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 1719 William Trent House Museum 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 Trenton, 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.
“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
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 Mill Hill Park 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 Blue Danube Restaurant or visit Alexander Douglass 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 Trenton, 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 Trenton, 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 Trenton, 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.
On any given Wednesday, Jaclyn Duncan can be found cruising in her Riedell 3200 roller skates at Trenton’s Cadwalader Park.For her, skating offers a rush like no other.“Roller skating checks a lot of boxes for a lot of people. Obviously, it’s a physical activity. So, exercise releases endorphins and dopamine and all those happy chemicals in your brain,” said Duncan, 47, who started ...
On any given Wednesday, Jaclyn Duncan can be found cruising in her Riedell 3200 roller skates at Trenton’s Cadwalader Park.
For her, skating offers a rush like no other.
“Roller skating checks a lot of boxes for a lot of people. Obviously, it’s a physical activity. So, exercise releases endorphins and dopamine and all those happy chemicals in your brain,” said Duncan, 47, who started Trenton Sk8s in April 2022.
From May to September, Duncan hosts a free weekly adult skating event every Wednesday, 5:30-8 p.m., at Cadwalader Park’s pavilion at 36 Parkside Ave. in Trenton
“I had been skating out at Cadwalader Park’s pavilion, one of my skate students a year prior had referred me to the space,” said Duncan, of Lawrence Township. “So, I would go out there from time to time, and in the spring 2022, is when I started posting, ‘hey, does anyone want to join me?’”
At first, Duncan said about six people showed up, but as weeks went by more people started to come join her.
“Then my friends and contacts from different skating rinks outside of Trenton started coming to skate with us too. So, it kind of grew really organically,” said Duncan, who is a classically trained pianist as well as a flute player. She owns the Jaclyn Duncan Music LLC, which offers live ambience music for private and corporate events.
Today, Duncan said she not only hosts free skating events, but also hosts a once-a-month skating event at The Rink in Edgewater Park Township.
While some attend the weekly or monthly events to skate, Duncan said others just come to hang out and enjoy the live music usually provided by a local DJ.
Trenton native Harry Molder, known as DJ Special K, has been DJing for 25 years.
Growing up in the capital city, Molder, 60, said he would skate at the now-closed Capitol Arena roller skating rink in Trenton.
“I used to be a skater (but) I knocked two of my teeth out, and that’s why I stopped skating,” said Molder. “But I always wanted to be a DJ because it was something about the energy with the people on roller skates…it was a totally different energy.”
With his headphones, mixer and speakers, Molder set the mood by playing a variety of music like, hip hop, house music and usually will end the event with ’90s slow jams.
DJing at a Trenton Sk8s event is electric, he said.
“(Duncan) put something back into Trenton where those folks who used to skate back in the day could do so comfortably as an older adult — and it’s a fun event,” said Molder. “It’s a fun, action-packed, and thrilling experience for those of us over 50 years old. To come out on a Wednesday and have something to do, but there’s no gun play. There is no animosity, there is just great energy and great fun.”
Duncan admits organizing the skating events for the community is a labor of love. After paying for yearly insurance, weekly permits, and the DJs, Duncan said its costs about $170 to host each weekly event.
Receiving donations for Trenton Sk8s, Duncan said, “is the biggest need to just get the bills covered. But besides that, we always appreciate cases of water, cases of Gatorade, any snacks or food people want to bring to the events those things are always appreciated.”
Ventresca Beal, 29, of Trenton, said she began skating in 2022 after her then-boyfriend brought her to an adult skating event.
“It’s like, basically dancing on eight (wheels),” said Beal. “I love to dance, so I was like this is a great outlet for me to just dance honestly, and it makes you feel good, and then you gravitate towards good people too within the community.”
Beal first connected with Duncan on social media after she began posting videos of her skating.
“She was one of the people who used to comment on my videos and give me constructive criticism about my skating,” said Beal, who eventually met Duncan in person by chance while skating in Cadwalader Park.
When Beal heard the thump of electronic dance music, she took a turn toward the house beats to see what was going on. “When I went up there, I realized it was a whole event for skating,” she said.
Since then, Beal has continued to skate at many of Trenton Sk8s events while Duncan has taught different skating styles and techniques for free.
“The culture around skating is very harsh for beginner skaters or any skater who just wants to come and have fun. That’s why (Duncan) created that space,” said Beal. “There’s no judgment going on. There’s nobody trying to be in competition with you. It’s all love.”
Duncan also offers one-on-one skating lessons for those who want to learn how to skate.
Beal added that, “There’s never been any type of negativity at the events.She keeps us very much safe. And she makes everybody feel welcomed and loved.”
To donate to Trenton Sk8s or learn about the next event, visit its Facebook page and Instagram page.
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This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch...
This story is part of the WHYY News Climate Desk, bringing you news and solutions for our changing region.
From the Poconos to the Jersey Shore to the mouth of the Delaware Bay, what do you want to know about climate change? What would you like us to cover? Get in touch.
Domestic travelers can avoid the hustle and bustle of major airports by booking a flight out of the Trenton-Mercer Airport in Mercer County, New Jersey.
The security line — only a few feet from the main entrance — is short, and passengers don’t walk far before reaching the airport’s four gates and one restaurant.
Only one commercial airline, Frontier, takes off from the airport — though the runways are used by a flight school, as well as private jets.
Passengers walk across the tarmac to get on and off the planes, and the baggage claim area is inside a separate trailer.
As the number of passengers at the small airport has grown exponentially over the past decade, the terminal feels cramped, driving the county to invest $300 million to expand and modernize the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates the project will support a 51% increase in passengers by 2035.
Proponents of the expansion say it will boost the local economy while making the airport a regional hub. But some nearby residents have fought against the project, arguing it will worsen noise pollution. They’re also concerned construction activities may harm the environment, as the site has a history of toxic PFAS contamination.
But opponents hit a roadblock in June when state environmental regulators denied their request for a hearing on a permit that would clear the way for the beginning stages of construction.
“For years, we’ve been trying to get information from the airport and New Jersey DEP, and basically, we’ve had the door slammed in our face at every turn,” said Rich Preston, who lives in nearby Yardley, Pennsylvania.
The expansion involves building a new air rescue and firefighting building, as well as a new terminal, parking deck and tower.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said the expansion will not only make the travel experience more enjoyable, but also attract businesses that want to be located near an airport.
But residents say they have concerns about so-called “forever chemicals” that contaminate the former Naval Air Warfare Center site, an area that is now part of the airport.
The contamination is likely from the historic discharge of firefighting foam, which contains PFAS and has polluted drinking water supplies across the U.S.
In 2022, a Navy inspection report recommended a remedial investigation to evaluate the nature and extent of PFAS in and around the site, as well as any associated risks to human health and the environment.
The investigation, estimated to be complete in 2027, will help determine whether Navy or other non-Navy PFAS sources migrated to nearby drinking water. If warranted, the Navy will take action to address any impacts.
Residents say the county’s land use permit doesn’t acknowledge PFAS, and argue the project shouldn’t be approved until any remediation process is complete.
“We believe they shouldn’t be issuing permits until the sites where they’re going to be excavating have been sampled and any mitigation steps that are needed have been carried out,” said Preston, who lives within the direct flight path of the runway. “So until then, it’s just, we think, irresponsible for them to be issuing permits.”
Residents are concerned that construction might cause PFAS to travel into the nearby Delaware River, which provides drinking water.
“They’re going to dig in areas, and when they do that, it’s a concern that the current PFAS, which is sitting towards the topsoil, is actually going to be disturbed and it’s going to leak into the groundwater,” said Michael Shaffer, one of the Ewing residents who petitioned the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a hearing.
Construction activities can mobilize contaminants, and when it rains, those pollutants can run off a property, said Christopher Higgins, a civil and environmental engineering professor at the Colorado School of Mines. However, he said there are ways to mitigate the risks, including using berms.
The residents’ request to the New Jersey DEP for a hearing on the county’s land use permit was denied by the agency earlier this summer on the notion that “fear of resultant injury to property does not provide the right to an adjudicatory hearing.”
In an email, a DEP spokesperson said the agency does not regulate construction or redevelopment plans.
It’s not the first time the group has faced setbacks. In 2024, a federal court ruled that a larger terminal would not necessarily harm the environment — siding with the Federal Aviation Administration and against the groups’ appeal.
County Executive Benson said the county is taking steps to remediate PFAS at the site and that the county is also required to prevent any kind of runoff.
“All that has to be contained on site so that we’re reducing any flood risk from development,” Benson said. “New Jersey has some of the highest environmental rules compared to our neighboring states.”
However, residents such as Shaffer say they’ve been kept in the dark about the process, and don’t trust that appropriate steps are being taken.
He’s calling for greater transparency about the extent of PFAS contamination and remediation strategies, prior to when the county breaks ground. The county hopes to tear down the old fire building in 2026 or 2027, and then build the new terminal shortly after.
Residents have also expressed concerns about increased noise exposure. Rick Wright, who lives a couple miles from the airport, said the drones of small planes flying above his house have become more persistent since the airport has been used by a flight school and private companies.
“The noise definitely has affected my ability to sleep, relax, and also I have to say, I believe in sleep,” Wright said. “I believe it’s very important and I know it’s definitely going to affect my health.”
He said he can’t enjoy a relaxing afternoon on his back patio because of the constant noise, and is concerned that expanding the airport will only make it worse.
“It would be great to be able to go out there every single morning and have coffee and just relax and start my day in a normal way,” Wright said.
Benson said the airport does its best to be good neighbors.
“Our airport has been there longer than any of these homes, in most cases,” he said. “We try to make sure when we do get complaints, we investigate to see if there is an alternative. But in most cases, we’re not seeing anything that is so detrimental, compared to, say, other noise that we’re seeing environmentally around these communities.”
As for Shaffer, he said he’s willing to support the expansion if the county can prove it’s taking action to protect the environment and prevent noise.
“If they do address those concerns, then I don’t really have an issue, and I understand economically it could be good,” he said. “But if it poisons our water, potentially, and also depreciates the value of everybody’s house around here, then I don’t think that can be good for us.”
From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.The Jersey Fresh Jam festival, which bills itself as “New Jersey’s premier hip-hop festival,” marks its 20th anniversary Aug. 16 at TerraCycle headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey.Trenton-based muralist Leon Rainbow founded the free event that celebrat...
From Camden and Cherry Hill to Trenton and the Jersey Shore, what about life in New Jersey do you want WHYY News to cover? Let us know.
The Jersey Fresh Jam festival, which bills itself as “New Jersey’s premier hip-hop festival,” marks its 20th anniversary Aug. 16 at TerraCycle headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey.
Trenton-based muralist Leon Rainbow founded the free event that celebrates the four foundational elements of hip-hop: graffiti, breakdancing, MCing and DJing. Each year, the festival draws over a thousand attendees for an eclectic blend of live music, visual art, dance and community pride.
“This year is focused a lot on the youth,” Rainbow said. “The breakdancing is one of the biggest draws.”
The annual event has become a summer staple for the Trenton community. This year, aerosol artists from all across the country will create large-scale murals on the exterior walls of TerraCycle, a global recycling company whose walls have served as the festival’s canvas since its inception. As a tribute to the host site, different artists are redesigning each letter in the TerraCycle logo on the building’s exterior.
“A lot of places don’t have the amount of wall space that we have in one location,” Rainbow said. “So [the location] makes it a good vibe.”
Graffiti artists from the West Coast and Philadelphia will also stop by to create murals on the building’s exterior, and guest DJs Tony Touch, Lord Finesse and DJ Priority will spin the ones and twos for festivalgoers.
Hip-hop was born in the early ‘70s in the Bronx when Clive Campbell, popularly known as DJ Kool Herc, while spinning records at parties, extended instrumental breaks of funk and soul songs to allow people to dance longer at parties. Slowly, that spawned into a multi-billion-dollar industry, which has influenced everything from fashion to politics.
Rainbow said he conceived the Trenton festival when he was working with a hip-hop crew in Philadelphia. When TerraCycle moved its headquarters to Trenton, Rainbow said he thought it was a perfect opportunity to establish a festival in New Jersey’s capital city that celebrated hip-hop culture.
Rick “Rick the Ruler” Camilo, coordinator and host for the breakdancing battle at this year’s festival, said the event provides an opportunity for breakdancers to establish a name for themselves in the breaking community.
“We promote to the local breaking community through word of mouth, social media, and other community events,” he said. “We also like to make our events as memorable as possible by not only providing a competition, but also workshops for the youth.”
This year, festival organizers reached out to two local notable breakers with decades of experience and will fly in a third judge from Houston, Texas, to critique the competition.
FlyKickz, an artist known for upcycling sneakers to create art on canvas and for her philanthropy, has been a vendor at Jersey Fresh Jams for 13 years. She credits the festival’s ability to connect with the community.
“This event has allowed me the opportunity to be authentically myself, creating a space where my style of art and brand is appreciated and well-received,” she said. “FlyKickz has grown so much over the years, and Jersey Fresh Jam has continued to be a place where I can connect with the community, gain some new supporters, and have an incredible time.”
To mark their 20th anniversary, Rainbow published a book commemorating Fresh Jam festivals with photos of various murals created over the years. Leon said the book can be purchased by sending a direct message to him on his Instagram.
Jersey Fresh Jam takes place Saturday, Aug. 16 at 1 TerraCycle Way, Trenton, N.J. 08638, from noon to 7 p.m.
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From teaching youth aerial photography to park revitalization, four Trenton creatives have launched community projects with $10,000 in grant funds.Isles, a Trenton-based social justice organization founded in 1981, awarded its Creek to Canal Creative (C2C) district Trenton Cr...
From teaching youth aerial photography to park revitalization, four Trenton creatives have launched community projects with $10,000 in grant funds.
Isles, a Trenton-based social justice organization founded in 1981, awarded its Creek to Canal Creative (C2C) district Trenton Creative Network grant in May to fund artists’ community projects in Trenton’s downtown Creek to Canal district.
Trentonians Joseph Deacon, Raven George, Habiyb Shu’Aib, and Phillip McConnell each received $2,500 of the $10,000 grant.
“I am proud that we can do it in this current political and economic climate and strongly believe in the projects that were selected,” said Tyquan Benton, a special projects manager at Isles. “They are all aligned with Isles’ and C2C’s mission and goals, and they all provide educational components where residents can learn.”
The C2C district, Benton said is a community-driven initiative led by Isles, designed to uplift creative projects that celebrate culture, encourage community connection, and activate downtown public spaces in Trenton.
Benton said each of the artists’ projects, “incorporate opportunities for residents to volunteer and participate. I believe they will inspire more artists to do projects with or without grant funding.”
Earlier this year, Isles’ opened applications for the grant and received 27 applicants.
Benton said the winners were chosen by a grant selection committee comprised of members from arts nonprofit Artworks Trenton, the African American Cultural Collaborative of Mercer County, and Isles.
Here’s more about the four artists who are using their creative talents to better their home city.
Trenton Fire Capt. Joseph Deacon, 39, who’s also an entrepreneur and real estate developer, has been a firefighter with the Trenton Fire Department for over 10 years.
When he’s not helping put out fires, Deacon said he is a visual storyteller and public engagement artist who works with drone photography and videography.
“As a firefighter and community builder, I’ve always believed in empowering the next generation through mentorship and hands-on skill-building,” said Deacon. “The C2C grant gives us the opportunity to merge technology, creativity, and youth leadership to spotlight the beauty and resilience of Trenton.”
Deacon’s “Sky’s the Limit Project” is a youth-driven drone initiative where students will use aerial photography and videography to document key community landmarks, stories, and events.
“I chose this project because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when young people can see their city, and their future, from a new perspective,” said Deacon, who launched his project in August.
Raven George, 29, is a multimedia artist who explores themes of healing, identity, and emotional intimacy through drawing and painting.
“I’m deeply grateful to be the only Black woman selected for this creative experience. This platform is giving me the space to lean fully not only into leadership, but into my highest self,” said George. “Trusting myself to show up with intention, to inspire while being inspired, and to use both my voice and art unapologetically, that’s the key to it all.”
In early June, George launched her “Creek to Canvas: Creativity Flows Like Water” project where she hosts a series of free art and nature centered events aimed at transforming Trenton’s Roberto Clemente Park into a community hub.
George said the events include interactive workshops, eco-inspired art making, gardening, improv acting, neighborhood cleanups and mural painting.
The series will culminate with a celebration event where a permanent public art installation at Roberto Clemente Park will be unveiled in October.
“With the current climate of our environment, there’s no telling what tomorrow holds,” said George. “That’s why I choose to invest my energy in solution-driven action that organizes the people. Because when we move as one, we are truly unstoppable.”
Phillip McConnell, 34, is a multidisciplinary artist who works as a filmmaker, writer, director, poet, spoken word performer, and photographer.
On June 28 and 29, McConnell began filming the behind-the-scenes production of Artworks Trenton’s “Art All Night” 18th annual 24-hour art and entertainment event at the War Memorial building, in Trenton.
With his project “Art All Night–The Documentary,” McConnell said he wants to show, “the people, the process, and the passion that brings the event to life. I chose this project because Artworks is the reason I became an artist. It’s not just a space — it’s a cornerstone of the community.”
Throughout this year, McConnell said he will also film other Artworks Trenton events and exhibitions to capture the nonprofit’s impact on the Trenton community.
“This is the first time I’ve ever received funding to support a film project. Up to now, everything I’ve created has come out of my own pocket,” said McConnell. “So, for an organization like Isles to not only read my proposal but believe in it enough to fund it, (this) means a lot. It shows they see value not just in me, but in the story I’m trying to tell.”
Habiyb Ali Shu’Aib, 39, a photographer and visual artist, said he primarily works with digital photography, focusing on street and documentary style photos.
Shu’Aib’s project, “Trenton Through the Lens: A Creative Photo Walk,”aims to bring together local photographers and community members to explore and capture downtown Trenton’s culture, architecture, and everyday life.
“Trenton is home to me and I want others, both locals and those from outside, to see the city’s beauty and stories through fresh eyes,” said Shu’ Aib.
Shu’Aib plans to host his first community photo walk in September.
“Winning this grant means the world to me. It validates my vision and gives me the support needed to bring my (project) to life,” said Shu’ Aib. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to highlight the beauty and stories of Trenton, and I’m excited to share this journey with the community.”
To attend or support each artist’s project/events: Phillip McConnell at be reach via his website or Facebook page; Habiyb Ali Shu’Aib can be reach via his website or Facebook page; Raven George be reached via her website and Facebook page; and Joseph Deacon can be reached via email at [email protected].
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A new investigative news report reveals the situation inside Trenton Water Works, one of the state’s most troubled public utilities, is more alarming than originally made known.The findings, uncovered by investigative reporter Jeff Pillets for The Jersey Vindicator, show the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection had to throw out 90% of water samples from Trenton Water Works be...
A new investigative news report reveals the situation inside Trenton Water Works, one of the state’s most troubled public utilities, is more alarming than originally made known.
The findings, uncovered by investigative reporter Jeff Pillets for The Jersey Vindicator, show the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection had to throw out 90% of water samples from Trenton Water Works because the accuracy of the tests couldn’t be verified. A worker was caught allegedly filing fake reports over a 13-month period from October 2022 through December 2023.
Pillets said documents also reveal the state DEP slapped a hefty $235,000 fine on the utility as state regulators are pressuring Trenton leaders to get on board with an effort to regionalize control of the utility.
NJ Spotlight News interviewed Pillets about his reporting and what comes next.
“The DEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette pulled a surprise visit and went public with it,” said Pillets. “And he sent out all these photos showing all sorts of decay. . . He seemed to be quite upset, and he claims it’s the worst he’s ever seen and the worst water utility in New Jersey, that it’s in threat of imminent collapse.”
Pillets added: “The water appears to be safe, but they said it was safe before … So if we went basically a whole year not knowing what the quality of the water was during that time, you can’t really say with confidence what the quality of the water is.”
Newly obtained letters between the Trenton City Council and the state DEP also show the depth of resistance to the idea of regionalizing the utility.
Reads one letter from Trenton City Council President Yazminelly Gonzalez to Mayor Reed Gusciora : “As you know, the Council has gone on record opposing any efforts at regionalization based upon our belief that the objectives stated in your letter can be achieved with Trenton’s continued operational control of the TWW. This is, I am sure you can appreciate, a critical issue to the citizens of our city.”
Gusciora has said he’s open to regionalization, but wants the issue studied further.
“There seems to be somewhat of a grassroots push against the takeover, but to be honest, there’s widespread misunderstanding of what it could mean,” said Pillets. “The state doesn’t really want to take it over at all. They just want to form a regional authority that would give the suburbs more of a say and provide more financial stability and oversight into what’s going on here.
“So we’ve reached a new stage in this infighting,,” he said, “but its outcome is really unclear.”
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