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 Keyport Historical Society 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 Hazlet, 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.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with 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 Veterans Memorial 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 Neil Michael's Steakhouse or visit Historic Longstreet Farm, 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.
Request More Information
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 Hazlet, 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 Hazlet, 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 Hazlet, 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.
HAZLET, NJ — It's not too early for towns to be planning for summer.And those with community pools, such as Hazlet and Marlboro, are trying to stem the lifeguard shortage that has hit public recreation since the pandemic by encouraging lifeguard certification programs to keep swim clubs staffed.So if water is your element, you may want to consider getting certified.The shortage of lifeguards has been an ongoing issue, says the American Lifegua...
HAZLET, NJ — It's not too early for towns to be planning for summer.
And those with community pools, such as Hazlet and Marlboro, are trying to stem the lifeguard shortage that has hit public recreation since the pandemic by encouraging lifeguard certification programs to keep swim clubs staffed.
So if water is your element, you may want to consider getting certified.
The shortage of lifeguards has been an ongoing issue, says the American Lifeguard Association.
Last summer, about a third of the country’s 309,000 public swimming pools remained closed or opened sporadically because of the lifeguard shortage, the organization said. As in many areas, pandemic restrictions reduced the numbers of those being trained.
But the tide may be turning, thanks to free or reimbursed training and other incentives being offered by communities, said Wyatt Werneth, national spokesman for the American Lifeguard Association.
"There's a lot of optimism this year," he said, adding that "a great trend has been waiving training fees."
Those interested in lifeguarding still have to pay upfront fees in many cases, but towns are offering some reimbursement to make the job more attractive.
In Hazlet, for example, the American Red Cross Lifeguard certification course (good for two years) is the first step to getting a job at Hazlet Swim Club this summer. Hazlet lifeguards must be ages 15-plus.
Lifeguards in Hazlet will get $200 back in September if they work through the summer. As a further incentive, Hazlet is offering a bonus of $2 additional per hour for lifeguards who are willing to cover shifts or work weekends.
Here is a rundown of what to do to get a lifeguard job in Hazlet:
Complete the In-Person Certification Course (three classes). Fee is $300:
The township flyer describing the steps toward certification has more details about costs and other matters and is on the township Summer Employment page. Register under the Programs tab at Hazlet.Recdesk.com.
In Marlboro, there are two, two-day sessions being offered by the New Jersey Lifeguard Association in June. Refer to the site training schedule for 2024 here. The cost is $385, according to the site.
Marlboro will reimburse 50 percent of the training fee after completion of work at the swim club this summer, said a township recreation leader, Jani Rubin. She said if the lifeguard comes back for a second summer in 2025, there is an additional 50 percent reimbursement.
The national lifeguarding spokesman, Werneth, based in Cocoa Beach, Fla., discussed some of the qualities that make a good lifeguard. The main classifications of lifeguard are open water, pool and theme park levels, he added.
Water should be a lifeguard's element, Werneth said, and the person must be a strong swimmer.
But equally important is being observant and "preventative-minded," he said, picking up on anything that isn't right even before someone cries out in alarm.
With a new street sweeper ready for spring - and plans for curbside bulk pickup - Hazlet's Public Works' plans are coming to fruition.HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet's already well-maintained public spaces are about to get even more help when a new street sweeper goes into action this spring.The new equipment is part of a two- year, approximately $2 million capital program to upgrade Department of Public Works equipment - and services - in this 5.67-square-mile municipality.Over the last two years Hazlet Township’s Dep...
HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet's already well-maintained public spaces are about to get even more help when a new street sweeper goes into action this spring.
The new equipment is part of a two- year, approximately $2 million capital program to upgrade Department of Public Works equipment - and services - in this 5.67-square-mile municipality.
Over the last two years Hazlet Township’s Department of Public Works, which is headed by Ken Kruk, has had the opportunity to upgrade its fleet and replace some aging and outdated equipment, the township says.
For the first time in over four years the DPW will have a sweeper that will be out on a regular basis starting in spring 2024, said Business Administrator Robert Bengivenga.
And the equipment is just one among other upgrades being anticipated for delivery, including:
And the Public Works upgrades are all part of the goal to offer more to residents, said Bengivenga.
Over the past two years, he said the Township Committee decided to invest heavily in updating equipment and the facilities of the DPW. With the aid of low interest rates at the time, the $2 million investment is able to cover a lot of needs.
This all fits into the governing body's body vision to offer better services to a broad spectrum of residents - for example, the newly upgraded and appointed Freedom Park (formerly 8th Street Park) provides young people with more play options; initiating Meals on Wheels in the township serves an older population, along with other programs for seniors.
And the new Public Works Department equipment will serve everyone, he said.
Also the Public Works yard at Leocadia Court has been repainted and repaved, Bengivenga said, to add to the DPW sense of pride. "We didn't want potholes," he said, when the public came to use the site.
Providing curbside bulk pickup was a major goal of the Township Committee, he added.
Beginning in the spring, the township will offer two bulk pick-ups a year from residents' homes. Residents will be able to call to make an appointment to have such items as furniture, carpeting or mattresses picked up.
This is all in addition to the many responsibilities of the Public Works staff, which has to oversee not only 77 miles of road but also snow plowing and maintaining storm water inlets and basin repairs; tree trimming: and street sign fabrication and installation, among other duties.
By Joyce RuppSensing a Vast Unity As I stand in my own small space of the planetreveling in the power and beauty of the heavens,Sign Up for FREE Hazlet & Keyport NewsletterGet local news you can trust in your inbox.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms ...
By Joyce Rupp
Sensing a Vast Unity
As I stand in my own small space of the planet
reveling in the power and beauty of the heavens,
Sign Up for FREE Hazlet & Keyport Newsletter
Get local news you can trust in your inbox.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
I feel a great unity with all beings.
I know that somewhere there is a herdsman
in the Sahara Desert who is also gazing
at the stars of our common universe.
I know there is a lamb in New Zealand
romping in sunlight that also bathes my skin.
I know there is a woman in India
who is going to sleep under the same moon I am.
I know there is a cactus blooming in Mexico
under the same sky as mine.
I know that all of us are drinking in the wind
and living under the beauty of the heavens.
I know that all of this is a dance of oneness
amid the bounty of the skies, and I am grateful.
A Blessing for Christmas
Let the Star of Hope blaze through discouragement,
doubt, and disgruntledness.
Let the Star of Kindness radiate through
what you think, feel, and do today.
Let the Star of Remembrance glitter in thoughts
of good people and good deeds.
Let the Star of Laughter sparkle in your eyes
and in your smile.
Let the Star of Joy dance in the corners
of your heart that have forgotten to sing.
Let the Star of Patience permeate
that which you find difficult and irritable.
Let the Star of Love encompass your heart,
a ray of welcome for everyone you meet.
The above writings of Joyce Rupp are published with the permission of Joyce Rupp granted directly to the owner of this publication.
HAZLET, NJ — Joseph Cascella may have spent most of his career in banking, but for decades his eyes have been focused on the skies as an amateur astronomer.He's given school and corporate lectures on astronomy, but this one-time math teacher and banker is only an amateur, he insists."Astronomy is a hobby; and it's a passion. I learn more all the time. I really enjoy it," says the Hazlet resident.And a big day on the astronomical calendar is coming up: April 8 is a full solar eclipse, the first solar eclip...
HAZLET, NJ — Joseph Cascella may have spent most of his career in banking, but for decades his eyes have been focused on the skies as an amateur astronomer.
He's given school and corporate lectures on astronomy, but this one-time math teacher and banker is only an amateur, he insists.
"Astronomy is a hobby; and it's a passion. I learn more all the time. I really enjoy it," says the Hazlet resident.
And a big day on the astronomical calendar is coming up: April 8 is a full solar eclipse, the first solar eclipse in nearly seven years.
Area residents can not only get a glimpse of the eclipse, but they can prepare for it with a talk on the phenomenon by Cascella at 6 p.m. on March 25 at the Hazlet Library.
On April 8, the path of a total solar eclipse - when the moon moves between Earth and the sun - will cross the United States on a trajectory from Texas north through New England. While Hazlet is not in that path, at its peak the sun will be nearly 90 percent eclipsed as seen from the area. You can read more about the event on the NASA site - and another solar eclipse won't be seen for 20 years.
"All solar eclipses are special, but this one is close to the solar maximum," Cascella said, making the impact more remarkable.
That means there is the possibility to see more solar activity in the corona that will be created by the moon's presence.
"The corona can be more prominent, and you may be able to see more solar explosions," he said.
While the eclipse will be nearly 90 percent of what is seen in northern New England, it's still a good show, Cascella said, adding it should begin in this area at about 2:20 in the afternoon, peaking in about an hour and then gradually diminishing.
And there are related phenomenon we on Earth can expect:
"It gets to be really weird," Cascella said.
The moon will start to "nibble" at the sun as it begins its progress, taking about another hour to complete the eclipse before it passes on, he said.
Cascella, who taught math briefly "a lifetime ago," has a very easy to understand lecture style. He'll present his lecture with "old school" slides, he said.
And an important part of his lesson is the need to wear proper, NASA-approved eye protection.
Solar eclipse glasses will be given out at the presentation, and he said they can also be ordered online. Regular sunglasses are "zero protection," Cascella said, and must not be used.
Damage to the eyes from watching an eclipse is real. Normally one can't look at the sun. When it's obscured, it will feel more comfortable, but it is still sending out harmful rays.
Cascella recommended looking at a bright light bulb with your eyewear to make sure there are no punctures.
You can also create a projected image using cardboard, a pin-holed opening and a white surface that will indirectly show the eclipse activity on the paper.
So with these precautions in mind, Cascella says the eclipse is just not to be missed.
"Pictures don't do it justice. They eye is the best lens out there," he said.
HAZLET, NJ — Kathy Bossert has a son in the military and comes from a long line of people who have served the country. So she knows how much it means to those in the service to receive a gift from home.So last December, she started what is both a "one-woman show" and a community effort - Hazlet's American Hero Project. She collects gifts, gift cards and more to be mailed to the 24 Hazlet residents currently serving stateside and abroad in the military.She followed up last year's gift collection with one in May f...
HAZLET, NJ — Kathy Bossert has a son in the military and comes from a long line of people who have served the country. So she knows how much it means to those in the service to receive a gift from home.
So last December, she started what is both a "one-woman show" and a community effort - Hazlet's American Hero Project. She collects gifts, gift cards and more to be mailed to the 24 Hazlet residents currently serving stateside and abroad in the military.
She followed up last year's gift collection with one in May for Armed Forces Day. And now she is in the midst of her second holiday collection.
"I love what I do, and I rely on the town and the VFW and the American Legion for donations," Bossert said.
Part of Bossert's inspiration comes from her own family. Her family currently has her son in the Air Force (joining last year) and her nephew in the Navy, and she said her family has had veterans in every generation dating back to the Civil War.
With that legacy behind her, she is now getting to the task at hand.
She is organizing large gift boxes (16"x 16" x 16") that can weigh 25 pounds for all the personnel from Hazlet, no matter where they may serve - from Mogadishu (Somalia) to Missouri.
And she customizes the boxes to the recipient.
For example, her son, Airman First Class Michael Bossert, is currently stationed in Missouri and really likes to get hand warmers, she said. "But I'm not sending those to someone serving in Florida!" she added.
Apart from researching the protocols in each base, she said she has to fill out Customs forms to make sure the packages reach their destinations overseas.
There are Hazlet residents in the Middle East, in Bulgaria, as well as in the United Kingdom and Japan.
She somehow makes this daunting task work - not only with the help of donations, but by working closely with the Post Office, which adds an employee to help her individually to handle the shipping.
Her project gets its following on its Facebook page, but she wants the wider community to know about it too, and to know that she has received thank-you notes from many of the recipients.
The response has been "overwhelming, humbling actually," said Bossert, a 22-year resident of Hazlet and mother of three. The thank-you notes show such gratitude, "it makes me cry," she says.
And bins are out now for collections up to Dec. 1. Then Bossert starts packing the gifts for mailing Dec. 5.
There are seven bins set up around town with the exception of Here We Grow, which is in Keyport, but owned by one of Hazlet's actively serving military. They are:
Bossert explains that each package contains handwritten thank-you cards and also the Scouts and students in town send homemade cards.
"This holiday package, they are receiving Boy Scout popcorn and Halloween candy. I also make sure that each service member receives a $100 Amazon gift card to buy whatever they might need," Bossert said.
Here is the donation "wish list," compiled by those out in the field - her son and his base mates, she said:
An Amazon Wish List can be found at this link.
Also, whatever Bossert can't send or hold over until the next mailing gets donated to a veterans' home in Menlo Park, she said.
732-483-4611
