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 Newtown Square Historical Society & Paper Mill House Museum 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 Newtown, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Just Started Working For Always Best Care In Philadelphia Last Week And I Love My Job So Far & My Clients. I Love How Flexible My Schedule Is Too. I'd Highly Recommend Getting A Job Here”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
“first of all the owner Brian Greene is an amazing person to work for/with. Hes very compassionate to his workers and staff. If we need help and there's no caregiver available. Brian will step in. We also give our clients the best care possible. So proud to say Brian just opened up another office in Delaware. Doing an amazing job. I started work with this agency in 2012 when my mom became I'll. A good environment. I definitely would recommend this place of employment.”
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“Always Best Care has been tremendous. The caregivers are well trained and very considerate. Thanks to my infirmity, I have unique care needs but ABC has been able to provide that care and even go above and beyond in their efforts to care for me. I don’t know what I would do without them. If you’re in need of care, this is the agency to call.”
“Always Best is truly a company that distinguishes itself from the other companies in its personal attention to make the client totally satisfied. Excellent communication is another reason you feel so secure. I never had a moment of frustration or worry. I can't recommend David and his staff enough!!! Karen in Plymouth Meeting”
“Love what I heard about the company. Champion Care is important for seniors.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”
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 Helen Randle 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 Vecchia Osteria or visit Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 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 Newtown, PA, 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 Newtown, PA 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 Newtown, PA 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.
NEWTOWN, PA —New Year's Eve is filled with good cheer, great food, fancy dinners, live music, and clanging champagne glasses.Several places in Bucks County and the Philadelphia region will celebrate 2025 in grand style with festivities like dinner and dancing at the Washington Crossing Inn and fireworks at Sesame Place with Elmo and the gang.Here's a look at events happening in and around Newtown:In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ...
NEWTOWN, PA —New Year's Eve is filled with good cheer, great food, fancy dinners, live music, and clanging champagne glasses.
Several places in Bucks County and the Philadelphia region will celebrate 2025 in grand style with festivities like dinner and dancing at the Washington Crossing Inn and fireworks at Sesame Place with Elmo and the gang.
Here's a look at events happening in and around Newtown:
In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have their own versions of this celebration, such as the Peeps Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho.
Pennsylvania’s twist on the ball drop are numerous: The Dillsburg Pickle Drop in the town of Dillsburg, the Lebanon Bologna Drop in the city of Lebanon, the raising of a giant Hershey KISS in Hershey, and the lowering of a White Rose in York and a Red Rose in Lancaster.
The transition from one year to the next is often marked by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.
The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who made promises to return borrowed items and repay debts at the beginning of the new year, which was in mid-March when they planted their crops.
According to legend, if people kept their word, the pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. However, if they broke their promises, they would lose favor with the gods.
Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.
The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are many reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude or a plan for coping with the stress and discomfort that comes with changing a habit or condition.
MARPLE-NEWTOWN, PA — 2025 is nearly here, and that mean residents in the Marple and Newtown areas will be looking for fun ways to ring in the new year.Here is a look at some events happening in and around Marple and Newtown:In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ...
MARPLE-NEWTOWN, PA — 2025 is nearly here, and that mean residents in the Marple and Newtown areas will be looking for fun ways to ring in the new year.
Here is a look at some events happening in and around Marple and Newtown:
In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have their own versions of this celebration, such as the Peeps Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho.
The transition from one year to the next is often marked by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.
The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who made promises to return borrowed items and repay debts at the beginning of the new year, which was in mid-March when they planted their crops.
According to legend, if people kept their word, the pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. However, if they broke their promises, they would lose favor with the gods.
Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.
The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are many reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude or a plan for coping with the stress and discomfort that comes with changing a habit or condition.
In the spirit of the season, Gene Epstein surprises 400 Fresh Connect recipients in Bristol Township with a crisp new $100 bill.Patch StaffBUCKS COUNTY, PA — Some call him the Jewish Santa Claus. Others say he’s an angel. But he just prefers to be called “Gene.”In the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas, Bucks County philanthropist Gene Epstein again showed up unannounced at the weekly Fresh Connect food distribution on a cold Friday morning in Bristol Township with a financial hand-up for some of ...
Patch Staff
BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Some call him the Jewish Santa Claus. Others say he’s an angel. But he just prefers to be called “Gene.”
In the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas, Bucks County philanthropist Gene Epstein again showed up unannounced at the weekly Fresh Connect food distribution on a cold Friday morning in Bristol Township with a financial hand-up for some of the county’s neediest people.
Epstein stood at the end of a very long line of people handing out cards containing crisp new $100 bills. His act of generosity brought him hugs, handshakes, a few tears and lots of surprised looks as he revealed to each of them the contents of the cards.
“I have such mixed emotions,” said Epstein, who gave away 40 Grand in one short hour. “I feel great that I have the ability to be able to help, but I feel horrible that we have 400 people that are in need and this is only a small segment of the people who are in need.
“It’s incumbent upon anybody and everybody that can afford to do something to help a neighbor, to do it,” Epstein continued. “This shows you that our country still needs a lot of help. And it comes with individuals helping others. It’s not the government. It’s individuals. If you have a neighbor who is hungry, give them some of your dinner. That’s all. It’s not rocket science.”
Gene accepts a handshake from a grateful recipient. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Gene Epstein with Paul Salvatore and Santa Claus at the Fresh Connect food distribution event. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Gene receives a hug from a recipient of his generosity. (Jeff Werner/Patch)
Thanks to Epstein’s generosity, the 400 men and women at the receiving end of Epstein's generosity are facing a less challenging holiday season this year. Many of them planned to put the money toward car payments, their heating bills, medical expenses and for food.
“The $100 is only a temporary fix for them. That’s the shame of it. They are going to face the same problem again. We need a fairer system,” Epstein said. “And I’ve spent a lifetime to make it fair.”
Epstein was joined at the event by Santa Claus. Also making the trip was Paul Salvatore of Newtown who was invited by Gene to help hand out the monetary gifts.
“This is absolutely phenomenal. You have Santa here making people happy. You have Gene here making people happy,” said Salvatore. “Gene has a big heart. When he sees people in need he wants to help them. But he also wants to encourage other people to do the same. We have to follow Gene’s example and get more people giving,” he said. “I’m happy Gene is my friend and he’s doing such great things. He’s helped me with my Rotary work and the projects we are doing.”
Looking around at the people waiting in line, Salvatore said this is what it’s all about. “Maybe that $100 that they are getting today will allow them to buy something they really need for themselves or for someone else. To some people $100 isn’t much, but when you don’t have anything $100 is a lot.
“The lines continue to be long,” said Salvatore. “When people say things are good, stand out here and you’ll see the need and how great it is.”
The Friday giveaway was a surprise addition to the weekly Fresh Connect food distribution organized by the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
The Bucks County Opportunity Council holds weekly Fresh Connect food giveaways in Quakertown, Warminster, Bristol Township and Ottsville in partnership with Rolling Harvest, the United Way of Bucks County, Philabundance and St. Mary Medical Center.
The council also holds weekly Fresh Connect food giveaways in Quakertown, Warminster and Ottsville in conjunction with its partnering agencies - Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, the United Way of Bucks County, Philabundance and the St. Mary Medical Center.
“Pretty much every day we are out there giving away food,” said Erin Lukoss, the executive director of the Doylestown-based BCOC.
“During the pandemic, we saw a huge spike. Then we saw that go back down, but as inflation has really caught up with people we have seen a return to pandemic levels,” said Lukoss. “Our weekly numbers here are between 400 and 500 households every week.”
On this particular Friday morning, Lukoss again watched as a long line of people filed by picking up their weekly allotment of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. She also watched as people reacted to Gene’s gift of generosity.
“He’s done this a couple of times here and it always brings a lot of tears,” she said. “A lot of people say they can’t believe someone cares. You also have people who just stop while they collect themselves. People are just overwhelmed by the kindness.
“It’s funny because people always say he’s the Jewish Santa Claus,” she added. “He says he just wants to give. He just wants to help people. It’s the season of giving and he just wants to make sure people are taken care of.
“Gene is a friend of the Opportunity Council. He’s also one of the most generous people I know. He’s one of the most caring and concerned people. But he’s also action,” said Lukoss. “He always steps up to put his money where it needs to be. And his challenges are about challenging people who have and can give to do it. He’s showing them.”
Epstein commends the work of the Bucks County Opportunity Council.
“Bucks County could not exist without the Bucks County Opportunity Council,” he said. “They do the most fantastic job that I can think of. I’ve been working with nonprofits since I was 22 years old and I’m 83 now. And I only work with those that I find to be efficient and helping the most people. And the BCOC sits at the top,” he said.
For more information about the Bucks County Opportunity Council, visit www.bcoc.org.
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There were many unique and interesting issues that I and other Newtown Township supervisors confronted in 2024. This is a selection of images and stories that document what I consider the most important news items and issues of interest to Newtown area residents. View the video...At the 16 December 2024 Middletown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Middletown Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) members Andy McAloon and Kevin Deeny expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the proposed Newtown W...
There were many unique and interesting issues that I and other Newtown Township supervisors confronted in 2024. This is a selection of images and stories that document what I consider the most important news items and issues of interest to Newtown area residents. View the video...
At the 16 December 2024 Middletown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Middletown Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) members Andy McAloon and Kevin Deeny expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the proposed Newtown Waste Water Treatment Plan (WWTP), which will dump millions of gallons per day of effluent into Core Creek. Previously, at the 11 December 2024 Newtown Township BOS meeting, several knowledgeable Newtown and Middletown residents made comments regarding this proposal to build a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant on Lower Silver Lake Road. Gary Sondermeyer – another Middletwon Township resident – voiced concern about the odor and was skeptical that there would not be any odor as the Sewer Authority claims. Mr. Sondermeyer is an expert in these matters.
Meanwhile, according to my Sewage Treatment Plant Survey, most residents the potential odor from the plant is a major concern of Newtown and Middletown residents.
Further Reading/Viewing:
At the 13 November 2024 Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting, Friends Village residents requested that the township pass an ordinance to ban gas-powered leaf blowers (view the video). "This would cut down on exhaust and noise and be safer for workers. The noise and the pollution are major, major problems,” said Tom Cadwallader, president of the Residence Association at Friends Village.
“We’ve been cursed with a lot of leaf-blowing activity at our village and it has really brought it to our attention - the fact that these leaf blowers that use gasoline are creating a lot of noxious fumes, a lot of noise, are very hard on the workers and are more expensive to use than the electric and battery-operated leaf blowers," said Kip Cherry, vice president of the association.
I asked a simple question: Should Newtown Township ban gas-powered leaf blowers? Read ALL THE COMMENTS.
Further Reading/Viewing:
The Notice Of Violation stated: “Everything posted on the windows” – such as holiday decorations, event notices, menu items, and other such – “is not permissible,” the owners were told by Ana Gindhart, Newtown Zoning Officer. The exception, said the Zoning Officer, “is a 2 SF [Square Foot] max sign identifying store hours, identification or similar purposes. All other signs must be removed within ten (10) days of receipt of this letter,” which is dated October 14, 2024. For example, only the “NEWTOWN BOOKSHOP” façade sign above the bookstore is allowed, everything else – except the small store hours sign – must go!
In an email to supervisors, the owner of the Newtown Book store noted that she “had similar looking windows for the past 12 years in Newtown Township and no one has ever said a word. I have been able to decorate the windows with Holiday decorations, flyers for our events, big books coming out, etc. It is a way that we advertise to the foot traffic and a way to make our store part of the community. Is this the kind of township that you want with every store just having blank windows?” I was told that the only way to allow more than 1 window sign is to amend the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO) to allow an additional sign or signs.
Further Reading:
Why did Newtown Township residents Al Dufault & Charles Feuer cross Newtown-Yardley Road? They wanted to show the need for a new sidewalk along Newtown-Yardley Road leading from the crosswalk at Tara Boulevard to Elm Street in Newtown Borough. Note that the grant for the Newtown Commons Sidewalk Project was $873,000 but the winning bid was $488,880, which leaves $384,120 that could be spent for this proposed sidewalk project.
At the October 23, 2024, Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting, Mr. Feuer got a commitment from the Township Engineer - and consensus of the BOS - to see if it possible to modify the Newtown Commons Sidewalk Project to include this stretch to connect the township with the borough as part of the Newtown Trail. View/listen to the discussion on Youtube...
Mr. Feuer and I urged the that the township engineer go back to PennDOT with a case for additional scope of the Business Commons sidewalk project; i.e., construction of a safe concrete sidewalk with curbing along Newtown-Yardley Rd extending from the Terry Drive (or Tara Blvd crosswalk) to S Elm Ave to connect up with sidewalk from the Borough. The rational for this change of scope is as follows:
Further Reading:
What type of bags will businesses be able to provide to shoppers? Paper bags that are labeled 100% recyclable, contain no old growth fiber, contain a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content and have visible labeling according to the Ordinance.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
On a recent Monday I stopped by McCaffrey's in #NewtownPA and had a paper bag issue. As I explained on FB:
"I got this recyclable paper bag from McCaffery's yesterday for 10 cents. Wanting to save 10 cents, I put all my 3 small items in the bag - including a cardboard container in the bottom containing Swedish meatballs and gravy. Unfortunately, the gravy leaked through the cardboard box AND the bag. Next time I am going to have go to the produce department and put the hot food box in a plastic produce bag, which is still allowable!"
Now, I know you are going to tell me to have bags in my car and me of all people should know that.
Further Reading/Viewing:
I still get no respect even as a supervisor and I want to show you this in a – what's it called? – a “wife beater” t-shirt? He comes to public supervisor meetings and always calls me a comedian! All right… so I decided since I’ve often been called a comedian, I thought I'd give it a try.
Further Reading/Viewing:
A) Just after LDR repaving: There is a cutout in the pavement on the northbound lane of LDR just north of Frost Lane. This is a potential hazard for motorists. I was told that “the pavement is slightly notched out there due to the contractor needing so accommodate the underground stormwater infiltration trench.
B) Obviously, the trench has NOT been installed as evidenced by the puddle of water seen in the photo!
C) We are left with an even DEEPER ditch than before ("The Deep Ditch on Dolington!" I call it). In my opinion, this ditch should be filled in.
Further Reading:
On or "Just Off" the Bypass over 1,000 residents opposed the proposed plan to relocate (or build a new) Newtown Chick-fil-A restaurant where the recently closed TD Bank is located. At the May 22, 2024, #NewtownPA Board of Supervisors (BOS) public meeting, Donna Serdula, a resident from the Wiltshire Walk development delivered a petition to the Supervisors opposing the plan.
Further Reading/Viewing:
Back in the spring/summer of 2020, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) engaged Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) to develop a comprehensive multi-year financial management plan. As part of this process, Newtown asked residents to respond to the Newtown Township Citizen Survey. 545 responses were collected, including over 300 open-ended comments. Snow removal, street cleaning, street lighting, and street maintenance were among the services receiving the worst ratings.
Further Reading:
The building is specifically designed to have a rural look and requires a zoning variance due to the increased height. At the November 26, 2024, BOS meeting, the supervisors voted to waive the land development process, clearing the way for the proposed expansion.
Further Reading:
NEWTOWN, PA — With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the next few days will be among the busiest of the year for Party Fair.The store, located at the Village at Newtown Shopping Center and owned by Stan and Arlene Dorfman, has been helping Newtown “party” since 1988 when it was among the first stores to open at the new Village at Newtown shopping center.Not to be confused with Party City, which recently announced the closure of all of its stores, Newtown’s Party Fair store remains in operation...
NEWTOWN, PA — With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, the next few days will be among the busiest of the year for Party Fair.
The store, located at the Village at Newtown Shopping Center and owned by Stan and Arlene Dorfman, has been helping Newtown “party” since 1988 when it was among the first stores to open at the new Village at Newtown shopping center.
Not to be confused with Party City, which recently announced the closure of all of its stores, Newtown’s Party Fair store remains in operation and is still going strong.
“We’re still here. We’ve been here 36 years and we hope to be here another 36 years,” said store manager Rick Rubin. “We’ve been here from the beginning of the shopping center.
“We’re very similar to Party City in what we sell but we’re not a national conglomerate. We’re family-run and we’re tight with the community.”
The store stocks everything you would need to throw a party, from balloons and noisemakers to plates, napkins, hats, and much more.
"Virtually anything a person needs to celebrate a party, we have,” said Rubin.
The next six days will be among the busiest of the year for the store as customers prepare to celebrate one of the biggest party nights of the year - New Year’s Eve.
“To make it real simple for customers, we sell kits that include everything you need for your party - hats, noisemakers - everything. The kits are great for parties and having fun,” said Rubin.
Not surprisingly, balloons are among the store’s hottest sellers.
“We blow up balloons right here at the store,” said Rubin, something that Amazon can’t offer its customers. “It sounds like a small thing, but we also put our balloons in bags for our customers. f someone is leaving with 25 balloons it’s almost impossible to get them into the car. We offer bags, which are a very big deal to our customers.”
Rubin added that one of the store’s biggest sellers are its inflatable "number" balloons for those special milestone moments like turning 30, 50, 75 and 100. “We can also customize balloons with a personalized message.
“Everything our community is celebrating we want to be part of it,” he said.
Party Fair is located midway between Harvest Seasonal Grill and Turning Point at the Village of Newtown Shopping Center.
267-812-5744
