OLDB
ALL AROUND
VOL 2, NO 4
NEW YEAR NEW LAWS
Some new laws will go into effect in the Garden State now that 2018 is here. The state’s sales tax will now go down to just over 6.6 percent. The lowering of the tax was part of the agreement when Gov. Chris Christie passed the gas tax bill. This is the second time the sales tax has been lowered since the agreement passed. New Jersey state identification cards will now identify “Gold Star” families. Family members can use the IDs to get free or reduced admissions to state beaches, parks and museums. Gold Star families are families who have had a family member killed in service in the military. Starting in February, New Jersey driver’s licenses and ID cards will expire every four years on the user’s birthday instead of at the end of the month. This was done to try to alleviate long wait times at Motor Vehicle Commission offices. New Jersey’s hourly minimum wage has now increased 16 cents to $8.60-an-hour. A larger pay hike may be coming in the future. Gov.-elect Phil Murphy says that he wants to see $15 an hour minimum wage in New Jersey. Murphy will take office Jan. 16.
OB RIDGE OLD BRIDGE
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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
See page 20 and Coupon on page 23
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
OLD BRIDGE RECEIVES 2017 PLAY UNIFIED AWARD BY SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEY
Old Bridge Township Public Schools received the 2017 Play Unified Award by Special Olympics New Jersey at a banquet h e l d at t h e Hy att R e g e n c y in Princeton last month. Old Bridge was selected from more than 100 schools in the Garden State who were nominat-
ed for the award. “The deciding fac tor was the implementation of our Unify Generation class at Old Bridge High School,” said Karen Lewicki, a special education teacher who designed and implemented the course this year. The class is open to students with and without disabilities, who work together with common goals and objectives for course credit. The program initially started with Special Olympics in sports – nationwide – then Old Bridge took it to the next level.
“Just now we are forming a generation of students with all abilities to become leaders in the unified movement,” Lewicki said, adding she became involved with Special Olympics after watching her own parents struggle with her disabled sister for her to become included in educational opportunities. The students, who are enrolled in the full-year course, were invited to take the class. Requirements included being active members of the Project Unify Club for two years and obtaining recommendations from their teachers and guidance counselors. “We went from a club staying one time per week after school Continued on page 21
A MUSICAL CELEBRATION FROM AROUND THE WORLD On Saturday, January 6th, the Old Bridge Cultural Arts Committee is proud to present “A Classical Music Celebration from Around the World” by The Old Bridge Collegium Musicum. The concert will take place at St Thomas the Apostol Church, Rt 18, Old Bridge, at 7:00 pm.The program will feature the organist Shea Veloso accompanied by the members of The Old Bridge Collegium Musicum. They will be performing “Christmas Concerto” composed by Arcangelo Corelli, Organ Concerto by G.F. Handel, and other musical selections by composers from around the world. This concert is being sponsored
by a grant from the Middlesex County Cultural Arts Division. The concert is free to the public. Donations will be accepted for “The Table at St Thomas”. This wonderful soup kitchen is located at St Thomas and is self-funded .They provide hot nutritious meals monthly for families in need. Every family is able to choose items to take home with them on the way out.To view a list of requested items they are seeking donations of to help stock their shelves for the New Year please log onto www.oldbridge.com and look under The Old Bridge Cultural Arts Committee tab. In addition for three Sunday’s
in January, the 7th, 14th and 21st ACME on Route 9 in Old Bridge will taking up collections for The Table at St Thomas. Volunteers will be distributing flyers at door and costumers that would like to purchase items from the list can be purchased and placed in the collection box by the register. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Following the conclusion of the concert refreshments and desserts are being donated by the Food Emporium on Route 9 Old Bridge and sponsored in part by the Cultural Arts Committee .
JANUARY 2018
@a GLANCE INSIDE 2018 WINTER ICE SKATING LESSIONS SEE PAGE 6
WINTER WARNINGS FOR SAFER PETS SEE PAGE 16 OBHS RAISES MONEY FOR JAR OF HOPE SEE PAGE 16 CONGREGATION BETH OHR SEE PAGE 18
MORE!
Mayors Message pg3 OB Library pg6 Think Old Bridge pg10 Grey Matters pg17 Living Stones pg18 COUPONS pg23