It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Washington Monument State Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Middletown, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Deep Cut Gardens with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Esca Restaurant Wine Bar or visit TaylorButler House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Middletown, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Middletown, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Middletown, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. What's planned:MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. These are just some of the family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.Here's everything you can look forward to this August:Seining Along Sandy Hook BayMondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, August 1-22 f...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Go seining in Sandy Hook Bay, look for a shooting star and enjoy live music in your county parks this August. These are just some of the family-friendly activities the Monmouth County Park System has planned for the month.
Here's everything you can look forward to this August:
Seining Along Sandy Hook Bay
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, August 1-22 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth - Meet on the beach near the parking lot.
Discover a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures as we pull a long seine net along the edge of Sandy Hook Bay. Closed-toe shoes are required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. This program is designed for individuals and families. Weather permitting. FREE!
Boat Tours of the Manasquan Reservoir
Friday, August 1 at 6 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, and 30 & 31 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
These 45-minute tours are narrated by Park System naturalists and include opportunities to view local wildlife. The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child, age 12 and under. Children must be 1 year or older to attend and able to sit independently during the duration of the tour. Please call to confirm schedule as tours are both weather and water level dependent. All tours leave from the Visitor Center. Life-jackets required. Tickets can be purchased on day of tour only.
Cookstove Demonstration
Saturday, August 2 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!
Thompson Park Canoe Rentals
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 16 & 17, and 30 & 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. The cost is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours; cash or check only.
Milling Demonstrations
Saturdays & Sundays, August 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, and 30 & 31 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!
Victorian Laundry Demonstration
Sunday, August 3 from 1-2:30 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, experience a late-Victorian laundry day during this demonstration. FREE!
Tidal Tuesdays - Seining at Fisherman's Cove
Tuesdays, August 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
Seine for a variety of fish, crabs and other sea creatures along the cove during this Park System naturalist-led program. Closed-toe shoes are required. Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. No swimming during the event. Weather permitting. FREE!
Fishing 101 – A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing
Thursdays, August 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Manasquan Reservoir, Howell
Learn how to rig, bait, cast and, hopefully, catch your first fish during this program. Come and go at any time. Bait and tackle provided. Open to all ages; under 14 with adult. Fishing license required for ages 16-69. Stop by the bait shop for day of registration. No groups, please. FREE!
Life in a Freshwater Pond
Thursdays, August 7, 14 & 21 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet outside the Visitor Center.
Join Park System naturalists to explore a freshwater pond and look for basking turtles, hopping frogs, hunting herons, splashing fish and anything else that catches our eye. We will also discover the unique life that lies underneath the water in a freshwater pond. Wear closed-toe shoes. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Weather permitting. FREE!
Basket Weaving Demonstration
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Visit the Penn/Jersey Basket Weaving Guild as they weave baskets. FREE!
Open Shoot Archery
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft
All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.
Under the Summer Stars
Wednesday, August 13 from 10:30-11:30 p.m.
Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck – Use the soccer field parking lot.
Look for key objects and constellations in the night sky with our guide. Bring a camp chair to rest on as we star search and a flashlight to light your way in the dark. Program may be cancelled due to overcast skies or inclement weather. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Concert in the Park: Bring on the Funk with The Fumos
Friday, August 15 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft - Concert is outdoors but will move inside if weather is inclement.
Come ready to dance to an array of memorable classic tunes and jams. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, food and soft drinks. FREE!
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, August 16 from 12-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items. FREE!
Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century
Saturday, August 16 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads played in the farmhouse. FREE!
Bluegrass and Old-Time Music
Sunday, August 17 from 1-3 p.m.
Thompson Park, Lincroft – Outside the Theater Barn
The Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association will meet for a jam session under the trees. Bring your own bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin or guitar to join in, or just stop by and enjoy an afternoon of music. FREE!
Music on the Porch
Sunday, August 17 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold
Let the toe tapping tunes of an acoustic duo enliven your visit. FREE!
Casual Birder
Tuesday, August 19 at 9 a.m.
Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point parking lot in Highlands.
Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2-4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. FREE!
Open Mic Poetry - Reinvention & The Romantic Era
Wednesday, August 20 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Explore or recite literary works during a time of alliteration, rhythm and verse. All are welcome to read your work aloud or read work from your favorite poet(s). Must be appropriate for a family-oriented audience. Pre-registration is recommended for readers and available by calling 732-542-1642, ext. 4648. FREE!
Nature Lecture: Sea Turtles of the Jersey Shore
Thursday, August 21 from 7-8 p.m.
Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth
Find out which species of sea turtles call the Jersey Shore home and what threatens their survival during this talk by a Park System naturalist. FREE!
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, August 23 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!
Penny Rug Demonstration
Saturday, August 23 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
See how scraps of wool or felted wool from old clothing were used to create mats and rugs during this demonstration. FREE!
Concert in the Park - American Classics: Weill, Gershwin, Bernstein in Concert
Saturday, August 23 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Thompson Park Theater Barn, Lincroft
Celebrate the musical legacies of Kurt Weill, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein during this performance by Creative OPERAtions. FREE!
Climb Time
Sunday, August 24 from 12-3 p.m.
Shark River Park, Wall
Try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. FREE!
Smocking Demonstration
Saturday, August 30 from 1-3 p.m.
Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel
View the lost art of smocking, a decorative embroidery made by gathering cloth in regularly spaced round tucks. FREE!
Also, the Park System has a number of sites listed on the National Registers of Historic Places that open for free tours during the warmer months including:
Historic Battery Lewis
Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 12.
Hartshorne Woods Park - Use Rocky Point entrance in Highlands.
Historic Holmes-Hendrickson House
Friday-Sunday from 12-3 p.m. starting every half hour; tours offered through October 5.
Holmdel Park, Holmdel
Historic Portland Place
Wednesday-Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.; tours offered through November 16.
Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust section of Middletown
Historic Racing Stable
Fridays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 19.
Thompson Park, Lincroft
Historic Seabrook-Wilson House
Mondays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1-4 p.m.; tours offered through October 30.
Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth
Please note that these historic sites may close due inclement weather and on county holidays.
To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The third and final public strategic planning session for the Middletown school district will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday night (Aug. 28) at the Middletown High School North cafeteria.The Middletown school district is holding these three meetings (the others were in May and June) as part of its "Strategic Planning process."This is where the school district hears from the entire community about where they would like the direction of Middletown schools to go in the next five years. Redistricting,...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The third and final public strategic planning session for the Middletown school district will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday night (Aug. 28) at the Middletown High School North cafeteria.
The Middletown school district is holding these three meetings (the others were in May and June) as part of its "Strategic Planning process."
This is where the school district hears from the entire community about where they would like the direction of Middletown schools to go in the next five years. Redistricting, and possibly closing one or more schools are all options on the table.
Middletown schools superintendent Jessica Alfone previously said in May: "These three meetings are to gather community input about the district's new five-year strategic plan. School closing and redistricting are not absolutes as outcomes of the eventual plan. Closing schools and/or rezoning could be outcomes, but we need to engage in the process first before making any determinations for the future."
Alfone said at this week's school board meeting the Middletown school district is still awaiting the results of a "building utilization and boundary re-analysis," which it hired a consulting firm to do in June.
The school district paid that firm $24,000 to evaluate how all the buildings in the district are being used, and what is the best use for each school building. This spring, the Middletown school district announced it has a $10-million budget hole, and cannot keep operating as usual. The district has to make some serious financial changes. That's why a majority of the Board approved a controversial 10.1 percent increase to the school tax levy in April.
"Once we have that information, it will be presented to the school community," Alfone said Tuesday, referring to the building-use study. "Our steering committee will meet sometime after we have those results back ... and create the action plans for the five-year strategic plan. Our goal is to have this (the Strategic Plan) board-approved in early 2026, January/February area."
Board member Joan Minnuies said Tuesday night some Middletown residents have a conception their neighborhood schools will be exempt from possible redistricting — something she is trying o dispel.
"We don't know if any schools could be affected (for possible closure). But no schools are left out of being affected. Is that true?" she asked the district.
Alfone said that is correct. The superintendent said the district is currently gathering the residencies for all the students in the district.
"Certainly one of the goals is to see where populations can be shifted to alleviate some of the higher class sizes and populated buildings in areas of town, and to create more equity in how those populations are spread out," she said.
Minnuies said she's been trying to get a lot of people to attend the Strategic Planning sessions.
"It's better to have everyone involved now ... and (not have) people say, 'I didn't know it was my school,'" said Minnuies.
Alfone previously said here the consulting firm will present a report in mid- to late September about "how our boundaries could be redesigned" and any Middletown school buildings "that are aging and could be taken offline."
"All of our facilities are being evaluated. Everything's fair game," Alfone said Tuesday.
These meetings are open to all Middletown residents, not just public school parents. All three meetings are facilitated by the New Jersey School Boards Association. The school district posts a summary here of what is discussed at the three meetings: Middletown school district Strategic Planning
Final meeting date:
Alfone gave a brief strategic planning update at 1:52 at Tuesday night's BOE meeting:
Staff returns to Middletown schools Thursday. The first day for students is Sept. 2.
Lack Of Money, Aging Schools: 1st Middletown Strategic Planning Meeting (May)
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown mother who is legally blind said she was told this week the school district will provide a school bus for her three children this year.Carolyn Bradfield said Middletown schools superintendent Jessica Alfone sent the family an email Wednesday informing them they would be receiving a school bus for the upcoming school year.The Bradfield's three children, ages 9, 7 and 6, attend New Monmouth Elementary."The district has agreed to accommodate our children for the 2025-'26 school yea...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown mother who is legally blind said she was told this week the school district will provide a school bus for her three children this year.
Carolyn Bradfield said Middletown schools superintendent Jessica Alfone sent the family an email Wednesday informing them they would be receiving a school bus for the upcoming school year.
The Bradfield's three children, ages 9, 7 and 6, attend New Monmouth Elementary.
"The district has agreed to accommodate our children for the 2025-'26 school year with the understanding that each year they will need to reevaluate our situation," Bradfield told Patch.
"Clearly, this remains a concern for years to come if the district happens to pull back on this accommodation for our family," she continued. "Therefore, it is so important to keep the momentum going to make an impactful change and clarify the district's legal obligation under the Americans With Disabilities Act."
The Bradfields also launched this Change.org petition here: https://www.change.org/p/suppo..., which they said they plan to send to President Trump, and New Jersey's two U.S. senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim.
Many families in Middletown have asked the district to provide a school bus for their children, for various reasons.
Middletown — like most NJ school districts — is not legally required to provide a bus if you live less than 2 miles from your child's elementary or 2.5 miles from your child's middle or high school.
The Bradfields are 1.9 miles from New Monmouth Elementary. However, Carolyn Bradfield has Usher syndrome, which made her legally blind. She also suffers from moderate to severe hearing loss and uses hearing aids.
She and her husband argue it is extremely dangerous to expect her to walk her three small children to school with her severely reduced visibility and hearing, and that she is entitled to a school bus because she is disabled.
The Bradfields sued the Middletown school district over this matter in 2023, invoking the Americans With Disabilities Act. They said Thursday they do not plan to drop their lawsuit.
"We certainly will continue with the lawsuit as we are still waiting for the court to move forward with the next decision on accepting our amendment to add multiple counts for discrimination and disparate treatment," said Carolyn Bradfield Thursday.
She said the Middletown school district filed a motion to dismiss their new discrimination complaints.
Last week: Blind Mother Continues Legal Fight With Middletown To Get Busing For Her Kids To New Monmouth Elementary (Aug. 6)
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Public Library will host its Fall Fest from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. September 20.It will be a day of fun, creativity and community spirit for all ages. The festival will be at the library, with activities happening indoors and outdoors.“Fall Fest is a great way for the community to enjoy crafts, music, games and history together, and the perfect time to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month,” said Middletown Library Director Kate Hammond.Stop by the Library Information Desk to si...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Middletown Public Library will host its Fall Fest from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. September 20.
It will be a day of fun, creativity and community spirit for all ages. The festival will be at the library, with activities happening indoors and outdoors.
“Fall Fest is a great way for the community to enjoy crafts, music, games and history together, and the perfect time to celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month,” said Middletown Library Director Kate Hammond.
Stop by the Library Information Desk to sign up for a card and earn entries into a month-long raffle for a gift bag, filled with goodies generously donated by Trader Joe’s of Middletown and the Friends of MTPL. In addition, there will be special raffles held on the day of Fall Fest, giving attendees even more chances to win.
Here is the day's schedule of events:
For children
Children’s Garden (11 a.m.–12 p.m.)• NJ Bubble Party Bubble Show
Children’s Program Room (1–3 p.m.)• Fall into STEM• Drop-in crafts
Patio (1–3 p.m.)• Face painting
For teens• Mobile Gaming Truck (outside near the Garden (1–3 p.m.)• Paper Pumpkin Craft, Teen Room (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
For adults• An Afternoon of Music with Marco Crincoli, held in the Community Room (2–4 p.m.)
Makerspace (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)• Perler Bead Art• Fall Drop-in Craft
History Room (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)• Collaborative Autumn “Zine” Project
The HUB (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)• Community History Table• Button Making• Raffle Entry Station
For All AgesPatio (1–3 PM)• Apple Cider Making
Outdoor Lawn (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)• Lawn Games
This event is free and open to the public. Most programs do not require registration, but registration is recommended for the Bubble Show program.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at apple orchards near Middletown.There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.Patch compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Middletown. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples....
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at apple orchards near Middletown.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Middletown. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Eastmont Orchards, 321 Route 537 Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Happy Day Farm, 106 Iron Ore Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
Battleview Orchards: 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Giamerese Farm, 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Hacklebarney Farm: 104 State Park Road, Chester, New Jersey 07930
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Melick’s Town Farm: Two locations, Oldwick and Califon (19 King Street, Oldwick, New Jersey and 472 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ 07830)
Riamede Farm, 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, New Jersey
There are also these corn mazes and pumpkin patches near Middletown:
Heavenly Hill Farm, 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
Fairfield Farms & Greenhouses: 177 Big Piece Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said
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