All Around Old Bridge January 2021

OB OLDBRIDGE OLD BRIDGE

ALL AROUND

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

VOL 6, NO 4

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

JANUARY 2021

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

START THE NEW YEAR WITH NEW ROUTINES AT THE Y The Y is here to strengthen lives.

A non-profit charity, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has served community for over 146 years with programs that support healthy living and well-being for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.

All are welcome and no one is turned away for the inability to pay.

A New Year is always filled with the promise of positive change and promises to oneself, and following the events of 2020, there is even more anticipation and hope for what 2021 will bring. As the community continues to recover from business and school closures due to COVID-19, physical and mental health has never been so important.

Whether it’s your morning yoga or your lunchtime run, children and adults alike will benefit from returning to routines that get you moving.

The Y encourages all to start the new year off strong with new routines at Freehold, Old Bridge and Red Bank Family YMCA branches.

During the pandemic, the Y has made extensive efforts to ensure

the health and safety of members using the facility, such as health screenings for staff and members upon entry, requiring masks to be worn at all times, offering hand sanitizer and other sanitization equipment throughout the Y, improved air filtration systems, limiting group exercise class sizes, and scheduling programs to minimize the number people in the facility.

At the same time, the Y recognizes not everyone is ready to return to the membership facilities yet. To support members, fitness offerings have been expanded to include YLive virtual classes online to make sure those who are more comfortable staying home can still achieve their activity goals.

To help kick start your good health routines, the Y is offering a January “Pay the Day” promotion where your membership fee equals the day of the month if you join in January, plus no joiner fee. Join January 1 and your fee is $1. It’s that simple.

In addition to wellness branches, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth

County serves over 36,000 residents through programs such as preschool, before and after school care, teen leadership and mentoring, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling, mental and behavioral health care, community outreach and summer day camp.

To learn more about the Y’s efforts to keep you healthy, active, and safe, visit www.facebook.com/ymcaGMC and www.ymcanj.org for affordable opportunities to jump-start a new year of good health. The Y is here for all and here for good, and our doors are always open to help you grow in spirit, mind, and body.

We’r e s t r o n g e r t o g e t h e r !

JANUARY 2021

Old Bridge Township

Recreation Brochure

Winter Ice Skating Registration Begins January 4th 6pm More info go to www.oldbridge.com/recreation

Winter 2021

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Mayor Owen Henry D e a r R e s i d e nt s : Happy New Year! Best wishes for a healthy, safe and successful 2021!

As we reflect on this past year, 2020 was certainly an unprecedented one. I would like to express my appreciation to the Old Bridge Township employees for their dedication and service to our community. Your outstanding work, performed each day to address the needs of our residents, enhances the quality of life in our community.

Also, I would like to acknowledge the relentless work of our front-line workers and first responders. The extraordinary

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circumstances you continually Old Bridge provided testing to over faced did not deter you from sac- 3,000 residents. We will continrificing your safety for the health ue to provide COVID-19 testing and well-being of our residents. through the month of January.

Furthermore, my heartfelt apThe winter season is underway at preciation is extended to the resi- the John Piccolo Ice Arena. The Recdents and partners of Old Bridge reation Department’s 2021 Winter Township who Brochure is have made a sigavailable and nificant effort to In our efforts to keep residents there is plenty give back to the safe and to prevent the potential to do during spreading of COVID-19 community over t he s e as on! the past year. We throughout the holiday season, For complete Old Bridge Township and the d e t ai l s an d have witnessed Old Bridge Township School additional your generosity District initiated COVID-19 information, through donations to the Old testing at Old Bridge Township residents can High School.

Br i d ge Fo o d visit www.oldBank, toy drives bridge.com. and the first ever Old Bridge TownI look forward to 2021. May ship Drive Through Food Drive. this new year be one of good You have truly made a difference! health, abundance and prosperiIn our efforts to keep residents ty to all in our great community. safe and to prevent the potential Sincerely, spreading of COVID-19 throughMayor Owen Henry out the holiday season, Old Bridge Township and the Old Bridge Township School District initiated COVID-19 testing at Old Bridge Township High School. To date,

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REFORMED CHURCH HOME THANKS STAFF FOR SELFLESS DEDICATION AS COVID CHALLENGES CONTINUE and talents, caring for our residents as if we are all one big family. Which, of course, we are! We wish to recognize and thank each and every person that has contributed to our success during 2020 in keeping COVID at bay and residents as safe as possible. Individually, we are great‌together, we are spectacular!

Reformed Church Home, a senior living community offering assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing, has been blessed with true Healthcare Heroes in every department! From our medical director

and nursing staff to ministry, activities to dietary, housekeeping to maintenance, accounting to development, admissions to reception – every person in every department has given unselfishly of their time

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

JANUARY 2021

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1.MADISON consent agenda. On December AV E N U E & 8th bids were received, opened DARWIN and read in public for 2020 Annual R O A D I N - Drainage Improvement program.

TERSECTION Bids from nineteen (19) contracDRAINAGEIM- tors were received, with Fernandes PROVEMNTS Construction as the lowest bidder at has been in- $312,453.35. Work includes draincluded on to- age improvements on the follownight’s consent ing roads: Bertrand Street, BushHimanshu R. Shah a g e n d a . O n nell Road, Everly Street, Garfield December 8th Avenue, Jason Court, Morganville bids were received, opened and Road, Oxford Court, Partridge read in public for the Madison Ave Road, Phillips Drive, Ticetown & Darwin Road Intersection Drain- Road and Warne Road. Construcage Improvements Contract. Bids tion is scheduled for Spring 2021. from sixteen (16) contractors were 3.PHILLIPS DRIVE RESURFACreceived, with Nava Construction ING PHASE II GRANT AWARD as the lowest bidder at $248,981.

NJDOT’s Municipal Aid Program With the award of this contract, is a very competitive program. This construction will be scheduled for year the NJDOT received 635 apSpring 2021.Work includes drain- plications from 549 municipalities age improvements to the Madison requesting more than $342 million.

Avenue & Marlin Road to allevi- There is $161.25 million available ate flooding at the Intersection of in funds from the Transportation Madison Avenue and Darwin Road. Trust Fund (TFF) supported by the 2.THE 2020 ANNUAL DRAIN- State gas tax. Old Bridge Township AGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM has been selected to receive funding has been included on tonight’s from the New Jersey Department

of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2021 Municipal Aid Program for this project in the amount of $347,535.

4. THE PLANNING BOARD APPROVED AND RECOMMENDED TO THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL the Old Matawan Road Area is a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The resolution is on the Councils Agenda tonight, recommending the acceptance of Old Matawan Road Study Area as an Area in need of Redevelopment.

5.THE OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL AUTHORIZED THE PLANNING BOARD to conduct a Study Area in Need of Redevelopment for Route 35 (Intersection of Route 35 and Laurence Parkway) in October 2020. A presentation was made by the Township Planner to the Planning Board regarding considering the Route 35 Study Area as an area in need of redevelopment. The Planning Board has directed the Township Planner to prepare the Study (AINS) for the Route 35. The Planning Board public hearing for the Route 35 Study

Area will be held early next year.

6.THE OLD BRIDGE FOOD BANK was the recipient of over two truckloads of food along with $1500 in monetary donations thanks to the generosity of the residents and businesses of Old Bridge. The Grand Marquis hosted the Drive in Food Collection that was organized by Council President Mary Sohor on December 8th.

7.FIRST ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST AND DISPLAY hosted by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Please submit photographs of your families Gingerbread Houses to recreation@ oldbridge.com by 12/18/2020 to be entered into the Virtual Display.

8.THE PARKS AND RECREATION WINTER 2021 PROGRAM GUIDE is currently available for viewing. Registration for residents will begin on December 22 at 6pm. Virtual classes include Painting, Coding, Family Cooking, Pilates, the Art of Stop Motion Film Making and Mindfulness. Ice Skating lessons are also available at

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the ice arena. Please visit oldbridge. com/recreation for information.

9.PROPERT Y TAX REIMBURSEMENT “SENIOR FREEZE” FORMS: The State has extended the deadline to file the 2019 PTR form with the State of New Jersey.

Applications must be postmarked by December 31st. For additional information, residents should contact the State of NJ Division of Taxation at 1-800-882-6597 or the Division of Tax Collection at Ext. 2999.

10.CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP will begin the week of January 4th in Wards 1, 2 and 3. Wards 4, 5 and 6 will begin the week of January 11th. Please visit oldbridge.com/ recycling for further information.

On behalf of the administration, I would like to wish all our residents Happy Hol i d ay ’s

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

THINK OLD BRIDGE - THE 2020 HOLIDAY SEASON.

JANUARY 2021

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MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING Mayor's office of BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS Economic Development

By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development 2021 is here delivery orders, visited their favor- community united to deliver hope hosted a drive-thru job fair for of non-perishable items within the a n d w e a r e ite establishment after shutdown, to all. As the mayor’s office of eco- our residents to find employment two truckloads needed to transport looking at a dinning out, buying locally, using nomic development jumped in to locally. Having our local businesses it all back to the OB food bank. brighter future technology platforms, purchasing assist our local businesses during provide available positions through- We like to thank all the local busias the recovery gift cards, booking smaller events the last year and will we continue out the town. Mayor Henry and nesses that participated in both the continues for and using social media to make to help them get through the next council president Mary Sohor and Drive-Thru Job Fair and “Day of all. We should purchases on other items. We hope year. A quick recap of 2020 and Anahita Fritz of silver linings and Giving” Food Drive. Please keeping coin it as “The all continue to supply the needed ways the mayor’s office of economic food bank. Hosted a full day of the businesses front and center g r e a t r e s e t support. The old bridge business development assisted the commu- giving drive-thru food drive at the during these tough times and also button year for community also came out in force in nity during the last year. Supporting grand marquis coordinated by the any families and individuals that are Steve Mamakas business”. As all 2020 without missing a step. Mayor our local business with access to Steve Mamakas of mayor’s office experiencing tough times as well. are trying to adhere and define Henry requested the mayor’s office grant information. Running town of economic development. The Ever yone’s efforts making the best future direction for their of economic development reach out wide visual campaigns, keeping the Residents came out in force again a l l O L D B R I D G E P R O U D. operation. The role of the mayor’s to our business community as the businesses front and center. Mayor and it was estimated. The township Wishing all a Happy, Healthy office of economic development is call started to go out for needed Henry, the township and the mayor’s collected from our caring residents a n d P ro s p e ro u s Ne w Ye a r. to attract, retain and help business PPE. To assist our first responders office of economic development somewhere between 1 and 2 tons Shop, Dine and Buy Local expand. Now we have added recover and caregiver at the medical center to the list. As 2020 was one of the and other medical related facilities toughest year’s businesses have in town. Support came from local faced in modern times. We must businesses, to major franchises and say the Old Bridge community even Hackensack Meridian-Raritan ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES really stepped up to support our Bay Medical Center responded business during the last year and for our first responder while in Visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\ continue to do so today. The resident crisis mode themselves. Our restauobetownedo or Twitter @ twitter.com/obedonj to check out all the exciting said no to letting our business fail. rants supplied endless amounts of happenings from grand openings to groundbreaking events across the town.

Coming out and showing major food and even ice cream to the ER support for all. From takeout and medical center workers. The overall _

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Pursuing Progress

FEATURED BUSINESS

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LIVING STONES water. But you cannot live properly A SOLID HOPE

London R abbi, Hugo Gryn, recounted an experience in a Nazi concentration camp in which he was a prisoner: “It was the cold winter

By Lloyd Pulley, of 1 9 4 4 an d Senior Pastor, a lt houg h we Calvary Chapel had not hing Old Bridge like calendars, my father, who was a fellow prisoner, took me and some of our friends to a corner of the barrack.

He announced that it was the eve of Hanukkah. He then produced a curious-shaped bowl, and began to light a wick immersed in his precious, but now melted, margarine ration. Before he could recite the blessing, I protested at the waste of food. He looked at me, then at the lamp, and finally said: ‘You and I have seen that it is possible to live up to three weeks without food. We once lived almost three days without

for three moments without hope.’”

Yet hope is so trivialized in our present culture it is as if it is a fragile thing fraught with uncertainty.

We h o p e t h e s t o r e s w o n’ t b e t o o c r o w d e d .

We hope our flight is on time.

We hope there’s not too much traffic.

We hope the doctor’s report is good.

In this sense, hope is merely wishful thinking.

We have bid goodbye to what is arguably the most troubling year in our history. However, many have carried the baggage of the old year into 2021 with the same anxieties and uncertainties. If a person’s hope is mere wishful thinking that all will be better this year, I fear it will not be enough to sustain them through the challenges ahead.

Hope in the Bible conveys no such uncertainty. Hebrews 6:19 describes hope as an “anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast…” and one can actually “rejoice in hope, and be patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:12). The love chapter of the Bible expresses: “Now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE (1 Corinthians 13:13). Yes, love is the greatest, but without faith and hope, love has no chance! The Bible tells us “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

It is similar to when depending on the trustworthiness of a person, having either complete confidence or being a nervous wreck.

Since the Bible has clearly predicted much of the angst we are seeing in the world around us and has plotted a clear course for us to take, those who believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible are not shaken.

They live in expectancy with a solid hope. Since over 25% of the Bible is prophetic in nature, meaning it gives us history in advance, the thinking person can see past fulfillments of predictions and be confident that predictions concerning the last days will also be fulfilled. In fact, Bible believers have been searching for centuries any trends in the world that may indicate we are getting closer to the final return of the Messiah. They are not disappointed!

A century and a half ago it was unimaginable that Jewish people would be gathered back into the

JANUARY 2021 land of Israel as a nation, and yet it happened just as the Bible predicted. Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of the world, that a nation disbanded for centuries, would maintain their national identity through the centuries and return to their homeland.

We have in our lifetime observed the regathering of the Jews as predicted. (Isaiah 49, Jeremiah 31, others) This is often called the super sign that history is winding down.

God said He would fulfill what He promised to the sons of Abraham.

That long-standing hope was fulfilled. Faithful is He who promised!

In addition, the Bible talks about Jerusalem as “a very heavy stone for all peoples” and “all nations of the earth are gathered against it” (Zechariah 12:3). In other words, the whole world would be concerned about Jerusalem. For the last five decades it seems not a month goes by but some increasing tension arises among world leaders over Israel. There are too many trends to follow in in the space of this article but I will be following up in the next article with the top ten clear unmistakable signs that we

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are close to the culmination of all things¬¬¬. This culmination means both judgment as well as deliverance from evil, depending on where a person puts their hope. If any of this concerns you, I would say the most important thing you can do is to get right with God, your Maker, and then you will have no fear of the future for your hope is in heaven.

I also invite you to tune into the solid biblical teaching found on 89.9 and 91.9FM on The Bridge Christian Radio. While our nation is at a crossroads, people need a real hope. News changes daily, but the message of the Bible never changes. Through the broadcast of The Bridge, you can be assured of a solid hope. The teaching programs heard on The Bridge Christian Radio offer true hope to a hurting world in uncertain times.

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SOUTH OLD BRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT TIP OF THE MONTH

As we head into the winter months, digging out hydrants after snowstorms is a great way to help firefighters protect the community

OVER 700 TOYS DONATED TO TOYS FOR TOTS IN OLD BRIDGE

Over the past few weeks, the Old Bridge Sayreville South Amboy Chamber of Commerce, along with our partners at the Old Bridge Business Alliance led an effort to deliver Toys to children in need.

On Saturday, December 18, Vice Present-Rich Bruno, Trustee-Anthony Cosentino, John & Mige Hauser and their families representing the Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Owen Henry, Economic Development Head Steve Mamakas and Councilman Ward 2 Erik DePalma helped to load a truck donated by the Hauser

family and delivered the toys to the Toys for Tots depot in Hazlet, NJ. The results were truly sensational given the current challenges we are facing. With the help of such a caring and giving community, we were able to deliver over 700 toys! Imagine, 700 childrens’ smiling faces, all because of the generosity of the great citizens of Old Bridge and surrounding communities. This literally translates to 700 acts of kindness!

What made this so successful, besides the generosity of so many, was that the event was shared so broadly, as well as the collective efforts to not only purchase and drop off toys, but to donate online.

A huge shout and thank you to our business partner Jordon Wright and his staff at Quality Chevrolet, who was very instrumental in this effort, as they collected and stored over two pickup trucks full of toys for almost three weeks.

On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the Old Bridge Business Alliance, we are so grateful for the generosity our community showed during some of the most daunting times we have all faced in 2020.

Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and better 2021!

JANUARY 2021

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JANUARY 2021

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES FOX & ROACH, REALTORS® CONGRATULATES CYNTHIA HERTLIK ON NATIONAL APPOINTMENT Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® congratulates Cynthia Hertlik, on her recent appointment to the New Jersey Association of Realtor® (NJR) Legislative and Political Affairs Committee with Monmouth Ocean Regional REALTORS in 2021.

Additionally, Hertlik has been confirmed to be on the Commercial and Industrial Investment Committee of the Monmouth Ocean Regional REALTORS in 2021.

An award winning agent, Hertlik has been a consistent recipient of the NJR Circle of Excellence Award, as well as a member of the Executive Club with her prior broker. Her professional certifications include New Home Construction and Buyer Representation, Accredited Home Staging Professional, and Relocation Specialist. Additionally, she is a former business partner with the ASIS. Hertlik is an active member of the Board of Monmouth Realtors, serving on the Public Relations Committee (2016-2019) and the

Legislative and Public Affairs Committee (2017-2019). Hertlik resides in Old Bridge, NJ and is active in her community, As a member of Union Bible Church/Marlboro Road, attendee of Calvary, Cynthia also is a active with Most Holy Redeemer/Matawan, St. Ambrose/Old Bridge 2017, and a formerly active with Catechist and St. Vincent de Paul Society, as well as a former board member of the Monmouth County Arts Council. Hertlik can be reached at 732-489-1144 or email her at cynthia.hertlik@foxroach.com. Check out her website at www.HavenandHome.com.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS® is part of HomeServices of America, the nation’s largest provider of total home services and largest residential brokerage company in the U.S. in sales volume, according to 2019 REAL Trends 500 report. The company’s market dominance is three times the market share of its nearest competitor. In 2019 the bro-

kerage completed more than 31,457 transactions.

With over 5,000 sales associates in more than 75 sales offices across the Tri-State area, the company was recently acknowledged as #1 throughout the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network.

Through its affiliate, the Trident Group, the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance. The company-sponsored charitable foundation, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, is committed to addressing the needs of children and families in stressful life circumstances and has contributed over $7.2 million

to more than 250 local organizations since its inception in 1995.

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V i s i t o u r We b s i t e a t www.foxroach.com.

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH CONVALESCENT PLASMA WORK FOR COVID-19 TREATMENTS ENTERS NEXT PHASE OF STUDY – Researchers and clinical experts at Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, continue their work on convalescent plasma treatments for COVID-19 patients – now with a new Phase 2 study.

The researchers at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, and their colleagues at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) continue Phase 2 testing of the clinical treatments – now in an outpatient setting to treat earlier and help the infected avoid hospitalization.

The scientists and clinicians believe treating as early as possible in an outpatient setting may help survival.

“Our researchers and clinicians are moving the needle,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “What they’ve done

for patients in Hackensack with convalescent plasma has gotten national recognition, and we’re proud to support their vital work.”

“From the initial wave of SARSCoV-2 and onward, we have sought to save as many lives as possible,” said Michele Donato, M.D., FACP, CPE, chief of stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at John Theurer Cancer Center, part of Hackensack University Medical Center, and who is leading the potential treatment part of the work. “We believe we are achieving that goal.”

T h e c onv a l e s c e nt pl a s m a program at Hackensack University Medical Center identifies the “super donors” with the greatest levels of highly-neutralizing antibodies, independently validated, as determined through methodology developed by CDI experts.

What may separate the Hackensack-based trial from other

convalescent plasma trials across the nation is the application of higher levels of highly-neutralizing antibodies from survivors’ plasma – those of the so-called “super donors” whose natural defenses may hold the secret to more successfully treating the infection.

The new Phase 2 study is for infusing this potentially valuable serum into patients with early-stage COVID-19 infection who have at least one major risk factor for serious disease, in an outpatient setting. The goal is to treat the patients in the first 96 hours – with the aim to prevent hospitalization entirely.

Convalescent plasma treatments have previously been used to fight other viral outbreaks, including those of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by a virus that’s a cousin to the one responsible for COVID-19, and which sickened thousands in 2002-2003.

The program in Hackensack was profiled early in the pandemic by major media outlets, including the TV newsmagazine 60 Minutes.

Taking part in this work are personnel from Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center including Donato, who are experts in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, as well as scientists from the CDI, who developed the high-titer test to assess the presence and levels of the antibodies.

“Our program has strived to set a high bar for the science

behind convalescent plasma and optimize its use for COVID-19 treatment,” said David S. Perlin, Ph.D., the chief scientific officer and senior vice president of the CDI. “We continue to use our best expertise in combating this global health crisis,” said Ihor Sawczuk, M.D., FACS, president of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Northern Market, and the chief research officer of the network.

“That expertise is considerable, and we expect it to make a world of difference for our patients.”

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CAT CONSTIPATION – IT’LL BE LESS COMMON WITH CARE

JANUARY 2021

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 Literally, there is something not right in the litter box -- constipation.

Constipation is the abnormal accumulation of feces in the colon, resulting in difficult bowel movements. This may result in reduced frequency or absence of defecation. The feces are retained in the large intestine or colon.

Since one of the major functions of the colon is water absorption, the retained feces became hard

and dry, which makes passing the feces even more difficult.

If you notice your pet straining in the litterbox, make sure your pet is actually not having a urinary obstruction, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Make sure he can pass urine.

When your pet can not pass stool at all it is called obstipation. Obstipation is caused by prolonged retention of hard, dry feces. Defecation is impossible, and medical treatment is necessary.

C onstipation can develop with any disease that impairs the passage of feces through the colon. The pelvic canal may be narrow due to a trauma. There may be the presence of a mass.

If your pet ingested a foreign body, it may cause an obstruction.

Cats can become obstructed by hairballs and not be able to pass stool.

Pets who do not drink enough water and are not well hydrated are prone to constipation. Lack of exer-

cise or inability to ambulate may be a factor. There are many medicines that may attribute to constipation such as antihistamines, diuretics, narcotic pain relievers and antacids.

Perianal disease may cause painful defecations. Other medical conditions such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or neurological conditions contribute to constipation issues. Overweight pets are more prone as well. Often in cats there is no underlying disease.

When a pet is constipated and strains to defecate, it can be painful. Sometimes they may vomit, stop eating, become lethargic and pass blood. When the pet has severe impaction, the abdomen may become distended.

Your pet may need to be hospitalized, administered IV fluids, and have multiple enemas. In severe cases, the pet has to be sedated for the manual removal of the fecal material.

In the most severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed. Surgery

is often needed in cats with megacolon, which is a dilated and weak colon that loses its normal motility.

The most important preventative factor is to maintain good hydration.

Since cats often are not good drinkers, adding warm water to their canned food may be beneficial.

Many cats enjoy drinking from a pet water fountain. Comb your cats often, especially long haired cats.

Adding a half of teaspoon of olive oil to their food daily may be helpful.

Fiber rich foods are important.

Adding pumpkin or Metamucil (psyllium fiber) are beneficial for good digestive health. Sometimes cats are reluctant to use their litterboxes due to the location of the box, or if it is not cleaned, or other household cats intimidate them. If they refrain from going regularly and hold their bowel movements, the stool gets dry, starting the constipation cycle.

Dogs, of course, have nearly all the same constipation issues, other

than hairballs, such as obstructions, obesity and tumors. In the case of unaltered male dogs, enlarged prostates can compress the colon.

Remember, good hydration and fiber rich foods along with laxatives, probiotics and stool softeners may be necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system.

FEEL BETTER BEARS

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

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 7,000 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. “While 2020 had been a tough year for donations, all of us here at All American Auto Group were blown away at the generosity of the community as they helped us collect thousands of stuffed animals for Feel Better Bears” said Marketing Director of the All American Auto Group, Jason Savino.

Cars filled with students and parents filed onto the Old Bridge High School campus to experience a winter wonderland complete with music, photos, and holiday lights.

The cars negotiated through the campus single file on Dec. 21 to participate in a “Light Up the Knight”, a socially distant holiday celebration.

Nearly 20 teachers from the high school set up the display, featuring a tunnel with about 100 staff members dressed for the holidays.

The staff members waved to their students and shouted holiday greetings as they passed by.

In addition, a large screen displayed videos of OBHS teachers waving to the students.

At the end of the of the light displays, Santa Claus stood 30 feet above the ground inside an Old Bridge fire truck’s bucket, where he waved and shouted to the crowds.

In addition, the school collected Toys for Tots and set up a Loose Change for Love Jar for Bryce Lomas, a freshman at the Ellen McDermott Grade Nine Center, who is fighting AML Leukemia.

“We are so blessed to be a part of this wonderful school community that cares so much about

our students,” said OBHS Principal Vincent Sasso. “All of our students, most notably the Class of 2021, have missed out on so many events this year and the faculty and staff were so happy to celebrate with them at the first ever Light up the Knight Holiday Drive Thru.”

Over the past few months, teachers have expressed their concerns about the Class of 2021, which has already missed out on so many extracurricular activities. They wanted to come up with a plan that was safe during a raging pandemic to celebrate the spirit of the school and the holidays.

“We really wanted to find a way to celebrate with our kids, especially our senior class, and to let them know we love them and want the best for them,” said English teacher Jessica Tosonotti. “We wanted to put a smile on their faces and help them find joy in the midst of these troubling times.”

Tosonotti, along with Matt Donaghue, both senior class advisers, spearheaded the event.

“We wanted our students to know that we are always thinking of them and care about them,” said Donaghue.

OLD BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL SHOWS ITS SPIRIT WITH LIGHT UP THE KNIGHT

JANUARY 2021

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3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857

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14-YEAR-OLD COLLECTED 383 TOYS TO BENEFIT ST. PETER’S UNIVERITY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Every October, 14-year-old Madison Szumera , from Old Bridge, begins preparing for her Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Inspired

by Hurricane Sandy, she started her Toy Drive in 2012, while she was in kindergarten. Her motivation was to give back to the people who lost everything during the storm. Children lost their homes, toys, and personal belongings. She wanted to ensure that those children were able to receive new toys, in replacement of the things that they lost in the storm and to make sure that they felt a sense of normalcy and joy during the holiday season. In the first two years of her Annual Toy Drive, she donated the toys she collected to the RAINE Foundation and the following year, she donated to Operation Jersey Shore Santa. Both of these foundations made sure that the toys were given to families who were impacted by the destruction of the storm. However, for the subsequent years, she started donating to Bristol-Myers-Squibb Children’s Hospital.

Madison switched to a children’s hospital because in 2015, her childhood friend, Ryan, passed away. He was a 9-year-old boy who lost his battle to cancer. With the destruction of Hurricane Sandy having subsided, her new goal was to make sure that children who were unhealthy or in the hospital, were as happy as possible during the holidays.

Madison wanted to do something that had the potential to put a smile on every child’s face. With the help of social media platforms, family, friends, neighbors and her school St. Benedict, she has collected hundreds of toys, and each year, the donations increase.

This year was her 9th year hosting her Toy Drive and she collected a total of 383 toys that were donated to St Peter’s University Children’s Hospital. Madison has no intention of stopping. The Annual Holiday Toy Drive is very important to her and she looks forward to it every year because she has recognized the benefit it has for others.

JANUARY 2021

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IN MEMOR I A M BARBARA ELIZABETH WEBER

Barbara Elizabeth Weber, of Matawan, NJ p a ss e d aw ay peacefully in her home on November 23, 2020 at the age of 90.

Born in Nutley, NJ on August 14, 1930 to Joseph & Anna Rankl.

She spent most of her childhood on her parents’ farm and later DORIS E. KOHRMAN

We are saddened to announce that Doris E. Kohrman (88) passed away DeJUDITH ANN FARR

Judith Ann F a r r, 7 2 , o f Cliffwood, NJ, p a s s e d aw ay on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel, NJ. BARBARA SUE JOHNSON

Barbara Sue Johns on, 67, of Old Bridge, passed away at home surrounded by her family on December 14th, 2020. Born in Queens to the late Salvatore and Stella Davi she lived in Brooklyn before moving to Old Bridge 10 years ago. Barbara worked as a secretary at NBC in New York and later was a homemaker raising her daughters and making them her priority. She would later become a grandmother, affectionately called Rah Rah. Her children and grandchildren were everything to her, she was the rock of the family, but was also adored by many others who would also call her Rah Rah. She was a devout catholic and attending St. Ambrose Church. She enjoyed her

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attended Nutley High School where she was a majorette in the school’s marching band. It was there she met the love of her life, Russell Weber. They married on April 25, 1953 and started their family shortly after. They were blessed with three children, Pat, Russell, and Judi.

They moved to Matawan, NJ where they resided and raised their family for over 65 years. She was very active in the community as a volunteer at Bayshore Hospital,

President of the Matawan Women’s Rotary Club, and a member of the Trinity Church Altar Guild. She also belonged to the Strathmore Bowling League, was a Girl Scouts Leader, and a Cheerleading Coach for the Laurence Harbor Jets. She loved to travel with her family. She golfed and skied often with her husband, children, and grandchildren. More than anything, Barbara loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was

known to be very involved and never miss an event regardless how simple or important it was.

She is survived by her loving husband, Russell Weber of 67 years; daughter, Pat Horsley and son-in-law John; her son, Russell Weber and daughter-in-law Nancy, and her daughter, Judi Cetnar; her Brother, Robert Rankl and his wife Sandy; 6 grandchildren, Christine Elizabeth (Jesse) Cotugno; Katie (Adam) Tivald; Sami (Matt) Dona-

ghue; Jordyn Elizabeth (Danny) Cuevas; Brooke Weber; and Chase Weber; and 5 great-grandchildren: Hailee, Averie Elizabeth, David, Maxwell, & John. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Joseph Rankl, and sister, Peggy Alikas. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

cember 19 in the comfort of her home. She was a kind and loving person treasured by her friends and family. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joseph, and her twin sister, Lois Lavin, and children Joseph (Mitzie) Kohrman, Jeanne (Michael) Roche

and Sandra Koechlin. She brought joy to the lives of her grandchildren: Bryce, Kimberly, Brandon, Christian, Michelle and J.T. and great-grandchildren Clara, Leo, Jake, Kenley, Owen and Hudson.

Doris was an animal lover, skilled quilter and gardener and active in

the Morganville United Methodist Church. She transported special needs children for Matawan schools for 20 years and pioneered a Sunday school class for special needs children. She opened her heart and home as haven for young people and was a role model to many.

As Doris experienced hunger as a child, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in her name to the food pantry “Fulfill” 3300 Rt 66, Neptune

Judith was born on December 27, 1947 to Ralph and Ann Pavero in Perth Amboy, NJ. Judith worked as a Baker for A and P Food Market in Aberdeen, NJ for 16 years, before retiring in 2015. Judith lived in Old Bridge, NJ before moving to Cliffwood 30 years ago. She was a devout member of the Harvest Time Church in Cliffwood, NJ. Judith provided a

loving home to her entire family.

Judith was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Farr; and her son, Robert Farr Jr. in 2019.

She is survived by her loving fiance’, Robert Butchko , two sons and their wives, Rodney and Christina Farr, and Ricky and Tara Farr; her sister, Cheryl Esquerdo; four grandsons, Ricky,

Bobby, Richie, and Matthew; five granddaughters, Angel, Chloe, Anabelle, Alissa, and Nicole; and many great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2020, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Hwy. 79, Morganville, NJ. Funeral services was held on

Tuesday, December 22, 2020, 8:00 PM at the Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Hwy. 79,Morganville, NJ. Private Cremation will be in the care of the Holy Cross Crematory in East Brunswick, NJ.

cup of coffee, the NY Jets and planting. She was loved and will be dearly missed by many.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Donald J. Johnson, her daughters and sons in law, Brooke Dubinski and Jonathan, Pamela Tortorici and Joseph, brother Robert Davi, sister Roberta Maruffi, and her beloved grandchildren, Sabrina, Victoria, and Stella.

Family and friends were invited to remember Barbara during visitation on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt. 516, Old Bridge. A funeral mass was offered on Saturday at 10:30 at St. Ambrose Church with entombment to follow in Marlboro Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.oldbridgefh.com

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CAN COLD WEATHER HURT YOUR LOWER BACK? As we head into the holidays, the weather starts to change. As the temperature drops, aches and pains become a frequent occurrence. Without proper warm up and stretching, activities like snow shoveling and even prolonged standing can trigger low back pain, knee pain, and other injuries.

It is important to remember that blood flow to muscles and joints decreases as a direct result of reduced activity. In addition, the abundance of food during the holidays results in weight gain for most individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to stay active, keep the blood circulation going, and burn extra calories during the winter.

It is common knowledge that physical therapy helps in the treatment of injuries, but did you know that injury prevention becomes crucial during the winter? A single appointment with your physical therapist has the potential to help you enjoy a happy, healthy, and injury-free holiday season.

I N J U RY P R E V E N T I O N 101 DURING THE WINTER

If you are going to be lifting and moving things, shoveling snow, or engaging in other forms of exercise, make sure to warm up and stretch before you begin. Start slowly and maintain the right posture as you increase the intensity of exercise over 10-15 minutes. Take short breaks and give your muscles and joints a chance to ‘adjust’ to the task.

Your physical therapist will suggest that you use your knees rather than your lower back to lift heavy objects, avoid twisting movements, and breathe normally at all times.

Hold heavy objects close to the body to reduce strain on the lumbar spine. The feet should be kept wide apart to increase the base of support, and the knees must be slightly bent. Use your entire body to move objects rather than twisting your back. If you are shoveling snow, you must avoid twisting motions of the lower back, such as throwing snow behind you over the shoulder.

With the right combination of breathing, warm up, and proper technique, you can reduce the probability of injury significantly. If you

have aches and pains that get worse during the winter, it may be time to see a physical therapist. Your therapist will assess your current activity levels and functional limitations.

The therapist will discuss your short term and long term goals. All this information will be used to devise a plan of action to treat the underlying cause of pain as quickly as possible.

WE WISH YOU A HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! It is important to maintain strength and stability in the muscles of the torso and lower back, especially during the winter. As the snow melts to ice, the risk of slips and falls increases. Maintaining and improving balance and stability, especially for seniors, is an important part of physical therapy and wellness.

We can educate you and your family about proper techniques to maintain posture, to improve balance, and to prevent injuries.

Some simple prevention techniques will help you enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season. Winter is associated with a surge in the number of persons visiting the

emergency room for snow shoveling and fall-related injuries, which is why prevention is so important.

As your physical therapists, we can help you stay safe and healthy.

Give yourself (and your family) the gift of health and wellness.

Contact us to learn more about how physical therapy can change your life this holiday season.

Back pain and other common conditions can be successfully treated with Physical Therapy.

Remember, you do not need a

JANUARY 2021

physician’s prescription to start physical therapy. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation 732-970-7882 or schedule online at ProFysioNJ.com.

OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Because of the pandemic, many libraries in Middlesex County have had to scale back their services. Most of them, like Old Bridge Library Director Public Library, Michael Bobish o f f e r c u r b side pickup of items, and some have branched out into virtual programming. Our customers have been looking for virtual library programs they can attend, and I’m happy to report that we are exploring those options.

We are partnering with the East Brunswick Public Library and other area libraries to bring to you Option Green 2021: Climate Change and Community. This series of virtual programming offers thematic documentary discussions and lectures on issues like changing weather patterns, sustainable energy sources, and environmental injustice. You can find out more about these programs, and how to access them, at

https://ilove.ebpl.org/option-green.

The Old Bridge Public Library staff is also hard at work developing virtual programs options catering to our community. Some programs we’re exploring include trivia contests for adults, online storytimes, and crafting sessions you can join in on from home.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and www.oldbridgelibrary. org for updates on these programs.

The Library’s staff and Board of Trustees wish you all the very best this holiday season! Please stay safe, and enjoy some quiet t ime wit h your love d ones.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

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DON’T ACCEPT SHOULDER PAIN AS A WAY OF LIFE

By Dr. Anthony DeLuca, Director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, New Jersey Shoulder pain is a common condition that afflicts millions annually with 30 to 50% of sufferers reporting persistent pain or reoccurrences for more than 12 months.

Composed of a ball-and-socket joint with three main bones, the shoulder is held together by a collection of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When working properly and in unison, shoulders enable about 1,600 different positions to offer the greatest amount of motion of any joint. Unfortunately, these same attributes make it the most unstable area of the body and a common site for injury accompanied by anything from mild discomfort to excruciating pain when performing even minor activities like brushing teeth or hair.

Although whiplash is among the most common car accident injuries, shoulder or rotator cuff problems often occur after a side-impact or T-bone type collision. These traumatic events can cause a violent jerking motion and the resulting tear of ligaments, soft tissue, cartilage and tendons that bind the upper half of the capsule of the shoulder joint.

Interestingly, many people notice the most amount of pain in their left shoulder after a serious crash. This is typically due

to the use of a seat belt, which restricts motion and amplifies pressure to the shoulder during the jolt forward.

In addition to accidents, overhand throwing places an extreme amount of stress on the shoulder often leading to a wide range of overuse injuries. This is also the case with virtually any profession or sport that requires repetitive overhand motions, such as volleyball, tennis, hammering or climbing. In fact, the average tendonitis sufferer is a male aged 40 or better who experiences shoulder pain on the side of his dominant hand. Other common causes of shoulder ailments include arthritis, tendon tears, sprains and subluxations, which involve either the complete or partial separation of bones within the joint.

While most of these conditions accompany at least a mild degree of discomfort, some shoulder injuries, particularly those associated with car accidents, may not result in pain for days, weeks and months after the event. When symptoms do arise, many people frequently treat the problem themselves. This may be effective for mild ailments caused by overexertion, but individuals who suffer from chronic

conditions lasting for weeks and associated with the loss of strength or motion should always seek the advice of certified professionals.

Overtime and far too often, many sufferers tend to accept pain as part of everyday life. The truth is even extremely painful conditions can be alleviated through the proper combination of treatment, rest, stretching and strengthening exercises. But the ultimate goal is to make sure that it never happens again. This includes a thorough review of the activities that created the problem in the first place – everything from bending, sleeping and sitting improperly to hitting a tennis ball or lifting weights with poor form.

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.

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE 2021 CURBSIDE RECYCLING SCHEDULE (732) 721-5600 Ext. 6107 Recycling@OldBridge.com

WARD 1 Monday

WARD 2 Tuesday

WARDS 3 & 4 Wednesday

WARD 5 Thursday

WARD 6 Friday 2*, 15, 29

January

11, 25

January

12, 26

January

13, 27

January

14, 28

January

February

8, 22

February

9, 23

February

10, 24

February

11, 25

February

12, 26

March

8, 22

March

9, 23

March

10, 24

March

11, 25

March

12, 26

April

5, 19

April

6, 20

April

7, 21

April

8, 22

April

9, 23

May

3, 17

May

4, 18

May

5, 19

May

6, 20

May

7, 21

June

5*,14, 28

June

1, 15, 29

June

2, 16, 30

June

3, 17

June

4, 18

July

12, 26

August

9, 23 11*, 20

September October

4, 18

July

13, 27

July

14, 28

July

August

10, 24

August

11, 25

August

1, 15, 29 12, 26

13, 27 10, 24

September

8, 22

September

9, 23

September

October

5, 19

October

6, 20

October

7, 21

October

8, 22

November

5, 19

December

3, 17, 31

November

2, 16, 30

November

3, 17

November

4, 18

December

13, 27

December

14, 28

December

1, 15, 29

December

2, 16, 30

**Important Notes:

August

7, 21

1, 15, 29

*Sept 6 changed to Sat, Sept. 11

2, 16, 30

September

November

*May 31 changed to Sat, June 5

July

*Jan. 1 changed to Sat, Jan. 2

**The Central Park Development is picked up on Mondays (although fall in Ward 3) **The Arbors section, Sonoma Court & Lakeridge West are picked up on Tuesdays (although fall in Ward 4) **If you are not sure of your pick-up day, please call the MCIA to clarify: (800) 488-6242 or (609) 655-5141 ~ The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) picks up curbside recycling bi-weekly throughout the Township of Old Bridge.

For scheduling questions or missed pickups please call: (800) 488-6242 ~ No plastic bags! Recyclables that are contaminated or in plastic bags will be rejected by the County. ~ Cardboard stacks must be bundled neatly & tied up

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87 YEAR OLD OB RESIDENT BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO CARRIAGE POINTE

My name is Joan Brand. I am an 87 year old senior who lives in the Carriage Pointe complex in Old Bridge on the Matawan border. I have been living in Old Bridge for the past 57 years. I first landed in NJ from Westchester on Gramercy

Road off of rt 516 and now I’ve settled in at Carriage Pointe for the past 25 years, also off of 516.

Since I arrived here, I have taken it upon myself (with the blessings of management), to decorate all the common areas in the complex for every season and this Christmas is no exception. I just love the holidays so much and to bring a little joy to all the tenants who live here and to all who visit. It’s a gift from my heart to theirs. I may be older, but I’m forever young at heart. Besides, decorating for Santa’s arrival never gets old!!

This year more than ever, I felt the need to try even a little harder to elevate everyone’s mood and to bring some additional joy into all our lives. I enjoy staying active and decorating is a rather simple act that requires minimal effort (although a little harder as the years go by), but has maximum results to lift every one’s spirits.

It’s been a trying year and since we’re spending more time at home,

why not make our surroundings as cheerful as possible! Years ago it started out with one wreath on the front door and each year I have added more and more decorations.

It’s a contagious sort of endeavor as now every apartment decorates their doors as well. Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh pine, welcoming all who enter. Every year the decorations are a little different and I may even add one or two.

From fresh poinsettias, to the garland and snowman...it all signifies a season of warmth. If not in the temperatures, at least in our hearts and in the smiles on our faces...even if this year you can’t readily see them behind our masks. Knowing I’ve helped out, in some small way to put them there, makes it all worthwhile!

I wish everyone the happiest of holidays this season. May you all continue to stay safe and hopeful.

Here’s to all the best 2021 will have to offer, as there are better days ahead!

JANUARY 2021

FIRST DRIVE THROUGH FOOD DRIVE

Old Bridge Townships First Drive Through Food Drive, on December 8th, collected two tons of food of food and over $1,500.00 in monetary donation. Thank you for your

continuing support of Old Bridge community especially during this pandemic. The generosity has helped the township meet the needs of our residents during this difficult time.

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