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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 Old Bridge, NJ

Home Care Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge Water Tower 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 Old Bridge, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Old Bridge, 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

“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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Mannino 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 Old Bridge, 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 Just Restaurant or visit Thomas Warne Museum/Madison-Old Bridge Township Historical Society, 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 Old Bridge, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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:

  • Reformed Church Home
  • Preferred Care at Old Bridge
  • Autumn Lake Healthcare at Old Bridge
  • Roosevelt Care Center at Old Bridge
  • Millennium Memory Care at Matawan
  • Old Bridge Rotary Sr Housing
Home Care Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, 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 Old Bridge, NJ

Latest News in Old Bridge, NJ

400-foot-long bridge arch floats through N.J. river. This is where it’s headed.

When have three bridges opened to let another bridge pass underneath them?It happened in New Jersey Wednesday afternoon, when the first of three giant steel arch bridge sections fabricated in upstate New York, were floated up the Hackensack River to a construction site in Kearny.It’s a piece of the larger $1.6 billion Portal North Bridge that is the...

When have three bridges opened to let another bridge pass underneath them?

It happened in New Jersey Wednesday afternoon, when the first of three giant steel arch bridge sections fabricated in upstate New York, were floated up the Hackensack River to a construction site in Kearny.

It’s a piece of the larger $1.6 billion Portal North Bridge that is the first part of the larger Gateway project. That includes construction of new $16 billion Hudson River rail tunnels, which has ongoing work on the Manhattan and New Jersey sides of the river.

Portal North Bridge will carry Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line over the Hackensack River in Kearny, replacing a 114-year old low swing bridge that sits on a pedestal and rotates to open for marine traffic.

For Amtrak and NJ Transit commuters, the old bridge is a source of frustration when it is unable to fully close, meaning that work crews have to hammer miter rails in place so trains can cross it.

Construction of the bridge’s long, tall approach spans started in August 2022 when work on the Portal North bridge started next to the old bridge. Full completion is targeted for 2027.

The 400-foot-long, 80-foot tall, 2,500-ton arch bridge section was floated from a fabricating plant near Albany on a barge down the Hudson River and started making it way up the Hackensack River, passing under the Pulaski Skyway around 1:45 p.m.

The arch bridge section required the almost simultaneous opening of three Hackensack River drawbridges in Jersey City, one that carries PATH trains, another that carries ConRail shared assets freight trains and the new Route 7 Wittpenn Bridge.

The new Portal Bridge design has three arch spans totaling 1,200 feet in length and are 50 feet above the river to allow marine vessels to pass under.

The passage of the bridge section was mentioned by Gov. Phil Murphy during a press conference Wednesday, when he said the bridge is 75% complete.

During his call-in news show last week, Murphy said he talked to President-elect Donald Trump about Portal North Bridge and the governor said Trump expressed interest in attending the opening of the span.

During his first term, Trump announced he was backing the Portal North Bridge project in 2020 after having dinner with Murphy in his Bedminster golf club. That put the project in line for a $811 million Federal Transit Administration grant.

When the third arch arrives and is hoisted in place in early February, the bridge will be considered structurally complete. That allows Amtrak approximately one year to install overhead catenary wires, signals, and tracks. The first track may open in 2026.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry.

'Ghost Bridge' Revealed By Low Water Levels At NJ Reservoir

OAK RIDGE, NJ — A bridge to the past — quite literally — has appeared in a North Jersey reservoir after it was drained for routine maintenance.The so-called "Ghost Bridge" became visible at Oak Ridge Reservoir in early November, and has attracted the attention of nearby residents. And despite the name, there isn't anything spooky about this stone bridge with three arches — it's just a rare sight.Kevin Greer, the Newark Watershed superintendent, told the Associated Press that the bridge was buil...

OAK RIDGE, NJ — A bridge to the past — quite literally — has appeared in a North Jersey reservoir after it was drained for routine maintenance.

The so-called "Ghost Bridge" became visible at Oak Ridge Reservoir in early November, and has attracted the attention of nearby residents. And despite the name, there isn't anything spooky about this stone bridge with three arches — it's just a rare sight.

Kevin Greer, the Newark Watershed superintendent, told the Associated Press that the bridge was built over 150 years ago for horses and buggies. Greer told the AP that water levels will be restored once maintenance work had finished on the dam and gatehouse, and the bridge will once again be covered.

"It has nothing to do with the drought," he said.

The bridge, which has stood since the reservoir's construction, can be seen along Route 23 about a mile south of the Canistear Road intersection. However, it is part of the Newark Watershed, which requires a permit to hike on its lands.

Officials are encouraging people not to walk on or around the bridge, as it may not be structurally sound. Drivers are also asked not to stop or park along the highway to take pictures.

The bridge once connected the original town of Oak Ridge to the Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike over the Pequannock River, before reservoir construction was completed in the mid-1890s, according to a local history blog by Paul Havemann. Its exact age is unknown.

Oak Ridge Reservoir was one of several to be built in northern New Jersey at that time and required both Oak Ridge and a smaller village called Wallace Corner to be flooded, Havemann noted.

The 35,000 acres of natural waterways, mountains, ponds, and streams that make up the Newark Watershed are located in portions of six towns in Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties. The watershed and its reservoirs are city-owned.

Echo Lake Reservoir, Clinton Reservoir, Canistear Reservoir, and Charoletteburg Reservoir are also part of the Newark Watershed. A spokesperson for the city said the reservoirs are at 80 percent capacity, and would be higher if Oak Ridge Reservoir was not drawn down.

'Ghost bridge' submerged for more than a century in North Jersey is exposed

3-minute read0:000:58A drawdown at the Oak Ridge Reservoir in West Milford is providing a rare peek into New Jersey’s past.Likely submerged for most of its existence, the stone bridge now exposed along with the reservoir's bare floor provides the only hint of a village that vanished over a century ago. It isn't a ghost story but a reminder of pressing needs at the turn of the 20th century.In the late 1800s, Newark was desperate for clean water. Industrial pollution had ruined its original source: t...

3-minute read

A drawdown at the Oak Ridge Reservoir in West Milford is providing a rare peek into New Jersey’s past.

Likely submerged for most of its existence, the stone bridge now exposed along with the reservoir's bare floor provides the only hint of a village that vanished over a century ago. It isn't a ghost story but a reminder of pressing needs at the turn of the 20th century.

In the late 1800s, Newark was desperate for clean water. Industrial pollution had ruined its original source: the Passaic River. The problem led officials to consider building a pipeline 25.3 miles northwest to the Pequannock River. There, amid a rural land dotted with iron mines and forges, they could strategically place dams to create a chain of reservoirs linked by the Pequannock River: Clinton Falls, Oak Ridge and Macopin.

The most controversial of the original three, Oak Ridge, required the sacrifice of a small village.

The East Jersey Water Company, which oversaw the project to create the Newark Watershed, had to acquire the land in order to flood it. That demanded purchasing homes, barns and fields from reluctant residents, namely Horace Chamberlain, the Passaic Daily News reported in July 1889. A former state legislator, Chamberlain had amassed a large estate in the area that included a 400-acre farm, said 1914's "A History of Morris County."

Company officials also had to buy water rights from factories along the Pequannock and its feeders, including Dunker Pond and Echo Lake.

By the end of 1891, however, Chamberlain was dead, the factory owners were compensated and the homes that once formed the village were auctioned off. Houses sold for as little as $20. The highest bid was $200 for Lewis Thompson's country home, the Passaic Daily News reported in April 1891.

The homes in Oak Ridge and in nearby Wallace's Corners were linked by the bridge to Paterson-Hamburg Turnpike, a toll road built between 1806 and 1814 that facilitated trade and travel across New Jersey’s Highlands. The turnpike’s role in the region’s growth was vital, linking small towns to larger markets. Some suspect the bridge was built along with the turnpike, but its age is unknown.

Carefully crafted from stone blocks, the bridge spans three arches and sticks up about 20 feet above the slow trickle of the Pequannock River. The region has been dealing with severe drought, going more than a month with no measurable rainfall. Oak Ridge's main job is to keep the modern queen of the Newark Watershed reservoirs, Charlotteburg, topped off.

Charlotteburg was the last of the system's reservoirs to be built, with the work done between 1958 and 1960. It increased the total storage capacity of the reservoirs to roughly 14.4 billion gallons, state records show.

The three original reservoirs were completed by May 1892. Two other reservoirs were added in the middle part of the decade, as the three-reservoir system ultimately did not produce as much water as expected, local newspaper reports said.

In order for the company to make good on its 50 million-gallon-per-day contract with Newark by the 1900 deadline, suggestions arose to build another reservoir a half-mile below the Oak Ridge dam, The Jersey City News reported in June 1892.

Instead, the company began buying land in Sussex County in preparation for the Canistear Reservoir’s creation. At that time, a single church stood in what was then mostly virgin forest, The Jersey City News reported when work wrapped up on Canistear in November 1896. Echo Lake, once considered an alternative reservoir site amid Chamberlain's protests, was added to the system shortly after, the Passaic Daily News reported.

The bridge at Oak Ridge Reservoir is near the intersection of Route 23 and Reservoir Road. But caution is advised: The best way to view this relic is not by stopping on the highway, but by finding a safe vantage point nearby. Also, be warned: The property is part of the Newark Watershed, which requires permits to access it for hiking, boating, fishing and other recreational pursuits.

Theft charges against N.J. school board member to be dismissed after wife’s guilty plea, authorities say

Charges against a Middlesex County school board member are expected to be dismissed after his wife pleaded guilty to theft in the alleged disappearance of over $50,000 from a local PTA and youth sports organization, prosecutors said.Dana Marchetta, 41, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft by deception in Middlesex County Superior Court on Oct. 30, prosecutors said.She a...

Charges against a Middlesex County school board member are expected to be dismissed after his wife pleaded guilty to theft in the alleged disappearance of over $50,000 from a local PTA and youth sports organization, prosecutors said.

Dana Marchetta, 41, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft by deception in Middlesex County Superior Court on Oct. 30, prosecutors said.

She and her husband, Old Bridge school board member Leonardo Marchetta, 42, were initially charged with conspiring to steal over $41,000 from the Grissom Elementary School Parent Teacher Association in Old Bridge and another $12,417 from the Rebels Football & Cheer association, authorities said.

Dana Marchetta was charged with several counts of forgery, writing bad checks, altering and falsifying records, theft by deception, money laundering and conspiracy, police said after announcing the Marchettas’ arrest in April.

Leonardo Marchetta was charged with several counts of writing bad checks, theft by deception and conspiracy, authorities said.

Dana Marchetta is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, authorities said. The charges against her husband are scheduled to be dismissed the same day as her sentencing, the prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.

An attorney for Dana Marchetta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Her husband’s attorney declined to comment on his case Wednesday.

Leonardo Marchetta did not immediately respond to a request to comment.

He continued to serve on the Old Bridge Board of Education after he and his wife were charged in April. His term ends in December. He did not seek reelection.

Days after news of the charges broke, the Old Bridge Education Association called for his resignation from the school board, saying the charges casted doubt on his “integrity, ethics and trustworthiness.”

Authorities in Old Bridge began investigating alleged thefts from Jonas Salk Middle School PTA, Grissom Elementary School PTA and the Rebels Football & Cheer Association in September 2023 after reporting missing money from operating funds, according to notices sent to parents from the organizations.

The organizations said they were cooperating with authorities in the investigation.

The Old Bridge Township School District was notified it was the alleged victim of fraudulent check submissions for goods and services, district superintendent David Cittadino told NJ Advance Media after the charges were announced.

Cittadino did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at [email protected]. Follow Matt on X

Meet Spadea at the Pet Center in Old Bridge, NJ this Saturday

Like many of you, I love dogs. Jodi and I have had a number of canine family members over the years. Some were bought through breeders and some were rescued.If I were to bring another dog into our family after Cali and Rusty passed a few years ago, we would only trust the Pet Center in Old Bridge.Unfortunately, there is a very false narrative being pushed by anti-business radical animal activists and perpetuated by th...

Like many of you, I love dogs. Jodi and I have had a number of canine family members over the years. Some were bought through breeders and some were rescued.

If I were to bring another dog into our family after Cali and Rusty passed a few years ago, we would only trust the Pet Center in Old Bridge.

Unfortunately, there is a very false narrative being pushed by anti-business radical animal activists and perpetuated by the corporate media. No doubt there are some unscrupulous breeders who don't treat the animals right, but they are few and far between. Classic far-Left tactics to drive an agenda.

Take the example of one bad actor and paint an entire industry in a poor light. The reality is we need more breeders. We have so many uses for specifically bred dogs in our society. Law enforcement, therapy, and special needs all top the list. Plus, don't you want to know the kind of animal you're bringing into your home as your kids grow up?

We would not have brought in the rescue pit bull shepherd to our home with little kids around. So, we went to a pet store and got a certified AKC puppy for the kids to grow up with. Her name was Fenway, a beautiful Golden Retriever who lived 13 years with nearly zero health issues.

I'm not telling you to avoid rescuing a dog, but rescues and animals from breeders are not mutually exclusive. When things calm down for us in, well who knows how many years, we will be going to Pet Center in Old Bridge.

The family business is friendly, professional, and caring of all of the animals that pass through their doors. I know the family, Joe and Isabel, and their adult kids, Tom and Christina. Truly remarkable, friendly, and passionate people who spend their time taking care of the animals who will be matched with a family like yours. They take the time to visit the breeders and hold them to the highest standards.

Each puppy is driven back in a special van with two staff members. One to drive, and the other to care for the animal on the trip. It's remarkable and the work is reflected in the product.

The puppies are healthy, happy, and ready for your family. Plus, you can pick the kind of animal you and have several generations of pedigree to know the kind of temperament and health history you can expect.

I'll be there this Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. visiting with the puppies and Garden State families.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own.

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