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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
VOL 7, NO 4
YMCA ESTABLISHES ADVISORY COUNCIL AT OLD BRIDGE FACILITY
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
JOINT CHAMBER WINE & CHEESE EVENT HELD FOR RIBBON CUTTING AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME
FORMER MAYOR APPOINTED TO LEAD VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Former Old Bridge Mayor Russell Azzarello is chairperson of the new YMCA Old Bridge Advisory Council. The Old Bridge Family YMCA has a new group of advocates to help ensure that all area children and families can experience the Y, regardless of their ability to pay. The family health and wellness facility, part of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, has established the Old Bridge Branch Advisory Council to support the organization’s charitable mission and Continue on page 7
On Thursday evening, October 14th, the board of directors and members of the Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce (MACOC) and the Old Bridge, Sayrerville, and South Amboy Chamber of Commerce (OBSSA), together with Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte and council members Deana Gunn, John
Lazar, and Brian Livesey, welcomed Bedle Funeral Home’s new owners, Jersey Memorial Group, to Matawan. Among the guests that attended the event were members of several local organizations associated with Jersey Memorial Group and its owner, David Hernandez and manager, Michael Grandi, including Anthony Cosentino
from All Around Old Bridge and OBSSA Chamber of Commerce, Matawan Historical Society, Woman’s Club of Matawan, and the Matawan Economic Development Commission. The Jersey Memorial Group hosted the event as a Meet & Greet for members of both chambers to get together and enjoy some Continue on page 24
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERVING
OLD BRIDGE, SAYREVILLE & SOUTH AMBOY
Chamber of Commerce & Old Bridge Business Alliance
Holiday Event 2021 Online Giving & Drop off begins 11/8/2021 - 12/17/2021
To Donate online scan QR CODE
DROP OFF LOCATIONS - Pet Center – 2833 Rt 9N - The Max – 3879 Rt 516 - Quality Chevy – 1292 RT 9N - South Old Bridge Fire Station14 Throckmorton lane 6am-6pm Mon-Fri - YMCA- 1 Mannino Park - Grillstone- 2658 Rt 516
- Columbia Bank – 2988 Rt 516 - Kearny Bank – 510 Rt 34, Matawan - Parlin Dupont – 389 Washington Road, office 2 , Sayreville - SETS - 3996 County Rd 516 - Old Bridge School of Dance 419 Rt 34 - All American Ford – 3698 Route 9
- Giusseppe’s Pizza – 2581 Route 516 - ProFysio Physical Therapy – 2665 Route 516, Old Bridge 1212 NJ-34, Aberdeen - ProFysio Physical Therapy – 2665 Rt 516 ( Browntown Shopping Center)
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to appreciate all that we have and spend time with those who are close to us. As we approach the holiday season, it is important that we try to remember those who need our
help and perhaps donate to our local Old Bridge Food Bank. The volunteers at the Food Bank work very hard to collect food and make wonderful baskets to distribute to local families who are not as fortunate as others. I would like to remind residents that Tuesday, November 2nd is Election Day. Please take the time to exercise your right to vote. For information regarding this year’s election, please visit our township website, oldbridge.com Round one Fall Leaf Pick-up in Wards 5 and 6 will begin the week of November 1st. Please place your leaves in paper bags at the curb the Sunday night before your scheduled week. The bags should remain curbside until they are collected. For additional collection times for your Ward, visit publicworks@oldbridge.com. The Old Bridge Township Food Bank and the Old Bridge Township Department of Public Works is holding a Coat Drive on November 6th from 9am to 12pm at the
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Old Bridge Township Recycling Center. This drive thru drop off will accept gently used coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. This day recognizes the service and sacrifices our veterans made for this country. It is also a day to reflect and say thank you to those veterans for putting their needs aside to protect our freedom. Our township recycling center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7am -3pm and Saturdays 8am-12pm. Accepted items are; TV’s, electronics, computers, metal, mattresses, boy springs, carpeting, motor oil, cooking oil, rechargeable batteries, propane tanks, concrete, bricks, pavers and cinder blocks. I extend my best wishes to all our residents for a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you. Mayor Owen Henry
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THINK OLD BRIDGE
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
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By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Small business we all play a small part in helping is the backbone of businesses in our community. a community and As stated in past articles, venlocal workforce turing into a business that many also. Econom- times is a dream come true. Just ic sources state to open the doors is a herculean small businesses task and needing to have nerves of employ 47.5% of steel. Placing everything on the line the private workforce in the US and to operate their dream business. accounts for 1.9milliom new jobs. With the peaks and valleys that They also say plenty of Americans comes along with the day-to-day want to shop local and recognize challenges. As we have said before. the importance of supporting their The Biggest Challenge for Busilocal establishments. The Mayor’s nesses Today is (Tomorrow). So as Office of Economic Development the holiday season comes quickly assists in connecting with the small upon us. THINK BIG, SHOP businesses in old bridge. We travel SMALL, THINK OLD BRIDGE. across the towns of 41 square miles Shop, Dine and Buy Local regularly. Visiting the business comFeature Business munity and use social media and All of our great businesses this hyperlocal newspaper. Spreading the word of the new and existing businesses that make up old bridge. OLD BRIDGE Continuing to share the many diverse and different types of businesses with the local residents and surrounding consumers. To find that small business or entertainment _ _ _ _ _ venues, that can fill their needs. Pursuing Progress From the local karate school, gym, Mayor's office of Economic Development dry cleaners, pizza shop, restaurant, catering establishment or hall, etc. It comes down to the point that
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YMCA ESTABLISHES ADVISORY COUNCIL AT OLD BRIDGE FACILITY FORMER MAYOR APPOINTED TO LEAD VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Continue from page 1 cause to strengthen community. The volunteer council is led by former township Mayor Russell Azzarello, a longtime YMCA supporter and board member, civic leader, and business development professional. “The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County is thrilled to launch the Old Bridge Branch Advisory Council under Russell’s leadership to help guide our efforts to strengthen the Old Bridge community,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of the Y, which provides extensive programs and services to approximately 35,000 people in Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Azzarello has been a supporter of the Y since 2002 and currently serves on the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County. The regional YMCA was established in 2019 following a merger of The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County. He is vice president of Denholtz Properties, a commercial real estate development and investment company based in Red Bank. Azzarello was mayor in the 1980s and is past president of the Old Bridge C hamb er of C ommerce. The advisory council will focus on fundraising and advocacy to support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs and initiatives, Goganzer said. In addition to Azzarello, township residents appointed to the YMCA Old Bridge Advisory Council are: • Carlo Castronovo, owner, Giuseppe’s Pizza • Patrick D’Onofrio, detective, Old Bridge Township Police • June Dungee, commissioner, Old Bridge Housing Authority • Kelly Ellis-Foster, board member, Old Bridge Township Board of Education • Amanda Giuliano, director of marketing and outreach,
Sayre Woods Bible Church • Kat h le en Ho eker, ass i s t a nt s u p e r i nt e n d e nt , Old Bridge Public Schools • Matt Mercurio, director of p ar k s an d re c re ation, Old Bridge Township • Freddy Rojas, banking center manager, Provident Bank • Robert Verney, Jr., chief of fire administration, Old Bridge Township, District 3 • R o b e r t We i s s , J r . , retired captain, Old Bridge Police Department Azzarello said he looks forward to collaborating with the volunteer council to “advocate for the Y and raise support and awareness for the wide array of vital services that the Y provides to people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds in our Old Bridge community.” As a charitable organization, the Y offers financial assistance for membership and program services on a needs-based sliding scale, based on family size and income. The assistance is made possible by contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government grants. The Old Bridge Family YMCA, located at 1 Mannino Drive, opened in 2009. The 31,500-square-foot facility features an eight-lane swimming pool, cardio fitness workout area, aerobic wellness studio, and a full-size gymnasium. In addition to an array of health and fitness programs, the Y hosts summer camp, provides after school child care in area schools and therapeutic counseling for people of all ages. During the pandemic, the Y supported the community with food distribution, emergency child care, blood drives and COVID vaccines. “The YMCA is always here to meet the needs of our community and we are grateful for the volunteers who help us deliver our mission,” Goganzer said.
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1. COAT cling for the times and details. DRIVE 3. FALL LEAF T h e O l d PICKUP SCHEDULE Bridge Food Fall leaf pickup began on Bank and the October 25th. Leaves will be Department of picked up by ward from now Public Works through the end of December. will be hosting Please visit oldbridge.com/ its first ever recycling for the schedule. Himanshu R. c o a t d r i v e . 4 . M A N N I N O PA R K Shah The “Share the PHASE II IMPROVEMENTS Warmth Coat Drive” will be Old Bridge Township will use held on Saturday, November the $1.875 million grant received 6th from 9am to 12pm at the from the American Rescue Recycling Center. Join us in Plan Act of 2021 to advance the helping residents in need stay second phase of the Mannino warm this winter by donating Park Master Plan. The design and new or gently used coats, hats, construction will include three scarves, and gloves. This will be fields, a parking lot, and storma drive-thru drop off so all you water management facilities. need to do is drive up and we will The baseball fields will contain take care of the rest! We thank fencing, digital scoreboards, you in advance for your support. dugouts, bleachers and more. 2 . F A L L P A P E R The engineering office has solicS H R E D E V E N T ited proposals for the preparation There will be a township paper of contract plans, specifications, shred event on Friday, October and cost estimate. Award of the 29th in 3 various locations. professional engineering services Please visit oldbridge.com/recy- is on tonight’s consent agenda.
5. 2021 ANNUAL CURB REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Old Bridge Township Contractor Lancha Construction will begin curb improvements on various roads within the town beginning with Tompkins Road during the week of October 25th, 2021. Please visit oldbridge.com/news for the most up to date information. 6 . 4 t h Q UA RT E R TA X PAY M E N T S The Township Division of Tax Collection will be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM during the 4th quarter tax collection period. They will also be open between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 6th. The last day to pay taxes without interest or penalties is November 10th. Payments received after this date will accrue interest back to the statutory due date of November 1st. For additional information, residents should contact the Division of Tax Col-
lection at (732) 721-5600 x2999. 7. PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT “SENIOR FREEZE” FORMS The deadline to file the 2020 PTR form with the State of New Jersey is November 1st, 2021. Applications must be postmarked by this date. For additional information, residents should contact the State of NJ Division of Taxation at 1-800-882-6597 or the Division of Tax Collection at x2999. 8. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE Currently we have 455 children enrolled for the Before and After School Care program. We no longer have any students on the waitlist. We are still actively pursuing applicants for open positions such as Paras, Aides and Nurses. To apply, visit oldbridge. com and click on “Employment Opportunities”. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Before and After School
Care Department at x2395. 9. HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR This year’s Halloween Spooktacular was on Saturday, October 30th from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the Municipal Complex. There was a DJ, hayride, face painting, pumpkin picking, and much more for the entire family to enjoy. 10. OLD BRIDGE POLICE NEW HIRE PROCESS 89 individuals have taken the police department’s written entrance exam. Those who passed have been invited to participate in the second physical agility phase, which will occur on Saturday, November 6th, 2021.
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WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD’S SAT/ACT TESTING TIMELINE LOOK LIKE? Parents often ask me the best time for their child to take the SAT. I usually counter by advising them to sign their child up for a mock SAT and a mock ACT before deciding which test to move forward with. When a student takes a mock test depends (mostly) on what math class the student is taking that year. If a student takes algebra 2 or pre-calc sophomore year AND is super-high-achieving, I may advise that student to take the SAT as early as August before Junior year, or, if taking the ACT, July before junior year. In that case, the student should take the mock tests in mid-April to see which test is a better fit. If ACT, prep should start immediately after. If SAT, prep should start in June. I’ve had student who took my class score as high as 1550 on the SAT in August before junior year. What a relief it must have been for him to have been finished with testing when most of his peers had not even started to prep! What if a student’s math is on-grade level, taking algebra 2 as a junior? Since there is quite a bit of algebra 2 on both tests, and even some pre-calc, the earliest I usually recommend these students take the SAT is March of junior year, and ACT April of junior year. In this case, the student should take a mock test
of each in November and start prep in December for SAT or January for ACT. This schedule will still allow ample time for students to apply early decision or early action while taking their chosen test 3 times with ample time between tests to prepare. A student who takes a first SAT in August can take the test again in October and November. A student who takes the ACT in April, can take the test again in June and July. Taking the test multiple times is an advantage because most universities will look at the highest score of each section. These tests are each offered 7 times per year. The SAT is offered in October, November, December, March, May, June, and August. The ACT is offered in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July. Overall, parents should take advantage of all the different test dates offered and should have their child take the test when the student has a solid 3 months to prepare leading up to the test. So, when is the best time for your child to take it? Sign up for a free mock test of each here https://www.ivymasters.com/register-now/ using this coupon code: AllAroundOB
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CARING FOR YOUR PET WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER THERE TO DO IT 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 You may not want to think about it – but you should. What happens to your pets in the event you become ill, incapacitated, or pass away?
This is something, although unpleasant to think about and difficult to talk about, that is critical to have as a clause in your health directive and your will. As a responsible pet owner, you provide your pet with food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive this care should something unexpected happen, it is critical to plan ahead. The time to think about this is now, when you are well. The life span of a dog or cat is short compared to ours, but things happen and we should be prepared. Pet birds such as cocka-
toos or African Gray parrots can live 40 years, 70 years or longer. Horses have an average life span of 25 years, but many live into their thirties. If you consider your pet as part of the family, a pet trust may be a necessary part of estate planning. You cannot leave property, cash or life insurance directly to a pet. The law considers animals to be property, but you can still provide for them by establishing a trust. Don’t leave your pet’s future to chance. You can leave assets to a person who agrees to care for your pet. Follow-up with a written set of detailed instructions for the caretaker you have
designated. In the trust, state which animals are covered and who will accept the pet. Make sure to update this when your animal family changes, removing those who have passed on and adding new pets. Be certain the individual is willing to take on this responsibility of taking in your pet and shares your sensibilities on pet care. Assign an amount of money to be used for the animal’s care. Include instructions on medical care and end of life details. Besides the beneficiary, assign an individual to enforce the terms of the trust. Every single year approximately 1.3 million pets enter
shelters due to the death of their owners, and about 650,000 of these pets are euthanized. It is necessary to be proactive to avoid this situation. As we start off the New Year, it is something to consider. Be prepared and organized. If you do not have a pet, please visit the animal shelter and give a loving home to a pet in need. It would be a rewarding way to bring in the New Year.
A MESSAGE FROM CALVARY CHAPEL OLD BRIDGE At Calvar y Old Bridge ‘church’ is less about the building and more about the people. 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. You may have seen us at Old Bridge Day, and maybe even had a chance to meet some of
our outreach ministries such as The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridge Women’s Center, Ground Zero for Addiction Recovery, or our new BridgeLife Thrift Store! Whether in church, on the radio, or out in the community it is
our greatest hope to share the Gospel, showing people Jesus on the level that meets them most. It is our sincere prayer that you will come out to CCOB and meet with God and become part of our church family.
Calvary Chapel Old Bridge is located at 123 White Oak L ane in Old Bridge, NJ. Visit us on the web ccob.org
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Jamestown settlers, but the Pu-
vision. With a life perspective
trust in God are able to live in
them through that first winter. Providentially, a few Indians of the region were English-speaking. They brokered a peace treaty with the natives and they became invaluable help instructing them in planting corn, catching fish, and gathering fruit. The first harvest of 1621 is what we now celebrate as Thanksgiving Day. What’s the main difference between the first English colony and the first Puritan one? It was a matter of worldview; the way they viewed their lives, their priorities, and their heart’s motivation. One valued the wealth of the world, while the other viewed the eternal goal of bringing the Gospel to the New World, a world with the promise of religious freedom. Today we are witnessing all sorts of crises: political, economic, environmental, healthcare, education, and leadership. But the root of all these problems is the same competing worldview, as it was in the founding of this nation. With a worldview set upon profit, power, and acquisition, the Jamestown settlers soon found themselves in a war, starving and quickly losing their lives and
dependence upon God, the Puritans found the strength to persevere in the face of adversity. In a spirit of love and of unity, they were radically faithful in their relationships to God, to each other, and to the surrounding peoples. While the Jamestown worldview brought death, that of the Puritans was life-giving. Which America do you identify with most? Will we spend our days in devotion to our selfish pursuits, looking to make a name for ourselves? Or will we choose the way of love and live for God and sacrificially for others, influencing those around us? As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember that first celebration. Fortified with faith in God, love for others, and an intense hope, this led the settlers to give thanks in the midst of great trials and struggles. As they did, let’s see God’s hand of providence in all we encounter. We should not let fear and anger lead to the devouring of each other until no hope is left. Let’s instead be that self-sacrificing stepping stone for the next generation to know our lives are in God’s hands! The Bible says those who
fulness despite present challenges. Though nearly half of original 102 voyagers on the Mayflower died during the first winter of 1620, some 35 million people trace their ancestry to one of the twenty-four family names passed down— including the lineage of my dear friends, Ron and Carolyn Mack. Jesus came in humility and self-sacrifice and went to the cross, willingly laying His life down, that you and I might live. He endured the cross and likened Himself as a seed planted in the ground which will bring forth millions who would believe in Him and be saved. Though others may live for power, possessions, and pleasure, seeking to hold onto their lives at the expense of others, let’s follow the course of the Pilgrims and not live for ourselves, but be like that seed planted for the next generation.
LIVING STONES soon came to the little colony. ritans persevered by faith to get set upon simple devotion and a spirit of gratitude and thankA SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING
The wife of one of my college mentors, Carolyn Mack, was the inspiration behind the contents Lloyd Pulley, in this article. Senior Pastor There seems to be two versions of America, and perhaps we can see why in America’s two beginnings. Headed for the “New World” in the 17th century, two very different groups of adventurers left England for the promise of a new life in a new land across the ocean. Thirteen years prior to the Pilgrims’ landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts, a group of upper-class Englishmen sailed to America’s first permanent English colony, the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia. Chartered in 1606 by King James I and supported by the Virginia Company of London, the venture sponsors hoped for profit and the expansion of European nations abroad. Unprepared for the hardships they would face in
Tense relations with the Algonquian-speaking Indians, poor water supply, lack of food, and prolonged drought and disease led to many deaths. A lack of solid leadership led to a period of warfare and, compounded by starvation and disease, resulted in the deaths of many additional colonists. A second charter arrived a few years later with stronger leadership, but then introduced a period of military law which carried harsh punishment for its offenders. Six hundred miles north of the Jamestown Settlement began America’s first permanent Puritan settlement. It was established by English Separatist Puritans in December 1620. Seeking religious freedom, the group departed Holland, and after much delay and many challenging circumstances, landed on the shores of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Originally they were bound for Virginia by agreement with a group of London stockholders. But as providence would have it, their colony was destined to be as different as their lives were. They also faced many similar trials of harsh climate and disease as the
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FOR CRITICALLY ILL, LEAVING THE ICU IS JUST THE BEGINNING Patients that are discharged from the ICU can experience significant losses of physical, mental and cognitive abilities. This group of problems is called Post-Intensive Care Syndrome or PICS. It’s a serious issue that’s now recognized as a public health burden. The effects of PICS are wide-reaching. Physical declines can lead to serious difficulty completing basic daily tasks like getting to the bathroom, preparing a meal, or walking to the mailbox. 50% of ICU survivors still have limitations in daily activities 1 year later, showing how serious and long-lasting this problem is. Mental health issues are common for ICU survivors. They show significant rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD. These conditions have a real impact on the quality of life after leaving the ICU. ICU survivors also commonly show declines in cognitive abilities. 77% have cognitive impairments at 3 months
post-discharge and 71% have impairments 1 year out. Cognitive issues can take the form of poor memory, slower thinking, difficulty making decisions, or difficulty concentrating. For COVID 19 survivors the road to recovery can be far from over even after the worst symptoms have subsided. It’s important to be proactive and speak to your medical team about how you can continue to manage remaining symptoms and seek treatment whenever possible. Mental health issues such as depression or severe cognitive deficits may be managed by a mental health professional. The physical impairments of weakness, immobility, and decreased endurance can be treated by a Physical Therapist. Depending on the extent and severity of any cardiac injury sustained during the acute phase of COVID 19 you may need to engage in rehabilitation only under the direct supervision of a cardiologist. A Doctor of Physical Therapy will take a thorough history and
request any medical records and labs to best understand the severity of your case. Vitals including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration rate will be monitored throughout rehabilitation sessions. In addition, your Doctor of Physical Therapy will monitor your rate of perceived exertion, or RPE, as this is a good indicator and correlates with how intensely the prescribed exercise is taxing your cardiovascular system. Other neurological deficits such as impaired balance and gait can be addressed with balance retraining. In addition, any disuse muscle atrophy can be targeted with carefully graded and monitored exercise. While PICS isn’t totally preventable, recognizing the losses that remain after discharge from the ICU is an important step. Involving physical therapists and other rehab professionals early helps combat the effects of PICS and allows patients to return to higher-quality lives. ProFysio Physical Therapy
provides outpatient physical therapy services in Aberdeen, Old Bridge, East Brunswick and Edison. Visit ProFysioNJ.com to learn more. Click request an appointment to schedule.
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HACKENSACK MERIDIAN OLD BRIDGE MEDICAL CENTER
Pictured L-R, Louis Brusco Jr., MD FCCM CPE, chief medical officer, Old Bridge Medical Center; William DiStanislao, interim president, chief hospital executive, Old Bridge Medical Center; Owen Henry, Old Bridge Mayor; Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health; Todd Way, president, central market, Hackensack Meridian Health; Jane O’Rourke, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, chief nursing officer, Old Bridge Medical Center. Ha c k e n s a c k Me r i d i a n Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, unveiled Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Old Bridge’s new name to the public today, Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center. “After conducting extensive research, we are proud to unveil the new name to the public,” said Robert C. Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our new name reflects our mission and supports our growing Old Bridge community.” With this transformation, the surrounding community in Old Bridge has grown and become more vibrant in the past several years. With 68,000 residents and lots of construction going on in the town, Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to meeting the needs of the growing Old Bridge community. “From e x p a n d i n g o u r Emergency Department, an award-winning ICU, a Bariatric Center for Excellence, a Com-
prehensive Diabetes Center and plans to expand even more, this new name reflects our commitment to our patients in the community,” said William DiStanislao, interim president, chief hospital executive, Old Bridge Medical Center and Raritan Bay Medical Center. With this change, Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy will become Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center, dropping Perth Amboy from the name since there will only be one hospital with the Raritan Bay name. Recently at Old Bridge Medical Center, the new 19 total private Emergency Room beds opened to the public this past summer, a new retail pharmacy service was added for team members and patients, and the new concourse opened that connects all three buildings on the campus. The anticipated Grand Opening of the new Emergency Department, a $39 million investment, is expected to open in March 2022.
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JOINT CHAMBER WINE & CHEESE EVENT HELD FOR RIBBON CUTTING AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME Continue from page 1 light refreshments while celebrating the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Joseph Altomonte led the opening remarks welcoming David, Michael, and their staff to the Matawan community. MACOC President, Jeffrey Pantelas, continued by offering them wishes for much continued success. After the ribbon was officially cut by David, he thanked everyone for attending and expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for being able to work
and help the community of Matawan. Linda Martin, Director of MACOC, presented a small ceremonial keepsake of the ribbon cutting ceremony to David and Michael, and adds that “The Matawan Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome the Jersey Memorial Group to Matawan. Although Waitt Funeral Home of Morganville (right down the road on Route 79), has been an active member of the chamber for nearly 40 years, it is nice to have one of the Jersey Memorial Group facilities right here in town.”
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