OB OLD BRIDGE
OLDBRIDGE ALL AROUND
VOL 8, NO 1
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
ST. AMBROSE CARNIVAL IS BACK ! PETER feature ice cold beer, homemade credit card purchases are only MICCIULLA sangria, and a friendly game available through campys of pool! (must be 21 years of website and at Cardsmart. RETIRES AFTER age to enter the Tiki Bar – abWe also offer nightly 50/50 27 YEARS solutely no children allowed.) drawings and a Super 50/50
Peter Micciulla’s involvement with the Old Bridge Girls Soccer League began in 1995 as a coach in the club’s recreation program. He worked in this role for the next five years until becoming club president in 2000, stepping into the role during a difficult time in the club’s history. Peter served as president until stepping down in 2010 when his children aged out of the club. He was asked back in 2012 and has been President ever since. At the end of the spring season of 2022 Peter will be retiring and will be truly missed. Through his leadership skills while in office he has fostered the league’s growth to nearly 900 participants ranging from 3 to 18 years old in our 3 programs. Pete’s mantra is “every player Continue on page 26
St. Ambrose Church in Old Bridge will again host its’ Annual Carnival on June 28, 2022July 2, 2022. Come out and join in an evening of summer fun that includes 22 thrilling rides for all ages (…..and heights!), and over 12 exciting wheels and games. Food Trucks galore!!!..and “Jack’s Grill” is back featuring $2.00 hot dogs!), not to mention our carnival staple…TJ Zeppole’s!, Our “Tiki Bar” will be open and will
Discounted pre-Sale wristbands are available for $35.00 (unlimited rides/good for any one night) at the Parish Office during regular business hours, (9:00AM–3:00PM/Monday-Friday) and our office will have extended hours Monday, June 27th until 9:30PM to accommodate last minute purchases! You may also purchase discounted presale wristbands @ www.campys. com or at Cardsmart, located at 3109 Route 9N-Ticetown Square Plaza. All pre-sale wristband purchases end at 11:59PM, Monday, June 27, 2022. Please note all sales are final, and
Jackpot Raffle! (pulled on the last night of the carnival)...and winners need not be present to win. Purchase your Super 50/50 Jackpot raffles at the Parish Office, at St. Ambrose Church after weekend Masses, or on the grounds of the carnival. Come enjoy the rides, games, great food, cotton candy, ice cream, and say hello to some local vendors that serve our Old Bridge community. We look forward to seeing you on June 28-July 2nd to celebrate another week of summer fun. See our full page ad on p26 for more details.
OLD BRIDGE RECOGNIZES THEIR TEACHERS AND ESPS OF THE YEAR
On May 17th, after a reception in the courtyard at the Old Bridge High School main campus, nineteen extraordinary educators made their way to the school’s auditorium to be recognized as Teacher or Education Support Professional of the Year by the Old Bridge
Township Board of Education. The annual Teacher of the Year recognition program is managed by the district Instructional Council, a committee made up of teachers, administrators, and central administrators. Each year, the council welcomes nominations from parents,
guardians, and students. This year they received 691 nominations from across the district. Instructional Council CoChairs Stacey Swider and Sally Fazio introduced the nineteen award recipients, all of whom, according to Swider, “have provided an educational experience that motivates, encourages, and fosters a learning environment that allows for maximum student achievement.” The 2021-22 Teacher of the Year recipients are: Laura Ambos (Carpenter ElementaContinue on page 7
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry With Memorial Day just past us, we can look forward to a splendid summer and lots
of enjoyment, relaxation, and time with our families. We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy these lazy, hazy summer days in all our beautiful parks in Old Bridge with playground and picnic areas to utilize for our parties and barbeques. June is Graduation month and I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all the middle and high school graduates, in all our schools here in Old Bridge. These children and young adults are our future and I wish them the best as they move on to high school and college and go out into the world to begin their life’s journey. I would like to also acknowledge all our recent college graduates and wish them the best as they begin their careers. Another event this month is Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19th. This day of freedom and liberation is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is imperative that we learn from history. Allow this day to
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be a celebration of uniqueness and place differences aside. The month of June is recognized as LGBTQ Pride Month. Our nation was founded upon the declaration that all people are created equal, and they have the right to be treated based on their value as human beings. I urge all our residents to respect and honor our diverse community and celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance. Most importantly we celebrate Father’s Day, a day to honor all our fathers who so selflessly go to work every day to make a living for their families and who in their spare time volunteer in all the various activities available for their children in the township. There are no words that can express the love of a father
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and the love that we all have for them. Happy Father’s Day! On a final note, now that we are at the beginning of the summer break, please be mindful of the increased number of kids playing outside, particularly near the parks, out riding their bikes, or walking in the streets and having fun. Stay alert when driving and riding your bike so we can ensure that everybody has a great, safe, healthy summer. Please also remember to implement pool safety with children, make sure they are always supervised while
in a pool area, and follow the important water safety guidelines. To All Old Bridgers - enjoy the summer, relax, and take a break! Thank you. Mayor Owen Henry
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HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES-
Healthy Kids Running Series-Old Bridge, recently completed its second series with lots of big smiles. “I am so thankful for the support we’ve received from not only the Old Bridge community, but surrounding areas as well.” boasts Laura Aliberti, HKRS Community Coordinator. Aliberti reports that this season was “over my expectations” as they set sponsor and registration records. “Our series started out with 72 registered runners and this season, we reached over 200! Laura attributes this growth to local partnerships, amazing volunteers and word-of-mouth advertising. Runners came from four different
counties and fourteen different school districts. The last race theme was superhero’s day and they asked for First Responders to come out and assist with presenting medals and trophies. “I would like to thank members of OBTEMS, OB Police Department, Cheesequake Fire Department and South Old Bridge Fire Department who assisted the Mayor, Councilman DePalma and Det. Pat D’Onofrio with presenting the awards” said Laura. “Events like this create a positive interaction and hopefully some of these kids will choose careers as First Responders” said Det. Pat D’Onofrio. Healthy Kids Running Series is a national inclusive youth running program with over 300 locations world-wide. Youth ages 2-18 celebrate their success and develop an active healthy lifestyle during
the five-week series. The program also boasts the Challenger Division, an all abilities division for youth with extra support needs. While the spring season is over the dates and location for the Fall 2022 season are on the work . Our Series is sponsored by the Mayor O. Henry, Councilman E. DePalma, All Around Old Bridge, M. Gregorin of Coldwell Banker Realty, KidZdent, the Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh and Dicks Sporting Goods. We are thankful for the donations received from Mae Field School, Dancation Studio and Theater, Card my Yard-Morganville, Old Bridge Road Runners, A’s Handyman Services, Creations by She ana, SEPTA Old Bridge, Giuseppe’s pizza and C. Bentley’s car wash. Learn more at www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org
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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 Purpose-Drivconsumers as a client. They are the e n B u s i n e s s lifeline to success. Authenticity is a n d l e a d i n g rooted in a brand’s commitment with a purpose to creating an impact and sharing We think differ- its story. Make sure your purpose ent and lead in the is relevant and matters to your cusarea of business tomers. This needs to resonate with development for them. Walk the walk. Authentic the township. We do research on purpose-driven businesses “walk market trends to help our local the walk” by being transparent and businesses and the town to achieve accountable for everything they meaningful growth. The phone does do and product they deliver to the not stop ringing with new business community. Put all people at the wanting to come to Old Bridge. In heart of your decisions. Brands a world overflowing with options leading with purpose often occupy many are choosing Old Bridge to a meaningful place in the hearts and set up shop. In business and eco- minds of all the people they touch. nomic development leading with a Let purpose evolve with the orgapurpose helps businesses and all to nization and bond its people. Every discover new ways to deliver value business is founded with a core to customers and the communities purpose, but purpose can require in which they operate. This has been nurturing and revisiting over time. done by big and small companies for decades. Going way back to the time Mayor Office of Economic Deof the industrial revolution. Entrevelopment Pursuing Progress preneurs had an idea or a dream “Think Old Bridge” Shop, Dine and acted upon them working and Buy Local Feature Business hard at their vision. By leading All of our businesses. Visit the with purpose, being authentic in Mayor’s Office of Economic Dehow they articulate their brand, velopment Old Bridge @ facebook. service, or product. All to leave an com\obetownedo or Twitter @ impact on everyone they touched. twitter.com/obedonj to check out People like them created and shaped all the exciting happenings from our world as we see it today. It is grand openings to groundbreaksaid in business, be authentic, see ing events across the town.
OB STUDENT WINS PLAYER OF THE YEAR!
Madison St. Rose, Old Bridge resident, St. John Vianney HS graduate and future Princeton Tiger has won the Gatorade NJ Girls Basketball Player of the Year! Winners of this prestigious award choose a youth organization to grant $1,000 as part of Gatorade’s Play It Forward initiative. Madison chose Old Bridge Hoops Academy. OBHS president, Kristine Grissett sat with St. Rose for a Q&A. For Ma d i s on’s bi o an d m ore a b out O l d B r i d g e H o o p s a c a d e m y w w w. o b h o o p s a c a d e m y. c o m
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OLD BRIDGE RECOGNIZES THEIR TEACHERS AND ESPS OF THE YEAR Continued from page 1 ry), Rebecca Seiden (Cooper Elementary), Eileen Tomas (Glenn Elementary), Mandy Dyas (Grissom Elementary), Sarah Sandler (Madison Park Elementary), Brook Balsam (McDivitt Elementary), Dionne Phillips (Memorial Elementary), Tami Gennarelli (Miller Elementary), Heather Bacelo (Schirra Elementary), Angela Schroek (Shepard Elementary), Brittany Frazier Southwood Elementary), Nicole Harvey (Voorhees Elementary), Lori Lesser (Salk), Sue Stahl (Sandburg), Carolyn Hauser (GNC), and Scott Beverly (OBHS). The Educational Support
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Specialists of the Year are: Desiree Remotti (Elementary ESP), Lisa Tonnisen (Secondary ESP), and Cheryl Berkuta (District Instructional Coach). This year’s ceremony was the first in-person ceremony in two years, a fact that district superintendent David Cittadino highlighted as he congratulated all educators. “Aside from people working in hospitals and first responders, educators have been at the forefront of the challenges of [the pandemic] and have modified their work and adapted and were true champions of children and continued learning as the world was turned on its head,” he said.
OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME RECEIVES THE EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Old Bridge Funeral Home has been honored again for their client satisfaction surveys. They are honored to share this with other top funeral providers but coming in the top three in the United States is special recognition to our team of directors, administrators, preneed counselors, facility operations, accounting team and manage-
ment. This award is based on family surveys received by a J3T. Sharing this award is Michael V. Grandi, manager, who started as two young Funeral directors twenty-one years ago with a mission to serve and have grown to serve more families in New Jersey than any other private firm. What’s the secret? It’s simple… ….Our mission is, “Ministry to the Bereaved” and if we can show grace, kindness and love through our work then our goal has been achieved. “Thank you to the families who in the midst of loss took time to respond and provide your comments, suggestions and feedback.” – David Lee Hernandez Jr. Founder, Principal
Hackensack Meridian Health executives, Old Bridge Medical Center team members and Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry celebrate the opening of the new Emergency Department at Old Bridge Medical Center.
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1. 2022 The plastic bag ban started ANNUAL on May 4th in the State of New R O A D R E - Jersey. Residents are reminded SURFACING to bring their own reusable PROGRAM shopping bags when shopping On May 3rd, at the grocery stores. For more 2022, bids were information regarding this new received for the law, please visit BagUpNJ.com. 2022 Annual 3. RECYCLING Himanshu R. Road ResurElection Ward changes do Shah facing Contract NOT affect curbside recycling #2022-36 from eight contrac- or Township services. Recycling tors. Z -Brothers Concrete days remain the same. If you have Contracts, Inc. was the lowest any questions, please contact bidder at $1,541,420.09. Work the Recycling Department at includes milling, resurfacing, Recycling@OldBridge.com. pavement striping & markings, 4. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE replacement of inlet grates and We are pleased to announce head pieces, and construction the return of our Laurence of ADA compliant curb ramps Harbor Memorial Day Parade on on 26 Township roads. Award Monday, May 30th. The parade of this contract is included on will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Metonight’s consent agenda. The morial School and will conclude Township will use funds from with services at Memorial Park, our District 1, District 2, and which is across the street from District 3 Transportation Pro the Laurence Harbor Fire House. Rata Funds. Construction is A portion of Laurence Parkway scheduled for Summer 2022. will be sporadically closed from 2. PLASTIC BAG BAN 9:30am-12pm. Expect delays
and if possible, use alternate route. Visit the Township’s website and follow us on social media for continual updates. 5 . C A M P S TA F F The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking camp staff for our three summer camp programs that include Half Day, Full Day and Camp Robin. Please apply on the Township website at oldbridge. com/recreation. Should you have any questions please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 732-721-5600 x4999.
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BECOME A BRIDGEFEST SPONSOR! Become a Bridgefest Sponsor! perfect time for family fun and Hosted by Bridge Radio, Bridgefest now in it’s 17th year is a fun-filled, two-day, Christian festival being held on Friday, June 24 and Saturday June 25, in beautiful Ocean Grove NJ. Every year Bridgefest sees great crowds of thousands of people coming from throughout the tri-state area, the surrounding suburbs of Pennsylvania, and many online listeners up and down the coast. Our Sponsors make Bridgefest possible! Sponsorship packages include radio and social media promotions, premium placement on colorful banners, programs, and more for our two full days of festival fun. It is the
a great way to share your organization, with many kids activities, your favorite on-air Bridge Radio pastors, boardwalk games, youth rally, and ocean baptism. This year’s concert features Jeremy Camp, a Grammy-nominated, five times gold, and one-time platinum award-winning musician who tops the Christian charts with over 40 hit singles, at the Great Auditorium at 7pm on Friday June 24! Visit Bridgefest.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and packages and help make Bridgefest 2022 the best one yet!
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FREQUENTLY SEEN ORTHOPEDIC ISSUES 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 Ruptured ligaments, luxating patellas and hip dysplasia are three of the more common orthopedic issues that land your pet in the surgical suite of veterinarians. The anterior crucial ligament [ACL] connects the back of the femur – the bone above the knee – with the front of the tibia -- the bone below the knee. The ligament is responsible for keeping the tibia in place and stabilizing the knee joint. While a trauma can rupture the
ligament, is also happens when the ligament weakens during the dog’s normal activity. A bad step jumping off the stairs can result in a tear evidenced by limping and leg swelling. Veterinarians can manipulate the limb and confirm the damage with radiographs. Anti-inflammatories and pain medicine is prescribed and restricted activity is recommended. Most likely surgery will be necessary to stabilize the knee. The lack of a healthy ACL, with bone-on-bone rubbing, can lead to the development of bone spurs, pain, arthritis, and a decreased range of motion. There are several surgical treatments for a torn ACL. The Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy [TPLO] is where a piece of the tibia is cut, rotated to a specific angle and reattached with a plate and screws. This changes the dynamic of the knee so that when weight is borne, the tibia doesn’t thrust forward and the knee is more stable.
Another surgical method is the tuberosity advancement, where a piece of the tuberosity of the tibia is removed and reattached in a different orientation to increase stability in the knee. A torn ACL is often diagnosed in American Staffordshires, Rottweilers, Retrievers, Mastiffs, German Shepherds and St. Bernards, but can happen in any breed. Studies have shown that about half of the dogs that rupture the ACL of one of the hind legs will eventually develop the condition on the opposite leg. When the kneecap in dogs moves out of its normal location, this is a luxating patella. It is seen most commonly in small breeds or toy breeds. When luxation occurs, the pet may be skipping until the kneecap slips back into alignment. It is usually associated with a joint or limb structure abnormality. The groove of the femur where the kneecap sits may be too shallow. The severity of the luxation is graded one to four. Most grade
one and two are treated with pain and anti-inflammatory medications, weight management and exercise restriction. Surgery is indicated for both grade three and four patellar luxations if they cause significant lameness and pain. The goal of surgery is to realign the supporting structures of the knee joint to allow the kneecap to move normally and stay in the groove of the femur. Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the hip socket that, in its most severe form, causes crippling lameness and painful arthritis. Hip dysplasia is hereditary and is more common in large breed dogs. Therefore, before breeding, dogs should be radiographed and evaluated for hip dysplasia. Other factors leading to hip dysplasia include excessive growth rates, unbalanced nutrition and excessive weight gain. The hip functions as a ball and socket. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket do
not fit properly. They rub together instead of sliding smoothly. This results in deterioration and loss of joint function. Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia, usually have decreased activity and range of motion, a bunny hopping gait, and lameness in the hind legs. Pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and joint supplements may be helpful, but surgical intervention may be needed. The pelvic bone is cut and rotated so the ball and socket function is improved. The femoral head may need to be removed to create a false joint that reduces discomfort. Sometimes a total hip replacement is the best option. Hopefully, none of your pets will ever exhibit any of these orthopedic conditions! Wi s h i ng you a l l go o d health and enjoy being outdoors exercising with your pets in the nice weather!
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WAS THE SAT MORE DIFFICULT IN MARCH? After a parent posed t he aforementioned question to me for the 100th time, I decided it was a good topic for this column. The answer is...maybe. The March SAT may have also been “easier.” Each SAT, just like every other standardized test (the NJGPA, the ACT, the GRE, the LSAT, and the MCAT) is “equated.” Unless you are a psychometrician, you may have heard that the SAT is “curved.” This is not exactly true. A 10 point curve, as we’ve always understood it in school, is what happens when the best score in the class is a 90. The SAT is scored out of 1600, but there are not 1600 questions on the test, nor is the score reflective of the percent of questions a student gets correct. First, the SAT is centered, or
scaled so that the mean (average) score is about 1060. In 2021, the average reading and writing and language score was 523 and the average math score was 528. The standard deviation (which is a calculation of the difference in scores) is about 100 points. The SAT is scored comparatively, that is, each score represents a percentile. For example, a 1400 is the 94th percentile. Although the College Board tries to make all tests of equal difficulty, inevitably, there is some variation. As a result, on some tests, getting 19 questions wrong is a 1400, while on others, getting 21 wrong is a 1400. Simply put, on a harder test a student could get more wrong and get the same score as a student who gets more right on an easier test. In the end, it is a wash. It is poppycock that the SAT is more difficult in any given month. The March test is released to the public every year. It is equated differently every
year…and I can tell you from personal experience that sometimes my students perform better on the March test, while other times they do not perform quite as well. Special thanks to Aaron Golumbfskie of Prep Matters, Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning, and Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros for the information that made this article possible. Check out Aaron featured on Mike and Amy’s podcast, Tests and the Rest, at https://gettestbright.com/ how-the-sat-is-actually-scored/ Suggestions for a topic? Contact Paul Pscolka at Paul. Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732485-6480 www.ivymasters.com
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LIVING STONES I GOT FIVE GUYS!
If I had to describe the times in which we live, I would need but one word— narcissistic. Perhaps it Lloyd Pulley, emanates Senior Pastor f r o m a n endless array of selfies or the dream of becoming the next YouTube sensation or social media influencer. Going viral and reaching a million likes is the new obsession. But even if you could monetize your dog singing the national anthem or some computer-generated impossible basketball shot, how significant is it? At best, it is a shallow, superficial influence that is gone as quickly as it was viewed. When Jesus came, He didn’t get on the circuit trying to make a name for Himself in order to change the world. Instead, He was often found withdrawing from the crowds to pour into the lives of twelve ordinary guys He called His disciples. Among them were men whose liveli-
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hood was catching fish, a tax collector, and a few misguided radicals. They were not highly regarded, and they would in no way add to Jesus’ fame and recognition. In fact, the opposite was true, as the apostle Paul expressed in his letter to an early church: God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). But Jesus spent time with these ordinary men and built relationships with them, sharing and giving His very life to influence them. It wasn’t for “likes,” but for self-sacrificing “love.” Jesus did not “add” many faithful, devoted followers beyond those twelve while He walked the earth—but after his death and resurrection, many completely loyal followers “multiplied” throughout the known world. Those He influenced, influenced and impacted others, and then those people influenced others in time—and so it continues to this day! After visiting Haiti on a mission trip, a man named Brian longed to move to the third-world country in hopes of making a difference there. Many tried to discourage him,
saying Haiti was where ministry dreams were shattered. Yet, about a decade ago, despite devastation from earthquakes, outbreaks of cholera, and the ever-present danger of being kidnapped for ransom, he decided to take a leap of faith and move there. His hope was to train up nationals from the impoverished villages to be pastors. A year after he arrived, when asked to report on his progress, he declared, “I got five guys!” And to the average person this sounded like a waste of time! But he spent three years with those five guys, following the example of Jesus in pouring out his life in service for their benefit. Paul also reminded the early church in Thessalonica, “… we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) Those five guys Brian has so faithfully ministered to and influenced have now multiplied into ten healthy churches—one in every district—bringing solid Bible teaching and multiplying disciples in Haiti. His labor of love has been profitable in the saving of souls— something not shallow at all!
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Unlike the one-dimensional self-promotion in a 30-second Tik-Tok video, true servanthood profoundly changes lives and increasingly multiplies into a more significant impact than can be imagined. The present culture war over abortion is an example of the same conflicting viewpoint. It is a waste of a life for a woman to put aside her dreams and aspirations of career and greatness to carry a child through an unwanted pregnancy many claim. Yet who knows if that one child may mean the future deliverance for millions, like a Moses, or thousands, like a Samson. God’s Word has true transforming power in the lives of those who hear and believe it. You have to realize the incredible value in one individual soul to understand the importance of investing in the one—versus marginalizing the one for the “greater good.” This missing element in our temporal reasoning is due to an
inflated sense of self-importance. The irony is that a person does not truly begin to live until they have something worth dying for. The impact of your life in a small town caring for, loving, and serving people you intersect with can far surpass the millions impressed by a few seconds of a viral video. Being committed to your marriage, family, and local community, sacrificially making other’s lives better around you in genuine relationships, transcends generations. This Father’s Day, think of the importance of a father’s influence on his family. They are there to guide, provide, and protect. The family becomes a place of safety by the father’s presence, and within that structure, all other roles will thrive. In the community of relationships, we find our purpose— love is something meant to be given, not kept to oneself. So, get yourself five guys (or gals) and really change the world!
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IN MEMOR I A M CAROLINE MARIE DURNING
Caroline Marie Durning, 24, of Matawan, N J, p a ss e d away on May 4, 2022 in Old Bridge, NJ from complications of dermatomyositis. Caroline was born on February 20, 1998 to Michael and Marie Durning in Passaic, NJ. She spent her childhood in Milltown, NJ. After graduating from Old Bridge High School ANTONINO COPPOLA
Antonino Coppola, 89, of Old Bridge, passed away on May 4, 2022 at the Brandywine Assisted Living in Englishtown. He was born on June MARIA ISABEL CANTOR
Maria Isabel Cantor, 78, of Sayreville, NJ died peacefully May 25, 2022 surrounded by family at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Maria was born GAIL HAWKSBY
Gail Hawksby, 60, of Old Bridge, passed away on May 13, 2022 . She was born on November 25, 1961. She is the daughter of Michael Kiersnowski and Mary Jane Egan, raised in Old Bridge. Gail married William “Bill” Hawksby, and they were blessed with their daughter, Jessica. G ai l g radu ate d f rom Charles E. Gregory School of Nursing in Perth Amboy. She started her career as a Registered Nurse for Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy. Over her nearly 40 year career, she held many nursing positions, most recently working for
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in 2016, she attended Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA and graduated with a degree in Journalism in May 2020. Caroline was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. While in college, the Lord gave her a heart for outreach and missions work. After graduation, she pursued missions work through Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Her work with YWAM took her to YWAM Kona (Hawaii), Mexico and many other locations across the country.
She greatly enjoyed glorifying God in every area of her life. She was an extremely gifted creative. Her talent in digital media was exceptional, and she especially enjoyed working with clients through her photography business. Many past clients have expressed that they felt very blessed and comfortable because of Carrie’s compassionate and caring heart. In her free time, Carrie was an explorer. She was constantly on the move, meeting friends
and making new ones all over the country. She loved finding good matcha, chai tea, avocado toast, oat milk lattes, and more. Her favorite activities were drives with friends (“windows down music up”), coffee and downtown walks with friends. Most recently, she became an avid fan of Formula One and the NHL. Caroline’s parents - Michael & Marie Durning, her siblings - Bobby & Nina (wife) Durning, Caity Durning, Neil Durning & Georgia Good
(fiancé), her extended family, and her countless friends look forward to their day of reunification with her in glory. Visitation was held Tuesday, May 10, 2022, 4:00pm 9:00pm at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt. 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857. Funera l s er vices was Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 11:00am at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 100 Hardenburg Lane, East Brunswick, , NJ 08816.
23, 1932 to the late Giuseppe Coppola and Elizabeth Bonnano in Sicily, Italy. Antonino worked as a Construction Worker for the Local 79 Mason Tenders Union in New York. He and his wife lived in Brooklyn before relocating to Old Bridge twenty four years ago. He was a master gardener in his spare
time but most of all he loved life and his family even more. Antonino is survived by his loving spouse of Frances, four sons, Anthony Coppola and wife Angela, Giuseppe Coppola, Bartolomeo Coppola and wife Dolores, George Coppola and wife Danielle; Brother, Giovanni Coppola and wife Louisa; and 12
beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Frank, Christopher, Nicholas, Anthony, John Matthew, James, Antonino, Victoria, Elisabeth, Joseph and Antonino. Family and friends were invited to remember Antonino during visitations on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Old
Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516, Old Bridge A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, 11:00 am at the St. Clement Church, Matawan, NJ, entombment took place in the St Gabriel’s Cemetery & Chapel Mausoleums
in San Juan (Santurce), Puerto Rico and lived in the lower East Side, Manhattan before moving to Sayreville where she resided for the last 44 years. Maria was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who lived for her family. She was known for her selfless and caring nature. She enjoyed cooking,
traveling, and cruising. She called Calvary Chapel Old Bridge her home for the last 36 years. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Eliseo and Dolores Feliciano. She is survived by her beloved husband of 47 years Frederic Cantor, her son Michael Cantor and his wife Fernanda Dantas, her daughter Jenni-
fer and her husband Michael Traina, her grandchildren Alexa and Noah Traina, her brothers Angel Feliciano, Eugene Feliciano, and Edwin Feliciano, and her sister Ana Delia Alvarado. Family and friends were invited to a Visitation for Maria on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM with a
Funeral Service from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ 08857. Entombment will follow at 12:30 PM at Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
the Endo Surgi Center of Old Bridge. She was incredibly caring and dedicated to her patients. Gail loved cooking and truly enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. She was also extremely active in her Holy Trinity Episcopal Church family as a member of the Flower Guild, the vestry, and as a youth teacher for Sunday School. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Jane Egen, her father, Michael Kiersnowski, and her loving spouse of 23 years,William Hawksby. Gail is survived by her loving daughter, Jessica Hawksby; her sister Cynthia Kiersnowski and her husband Robert Caldwell; her brother Michael Kiersnowski Jr.; and her sister Carol Kiersnowski. Her sharp sense of humor and good wit will also be
m i s s e d by m a ny l ov i n g family members, friends, colleagues, and her church family. Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 4 PM - 8 PM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Avenue, South River, NJ 08882. Funeral services was held on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 9 AM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 90 Leonardine Avenue, South River, NJ 08882. Entombment will take place afterwards at Holmdel Cemetery and Mausoleum, 900 Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
FOR ADDI T IONAL OBI T UA R I ES V ISI T W W W.OLDBR I DGE F H .COM
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LIBRARY DIRECTORS REPORT
Early voting is coming to the Old Bridge Public Library for the 2022 Primary Election. The library will be open June 3-5, 2022 for in-person early voting. Hours will be Friday and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. No appointment is necessary. The Second Saturday musical series is coming back to the Old Bridge Public Library. Mark your calendars and enjoy a variety of musical performances for the entire family every second Saturday of the month. Jazz Guitarist Dennis Pol headlines the return of the series on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Shows start at 1:00 P.M. in the Large Meeting Room of the library. Here are a couple of in-person programs we have for you in the month of June 2022: Monday, June 6 at 7:00 P.M. The Sky by Day and by Night - Astronomer James Peck will cover topics such as the moon, planets, stars and constellations, deep sky objects, artificial satellites, and
the sun’s path across the sky. Mr. Peck, a member of the Amateur Astronomers Association in Princeton and Executive Director of the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary in Short Hills, will use software that shows the sky exactly as you would see it if you went outside after dark. The program is appropriate for novices and experts alike! Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 P.M. Lighthouses of New Jersey - Presented by the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, you’ll learn about lighthouse history, structures, and characteristics, along with governance, purpose, and how weather affects lighthouses. Historical facts about New Jersey beacons and keepers will also be highlighted. So, visit your Old Bridge Public Library. We are open 7 days a week and look forward to seeing you there.
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ALL AMERICAN FORD IN OLD BRIDGE HOSTED A CONCERT FOR HOPE
On Sunday, May 15th 2022, All American Ford in Old Bridge hosted a Concert For Hope, a charity concert featuring country star Jimmie Allen in support of JAR of Hope which raises funds and awareness to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The sold-out concert event took place in their Ford showroom and is actually the second Jimmie Allen concert that’s taken place there. Jimmie and All American Ford have had a partnership for the past four years and during that time they built him two custom Ford
F-150’s to Jimmie’s own specifications. Co-hosting the event was Thunder 106, New Jersey’s best country station and of course JAR of Hope, All American Ford’s main charity partner and the reason for this event in the first place. Jim Raffone, the founder and CEO of JAR of Hope gave a great speech reminding everyone how important this gathering was, and really made everyone feel good about being there. Local up and coming musician Justin Sullivan opened the show and entertained the crowd in the time leading up to the main event. Jimmie Allen performed a great one hour set for the fans and supporters, and a proposal even took place during his performance of “Best Shot.” Needless to say the concert was a huge success and they were able to raise $20,000 for the charity. All American Ford would like to thank all the volunteers, vendors and staff that helped make this event another huge success! Make sure to visit www. allamericanfordinoldbridge.com to shop the #1 Ford dealership in New Jersey!
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HELLO FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS!
It’s a busy time of year here on the farm and we are happy to see the warm weather. We have been busy getting the fields ready for everybody’s favorite summer Jersey produce. The cold spring temperatures really hurt some crops. We have seen a lot of damage to the apples, peaches and strawberries, as many of the trees and plants were in full bloom when the temperatures bottomed out for a few nights in a row. On a positive note, we may not have to do much thinning in the peach orchard this year, Mother Nature helped us out with that. Right now our stand is open and we are picking a variety of lettuces, asparagus, spinach and radishes. Strawberries will be coming soon!!!! We have lots of vegetable plants, bedding plants, shrubs, perennials and
hanging baskets. Come see us at the stand at 261 Ticetown Road from Tuesday – Sunday 9-5 or at one of our Farmers Markets. We’re in Keyport and Rahway (Rahway starting 6/2) on Thursdays and Red Bank on Sundays. Highlands will begin in June. Hope to see you soon!
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PETER MICCIULLA RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS
Continued from page 1 has a place to play”. From our thriving girl’s travel program to our amazing recreation program serving players as young as 3 years old and as old as high school for the 3M program. Peter never turns away any player or family, even those experiencing financial difficulties. He is also heavily involved with charitable organizations and active within our community. In fact, he may be one of the most giving people any of us on the board has ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with. Running a club with over 700 players and 150 volunteers comes with many challenges, and Peter handles each one with a smile and a positive attitude. He works with every parent, player, and coach to make sure their experience within the club is the best experience possible. Peter is at the field every Saturday morning by 7:00 AM and does not leave until the final recreation or travel game is played. On Sundays and weeknights,
he is a constant presence at our fields watching our travel program games. There is not a minute during the season that this man is not giving his time to our program. Even in the offseason, he is on the phone with our board and our town to see how he can better the Old Bridge Girls Soccer League. Additionally, a few years ago a small special needs soccer program called, Just4Kix asked Peter if they could use our fields for their program. Without hesitation, he answered yes. Not only did they utilize our fields, but they have since become a major part of our club. The Just4Kix program has grown to well over 130 special needs children, the largest in the state. The program helps these children in many respects, such as interaction with other children, learning soccer skills, and overall motor skills. This partnership has given our older players within our club the opportunity to volunteer their time to act as “buddies” for the Just4Kix
program, assisting to ensure that the special needs players have an amazing time each week. Peter is a fearless leader with great vision who follows through on everything he promises while always putting the needs of others over his own. Peter loves watching the kids enjoy the game of soccer, while also ensuring everyone is smiling (children and parents alike) when at the fields. In addition to the attributes listed above, it should also be noted that Peter is simply a good person, which unfortunately is a trait that is hard to find in today’s world of competitive athletics. He never turns away a player or family from our league, including those experiencing financial difficulties. He believes that every player should have a chance to participate, whether a player as young as 3 years old or in high school. Pete will be missed down at the fields by all.
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