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Pursuing Progress
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Mayor's office of Economic Development
VOL 6, NO 8
A Publication for the community of Old Bridge
OLD BRIDGE OBSSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE KINDERGARTEN MIXER EVENT AT GRILLSTONE people, which included a com- weathered the storm we have all REGISTRATION bination of members and guests, experienced with COVID. We SET FOR Chamber Board members and want to thank all the members Township officials. We had a who came out for the event. 2021-2022 great turnout and we are poised It was great to see all of you! to build on our relationships Now we are positioned to SCHOOL YEAR David Lee. Hernandez, OBSSA with the small business owners build our businesses and our Pre-registration for the 20202021 Kindergarten class is open. There will be no in-person registration at this time. All students must be pre-registered to attend in the Fall. The pre-registration link can be found on the district home page at https://www.oldbridgeadmin. org. The completion of the pre-registration will be used to hold your spot by date and time. At the end of the pre-registration, before clicking on “Submit to District”, you must download the Kindergarten 2021-2022 packet. Instructions on how to complete the forms are included in the packet. Please make sure you have made a copy of all original documents and reviewed the checklist. Do not send any original documents. After the packet is completed, you can scan the documents as a pdf file to centralregistration@obps.org , mail, or drop all documents in an envelope with your child’s name and school on it, effective March 1. Individual images of documents will not be accepted. To scan, you can download a free app called ScanPro on your phone to create the pdf Continue on page 19
Chamber of Commerce,President / Rich Bruno,Vice- President / Anthony Cosentino, Trustee
On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, we had our first in-person event for our Chamber members and guests in over 15 months! The event was hosted by Grillstone Restaurant on Route 516 and was attended by almost 50
of the communities we serve. relationships even further, with The gathering was so per- a great lineup of future events sonable and engaging, some- for our chamber members. thing I can say as a Chamber This series of events will bring Board member we have been Continue on page 11 so anxious to get back to. We had a chance to meet some new business owners, while re-uniting with many other business owners who have
RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION RAISES NEARLY $150,000 AT GOLF OUTING
On May 3, Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation raised nearly $150,000 at a golf outing that took place at Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle in support of the Emergency Department expansion project taking place at Hackensack Meridian Raritan
Bay Medical Center. Nearly 100 golfers participated in the event, which followed all CDC, state and local safety guidelines. “We could not have asked for a more perfect day, with a more genuine and dedicated group of golfers,” says Melissa Magyar, executive director, Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation. “We recognize that many people are still being impacted by COVID19, but for this one, glorious day, when we could all safely gather together in support of an immensely important fundraising initiative, it felt wonderful. I am so grateful to everyone who supported the golf outing and
who answered our call to help ensure that we are able to provide Old Bridge and the surrounding communities with the best possible emergency care services.” Construction of the new Emergency Department at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, part of a $39 million investment, began in 2019. In April 2021, the medical center opened phase one of the project: a new concourse, café and front patient/visitor parking lot, all part of the transformation. The new Emergency Department is slated to open in February 2022, however Continue on page 21
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MAYOR’S MESSAGE
Mayor Owen Henry Dear Old Bridge Residents; With Memorial Day just past us and more residents getting vaccinated, we can look forward to a splendid summer and lots of enjoyment, relaxation, and time with our families. We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy these lazy, hazy summer days
in all of our beautiful parks in Old Bridge with playground and picnic areas to utilize for our parties and barbeques. June is Graduation month and I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all of the graduates, in all of our schools here in Old Bridge. These children and young adults are our future and I wish them the best as they move on to high school and college and go out into the world to begin their life’s journey. I would like to acknowledge thirteen-year-old resident Meghan Valanzola who is looking to strengthen and unite our community with her Old Bridge Kindness Challenge. To participate, follow the challenge on Twitter @OBKindness21 and post your acts of kindness now through June 16th. Morris Habitat for Humanity is hosting the “Home is Where Hope Begins” Virtual Breakfast on Thursday, June 10 from 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. I invite you to tune in to the live-streaming event, hosted by WABC-TV reporter
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Toni Yates, and learn more about how Morris Habitat is bringing its 36-year proven track record of building safe, decent affordable homes to Middlesex County with the start of 13 new homes in Old Bridge Township. Attendees will hear directly from Habitat homeowner families who will share their stories, as well as myself, honorees, volunteers, and sponsors who are making Morris Habitat’s life-changing work possible. Registration is free at the following link: https://morrishabitat.salsalabs.org/virtualbreakfast2021. The month of June is recognized as LGBTQ Pride Month. Our nation was founded upon the declaration that all people are created equal, and they have the right to be treated based on their value as human beings. I urge all of our residents to respect and honor our diverse community and celebrate and build a culture of inclusiveness and acceptance. Another event this month is Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19th. This day of freedom and liberation is the oldest nationally celebrated
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commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is imperative that we learn from history. Allow this day to be a celebration of uniqueness and place differences aside. Most notably this month, we celebrate Father’s Day, a day to honor all of our fathers who so selflessly go to work every day to make a living for their families, and who in their spare time volunteer in all of the various activities available for their children in the township. There are no words that can express the love of a father and the love that we all have for them. Happy Father’s Day! On a final note, now that we are at the beginning of the summer break, please be mindful of the increased number of kids playing outside, particularly near the parks, out riding their bikes, or walking in the streets and having fun. Stay alert when driving and riding your bike so we can ensure that everybody has a great, safe, healthy summer. To A l l Ol d Br i d ge rs enjoy the start of summer, relax, and take a break!
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT By Himanshu R. Shah, Business Administrator 1. COVID19 TESTING Old Bridge Township and the Old Bridge Board of Education is no longer continuing to sponsor Himanshu R. COVID-19 Shah testing at the high school as of Saturday May 8th. Currently, Purity Diagnostics Laboratory located at 72 B NJ-34 is conducting testing every Monday through Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Residents are urged to call and make an appointment at (732) 952-3398. They are also offering free testing to residents without health insurance. 2. HACKENSACK MERIDIAN RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER The Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center is now accepting walk-in and pre-registered COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Anyone
wishing to get vaccinated can visit the center Monday through Friday from 9:00am – 3:45pm. For more information or to pre-register, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/COVID19. With their assistance, we were able to help over 500 residents with getting their vaccines over the last two months. We would like to thank Hackensack Meridian for their continued support and partnership. 3. MIDDLESEX COUNTY E M E RG E NC Y R E N TA L ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County of Middlesex has established the Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERAP) to assist renter households that are behind on rent and/or payments for utilities such as gas, electric, and water. The county received $25 million in federal funding which will be distributed to approved applicants on a priority basis. For more information or to complete an ap-
plication please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance. 4. CIVIC CENTER AMPHITHEATER RETAINI N G WA L L & S TA I RW E L L R E PL AC E M E N T On May 6, 2021, bids were received, opened, and read in public for the Civic Center Amphitheater Retaining Wall & Stairwell Replacement, Contract #2021-36. Construction includes the removal and replacement of the existing southern retailing wall and stair system, the amphitheater tiered modular block seating wall, and new concrete sidewalk around the retaining wall. Award of this contract has been included on tonight’s consent agenda with construction scheduled for Spring 2021. 5. SPRING LEAF COLLECTION The final round of spring leaf collection will begin the week of May 17th in all wards. Please have your paper leaf bags placed at the curb by 7am Monday
morning and kept outside all week. Email the recycling department with any questions at recycling@oldbridge.com. Please note the recycling center will be closed on Saturday, May 29th for the Memorial Day weekend. The center will reopen on Tuesday, June 2nd from 7am – 3pm.
6 . H A Z A R D O U S WA S T E D AY Household Hazardous Waste Day is Sunday, June 27th from 8AM – 2PM at the Municipal Complex. For a full list of what items can be brought here, please visit OldBridge.com/Recycling.
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MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTING BUSINESSES IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
By Steve Mamakas, Executive officer of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development There are be served, waiting for an order or j ob s av ai l - product, even on online orders a b l e a l l or deliveries. No staff means little across Town. or no productivity in these cases. Summer is When a business is lost in a here and we town something happens. The are moving owners and staff then are forced for ward on into the work pool adding more getting back stress to the fragile system of to a normal local workers in the pool. Resistate. Let’s look at the numbers. dent must travel to other towns, Old Bridge is holding its own in costing time to travel and other the way of businesses operating towns benefit revenue wise with through these tough times. Inter- other stops in their community. esting enough today, Old Bridge They say “It’s better to underhas an equal balance of business- stand something than to think es that have opening in the last you know how it is”. We might be several months in relation clo- aware of the issues the businesses sures. Currently today another and community face these days, big challenge has surfaced. The but we are all better off if we unbusinesses are challenged with derstand the challenges to be able not enough workers to fill the to help and relate. So let’s support position needed to help cover our businesses and have a little the workload across industries. patients. If it takes a little longer As we visit many of the busi- or more time these days to get nesses across the town and in severed in a restaurant or longer other Towns the overwhelming to get your meal, receive or pick comments are, “we can’t find up an item or product. There is anyone to work”. With this issue more to it than meet the eye. So of not enough employees. The it’s better to understand the issues businesses are forced to cut hours and challenges being faced across of operation, scale back in many Town for a better future for areas of operation which creates business and all in Old Bridge. a ripple effect, also leading to Shop, Dine and Buy Local revenue loss. As the cost of operFeature Business ating start to increase to normal All of our businesses conditions. The business suffers Visit the Mayor’s Office of further with no workers and the Economic Development Old now higher cost of products. Bridge @ facebook.com\obeThis is a challenge for the townedo or Twitter @ twitter. consumer as well. With minimal com/obedonj to check out all staff to handle the load across the the exciting happenings from board in all businesses. It is taking grand openings to groundlonger when in restaurants or to breaking events across the town.
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9 believers and later wrote two
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mother used with her young
LIVING STONES letters (in the Bible) to help granddaughters was crass but MAN UP!
Centuries ago, a pleasure-driven, sexualized culture prevailed in a major Grecian city in the Roman Living Stones by world called Lloyd Pulley Corinth. This Senior Pastor, city was proCalvary Chapel verbial. To Old Bridge be “corinthian-ized” was to be given over to a promiscuous lifestyle and sensual pleasure-seeking, as even their worship consisted of State-promoted temple prostitution. Ultimately every civilization driven by pleasure is already on the decline. The human energy and capital which could be focused on altruistic pursuits of family and charity dissipate when focused on every destructive form of pleasing oneself. Today this ancient city of Corinth is an archaeological site, a mere heap of ruins only frequented by curious tourists who note its mention in the Bible. The Apostle Paul spent three years with the Corinthian
them understand their eternal position and to teach them to put their gratification for pleasure in its God-given place. Pleasure is a strong motivator. God-given sexual desire is intended to drive young adults to prepare their lives to be employable and marriageable, that they might contribute to the stability of society. Today the culture is saturated with cheap sexualization, prostitution, and pornography—all under the guise of “gratification.” There are innumerable ways today by which a person can be self-satisfied without contributing anything worthwhile to society. The inevitable effect of this pleasure-seeking is the breakdown of family, which will eventually undermine society as a whole. This should be a chilling reminder to us in America, that unless we get a renewal from heaven we will end up in ruins as well. God-given desires were meant to be channeled into family and the raising of children into mature adults. Gratification without any merit of earning it soon short-circuits any desire to even want to be married or raise children. The adage my grand-
true: “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” In other words, why would a man commit to marriage and fidelity when he doesn’t have to wait for marriage to have sex? Just consider all the sensual energy in a single person. Not dissipated on self, this energy becomes focused on one person, leading to a strong marital bond and self-discipline. When people sink down to the level of living for mere animal urges, only desiring to satiate their drives for food, sex, power, and authority, they miss the higher purposes in life! We clearly see in Paul’s address to the Corinthians a call to true manhood and masculinity—something all but lost in today’s culture. Paul told the believers in Corinth to “andrizomai,” which literally means to “man up,” “act like men” or “be brave.” This biblical exhortation means more than the distorted culture accusing “toxic masculinity.” For following this point, he concludes, “Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) This takes determination, commitment, and strength—which you won’t
find on the roadway to pleasure. Many men today have become softened and cannot cope. Psychology Today described it well in an article a few years back entitled: “We are a Nation of Wimps.” Search online for a picture of a 1905 playground—it will shock the average American! This was what the greatest generation played on and yet it was profoundly dangerous! Compare that to today where we see how coddled a generation has become! A child rides a tricycle with a helmet. City parks have 12” thick cushioned play surfaces. Children are no longer allowed to play alone and any scrape, scratch, or bruise puts parents in a frenzy. Hovering moms spritz sanitizer every ten minutes—and God forbid they let the kids play in the mud, much less taste it! Yet children in San Diego with such “care” fare much worse than those right across the border in Mexico! In San Diego there is an epidemic of childhood asthma and other diseases which are practically non-existent in Mexico. Anxious parents pressure teachers for grades their children didn’t earn. In the competitive
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arena, everyone gets a “WAV” (We’re All Valuable) trophy instead of a “Most Valuable Player.” Yet, it just might be that child is actually better than yours in that sport and not a victim of bias! Children today have been robbed of personal identity, meaning, and any sense of accomplishment. The National Guard upholds the qualities of loyalty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage, and duty. Duty—a forgotten word! Are we raising boys to be men that they might learn to walk a woman to her car at night, and to protect and fiercely defend her honor? Today this would be construed as sexism. To all of the men out there holding onto these values, thank you! To all the fathers choosing to take responsibility for their children, lessening the devastation of abortion, thank you! To all of the men choosing to discipline themselves, seeking purpose over pleasure, thank you! Happy Father’s Day to those of you who get it and to those of you who don’t—I am praying you will heed the words of Paul the Apostle to “andrizomai,” or man up!
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OBSSA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER EVENT AT GRILLSTONE Continue from page 1 back our commitment to education for our business community as well as the social aspects. The OBSSA Chamber of Commerce has so much to offer for our community and business owners. I encourage you to visit our FB page for our President David Hernandez’s welcoming video message, as well as go to our website to get the full line-up of future events. There are so many people to
thank for this event: Anthony, the owner of Grillstone for hosting such a great event, Mary Valinotti and Tonimaria Cosentino for being such great hostesses, of course our Mayor Owen Henry and head of Economic Development Steve Mamakis, our Fire Chief Bob Verney, along with all the other Board members, trustees and township officials. We are looking forward to our next event, which will be part of our educational series, called
“Master your time, energy and focus”. I will be leading this 30 minute seminar, which I am confident will add value to you in both your personal life and professional life. It will be held on Tuesday, June 15 at the Cheesequake Fire Dept. # 1, on Route 34 starting at 6 PM. Don’t miss it! Rich Bruno Vice President, OBSSA Chamber of Commerce John Maxwell Certified Coach, Speaker and Trainer
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BENEFITS ARE MANY FOR NEUTERING PETS By Anita Greenberg, DVM
Dr. Anita Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Daniel Belli, are the owners and operators of the East Brunswick Animal Hospital for more than 30 years. Dr. Greenberg has been a member of the Old Bridge Township Council since 2016 Why spay or neuter your pet? Overpopulation is the most obvious reason, but there other health benefits, too. Unwanted pregnancies lead to an abundance of dogs and cats being born that wind up in shelters. They may never have a home with a loving family. Responsible pet owners keep their pets from roaming free and avoid unwanted litters.
T he re are many ot he r advantages to having your p et spayed or neutered. Spaying a female dog or cat reduces the risk of mammary gland tumors, and eliminates the possibility of developing uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer. Another benefit of spaying your female pet is that it eliminates the chance of developing a pyometra, the inflammation of the endometrium [lining] of the uterus. This is caused by the hormones running amok with a high concentration of estrogen followed by a high concentration of progesterone, causing cystic endometrial hyperplasia. This predisposes the uterus to a secondary bacterial infection. When the pet is in heat, bacteria can ascend up the birth canal when the cervix is dilated. Pyometra can be fatal if it goes untreated as the pet becomes septic, necessitating an emergency hysterectomy. Neutering male cats and dogs
prevents them from developing testicular cancer, and, in dogs, diminishes the possibility of problems associated with an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Neutering males also reduces the chance of rectal tumors, which develop due to long-term exposure to testosterone. Perianal adenomas are benign while adenocarcinomas are malignant. Unneutered males may also develop behavioral problems, marking their territory with urine. Males that are neutered at a young age may exhibit less aggressive or dominant behavior than dogs that are not neutered. Male cats spray as an act of dominance. The urine from an unneutered male has a very strong, undesirable smell. Female dogs in heat may exhibit behavior changes. They may become clingier to their owners, more aggressive with other animals and may go off their feed. Female dogs, which usually come into heat twice a year, can
be messy during their cycle. Female cats exhibit strange behaviors when in heat, yowling, rolling on the floor and treading with their back legs. They urinate more frequently and their urine contains hormones that create a particularly strong odor. Cats are polyestrous, coming into heat year round, if they live indoors. In this region of the country, outdoor feral cats usually come into heat from March through October, resulting in an extensive kitten season. Feral cats are mating, producing an abundance of unwanted kittens who, within four or five months, also will be mating and reproducing. The population of feral cats quickly becomes overwhelming, with each female having multiple litters throughout the year. If feral cats have moved into your neighborhood, the solution is to trap them and have them spayed, neutered, vaccinated and released [TNVR].
If the cat’s left ear was tipped surgically, it signals the feral cat already has been neutered. It has been proven TNVR significantly cuts down the feral cat population. Feeding feral cats is not wise if they are not neutered. Spayed and neutered pets are happier pets and tend to live longer and healthier lives. C onsider volunteering to assist with a TNVR program. Become part of the solution to overpopulation. Donations are welcome to SAVE ALL STRAY INC. P.O. Box 5303, Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857. THANK YOU!
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JCP&L ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO ARRANGE PAYMENT PLANS AND APPLY FOR BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS name. To apply call 800-792- consumption. There are houseTO AVOID UNMANAGEABLE BALANCES 9745 or visit the Lifeline website. hold income requirements and Morristown, NJ – Residential and business customers of Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), who are having difficulty making ends meet are encouraged to contact their utility now to enroll in payment plans or to receive referrals for bill assistance programs. While shut-offs for nonpayment are temporarily suspended due to the pandemic, establishing an affordable payment arrangement or obtaining assistance can help keep balances manageable during this difficult time. “We understand many customers are in a difficult financial situation because of the pandemic,” said James V. Fakult, president of JCP&L. “Customers who have lost income during this crisis may be eligible for assistance that was unavailable to them before.” JCP&L customer service representatives are available at
800-662-3115 to assist residential customers with manageable payment arrangements and can provide customers with information on needs-based assistance programs. These programs may include forgiveness of all or part of a customer’s overdue balance, helping them to avoid a large bill that would otherwise be due when the temporary suspension on shutoffs ends. Customers of JCP&L may be eligible for one or more of the following programs: • Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/ HEAP): The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can protect customers from shut off for non-payment or help with heating bills. LIHEAP grant applications will only be accepted through June 30, 2021, when the blanket moratorium on utility shut off ends. Apply today by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 800-510-3102 or
visit the the DCAid screening tool to see if you meet the income limits for LIHEAP. • Universal Service Fund Programs (USF): USF helps make energy bills more affordable by offering eligible customers a monthly bill credit. This credit is based on household income and energy burden. USF may also offer utility account debt forgiveness for first-time applicants. USF is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services. To apply call 2-1-1 or visit the DCAid screening tool. • Lifeline: Lifeline provides funding for utility bills (electric and natural gas) for qualifying disabled persons and senior citizens. Applications must be made annually to receive the benefit. The Lifeline benefit applies only to the customer’s primary residence and must be in the customer’s or the customer’s spouse’s
• Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE): PAGE helps low- to moderate-income customers in New Jersey who are struggling to pay their electric and natural gas bills. The NJ PAGE program provides grants to those over the income limits for LIHEAP as well as those who already applied for LIHEAP but require additional assistance. To apply call 732-982-8710 or visit the NJPowerOn website. • Comfort Partners Programs: The Comfort Partners Program is a free energy savings and education program for income eligible customers. The program helps customers save energy and money by reducing their electric bills by installing energy conservation measures in the home and by educating family members on their energy and conservation choices. Participation is prioritized based on the customer’s energy webpage
other program qualifications. To apply call 800-915-8309 or visit the Comfort Partners webpage. •2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the211 website. Additional program information is available at // JCP-L.com/assistance. JCP&L also has established a customer service team dedicated to assisting business and commercial customers. This team can provide helpful information on available assistance programs and offer payment arrangements if needed. To explore these programs, please contact your utility company and ask to speak with a member of the Small Business Team. JCP&L’s customer service number is 800-962-0383.
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of OLD BRIDGE
3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Summer Starts Here!
Our 28-Day Challenge starts 6/28 - reserve your spot today!
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IN MEMOR I A M JOSEPHINE MARY OSENBRUK
May 22, 1925 - May 20, 2021 Josephine Mary Osenbruk, 95, of Old Bridge, NJ, passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, NJ. Josephine was born on DOROTHY GASPERCHEK
Ap r i l 1 4 , 1925 - May 17, 2021 D oro t hy H . G a s p e rchek 96, of Old Bridge, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Monday May 17, 2021, surrounded by family. She was born in Trenton, New Jersey to the late Joseph and Josephine (Kowalski)
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May 22, 1925 to John and Anna Sapieta in New York City, NY. Josephine worked as a Clerical Administrator for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. On May 24, 1947, she married Charles William Osenbruk. Josephine lived in Queens, NY for 46 years, and Howell Township, NJ for 25 years, before moving to Old Bridge, NJ. She was a member of Surrey Downs social club where she
lived. Josephine loved to read, crochet and travel with the women’s club of Surrey Downs. Josephine is survived by her three daughters, JoAnn M. Seitz of Old Bridge, NJ, Carol Coppola, and her husband Louis, Lorraine Gaw, and her husband James; her son, Charles Osenbruk and his wife Linda; six grandsons, Thomas, Jason, Steven, Michael, Sean, and Joshua; four granddaughters,
Anna, Desiree, Christine, and Jessica; three great-granddaughters, Julia, Rebecca, and Trinity; and four great-grandsons, Gabriel, Ian, Lucas, and Leon IV. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles William Osenbruk in 1990; her father, John Sapieta; her mother, Anna Malik Sapieta; and her brother, John Sapieta. Visitation was held on Monday, May 24, 2021, 6:00
PM - 8:00 PM at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, CR 515, Old Bridge, NJ. 08857 The Funeral Mass was on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, 10:30 AM, at St. Ambrose R.C. Church, 96 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge, NJ. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 7202 Astoria Blvd. S, East Elmhurst, NY.
Dymnicki. Dorothy worked for General Motors in Trenton supporting the war effort during World War II until she married the love of her life in 1954 and moved to their family farm in Old Bridge, New Jersey. There she enjoyed raising her children and spent her time gardening, canning vegetables, crocheting, reading, and mastering the daily newspaper crossword puzzle. Dorothy was a devout Catholic and deeply valued her
relationships with her children and grandchildren with whom she maintained close ties with daily. Her family will forever remember her endearing presence, laughter and smile that lit up any room, as well as her tremendous strength, quick wit and words of wisdom that she bestowed upon all. She was famous for her quick dill pickles, apple pie, and Thanksgiving Day stuffing. She was predeceased by her loving husband of nearly
40 years, Andrew, and her brother Joseph Dymnicki. Surviving are her sisters, Stephanie Bublewicz and Sister Mary Elvine Dymnicki; her daughter Marcia Rumolo and her husband Joseph; her son Andrew Gasperchek; her daughter Audrey Penksa and her husband Jeffrey; and her 4 grandchildren, Joseph Rumolo and his wife Samantha Van Rikxoort and her son Kaiden, Laura Rumolo, Corinne Penksa, and
Tina Bayer and her husband Daniel; as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Relatives and friends attended a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St Ambrose Church, Old Bridge, NJ. Interment was at Forest Green Park Cemetery, Morganville. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Old Br i d ge Fu ne r a l Home.
FOR ADDI T IONAL OBI T UA R I ES V ISI T W W W.OLDBR I DGE F H .COM
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HELLO FROM HAUSER HILL FARMS! The season is in full swing and we reach its full potential. If we were to skip have been very busy on the farm planting vegetables and preparing the fields. We have even begun to harvest some early produce such as lettuce, asparagus, spinach, leeks and STRAWBERRIES! We have a good crop this year as long as Mother Nature continues to cooperate. Did you know that strawberries are actually members of the rose family? While a strawberry plant is a perennial plant, they only crop for about three years so we are always replanting strawberry fields and moving the fields around to get the best berries possible. We are also beginning the arduous task of thinning peaches. Peaches and apples must go through a thinning process. This process “thins out” the crop by removing fruit from the trees so that the fruit that is left can size up and
this process, all the fruit would be very small….and nobody likes a tiny peach! We thin mostly by hand on the farm so it takes quite a long time to complete almost six acres of peach trees. We still have lots of bedding plants, flowers, shrubs, vegetable plants and hanging baskets available. Come see us at our farm stand at 261 Ticetown Road Tuesday – Sunday from 9-5. Visit our website at hauserhillfarms. net or find us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on what crops are available. We’ve been on Ticetown Road for about 150 years, and are one of the last family owned farms left in Old Bridge. Support small business by purchasing locally grown produce and know where your food comes from. Buy fresh, buy local!
BRIDGEFEST IS THE BRIDGE CHRISTIAN RADIO’S ANNUAL Now in our 16th year, Bridgefest sees thousands down in historic Ocean Grove for one of the largest Christian outreaches on the Jersey Shore. This year the festival kicks off on Friday, June 25 at 10:00am with free kids’ activities, face painting, live Bible teaching from favorite Bridge Radio Teachers, food trucks and vendors, and a host of special sponsors and ministries. Doors open for the Friday night concert with Zach Williams at 6:00pm. Zach Williams is an award-winning contemporary Christian artist who won a Grammy for his Platinum Album Chain Breaker, Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, and has won multiple Dove-Awards. The concert will be hosted by The Bridge Christian Radio General Manager, Pastor Robert Baltodano, and Main Speaker, Pastor John Randall. Pastor John hosts the Bridge radio program A Daily Walk Radio and is Senior Pastor of Calvary San Juan Capistrano. Saturday, June 26 kicks off with a free Surf Clinic, followed by another fun-packed day of activities, including a free Soccer Camp. The theme for Bridgefest 2021 is taken from Genesis 1:27: “So God
created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” As we reflect on the glory of God seen in those He has ransomed and redeemed, we reflect on the fact that we are all created “In His Image.” 2021 Featured sponsors include The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridge Women’s Center, and KLOVE. To learn about activities, teacher line ups, vendors and more, stay connected at bridgefest.org. To purchase concert tickets, visit bridgefest.org and reserve your seats today!
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RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: Starting June 1, the Library month of June. More details software can be learned through hours will be the following: will be on our website once their classes. Learning Express JOSEPH FALCONE
OLD BRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY Sunday and Monday – Closed Tuesday 10:00am – 6:00pm Wednesday 10:00am – 6:00pm Thursday 10:00am – 6:00pm Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm Patrons can now visit the library without scheduling an appointment. At this time, we will continue to monitor capacity limits. Patrons can still make appointments to browse or pick up curbside; those patrons will be given priority when entering the building. Appointments are still required for the following services: Computers, Passports and Notary. Please consult the Library’s website, www.oldbridgelibrary.org for instructions to request an appointment, requests are taken via email. Our study rooms are not in service for use at this time and our programming is still virtual. We are planning in-person programs to be held indoors/outdoors during the
all plans are confirmed. We will continue to our programming efforts with weekly kid’s story time which we stream live on our Facebook page. In addition, we have activity kits for kids which change monthly and can be picked up free of charge during library hours. They contain coloring sheets, craft ideas and supplies and other items of interest to kids. We are also offering other programming, taking place via Zoom, and posted on our Facebook page. If you have suggestions for programs which could take place virtually, please send them to fmceachern@oldbridgelibrary. org, 732-721-5600 x5010 or post on our Facebook page. For those looking to learn a new skill, the Library has some virtual resources at your disposal, accessible with your Library card. One of those is LinkedIn Learning, formerly called Lynda. com. A side variety of business
Library and Universal Class are also full of useful classes on a wide variety of subjects. All are available through our website using your Library card for access. Please call a reference librarian if you are having difficulty signing on or finding the resources at 732-721-5600 x5033. For those Old Bridge Library residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound or facility-bound, you may qualify for our Books By Mail program. You must have an Old Bridge Library card. Books will be mailed to you with a three-week loan time and must be mailed back in the postage-paid reusable bag or returned to the Library book drop. Only OBPL books are eligible for this program. It excludes DVDs, CDs as well as inter-library load items. Interested? Call 732-721-5600 x5033 to reserve your books.
OLD BRIDGE KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION SET FOR 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR Continue from page 1 file. For anyone not submitting documents via email, all envelopes are to be dropped off at the Patrick A. Torre Administration Building, 4207 Highway 516, Matawan, NJ 07747. When entering the building do not proceed through the second set of doors. Registration packets should be dropped in the orange bin, which is located in the lobby.
You will be contacted by a district staff member once your registration packets are reviewed
By: Erik R. DePalma
In late May, I had the honor to assist a local resident in replacing the flags on the Throckmorton overpass. Joseph Falcone, a 2020 Old Bridge High School graduate and alumni of St. Thomas the Apostle, was dismayed by the ripped and tattered American and POW/MIA flags that were present on Throckmorton over-
pass. Taking matters into his own hands, he purchased and replaced the flags facing both the north and south bound sides of Route 9. In speaking with Joseph, you get a true sense of his pride in America and the respect he has for all those who have and continue to sacrifice for our freedoms. He wanted to make sure that those flags were in place prior to Memorial Day, to honor the fallen. Joseph’s good deeds does not stop at the replacing of the flags, he uses his own time to ensure the 9/11 memorial is kept pristine. Quite regularly you will find him cleaning the memorial for those we lost on that hallowed day. It is young people like Joseph that continue to make Old Bridge such a wonderful place to live and to raise a family. THANK YOU JOSEPH – you make us all #OLDBRIDGEPROUD
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HOW DOES CUPPING WORK? Before we answer the question of how cupping works your first question may be does cupping actually work? - the answer is yes. A recent systematic review (basically an analysis and summary of high quality studies) published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2020 concluded that, “Dry cupping was found to be effective for reducing pain in patients with chronic neck pain and non-specific low back pain.” At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we effectively manage and treat musculoskeletal conditions of the extremities such as tendonitis, sprain and strains, with cupping as well. In fact, the clinical value of cupping is no secret and it has been used in treatment for a very long time. While it is used as treatment by many practitioners and providers to care for their patients, I believe it is particularly beneficial when performed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist Assistant because of their vast knowledge and expertise in the areas of movement science, biomechanical analysis,
pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system, and non-invasive treatment techniques. After all, we are the first line of defense and preferred provider for all things related to movement. So now that we’ve established that it works - let’s tackle HOW it works. Cupping is the practice of placing cups onto the skin and creating a suction effect. It creates distraction or stretch to the tissue through negative pressure. This serves to increase blood flow to the area where the cups are placed and may reduce muscle tension, promote cell repair and improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation. Cupping also stimulates the nerves in the tissue, which sends increased ascending input to the brain to promote improved descending motor output, thus reducing pain. This concept is very similar to the theory behind other pain relieving treatments such as electrical stimulation and is sometimes referred to as the gate control theory. However, it is the unique therapeutic stretch to the tissue that makes this treatment
distinctly different from other treatments and creates the potential for healing and long term relief. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization or IASTM, or Graston which is also offered at ProFysio, and cupping can be a very effective treatment combination to treat muscle imbalances and chronic pain. Cupping is considered a low
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risk intervention with few side effects other than of course the most notable, bruising. Cupping can be an effective treatment for conditions like spinal pain and related disorders, sport injuries, chronic pain, sprains and strains, and tendonitis. Call ProFysio Physical Therapy today to schedule your free consultation, or schedule online
from your computer or mobile device at profysionj.com, to speak with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and see if cupping can help you relieve pain, restore motion, and get back to doing the things you love to do.
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RARITAN BAY MEDICAL CENTER RAISES NEARLY $150,000
Continue from page 1 the medical center remains open to the public for all emergent and outpatient needs throughout construction. Although the event has passed, do-
nations can still be made in support of the Emergency Department project by visiting give.hackensackmeridianhealth. org/RBMCGolf, by calling 201-519-2446, or emailing paige.cooper@hmhn.org.
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MAX CHALLENGE / SUICIDE PREVENTION VIRTUAL 5K On Saturday, May 15, 2021, the Max Challenge of Old Bridge and Manalapan locations continued their efforts to support causes they are passionate about, with a virtual 5K. The American Society for Suicide Prevention is a cause that we all feel, today, more than ever, needs support and a heightened level of awareness. Last year, pre-COVID, we embarked on a massive effort to support this cause with a fundraiser to be held at the Grand Marquis in early April 2020. We had great support from sponsors, and this was undoubtedly our greatest project initiative in the 8 plus years we have been in the community. Due to COVID, we were never able to pull it off. But we never wavered on our passion and commitment to rally our members and community together to bring more focus to suicide prevention. The Virtual 5K was broadly supported by over 200 members, family and guests from both The MAX Challenge Old Bridge and
Manalapan locations. While the Virtual 5K was free, we asked our members to buy shirts, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to the charity.
In addition, two other people matched those proceeds. Finally, we had over 75 items donated to raffle off after the event. The members and staff from
Old Bridge and Manalapan always show up big and rally for worthy causes. At the MAX Challenge, we are blessed to be associated with such giving and
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caring individuals. So much of our culture is built on the spirit of giving and supporting others. We are so grateful for everyone’s efforts to make this a huge success. The fundraising results will be shared in the near future, but I can confidently say that we raised a significant amount of money, along with greater awareness, for suicide prevention. R i c h B r u n o MAX Challenge Mu lt i - u n it Fr anch is e e Vice President of the OBSSA C h a m b e r of C om m e rc e
of OLD BRIDGE
3879 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 732-617-6162
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FPO