All Around Old Bridge November 2019 Vol 5.2

OLDBRIDGE ALLAROUND

Mayor's office of Economic Development OB OLD BRIDGE Pursuing Progress _ _ _ _ _

VOL 5, NO 2

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

NOVEMBER 2019

OLD BRIDGE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIP WITH DUPONT CORP.

GIVE2THOSE ANNUAL EIGHT-DAY STRIDE AND RIDE RELAY MAKES STOP IN OLD BRIDGE FOR MOVING 9/11 CEREMONY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH RARITAN BAY CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON NEW EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Continued on page 22 Old Bridge Township’s Parks and Recreation Department celebrated its new partnership with the DuPont Corporation with a special kickoff of the Camp ROBIN Friday Nights Teen Program on Friday, Oct. 4, with special guests Mayor Owen Henry and employees from DuPont in attendance. DuPont sponsored the first night of activities for the Friday Nights, which included a Game Truck, bingo, crafts, and games. The evening concluded with an Ice Cream Social where DuPont employees helped the campers make ice cream sundaes. The community partnership between DuPont’s Parlin site and Old Bridge Township is a result of summer meetings between DuPont and Matt Mercurio, Director of Parks and Recreation and Anahita Feltz, Manager of Silver Linings at Old Bridge, and the Old Bridge Food Bank. An initial $7,500 donation was made to Camp ROBIN by DuPont to fund various items and programs. The donation has gone Latest addition will more than double the facility’s current footprint Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center Old Bridge broke ground in October on its new Emergency Department, a $39 million investment that will encompass 24,000 s quare fe et – more than double the facility’s current footprint. “At Hackensack Meridian Health, our focus Continued on page 2 The annual Give2Those eightday Stride and Ride Relay came to Old Bridge on Oct. 8, 2019, where it began the morning with a special assembly at the Ellen McDermott Grade 9 Center, greeted by student cheers as organization members entered the building. Afterward, Mayor Owen Henry officiated over a moving ceremony at the Municipal Complex, welcoming the charity group to Old Bridge Township. Give2Those charity founder Heather Viveiros paid tribute to the 15 Old Bridge residents lost on Sept. 11, 2001 by presenting Mayor Henry with a wooden American Flag plaque bearing the names of those residents. During the ceremony, a special Purple Heart plaque was also presented in honor of Old Bridge resident Robert “Skip” Kitchen. It was accepted on behalf of the Kitchen family by Skip’s lifelong friend, Michael Chonery. The plaque was created by Doug Pickel, who is the only civilian permitted to make the Purple Heart plaques. Continued on page 30

MAYOR’S MESSAGE FROM MAYOR OWEN HENRY

Mayor Owen Henry Dear residents, Many exciting developments continue around our great town, and I would like to take this oppor- tunity to highlight several of them. On Monday, Oc. 28, I attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the $39 million expansion of the emergency room at Hackensack Me- ridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center on Route 1 8 . Up o n i t s completion next year, the Center will feature one of New Jersey’s most state-ofthe-art emergency medical units. This enhanced and expanded center will help better serve our residents, offering top medical care to the local community while adding highly skilled jobs. In addition, construction is almost complete on the Township’s first hotel, the Hampton Inn by Hilton on Spring Valley Road and Route 18 (well, the first since the Cheesequake Hotel – now the Pine Tavern – which was built around 1860). Expected to open early next year, the hotel will provide beautiful new lodging options for those in town for business, or for an event at one of our many venues, or while visiting patients at the Medical Center. This facility will also gen- erate many new jobs in the hospitality industry. Stay tuned for more details about the grand opening. Veterans Day will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 11. Please take some time during the day to re- member the men and women and their families for their great sac- rifices and service to our country. In observance of the day, all Township offices will be closed. Thanksgiving is also right around the corner and it provides a perfect opportunity to give thanks for all that we have and to spend quality time with those close to us. This is also an important time to give to those in need in our com- munity. The volunteers at our Food Bank work very hard to collect food and make special baskets to distrib- ute to local families. Donations are being accepted at the Food Bank and the Old Bridge Public Library. Financial donations are also accepted at the Food Bank; please call 732-721-5600 exten- sion 2022 for more information. Old Bridge residents have always been very generous in these efforts, and I’d like to thank you in advance for your contri- butions towards feeding those who might otherwise go hungry. In closing, I wish you and your families and loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving, full of delicious meals and wonderful memories. Sincerely, Mayor Owen Henry Please take some time during the day to remember the men and women and their families for their great sacrifices and service to our country. In observance of the day, all Township offices will be closed.

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE NOVEMBER 2019 THINK OLD BRIDGE By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office Steve Mamakas Local Economic Development (LED) is a broad term in the Economic Development community and used by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development for planning and growth. Part of the internal overall Economic Development Office’s strategy involves an in-depth and ongoing town wide review and assessment of the Retail, Commercial, Entertainment and other types of businesses in Old Bridge. We realize that these sectors are key but need to also stay focused on the new business types on the horizon. In this new age of specialty and non-traditional retail type businesses the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development constantly performs an analysis to identify trends; and growing these new sectors. This includes working with the county’s Economic Development Office and merging it together to provide a comprehensive overview to keep the town moving forward. We have helped grow the town substantially in the past few years by increasing the occupied square footage throughout the town and identifying strategies, programs, and projects to help and improve the overall business base; by identifying zoning and ordinances that are outdated, which can help deliver even more smart growth; and by having fewer past policies and ordinances that hinder the direction of economic growth can slow progress. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, working with the Mayor, the administration, other departments – such as planning and engineering – and the town council and township boards looks to define the needed reviews of the zoning and ordinances that drive the proper updates that make the town even more desirable. These steps help deliver the mission to welcome all types of new businesses. Examples of new trends are Breweries, Entertainment Centers and even competition-related business such as Hatchet Throwing and even Badminton. There are many unique types of businesses that show the shift taking place. The economic development’s office slogan is “Pursuing Progress.” One of the goals is to be proactive and to be prepared for the shift. This helps with the steady increase of new types and traditional businesses selecting Old Bridge and those seeking to open in a town that is showing great growth. Please visit the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development to check out all the exciting happenings from grand openings to groundbreaking events in Economic Development here in Old Bridge @ facebook.com\obetownedo or on Twitter @ twitter.com/obedonj SOHO STUDIOS SALON HOLDS GRAND OPENING IN BILOW SHOPPING CENTER ON ROUTE 516 Mayor Owen Henry and Steve Mamakas, Executive Officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, presided over the grand opening celebration of The Soho Studios Salon, located at 2551 Route 516 in the Bilow Shopping Center, on Sunday, Oct. 27.

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE NOVEMBER 2019 CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS’ SOCCER TEAM AN INSPIRATION TO OPPOSING PLAYERS AND PARENTS Dear Calvary Christian School Students, Parent and Guardians: Below are some unsolicited words of encouragement that have recently been shared by parents, coaches and fans of opposing teams. While all three are specific to girls’ soccer, we see and hear it in many other contexts. These exemplify the heart of our mission at CCS and I know you ALL take pride in receiving encouragement like this. The seeds we plant and water on a daily basis bear fruit and make an impact, even if we don’t realize it. Please continue to pray for opportunities to shine the light of Christ and for the courage to say and do what is right, even when society and culture try to pull us in another direction. Thank you to ALL of the CCS staff, who tirelessly pour into our students and pray without ceasing for wisdom and understanding to be a Godly example. We are truly blessed to be called to serve in this role. The following letter was sent to us and is worth sharing: “I just wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to you as well as the girls’ soccer coaches, Coach Poole and Coach Meacham, and congratulate you all on how impressed I was with your soccer team yesterday at Point Pleasant Beach High School. “My daughter is on the PPBHS varsity team as one of the goalkeepers. She showed me the card that your keeper “Angie” gave her yes- terday after the game. I wanted you to know how much it affected me and my daughter in such a positive way. It’s such a nice touch to show another team appreciation during sports and just as human beings. I have watched and witnessed a lot of not-so-nice things during games and seen a lot of negativity with teams and it becomes a little disheartening after a while. I grew up in an age that your team is your family and, unfortunately, I don’t see that very often anymore. “I think people and teams seem to forget that this is high school and not the World Cup. What happens on the field may stay with some and with some they may just brush it off. “You should be unbelievably proud of your school and the girls’ soccer team. What a nice bunch of young women. I am honored that we were able to play your school yesterday and got to experience such a positive game in what can too often be a not-so-nice sport. “You have made a lifetime change in my daughter that she will not forget. “Ag ai n , you r s cho ol and coaches should be very proud.” This note was passed on to us and is worth sharing as well: “I had the pleasure of watching the girls’ soccer game yesterday versus Spotswood and just want to relay something that I am sure you are fully aware of, what a great group of girls, coaches, and parents you have that represent Calvary Christian. “And I also have to throw out there, what a talented player number 2 is -- like `wow good.’ “Good luck to you guys.” Finally, this is yet another note sent to our attention: “I am a parent of one of the girls on Highland Park’s soccer team. First of all, congratulations on the win today! I would like to share this attached picture as it touched my heart. My daughter was one of the girls that joined Calvary Christian in their prayer after the game. As we are not totally religious, this was a proud moment for me that my daugh- ter joined in. I’m sorry the whole team did not, but you have to count your blessings where they come.” EDITOR’S NOTE: THE FOLLOWING LETTERS WERE SENT TO CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BY OPPOSING TEAMS’ PARENTS FOLLOWING GIRLS’ SOCCER MATCHES. THEY ARE BEING SHARED PUBLICLY BY DANIEL D. SIMON, SR., THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR AT CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL.

QUALITY CHEVROLET ON ROUTE 9 IN OLD BRIDGE EARNS GM MARK OF EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR 2018 Jordan Wright, the owner of Quality Chevrolet of Old Bridge, has always been proud that his dealership lives up to its name. “But now,” Wright said, after Quality Chevrolet earned the prestigious General Motors Mark of Excellence Award for 2018, “GM has made it official.” According to General Motors, the GM Mark of Excellence Award “is an accomplishment reserved for only a select few outstanding Chevrolet dealerships and is a symbol of extraordinary performance in sales and customer satisfaction excellence.” Quality Chevrolet has been recognized as one of those choice dealerships for 2018, being cited for the honor in October. Quality Chevrolet carries the full lineup of Chevrolet vehicles in its state-of-the-art Route 9 South facility and specializes in trucks and SUVs. For businesses, the dealership offers the complete line of Chevrolet vans with a custom shop that can provide specialty paint jobs, vehicle wraps and more. The dealership’s Service Department features expert GM-trained technicians, loaner cars, valet service and the convenience of Saturday service hours. Quality Chevrolet’s Parts Department is fully stocked with parts, accessories and tires to ensure that service appointments go smoothly. Wright, a second-generation dealer, says his family-owned and operated Quality Chevrolet “has learned a thing or two about what makes customers happy and what makes for an enjoyable buying experience.” Quality Chevrolet’s Mark of Ex- cellence Award attests to Wright’s statement, as do hundreds of 5-star reviews from the dealership’s sat- isfied sales and service customers. Wright credits Quality Chev- rolet’s success to its remarkably dedicated and hard-working employees in every department, who strive every day to earn customers for life. “We could not do this without them,” Wright said. To learn more ab out the award-winning Quality Chevrolet, visit the dealership at 1292 Route 9 South in Old Bridge, go online at www.qualitychevroletnj.com, or call 732-316-2600.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE NOVEMBER 2019 MICHAEL BOBISH NAMED NEW OLD BRIDGE LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Library Director Michael Bobish Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m.: Special Concert: Diego Allessandro Nov 2nd

Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m.: Meetup.com class ** Nov 7th

Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2:30 p.m.: Second Saturday Concert: Navesink Brass Quintet Nov 9th

The Old Bridge Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of new Library Director Michael Bobish, who began his tenure on Oct. 15. A New Jersey native and graduate of Rutgers University, Bobish brings many years of experience as a librarian and branch manager. He joins us from the well-respected Multnomah County Library in Portland, Ore., where he first served as a Supervisor and then as a Regional Manager. Before moving to the Pacific Northwest, he worked at the Ocean County Library for almost a decade in various roles. Originally from Point Pleasant, N.J., Bobish and his wife and two young sons are happy to return

to their Jersey roots and family. Bobish said that in his short time here so far he has been consistently amazed by the support that our community shows towards the Library. He noticed how there is constant flow of patrons utilizing our study rooms, checking out materials from our wide selection of books, movies and video games, and attending our engaging programming for children, teens, and adults. “Members of this community truly champion their Library, and I am thrilled to become a part of the great work our staff and volunteers do for our residents and supporters,” he said. Bobish’s goal is to ensure that the Library continues to serve

the vibrant, diverse Old Bridge population with appropriate resources and services, further strengthening its position as an essential community center. “I am optimistic about what the future holds for the Library, and I look forward to meeting many of you,” he said. “Please feel free to introduce yourselves the next time you’re in the Library.” Please join us in welcoming Michael to the Library – and to our great community!

Upcoming Events

Monday, Nov. 11, at 7p.m.: Easy Thanksgiving Desserts (grades 4-6) ** Nov 11th Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7p.m.: Adult Trivia Night Nov 13th

Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m.: WordPress and Websites ** Nov 16th

Monday. Nov. 18, at 11 a.m.: Watercolor Class with Stephanie Bellows ** Nov 18th

Sunday, Nov. 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Sand Art Craft (grades K-6) Nov 24th

Monday. Nov. 25, at 11 a.m.: Lydia.com Class ** Nov 25th

**Registration required

1.5 million animals are euthanized annually. It is critical to spay and neuter your pets and prevent them from roaming free. Overpopulation is the leading killer of shelter pets. Animal shelters can be stressful, scary places for lost, abandoned, and homeless animals. The environment is unfamiliar, with strange noises, smells, people and other animals. Pets can have anxiety in shelters, experience boredom, form bad behaviors and become withdrawn. The pet may pace as well as con- tinuously paw or dig. Pets may chew or excessively lick themselves, causing irritations and secondary bacterial infections. Some pets are sensitive to the strong disinfec- tants used to keep the facility clean. It is very sad to imagine looking at the world through bars in a cage. Many shelters incorporate music therapy, aromatherapy, exercise, and playtime programs. MAKE ANIMAL SHELTERS YOUR FIRST STOP TO FIND LOVING PETS Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for 30 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 By Anita Greenberg, DVM

For both the Animal Control Officer (ACO) and the compan- ion animals living in shelters, there are numerous challenges. The ultimate goal is always the same – to find homes for these pets. The ACO provides food, water and a clean environment. He or she comforts the animals, assesses the pet’s health, prevents the spread of infectious diseases, oversees the facility, responds to complaints, goes on calls to retrieve injured animals, and performs mass removals of animals from hoarders’ homes. The ACO deals with the never-ending plight of homeless animals, faced with limited funds and insufficient hands to help. The safety and well-being of the animals at the shelter is the top priority. There is an emotional toll while working with animals. It is often difficult to deal with the situation that leads to pets being surren- dered. Sometimes it is the passing of the owners. Many times, the owners cannot train the pet or did not realize the work involved in caring for a pet, who may have behavioral problems or be aggressive. Sometimes the pet is surrendered because an individual may develop allergies. Divorces or changes in living accommodations are common reasons as well. The ACO tries to educate the public about spaying and neutering, and the responsibilities of pet ownership. For all the frustrations, working with companion animals and finding them the right home brings great satisfaction. It is critical to have a shelter that is friendly and inviting, so people feel welcome and eager to adopt. Animal control officers are very involved in the community and foster a strong relationship with the public. They are essential when disaster strikes, stepping in when fire, flood or other calamity displace pets. It is estimated that 5.7 million animals enter shelters each year in the United States, with nearly 3.2 million adopted into forever homes. Lost dogs are reunited with their owners six times more often than cats. And sadly, more than Volunteers are vital to the operation of shelters, providing assistance by walking and exercising dogs, and socializing and playing with cats, to stimulate them mentally. It is lonely being a shelter animal. Sadly, the animals are alone for extended periods. Efforts are made to place shelter pets with foster families, which helps to acclimate the pet before it lands a permanent home. In Old Bridge, we have a wonderful Animal Shelter on Route 516. I encourage everyone to go visit and make it your first stop when looking for a dog or cat. During this holiday season, let’s clear the shelter. If you are able to open your hearts and home to adopt, you will bring so much joy to that pet. In return, you will receive unconditional love! Happy Thanksgiving to all. We have so much for which to be thankful!

LIVING STONES A STATE OF GRATITUDE THAT MANY CAN LEARN FROM

Wrapped in army fatigues, with gun secure in one arm, he begins his trek through the mountainous country of South Sudan. Often orphaned at a young age due to violence from tribal attacks from the north, a young man will join the army at the tender age of 14 to protect his people from being raped, kidnapped or murdered. Although it sounds like something straight out of the movies, it is a reality for many in South Sudan today. Last month, I met a number of men with this experience who are now chaplains in the military in South Sudan. Once hardened warriors, they now beam with joy and a heart for Jesus and a courage to risk it all for their people. Though surrounded by war and poverty and up against relentless and ruthless attacks, these men are a model of both military expertise and self-sacrifice on behalf of the many vulnerable women and children in this war-torn part of the world. I was surprised at the joy and gratitude they expressed with their constant outbreak of singing and dancing with resounding hallelujahs. They don’t have many material possessions, but we would do well if we could import the enthusiasm and gratitude emanating from By Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge

their relationship with God. With Thanksgiving this month, I couldn’t help but compare their poverty of material things; while flowing with wealth of spirit and our material prosperity but poverty of spirit. We have computers in our pockets, cars that drive themselves and all manner of gadgets unthinkable a few decades ago; now accessible and delivered right to our door at the click of a button! Yet depression, anxiety and drug abuse are at an all-time high. I recently heard a statistic from a police officer who said that 25 years ago his department would receive one or two calls a year reporting a mental health crisis of a suicidal nature; now his department receives upwards of two such calls a day. If we have so much, why are we so miserable? Could it be because we spend too much time thinking about ourselves instead of thinking about others? It reminds of the old song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” We see this play out every day in the media. Stories of celebrities who get everything they want, become rich, famous and seem on top of

for giving me an amazing lesson in what really matters. Oh, what we can learn from the spiritual life of these chaplains of how to trust the Lord! My prayer for this holiday season is that we become more aware of the poverty of spirit in our midst and be stirred to a true desire to reconnect with our creator and call upon the name of the Lord. This is our only true hope! How thankful I am that God rescued me years ago from a life pursuing vanity fair; when I discovered eternal life though his only Son, Jesus. Through man’s wisdom we may learn how to make a better living but will quickly lose the art of living a better life. This Thanksgiving consider the many blessings in your life but don’t forget what the best blessings are! Love, Joy and Peace … are priceless! the world – but end up severely depressed and empty; turning to drugs and alcohol to fill the emptiness of a life spent on self. C.S. Lewis once stated that “Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this.’ ” In Africa the chaplains I met had an infectious joy and thankfulness for the little things and regularly broke into songs of praise for all God had given them. They have so little but instead of being concerned about themselves they were more concerned for us here in the United States. They marvel at the godlessness permeating our culture and wonder how being so blessed we have drifted so far from God. Where is the gratitude for all of the blessings we have? Seems the most indulged people are often the least thankful. I thank Far Reaching Ministries for their work in South Sudan and