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 Old Mansion Foundation 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 Hillsborough Township, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Angela was a very thorough, compassionate, and kind aide.”
“We very much appreciate your flexibility, attention, and care”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care for Mom Monday”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Angela was a very thorough, compassionate, and kind aide.”
“We very much appreciate your flexibility, attention, and care”
“I am a current client of this provider I hired Always Best Care for Mom Monday through Friday. They are expensive, but that's the going rate, unfortunately. They were very reactive; I called them, and the next day, they were at the house doing the assessment to see what was exactly needed. However, there were two occasions where I called them and did not get a response back within 12 hours. On one occasion, I called them on a Friday afternoon, and they called me back on Saturday at 10:00. But, they're not bad. The person they recommended was wonderful. I don't have complaints about that.”
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 Ann Van Middlesworth 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 Old Man Rafferty’s or visit Historic Clover Hill, 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 Hillsborough Township, 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 Hillsborough Township, 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 Hillsborough Township, 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.
The Township Committee approved a resolution at its Sept. 24 meeting to execute the settlement agreement.Alexis Tarrazi, Patch StaffHILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough has come to a settlement agreement with Larken Entities following a lawsuit filed over the Township's warehouse or...
Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough has come to a settlement agreement with Larken Entities following a lawsuit filed over the Township's warehouse ordinance.
The Township Committee passed a resolution at its Sept. 24 meeting authorizing the execution of the settlement agreement.
The agreement states that the Township will "adopt a revised Ordinance permitting small scale logistics facilities as a principal permitted use in the LI Light Industrial District in consideration for the Larken Entities dismissal of the Larken Litigation."
"Hillsborough is pleased to have come to a mutually agreeable resolution to one of the lawsuits following the adoption of Ordinance 2023-08, which limits the over-development of warehouses within the Township," said Hillsborough Mayor Robert Britting, Jr. "I continue to stand behind the ordinance passed by the Township Committee in 2023. This settlement agreement with Larken Associates will allow their existing and future tenants to operate under a new use called small-scale logistics. This ensures that we maintain the character and scale of the area while addressing the concerns raised by residents. The Township Committee plans to adopt a new ordinance by the end of this year."
The lawsuit was filed by Larken Self Storage, LLC, Hillsborough Park, LLC, Hillsborough Mini-Office, LLC, Hillsborough Industrial 5/6 Associates, LLC, Hillsborough Industrial 18/19 Associates, LLC, Jill Court Associates, LLC, Jill Court Associates II, LLC and 133 Stryker Lane, LLC, (collectively "Larken Entities" in Somerset County Superior Court on July 31, 2023.
The lawsuit followed the Township's passage of an ordinance on June 13, 2023 to remove warehousing, and shipping and receiving facilities as a principal permitted use in the I-1, I-2, and I-3 Light Industrial Districts, GI General Industrial District, and LI Light Industrial District. Read More: Hillsborough Takes 'First Step' In Fight Against Warehouses
See the full settlement below:
Order of Stay by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd
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Bridgewater Township also passed an ordinance in October 2022 removing "warehouse use" as a permitted use in specific areas of the township. A lawsuit was also filed against Bridgewater over their ordinance.
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Candidate Elaine Jackson shares why she is running for election on the Hillsborough Township Board of Education in 2024.Alexis Tarrazi, Patch StaffHILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has five candidates running for three open seats for the Board of Education.Incumbent Elaine Jackson is running for one of the three, three-year seats against incumbents Allison Laning-Beder and Jan...
Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has five candidates running for three open seats for the Board of Education.
Incumbent Elaine Jackson is running for one of the three, three-year seats against incumbents Allison Laning-Beder and Jane M. Staats, and newcomers Diane Braungard-Galayda and Noor Jannah Hameed.
Are you running for office in Hillsborough? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Hillsborough Patch.
Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?
I chose to run for a second term because I felt there was more to accomplish. When my first term began, the district faced unusual circumstances that had to be juggled with the usual operations of the district. At this point, I feel more confident we can dedicate our time to improving the district for our students because of all the difficult work we completed to get the district back on track.
Safety in schools remains a high priority. Enhancements were made to schools in the district with the implementation of a new security team. How do you feel about the changes and do you feel enough was done?
I think the district took an important step by adding a security team. We recently learned more about overall school security practices, and I have a new appreciation for the complexity of such operations. I believe we have a solid plan in place right now with the right amount of security. I trust we will observe the rollout of the process and make any needed adjustments.
The district continues to wrestle with balancing a budget due to state aid cuts. How do you propose trying to address this?
The lack of a fair and equitable plan for school funding after the end of S2 is a concern. Being the only school district in Somerset County to consistently lose funding is inexcusable. The district should remain dedicated to advocating for restoration of funding, whether on our own or in concert with other districts that have also been negatively impacted. Our students and community deserve more from the state.
The Board is looking into redistricting the schools in the future. Are you in favor of this? Why or why not?
I believe we should be evaluating how we currently district our students given the increase in housing in Hillsborough. We need to make sure that we are utilizing our school space effectively to avoid overcrowding class sizes, and overburdening staff and transportation services.
Are you in favor of having full-day kindergarten in the school district? Why or why not?
I fully support adding full-day kindergarten to the Hillsborough district, however, I also believe we need to evaluate what we lost at other grade levels over the years due to the steady decrease in funding. Each school level (elementary, intermediate, middle, and high) has important, and sometimes unique, needs that must be met to serve all our students.
What would you like to see improved in the school district?
I would like to see steady progress in delivering the changes proposed with the property tax increase that was levied to recoup funding.
What other issues would you like to tackle if elected to the Board of Ed?
We should continue to monitor the residual effects of Covid on student learning, and review courses to update offerings and provide curriculum that promotes critical and independent thinking. We have also started discussing the use of AI by teachers and students to make sure the tool is used responsibly and effectively. Oftentimes, open discussion on proposed agenda items and unexpected issues results in new opportunities for improvement.
What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?
I believe that my professional experience differs from the professional experience of the other candidates. I have spent my career in private industry, and recently in local government, in the IT industry. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with high school and college interns, as well new college graduates joining the full-time work force for the first time. My perspective on the Board comes not only from being a parent but also from knowing what work habits are expected of employees. I think it has become increasingly important to make sure that young people develop the ‘soft skills’ of analysis and critical thinking in addition to the important skills like math, science, and literacy. When you add the interpersonal skills gained from extracurricular activities, students can become more well-rounded contributors in their future endeavors.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?
I have learned so much from having served on the board for the past two-plus years and would encourage more parents and community stakeholders to contribute their diverse perspectives to help develop a school district that promotes tolerance of such perspectives. As adults, we all have a responsibility to serve as role models for our students. Volunteerism is a great way to encourage them to be effective members of the community.
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Tim Burton’s dark comedy hit sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” now in theaters, takes place at the Deetz home in Connecticut (and in the afterlife).But a Hillsborough Airbnb is bringing the movie to Central Jersey.Visitors can spend three hours at the Deetz home, hosted by star character Delia Deetz, in a free immersive experience that promises the Waiting Room full of departed souls, an art class hosted by Deetz, and an overnight stay in Princeton.Ten six-person sessions are available fr...
Tim Burton’s dark comedy hit sequel “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” now in theaters, takes place at the Deetz home in Connecticut (and in the afterlife).
But a Hillsborough Airbnb is bringing the movie to Central Jersey.
Visitors can spend three hours at the Deetz home, hosted by star character Delia Deetz, in a free immersive experience that promises the Waiting Room full of departed souls, an art class hosted by Deetz, and an overnight stay in Princeton.
Ten six-person sessions are available from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16 to 27. Guests must be 18 or over, and accompanying visitors must be 13 or older.
Halloween thrills:5 haunted attractions in Central Jersey that will keep your spine tingling this Halloween
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But to attend, prospective visitors first must request their presence on the Airbnb app before midnight on Monday, Nov. 4, and write why they want to haunt the Beetlejuice house.
If selected, visitors will take fright in Hillsborough in the Maitlands’ model of Winter River, and disorienting hallways with sandworms and Dante’s Inferno behind every door. They'll also see what happens if they say “Beetlejuice” three times.
Real-life scares:These haunted places in New Jersey should be on your Halloween bucket list
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" features several stars reprising their 1988 roles, including Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz.
In the sequel, three generations of the Deetz family return to their Connecticut home in the wake of an unexpected tragedy.
But still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic, and the portal to the afterlife is accidentally opened.
With trouble brewing in both realms, it's only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice's name three times —and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his own brand of mayhem.
Go:airbnb.com/beetlejuice; request before midnight on Monday, Nov. 4; 4-7 p.m., free six-person sessions are available from Nov. 16 to 27.
Contact: [email protected]
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
Candidate Allison Laning-Beder shares why she is running for election on the Hillsborough Township Board of Education in 2024.Alexis Tarrazi, Patch StaffHILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has five candidates running for three open seats for the Board of Education.Incumbent Allison Laning-Beder is running for one of the three, three-year seats against incumbents Elaine Jackson a...
Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has five candidates running for three open seats for the Board of Education.
Incumbent Allison Laning-Beder is running for one of the three, three-year seats against incumbents Elaine Jackson and Jane M. Staats, and newcomers Diane Braungard-Galayda and Noor Jannah Hameed.
Are you running for office in Hillsborough? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Hillsborough Patch.
Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?
I am seeking re-election to continue working with my fellow Board members to restore confidence in Hillsborough’s Board of Education. During my first term, we have worked hard to bring stability and trust back to Hillsborough Township schools. We hired Superintendent Mike Volpe, who has worked with the board to provide transparency, improve student safety, and enhance day-to-day operations. I look forward to continuing to improve our schools while seeking to provide the students and staff of this district with the educational support that they deserve.
Safety in schools remains a high priority. Enhancements were made to schools in the district with the implementation of a new security team. How do you feel about the changes and do you feel enough was done?
I am proud to have supported hiring a new security team in the district. I believe it is essential for every district to provide a safe environment for students and staff. If re-elected, I will ensure that the district’s new security officers will work in collaboration with local law enforcement to ensure that security measures remain up-to-date with current and future school security best practices.
The district continues to wrestle with balancing a budget due to state aid cuts. How do you propose trying to address this?
Like all Hillsborough residents, I am extremely disappointed that the State has cut funding to our schools year after year. So many Hillsborough residents moved here for our excellent schools, and as a board member, I will continue to fight to keep our schools the pride of our community. That includes continuing to prioritize funding into the classroom and student activities, maintaining our focus on efficient operations, and continuing to work with our state legislators to bring as much state funding back to Hillsborough as possible.
The Board is looking into redistricting the schools in the future. Are you in favor of this? Why or why not?
Nobody likes to redistrict because the process can cause significant upheaval for parents, separates students from their friends, and requires resources that could otherwise be spent on other priorities. However, all of the new housing developments in Hillsborough have impacted some schools more than others. This has created large class sizes, particularly at the elementary level. An overcrowded classroom puts stress on teachers and students, creating a learning environment that puts everyone at a disadvantage. Redistricting is therefore necessary to ensure that our schools can provide the best possible education for all of our students. As a board member, I will provide oversight to ensure that redistricting causes minimal disruption to students and families.
Are you in favor of having full-day kindergarten in the school district? Why or why not?
The district is long overdue for implementing full-day kindergarten. Our youngest learners deserve a meaningful start to their education. As a former teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education, I believe that a full-day schedule is the only way to effectively cover the foundational material that they so desperately need before first grade. It is also important to consider that half-day kindergarten puts undue stress on families who have two working parents.
What would you like to see improved in the school district?
While we have made positive strides in the last couple of years, I would like to further improve communication between the school system and the community at large. Better communication and transparency are key to improving the community’s confidence in our schools and to the success of educating the youth of Hillsborough.
What other issues would you like to tackle if elected to the Board of Ed?
I will continue to ensure that transparency and open communication between the district and families remains a priority. I would also like to ensure that we continue to acknowledge the importance of supporting staff and students with their mental health, as it plays a vital role in a successful education.
What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?
With my experience as a classroom teacher as well as a three-year term almost under my belt, I feel that I bring a perspective that is familiar both with the needs within the classroom as well as the needs of successfully running a district.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?
I’d like to thank my fellow Board of Education members and the other candidates running for BOE. We are all volunteering to take time away from our families to improve our community and the quality of education that we provide to students. I encourage all of your readers to vote this fall. If you have questions about my record or my position on the issues that matter to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or on Facebook at @allisonforboe.
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Candidate James Vander Vliet shares why he is running for election on the Hillsborough Township Committee in 2024.Alexis Tarrazi, Patch StaffHILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has four candidates running for two open seats for the Township Committee.Democrat James Vander Vliet is running along with Hermes Vallejo against incumbents Robert Britting and Shawn Lipani.Ar...
Alexis Tarrazi, Patch Staff
HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has four candidates running for two open seats for the Township Committee.
Democrat James Vander Vliet is running along with Hermes Vallejo against incumbents Robert Britting and Shawn Lipani.
Are you running for office in Hillsborough? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Hillsborough Patch.
Why are you seeking election for Township Committee?
I have lived in Hillsborough for over 20 years and have seen a lot of changes. Most of it good, and some of it maybe not so good. Hillsborough is a large and thriving town that offers a great place for a new family, but as taxes increase, construction takes place all over town and development pushes forward while storefronts sit vacant, it loses a bit of its luster. I just would like an opportunity to get into the details and see what we could be doing better with planning and marketing our town to small businesses.
The state's Route 206 project has caused issues and delays throughout town. How do you propose addressing this issue?
Given the fact that this is primarily a state-funded and state-run project, I think the best that can be done is to understand the challenges and have a seat at the table to communicate Hillsborough’s requests and do the best we can to collaborate with the state DOT to bring this project to a close as soon as we can.
Warehouse applications are still a concern for residents. How do you plan to addressthis?
I have only been sitting on the Planning Board for a short amount of time, but I understand the challenges faced by the board when reviewing applications. If the use is permitted and there are no violations of any codes or building requirements associated with the developer’s plan, it is difficult to reject the application; "I don’t like it" isn’t good enough. I think the best way to address this is to revisit the Town’s Master Plan and ensure that warehouses are not permitted uses in inappropriate areas. The challenge comes when you are dealing with private property and dictating future uses, but I believe the Board and the Township Committee should be doing what it can to make sure the zones and use designations fit with the vision for the Town.
Affordable housing. How do you feel about this state mandate and its impact on Hillsborough?
I think it is important to provide affordable living for people and I appreciate there is little that towns can do once the mandate from the State has been handed down. However, this needs to be within reason, and if developers are not willing to build these places due to the lack of profitability, the solution of striking a deal with developers to build, while getting to do what they want in other areas, needs to be watched closely. While this is something that needs to be addressed as part of the Master Plan, I will also be paying very close attention to the municipalities that have sued the state over such mandates.
As work on the Master Plan gets underway, is there anything you feel the town shouldfocus on?
I think the town needs to focus on a vision and an identify for Hillsborough. I know that may sound easier said than done, but it has to happen, it has to start somewhere. Hillsborough is a desirable town; however, we need to be cognizant of the development and impacts created by over development. And I think the Master Plan needs to reflect that.
What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?
With an engineering background and working as a consultant and engineering project manager, I am confident I have the basic tools to be successful. That said, I have never been involved with politics before, so I think I offer a new perspective and a fresh set of eyes. I am sure this is a cliché answer, and I myself have viewed this as a very cliché answer when I have heard it from others in the past, however, now that I am in this position, I think it is valid. We see it in our professional lives and in our personal lives; sometimes you just need to look at things from a different angle and bring fresh ideas.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?
Not much really. I just really look forward to the opportunity to lend my skills to this role. No criticism to those that have been filling this role over the past 15-20 years, but I do believe things could be better, and I think I can play a role in that.
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