November AAOB 2018

OLDBRIDGE ALL AROUND

VOL 3, NO 4

PAGEANT STORY

Even though she is accustomed to being in the spotlight on athletic fields and as a cheerleader, Gretchen Polst admitted to her mother that she’s nervous about representing Old Bridge in the Miss New Jersey Teen USA Pageant in November.

Sports and cheerleading are activities the Jonas Salk Middle School eighth grader has been involved in for as long as she can remember. So she’s comfortable doing those things.

This will be her first pageant. However.

“She’s nervous but she’s also looking forward to it,” said Roseanne Polst, Gretchen’s mother.

Gretchen, who has been taking classes at Barbizon “for modeling and personal development,” according to her mother, was among 10 girls recommended as potential pageant candidates by her Baribzon school director.

She will compete as “Miss Old Bridge” during the pageant that runs Nov. 16-18 at the Hilton in Parsippany, where several hundred girls in the 13 to 17 age bracket will compete for the chance to represent New Jersey in the Miss Teen USA Pageant.

The categories for the competition in her age group include an active wear competition, an evening gown competition and a question and answer session, with girls given general background in advance on a variety of topics they may be asked about. The competition opens with all of the girls performing a group dance number.

Gretchen, an honor roll student, plays field hockey and lacrosse at Salk Middle School.

OB 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

GRAND OPENING OF ALDI ON ROUTE 9 IN THE OLD BRIDGE SHOPPING PLAZA

Acting Mayor Himanshu Shah, Senator Samuel Thompson; Township Council members – Edina Brown, Anita Greenberg, Dave Merwin, Mary Sohor, President,

and Debbie Walker; and Steve Mamakas from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development proudly welcomed ALDI to the Township of Old Bridge Business Community.

Lines of eager consumers wrapped around ALDI in the morning in anticipation of its grand opening at the Old Bridge Shopping Plaza Continued on page 5

Raymond F. Fredericks

Hackensack Meridian Health, the most comprehensive and truly integrated non-profit health care network in New Jersey, is pleased to announce the appointment of Raymond F. Fredericks as regional president of the network’s Central Market.

This appointment is in conjunction with Hackensack Meridian Health’s new organizational structure to better align its services and improve the overall experience for patients across its 16 hospitals and 500 patient care locations throughout New Jersey. This new structure consists of three markets

– North, Central and South - and an integrated clinical transformation service that will help to align all of the network’s services around the patient to ensure better coordination and outcomes.

As Regional President of the Central Market, Mr. Fredericks will lead JFK Medical Center in Edison, Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank.

With more than 30 years of exContinued on page 8

HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH NAMES RAYMOND F. FREDERICKS REGIONAL PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL MARKET

NOVEMBER 2018

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Mayor’s Message Think Old Bridge OB Library Living Stones COUPONS

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NOVEMBER 2018

AMBOY BANK CELEBRATES AMBOY BANK MAKES CONTRIBUTION RENOVATION PROJECT FOR TO THE SAYREVILLE ASSOCIATION SAYREVILLE BRANCH FOR BRAIN INJURED CHILDREN Sayreville Mayor, Kennedy O’Brien, assists Gregory Scharpf, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Amboy Bank, in cutting the ribbon to celebrate Amboy Bank’s newly renovated Sayreville Branch located at 412 Washington Road.

From left to right in the photo are Greg Scharpf; Kennedy O’Brien; Anne Szatkowski, Amboy Bank client; Burton Wilkins, Sayreville Branch Manager; John Krenzel, South River Mayor; Theadora DeTullio, Amboy Bank client; and Anthony DeToro, Vice President and Deposit Officer of Amboy Bank.

“For over 40 years, we have served the people of Sayreville and have been a staple in the ever changing community. This renovation allows us to better serve our current clients, as well as accommodate new clients.

The celebration was our way of giving back to the community– they were supportive during the renovation and had no complaints. We will continue to bring our innovative products and quality service to the residents of Sayreville,” said Scharpf.

Gregory Scharpf, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Amboy Bank, presents a donation (above) to Mark Schlauch and Fred Whiteley, Vice Presidents

of the Sayreville Association for Brian Injured Children; Maggie W, volunteer; and the children of the BIC. The mission of the organization is to promote a more

general interest in brain injured children, to organize a variety of programs and activities, and to raise funds to furnish aid and assistance.

Scharpf said, “Amboy Bank is committed to supporting local efforts that enhance the quality of life of the brain injured children of our community. We have always considered community involvement to be an essential part of our business, and we are delighted to support the Sayreville Association for Brain Injured Children.”

Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank, a full-service commercial bank with 23 offices in central New Jersey, prides itself on quality service and responsiveness. They have been voted “Best Bank in Central Jersey” for the past 20 years in a row.

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MAYOR’S ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE ARTICLE – NOVEMBER 2018

Owen Henry D e a r R e s i d e nt s , I would like to start this month’s message with a great big thank you to the Township for making 2018’s Old Bridge Day a huge success.

Thank you to all of our wonderful vendors and to Calvary Chapel of Old Bridge for donating the rides and to the Recreation Department, Police, Fire, First Aid and all the many volunteers. We had great weather and a fantastic music.

Looking forward to next year’s event.

The Township’s fall and winter youth sports are in full swing. I personally look forward to attending our local football games and going over to the John Piccolo Ice Arena to support our local hockey teams.

Check out the full fall and winter lineup of programs and events at www.oldbridge.com. Additional information on high school sports can be found on the Old Bridge Public School website: www.oldbridgeadmin.org. Please join us in supporting all of our local athletes.

I would like to remind residents that Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. Please go and exercise your right to vote! Every vote matters. For a reminder of where your polling station is located, you can go to www.oldbridge. com/residents for information.

Veteran’s Day (Sunday, November 11th) is right around the corner.

This is a wonderful time for all of us to stop, reflect and say thank you to all our veterans and their families for their great sacrifices and service to this country. As a reminder, the Township will

be observing Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 12, 2018; all Township offices will be closed.

With the fall season upon us, it is also a perfect time to spend with family and friends. Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to give thanks for all that we have and to spend time with those who are close to us. We must always try to remember those who need our help during the holiday season and perhaps donate to our local Old Bridge Food Bank. The volunteers at the food bank work very hard to collect food and make wonderful baskets to distribute to local families who are not as fortunate as others. If you would like to make a donation to the Old Bridge Food Bank, please call (732) 721-5600 x2022 or 6625 for more information.

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, and join me and the Wellness Council every last Tuesday of the month for “Walk with the Mayor”. We meet at the Shoppes of Old Bridge at 9 a.m. Hoping to see you there.

For more information, visit www. oldbridge.com events and press release tabs or feel free to contact my office at (732) 721-5600 ext. 2040.

Ha v e a Ve r y Ha p p y a n d Healthy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely, Mayor Owen

Henry

NOVEMBER 2018

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THINK OLD BRIDGE

By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office Economic Development is driven by both large and small Steve Mamakas businesses.

Let’s review this for a moment.

Economic development is very often confused with industrial development. There is traditional economic development. More generally economic development emerged amidst the mid-20th century theoretical interpretations. Then there is the 21st century economic development theory and challenges.

Some people perceive that opening business after business in town, in shopping centers and at stand-alone properties, is not economic growth not understanding the new world of economics. The playing field has changed dramatically. With the new dynamic that Amazon has introduced into today’s economy.

We say “the biggest challenge for business today is tomorrow”. It

can be a considerable risk to open any business today given the overwhelming competition and ease of online shopping. Retail establishments are not what they used to be. They have been replaced by service related businesses and this holds true in every town. As we visit other towns, many stores and even outlet shopping centers with major retail brands are failing with just a few stores open in these towns. An overwhelming amount of vacant stores and the businesses that are operating are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays on their main streets.

As we have stated in our previous articles Old Bridge is doing well, better than a majority of other towns. OB has only a 10% vacancy rate of overall 500 or so retail businesses. Currently my office has been assisting with the planning stages and construction of over 20 new businesses slated to open in town. When a business opens the expansion of the small business base is a key component of growth for a

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE town. That then attracts the large firms seeking daily ease of services and conveniences for their employees in the area. The growth is in part due to our office going straight to the top with regional, statewide and even national recognition focused on attracting all types of business with the proposal submission to Amazon. As an opportunity and platform to deliver the word that Old Bridge is strategically located for local and regional commerce and is open for business. We are still in communication with the e-commerce giant keeping the conversation going in the meantime.

Let’s place this in perspective. We are talking about a town’s growth, not a major city or metropolitan area in which growth is somewhat different and in which there are large areas to build major plants, industrial sites, campuses and large complexes that have diverse and different business we do not having the areas for sky scrapers or large industries.

Our focus is on light industry and smaller industrial sites in the area of Waterworks Road with medium size warehousing and a focus on the Route 9 corridor for

NOVEMBER 2018 smart commercial development which is limited to small parcels of land, but by staying diligent and working with the owners of parcels on RT9 we are forging ahead with progress, which drives up employment and clean retables.

A case in point, as you may have noticed after months of working with the owner of the Raceway gas station on Route 9 at Poor Farm Road. The building is now down, clearing the way for something new in the future. The Lowes property is now active with interest and we are monitoring the progress of a possible sale of the property in the near future.

As the Mayor mentions at each grand opening or Business related function, entrepreneurial and small businesses are the backbone of a community. We work each day at reaching out to all sizes of corporation. To provide them with what Old Bridge has to offer.

Remember “THINK O L D B R I D G E . ” Please visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to check out all the exciting happenings from grand openings to ground

breaking events in Economic Development in Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetownedo or Twitter @ twitter.com/obedonj; Go to Old Bridge@ facebook.com\obetownedo

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED BUSINESS

“The Learning Experience” located @ 280 Texas Rd, Old Bridge.

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GRAND OPENING OF COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. AT PARK PLAZA 1

Mayor Owen Henry; Business Administrator, Himanshu Shah; Senator Samuel Thompson; Recreation Director, Matt Mercurio; and Camp R.O.B.I.N Manager, Pete Pero proudly welcomed Community Options, Inc.’s Executive Director, Dina Casalaspro and her staff to the Township of Old Bridge Business Community.

Community Options, Inc.’s mission is to develop housing and employment supports for

persons with disabilities. They serve more than 2,300 individuals in 41 locations across 11 states, and their headquarters is located in Princeton, New Jersey.

“I am delighted to have Community Options here in Old Bridge,” said Mayor Owen Henry.

“We want all of our residents to have opportunities to grow and Community Options provides the necessary support to our residents with disabilities allowing them to live and thrive in a safe environment in our community.”

For additional information on businesses, please contact t he Recre ation D epar tment at (732)721-5600 ext. 7920.

For additional information on the grand opening event, please contact at (732)721-5600 ext. 7913.

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GRAND OPENING OF ALDI ON ROUTE 9 IN THE OLD BRIDGE SHOPPING PLAZA your monthly grocery bill in half.

“Thank you to ALDI for choosing Old Bridge,” said Acting Mayor, Himanshu Shah, who added, “that it is a true testimonial of community support just by looking at all of our residents waiting to get into the store. This will only add to the choices of places to shop for

Continued from page 1 on Route 9. This German based discount supermarket chain boasts low prices and that they can cut

our residents here in Old Bridge.”

For additional information on grand opening and businesses, please contact Mayor’s Office of Economic Development at (732)721-5600 ext. 7920.

For additional information on the ALDI event, please contact at (732)721-5600 ext. 2060

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NOVEMBER 2018

FREE PASSES COMING SOON FOR THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN!

By Nancy Cohen, Library Director

I’m pleased to announce that we continue to expand ou r p opu l a r Museum Pass Nancy Cohen, Program, and Library Director will soon offer free passes for the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG). Founded in 1910, the urban botanic garden connects people to the world of plants, inspiring curiosity and an appreciation of the environment. Known for its world-class gardens, extensive research collections, and numerous educational and community programs, the BBG is situated on

52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, is open year-round, and contains over 18,000 kinds of plants. Some special displays include the Children’s Garden, created in 1914, and the oldest such program in continuous operation and an award-winning model for children’s gardens throughout the world; the Fragrance Garden, which was designed in 1955 as the country’s first public garden created for the visually impaired; the Japanese hill-and-pond Garden, opened in 1915 and restored in 2000, was the first Japanese garden created in an American botanic garden; the Lily Pool Terrace which has two large display pools and two fountains highlighting the Garden’s collection of water-lilies

and lotuses, and the Shakespeare Garden which is styled after an informal English cottage garden and displays plants mentioned in the playwright’s works, including edible plants as well as ornamentals. Indoor displays include the Steinhardt Conservatory, consisting of greenhouses holding BBG’s extensive indoor plant collections; the Desert Pavilion, which houses plants from warm deserts and other arid regions from the American Southwest, Mexico and African deserts and scrub lands; and the largest of the pavilions, the Tropical pavilion, which is 6,000 square feet under glass, and a height of 65 feet to accommodate the tallest trees.

The BBG features a full array of

Upcoming Events Sun. Nov. 4th at 2pm Screening and Discussion of “Rosenwald” documentary

Wed. Nov. 7th at 7pm Trivia Night All About Adoption

Mon. Nov. 5th at 6:30pm Explore India: Diwali Celebration

Thurs. Nov. 8th from 1-3pm Memory Screening and Lecture 6:30pm CookieZ and Crochet

educational and community programming for all ages, and several popular festivals including Sakura Matsuri -- the cherry blossom festival; Ghouls & Gourds -- a whimsical homage to Halloween, and Light in Winter which features indoor and outdoor programming throughout the coldest months. The Library will have two passes available; each admits two adults and accompanying children under 17 to the gardens. Please call 732-721-5600 x5010 to reserve your pass, or do it online at www.oldbridgelibrary.org.

Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone again about our screening and discussion of a wonderful documentary called “Rosenwald,” by Aviva Kempner on Sunday, November

4th at 2pm. This inspirational story examines the life of Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who rose to head Sears Roebuck and partnered with Booker T. Washington to build over 5,000 southern schools in African American communities in the early 1900s. Rosenwald, the son of an immigrant peddler, also built YMCAs and housing for African Americans to address the pressing needs of the Great Migration. The program is being very generously sponsored by patron Gary Matoren in memory of his daughter Debbie Lynn Matoren and in honor of our librarians and the Old Bridge Community. Please be sure to mark your calendars for this special event.

Hope to see you at the Library!

Sat. Nov. 10th at 2:30pm Second Saturday Concert: Libby Richman Jazz Ensemble

Mon. Nov. 19th at 7pm Maker Monday: Tweens – Easy Thanksgiving Recipes **

Thurs. Nov. 15th at 11am RWJ Health: Audiology/Hearing Loss 7pm Historical Ships and Shipwrecks

** registration required

THE 4-1-1 ON PINCHED NERVES By: Vincent Santorelli

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A pinched nerve can be the single most uncomfortable and restrictive injury one can experience.

From stiffness to intense pain, symptoms of a pinched nerve vary. However, there are a few defining symptoms of a pinched nerve. The most prominent is radiculopathy, or traveling pain. This is often characterized by pain in the arms or hands if the pinched nerve is in the neck, and in the legs and feet if the pinched nerve is in the lower back. Paresthesia is another common symptom, with many people reporting feelings of numbness and tingling in

NOVEMBER 2018

the affected area, or traveling to the extremities. If the radiculopathy has been experienced for an extended period of time, muscle weakness can be experienced.

If you are experiencing these symptoms on a frequent basis, then you may need to see an NJSW practitioner for treatment.

How Radiculopathy is Diagnosed If a patient reports Paresthesia-like symptoms, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination to test for radiculopathy. A pinched nerve can be discovered through nerve conduction studies, EMGs, MRIs, and ultrasounds.

Once a diagnosis is reached, the doctor will recommend a course of treatment for the pinched nerve.

Pinched Ner ve Treatment Physical therapy is an effective treatment for radiculopathy. In physical therapy, the specialist will use exercises and modalities that will target specific muscles and joints for improvement in functionality while decreasing pain and

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inflammation. A comprehensive approach using PT, acupuncture, and chiropractic is the most effective course of treatment. If this combination doesn’t provide relief, a pinched nerve can also be addressed with pain management with our NJSW medical doctors.

If you think you might have pinched nerve a.k.a. radiculopathy contact NJ Spine and Wellness so our team can evaluate your pain and find the best treatment plan for you.

NJ Spine and Wellness can be contacted at 732-316-5895 or on the web at www.njspineandwellness.com

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HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH NAMES RAYMOND F. FREDERICKS REGIONAL PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL MARKET Continued from page 1 perience in health care, Mr. Fredericks spent the last 28 of those years providing leadership at JFK Medical Center. He began his career as a CPA, and started at JFK as vice president for Financial Planning in 1986. He made the leap to senior vice president in 1992, executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2003 and president/CEO in 2011. He has been the leading force in JFK Health’s dramatic achievements since that time.

Mr. Fredericks served on a number of health care industry boards, including the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) Board of Trustees, NJHA Healthcare Business Solutions, Inc. Board of Directors, member of the NJHA Medicaid Task Force, NJHA Executive Compensation Committee, and Audit and Compliance Committee and Director of Vizient (formerly the Voluntary Hospitals of America East Coast-UHC Alliance). He also is a member of the Fair Share Hospital Collaborative, a group dedicated to promote and improve the common business interests of suburban and rural New Jersey hospitals and health systems. The collaborative also works to provide accessible and accountable care

to the communities they serve in order to promote the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Additionally, Mr. Fredericks serves on the JFK Health Board of Directors, the Atlantic Insurance Exchange, Ltd. And the JFK At Home Board of Directors. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, and formerly served on the Ernst & Young Health Sciences Advisory Services Board.

Fredericks graduated from Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City, New Jersey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

A B O U T HA C K E N S A C K MERIDIAN HEALTH Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.

Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 16 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers – Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical

Center in Neptune, JFK Medical Center in Edison; two children’s hospitals - Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune; nine community hospitals - Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, and Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood; and two rehabilitation hospitals - JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Brick.

Additionally, the network has more than 450 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers and physician practice locations. Hackensack Meridian Health has 33,000 team members, and 6,500 physicians

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and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The network’s notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, four hospitals among the top 10 in New Jersey by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Health Care” in the nation, and the number one “Best Place to Work for Women.” The network was also named to Becker’s Healthcare’s “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare/2018” list.

Hackensack Meridian Health

partnered with Seton Hall University to launch the first private medical school in New Jersey – Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University - in more than 50 years to address a growing shortage of physicians and dramatic changes in health care delivery. Additionally, the network partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer to find more cures for cancer faster while ensuring that patients have access to the highest quality, most individualized cancer care when and where they need it. Hackensack Meridian Health and Carrier Clinic, New Jersey’s oldest and most respected behavioral health provider, signed a definitive agreement to merge.

Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies.

For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org

The Old Bridge School District provides special education and related services to disabled children/ students ages three to twenty-one that are in need of special education.

If you reside within the district or have a child attending a non-public school in Old Bridge and suspect your child may be disabled due to physical, sensory, emotional, communication, cognitive or social difficulties, please call the Office of Special Services.

For children three to five years old, pre-

school disabled means an identified disabling condition and or measurable developmental impairment that requires special education and related services.

For additional information, call your neighborhood school and ask for the Child Study Team or call the Office of Special Services at 732-360-4461.

OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFERS SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES

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NOVEMBER 2018

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Acting Business Administrator 2. 2018 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK. The week of October 7, 2018 was designated Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Association. The theme for 2018 is “Look. Listen. Learn.

Be aware – fire can happen anywhere”. Fire district officials held open houses and visiting district schools throughout the month of October to educate residents and students on fire safety and prevention. For additional information on Fire Prevention Week and related safety tips, residents Himanshu R. Shah, Acting can visit firepreventionweek.org.

Business Administrator 3. NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS RENEWAL PROJECT IN 1. BOND ANTICIPATION CLIFFWOOD BEACH. New NOTE (BAN) SALE. On October Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) Con2, 2018, the Department of Finance tractors, J.F. Kiely Construction, is received five bids for the sale of completing gas mains and services $4,100,000.00 of bond anticipation this week on Pacific Blvd and Midnotes scheduled to mature on April 9, dlesex Ave and will continue with 2019. The winning bid from Amboy Hilltop Ave and Sunset Avenue the Bank has a net interest cost of 1.95% week of October 8, 2018, weather or $39,530.83. The net interest permitting. A representative from costs ranged from 1.95% to 2.5%. J.F. Kiely or NJNG will contact residents in advance of service being

interrupted and turned back on.

The roadway within the work zone will be temporarily restricted to thru traffic except for local residents, buses, & emergency vehicles during construction activities. Every effort will be made to accommodate the residents and business owners during construction. Should residents have questions they may contact, Mike Frye, J.F. Kiely Construction Co. At (732) 984-1793.

4. PAPER SHRED EVENT. On Friday, October 12, 2018 the Township held a special paper shredding event at 3 various locations. Residents were able to bring their confidential documents to Cheesequake Village from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, the public works yard from 12noon – 2:00 pm and to Plaza Grande from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. For more information contact the Recycling Coordinator at (732) 721-5600 Ext. 6107 or email recycling@oldbridge.com 5. ICE ARENA. The John Piccolo Ice Arena is slated to open to the public on Monday, October 15,

2018. Please check the website at www.oldbridge.com/recreation for the public session skating schedule or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 732-721-5600 ext. 4999.

6 . NAT I O NA L B R E A S T CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A Breast Cancer Awareness Tea Party with representatives from Hackensack Meridian RBMC took place Thursday, October 18th, 2018 at 12:45 pm at Silver Linings at Old Bridge for registered members of the center.

Advanced sign up was required.

For more information about the event, residents should call (732) 721-5600 ext. 6615. For additional information on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, residents can visit nationalbreastcancer.org.

7. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY. On Sunday, October 21, 2018 Old Bridge hosted Household Hazardous Waste Day from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Public Works yard. For additional information residents should

email: recycling@oldbridge.com or call (732) 721-5600 Ext. 6107.

8. PARKS AND RECREATION HAUNTED HOUSE. Visit the Haunted House on Wednesday October 24 – Friday October 26, 2018 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Civic Center. Spooktakular will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 732-721-5600 ext. 4999.

9. FALL LEAF COLLECTION. The Fall Leaf pickup schedule has been posted on the Township website. Collection begins in Wards 1 & 2 the week of October 29th and continues throughout November and December. Please visit the Township website to view or print the full schedule: www.oldbridge.com/recycling

OB OLD BRIDGE

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

732-723-0023 1314 Englishtown Rd. Old Bridge, NJ 08857

INJURIES ARE EASIER TO PREVENT THAN YOU THINK

by Dr. Ira Shapiro, Director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, Old Bridge, New Jersey Fitness is far more than running a marathon or participating in competitive sports. For many, it just means having the agility and strength to comfortably perform everyday tasks without pain and feeling fatigued afterwards.

A relatively new term, functional fitness focuses on exercises that improve the ability to perform everyday activities. We’ve all seen it. The guy who can bench press 300 lbs. but throws his back out playing with his child. The people that run or bike regularly, but strain all types of muscles working around the house.

Unlike other forms of exercises that center on the repetitive use of the same muscle groups over and again, functional programs are designed to help varying body parts to work in unison and alleviate the stress produced by strenuous actions or even a quick jolt to the system. This includes working both the upper and lower body at the same time, while increasing core stability, balance, posture, strength, and coordination from head to toe.

Further good news is that these exercises can be performed at the home or gym making them an easy fit for busy schedules. That’s because many of these basic movements are performed without the use of major equipment, although light weights and other forms of resistance can be added as you get stronger and more flexible.

For example, here are several functional exercises to try after warming up 5 to 10 minutes with activities ranging

from a short walk or bike work to high-stepping, jumping jacks or light cardio: Yoga squats. Ideal for enhancing leg, back, and arm strength in addition to overall mobility, this motion is broken into four parts: Bend into a deep squat, while breathing out. Touch the floor with fingertips or even the palms of hands, while straightening the legs and taking a deep breath.

Return to a deep squat, while raising arms straight above the head and breathing out.

Stand tall and breath in. Start by doing three sets of 10. You can also hold a weighted ball to increase the intensity of this exercise.

Stair climb with bicep curl. Stair climbing is wonderful for toning the legs and lower body. Adding bicep curls to the mix also conditions arms and the upper torso, while boosting cardiovascular fitness. Stand at the bottom of a flight of stairs, while holding light dumbbells in each hand.

Do a biceps curl with each step upwards. Walk down the stairs with weights at your side. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Torso rotation with medicine ball. This exercise is perfect for trimming waistlines and building core strength. Sit on the ground with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a medicine ball with both hands about a foot away from your body. Without changing this pose, move the ball towards the floor on the right and then on the left. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Increase the intensity by straightening the arms or using a heavier ball. Always keep

your belly tucked in.

Knee raise and lateral lift. This exercise improves core strength and balance, while strengthening and toning shoulders. Stand straight with light dumbbells in each hand and arms at your sides. First, raise your right knee until its hip level at a 90-degree angle.

At the same time, lift both arms straight from your sides to form a T. Repeat 10 to 15 times with each leg. Increase the duration and dumbbell weight as you get stronger.

For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family please contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732-7230023 or visit www.plazachiro. com. Our trained staff will be happy to work with you, no matter your age or condition, to develop a safe and effective wellness program that complements your life style and offers long-lasting fitness rewards.

Dr. Ira A. Shapiro is the director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, which he founded in Old Bridge, New Jersey in 1984. Recently selected to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council (ACASC) Hall of Fame and a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic team medical staff, Dr. Shapiro has spent the past 30 years providing safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care to tens of thousands of patients ranging from community members to professional athletes competing at the world’s highest levels.

AMBOY BANK SET TO HOST FOOD DRIVE IN NOVEMBER Throughout the month of November, all 23 offices of Amboy Bank will collect food and household items for food banks in their branch area. Every Amboy office manager has selected a food bank to collect for in their community. In many cases, Amboy has a strong relationship with the organizations, including St. Laurence Food Bank, Lunch Break and Freehold Open Door.

Gregory Scharpf, Chief Operating Officer, stated, “At Amboy Bank, we are dedicated to helping our local community prosper, and we are proud to lend a helping hand to our neighbors who need it most. Our annual food drive will help to restock the shelves of the food banks in our area.”

Branch locations and details about the food drive can be found on Amboy’s w e b s i t e , w w w. A m b o y B a n k . c o m .

Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank a full-service commercial bank with 23 offices in Central New Jersey prides itself on quality service and responsiveness. Amboy Bank has been voted “Best Bank in Central Jersey” for the past 20 years in a row.

STUDENTS, STAFF THINK PINK, RAISING MORE THAN $5,000 Old Bridge High School held a day-long pink out event followed by a charity tailgate before one of its Friday night football games.

The Oct. 12 event raised more than $5,000.

In recognition that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, about 200 students, administrators, and staff attended the “Life is Sweet” event sponsored by Student Senate. The tailgate was held at Carl Sandburg Middle School and its adjacent parking lot, just prior to the start of the varsity football game against Sayreville.

In an effort to bring high school students together for this worthy cause, Student Senate asked staff members to donate their favorite sweet desserts, which included candy, cookies, cakes, and chocolate-covered pretzels.

Tickets to the tailgate cost $3 apiece and included food, fun-filled activities, and music. Students also had the opportunity to purchase pink t-shirts and tickets to the football game for $10 apiece.

In addition, students and staff focused on pink during the school day, when they participated in a series of activities at both the Main Building and the Ellen McDermott Grade Nine Center, raising awareness and funds for Senior Scholarship, which will be awarded in the spring to students directly affected by cancer. These activities included the sale of pink beads and leis, as well as face painting and hair braiding by members of the Cosmetology classes.

DONNA COTUGNO CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT TOTS & BLOCKS

How many people can say that they have had the same job for 30 years?

Maybe a handful? A community preschool in the heart of Old Bridge is proud to celebrate a woman who can claim that statement as truth.

Tots & Blocks Preschool, located on Rte 516, has been prepping children ages 2.5 to 6 for kindergarten for over 40 years. Donna Cotugno can say that’s she has been there for 30 of those years. Donna began as a bus driver for the school and quickly became a constant at Tots & Blocks. As a bus driver for those 30 years, she knows the ins and outs of this community, can locate an address and give directions in no time. While she always enjoys driving and greeting the children before school, she wanted to be more involved in their education. She eventually became an assistant teacher in the classroom.

While she has worked in every classroom at some point or another over her time in the school, she has been working with her current co-teacher for almost 10 years.

Donna’s positive attitude, commitment to the children in her care, and loyalty to the staff and families at school has made her a pillar of the Tots & Blocks community. Her consideration of the students and her respect for families has helped Tots & Blocks thrive in this community. Years after students have graduated, Donna always remembers students names and even their families. It is safe to say she loves what she does and she loves the community of Old Bridge!

The Tots & Blocks family knows that Donna will be a support through it all. She has been present for many of her colleagues life events. Donna will go above and beyond for her friends and her family and will be the teacher to work weekends and volunteer for community events.

She does this because she truly loves the school and the community!

Donna has been married to her best friend for 41 years and has 3 children, Jesse, Robert and Jamie. She is “Ama ” to 3 beautiful grandchildren, Hailee, Averie and

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Katherine. Her daughter Jamie is a graduate of Tots & Blocks, and her oldest granddaughter Hailee is also an alumnus while her middle grand-

NOVEMBER 2018

daughter is a current student. It is safe to say Tots & Blocks is in their family’s heart and soul! Donna’s oldest son Jesse met his wife at Tots

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& Blocks while she was student teaching. Donna is very quick to say “Love blooms at Tots & Blocks!”

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NOVEMBER 2018

NATIONAL DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

By Brenda Werneiwskei, Healthy Living Director, Old Bridge YMCA November is National Diab etes Awareness Month and the Old Bridge YMCA is enBrenda couraging evWerneiwskei eryone to learn their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease.

Diabetes is a class of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). The underlying cause of diabetes varies by type.

But, no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to serious health problems. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart failure and stroke. Numbers that are dramatically increasing in the last decade, it can affect anyone from children, adults, ethnicity and age.

Statistics from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than one in three Americans (84 million people) has prediabetes. Only 10 percent of those with prediabetes know they have it but with awareness and simple actions, people with prediabetes may prevent the onset of diabetes. Individuals can assess their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes by taking a simple test at YMCA.net/diabetes. Through this assessment, visitors can also learn how lifestyle

choices and family history help determine the ultimate risk for developing the disease. Several factors that could put a person at risk for type 2 diabetes include race, age, weight and activity level.

Making some basic lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living can decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Among these are: • Eat fruits and vegetables every day.

• Choose fish, lean meats and poultr y without skin.

• Aim for whole grains with every meal.

• B e moderately active, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

• Choose water to drink instead of beverages with added sugar.

The Old Bridge YMCA will have a few events for members and the general community to help raise awareness. On November 6, the YMCA with host a “Lunch and Learn” session, open to the public, to educate our community of the im-

portance of diabetes awareness and health-related issues. For more information, please call Brenda Werneiwskei at (732) 727-0704 ext. 310.

AMBOY BANK ANNOUNCES TWO PROMOTIONS IN LEADERSHIP ROLES

George E. Scharpf George E. Scharpf, Amboy Bank Chairman, President and CEO, recently announced the promotions of two officers. Those promoted include Gregory Scharpf, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Robert Beni, Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Real Estate Officer.

Scharpf said, “These promotions reflect Amboy Bank’s commitment to excellence. Both individ-

uals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their respective leadership roles. They have both played a vital role in our success, and we are proud to promote them into these important positions.”

Gregory Scharpf, who joined the bank in 2002, was previously a Vice President and Segment Manager with Bank of America. He was named Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer in 2008. He earned his undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary and an MBA at Vanderbilt University. He is a member of the Bank’s Board of Directors.

Bob Beni joined Amboy Bank in 2009, and with over 25 years lending experience, is responsible for commercial real estate lending for permanent and construction project financing. Beni graduated from the University of South Carolina with a

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degree in Finance & Real Estate. He currently resides in Hillsborough, NJ. Founded in 1888, Amboy Bank a

NOVEMBER 2018

full-service commercial bank with 23 offices in Central New Jersey prides itself on quality service and

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responsiveness. Amboy Bank has been voted “Best Bank in Central Jersey” for the past 20 years in a row.

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LIVING STONES into season. Families are seen everyTHANKING WHOM?

By Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge It was the best of months; it was the worst of months.

November carries with it the two extremes that make a season truly wonderful and profoundly troubling.

On the one hand, November is one of the most beautiful times of the year in New Jersey. The leaves are changing, the mornings grow crisp, and some of our most beloved fall activities come back

where making memories pumpkin picking, wandering through corn mazes, or just raking and playing in leaves on their front lawns.

The season comes to its ultimate crescendo in Thanksgiving. Beyond being the most anticipated meal of any holiday, Thanksgiving offers a time for many to sit back and reflect on the good of the last year with those they hold most dear.

Strong traditions provide a warmth and security that many crave and look forward to celebrating.

On the other hand, November is an inherently political month. With the midterm elections coming in the middle of an extremely rancorous time, it’s not exactly a bold prediction to say things will get nasty.

It seems today’s politics are more competitive than ever. We are more divided by party lines than we are united in trying to do what is best for our country. The “loudest voice wins” mentality is turning what used to be civil conversation into vitriolic discourse.

The ironic thing is that those who follow politics most closely are the

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE ones made most miserable by them.

Despite our dreams of grandeur and utopia, we are stuck forever spinning our wheels. The more someone trusts in politics, the more they live or die on every outcome. That kind of hopelessness needs a remedy.

This is normally where people turn to thankfulness to pull them out of the darkness. But that merely begs the question: what exactly does it mean to be thankful?

In situations where we normally thank someone, we are responding to something they have done for us. Whether it’s passing the salt at a meal, helping us with a work task, or saying “God bless you” after a sneeze, saying thanks is acknowledging someone gave you something you needed. Giving thanks can only mean something if there is someone you are thanking.

This is why Thanksgiving, apart from its Christian roots, cannot hold any significant meaning. Without having someone above us we thank, our thankfulness is empty talk.

Many think of themselves as selfmade people, pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps and

NOVEMBER 2018 making the life they enjoy today.

That mentality has started many businesses and launched many projects, but kills one’s ability to express genuine gratitude.

The message of the Bible is to show we cannot earn God. Our sinful thoughts and actions separate us from God, but God, loving us and valuing His creation, bridged that gap in the death and resurrection of Jesus His Son. By dying to pay for the penalty of sin and rising to conquer death, Jesus offers new life in Him. This is what motivates us to true thankfulness.

Some might push back on this bigger narrative citing a chaotic world as proof that God could not possibly be active today. Such thinking does not account for all God reveals in His Word. The Bible predicts all kinds of evil and suffering but also makes it clear that none of those things undo His ultimate plan. Regardless of the troubles we see, God’s plan of establishing His perfect kingdom on earth will still come to pass.

God’s plan may seem slow in unfolding to you, with much wasted

human potential. But He reminds us that His revealed purpose will take time to unfold. God allows let the wheat and weeds to grow together to the end when he will settle His business with this earth.

The Good News is He has the only answer to the human condition that can ensure that we share in His kingdom of peace!

The substitutionary death of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, pays the penalty for our sin and rebellion.

The response needed on our part is to change our mind about Him and believe His good news; in doing so, we are saved and have much to be thankful for. That’s why we’ll be having a night of worship and thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 21st at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge at 7:30pm. Our goal is to simply take a night and humble ourselves before God, admitting our failure and thanking Him for His strength.

If you’re looking to express real thankfulness, come and join us as we humble ourselves, remember our loving God, and thank Him for the wonderful things He has done.

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IN MEMORIAM

NOVEMBER 2018

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GERTRUDE M. TILTON

her children, Gert became a Kitchen and Bath Designer for over 25 years, first with Fresh Impressions and most recently with Fleetwood.

She was an active member of St Thomas the Apostle Church in Old Bridge, The St Thomas Women’s Club and Bowling, and the Rams Ma’ams Pop Warner Football. She was an avid hook rugger and often made them as gifts for her friends

and family. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children Lynda Hanrahan of Old Bridge, Mark Tilton and wife Marie of Freehold, Gregory Tilton and wife Gina of Avon, OH, Pegeen Dombrowsky and husband Larry of East Windsor, Douglas Tilton and wife Maureen of Highland Park, NJ, Monica Fahrer and husband Adam of Mount Pleas-

ant, SC, sister Patrice Stanton of Hackensack, and her 13 beloved grandchildren, Alan-Michael, Ryan, Amanda, Joseph, Andrew, Kevin, Peter, Victoria, Luke, Frank, David, Liam, and Allison.

Family and friends were invited to remember Gertrude on Friday, Oct 26 from 5-9PM at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516, Old Bridge. A funeral mass

was offered on Saturday, Oct 27 at 10:15 AM at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Old Bridge. Cremation was private. For those wishing to make a donation in her name please send to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 FieldCrest Avenue, Edison NJ 08837 www.gracehcs.com

ELAINE HAGEL

Brooklyn, New York. She lived in New York and New Jersey all her life, and graduated from Asbury Park High School. She later received her Master’s Degree in Education from Trenton State College. Elaine had a successful career as a teacher in

the Long Branch School District, where she was awarded New Jersey’s Teacher of the Year. She will be remembered as a dedicated and caring professional who was an inspiration to her students, family, and friends.

Elaine is survived by her loving

children Robin and her life partner Annah; Scott; sister, Adrienne; brother, Robert and his wife, Paula.

She was predeceased by her brother, Mark; and her beloved husband, Ferdinand.

Services were private and under

the direction of Waitt Funeral Hom e C re m at i on S e r v i c e s .

In lieu of flowers the family requested a tree to be planted in memory by visiting http://usa. jnf.org/jnf-tree-planting-center/

VINCENT SCARPARI

Vincent was a former professional boxer and New Jersey Golden Glove Champion. He was also elected into the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame. He was a self-employed mason contractor for more than 50 years. Vincent was an avid gardener, wine maker, and dedicated family man. He also enjoyed playing

the harmonica in his free time.

He is predeceased by his parents Francesca and Antonio Scarpari, brother Dominic Scarpari, sister Nina Martini, daughter-in-law Ellen Scarpari, daughter Nina Scarpari and wife of over 60 years, Marlynne Scarpari. Vincent is survived by his son John Scarpari of

Monroe Township; granddaughters Danielle Fraser (and her husband Joe), Michelle, Lauren, and Jackie; and his great grandson James.

A Memorial Visitation was held on Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 4-8 PM at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ. A Memorial Cryptside

Service was conducted on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the Forest Green Park Cemetery, 535 Texas Road, Morganville, NJ 07751. Condolences may be offered online at www.oldbridgefh.com

DOROTHY BOWEN

Jersey City, NJ, where she lived until 1987. She lived in Bayonne for many years before moving to Old Bridge in 2007. Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who kept a warm and loving home for her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her son, Donald of Barnagat, NJ; her loving daughter and son in-law, Dawn and Timothy Kehoe of Old Bridge, NJ; two granddaughters, Dana and Kaitlyn; and two grandsons, Edward and Garrett.

Dorothy was preceded in death

by her husband, Donald Bowen in 1978, and her second husband, John Bowen in 2003; and her daughter, Diane Bowen in 1986.

Visitation was held Sunday, October 28, 2018, from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, October 29, 2018, at 10:15 am at St Thomas the Apostle Church, 333 Hwy. 18, Old Bridge, NJ. Burial followed at the Rest Land Memorial Park, 77 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover, NJ 07936

Gertrude M. Tilton, 82 of Old Bridge passed away surrounded by her family on October 19, 2018 at the Chelsea of Marlboro. She was born in Union City to the late Urban Tietgen and Gertrude Lyons. She spent most of her life in Old Bridge where she resided for over 50 years and raised her family there. Earning her associate degree while raising E l a i n e Ha g e l , 7 8 , p a s s e d away on October 21, 2018 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 16, 1940 in Vincent Scarpari, 90, of Monroe Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Centra State Hospital in Freehold, NJ. Born in Varapodia, Italy, Vincent emigrated to the United States in 1945, settling in Old Bridge where he lived for over 50 years.

Dorothy Bowen, 78, of Old Br idge NJ, p ass e d away on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Dorothy was born on July 2, 1940 to George and Isabell Foulke in NORMA G. MARCINANIS

Norma G. Marcinanis, 80, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at her residence.

Norma was born on June 12, 1938 to Harry and Mabel Brown in Perth Amboy, NJ. On June 23, 1956 , Norma married Ronald F. Marcinanis. She was a lifelong resident of Matawan, NJ. Norma also lived in Florida for 10 years before moving to Old Bridge in 2006. Norma worked as an Actuarial Analyst for Prudential Insurance Company in Holmdel, NJ for 10 years before retiring in 1987. Norma was a devoted wife, mother , and grandmother who cherished her family dearly. She also loved her two dogs, Ginger and Bucky. While living in Florida, Norma often provided dog sitting service to who ever was in need.

Norma is survived by her two daughters and her son-in-law, Cathy Mae and Thomas Boland of Matawan, NJ, and Susan A. Gerwien

of Old Bridge, NJ ; her sister, Shirley Toth of South Amboy, NJ ; four grandchildren, Eric Boland, Ronald , Peter, and Amy Gerwien.

She was preceded in death in 2001 by her husband, Ronald Marcinanis, and her son, Ronald F. Marcinanis, Jr in 1988; her brother, Harry Brown in 1985, and her sister, Mabel Schmidt in 2011.

Visitation was held Tuesday, October 16, 2018 from 6 to 8 PM at Waitt Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 501 hwy.

79, Morganville, NJ. 07751.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Private cremation followed at t h e Ho l y C r o s s C r e m a tor y in East Brunswick, NJ. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions were made to Hackensack Meridian Hospice.

On line condolences can b e g ive n at w w w. w aitt f h . c om .

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OLD BRIDGE MUA EMERGENCY FUEL STORAGE

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NOVEMBER 2018

NJ I-BANK AND NJDEP HELPING TO IMPROVE NEW JERSEY’S INFRASTRUCTURE, ONE PROJECT AT A TIME

NJ I-BANK PROJECT OF THE WEEK: OLD BRIDGE MUA EMERGENCY FUEL STORAGE FACILITY.AUTHORITY RECEIVES $1,390,180 IN WATER BANK LOANS ESTIMATED SAVINGS TO RATE PAYERS OF $597,496.

The Old Bridge Municipal Utilities Authority recently completed construction of an emergency fuel storage facility with approximately $1.4 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a joint low-rate funding program of the DEP and the NJIB. This project qualified for principal forgiveness totaling $261,519 as it addressed damage from Superstorm Sandy and improved resilience for future storms. Including interest cost savings, total savings for this project are estimated to be $597,496 over the 20-year term of the loan or 42% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 16 direct construction jobs.

The project included the construction of an emergency fuel storage facility and the installation of two 10,000-gallon fuel storage tanks. Also included were fuel pumps and a shed for housing monitoring and safety equipment.

#CHOOSEPT It’s no secret that we are currently in the midst of an opioid epidemic. The CDC recommends Physical Therapy (PT) and other non drug options for chronic pain. Lower back pain is also an extremely common musculoskeletal ailment and up to this point, it has become all too common for folks suffering back pain to start on the wrong foot towards opioid use.

Significant portions of opioid scripts filled are intended to treat musculoskeletal ailments. One of the conditions for which opioids were most commonly prescribed and filled was back pain. But, a 2016 study in JAMA Internal Medicine

According to Guy Donatelli, Executive Director of the Old Bridge MUA, “This project provides the Township with a guaranteed flow of safe drinking water, the quality of which exceeds State and Federal safety standards. It is an example of the MUA’s efforts to upgrade and expand the system as needed to ensure a more than adequate water supply at the lowest possible costs. The new fuel storage facility and generator installed under this project at the Route 516 Maintenance Garage site will provide the Authority with added resiliency of our fuel supply and back-up generator power during future power outages due to adverse weather conditions and natural disasters such as Super Storm Sandy.”

This project was managed by CME Associates, and subcontracted by American Petroleum Equipment & Construction. found that the evidence to support the effectiveness of opioids (for low back pain) is lacking. This begs the question, why prescribe opioids for back pain? The good news is that current guidelines clearly do not support the use of opioids for back pain. Instead options like PT are preferable as the first line of defense or first provider seen.

In fact, a study at Boston University School of Public Health examining opioid exposure as it relates to first provider seen found that patients are 75-90% less likely to have short or long term exposure to opioids if the first provider is a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, or licensed Acupuncturist as compared to seeing a primary care physician (PCP) or other medical specialist.

The same study found that patients are 10% to 25% less likely to see a PT, rather than PCP, if the copay is greater than $20 or deductible is greater than $300. For patients, choosing the less costly option in the short term may seem like a good idea but it seems there are potentially harmful effects in the

long term. Hopefully in the years to come, we’ll see insurance providers make it more affordable for patients

to obtain effective conservative treatment first. In the meantime, patients will have to weigh the cost

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NOVEMBER 2018

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OLD BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS 17 GERMAN STUDENTS FROM DUISBURG Old Bridge High School recently hosted 17 students and two teachers from the Steinbart Gymnasium in Duisburg, Germany as part of a Homestay Exchange program.

And this spring, the OBHS teens will travel to Duisburg, where they will attend classes, visit local sites, and practice their language skills.

During their two-week stay, the German students and chaperones attended classes, ate in the school lunch room, met with other students and teachers, and toured New York City.

“The students are getting to know the high school and family life in the US,” said Michael Spliethoff, a German teacher from Steinbart, who has participated in this program for the past three years. “They visited sites like Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the Museum of Natural History. They took a bus tour of Old Bridge and took part at the Pink Out game.”

He said the teens also individually experienced life in New Jersey with their host families, including taking a hay ride, attending a Devil’s hockey game, and participating in a Zombie paint ball activity.

This marks the sixth year of the program, which was originally set up by Old Bridge High School German teacher Anna Cotis, who is familiar with the program first hand. She said when she was in high school she participated in the same exchange program.

to create friendships and memories that last a lifetime, she said. . “Each year, students and families from across the ocean get to experience life in a new land, flavor the tastes of a different land, and be immersed in a new culture,” Keiller said. “While we are able to awe at some of the unique characteristics of a new culture, we quickly realize that it is our similarities which bring us together.”

OBHS German teacher Brita Schmitz said she believes participating in an exchange program is the best way to learn not only the language, but the culture and the daily life in a foreign country.

“It always amazes me what all the students discover and how many times they come back and say, ‘I did not know that in Germany, people....’,” Schmitz said. “No matter how many times we tell our students about cultural differences, there is nothing that can replace experiencing them first hand.”

This year the 17 teenagers from Duisburg, Germany were paired with 17 students, who are enrolled in either German III or German IV at OBHS. Each of the German students was assigned a host family with whom he or she ate meals and slept at their Old Bridge home.

In April, the OBHS students will travel to Duisburg, where they will be hosted by their German

partners for their two-week stay.

According to Anahita Keiller, director of Arts and Culture for the Old Bridge School District, the German Exchange program at Old Bridge has become a part of the high school’s annual experiences.

Although it began as a way for students to learn about the culture of a language the students are studying in school, it has become a way

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NOVEMBER 2018

CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NOVEMBER 2018 November 8, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge and Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy is providing stroke support group meetings for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers Thursday, November 8. Attendees have an opportunity to connect with and learn from stroke experts as they provide guidance to help survivors and their families maximize their quality of life and navigate survivorship. Meetings will include new discussion topics each month, Q&A sessions with experts, and connections to available resources. Light refreshments will be served and meetings will be held in English and Spanish. The meetings will be held in Suite 101, 2 Hospital Plaza, Raritan Bay-Old Bridge, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Centennial Hall B, 530 New Brunswick Ave., Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 9, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Friday, November 9, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 12, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Institute of Weight Loss at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, issponsoring an “Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?” seminar Monday, November 12, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The informative event will focus on weight loss surgery including discussion on Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Gastric Sleeve and concerns surrounding weight loss surgery as well as its successes. Family and friends are welcome. The meeting will be held in Suite 404, Medical Arts

Building, 3 Hospital Plaza. Registration required, call 1-855-TIME4-ME (1.855.846.3463).

November 13, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Tuesday, November 13, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., in the Patient Education Center, 1st Floor, Medical and Surgical Pavilion, 2 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 13, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, monthly tour of Check out our Cribs: Maternity Tour and Family Health information open house will be held Tuesday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. Newly expectant parents are invited to tour and learn about the maternity unit’s modern comforts, designed to provide a calm and relaxing birthing experience. Participants are asked to meet in the main lobby of Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. Registration required, call 1-800-5609990 and reference zip code 08861 November 14, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. Integrative Health Services at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, is holding a free Your Resilience Toolbox workshop Wednesday, November 14, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the 4th floor cafeteria, 530 New Brunswick Ave. In this one-hour workshop learn a variety of breathing techniques and self-care tips to help you thrive during challenging times. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 14, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Institute for Weight Loss at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, is sponsoring an “Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?” seminar Wednesday, Novem-

ber 14, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Medical Arts Building, Suite 404, 3 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ. Board certified General and Bariatric Surgeon Bennet Togbe, M.D., will discuss weight loss surgery including Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, Adjusting Gastric Banding, and Gastric Sleeve and the concerns surrounding weight loss surgery as well as its successes. Family and friends are welcome. Registration required, call 1-855-TIME4-ME (1.855.846.3463).

November 16, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Friday, November 16, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 20, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Tuesday, November 20, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., in the Patient Education Center, 1st Floor, Medical and Surgical Pavilion, 2 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 23, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Friday, November 23, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more

about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 27, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Tuesday, November 27, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., in the Patient Education Center, 1st Floor, Medical and Surgical Pavilion, 2 Hospital Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 28, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy is sponsoring a Pet First Aid CourseWednesday, November 28, 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. This program focuses on emergency first aid treatment for dogs and cats but in no way takes the place of veterinary care. A veterinary physician should always be consulted for definitive care. The program includes injury prevention and disaster preparation, personal safety precautions to help pet owners identify and minimize risks, a care for pet emergencies including bleeding and wounds, cardiac arrest, choking, burns, poisonings and trauma. Please do not bring your pet. We use manikins to practice on. The cost is $50.00 per person.

Registration required, call Mary at 732-324-5393 or email: michelle. norek@hackensackmeridian.org November 28, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Institute of Weight Loss at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, is sponsoring a Bariatric Weight Loss Support Group Meeting Wednesday, November 28, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Raritan Bay-Old Bridge, 2 Hospital Plaza. For individuals who have had surgery, are contemplating weight loss surgery or trying to maintain a healthy weight. Family

and friends are welcome. The meeting will be held in Auxiliary Hall B, 3 Hospital Plaza. Registration required, call 1-855-TIME4-ME (1.855.846.3463).

November 28, 2018 OLD BRIDGE. The Institute of Weight Loss at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Old Bridge, issponsoring an “Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for Me?” seminar Wednesday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The informative event will focus on weight loss surgery including discussion on Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Gastric Sleeve and concerns surrounding weight loss surgery as well as its successes. Family and friends are welcome. The meeting will be held in Suite 404, Medical Arts Building, 3 Hospital Plaza, Raritan Bay-Old Bridge. Registration required, call 1-855-TIME4-ME (1.855.846.3463).

November 29, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. The Center for Bariatric Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy is holding a free seminar “Weight Loss Surgery: The Facts” Thursday, November 29, 6:00 p.m., in Centennial Hall A, 530 New Brunswick Ave. Center for Bariatric Surgery Medical Director Karl Strom, M.D., will discuss the benefits of weight loss surgery. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

November 30, 2018 PERTH AMBOY. The Human Motion Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center-Perth Amboy, issponsoring a free Total Joint Replacement Education session Friday, November 30, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at Raritan Bay-Perth Amboy, 530 New Brunswick Ave. The session is intended for patients who have been scheduled for joint replacement surgery or for those who would like to learn more about joint replacement. Registration required, call 1-800-560-9990.

CCS PIE FUNDRAISER SET

By Joseph A. Conte Calvary Christian School students will hold their annual pie fundraiser this Thanksgiving season, with the proceeds going toward the school’s future funds. Last year, almost 400 pies were sold, and the goal this year is to exceed that total There will be a wide variety pie flavors available, including Apple, Pumpkin, Mince, Cherry and Pecon.

Apple was the most popular pie sold.

Each school class engages in a friendly competition for selling the most pies, with the First Grade class emerging as the winner a year ago.

The event holds significant meaning for all of the classes involved.

“The importance of the pie fundraiser to the school is not just a means of raising money for CCS but is also a way to promote our school and message of ‘Education

by Discipleship’ to the community,” said Mr. Gosvenor, the First Grade teacher. “It is also important because it boosts camaraderie amongst the teachers, staff and families involved.”

The pie fundraiser is important to the school and church community as it creates an incentive for everyone to get involved, he added. He also lauds the event’s impact on the students.

“The fundraiser teaches the students that they can make a difference even at a young age,” said Mr. Grosvenor. “They learn many fundamental life skills such as math, understanding the use of money, and people skills.”

The money earned from the fundraiser assists in the school’s mission, which ultimately impacts

the students’ education. According to School Director Daniel Simon, this fundraiser will support several fiscal priorities, including financial aid, technology resources, and enrichment programs.

“This event isn’t only about selling pies; it’s about helping to create a better future for the kids and instilling a sense of achievement in the students,” said Mr. Simon. “The students involved in this fundraiser should feel a sense of accomplishment in supporting a cause outside their direct circle of contact.”

He added that “Every hour dedicated to the fundraising effort will bring in resources that support individuals and programs that are part of the overall school community and there is great satisfaction in being a blessing to others even when there may be no direct personal impact.”

Those interested in assisting in the fundraiser by purchasing a pie can do so by filling out an order form from Calvary Christian School and then selecting the pie flavor After that, pies can be picked up from the CCS front desk. All proceeds will go into securing a better future for these students and making it possible to hold more events like this in the future.

RABBIE SET TO SPEAK ON OPERATION MOSES Rabbi Seth Frisch, of The New Shul in Philadelphia, will speak as Scholar-in-Residence at Cong re g at i on B e t h O h r of O l d Bridge, Friday evening, November 2 and Saturday, November 3.

He will discuss his participation in Operation Moses, t he res c ue op erat ion w hich brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel.

He will speak at Friday evening’s service, which begins at 7:30, following an optional 6:00 dinner. The cost to attend the dinner is $25 for Beth Ohr members, $30 for non-members.

Saturday morning’s service begins at 9:30. Rabbi Frisch will again

speak, at an optional kiddush lunch, following the service. He will talk about different perspectives of the Exodus. The fee for lunch is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

If you wish to participate in either or both meals RSVP to Linda Benish at 609-426-8727 (palinda@aol.com), or to the temple office at 732-2571523 (congregationbethohr@gmail. com). Make checks payable to Congregation Beth Ohr with “Scholar in Residence” in the memo line.

The program is sponsored by the Heidi Rogol Memorial Fund.

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

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2018

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Alumni Path Foundation 23 Riverdale Ave Old Bridge, NJ 08857

732-599-9559 alumnipathfoundation@gmail.com The Alumni Path Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that raises money for student athletic and performing arts programs. At this time, The Alumni Path Foundation is sponsoring high school students as they perform at the PEARL HARBOR COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY in Hawaii.

The band will participate in the official public ceremony prior to the military parade. They will join the Marine Band and the other bands to perform, God Bless American as a joint expression of gratitude for our WWII veterans who will all be in attendance.

In addition to the parade and the public ceremony the band will perform in front of the USS Missouri in honor of the anniversary of the end of WWII, the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945.

We are seeking donations and corporate sponsors. We will show your support on a commemorative T-Shirt for each of the performers. Corporate sponsors with at least $1,000 donations will have a large logo displayed on the back of the shirt.

Business has been very supportive of our causes in the past, and it is through generous support that we have been able to affect 1,500 kids and organizations. If you are unable to provide support at this time, please keep the Alumni Path Foundation in your through. We are all volunteers that spend our time providing support for children’s programs which keep kids off the streets and involved in productive activities. Our time today, enhances their future.

-Alumni Path Foundation • Nora L Schmitz • Executive Director

Sponsorship Tier $1,000 Large logos $500 Small logos $250 Business Name $100 Sponsors Name $15 pre-sale T-Shirt order Please make checks payable to ALUMNI PATH FOUNDATION The Alumni Path Foundation is a volunteer and recognized tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All Proceeds benefits high school athletic performing arts programs. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible and non-refundable. Consult your tax advisor to determine deductibility rules. Tax ID 27-2086290

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2018

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2018

OBESITY IN PETS IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THAN YOU THINK

By Anita Greenberg, DVM

Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the E a st Br un sw ick Animal Hospital for 28 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016.

Those pleading eyes may be hard to resist, but if you want your pet to enjoy a healthy, long life just say no!

Obesity rates in dog and cats in the United States continue to rise. Recent reports indicate 59 percent of our pet dogs and 60 percent of our pet cats are obese.

Obesity is defined as excess body fat capable of causing or exacerbating disease. Obesity leads to a long list of serious debilitating

conditions in both dogs and cats.

It also shortens their lives and compromises their quality of life.

Pets live longer and more comfortably if they are a healthy weight.

Obesity related diseases in dogs and cats are entirely preventable.

Financial implications are serious, too. The cost to treat your pet for obesity related conditions may simply be eliminated by feeding better food and less food. Avoid the cost in health care and medication due to obesity related diseases by keeping your pet fit and trim.

Weight loss may be a daunting process for many pet owners. Start with achievable goals. Weigh your pet every two-to-four weeks, and make adjustments as necessary.

The first step to achieving weight loss is to determine what is being fed. Keep a journal of everything that is offered over a week’s time.

Keep it simple. Pets that lose the weight gradually are more likely to keep the weight off than those that quickly drop the weight. Be consistent: Losing one or two pounds per mouth is adequate.

Calculate the pet’s energy require-

ment and use a measuring cup for precision and repeatability. There are many weight control diets available. Also use low calorie treats.

Simply breaking a treat in half and offering small pieces is beneficial. Fruits and vegetables make excellent low calorie snacks for dogs (no grapes or raisins).

Treats for cats and dogs can be tiny cubes of low fat cheese.

Carbohydrates are the biggest cause of obesity in both dogs and cats. Your carnivore pets need food high in animal protein and moisture.

You need to nourish your pet’s body as weight loss occurs, making sure the requirement for key amino acids, essential fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals are met.

Daily exercise is an absolute must for weight loss in dogs and cats. Many people who have backyards no longer walk their dogs. Walks benefit the health of both the dog and the owner.

Provide your cats with perches to climb, scratching posts and interactive toys. Exercising also helps your pet mentally and emotionally, and decreases behavioral problems.

In order for your pet to lose weight, daily exercise is essential. Start out gradually with 20 minutes a day and increase to an hour of aerobic activity. Your pet will burn fat, increase muscle tone and keep his mind alert.

Overweight dogs and cats have become the “new normal.” As a result, many pet owners cannot tell the difference between a fat pet and a normal pet. Look down at your pet from above. You should be able to see a tapered waist from chest to abdomen. You should be able to feel but not see your pet’s ribs. When viewed from the side, the abdomen should appear tucked up. Fat tends to deposit around the abdomen, hips and neck.

Some of the most common dog obesity related conditions are osteoarthritis, torn cruciate ligaments, intervertebral disc disease, diabetes, hepatitis, congestive heart failure, cystitis or urinary tract disease, kidney disease, hypothyroidism and hypertension.

In cats the most common obesity related diseases are, diabetes, cystitis or urinary tract disease,

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chronic renal failure, hepatitis, osteoarthritis, asthma, hypertension, congestive heart failure, gall bladder disorders and spondylosis.

T h e s y mpt om t h at o b e s e cats and dogs share is inactivity and increased sleeping.

Make your pets healthier, happier and extend their lives by helping them avoid obesity!

FORMULA FOR DAILY CALORIE INTAKE

DAILY CALORIES FOR CANINES = BODY WEIGHT (KILOGRAMS) X 30 + 70 DAILY CALORIES FOR FELINES = BODY WEIGHT (KILOGRAMS) +70 X .8