Shelter is open by appointment. Please call 732721-5600, ext. 6300 or click www. oldbridge.com/page/animal-control Saving one cat will not change the world, but for that one cat… the world will change forever.
732-606-4111
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TWO OLD BRIDGE STUDENTS COLLECT HOLIDAY LETTERS TO BENEFIT MAKE-AWISH NEW JERSEY A junior at Old Bridge High School, along with a fifth grader from Southwood Elementary School, are teaming up this holiday season, collecting letters for Make-A-Wish through Macy’s BELIEVE campaign to help the organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. AJ Silvestri, with the help of his supporters from the Old Bridge Township schools, other NJ communities, and countries outside the US, has collected more than 500,000 letters since 2014. Each year, he, along with family and friends, drops off boxes spilling over with letters on National Believe Day, at Macy’s in the Brunsw ick S qu are Mall, East Brunswick. This year Silvestri, along with co-leader Jillian Bresocnik, will spearhead an effort to collect letters via the following link: www.macys.com/social/believe?cm_mmc=crosspromo-_-believe_-20201026_20201224-_-AJ_Silvestri_NJ&m_sc=crosspromo&m_sb=believe&m_tp=20201026_20201224&m_ pi=AJ_Silvestri_NJ . Once again, these letters play a significant role in helping Macy’s and MakeA-Wish reach their $1 million National Believe Day goal. This year marks the 13th annual BELIEVE campaign between Mac y’s and Make-A-Wish. From now through Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish for each letter received, up to $1 million, to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. During Believe Week, Nov. 29 through Dec. 5, Macy’s will donate $2 for every letter received. With support from the Macy’s Believe campaign, Make-A-Wish provides children with critical illnesses the chance to experience life beyond their illness and see their most heartfelt wish come true, allow-
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ing them to replace fear with confidence, anxiety with hope, and sadness with joy. Jillian and her sister, Kendall, were among AJ’s biggest supporters. The Bresocnik family wrote and collected more than 15,000 letters over the past several years. Last spring, seven-year-old Kendall was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. During her brief but fierce battle with the disease, Kendall was granted a wish from the foundation to build a swimming pool in her parent’s backyard. Those, who knew Kendall, remember the perpetual smile on her face, along with her love for rainbows and unicorns. According to the Silvestri family, the members will be honoring the memor y of Kendall in this year’s campaign, “Believe in Unicorns”. The Make-A-Wish Foundation also granted a wish eight years ago to Silvestri, who has Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic, progressive and life limiting genetic disease that affects specifically AJ’s lungs and gastrointestinal system, according to his mother Kerryann S. Silvestri. He and his family had the opportunity to take a trip, one week after Superstorm Sandy, when they met the cast of the History Channel show “Pawn Stars” and watched them film a segment with AJ’s favorite personality, Chum Lee. They also met the cast from the show “American Restoration”. For a brief video by AJ and Jillian, please click on the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acax2CSRKhg&feature=youtu.be. Please share this on social media and remember there is no limit to the number of letters you can submit.
DECEMBER 2020
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IN MEMOR I A M THERESA MACKIEWICZ
May 26, 1933 - November 21, 2020 Theresa C. Mackiewicz, 87, resident of the MAYRA ANTONETTI
March 23, 1965 - November 18, 2020 Mayra Antonetti, of Old Bridge went home PATRICIA RUTKOWSKI
Au g u s t 2 , 1935 - Novemb er 17, 2020 Patricia Ann Rutkowski, 85, of Aberdeen Township NJ, passed away p eacefully, on Tuesday, November 17, THOMAS R. MASTERSON JR.
Au g u s t 8 , 1958 - Novemb er 14, 2020 Thomas R . Masterson, Jr., 62, of Morganville NJ passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 14. He was the son of Thomas R. Sr. and Elsie (Petiach) Masterson. Born in Tampa, Fl. Thomas grew up in Clark, NJ before moving to Morganville, NJ 26 years ago. He was the owner of Tom and Joe’s Gulf Station in Linden for 16 years. After selling his gas station Tom worked at several different Sunoco gas stations in the local area. Tom was an avid collector of Chevy’s. He purchased, restored and sold many of them over the years, but his pride and joy was his 65’ Pro Street, Nova which he raced at Raceway Park for many years covering the quarter mile in 9 seconds. Thomas is survived by his loving
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Willows at Holmdel, passed away November 21, 2020. She grew up in Brooklyn, NY before wedding and moving to Carteret, NJ to start her family.. Theresa was employed as secretary for trucking and accounting firms before retiring as an accounting clerk at
Supermarkets General Corp. Theresa will be lovingly remembered for her lifelong devotion to her family and their happiness. She is predeceased by her parents, Caroline Miller of Monticello, NY, and William Funk of Long Island. Surviving are her children, Kenneth
Mackiewicz and his wife Maria of Doylestown, PA; Laurie Ann Mackiewicz of Old Bridge, NJ, and Diane Miele and her husbandKenny of Hazlet, NJ. Theresa also leaves five grandchildren - Vincent and Daniel Miele as well as Noah, Hannah, and Ella Mackiewicz.
Me m o r i a l s e r v i c e s w a s private - condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.oldbridgefh.com
to be with the Lord on November 18th 2020. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico she was raised in Brooklyn by her mother Eneida and father Heriberto Morales. She and her husband married and lived in Brooklyn before moving to Old Bridge 25 years ago. She worked in
New York as an Assistant Vice President at Schwab for over 15 years. Mayra attended Calvary Chapel Old Bridge as well as serving in their bookstore and in the food pantry Broken Loaves. She loved to travel, especially to Aruba, and enjoyed crafts and reading. Myra
had a special personality that made everyone around her feel important. She was predeceased by her mother Eneida Morales. Mayra is survived by her husband of 31 years Norberto Colon, brother Hery Morales and wife Julissa, sister Viole Domenech, nephews and
nieces, Christian, Meghan, Steven, Christopher, Adrian, Jayden, Josselyn and many loving in laws.
2020, at her home in Aberdeen. Patricia was born on August 2, 1935 to Ronald and Agnes Hanlon in Staten Island, NY. She worked as a Case Worker for the Department Of Food Stamps in New York City, NY. Patricia lived in Aberdeen, NJ. for over 5 years. She was a Communicant of St. Joseph Church in Keyport, NJ. Patricia was a member of
AARP , and she loved to be with family and friends, and travel. Patricia is survived by, two daughters, Linda Ann Frascati of Staten Island, NY, and Susan Kane of Aberdeen, NJ; two sons, Andrew and Thomas Rutkowski; three grandsons, Brendan, Michael, and Andrew; five granddaughters, Lisa, Michelle, Samantha, June, and Kitty; four great-grandsons,
Dominick, Nicholas, and Mateo and Ant; and two great-granddaughters, Micaela, and Sabrina. Visitation was held on Thursday, November 19, 2020, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Hwy. 79, Morganville, NJ. A Funeral Mass Of Christian Burial was Celebrated was on Thursday, November 19, 2020, 10:30 AM
at Our Lady Of Fatima / St. Joseph’s Church Keyport, Keyport, NJ. Private Cremation followed at the Holy Cross Crematory in East Brunswick, NJ. Memorials are suggested to the: Matawan Volunteer Fire Dept., Jackson Street in Matawan, NJ. Online condolences can be given at www.waittfh.com.
wife Nancy; son Jesse; mother Elsie; sister Karen Barnes; nieces Alyssa and Jenni Barnes. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers Tom’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to FulFill of Monmouth and Ocean (previously known as the Monmouth and Ocean Food Bank) at www. fulfillnj.org/ donate/ <http:// www.fulfillnj. org/donate/>;
SOUTH OLD BRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT TIPS OF THE MONTH The South Old Bridge Fire Department wants to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season with a few helpful hints • When decorating the outside of your home be sure to practice safe measures when using ladders and any type of equipment that could cause harm. • Make sure to use proper extensions cords that are regulated for outside or indoor use when powering lights and other holiday decorations. • As the cold weather approaches, practice safe fireplace tips when using your fireplace or fire pit outside, never leave them unattended and make sure anything that is flammable is kept away from the fire. • When using indoor heating equipment make sure to never plug any heaters into extension cords, always plug them d i r e c t l y i nt o t h e w a l l a n d never leave them unattended.
The South Old Bridge Fire Department is always looking for new volunteers. We are always accepting applications and looking for new member of our family, if you or anyone you know is interested you can visit our website sobfd.com or email our Vice President at vpresident@sobfd.com
Kristina Lincoln, 12th grade, Lucas Durkin, 11th grade, Emma Coyle, 11th grade, Sophia Arias, 11th, Jimmy Bugge, 11th grade.
the school this year that will go towards scholarships and t e c h n o l o g y e n h a n c e m e nt s . Calvary Christian School is a Kindergarten to 12th grade private school, with Old Bridge’s only private high school, that focuses on academic excellence, sports, and Christian education. For more information about CCS please visit ww.ccsnj.net.
CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SOLD 418 PIES FOR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Calvary Christian School held their annual pie fundraiser and this year sold 418 pies. Families had the option to purchase pies for their Thanksgiving meals and or donate a pie to Frontline workers. Almost 100 pies were purchased for Frontline workers. On Tuesday, November 24 and Wednesday, November 25 honor Society students from CCS delivered pies the OB Twp Police, Fire and EMS Frontline workers. Close to $4000 was raised by
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OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY As Thanksgiving approaches, we find ourselves still struggling to cope with the pandemic that has changed our lives so drastically in Library Director 2020. With the Michael Bobish recent increase in COVID-19 cases, many of us are rethinking our normal holiday plans. Thanksgiving dinners may have fewer guests, or some may be cancelling their normal travel plans in an attempt to keep loved ones safe. Given the changes this season, I would like to remind our patrons that the Old Bridge Public Library’s Curbside Service is still up and running, and will be for the foreseeable future. The availability for this service is as follows. • Tu e s d a y s t h r o u g h Fridays: 2pm to 7pm • Saturdays: 12pm to 5pm Requesting materials through Curbside Service is easy! Simply place a hold on a library item in one of these three ways:
1. Request holds through our online catalog. We process holds on an hourly basis while we’re open. 2. By emailing OBPLcurbside@gmail.com. 3. By calling (732) 721-5600 x. 5010. The library will notify you once your material(s) have arrived. Once you’ve been notified, visit OBPL’s Central Branch (One Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ 08857). Call (732) 721-5600 x.5010 or ring our front doorbell, and give a staff member your library card number. The staff member will check out your items, seal them in a paper bag with your name on it, and drop your items off on a table underneath our front awning. You can then pick up your materials and be on your way! Holds can be placed on items owned by the Old Bridge Public Library or on items owned by other LMxAC consortium libraries. However, only Old Bridge Public Library cardholders can utilize Curbside Service at our library for now. If you want an OBPL item that’s not currently available, place a hold on it, and we will notify you when it’s available. We look forward to seeing you back at the library soon!
On October 31 Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, a non-denominational church located at 123 White Oak Lane, hosted a free event for the community. Calvary Chapel Old
Bridge transformed their parking lot into an Ancient Israeli marketplace in what they called “A Journey through Israel.” Children were taught the character qualities
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CALVARY CHAPEL OLD BRIDGE HOSTS CALVARY HARVEST - A FREE EVENT FOR THE COMMUNITY of God as they played interactive games and learned lessons from the biblical account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount taught by the many ministries of Calvary Chapel. Vol-
unteers and church staff were dressed in period costume as ancient Israeli townspeople, Roman centur ions and disciples of Jesus. The event was well attended by families in our community. Calvary Chapel provided a free barbeque, fun foods, games and activities for all attendees and a petting zoo was also site for the children’s enjoyment. Calvary Harvest was the first large community event since COVID-19 forced closures and shutdowns. Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry and Steve Mamakas of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development were in attendance and supported the event. During the Harvest they also toured the Bridge Women’s Mobile Pregnancy Center which is based out of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge. According to Pastor Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, “This event truly exceeded our expectations and the partnership of the township certainly added
to the blessing that it was to so many families in our community. The township was a pleasure to work with as we had the common goal of safety for all who attended.” The Bridge Radio, a Christian radio station also based at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge was live and on location along with our friends from K-love Radio who was in attendance. Calvary Harvest was made possible by the support of local businesses and our featured sponsor All Around Old Bridge. To learn more about Calvary Chapel Old Bridge visit ccob.org for service times and more information.
GENTLE, SOOTHING THERAPIES DO EXIST FOR TREATING BACK PAIN
By Dr. Anthony DeLuca, Director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, New Jersey Whiplash, neck injuries and back pain are the most common problems suffered after a car crash. But accidents aren’t the only cause. Nearly one-half of all working Americans suffer annually from back pain, while 80% of the population will likely experience symptoms sometime during their lives, says the American Chiropractic Association (ACA.) Whether it’s a sharp, occasional stab or steady, low-grade ache, the pain for many can typically last anywhere from a few days to weeks before gradually subsiding. Others can suffer for years from chronic, agonizing symptoms that can include burning and stabbing sensations or even red-hot jabs that radiate with every bend, twist, lift or step. Fortunately, the treatment of back ailments has evolved greatly from the simple prescription of rest and medication. Today’s methodologies now support drug-free, pain-management options that include therapeutic care as well as an active program of nutrition, exercise, ergonomic workspaces and proper lifting and movement techniques. Stretching and yoga have also become mainstays for helping to reduce back pain, speeding the recovery process and improving flexibility. However, the key is to start slowly, while gently and systematically increasing the time and repetitions associated with each
activity. It’s also always best to consult with accredited, medical professionals, who can prescribe the appropriate plan of action after carefully diagnosing the underlying conditions. To achieve the maximum benefits from any stretching program, it’s imperative to adhere to the proper form and technique. This starts by warming cold muscles with 10 – 15 minutes of walking or other basic movements or exercises. Stretches should be performed slowly and gently and only to the point of mild tension. Never to the point of pain. Don’t bounce or hold your breath. Inhale and exhale deeply. Do this daily and you’ll enjoy the increased flow of motion and flexibility this exercise brings. Passive Stretching Techniques. Passive stretches help facilitate the movement of affected muscles and joints. They should never cause pain or a tingling feeling in the extremities. Stop immediately if you experience any discomfort. Hamstring stretch. Lie on your back with both legs straight. Bend one leg at the knee and extend one leg straight up. Loop a towel over the arch of the lifted foot, while gently pulling on the towel as you push against it with your foot; you should feel a stretch in the back of the thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat three times per leg. Back Stretch. Lie on your stomach. Use your arms to push your
upper body off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Let your back relax and sag. Repeat. Active Stretches. Active stretches facilitate movement and improve strength. Again, they should never cause pain or a tingling feeling in the extremities. Leg raises. Lie on your stomach. Tighten the muscles in one leg and raise it one to two inches from the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat 20 times with each leg. Bridges. Lie on your back with your knees flexed and your feet flat on the floor. Keep knees together. Tighten the muscles of the lower abdomen and buttocks; slowly raise your hips from the floor and lower your back to the resting position. Repeat this exercise 20 times. To establish a new sense of health, balance and well-being please feel free to contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com. Our dedicated staff located at 2309 Hwy 516 in Old Bridge, NJ will be happy to meet with you and tailor a chiropractic and wellness program specifically targeted to your needs using the least invasive yet highly-effective techniques and services.
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FALLS CAN BE FATAL FOR SENIORS According to the National Council on Aging, “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.” But those over 65 are not the only people who should be concerned with fall risk, A study including “105 people ages 18-80 tested their vestibular threshold (the smallest amount of motion their body could detect), the lower the threshold the better their vestibular system was functioning and the lower their fall risk. The researchers found that the vestibular threshold in the people studied was increasingly higher after the age of 40. These thresholds increased up to 83 percent per decade after that age, the researchers said.” The fear of falling tends to be preceded by slow worsening of balance but tends to be followed by decreasing activity levels which in turn limit an individual’s ability to care for self and household, in-
creases risk of injury and illness, and can lead to depression and anxiety related to movement. Balance is your body’s ability to maintain stable and upright positioning in standing, walking and sitting but it is multifactorial and therefore treatment of dysfunction can be challenging so it is important a complete evaluation is conducted. Impairments in your balance can be caused by any combination of dysfunction within the 4 systems that make it up: • Vision • Vestibular • Muscular Strength + Coordination • Proprioception (body awareness of where you are in space) There are 2 types of balance, static and dynamic and it is im-
portant during your evaluation to determine what activities you are having difficulty with. Static balance can be sitting, standing and single task management while dynamic can include initiating movements, walking, transitioning and performing more than 1 task at a time. After a thorough evaluation of the history of your condition and the 4 systems of balance through objective measures, your Doctor of Physical Therapy at ProFysio Physical Therapy will create a customized plan of care to improve range of motion, strength, coordination of musculature, static/ dynamic balance limitations, and/or visual and vestibular strengthening to thereby improve your quality of life and reduce your fall risk.
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MAX CHALLENGE RECOGNITION FOR READER’S CHOICE AWARD Continued from page 1 This is such a great honor, and is magnified by the fact that we’ve continued to operate under probably the most challenging conditions and greatest adversity we’ve ever faced as small business owners. T h e C OV I D - 1 9 p a n d e m ic has one thing in common for all of us, as citizens and business owners: there’s no playbook for it! Since being under a mandated shutdown from March 16, to being able to re-open with severe restrictions in mid-September 2020, our staff and members have found a way to stay committed to a healthy mind / healthy body mindset. We’ve adapted to live zoom classes, to outdoor workouts, to moving back indoors with masks. You name it, we rolled with it! With coming back indoors, we’ve taken extreme measures and
instituted an extensive sanitization protocol to make sure our members feel safe in the environment. We’ve been able, as members of the MAX community, to face this pandemic with a focus on our own mental and physical well-being. Without this mindset, demonstrated by all members and staff, it would absolutely not have been possible. I applaud all our members for remaining agile, resilient, and simply being “overcomers” in these unbelievably trying times. And one thing is absolutely an unwavering thought: regardless of what comes at us next, all of us in the MAX family will be able to adapt as we need to. We couldn’t have done this without an amazing staff and incredible members, and we thank all of you. Rich and Maure en Br uno
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