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 Indian King Tavern Museum in Haddonfield, 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 Haddonfield, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider My brother is getting service from Always Best”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra,”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a”
“I am a current client of this provider My brother is getting service from Always Best Care of Jersey South. So far, they've been good and responsive. The way that we have the care set up, they come two hours in the morning and two hours at night. There aren't many care providers that do the split hours, but it's necessary for our situation and they've done that. The cost is comparable, they all seem to be charging the same amount. In the three weeks, there were two times that the provider came at the last minute. There was a car accident, it happened twice, and in both situations, they found a replacement to come out.”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”
“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best Care because they take care of their employees. They work with you to see what hours you could work. When ever I have a emergency and I can not make it they find coverage. They give cases that are most of the time good with you. They work around my schedule. I love Working with ABC.”
“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra, she is always available and always willing to help anyway she can and will go out of her way to make the patient and family’s experience 100x better. When our families are looking for additional care I know I can count on Always Best Care, to always give their very best. Big thank you to Kendra, Kerry and staff.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7 Live in care for my mother. They have taken very good care of my mother and I look forward to them continuing my mother’s care.”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”
“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we refer our families to this "Wonderful" Company that they will take exceptional care of our clients.... Thank you Tammi, Kerri, Kendra and staff..”
“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur back!!”
“Great team to work with!!”
“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a Veteran and Woman owned Company.”
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 Cooper River Park in Haddonfield, 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 Mare Monte or visit The Historical Society of Haddonfield, 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 Haddonfield, 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 Haddonfield, 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 Haddonfield, 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.
A local single mom explains how she bought her house in downtown Haddonfield.And Freedom Fuel gas stations have begun to pop up across the region, but a lot remains unclear about the operation.Plus, thousands of people walked across the Ben Franklin Bridge to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and more news of the day.— Taylor Allen ()If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.P.S. Thank you for your continuing support. We want your thoughts! Tell us your opinions of the ne...
A local single mom explains how she bought her house in downtown Haddonfield.
And Freedom Fuel gas stations have begun to pop up across the region, but a lot remains unclear about the operation.
Plus, thousands of people walked across the Ben Franklin Bridge to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen ()
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
P.S. Thank you for your continuing support. We want your thoughts! Tell us your opinions of the newsletter by taking our survey or replying to this email.
Amanda Caroccio, a child and adolescent psychiatric nurse practitioner, was living in a Haddon Township apartment when she decided she wanted to buy a home for herself and her daughter, Giuliana.
In September 2024, she began to work overtime to build additional savings and slashed her spending except for special occasions.
By February 2025, she started searching in Haddon Township and Haddonfield to get ahead of the spring competition. In mid-March, she found the house she ended up buying on Zillow.
“It was my version of hitting the lottery,” said Caroccio, “because it had every single thing on my checklist: updated, small, close to downtown, within walking distance of schools.”
See the full journey on how she bought her house here.
Did you recently buy a home in South Jersey? Share the story of how you did it. Email Inquirer real estate reporters at .
For about a week, there has been 25 gas stations with Freedom Fuel Network signs in the greater Philly region selling gas that is 40 to 50 cents cheaper compared to nearby stations.
Marlton and West Berlin are among the listed South Jersey locations.
There are several questions surrounding these stations, including how they can offer such low prices. But here’s the latest of what we do know:
? The White House and President Donald Trump are promoting the discount gas chain.
? There aren’t any businesses registered in Pennsylvania or New Jersey with the name Freedom Fuel Network.
? The effort features some local owners.
For more insight, reporters Rob Tornoe, Ximena Conde, and Ryan W. Briggs have the story.
Get more South Jersey news on your homepage with one click.
Between 1917 and 1952, which Jersey-based company is known for building more than 2,000 diners across the country?
A) Mountain View Diners Company
B) Silk City Diners
C) Jerry O’Mahony Diner Co.
D) J.G. Brill Company
Think you know? Check your answer.
???? Wondering: If you can guess the location of the area’s bridges based on these pictures?
???? Exploring: Sea Isle and Strathmere.
?? Protecting: Ourselves from dehydration and heat exhaustion.
The below “South Jersey view” came from reader Ed Rivkin, who shared a few memories of the :
I’ve never walked across the bridge but have bicycled it hundreds of times. I used to commute into Center City in the 2000s. My commute bicycle was a ‘70s vintage Motobecane 10-speed. During my first ride home in the rain, I discovered that my brakes were totally ineffective. The bicycle had steel rims and when wet, they were almost useless. It was a little harrowing. I bought a set of aluminum wheels the next week. The bike was donated to the Collingswood Bike Share program a few years ago.
What does your community look like? What South Jersey memory would you like to share? Submit a photo and/or a brief description for a chance to be .
And that should get you started for the day. Thanks for beginning your week with The Inquirer. ??
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s , including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Fans flock to Downtown Haddonfield for final World Cup watch partyHADDONFIELD, NJ (WPVI) -- The universal soccer experience is back on one last time for the World Cup final.Soccerfest 2026 block party took over downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey Sunday for a watch party where a giant LED screen was erected to view the final Spain versus Argentina match."Hopefully Lamine Yamal scores and I don't want to see Messi win no more," said Louis Zarazua of Merchantville, New Jersey.Zarazua, who came with his wife a...
Fans flock to Downtown Haddonfield for final World Cup watch party
HADDONFIELD, NJ (WPVI) -- The universal soccer experience is back on one last time for the World Cup final.
Soccerfest 2026 block party took over downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey Sunday for a watch party where a giant LED screen was erected to view the final Spain versus Argentina match.
"Hopefully Lamine Yamal scores and I don't want to see Messi win no more," said Louis Zarazua of Merchantville, New Jersey.
Zarazua, who came with his wife and kids were one to the first fans to arrive at the block party, hours before the match was set to begin.
Besides the extra large LED screen, you could find the street lined with vendors.
For the first-time ever, Haddon Avenue was blocked off from Hopkins Lane to Hawthorne Avenue to mark the moment.
"People have really come out to show support, not just for America, but other teams participating as well. The feeling is electric," said Executive Director, Partnership for Haddonfield, Michael Marciante "It's been a lot of fun."
It's all for the love of soccer. Marciante says Haddonfield has hosted several other watch parties throughout the World Cup, but they wanted this last event to be the biggest.
The event complete with international food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities for children.
"It's been really, really fun to be a part of the world in this kind of fun way, it feels really global, it feels really happy and fun and it's particularly poignant this year because it's our 250th birthday," said Abigail Engel, Co-owner, Sparrow's popcorn wagon.
Soccer fans say they are thankful for this opportunity to get together, one last time.
"Most Americans don't realizes that like 2 billion people are going to be watching today around the world. It's good to be part of something we're all working on together," said Charlie Sullivan of Mount Holly, New Jersey.
WPVIHADDONFIELD, N.J (WPVI) -- Communities across New Jersey are adjusting plans as extreme temperatures prompt residents to stay indoors and local officials to modify Fourth of July events.In Haddonfield, a FIFA watch party was underway Wednesday during the Belgium-Senegal match, with misting stations set up to help attendees stay cool.The borough is among several communities making changes to upcoming events because of the heat.Residents said the soaring temperatures are affecting their daily activities.&...
WPVI
HADDONFIELD, N.J (WPVI) -- Communities across New Jersey are adjusting plans as extreme temperatures prompt residents to stay indoors and local officials to modify Fourth of July events.
In Haddonfield, a FIFA watch party was underway Wednesday during the Belgium-Senegal match, with misting stations set up to help attendees stay cool.
The borough is among several communities making changes to upcoming events because of the heat.
Residents said the soaring temperatures are affecting their daily activities.
"A lot of the things I want to do, like going to the park and stuff, are kinda capped because this heat is serious," said Angelina Williams of Cherry Hill.
Others said they are limiting time outdoors as temperatures continue to rise.
"I am changing my plans. I'm not spending as much time outside," said Maria Silvon of Wilmington, Delaware.
The heat is also prompting changes to Independence Day celebrations.
In Haddonfield, officials have postponed portions of a July 3 event that was originally scheduled to run throughout the day.
"For July 3rd, we had an all-day event. Starting at 10 am with our parade, an afternoon and evening block party with bounce houses and then a drone show at night," Mayor Dave Siedell said.
Under the revised plans, only the morning parade will proceed as scheduled. The afternoon and evening activities have been postponed.
"There's the temperature - the real feel - and then there's the asphalt feel. And that's not healthy for people to be sitting and enjoying themselves. Nor is it healthy for the workers that have to cover these events," Siedell said.
In neighboring Haddon Township, officials canceled the community parade because of the heat.
Utility officials are also urging residents to use electricity wisely as air conditioning use increases. Brian Ahrens, a senior communications specialist with Atlantic City Electric, recommended that customers keep thermostats at a consistent setting if their health allows.
"If your health permits, set it at a constant temperature 75, 76 degrees. Something you're going to be comfortable at," Ahrens said.
Ahrens said the company is coordinating with regional grid operator PJM to help ensure the electric system can handle increased demand.
"When usage does go up like this, we do sometimes have localized issues, but right now our system is performing well," he said.
Officials also recommend turning off unnecessary lights and using ceiling fans to help reduce energy use while staying comfortable during the heat.
In Haddonfield, misting stations and hydration efforts are expected to remain in place for attendees watching the United States against Bosnia and Herzegovina match later Wednesday evening.
The BriefFamilies packed downtown Haddonfield on Friday, July 3, for the borough’s annual Fourth of July parade, where a record-setting hot dog eating contest took center stage despite scorching temperatures, according to organizers.Scorching temperatures and a record hot dog performanceWhat we know:The temperature reached 96 degrees as parade-goers gathered along Kings Highway, with many seeking shade and bringing water, fans and snacks to stay cool....
Families packed downtown Haddonfield on Friday, July 3, for the borough’s annual Fourth of July parade, where a record-setting hot dog eating contest took center stage despite scorching temperatures, according to organizers.
What we know:
The temperature reached 96 degrees as parade-goers gathered along Kings Highway, with many seeking shade and bringing water, fans and snacks to stay cool.
Twelve competitors faced off outside Kings Road Brewing Company in the annual hot dog eating contest, which has become one of the parade’s biggest draws.
Kings Road Brewing Company owner Bob Hochgertel said, "Coney Island, move over. Haddonfield has its own eating contest."
Vito Ruggiero, who traveled from outside Scranton, Pennsylvania, set a new Haddonfield record by eating 18 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
When asked about competing in the heat, Ruggiero said, "I’m sweating a little bit, that’s it. My stomach is full, but it wasn’t too bad. I’ll be inside the air conditioning now and hopefully cool off."
Parade-goers, including families and pets, searched for ways to beat the heat, with some stepping inside businesses for relief before returning to the parade route.
The annual hot dog eating contest has become a signature attraction during Haddonfield’s Fourth of July celebration, Hochgertel said.
Organizers said the crowd appeared lighter than in previous years because of the extreme temperatures, but many still came out to celebrate Independence Day.
Hochgertel said, "I’ve been in town now for 30 years, and my first Fourth of July here I was surprised how many people show up for the parade. A lot of people go away to the beach, but they all come back. They all come back to the parade."
Haddonfield resident Jess Renaud described the day as, "Lots of water, lots of fans, lots of hydration, lots of snacks, lots of complaining. So far, so good."
The parade remains a longstanding tradition for the community, drawing residents and visitors each year.
What we don't know:
It is not clear if any safety measures were added due to the heat or if any participants required medical attention during the parade or contest.
The Source: Information from interviews with parade organizers, Kings Road Brewing Company and attendees.
Starting Saturday, August 1, restaurants across New Jersey will stop automatically including plastic utensils, straws, napkins and condiment packets with takeout and delivery orders, according to the state’s new "Skip the Stuff" law.Restaurants prepare for new rules on single-use itemsWhat we know:The new law requires restaurants to only provide single-use items like plastic utensils, straws, napkins and condiment packets when customers specifically request them. Food delivery apps wi...
Starting Saturday, August 1, restaurants across New Jersey will stop automatically including plastic utensils, straws, napkins and condiment packets with takeout and delivery orders, according to the state’s new "Skip the Stuff" law.
What we know:
The new law requires restaurants to only provide single-use items like plastic utensils, straws, napkins and condiment packets when customers specifically request them. Food delivery apps will also offer an option for customers to request these items with their orders.
The law is designed to reduce plastic waste and help businesses cut unnecessary costs.
"It’s a new thing," said Nick Vo, with Sparrow’s Snacks in Haddonfield. "We’ve pretty much just been giving out utensils to every customer for years. So adjusting to not giving them utensils and leaving it up to them is certainly going to be an adjustment."
At Sparrow’s Snacks and Cross Culture Indian Cuisine in downtown Haddonfield, employees say they’ll simply provide utensils when customers ask.
The other side: Restaurant owners say the change could help their bottom line by reducing the number of disposable items that are thrown away. "Definitely, I think it’ll save us some money by not giving every single order plastic utensils because sometimes it does go to waste," said Vaneet Chopra, owner of Cross Culture Indian Cuisine. "It’s just tossed in the trash."
Vo agrees the new policy could have long-term benefits. "We’re not going to be wasting utensils. It’s going to be better for the environment too," he said. "There are going to be some pros, but it’s definitely going to be an adjustment."
Customers FOX 29 spoke with also support the new law. "I think it’s a good thing," said customer Bill McClellan. "We’ll see if it works out for what they’re trying to do, but I like that they’re trying to do something."
Another customer, Michael Hagan, said the law promotes sustainability while helping reduce unnecessary costs. "I think it’s a great way to encourage sustainability," Hagan said. "It can also help with the overall cost. Remembering to ask for utensils or paper products will go a long way, and I think it’ll help in the long run."
The law also requires larger restaurants to provide reusable utensils for customers dining inside.
Supporters say businesses nationwide spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on disposable plastic utensils, many of which are never used and end up in the trash.
Restaurants that repeatedly violate the law by automatically providing single-use items without a customer’s request could face fines. New Jersey is not the first state to adopt a "Skip the Stuff" law.
The change means customers will need to remember to ask for utensils or other single-use items when ordering takeout or delivery.
What we don't know:
It is not yet clear how strictly the law will be enforced or how much the fines will be for repeat violations.
The Source: Information from FOX 29 interviews with restaurant owners, customers and state law.
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