OB STUDENT VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR OLD BRIDGE
On Tuesday February,17 2026 the Old Bridge Board of Education recognized a truly remarkable student and athlete. Ashley Markle, a junior at Old Bridge High School, was named the 2025-26 Gatorade New Jersey Volleyball Player of the Year - the state's highest honor for high school athletics recognizing excellence in sport, academics, and community service.
Ashley led Old Bridge to the Group 4 state championship, earned First Team All-State honors, and maintains a 4.1 GPA. As part of the award, she received a $1,000 grant, which she donated to the Play Unified Program, reflecting her strong commitment to service and inclusion. She has committed to play beach volleyball at Florida State University beginning in 2027. Well done, Ashley. We are Old Bridge Proud!
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST
LAURIE HERNANDEZ TO MAKE BROADWAY DEBUT IN & JULIET
Laurie Hernandez, the twotime medal-winning Olympic gymnast, will join the company of & Juliet on Broadway. Hernandez will make her Broadway debut as part of the show’s ensemble, in the featured dance role of ‘Charmion’ beginning March 17, 2026 at the Sondheim Theatre for performances through June 14, 2026.
Hernandez, from Old Bridge, was part of the US Women’s Gymnastics team dubbed the “Final Five” at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal with the team and individually winning
a silver medal on the Balance Beam. Since then, Hernandez has written two books, received a Sports Emmy Award for her 2024 Summer Olympics commentary, and won Season 23 of “Dancing with the Stars.”
“I’ve always been such a Broadway fan, so to make my Broadway debut in & Juliet is a dream come true,” Hernandez said. “The show is so much fun to watch as an audience member, and I can’t wait to join this incredible cast and actually perform in the show each night.”
101 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY, THANK YOU.
For 101 years, the Laurence Harbor Fire Department has proudly served the community as an all-volunteer department. They are your neighbors, friends, and family — and when the pager tones, they respond.
From fires, fire alarms, and CO alarms to car accidents, entrapments, gas issues, downed wires, elevator calls, and assisting on medical emergencies —Laurence Harbor Fire Dept. are there, day or night.
Their commitment goes beyond emergencies, they bring joy and education to Laurence Harbor through our Santa Parade and Santa Gift Drop, our long-standing participation in
the Memorial Day Parade, Fire Safety Open House, school fire prevention visits, Trunk or Treats, and Halloween trick-or-treating on our firehouse apron.
As volunteers, we balance fulltime jobs and family life, yet still meet weekly for training, drills, meetings, and maintaining our
firehouses and apparatus — because being ready matters.
Lawrence Harbor Fire Dept. is always accepting new members. No experience is necessary — We provide all gear and training through the Fire Academy and inhouse instruction. If you’ve ever
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MESSAGE BY MAYOR WALKER
Dear Old Bridge Residents, Welcome to March! This year is going by fast already and hopefully the weather will start to warm up and we can put this bitter cold and snow behind us.
I am proud to recognize and thank the K-Kids Club from James McDivitt Elementary School for sharing the proceeds from their used book drive with the Old Bridge Food Bank. Each year, the K-Kids Club, under the supervision of School Counselor, Phyllis Bloom, works hard to raise money in support of the Old Bridge Community.
Please remember to take a look at the Spring edition of our Parks and Recreation Brochure for all of this season’s events and programs. I encourage you to check out the town’s website for all the information and details on youth sports, summer camp, and classes that might be just right for you, your family, and friends.
There will be a Middlesex County paper shred event on Sunday, March 22nd from 9am - 12pm at the Municipal Complex. This event is open to all Middlesex County
residents and will be held rain or shine. There is a maximum of 5 file boxes per car, and this is for residential papers only, no businesses. For more details, visit oldbridge. com/paper-shred or email Recycling@ OldBridge.com.
The month of March is Women’s History Month. This is the time to reflect, celebrate and acknowledge women’s contributions to our history, culture, and society. We thank you for your hard work and commend your accomplishments, both historical and contemporary.
Mark your calendars and save the date of Saturday, April 25th for the Mayor's Health & Wellness 5K Race honoring our Hometown Heroes.
As a reminder, don’t forget to turn your clocks forward on Sunday, March 8th. Lastly, I wish you all lots of cheer, luck, and Irish blessings this Saint Patrick’s Day! Please continue to stay safe and be well.
Thank you, Mayor Debbie Walker
Debbie Walker
YOUR VOICE IN TRENTON
By Senator Owen Henry
As March arrives and the first hints of spring begin to show, I want to wish all Old Bridge residents a happy St. Patrick’s Day.
My office continues to receive many questions from residents seeking assistance with numerous state programs and government services. Providing timely, reliable support to our community is one of our highest priorities, and we remain fully committed to helping however we can.
By now, households should have received their PAS-1 Blue Books, which are required for filing property tax relief applications. If yours has not arrived or you need help completing it, you can call 1.888.238.1233.
We’ve also heard from many residents asking about the status of their Stay NJ property tax relief payments. If you are still waiting for your check, you may contact the State of New Jersey directly online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov.
As federal ID rules continue to change, I encourage residents to obtain a REAL ID
if they plan to travel domestically or access certain federal facilities. REAL IDs are available at designated New Jersey MVC locations, with appointments recommended. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two documents showing your address. A full checklist is available at njmvc.gov.
This year marks an important milestone—the 250th anniversary of the United States. As we honor our nation’s founding, we also celebrate the civic pride and strong community spirit that continue to define Old Bridge.
Sincerely,
Senator Owen Henry
FREEDOM TO READ ACT
In December of 2024, the New Jersey State Legislature passed the Freedom to Read Act. It begins with the following: The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and individuals have the right to free inquiry and the right to form their own opinions. b. The freedom to read does not require a person to agree with topics or themes within a material, but instead allows a reader to explore and engage with differing perspectives to form and inform their own views.
Public Libraries already have Collection Management Policies that address this legislation. Ours is found under the “Policies” section on the “About Us” tab on our website. Our policy will only require some
language changes to strengthen what the Library Board of Trustees approved more than a decade ago. We will also need to create a committee for materials reconsideration requests. These improvements must be reviewed by the state by December of 2026. The Library Board of Trustees creates and approves all library policies. They will oversee this process as well. While the law impacts both school and public libraries, it does so differently. OBPL does not have any impact on the school district’s policies or decisions and the district does not set public library policy. What we do have, is a collaborative and respectful relationship between the library and the schools that acknowledges the other’s boundaries and purpose in the community.
“Stuck between a shamrock and a hard place?
“Stuck between a shamrock and a hard place?
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Anahita Feltz Business Administrator
I am proud to announce that funding for our Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) project has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations minibus package signed into law on February 3. This project was supported by Senator Booker, Senator Kim and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. We thank them for their support and advocacy in securing this critical investment for our community.
The Township has been awarded $500,000 in FY26 Community Project Funding for the Old Bridge Food Bank Building Improvements project. This funding will allow us to complete long-needed capital improvements and expand the facility that houses our Food Bank program within the municipal complex.
Our current Food Bank building, measuring just 32’ by 52’, is no longer sufficient to meet the growing demand for food assistance among our residents. With these federal funds, we will expand the building,
install a walk-in refrigerator to properly store perishable items, add additional shelving for non-perishable goods, and upgrade flooring throughout both the expanded and existing portions of the facility. The full award will be dedicated to construction and infrastructure improvements necessary to modernize and enhance the space.
This project is especially important because it strengthens our ability to serve low-income residents. The Old Bridge Food Bank operates by appointment for Township residents in need and relies heavily on community donations. By expanding and upgrading the facility, we will increase storage capacity, improve food safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of our operations.
This is a one-time infrastructure investment focused on long-term improvements rather than ongoing operations. It positions us to better meet the increasing demand for food assistance and ensures that we can continue serving our community with dignity and effectiveness for years to come. For more information on Food Bank services or to learn how you can support our Food Bank, please visit www.oldbridge. com/FoodBank.
TAX EXPERTISE ALL YEAR LONG.
HEALTHY HAPPENS
when seeing a urogyn faster means getting relief faster.
One month is the average wait time to see a urogynecologist, but average isn’t really our speed. We provide appointments as soon as you need them. That’s how healthy happens.
THE BEST SAT STUDENTS SLEEP
By Paul Pscolka
I recently had a very good student tell me he gets 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night. I found myself surprised. Then I thought, "Why should I be surprised that a good student takes care of his own needs?" especially when a high school junior requires 8 to 10 hours of sleep for optimal learning. Unfortunately, society values hard work to a fault, sleep often being a casualty. Sleeping enough is not laziness—it is a performance strategy, a competitive advantage.
Just as a bodybuilder must train hard but schedule rest so that muscles can grow during recovery, after studying diligently, the teenager must rest to consolidate memories. The student who improves the fastest isn’t the one who grinds the hardest, it’s the one who recovers the smartest
More specifically, students who make the best SAT improvements are laser-focused on their practice to be sure, but they also take time for breaks, sleep, and reflection. Breaks, sleep, and reflection are
essential for memory, focus, and emotional regulation. A tired, stressed student cannot have a peak performance.
It is not possible to be constantly productive. The highest achievers in the classroom often protect their sleep time and exercise, maintain friendships, and limit late-night cram sessions. They also protect their happiness. Stress does not equal commitment. What can a student do to minimize stress?
1) Study in 90-minute blocks. For every 90 minutes of studying, take a 20 or 25-minute break before diving into the books again.
2) Stay away from screens for an hour before bed to increase the chance of a good night’s sleep.
3) Take practice tests over a 3-month period before a given SAT instead of cramming just before the test.
4) Keep one night per week SAT-free Lack of sleep and self-care may be effective in the short term but are unsustainable for the long game.
Questions about how to best help your overwhelmed child? Book me for a free consultation: https://www.ivymasters.com/ free-consultation/
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Edward M. Merski
I have been a clinical psychologist for the past 35 years and have treated thousands of patients in a supportive and caring milieu. I employ a comprehensive, efficient and flexible approach with widely varying problems and circumstances. My approach integrates cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, sensory, imagery and biological modalities. After a pragmatic assessment of a patient's particular needs, procedures for developing a cohesive strategy are established and implemented. A collaborative effort is maintained throughout the treatment process with the goal of not only FEELING better but GETTING better. I care and invite you to reach out.
SILVER LININGS NEWS
By Kristin Agunbiade, Manager, Silver Linings at Old Bridge
March is blooming with energy and excitement at Silver Linings at Old Bridge! Our March activity calendar is packed with programs to help connect and celebrate our incredible community.
We’re turning up the music with Bollywood Karaoke and Broadway Musical Karaoke this month, giving members a chance to shine on stage. In celebration of Holi, we’ll enjoy a colorful cultural gathering, followed by a special International Women’s Day Tea honoring the strength and achievements of women in our community.
Members can stay centered with mediation sessions led by The Art of Living Foundation, while our Tech Help sessions continue to empower participants in the digital world. Gardeners will be excited for the Plant & Garden Club 2026 Spring Kickoff meeting, and sweet moments await at our March Ice Cream Social featuring our favorite DJs.
We’re also heading out for a breakfast outing at IHOP and celebrating St. Patrick’s
Day with a lively performance by ‘Round the House Irish Band, sponsored by the Middlesex County Office of Arts & History. Informative programs include a property tax relief PAS-1 application webinar, presented by the NJ Division of Taxation, and a nutrition presentation in honor of National Nutrition Month.
Other highlights include the return of our annual Spring Fashion Show, Pizza Bingo, another round Bingo-cise © classes, a baking class, a bus trip to the Senior Expo in Edison, and another wonderful Intergenerational program session with students from Old Bridge High School.
There’s truly something for everyone this March – join us and be a part of the fun! For more about Silver Linings of Old Bridge, including how to become a member, visit www.oldbridge.com silverlinings , call (732) 721-5600, extension 6600, or stop by for a visit! We are located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza in Old Bridge.
OB SUPERINTENDENTDR. VINCENT SASSO, ED.D.
At Old Bridge Township Public Schools, learning does not stop at the classroom door. Our World Language and Exchange Program continues to provide students with powerful, real-world learning experiences that expand their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Just last week, a group of 23 Old Bridge High School students returned home from Spain, where they were fully immersed in the language, culture, and daily life of their host communities. Experiences like these engage students in authentic conversations, navigate new environments, and build meaningful relationships, all while strengthening their language proficiency. Through our exchange opportunities over the years, Old Bridge students have had the opportunity to study internationally in France, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica, Spain, and China. These experiences build global
awareness and cultural understanding while fostering independence, confidence, and adaptability, qualities that serve students well long after they return home. We are incredibly proud of the students who represent Old Bridge abroad with integrity, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones reflects the very best of who we are as a district.
Providing these transformative opportunities is part of our commitment to preparing students not only for college and careers, but for life. And as always, we remain grateful to the Board of Education, educators, families, and community members who support these experiences and make them possible.
Old Bridge Strong, at home and around the world!
Sincerely,
Vincent Sasso Ed.D.
MEANING AND PURPOSE
In the opening words of the Bible, we read, “In the beginning, God created.”
These words give a foundation for purpose and meaning. When creation is treated as an accident rather than an act of intention, society slowly loses its bearings and meaning dissipates.
If everything ultimately came from nothing, then concepts like beauty, morality, love, and hope are illusions. Yet we live as if they matter deeply—because they do. Goodness, order, and reason point beyond themselves to a source greater than us. You are not a mistake or accident! There is more to you than you’ve been told!
A dense fog has settled over our culture—one filled with bold promises of self-definition and freedom, yet producing record levels of anxiety, depression, and suicide. With more wealth and opportunity than any generation before us, we are somehow much less hopeful.
Endlessly seeking significance becomes a burden, and we were not designed to carry
that heavy load. It is exhausting! We long for peace and rest, but they do not come from attempts to escape, but from knowing why you exist.
The Bible stands alone in its revelation of a personal God who stands outside of nature yet created us for a purpose, for relationship, giving us the ability to choose. Our Creator acts to restore those fallen from grace. He speaks, reasons, loves, and redeems. Nature can inspire awe, but it cannot tell you who you are or where you’re going. Only a personal God can do that.
This is where Jesus is central. The Bible describes him as God made flesh to rescue us from sin, give us meaning, and, in the end to, “cause all things to work together for good… according to His purpose.”
Living Stones by Lloyd Pulley, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge
INSPIRED ASSISTED LIVING AT RCH
Love Builds Community When Belonging Becomes a Daily Expression of Care
Love in assisted living is not only personal — it is communal. It grows not just between staff and residents, but among neighboring residents who are learning, once again, how to belong to a community.
At Reformed Church Home, this kind of love begins with simple invitations — a seat saved at a table — friendly knock on a door before an activity — staff member who notices someone sitting alone and gently draws them into participating and conversation. Over time, these small gestures become something larger — a network of relationships that transforms a building into a home.
For many residents, moving into assisted living means leaving behind familiar neighborhoods, routines, and social circles.
That transition can feel unsettling at first. What eases it most is not only architecture or amenities, but people.
Love shows up when new residents are welcomed by name — when long-time residents become guides and friends — when staff remember birthdays, preferences, and stories.
It shows up in shared meals that slowly become shared traditions — in activities where laughter bridges differences and in quiet friendships that form without planning.
Community does not happen by accident. It is created intentionally — by staff who design inclusive programs, by residents who open themselves to new connections, and by families who remain engaged in the life of the community. Strangers become companions. Companions become friends. And friends become part of each other’s daily lives. In assisted living, love is not only the care you receive. It is the belonging you feel.
At Reformed Church Home, building community is one of the most enduring expressions of love — creating a place where no one is merely living near others, but truly living with others.
thought about serving your community in a meaningful way, this is your sign. If you can’t join, you can still support us by becoming part of the LHFD Auxiliary, attending fundraisers like our Valentine’s Rose Sale, Poker Nights, and Saltwater Day Beer Garden, purchasing department t-shirts, or donating during our annual fund drive or anytime throughout the year.
For 101 years, LHFD proudly answered the call , they will continue to stand ready for the community — and we hope you continue to stand with THEM.
IN MEMORIAM
Jacob Musa Gammoh
April 18, 1942 - February 20, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
Marilyn Peterson
February 13, 1946 - February 19, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Patricia Ellen Lopez
August 3, 1946 -February 17, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Alyssa N. Vass
March 20, 1989 - February 11, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Mary Lavelle Grein
May 9, 1949 - February 10, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
Robert L. Herrera
December 17, 1961 - February 10, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Maria Wiget
March 23, 1962 - February 9, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Esmeralda Rivera
September 28, 1954- January 26, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT BEDLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
Vincent J. Renna
October 24, 1946 - January 26, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT WAITT FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE
Josephine Torri
May 31, 1939 - January 25, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
Dennis Gaughan
January 24, 1945 - January 25, 2026
SERVICES WERE HELD AT OLD BRIDGE FUNERAL HOME
