AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Phone Icon 732-483-4611right-arrow

Personal Care Consultation

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Josie J.
551
Google

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”

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.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Pamgoldberg
551
Caring

“I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care.”

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!!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Theodore S.
551
Facebook

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”

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.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Leta J.
551
Caring

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Carla500226
551
Caring

“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver”

We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for Judy367738
451
Caring

“We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now.”

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.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Nancy176801
551
Caring

“We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in”

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.
Read full testimonial
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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
×
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.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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
×
TESTIMONIALS

“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
In-Home Care Monroe Township, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Monroe Township, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light
Senior Care Monroe Township, NJ

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Monroe Township, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Monroe Township, NJ 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.

Respite Care Monroe Township, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 Monroe Township,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.

Caregivers Monroe Township, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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.

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.

Request More Informationright-arrow-light

Latest News in Monroe Township, NJ

10 most expensive homes sold in Monroe in Middlesex County, July 3-9

A house in Monroe Township that sold for $1.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Monroe in Middlesex County in the past week.In total, 36 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $463,088. The average price per square foot was $259.The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of July 3 even if the property may have been sold earlier.10. $540,000, single-family res...

A house in Monroe Township that sold for $1.1 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in Monroe in Middlesex County in the past week.

In total, 36 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $463,088. The average price per square foot was $259.

The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of July 3 even if the property may have been sold earlier.

10. $540,000, single-family residence at 22 Gravel Hill Spotswood Road

The property at 22 Gravel Hill Spotswood Road in Monroe Township has new owners. The price was $540,000. The house was built in 1962 and has a living area of 1,802 square feet. The price per square foot is $300. The deal was finalized on Jun. 20.

9. $581,000, single-family house at 19 Osteria Road

The 2,185 square-foot single-family home at 19 Osteria Road, Monroe Township, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in June and the total purchase price was $581,000, $266 per square foot. The house was built in 2021. The deal was finalized on Jun. 20.

8. $675,000, single-family home at 209 Morning Glory Drive

The property at 209 Morning Glory Drive in Monroe Township has new owners. The price was $675,000. The house was built in 2007 and has a living area of 1,805 square feet. The price per square foot is $374. The deal was finalized on Jun. 15.

7. $679,000, detached house at 8 Jessica Drive

The sale of the single family residence at 8 Jessica Drive in Monroe Township has been finalized. The price was $679,000, and the new owners took over the house in June. The house was built in 2012 and has a living area of 1,949 square feet. The price per square foot was $348. The deal was finalized on Jun. 14.

6. $725,000, single-family residence at 21 Mandrake Road

The sale of the detached house at 21 Mandrake Road, Monroe Township, has been finalized. The price was $725,000, and the house changed hands in June. The house was built in 2013 and has a living area of 2,820 square feet. The price per square foot was $257. The deal was finalized on Jun. 20.

5. $740,000, single-family house at 291 Morning Glory Drive

The 2,004 square-foot single-family residence at 291 Morning Glory Drive in Monroe Township has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in June and the total purchase price was $740,000, $369 per square foot. The house was built in 2006. The deal was finalized on Jun. 20.

4. $815,000, single-family home at 4 Compton Court

A sale has been finalized for the single-family residence at 4 Compton Court in Monroe Township. The price was $815,000 and the new owners took over the house in June. The house was built in 1991 and the living area totals 2,298 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $355. The deal was finalized on Jun. 14.

3. $855,000, detached house at 14 Riviera Drive

A sale has been finalized for the single-family house at 14 Riviera Drive in Monroe Township. The price was $855,000 and the new owners took over the house in June. The house was built in 2008 and the living area totals 3,328 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $257. The deal was finalized on Jun. 13.

2. $905,000, detached house at 105 Colletti Court

The 3,480 square-foot single-family home at 105 Colletti Court in Monroe Township has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in June and the total purchase price was $905,000, $260 per square foot. The house was built in 1965. The deal was finalized on Jun. 14.

1. $1.1 million, single-family house at 10 Tall Oaks Drive

The sale of the single-family house at 10 Tall Oaks Drive, Monroe Township, has been finalized. The price was $1,100,000, and the new owners took over the house in June. The house was built in 2004 and has a living area of 3,803 square feet. The price per square foot was $289. The deal was finalized on Jun. 19.

Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.

PRESS RELEASE: NJDEP Announces Two Bald Eagles Born in Monroe in 2022

NJDEP Announces Two Bald Eagles Born in Monroe in 2022Two Fledglings Located at Upper Millstone NestBald eagle in flight over Monroe Township. Photo provided by Alex Ostrow.Three active nests were reported in Middlesex County, including one at the Upper Millstone site in Monroe Township that was first discovered in 2017.In Monroe, two Bald Eagle eggs began incubation in the Upper Millstone nest on February 8, 2022. The eggs hatched on March 13, 2022 and became confirmed f...

NJDEP Announces Two Bald Eagles Born in Monroe in 2022

Two Fledglings Located at Upper Millstone Nest

Bald eagle in flight over Monroe Township. Photo provided by Alex Ostrow.

Three active nests were reported in Middlesex County, including one at the Upper Millstone site in Monroe Township that was first discovered in 2017.

In Monroe, two Bald Eagle eggs began incubation in the Upper Millstone nest on February 8, 2022. The eggs hatched on March 13, 2022 and became confirmed fledglings on June 3, 2022.

Young golden eagles typically fledge when they are around 10 -12 weeks old. Fledglings continue to return to the nest and stay near their parents for a month or more, learning how to hunt and hone their flying abilities.

“We are thrilled to hear that two more of these beautiful creatures are thriving in their habitat here in Monroe and that the bald eagle population in New Jersey continues to climb,” said Monroe

Mayor Stephen Dalina. “It’s so important that we continue to take great care to protect them. We are all fascinated to see these majestic symbols of our freedom, but we must remember to leave them be and always observe from afar.”

The statewide population rose to 267 territorial pairs in 2022, an increase of 20 from last year. Two hundred sixty-seven nest sites were monitored during the nesting season, of which 250 were documented to be active (with eggs) and 17 were territorial or housekeeping pairs.

According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, bald eagles usually mate for life, choosing the tops of large trees to build nests, which they typically enlarge each year. They require a steady food source, perching areas and safe nesting sites. Their habitat includes estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and some seacoasts. In winter, the birds congregate near open water in tall trees for spotting prey and night roosts for sheltering.

According to the NJ Bald Eagle Project 2022 report, nesting bald eagles in the state face many threats of disturbance and habitat loss. The National Eagle Center notes: “once the eggs are laid, they must be constantly kept warm, or incubated, and protected from predators. The body heat of the parent keeps the developing eggs warm.”

Disturbance is defined as any human activity that causes eagles to change their behavior, including the mere presence of people in nesting or foraging areas which can distract them from normal feeding rituals as well as caring for and protecting their young.

Viewing eagles from safe distances is best for their survival and satisfies our natural desire to see them. Enthusiasts are cautioned to never approach a nest or take measures to touch or feed these natural predators.

The 28-page report details the findings from the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) biologists, Conserve Wildlife Foundation (CWF) staff and volunteer observers who located and monitored bald eagle nests and territories in New Jersey throughout the January - July 2022 nesting season. The full report is here: https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/njfw/eglrpt22.pdf.

# # #

All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or [email protected].

Landfill operator sues Monroe Township over who pays for new sewer line

MONROE - The decades-long dispute between the township and BFI Waste Systems of New Jersey over a closed municipal landfill and Superfund site has entered a new phase with the company suing the township in federal court over who will pay for an 8,000-foot force main sewer pipe to drain leachate from the landfill.The 12-count 35-page lawsuit filed Jan. 6 asks that Monroe be ruled liable for an equitable share of BFI's costs for closing the landfill, maintaining it after the closure and any future costs, including the $5 ...

MONROE - The decades-long dispute between the township and BFI Waste Systems of New Jersey over a closed municipal landfill and Superfund site has entered a new phase with the company suing the township in federal court over who will pay for an 8,000-foot force main sewer pipe to drain leachate from the landfill.

The 12-count 35-page lawsuit filed Jan. 6 asks that Monroe be ruled liable for an equitable share of BFI's costs for closing the landfill, maintaining it after the closure and any future costs, including the $5 million cost of the new sewer line.

BFI says in the lawsuit that its total cost to close and maintain the landfill "exceeds" $30 million.

Monroe has yet to file a response to the lawsuit. Court records show that Monroe was not not served with the lawsuit until Jan. 9.

Leachate is a contaminated liquid generated from water percolating through solid waste, in this case, the township landfill site, which accumulates contaminants when rainwater filters through the site.

The lawsuit focuses on plans developed after chemical odors were found to be coming into township homes from a sanitary sewer collection system. The affected Inwood Estates neighborhood is in the northeast part of the township, off Spotswood Englishtown Road and Lani Street, directly northeast of the landfill site on Matchaponix Avenue.

After finding that chemical odors were coming into homes in August and September 2020, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ordered BFI to cease leachate discharge into the sanitary sewer system pending an investigation.

BFI stopped discharging leachate into the sanitary sewer system on Sept. 23, 2020 and has been trucking leachate for off-site disposal, according to the DEP.

BFI studies determined that the odors were caused by a high flow rate of leachate over a long period of time due to a malfunctioning pump, according to the DEP.

To reintroduce the leachate into the sewer line, BFI replaced the pump and installed a drive to allow different flow rates for discharge, among other actions.

BFI proposed to reintroduce leachate at a much lower flow rate than previously discharged - 45 gallons per minute instead of 80 gallons per minute - with monitoring of pressure to detect increases that may result in odor issues, according to the DEP.

More:Monmouth County man charged in Franklin, Monroe bank robberies

According to the lawsuit, BFI and the DEP agreed in 2021 on a plan to reintroduce the leachate into the sewer, but Monroe "blocked" it, refusing to give BFI access to the sewer system.

Instead Mayor Steven Dalina proposed a dedicated force main pipe as a long-term solution to remove leachate from the landfill site directly to one of the township’s pumping stations. This type of pipe is a pressurized sewer pipe that uses a pump and is used where gravity is not enough to move liquid through a sewer line.

In the lawsuit, BFI alleges Monroe's "unwarranted and unreasonable" refusal to allow leachate discharges into the sewer system has "dramatically" increased BFI's costs from several hundred thousands of dollars a year to more than $9 million in 2021.

"Mornoe, rather than accepting its good fortune in having a responsible entity maintain and pay for a Superfund site for which it is jointly and severally liable, has instead taken actions to thwart BRI's operations and maintenance of the landfill," the lawsuit alleges.

More:Ethics complaint against three Monroe school board members dismissed

Monroe Township operated the 86-acre landfill from the mid-1950’s until 1968 when it was leased to Princeton Disposal Service for operation under a service contract with Monroe Township. Browning-Ferris Industries of South Jersey acquired Princeton Disposal Service in 1972 and operated the landfill until 1978.

In 1978, DEP ordered the landfill closed after leachate seeps were observed during the construction of homes on Lani Street.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed the site on the Superfund list in 1983.

After remedial measures were taken, EPA deleted the site from the Superfund list 1994.

Email: [email protected]

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.

Monroe voters refuse a third time to pay for schools improvement project

Monroe voters rejected a schools improvement project for a third time, while voters in Woodbridge signed off on a revised school plan they had approved in 20...

Monroe voters rejected a schools improvement project for a third time, while voters in Woodbridge signed off on a revised school plan they had approved in 2020.

Unofficial results in Tuesday’s election show Monroe’s $104 million referendum failed by a 4,346-to-3,723 margin. It was the school district’s third attempt to address overcrowding.

School officials said overcrowded and aging facilities in the district, which serves nearly 7,000 students in eight schools, has worsened since referendums were rejected in 2018 and 2019.

This referendum would have funded renovation, refurbishment and safety projects in district schools, including the high school, middle school and Applegarth Elementary School. The district would have received $17.4 million in state aid for the projects, according to school officials.

The average taxpayer whose home is assessed at $320,410 would have seen a $204 rise in taxes.

In Woodbridge, voters approved a $32 million project to renovate Avenel Street School, by a 2,236-to-573 margin, according to unofficial results.

Also see:Monroe school board member charged with shoplifting

Also see:Which Central Jersey school districts got the biggest aid increases? Which lost the most?

The referendum followed the school district last fall canceling plans to build a new Avenel Street School after construction delayed by the COVID pandemic and supply shortages drove up the cost by at least $15 million, according to district officials.

The new proposal generates no tax increase with no cost to residents, district officials said.

The project includes various improvements, upgrades and renovations and construction of an addition to the existing Avenel Street School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work.

Avenel Street School, which is the oldest in the district at more than 100 years old, houses approximately 400 students in grades K-5.

Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Wildfire Burns 150 Acres in Franklin and Monroe Twps., NJ

Crews are making progress with containing a relatively small wildfire in lower Gloucester County.Get our free mobile appThe New Jersey Forest Fire Service says the blaze, named the "Box Turtle Fire," started Monday afternoon on both private property and in the White Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Franklin and Monroe Townships, not too far from Victory Lakes."Substantial progress" had been made as of lunchtime ...

Crews are making progress with containing a relatively small wildfire in lower Gloucester County.

Get our free mobile app

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says the blaze, named the "Box Turtle Fire," started Monday afternoon on both private property and in the White Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Franklin and Monroe Townships, not too far from Victory Lakes.

"Substantial progress" had been made as of lunchtime Tuesday.

The fire is currently 150 acres in size and 60 percent contained.

Today crews will continue to monitor and improve containment lines in addition to extinguishing any hotspots near the fire perimeter.

No structures are threatened, there have been no evacuations, and there are no road closures.

The 12 Best Bars for Trivia Nights in South Jersey

Kid Rip's Tap and Tavern, Runnemede

Kid Rip's Tap and Tavern, 115 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede

Sideline's, Buena Vista Township/Milmay

Sideline's, 1202 Tuckahoe Rd., Milmay

Google Maps

Old Rail Tavern, Barrington

The Old Rail Tavern, 101 Clements Bridge Rd., Barrington

Google Maps

Racks, Williamstown

Racks, 2021 N. Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, and other locations.

Google Maps

Steakouts, Pittsgrove

Steakouts Sports Bar, 85 Harding Hwy., Pittsgrove

Google Maps

P.J. Whelihan's, Haddonfield

P.J. Whelihan's, 700 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield

Google Maps

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Atlantic City

Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, 133 S. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City

Google Maps

Geets Diner, Williamstown

Geets Diner (bar behind the diner), 14 N. Black Horse Pike, Williamstown

Google Maps

Mulligan's, Audubon/Oaklyn

Mulligan's, 1208 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn

Google Maps

The Village Pub, Washington Township/Sewell

The Village Pub, 139 Egg Harbor Rd., Sewell

Google Maps

Dominic's Tavern, Bellmawr

Dominic's Tavern, 100 E. Browning Rd., Bellmawr

Google Maps

Nippers Pub, Westville

Nipper's Pub, 1205 Delsea Dr., Westville

The Absolute Best Diners in South Jersey

You'll want to check out these diners in South Jersey -- the best of the best.

Gallery Credit: Chris Coleman

Google Maps

New Berlin Diner, Berlin

Right in downtown Berlin on Route 30 is the New Berlin Diner. Lots of chrome and neon here. As one reviewer recently said, "Typical diner with excellent service and prices. Good selection of specials with decent portions. Servers are great!!"

Google Maps

Dino's Seaville Diner, Ocean View

When you're down the shore, Dino's has been a fixture just off of Routes 9 and 50 in Ocean View for almost 45 years.

Google Maps

Meadows Diner, Blackwood

The Meadows Diner on Route 168 in Blackwood has been a staple in the area for decades, even back when it was the Blackwood Diner. The only thing that gets better marks than their food is their service.

Google Maps

Angelo's Diner, Glassboro

In the heart of Glassboro is Angelo's. A unique, old-school diner with a great neon sign. And they have scrapple on the menu.

Google Maps

JJ's Diner, Egg Harbor Township

This diner at the old Cardiff Circle in Egg Harbor Township has seen a bunch of names over the years. Most recently, it's JJ's and it's getting high reviews online. Note that JJ's closes at 4, so stop by for breakfast or lunch.

Google Maps

Silver Diner, Cherry Hill

Across from the Cherry Hill Mall is the Silver Diner. This isn't your typical diner -- this is food that has been elevated. On their menu are things like omelets with oaxaca black bean salsa, an organic bison pesto burger, and Carolina catfish and succotash.

Google Maps

Salem Oak Diner, Salem

Right on Broadway in Salem is the Salem Oak Diner, named after the city's famous tree. This is a perfect example of a small, local eatery where everyone knows your name -- and the sign on the roof is pretty cool, too.

Google Maps

Silver Coin, Hammonton

At the crossroads of South Jersey, Routes 30, 54, and 206, for 40 years sits the Silver Coin Diner. Everything is on the menu here from mimosas to a "Whole Lotta Meat" omelette.

Google Maps

Stratford Diner, Stratford

The Stratford Diner, right on the White Horse Pike, is one of those places that's always been there. Big menu, big portions.

Google Maps

Harley Dawn, Folsom

Out in the Penny Pot section of Folsom (not too far from Hammonton) is the Harley Dawn. This was a little place back in the day; it was demolished and they rebuilt a very modern restaurant. The food here is great and when blueberries are in season, they're all over the menu at Harley Dawn.

Google Maps

Point 40 Diner, Monroeville

If you're crossing South Jersey on Route 40, the Point 40 Diner is located right on the Pole Tavern Circle at Route 77. The Point 40 was recently named the best diner in Salem County.

Google Maps

Paulsboro Diner, Paulsboro

You don't need a ton of chrome and neon to win the hearts of locals. As one person said, "Food is tasty and prepared with love. Fair prices, clean, and cozy. If you like small, simple, family owned places you'll enjoy it here."

Google Maps

Liberty Diner, Clayton

Should you find yourself in Gloucester County, swing by the Liberty Diner in Clayton, right on Delsea Drive. You'll find the standard diner fare here -- and creamed chipped beef.

Google Maps

Piston Diner, Westville

From scrapple bites to penne with shrimp in vodka sauce, this is a great local diner with a local feel.

Google Maps

Little Goat Diner, Pleasantville

Right off of Route 9 and Delilah Road in Pleasantville is the Little Goat Diner. This is where locals in the area go for breakfast and lunch.

Google Maps

Geets Diner, Williamstown

Among the small list of landmarks in Williamstown is Geets Diner. Every set of directions ever given to, from, or through Williamstown involves a mention of Geet's.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.