OLDB
ALL AROUND
VOL 1, NO 13
SHOP LOCAL AND HELPING THE COMMUNITY
OB RIDGE _
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
ST. AMBROSE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW SUBSTANCE FACILITY
By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office
Fall is here we can now focus on visiting all our favorite local places to shop and dine in Old Bridge. This is a great time to pick up or use your property tax card. Which will help you earn tax credits toward you taxes or even get a check back if you are a renter, or just work in town, you can get a card and get a check back also at the end of the year. If you would like a card just stop by the Mayor’s office, Library, Senior Center or any participating business. Our next topic on the getting old bridge residents to work. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development recently hosted a job fair at the civic center working with the Middlesex County Work Force Development Team which was attended by close to 50 vendors from Fedex. To local business seeking to hire people in many different industries. The event had a steady flow of job seekers and other looking to expand their careers. Continued on page 4
OLD BRIDGE
Photo of Marisa Tufaro Tuesday, September 19, 2017 was a very special day at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church in Old Bridge, one that welcomed a new and vital ministry that will serve the
entire community! Two years ago, a group of people approached the Pastor, Rev. John C. Grimes, asking for dedicated space in which to meet. Club Serenity, is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization who share the 12 Steps of Recovery practice, and promote fellowship for anyone seeking recovery. They provide a welcoming and friendly environment for individuals and their families that support alcohol and substance abuse independence. Although supportive of their work , the pastor recognized that for Club Serenity to be successful, they would require consistency and dedicated space. Fr. Grimes
was unable, at that time, to fulfill this need as St. Ambrose campus is busy, rooms are reserved, and space is limited. At that point, we had little options…..but, Fr. Grimes believed there would be a solution! St. Ambrose is happy to announce that through the support of the Pastor and our Bishop, Club Serenity will be meeting in the lower level of our Parish Business Office. After this area is renovated to include two meeting rooms, bathrooms, a small kitchen, and handicap accessible ramps, Club Serenity will have a dedicated space for their growing membership. Continued on page 4
BJ’S AND COUNCILWOMAN DUNGEE TEAM UP TO OFFER BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES BJs of Rt 9, Parlin, NJ, and Councilwoman June T. Dungee of Old Bridge (Third Ward) partnered in a cooperative effort to give back to the community. General Manager, Rafat Raghib, Member Service Manager, Sue Peterson, and Front Line Supervisor, Mary Adams, wholeheartedly supported the initiative of her team “Diversity Heroes Rock” give back to benefit the school children through their “Back to School Supplies” Drive. On Friday, September 8, 2017, the donated supplies were received by Madison Elementary School Principal John Daily, and School Counselor Amy Najariam, and shared with
Cheesequake Elementary School. When Ms. Mary Adams of BJs was approached to support the Diversity Heroes Rock’s initiative, she and her General Manager were very eager to get involved. They realize the plight of many parents that are in need and wanted to help with school supplies. Their generous donation is greatly appreciated and we look forward to working with them on future initiatives. Councilwoman and “Diversity Heroes Rock” will be sponsoring a trip to the United Nations in November. This will be a very educational and fun trip for the youth, and adults as well. Details
will be made available through the Recreation Department very shortly. There is great diversity in the Third Ward of Old Bridge and that is why ‘Diversity Heroes Rock” wants to support the inclusiveness of all cultures. We want our citizens to be enlightened by celebrating the greatness of diversity of the different cultures. Having the support of additional businesses of the Third Ward will allow us to be able to provide other initiatives that will be beneficial to our citizens. Diversity is beautiful. We must learn how to communicate with all cultures.
Voting Locations Page 21 OCTOBER 2017
@a GLANCE INSIDE OB PRE K REGISTRATION SEE PAGE 8 OKTOBERFEST SEE PAGE 13 FACEBOOK LIVE INTERVIEWS SEE PAGE 17 CCS GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE SEE PAGE 22
MORE!
Business Administrators pg2 Mayors Message pg3 Shop Local pg4 OB Library pg6 Council Update pg11 Learning with Littles pg16 Grey Matters pg17 Living Stones pg18 The Senior Scene pg18