All Around Old Bridge 2.2 Nov 2017

OLDB

ALL AROUND

VOL 1, NO 14

OB RIDGE OLD BRIDGE

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Pursuing Progress

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Mayor's office of Economic Development

A Publication for the community of Old Bridge

9-1-1 OLD BRIDGE BUISNESS OWNER RUNS 170 DISPATCHERS, MILES FOR CHARITY raise over $10,000 for Little Jamesy Raffone of Manalapan who suffers OB’S UNSUNG from DMD and for whom the JAR of Hope Foundation was started.

HEROES DMD is a terminal muscle wasting

By Jonah A. Conte AAOB Student Correspondent

Photo of Carlo Castronovo The owner of Giusseppes Pizza and Italian Cuisine located in Old Bridge has taken on a 170 mile charity run for JAR of Hope (JOH).

JOH is a non-profit organization fighting to save the lives of terminally

From our youth we’re taught to do at least one thing during an emergency: call 9-1-1. Little do we know, the people on the other side of the phone are the actual first responders to our problems, they are the heroes that we don’t see, working a demanding job that requires focus, multitasking, and patience.

They work in a dimly lit, windowless room. Sounds of alerts and fellow operators fill the area in a quiet consistent manner.

The glow of several monitors for each station is the most effective light source for them. This is what a normal 9-1-1 dispatcher’s day at the office looks like.

Their job is so busy that we were even delayed for an interview with them due to an incident unfolding Continued on page 15

ill children suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

Carlo Castronovo, 40, owner of Giusseppes, sought to run this race to raise awareness and funds to support the fight. Carlo managed to

disease for which currently there is no cure. Statistically, children suffering from this disease will be wheel chair bound by 12, lose ability to breathe on their own in their late teens with life expectancy in their 20’s. Jamesy is currently 8 years old..

To bring awareness to this disease, Carlo and the JAR of Hope Team ran one of the hardest races in the world...the Grand 2 Grand Ultra (G2G). G2G is a self-supported race covering 170 miles (273 km) over 7 days around the Grand Canyon.

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NOVEMBER 2017

@a GLANCE INSIDE

OLD BRIDGE SUBMITS BID FOR AMAZON HQ2 SEE PAGE 4 FUNERAL HOME RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION SEE PAGE 14 OB SCHOOL RECEIVES BLUE RIBBON SEE PAGE 22 OB DENTAL MISSION TRIP SEE PAGE 26 ARCHER PLUMBING CELEBRATES 50TH YEAR. SEE PAGE26

SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWNSHIP, AND LOCAL MORE! Business Administrators pg2 HOSPITAL JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT OPIATE Mayors Message pg3 Old Bridge Submits Bid pg4 The purpose of the Municipal D’Agnes, president of HackenOB Library pg6 EPIDEMIC Alliance is to eradicate illicit drug sack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Council Update pg11 T h e O l d B r i d g e To w n ship Public School District has entered into a partnership with the township and the local hospital to fight the Opiate epidemic.

This marks the first time in recent memory that all three entities have agreed to work together on a township-wide project.

According to Schools Superintendent David Cittadino, the township asked him if the school district could partner with the Municipal Alliance, paying half the coordinator’s salary, which would extend the position to a full-time job.

use and substance abuse throughout the township. Membership includes a mayoral representative, the police chief, president of the Board of Education, the superintendent of schools, local mental health agencies, and private citizens, including youth representatives and individuals recovering from drug and/or alcohol abuse.

“I told the mayor that funding was tight,” Cittadino said. “But I asked the mayor if he minded if I reached out to the hospital to help fund the position. It was a perfect marriage.”

Cittadino contacted Michael

Medical Center in Old Bridge. He asked him for key resources, programs, and $15,000 to help pay for expanding the coordinator’s position with the Municipal Alliance.

“I told him if we’re not providing information to students and parents, they will wind up in the emergency room,” Cittadino said. “I said, I believe this is a great opportunity for you; it is your civic responsibility to be part of the education process, to explore every opportunity to put together an education plan to assist our young people.”

Continued on page 22

Learning with Littles Grey Matters Living Stones

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AMBOY BANK HOSTS ITS ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

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 the Samaritan Center, Old Bridge Food Bank and Elijah’s Promise.

Gregory Scharpf, Chief Retail Banking Officer, stated, “We are pleased to hold our annual food drive again this year to help restock the shelves of many food banks in the area. At Amboy Bank, we’re dedicated to helping our local community thrive, and we are proud to help our neighbors who need it most.”

Branch locations and details about the food drive can be found on Amboy’s website, www.AmboyBank.com. 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 19 years in a row.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

By Himanshu R. Shah, Acting Business Administrator

1. 2017 ANNUAL ROAD RESURFACING PROGRAM Meco Inc. was awarded the 2017 Photo of Himan- Annual shu R. Shah, Acting R o a d R e Business Adminis- surfacing at trator the July 10th Council meeting in the bid amount of $1,293,200.37. A pre-construction meeting was held on August 15, 2017. The Contractor was given a notice to proceed on Monday September 25th for duration of 90 calendar days. The following roads have been completed to date: Doyle Rd, Ellen Heath Dr. and Higgins Rd. The following roads are scheduled for the week of October 9th, Woodruff Rd, Briarwood Drive, Tara Dr., Donald Circle and Fredrick Rd. 2 . 2 0 1 7 A N N UA L C U R B

REPLACEMENT PROGRAM Bids were received and open in public on Tuesday October 3, 2017.

Four (4) contractors’ submitted bids that ranged from $476,611.48 to $1,214,158.00. The Engineer’s Estimate was $510,251.13 for reconstruction of curbing on, Old Bridge Plaza (W2), Duke Court (W3), Mariposa Place (W3), Cymbeline Drive (W4), Fernwood Place (W4), Pensacola Street (W5), Teton Place (W5), Wabash Place (W5) & Belmont Avenue (W6). Award of this contract is included on the consent agenda for approval by council to the next responsive bidder Lancha Construction Corp. in the amount of $476,611.48. Construction will begin in late Fall 2017.

3. GEORGE BUSH CENTER FLOORING IMPROVEMENTS Bids were received and open in public on Thursday, September 14, 2017 for the George Bush Center Flooring Improvements.

Three (3) contractors’ submitted bids that ranged from $39,300 to

$70,800. The lowest bid was withdrawn. Award of this contract is included on the consent agenda for approval by council to the next responsive bidder J. Morano Contracting in the amount of $64,999.

This project is partially funded using the Community Development Block Grant. Construction will begin in late Fall 2017.

4. 2017 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK. The week of October 8, 2017 has been designated Fire Prevention Week by the National Fire Protection Association. The theme for 2017 is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”. Fire district officials will be holding 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 can visit firepreventionweek.org.

A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR HENRY

Photo of Mayor Henry 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 food bank. Anyone wishing to contribute can drop off donations at the Old Bridge Food Bank or the Senior Center. 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.

MAYOR HENRY’S CLEAN TEAM. On November 4, 2017, Mayor Henry and volunteers from the Old Bridge Thunder, Girl Scouts Troop #81291, Old Bridge Militia Foundation and Old Bridge Warriors will be cleaning Biondi Ave, Shoreland Circle, Marlboro Road and West Greystone. For additional information, residents should contact the Clean Communities Coordinator at (732) 721-5600 ext. 6107.

I would also like to remind residents that November 11th is Veteran’s Day. This is a great

opportunity 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. all municipal offices will be closed in observance.

Saturday, November 25th, Old Bridge Township is also proud to take part in “Small Business Saturday”. As Mayor, I am always honored to “cut the ribbon” for our new local businesses and to personally meet and welcome the new business owners to Old Bridge. This will also be a great opportunity to use or sign up for your “Think Old Bridge” property tax card, which encourages our residents to support our local businesses and receive a tax rebate on their property taxes.

Our local businesses help to create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our neighborhoods. Your ongoing support is truly appreciated.

The Office of the Tax Collector is open for fourth quarter tax payments Monday through Friday, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The office will also offer extended hours on November 4, 2017 from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. and for extended hours on November 13, 2017 from 8:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

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OLD BRIDGE SUBMITS BID FOR AMAZON HQ2

By Steve Mamakas, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office

Photo of Steve Mamakas is the Executive Officer of Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Amazon the logistic giant put out a public request seeking proposals from states, provinces, county and cities that would like to be considered to be the new home to Amazons HQ2 (second headquarters) The New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority had opened the offer to all local Economic Development Offices to submit their township to be considered as the one to represent New Jersey in the bid for Amazon so it was a no brainer-

WHY NOT OLD BRIDGE!!! Our entrepreneurial spirit and demographics meets and exceeds Amazon’s site criteria for their “HQ2” location, so without hesitation we promptly summited our proposal.

We feel that if you don’t get anything unless you take a shot at it so we put a hook out because we feel we have the right bait to attract them with our plans and marketing of the town, whether it be amazon and others. No one comes close to what we have here in Old Bridge from our demographics and geographic location to major cities, airports, clean land and a skilled workforce to compete with anyone.

With all this forecasted business growth we feel our residents are ready to meet the challenge as well.

Amazon can bring high paying wages and clean retables to help with taxes. One of the points we stressed in our proposal is that Old Bridge holds an A+ Bond rating

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE which shows great leadership, a Kennedy International is investing testament to a financially stable millions of dollars in a large distrimunicipality which we feel is a great bution warehouse on Waterworks selling point, against other towns Road that has taking an underutiin NJ. Our lized piece economof land and ic growth turning is steadily into a great progressing ratable. at a rapid Other and posinotable tive pace. corporaThere has t i ons are been an coming to increase town and i n s t ore s soon will being ocbe breakcupied by ing ground. a v ar i e t y Our f irst of new hotel is businesses coming on throughRoute 9 out the and Route town. After 18 schedmonths of Highlighted business of month is Grillestone. u l e d t o working open late with all parties, recently the 2018. Our goals on bringing more Grillestone restaurant has brought light industry to town will come to new life into a building that has been fruitions as a winery production vacant for many years helping with and hosting tours, tasting and sale our plan to build up the area. The of their product will open in Old influx of larger organizations such as Bridge in the near future. After

NOVEMBER 2017 months of actively working with residents and management Company in seeking the perfect tenant for the old Pathmark building in the Kohls Shopping Center on RT 9 is getting close. Our economic strategy and long term goals are to work on expanding job opportunities throughout the town and generate revenue to attract more businesses to Old Bridge.

We are leading the way in the in the economic development arena.

As other surrounding towns scratch their heads at what we are doing. It is through branding and marketing of our location and the proximity to the ports that is attracted a major warehouse and has placed Old Bridge on the map. Others realize the appeal that Old Bridge has as a location for the business development and warehouses which is why we feel the location Amazon is craving to create will attract more to Old bridge and we are in line with new world of online and drop shipping of goods is here in our Township.

Steve Mamakas Executive Officer Mayor’s Office of Economic Development

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

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

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

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

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

A registered pharmacist for 18 years, Achilles spent the initial

mend that everyone get vaccinated.

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

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

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

LIBRARY EXPANDS MUSEUM PASS PROGRAM

By: Nancy Cohen, Library Director

Photo of Nancy Cohen, Library Director I’m pleased to announce we are expanding our popular Museum Pass program to include two wonderful new venues – The Battleship New Jersey Memorial Museum and the Stickley Museum at Craftsm a n Fa r m s .

Our country’s largest and most decorated Battleship, affectionately known as the

“Big J,” The Battleship New Jersey is located on the Delaware River, along the Camden Waterfront across from Philadelphia. Tours cover many areas, including the Bridge, the crew’s mess, and the communications room. Guests not only view artifacts from the ship’s past, but are also immersed into the exhibit as you go through the tour route.

You can climb inside the massive 16 inch gun turret and learn how the projectiles were loaded, and enter the Combat Engagement Center where you’ll see a simulated launch of a tomahawk missile. Sit in the chair from which Admiral Halsey commanded the fleet, and stretch out on the bunks where the sailors slept. Permanent exhibits include “New Jerseyans on the Big J,” “A Sailor’s Life,” and “Keepers of the Sea.” There is also a Fire Power

self-guided tour. The Library pass admits two adults and three children to the museum free of charge. The Battleship’s hours of operation vary seasonally; more information can be found at www.battleshipnj.org.

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is a 30-acre National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of Gustav Stickley’s early 20th century country estate. Stickley was a major figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, a designer, manufacturer, architect, publisher, philosopher, and social critic. The historic house museum is located in Morris Plains, NJ and is open Thursday through Sunday. Tours of the Log House are available yearround, and the Museum also offers lectures, workshops, and numerous educational programs. The Museum’s growing collection includes numerous Stickley furnishings, many of which are original to the Log House, plus textiles, pottery,

Upcoming Events: October Mon. 11/6 10:30am Monday Morning Matinees: World Film Thurs. 11/9 11am Alzheimers 101

Fri. 11/10 11am Record Your Family History Sat. 11/11 2:30pm Second Saturday Concert: Joel Zelnik Trio with Holli Ross

NEW DAWG’S IN TOWN! New York, NY – October 6, 2017 - Snap Dog® –the hot dog born on the streets of New York City, has expanded to Old Bridge, N e w J e r s e y.

Nikki’s Dawgs, owned and operated by Nicole Ruiz and Craig C ord e ro, i s of fe r i ng Ne w York’s Original Snap Dog and is located at 2118 Route 516 West at Rebels Foot-

metalwork, and archival materials. In addition to these priceless objects on view in the Log House, an original Stickley bungalow has been furnished with touchable Arts and Crafts furnishings. The Library’s pass admits two adults and all family members under age 18 to the museum; more information can be found at www.stickleymuseum.org.

At this time, patrons must call or visit the Library to reserve their museum passes. However, I am happy to announce that we will soon

Mon. 11/13 10:30am Monday Morning Matinees: Qello Concert Tues. 11/14 11:30am Sensory Time for Adults Thurs. 11/16 11:30am Home School Book Club

ball Field, Old Bridge.

Nikki’s Dawgs will be participating in an upcoming event at the Icarus Brewing Company in Lakewood, NJ o n S a t u r d a y, N o v e m b e r 11th, f rom 4pm to closing.

Nikki’s Dawgs serve Snap Dogs in three varieties: natural casing, spicy sausage and skinless. Known as “The Hot Dog With Its Name on It!”™ the Snap Dog logo and the word “beef ” actually appear on the surface of every Snap Dog. This unique, all natural way of branding, lets consumers know exactly what kind of hot dog they’re being served in the public. Snap Dogs are hot dogs made from 100% premium beef and cooked the old-fashioned way, in a real smokehouse.

The skinless, natural casing and spicy sausage Snap Dogs will be served at Nikki’s Dawg with various condiments and the Snap Dog®

be implementing an online reservation system that will allow patrons to reserve and print passes through our web site. Our museum pass program currently includes the following venues: The Grounds for Sculpture, The Newark Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Garden State Discovery Museum, Insectropolis, the Intrepid, the Morris Museum and WheatonArts & Cultural Center.

More information is available on our website – www.oldbridgelibrary.org. I hope you visit and explore these wonderful institutions and take full advantage of all the benefits your Library card offers!

Sun. 11/19 2pm Korean Documentary and Wedding Reenactment ** Mon. 11/20 10:30am Monday Morning Matinees: The Great Courses Wed. 11/29-Wed. 12/6 Friends of the Library Book Sale (during Library Hours) Wed. 11/29 11am Brain Games for Seniors

Pushcart-style Onion Sauce.

Nikki’s Dawgs offers a customer loyalty card for 1 free 2 topping hot dog after 10 visits.

N i k k i ’s D a w g s o p e r a t e s Mondays-Fridays until 5pm, S atu rd ay s u nt i l 3 pm . T h e y

are at t he s o c c e r f i el d s a l l day on Sundays at Higgins Field.

Follow Snap Dog on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook a t @ S n a p D o g N YC . F o l l o w Nikki’s Dawgs on Facebook and Instagram at @nikkisdawgnj.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

HEALTH BENEFITS OF COFFEE By: Vincent Santorelli

Photo of Vincent Santorelli

Because how else would you start your day? As temperatures begin to drop, reaching for a warming cup of hot coffee seems to be the morning norm. Let’s face it, most of us don’t even need the temperature drop to crave that morning cup o’joe. While there are many stigmas associated with it, lets take a look at the health benefits of drinking coffee. Now I’m talking about raw coffee, before a Nor Easter of sugar, cream, and syrup is dumped into it. Realistically, the odds of your coffee actually being roasted with real hazelnuts for flavor is slim to none. But if you were to drink coffee in a healthy manner, you could actually be taking steps toward preventing disease. Drinking coffee in moderation (about 3 cups/day) can decrease the risk of stroke, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and even certain cancers. A study that can be found on aarp.org shows that the risk of throat and mouth cancers were slashed in half for those who regularly drank caffeinated coffee.

Coffee drinking is also heavily associated with increased concentration and memory functionality. It can even keep you regular (digestively speaking, of course). How’s that for superfood? But what about coffee makes it pack such a heavy punch of healthiness? Certainly, the caffeine

content can play a role and has its own positive effects when used in moderation. Most of the cognitive benefits of coffee consumption come from caffeine’s impact on the brain. Mental sharpness and slowing of cognitive decline are just a few of these benefits. Lesser

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known is that coffee beans are actually seeds, and like all other seeds they are packed with “biologically active and protective compounds”.

That said coffee is not the Elixir of Life, although many will tell you otherwise. Those who have high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or diabetes should be very cautious and mindful of their coffee consumption. Interestingly enough, as stated by Bess Dawson-Hughes, M.D. of Tufts University in Boston, women who do not consume adequate amounts of calcium in their diet are at risk for some spinal bone loss if they consume more than 3 cups of coffee a day. I’m not sure about you, but I’d like to keep my bones as long as possible.

Remember caffeine is a drug and your body can become dependent on it if you consume too much.

We all know about those coffee withdrawal headaches. So next time you pass by your favorite coffee spot consider the less sweet, more healthy option: your body will thank you!

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

KEEP MOVING TO CONTROL YOUR DIABETES

By: Reema Patel, M.D.

Photo of Reema Patel, M.D.

Exercise is one of the best ways to help keep your diabetes under control. Exercise is important for everyone, and if you have diabetes, regular activity can make you feel better and help prevent complications. Exercise provides a variety of health benefits, including; helping your body use insulin better, lowering your blood glucose, blood pressure and cho-

lesterol, and thus reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.

If you haven’t been active and are planning to start exercising, talk with your doctor before you begin; since people with health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis etc. may need to avoid certain types of exercises. Diabetes medications need to be adjusted for your exercise routine. Exercise can improve your sugars but can also cause low blood sugars particularly in patients taking certain diabetes medications and insulin. Please be sure to contact your doctor for medication adjustments prior to initiating intense physical exercise. Start out slow.

Try adding movements to your daily routine gradually. Every little effort counts. Try parking your car farther from the store and walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, dance to your favorite song or take a walk during your lunch time and find a walking buddy. Try giving yourself a stretch or a small exercise during the commercial breaks while watching your favorite TV shows. Try to find and do the kind of exercises you enjoy, as those are most likely the

ones you will be able to continue doing. Exercises like swimming, aerobics, bicycling, skating, tennis, and basketball are also great to improve your diabetes control and help you tone your muscles and lose weight.

These activities work your large muscles, raise your heart rate, and increase how much air your lungs can hold; all of which are important fitness goals. Aim for some type of physical activity each day. Exercising every day is better than doing a long period of exercise just once a week. Try not to go more than 30 minutes during the day without some movement or light physical activity. If appropriate for your lifestyle, try using fitness devices e.g.

Fitbit and smartwatches to remind and motivate you to stay active.

If you have certain diabetes-related complications, like eye or foot problems, you should not do certain kinds of physical activity. Be sure to talk with your health care provider before exercising with heavy weights if you have blood vessel or eye problems, or blood pressure that is not under control. If you have nerve damage from diabetes, you may not be able to tell if you’ve injured

your feet during exercise. Always check your blood sugar before you exercise, especially if you take insulin or certain oral medicines.

Physical activity can lower your blood glucose too much and lead to hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can occur during and even after exercise.

Signs of hypoglycemia include: • Shakiness and dizziness • Sweating • Hunger, headache or irritability • Pale skin color • Feeling that your heart is beating faster • Sudden moodiness, behavior changes or confusion Be cautious about exercising if you have skipped a meal. Always check your blood sugar before beginning to exercise. If your blood glucose level is below 120, have a small snack first. With certain kinds of exercises, the blood glucose level may drop even some time after you finish the exercise and hence always pay a close attention to your blood sugar both before and after exercising as well. Ask your health care provider about the best times for you to exercise.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during exercise. And after exercising, be sure to look closely at your feet for signs of irritation, broken skin, blisters, or other injuries.

Follow these tips to keep moving and help control your diabetes!

Reema Patel, M.D., is medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center, Affiliate at Hackensack Meridian Health Raritan Bay Medical Center– Old Bridge. She is board certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism and Internal Medicine. The center provides the latest advances in diabetes treatment, patient education and support services, and is accredited with the ADA’s Education Recognition Certificate. Dr. Patel also treats conditions such as thyroid diseases including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, osteoporosis, menopause, low testosterone, polycystic ovarian syndrome, adrenal and pituitary disorders, hirsutism and a variety of other hormonal problems. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu. To make an appointment, call 732-360-4070.

Excellence Award, a participating funeral home must meet or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.

Old Bridge Funeral Home earned the Best of the Best Award for creation and publication of the All Around Old Bridge newspaper.

The only publication dedicated to

news and other note worth accomplishments related to Old Bridge.

“Old Bridge Funeral Home’s voluntary participation in the Pursuit of Excellence Award program reflects a clear determination to exceed the expectations of those they serve,” said NFDA Chief Executive Officer Christine Pepper, CAE. “This prestigious recognition assures families of the high-quality, compassionate service they will receive the moment they walk through the funeral home’s front door.”

“It has been a pleasure to be engage in the Old Bridge Business Alliance and to present our idea for All Around Old Bridge, and then to be given the green light and creative space to publish it. This is a great town, and many our residents and businesses now have a place to read news only about our town.”

More information about the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award program can be found on

the association’s website, www. nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence.

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 19,700 individual members who represent more than 10,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world.

NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.nfda.org.

Old Bridge Funeral Home is the town’s oldest continuously family owned firm

OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING, OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Photo of David Hernandez and family

Old Bridge Funeral Home was recently honored with the 2017 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Award. Only 165 firms from around the world received this prestigious recognition, placing Old Bridge Funeral Home among an elite group of funeral service professionals.

Pursuit of Excellence Award recipients raise the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards

and providing unsurpassed service to families and communities.

In addition to receiving the 2017 NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, Old Bridge Funeral Home was one of three funeral homes that received the Best of the Best Award in recognition of their development and execution of an innovative program or service that had a positive impact on the families and communities they served this year.

To earn an NFDA Pursuit of

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

COUNCIL UPDATE - ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

By Brian Cahill Council President and Alan Rosencranz Vice President Township resources, made a series of leadership hires to drive change and innovation, one of which was appointing Steve Mamakas as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

Mr. Mamakas’s sole purpose is to bring Economic Development to Old Bridge and to work with Photo of President Brian Cahill and the various departments within the Vice President Alan Rosencranz’s Township to clear any hurdles for businesses wishing to locate here.

Economic Development is thriv- Through Mr. Mamakas’s leadership, ing in Old Bridge! One of the pillars Old Bridge is back on track and is of Mayor Henry’s administration bringing businesses, along with good has been to bring back Economic clean ratables back to our town.

Development to Old Bridge. In Here are a few of the accomplish2012, he inherited a Town that ments that will continue to drive unfortunately due to the economy economic growth into Old Bridge; had seen many businesses close or Mayor Henry has cut over 80 relocate to other municipalities. In Grand Opening Ribbons on an effort to put Old Bridge back on new businesses in Old Bridge! track and put the Economic DevelThink Old Bridge Properopment engine back to work, Mayor ty Tax Program- Township Henry became personally involved Economic Development initiain understanding what issues might tive that provides property tax prohibit a business from locating dollars back as an incentive for in our town and started to chip residents to shop local in town. away at them. He restructured Business Alliance- Free Net-

working group that has been formed to assist all businesses and organizations that want to conduct business in Old Bridge. It gives them a platform to share business tips, leads, ideas and success stories.

Building new working relationships one handshake at a time.

Business Leadership Forum - The Old Bridge Business Alliance hosted the Business Leadership Forum with Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor, Kim Guadagno to foster relationships with the local business community.

Spotlight on Business -Visiting businesses around town and highlighting their goods and services and community involvement and the length of time they have been servicing the Old Bridge Community.

UBER Safe Ridge Home- UBER and the Old Bridge Business Community are working together to reduce alcohol related incidents.

Route 9 Billboard- Brokered a deal with Billboard company to allow many businesses and organization an opportunity to advertise on the highly visible digital

billboard on RT9 for only $99 and advertise the town at the same time.

Annual Job Fairs in collaboration with Middlesex County WorkforceAllowing Old Bridge residence and opportunities to meet with over 50 various companies in attendance.

Recent Opening and projects - Grillestone Restaurant on RT 516, Powerhouse Gym by Kohl on RT 9, a 315,000-sq. foot Warehouse on Waterworks road, a Hotel which will be breaking ground in 2018 by RT 9 and RT 18 and an ALDI’s market opening soon!

There are many other accomplishments but the bottom line is Old Bridge is OPEN FOR BUSINESS! We look forward to the many other accomplishment the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development will have in the future and we thank Steve Mamakas for his tireless efforts.

On a personal note, would like to take this opportunity to wish Old Bridge Township a ver y Happy Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBER 2017

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37TH ANNUAL SCANDINAVIAN BAZAAR 37th Annual Scandinavian Bazaar at Old Bridge Municipal Complex Route 516, Old Bridge, NJ at Municipal Center, off Route 9 Saturday November 18 10am to 4:30pm.

Nor w e g i a n fo o d , b a ke r y, Scandinavian imported go o ds, music and more.

Free admission - free parking.

Start your Holiday Shopping with us!

Club info: Sons of Norway/Solbakken 80 Boundary Rd Marlboro, NJ 07746 Club contact Christine Bremseth 732-842-2751 cabrem26@gmail.com

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

Why Renters

Insurance?

Michael Vitale 104 Interchange Plaza, Suite 102 Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Cell: 201.306.5988 Office: 609.655.3066 x255 Fax: 609.655.4959 Email: michael@vitaleinsurance. com Website: www.vitaleinsurance.com

thinks an insurance policy may be a large added expense. However, in most situations, the actual annual cost of a renters insurance policy is about as much as the renter pays for their monthly cable/internet bill.

Mis concept ion: “I’m protected by my landlord’s policy.”

In the majority of circumstances, a landlord insurance policy only covers the physical structure, not any personal property within the rental space. Therefore, in a case of a tragedy wherein the building is damaged, the landlord would be covered, while the renter’s possessions may be lost, and uncovered.

Misconception: “Renters insurance only covers personal property inside my rental.”

Personal possessions are important to everyone, whether they rent or own. Although personal belongings are often a main focus of a renter’s policy, certain exterior personal property may also be covered. For instance, if someone breaks into your car and steals you property, your auto insurance policy may not cover it, the incident may be covered by your renter’s insurance. Renter’s policies also provide a liability coverage, the same as in a homeowner’s policy,

In 2016, there were approximately 75 million homeowners and 43 million renters in the United States.

An estimated 95% of those homeowners had a homeowners’ insurance policy, while only about 41% of the renters had a renter’s insurance policy. Why such a large disparity?

There are a few common misconceptions about renter’s insurance policies, which lead many people to often forego that specific coverage.

When someone is renting a prop-

erty they are the only person who can look out for their own space, possessions, and future. There is no bank with a financial interest making sure their property or personal possessions are protected in the event of a catastrophe.

Misconception: “It’s too expensive.”

Usually in a rental situation, monthly costs can become the financial focus. Utility bills, cable, heating/air, and phone bills can add up very quickly. Oftentimes, a renter

The event has been held at the Old Bridge Civic Center s i n c e it w a s bu i lt i n 1 9 7 7 , Jayne Staeger and Karen Moffet the original coordinators of the apple festival held it at the Browntown School during its commencement. Old Bridge Township had been famous for apple growing in the early 1800’s. Two important apple growers were the Cottrell and Hauser families. The Cottrell family built their farm in 1831 apples that

could not be used because of poor quality were sent to the distillery located on the corner of Cottrell Road and Route 516 (where Rite Aid is now), The brandy would age in barrels in a government warehouse that was located on the Cottrell’s property and made them famous for BROWNTOWN APPLEJACK BRANDY. At the present time John Hauser of Hauser Hill Farm is the only active grower.

The Apple Festival consists

of crafters, venders, re-enactors and of course handmade apple pies. All apples donated by John Hauser. Come and sit a while and share some memories. I think you may even see Mary Todd Lincoln as portrayed by Judi Cox. Local school children will be participating in the Annual Poster Contest.

Let’s see who the winners are.

Admission is free; for more information call Pat 732-566-5029.

Do you have a family heirloom you’ve been curious about? Stop

by Temple Shalom on November 5th from 11:00 am- 3:00 pm and find out more about it! An Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Day will take place with certified

appraisers on hand to appraise your items. The charge is five dollars for each item that is appraised.

There will also be an opportunity to bring gold to sell to a representative of Gary Michaels Fine Jewelry.

Light snacks will be available. Temple Shalom is located

at the corner of Church Street and Ayrmont Lane in Aberdeen.

If you have any questions or need additional information about the event, contact Evan Ross at evanross4321@ gmail.com or 908-601-1655.

NOVEMBER 2017 to cover legal responsibilities in the event someone is injured on your rental property. The policy might pay for medical costs incurred and legal fees accrued from a lawsuit.

One other note - sometimes a rental property is intended for the short term, while other times we stay in a rental property for a lifetime.

For those cases where a rental property may be temporary, the renter may only keep a limited amount of personal belongings in the space.

For instance, some people rent on a short-term basis, and use a storage facility to store their belongings.

Since they may not actually keep all their personal belongings physically in the rental space, they may feel as if renter’s insurance is “not worth it”. However, ALL possessions have

value and should be covered in the case of damage to your rental property. Renter’s insurance may be able to ease your worries, even on a more short-term basis.

Insurance protection for renters is ultimately more affordable and has a greater value than you may think.

Take some time to review your situation and assure that you are protecting your family and belongings in the most effective way possible.

M i c h a e l Vi t a l e , Licensed Insurance Professional for Auto, Home, Life, Medicare Supplement, and Disability Insurances.

APPLE FESTIVAL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12,2017CIVIC CENTER 12:00 PM - 4:00 PMCOME CELEBRATE THE 52ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPLE FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY; THE MADISON TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES APPRAISAL DAY TEMPLE SHALOM ABERDEEN

HOLIDAY PARTY, CHRISTMAS TREE & MENORAH LIGHTINGMONDAY, DECEMBER 11TH, 2017MUNICIPAL COMPLEX COURTYARD 6:30PM

Come join us to kick off the holidays as we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah by lighting the township Christmas Tree and Menorah during our annual ceremony, including holiday blessings from several local denominations. Listen to the

OBHS Choir sing some holiday classics and join the crowd caroling.

Afterwards come have some hot chocolate and cookies with Santa. Bring your phone or camera’s if you want to take a picture with the Mr. Clause!!

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JEAN MARY PHILLIPS

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

IN MEMORIAM

Jean Mary Phillips, 93, of Monroe Township, formerly of Westover, PA passed away on October 17, 2017 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. She was born to the late Archie Henderson and Helen Mickey at Kingston, PA. Jean moved to Niagara Falls, NY where she met her husband Edwin and worked for a short period before staying home to raise her family. They later moved to Spotswood before retiring to Westover and finally Monroe Twp. She was an avid golfer who enjoyed golfing in leagues and with her husband. When she wasn’t golfing, she would spend her time creating arts and crafts, bowling and biking.

Jean cherished her entire family.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Edwin, of Monroe Twp, son, Don Phillips

and wife Sharon of Old Bridge , NJ; two daughters, Donna Coppa and husband Mario III of Millstone, NJ, Diane Ziemba and husband Eric of Indianapolis, IN; Ten Grandchildren, Don Phillips, Casey Jean Leone, Mario Coppa, IV, Anthony Coppa, Jeana Coppa, Samuel Ziemba, Jillian Ziemba, Amy Pacansky, Kevin Pacansky, Eric Pacansky; Three Great-Grandchildren, Wyott, Lylah Jean, Cecelia; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four sisters.

A memorial gathering and remembrance was held Saturday, October 21, 2017, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm at Old Bridge Funeral Home 2350 RT 516, Old Bridge, NJ. A Memorial Service followed at 3:30 pm in the funeral home.

WALTER “JAY” ROZYCKIE

Walter “Jay” Rozyckie. 90, of Old Bridge went home to be with the Lord on October 1st his home in Old Bridge. Born in Kulpmont, PA to the late Walter and Nellie Rozyckie, he moved to Old Bridge with his wife Adele to raise their family. He was a a resident of Old Bridge for over 62 years. He was active in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and worked in there maintenance department for many years. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by children Carol Rozyckie of Old Bridge, Barry Rozyckie of Old Bridge, Shirlee McGimpsey and husband Charles, of Old Bridge, his three loving grandchildren Matthew, Michael and Andrew, a sister, Dot Klimowicz, cousins and sister-in-laws Alfred and Theresa Krushinski and

Leon and Rosemary Krushinski.

Fa m i l y a n d friends were invited to celebrate his life on Tuesday, October 4th from 3-7 PM at Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 Rt 516, Old Bridge. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday at 10:15 AM in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Old Bridge.

Cremation was private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Walter’s name to St. Thomas School Endowment Fund, 333 Rt

18, Old Bridge NJ 08857. Online condolences may be sent to the family via, www.oldbridgefh.com.

To submit Obituaries email Editor@AllaroundOB.com

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

9-1-1 DISPATCHERS, OB’S UNSUNG HEROES

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By Jonah A. Conte, AAOB Student Correspondent

Continued from page 1 that needed their attention. 9-1-1 Dispatcher Coordinator Nancy Shean-Weber gave an estimate of about 200 calls received at their station throughout the week. This number still doesn’t capture all of

their multitasking the ability they have to stay calm and helping those in need. Every day they assist others, whether it’s giving CPR instructions over the phone, or dispatching the police to aid the situation. These first responders don’t even get to know the end result most of the time.

People don’t call 9-1-1 in times of celebration or joy. With each phone call picked up by a dispatcher, another crisis may have to be dealt with in someone’s life. These people do an unbelievable job of calming the caller down while also being able to assess the situation.

Nancy Shean-Weber also explained that using a monotone voice is the key to de-escalating the situation.

“You’ll find that we’re not getting excited with you, we’re asking you to slow down, to stay calm, and we remain very confident.”

The attitude and technique required to be in this workplace may not be found in the classroom. The typical course is about two-weeks

in length but don’t make a dispatcher ready for a full workload.

When a person gets this job, about seven months of training is required before they are let off the hook to work with little to no assistance. “If they present themselves as being mature, and bright,” Shean-Weber said when asked which characteristics she’d want to see in a dispatcher, “I just mean sharp, ready to act.”

These traits are important when dealing with tough calls as well.

Many tragedies may occur over a 9-1-1 call, where the operator can hear everything that’s happening in the background such as a shooting. Maintaining composure and following procedure may be the difference between a tragedy and good-fortune in these situations.

Whether it’s calling Medical Evacuation to guide landing helicopters, or it’s saving lives over the phone, these dispatchers rarely receive the recognition that they deserve for their efforts to help others. Nancy

Shean-Weber described them as “almost the forgotten entity,” because the press and the media are at the scene of trouble, so they don’t go to the place where the help was sent from. Either way, these unsung heroes still do their job and don’t require acknowledgement.

“Dispatchers are very proud, they don’t want their pictures taken.

They just think ‘that’s my job, I do it every day’. Every now-andthen the state will have dispatcher awards and hero awards, but it doesn’t happen often enough.”

With all that these people do,

they are still undervalued by many people in our communities and often underpaid. Some just don’t know how important their role is during emergencies, and may think they’re just some voice behind a desk. Shean-Weber wants you to think otherwise, “They’re real people, it’s not just a voice. They go home and have real families.” So maybe the generic image of a hero in the spotlight doesn’t fit for everyone, and maybe the ones that people don’t see are some of the most necessary ones that people like us need.

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

SUSPECTING A SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DELAY FROM BIRTH TO 3 YEARS

By: Jessica Fioretti Many parents often wonder if their infants and toddlers are meeting their speech and language milestones “on time”. While we know children develop at their own pace, many acquire skills around the same time. Parents who suspect their child may be experiencing difficulties communicating, or feel their child isn’t saying as many words as they should be, typically consult their pediatricians. The pediatrician will ask questions to look for any “red flags” that might be indicative of a need for further assessment or intervention.

“Red f lags” could include, but are not limited to: -decreased eye contact/ engaging with people -not responding when name is being called -unable to follow simple commands - unable to identif y body parts and/or familiar objects - grunting, speech that isn’t clear and/or difficult to understand, even by familiar people

-pulling a parent or pointing to objects to get needs met - communication frustration (ex: melting down, becoming upset, tantruming when not understood) A common course of action is to have the child’s hearing tested. A pediatrician might recommend an ENT consult. They may also refer a child for a consult with a Neurologist.

Fo r c h i l d r e n b i r t h t o 3 years old, your do ctor may also recommend a referral for Early Inter vention Ser vices.

“How do I start the Early Intervention Process?”

As a parent, you can call and refer your child. Referrals can be made to the New Jersey E a r l y Int e r v e nt i o n Sy s t e m (NJEIS) by calling 888-653-4463.

Once a referral is made there is a window of time where a Service Coordinator is assigned to your case. Within that window a multidisciplinary evaluation will also occur. Once the results from the evaluation are reviewed, a deter-

mination is made as to whether your child is eligible for Early Intervention Services according to the eligibility criteria. An IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) meeting is planned to discuss the outcome of the evaluation and the possible need for services moving forward. The window of time for this process is 45 days.

Should services be warranted, the IFSP is completed and services should begin within 30 days.

The NJEIS has a great brochure with a checklist of milestones from birth to 3 years old.

It is a great resource for parents who have questions regarding their child’s development. http://www.state.nj.us/ health/fhs/eis/documents/reic_ developmental_brochure.pdf You can also go to the following websites for more information and to refer a child. http://www.nj.gov/health/ fhs/eis/

http://njeis.org/ Intervention early on can have a huge, positive impact on your child’s growth and development for the

future. Stay tuned for my article on the transition out of Early Intervention and into a Preschool Program.

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

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

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GREY MATTERS Written By: Judith Kristen

Photo of Judith Kristen Thursday, November 23rd… just a wee bit more than three weeks from now and it’s Thanksgiving Day. Almost another year has come and gone, but before it is, hopefully

we get to take a breather to give thanks for all that we have, all that we did have, and all that we will have.

If you’re planning a huge bash at Mom and Dad’s house, or a nice little dinner at grandma’s, spending the holiday with a friend, or even if you’re all by yourself on that Thursday, the important thing is to be grateful and to remember all of the wonderful things in life that you have experienced, to embrace the future of more of those joyful moments, and yet still live in a present filled with hope.

Yo u k n ow, I t h i n k m a ny of my deeper moments, you know the ones that occasionally breeze through my head, are due to the life-job I have chosen.

As a writer who gets to travel with her books, as a person who has friends from every continent, and many who come to visit me right here in our home in New Jersey, I see things not only through my own

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

eyes, I see things through theirs.

My dear friend, Irene Draper of beautiful Bournemouth, England stayed here for a three-week visit, and we trekked through the southland of America with my other dear friend, and bestest ro a d p a l - B obbi e B e chtel.

While here, Irene also travelled with me to place the flags on a beautiful 9/11 Memorial, and visited throughout our charming state from one end of it to the other.

Irene journeyed through a total of nine of our states when she was here, and in each of those states she was amazed at how friendly we are as a people, how compassionate, how generous, how willing we are to help with directions, or a flat tire, and how we Americans are interested in where people come from, who they are, and what they do.

In ess ence, we’re re a l ly a pretty nice bunch of people.

When I visit Germany, and I have since 1969, when I lived there

NOVEMBER 2017

for 8 and a half years, I often hear, “Oh! I’ve been to”: New Jersey…

Philly… California… Texas… etc….

And these lovely individuals tell me happy stories about their own stay in our country, the people they’re still in contact with from their adventures here in America, and, like Irene, they always say to me what wonderful people we are, how kind, helpful, compassionate and friendly we are, and how grateful they are that they saved up enough money to visit not only such a beautiful country, but one that is filled with such beautiful people.

Now here’s how it goes. We really ARE a pretty nice bunch of people, but we also can miss a whole lotta stuff that’s right in front of us.

And, we can have a tendency to feel a bit entitled to things now and then. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for thankfulness or realizing that in all of our chaos we really ARE the nice bunch of people that others so easily see.

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Now is the time to remember that.

Be the best you can be - and own it.

Feel the best energy you can muster up - and really feel it.

Oh, I know some days you wouldn’t feel like smiling for a hundred bucks, but… smile anyway. Your feelings will catch up to your face sooner or later.

Remember to extend the hand of kindness to yourself as well as others.

That’s not selfish, it’s a necessity. …And always find the t ime to enj oy t he c ater pi llar as much as the butterfly.

As for me personally, I am grateful for all of you… my readers, my readers who have become friends and my friends who have become family.

You are my 365 day Thanksgiving - no turkey or stuffing required.

And I’m thankful for that.

More than you’ll ever know.

Peace and Love to you all. ~Judy

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LIVING STONES student knows, Thanksgiving has

A RETURN TO TRUE THANKSGIVING its roots in the earliest days of this nation. The Pilgrims, who braved the unknown and faced disease, cold, and death, gathered with their Native American neighbors to thank God for their first harvest. These courageous men and women acknowledged that divine provision, protection, and providence brought them to and preserved them in this hard, untamed land. So they gave thanks.

Sadly, many of us have lost sight of our rich spiritual heritage, and the true purpose of Thanksgiving.

A day once marked by prayer and giving of thanks to God, Thanksgiving is now associated with food,

By Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, football, Black Friday circulars, and Calvary Chapel Old Bridge a general sense of overindulgence.

Have you noticed how stores We often acknowledge the blessings, seem to go from orange and black but rarely the One who blesses. to red and green with nothing Considering last month’s mass much in between? What ever shooting in Las Vegas and the happened to Thanksgiving? Has storm devastation in Puerto Rico, this national holiday become a Florida, and Texas, I wonder if glorified speed bump between this year in particular, we have a two commercial moneymak- unique opportunity to return to ers, Halloween and Christmas? a spirit of true thanksgiving. As As each early elementary school I hear survivors tell their stories,

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE I see a consistent theme – many are thanking God for sparing lives and thanking other Americans for helping them in their time of need.

In it all, I hear victims thanking God and people, rather than ascribing their survival to shallower constructs like luck, fate, or chance.

Rather than chalking up life events to chance, I personally believe in an Almighty God. I can genuinely be thankful, even amidst turmoil, because I know that as I put God first, He works even the worst tragedies out for some greater purpose in my life. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:20 that we can even give thanks not only in all circumstances, but also “for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

At first glance, giving thanks for all things seems ludicrous. I remember thinking how can I possibly be thankful for my dad leaving us, or my mother dying when I was just a young boy. Yet, I see now how God brought good out of even those tragedies. My grandmother raised me, and despite my years of anger, rebellion, and frustration, she took

NOVEMBER 2017 me to church, taught me about the things of God, prayed for me, and instilled in me something that I never would have had otherwise—a strong Christian foundation.

Being thankful challenges our natural tendencies. Giving thanks for all things, especially those things that hurt us, stretches our human nature, and isn’t that a good thing?

Aren’t we meant to live above the norm? As proven by those recovering from the recent tragedies in our nation, we often learn to rise above even our most brutal circumstances, particularly when we give thanks.

Ultimately being thankful for all things changes the focus of our lives.

Giving thanks requires us to look past what’s in front of us, and to look up, as the Pilgrims did. Perhaps poet Stephen Eardley put it best: If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, You are more blessed than the million who won’t survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, Yo u a re a h e a d o f t w e nt y

million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, You are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, You are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have mone y in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, Yo u a r e a m o n g t h e t o p 8 % o f t h e w o r l d’s w e a l t hy.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, You are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can read this message, You are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

In light of each of these remarkable blessings, perhaps we can join with the great King David of Israel who said: Oh, give thanks to the L ord , for He i s g ood !

For His mercy endures forever!

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

OLD BRIDGE BUISNESS OWNER RUNS 170 MILES FOR CHARITY

Photo of Carlo Castronovo Continued from page 1 Participants encounter a mix of desert and other terrain including hard packed sand, soft sand, sand dunes, forest trails, red rock climbs, rocky roads and slot canyons. The starting line is situated at a remote location on the north rim of the Grand Canyon with breathtaking vistas at an altitude of 5344 feet.

According to Jamesy’s Father, James Raffone, “We decided to bring

awareness by challenging ourselves into this race because these little boys cannot!!! And why not do a race that can be a real Eye Opener to bring aweareness for the foundation” Another JAR of Hope Participant, Joe Ippolito of Freehold indicated “we finished this race for Jamesy and all the other boys suffering with this rare deadly Disease... Nothing was going to stop us! The pain we encounter is

temporary and nothing compared to the suffering that these boys are experiencing. We will heal, until there is a cure these boys will not.”

The Total Amount the team raised for JAR of Hope was $47,322 which will go directly to research in trying to slow down and stop this disease.

Carlo Castronovo of Giusseppes Pizza has been serving the community of Old Bridge for 10 Years and believes in giving back to the community and helping others.

This was clearly demonstrated by pushing his body to the limits in one of the hardest races in the world.

To learn More about JAR of Hope and Duchene Muscular Dystrophy please visit www.JARofHope.org To l e ar n m ore ab out t h e Grand2Grand race and possible joining the Jar of Hope team next year please go to g2gultra.com To learn more about Giusseppes pizza, a proud supporter of JAR of Hope, please visit www.giusseppespizzaoldbridge.com or come visit and talk to Carlo directly

WORKSHOP FOR INDIVIDUALS OF A LOVED ONE WITH ADDICTION A weekly series for family members and friends affected by problematic substance use and co-occurring disorders will be offered. The workshops are 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm Wednesdays through December 6 at Club Serenity at the Parish House at St. Ambrose 83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge.

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Each week participants will be presented a new topic/skill, such as treatment options, insurance, coping techniques, crisis planning, self-care. No cost to attend. Offered

by Club Serenity. Contact NJ Connect for Recovery 855-652-3737

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ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

CHEESEQUAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON HONORS Contact: Lori Luicci, Public Relations Coordinator, 908-812-6054

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today recognized Cheesequake Elementary School as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2017. The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Cheesequake, one of nine schools in New Jersey to earn this top honor, is the first school in Old Bridge to receive the National Blue Ribbon status.

“National Blue Ribbon Schools are active demonstrations of preparing every child for a bright future,” said DeVos. “You are visionaries, innovators, and leaders. You have much to teach us: some of you personalize student learning, others engage parents and communities in the work and life of your local schools and still others develop strong and forward-thinking leaders from among your teaching staff.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

“The selection of Cheesequake Elementary School as our first National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence speaks volumes about our educators, our families, our community, and most of all our children,” said Old Bridge Township Public Schools Superintendent

David Cittadino. “Cheesequake School serves as our template of quality in education as we continue to move at a remarkable pace toward recognized excellence throughout our 15 township schools. Having our first Blue Ribbon School coupled with our 15 National Schools of Character in Old Bridge will forever solidify our reputation as a superior school district.”

The Old Bridge Township Public School District, a National District of Character, boasts 15 National Schools of Character and 15 State Schools of Character by Character.org.

Character.org (formerly The Character Education Partnership) selects schools and districts that demonstrate that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior, and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping

them to achieve the same results.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

“I want to congratulate these nine New Jersey public schools for being selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools, the highest recognition bestowed by the United States Department of Education,” said New Jersey Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington. “These schools are being honored thanks to the dedication of their teachers, administrators, students, and school communities working together to achieve educational excellence.”

Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,500 schools. The Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with the 292 public and 50 private schools at an awards

SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWNSHIP, AND LOCAL HOSPITAL JOIN FORCES TO FIGHT OPIATE EPIDEMIC Continued from page 1 D’Agnes said he is pleased to be part of a collaborative effort with the Board of Education and the township in dealing with this crisis and “to work with youth at an early stage in attempt to educate them on the dangers of substance abuse.”

While the specifics of the plan have not been firmed up, the Municipal Alliance will bring in guest speakers and will utilize the hospital’s resources, including a tremendous behavioral science

program, to bring additional programs to Old Bridge schools.

“The fact that this partnership is taking place says a lot about the level of importance that this holds for the township,” said Mayor Owen Henry. “I want to thank everyone for their cooperation in helping to launch forward thinking alliances like the one we have created between the township, hospital, and schools. The invaluable knowledge that the hospital and the

schools provide us, strengthen our efforts, and give us the tools needed to fight this epidemic head on.”

Township Business Administrator Himanshu Shah pointed out the importance of creating “public private partnerships.”

He said that this partnership enables us to “share costs and increase services to fight this epidemic.”

ceremony at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC on Nov. 6 and 7. The 2017 cohort represents public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools, including traditional, charter, magnet schools, parochial and independent schools in 44 states, the District of Colombia and Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Okinawa, Jap an ; Stutt g ar t , G e r many ; and West Point, Ne w York.

All schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores, and graduation rates: • Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students over the past five years.

“We are humbled and elated to receive this prestigious award from the United States Department of Education,” said Cheesequake Principal Thomas Ferry.

“This is a wonderful moment for our school and the township of Old Bridge. My talented staff and

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hard-working students have an unwavering commitment to excellence and focus on growth… I am incredibly proud of the staff, students, and parents of the Cheesequake School community and am honored to serve as their principal.”

Up to 420 schools may be nominated for the Blue Ribbon award each year. The Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

“We are proud of the outstanding progress of all of the staff and students at Cheesequake School,” said Assistant Superintendent of the Old Bridge Township Public Schools Kathleen Hoeker. “They set the bar high, and with drive and determination, they have achieved this most distinguished honor. They possess the expertise, skills, and knowledge to serve as role models for others and will serve as such, as the very first Blue Ribbon School in Old Bridge.”

OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOL

Old Bridge Township Public Schools has some exciting news to share with the community.

Starting this fall, we will be allowing our business neighbors to advertise at Lombardi Field! As I am sure you are aware, Lombardi Field is a state of the art athletic complex with a turf field and fully functioning concession stand. If you have never been to a Friday night football game at Lombardi Field then we invite you to attend one. Our Knights of the Silver Bleachers fill the complex with OB Knight spirit and pride and is considered to be one of the student sections in the state. Lombardi Field is not only home to the Old Bridge High School football, track and la-

crosse teams but some of our local youth leagues also play their home games here too. When Lombardi Field is not being utilized by one of our sports teams, it is open for the public to take advantage of our track as a safe location to walk. We also hold various special events at Lombardi Field such as Olympic Medalist Laurie Hernandez’s Welcome Home Parade and countless fundraisers when someone in our community is in need.

Advertising space will be along the inside of the fence around the track. Space is limited so act quickly!

If you are interested in purchasing advertising space or have questions, please contact Kim Castagne at kcastagne@obps.org or (732)290-3956.

T h a n k y o u ! We l o o k forward to working with you

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

OLD BRIDGE THE MAX CHALLENGE

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Call now at 732-617-6162 or visit our website www.themaxchallenge.com

High School. My goal was to live a healthier life- make better food choices & get in a routine I could maintain long term. I never could imagine my life would come to me being a part of such incredible transformations. It is not just a 10 week challenge, it’s a lifestyle. There couldn’t be anything more powerful & fulfilling than seeing the members of your community, teachers of your children take their health & fitness in their hands. Along with all our other members, they are truly transforming their lives in front of us. All of our children are seeing these positive changes from these wonderful role models and they are inspired to be healthier because of it.

A little more about The MAX Challenge: THE MAX Challenge is a 10-week body and mind renewal Since 2013 over 100 Old Bridge Education Staff members started their health and wellness transformation at The MAX Challenge of Old Bridge. Each of their stories is unique and their results are simply amazing! But the changes you see go deeper than the physical. They have experienced an increase in energy, and an even more positive state of mind. In fact, many have seen improvements on the inside, such as blood pressure reduction, cholesterol, sugar levels and more. The support & motivation from the Max Challenge of Old Bridge is second to none.

The program works for everyone!

Here are just a few of the testimonials…

Aimee Vagts- The Max Challenge entered my life on April 3, 2016. I have lost 65 lbs to date and I’ve gone from a size 14 to a 4! In addition to being taken off blood pressure medication that I have been on for the last 20 years!

Maureen McKiernan – I’ve been with the MAX for almost four years now. Four years ago, I was stressed out, not physically fit and I knew I had to do something!

I then decided it was time that I would put myself first. Now I get up every day at 4:15 to attend the 5 AM class. Not only am I have the size of the person I was, but I am double the size in mind in spirit.

The MAX has done wonders for me, myself & above all my career.

The personal connection we make with our members, such as greeting them by name at the door, engaging them inside and outside of class, and the leadership that our staff provides helps our members to stay accountable and to believe in themselves.

As the manager of the Max Challenge of Old Bridge I can’t even begin to say how proud I am of our Old Bridge Education Staff members. I joined the program as a member 4 years ago, shortly after graduating from Old Bridge

system. This system is designed to make fast and lasting changes to your appearance and overall well-being. We do this by combining nutrition counseling, fitness classes and motivation. Being part of ‘THE MAX’ is like having a personal trainer, nutritional counselor and success coach. THE MAX Challenge for the mind, body and spirit inspires everyone NOT to settle for mediocrity and to push themselves to reach personal health, fitness and wellness goals that they have previously considered out of reach .

Start your 10 Week Transformation Today! ACT NOW to reserve your spot in any one of our classes: 5, 6, 7,9and10AM;4,5:30,6:30and7:30PM! Call now at 732-6176162 or visit our website www.themaxchallenge.com

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HOMELESS PETS

By: Dr. Anita Greenberg.

Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for 28 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016.

As we approach Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, there is no better way to celebrate than bringing a shelter pet home for the holidays.

At last count, there are 65 cats and four dogs in the Old Bridge Shelter.

With some 26,000 homes in Old Bridge Township, if only one in every 400 households opened their hearts and provided a loving home to a cat, the shelter would be empty.

These homeless pets are so grateful to those who adopt them. Many are young adult cats, just past the kitten stage, and ready to make great companions. They are litter

box trained, have been spayed or altered, and are vaccinated.

Although well-cared for in the shelter, it is a stressful life for these dogs and cats. In addition to food and affection, cats will seek comfort in a warm lap while dogs enjoy play and exercise. These benefit the health of the owner as well as the pet.

In turn, they will offer years of comfort and love to the humans in their family.

Interested but not sure about the commitment?

Consider fostering a pet.

The Old Bridge Shelter is located at the Municipal Complex, One Old Bridge Plaza, off of Route 516, and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Call ahead at 732-721-5600, extension 6300. And click the Old Bridge Animal Shelter link on www.oldbridge.com. There are many wonderful pets available for adoption.

SPAY & NEUTER: Altering a dog or cat makes for the best pet as well as preventing overpopulation issues where tragic ends usually await unwanted dogs and

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE cats. Females not spayed can also suffer from mammary gland tumors and uterine infections. While males are subject to prostate and testicular cancer when they are

NOVEMBER 2017 not neutered. The potent and unpleasant urine smell of a spraying cat is reduced by neutering.

TURKEY TROUBLE: Turkey is a Thanksgiving favorite for people

but be wary of sharing your meal with your pet. The skin is a common cause of gastritis while turkey bones can result in an emergency visit to the veterinarian hospital.

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OB DENTAL MISSION TRIP

By Austyn T. Esser, Marketing Director Robert Griggs, DMD of Old Bridge Dental took his family and four of his team members to La Romana, Dominican Republic on a Mission Trip the first week of October 2017. Of the 5,000 Bateyes (sugar workers’ town) on the island, his team was able to visit three and provide much needed dental work and various activities, baseball equipment, clothing, and shoes for the residents.

“It was a very humbling experience that I felt blessed to be able to share with both my team members and my family,” Dr. Griggs said.

Many people were not fully clothed and went entirely without shoes. Children’s toys were no more than sticks or a random tire. Despite the language barriers of Spanish & Creole the OBD Team realized on their first day that a simple smile is universal.

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

NOVEMBER 2017

ALL AROUND OLD BRIDGE

COLD WEATHER EXERCISE TIPS By: Jag Physical Therapy

As the temperatures continue to drop outside we find ourselves cooped up indoors, whether that be at home, at work or at the gym hiding from the painfully cold, wet weather. As the itch kicks in to get outdoors and get some fresh air, follow the tips below for soothing those “cold, wet weather” aches and pains during the long winter months.

Improper Warm-up vs.

Proper Warm-up Let’s compare our bodies to that of a car on a cold, wintery day. Many of us allow the car to warm up for at least 10 minutes before we jump in and drive off; although whether this benefits the car or the person more is yet to be determined. Regardless, if we allow our cars to warm up, why don’t we allow our bodies to warm up before exercising out in the cold?

Asking the human—or car—body to perform at a high level when cold, or improperly warmed up, will only lead to issues and injuries down the road. An active warm up where we break a sweat and get our heart rate up—e.g., high knees, butt kicks, side shuffles-- and blood flowing to the muscles, will warm the muscles that are about to be worked and prepare the body for the stressors

that will be placed on it during the training session. This warm up will lead to fewer sprain and strain type injuries due to increased flexibility and muscle preparedness.

Rain & Snow vs. Aches & Pains While the scientific proof behind the achy or painful joints before a rain or snowstorm is limited; it is still experienced by many! Barometric pressure, or the weight of the air, fluctuates due to temperature and weather (wet vs. dry). A decrease in barometric pressure, which occurs when the weather changes from dry to wet, can cause the tissues around the joints to swell leading to nerve irritation and to feelings of muscle stiffness and joint pain.

If you are one of those people who can predict the weather based on old injuries, don’t let it stop you from lacing up and getting in your daily workout. Sore, achy joints can be soothed by placing heat on the affected area and then performing a light stretch after. Getting up and performing an exercise that increases one’s heart rate—e.g., jogging and cycling-- may also help soothe the pain as blood will rush to the muscles, in turn, warming the body up internally. If the pain

persists, and if approved by your physician, use of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will also aid in reducing the pain.

Cool it Down, While You’re Warm A cool down following a training session- especially a cold weather training session- should be gradual and is as important as a proper warm up. When coming to the end of a workout, slow down your pace or intensity for a 3-5 minute period, allowing your heart rate and blood pressure to gradually decrease at a more natural pace to minimize the risk of a fainting episode. Head inside for the static stretching portion of your cool down, so you are not exposed to the colder temperatures while the body is cooling off. Stretching following exercise while your muscles are still warm will help reduce the build-up of lactic acid, which leads to muscle cramping and stiffness.

Don’t let the fear of cold, wet weather and achy joints interfere with everyday activities and exercise regimens. Following the simple tips above will help keep your body warm and injury free while you are waiting for the first signs of warm weather to come!

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