All Around Old Bridge September 2017

OLDB

ALL AROUND

VOL 1, NO 12

BARVINOK DANCE ENSEMBLE

By Rosemarie Rivoli

Barvinok dance ensemble under the direction of Mr. Grygoriy Momot teaches authentic Ukrainian dance traditions in the United States. His masterful choreography and beautiful costumes capture the true spirit of Ukrainian folk dance.

Mr. Momot was a dancer with Virsky, a well-known Ukrainian National Dance Company. Virsky ensemble performed in many theatres in the United States including the New Brunswick State Theater and Morristown State Theater. Mr. Momot established the dance ensemble Barvinok 17 years ago and was elated when the group was extended a special invitation to perform in Ukraine.

Mayor Vitaliy Klychko of Kiev (a world known boxer), invited Bar vinok dance ensemble to perform during the celebration of the Ukrainian Independence Day in Kiev. The celebration was held on August 23rd at Spivoche Pole at Shevchenko Boulevard.

During their stay, Barvinok stuContinued on page 2

OB RIDGE OLD BRIDGE

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

OLD BRIDGE KNIGHTS TO HOLD TOY DRIVE

Credit: http://marisatufarofoundation.org/marisas-story/ Knight” Toy Drive in memory of Marisa Tufaro, 13, who died on Jan. 30 of Stage IV Cancer. She is the daughter of Cindi and Greg Tufaro, a sportswriter for the Home News Tribune who has covered high school sports in Middlesex County for the past 30 years.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, organized by her parents, has partnered with the Old Bridge High School community to collect toys Photo of Marisa Tufaro and gift cards for pediatric paOld Bridge Set to Hold Holiday tients and other children in need Knight Toy Drive at Football Home throughout the Greater MidOpener Sept. 8 Old Bridge High dlesex County area during Old School will kick off its 2017 varsity Bridge’s Friday, Sept. 8 football football season with a “Holiday game. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Spectators, who attend the OBHS game against South Brunswick, are asked to drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift card (see list below) as they enter Lombardi Field, which is located off Route 9 North and Ticetown Road.

The event, which will take place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, also will be used to heighten awareness about a disease that annually impacts nearly 16,000 children under the age of 21, a quarter of whom will not survive.

Old Bridge High School, a National School of Character, has rallied to ensure “Holiday Continued on page 16

OLD BRIDGE ALLSTATE INSURANCE AGENCY HOSTS FOOD DRIVE FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOOD ORGANIZATION Photo Caption (figure 1): Allstate Exclusive Agent Barry Brikowski (left) with administrative assistant Shweta Shewale, collecting donations for Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS) to help local families in need.

OLD BRIDGE, N.J. (Aug. X, 2017) – Allstate Exclusive Agent Barry Brikowski and his team from All Seasons Insurance Agency recently held a food drive in the Deep Run Plaza on Rt. 9 to benefit Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Ser-

vices (MCFOODS). An estimated 550 lbs. of nonperishable goods were collected to be distributed at no cost for local families in need.

“Hunger doesn’t get a vacation,” said Barry Brikowski, Allstate agency owner in Old Bridge. “When we found out that their warehouse was low on items, we wanted to help out and make a difference. Any small donation at any time can make a huge impact on a local family.”

All contributions to MCFOODS are donated to over 100 pantries, soup kitchens and social service agencies all throughout the Middlesex County community.

Continued on page 18

Old Bridge Day Sept 9th 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017

@a GLANCE INSIDE

NEW RARITAN BAY FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP SEE PAGE 8 NEW COUNCIL UPDATE SEE PAGE 12 NEW POLICE OFFICERS INSTALLED SEE PAGE 16 CHAMBER ANNOUNCES AWARD RECIPIENTS SEE PAGE 16 PAPER SHREDDING EVENT SEE PAGE 17 LEARNING WITH LITTLES SEE PAGE 21

MORE!

Mayors Message pg3 Think Old Bridge pg4 Business Administrators pg4 OB Library pg6 Council Update pg12 Grey Matters pg17 Living Stones pg18 MUA Report pg20 Learning with Littles pg21

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BARVINOK DANCE ENSEMBLE AMBOY BANK HELPS SENIORS LIMIT INCREASES, SAVE AND PAY FOR PROPERTY

By Rosemarie Rivoli

(Old Bridge NJ) As part an ongoing commitment to assisting their communities, Amboy Bank has implemented a program informing seniors of the New Jersey Senior Property Tax Freeze. The NJ Property Tax Freeze reimburses senior citizens for property tax increases.

Amboy Bank has taken the initiative to contact and educate senior clients about the program and to let them know that the filing deadline has been extended to October 18, 2017.

“As a community bank, we are always delighted to help our neighbors in any way we can,” said Amboy Bank’s Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer, Gregory Scharpf. “We are using our resources to get out into the community and inform seniors of the tax programs that are available to them. For seniors

and non-seniors alike, we also offer a free, convenient tax service that will help them save for and pay their property taxes on time.”

Amboy Bank’s Free Save and Pay Property Tax Service helps reduce the stress of budgeting, saving for and paying property taxes by doing the work for those enrolled.

Once the Tax Payment Account is opened, the budgeted amount will be automatically transferred from a linked checking, savings or money market account every month, and Amboy will send the tax payment before the due date each quarter.

For more information about the programs you can visit any Amboy Bank branch or call 877.222.6269.

Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank is a full-service commercial bank with assets of $2.4 billion and 23 offices in central New Jersey.

Amboy has been voted Best Bank in Central Jersey for 19 years in row

Continued from page 1 dents also had the honor to attend a very special dance class taught

by Virsky. Prior to the conclusion of this amazing nine day journey, they performed at the military hospital for the wounded soldiers of the current ongoing war with Russia in the east of Ukraine.

Back in May when the group was given their special invitation, it came at a very difficult time. Funding was limited and their rehearsal space was no longer affordable for the group. They were in desperate need for a place to rehearse for this wonderful honor that was bestowed upon them. One of the parents, Emil Brandafi reached out to Mayor Owen Henry to see if he

had any ideas or would be able to facilitate a connection. That is when Club Metro owners Alberto Siaba and Roberto Fajardo generously donated their classroom space for the dance group to rehearse for this special performance. While the children practiced their dances, their parents worked on fundraising.

They contacted Ukrainian credit unions and banks in New Jersey and New York whose members are from Ukrainian diaspora in the United States. Thanks to their tireless efforts they were able to fund this wonderful experience for these young men and woman.

As a special thank you for the assistance and generosity from

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Mayor Henry, Mr. Siaba and Mr. Fajardo, Barvinok hosted a special performance for them on August 18, 2017 in their rehearsal space at Club Metro.

Barvinok’s dancers range in ages 13-18 years old. Dancers: Daryj Borsa, Christina Kalni, Anastasia Levytska , Maxym Levytskyy , Solomiya Maslennikova , Nicole Mnych, Yana Myhal, Roman Opryshko , Denys Pidkaminnjy , Sofia Savchuk, Marta Savchuk, Vasyl Slupskyy, Iryna Stupak, Ivanna Voloshchak Michael Wroblewski and Old Bridge residents Alex Brandafi , Daniel Brandafi and Marta Galagoza are the talented performers who traveled to Ukraine for this special performance.

Barvinok (which means periwinkle) has performed at cultural festivals, private functions, community and arts centers and colleges in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Ukraine. They will be preforming on the Main Stage of WORLDFEST 2017 on Sunday, October 8th, 2017 at 2:00pm

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR HENRY Fall is my favorite time of the year as the leaves begin to change Photo of Mayor color and the airHenry turns crisp. The sights of children once again standing on bus stops will mark the first day back to school on September 7th. We have many children that are walkers so please be mindful of the youth of our community and drive carefully.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our crossing guards for keeping our family’s safe in their travels to and from school in all the different elements of weather throughout the school year.

I look forward to getting back to reading to the elementary students and attending many of the wonderful activities presented by all of our schools and students in our district. The Old Bridge Public Library runs a year-round tutoring service that offers Old Bridge residents a live session with a certified teacher in English, Math and Science on line. Students just need to need to log onto www.

Oldbridgelibrary.org and click on the link tutor.com for assistance.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and The Old Bridge Knights will be hosting “Holiday Knight” on behalf of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation during its 2017 season-opening football game against South Brunswick on September 8th at 7:00pm. Lombardi Field will be transformed into a Holiday celebration with lights and music.

Toys will be collected in honor of

Marisa Tufaro’s memory and will be distributed to the children at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital during the holiday season.

The Marisa Tufaro foundation was established by her parents in order to assist children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area. Hope you will be able to join us at this great charitable event.

This year Old Bridge Day will be celebrated on Saturday, September 9th from 12:00pm-5:00pm in the Municipal Complex. Bring the entire family for a fun filled day of food, entertainment, crafters, give a ways and more.

Our wreath laying service to honor and remember all of our families, friends and neighbors who we lost on September 11th, 2001 will take place at 6:00pm on September 11th at the 9/11 Memorial site at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex. In the event of rain please join us inside at the Civic Center.

Salt Water Day was a huge success. I would like to thank everyone who organized and made Salt Water Day possible. There were many families enjoying all the wonderful activities of the day.

I would also like to congratulate the Ukrainian dance ensemble Barvinok, who were invited by the Mayor of Kiev, Mayor Vitaliy Klychko, to travel to the Ukraine and perform at the Ukrainian Independence Day Festival in Kiev.

I’ve had the honor of attending a special performance by Barvinok last month at Club Metro. It was a fantastic performance and I look forward to seeing more of their dances on the Main stage of WORLDFEST next month.

Wishing all the children a safe and g re at school yearnow go get smart!!!

Mayor Owen Henry

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

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THINK OLD BRIDGE

By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t and others like them a a smaller a n d a N a t i o n a l Au d i e n c e scale bring revenue into Old Mayor Henry and Steve Mamakas. Bridge from gas fill-ups and Opened the NHRA Summer Na- stopping at local eateries to grab tional Drag Racing Series in June a bite before or after their great at Raceway Park to a national day in Old Bridge at the track. broadcast audience and a crowd The Track is one of the great of thousands at the race track. Both selling points we have for our Town provided a great welcome to Old says Mr. Mamakas. The attractions Bridge for all. Providing insight into assist with promoting. This is one the Town and showcasing Raceway of the reasons why a new 100 room Park as a family owned business hotel is being built and we have and a great supporter of our Busi- had interest from a major theme ness Community and Township. park operator look at Old Bridge.

Raceway Park hosts The hotel will be a great adm a n y g r e a t f a m i l y e v e n t s dition and re venue generat h r o u g h o u t t h e s u m m e r. tor for the town that has been The Mayor also had the oppor- losing to other surrounding tunity to also kicked off the PC towns hotels for many years.

Richards Night of Thrills. These With this all happening we have events bring thousands of enthu- met with other hotel operations siasts, spectators and families from inquiring about possible locations all over the state and country to Old in town seeing the positive investBridge for such event as the Tough ment happening in Old Bridge Mudder Series, Motorcross and like no time in current history. So Autocross , Kart Racing, even Mo- check out Raceway Park with the torcycle riding and flying lesson at family and watch for the new hotel the airport take place at the facility. to open around the end of the year.

Yes Old Bridge also has an airport Think Old Bridge These major national events

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2017

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Acting Business Administrator

Photo of Himanshu R. Shah, Acting Business Administrator NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION (NJDEP) BLUE ACRES PROGRAM. The NJDEP Super Storm Sandy Blue Acres Team began extending buyout offers to home-

owners in Old Bridge Township in April of 2015. A total of twenty-nine (29) buyout offers have been extended to date. Twenty-six (26) out of the twenty-nine (29) offers have been accepted. Hard copies of the July 31, 2017 NJDEP Old Bridge Buyout Status Summary Report has been forwarded to the Township Clerk’s Office for distribution to Council.

COTTRELL ROAD PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IMPROVEMENT. Bids were received and open in public on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at 10AM for the Cottrell Road Pedestrian Safety Improvements Contract #2017-46. Two (2) contractors submitted bids that ranged from $103,593 to $237,377. The Engineer’s Estimate was $110,535.25.

Pioneer General Contracting is the lowest bidder at $103,593. Award of their contract has been included on tonight’s consent agenda for approval by council. Construction is anticipated to begin in late Summer of 2017. The project is funded

through NJDOT Local Aide Grant.

PSE&G GAS INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES. PSE&G is in the process of compl eting the gas infrastructure updates within Old Bridge Township Madison Park Community. This gas infrastructure work was delayed. PSE&G Contractors will be mobilizing to begin the pavement restoration activities once the gas upgrades have been completed, specifically on Princeton Road and Harvard Avenue. For any paving questions please refer to the contact information on the PSE&G Door Hanger –LYNDEN LITUS JR. (609) 584-1100 Ext. 134.

For gas infrastructure construction, contact the project supervisor, Eric Adams (908) 279-3217. Additional information can be found by visiting the PSE&G website page at https:// www.pseg.com/family/pseandg/ gsmp/paving/old_bridge.jsp

THE FLU VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE! Every year in New Jersey as we welcome the new school year, we also brace ourselves for the Flu Season. Luckily, Flu Vaccine supplies are now available and they are here to save the season.

Did you know it is estimated that there are up to 49,000 flu-associated deaths annually? This is a pretty staggering statistic.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. For people who have an increased risk for complications (young children, older adults, pregnant women), the flu vaccine is very highly recommended.

Although ‘low risk’ people who get the flu usually recover with-out any complications, we still recom-

Achilles AlonPharmD RPh Dr. Achilles Alon is the Director of Specialty Pharmacy and co-owner of ACE-Rx Specialty & Compounding. As the Director of Specialty Pharmacy, he serves as the head pharmacist and operations lead for all specialty pharmacy programs.

A registered pharmacist for 18 years, Achilles spent the initial

mend that everyone get vaccinated.

The flu virus infection can cause up to 2 weeks of misery, including muscle and body aches, fever, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. Getting vaccinated does not guarantee you complete protection against the flu, but if you do contract it, the vaccine will reduce the severity of your symptoms and help you recover quicker. And as we all know, sickness may also lead to loss of productivity, loss of wages, and unexpected medical expenses.

Flu season starts in late fall and ends in early April. It is best to get vaccinated by the end of October to ensure enough time for the vaccine to take effect before exposure to the flu virus. The vaccine last for 6 to 8 months, so a dose in October would cover the entire flu season. part of his career working in retail pharmacy. For most of his career, Achilles lead clinical research at Merck, investigating experimental therapies and novel biomarkers across many disease areas, including Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HIV, Psoriasis, Neuropathic Pain, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory diseases. For instance, Achilles lead clinical studies for Zepatier®, Merck’s recently approved combination therapy for HCV. Some of Achilles’ research is published in major journals such as Pain, Clinical Journal of Pain, Journal of American College of Cardiology, Journal of Urology, and Clinical Therapeutics.

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

THE LIBRARY’S LEARNING RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL! By: Nancy Cohen, Library Director

Photo of Nancy Cohen, Library Director I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight the Library’s many online resources which can be very beneficial to both students and parents. One of our most popular resources is Tutor.com, the world’s largest online tutoring company. It provides assistance for basic elementary school level classes all the way through advanced high school courses. Free help is available in 40 different areas, including math,

science, literature, essay writing and history, along with SAT and ACT preparation. Users have 24-hour access to the SkillsCenter Resource Library, where they have thousands of worksheets, videos and lessons to work on independently.

If additional assistance is needed, live tutors are available from 4-11pm. Students work online with their tutor using an easy-to-use interactive whiteboard. They can share files and pictures, and write and draw on the whiteboard. There is also a downloadable app available.

In addition, we also offer Lumos Learning test preparation and Muzzy language learning.

The Lumos resource for kids in grades 3-8 consists of hundreds of grade-appropriate language arts and math questions based on the new Common Core State Standards that will allow for PARCC test preparation. The interactive online workshop allows students to improve their writing skills, reading and language standards as well as math proficiency. Students will get

instant feedback and can review their answers anytime. Lumos helps parents and teachers determine students’ strength and weakness areas.

It also offers a webinar where students will learn effective note-taking strategies, discover positive test preparation habits, and identify the best methods to boost memory skills and enhance active listening.

Muzzy language learning is effective for children of all ages, and is modeled on the way people learn their first language, by naturally immersing the student with visual, auditory and contextual language.

It was designed without memorization and drills and emphasizes functional language and features repetition and escalation. When students access the program, they see an animated story unfold, and words and concepts are introduced and then reviewed again and again in new contexts. This multi-sensory, multi-layered approach works well for both beginning and intermediate language students. Muzzy offers lessons in

Spanish, French, Italian and Mandarin Chinese and is valuable for those learning English as well.

And last, but certainly not least, our TumbleBookLibrary is an online collection of TumbleBooks, animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love. TumbleBooks are created by taking existing picture books, adding animation, sound, music, and narration to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you.

Accessing all of these resources is simple. Just go to the Library’s web site -- www.oldbridgelibrary. org and click on the Tutor.com, or learning resource link. You are then instructed to enter your library card number and will be directed to these valuable services.

Have a great school year everyone!

SEPTEMBER 2017

Upcoming Events: September Thurs. Sept.

7th @1pm: Diabetes Management (six-week session) ** Sun. Sept 10th @2:30pm: Hurricane and Disaster Preparation Mon. Sept.

11th @1pm: Parkinson’s Disease – What You Need to Know Wed. Sept.

13th @7pm: Meditation with Leah

Thurs. Sept.

14th @7pm: Mug Meals ** (teens) Sat. Sept.

16th @11am: Retro Road Map: Discover NJ’s Vintage Treasures Sun. Sept.

17th @2pm: History of Submarines in NJ Tues.

Sept. 19th @10:30am: Understanding Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

HEALTHY BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR KIDS AND TEACHERS By: Vincent Santorelli

Photo of Vincent Santorelli

Back to school is upon us. It is the “most wonderful time of the year” for parents, and back to the grind for our teachers. Right around this time every year, quite a few ergonomic necessities are often over looked that are essential to the health of both students and teachers alike. Let’s start with the kids (their backpacks more specifically). While schools worldwide are slowly transitioning from heavy text books to lighter, more efficient means like iPads, chances are your kid still has to lug around half of his/her body weight in books on their back. As a matter of fact, 1/3 of all children age 11-14 complain of back or neck pain from heavy backpacks. Additionally, the weight can cause their still- developing spines to become compressed.

This can alter their posture which can lead to issues such as scoliosis and discogenic problems later in life.Here are some quick tips to keep your child upright and out of pain while wearing a backpack: Keep it light: the backpack

should weigh no more than 15% of your child’s total body weight The bottom of the backpack should not hang l ow e r t h a n 4 inches past the waistline (any lower causes leaning forward We a r b o t h shoulder straps to avoid leaning laterally (make sure straps are padded) It is vital to instr uc t your kids to only take home the most necessary objects, remember not only the books have weight! For kids who need to carry extras such as sports equipment or musical instruments, rolling

backpacks may be the better way to go. I know, no kid wants to be the one with the roller bag but it may save them from injur y!

Now for our teachers: aside from the emotional hazards that come with the profession, there are quite a few common ergonomic issues that are overlooked in the classroom. In addition to stress, much of the pain in the neck, shoulders, and back can be contributed to poor posture and bad habits! Sitting hunched over your table grading papers for hours, or squinting in

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front of a computer for an extended period of time can literally hurt you.

Here are some simple tips about how to keep you safe from yourself: Proper chair height should have your feet flat with your k n e e s at 9 0 d e g r e e a n g l e s Yo u r d e s k s h o u l d a l l o w for you to t yp e w hi le your elbows are at 90 degrees Hands should be in neutral positioning while typing (chronic stress from hands flexed downward can cause carpal tunnel syndrome) Shoulders should be slightly retracted while sitting upright We know that the actual teaching portion of the job is a small part of what it really entails to be an educator, so proper sitting posture goes a long way with sustaining your spinal health throughout the school year.

Just these few simple tips could save teachers and students alike from pain and tension. Let’s make an effort to keep both our students and teachers healthy this school year!

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2017

RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S EMS GOLD PLUS AWARD REPAIRING HERNIA WITH ROBOTIC ASSISTED SURGERY

Award recognizes exceptional treatment of patients experiencing severe heart attack August 3, 2017, Perth Amboy, NJ… Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center–Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy have received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most deadly type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. Unfortunately, a significant number of STEMI patients

don’t receive this prompt reperfusion therapy, which is critical in restoring blood flow. Mission: Lifeline seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. Its EMS recognition program recognizes emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

Raritan Bay has been recognized with the Gold Plus Award after demonstrating at least 75 percent compliance for each required measure over a three year span.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition of our dedication and achievement in emergency medical care for all our cardiac patients,” said Director of Operations and MICU, Alert Ambulance Service, Inc. and Raritan Bay Medical

Center Scott Powers, MBA, NRP. “The Mission: Lifeline program is helping us achieve our goal of making our emergency services among the best in the country.”

Emergency Medical System providers are vital to the success of Mission: Lifeline. EMS agencies perform 12-lead ECGs which measure the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if a heart attack has occurred. They also follow protocols derived from American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines. These correct tools, training, and practices allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital team members.

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION WELCOMES ANDREW CITRON, M.D. AS CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Photo of Dr Andrew Citron

August 14, 2017 (Old Bridge, NJ) – Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization that has raised millions of dollars to support various health care services at Raritan Bay Medical Center, appointed Andrew Citron, M.D., director of the Division of Anesthesiology at the hospital, as chairman of the Board of Trustees.

This is the first time in the Foundation’s history that a physician has served in this leadership role.

“I’ve been fortunate to see Raritan Bay Medical Center grow over the recent years,” explains Dr. Citron.

“The medical center has tremendous promise and with philanthropic support, our future is limitless. I am proud to serve as the Foundation’s board chair and believe we have an outstanding group of trustees who are committed to making an impact.”

Raritan Bay Medical Center

Foundation trustees include: James J. Elek, vice chair; Dom Cama; Surender Grover, M.D.; David Lee Hernandez, Jr.; John K. Lloyd, FACHE, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health; Barry Rosengarten and Jessica Smith.

Linda M. Hill, PharmD, serves as executive director, and Michael D’Agnes, FACHE, president of Raritan Bay Medical Center, serves as secretary and treasurer.

Dr. Citron is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and manages the operating rooms at Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Perth Amboy and Old Bridge hospitals with a special interest in regional anesthesia. In addition, he is a member of the Medical Executive Committee, the Credentials Committee and the Clinical Practices Committee.

He also formerly served as chair of the Institutional Review Board at

By: Justin P. Kubeck, M.D.

Photo of Justin P. Kubeck, M.D.

Many students use backpacks to carry their school books and supplies, but improper use can lead to muscle and joint injury, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems. Although they are linked to posture problems, heavy backpacks do not cause scoliosis. Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that often shows up in children during adolescence.

Parents should select a lightweight backpack for their children Raritan Bay Medical Center, and is active in many other areas of the hospital. Dr. Citron resides in Manalapan with his wife, Stacey.

Prior to Dr. Citron, Timothy O’Brien, CFP, a vice president of investments and Certified Financial Planner™ with Wells Fargo served as chair. “When Raritan Bay Medical Center merged with Hackensack Meridian Health Tim O’Brien really stepped up and energized the board to get more actively involved,” explains Joseph Stampe, president of Meridian Health Foundation.

“We are so grateful for the support from these remarkable community leaders and are confident that the board will continue to inspire meaningful giving, advancing the care provided at Raritan Bay.” To learn more about Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation, or to make a donation, contact Linda M. Hill, PharmD at linda.hill@hackensackmeridian.org or 732-324-5376, or visit

with wide, padded shoulders; two shoulder straps; a padded back; and a waist strap. Children should always use both shoulder straps and tighten them so the pack is close to the body and held two inches above the waist. A “crossbody” strapped bag can also be used.

If possible, children should avoid carrying all the books they need for the day and, instead, make frequent stops at their lockers and leaving unnecessary books and items home or at school. If heavier items are being carried pack them low and towards the center of the backpack. Teach your kids to bend using both knees when wearing or lifting a heavy backpack, instead of bending at the waist. Watch your child put on or take off the backpack to see if it is a struggle. If the backpack seems too heavy for the child, have them remove some of the books and carry them in their arms to ease load on the back.

Remember to encourage your child or teenager to tell you about numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the arms or legs which may indicate poor backpack fit or too much weight being carried. Don’t ignore any back pain in a child or teenager. More serious causes of back pain need early identification and treatment or they may become worse. Always see a health care provider if your young child’s back pain lasts for more than several days or progressively worsens.

Fol low t hes e t ips to help your children avoid back pain or i nju r y t h is s cho ol ye ar !

Board certified orthopedic surgeon and spinal surgery specialist Justin P. Kubeck, M.D., is part of the Neck and Back Center at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge. His office is located at Raritan Bay-Old Bridge, 2 Hospital Plaza, Suite 310. The Neck and Back Center is part of the Human Motion Institute at Raritan Bay and utilizes a nurse navigator to guide patients through their care. To make an appointment, call 855-5-MOTION.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

IS ASSET PROTECTION FOR EVERYONE? OF COURSE!

COMPLIMENTS OF OUR LAW FIRM

Written By: Roger N. Levine, JD, LL.M, CPA

Photo of Partners, Roger Levine, Adam Rubin & Jason Alguram.

We must all be careful when doing our financial planning to provide for us. We do not always act so prudently when we consider protection of the assets we have accumulated. We should, since many of our assets could be subject to various risks. Can we protect these assets from those risks?

Common Risks We all remember the hot coffee purchased at McDonald’s case. This is just an example of how litigious our society is. Often, even if a

lawsuit is dismissed, there could be significant expenses incurred to get to that dismissal. Some areas we should be concerned about include: • Divorce - Unfortunately over 50% of marriages end in divorce.

• Business debts and liabilities – Having your corporation incur debt does not necessarily mean you are not personally liable.

• Children – A “big spender” child or a child who may become the target of a charlatan may quickly dissipate his or her inheritance.

• L ong-ter m c are costs – This is of course one of the biggest fears of those of us who have retired or expect to retire.

• Estate taxes – Although the large federal exemption protects most of us, there is still a 40% tax rate on the excess. New Jersey has repealed its estate tax for years beginning after 12/31/2017 but there is some question if that repeal will remain in existence.

Planning Ahead If we plan ahead, we may reduce or eliminate the potential threats to our assets, whether during our lives or even after. Estate Planning should include tools to protect the risks as well as strategies designed to enhance the use and value of the assets. There are of course very complex concepts that require difficult decisions and, often, sacrifices to be made. Even in the case where more common planning techniques may be considered, Estate Planning attorneys should be consulted to help with the implementation of these strategies. For example, here

are some common tools and strategies, that may be employed to protect some of the risks discussed above.

• Prenuptial agreement – As unromantic as it may seem, this type of agreement will protect family assets and continue bloodline inheritances.

• Setting up proper business entities – Certain business entities will accomplish both asset protection and income tax benefits if properly created with both in mind.

• Spendthrift Trusts – Leaving assets in trusts for children under control of others until children become more mature or settled.

• Transferring title to assets – A high risk person (i.e. neurosurgeon) can transfer assets to a spouse or adult children to avoid assets being subject to a lawsuit for a future event.

• Creation of Irrevocable trusts – Although a transfer to an Irrevocable trust means you no longer own the assets, there are still benefits available to the family.

• Medicaid planning – The five-year look-back rule should be considered when making

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any transfers and this may incorporate the Irrevocable trust strategy previously discussed.

• Gifting of wealth – This may reduce the overall family annual income taxes as well as the ultimate estate tax, since gifting has now become much simpler under the Federal Unified Gift and Estate Tax regime and the virtual elimination of the New Jersey Gift Tax regarding spouses and descendants.

As noted above, you should not try to do this planning alone, but rather consult with an experiences Estate Planning attorney.

Each of the tools and strategies must be done in a proper way and at a proper time or they will not work to shelter your assets.

The information in this article is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations or legal representation on any matter.

Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney in person for legal advice regarding your individual situation.

Levine, Furman, Rubin & Alguram, LLC. Estate Planning & Administration • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Elder Law Phone: (732) 238-6000 • Fax: (732) 238-6055 • www.levinefurman.com F-3 Brier Hill Court, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 • 1072 Madison Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701

Our Free “Living Trusts and Wills” Seminar Schedule September COLTS NECK Colts Neck Inn Route 34 & 537 Tuesday, September 12th 10am - 12noon

November

MONROE Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center Cranbury - South Brunswick 390 Forsgate Drive Wednesday, September 13th - 10am - 12noon

EAST BRUNSWICK Days Hotel 195 Rte. 18 South Thursday, September 14th 2pm - 4pm 7pm - 9pm

MONROE Ramada Plaza Hotel and Conference Center Cranbury - South Brunswick 390 Forsgate Drive Tuesday, November 7th 10am - 12noon

TOMS RIVER Ramada 2373 Route 9 Wednesday, November 8th 10am - 12noon

To Register for a Seminar By phone: (732) 238-6000 • Online: www.levinefurman.com/seminars *Refreshments will be served at all seminars!

FREEHOLD Radisson Hotel 50 Gibson Place Thursday, November 9th 2pm - 4pm 7pm - 9pm

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COUNCIL PRESIDENT BRIAN CAHILL AND VICE PRESIDENT ALAN ROSENCRANZ’S REPORT

Photo of President Brian Cahill and Vice President Alan Rosencranz’s ABOUT BRIAN: Brian has been a resident of Old Bridge for 23 years.

He is married to his wife Terry and together they have four children, Jeanne, Brian Jr., Shannon and Nicole who are all graduates of Old Bridge High School. Brian holds a MBA from Wagner College and a BS from Empire State College. He is currently a Senior Director with Comcast and previously spent 34 years in various leadership roles at Verizon Communications. Brian is a past Executive Board member of Cheesequake Baseball and has volunteered with Junior Achievement. Brian is currently in his third term as Councilman at Large as well as his second time as Council President.

ABOUT ALAN: Alan moved to Old Bridge from Brooklyn, NY in 1986. He is married to his wife Gail for 34 years and has two sons, Matt and Evan. Both sons are graduates of Old Bridge High School. Alan holds a BBA from Baruch College, CUNY. He is a Branch Manager with Bank of America and has 24 years of service.

Alan is past treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 219 and served on the Budget Committee of Congregation Beth Ohr. Alan was elected to the position of Councilman Ward 4 in 2013 and is currently serving as Council Vice President.

First and foremost, we’d like to thank David Hernandez, the publisher of “All Around Old Bridge” for approaching us and asking us to put together a Council perspective on important issues that face our town. All Around Old Bridge’s circulation and readership is growing exponentially and we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this very fine newspaper.

The issue of taxes is very prominent in our 24 X 7 news cycle, whether the discussion is centered on the Federal question of income tax reform or here in New Jersey on property tax solutions. Taxes in general are at the forefront of many discussions in State houses and Municipalities across the country and especially at kitchen tables with our families. Here in Old Bridge, our property tax rate is based on many factors and involves different areas of our governmental structure. It is important to note that the Township of Old Bridge, specifically the Municipality, is responsible for approximately 21% or 21 cents of your tax dollar. The remainder of your tax bill goes to funding the Board of Education, Middlesex County, our Volunteer Fire Companies, as well as State and Federal taxes. Additionally, the OBMUA (water & sewer) is a separate authority and not under the control of the Township and as such their rates are not part of your tax base.

Let’ talk about the 21% and the initiatives Old Bridge Township has undertaken to provide our residents with reduced costs and enhanced services. Since 2011, the Township has increased its infrastructure spending and improved services while it has stabilized its tax rate. One-shot revenues are defined as any one time infusion of revenue (i.e. selling Township land) that has a short term, onetime benefit to the budget but is not recurring and/or sustainable over time. That practice has been halted under Mayor Henry’s leadership.

Since 2011 and through fiscal year 2017, we have acc o mp l i s h e d t h e f o l l o w i n g ; • Total Appropriations (Expenditures) for 2017 are LOWER than total appropriations for 2011 by $1,421,407.00 or 2.54%.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

• The Municipal Portion of Real Estate Taxes has been stabilized with an average annual increase of 1.39% from 2011 to 2017.

• Since 2012, Moody’s has upgraded the Township’s Credit rating from Aa2 to Aa1 while during the same time period the State of New Jersey has been downgraded 11 times and is currently rated at A3.

• Since 2012, Old Bridge has spent $11.5M on Capital Improvement Programs (Road resurfacing, Curbing, Drainage) • The Township has invested $6M in a new state of the art Public Safety Radio system which will greatly improve our communications with our Police and First Responders.

• The Township invested $4M in a state sponsored program called ESIP which will upgrade the Townships infrastructure (HVAC, lighting) and will be paid for with energy savings, with no cost to the taxpayers.

In conclusion, good progress has been made relative to the Township’s finances but not unlike our own household budgets, the Township’s finances are always a work in progress. The Mayor and Council are continually looking for ways to ensure that every taxpayer dollar is used in a prudent and responsible

SEPTEMBER 2017

manner. We will continue to look for opportunities to reduce costs while improving services. Our residents should expect nothing less.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank members of the Town Council, both past and present for their hard work and dedication serving our residents. Regardless of party or perspective, Council members spend a good deal of personal time and energy to try to make Old Bridge a better place to live.

STEPHANIE PARZYCH GRADUTATION Congratulations to Old Bridge resident Stephanie Parzych in receiving a Doctorate of Pharmacy Albany College of Pharmacy and recently also passed her state boards and is now a licensed pharmacist, working for CVS

SEPTEMBER 11TH CEREMONY

On September 11, 2017, the Township will be holding a ceremony to honor and remember the family members, friends and neighbors who lost their lives in the devastating attack on our country on September 11, 2001.

The event will take place at 6:00 PM at the 9-11 Memorial Site located in the Municipal Complex.

For additional information, residents should contact the Mayor’s Office at (732) 721-5600 ext. 2040.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Paying for

College

Part ll Michael Vitale 104 Interchange Plaza, Suite 102 Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Cell: 201.306.5988 Office: 609.655.3066 x255 Fax: 609.655.4959 Email: michael@vitaleinsurance.com Website: www.vitaleinsurance.com Continued from ALL Around Old Br idge August E dit ion Second of all, 529 plans have another significant downfall...the accumulated total will be counted and regarded as income when you (or your child/children) file financial aid paperwork for college. This will directly affect the way in which you are considered for income-based financial aid. Additionally, there could be a large disparity between the accumulated total in the 529 plan and the amount you would not receive from financial aid.

However, as in most cases, there is a solution to this dilemma...

Indexed Universal Life Insurance (“IUL�). An IUL policy can provide similar benefits with more options and greater flexibility.

First of all, a need for permanent life insurance must present in order to move forward with this exact solution. IUL insurance allows you to accumulate cash values based on a stock index, like the S&P 500, on a tax-deferred basis. You can do this with ZERO risk of losing your money in a stock market crash, since your money is not invested in the market itself. Many of these polices will have generous varying caps on potential earnings, but the constant is that your money CAN NOT BE LOST. This is downside

protection. The tax-deferred cash value account can be accessed in later years with no tax hit through policy loans which in many cases will have an interest rate of 0%. So far, this may sound very much like a 529 plan...except that the money you accumulate can be accessed at ANY time, for ANY reason, with no caveat designating it only for higher education. Also, the cash value in the IUL will not count as income on a financial aid application. Therefore, your family will have full access to available financial aid, based on current income.

There are other positives to an IUL policy, it will contain a death benefit, which may be guaranteed until death....guaranteed premium payments which can remain on a fixed schedule or can be altered on a yearly basis. These, and other policy options, can be discussed and decided when your contract is originally constructed between you and your licensed insurance professional.

Overall, you have options.

Despite the elevated and still-rising costs of higher education, you too can assist your child/children with college tuition...and you can start now. Contact a licensed insurance agent to assess your situation, discuss your options, and choose the best course for you and your family.

SEPTEMBER 2017

13

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

IN MEMORIAM

NINA E. PHILLIPS

Nina E. Phillips, 82, passed away on August 21, 2017 at RWJ Universuty Hospital in New Brunswick.

Born in Antwerp, Belgium she long time resident of East Brunswick.

She is survived by daughter, Jean Phillips, son, John Chazik Phillips, four loving grandchildren,

JOHN R. SAPIENZA

John R. Sapienza, 91, of Manalapan NJ, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2017 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Brooklyn, NY and had remained a resident of New City, NY for 57 years before moving to Manalapan. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. Before his retirement, he had a successful career working in sales, in the beer and liquor distribution industry. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Adele Sapienza, two daughters and a son-in-law, Susan Sapienza-Smith, and Christine and Abner Figueroa, a

GLORIA PICOCCHI

SEPTEMBER 2017

Gloria Picocchi, 89, passed away on August 23, 2017 in Holmdel. She was born in Brooklyn, New York to the late Mario and Josephine DeMartino. She was predeceased by her husband Andy Piccochi in 1998. She leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law Martin and Pat Piccochi, a daughter and son-inlaw Janet and Fred Sileo, a brother and sister-in-law James and Burga DeMartino, four grandchildren, Christopher and his wife Allison, Marisa, Jason and his wife Karen, Heather and her husband Mike, and four great grandchildren Maggie, Emma, Abigail and Alexander. Visitation was held on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 5 PM to 9 PM at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation

Peter, Matthew, Sara, and Erik.

Graveside services where held on August 21, 2017 at Mount St Marys Cemetery, Flushing, New York. Arrangements were under the direction of Old Bridge Funeral Home, Old Bridge, NJ John R.

sister Lillian Bonta, and five grandchildren, Eric, Alex and Maxwell Smith and Scott and Mark Figueroa.

Relatives and friends gathered on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, NJ. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church, Englishtown, at 10:30 AM and interment will followed in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Cemetery. To share stories, photos, or to post an online condolence please visit www.waittfh.com

GERALD “JERRY” D. GIACOBE

Gerald “Jerry” D. Giacobe, 66 enjoyed crabbing, spending time singing karaoke to his favorite Oldies-but-Goodies with friends, and taking cruises to the islands. He loved the Yankees and Giants, loved seeing Trump become president, and was a member of countless bowling leagues but, most important to him was spending time with his family. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years Jamie, a son Jerry Jr., two daughters and sons in law Sheri and Brian Moleen, and Stacey and Jason Ozner, a sister Faith Mauro, as well as five grandchildren, Ashley Giacobe, Brendan and Sierra Moleen, Nathan and Charlotte Ozner. Jerry was one of 7 siblings, and leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well.

Relatives and friends were invited

to visit the Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, NJ 07751 on Tuesday August 15, 2017 from 4-8pm. A funeral service was held on Wednesday August 16, 2017 at 11am at the funeral home, afterwards the family invited guests to join t h e m at C afe Luna on Rte 9 in Old Bridge. For more information or to leave an online condolence message please visit our website www.waittfh.com .

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in Jerry’s name to The Gift of Life Family House 401 Callowhill St., Philadelphia, PA 19123-4101.

Service, 501 Highway 79, Morganville, New Jersey. A funeral mass was offered on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 AM at St. Clement Church, Matawan, followed by interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, East Brunswick. The family requests donations to be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting www.alz.org or www.meridianathome.com Gerald “Jerry” D. Giacobe 66, of Marlboro, NJ passed away on Saturday August 12, 2017 at Temple University Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. B orn and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Jerry moved to North Arlington, NJ before retiring to Marlboro, NJ 10 years ago

To submit Obituaries email Editor@AllaroundOB.com

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

FREE DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS OFFERED IN OLD BRIDGE OLD BRIDGE, NJ (August 8, 2017) – Are you a person with Medicare living with diabetes or know someone who is? Take control of your health through a free and fun program.

Quality Insights Quality Innovation Network, supported locally by Healthcare Quality Strategies, Inc. (HQSI), is partnering with Middle-

sex County Office of Health Services to provide free diabetes workshops as part of the Everyone with Diabetes Counts (EDC) program. The EDC program is a national initiative of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The program offers free self-management workshops that are open to people with Medicare who have diabetes, their

family members and caregivers.

The free workshops follow the Diabetes Self-Management Program originally developed at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Workshops are designed to educate individuals about diabetes and help them learn how to manage it and take control of their health through various tools, behavior modification and coping techniques. Participants will learn about preventing complications, healthy eating, exercise, how to deal with stress and difficult emotions, managing medications, effective communication with healthcare providers, and much more.

This free six-week workshop will be offered at the Old Bridge Public Library on 1 Old Bridge Plaza in Old Bridge, NJ 08857. Workshops are on Thursdays from September 7 to October 19, 2017 (skipping September 21) from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. All attendees must register by the second workshop session. Each participant (one per household) will

receive a complimentary textbook, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, 4th edition ($20 value).

For more information or to register for these free workshops, call Lisa Giovanniello at (732) 721-5600 x 5033. Visit www.qualityinsights-qin. org to learn more about the program or read real success stories about EDC graduates who have made positive changes to their lives.

Ab o u t Q u a l i t y In s i g h t s Quality Innovation Network Quality Insights is the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QINQIO) for Delaware, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Quality Insights collaborates with healthcare providers, patients and allied organizations across the network to bring about widespread, significant improvements in the quality of care they deliver.

Our goal is better care, smarter spending and healthier people.

To learn more about the network, visit www.qualityinsights-qin.org

SEPTEMBER 2017

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PIZZA, MARILYN, AND SPECTACULAR SUNDAES

Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon will heat up the screen in “Some Like It Hot” at Congregation Beth Ohr, Old Bridge, Sunday afternoon, September 10.

This 1959 classic has been rated by the American Film Institute as one of the funniest comedies of all time. Doors will open at 12:30.

A pizza lunch, at 1:00 PM, will precede the movie. Dessert, featuring make-it-yourself ice-cream sundaes, will follow the showing.

RSVP by sending check for $18 per person to Congregation Beth Ohr, attn: Roberta Karpel, P.O. Box 206, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 in time to be received no later than Wednesday, September 6. The cost for paying at the door will be $20.

Congregation Beth Ohr is located at 70 Route 516, Old Bridge.

For further information contact Roberta Karpel at 732-390-0309 or roberta.g.karpel@gmail.com

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

OLD BRIDGE KNIGHTS TO HOLD TOY DRIVE Continued from page 1 Knight” will be an exceptional event complete with decorations, a live reindeer, snow, and music.

Volunteers from the high school – including students and staff – will adorn the stadium’s entrance, press box, and concession stand with holiday decorations. The school will distribute to the first 600 Old Bridge students in attendance white-trimmed purple Santa hats bearing the high school’s logo (purple is the official color of both Old Bridge High School and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation).

A snowmaking machine, which Miller’s Rentals of Edison has donated, will create a festive atmosphere for spectators entering the stadium as holiday music plays in the background. Old Bridge Schools Superintendent David Cittadino has arranged for a live reindeer accompanied by “Yukon Cornelius,” to be at the game. Commemorative purple bracelets with the words “Old Bridge U-Knights with The Marisa Tufaro Foundation to help children” will be distributed free of charge.

The donated toys and gift cards will be delivered to area hospitals – including Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood

Johnson University Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital – and to other local organizations that share The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s mission of assisting children in need throughout the Greater Middlesex County area.

Players and cheerleaders from both Old Bridge and South Brunswick high schools will join a representative from The Marisa Tufaro Foundation to deliver the collected items.

The donations will be available for distribution at the hospitals, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year to meet the needs of pediatric patients, all of whom can benefit at any time from a diversion to help cope with the stress and pain that can accompany treatments, medical procedures, and extended admissions.

During a meeting with school administrators and The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s leadership in preparation of “Holiday Knight,” high school Principal Vincent Sasso and Cittadino challenged those in attendance, including Vice Principal Sally Fazio and Athletic Director Danield DiMino, to think big and outside the box.

Volunteers from The Marisa Tufaro Foundation will distribute flyers at the game containing information about pediatric cancer and paying tribute to an Old Bridge elementary school student who is winning a battle against the disease.

A nonprofit corporation with tax-exempt status pending, The Marisa Tufaro Foundation allows Greg and Cyndi Tufaro to give back to the residents of a community that has provided their family with overwhelming love and support.

Marisa was born with a complex cardiac defect; she survived six open-heart surgeries and two life-threatening medical conditions prior to undergoing a heart transplant. A postoperative complication from the transplant developed into a rare form of cancer, to which she succumbed following a valiant fight.

Through the generosity of strangers, Marisa, an eighth-grader from Middlesex County, was able to unwrap many wonderful donated presents and experience one final Christmas with her parents while being hospitalized in a pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation and Old Bridge can only accept items listed below. Thank you for your understanding.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Those items are: • Infant toys (toys that make noise, light up) • Infant mobiles, crib mirrors, crib music players • Rattles, pacifiers, teething rings • Toddler play sets, i.e. Little People • Dolls – Barbie, Monster High, princesses and baby dolls • Music CDs (teens, children, infants, relaxation, lullaby) • DVDs for children and teens (new releases, English and Spanish) • Play-Doh/Model Magic and tools • Arts and craft supplies, coloring books, crayons and markers • Lego, Mega Bloks, K’NEX play sets • Matchbox, Hot Wheels cars and play sets • Uno cards, playing cards and other card games • Books, including board books for babies, hardcover, paperback, crosswords, Sudoku • Action Figures (non-violent) • Beauty and hygiene items for

SEPTEMBER 2017

THE OBSSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO OUR ANNUAL BUSINESS LEADER AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS OF THE YEAR AWARDS BANQUET

As we acknowledge the business and charitable contributions of the following individuals, companies and organizations to our communities David Hernandez, Old Bridge Funeral Home Camillo Iaccarino and Guven Kose, Camillo’s Restaurant Enrique Vasquez, Broadway’s Image Barbershop The Old Bridge Elks The Sayreville Domestic Violence Response Team The South Amboy Elks Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Adults $80.00 per person Children 5-12 yrs $40.00 4 yrs and under are free The Grand Marquis 1550 Route 9 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 Please R.S.V.P. by October 6th, 2017 Online Registration and Ad Journal Opportunities are available by clicking the link below.

Please call at the Chamber Office with any questions 732 607 6340 or email: ccommerce@optonline.net to The Chamber of Commerce Serving Old Bridge, Sayreville & South Amboy P.O. Box 5241, Old Bridge NJ 08857

Show Us Your Talent

Annual Senior Center Talent Show Friday, September 22, 2017 12:30pm stop by and support your seniors. teens (lotion, nail polish, deodorant, travel size toiletries) • Pajamas – infant through teen • Beanie hats, slipper socks and other clothing items/accessories for teens • Blank T-shirts and fabric paint • Ear bud headphones • Lined and unlined journals for kids and teens and gel or ballpoint pens • Puzzles (25 to 100 pieces) • Electronic learning toys, hand-held video games • Bubbles • Video Games and wireless controllers for Xbox 360 • Portable DVD players, boom boxes, CD players • Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) • Gift Cards: Visa, American Express, Amazon, iTunes, Game Stop, Toys “R” Us, Target, sporting goods stores Contact: Lori Luicci, public relations coordinator, 908-812-6054

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 732-721-5600 EXT. 600

NEW OFFICERS INSTALLED

Congratulations to the new Police Officers Venancio Tavares Jr., Jessica Caffey, Daniel Haviland, and Gregory Nielsen for joining the Old Bridge Police Department.

Pictured: Officers Nielson, Haviland, Tavares, and Caffey

GREY MATTERS COLUMN

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

SEPTEMBER 2017

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Written By: Judith Kristen

Photo of Judith Kristen Hap py S e p t e m b e r ! Wow !

Where did the summer go, huh?

You’ve already put the sun block away, school clothes and supplies have been purchased, and with any luck, you’ll manage your first cup of disturbance-free coffee since the end of June.

As for me? I always loved the first day of school. I’d get to see the far away friends I didn’t see in the summertime. I’d have a pretty outfit and new shoes to wear. And, I’d have a school bag with some much-needed supplies in it, as well as a nifty vinyl pencil case with three perfectly sharpened No. 2 pencils inside of it.

Best of all were the teachers I would be able to call my own that year. I wasn’t lucky every year, but those who truly inspired me, are with me still. Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Horko, Miss Scally, Mrs. Divine, Dr. Wild, Mr. Ludwig, Mr. B el l, Mrs . Wi d m ai e r…

And now that I have become an educator of sorts myself, because of my books and my speaking engagements and school tours, I have met new teachers that I am also proud to call my friends. Teachers who not only inspire their charges, but who inspire me as well: Shelly Fredman, Cathy Girgis, Francine Eisenmann, Nancy Tryon, Sharon Swanton, Magna Diaz…

And, with the new school year upon us, before you know it, wonderful teachers like the ones I have just mentioned above will have those live wires of early September, well grounded by the following June – all thanks to their love of learning, their joy for the written word, their respect, patience, kindness, and compassion for your children, and let’s not forget the benefits of a good sense of humor!

The start of my personal teaching year first finds me in Jolly Old England, in two lovely northern cities: Manchester and Liverpool.

Even though the accents and customs are different, the eagerness to learn, to know, to understand, and to be swept up into the magic of the written word knows no barrier.

And when I stand in front of all of those children. I do not stand there alone. I take all of those other teachers along with me.

Children will always test the water. They will watch what you do with far more scrutiny than by

what you say. They will be optimistic and eager to learn one day, and maybe not so much the next.

But a good teacher, one who inspires, will lead a child forward, through good days and bad, through the positive and negative, and the darkness and the light.

Why? Because that’s what teachers do – they prepare our children for Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child.

Listen to the DON’TS Listen to the SHOULDN’TS The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS Listen to the NEVER HAVES Then listen close to me Anything can happen, child, ANYTHING can be.” ~Shel Silverstein Happy Ne w S ch o ol Ye ar !

Peace and Love… and No. 2 pencils. ~Judy

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LIVING STONES were divorced and separated, as THE CHALLENGES OF PROSPERITY

By Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge If you could have just one thing in life, what would it be?

To w i n a b i l l i o n - d o l l a r lottery jackpot? To have a new house? A luxury vehicle? A better job? Or perhaps, if given a choice, you would want good health or a loving relationship.

Just a few months ago, Money Magazine and SurveyMonkey surveyed nearly 4,500 Americans, and found that the majority of respondents opted to have a million dollars a year, for the rest of their lives, even over finding true love. Surveyors write, overall “money was the winner—especially among survey participants who

well as single women and men who were cohabiting with a partner.”

But what happens to people when they have it all – incredible wealth, good health, and valued relationships?

King David of the Bible, one of the greatest leaders in history, had risen from a shepherd boy to the most powerful, affluent ruler of his time. During his tumultuous rise to the throne, King David described his life’s singular passion with these words, in Psalm 27:4: One thing I have desired of the Lord,That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.

David believed in the Almighty God of the Bible and was called “a man after God’s own heart.”

He thrived under difficulty. He sought God’s way and counsel in the most difficult circumstances.

He inspired men to greatness. He behaved nobly and honored others, even when they did him wrong.

While David’s character shone

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE most brightly in his darkest hours, he did not fare as well during times of great prosperity. Atop his throne, having risen to great power and wealth, a different sort of challenge brought him to his knees. While his army was fighting a pitched battle to protect their nation, David stayed behind for some rest and relaxation when, from his lofty balcony, he saw a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing. Despite the fact that she was a married woman, David had an affair with Bathsheba.

Later, upon learning she was pregnant with his child, David tried to cover up the affair by ordering Bathsheba’s husband, a soldier, to the front lines so that he died in battle.

How had the mighty warrior David, this man after God’s own heart, fallen so far?

Very often our greatest challenges lie not in our trials, but in our successes. David had grown self-indulgent in his prosperity.

When things are going poorly, we often offer up desperate prayers such as, “God, please help me! I cannot do this on my own!”

But when all is well, when we have money in the bank and our relationships and careers are thriving, we are more apt think to ourselves,

SEPTEMBER 2017 “Look at all I have accomplished!”

Undue pride and self-sufficiency are often born of prosperity.

Consider the contrasting example of those who grew up in the 1920’s and 30’s. These men and women were deprived of food, shelter, and other basic necessities during the Great Depression. And yet, the same generation that grew up with nothing jumped into the battle of Word War II, fighting valiantly abroad and sacrificing for the war efforts here at home.

Tom Brokaw dubbed these men and women the “Greatest Generation” because during times of great trial, they valued “personal responsibility, duty, honor and faith.”

Brokaw writes that during the Great Depression and the horrors of WWII, this generation paved the way for subsequent generations, like ours, “to accumulate great economic wealth, political muscle, and the freedom from foreign oppression to make whatever choices they like.”

And yet, despite these great achievements, the Greatest Generation “made no demands of homage from those who followed and prospered economically, politically, and culturally because of its sacrifices.”

Consider it - what would any one

of us do with a billion dollars? In our minds, we would behave most nobly and be of a great, generous spirit. Yet, it has been said that for every hundred persons who can endure adversity, there is scarcely one who can overcome prosperity.

David represents a commonality among all people. He was a shepherd boy AND a warrior king, a military strategist AND a poet. He experienced the great heights of wartime victory, as well as the lowest depths of human betrayal and sorrow. As such, King David is said to represent every man. We all stand to learn much from his successes and his failures, especially those born of self-indulgence during times of prosperity.

Perhaps true satisfaction comes, as it did for King David and the Greatest Generation, through turmoil and struggle, in standing up for justice and truth. Billy Graham said it best, “Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.” Perhaps, rather than pursue human comforts as we fervently do, we ought to be willing to embrace difficulty and to stand up for the oppressed. From the fire of such adversity, true greatness is forged.

OLD BRIDGE ALLSTATE INSURANCE AGENCY HOSTS FOOD DRIVE FOR MIDDLESEX COUNTY FOOD ORGANIZATION

Continued from page 1 MCFOODS is a non-profit organization committed to providing resources such as personnel, infrastructure, transportation and services in an effort to ease hunger.

The All Seasons Insurance Agency is located at 3326 US Highway 9, STE 8 in Old Bridge and can be reached at 732-316-0202. For more information and to view office hours, visit their website. Learn more about MCFOODS at http:// www.mciauth.com/mcfoods.htm.

Photo Caption (figure 1): Allstate Exclusive Agent Barry Brikowski (left) with administrative assistant Shweta Shewale, collecting donations for Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS) to help local families in need.

Photo Caption (figure 2): Brikowski’s daughter, Kelli Brikowski, office manager at All Seasons Insurance Agency, helps collect nonperishable goods for MCFOODS. About Allstate New Je r s e y Ins u r an c e C omp any Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company services more than 450,000 households throughout New Jersey. Widely known by its

slogan “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®,” Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate New Jersey agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives. As part of Allstate’s commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation and the corporation provided $300,000 in 2016 to local nonprofit organizations across New Jersey.

Photo Caption (figure 2): Brikowski’s daughter, Kelli Brikowski, office manager at All Seasons Insurance Agency, helps collect nonperishable goods for MCFOODS.

Photo of Arthur M. Haney Chairman OBMUA

OLD BRIDGE MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AUTHORITY TEST RESULTS

The table below lists all the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the most recent testing in the calendar years of 2014 to 2016. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year, because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data, though representative, are more than one year old. The Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations allow monitoring waivers to reduce or eliminate the monitoring requirements for asbestos, volatile organic chemicals, and synthetic organic chemicals. Our system received a monitoring waiver for synthetic organic compounds. If you would like to obtain additional information concerning specific test results, or if you have comments concerning this report, please call the OBMUA at 732-679-4187. If you prefer to make your comments in person, our office is located at 15 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge. Our Authority Meetings are usually held monthly on the third Wednesday night of each month at 7:00 PM at t he Township Complex.

MCLG

MCL

Max Level Detected

Range of Detection

Violation Yes/No

Barium (PPM) 2014

2

2

0.032

ND to 0.033

N0

Lead (PPB) (2014) (Based on 90th percentile)

0

AL=15

(90th percentile)=0

# of sites above AL (15)=1

N0

Copper (PPM) (2014) Based on 90th Percentile)

0

AL=1.3

(90th percentile)=0

# of sites above AL (1.3)=0

N0

Total Trihalomethanes (PPB) ENTIRE SYSTEM

0

80

LRAA=60.73*

10 to 87**

N0

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Five Haloacetic Acids (PPB) ENTIRE SYSTEM

0

60

LRAA=53.48*

2.5 to 50.4**

N0

By-product of drinking water disinfection

Contaminant

Likely Source of Contamination Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits.

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits.

Corrosion of household plumbing systems. Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preserves.

Organic

* The Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) values are compared to the Maximum Contaminate Level (MCL) to determine compliance with Drinking Water Standards. ** The Range of Detection values are not used to determine compliance with Drinking Water Standards.

Why There May Be Contaminants in the Water The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells.

As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water include: 1. Microbial Contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

2. Inorganic Contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

3. Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources, such as agricultural, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

4. Organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.

5. Radioactive Contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. Absolutely pure water does not exist in nature. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800-426-4791).

Abbreviations: MCLG: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level pCi/l: Picocuries per liter AL: Action Level PPM: Parts Per Million PPB: Parts Per Billion ND: None Detectable at Laboratory Testing Limits NA: Not Applicable LRAA: Locational Running Annual Average

Definitions Used in the Table Above: Maximum Contaminant Level Goal The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. The MCLG's allow for a margin of safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water, MCL's are set as close to the MCLG's as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

Picocuries per liter - A measure of radioactivity.

Action Level - The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

Waiver - The State permission to reduce monitoring frequency, because previous results have consistently been below the MCL. Parts Per Million - One part of contaminant to one million parts of water. This corresponds to approximately one (1) second in twelve (12) days.

Parts Per Billion - One part of contaminant to one billion parts of water.

This corresponds to approximately one (1) second in thirty-two (32) years.

Locational Running Annual Average - The average number for a test site over four consecutive quarters.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

“WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER” By: Jessica Fioretti I was your typical new grad, fresh out of grad school and ready to conquer the world. I had an air of confidence because I had all the knowledge and tools I needed to be the best Speech Therapist I could be. Wow, was I wrong.

Sure, I had all the textbook knowledge to treat these speech and language disorders I spent the last 6 years of my life studying about. But there wasn’t a textbook that could have prepared me with the tools needed to have a successful parent-therapist relationship. In fact, even after 16 years, this is an area of learning that will be ongoing for me, and I am ok with that. The skills of a speech therapist go beyond the therapeutic technique. It involves compassion, understanding, the ability to listen and so much more.

You see, when a mom is sitting with their child during an evaluation and then looks at me and asks me what the future holds for her daughter, I scramble to think of the right words to say. The truth is, I just don’t have the answers.

What I do know is that it will take a collaborative approach between myself, the family and anyone else involved with their child’s care, in order for there to be progress.

As parents, we stop at nothing to make sure our children are receiving the best of the best. We stay up late surfing the internet for knowledge, searching for the best practitioners and then questioning those practitioners’ methods. It is important for all those involved to remember we are in this together.

We are all here for the benefit of that little girl sitting at my 3-foot-high table having difficulty communi-

cating her basic wants and needs.

A successful parent-therapist relationship takes effort from both sides. Here are a few things that I find helpful in establishing the groundwork for a successful parent-therapist relationship: Open and consistent communication Ensure as parents, you are aware of and understand what goals your child is working on. In the school setting, consider keeping a communication log that gets sent back and forth to school each day. Meet regularly to discuss the child’s progress and make any necessary changes to the therapy plan.

Positivity Any small success is success and should be celebrated. The speech therapist can help parents with carr yover of modifica-

tions and/or strategies at home to help foster the child’s abilities and opportunities for success.

Flexibility Therapy is not black and white.

As therapists and parents, we need to remember there are some days a strategy might work and the next day it might not. Be open to changes.

For more on this topic: Check out this article written for my national association, the American Sp eech L anguage Hearing Association. It’s by Keri Vandongen and about her experience as a Speech Therapist communicating with parents http://blog.asha. org/2015/06/25/six-steps-to-improve-communication-listeningand-talking-with-parents/

Jessica Fioretti, MA CCC/SLP program and has extensive experiis a wife and mom of 2 sweet,little ence in various areas of the speech, girls. She has been working as a language and feeding disorders.

Speech Language Pathologist in She truly loves what she does and is NJ since 2001. Jessica currently excited to share her experiences and provides Speech Therapy services ideas through her new blogwww. in a special education preschool learningwithlittlesblog.org FOLLOW JESSICA ON HER BLOG AT HTTPS://LEARNINGWITHLITTLESBLOG.COM/

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

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