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 Dey Mansion Washington's Headquarters in Wayne, NJ gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wayne, 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.
“Elisabeth Johnson, is wonderful. And does a great job with senior care!!”
“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”
“Elisabeth Johnson, is wonderful. And does a great job with senior care!!”
“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 High Mountain Park Preserve in Wayne, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Novelli or visit The Wayne Museum, 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 Wayne, 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 Wayne, 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 Wayne, 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.
WAYNE, NJ — The Wayne Community Center will remain closed for more than another month as the Township continues replacing electrical equipment damaged in last month’s fire, according to Mayor Christopher Vergano.In a video posted to the township website, he announced that the anticipated reopening date has been moved from Sept. 1 to Saturday, Oct. 3.“This date is no longer achievable,” Vergano said of the original Sept. 1 target. “We anticipate that we will welcome you back to the facility on Satur...
WAYNE, NJ — The Wayne Community Center will remain closed for more than another month as the Township continues replacing electrical equipment damaged in last month’s fire, according to Mayor Christopher Vergano.
In a video posted to the township website, he announced that the anticipated reopening date has been moved from Sept. 1 to Saturday, Oct. 3.
“This date is no longer achievable,” Vergano said of the original Sept. 1 target. “We anticipate that we will welcome you back to the facility on Saturday, October 3.”
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The Community Center at 1 Pike Drive has been closed since an electrical fire filled the basement with heavy smoke overnight July 28 into July 29. No injuries were reported. The building was left without regular power, and programs scheduled there were canceled through the date of the mayor’s update.
In an update posted on the Township website, Vergano said PSE&G will replace a transformer installed in 1976 and convert the building’s electrical service from 265/460 volts to 277/480 volts. Installation of the new transformer is expected sometime next week.
Underground conduit damaged by the fire has already been replaced, according to the mayor. Burned electrical cabinets in the basement were removed, and a new cabinet is being fabricated to accommodate the updated switching system.
“All electrical wiring will reflect the current code, and we’ve replaced a lot of aluminum wire that we found here,” Vergano said. “Our only goal has been to operate a safe facility.”
Vergano said the Township’s insurance carrier has inspected the building. LAN Associates, the Township’s engineering firm, is also assisting with the work, along with PSE&G and an electrical contractor.
“The basement is much more different than what we see out here, but this will all be finished once the transformer goes in,” Vergano said while standing near the transformer outside the Community Center.
Wayne’s summer day camp was moved to Captain Kilroy Park, commonly known as Tom’s Lake. Lake members were given weekday access to James Roe Pool while Tom’s Lake was being used for camp, and the lake remained open on weekends.
The Parks and Recreation Department was temporarily relocated to the health wing at the municipal complex at 475 Valley Road.
The Wayne Interfaith Network Food Pantry, which operates inside the Community Center, also lost access to its space. Food collections were temporarily postponed because volunteers could not reach the pantry’s storage area, food and other supplies. WIN shifted to mailing grocery gift cards to clients while its regular distribution remained suspended.
“To the food bank, thank you for all that you do for us,” Vergano said.
Community Center memberships were paused after the closure. August payments could not be stopped before they were processed, but members were not to be charged for September. The Township previously said automatic payments would resume in October. Vergano did not say whether the delayed reopening would change that schedule.
“I know it’s been tough being two months without a facility,” Vergano told members. “Thank you for your patience during this time.”
Jon "Ferris" Meredith is an award-winning journalist whose coverage of local news has earned his site the designation of Wayne Township's Official Online News Source for the Town Council and Board of Education.
Are you a business interested in reaching our large, local audience? Contact Ferris: [email protected]
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The 14-year-old had to get himself to the nurse's office after being stabbed several times, according to the suit. Updated Tue, Aug 4, 2026 at 12:29 pm ETWAYNE, NJ — A special education school in Wayne is being sued after a teenage student was stabbed several times by another in the cafeteria.Lakeview Learning Center, an alternative therapeutic private special education school on Van Duyne Avenue, is facing a lawsuit a year after staff members failed to intervene in a violent attack against a student, court docum...
Updated Tue, Aug 4, 2026 at 12:29 pm ET
WAYNE, NJ — A special education school in Wayne is being sued after a teenage student was stabbed several times by another in the cafeteria.
Lakeview Learning Center, an alternative therapeutic private special education school on Van Duyne Avenue, is facing a lawsuit a year after staff members failed to intervene in a violent attack against a student, court documents read.
On May 19, 2025, a 14-year-old Lakeview student identified only as J.W. was eating lunch in the facility’s cafeteria when 18-year-old student Rayshawn Christian, listed as a defendant, initiated an argument, the suit reads.
The conflict escalated, and no staff members stepped in, according to the lawsuit.
Eventually, Christian pulled a pocket knife out and began stabbing J.W. several times in the chest, arms, and abdomen, the suit says.
The violent attack lasted several minutes, until Christian stepped away from J.W., who had to escort himself to the nurse’s office with no help from the staff, according to the suit.
The incident left J.W. in the hospital for a month, where he underwent treatment for several lacerations, including stab wounds near his heart, the suit reads.
The suit adds that a friend of Christian posted photos of J.W. being taken out of the school on a stretcher, alongside text that read “(J.W.) was talkin allat shii know look u!! left on a stretcher told u stop playin.”
The same user also posted several photographs of guns with ominous threats to J.W., according to the lawsuit.
On the day of the attack, Christian was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, according to the NJ Courts site. Court proceedings remain pending on Christian’s case.
Following the incident, J.W. was “terrified of returning to Lakeview,” leaving him with no alternative but to attend homeschooling, the suit says.
The plaintiff, J.W.’s parent, claims negligence, specifically negligent supervision and training with regard to Lakeview. The suit also names Christian, who is being sued for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other counts.
Patch has reached out to Lakeview Learning Center representatives for comment, but they were not immediately available.
WAYNE, NJ — Mayor Chris Vergano Wayne officials say a deed restriction dating to 1982 is blocking the township’s planned 113-unit, 100% affordable housing development at 1805 Valley Road, a key piece of its Fourth Round affordable housing plan. According to a proposed township ordinance, William Paterson University’s written consent would allow the restriction to be removed, but the university has declined to provide it voluntarily.Mayor Chris Vergano accused WPU of withholding its consent to pressure Wayne into supp...
WAYNE, NJ — Mayor Chris Vergano Wayne officials say a deed restriction dating to 1982 is blocking the township’s planned 113-unit, 100% affordable housing development at 1805 Valley Road, a key piece of its Fourth Round affordable housing plan. According to a proposed township ordinance, William Paterson University’s written consent would allow the restriction to be removed, but the university has declined to provide it voluntarily.
Mayor Chris Vergano accused WPU of withholding its consent to pressure Wayne into supporting the proposed sale and residential development of the university’s property at 1600 Valley Road. William Paterson President Richard Helldobler denied connecting the two projects in a statement sent to TAPinto.
RELATED STORY: - Published Sep 29, 2025
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During Wednesday night’s Township Council meeting, the council introduced Ordinance No. 58, which, if adopted, would authorize Wayne to negotiate for the removal of the restriction and, if necessary, pursue eminent-domain proceedings to acquire the rights needed to extinguish it.
The deed restriction originated in an agreement between Urban Farms Incorporated, the former owner of 1805 Valley Road, and Union Camp Corporation, the former owner of 1600 Valley Road. It limits the property to office and research uses only, unless Union Camp, or its successor, consents to another use.
Wayne purchased 1805 Valley Road in 2004. WPU acquired 1600 Valley Road in 2000 and, according to the ordinance, became Union Camp’s successor.
Vergano told the public during the council meeting that WPU's refusal to provide the consent is connected to Wayne’s opposition to the proposed sale and development of 1600 Valley Road — a part of the university’s approximately 50-acre property. He explained that Helldobler left him with the understanding that the university would remove the restriction if Wayne allowed the other development to move forward.
“They’re trying to extort us,” Vergano said, adding twice that night: “William Paterson University is not a friend of Wayne Township.”
“To me, it is incredible that they would attempt to hold up our development, and now they’re forcing us to go to court,” he added.
Helldobler denied connecting the two projects.
“I never indicated the 1600 Valley Road project was connected to the 1805 Valley Road project,” he said in his statement, mentioning that the university is concentrating its resources on the proposed sale of 1600 Valley Road and the work required to move two academic colleges back to its main campus.
Helldobler added that WPU considers the affordable development “great” and supports it.
He also rejected Vergano’s characterization of the university.
“So, it feels like you are only a ‘friend of Wayne’ if you do what the Mayor wants when he wants it,” Helldobler said. “That is not a friend, that is a bully, and neither I nor William Paterson will be bullied.”
In August 2025, Toll NJ I and Pine Street Ventures formally challenged Wayne’s Fourth Round housing plan, saying their joint venture had an interest in the William Paterson property. They proposed 350 homes, including 70 affordable units, and asked the court to declare Wayne’s plan noncompliant and require it to be amended.
Their supporting report argued that 1600 Valley Road should be included in Wayne’s plan and questioned, at that time, whether the township would realize the affordable housing credits it expected from 1805 Valley Road.
The filing put both properties within the same broader affordable housing dispute. William Paterson was not named as a party to the challenge, and the filing did not establish that the university conditioned its consent at 1805 Valley Road on Wayne’s acceptance of the 1600 Valley Road proposal.
TAPinto Wayne will continue to follow this story.
The following is the complete statement from William Paterson University President Richard J. Helldobler, as provided to TAPinto Wayne:
I am surprised to hear the Mayor’s characterization of the largest employer in Wayne as “not a friend”, especially as we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary year in Wayne. We have had a very positive working relationship in the last 8 years that I have served as President, including around deed restrictions on Valley Road. On two occasions, at the Mayor’s request, I delayed signing off on the restrictions, once during the Avalon dispute when he asked if I would wait until the litigation played out and on a second occasion over breakfast when we discussed the 1600 Valley Road property, when he asked that I slow roll it until after the November election, which I did. So, it feels like you are only a “friend of Wayne” if you do what the Mayor wants when he wants it. That is not a friend, that is a bully, and neither I nor William Paterson will be bullied.
I explained to the Mayor that we are working through issues with the sale of 1600 Valley Road which was our priority right now, and we only had so much band width. In addition to the details of the sale, now we have to develop a plan to move two academic colleges back to the University’s main campus on Pompton Road. All that takes time and resources and this is our priority. I never indicated the 1600 Valley Road project was connected to the 1805 Valley Road project, it was a matter of priorities and band width. I also made it clear that we thought the 1805 development project was great and we were supportive. I also offered twice to meet with the Mayor to discuss the issue and he merely responded the first time with “See you in court” and did not respond to the second request. I, of course, remain open to a conversation.
Jon "Ferris" Meredith is an award-winning journalist whose coverage of local news has earned his site the designation of Wayne Township's Official Online News Source for the Town Council and Board of Education.
Are you a business interested in reaching our large, local audience? Contact Ferris: [email protected]
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Some TAPinto Wayne Articles are created with AI assistance and finalized by TAPinto Wayne editors to ensure accuracy.
WAYNE, NJ — Though it may be just a small footnote, Wayne Hills made New Jersey public-school football history Friday night, traveling nearly 1,800 miles to Texas and defeating Midland Christian on a hot Friday night, in a 41-34 slugfest to open the Patriots’ season.The Midland Reporter-Telegram reported that it was the first football game between a Texas high school and a New Jersey public high school.“It’s not an easy place to go and play, and it certainly wasn’t an easy team to ...
WAYNE, NJ — Though it may be just a small footnote, Wayne Hills made New Jersey public-school football history Friday night, traveling nearly 1,800 miles to Texas and defeating Midland Christian on a hot Friday night, in a 41-34 slugfest to open the Patriots’ season.
The Midland Reporter-Telegram reported that it was the first football game between a Texas high school and a New Jersey public high school.
“It’s not an easy place to go and play, and it certainly wasn’t an easy team to go and play,” Wayne Hills Head Coach Wayne Demikoff said. “So, to come out with a win that way, I think, is a special thing for our program.”
Wayne Hills opened the scoring when senior Chase Canning intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. It was the only score of the first quarter.
Quarterback James Wolf connected with Chernoh St. Paul for a 21-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. Midland Christian answered with 10 points, but Evan Rapoport’s one-yard touchdown run sent Wayne Hills into halftime with a 21-10 lead.
The Patriots defense was holding steady against a team who had scored 66 points in their last game.
Hills continued to build its lead after the break. Wolf scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper, and after a Midland Christian field goal, Ethan Zacharski broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run to put Wayne Hills ahead 34-13 entering the fourth quarter.
Midland Christian had overcome a 28-point deficit one week earlier to defeat Argyle Liberty Christian, 66-63, and the Mustangs again showed their ability to score late in the game.
“They can strike quickly,” Demikoff said. “They certainly showed us that in the fourth quarter, for sure.”
The Mustangs opened the final quarter with a 60-yard touchdown pass. Midland Christian then recovered an onside kick, and Jaxon Franco scored on a one-yard run to cut Wayne Hills’ lead to 34-27.
But senior, David Van Hook responded for Wayne Hills, taking a direct snap and racing 60 yards for the Patriots’ sixth touchdown of the game, extending the lead to 41-27.
The Texas heat was taking its toll on the boys in maroon and Midland Christian scored another touchdown to complete a 21-point fourth quarter. They had pulled within seven point, down 41-34 and kicked off to Hills with over six minutes to go. All the offense from New Jersey had to do was hang on to the ball and drive the clock down to zero.
Exhausted but determined, the Patriots offense dug deep and executed a stream of running plays, their linemen pushing open holes for Ethan Zacharski (who led the team in rushing - 170 yards on 24 carries), Evan Rapoport or Wolf on a keeper.
With time winding down, the Mustangs held the Patriots on a third down, bringing up a crucial fourth and one.
“There’s no doubt that heat down there is a real thing,” Demikoff said. “Our kids were dehydrated at the end of the game, but they hung in there. We had to convert a fourth-and-1 to win the game, and we did.”
The conversion sealed the game and Wayne Hills, representing the state of New Jersey, took home the first public high school victory against a Texas team. A promising start for a tough team in a tough New Jersey league.
Wolf completed 12 of 15 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown while adding 28 yards and another score on the ground.
Van Hook caught five passes for 69 yards, scored on his only rushing attempt and also recorded an interception.
Wayne Hills finished with 285 rushing yards and 417 yards of total offense. Matthew May converted five of six extra-point attempts.
The Patriots’ six touchdowns were scored by six different players: Canning, St. Paul, Rapoport, Wolf, Zacharski and Van Hook.
When asked about players that stood out in the game, the coach took a different tack.
“Great players don’t win games. Great teams win games,” Demikoff said. “I thought we played as a team. We scored in all three phases, and I think that says it all.”
The coach's message was that touchdowns aren't scored alone in a vacuum. For St. Paul's touchdown pass to be successful eleven players had to execute against eleven other players who have been trained to stop them. Football is, at its core, a team-first game.
The varsity victory completed a Texas sweep for the Wayne Hills program, as one night earlier, the Patriots’ junior varsity defeated Midland Christian, 3-0.
The Journey
Their five-day trip began before sunrise Tuesday, when approximately 55 players and somewhere around 100 people caught an early flight to Dallas and went directly to a training facility for lunch and practice. The teams also received an unexpected opportunity to watch the Dallas Cowboys practice at The Star.
“It turned into an incredible experience for the boys," said Sandy Pupo, communications director for the Wayne Hills Football Booster Club. "Being able to watch professional athletes practice and prepare at that level was something I know many of them will never forget.”
On Wednesday, the Patriots practiced at Southern Methodist University, before touring AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Then it was on to a late flight to Midland, arriving around 9:45pm. The teams practiced at Astound Stadium on Thursday morning before the JV defeated Midland Christian, 3-0, that evening — followed by the varsity's victory under the Friday night lights.
Back in Wayne, Outback Steakhouse hosted a watch party for the varsity game that Wayne Hills Football Booster Club Communications Director Sandy Pupo described as standing room only.
“We were nearly 1,800 miles away, but it felt like Wayne was right there with us,” Pupo said. “They may have played the games in Texas, but they represented Wayne every second they were there.”
Demikoff credited the Wayne Hills Football Booster Club with handling the extensive planning and logistics required to move the players, coaches and their equipment through Texas.
“This was a massive undertaking,” Demikoff said. “Midland, Texas, is not easy to get to. Our people just did an incredible job. I can’t thank them enough for it.”
Wayne Hills returned home Saturday afternoon with two victories and a place in New Jersey high school football history.
The Patriots next game is at home against Northern Highlands at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
Jon "Ferris" Meredith is an award-winning journalist whose coverage of local news has earned his site the designation of Wayne Township's Official Online News Source for the Town Council and Board of Education.
Are you a business interested in reaching our large, local audience? Contact Ferris: [email protected]
Celebrating something special? Showcase your anniversary, birthday, graduation, and MORE on . It's Free!
Some TAPinto Wayne Articles are created with AI assistance and finalized by TAPinto Wayne editors to ensure accuracy.
WAYNE, NJ — For the third time, testimony on the mosque proposed for 225 Colfax Road was heard before the Wayne Zoning Board of Adjustment. Monday’s meeting did not draw the overflow crowd seen at the initial hearing, but there was still a sizable audience in the council chambers.Some left without the opportunity they had been waiting for—to ask questions—after the engineer testifying that night became ill and could not continue.Wassim Nader, a licensed professional engineer with The Nader Group, testifi...
WAYNE, NJ — For the third time, testimony on the mosque proposed for 225 Colfax Road was heard before the Wayne Zoning Board of Adjustment. Monday’s meeting did not draw the overflow crowd seen at the initial hearing, but there was still a sizable audience in the council chambers.
Some left without the opportunity they had been waiting for—to ask questions—after the engineer testifying that night became ill and could not continue.
Wassim Nader, a licensed professional engineer with The Nader Group, testified for roughly 90 minutes before he asked the board for a break. When the meeting resumed about 15 minutes later, IPray House attorney Mark Semeraro announced that Nader was too ill to finish that night.
The announcement drew frustration from the audience, including one person who shouted, “What is this?”
“The engineer is sick and has left,” Board Chairman Steve Toth told the crowd. “There’s no asking questions. There’s no going over the questions. I’m sorry. He’s leaving.”
“He doesn’t feel good,” Toth continued as people in the chambers reacted. “I mean, we’re not going to make the man sit here and pass out.”
Nader had completed his “affirmative testimony” but will return September 8 to address the township professionals’ reports and then, the public will be given a chance to ask questions regarding his testimony.
IPray House, Inc. is seeking preliminary and final site plan approval, a conditional-use variance, a bulk variance involving the rear parking setback and an environmental protection waiver to build the mosque on nearly 10 acres on Colfax Road near Sharon Lane.
The proposal has drawn attention beyond the surrounding neighborhood. The first hearing exceeded the council chambers’ 233-person capacity, and opponents have since organized through a Facebook group called Wake Up Wayne NJ.
The group says its concerns include flooding, traffic, wetlands and the project’s scale. Its GoFundMe has raised $6,596 from 68 donations toward a $16,000 goal for legal representation and expert witnesses.
“We were prepared, we were present and we were armed with all the questions,” organizer J.D. Rizzy wrote after Monday’s meeting.
Those questions will now have to wait until September.
During his testimony on Monday night, Nader said the property stretches along approximately 1,100 feet of Colfax Road, with wetlands on its northern and southern sections. Of the nearly 10 acres, slightly less than three would be developed. Wetlands, transition areas and steep slopes would leave most of the remaining property untouched.
Plans show 251 parking spaces spread across several surface lots and an underground parking area.
Parking requirements vary depending on how the building is used. The 468-person prayer area requires 156 spaces, Nader said. A calculation based on the 8,340-square-foot basement assembly area raises that requirement to 209 spaces.
The site would also have accessible parking, pedestrian paths and a sidewalk leading toward Colfax Road. Nader said the applicant is willing to consider a crosswalk connecting to the sidewalk across the street, subject to approval.
Two detention basins would collect stormwater carried through a network of inlets and pipes. According to Nader, the system would reduce peak runoff compared with what leaves the undeveloped property now.
The parking lots would be illuminated by downward-facing LED fixtures approximately 20 feet high. Shielding could be added to keep light from spilling beyond the property, Nader said. Evergreens planted near Colfax Road and around the development are intended to screen the building and vehicle headlights from the view of neighboring homes.
One issue still to be resolved is tree replacement.
Nader said the project would remove 127 trees. Wayne’s formula, which accounts for the size of each tree, requires 241 replacements. The plan shows 110.
It also remains unclear whether the proposed screening evergreens would count toward that total and whether the remaining requirement would be met with other plantings or a payment to the township. Township Planner Christopher Kok said the requirement is tied to Wayne’s state stormwater permit and indicated that he would not recommend granting a waiver.
Solar panels shown above the rear parking area in an earlier exhibit are no longer part of the application, Nader confirmed.
The hearing is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. Nader is expected to address the township professionals’ review letters and answer questions from the public.
The applicant still has testimony to present from its traffic engineer and planner before any decision is made by the board.
Jon "Ferris" Meredith is an award-winning journalist whose coverage of local news has earned his site the designation of Wayne Township's Official Online News Source for the Town Council and Board of Education.
Are you a business interested in reaching our large, local audience? Contact Ferris: [email protected]
Celebrating something special? Showcase your anniversary, birthday, graduation, and MORE on . It's Free!
Some TAPinto Wayne Articles are created with AI assistance and finalized by TAPinto Wayne editors to ensure accuracy.
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