All Around Old Bridge - September issue 2021

OB OLDBRIDGE OLD BRIDGE

ALL AROUND

_

_

_

Pursuing Progress

_

_

Mayor's office of Economic Development

VOL 7, NO 2

OB WALMART DONATES TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOOD DRIVE

John Thompson, Claims Supervisor and Debbie Grzyb, Claims Associate On Wednesday August 17th Hauser Hill Farms hosted the annual OBSSA Chamber of Commerce Barbeque. This year members were asked to bring non perishable food items that would be donated to the Old Bridge Food Bank. The Old Bridge Walmart Store #4153 was very generous with their donation of three pallets of potato chips. It was an enjoyable event that not only brought Chamber members together but brought in a large donation for the food bank. All of the food brought in will be given to the Old Bridge Food Bank with some being shared by Old Bridge with their Continue on page 18

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

OLD BRIDGE DAY IS BACK THIS YEAR IN FULL FORCE!

Old Bridge Day is back this year in full force, come join us for a fun filled family day!

Pleas join us on Saturday 9/25 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex, 1 Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge NJ 08857.

We will be opening the day with our traditional ceremony which Mayor Owen Henry will be presiding over. Old Bridge High School ROTC will be presenting the colors, freshman Meghan Valanzola will be singing the National Anthem and we will be presenting per-

formances by our ever-popular Old Bridge High School Band!!

The day will be filled with vendors of all kinds, some with great giveaways! We will also have Food Trucks with lots of delicious food and treats and a Food Court where you can relax for while have lunch and listen to the Live Bands- TBA!!

Once again, we will be using The New Fun Services of Fairfield NJ who always go above and beyond providing us with exceptional service, and safe clean rides and entertainment for our children. The days entertain-

ment will include rides for the young and the young at heart to enjoy. We will have a kid’s section with a variety of arts and crafts, games and lots of giveaway’s; this section is all sponsored by Calvary Chapel Old Bridge and staffed by their wonderful group of event staff and volunteers.

Parking is limited, you can park at Carl Sandburg School and walk over to the Municipal Complex or park at Old Bridge High School parking lot and take a shuttle bus over.

Several Shuttles will be running back and forth all day long.

As always, we want to thank the Mayor and Council for allowing us to provide you with fun filled events throughout the year.

For more information, please check our website www.oldbridge.com or call Old Bridge Parks & Recreation at 732721-5600 ext. 4999 or you can email Lvalsera@oldbridge.com

SEPTEMBER 2021

2 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

3

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Mayor Owen Henry I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and is excited for the new school year and the events planned for September. I look forward to supporting our local sports teams and interacting with residents at the many activities

planned around town. Please be mindful of the increased number of pedestrians, cars, and school buses on the road. Stay alert when driving, and be sure to obey the posted speed limit, especially in the school zones.

This month, we will honor those who lost their lives during the horrific attack on our country on September 11th, 2001. It is hard to believe we have hit the 20th Anniversary of this appalling event. Our yearly remembrance ceremony will be held at 6pm on Saturday, September 11th at the 9-11 Memorial Site located near the Library in the Municipal Complex. This solemn occasion allows us to honor and pay tribute to those local residents and all those who lost their lives during this devastating day in our history. We must never forget.

We will gather for a happier occasion during our annual Old Bridge Day on Saturday, September 25th from 12pm to 5pm at the Municipal Complex.

The event features live enter-

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

tainment, food, games, performances from local groups, vendor tables, and the opportunity to meet with Township and local government officials.

Let’s hope for good weather!

I would like to acknowledge thirteen-year-old resident Meghan Valanzola who is looking to strengthen and unite our community by bringing back her Old Bridge Kindness Challenge. To participate, follow the challenge on Twitter @ OBKindness and post your acts of kindness from September 9th through September 18th.

I also want to thank all of the residents who continue to show support to our local businesses.

A wide variety of industries have chosen to call Old Bridge home because of all it has to offer. Residents are the best support system for our businesses, and I am joyous to see our business owners receive the support they deserve.

A reminder about recycling - The township is committed to educating our residents on the importance of recycling and we

SEPTEMBER 2021

encourage everyone to participate as a way to help improve our environment. If you have not done so already, please download our handy free Recycle Coach app that allows you to get helpful information right on your smart phone. For more information, please feel free to visit www.oldbridge.com/recycling.

Please continue to be on the lookout for this publication to keep well informed of the new projects in town as well as family events that occur throughout the year. For more information, visit www.oldbridge.com. Please continue to stay safe and be well.

4 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

5 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

6

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 To d ay t h e out to our resources and connect challenge for the business or individual with bu s i n e s s , i s other resources such as the seeking em- Middlesex county Workforce ployees. We get Development, Office of Career many calls these Opportunity, Business Innovadays from busi- tions, Education & Opportunity nesses asking if Departments. The link is listed we can assist them with the task, to contact them if someone related to being short staffed. is seeking a job opportunity.

Causing issues like workflow, http://www.middlesexservice delivery from the kitchen countynj.gov/Government/ to the table service in a restau- Departments/BDE/Pages/ rant, over working the current Office_Workforce.aspx. Midemployees and trying to stay dlesex County Job Centers ahead with delivering products.

The Workforce Development Due to a shortage in drivers office operates two Job Centers, to transport all types of items located in New Brunswick and causing delays across the board. Perth Amboy, NJ. These offices What we are seeing now is provide access to a wide array of many retirees jumping back into services through various partthe workforce just to help a local ners including NJ Employment business or friend with the chal- Service, Division of Vocational lenging staffing issues and filling Rehabilitation, Board of Social the voids during these times. Services, and Middlesex County Some of the other functions of Office of Career Opportunity. the office is helping drive local They also have In-Person One employment for the community. Stop Locations and Services. Call Local jobs are important for a either number below to schedule town. The Mayor’s Office of Eco- a virtual orientation. New Brunsnomic Development works with wick and Perth Amboy One both businesses looking for em- Stops are Currently Suspended ployees, local individuals seeking 5 5 0 J e r s e y Av e n u e employment and bringing busi- 161 New Brunswick Ave ness and industry to town. When New Brunswick, NJ 08901 we get a call, from a business. Per t h Amb oy, NJ 08861 We first search out data base of 732-293-0642 or 732-745-3955 resumes from the resume drop We also connect with the other off events and from the job fairs county and local entity’s related we have hosted at the municipal to business employment services. complex over the years and Shop, Dine and Buy Local work on connecting the parties.

Feature Business When someone contacts the All of our businesses office with a request. We reach

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

7 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

8

LIVING STONES THE TRAGEDY OF 9/11

On the morning of September 11, 2001, tragedy struck as the reality o f t e r r o rism pierced Living Stones by through the Lloyd Pulley fragile and Senior Pastor, proud belief Calvary Chapel system that Old Bridge America was safe from enemy attack.

At 8:46am, the World Trade Center’s North Tower was hit by a hijacked plane, and 17 minutes later the South Tower was hit by another one.

Jeremiah was a prophet of God to the nation of Israel, and in his day the nation was wondering how God could ever discipline them. The prophet had pronounced judgment and doom upon the people, warning them of an invading army, and yet they scoffed and mocked in disbelief. But that’s exactly what happened—God used Babylon, a bitter, hasty, and cruel nation, to chasten His people.

Twenty years have passed since we woke up to this world-changing event. The day is one forever etched in my mind as I recall gathering for our church staff meeting, receiving the call, and turning on the TV just as the second plane struck. I can recall saying to all who were there: “Today our ministry has changed. No more business as usual.” We pooled all of our resources and focused all our efforts on ministering to the hurting, both within and without the church.

I was with a former Israeli Army Captain, Amir Tsarfati, later that same day to appear on a previously arranged talk show discussing terrorism. En route it was surreal seeing the smoke floating away from the site of the attack and I commented, “There goes the remains of a thousand souls.” By Thursday, two days later, we had made our way to Ground Zero. It was a gray, smoldering cemetery. Brave first responders digging through the rubble were limited by the intense heat.

Quickly we realized the real ministry was with the displaced, south-Manhattan masses who were now wandering around

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Union Square Park. Along with those who had erected memorials commemorating their loss, were those who had actually survived the destruction.

We ministered to tens of thousands mourning in Union Square, having lost a loved one or knowing someone who had died. We listened to countless accounts of people’s firsthand experiences while bringing encouragement from the Bible.

The gospel was well received when it came from a tender heart willing to listen to the broken hearts sharing their stories.

Thousands responded to the gospel in those ensuing weeks.

The next week we coordinated a major memorial at PNC Arts Center in New Jersey. Many of those who had lost loved ones in the attack attended. Lisa Beamer, the wife of the man who organized to bring down the plane in Pennsylvania, was there and a young Chris Bracca, who shared of his dad’s evangelizing his co-workers and calling to say goodbye, trapped in the top of Tower One. A young NYU student, Andy Deane, shared how he was a block away when the second tower fell and was dramatically

used to assist in the rescue of many trapped in the smoke and debris. He eventually became a youth leader, later a Bible School Director, and now a pastor.

Years ago, Calvary Magazine did a feature on the Christian response to 9/11. In this article I was quoted as saying, “Many times as believers we feel beaten down in our witness, we are worried about what people think of us, and we feel weak. Now, we understand far better who we are in Christ. We have authority to share the Gospel, and that has clarified the role of our church.”

But do many still understand now, twenty years later?

That hedge of protection God lifted momentarily would have hopefully caused us to take an honest look at ourselves. There was a national cry for a short moment, but it was largely not unto God. We had an opportune time to reevaluate our lives and get right with Him, looking for His mercy and truth. Instead our mourning was quickly deflected into seeking revenge.

How far have we have drifted from God as a nation since September 11, 2001?

What once looked like a pivotal moment of turning

SEPTEMBER 2021

back to God has actually revealed how far we have gone in the opposite direction.

“They sow the wind,” the prophet Hosea expressed, “and reap the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7) In the last twenty years we have seen a steep moral decline among the populace, as well as among leaders—both in the church and in the secular world.

Many in the church have not modeled a life transformed

by God, but rather have compromised with the culture, not boldly speaking the truth in love.

Perhaps God is warning us again, turning up the heat to lead us to repentance. Perhaps His kindness in withholding absolute judgment will lead us to repent. In the past God allowed locusts to invade, getting His people’s attention so that judgment would be averted.

Instead of locusts, we have seen an invasion of the coronavirus, political tension, racial issues, LGBTQ+ identity confusion and indoctrination, and unprecedented natural disasters. These painful times are forerunners to the final trumpet, calling all everywhere to “repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins.”

9

THE TRUTH BEHIND TESTOPTIONAL UNIVERSITIES There have been test-optional universities for the past fifty two years, when Bowdoin stopped requiring its students to submit SAT or ACT test scores. Until the past 18 months, test-optional policies were very rare— 93% of universities required scores. In the advent of COVID, most universities have gone test-optional. Since this is a relatively recent phenomenon, it leaves many parents confused.

Many universities have purportedly remained test-optional to increase diversity. What universities may not share, is that they receive many more applicants when they “go test-optional.” This could be an advantage to two different types of universities. First, a university that is struggling financially (especially after losing millions of dollars due to closures in the spring of 2020) can secure students who may not have otherwise applied, thus making them more financially secure. Second, a university that is borderline competitive will show a lower admittance rate due to more applicants, which will make them ostensibly more competitive (and subsequently boost their rankings on US News and World Report).

Ironically, a good test score may be more important now than in the past. How is this possible? When school went virtual, GPA became a less predictive tool than it has been

since the concept was first instituted. Why? Because some high schools went pass/fail… some gave everyone As…Even at those that kept their standard scoring, cheating was rampant.

I’ve worked with students who would never go to school on test day because they could not get answers from their friends or look up answers online.

The SAT and ACT have been the constants in the changing academic environment.

Parents should keep in mind that test optional does not mean test blind (universities that will not even look at scores— whether the score is 400 or 1600) and that a good score will always be more attractive to a test-optional universities. Admissions offices most often assume that a student who does not submit scores did not do so because the scores were bad. My alma mater, for example, admitted 92% more (That’s almost double!) students who applied with scores than without. The best practice is to call the prospective university to see their admissions policy.

You can book a free 30-minute consultation at www.ivymasters. com/college-admissions-advising/ Suggestion for a topic?

You can reach me at Paul.

Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732485-6480 www.ivymasters.com

Town wide

Aberdeen Day

September 18th, 2021 Visit http://www.aberdeennj.org or call Aberdeen Recreation Department (732) 583-4200 ext 129

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

10 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

11 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

12 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

z

BUILD YOUR LEGACY New 28-Day Challenge Begins Now! Virtual and In-Person Classes Available

of OLD BRIDGE

Scan below to learn more about our 28-Day Challenge:

3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857

732-617-6162

MAKE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY! JOIN OUR 28-DAY CHALLENGE! • Proven Fitness • Simple Nutrition • Fast Results • Guaranteed!

Guarantee

13 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

14 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

15 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DIAGNOSE MOVEMENT “ILLNESSES” For people who are sick, going to the doctor and getting a diagnosis is common sense. But who do you see for diagnosis if you’ve got a movement “illness”? If your knee hurts when you go hiking, you can’t get on and off the floor to play with your kids, or you can’t lift things to do your job, who do you see?

Physical therapists are experts in human movement with doctoral level training and should be your first stop for movement issues. After a comprehensive evaluation, a PT will give you a movement diagnosis. Like a medical diagnosis, your movement diagnosis will describe what’s causing your difficulty with movement. Some examples would be difficulty squatting because of poor force production, muscular im-

balance, or poor flexibility.

Human movement is complex and influenced by many factors, including the pulmonary, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, integumentary and musculoskeletal systems.

Because of the complexity of the movement system, getting the diagnosis right can be difficult. Physical therapists have extensive training and expertise in human movement and should be your go-to practitioner for movement issues. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important because it sets the roadmap for treatment.

Once your movement “illness” is correctly diagnosed, your physical therapist can design the correct treatment plan for your issues. Before you know it, you’ll be back to work or play and moving as well as if

not better than before!

ProFysio Physical Therapy has been helping patients maximize their pain free movement and return to the activities they love since 2013.

ProFysio’s unique and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and unmatched customer service has bolstered the company’s reputation as the premier provider for outpatient physical therapy services in Monmouth and Middlesex counties. If you feel like your movement is limited for any reason call ProFysio today to schedule a thorough evaluation and start getting back to the things you love.

SEPTEMBER 2021

BRIDGE LIFE THRIFT STORE COMING IN OCTOBER! Come join Calvary Chapel Old Bridge at Old Bridge Day for a great family fun day full of games, food and getting to know the community on Saturday, September 25 from 12pm - 5pm at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex.

Among our many outreach ministries such as The Bridge Radio and Bridge Women’s Center, we are excited to introduce our Bridge Life Thrift Store! Meet our team, learn more about the vision and service to the community, donation, drop off days and information about the

Grand Opening coming in October!

Located right in the Marketplace At Matawan (Route 34 and Disbrow Road). Proceeds from the thrift store go to support the Bridge Women’s Center and Calvary Christian School.

16 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

732-617-6162 of OLD BRIDGE

3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857

In Center & Virtual Schedule Monday – Friday 5:00AM 4:00PM 6:00AM. 5:30PM 7:00AM 7:00PM (Monday- Thursday only) 9:00AM Two recordings are sent out everyday for classes on demand***

SEPTEMBER 2021

17 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

18 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

OB WALMART DONATES TO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOOD DRIVE

Continue from page 1 food bank partners throughout Middlesex County. A special thanks to our business partners at Walmart, Old Bridge Fire District #3 and the South Old Bridge

Volunteer Fire Department for picking up and delivering the chips, Cheesequake Fire for providing the space to store the chips, and all of the Chamber members who came out to make

this a successful event. Most of all a heartfelt thank you to John and Midge at Hauser Hill Farms for being such wonderful hosts.

For information on how to become a member of the OBSSA

Chamber of Commerce or for information on upcoming events please visit our website at www. chamberofcommerceobssa.org.

You can also visit the Hauser Hill Farms website at www.

hauserhillfarms.net or stop in and visit the Hauser Hill Farm Market at 261 Ticetown Road to pick up some of the delicious fruits and vegetables that they grow right here in Old Bridge.

19 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

20 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

21

NEW LIBRARY DIRECTOR Starting August 30, 2021 Alan Kornblau is the new Library Alan Kornblau Director of the Old Bridge Public Library. Born in Baltimore, Maryland Alan’s family settled in south Jersey when he was eighteen months old. Growing up in Margate City, Alan spent summers on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, eventually selling programs at the Ice Capades and Miss America Pageant in Convention Hall, before following in the footsteps of his brothers and working at the Steel Pier. A proud graduate of Atlantic City High School and Stockton State College (now Stockton University), Alan stayed close to home and became a casino dealer at Harrah’s Marina (now

Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City). With a passion for public service, Alan embarked on a career change, and headed down to the Sunshine State.

After earning a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Florida State University, Alan stayed in the South and worked in Winston Salem, North Carolina for a year before becoming the Library Director of the Washington County Public Library located in scenic Abingdon, Virginia along the Appalachian Trail, and nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Despite the picturesque setting, Alan decided to return to New Jersey, taking a position with the Camden County Library System before eventually heading down south again.

He served as Library Director at the Oakland Park Library in Oakland Park,

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Florida for eight years, and was also in charge of the city’s Performing Arts Program. From there, Alan took the position of Library Director at the brandnew Delray Beach Public Library in Delray Beach, Florida where he stayed for ten years until an exciting opportunity came his way.

Now, Alan is back in New Jersey, and delighted to be the Library Director at the Old Bridge Public Library. He remembers when Old Bridge was called Madison Township and the Grateful Dead played at Raceway Park in Englishtown. Alan encourages everyone to visit the library and see what they have to offer. It is open seven days a week, there is plenty of free parking, and he would love to meet you.

SEPTEMBER 2021

22 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021

23 ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2021