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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.

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Home Care In Hazlet, NJ

Home Care Hazlet, NJ

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.

 In-Home Care Hazlet, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”

laura K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Hazlet, NJ?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Hazlet, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Hazlet, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Hazlet, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Hazlet, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Hazlet, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Hazlet, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Hazlet, NJ

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Hazlet, NJ

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Hazlet, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Hazlet, NJ

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Hazlet, NJ

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:

  • Arnold Walter Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
  • Anchor Care & Rehabilitation Center
  • The Willows at Holmdel
  • Bayside Manor
  • The Willows
  • Brightview Holmdel (Welcome Center Coming Soon) - Senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
Home Care Hazlet, NJ

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.

 In-Home Care Hazlet, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Hazlet, NJ

Latest News in Hazlet, NJ

30,000 Still Without Power Friday Morning In Monmouth County

Traffic lights are not working on Rt. 34 and other main roads Friday morning, and North Jersey Coast line trains are also not running. Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 2:15 pm ETMIDDLETOWN, NJ — As of 8 a.m. Friday, there are nearly 30,000 customers in Monmouth County who don't have electricity after powerful thunderstorms moved through the region Thursday night, amidst reports of what som...

Traffic lights are not working on Rt. 34 and other main roads Friday morning, and North Jersey Coast line trains are also not running.

Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff

|Updated Fri, Jun 20, 2025 at 2:15 pm ET

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — As of 8 a.m. Friday, there are nearly 30,000 customers in Monmouth County who don't have electricity after powerful thunderstorms moved through the region Thursday night, amidst reports of what some residents say looked and felt like tornadoes.

Traffic lights are not working on Rt. 34 and other main roads Friday morning, and North Jersey Coast line trains are also not running. This is due to fallen trees on the tracks.

"North Jersey Coast Line rail service continues to be suspended in both directions due to downed trees on the wires and tracks near Middletown caused by severe storms," said NJ Transit in a statement on its website. "NJ Transit tickets and passes are being cross honored by NJ Transit bus and private carriers."

There were also reports of live wires down on roadways Thursday night and live wires still down Friday morning in Monmouth County.

"I swear we had a tornado. That was effing nuts!" one Matawan resident wrote on Facebook Thursday night. "I have never seen the sky that color. It was hanging over the area by the train station (right were we live). All of a sudden the wind started for a few minutes and then sky was greenish for a minute and then the rain started. Black as night! Crazy!"

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A total of 29,903 customers are without electricity Friday morning, according to Jersey Central Power & Light's outage map. JCP&L has not given a restoration time. The pockets with the highest number of outages are in Matawan, Aberdeen, Holmdel around Bayshore Medical Center and the area surrounding Big Brook Park in Marlboro Township.

A total of 107,000 Monmouth County residents lost electricity in the thunderstorms Thursday night, which JCP&L said were "intense" and brought many trees down onto power lines. Thousands of Monmouth County residents have been without electricity for more than 10 hours now. Here is where you can get free water and ice from JCP&L; find locations here: http://spr.ly/6012RTAJa.

JCP&L said on their Facebook page they expect to have power for the final Monmouth County customers restored by late Friday morning.

"The vast majority of customers will be restored in advance of this time," said the electric company. "We understand any outage is frustrating, and even more so in the heat. We appreciate your patience as our crews work as fast as safely possible to get the lights and A/C back on."

Thursday night: Boy Struck By Lightning In Central Park, Officials Say

No Municipal Tax Increase In Hazlet Budget For 2025

This is the third year in a row the budget has called for no increase in the municipal tax levy for the average homeowner, officials said.Sara Winick, Patch StaffHAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet Township Committee unanimously adopted a $24.7 million spending plan for 2025 at a recent committee meeting.The budget, which was first introduced in April and adopted in late May, calls for no increase in the municipal tax levy for ...

This is the third year in a row the budget has called for no increase in the municipal tax levy for the average homeowner, officials said.

Sara Winick, Patch Staff

HAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet Township Committee unanimously adopted a $24.7 million spending plan for 2025 at a recent committee meeting.

The budget, which was first introduced in April and adopted in late May, calls for no increase in the municipal tax levy for the average town homeowner for the third year in a row, township officials said.

Mayor Michael Sachs called the budget a “remarkable accomplishment for the taxpayers of Hazlet.”

“While other portions of the total property tax bill outside of our control are going up, the portion that the Township Committee oversees does not increase taxes for the average homeowner,” Sachs said. “We will continue to work on behalf of the taxpayers to do our part in keeping Hazlet affordable, while continuing to invest in new projects and recreation upgrades.”

For 2025, the amount to be raised from taxation from Hazlet’s residential and commercial property owners is $16,520,944.76, which is less than 2024 by a difference of $45,409.64, officials said.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

This means that the amount the average taxpayer will pay for the Municipal Tax portion of their total property tax bill will be slightly lower than last year. For comparison:

Based on the estimated rates for 2025, municipal taxes (under the control of the Township Committee), along with the Municipal Open Space tax, account for about 22% of a resident’s total residential bill.

The rest of the Property Tax Bill includes county taxes (about 11%), schools (about 64%), and fire district (about 3%).

The 2025 budget also reflects increased investment in Public Safety & Capital programs, officials said, which include:

The budget is supported by strong revenues coming from interest earned on investments, increased commercial ratables and a tight rein on spending, officials said. Administrator Rob Bengivenga and CFO Alexis Caufield were credited with the town's stable finances.

According to township officials, a recent Moody’s financial rating report commended Hazlet’s “prudent budgeting practices, which help it maintain financial stability and support the township’s strong creditworthiness.” The report also noted that Hazlet boasts one of the lowest debt ratios in the county, officials said.

Deputy Mayor Peter Terranova expressed gratitude to the township’s employees for their hard work and commitment.

“Thank you to all our Township employees for continuing to make these results possible," Terranova said. "Together, we will work to ensure that Hazlet remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

To see the 2025 Municipal Budget Presentation, you can click here. To see the full 2025 budget, you can click here.

Spring Bazaar, Mother’s Day Brunch: This Weekend In Monmouth County

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Mother’s Day weekend is almost here, and in Monmouth County, there’s plenty of events you can check out to celebrate.Whether you’re looking to see some live entertainment, shop local vendors, or go out for brunch, there’s a variety of activities and events planned for this weekend.Here are five events happening in Monmouth County:Monmouth Park Opening DayLive racing season is almost here, and on Saturday, Monmouth Park will host its Opening Day from 12-...

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Mother’s Day weekend is almost here, and in Monmouth County, there’s plenty of events you can check out to celebrate.

Whether you’re looking to see some live entertainment, shop local vendors, or go out for brunch, there’s a variety of activities and events planned for this weekend.

Here are five events happening in Monmouth County:

Monmouth Park Opening DayLive racing season is almost here, and on Saturday, Monmouth Park will host its Opening Day from 12-5 p.m.

To learn more or purchase tickets, you can visit the Monmouth Park website.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Monmouth Park is located at 175 Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport.

Sundown SessionsThis Saturday, you can enjoy live music featuring DJ Robbie Woodside at Bar Bella.

Attendees are invited to join Bar Bella under a string of lights and indulge in signature cocktails starting at 4 p.m. The live music will take place from 5-8 p.m.

To learn more, you can visit the Bell Works website.

Bell Works is located at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel.

Spring Arts & Crafts FestivalThe Middletown Arts Center is bringing their Arts & Crafts Festival back for the spring season, and will come to Middletown on Saturday.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees will be able to shop from dozens of vendors with items such as hand-crafted jewelry, paintings, candles and more. Admission is free.

To learn more, you can visit the Middletown Arts Center website.

The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown.

Asbury Park Spring BazaarThis Saturday and Sunday, Asbury Park will host their Spring Bazaar at the Asbury Park Convention Hall (Saturday & Sunday) and the Asbury Hotel (Sunday).

Attendees will be able to enjoy local vendors, live music, food and more at the event.

To learn more, you can visit the Asbury Park Bazaar website.

Mother’s Day Market & BrunchThis Sunday, you can join the Whitechapel Projects for their Mother’s Day Market and Brunch.

From 12-5 p.m., attendees will be able to enjoy a day celebrating moms with artisan vendors, a Mother’s Day brunch, coffee bar and more.

Hazlet School Board Approves 2025-2026 Budget, 5.53% Tax Increase

The Hazlet Board of Education approved the budget during a Monday night meeting after applying for NJ's tax levy incentive aid program.Updated Thu, May 1, 2025 at 4:19 pm ETHAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet Township Board of Education adopted its budget for the 2025-26 school year during a public hearing on Monday night, including a 5.53% tax increase.The budget approval comes after the board ...

The Hazlet Board of Education approved the budget during a Monday night meeting after applying for NJ's tax levy incentive aid program.

Updated Thu, May 1, 2025 at 4:19 pm ET

HAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet Township Board of Education adopted its budget for the 2025-26 school year during a public hearing on Monday night, including a 5.53% tax increase.

The budget approval comes after the board applied for new tax levy incentive aid from the state, which provides a one-time tax increase to support school districts throughout New Jersey deemed under-adequacy/below their local fair share.

The Hazlet School District applied for incentive aid after Superintendent Scott Ridley announced that an external vendor had made a miscalculation in their budget, which left the district with a $600,000 gap to fill.

According to Ridley, the district was only made aware of the miscalculation during the first weekend of April 2025, just a few weeks after the board approved their tentative budget and shortly before the district’s final budget was due.

After the district was made aware of this issue, the board met to discuss potential solutions and voted to apply for the incentive aid during a special meeting on April 14.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Though the district qualified for $5 million, school officials only approved a $1.5 million increase, which aims to address students’ most crucial needs. For a house valued at $600,000, this would equate to $500 per year or $40 per month.

“Even though we definitely have challenges and needs…there should be some sort of way of a compromise, of meeting some of these challenges but not asking for the full $5 million,” Ridley said at Monday night’s meeting. “So with an eye toward the community, they [the Board of Education] approved a $1.5 million increase of the available $5 million.”

In the district’s 2025-26 budget presentation, school officials outlined some of the goals they hope to achieve with this additional funding, including:

“Last year we suffered,” Ridley said. “Last year, I heard from a lot of parents who diplomatically explained that class sizes were too big, there was too much going on, there wasn’t enough academic stuff for these kids to embrace.”

“Hence, we appealed to the board and, as I shared, they agreed to the $1.5 million, which will allow us to return all of this come September,” Ridley continued.

With the incentive aid, district officials said they’ll also be able to reinstate courtesy busing for the 2025-26 school year and hire additional teaching and support staff, according to their budget presentation.

This staff may include:

“There’s so many things that we can offer students that we couldn’t offer this year,” said Business Administrator and Board Secretary Tracy Petrino. “And having lost them this year, I think we all know what that means to bring them back. It does mean that the students will have a lot more resources for them to be successful.”

During Monday night’s meeting, Petrino also discussed projects the district has been able to complete through grants and other projects that are still in the works.

In the 2024-25 school year, Petrino said grant funding allowed the district to extend Raritan High School’s outdoor gym area, including a Bocci Court, an Outdoor Volleyball Court, and a seating area for students.

Looking ahead, district officials outlined other projects still in the works, including solar panels for Hazlet schools, roof replacements at Hazlet Middle School and Beers Street School, and a playground replacement at Cove Road Playground.

To read the agenda for Monday night’s meeting, you can click here. To access the district’s 2025-26 budget presentation, you can click here.

To watch a full recording of Monday night’s meeting, you can watch here.

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