Aging is inevitable, and for many, it signals the beginning of a new chapter - one where you cross off bucket list items and live life to the fullest, on your own terms. However, for some women, aging is a horrible prospect, filled with chronic fatigue, irritability, and inability to perform in the bedroom. If you're concerned about life in middle age and beyond, we've got great news: there are easy, proven steps that you can take to help stop the negative effect of aging.
Global Life Rejuvenation was founded to give women a new lease on life - one that includes less body fat, fewer mood swings, and more energy as you age. If you're ready to look and feel younger, it's time to consider HRT (hormone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men and women are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
HRT, and growth hormone peptide therapies bridge the gap between your old life and the more vibrant, happier version of you. With a simple click or call, you can be well on your way to a brighter future. After all, you deserve to be the one in charge of your wellness and health. Now, you have the tools to do so - backed by science and applied by our team of HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
As women age, their hormones begin to go through changes that affect their day-to-day lives. For women, hormone deficiency and imbalance usually occur during menopause and can cause chronic fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings, among other issues. Hormone replacement therapy helps correct hormone imbalances in women, helping them feel more vibrant and virile as they age.
Often, HRT treatments give patients enhanced quality of life that they didn't think was possible - even in their 60's and beyond.
The benefits for women are numerous and are available today through Global Life Rejuvenation.
As women age, their bodies begin to go through significant changes that affect their quality of life. This change is called menopause and marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and reproduction ability. Though there is no specific age when this change occurs, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years old. However, according to doctors, menopause officially starts 12 months after a woman's final period. During the transition to menopause, women's estrogen and other hormones begin to deplete.
As that happens, many women experience severe symptoms. These symptoms include:
The symptoms of hormone deficiency can be concerning and scary for both women and their spouses. However, if you're getting older and notice some of these symptoms, there is reason to be hopeful. Hormone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine for women can correct imbalances that happen during menopause. These safe, effective treatments leave you feeling younger, healthier, and more vibrant.
The most common reason for menopause is the natural decline in a female's reproductive hormones. However, menopause can also result from the following situations:
Oophorectomy: This surgery, which removes a woman's ovaries, causes immediate menopause. Symptoms and signs of menopause in this situation can be severe, as the hormonal changes happen abruptly.
Chemotherapy: Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can induce menopause quickly, causing symptoms to appear shortly after or even during treatment.
Ovarian Insufficiency: Also called premature ovarian failure, this condition is essentially premature menopause. It happens when a woman's ovaries quit functioning before the age of 40 and can stem from genetic factors and disease. Only 1% of women suffer from premature menopause, but HRT can help protect the heart, brain, and bones.
For many women, menopause is a trying time that can be filled with many hormonal hurdles to jump through. A little knowledge can go a long way, whether you're going through menopause now or are approaching "that" age.
Here are some of the most common issues that women experience during menopause:
If you're a woman going through menopause and find that you have become increasingly depressed, you're not alone. It's estimated that 15% of women experience depression to some degree while going through menopause. What many women don't know is that depression can start during perimenopause, or the years leading up to menopause.
Depression can be hard to diagnose, especially during perimenopause and menopause. However, if you notice the following signs, it might be time to speak with a physician:
Remember, if you're experiencing depression, you're not weak or broken - you're going through a very regular emotional experience. The good news is that with proper treatment from your doctor, depression isn't a death sentence. And with HRT and anti-aging treatment for women, depression could be the catalyst you need to enjoy a new lease on life.
Hot flashes - they're one of the most well-known symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes are intense, sudden feelings of heat across a woman's upper body. Some last second, while others last minutes, making them incredibly inconvenient and uncomfortable for most women.
Symptoms of hot flashes include:
Typically, hot flashes are caused by a lack of estrogen. Low estrogen levels negatively affect a woman's hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls body temperature and appetite. Low estrogen levels cause the hypothalamus to incorrectly assume the body is too hot, dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow. Luckily, most women don't have to settle for the uncomfortable feelings that hot flashes cause. HRT treatments for women often stabilize hormones, lessening the effects of hot flashes and menopause in general.
Mood swings are common occurrences for most people - quick shifts from happy to angry and back again, triggered by a specific event. And while many people experience mood swings, they are particularly common for women going through menopause. That's because, during menopause, the female's hormones are often imbalanced. Hormone imbalances and mood swings go hand-in-hand, resulting in frequent mood changes and even symptoms like insomnia.
The rate of production of estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, largely determines the rate of production the hormone serotonin, which regulates mood, causing mood swings.
Luckily, HRT and anti-aging treatments in Liberty Corner, NJ for women work wonders for mood swings by regulating hormone levels like estrogen. With normal hormone levels, women around the world are now learning that they don't have to settle for mood swings during menopause.
Staying fit and healthy is hard for anyone living in modern America. However, for women with hormone imbalances during perimenopause or menopause, weight gain is even more serious. Luckily, HRT treatments for women coupled with a physician-led diet can help keep weight in check. But which hormones need to be regulated?
Lowered sexual desire - three words most men and women hate to hear. Unfortunately, for many women in perimenopausal and menopausal states, it's just a reality of life. Thankfully, today, HRT and anti-aging treatments Liberty Corner, NJ can help women maintain a normal, healthy sex drive. But what causes low libido in women, especially as they get older?
The hormones responsible for low libido in women are progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.
Progesterone production decreases during perimenopause, causing low sex drive in women. Lower progesterone production can also cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. On the other hand, lower estrogen levels during menopause lead to vaginal dryness and even vaginal atrophy or loss of muscle tension.
Lastly, testosterone plays a role in lowered libido. And while testosterone is often grouped as a male hormone, it contributes to important health and regulatory functionality in women. A woman's testosterone serves to heighten sexual responses and enhances orgasms. When the ovaries are unable to produce sufficient levels of testosterone, it often results in a lowered sex drive.
Often uncomfortable and even painful, vaginal dryness is a serious problem for sexually active women. However, like hair loss in males, vaginal dryness is very common - almost 50% of women suffer from it during menopause.
Getting older is just a part of life, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for the side effects. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women correct vaginal dryness by re-balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. When supplemented with diet and healthy living, your vagina's secretions are normalized, causing discomfort to recede.
Uterine fibroids - they're perhaps the least-known symptom of menopause and hormone imbalances in women. That's because these growths on the uterus are often symptom-free. Unfortunately, these growths can be cancerous, presenting a danger for women as they age.
Many women will have fibroids at some point. Because they're symptomless, they're usually found during routine doctor exams. Some women only get one or two, while others may have large clusters of fibroids. Because fibroids are usually caused by hormone imbalances, hysterectomies have been used as a solution, forcing women into early menopause.
Advances in HRT and anti-aging medicine for women give females a safer, non-surgical option without having to experience menopause early. At Global Life Rejuvenation, our expert physicians will implement a customized HRT program to stabilize your hormones and reduce the risk of cancerous fibroid growth.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS, and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Endometriosis symptoms are much like the effects of PMS and include pelvic pain, fatigue, cramping, and bloating. While doctors aren't entirely sure what causes this painful, uncomfortable condition, most agree that hormones - particularly xenoestrogens - play a factor.
Xenoestrogen is a hormone that is very similar to estrogen. Too much xenoestrogen is thought to stimulate endometrial tissue growth. HRT for women helps balance these hormones and, when used with a custom nutrition program, can provide relief for women across the U.S.
Hormone stability is imperative for a healthy sex drive and for a normal, stress-free life during menopause. HRT and anti-aging treatments for women balance the hormones that your body has altered due to perimenopause or menopause.
HRT for women is a revolutionary step in helping women live their best lives, even as they grow older. However, at Global Life Rejuvenation, we know that no two patients are the same. That's why we specialize in holistic treatments that utilize HRT, combined with healthy nutrition, supplements, and fitness plans that maximize hormone replacement treatments.
If you've been suffering through menopause, is HRT the answer? That's hard to say without an examination by a trusted physician, but one thing's for sure. When a woman balances her hormone levels, she has a much better shot at living a regular life with limited depression, weight gain, mood swings, and hot flashes.
Here are just a few additional benefits of HRT and anti-aging treatments for females:
Hormone imbalance causes a litany of issues. But with anti-aging treatments for women, females can better process calcium, keep their cholesterol levels safe, and maintain a healthy vagina. By replenishing the body's estrogen supply, HRT can relieve symptoms from menopause and protect against osteoporosis. But that's just the start.
Global Life Rejuvenation's patients report many more benefits of HRT and anti-aging medicine for women:
If you're ready to feel better, look better, and recapture the vitality of your youth, it's time to contact Global Life Rejuvenation. It all starts with an in-depth consultation, where we will determine if HRT and anti-aging treatments for women are right for you. After all, every patient's body and hormone levels are different. Since all our treatment options are personalized, we do not have a single threshold for treatment. Instead, we look at our patient's hormone levels and analyze them on a case-by-case basis.
At Global Life Rejuvenation, we help women rediscover their youth with HRT treatment for women. We like to think of ourselves as an anti-aging concierge service, guiding and connecting our patients to the most qualified HRT physicians available. With customized HRT treatment plan for women, our patients experience fewer menopausal symptoms, less perimenopause & menopause depression, and often enjoy a more youth-like appearance.
Growth hormone peptides are an innovative therapy that boosts the natural human growth hormone production in a person's body. These exciting treatment options help slow down the aging process and give you a chance at restoring your youth.
Sermorelin is a synthetic hormone peptide, like GHRH, which triggers the release of growth hormones. When used under the care of a qualified physician, Sermorelin can help you lose weight, increase your energy levels, and help you feel much younger.
Human growth hormone (HGH) therapy has been used for years to treat hormone deficiencies. Unlike HGH, which directly replaces declining human growth hormone levels, Sermorelin addresses the underlying cause of decreased HGH, stimulating the pituitary gland naturally. This approach keeps the mechanisms of growth hormone production active.
Ipamorelin helps to release growth hormones in a person's body by mimicking a peptide called ghrelin. Ghrelin is one of three hormones which work together to regulate the growth hormone levels released by the pituitary gland. Because Ipamorelin stimulates the body to produce growth hormone, your body won't stop its natural growth hormone production, which occurs with synthetic HGH.
Ipamorelin causes growth hormone secretion that resembles natural release patterns rather than being constantly elevated from HGH. Because ipamorelin stimulates the natural production of growth hormone, our patients can use this treatment long-term with fewer health risks.
One of the biggest benefits of Ipamorelin is that it provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies. Ipamorelin can boost a patient's overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life.
When there is an increased concentration of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, there are positive benefits to the body. Some benefits include:
Whether you are considering our HRT and anti-aging treatments for women in Liberty Corner, NJ, we are here to help. The first step to reclaiming your life begins by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation. Our friendly, knowledgeable HRT experts can help answer your questions and walk you through our procedures. From there, we'll figure out which treatments are right for you. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to looking and feeling better than you have in years!
866-793-9933
LIBERTY CORNER, NJ - Liberty Corner Elementary School art instructor Stephanie Moench is the recipient of Artsonia’s 2023 Art Education Leadership Award. The award honors pioneers in the art education community who continuously inspire their peers and engage students.Moench’s peers and Artsonia selected her among thousands of instructors as one of 15 national winners of this award. She is one of thousands of art teachers from over 100 countries around the world who use Artsonia to showcase their student art, crowdsource le...
LIBERTY CORNER, NJ - Liberty Corner Elementary School art instructor Stephanie Moench is the recipient of Artsonia’s 2023 Art Education Leadership Award. The award honors pioneers in the art education community who continuously inspire their peers and engage students.
Moench’s peers and Artsonia selected her among thousands of instructors as one of 15 national winners of this award. She is one of thousands of art teachers from over 100 countries around the world who use Artsonia to showcase their student art, crowdsource lesson plans and help fundraise for their classrooms. Artsonia, the world’s largest online student art museum with more than 100 million pieces of art, allows family and friends of student artists create and purchase organic keepsakes from the student art, and then gives back 20 percent of all revenue to the local art classroom.
Artsonia’s 2023 Art Education Leadership Award serves as a way to honor the passionate, dedicated instructors who teach their students to create and value art, produce innovative lessons, and continually motivate their peers on Artsonia.
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“Artsonia strives to provide art educators a platform to inspire one another,” said Jim Meyers, CEO and co-founder of the company. “We could not thrive without the commitment and ingenuity of teachers like Stephanie who use their online gallery and lesson plans to motivate others. This Art Education Leadership Award is a way for us to recognize the hard-working, passionate people who help our children cherish art and cultivate their creative side.”
For more information, visit artsonia.com.
About Artsonia
Artsonia is the world’s largest online collection of student art and a destination for thousands of art educators in over 100 countries worldwide. The website curates 100 million pieces of student art (and counting). Artsonia works with teachers to create online school art galleries and student art portfolios. Parents and relatives can view the art online, leave comments and order keepsakes featuring the artwork. As part of its mission, Artsonia donates 20 percent of merchandise revenue directly back to local classrooms. Since 2000, it has donated more than $13.5 million.
A 2022 Common Sense Education top pick for comprehensive resources for arts education, Artsonia inspires students and promotes the sharing of art with its weekly Artist of the Week campaign and online gift shop — all while helping to fund local school art programs.
To learn more, visit artsonia.com.
PublishedSeptember 4, 2022 at 3:14 PMLast UpdatedSeptember 4, 2022 at 3:14 PMBERNARDS TWP., NJ _ Just last weekend, some regular volunteers with the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad were responding from the squad building to answer emergency calls from their community. But, as of midnight on Monday, Sept. 5, the volunteer squad will cease operations and begin the process of dissolving.The...
PublishedSeptember 4, 2022 at 3:14 PM
Last UpdatedSeptember 4, 2022 at 3:14 PM
BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ Just last weekend, some regular volunteers with the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad were responding from the squad building to answer emergency calls from their community. But, as of midnight on Monday, Sept. 5, the volunteer squad will cease operations and begin the process of dissolving.
The Liberty Corner First Aid Squad was established in 1965. But membership has been dwindling, and the number of volunteers regularly available is down to about ten to provide emergency squad coverage during a period of 30 hours per week when supplemental squad coverage isn't available, said dwindling membership had brought the number of volunteers down to a regular number of ten answering calls during about a 30-hour coverage window, said Dave “Phil” Lai-Len, squad president.
Some of the squad's newest members are college students, but they aren't always around to answer calls and many have recently departed for the college year, members said.
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Partial coverage already provided throughout Bernards Township by Atlantic Health Care ambulances
Ambulances from Atlantic Health Care already have been covering the entire township for the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift on weekdays, when few volunteers are available to donate their time.
"Atlantic will be providing service in the Liberty Corner area 24/7," said Township Administrator Pat Monaco. The Basking Ridge squad, which covers the northern section of the township, will continue its coverage with volunteers in that area, according to current plans.
Volunteers of the Basking Ridge squad had been actually pitching in to help provide coverage with the Liberty Corner squad, said Lai-Len and other members at the squad building last weekend. But going forward, Basking Ridge will not be able to continuing assigning its members to help cover Liberty Corner, he said.
According to a press release from the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad issued last week, "The decision to disband the squad was a difficult one for the members who exhausted all options to remain active. Between other full-time careers, family obligations, pandemic fatigue, and retirement, the all-volunteer squad faced a crisis of staffing which placed a heavy burden on the active squad members."
“Staffing shortage isn’t a unique challenge only to LCFAS as many organizations throughout New Jersey are witnessing massive turnover and suffering from loss of volunteers,” said Jad Abousleiman, LCFAS Captain.
"LCFAS has been an integral part of the community and over the years squad members _ who were once strangers _ bonded over their shared goal of helping to make a difference in the lives of others," the release said.
Members of the squad at the building last weekend said they enjoy helping the community, and are considering signing up as volunteers with neighboring squads _ or even with the professional Atlantic Health Care ambulance system.
Squad members also expressed some concern about how future coverage would be handled. Just last weekend, for example, all the nearby Atlantic Health Care ambulances were handling calls in another town when the Liberty Corner squad alone was available to respond to an emergency squad in Bernards Township.
Mutual aid between towns, and the assignment of Atlantic Health Care ambulances "remains the same and at the discretion of Somerset County dispatchers," Monaco said in an email last week.
By Linda SadlouskosPublishedOctober 31, 2022 at 11:56 PMLast UpdatedOctober 31, 2022 at 11:56 PMBERNARDS TWP., NJ _ Bernards Township on Monday followed through on its stated intention to file a lawsuit against the now-inactive Liberty Corner Fir...
By Linda Sadlouskos
PublishedOctober 31, 2022 at 11:56 PM
Last UpdatedOctober 31, 2022 at 11:56 PM
BERNARDS TWP., NJ _ Bernards Township on Monday followed through on its stated intention to file a lawsuit against the now-inactive Liberty Corner First Aid Squad in an effort to regain funds, equipment and real estate from control of the longtime volunteer organization. The LCFAS stopped answering calls as of Sept. 5, citing a shortage of volunteer members, and Atlantic Health Care's paid ambulance service has picked up full-time responsibility for emergency medical calls in the lower portion of the township.
The legal filing in state Superior asserts that these assets belong to the township, and would be used for emergency medical services (EMS) purposes that would serve residents of Bernards Township.
The lawsuit also the LCFAS' officers have refused to provide a full accounting of assets owned by the organization, pr to take any steps to return its holdings, including funds _ which came from donations, fundraising efforts by the squad and, according to the lawsuit, township contributions _ and the squad building at 740 Martinsville Road.
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The township is asking for a judge to require the LCFAS to turn over those assets within 14 days of providing the accounting of its holdings, including the deed to the building. The lawsuit also asks that a trust be placed on all of the squad's assets.
In the lawsuit, and at the Bernards Township Committee's first meeting in October, township officials publicly pledged to place any funds in a separate, state-approved trust as a "reserve for EMS services" for residents.
At the most recent Township Committee meeting, on Oct. 25, the issue of the role the volunteer squad should play again came up during the public comment period.
"Liberty Corner people now must pay for [ambulance] service and [also] will pay taxes" toward emergency services," noted resident Joan Bannan, a former Township Committee woman. She asked that the squad members _ who previously said they would like to rebuild membership _ be allowed to provide backup service. She also asked that the township help the volunteer group to rebuild.
She and some other residents said that Atlantic Healthcare's ambulance had recently taken about 30 minutes to answer a call.
"We should recognize what the squad has done over the decades," said Deputy Mayor Andrew McNally. However, he added that it is "not feasible" to have the squad answer calls for three shifts per week, as requested.
"No one would know who is coming to which call," he said.
Both the Basking Ridge volunteer first aid squad _ which remains in operation _ and LCFAS had previously been backed up during weekday hours by the Atlantic Healthcare ambulances; at those times, many members are at work, and unable to answer calls.
But township officials said that LCFAS had already been stretching to provide service during nine shifts required for part-time coverage.
McNally said that the current situation with the LCFAS is not one in which anyone would want to be.
For more than 50 years, the volunteer squad handled 9-1-1 medical calls from residents in much of the southern portion of Bernards Township, covering Liberty Corner and beyond.
The Liberty Corner First Aid Squad was established in 1965, but officially ceased operations this past Sept. 5. Squad membership had been dwindling, and the number of volunteers regularly available was down to about ten to provide emergency squad coverage during a period of 30 hours per week when supplemental squad coverage isn't available, said Dave “Phil” Lai-Len, squad president.
A letter from the squad's officers in September said, "We, like many other volunteer organizations in the state, have been experiencing a critical staffing crisis since the pandemic. After exhausting all options– including the hope of an agreement with the township - we had no other choice but to announce ceasing operations."
The letter continued, "We are extremely proud of all we have accomplished over the past nearly 60 years and very thankful to the community, many who are our friends, neighbors, and family, for believing in our volunteer organization.
"Thank you, Bernards Township residents, for your outpouring of support over the years, for dropping off home-cooked meals for our monthly meetings or late-night shifts, for the handwritten thank-you notes after saving your loved one’s life, or a monetary donation 'just because.'
"The past few years have been a trying time for many, but our dedicated squad never backed down during the Covid-19 pandemic and answered calls during the middle of the night, during snowstorms, and when we were needed in the community. Our members sacrificed nights and weekends away from their own families to serve the community we love. But our devotion was unwavering," the letter remiinded.
Former Liberty Corner Fire Chief and company president, Marc Friedman (right) is honored by the Bernards Twp. Committee for his 48 years with the volunteer organization. Mayor Jim Baldassare is left.After 48 years as a volunteer with the Liberty Corner Fire Co., former chief and president Marc Friedman is honored for his service at Tuesday's Bernards Twp. Committee meeting.Photo Credit: By Linda SadlouskosFormer Liberty Corner Fire Chief and company president, Marc Friedman (right) is h...
Former Liberty Corner Fire Chief and company president, Marc Friedman (right) is honored by the Bernards Twp. Committee for his 48 years with the volunteer organization. Mayor Jim Baldassare is left.
After 48 years as a volunteer with the Liberty Corner Fire Co., former chief and president Marc Friedman is honored for his service at Tuesday's Bernards Twp. Committee meeting.Photo Credit: By Linda Sadlouskos
Former Liberty Corner Fire Chief and company president, Marc Friedman (right) is honored by the Bernards Twp. Committee for his 48 years with the volunteer organization. Mayor Jim Baldassare is left.Photo Credit: By Linda Sadlouskos
By Linda Sadlouskos
PublishedMay 27, 2022 at 7:05 PM
BERNARDS TWP., NJ - One Sunday in 1974, Marc Friedman stopped in to see what the volunteer Liberty Corner Fire Co. was all about.
Friedman says he was "warmly greeted" and he became a firefighter, a role he says, "You will either love from day one, or decide it's not for you."
Forty-eight years after becoming a fireman, it's apparent that Friedman fell into the first category. "It becomes your life," said the 77-year-old former chief, who is closing his local law office on Tuesday, May 31, and officially retiring.
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Receives ovation at meeting
During his almost 50 years of service with the fire company, Friedman also was elected chief four times, and as president three times. He also held other upper-level positions with the volunteer organization.
This past week, the Bernards Township Committee presented a resolution to Friedman for his years of service. The resolution can be found on the left-hand side of the screen, on page 3. With some of his fellow firefighters in attendance, he received a standing ovation from those present.
"I am really honored that all of them came out tonight," Friedman said afterward. Of his fellow firefighters, he said, "It's truly a brotherhood and sisterhood."
Township Committee members praised Friedman before he was presented with a framed copy of the resolution by Mayor James Baldassare Jr.
"You have touched a lot of lives," said Township Committee member Janice Fields. Besides helping many on calls, she said he had also served as a mentor to many men and women in the town.
Township Committee Member Jennifer Asay said that as a firefighter, "You put yourself in harm's way to selflessly help others."
Baldassare, who grew up in the township, said his father had been a Liberty Corner fireman, and he remembers going in to the firehouse when he was five or six years old, and seeing Friedman back then.
He said Friedman helped "make this town what it is."
Speaking after the meeting, Friedman said that Bernards Township was a much different place in 1974, with a single traffic light. Back then, he said a common call was to fight brush fires in the spring and summer.
He said he and his wife, Sara, took horseback riding lessons on Lyons Road.
The township is served by two volunteer fire companies, Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner. Liberty Corner always covered a larger area geographically, but Basking Ridge Fire Co. was responsible for most of the township's population back then, he said.
Since then, Liberty Corner's coverage area, which includes The Hills development, has expanded its population beyond that of Basking Ridge.
Another thing that has changed, Friedman said, is the requirements that it takes to become a volunteer firefighter, which he said match those that a professional firefighter must fulfill.
These days, he said, "Safety is the name of the game."
Still, he said that for anyone thinking of become a volunteer with one of the township's fire companies, "Try it.
"It's just an incredible group of people that would give their time for no reason other than to be helpful to the community," Friedman said.
After retiring, Friedman said he and his wife will be moving within New Jersey to live closer to their daughter.
Sara Friedman, his daughter Margaret Lazur, and son Joseph were at the meeting, he said.
The Liberty Corner First Aid Squad claim they were "pushed out" by the township while committee members say its a matter of public safety.BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A lawsuit is brewing between Bernards Township and the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad(LCFAS) after the squad ceased operations last month. Both sides are speaking out to Patch about the growing tensions ahead of Tuesday's Township Committee meeting.LCFAS Past President and Captain Fred Miller said it appears the squad and its volunteers are "being pu...
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A lawsuit is brewing between Bernards Township and the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad(LCFAS) after the squad ceased operations last month. Both sides are speaking out to Patch about the growing tensions ahead of Tuesday's Township Committee meeting.
LCFAS Past President and Captain Fred Miller said it appears the squad and its volunteers are "being pushed out."
"We faithfully served free ambulance service to the township for 57 years including 20 months anwering COVID calls and we just want to a chance to rebuild," said LCFAS President Dave "Phil" Lai-Len.
Lai-Len is calling on residents to come out and support the squad at the Tuesday night Township Committee meeting where a resolution will be voted on to authorize the "Township Attorney to pursue litigation, and all other means, against LCFAS."
The litigation came about after the all-volunteer rescue squad was having trouble getting volunteers to cover the 24/7 coverage needed for the township.
Over the summer, Lai-Len said the squad asked Bernards Township Committeewoman Janice Fields if they could cut down their coverage shifts. The uncovered shifts would be picked up by another squad while LCFAS had a "chance to rebuild " themselves.
"She told us unless we could do it 24/7, it was unacceptable," said Lai-Len.
Fields said it wasn't as cut and dry. She said the squad has been having issues for at least three years in recruiting members. They went from a full-time shift to what she called "part-time" to wanting to cut it down even further.
"I went to my colleagues to ask and we all said no. We can't do that to the town," said Fields. "All along they have been having problems. If we give in to only three shifts and then what if they come back and say they can't handle three?"
Fields said the committee was very upset about the decision but said it was not fair when it came to residents' safety in case the squad couldn't cover a shift.
"We couldn't take that leap of faith. Not when it comes to safety of the community," said Fields.
Lai-Len emphazied that the squad just needed more time.
"We are just trying to rebuild. We are just asking for a chance," said Lai-Len.
Miller added that the squad had a "bunch of new members and students from Ridge" who were interested in joining. But they didn't get the chance to start.
The squad would need around 20 members to cover their full 24/7 shift and currently have 7 EMTs with a few other driving only, said Miller.
A decision was eventually made to cease EMS operations in Bernards Township effective midnight on Sept. 5 "due to increased call volumes, coupled with all-volunteer staffing issues." Read More: Liberty Corner First Aid Squad Halts Operation After 57 Years
The situation came to a head in mid-September when the township came in to get a list of all the squad's assets such as its land, building, vehicles, equipment and funds.
The township was referred to the squad's attorney.
Baldassare said the squad intended to not return the funds to the township and instead donate equipment to other municipalities and make internatinal donations.
"We can not sit back, and in good concisious, allow this when we are charged with the safety and wellbeing of the township residents," said Baldassare.
"They are under the impression they can use the remaining assets for whatever they want," Baldassare continued. "Our positon is all of those assets accumuliated are for a specific use - for EMS services for township residents."
Lai-Len said a number of people in the community have already reached out in support of the squad and started writing letters to the township.
"They contributed the money to the first aid squad and rely on our discretion on how to use it. They didn't donate the money to the township," said Lai-Len.
Fields said this lawsuit is the committee's way of "fighting for the tax dollars that went into the squad."
"We're fighting for our residents. We gave them an option to put the money in a trust fund only to be used for emergency services and they said 'No, speak to our lawyer.' And they were going to keep it for themselves and spend it how they saw fit," said Fields.
Lai-Len said he has started making lawn signs and hats for those in support of the LCFAS. Those looking for a lawnsign can email [email protected].
The Township Committee meeting will be held on Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge. The meeting will be live streamed and can be found by clicking on the "Watch a Meeting Live" icon on the home page, bernards.org and can also be viewed live on Optimum/Cablevision TV -Channel 15 and Verizon FiOS TV - Channel 35.
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