All Around Old Bridge - October 2020

OB OLDBRIDGE OLD BRIDGE

ALL AROUND

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

VOL 6, NO 1

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

ALL GABRIELLA SIBONI NAMED AS THE NEXT TOWNSHIP CLERK FOR AMERICAN SUBARU 5TH TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE ANNUAL PET ADOPTION EVENT All American Subaru is extremely excited to announce that their 5th annual pet adoption event for 2020 will be a four part video series! The 2020 Pet-A-Palooza Video Series will premiere on the All American Subaru in Old Bridge YouTube page on beginning Thursday, October 8th. They have partnered with their friends, Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare and Adoption Center in Sayreville who for the month of October, will be offering 50% off adoption fees.

All American Subaru will also be donating $100 to Sammy’s Hope for all pets adopted in October, so don’t hesitate to check them out at www. sammyshope.org. The new video series will be highlighting animals for adoption, helpful content for pet owners, celebrity appearances, fun giveaways, the Cutest Pet Contest hosted by NJ101.5 and so much more. Visit www.oldbridgepeteve nt . c om for more d e t ai l s .

Gabriella Siboni has been appointed as the next Township Clerk for Township of Old Bridge, the 3rd largest Township in Middlesex Gabriella SiboniCounty, with a population of approximately 70, 000 and an area spanning 42 sq. miles.

Mayor Owen Henry selected Siboni as the next Township Clerk and the nine (9) member Municipal council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the selection at a special Council meeting on September 9, 2020.

On October 1, 2020, Siboni will take over from Ms. Stella Ward who is retiring on September 30, after serving the Council and Township of Old Bridge for approximately 22 years. Mayor Owen Henry, the Business Administrator, Himanshu Shah and the Municipal council members expressed that they are most grateful and appreciative to Ms. Ward for her contribution to the Clerk’s office as well as her dedication and outstanding service over the years. Siboni brings a lot of knowledge and technology skills to a position that requires strong communication, organization and records management skills

as well as other skillset crucial to the smooth operation of our organization, said Mayor Owen Henry.

Siboni will serve the municipal council and have day to day oversight of the Clerk’s office with responsibility for all the regular statutory duties of the Municipal Clerk including but not limited to Council meetings, election responsibilities, records management, response to public records requests, licensing, vital statistics and other day to day functions.

Siboni most recently served as the Clerk for the Borough of Milltown where she carried out all the responContinued on page 24

TOPPING-OFF CEREMONY MARKS MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge recently held a topping off ceremony to celebrate the final steel structure being placed on the new Emergency Department, a 24,000-square-feet expansion project that will more than double the current footprint.

The topping-off event marks a major construction milestone, symbolizing the completion of the expansion’s structural phase. Raritan Bay Medical Center leadership and team

members, were on hand to sign the steel structure before it was raised.

“Our Emergency Department has successfully served central New Jersey for more than four decades,” said Thomas Shanahan, chief hospital executive, Raritan Bay Medical Center. “We simply outgrew the existing footprint.

The new expansion will create a modern facility that can meet the evolving needs of our patients and solidify our commitment to pro-

viding the best patient-centered care to our growing community.”

Construction on the expansion began in October 2019 and represents Hackensack Meridian Health’s significant commitment to the community, with a $39 million investment. The new state-of-the-art Emergency Department will provide safer, faster arrivals by adding ambulance bays, newly designed pediatric rooms, behavioral health and new on-site technology with equipment that will provide more accurate diagnostics and treatment. In addition, a new

hospital concourse, main entrance, Continued on page 3

OCTOBER 2020

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Mayor Owen Henry There’s a crisp in the air… welcome to Fall! The beautiful foliage and fall harvests abound.

There is much going on in Old Bridge and I wanted to take this opportunity to update our residents on new businesses, numerous events and activities in our community.

I would like to welcome, Gabriella Sibioni our new Township Clerk of Old Bridge Township.

She brings a lot of knowledge and technology skills to a position that requires strong leadership, communication, organization and records management skills. Also, I want to acknowledge the hard work of

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Ms. Stella Ward, our retiring Mu- mately 7pm. Pre-registration is nicipal Clerk for her 22 years of required and verified upon arrival. dedicated service to our community.

A Special Paper Shredding event We have realized three new busi- will be held on Friday, October nesses opening their doors in Old 30, 2020. This event is being held Bridge: Chick fil-A, KBS African at three locations; Cheesequake and Caribbean Market and Tractor Village, Plaza Grande and Old Supply Co. I would like to thank Bridge Recycling Center. Only conthese establishfidential documents for selectOur final “Drive in Movie ments will be Night” will be held on ing Old Bridge accepted to be Wednesday, October 7th. We shredded with Tow nsh ip to d o b u s i n e s s will be showing Frozen II at Old a maximum in and assure Bridge High School Parking Lot of two boxes at approximately 7pm. them they will per car. not be disAs we head ap p oi nt e d i n t h e i r c h oi c e . into Halloween, Old Bridge will be Each year, the Department of hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest Parks and Recreation offers a variety and Drive Through Display. Pumpof activities and events. These ex- kins can be dropped off on 10/29 and citing recreational activities and the Drive Through Display will be events are for residents of all ages. held on 10/30. For mor information The Fall 2020 Recreation Brochure on our events, activities or to volfor Old Bridge Township is available unteer, please visit oldbridge.com. on our website at oldbridge.com.

Have a healthy and happy HallowOur final “Drive in Movie een. Please continue to be safe, wear Night” will be held on Wednesday, face coverings and adhere to social October 7th. We will be showing distancing guidelines. Thank you.

Frozen II at Old Bridge High Mayor Owen Henry School Parking Lot at approxi-

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MAJOR CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE Continued from page 1 and lobby will modernize the facility and link all three hospital buildings. The medical center will also be more accessible with increased parking and better wayfinding.

“We are really starting to see the vision of this state-of-the-art facility come to life,” said William DiStanislao, executive site director and vice president of Operations, Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge. “It’s amazing how it has already transformed landscape of our hospital campus.”

The expansion was designed and constructed by Stantec and Turner Construction, a collaborative joint venture. The project remains on schedule and is expected to open to the public in December 2021.

About Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center For more than 100 years, Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy and Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge have provided a full continuum of health care services to residents of Central Jersey. Raritan

Bay Medical Center is one of less than one percent of hospitals in the world to achieve Magnet Recognition, the “Gold Standard” for nursing practice, quality, and safety in patient care, four times. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Raritan Bay Medical Center as high performing in Orthopedics, Nephrology, COPD and Heart Failure.

The medical center is a New Jersey state designated Primary Stroke Center and recipient of the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, recognizing optimal treatment of stroke patients. Raritan Bay is also a recipient of the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval and the AHA’s Heart Check Mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers and the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award recognizing high-quality care of patients experiencing a severe heart attack.

Vi s i t w w w. r b m c . o r g .

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NEW TO EXERCISE? DO THESE 5 THINGS BEFORE STARTING

By: William Baione, M.D., M.S. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Fellowship trained in Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction, Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge The majority modified version of that exercise? ical activity, or 150 minutes per week workouts by only 10 percent at a time of Americans If nothing comes to mind, 3. Make time in your schedule • don’t tr y to exercis e how don’t meet the the simplicity of walking may S o m e p e o p l e t h i n k t h a t you did years ago, if you’ve recommended appeal to you. Some people they’re too busy to exercise, but b e e n i n a c t i v e f o r a w h i l e daily or weekly think that walking is boring, you can prioritize exercise by: 5. Stay safe during the panguidelines for but there are ways to spice it up: • adding workouts to your calen- demic. When you exercise, it’s physic a l ac- • schedule a standing walking date dar, treating them as important important to follow social-distivity, partly with a friend, staying 6 feet apart commitments, like work meetings tancing guidelines. Be sure to: because many • l i s t e n t o a n a u d i o b o o k , • exercising for 10- or 15- • stay 6 feet away from others people think podcast or your favorite music• minute blocks on busy days • w e a r a m a s k William Baione of exercise as catch up on phone calls with to hit 30 minutes for the day • avoid touching your face a chore, but it f r i e n d s d u r i n g w a l k s • sticking with exercise long- • w a s h y o u r h a n d s doesn’t have to be that way. You can 2 . B e r e a s o n a b l e w i t h term when you miss a day or two when you return home walk, ride bikes, hike, swim, dance, y o u r e x e r c i s e g o a l s It may take more than 2 months • keep a small bottle of hand or anything that gets you moving.

It’s important to understand for your exercise routine to sanitizer handy if you need Making an effort to stay active is your limits when you start ex- become a habit, so you have to to touch crosswalk buttons what matters most. If you find an ercising. Don’t expect to trans- consistently add it to your calendar If you want to run or bike without activity you enjoy, you’ll be more form from an inactive person until it becomes second-nature. a mask, you’ll need to stay at least likely to reach your personal goals. to a high mountain hiker in a 4. Take steps to avoid injury. 6 feet away from others the entire B e f o r e y o u g e t s t a r t e d , week. Follow these guidelines: L ow - i mp a c t a c t iv it i e s , l i ke time. If too many people are out, consider these 5 tips: • if you have a chronic health walking, tend to cause fewer inju- try exercising earlier or later in the 1 . F i n d a f o r m o f e x - condit ion, ask your do c tor ries, and gradual changes to your day, when it may be less crowded. e r c i s e t h a t y o u e n j o y before you begin exercising routine are best. To avoid injury: Think back to your youth or • star t out slowly, gradu- • warm up by walking or jogging, a time when you were active in a l ly adding more t ime and rather than stretching; stretchthe past. What activities were you i nte ns it y to you r workout s es may be best after workouts passionate about? Can you do a • aim for 30 minutes of daily phys- • increase the time or intensity of your

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FINDS REFORMED CHURCH HOME DEFICIENCY-FREE FOR INFECTION CONTROL STANDARDS

The Reformed Church Home has received a deficiency-free rating by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) following a recent COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey.

The Reformed Church Home, a senior community offering assisted living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care, received a deficiency-free rating by the New Jersey

Department of Health (DOH) following a recent COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey. The Home was found to be in compliance with specific state and federal infection

control regulations established as a result of COVID-19, and also was found to have implemented the recommended COVID-19 preparation practices set forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“I am unbelievably proud of our exceptional staff, who have worked tirelessly to adhere to new infection control protocols while maintaining the superior care we are known for. Every department has done their part, but I especially want to thank nursing, housekeeping, and maintenance personnel for their dedication and thoroughness,” said Kate Shepard, Executive Director/Administrator at Reformed Church Home.

Some of the infection control parameters assessed included staff and resident hand washing techniques; sanitation procedures for high-touch surfaces; judicious use of personal

protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gowns, and gloves; and adherence to social distancing guidelines for mealtimes and activities.

Shepard continued, “We realize it is a difficult decision to enter a long term care setting under the best of circumstances, but we want the larger community to be aware we are doing everything possible to keep our residents safe and healthy.”

At present, all residents and staff undergo weekly testing and daily screening per the CDC guidelines to prevent further cases. The Home has also been working with the NJ DOH to develop an Outbreak Response Plan in the event of future cases, to ensure maximum preparedness efforts are in place.

The plan is available for review at www.reformedchurchhome.com.

About Reformed Church Home Reformed Church Home is a highly respected, not-for-profit senior community offering assisted

OCTOBER 2020

living, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing to seniors of all faiths and beliefs. Named a U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Home for 2020, the Home consistently has received outstanding annual surveys from the State of NJ Department of Health and 5-star Quality of Care ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services each quarter since inception of the program in 2008. Reformed Church Home has been named Best Assisted Living Community in Middlesex County for several years.

For additional information, please contact Andrea Walls, Director of Marketing, at 732-607-9230, or visit www.reformedchurchhome.com.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

OCTOBER 2020

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1.Two Drive4. Parks and Recreation will in- Movies will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving be presented Contest and Display in the month by the Depart- of October. Please visit the townment of Parks ship website at www.oldbridge. and Recreation. com for additional information Wednesday, about this and other activities being September 23rd offered by Parks and Recreation.

Grease and 5.Old Bridge Food Bank’s parton We d n e s - nership with the YMCA will continHimanshu R. Shah day, October ue and provide fruits and vegetables 7 t h F r o z e n through the month of October.

2. Register online, only one We would like to thank the comcar per family is permitted. munity for its continued support.

2.The Ice Arena we will be 6.The Township’s Annual Tax offering Ice Skating lessons for Sale is scheduled for Wednesday, all ages. Registration for classes September 30th for open balances will begin on September 22nd. from 2019 for taxes, municipal 3.The Fall Brochure is now avail- clean-up charges and utility charges able on the Township Website. The from the Old Bridge Municipal Parks and Recreation Department is Utilities Authority (OBMUA). now offering Virtual classes such as 7. 2020 Census: The Planning Coding, Paint Classes, Crime Scene Department is continuing to provide Investigation and new Mindfulness assistance to residents in filing the Class. Also, they are offering Tennis 2020 Census information. Two and Pickleball lessons on our Mu- outreach events will be hosted by the nicipal Courts. Classes will begin Township; September 23rd between the week of October 12th, registra- 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm September tion is now being accepted online. 27th between 9:00 am 12:00pm.

Both will be held at the Laurence Harbor Beachfront Parking Lot in the rear of Hoffmann’s Pharmacy.

8.The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development welcomed three new businesses to town in the month of September. Chick Fil A on Route 9 South in the American Plaza, KB’S African & Caribbean Market at 22 Old Matawan Road and Tractor Supply Company located on Englishtown Road.

9. Coastal Cleanup Day Old Bridge Township will be hosting International Coastal Cleanup Day on Sunday, September 27th.

Volunteer groups from local organizations will be cleaning up the Laurence Harbor Beachfront, Paul’s Beach and Pirates Cove in Cliffwood Beach. These groups will receive a $500 grant to help clean our beaches in conjunction with Mayor Henry’s Clean Team Program. In 2019 they have collected over 150 bags of garbage and bulk items from the beach cleanups.

10.The Mayor’s Health & Wellness Council in collabora-

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

tion with All Around Old Bridge hosted The Mayor’s 2nd Annual ‘Run for Our Heroes’ 5K September 16th through the 20th as a virtual race. The township would like to thank the local businesses that had sponsored this event: All Around Old Bridge, Giuseppe’s Pizzeria, MAX Challenge, Eat Elite, Hackensack Meridian, Dr. Tony DeLuca, and SETS Hybrid Training.

11.The Cultural Arts Committee is hosting free Virtual Webinar’s;

“Vocal Technique will be held on September 23rd at 7:30pm “Auditioning- Pulling it all together” will be on September 30th at 7:30pm. All webinars will be available to view on Old Bridge’s Youtube Channel in October. For more information residents can visit the township website at Old Bridge.com/culturalarts

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THINK OLD BRIDGE

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office October for a while. We still are watching i s h e r e a n d closely how consumers behave conO l d B r i d g e tinue to rapidly change. Businesses keeps moving need to watch this trends as well forward. and rethink the way their message Mayor Henry gets out. Needing to look at what c ut r i b b on s is now being called (“The Digital on three new Shift”): referenced in mckensey. businesses com. 40 percent are using more Chick-Fil-A, social media, and 28 percent are Steve Mamakas Tractor Supply listening to more radio. Readership Company and KB’S African Market of online news has risen 39 percent. in one week. As we continue to Forty-three percent of consumers open more new businesses in are watching more television, so Town. We have watched our ex- with this all being said. Today the isting local business community businesses message must be clear, work on increasing business using relevant and have interest to stand social media platforms and direct out among all the others trying to access mailing even more. Also bring customers back and new ones investing more in window and in. Over the last couple of months as lawn signage to broadcast their we have noticed trends researching message. Even direct ad place- many articles and visiting many ment in this publication and which local businesses and watching them online readership is up as well. adjust. Some direct facts and takeThese methods had become the aways as we might already know only access point for business to the shows. Consumers are spending consumer and township residents more time at home, but likely less

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money on their entertainment, as the trend toward digital options accelerate. Like ordering food and supplies to the home through app services. It all shows the Shift taking place, mckensey.com also reported that 45 percent of consumers report using more online streaming services at home. Netflix added 16 million subscribers in five months while Disney+ nearly doubled its subscriber base to about 50 million.

Popular out-of-home activities are trying to adjust to this new reality.

The (Digital Shift) has happened quickly, media consumption has increased across the board. So the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development will continue to work at assisting our community with campaigns and provide sources of information as it comes available.

We a s k a l l ou r re s i d e nt s to “Please Keep Supporting our Local Businesses” future.

Shop, Dine and Buy Local

OCTOBER 2020

FEATURED BUSINESS

KB’S AFRICAN MARKET 22 OLD MATAWAN RD, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP, NJ 08857 PHONE: (732) 307-2495 Visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetownedo or Twitter @ twitter. com/obedonj to check out all the exciting happenings from grand openings to groundbreaking events across the town.

Marxist organizers wasn’t LIVING STONES trained enough, this shutdown seems to FROM REVOLUTION TO REVIVAL In the midst of life-altering events and circumstances, we seem to be hearing the word “unprecedented” almost daily describing some new societal develBy Lloyd Pulley, opment. Are Senior Pastor, we currently Calvary Chapel witnessing the Old Bridge breakdown of our nation? Is America in the midst of a revolution? When they chant, “no justice, no peace,” is it not sheer hypocrisy when injustice is being protested with gross injustice?

Many marching appear to have little insight into the naked evil of the ideologies leading them. Most definitely the targeting of police is inexcusable and our prayers go out to those in law enforcement. Daily they put their lives on the line to serve and protect, even in places where their hands are tied by politics.

And as if dealing with these

have no basis in reality with hospitals void of any new COVID patients. Now it appears that the looming threat of the “return” of COVID-19 or, God forbid some other horrific pandemic touted to be worse, has people frozen in fear wearing masks even while driving, biking and running. Yet I cannot find any consensus of medical experts who would stand behind this insanity. A national news outlet published an article about one Emergency Room doctor warning of something worse than COVID-19 coming. Really? Just one doctor? And not even a doctor specializing in viruses! What a flimsy basis for keeping an unnecessary shutdown. Seeing the rise in many social ills and the livelihoods of people threatened, as a pastor, I will warn of much greater damage to people than the once horrific, but now tiny, threat of COVID unless we all get back to business.

Despite the unrest, political divide, racism, socialistic agenda, natural disasters, and another pandemic fear, we can be certain of this one thing: We need to return

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE to the One who is in control- God! I began a series recently on Wednesday nights on the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. What a model he is of overcoming in extraordinary circumstances! Very fitting for our troubled times is the poise and patience of Joseph, who saw the big picture in his difficult suffering. Even when deeply wronged, his words towards those who hurt him resound in a depth of character so unlike the morally bankrupt and outraged mobs given such attention in national media.

Speaking to the very brothers who sold him into slavery, Joseph said: But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (Genesis 50:20) Joseph is a living portrait of the providence of God, who works all things together for good for those who love Him. Joseph was positioned temporarily as a slave by God to ultimately deliver the entire nation of Israel. His life reveals God’s absolute rule and authority over all that is seen and unseen.

Even if powerful globalists who desire America’s humbling are

OCTOBER 2020 behind the worldwide crisis in order to “reset” this world, they will find out soon enough that they are playing checkers while God is playing chess. Will America be humbled? Maybe we need to be. But we will be the better for it in the end if we humble ourselves before Him. We have been through darker times in our history than today and humble brokenness stayed the powers of evil.

During the unrest of the 60’s, many revolutionaries were either impacted personally or silenced by the Jesus Revolution! The hippies’ zeal, no longer enslaved by socialist causes, led them to take another look at the Jesus of the Bible and they were transformed into effective evangelists for the gospel.

Hundreds of thousands of lives were transformed! Imagine what would happen if “cancel culture” recognized their moral bankruptcy and honestly considered the Jesus of the Bible. This nation would be infused with more fervor to spread love and the good news of Jesus than to seek to tear down.

Oh for a revival of Bible reading and gospel believing arising from a true heartfelt brokenness over sin

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and evil! Families would be restored as in the past when people began to seek God and His ways. America would be revived! People would stand up for the weak and poor and out of love give sacrificially for others! This is my prayer, that once again we will be restored to that greatness! That greatness arose out of goodness established by those who humbled themselves before God! Driving up to church on Sunday morning to gather with God’s people, I noticed a stark contrast from the night before. Few were on the roads compared to the busy traffic of the previous evening, as restaurants and places of night life were packed. My prayer is that traffic jams would occur on Sunday mornings as people return to their churches! Our nation needs this! Oh Lord revive us again! The trickle has started perhaps. There is news of major baptisms happening all over our country today.

We baptized over 150 in the water just last month. Oh Lord help us!

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PREPARE TO REACCLIMATE YOUR PET TO AN EMPTY HOME

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 the pandemic means you have been home more, the chances are your pet has enjoyed the extra attention.

Dogs have benefited from more walks and playtime while cats have appreciated the company and more lap time.

But once we are able to return to our normal routines, our pets may exhibit separation anxiety, which equates to panic attacks in people.

Dogs actually become frantic and distressed because of the absence of their people, which can lead

to destructive behavior both to themselves and to your home.

Inappropriate chewing may be expressed in such a way that you may come home to a hole in the couch and piles of stuffing from pillows. The dog may dig holes and damage the carpeting.

Your pet may try to escape, breaking through windows and damaging doors. They may defecate and urinate throughout the home. Often they will lick and chew themselves excessively, causing damage to their skin.

The poor dog’s anxiety triggers salivation and increased heart rate. They will pant and tremble. Their pupils dilate, and they pace continuously.

Separation anxiety can be helped one step at a time. It involves behavior modification, and often anti-anxiety medicine is needed.

There are some techniques that may help in the transition.

When you exit your home, use different doors instead of the same one all the time. Put

your coat on 15 minutes before leaving. Use different locations for your keys, shoes and purse so that your pet does not associate those items with your departure.

You can train your pet by leaving the house for short intervals, starting at 15 seconds and working up to 30 minutes. In this way, your pet will acclimate and feel assured you are coming back.

Don’t make a big deal when you leave. Make your coming and going low key. Do not make a fuss with loud greetings.

A lways exercis e your p et before you leave. It will naturally calm them down. A fatigued dog is a happy and relaxed dog.

Have a safe space for your pet and their own bed. Calming treats may be beneficial, too.

Give your dog a special treat each time you leave -- for example: a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter.

Only give the treat when you leave, and take it away when you get home.

P l ay i n g s o f t b a c k g r o u n d music for your pet while you

are aw ay may b e s o ot h i ng .

If you are away for extended periods of time, a dog walker would be most helpful!

Cats with separation anxiety demonstrate excessive vocalization, house soiling instead of using the litter box, and excessive grooming that sometimes results in hair loss.

Interactive toys, toy puzzles with treats hidden inside, and window hammocks to redirect their focus may be beneficial.

Pheromone diffusers help reduce signs of stress, and make your cat feel secure and comfortable.

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Your veterinarian can make recommendations and may advise calming and anti-anxiety medication.

The cause of separation anxiety is unknown and may be triggered by a trauma, a change in routine, or a major life event. For example, a new home, death of a family member, or even a new baby in the house can unsettle the pet.

B e patient while addressing this problem, realizing pets deal differently with change and everyone loves attention.

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SOUTH OLD BRIDGE FIRE DEPARTMENT TIPS OF THE MONTH The South Old Bridge Fire Department wants to keep you and your family safe with just a few safety tips this month.

• Always have an emergency plan in place, such as an evacuation plan in case of an emergency. Be sure this plan has a landmark meeting place that is outside and away from your home in case of a fire; good landmarks could be a neighbor’s house or a tree that is far away from your home. In the case of an emergency meet at the landmark and call 911.

• You should always have fire extinguishers in your home, we suggest in rooms that have the greatest chance of a fire. Such as, a kitchen, garage or your furnace room/ laundry room, but recommend you have at least one in your home.

• Never block means of egress (an entry/exit way) with big or bulky furniture. Blocking something like a window with a piece of furniture

can obstruct you from exiting a room in the case of an emergency if your normal route is blocked.

• The South Old Bridge Fire Department wants the residents of Old Bridge to have fun as we shift into the cooler months, but remember stay safe.

We at the South Old Bridge Fire Department are always looking for an extra set of hands. If you or anyone you know may be interested in volunteering you can visit our website at sobfd.com or email our Vice President at vpresident@sobfd.com.

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OCTOBER 2020

OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND NOTICE The Old Bridge Township Public School District provides special education and related services to disabled children/students ages three to twenty-one, who

are in need of special education.

If you reside within the district or have a child attending a non-public school in Old Bridge and suspect your child may be

disabled due to physical, sensory, emotional, communication, cognitive or social difficulties, please call the Office of Special Services.

For children three to five years old, pre-school disabled means an identified disabling condition and or measurable developmental impairment that requires special education and related services.

For a d d it i on a l i n for m a tion, call your neighborhood school and ask for the Child Study Team or call the Office of Special Services at 732-360-4461.

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OCTOBER 2020

OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS OFFERING AMBOY BANK HOSTS NJ BROWSING-BY-APPOINTMENT SESSIONS VIRTUAL SENIOR PROPERTY TAX FREEZE WORKSHOP Despite all of the appointment-based services the Old Bridge Public Library has offered this month, we’ve consistently heard from our Library Director customers that Michael Bobish they miss physically browsing our collection. We’ve missed seeing you, too! Therefore, I’m happy to announce that the Old Bridge Public Library is offering browsing-by-appointment sessions to its customers.

After a successful pilot of this program earlier this month, we’re increasing our browsing-by-appointment hours to include the following days and times: • Tu e s d a y s t h r o u g h Fridays: 11:30am to 7pm •Saturdays: 10:30am to 5pm •Sundays and Mondays: Closed

We hope that these expanded hours give families, commuters, and other residents ample opportunity to see what the library has to offer.

Due to government-set capacity mandates, browsing appointments last for 30 minutes. In order to make an appointment, submit a form at http://www.oldbridgelibrary. org/browsing-appointments/. A staff member will confirm your appointment shortly afterward.

While in the library, we ask patrons to wear face masks and disinfect their hands on their way into and out of the building using hand sanitizer that we provide. You can find out more about this program by visiting this page: http://www.

oldbridgelibrary.org/alerts/browsing-by-appointment-available/ For our other customers who aren’t comfortable entering the library just yet, we still offer curbside pickup service from 2pm to 7pm on Tuesdays through Fridays, and from 12pm to 5pm on Saturdays. Other appointment based services, such as passports, notary, and Internet access are still available. You can find out more about those services here: https://www.oldbridgelibrary. org/news/appointmentservices/.

Thank you for your patience as we adjust our services to these uncertain times. We’re looking forward to seeing you in the library soon!

As part of an ongoing commitment to assisting their community, Amboy Bank has implemented a series of workshops to assist seniors applying for a New Jersey Senior Property Tax Freeze reimbursement. The Senior Tax Freeze program reimburses senior citizens for property tax increases. This year, Amboy Bank has taken the initiative to host a virtual Senior Property Tax Freeze Workshop via Zoom on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 10:00 am, where an Amboy banker will assist applicants with the necessary forms, answer questions, and review tax payment options.

The workshop will be recorded and sent to registered individuals.

There are also one-on-one appointments available at all branches.

“As a community bank, we are always delighted to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Amboy Bank’s President and Chief Execu-

tive Officer, Gregory Scharpf. “With our knowledgeable staff, we’re able to provide seniors with assistance and information on the tax programs that are available to them.”

To register for the virtual Tax Freeze Workshop on Wednesday, October 14, or for more information about the program, v isit Amb oyB an k.com/TaxFreeze or call 877.222.6269.

Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank, a full-service commercial bank with 23 offices in central New Jersey, prides itself on quality service and responsiveness. They have been voted “Best Bank in Central Jersey” for the past 22 years in a row.

DON’T LET PAIN & DEPRESSION CONTROL YOUR LIFE

by Dr. Anthony DeLuca, Director of DeLuca Family Chiropractic in Old Bridge, New Jersey

Pain often sounds the warning bell to conditions requiring either immediate medical attention or rest. Fortunately, the symptoms accompanying most injuries can subside in days or weeks with the proper care.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, can persist for months or even years. It can be sharp or dull, burning or aching, intermittent or ongoing, while afflicting nearly any area of the body. According to the American Pain Foundation, about 32 million Americans reported having painful problems that lasted a year or longer.

But that’s not all. In addition to the constant discomfort, sufferers regularly complain of everything from trouble sleeping and a loss of appetite to a general lack of energy, irritability and even depression. As reported by the American Pain Foundation, 65% of depressed people complain of pain and more than half of the patients with pain are depressed or have mood swings.

Now the treatment. The first step in coping with chronic pain is to determine its cause, if possible. Addressing the problem will help alleviate the pain in addition to the negative mental side effects. It’s also extremely important to keep the chronic pain from taking center stage in your life.

Until recently, rest was the recommended remedy. However, in

many cases this only deepened the anxiety and sense of loss that accompanied the inability to participate in normal everyday activities, let alone favorite sports and physical workouts.

But please know that pain and depression don’t have to become a way of life. First, begin by seeking the aid of professionals, who can prescribe certifiable pain management therapies.

This can include: • Staying active with carefully-devised exercise programs that increase flexibility, improve strength and balance, and reduce inflammation • Therapeutic procedures that reduce irritations to the spinal vertebrae and restore normal nerve flow • Massage therapies that relieve muscle tension and pain, prevent future pain and injuries, and simply just help the patient relax In addition, here are some very basic, but extremely effective, activities that just about anyone can do to improve both physical and mental health. The key is to start slow with the goal of continually building your endurance, flexibility and strength.

Yoga. More than 20 million Americans do yoga, which offers a creative way to enhance core strength and endurance, while

improving range of motion. There are also hundreds of stances from which to choose, making it ideal for arthritis sufferers looking to increase flexibility and joint function.

Walking. You’ll be surprised by the uplifting, therapeutic value of a long walk through the neighborhood, park or local mall. The good thing is you can walk at your speed, stop when you want and pick up the pace whenever you feel comfortable. If it’s been awhile, start at 10 minutes and build from there. It won’t take long to get to 30 minutes and then even an hour.

Relaxation. Don’t laugh. It’s not as easy as you think. Try sitting silently in a comfy spot for five to 10 minutes a day, while taking long-drawn-out breaths and picturing only peaceful, calming scenes. You’ll be surprised how good feel after just a few sessions.

For more information on a heathier, please contact DeLuca Family Chiropractic at (732) 679-2414 or visit our website at www.dfccares.com to establish a new sense of health, balance and well-being, Our dedicated staff located at 2309 Hwy 516 in Old Bridge, NJ will be happy to meet with you and tailor a chiropractic and wellness program specifically targeted to your needs using minimally invasive, yet highly-effective techniques and services.

Shaking the Fall Injury Bug

Dr. Ira Shapiro, Director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center in Old Bridge, New Jersey

732-723-0023 1314 Englishtown Road Old Bridge, NJ 08857

With gyms and in-person classes starting to resume statewide, the options for a great workout are certainly better than they were a few months ago.

The problem is that injuries can occur to virtually anyone even if you’re no longer participating in contact sports during these strange times. One false step or a bad twist at the wrong moment is all it takes to wind up with months of soreness and stiffness.

Furthermore, trauma isn’t the only cause of joint injuries. Poor posture, the improper performance of tasks or the repetitive stress placed on tendons, bones, and joints are also common culprits. Examples include tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis and tendinitis, swimmer’s shoulder, pitcher’s elbow, and runner and jumper’s knee.

Consequently, pain should never be ignored. It is a signal

that something is wrong. In fact, even minor injuries, where swelling and pain generally subside after 48 – 72 hours, can cause nagging problems that persist for years. This is especially common with overuse injuries that develop slowly, gain in severity with each new trauma and grow increasingly difficult to heal without the proper treatment.

Increasing the flexibility and strength of these muscle groups and joints is crucial for preventing injuries and enjoying activities without pain and discomfort. This can be accomplished through the daily performance of any number of exercises.

Follows is just a small sample of the hundreds of activities that can improve strength, endurance and flexibility or be used as a warmup before your next class or workout. The trick

is finding the ones that work best for you.

Step-Ups. Begin with a light dumbbell in each hand. Step up with right foot onto an elevated platform. Follow by stepping up with the left foot. Step back down to the floor with your right foot and then the left. Start by doing this for 1 to 5 minutes and then building up to 10 minutes or even more.

Burpees. Burpees provide a full-body workout. They combine five exercises into one: squat thrusts, planks, pushups, squats, and squat jumps.

Start by standing shoulder width apart and a dumbbell in each hand. Bending at the hips and knees, reach down to put both dumbbells on the ground with your palms facing each other. Extend your legs backward until you’re in a plank or pushup position. Do a push up. Bring your legs back to your hands,

while bouncing into the starting position with a hop. Extend the weights upward into a shoulder press with your palms facing forward. Bring down. Take a breath and start again. See how many you can build up to over time.

Lunges. Stand upright with a dumbbell in each hand.

Hang your arms at either side with your palms facing inward and your feet a little less than shoulder-width apart. Take a long step forward, while bending at the knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground. The rear leg should be bent at the knee and balanced on the toes.

Return to the starting position.

Repeat with the other side. Do 2 – 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions.

For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family please contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732-723-0023

or visit www.plazachiro.com.

Our trained staff will be happy to work with you, no matter your age or condition, to develop a safe and effective wellness program that complements your life style and offers long-lasting fitness rewards.

Dr. Ira A. Shapiro is the director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, which he founded in Old Bridge, New Jersey in 1984. Recently selected to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council (ACASC) Hall of Fame and a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic team medical staff, Dr. Shapiro has spent the past 37 years providing safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care to tens of thousands of patients ranging from community members to professional athletes competing at the world’s highest levels

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

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JAR OF HOPE RAISES MONEY FOR RESEARCH INTO A CURE FOR DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY JAR of Hope is a non-profit that raises money for research into a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a rare disease that causes muscles to degenerate, affecting about 20,000 children in the United States. It is a terminal children’s disease with no cure. Jim Raffone is the founder and CEO of JAR of Hope. He founded the non-profit with his wife, Karen, after their son, Jamesy, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Doctors said that there was nothing they could do for Jamesy, but the Raffones refused to give up.

The next leg of this journey requires an IND and a fully supported trial to further evaluate and identify a potentially life altering treatment before time runs out. In order to accomplish this, sponsorship and funds are needed. Team Jamesy will continue its journey of a thousand miles by bringing awareness to Washington DC. This attempt will include 260 miles over 8 days as “Walk For Their Lives” will start on October 12th in Washington. Once back in New Jersey, the team will stop at All American Ford in Old Bridge and from there will continue to the finish line at Old Bridge High School,

where Mayor Owen Henry and Congressman Chris Smith will be there to congratulate yet another successful event. Jim Raffone has committed to doing anything and everything to save his son and other children inflicted by this devastating disease.

“Walk For Their Lives” will be sponsored

by All American Ford in Old Bridge and has a goal to raise $50,000+ toward a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. For more information, please visit www.JARofhope.org

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

GABRIELLA SIBONI NAMED AS THE NEXT TOWNSHIP CLERK FOR TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE Continued from page 1 sibilities of the Clerk, as well as serving as the Planning Board Secretar y and the Deputy Registrar of vital statistics. Siboni started her Government career in the Gabriella Siboni Township of Wall and has found great success in utilizing her knowledge and technology skills to create effective tools to manage operations.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina. She is certified as a Registered Municipal Clerk, Municipal Registrar as well as a Qualified Purchasing

Agent (QPA). Siboni believes in investment in community and people and has volunteered with various local organizations. She is excited and honored for the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated management team and municipal council of the Township of Old Bridge

WAYS TO VOTE

VISIT WWW.OLDBRIGE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Return your ballot through the United State Postal Service (must be postmarked by November 3, 2020) Submit your ballot in one of the Middlesex County Board of Elections’ drop boxes before 8pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 ( 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Drop Box located on the sidewalk nearest the curb in front of municipal building.)

Drop it of f directly to the Board of Elections’ Office in E a st Br u ns w i ck b e fore 8 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Submit your completed and sealed ballot at your assigned polling location in-person on Election Day, November 3, 2020 For more information visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov

OCTOBER 2020

DRIVE-THRU GRAND MARQUIS

JOB FAIR OCT 15

TH

1550 U.S. 9, Old Bridge NJ 00857

FREE ADMISSION

10 AM - 1 PM BRING A RESUME

BROUGHT TO YOU BY OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP IN PARTNER WITH

MIDDLESEX COUNTY OFFICE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITY NOW Contant: Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Phone: 732-721-5600 Ext 7920

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

ALL AMERICAN SUBARU 5TH ANNUAL PET ADOPTION EVENT All American Subaru is extremely excited to announce that their 5th annual pet adoption event for 2020 will be a four part video series! The 2020 Pet-A-Palooza Video Series will premiere on the All American Subaru in Old Bridge YouTube page on beginning Thursday, October 8th. They have partnered with their friends, Sammy’s Hope Animal Welfare and Adoption Center in Sayreville who for the month of October, will be offering 50% off adoption fees.

All American Subaru will also be donat-

ing $100 to Sammy’s Hope for all pets adopted in October, so don’t hesitate to check them out at www.sammyshope.org.

The new video series will be highlighting animals for adoption, helpful content for pet owners, celebrity appearances, fun giveaways, the Cutest Pet Contest hosted

by NJ101.5 and so much more. Visit www. oldbridgepetevent.com for more details.

OCTOBER 2020

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