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 men, 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 men 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 TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and growth hormone peptides. These therapies for men are effective, safe, and customized to fit your goals, so you can keep loving life as you get older.
TRT, 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 TRT and HRT experts with more than 13 years of experience.
For men, getting older comes with its perks, like living life on their own terms and not having to "sweat the small stuff" day in and day out. At the same time, there are aspects of aging that men dread, like hormonal changes. Yes, you read that right – men, not just women, go through hormonal changes as they age. For men, the biggest change involves a drop in testosterone.
Lower levels of testosterone can wreak havoc on a male's mind and body and when left untreated, can result in symptoms like:
Those symptoms are concerning, but with testosterone replacement therapy and anti-aging medicine, many males improve their quality of life with age. The good news is that TRT and anti-aging meds aren't only reserved for "old guys." In fact, there's no magic age at which men should start thinking about hormone replacement therapy. Everyone's body is different, so if you're experiencing the above conditions in your mid-30s, TRT could be a viable solution when you consult with a doctor.
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men and plays an important role throughout the male lifespan. Most of a male's testosterone is produced through the testicles. Also called the male sex hormone, testosterone starts playing its part during puberty.
When a male goes through puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
As boys turn to men and men grow older, testosterone levels deplete naturally. Sometimes, events like injuries and chronic health conditions like diabetes can lower testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much T, it results in hypogonadism. When this happens, the testosterone must be replaced, or the male will suffer from symptoms like muscle loss, low libido, and even depression.
TRT is exactly what it sounds like: a treatment option for men that replaces testosterone so that your body regulates hormones properly and restores balance to your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates the symptoms that men experience with low T.
Originally lab-synthesized in 1935, testosterone has grown in popularity since it was produced. Today, TRT and other testosterone treatments are among the most popular prescriptions in the U.S.
Without getting too deep into the science, TRT works by giving your body the essential testosterone it needs to function correctly. As the primary androgen for both males and females, testosterone impacts many of the body's natural processes – especially those needed for overall health. For example, men with low T are more prone to serious problems like cardiovascular disease and even type-2 diabetes.
When your body quits making enough testosterone, it causes your health to suffer until a solution is presented. That's where TRT and anti-aging medicine for men can help. TRT helps balance your hormones and replenish your depleted testosterone. With time, your body will begin to heal, and many symptoms like low libido and irritability begin to diminish.
For men, aging is the biggest contributor to lower testosterone levels, though there are other causes like obesity, drug abuse, testicular injuries, and certain prescribed medications. Sometimes, long-term health conditions like AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease can lower testosterone levels.
When a man's testosterone levels drop significantly, it alters his body's ratio of estrogen and testosterone. Lower testosterone levels cause more abdominal fat, which in turn results in increased aromatase, which converts even more testosterone into estrogen.
If you're concerned that you might have low T, you're not alone. Millions of men in the U.S. feel the same way. The best way to find out if your testosterone is low is to get your levels tested.
For sustainable testosterone replacement therapy benefits, you must consult with hormone doctors and experts like those you can find at Global Life Rejuvenation. That way, you can find the root cause of your hormone problems, and our team can craft a personalized HRT plan tailored to your needs.
Are you used to blasting through a productive day and accomplishing all your daily goals? Do you find yourself losing muscle mass and the craving to be intimate with your partner? Does your partner complain about how irritable you have become? If you're not usually a curmudgeon, your body could be giving you a sign. It could be time to speak with a doctor about TRT and anti-aging medicine for men in Liberty Corner, NJ.
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might be battling against low testosterone:
One of the most common reasons that men choose TRT is because they have lost that "spark" with their partner. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not performing like they used to. Intimacy is a powerful part of any relationship. When a once-healthy sex life dwindles, it can cause serious relationship issues.
The good news is that low libido doesn't have to be a permanent problem. TRT and anti-aging medicines help revert hormone levels back into their normal range. When this happens, many men have a more enjoyable life full of intimacy and sex drive.
Weak erections – it's an uncomfortable subject for many men in the U.S. to talk about. It's even worse to experience first-hand. You're in the midst of an intimate moment, and you can't do your part. Despite being perfectly normal, many men put blame and shame upon themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while the inability to perform sexually can be caused by poor diet, obesity, and chronic health conditions, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, weak erections are a treatable condition. The best way to regain your confidence and ability in bed is to speak with your doctor. Once any underlying conditions are discovered, options like TRT may be the best course of treatment.
Hair Loss
Do you find it harder and harder to work out and lift weights in the gym? Are you having problems lifting heavy items that you once had no problem lifting?
Recent studies show that when men are inactive, they lose .5% of muscle strength every year, from ages 25 to 60. After 60, muscle loss doubles every decade. While some muscle loss is common as men age, a significant portion can be tied to low testosterone levels. When a man's T levels drop, so does his muscle mass.
Testosterone is a much-needed component used in gaining and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors prescribe TRT Liberty Corner, NJ, for men having problems with strength. One recent study found that men who increased their testosterone levels using TRT gained as much as 2.5 pounds of muscle mass.
Whether your gym performance is lacking, or you can't lift heavy items like you used to, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
If you're like millions of other men in their late 20s and 30s, dealing with hair loss is a reality you don't want to face. Closely related to testosterone decline and hormone imbalances, hair loss is distressing for many men. This common symptom is often related to a derivative of testosterone called DHT. Excess amounts of DHT cause hair follicles to halt their production, causing follicles to die.
Because hair located at the front and crown is more sensitive to DHT, it grows slower than other follicles and eventually stops growing permanently. Thankfully, TRT and anti-aging treatments for men in Liberty Corner, NJ, is now available to address hair loss for good.
While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone on your body. Whether you're suffering from thinning hair or hair loss across your entire head, TRT and other hormone therapies can stop hair loss and even reverse the process.
Also called "man boobs," gynecomastia is essentially the enlargement of male breast tissue. This increase in fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances and an increase in estrogen. For men, estrogen levels are elevated during andropause. Also called male menopause, andropause usually happens because of a lack of testosterone.
If you're a man between the ages of 40 and 55, and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
Decreased energy was once considered a normal part of aging. Today, many doctors know better. Advances in technology and our understanding of testosterone show that low T and lack of energy often go hand-in-hand.
If you're struggling to enjoy activities like playing with your kids or hiking in a park due to lack of energy, it could be a sign of low T. Of course, getting tired is perfectly normal for any man. But if you're suffering from continual fatigue, a lack of enjoyment, or a decrease in energy, it might be time to speak with a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish activities you used to love, TRT could help.
A study from 2011 showed that men who lose a week's worth of sleep can experience lowered testosterone levels – as much as 15%, according to experts. Additional research into the topic found almost 15% of workers only get five hours of sleep (or less) per night. These findings suggest that sleep loss negatively impacts T levels and wellbeing.
The bottom line is that men who have trouble sleeping often suffer from lower testosterone levels as a result. If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, you might have low T.
TRT and anti-aging medicines can restore your T levels back to normal, which can help you sleep better with proper diet and exercise.
You're feeling down about everything, and there's no solid explanation for why you're in such a crummy mood. Your daily life is great and full of success, but you can't help but feel unexcited and unmotivated. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed – and it may stem from low testosterone.
A research study from Munich found that men with depression also commonly had low testosterone levels. This same study also found that depressed men had cortisol levels that were 67% higher than other men. Because higher cortisol levels lead to lower levels of testosterone, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option gaining in popularity is TRT for depression. Studies show that when TRT is used to restore hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more improved mood. That's great news for men who are depressed and have not had success with other treatments like anti-depression medicines, which alter the brain's chemistry.
Ask anyone over the age of 50 how their memory is, and they'll tell you it wasn't what it used to be. Memory loss and lack of concentration occur naturally as we age – these aren't always signs of dementia or Alzheimer's.
However, what many men consider a symptom of age may be caused by low testosterone. A 2006 study found that males with low T levels performed poorly on cognitive skill tests. These results suggest that low testosterone may play a part in reducing cognitive ability. If you're having trouble staying on task or remembering what your schedule is for the day, it might not be due to your age. It might be because your testosterone levels are too low. If you're having trouble concentrating or remembering daily tasks, it could be time to talk to your doctor.
Why? The aforementioned study found that participating men experienced improved cognitive skills when using TRT.
Even though today's society is more inclusive of large people, few adults enjoy gaining weight as they age. Despite their best efforts, many men just can't shed the extra pounds around their midsections, increasing their risk of heart disease and cancer.
Often, male weight gain is caused by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism and cause weight to pile on. This phase of life is called andropause and happens when there is a lack of testosterone in the body. Couple that with high cortisol levels, and you've got a recipe for flabby guts and double chins.
Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy for men are numerous. TRT not only grants relief from low-T symptoms but can help give protection against age-related diseases. Additionally, doctors now recognize male testosterone as an important role in alleviating depression.
Some of the most exciting benefits of TRT can include:
Because men do not go through a specific period of hormonal changes like women do (called menopause), many doctors refer to "male menopause" as androgen decline. This is just another term for low testosterone, but like female menopause, the symptoms can be serious and affect your quality of life.
The best way to fight back against male menopause is with male HRT treatment from Global Life Rejuvenation. We provide the following HRT treatments for men:
Our treatment options are personalized for your body and are available as creams, gels, injectables, and implantable pellets. To find out if testosterone replacement therapy is safe for you, contact Global Life Rejuvenation today to schedule your comprehensive testing and anti-aging treatment consultation.
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.
Benefits of Sermorelin include:
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 is suitable for both men and women. It provides significant short and long-term benefits in age management therapies, boosting patients' overall health, wellbeing, and outlook on life. When growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland using Ipamorelin, clients report amazing benefits.
Some of those benefits include:
Whether you are considering our TRT services, HRT for women, or our growth hormone peptide services, we are here to help. The first step to turning back the hand of time starts by contacting Global Life Rejuvenation.
Our friendly, knowledgeable TRT and 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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