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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
VOL 6, NO 7
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
NEW FIRST-EVER OLD BRIDGE OPEN BRINGS CONCOURSE, TOGETHER LOCAL BUSINESSES gional Chamber of Commerce one winners but some golfers CAFÉ AND (MCRCC) in partnership with enjoyed the thrill of landing on PARKING LOT the Old Bridge Business Alliance the green with their first tee shot. and the Old Bridge, Sayreville & “The Middlesex County NOW OPEN AT South Amboy Chamber of Com- Chamber appreciates all of its merce (OBSSA), was held at the partners, both public and private, HACKENSACK Glenwood Country Club in Old for making the inaugural Old Bridge. The theme of “Open for Bridge Open such a success,” MERIDIAN Golf, Open for Business” high- said MCRCC President Lina The first-ever Old Bridge lighted that Middlesex County Llona. “We are happy that this RARITAN BAY Open brought together local businesses are ready for very busy event could shine some light on businesses and organizations spring and summer seasons. Continue on page 11 MEDICAL for a day filled with networkGolfers enjoyed lunch, a
CENTER OLD BRIDGE
ing, great food and, of course, golf on Monday, April 19. The golf outing, presented by the Middlesex County Re-
cocktail reception and fun on-hole contests to win a car, 5-day cruise and golf clubs. There were no big hole-in-
2021 NATIONAL TELECOM WEEK Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge has opened its new concourse, café and front patient/visitor parking lot. This update is part of a major revitalization with a $39 million investment expanding its Emergency Department. The new concourse, cafe and parking lot is part of that transformation. “We are excited about opening our new concourse, which will provide easier access to our facilities,” said Thomas G. Shanahan, chief hospital executive, Raritan Bay Medical Center. “We are looking forward to opening more areas as the construction is Continue on page 10
Old Bridge 9-1-1 Dispatchers spend countless hours of classroom training and hands on training each year. They sit in a dimly lit room, in front of at least six to eight monitors each, plugged into both the radio and phone with a headset. Three additional big screen monitors let Dispatchers watch the location of each Patrol Officer and emergency vehicles on the road. Dispatchers have
no windows to the outside world during their shift. In 2020 alone our Dispatchers have listened to and answered 428,229 radio transmissions, 88,410 calls into our 9-1-1 system, with 20,708 of them being life threating situations, and the remaining 67,702 calls were for Fire, Fire Aid or Police responds needed. These numbers do not include thousands of calls on the administration line. Dispatchers are literal First Responders the moment they pick up the line. People don’t dial 9-1-1 when times are good, People call when they are in crisis and probably at the worst time in their life, life or limb is at risk, the house is on fire, a child is choking, family member not breathing, a burglar inside your residence.
A good Dispatcher can anticipate the needs of a caller and know something is wrong by the tone of the caller’s voice or a subtle noise in the background of the phone call. All Dispatchers here have handled horrific incidents while maintaining composure and executing an absolutely perfect multitasking ability. Our 9-1-1 Dispatchers are the 1st responders to the 1st responders, they are the calm DURING the storm. The kind of stress a 9-1-1 Dispatcher experiences is not your garden-variety stress the average person experiences. The stress experienced by a 9-1-1 Dispatcher listening everyday to someContinue on page 10
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of the summer and I am sure that all of our residents are looking forward to firing up the barbeques! It is an important time to acknowledge all of our veterans and active military members of our U.S. Armed Forces. It is our duty to honor,
reflect, and remember all those who may have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As we spend our weekends spring cleaning, you may notice volunteers with Mayor Henry’s Clean Team clearing litter in our parks and along our roadways. Recently, we cleaned up over 400 bags of garbage and many large items! I would like to thank everyone who participated thus far and worked together to keep Old Bridge clean. If you or your group are interested in volunteering, please visit the township’s website at oldbridge.com/ cleanteam. Also, please note the Department of Public Works Recycling Center accepts paint and florescent bulbs the 2nd Saturday of each month. They are also offering brush collection and appliance pick up by appointment only. Please call 732-721-5600 x6140 to be placed on the list. In our efforts to keep our residents healthy, Old Bridge Township and the Old Bridge Board of Education will extend COVID-19 testing through May.
Testing will continue to be held at the Old Bridge High School Parking Lot, located at 4209 County Road 516 on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Results will be received the following day of testing via e-mail. Old Bridge residents will need to bring their driver’s license and insurance cards. For more details, please visit the township website. Vaccine registration is available online at oldbridge.com/ covid19. Appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first served b asis and are limited. Please visit the website to register and fill out a form today. May 16-22, 2021 is the 46th annual celebration for EMS Week. We a r e honored to
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celebrate all of our EMS personnel on the front lines and the vital work they do for our community. We send our prayers for the continuous safety and well-being of these frontline heroes who continue to take care of our residents and surrounding communities. Memorial Day 2021 will be commemorated once again through a virtual ceremony honoring our men and women who have served. Please note that this event will be closed to the public, however it can
be viewed on OBTV and on our social media pages. Please check the Old Bridge Township website for further information. I would like to wish all of our wonderful Moms a Happy Mother’s Day, and for everyone to have a very healthy and enjoyable start to summer. Continue to stay safe and be well.
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1.OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP AND THE OLD BRIDGE B OARD OF EDUCATION is continuing to sponsor Himanshu R. COVID-19 Shah testing. Testing will be held at the Old Bridge High School Parking Lot on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Results will be received the following day of testing via email. Residents who do not receive their results next day may contact Synergy Labs directly at 732.695.4700. 2. PURITY DIAGNOSTICS LABORATORY located at 72 B NJ-34 is also conducting COVID-19 Testing every Monday thru Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Residents are urged to call and make an appointment at (732) 952-3398. They are also offering free testing to residents without health insurance.
3. NJDCA COVID-19 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PHASE II This program is continuing to accept applications for assistance for rental arrears and temporary assistance for future rent to low and moderate-income households. This includes households that have had a substantial reduction in income, have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information or to complete an application please visit https://www.oldbridge. com/njdcarentalassistance. 4. SPRING LEAF COLLECTION Round 1 of Spring Leaf Collection started in all Wards the week of March 29th. For the full schedule please visit oldbridge.com/recycling 5. BRUSH COLLECTION Bi-weekly brush collection started on Monday, March 29th. Residents should contact
the Recycling Department to be placed on the pick-up list. Please visit oldbridge.com/ recycling for brush guidelines and to schedule a pick-up. 6. 2017 HOMESTEAD REBATE PROGRAM. The 2017 Homestead Rebate will be applied to the second quarter tax payment due in May of 2021. Revised tax bills for qualified homeowners were mailed out during the last week in March. For additional information, residents should contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation at (888) 238- 1233 or the Office of the Tax Collector at 732-721-5600 ext. 2999. 7. CONSTRUCTION CODE OFFICES will be moving into the Silver Linings building temporarily while construction commences sometime this Spring 2021. The office will continue to operate via phone and by appointment. There are drop boxes outside of the building for application drop offs between
7am-4pm Monday thru Friday. 8. OLD BRIDGE was named a 2020 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This recognition was achieved by meeting the following requirements: The Shade Tree Com-
mission, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The township would like to thank the Shade Tree Commission and the township arborist for all of their hard work and efforts.
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ONE-YEAR POST-COVID CLOSURE, FAMILIES WELCOMED BACK INDOORS AT REFORMED CHURCH HOME Reformed Church Home reopened its doors to family visits on March 29, 2021, reuniting residents and loved ones for the first time in more than a year. Nursing homes throughout the country were forced to shut
down indoor visits beginning in early March, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to NJ Department of Health guidelines released on March 25, 2021, indoor visits are once again allowed for
residents of senior communities regardless of the resident’s vaccination status, unless the he or she is on quarantine or if an outbreak occurs in the facility. At Reformed Church Home, all visitors are offered a
COVID-19 rapid test prior to entering and are required to wear masks and use hand sanitizer during the visit, while remaining socially distanced from non-family members and staff. Documented below in photos
Lisa Swanson (L) of Matawan spends time with her mom, Judith Buskey, 81 years old, on the first day back to visitation at Reformed Church Home. Although Buskey is nonverbal and suffers from dementia, Swanson communicates with her using a white board and expressive Marcelle Doherty (L) of Toms River and Kate language (made much more difficult wearing a mask). Shepard, Reformed Church Home Executive DiBefore her visit, Swanson exclaimed, “After not having rector, pose in front of the “Welcome Back” sign physical contact in 382 days and so much overwhelming before Doherty visited with her 94-year-old mother. anxiety this past year, I’m so thankful to be able to hold her!”
are a few happy, emotional reunions from visitation opening day. For additional information about Reformed Church Home, please contact 732-607-9230, or visit www. reformedchurchhome.com.
Marcelle Doherty (L) grasps hands with her mother, Gladys Pieters, for the first time in more than a year while New York Times reporter Sarah Mervosh and photographer Bryan Anselm capture their touching reunion for a future story. Pieters has resided at Reformed Church Home since 2014.
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THINK OLD BRIDGE
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 As we con- is a 7 day a week commitment. tinue to speak One of the other steps in the about business model is the pre-business checki n g e n e r a l list. They must answer the foland owners, lowing questions and write down managers the responses before developing and entrepre- the plan: •Describe the business neurs from you are interested in starting, last month. and what services or products Let’s continue you will offer and sell. •Where how Old Bridge is seeing some will you locate? •What skills and new entrepreneurs opening experiences do you bring to the businesses and others rein- business? •What name will you venting themselves and also use, and how will you advertise what should be considered your product or service? •What in opening an establishment. equipment or supplies will you Focusing some light on in- need? •How will your business dividuals looking to get started records be maintained? •What in business today: Let’s explore insurance coverage will be what it takes and what to look needed? •Depending on your even before a place is found to resources, what financing will run a business. We understand you need? •How will you and the motivation and desire is your staff be compensated. •How there. So, an objective appraisal will you prepare to mitigate risks of strengths and weaknesses is like setbacks or even a shutdown. essential for the person looking There are many other items that to take on the heavy list. Mainly will be in a business plan which they should start by asking. Do is a critical component and will I Have What It Takes to Own/ have the above items and more. Manage a Business? Some other Today the current challenge questions they should ask them- with business is fill the posiselves are: •Am I a self-starter? tions needed to help cover the •How well do I get along with a workload across many indusvariety of personalities? •How tries. Also to assist with larger good am I at making decisions? indoor capacity and outdoor •Do I have the physical and dining to pick up that extra emotional stamina to run a busi- needed revenue to be profitable. ness? •How well do I plan and organize? •Are my attitudes and drive strong enough to maintain motivation? •How will the business affect my family? Because running a restaurant for example,
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LIVING STONES MORAL LEVEES
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana causing over 50 failures of the levees and flood Living Stones by walls proLloyd Pulley tecting New Senior Pastor, Orleans. The Calvary Chapel vulnerabiliOld Bridge ties of these protections of the city were well known. Money had been allocated for their maintenance, but it was spent elsewhere. And when the unprecedented storm ravished the area, the water breached the walls and destroyed the weakened levees, causing billions in damage in flooding. America is facing a different kind of storm today. A moral one! Moral levees are greatly weakened, and if not maintained, will wreak far greater damage. As some have expressed, America can only be great if Americans continue to be good. Having been born on a rich Bible tradition (the only textbook in schools for over 100 years in
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the early days), Americans had a healthy regard for God and the principles of His Word. The hearts of people filled and revived by God overflowed to other nations. We were a beacon of hope to the world. But if a nation fails to maintain the principles that made her great, prosperous, and a land of opportunity for all, it will be overrun by destructive ideologies. The moral levees will crumble. When what is good and noble and true is overrun by the flood of vain hopes for a godless utopia, how will we stand? How can we stand as this ever-increasing rebellion against God leads to more confusion? There isn’t a point of reference anymore, no plumb line to align to, as we move further and further away from the Word of God as a nation. Indeed, how many individuals, corporations, and even our own government, have rejected the biblical principles of our accountability to God and instead trust in humanism—the belief that we can, on our own, fix human nature and that we don’t need God. Weakened by years of moral neglect, we are now falling victim to Marxist
ideologies. The new social justice warriors fancy themselves to be the new vanguard of the oppressed. They claim moral superiority in being “woke” to fix ancient wrongs, yet justify rioting and looting and murder. Elisha, a significant prophet during a backslidden era of the ancient kingdom of Israel, laid on his deathbed. The king of Israel, Joash, “came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, “O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!” (2 Kings 13:14). This worldly king was more wise than most Americans. He realized the nation’s protection was not found in its economic or military strength (chariots and horsemen), but by the voice of God guiding them. He lamented wondering what would happen to that nation when that voice was silenced. How easily deceived we are to obey the mantra, “follow the science,” yet not realize that science is selectively ignored in the debate of binary gender. How swayed we are by cultural icons declaring that parents “prejudice” their children by believing God created us male and female. If you lack the ability to truly map
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the devastating effect of rejecting the truth of the Bible regarding marriage, family, and society in general, visit www.marri.us. When the law violates our consciences, what must we do? Should we not stand up and protect our children against the inhumane, unscientific experiments being performed upon them in our public schools as they introduce confusing gender propaganda? I think of Patti Height, a young lady who visited our church over 18 years ago struggling with gender dysphoria. Now set free from her past, she speaks to thousands of parents and churches throughout the country warning of the wave of confusion which will come from the public school indoctrination and sexualization of their children. Her main message is to offer hope and support to many trapped in gender dysphoria. We cannot just sit by while good teachers are being required to betray their own consciences and common sense to confuse a generation of children. Patti’s gender dysphoria led her down a long, dark path which took years to understand and unfold. Today she is a beau-
tiful woman of God due to the personal impact of an encounter with Jesus, along with many individuals taking the time to love and accept her, guiding her out of the deception. More need to hear Patti’s story on her website, www. OutOfEgyptMinistries.org. We need to come back to the Bible and reestablish those moral levees. We need to rebuild the things we have let go. This may be a personal call, and it can be a community one, but true hope can be found in Jesus alone! There is a standard God set to live by that provides protection against the floods of evil. My hope and desire is that all who hold a biblical view would be revived. As godless notions deconstruct our history, indoctrinate our children, and emasculate our troops with moral confusion, I pray we recognize our problems come from rebelling against the God of the Bible.
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2021 NATIONAL TELECOM WEEK
THANK YOU
The Board of Fire Commissioners of Old Bridge Fire District #3 would like to thank everyone who voted. We thank you for your trust and for your continued support. Sincerely, The Fire Commissioners
Continue from page 1 one’s absolutely worst day takes a toll. The logistics of the 9-1-1 Dispatcher are unnatural. They work 10-hour shifts which may turn into a 15 hour shift due to unfolding situations. Mandatory overtime is a standard practice for critical incidents and large-scale events. 9-1-1 Dispatchers work … weekends, holidays, overnight, birthdays, anniversaries and miss many family events. Being a 9-1-1 Dispatcher can often be a thankless job, your Old Bridge 9-1-1Dispatchers are top notch, they all know that they are here because they believe in helping others, and they make a difference each and everyday having a meaningful impact in peoples’ lives here in Old Bridge. Thank you for honoring our Old Bridge Township 9-1-1 Dispatchers for all the right calls they make. To Old Bridge 9-1-1 Dispatchers: If at the end of a hectic day, you wonder if what you do matters? Just remember that your professionalism, skills and teamwork may very well have given someone the rest of their life to live. This are the people you never see: Richard Williams 32 yrs with Old Bridge Margaret Atlak 23 yrs with Old Bridge Maryanne Petersen 21 yrs Old Bridge, 25 yrs total experience Frank Stefanelli 21 yrs with Old Bridge
Michael Matlosz 19 yrs with Old Bridge Richard Giuliano 17 years with Old Bridge Nicholas Moscariello 16 yrs with Old Bridge Michael Rzigalinski 16 yrs with Old Bridge Annette Dabroski 14 yrs with Old Bridge Janell Calhoun 6 yrs With Old Bridge, 9 yrs experience Vincente Buffalino 5 yrs with Old Bridge, 10 yrs experience Cherise Bolton 3 ½ yrs with Old Bridge Rachel Castiglia 3 yrs with Old Bridge Samantha Amato 3 yrs with Old Bridge (2 as part time) Carol Martin 1 yr (part time)With Old bridge 21 yrs experience Brianna Nudelman Brand new part timer starts April 19 2021 Nancy Shean-Weber 28 yrs with Old Bridge 39 yrs experience
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FIRST-EVER OLD BRIDGE OPEN BRINGS TOGETHER LOCAL BUSINESSES Old Bridge and its wide variety of businesses and enterprises.” MCRCC’s partnership with t he OB S S A Chamber of Commerce for this event was invaluable, thanks to the help of President David Lee Hernand e z , Vi c e President Rich Bruno, Trustee Anthony Cosentino and Stephen Mamakas, Executive Officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. “We were thrilled to Partner with MC RC C to not only help promote a joint Chamber event but to help us in raising funds for our scholarship program.” Said David Lee Hernandez, President of the OBSSA Chamber of Commerce.
The outing served as an important opportunity for business and community leaders in Middlesex County to c on n e c t while supporting the Chamber’s efforts to improve consistently and create new opportunities. Business relationships were fostered both on and off the course at this all-day event. Event sponsors included: City Fire Equipment Company, All Around Old Bridge, All American Old Bridge Auto Mall, 2020 Acquisitions, The MAX Challenge of Old Bridge/Matawan, Anchor Pest Control, Maul Power Group, Cafe Luna NJ, Giusseppe’s Pizza & Italian
Cuisine, Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry, Hackensack Meridian Health, Old Bridge Funeral Home, Grillestone Old Bridge, The Original Thin Crust Pizza Company, Toto Group, LLC, New Jersey Fire Equipment LLC, Chick-fil-A Old Bridge, Glow Express Car Wash, ChiroPlus Wellness Center and Quality Chevy. To learn more about OBSSA
Chamber of Commerce and its events visit. www.chamberofcommerceobssa.org To l e a r n m o r e a b o u t MC RC C and it s e ve nt s, v i s i t w w w. m c r c c . o r g .
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RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS ON THE RISE – FOR DOGS 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 If your dog is coughing or hacking, it may be kennel cough or infectious trachea bronchitis. We are seeing a rise in canine respiratory syndrome, known as kennel cough, which is a contagious respiratory disease. Although pets have not been kenneled as much during the pandemic, and the requirement of the boarding facilities is to be vaccinated, more cases are showing up at the animal hospital.
It could be the pets have been isolated, and now with the weather getting nicer, more dogs are going to dog parks and socializing. Or perhaps you may have adopted another dog, and your other pets were not protected. Kennel cough is a multifaceted disease. The bacterium is called Bordetella Bronchiseptica, and they may also be affected by a virus at the same time. Dogs inhale the bacteria or virus particles into their respiratory tract. This results in inflammation of their larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Besides direct exposure to the bacteria, the situation is compounded if there is a crowded group of dogs, or if they are confined in a poorly ventilated area. Other issues include a stressed pet or one exposed to other inhalant irritants such as dust or cigarette smoke. Sometimes the cough sounds like a goose honk. Some dogs may have a fever, a nasal discharge and ocular discharge. In
more severe cases they may lose their appetite, have exercise intolerance and develop pneumonia. Medications may speed your pet’s recovery and minimize symptoms during the course of infection. These include antibiotics that target the Bordetella bacteria and cough suppressants. Sometimes your pet may need a nebulizer or be kept in a well-humidified area. Using a harness instead of a collar minimizes the strain on the trachea and decreases the cough. The patient should be isolated from other dogs because it is very contagious. Most dogs recover within a few weeks but the cough can persist for up to six weeks. Young puppies often suffer the most severe complications as they have immature immune systems. Also at risk are the older dogs with other health concerns, pets with decreased immune capabilities, pregnant dogs and pets with pre-existing respiratory diseases. Vaccinating your pet would
be wise if your dog frequents locations where he would be at risk of exposure to Bordetella Bronchiseptica (kennel cough), such as boarding facilities, day care, training facilities, dog parks, and dog shows. Most facilities require proof of vaccination. The vaccines can be administered by one of three methods -- intranasal, oral or injectable. The intranasal and oral vaccine tend to provide protection against kennel cough sooner. Therefore, if your dog needs to be kenneled without having any prior vaccination, they are the preferred choices. Even after being vaccinated, dogs may still acquire kennel cough, although less severe than they would have otherwise. We all need to get out and enjoy ourselves. Just as we need to socialize, so do our pets. Be safe, and take time to smell the roses!
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ALL AMERICAN FORD PROVIDED NY METS PETE ALONSO WITH CUSTOM 2021 FORD MUSTANG MARCH-E All American Ford in Old Bridge is no stranger to making custom vehicles for celebrities and athletes. In the past they have helped Jerry Ferrara, Shaq, Jimmie Allen, and numerous NJ Devils & NY Rangers get their dream vehicles. Now they have added first baseman Pete Alonso of the New York Mets to their impressive roster. Pete was looking for a customized version of the all new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and All American Ford came through with a custom wrapped satin black Mach-E. All American Ford was so excited to get him exactly what he wanted and they certainly hit it out of the park with this one. Pete not only loved his new Mach-E, but loved working with All American Ford, as they are family-owned and operated as well as being the #1 Ford Dealership in the northeast. “As a Mets fan, it was really
exciting to get the opportunity to work with Pete and his agent. They are amazing people and very easy to work with. We’ve been selling the satin/matte black wrap package on Explorers and Mustangs for years. But now that the Mustang Mach-E is out, these wraps have become very popular on this model with customers as well” said Jason Savino, Marketing Director for the All American Auto Group. They have been able to make these great custom vehicles as they have their own in-house body shop, known as All American Ford Customs (AAF Customs). They can do anything from adding lift kits, to custom paint jobs, smoked-out headlights, custom wheel and tire packages, and so much more. If you can dream it, they have it or they can build it. And they don’t just make custom vehicles for athletes like Pete
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OLD BRIDGE WELCOMES ATTILIO’S OLD BRIDGE PIZZA & RESTAURANT
Alonso; you can get your dream car too! All American Ford has the largest selection and best prices around, so there is truly something there for everyone. Customization packages come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. And they can customize any vehicle including Mustangs, small SUVs & crossovers, Explorers, trucks, etc. Visit www. AllAmericanFordinOldBridge. com for more information.
On April 3rd, 2021 Mayor Owen Henry cuts ribbon to welcome Attilio’s Old Bridge Pizza and Restaurant to town joined with Lina Carpenito ( owner of Attiio’s, center) Council President Mary Sohor (right), Steve Mamakas of the Mayor’s office of Economic Development (center left), Anthony Cosentino from the OBBSA Chamber of Commerce & All Around Old Bridge (left)
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HAPPY SPRING FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS! We have been anxiously awaiting the beans, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, arrival of warmer weather and sunshine here on the farm. John has spent the winter planning which crops will be planted in the fields and sowing seeds and making cuttings of wintered over plants in our greenhouses. It seems as though the farm never really shuts down for the winter anymore, as there are lots of projects to take on. We would like to thank our customers who continued to visit our farm stand during the winter months for fresh eggs and firewood… we really appreciate your support. We are planning to open our stand around May 1st and we will have lots of bedding plants, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetable plants, fruit trees, shrubs and spring produce such as lettuces and greens. So far we have planted peas, string
scallions, potatoes, leeks, beets, swiss chard, spinach, lettuce and tomatoes are in the high tunnel greenhouse. We have a new field of raspberries going in and the garlic and strawberries that have wintered over look great! If you are near Ticetown Road, take a ride past the orchard! The apples and peaches are in full bloom and putting on quite a show! Thank you for your continued support of our family farm. Five generations and counting….we appreciate your patronage. If you have any questions, you can reach the office at 732-591-1966, visit our website at hauserhillfarms.net, or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Our farm stand is located at 261 Ticetown Road, Old Bridge.
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OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
As of March 16, the Library reopened for browsing and computer use appointments. Please consult the Library’s website, www.oldbridgelibrary.org for instructions to apply for an appointment. Our study rooms are not in service for use at this time and most of our programming is still virtual. We hope we will be more open in the next few months as conditions and governmental restrictions permit. We have been taking appointments for notary work and passport applications all along as well as taking print requests. Requests are taken via email and instructions are also on our website. We thank our patrons profusely for your patience in this time of COVID. One of our more popular programming efforts has been the weekly kids story time which we stream live on our Facebook page. In addition, we have activity kits for kids which change monthly and can be picked up free of charge at Curbside Pickup. They contain coloring sheets, craft ideas and supplies and other items of interest to kids. We hope to work up book kits for kids as well. We are also offering other programming, usually taking place via Zoom, and posted on our Facebook page. If you have suggestions for programs which could take place virtually, please send them to fmceach-
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ern@oldbridgelibrary.org, 732-721-5600 x5010 or post on our Facebook page. For those of you looking to add a skill during the pandemic, the Library has some virtual resources at your disposal, accessible through your Library card. One of those is LinkedIn Learning, formerly called Lynda.com. A side variety of business software can be learned through their classes. Learning Express Library and Universal Class are also full of useful classes on a wide variety of subjects. All are available through our website using your Library card for access. Please call a reference librarian if you are having difficulty signing on or finding the resources at 732-721-5600 x5033. For those Old Bridge Library residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound or facility-bound, you may qualify for our Books By Mail program. You must have an Old Bridge Library card. Books will be mailed to you with a three-week loan time and must be mailed back in the postage-paid reusable bag or returned to the Library book drop. Only OBPL books are eligible for this program. It excludes DVDs, CDs as well as inter-library load items. Interested? Call 732721-5600 x5033 to reserve your books.
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NEW CONCOURSE, CAFÉ AND PARKING LOT NOW OPEN AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER OLD BRIDGE Continue from page 1 completed over the next several months.” The concourse is lined with floor to ceiling windows, capitalizing on an abundance of natural light to help patients and visitors to their destinations. One of the highlights of the new concourse is that it will unite the three main buildings of the Old Bridge campus into one seamless façade. As of today, the concourse connects 1 Hospital Plaza (main hospital) and 3 Hospital Plaza (Medical Arts Building). By the middle of May, 2 Hospital Plaza (Medical Office Building), will be connected. In addition, the new Starbuck’s affiliated café, is located in the
concourse and open from 7a.m. – 4 p.m. “We are really starting to see the vision of this state-of-the-art facility come to life, said William DiStanislao, vice president, Operations and executive site director, Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge. “The full project is expected to open to the public in February 2022.” The project team for the expansion includes Stantec Consulting (Project Management), Francis Cauffman Architects and Turner Construction.
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PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP YOU LIVE HEALTHIER, AND LONGER People usually see a physical therapist for pain or loss of function. But, did you know that as experts in movement science Physical Therapists can help you live healthier and live longer? There is strong evidence suggesting that movement is a valuable predictor of future health and resilience against disease. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so taking advantage of their expertise makes sense if your goal is to become healthier and live longer. Here are some examples of the power of movement when it comes to predicting future health: G a i t Ve l o c i t y Gait velocity is how fast you walk. Studies have shown that if your typical walking speed is over 1 m/s or 3.3 ft/s, you’re likely able to complete typical daily activities independently. You’re also less likely to be hospitalized and less likely to have adverse events like falls. If you’d like to test yourself, measure out a straight, flat course to walk between 10’ and 30’ long. You’ll also need 5’ or so at the beginning and the end for
acceleration and deceleration. Walk the course at your typical speed and divide the length of the course by how long it took you to walk it (distance/ time). That’s your gait velocity. Get On and Off the Floor A series of studies suggest that if you can go from standing to sitting on the floor and back to standing without using your hands, you’re a lot less likely to die than someone who can’t. It’s called the sitting-rising test. Here’s how it works: You start standing, and without support you sit down on the floor, then stand back up. You start with a score of 10. Every time you put a hand, knee, forearm or the side of your leg on the floor you lose 1 point. Putting a hand on your knee or thigh to help also costs a point. In a sample of over 2,000 people, they found that scoring less than 8 points made you twice as likely to die in the next 6 years when compared to people who scored higher. Score 3 or less and you’re 5 times more likely to die in the same period. Overall, each point in
the test is worth a 21% decrease in mortality from all causes. Notice that both gait velocity and the sitting-rising test aren’t specific to any one thing. The risk of hospitalization in the gait velocity studies was hospitalization for any reason. Death in the sitting-rising studies was death from anything. So while we know that exercise and healthy lifestyle reduce your risk of specific diseases like heart disease or diabetes, it appears that being
able to move may provide much more wide ranging protection than we previously thought. ProFysio Physical Therapy offers industry leading clinical
care and unmatched customer service in Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Visit ProFysioNJ.com to learn more.
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CALVARY OLD BRIDGE IS ALL ABOUT CONNECTING YOU TO GOD AND HIS FAMILY When people hear the word “church,” many are filled with dread and anxiety. People are prone to think about God as an angry judge or a vicious tyrant. The truth is, He is a loving Father drawing people to Himself through His Son Jesus—and often, God will use His people, or His “church,” to draw others too! At Calvary Old Bridge, we know that the word “church” says more about the people who meet together than the building they meet in. Church literally means “called out ones,” or people who have been called out of the kind of life the world has to offer and into the life God wants to give. It is an abundant life! Because of this, Calvary Old Bridge is more than a building. It is a vibrant community of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We gather to worship Him, study His Word, serve His people, and share His Gospel. In every ministry, class, service, and outreach, our goal is to glorify God and
see Him at work in our midst. Put short, Calvary Old Bridge is HIS. We welcome you to learn more about us, and as you do, we pray you will learn much more about the One we serve, Jesus. Calvary Old Bridge holds services on Saturday nights at 6:00pm and on Sunday mornings at 8:30am and 10:30am at 123 White Oak Lane in Old Bridge. Childcare and Children’s Church is available at all weekend services. Midweek Service is held on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm and many additional opportunities are available for youth, young adults, and adults throughout the week. Of special interest, Broken Loaves provides food to those in need and is available by appointment at (732) 679-4837. For those struggling with addictions, Addiction to Freedom (atf.ccob.org) meets weekly offering practical support and biblical guidance. And for those
facing unplanned pregnancies, Bridge Women’s Center (bridgewomenscenter.com) provides free ultrasounds, pregnancy testing, and other resources. For more information about Calvary Old Bridge visit ccob. org. We hope to see you there!
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IN MEMOR I A M VALERIE ROSE SARCHIAPONE
July 18, 1947 - April 23, 2021 Valerie Rose Sarchiapone passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021, at the age of 73. D aug hter of t he l ate Robert and Pauline Hammell, she was born July STEVE KUTRICK
George Poracky, Jr. of Old Bridge, Ne w Je rs e y passed on April 22, 2021. He was born August 12, 1929, and grew up in Jersey City, before settling in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He served in the Army
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18, 1947, in New York City. Valerie graduated from City College of New York, where she also received her master’s degree. She worked as an adult education teacher for the New York City Board of Education for forty years. Valerie was a wonderful teacher and helped her students achieve their full potential in life. Some of her students
referred to her as “My Valerie.” Valerie enjoyed performing as a singer in Cabaret Shows and in the Broadway at the Y Chorus. She also loved to travel. Valerie was devoted to her family and friends who all loved her dearly. She was exceedingly kind and generous. Valerie also volunteered at homeless shelters. She is survived by her sister
and brother-in-law, Barbara and Anthony Russo; her nephew, Victor Russo, and his wife Alisa Vitti; her great niece, Ariana Vitti-Russo whom she adored; and her longtime companion, Frederick R. Hipp. She will be deeply missed b y a l l w h o k n e w h e r. Visitation was held on Thursday, April 29th 2:00pm - 4:00pm
and 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Waitt Funeral Home, 501 HWY 79, Morganville, NJ. A Mass was held on Friday, April 30th 11:15am at St Clement Church, 172 Freneau Avenue, Matawan, NJ. Entombment was followed at Holmdel Cemetery, 900 Holmdel Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
during the Korean War. He retired from work after 42 years with Ball Glass Company in 1994. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Theresa Poracky, and seven children, Susan Dimsey (Ron), Mary Poracky, Joan Harrington (Chris), Loretta Janwich (Kurt), George Poracky (Helen), Theresa Poracky and Amy Conticchio (Tom). He leaves behind eight
grandchildren, Samantha Avignone (Justin), David Dimsey (Ashley), Joseph Dimsey, Rachel Janwich, Rebecca Janwich, Kurtis Janwich, Jr., Thomas Conticchio, Jr. and Brianna Conticchio, as well as four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Vilma Liposky and many nieces and nephews. George was beloved by all his
family who enjoyed his humor, his stories and hearing him play the accordion. He was a devout Roman Catholic and a former member of the Knights of Columbus and loved to watch classic movies and listening to country western music. The family held a viewing at Waitt Funeral Home, Sunday, April 25th 1:00-4:00pm and
6:00 - 8:00pm. A Mass was held on Monday, April 26th at 10:00am in Most Holy Redeemer Church, 133 Amboy Road,Matawan, NJ 07747. Burial to followed at Marlboro Cemetery, 361 State Route 79, Morganville, NJ 07751.
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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