It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Camden & Amboy Railroad Memorial in Spotswood, NJ 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 Spotswood, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Mundy Avenue Park in Spotswood, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Kabaret Restaurant, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Spotswood, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Spotswood, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Spotswood, 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.
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Now that the unofficial end of summer has passed with Labor Day weekend, the Spotswood Public Library is resuming its Saturday hours on Saturday, September 12. The Spotswood Public Library's Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.On September 12, the library is welcoming its Saturday hours back with a Paws up for Reading session at 10:30 a.m. Registration is not required for new readers to practice their developing skills by reading a book to Jojo. Jojo is one of the therapy animals from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy and l...
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Now that the unofficial end of summer has passed with Labor Day weekend, the Spotswood Public Library is resuming its Saturday hours on Saturday, September 12. The Spotswood Public Library's Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On September 12, the library is welcoming its Saturday hours back with a Paws up for Reading session at 10:30 a.m. Registration is not required for new readers to practice their developing skills by reading a book to Jojo. Jojo is one of the therapy animals from Creature Comfort Pet Therapy and loves to be read to. Readers can bring a favorite book or borrow one from the shelves of the Spotswood Public Library's children's section.
There is a full menu of programming coming up for fall at the Spotswood Public Library, including Gentle Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays. There's also Coffee Club on Monday mornings at 10 a.m., which is a great way for adults to catch up with friends or make some new ones. New storytime sessions get going too. Check the events calendar online at the Spotswood Public Library's website to see what's happening in September.
The Spotswood Public Library's regular hours are:
The Spotswood Public Library is located at 548 Main Street.
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MILLTOWN, NJ - Milltoween Town's first-ever Night Market took over the American Legion pavilion and parking lot on Friday evening despite some ominous skies and the threat of thunderstorms roaring through the area. Those good witches definitely cast a little magic because, while a bit of weather did roll in, it didn't dampen the spirit of the evening.A steady flow of people explored the night market that featured an eclectic mix of vendors offering their diverse and unique wares. There were fun fall decorations from Flour and Frosting...
MILLTOWN, NJ - Milltoween Town's first-ever Night Market took over the American Legion pavilion and parking lot on Friday evening despite some ominous skies and the threat of thunderstorms roaring through the area. Those good witches definitely cast a little magic because, while a bit of weather did roll in, it didn't dampen the spirit of the evening.
A steady flow of people explored the night market that featured an eclectic mix of vendors offering their diverse and unique wares. There were fun fall decorations from Flour and Frosting that were a perfect pick for the front porch. Gizmos Pet Pasties, which hails from Milltown, had tasty autumn-themed treats for the pups. Their freshly baked pumpkin treats were something to bark about. Visitors could get a tarot card reading, find a cuddly crochet friend for the kiddos, make a new stuffed animal, sample Halloween-themed baked goods, find cool jewelry, pick up a spooky read just in time for Halloween, try something from the Scream Truck and much more. There were performers like Katey Kelvis who took to the stage and others who wandered around the market. Many market visitors embraced the theme of the evening and came in costume. The Night Market area was decked out in Halloween-themed decorations and blowups.
The Milltoweentown Night Market is the brainchild of borough residents and friends Rachel Fried and Debra Yarnall. Last year, the pair, along with the Milltown Revitalization Committee and a group of dedicated Halloween and fall lovers launched the first-ever Milloweentown. Their goal is to make Milloweentown a part of Milltown's community-centered events every fall with something new added each October. Judging by the success of Friday's Night Market, Milltoweentown is quickly becoming the newest Milltown Thing.
“We hope this is an annual event,” Fried and Yarnall said.
Fried and Yarnall had a lot of fun working with their team they have dubbed the Milluminati.
“The best part was working with our awesome team,” Fried and Yarnall added. “Everyone was so amazing. A huge thank you to everyone who helped, especially the Revitalization Committee. We couldn't have done it without y'all. Andrea Van Derveer you rock.”
The Milloweentown fun continued on Saturday with their second annual ghost hunt around the borough. Ghost hunters had to look around town for ghosts hidden in and around Milltown businesses. Participants got to have fun, explore Milltown businesses and earn some prizes.
Fried and Yarnall are already thinking about next fall's Milloweentown. So, if anyone is interested in joining the Milluminati, email [email protected].
Stay connected with everything happening in Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta.
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SHARE A STORY: Send news tips, events, and story ideas to [email protected].
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SPOTSWOOD, NJ - The Spotswood High School girls tennis team was back on the courts on Monday to take on Middlesex High School. Spotswood lost the meeting with the Blue Jays earlier this season 3-2. Monday was another battle, but this time, the Chargers came out on top with a 3-2 victory.Soha Aziz won her first singles match over Middlesex's Sara Elsayed, 7-5, 6-2, to earn a match point for the Chargers. Spotswood's Jiani Li dropped her second singles match to Julia Ngo, (6-4, 6-2). Martha Libia Gomez lost her third singles match to So...
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - The Spotswood High School girls tennis team was back on the courts on Monday to take on Middlesex High School. Spotswood lost the meeting with the Blue Jays earlier this season 3-2. Monday was another battle, but this time, the Chargers came out on top with a 3-2 victory.
Soha Aziz won her first singles match over Middlesex's Sara Elsayed, 7-5, 6-2, to earn a match point for the Chargers. Spotswood's Jiani Li dropped her second singles match to Julia Ngo, (6-4, 6-2). Martha Libia Gomez lost her third singles match to Sofia Ahmuada-Lopez, (6-0, 6-2). Spotswood's doubles teams swept their matches to secure the Chargers ninth victory of the season.
Kendall Kreiger and Juliet Yasutis won the first set of their first singles match with Reem Elsais and Alejandra Dominguez Cadena 6-4. Elsais and Dominguez Cadena rallied to take the second set 6-0 to set up a tiebreaker to decide the match. Kreiger and Yasutis bounced back to take the tiebreaker 10-3 and earn a matchpoint for Spotswood. Kreiger and Yasutis qualified for the 2026 NJSIAA Doubles Tournament. Kreiger and Yasutis have a record of 10-2 at first doubles this season.
Madison DeLaMarter and Sage Woods defeated Nahomy Cruz-Valladares and Fernanda Yaurivica, (6-0, 6-2).
Spotswood's victory was the Chargers' third straight and increased the team's overall season record to 9-4 and their Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division record to 7-3. Next up for the Chargers is a Blue Division matchup with North Brunswick High School at Veterans Park on Tuesday. The Raiders have an overall season record of 7-6. Spotswood won the previous meeting between the two teams 4-1. Matches begin at 4 p.m.
Stay connected with everything happening in Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta.
WHATSAPP: Follow the TAPinto WhatsApp Channel for local news and community updates.
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STAY INFORMED: Sign up for TAPinto email news alerts and download the app for Android or iOS.
SHARE A STORY: Send news tips, events, and story ideas to [email protected].
ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta residents by contacting [email protected].
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SPOTSWOOD, NJ - On the ballot for Spotswood voters this fall in the upcoming general election are three open seats on the Spotswood Borough Council. Spotswood Borough Councilwoman Dawn Schwartz is seeking re-election, but Spotswood Borough Councilmen Nicholas Legakis and Larry Kraemer are not. Candidates Collene Wronko, Julian Lewis, William Kokoszk and Jose RIvera are seeking a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council as well.In order to help Spotswood voters this election season get to know the candidates running for a seat on the Spot...
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - On the ballot for Spotswood voters this fall in the upcoming general election are three open seats on the Spotswood Borough Council. Spotswood Borough Councilwoman Dawn Schwartz is seeking re-election, but Spotswood Borough Councilmen Nicholas Legakis and Larry Kraemer are not. Candidates Collene Wronko, Julian Lewis, William Kokoszk and Jose RIvera are seeking a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council as well.
In order to help Spotswood voters this election season get to know the candidates running for a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council, TAPinto Milltown and Spotswood is featuring a Meet the Candidate series. Each candidate running for an open seat on the Spotswood Borough Council was invited to participate and received the same questions. Below are Wronko's responses to the Meet the Candidate questions.
I first moved to Spotswood in 1972 with my family and lived here until 1983, when I moved to Freehold. I returned to Spotswood in 2011 and have lived here ever since. My connection to Spotswood spans more than five decades, giving me a longstanding appreciation for our residents, neighborhoods, and community.
I am currently retired, but I am a small mammal wildlife rehabilitator apprentice, working toward obtaining my license. I am actively seeking the equipment and supplies necessary to complete my training and meet licensing requirements. My commitment to animal welfare reflects my dedication to responsible care, public service, and making a positive difference.
I have not previously held elected public office, but I bring extensive community leadership and public service experience. I ran the Spotswood Municipal Alliance for two years and volunteered for eight, served as president of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal advocacy organization and served on the board of a Pop Warner Association in South Jersey. I also served as an animal control officer, a tax accountant and a business manager of a day camp, gaining firsthand experience with municipal responsibilities, legal compliance and public accountability. These experiences strengthened my leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills, which I would bring to the borough council.
Community involvement has always been important to me. I served as a Girl Scout leader, was a cheerleading coach in Spotswood back in the 1980s, the cheer coordinator and coach for Pop Warner, volunteer coach for Special Olympics, taught gymnastics to special needs children, volunteered for over 40 years in animal rescue, founded the Spotswood Craft Fair and organized the Spotswood Halloween and Christmas decoration contests. I also organized the Grinch Stolen Gift Run and collected more than 600 toys for Toys for Tots. I helped bring families together through holiday events, including Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Carrots with the Cottontail and the Easter Bunny Home event. These activities created lasting memories for children and strengthened our community spirit. I also volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans in North Jersey, supporting those who served our country. My volunteer work reflects my commitment to helping others, supporting veterans, bringing people together and making Spotswood a better place for residents of all ages.
What I love most about Spotswood is its sense of community. Neighbors know one another, families build connections and residents have opportunities to make a difference. I want to preserve that community spirit while ensuring residents feel heard and respected. Our local government should take concerns seriously, communicate openly and make decisions in the best interests of the people it serves.
I am running because Spotswood residents deserve accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership. My campaign slogan is accountability through transparency. Residents have a right to understand how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent. I want to examine the facts, ask questions and scrutinize municipal spending, contracts, services and development proposals. I also want to advocate for improved senior services, better living conditions for those living in an HOA, better transportation options for seniors, more activities for children and teenagers and additional family-oriented events. My goal is to represent residents rather than special interests and help build a local government that welcomes questions and stands behind its decisions.
First: Fiscal responsibility and transparency: Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent. I want to examine municipal spending, contracts, employee benefits, and shared-services agreements to verify actual savings and value. I also want to pursue grants to reduce taxpayer burdens.
Second: Accountability and communication: Residents deserve clear answers about decisions affecting their community and finances. I support open communication, proactive disclosure, and explanations of major municipal decisions.
Third: Quality of life and responsible planning: We need better opportunities for seniors, improved transportation options, more activities for children and teenagers and family-oriented events. I also support attracting appropriate businesses and carefully evaluating development proposals for their financial, environmental, infrastructure and neighborhood impacts.
My goal is to protect taxpayers, improve services and preserve Spotswood’s community character.
I believe there is room for improvement in public communication, financial oversight and resident participation. I would like to see clearer explanations of municipal decisions and financial commitments, along with stronger oversight to ensure spending and agreements deliver their intended results. Shared-services arrangements should be evaluated using documented costs and actual savings. Residents should feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns without being dismissed. I would examine the facts, work collaboratively where possible, and insist on accountability when answers are needed. Accountability and transparency must apply to everyone in government.
If elected, my priorities would include:
I would investigate issues, ask questions, work with others, pursue practical solutions and keep residents informed.
In five years, I want Spotswood to have a local government residents trust because decisions are transparent, public funds are managed responsibly and accountability is a priority. I want stronger financial oversight, improved services for seniors, better transportation options and responsible economic development that respects our neighborhoods. Residents should feel heard and know their concerns receive meaningful consideration. I also want more activities for children and teenagers and family-oriented events that bring residents together. Young people deserve opportunities to develop interests, build friendships, and feel connected to their community. Families should have more opportunities to spend time together. Ultimately, I want Spotswood to remain a community people are proud to call home, with a government that puts residents first and protects taxpayer dollars.
I bring persistence, attention to detail, community involvement, and a willingness to ask difficult questions. My experience in nonprofit leadership, municipal service, and organizing community activities has taught me to work with different people, manage responsibilities, and turn ideas into action. I have consistently attended council meetings for 14 years and asked the hard questions.
Public service requires preparation, research, knowledge of the law, and careful consideration of the facts. It also requires the courage to speak up when something needs clarification.
I am willing to listen, collaborate, and pursue practical solutions. I will take my responsibility to residents seriously, even when asking questions is uncomfortable. Integrity and accountability must guide every decision.
Residents should vote for me if they want a council member who listens, examines the facts, attended a decade plus of council meetings, asks the tough questions and considers what is best for Spotswood. Every tax dollar matters. Residents deserve to know their money is being used responsibly. I will advocate for transparent spending, meaningful oversight, better communication, improved services and opportunities for residents of all ages. I cannot promise every problem will be solved immediately, but I can promise to take concerns seriously, research issues, seek solutions and keep residents informed. My responsibility would be to the people who elected me. My commitment is straightforward: Accountability through transparency. Spotswood residents deserve nothing less.
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open in New Jersey on Election Day for in-person voting from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming 2026 election was on Tuesday, October 13. Tuesday, October 27, is the last day to request a mail-in ballot for the upcoming election. Additional information on mail-in ballots is available on the Middlesex County website.
In-person early voting is available at 10 Middlesex County locations from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1. Early voting hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations for early voting are also available on the Middlesex County website.
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SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Spotswood voters are deciding on three open seats for the Spotswood Borough Council in the upcoming general election. Spotswood Borough Councilwoman Dawn Schwartz is seeking re-election. However, Spotswood Borough Councilmen Nicholas Legakis and Larry Kraemer are not. Candidates Julian Lewis, Collene Wronko, William Kokoszk and Jose Rivera are also seeking a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council.In order to help Spotswood voters this election season get to know the candidates running for a seat on the Spotswood Borough...
SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Spotswood voters are deciding on three open seats for the Spotswood Borough Council in the upcoming general election. Spotswood Borough Councilwoman Dawn Schwartz is seeking re-election. However, Spotswood Borough Councilmen Nicholas Legakis and Larry Kraemer are not. Candidates Julian Lewis, Collene Wronko, William Kokoszk and Jose Rivera are also seeking a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council.
In order to help Spotswood voters this election season get to know the candidates running for a seat on the Spotswood Borough Council, TAPinto Milltown and Spotswood is featuring a Meet the Candidate series. Each candidate running for an open seat on the Spotswood Borough Council was invited to participate and received the same questions. Below are Schwartz's responses to the Meet the Candidate questions.
My husband and I have lived in Spotswood and raised our two sons here over the past 32 years.
I have been a teacher for the Sayreville Public School District for 34 years.
Have you ever held a public office before? If so, please list.
I have held the office of Spotswood borough councilwoman for the past four years, and I am excited about the possibility of re-election to serve for another four years.
Throughout my time raising my two boys within the community, I have been a coach for Spotswood Youth Baseball, a member of the PTA, a member of the SHS Band Parent Association for three years and held the office of president for another four years. I have been a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member for the past three years. I am currently a member of the Spotswood Senior Center. As councilwoman, I have also proudly served as liaison to Spotswood Recreation, the Spotswood Library and Spotswood Senior Center. While liaison positions hold no formal role within those groups, it has been a pleasure to help ease their interactions with our administration. Additionally, during Hurricane Ida in August 2021, I was a volunteer at the Helmetta Community Center working with the American Red Cross to hand out meals and help residents get supplies needed for the flood cleanup. These were roles I had previously served during Hurricane Sandy and in the aftermath of 9/11. I also support the Spotswood Education Foundation, the Community Team NJ and Alice’s Cup by being a regular donor when those groups seek the public’s help.
What I love most about living in Spotswood are our residents. Although we all have different opinions about issues, the residents of this town always pull together to help others in need. During my time in Spotswood, I have seen our residents raise money for our local children suffering from illnesses, support families that have experienced loss due to personal tragedies and consistently step up when others are in need. Through it all, this town is dedicated to the well-being of its residents and I have always been proud to be a part of that. I’m particularly impressed when our community comes together for the good times as well. We recently held our Memorial Day Parade, Spark in the Park and Spotswood Day, all of which were tremendous successes and well-attended. It is wonderful to see our residents getting together and enjoying each other's company. This is when our town truly shines, and I love being a part of that.
I am running to serve another four-year term on the borough council because I feel that there is more to do. I ran for council four years ago to lend a hand in repairing some of the issues that were negatively affecting the town. Some of those issues continue to plague us, and I want to be able to follow those issues all the way to the end and establish continuity that makes the best sense for our residents.
Our council has always been willing to have the necessary conversations concerning agenda issues in order to determine the best course of action for the borough. I believe that this is the most important aspect of being a councilmember. If you are not willing to hear others and their opinions, and you are not willing to do your research and make suggestions for change, then change will never happen. Serving over the past four years, I have been proud to be a councilwoman with my counterparts because I feel that we have worked well together as a team. This election will bring at least two new faces to our council team. Where I see room for improvement is quickly establishing that the roles that the council play are a full-time responsibility. It will take a team effort to get those new members up to speed and make them fully aware of all the current issues in town so that we can get back to the spirit of teamwork that continues to be needed to support our residents.
My main goal is to contribute ideas to calm down the financial issues we have in town. I say calm down because while I do not know what the solutions may look like, I do know some hard decisions will have to be made. I have done and will continue to do the research that is necessary to make suggestions on how we can do that. As I previously mentioned, I have enjoyed representing the Division of Senior Services, the recreation department and the library as the council liaison over the past four years. I believe I have served these groups with honor and I would like to continue assisting them and being a part of their successes.
In five years, I would like to see our taxes level off or even decrease (yes I have faith!). This is a wonderful town, but we have serious issues with our budget that need to be addressed if the residents of our town are to benefit from capital projects. It is difficult to see a path forward, but I do see opportunities. I would also like to continue to have a strong recreation department, library and Division of Senior Services. I believe that these programs have flourished over the past few years, and I wish to continue to be a part of their programs as they grow. The final thing I would like to see grow over the next five years are our town businesses. In every town, there is an ebb and flow of commerce, but I believe that a strong business alliance would be beneficial in helping Spotswood have fewer empty storefronts and a wider variety of business opportunities for our residents to enjoy.
The one quality that I bring to this town is my education. I have earned two Masters’ Degrees, one in education and one in leadership. These degrees have helped me to understand the intricacies of the budget process and understand line by line how the budget works. They have also helped me to work as a leader for this town. There has never been a time that I have not responded to residents who have had questions or concerns. I enjoy speaking with people and hearing their thoughts, and then doing the research to get them the answers to their questions. It has been said that my enthusiasm is contagious, and I am excited to continue serving the residents of Spotswood as their councilwoman.
I will not make any promises that I cannot keep. I believe that politicians get in their own way when they make claims about what they will do when they are elected into office, because they do not realize the obstacles that may prevent them from keeping those promises. If you re-elect me as your councilwoman, I will promise this:
Election Day is on Tuesday, November 3. Polls are open in New Jersey on Election Day for in-person voting from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming 2026 election was on Tuesday, October 13. Tuesday, October 27, is the last day to request a mail-in ballot for the upcoming election. Additional information on mail-in ballots is available on the Middlesex County website.
In-person early voting is available at 10 Middlesex County locations from Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1. Early voting hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations for early voting is also available on the Middlesex County website.
Stay connected with everything happening in Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta.
WHATSAPP: Follow the TAPinto WhatsApp Channel for local news and community updates.
READ: More Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta local news
FOLLOW: Facebook | Instagram | X
STAY INFORMED: Sign up for TAPinto email news alerts and download the app for Android or iOS.
SHARE A STORY: Send news tips, events, and story ideas to [email protected].
ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach Milltown, Spotswood, and Helmetta residents by contacting [email protected].
Get local news delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our free daily and weekend newsletters.
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