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 Washington Monument State Park in Middletown, NJ 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.
“Nurse Juliana was competent, caring, and good company.”
“I have worked with this company for almost two years getting care for my mother.”
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an”
“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”
“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”
“Nurse Juliana was competent, caring, and good company.”
“I have worked with this company for almost two years getting care for my mother. The company is very flexible and the caregivers have been professional and very kind. Wiznette has been outstanding, adding so much to our household with the care she gives.”
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was declining from Parkinson’s and his continuum of care facility said he could no longer live alone in his apartment without help.. My father was very challenging to work with as he was slipping mentally and could not seem to grasp why the caregiver was there. The manager, Carli, and the caregiver, Stephen, could not have been more skilled and compassionate given his issues. The billing practices and necessary documentation for reimbursement from his Long Teem Care company also went very well. Ultimately my Dad needed placement in skilled nursing. However, this was no fault of the caregiving company, who went out of their way to communicate with me about what was going on every day so I stayed filled in. If my Dad needs an aide in the future for an outing I will definitely contact them.”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I could not have taken care of my elderly mother with out them. They always provided excellent people who I could trust in my home and with my mother who was 102 1/2 when she passed away recently. The caregivers from ABC were always on time, polite, professional, and, above all else, caring. The office team was amazing, too! They always went above and beyond (Thanks, Carli & Samantha!). Most recently when my mom had a fall and came home from the hospital on hospice, they had a game plan for her care before I did. They anticipated what our needs would be. They had people skilled in hospice care to my house within 24 hours. I could not have gotten through her passing without their support. A very special thanks to Manite & Patience. I would highly recommend ABC.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an outstanding caregiver, Maria, who is exceptional in every way. Our recent substitute caregiver, Elizabeth, also provided my husband with excellent care. We so appreciate the high level of expertise, skill and overall care afforded to us by these wonderful ladies.”
“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”
“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.”
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 in Middletown, NJ 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.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Nov. 3, will be an election for three seats on the Middletown school board.Longtime Board president and vice president Frank Capone, Jacqueline Tobacco and board member Caterina Skalaski all chose not to run for re-election this year. Their time on the school board will end in January.Here's who's running for those seats:Bernard Daus — Dependable, Achievement, TrustSusan Henderson — Back To BasicsAmanda Faryar — Back to BasicsThree candidates seek three seats, so it's no...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Nov. 3, will be an election for three seats on the Middletown school board.
Longtime Board president and vice president Frank Capone, Jacqueline Tobacco and board member Caterina Skalaski all chose not to run for re-election this year. Their time on the school board will end in January.
Here's who's running for those seats:
Bernard Daus — Dependable, Achievement, TrustSusan Henderson — Back To BasicsAmanda Faryar — Back to Basics
Three candidates seek three seats, so it's not a competitive school board election this fall in Middletown. Nevertheless, Patch asked the three candidates to introduce themselves to the voting public, since some people may not know who they are.
We also asked all three: "Did you support school closings last year? This is a yes or no question, but you can give reasons why or why not."
Meet Bernie Daus
I am Bernie Daus, and I grew up in Middletown and always wanted to raise my family here. My wife and I have been married for 20 years, and our three sons currently attend Middletown’s public schools — one in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in high school. Like many families in this community, we are invested every day in the quality and future of our schools.
My family’s connection to Middletown spans roughly 100 years, beginning with my great-grandmother. Five generations of my family have called Middletown home, and my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews are part of this community today. I attended Middletown’s public schools from kindergarten through high school, continued at Brookdale Community College, earned my undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, and later earned a master’s degree from Georgetown University.
I have worked continuously since my first paper route at age 10. For the past 21 years, I have worked for the same organization, overseeing real estate operations, development, construction and maintenance across a large industrial/commercial/office property campus in Edison. That experience has taught me that strong organizations depend on clear accountability, reliable information, disciplined planning, responsible financial management and consistent follow-through.
I am running for the Board of Education because Middletown families deserve a dependable, trustworthy school district focused on student achievement and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I believe we need strong decision-making and clear public communication; taxpayers should understand what the district is proposing, what information supports it, what it will cost, and how it will measure success. I have closely reviewed district budgets, reports, facilities plans and supporting materials, and I believe discrepancies and unanswered questions deserve closer examination and clear answers. I would bring a practical management perspective to the board: ask tough questions, verify the facts, set clear priorities, and inspect the results. My goal is to help the BOE earn public trust through dependable services, responsible financial oversight, and measurable progress for students.
Did you support school closings last year?
No, I opposed the school-closure proposal because it was poorly prepared and predictably headed for failure; I knew the county superintendent and NJ Dept. of Education would not recommend and approve the proposal. Specific deficiencies included an unresolved long-range facilities plan, inadequate supporting enrollment projections, unanswered capacity questions at Thorne and Thompson middle schools, and insufficient analysis of traffic/transportation. The board did not do the feasibility analysis needed to pass this proposal. In my analysis, the closure proposal would not produce meaningful net savings, either. A credible financial analysis needed to account for moving expenses, additional transportation, renovations/conversions at Bayshore (i.e., furniture, lowering restroom fixtures and adding a playground), and any building expansions needed at the remaining middle schools. Any statements about revenue from selling the closed school properties proved false because they didn’t own the land, or the land was encumbered and/or unmarketable.
Meet Susan Henderson
I’ve lived in Middletown for 30 years. My husband, a retired Local 3 electrician, and I originally moved here because of the strength of the school system, and it’s where we chose to raise our family. Today, we live in a multi-generational home in Middletown, and my granddaughter attends River Plaza Elementary. I am also a senior, homeowner and taxpayer, so I understand that the decisions made by the Board affect not only students and their families, but everyone who calls Middletown home. After 30 years here, my family has made a commitment to another 30.
I’m a veteran of the Air National Guard and a long-time community volunteer. Over the years, I’ve been involved in our schools as a parent, PTA leader and volunteer. Education has always been personal to me. My mother was an elementary school teacher for over 40 years, so I grew up with a deep appreciation for the dedication teachers and school staff bring to work every single day. Professionally, I have a degree in labor relations from Rutgers University, and I am a certified project manager. I currently work as a non-profit consultant and grant writer, which has given me experience identifying outside funding opportunities and finding ways to bring additional resources into an organization. That perspective would be useful on the Board as we look for appropriate grants and responsible revenue-generating opportunities that can support our schools and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
My work has also taught me to start by gathering the facts, asking good questions, seeking relevant expertise, hearing from affected stakeholders, and considering different perspectives before deciding on a path forward. I have experience with budgets, timelines, stakeholder coordination and moving projects from planning through completion.
Did you support school closings last year?
I did not support the school closures last year because I did not believe the foundational data, analysis, and implementation plan were sufficiently developed to support a decision of that magnitude. Given the limited timeframe, I did not believe there was adequate opportunity to fully evaluate the need, alternatives, costs, and potential impact before moving forward.
I’m running for the Middletown Board of Education because our district needs steady, thoughtful and informed governance. I’m encouraged by the strategic planning work now underway, and I believe the Board should use that plan as a real guide for decisions moving forward. I want decisions to be based on clear data, objective information and thoughtful short- and long-term planning, and then carried through with the resources and accountability needed to make them successful. It’s also crucial that Board members respect the line between governance and administration while working constructively with teachers, staff, administrators, and parents. At its core, my campaign is about excellence in our schools, responsible budgeting, fair resource distribution across all our buildings, and modeling respectful civic discourse. My goal is simple: to help Middletown plan well, make sound choices, and keep our schools strong for everyone who calls this town home.
Meet Amanda Faryar
I'm Amanda Faryar and I'm running for Middletown Board of Education. My husband and I decided to raise our children in Middletown because of its strong public school system. Since living here, we have fallen in love with the town and serving the community. My husband proudly dedicates himself to our local Middletown volunteer fire department. We have two children, with our oldest in 1st grade and our three-year-old at a local preschool. I am deeply invested in the long-term strength of our school system. We are in an exciting period of school events, dance classes, and birthday parties that bring us to every corner of Middletown, meeting so many wonderful residents.
Professionally, I am a transportation engineer with a background spanning planning, civil engineering, stakeholder engagement, and project management. My career requires me to be responsible and transparent with taxpayer dollars, long-term planning, public engagement, and creating safe public spaces. I will bring each of those skills to this school board at a time when we need to get a solid strategic plan in front of our taxpayers. I am also eager to get my hands on a transportation study to explore what improvements and efficiencies we can make with our buses as I have heard from many parents about their struggles. I entered my career with the desire to improve communities and I intend to do that on the school board as well.
I am grateful to have been raised by an educator and value all of the hard work that goes into making our schools successful. My mother was a special-education teacher in Brick and has ADD herself. She took great pride in showing her students that they can achieve and succeed beyond any obstacle they may face. Inspired by her, I am proud to use my background and skills to inspire and uplift future generations. During my undergrad at The College of New Jersey, I was president of our chapter of Engineers without Borders and have visited several schools to talk to students about careers in engineering and encourage STEM education. I manage a pro-bono program through my job with Girl Scouts of New York Troop 6000, which supports children in the shelter system and provides them with interactive and educational STEM activities.
Drawing from my own personal history with breast cancer, I am interested in strengthening education at the high school level. At 36 I found an abnormality in my body with uncertainty, because I was never taught what to look for. If possible, I’d like to explore the opportunity to provide our students (and interested staff), in an appropriate manner, the confidence to advocate for their health and understand early detection.
I am running for the Board of Education because I want to show up for Middletown at a time when responsible leadership is needed. As with my job, I would handle this role with respect for public dollars, public involvement, transparency, data-driven decision making, and long-term planning. The decisions made by the Board impact students, staff and extend to every single resident in Middletown. The strength of our schools and Middletown's reputation have a major, direct impact on the vitality, desirability, and quality of living in Middletown. I am running to be a steward of Middletown's schools, to leave them better than I found them.
Did you support school closings last year?
A decision to close any school must be grounded in verifiable data and must show clear, long term, financial reasoning. Middletown residents have not received either. Additionally, the cost implications of the necessary building modifications to accommodate students were underrepresented. Alternative measures for financial stability were not considered nor presented by the Board. The timeline for implementing these changes were impossible to accomplish with any expectations for student safety. I am not beholden to a building, but I am beholden to maintaining quality schools, fair and equal access across our district, and a structured process. I would not support a proposal without sound reasoning. Our students, faculty, and Middletown community deserve that.
Election Day is Nov. 3. Early, in-person voting runs Oct. 24 - Nov. 1; early voting can be done in Middletown at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo, NJ 07737.
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This event that Middletown Township had planned for July 5 had to be canceled due to thunderstorms and bad weather.It will now be held Aug. 9 at Bayshore Waterfront Park. There will be a patriotic drone show that evening, launched from Bayshore Waterfront Park.Here is what Middletown Twp. says:"The official date of America's 250th anniversary may have passed, but we're still celebrating this historic milestone!After postponing the original Middletown America 250 Freedom Fest ...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — This event that Middletown Township had planned for July 5 had to be canceled due to thunderstorms and bad weather.
It will now be held Aug. 9 at Bayshore Waterfront Park. There will be a patriotic drone show that evening, launched from Bayshore Waterfront Park.
Here is what Middletown Twp. says:
"The official date of America's 250th anniversary may have passed, but we're still celebrating this historic milestone!
After postponing the original Middletown America 250 Freedom Fest date (Sunday, July 5th) due to inclement weather, we are excited to announce that the event will now take place on Sunday, August 9th from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park (719 Port Monmouth Road, Port Monmouth).
Enjoy food trucks, cornhole, arts and crafts, bounce houses, a Declaration of Independence signing area, tours of the historic Seabrook-Wilson House, and a spectacular patriotic drone show to cap off the evening! Be sure to stop by the Middletown America 250 Merchandise Store for commemorative apparel and souvenirs.
Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray to watch the drone show on the beach.
People are being asked to park at Belford Ferry Terminal (10 Harbor Way) where a free shuttle will transfer people to and from the event. There will be road closures near Bayshore Waterfront Park beginning at 4 p.m.
We hope you'll join us as we continue the celebration of America's 250th birthday and honor the spirit of freedom that continues to unite our nation!
Middletown Day will be Oct. 4
Also, Middletown Day 2026 is scheduled for Oct. 4, with a rain date of Oct. 18.
The 2026 festival will feature the Business and Community Showcase as well as many familiar favorites including a food court, first responder demonstrations, live entertainment, family activities, FIREWORKS and more. Middletown Day is presented by Buhler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, C&C Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric, Levinson Axelrod, P.A.
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: Festival runs from 1-5 p.m.5-6:30 p.m. The Cliffs perform6:30 p.m. Fireworks go offLocation: Croydon Hall Campus
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He was announced as the winner at Sunday's Jets game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at MetLife stadium.TINTON FALLS, NJ — A Tinton Falls man won a million dollars playing the NJ Lottery, and he was announced as the winner at the Nov. 1 New York Jets game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at MetLife stadium.Michael Kozuch, 66, a project manager from Tinton Falls, won the grand prize. The runner-up, retired forklift operator Ron Eils, 83, of Pompton Plains in Morris County won $100,000.Fans in the stands applauded and...
TINTON FALLS, NJ — A Tinton Falls man won a million dollars playing the NJ Lottery, and he was announced as the winner at the Nov. 1 New York Jets game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at MetLife stadium.
Michael Kozuch, 66, a project manager from Tinton Falls, won the grand prize. The runner-up, retired forklift operator Ron Eils, 83, of Pompton Plains in Morris County won $100,000.
Fans in the stands applauded and cheered as New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James Carey presented their checks.
“Somehow I felt this was destiny,” Kozuch said. His mother had loved playing Scratch-Offs. “My (late) parents were watching over me.”
Shortly after winning, Kozuch wiped tears from his eyes as he called his wife, Cheryl, at work to share the news. He heard her shout to co-workers that they were winners. She shed tears of joy.
New Jersey Lottery players who purchased Pick-6 with Double Play tickets from September 8 through October 3 had the chance to enter their tickets into four promotional “Another Millionaire” Second-Chance drawings held for VIP Club members.
During the promotion, five contestants were randomly selected each week, totaling 20 winners who received $10,000 each, and VIP packages to attend the November 1 game with a guest who could join them to watch the game.
They mingled during the first half before they received Jets jerseys numbered one through twenty.
During halftime, the contestants, wearing their jerseys, were escorted to the field and lined up in the endzone. Those eliminated received a swag bag and were escorted back to the suite while the remaining competitors moved toward the 50-yard line.
As Kozuch and Eils were the remaining two, the men shook hands wishing each other well before the final announcement arrived. Seconds after learning about their prizes, the men threw their arms up in celebration as Director Carey presented their ceremonial checks.
Kozuch is a regular NJ Lottery player. He works as a project manager for an accounting firm and said he may sooner than expected. More pressing, he said, was the need to replace his 20-year-old car.
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MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Santa Claus is making his way back to the Jersey Shore, and this time, he’s arriving by ferry!Middletown Township is bringing back its popular Santa Ferry Ride on Saturday, Dec. 5, offering families a festive holiday experience featuring Santa and friends, presents, entertainment and a scenic trip around the Statue of Liberty. Read more??The holiday adventure departs from and returns to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal in Highlands, giving families the chance to enjoy the sights of New York Harb...
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Santa Claus is making his way back to the Jersey Shore, and this time, he’s arriving by ferry!
Middletown Township is bringing back its popular Santa Ferry Ride on Saturday, Dec. 5, offering families a festive holiday experience featuring Santa and friends, presents, entertainment and a scenic trip around the Statue of Liberty. Read more??
The holiday adventure departs from and returns to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal in Highlands, giving families the chance to enjoy the sights of New York Harbor while celebrating the Christmas season on the water.
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Every child and infant will receive a holiday present, adding a little extra magic to the yuletide ride.
Three ferry rides will be offered on Dec. 5, with families able to choose from the following departure times:
Tickets are available to Middletown residents at the following rates: $30 for adults ages 18 and older, $25 for children ages 2 to 18, and $5 for infants under age 2.
Advance registration is required, and tickets must be purchased in person. The resident-only presale begins Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at Poricy Park Nature Center, located at 345 Oak Hill Road in Red Bank.
The event will take place rain or shine, and all ticket sales are final.
With holiday entertainment, gifts for the little ones and views of one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks, the Santa Ferry Ride offers Middletown families a festive way to kick off the Christmas season on the water.
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