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 the historic Rengstorff House 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 Mountain View, 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 cannot say enough good things about Always Best Care Services. From the moment I”
“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”
“I cannot say enough good things about Always Best Care Services. From the moment I first reached out to them, it felt like I was working with family. The owner is incredibly kind, compassionate, and genuinely cares about her clients. She goes above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and it's clear that her heart is in the work she does. The caregivers are top-notch – professional, caring, and incredibly loving. It's rare to find a team that treats your loved ones with the level of respect and warmth that Always Best Care does. I've used other home health care services in the past, but nothing compares to the peace of mind and quality of care I’ve received from this team. The caregivers don’t just provide services; they build meaningful relationships with the people they care for, making them feel like a part of their extended family. I honestly believe they are better than having family help, because they bring so much professionalism, expertise, and heart into everything they do. I trust them completely and would recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of high-quality home health care. They are simply the best in the business. Dennis Bonagura”
“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. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Cuesta Park 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 Cucina Venti Restaurant or visit Berlin Wall Section, 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 Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, 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.
One of the smaller school districts in Morris County has put a big ask in front of its residents.Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to decide a nearly $20 million bond referendum in Mendham borough. If approved, it would fund renovations to a library, science lab, heating systems and other projects at the two school buildings in the K-8 district.The proposal is split into two questions: The first would authorize $9.96 million worth of spending. About $3.4 million of state aid is available to offset that cost − but onl...
One of the smaller school districts in Morris County has put a big ask in front of its residents.
Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to decide a nearly $20 million bond referendum in Mendham borough. If approved, it would fund renovations to a library, science lab, heating systems and other projects at the two school buildings in the K-8 district.
The proposal is split into two questions: The first would authorize $9.96 million worth of spending. About $3.4 million of state aid is available to offset that cost − but only if voters approve the referendum.
The second question asks voters to approve an additional $9.33 million in expenditures, including the construction of an auditorium for a district that now has none. But that would take effect only if the first question passes.
Board of Education President Catalina Wolfmeyer, speaking at a December virtual public forum to discuss the proposal, said the district provides "award-winning" education for its approximately 500 students. But to maintain that level of excellence, "our buildings require attention and our facilities need to be upgraded."
Speaking to the Daily Record on Tuesday, Superintendent Mitzi Morillo said the district has managed to fund several significant capital-reserve projects since its last referendum in 2001, including a security vestibule at Hilltop School and a library renovation at Mountain View Middle School.
Now, with the debt from the previous referendum about to be paid off, "This is a unique opportunity to obtain state aid to complete some of the projects in a manner we wouldn't be able to do with our capital reserve," Morillo said.
The highest-priority projects are contained in the first of two questions on the ballot, which would cover "renovations, alterations and improvements" at both schools.
At Hilltop, the first question would fund an upgrade of the library to create a media center that would "reflect today’s collaborative learning environments and improve sight lines," according to Mendham's referendum website. Hilltop would also replace its "outdated lights, roof, and boiler to boost energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs."
At Mountain View, the first question would replace aging windows and roofing with energy-efficient materials, upgrade the science lab and install a new security vestibule.
With the passage of the first question, a vote in favor of the second would authorize the addition of a 384-seat auditorium at Mountain View to create "an appropriate gathering place to support performing arts education and expand related arts courses to include public speaking, performance, production, and technical areas."
The space would provide a "much-needed space to welcome community members to school events, such as graduations, the talent showcases, performances and more," the district proposal states. In standard theater format, the seat rows would slope down to a handicapped-accessible stage.
The addition would also include bathrooms and designated classroom space for music classes in a school where 70% of the students participate in the performing arts, Morillo said.
Morilla added that Mountain View held its winter concert on Wednesday and had to stagger the performances, starting with one tier in the gym.
"Then there's a choral performance in the cafetorium, then we go back to the gym," she said. "It really doesn't do justice to our students' talents when they have to perform in a setting like that. The acoustics are challenging. The parents had to sit in bleachers and depending on where they sat, they couldn't see their children performing. Definitely challenging."
Architect Anthony Gianforcaro, a graduate of the district whose firm designed the proposed addition, recalled having to walk from Mountain View to Hilltop to rehearse the school play there because Hilltop had the only auditorium in the district.
That auditorium was demolished to make way for an addition to Hilltop funded by the 2001 referendum, and "there hasn't been an auditorium in the district since that day," Gianforcaro said.
Currently, student performances at Mountain View take place on a makeshift stage in the cafeteria, Morillo said.
"It's just thinking of the possibilities of what can be if we do have a location where they share their gifts with the community and with the parents, and also use it to learn and expand our related arts program," the superintendent added.
Due to the pending retirement of the remaining debt from the 2001 referendum, residents would actually see a small decline in their annual school taxes should the first question pass, the district said.
Based on the average assessed home price of $693,518, the typical borough homeowner would pay $6 less per month over the 25-year term of the new referendum. The new debt would not be assessed until the previous bond is paid off in July 2026, at which point tax bills would drop.
If both questions pass, that would increase the monthly tax bill for the average homeowner by $22 a month, or $264 a year, over the 25-year term of the bonds issued to pay for the referendum.
The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 28, and will be held at standard polling locations in the borough from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Those who applied for and received vote-by-mail forms cannot cast their ballots at polling locations. Those forms must be postmarked by the election date or hand-delivered at the Morris County Clerk’s Office at 10 Court St. in Morristown prior to 3 p.m. on Jan. 27 – the day before the election.
An upgraded library and new auditorium are just some of the renovations planned for Mendham Borough schools. MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Several construction projects have been approved to proceed in Mendham schools following voters’ approval of a January referendum.With the referendum approved, the Mendham Borough School District can continue with a series of renovations across the district’s school buildings.Mountain View Middle School, located at 100 Dean Road, will undergo upgrades to its science labs t...
MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — Several construction projects have been approved to proceed in Mendham schools following voters’ approval of a January referendum.
With the referendum approved, the Mendham Borough School District can continue with a series of renovations across the district’s school buildings.
Mountain View Middle School, located at 100 Dean Road, will undergo upgrades to its science labs to “ensure learning environments are conducive for teaching and learning.”
The middle school will also install a security vestibule to increase school safety, similar to the vestibule at Hilltop Elementary School.
Additionally, Mountain View plans to replace “outdated” windows and rooftops, allowing more natural light in, boosting energy efficiency.
Mountain View School has also been approved to build a brand new auditorium. According to district officials, the new auditorium will create “an appropriate gathering place to support performing arts education, and expand related arts courses to include public speaking, performance, production, and technical areas.”
The auditorium will also be a welcome space for the public, while serving as a venue for graduations, talent showcases, and performances alike.
The middle school also intends to use the auditorium as a space for music classes.
Renovations are also approved for Hilltop Elementary School, located at 12 Hilltop Road. The school will be improving its library, or media center, in the summer of 2026. The upgrades will “reflect today’s collaborative learning environments and improve sight lines.”
The elementary school will also replace outdated lights, its roof, and its boiler to “boost energy efficiency and reduce costly repairs.”
From the Skylands of northwest Jersey to the skyline views of Manhattan on the Gold Coast, North Jersey can be a feast for the eyes if you know where to look.In these warm weather months, you're likely jonesing for opportunities to get outside and enjoy those views before it gets too humid and the mosquitoes come out en masse. And since beautiful weather pairs well with a cold drink and great food, I'm offering some recommendations on North Jersey restaurants with great views and outdoor seating.Now, if you're up for a day trip...
From the Skylands of northwest Jersey to the skyline views of Manhattan on the Gold Coast, North Jersey can be a feast for the eyes if you know where to look.
In these warm weather months, you're likely jonesing for opportunities to get outside and enjoy those views before it gets too humid and the mosquitoes come out en masse. And since beautiful weather pairs well with a cold drink and great food, I'm offering some recommendations on North Jersey restaurants with great views and outdoor seating.
Now, if you're up for a day trip, there are plenty of restaurants with great views throughout New Jersey, but we've got plenty of options here in the north, from mountain lodges to farm settings to urban oases to waterside patios. Choose your own adventure.
Do yourself a favor and head out to one of farmer/chef Steve Maclean's farm dinners this year. A curated, tasting-menu dinner on this 170-acre farm overlooking the North Jersey mountains is part agri-tourism, part stellar culinary experience and, completely, a treat.
As you watch cows graze in the pastures (and maybe catch a glimpse of the pigs, turkeys, chickens and ducks raised on the farm), you'll dine on Maclean's charcuterie board and three more courses that rotate seasonally. Dinners are BYOB, held in the farm's organic herb garden and are bimonthly on Saturdays; reserve your spot at thenjfarm.com/farm-dinner-events
Go: 1801 County Road 565, Sussex; 973-446-0020, thenjfarm.com.
Take a trip to Lake Hopatcong, with its placid surface surrounded by verdant hills, for one of the best non-oceanic water views in the state. In the evening, the sun dips directly across the water from The Windlass, so... plan accordingly if you want to catch that spectacle.
There are dockside cabanas, or gliders, at which to sit, but if you end up seated inside, you won't miss out: there are plenty of windows showing off the lake and the white walls inside reflect the glow of sunlight. Wherever you are, enjoy a large menu of seafood, burgers, casual entrees, drinks and more.
Go: 45 Nolans Point Park Road, Lake Hopatcong; 973-663-3190, thewindlass.com.
The brick building and the pristine, manicured grounds in which Ninety Acres is cited are beautiful in their own right, but so is the Natirar estate beyond, of which you'll get a view at a meal.
You'll be reminded of the farm-to-table ethos of the restaurant as you dine on its 12-acre farm. The menu changes seasonally, but whatever fresh concoction is on your plate, you'll enjoy it from the cozy dining area or beside the outdoor fire pits.
Go: 2 Main St, Peapack; 908-901-9500, natirar.com.
You'll not only get a great view at Ironbound Farm and Ciderhouse, but also a good meal, a history lesson and the satisfaction of knowing you're supporting the regenerative farming revolution.
This year at Ironbound — a 108-acre apple and produce farm that not only uses sustainable agriculture processes but crafts cider that pays homage to New Jersey's cider history — the experience will be more casual than in years prior. From Thursday to Sunday, walk up to the bar and order your drink (cider, wine and cocktails) and exceptional, approachable food.
Go: 360 Route 579, Asbury; 908-940-4115, ironboundhardcider.com.
The stunning Kittatinny Mountain Range surrounds The Chef’s Garden at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. It may be remote, but it’s worth the drive to see the bucolic beauty of this spot.
You'll be seated in an outdoor dining area surrounded by a garden and the mountains beyond; chefs will literally pick food from the garden to prepare for your meal. As such, the menu transforms seasonally so you get the best expression of their hyper-locally grown heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, carrots and more. Cocktails, too, are crafted with herbs plucked form the garden.
Go: 3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg; 844-276-8054, crystalgolfresort.com.
Blu on the Hudson is one of several destinations in the Gold Coast's revamped waterfront dining scene worth a visit. The views alone are attractive, but the food and vibe is unique here.
This trendy spot has several spaces depending on what kind of afternoon or evening you want to have: a classy bar, a spacious dining room and outdoor seating, plus special dinners from time and time. Choose from a menu of high-end cuisine and a drink menu of beer, wine and unique cocktails.
Go: 1200 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken; 201-636-1200, bluonthehudson.com.
Stirling Tavern might not seem like the type of place for excellent outdoor views as its located smack-dab in the middle of Morristown's South Street. But grab a chair at the rooftop bar, preferably around sunset, and get ready for a show.
As you nibble on eats like octopus hushpuppies, wild boar ragu and the Mexican street corn flatbread, you'll be treated to views of the city, some hills beyond and a magnificent sky. If it's all too much stimulation, Stirling Tavern's got a long menu of cocktails, craft beers and wine to calm you down.
Go: 150 South St., Morristown; 973-993-8066, stirlingtavern.com.
In the spring and summer, The Station at Mountain Lakes opens its outdoor patio area and offers a unique dining experience with plenty of treats for the eyes. With intimate tables under towering trees and between manicured bushes, a meal here feels like dining in a picture-perfect meadow.
The food meets the moment, with items like wasabi panko-crusted ahi tuna, steak au poivre, pasta and more. And if you miss your moment this summer, The Station turns into a cozy indoor dining destination come fall and winter.
Lola's Tex-Mex is a lively, lakefront Mexican cantina with a great outdoor deck for dining. The vibe (and decor) is colorful, but so are the woods surrounding Lake Hopatcong, of which you'll have a bird's-eye view as you sip drinks and eat casual Mexican fare.
With plenty of oversized comfort meals from which to choose and gorgeous environs in which to eat them, Lola's is a hidden gem you ought to check out on a warm afternoon.
Go: 300 Lakeside Ave., Hopatcong; 973-264-4231, eatlolasnow.com.
Montclair’s only rooftop dining area is the spot to be if you're looking for views without a big trip involved. Sip on cocktails and wine as you take in views of the New York City skyline from over 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space.
Round out your experience with light bites and, as you make your way through your time there, peruse the Watchung mountain range, the campus of Montclair State University and, of course, bustling downtown Montclair.
Go: 690 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair; 844-624-6835, themchotel.com/food-drink/alto.
Oh, maybe you've "always meant" to visit The Highlawn in West Orange, but haven't had the time or the will to get there yet. Consider the warming weather your formal invitation to visit.
You'll enjoy panoramic views of the New York City skyline from three outdoor options at this elegant American spot. The patio also hosts live music, and the grounds abut Eagle Rock Reservation, a small but mighty wooded area with walking trails to burn off the food and drinks you'll enjoy at The Highlawn.
Go: 1 Crest Drive, West Orange; 973-731-3463, highlawn.com.
You really can't beat the vibe and the views at D'Boathaus. A visit here on a warm late-spring or summer day is a cure for whatever might be ailing you. Life's just better with warm sun, cool breezes off the lake and cold drinks in hand.
Its menu of affordable seafood, burgers, sandwiches and more marries with the casual, fun vibe of the spot, and my guess is you'll like it enough to make a couple trips out there this summer.
Go: 322 Lakeside Road, Hewitt; 973-657-5757, dboathaus.com.
With an exceptional view of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River from its covered outdoor dining area — and plenty of windows to see it from inside — Haven is a feast for the eyes as much as your appetite.
Yes, you'll likely enjoy its menu of New American, locally sourced dishes (braised smoked pork belly and roasted Long Island duck, to name two), and you'll certainly appreciate its comparatively affordable prices, but the view is liable to capture your attention. Stop by for brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour and special events.
Go: 2 Main St., Edgewater; 201-943-1900, havenedgewater.com.
Just outside Peapack and Gladstone, and off Route 206, is Burnt Mills Cider — a super casual cidery with regular food truck appearances and a view of the sunset that's hard to match.
The farmhouse tap room is an aesthetic marvel in its own right — as are the carefully crafted ciders that range from super dry and crisp to sweet and funky. My guess, though, is you'll most enjoy the views from the large, hillside lawn where you and dozens of other guests can lay out a blanket or set up shop at a picnic table to enjoy the bucolic views of nearby farms, the woods in the back of the lot or the hilly forests beyond.
Go: 3540 Route 206, Bedminster; 908-781-6000, burntmillscider.com
Unless you're one of the few hundred people who live out near this northwest Jersey river town, you're going to have to commit to making a drive out to Milford. But there are few places that are as pretty as the grounds at Alba Vineyard.
Rows of grapevines score the rolling hills of this 93-acre site, with views of soft, forested mountains beyond; you feel like you're in Oregon or Washington's wine valleys at Alba. Enjoy the views with one (or several) of Alba's wines and nosh on local cheeses from Valley Shepherd Creamery and other small bites during the week. On weekends, Alba opens its Reverie Kitchen, which serves wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, salads and handhelds bites.
Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at [email protected].
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