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.
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 Packanack Lake, 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.
“Liz and her team are the consumate professionals when it comes to providing quality care”
“Liz…. Is simply the Best ! Her professionalism is amazing …”
“Liz is beyond TOP NOTCH at what she does, and the services she provides. We”
“When Always Best Care was referred to us by a friend, we didn’t quite know”
“Excellent service, Always Best Care takes care well of your loved one. They are professionals”
“If you are looking for the right team to help you provide in-home care for”
“Liz and her staff are hands down the best!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services and CEO Liz Johnson, provide compassionate and qualified care for”
“Always Best Care provides the highest level of in home care for your loved ones.”
“Excellent company! They care deeply for each person they work with and I highly recommend”
“You will always get the best care and service. Liz is so compassionate and”
“When my special needs son broke his femur we called Liz for help. Although”
“Always best care have been a good company,and they always check on the workers,and make”
“I was referred to Always Best Care by a close friend when I was searching”
“Quick and reliable assistance from the skilled team at Always Best Care played a major”
“We found Anna through Always Best Care to take care of my ailing mother-in-law. She”
“After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we looked at all of the different companies”
“Nicky provided ten months of excellent care to my 82 years old mother who had”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I”
“Your approach and calming demeanor are truly a gift and personal calling! You have helped”
“Great Agency! Esoma The Coordinator is the best in the field! So caring”
“I am a current client of this provider My ninety year old grandfather was diagnosed with”
“It has been a delightful experience to work with Always Best Care. Over the last”
“I really liked the caregiver who came to help my mom during her recovery from”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like to offer my thanks to”
“Liz and her team are the consumate professionals when it comes to providing quality care for our seniors. They provide compassionate and competent care without forgetting about empathy and dignity for those entrusted in their care. Providing exceptional care...and then some...isn't what they do, it's simply who they are. Thank you, Liz, for providing such exceptional leadership to your team!”
“Liz…. Is simply the Best ! Her professionalism is amazing …”
“Liz is beyond TOP NOTCH at what she does, and the services she provides. We had a difficult family situation, and she handled it with grace, and provided my family with service, and advice above and beyond what I expected to receive!!! Thank you!!!”
“When Always Best Care was referred to us by a friend, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Meeting the charming and charismatic Liz the owner and her smiling staff at the agency however put our hearts and minds at ease although we were in the middle of the pandemic. They are down-to-earth caring, compassionate and professional and our aunt could not ask for anything more. I truly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Excellent service, Always Best Care takes care well of your loved one. They are professionals and certified which makes them on top of everything. Just call Liz Johnson and she will help and goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend them.”
“If you are looking for the right team to help you provide in-home care for your loved one, Always Best Care should be your first call. Liz and her team are trustworthy, caring, and compassionate. They go above and beyond for their clients and their families! They are truly exceptional!”
“Liz and her staff are hands down the best!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services and CEO Liz Johnson, provide compassionate and qualified care for seniors and patients recovering from surgery. Liz has a heart for families who need to make those tough choices and is a knowledgeable resource for those in need. She addresses questions and concerns with advice and solutions based on her professional acumen and life experience. I would recommend Liz wholeheartedly. Make her your first call when you need support for a loved one!”
“Always Best Care provides the highest level of in home care for your loved ones. I have used this agency to provide in home care for several family members and loved ones. Their aides provide compassionate care and have allowed my family members to age in their home with dignity and grace. Highly recommend !!!”
“Excellent company! They care deeply for each person they work with and I highly recommend them. Very reliable and quick to respond. The owner is just amazing!”
“You will always get the best care and service. Liz is so compassionate and attentive and treats everyone as if they were family. I highly recommend!”
“When my special needs son broke his femur we called Liz for help. Although she specializes in Senior Care, we knew her company would take great care of our pre-teen. We can never thank Liz and her company enough for the kindness and great care they provided not just for our son, but for our entire family! What a relief it was to know he was being well cared for with such kindness and compassion. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Always best care have been a good company,and they always check on the workers,and make everything so easy for me,I never have bad experience wit them,I like my supervisor Mrs Leslie and the Coordinator Esoma bcos they always check on us wit my client and confirm if everything is working so good wit us,please all I want to say to them,is to keep the good work contine,may the company continues to be bless wit good people and so caring about the Aides....thank you so very much”
“I was referred to Always Best Care by a close friend when I was searching for an assisted living community for my parents. I found the staff extremely professional and helpful right from our first meeting. What I appreciate the most is their prompt service and flexibility. Since I have my job in another city, I wasn’t able to take care of my parents and eventually had to make the difficult decision to move them to assisted living. Thanks to Always Best Care for speeding up the whole process according to my schedule. Highly Recommended!”
“Quick and reliable assistance from the skilled team at Always Best Care played a major in my father’s recovery from osteoporosis. The assigned caregiver was extremely patient and supportive. He helped my father with all sorts of exercises. I strongly recommend Always Best Care for the well being of your beloved elders.”
“We found Anna through Always Best Care to take care of my ailing mother-in-law. She is honest, reliable, and goes out of her way to help my mother-in-law with her daily chores. I never have to worry that she wouldn’t show up on time or would find excuses for not doing some tasks. She is also very funny and keeps us laughing all day long. We are really happy with the services offered by Always Best Care. The attentiveness and quick response of their staff has made things quite easy for us. We know that they are there to address our needs no matter what time of the day we call them. They genuinely care about the health and well-being of their clients. And that’s what makes them so much better than other agencies.”
“After my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, we looked at all of the different companies in the marketplace. We received great care from our caregiver and really appreciated the patient approach they took with my dad. With much gratitude to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Nicky provided ten months of excellent care to my 82 years old mother who had dementia. She was caring in every possible way which was exactly what the family wanted for her. She passed away last month, but peacefully and with dignity. Thank you so much Always Best Care for the amazing service.”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
“Your approach and calming demeanor are truly a gift and personal calling! You have helped more than you will ever realize”
“Great Agency! Esoma The Coordinator is the best in the field! So caring about the Aides! Thanks again!”
“I am a current client of this provider My ninety year old grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago. Without the in home care provided by Always Best Care, I do not know how we would have managed everything. I am grateful for the dedicated service they have provided to us.”
“It has been a delightful experience to work with Always Best Care. Over the last three years, I have had a few caregivers come in to care for my mother who has Alzheimer’s. When she was diagnosed with the condition, I had little hope of her getting back to her normal self again. She had almost stopped smiling. But after I had the wonderful caregivers to care for her, I saw a great improvement in her health. She seems not only healthier, but happier too. Thank you Always Best Care.”
“I really liked the caregiver who came to help my mom during her recovery from a major surgery. She took great care of her and ensured a quick recovery. A hearty thanks to Always Best Care.”
“I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would like to offer my thanks to Always Best Care for providing what I believe is a top-class service. They have amazing caregivers who took care of my mother-in-law post her heart surgery. She was back to her normal routine faster than we thought. It wouldn’t have been possible without the care and support of their caregivers.”
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.
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. 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 Packanack Lake, 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 Packanack Lake, 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.
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 Packanack Lake, 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 New Jersey community has shown support towards a Muslim family after flyers were sent around a neighborhood expressing outrage at an "un-American" Arabic sign displayed outside their home.The anonymous handwritten letter was sent to residents of Packanack Lake, Wayne, after a painted sign which translates to "What God has willed. God bless," appeared on a house on Lake Drive West. The home is currently being remodeled after it was recently purchased by an Egyptian family.The flyer calls for the community t...
A New Jersey community has shown support towards a Muslim family after flyers were sent around a neighborhood expressing outrage at an "un-American" Arabic sign displayed outside their home.
The anonymous handwritten letter was sent to residents of Packanack Lake, Wayne, after a painted sign which translates to "What God has willed. God bless," appeared on a house on Lake Drive West. The home is currently being remodeled after it was recently purchased by an Egyptian family.
The flyer calls for the community to "Fly our Flag" and attend an upcoming association's meeting to discuss the "un-American building," claiming the structure "will affect all of us."
"Already, a realtor has stated her clients prefer not to see listings in Packanack," the flyer adds.
While some residents told local media they were concerned about the appearance of the Arabic sign—which appears next an American flag—others were quick to condemn the rhetoric expressed in the flyer.
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"The only people that are not welcome here are the people who wrote that letter," Linda Cattuna told WABC.
"There's going to be a small element of people that are afraid and intimidated by what they don't understand," added Mike Lamb.
Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano also criticized the letters after receiving one in the mail. "What's wrong with 'God bless' on a sign? It doesn't violate any municipal laws," he said. Vergano confirmed he would attend the meeting to discuss the sign, fearing the tensions surrounding it would interfere with the family's enjoyment of the home.
José Rosario, co-owner of the Gecko Construction Group which built the home, told NJ.com it was his idea to erect to the sign before the new family move in.
"Some people have been less than comfortable with it," Rosario said. "But they don't understand the First Amendment. The level of hate and ignorance is unlimited."
The homeowner, Dr. Mahmoud Elsanaa, 35, a physical therapist who moved to the U.S. from Egypt five years ago, questioned why someone would send the letter, considering his family already live on the same street. "Everyone knows me," he said. "Everyone is friends with me. Why do they do this?"
Elsanaa also questioned what the letter writer meant by the term "un-American."
"What is the meaning of this word?" he asked. "What is the criteria? Where is the book that says what this means?"
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations also praised the reaction to the flyer.
"To suggest that a sign written in a foreign language is un-American is in itself un-American," CAIR-NJ Executive Director James Sues said in a statement.
"The fact that the Arabic language posted in public would cause this kind of reaction is symptomatic of the Islamophobia that grips this country today. We applaud Mayor Vergano for meeting with members of the Muslim community and taking a stand against bigotry."
By Jon "Ferris" MeredithPublishedJune 6, 2023 at 2:00 AMWAYNE, NJ – During his administrative report, Dr. Mark Toback, the Superintendent of Wayne Schools announced the recommendation of two candidates to take over the Principal positions at both Packanack and Pines Lake Elementary Schools. He also announced the district's recommendation for the Floating Assistant Principal of Math and Science for the Middle Schools. The Board then voted and approved the hiring...
By Jon "Ferris" Meredith
PublishedJune 6, 2023 at 2:00 AM
WAYNE, NJ – During his administrative report, Dr. Mark Toback, the Superintendent of Wayne Schools announced the recommendation of two candidates to take over the Principal positions at both Packanack and Pines Lake Elementary Schools. He also announced the district's recommendation for the Floating Assistant Principal of Math and Science for the Middle Schools. The Board then voted and approved the hirings.
Long-time Packanack Principal Roger Rogalin is retiring after this school year and the school district has now hired Kenneth Doolittle, ES to take his place.
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Kenneth Dolittle, ES
“Kenneth Doolittle currently serves as the Principal of Haskell School which is a PK-8 school in Wanaque, and he has held that position for the past five years,” said Toback during the meeting. “Prior to that, he was a K-12 language arts supervisor in Hopatcong for three years. Altogether, Mr. Doolittle has eight years of administrative experience as well as five years of teaching experience at the elementary and middle school level.”
Doolittle also has a great sense of humor. Toback told an anecdote shared by the new Principal during an interview. He said that should he continue his education and receive his PhD, he would then become “Dr. Doolittle.” This was met with good humor from the board and public in attendance at the meeting.
Toback added that one of Dolittle’s strengths was “his ability to foster a positive school culture.”
In a statement regarding Doolittle’s hiring, the Wayne Schools shared this background: “Doolittle graduated from Mercyhurst College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and from Scranton University in 2015 with a Master of Science in Educational Administration. He spent nine years in the classroom teaching many subjects including middle school Language Arts and Math, fourth grade, and third grade. Mr. Doolittle also served as a third to fifth grade literacy coach prior to transitioning to a K-12 Literacy Supervisor role in Hopatcong School District.”
“We’re very excited to have Ken join the team at Wayne Township Public Schools. With a strong background in education and a passion for supporting student success through a positive culture, Ken brings a wealth of experience and dynamic leadership with him.”
For Pines Lake, the schools have hired an in-house candidate to take over for interim Principal Jean Schoenlank – who took over for Principal José Blankley-Celis earlier this year.
Dr. Lydia Cooper
“After a thorough interview process that starts at the building level and after interviews at the central office, the administration, with the support of the interview committee, is recommending Dr. Lydia Cooper as the Principal of Pines Lake Elementary,” said Toback to the board prior to their vote. “Dr. Cooper is an in-house candidate who has been working as an assistant principal at the elementary level for the past ten years. She worked as one of our floating assistant principals and provided oversight to the math and science programs. Dr. Cooper was a major contributor to the selection process for both our elementary new math textbooks and our science textbook.”
In a statement regarding her hiring, the schools said, “She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wilmington University, and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from Kaiser University. She began her career teaching first grade at Providence Creek Academy in Delaware where she was also the Founding Artistic Director of the Providence Creek Ballet Theater. After seven years in Delaware, she accepted a teaching position in Franklin Lakes. While in Franklin Lakes, she taught second and third grades, the ACES (gifted and talented) program, and served as the Math Staff Developer.
While in the WTPS, Dr. Cooper provided curriculum supervision for the math and elementary enrichment programs. She worked on the implementation of enVision 2.0 math program and has provided numerous professional development sessions for elementary teachers. She was recognized as an ‘Exemplary Elementary Educator’ by the NJ Department of Education in 2016. For the past three years, she has also served as a data analyst in the WTPS.”
A third position - Middle School Floating Assistant Principal overseeing math and science is in need of filling. Currently, the position is held by Nicole Rodrigues, but she will be taking over as Assistant Principal at Schuyler Colfax Middle School, replacing Christopher Mucha, who is moving on to another district as a Principal.
The administration named Lisa Crammer for this position, a Wayne resident and a graduate of Wayne Valley High School.
Lisa Crammer
“Ms. Crammer comes to Wayne after serving as Gifted and Talented Coordinator in Bloomfield and currently teaches math and computer science for the Pequannock Township Schools,” said Toback. “She has extensive experience with curriculum writing and is a teacher professional development leader.”
Here’s what the school district shared about Crammer in their statement:
Lisa Crammer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Rutgers University and a Master’s Degree in Math Education from Rutgers Graduate School. Following her degree, her career began in the Bloomfield Public School District where she fulfilled many roles such as Teacher of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Gifted and Talented. She also served as the K-8 Gifted and Talented District Coordinator and Supervisor of the Elementary Summer School Program. During her time in Bloomfield, Mrs. Crammer continued her education to receive additional certifications in administration from Caldwell University, and later carried on her career as a mathematics educator in Pequannock.
Mrs. Crammer is passionate about education, as evidenced by her involvement in organizations over the years such as the Special Education Parent Advisory Group, National Association for Gifted Children, Association for Mathematics Teachers of NJ, National Epilepsy Foundation, and Essex County Gifted and Talented Steering Committee. She also has experience mentoring new and aspiring teachers, writing curriculum in a variety of content areas, and has provided Professional Development Workshops to both educators and parents at the local and state level.
“Math and Science instruction has always been my passion," said Crammer. "And I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to work in my hometown. I look forward to working with colleagues, students, and families to provide a positive learning experience for all.”
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WAYNE — A 76-year-old woman was rescued on Wednesday after she accidentally drove her SUV into Packanack Lake, firefighters said.
The woman, of Lake Drive West, mishandled her vehicle in her driveway just before 11 a.m., accelerating through her backyard and into the water, said Fire Commissioner Robert Minarick.
The SUV wound up 50 feet offshore.
As firefighters arrived, Minarick said, a good Samaritan had already rowed in a small boat to the SUV, halfway submerged in the water. The civilian rescuer was the driver's neighbor.
A firefighter put on a drysuit and, carrying a rope, waded to the boat. The lake's depth is no more than 4 feet where the vehicle landed.
The rescuers supplied a life vest to the driver and helped her to escape from her SUV. The rope was tied to the boat, which was pulled to shore by firefighters. The save was made in less than a half-hour, and no one was injured, Minarick said.
The vehicle was later dragged out of the water with a winch.
A dozen volunteers, for P.O.L. Fire Company 2 and Packanack Lake Fire Company 5, responded to the scene.
It was the second rescue that Company 5 made in a matter of hours. A tractor-trailer traveling on Lake Drive East was freed from overhead wires after becoming entangled.
Neither the driver of the SUV nor the neighbor who helped to rescue her returned calls for comments.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
WAYNE, NJ – There are many reasons to respect and appreciate Wayne’s all-volunteer firefighters. Not only are they running toward danger as we run away, not only do they risk life and limb to protect us and our property, but they drop everything, no matter if it's a holiday, no matter if they are at a party they’ve been looking forward to, no matter if they are comfortable and don’t feel like going – they go when called.On Memorial Day, after participating in the township parade, Wayne’s volunteer f...
WAYNE, NJ – There are many reasons to respect and appreciate Wayne’s all-volunteer firefighters. Not only are they running toward danger as we run away, not only do they risk life and limb to protect us and our property, but they drop everything, no matter if it's a holiday, no matter if they are at a party they’ve been looking forward to, no matter if they are comfortable and don’t feel like going – they go when called.
On Memorial Day, after participating in the township parade, Wayne’s volunteer firefighters were attending their holiday picnic at Company 5’s firehouse at Packanack Lake, when a call came in. A fire had broken out in the parking lot of the US Postal Office on Pompton Plains Crossroad in Wayne.
Hot dogs and hamburgers were left half-eaten, cole slaw and potato salad was left for the flies as the volunteers of Companies #3 and #5 responded immediately.
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“Wayne PD reported that three, possibly four mail trucks were on fire,” said Company #3 Fire Chief John Annaloro, who also told TAPinto that “When we arrived, there was a column of black smoke rising up from the post office parking lot.”
For some reason, yet unknown, an engine compartment of one of the many white, boxy mail trucks that deliver mail to our homes caught on fire and engulfed the entirety of the front of the truck and passenger compartment. Because of how closely they park these trucks to each other, the fire quickly spread to a second truck, engulfing that one as well and was in the process of spreading to a third and fourth when Wayne’s bravest arrived.
Company #5 was first on scene in truck 5-2 and began putting out the fire. Engine 5-1 was not far behind and also arriving were Company #3 on engines 3-2 and 3-1, bringing needed water.
According to Annaloro, the firefighters went through two full tanks for a total of 1,500 gallons of water to fully extinguish the fire and “mop up the area.”
It only took about 45-minutes to get things under control, but things could have been a lot worse. It was someone working at the post office on that holiday afternoon that saved a lot more trucks and perhaps the entire building and all our mail.
“There was one worker inside,” explained Annaloro. “She had the doors open on one side of the building by the loading dock, and she smelled smoke. so she popped her head out and didn’t see anything. Then, I guess she turned her head toward the back of the building when she walked further out and that’s when she saw the black smoke and called 911.”
The quick call and quick response by Wayne FD allowed the fire to be brought under control before it spread down the row of trucks to the building itself. Plus the fast response had the fires out before any of the fuel tanks ruptured in these trucks, which would have also caused severe damage.
So overall, that one postal worker on duty that day, enjoying the fresh air of a beautiful day helped to make the event much less tragic.
On top of this, it helped save the picnic for our heroes. By getting to this fire quickly, the Wayne firefighters were able to get things under control quickly and then were able to get back to their picnic and enjoy the rest of that beautiful holiday Monday.
Once again, Thank you from a grateful town.
All Photos in this Article Courtesy of the Wayne Fire Department
CORRECTION: Previous versions of this story identified Kathleen Engler as the driver of the vehicle. Engler was actually a good samaritan rescuer. She was not driving the vehicle. We apologize for this error.Updated story below...WAYNE, NJ – Just before 11:00 a.m. on July 8, a woman lost control of her car which ended up in Packanack lake with her trapped inside. She was rescued without injury by a neighbor and the Volunteers of Wayne Fire Company #5.Sign Up for FREE Wayne Newsletter...
CORRECTION: Previous versions of this story identified Kathleen Engler as the driver of the vehicle. Engler was actually a good samaritan rescuer. She was not driving the vehicle. We apologize for this error.
Updated story below...
WAYNE, NJ – Just before 11:00 a.m. on July 8, a woman lost control of her car which ended up in Packanack lake with her trapped inside. She was rescued without injury by a neighbor and the Volunteers of Wayne Fire Company #5.
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The unidentified woman was “navigating her driveway,” in her hybrid SUV when somehow, she lost control. The car jumped the curb at the end of her driveway, through some bushes, rolled down the short grass slope of the lawn and plunged into the waters of the lake.
The car drifted, somewhat floating a full forty or so feet out into the lake.
Wayne Fire Commissioner Bob Minnarick arrived on scene just after a squad from Packanack Fire Company #5 showed up. In the lake was a small boat piloted by Kathleen Engler the woman's neighbor. “She had been trying to pull the woman from the car,” said Minnarick. “But she didn’t have the leverage to get the woman out and hold onto the boat at the same time.”
Firefighter Dennis Petrusovich rushed into a dry suit and waded through the water to the car, which continued to slowly drift. At this point water was lapping up and into the open car windows. Petrusovich brought with him a tow-line and a personal flotation device. He instructed the driver of the vehicle to put on the PFD and asked Engler to attach the tow-line to the boat. He was then able to help the frightened woman from her car and into the boat which was pulled back to the shore.
The woman was checked for injuries, but besides being shaken up and a little embarrassed, she was fine and very grateful to Engler and the fire department for helping her.
In the meantime, the Fire Company’s rescue boat had been launched and met Petrusovich back at the car. The volunteer firefighters worked together to attach the tow-rope to the car, which was then pulled from the lake by a tow truck.
Just another day at the office for Wayne’s bravest, which in this case included Kathleen Engler.
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