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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
VOL 8, NO 2
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
LET’S FOCUS ON THE MENTAL ONLY A MONTH AFTER WELL-BEING OF OUR KIDS dinary loss and disruptions. CLIMBING Here in central New Jersey, EVEREST, JAR our YMCA provides extensive mental health counselOF HOPE CEO ing and social services and we’re seeing an alarming rise WILL NOW RUN in the need for mental health support among youth and teens. 158 MILES Kristen Brophy-McCauley, a Throughout the pandemic, the licensed professional counselor for the YMCA, visits with children enrolled in the Y’s Freehold Child Care Center to support their social and emotional learning.
Jim Raffone, Founder/CEO of JAR of Hope (https://www. jarofhope.org), returned from climbing to the highest basecamp on Mount Everest - 18,372’ - only three weeks ago. During this nauseating, breath-sapping, cramping, stomach-sickening effort, his four-man team raised $180,000 toward researching a cure for a very-rare, fatal childhood disease called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Now, only a few weeks later, Raffone will make a 158-mile fund-raising run with Jar of Hope Treasurer Joe Ippolito, in cooperation with Manasquan Bank. The June 13-17 event is called “A Rope For Hope” in recognition of the bank’s logo. They’ll stop at fifteen Manasquan Continue on page 7
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a harsh toll on the mental health of people of all ages and backgrounds, especially our children and teens, who’ve experienced extraor-
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has worked closely with public school officials, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, the Mental Health Association, and other partnering organizations to address the growing mental health needs of our youth. Bu t w e c a n d o m ore . Here are three ways our community can work together to
improve mental health outcomes for our young people: Expand Access to Mental Health Care – Offering more outpatient mental health services to young people on their school campuses will provide easy and equitable access to care and remove transportation barriers for families. Increase Mental Health Training – Educators and youth-serving organizations need training to appropriately identify and respond to signs of mental health issues. Equipping them with the right tools can help them address children’s critical needs. Advocate for Mental Health Continue on page 27
PICKLEBALL COURTS AT MANNINO PARK ARE NOW OPEN!
Pickleball is a sport that has been soaring in popularity both nationally and locally and the need for dedicated pickleball courts was evident in Old Bridge. Two years ago the Township placed pickleball lines on two Tennis Courts and the residents flocked to those courts on a daily
basis. With that popularity, the Township also offered lessons to youth, adults, seniors and special needs participants. As the Township knew the growth was coming they dedicated Capital funding in 2021 for 2 courts at Mannino and are currently constructing 3 additional
Pickleball courts, when those are completed the Township will have 5 dedicated Pickleball Courts at Mannino Park. The Township held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Friday, June 10 to open the two Pickleball Courts that were completed. The event was held by Mayor Owen Henry and there were approximately 30 local Pickleball players on hand to cut the ribbon and start playing. Pickleball is a racket/paddle sport that was created by combining elements of several other Continue on page 6
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Now that the school year is past and with summer officially here, most of us are enjoying those fun family-packed summer activities. I would like to remind parents to think about summer safety during these hot, humid, and sunny months. Please pay close attention to children while swimming, apply sunscreen when outdoors, check for ticks, and never leave children or pets in a car unattended, even for a short amount of time. Think safe, stay safe! Once again, I would like to congratulate all our recent graduates. It is always a pleasure to watch our children and young adults achieve such a milestone. And thank you to all our wonderful, dedicated teachers and
administrators for all your efforts throughout the year. You are truly instrumental in shaping the lives of our future generation. I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to acknowledge the many volunteers who make our township a wonderful place to live. From those who serve on our boards, commissions, and committees, to those who serve our various civic organizations and everywhere in between, we simply could not function as a Township without you. Your town stands behind you and is always there to help in any way we can. Sometimes, during all the busy things that we have going on, we forget to stop and say thank you. But it is our volunteers that keep our civic spirit alive and make the town the place we all love to call home. Most importantly, we celebrate our freedom and independence on the 246th anniversary of this Fourth of July. The signing of the Declaration of Independence marked the first time in history that a nation’s people asserted
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their right to choose their own government. It is only fitting that we stop for a moment and thank our troops for all they do to protect and defend our country. American troops continue to fight daily for our freedom and many of those soldiers live right here in Old Bridge. Please keep all the service men and women in your prayers. In honor of those residents who have volunteered to serve in our armed forces, we thank you. The township, your friends, and your loved ones have constructed a wall located in the municipal complex to honor your bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice. If you have a son, daughter, relative or friend actively serving in any branch of the armed forces, please let us know. Stay on the lookout for information and details regarding our annual Saltwater Day and Old Bridge Day. Have a great 4th of July, enjoy the warm weather! Mayor O wen Henr y
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OLD BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION The theme of resurgence played a central part in the graduation ceremony for the Old Bridge High School Class of 2022. Their high school career straddled the preand post-pandemic world, returning to their high school bui lding as S eniors last September. They, “brought the spirit of Old Bridge back to the high school.” said Vice Principal Richard Masarik. For the first time since 2019, 723 Old Bridge High School graduates walked down the amphitheater steps at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, to celebrate their academic achievements and their success in bringing back that welcome spirit, successfully making every one of their 181 in-pers on s c h o o l d ay s c ou nt . Class of 2022 Valedictorian Rishabh Jain, who graduated with a stellar 5.8+ GPA, focused his address to the class on their successful journey together and all they
have achieved post-pandemic. “We came out on top, we came together as one Knight family,” Jain said. “We came out of that roller coaster, resolve intact as state champs, GMC victors, silver medalists and academic superstars, and dedicated leaders. We’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities small and big,
donated thousands of pounds of food, and, collectively, we’ve volunteered thousands of hours – tens of thousands of h ou r s , of ou r t i m e t o helping others. We’ve had an impact locally and even internationally.” In his Presentation of the Class of 2022, Superintendent David Cittadino challenged the graduates to, “make
someone’s day today,” every day, having been inspired by a thank you note from Salutatorian Armaan S. Dullat. To encourage his challenge, Cittadino started off by giving a $30 gift card to several randomly selected graduates. Performances by the Old Bridge High School Choir and championship Old Bridge
High School Band had the audience clapping and waving their cell phone lights in The air. After diplomas were bestowed, Dr. Vincent Sasso, Principal, recognized thirteen Eagle Scouts, two students serving in the United States military, and in an emotional moment, an honorary high school diploma was presented to teacher Guy Lassen, whose service in the military prevented him from attending his own high school graduation. Finally, Class President Anthony Taranto, Jr., led the turning of the tassels and the Class of 2022 threw their graduation caps into the air.
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THINK OLD BRIDGE
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MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Understandlocal businesses here in Old Bridge. ing the challengWe must join together to patrone s b u s i n e s s e s ize our local business or our favorite are facing now. location and understand that they In the past, the are doing their best to keep things as Mayor’s office of normal as they can and to provide Economic Devel- the best service for the residents. opment launched the ‘Welcome back our Businesses’ campaign to show support to local businesses. As we travel across town Mayor Office of Economic Deand meet with business owners. velopment Pursuing Progress The challenges that these busi“Think Old Bridge” Shop, Dine nesses now. The common theme and Buy Local Feature Business is the skyrocketing product and All of our businesses. Visit the food costs which changes weekly. Mayor’s Office of Economic DeThis is a now daily struggle for all velopment Old Bridge @ facebook. businesses, but especially restaurants com\obetownedo or Twitter @ which are trying to keep menus and twitter.com/obedonj to check out prices consistent, while not cutting all the exciting happenings from corners or sacrificing quality. grand openings to groundbreakThey all stress it is important, ing events across the town. for consumers and residents, to understand the challenges as we all are dealing with today and ask OLD BRIDGE to have patience and compassion in the face of rising prices. We must understand the impact this is having across the board. So, as you visit local businesses, we urge _ _ _ _ _ you to keep this in mind and hold Pursuing Progress off on making assumptions about Mayor's office of the business based off their current Economic Development prices. It is more important as ever right now to do our best to support
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PICKLEBALL COURTS AT MANNINO PARK ARE NOW OPEN!
Continued from page 1 racket sports. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The ball is much like a Wiffle ball, with 26–40 round holes. A pickleball court is similar to badminton, with a net similar to tennis, and the paddles are similar to those in table tennis. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within
community centers, physical education classes, public parks, private health clubs, and retirement communities. There are thousands of pickleball tournaments throughout the United States, including the U.S. Pickleball National Championships, U.S. Open Pickleball Championship, Major League Pickleball, as well as numerous international championships.
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ONLY A MONTH AFTER CLIMBING EVEREST, JAR OF HOPE CEO WILL NOW RUN 158 MILES Continue from page 1 branches in coastal New Jersey, finishing at the bank’s headquarters in Wall Township. “My 13-year-old-son James Anthony (“Jamesy”) has Duchenne,” Jim Raffone says. “When he was diagnosed at four, doctors told Karen and I, ‘just take him home and love him until he dies.’ But we decided that no parent should ever have to hear that. So we started JAR of Hope.” Duchenne md occurs only once in 3,500 live births. These kids – mostly boys – are in wheelchairs by their early-teens. On ventilators by their midteens. And in their graves by their early-20’s…after suffocating. “I met a Manasquan executive at a JAR of Hope golf event last year,” Raffone says, “and he wanted to get the bank involved. And James Vaccaro, President of Manasquan Bank, opened up his heart and his doors to this cause. We’re hoping to raise $148,000 toward a cure for Duchenne.” Raffone’s only been back from
Everest a few weeks, after a tortuous climb in which he was able to eat only three pieces of bread with peanut butter in the last few days. But now he’s ready to run 158 miles. But, although he’s 51, he’s no stranger to physical challenges. In fact, he owns six world records in his age group for marathons, “week-long “Ultra” events in which you traverse over 60,000’ of altitude changes while carrying your own gear, etc. “Yes, I do get asked whether I’m still exhausted from Everest,” Raffone says. “But these kids are dying even as we speak. And they’ll continue to die until we find a cure. So exhaustion is a luxury I just can’t afford right now.”
HAUSER HILL FARMS
Happy Summer from Hauser Hill Farms! We are in full swing here on the farm and looking forward to picking all the fruits and vegetables that the summer brings. We are beginning to pick squashes, onions, lettuce, kale, broccoli, kohlrabi, collards, swiss chard, garlic, beets, peas and more. We will have blueberries from south Jersey this week. Our strawberries were some of the best we’ve had in a long time, but that season has just about ended and we’re moving on to peaches,
apples and blackberries. We will continue to plant all summer so that we have product through the fall. We have three plantings of tomatoes in and we are beginning to plant pumpkins, mums and other fall crops. There is constant planting, maintenance and picking going on simultaneously…the work never ends! Come visit us at our farm stand, 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge Tuesday – Sunday 9-5, or at any of the weekly farmers markets we attend: Thursdays – Keyport Firemen’s Memorial Park (across from the Fishery) 11am – 7pm, and Rahway Train Station, 12pm – 7pm, Saturdays – Highlands, Huddy Park 9am – 2pm and Sundays – Red Bank in the Galleria parking lot 9am – 2pm. Buy fresh, buy local! Thank you for your support of our family’s farm!
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1. ZONING 8AM to 2PM, rain or shine. ResOFFICE idents from Middlesex County Starting July are welcome to bring gasoline, 1st, the Zoning antifreeze, chemicals, fire exOffice hours for tinguishers and more. For the walk-in service full list of accepted items, please and same day visit OldBridge.com/Recycling. permits will be 3 . PA R K S A N D between 7am RECREATION Himanshu R. and 9am and Applications for Saltwater Day Shah 2 : 3 0 p m a n d (August 13th) and Old Bridge 4pm, Monday through Friday. Day (September 25th) are now Same Day permits will be avail- up on the website. Please visit able for direct replacement of www.oldbridge.com/recreation. improvements (i.e., driveways, 4 . C A M P S TA F F fences, patios, etc.) and similar The Parks and Recreation improvements that are existing Department is seeking camp and not changing in size, layout, staff for our three summer scale and or composition. These camp programs that include new hours will allow the Zoning Half Day, Full Day, and Camp Officers to have dedicated review Robin. Please apply on the times, to expedite regular plan Township website at oldbridge. review and reduce wait times. com/recreation. Should you 2 . H A Z A R D - have any questions please O U S W A S T E D A Y contact the Parks and Recreation Household Hazardous Waste office at 732-721-5600 x4999. Day will be on Sunday, June 5. FOURTH OF 26th, 2022 at the Municipal J U L Y H O L I D A Y Complex. This event runs from On Monday, July 4th, 2022, all
municipal offices will be closed for business in observance of the Fourth of July Holiday. The Recycling Drop-Off Center will be closed on Saturday, July 2nd. Standard hours of operation are Tuesdays & Thursdays 7AM – 3PM, and Saturdays 8AM – 12PM. We encourage residents to take advantage of this free service to dispose of many things such as TV’s, computers, mattresses, box springs, carpeting, concrete and more.
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PREPARE FOR SUMMER HEAT & OTHER PET SAFETY CONCERNS 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 Summer brings longer days and more opportunities for fun with our pets. But like for their people, there are summer perils for our cats and dogs. Warm weather brings out the fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can carry heartworm and other diseases. It is important to use preventative medicines. Be sure to provide shade and protect your pets against sunburn. Keep them well-hydrated with
plenty of water and ice cubes. Elderly and overweight pets along with those with heart disease and lung disease, or brachiocephalic breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and boxers, are more susceptible to the dangers of hot weather. Special considerations are necessary to maintain comfort and stability of these pets in the hot summer months. While humans have sweat glands all over their bodies to dissipate heat and humidity, dogs and cats do not. Instead, they release heat primarily by sweating through their foot pads. Both panting and sweating cools the pet by promoting evaporative heat loss across the wet surface of the tongue or foot pads. The degree of cooling is dependent on the water vapor pressure gradient between the wet skin and the surrounding surface, thus less evaporative cooling occurs in high humidity. As air temperature rises, animals have more difficulty shedding this heat to
the environment. The internal body temperature will begin to rise in animals that cannot effectively expel heat, and heat stroke becomes a major concern. When the temperature is hot, limiting outdoor activity to the early morning or late evening hours when the temperature is cooler may help reduce the potential for heat retention and heat-related complications. Keep your compromised pets in a cool, air conditioned environment. Never leave your pet in a locked, unattended vehicle. The temperature can rise to more than 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, causing heatstroke and death. Never leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Once in the pool, they may not be able to get out. Rinse your dog after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from the fur. Avoid allowing your dog to drink pool water. Asphalt streets and paved walks can be dangerously hot.
These surfaces absorb and retain heat. Put your hand on the pavement. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your pets. Keep insecticides, rodenticides, fertilizer and citronella candles out of reach as they can be harmful and life threatening if ingested by your pet. Barbeques are fun, but keep your pets from eating grease drippings from the grill. Don’t share any scraps or fatty leftovers as they may cause vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis. Corn
cobs and peach pits, if ingested, can cause intestinal obstructions. If you are taking your pets boating, fit them with brightly-colored life vests so they are easily visible and can stay afloat in the event of an accident. Be aware of currents and riptides. Be safe, have fun and enjoy making summer memories!
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CHALLENGING THE NEW DIGITAL SAT Last weekend I had the opportunity to present at the National Test Prep Association, alongside such esteemed colleagues as Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning in Rochester, NY, Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio, and Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, Inc. At the conference, Angela DelBrocco, Executive Director of SAT Program Management and Strategy, also presented about the New SAT. In this article, I will not repeat information about the New SAT that was presented in my March article. In fact, I will challenge some of what was reported about the test. I found some reports about the test to be questionable. For example, The College Board reported that students prefer the embedded (computer) calculator provided to their own calculator. (Students are permitted to use either.) I always advise my
students to use the calculator they are used to on test day. I find it difficult to believe that a student would prefer a calculator they are more unfamiliar with. It is possible this is an attempt by the College Board to promote the new test as accessible to everyone who takes it, and thus, more equitable. The New SAT is also touted as more secure. Admittedly, the first section of each test will be different, which will make cheating more difficult on test day, and since there are no more paper copies, said copies cannot be intercepted by students so they have the questions on the test before it is given…but if a 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg could hack into Harvard’s system, I think it is only a matter of time until a resourceful teen hacks into the College Board’s system and leaks test questions. The test was also praised because students could start the test at different times. However, studies show that a 2.8 second break in concentration doubles
the chance a student will make an error on a difficult question. Although starting the test at different times may be convenient for students, it will inevitably impact their scores by breaking their concentration. This is especially concerning for students with learning differences such as ADD and ADHD. Lastly, in 2020 1.7 million students had SAT scores that “confirmed or exceeded their GPA.” How could this possibly be measured? Wouldn’t the scale be created by matching a GPA with a respective SAT score? Wouldn’t some match, and half of the remaining scores be higher and half lower? This metric seems arbitrary to me. Regardless of the perceived flaws of the test, it is still good that we will have a standardized national assessment that will cut through the fluff of inflated GPAs and padded college applications. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ ivymasters.com 732-4856480 www.ivymasters.com
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LIVING STONES A “NOSTALGIC” WORLDVIEW
Nostalgia is defined as a “wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for or return to s ome p ast period or irLloyd Pulley, recoverable Senior Pastor condition,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. In Wikipedia, nostalgia is described as a “sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy p e r s o n a l a s s o c i a t i o n s .” Nostalgia plays a prominent role in shaping a person’s or nation’s worldview. One’s beliefs may become ingrained in past emotions, though the reality of the past no longer exists today. Romanticizing the past, we can unknowingly be influenced by what we perceive as the truth rather than the actual fact. Where we get objective reality then becomes most important! Early American education was built upon the foundation of the Bible, with churches wanting to ensure people could read and understand the Bible. Today
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some make it sound like biblical thinkers were backward and uneducated, hindering progress. Yet, with all the concerted efforts to undermine the pages of Scripture, many still have a renewed appreciation of its accuracy and importance. Like Hitchens and Dawkins, other wanna-be intellectuals boisterously make vast claims of how untrustworthy the Bible is with little evidence. In his book, “Is Atheism Dead,” Eric Metaxas takes these once-popular speakers to task, exposing their loose handling of proof due to their bigoted hatred of Christianity. One-time atheist Detective J. Warner Wallace applied his skills in his book, “Person of Interest,” showing conclusively that no person in history has had an impact even close to Jesus. Sadly, manufactured accounts abounding in disinformation, hidden agendas, and blatant anti-God indoctrination fills schoolhouses across the country today. How far we have changed in just seven years since same-sex marriage was legalized! Though not covered in the media, even many old-school “LGB” folks are shocked at how far the “TQ+” has derailed our culture with gender confusion. Vast experimentation
of the sexual indoctrination of children has swept public schools, and parents’ views are being suppressed. Some parents have expressed their convictions in school board meetings but have been labeled domestic terrorists for speaking up. Unless this present administration repents of its anti-Christian stance or is replaced with those without a global elite agenda, we will face darker times ahead. Nostalgia seems to be influencing many parents to think that the changes in our public schools are not that bad. They hold onto unrealistic hopes that their children will experience the type of school experience they remember having. But from sports to proms to field days and dances, most realities don’t even resemble what the parents of these children experienced. What was once good is now termed evil, and what was once evil is now deemed suitable! Perhaps it is time we awaken from our dreamy, nostalgic remembrances! There is a significant departure of good teachers from public education due to the forced gender-confused curriculum and lack of common sense discipline this
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state and nation are propping up. Biblical knowledge today is at an all-time low, even among many Christians. Children not discerning right from wrong is causing great confusion and resulting in the demoralization of a generation. In the American-Marxist strategy called “the long march through the institutions,” atheistic and amoral ideology has replaced any biblical framework. Anti- Biblical Woke-ism, Critical Race Theory, and Identity Politics have also marched through many large corporations. This purposeful distortion and ideological subversion have altered reality to the extent that people hold fast to these distortions despite the evidence exposing them as false. Slogans like “safe places” and “pro-choice” create an illusion of a positive experience despite the sheer destruction of morals and life. Is this an example of the “lie so big no one could imagine it to be a lie”? An old American slogan well worth remembering states, “Freedom isn’t Free.” We can fight for physical freedoms and win, but lies become chains stronger than most prison cells. In many ways, nostalgia has become the barrier to the
truth as many are unwilling to face reality. And worse, many others are fired up with unrighteous anger, believing the lie. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” and in John 17:17, “(His) word is truth!” Jesus came and died to rescue us from the greatest evil—sin. And when people discover the cost He paid to save them, they realize how valuable they are to God. When they believe the truth and walk in it, there is freedom in a much deeper sense that comes—spiritually. When the Truth sets you free, you are no longer enslaved to sin. A leader in the nation of Israel, appointed to bring God’s people into the promised land after their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt, Joshua proclaimed this bold statement before the wavering nation: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Choose today whom you will serve: the ever-changing philosophies of man or the unchanging, eternal truth of God revealed in the Bible.
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IN MEMOR I A M ELEANOR V. MCCOY
Eleanor V. McCoy, March 10, 1924 June 18, 2022 Eleanor Veronica McCoy was born to loving parents Eleanor (nee Cary) and Raymond Smith in Queens, N.Y. Eleanor, as an only child, enjoyed being part of the large JENNIFER CATENA
Jennifer Catena, December 12, 1976 June 10, 2022 Jennifer Catena , 45, of Broadway, NJ passed away suddenly at home on June 10, 2022.She was born December 12, 1976 in Long Branch, NJ. She grew up in Sayreville, NJ. TRACY C. THOMPSON
Tr a c y C . Thompson, April 15, 1977 - June 8, 2022 LORNA JEAN KOPCHO
Lorna Jean Kopcho, December 5, 1962 - June 8, 2022 Lorna Jean Kopcho, 59, of Cliffwood, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Bayshore ARTHUR J. REINERTSEN SR
A r t hu r J. Reinertsen Sr., March 16, 1951 - June 7, 2022 A r t hu r J. Reinertsen Sr., 71, of Morganville, NJ passed away on June 7, 2022 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 16, 1951 to Frijof and Barbara Reinertsen in Queens, NY. Arthur grew up in New York before moving to New Jersey in the early 80s where he raised his family. He worked
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Cary family with her beloved Aunts and Uncles including her cousins Donald and Gerard Smith whom she often said were like her brothers. She enjoyed trips out to her Aunt Lillian and Uncle Joe’s in Ohio riding the running board of Uncle Joe’s car to Lake Erie for a swim. At Jamacia High School she met the love of her life Gerald J. McCoy who she married in 1945 and
shared a wonderful life together for 52 years. Eleanor and Gerry enjoyed traveling and she was particularly fond of remembering meeting interesting people like the Pope and President Jimmy Carter. Eleanor was known to be very thoughtful and generous and enjoyed her extended family (Smiths, McCoys) and friends’ (Burns, Bliss, Hickey and Daly). Eleanor
was a woman of strong Catholic faith and enjoyed her many years at St. Clement Parish whether as a lecturer, in the choir or as part of the senior’s group. Her Irish heritage was always on display in Waterford crystal, knit Irish sweaters, hats and items with a shamrock or green color. Eleanor’s final six years were spent at the Willows where she enjoyed the support of their caring staff
and many friends, and she gave them her joy in return. She considered herself very blessed and a positive view of life helped her reach her 98th year. Her quiet and peaceful passing was the final blessing of a long and wonderful life.
She is survived by her children, Austin, Savannah, and Jayden. She is survived by her loving mom, Judy Wilson; her sister Darlene Catena, her brother Rich Catena, and half siblings, Anthony Catena, Amber Catena, Ashley Catena and Haylee Catena. She is also survived by Cathy Mazur, #1 Aunt, Dylan Catena (nephew), Katelyn Ocran (niece), Chloe Emerson
(niece), Mariah Catena (niece), and several other nieces and nephews, as well as her cousins, Caitlin Mazur and Roger Mazur. She graduated from Sayreville War Memorial High School, Piscataway Vo-Tech, and Warren County College, where she received her associate degree for Paralegal. She worked many years at Weis Supermarket in Hackettstown, NJ in customer
service. She loved traveling, Zuma,and was a huge fan of Mets, Giants, and Pitbull the singer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the beloved young children by visiting https:// www.tmcfunding.com/funds/ jennifer-catena-memorial/6810/. Visitation was held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, NJ. Funeral services
was held on Thursday, June 16, 2022, 7:00 pm at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, NJ, with Deacon Scott Titmus of St. Thomas the Apostle Church officiating. Cremation will be private.
Tracy Thompson, 45, Passed away on June 8, 2022, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, after a battle with Covid-19 and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She was born April 15, 1977, in the
London borough of Havering, England. She is survived by her mother Pauline Thompson, sister Deborah Aber, sister Stephanie Thompson, Brothers in Law Chris Aber and Kevin
Pauciello, Nieces Shayla and Savannah, and Nephew Joey. A celebration of her life was held on July 9th at 5:00pm at 64 St. George Place, Keyport, NJ.
Medical Center in Holmdel, NJ. Lorna Jean was born on December 5, 1962, to Robert and Bernice Kopcho in Perth Amboy, NJ. Lorna Jean worked as a Cashier for the Dollar Tree in Aberdeen, NJ for the past 12 years. She lived in Matawan before moving to in Cliffwood a year ago.
Lorna Jean loved driving “Down the Shore” to Belmar to watch the ocean. She loved the New York Yankees and NASCAR. Lorna Jean was preceded in death by her father, Rob er t Kop cho, Sr., her mother, Bernice Sadowski Kopcho; and her brother, Robert Kopcho, Jr. (Chopper).
She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Debbie & John Borden; her cousin, Michael Gallagher; and two nephews, Brian and his wife, MK, and Timothy Borden. A Memorial Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Waitt Funeral Home and
Cremation Service, 501 Hwy. 79,Morganville, NJ 07751. Private Cremation will t ake place in t he Jers e y M e m o r i a l C r e m a t o r y.
as a Carpenter in New York City for 20 years. Upon moving to New Jersey, he worked as a Custodian for East Brunswick Board Of Education for many years until his retirement. Arthur was a devotedly hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. His dedication to hard work was founded in his determination to provide for his family and always make sure they were comfortable. Arthur always put his family first and would give someone the shirt off of his back. He enjoyed relaxing on the couch watching deadliest catch or a good mob movie.
He loved baseball and was an avid NY Yankee fan. Though he loved going to Yankee stadium for a game, his favorite athletes to watch were his grandchildren, Arthur adored going to their sporting events and cheering them on. Arthur was a wonderful father, grandfather and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Arthur is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Santos and her husband Paul; his son Arthur J Reinertsen Jr and his wife Katelyn; his three grandchildren Paul, John and Nina Santos; and his Ex-wife and longtime
friend JoAnn D’Agostino. Arthur was predeceased by his parents and sister Barbara. He is survived by his brothers Bobby, Freddie, and Chris and his sisters Linda and Carole. Visitation was held on Sunday, June 12, 2022, 3:00 pm - 7:00
pm & Monday, June 13, 2022, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. A Graveside service followed at Marlboro Memorial Cemeter y, 361 HWY 79, Morganville, NJ 07751.
FOR ADDI T IONAL OBI T UA R I E S V ISI T W W W.OLDBR I DGE F H .COM
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER: MONDAY, JULY 18 THROUGH FRIDAY, JULY 22! Looking for a fun-filled adventure for your children this summer? Get ready for the trip of a Lifetime at VBS Zoomerang at Calvary Old Bridge! Zoomerang is a sanctity of life VBS in the land down under! Like a boomerang, we are returning kids to the value of life, from the lives of preborn babies to eternal life in the kingdom of God. You’ll marvel at the unforgettable wildlife, culture, and beauty of Australia; while discovering that from the tiniest to the oldest, each person is made in the image of God - wonderfully designed to know Him and live for Him! Vacation Bible School is a great way to make mem-
ories and new friends and is open to children ages 4-12! The week consists of: D A I LY E V E N T S Whether it’s wearing your favorite hat or your gnarly team color, daily events are an exciting addition to each day! ACTIVITIES From the minute your mates step off the plane onto Australian soil, they will find themselves on a trip they’ll never forget! Each day consists of a different activity for each class level. Ac t iv it i e s i nclu d e “Thingamagig Crafts,” “Hopping Good Games,” “Didgeridoo Obstacles,” and “Boomerang Relays.” The grand finale on Friday includes games, inflatables,
and a special Friday night family worship concert! SCHEDULE Each day starts at 9:00am with classroom drop-off followed by worship, Bible lesson, snack and daily activity. Pick-up time is at 12:30pm each day with the exception of Friday. Friday pick-up time is extended to 12:45pm. Get your sunscreen, beach towel, and flipflops ready and register today at ccob.org. Vacation Bible School is open to children AGES 4-12. Registration cost is $25 per child. For questions about VBS, email vbs@ccob.org.
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OLD BRIDGE CHAMBER ED MEDS TO BEDS AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN OLD BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER OF COMMERCE REGINALD BUTLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
The new Emergency Department at Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center has begun a new initiative called, ED Meds to Beds, in which all ED patients will be offered the opportunity to have their prescriptions filled and delivered to them before leaving the Emergency Department. This is a free service offered by the Old Bridge Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy.
The ED Meds to Beds program offers the following advantage to filling medication on site: • Eliminate some of the common barriers to medication adherence after ED discharge. • Reduce an extra 1-2 hrs wait time if filled outside of the hospital • Easy access to ED physicians should there be a change in drug preference. • B edside education on the prescribed medication
• Simplifiesprescriptionpickup. Note this program in the Emergency Department is during the hours of Monday-Friday 8:30a.m.-6p.m., Saturday 9:00a.m.-1:30p.m.
Old Bridge Chamber of Commerce Reginald Butler Memorial Scholarship recipient, Humphrey Boadi, OBHS Class of 2022 Humphrey plans for the future are simple. Happiness and Success. For the next four years, he will be studying Accounting and Computer Science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Humphrey hopes to become a Software Engineer and/or a Certified Public Accountant, he also plans on being inducted into the OBHS Wall of Fame for excelling in his field. Giving back to his family and community in Ghana is another big goal for Humphrey. Overall, Humphrey plans are to be the best, happiest, most genuine and successful Humphrey can be.
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11 OLD BRIDGE STUDENTS WHOSE WORK SHINE
Congratulations to our 11 Old Bridge Students whose work will be published
in the Middlesex County Sheriff Department’s books on Bicycle and Public Safety!
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ST.AMBROSE CARNIVAL: “THANK YOU OLD BRIDGE”
The St. Ambrose Carnival was held on June 28 – July 2nd and it was a tremendous success! What a great way to “kick-off” the summer with 22 thrilling rides and exciting wheels and games, compliments of Campy’s Amusement. There were food vendors galore, fresh homemade zeppolis, and “Jack’s Grill” featuring the best hot dogs in town! TheTiki-Bar was open ‘til the end of the night with ice cold beer, homemade sangria and a friendly game of pool. Fr. Jack Grimes, Pastor of St.
Ambrose says , “this is a tremendous undertaking and none of this would be possible without the good people of Old Bridge, our parish families, our generous vendors, our school and parish staff & volunteers, everyone who purchased 50/50 raffle or ride tickets, and all those who supported this annual celebration of summer!”. Fr. Jack would “especially like to thank Mayor Owen Henry, the Old Bridge Council, the Old Bridge Police Department, the South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, Fire District 3, Old Bridge EMS, and Old Bridge OEM”, along with a heartfelt “thanks to all the sponsors that included All American Ford, Buy-Rite Liquors on Rt 34, David Lee Hernandez Jr. and Old Bridge Funeral Home, All Around Old Bridge Newspaper, the Pet Center in Old Bridge, along with Altitude Trampoline, Solterra Recycling Solutions, and
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the faithful members of our Filipino Community (FACCOB)”. and so many more. Fr. Jack extends a “special thank you to CardSmart on Rt 9 for selling a great number of advanced ride tickets which greatly contributed to the success of the Carnival”. The St. Ambrose Carnival is expertly chaired by Anthony Cosentino, and has been a yearly event in Old Bridge that took a break during the pandemic. It was reintroduced with great enthusiasm this summer and is always a fun night to meet an old friend or neighbor, and is a great time for family fun! See you all next year!
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LET’S FOCUS ON THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF OUR KIDS
Continue from page 1 Funding – Reach out to your local elected officials for funding to support mental health education and services that increase accessibility for youth and teens. Finally, we all need to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of distress such as changes in mood, behavior, eating and sleeping patterns, loss of interest, increases in risky or reckless behaviors and thoughts of death or suicide. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health or a child you know, reach out to
the Y at 732-290-9040. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1 or Mobile Response at 1-877-653-7624. Now, more than ever, children and families need community support for expanded mental health services. Let’s be there for those who need us. Laurie Goganzer is president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, which delivers youth development, healthy living, and social service programs to 36,000 people in central New Jersey.
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