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 John Smalley Historic Grave Site 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 Edison, 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 Roosevelt 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 LouCas or visit Thomas Edison National Historical Park, 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 Edison, 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 Edison, 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 Edison, 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.
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New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Approves Application to Extend the Xfinity Network to More Than 40,000 Homes and BusinessesTREVOSE, Pa., March 20, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved Comcast’s application for a system-wide franchise to operate in Edison Township, NJ. As a result, Comcast w...
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Approves Application to Extend the Xfinity Network to More Than 40,000 Homes and Businesses
TREVOSE, Pa., March 20, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved Comcast’s application for a system-wide franchise to operate in Edison Township, NJ. As a result, Comcast will expand its smart, fast, reliable, fiber-rich network to Edison and deliver its full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services to more than 40,000 residents and businesses in the township.
"Since day one, broadband competition has been a focus of my administration and I’m proud and excited that Comcast will begin building out to offer service to our residents," said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. "This is a huge win for us all, allowing for better service in our schools, workplaces, and homes, especially for residents who work remotely. I am thrilled to see our community grow, and this partnership is a great example of how we move forward together."
Construction on the multi-year project will get underway immediately. Residents and businesses can visit Xfinity.com/MyTown/ and sign up to receive future updates on construction timing and service availability. They can also stop by our local Xfinity Store at 899 Saint George Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ to check availability. Experts at the Xfinity Store can also help with product demonstrations, answer any questions consumers may have and help local businesses schedule an informational meeting with the Comcast Business sales team.
"Comcast is excited to bring our advanced products and services to tens of thousands of residents and businesses in Edison," said Dan Bonelli, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Freedom Region, which serves New Jersey. "We are thrilled to continue our investments in the state, offering more choice to residents with fast, secure and reliable Internet services that are built to meet the community’s needs today and into the future."
Residents will have access to Xfinity’s full suite of Internet products, including the company’s Internet Essentials program that provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for income constrained households.
This expansion is part of Comcast’s latest investments in New Jersey. Over the last several years, Comcast has expanded to more than 130,000 additional homes and businesses across the state. Comcast is also partnering with leaders in Hopewell and Maurice River townships in Cumberland County to extend the network into their unserved areas. To learn more about Comcast’s commitment and contribution to bringing Internet access to all Americans, especially residents and businesses in underserved and unserved locations, visit ComcastCorporation.com/broadband-partnerships.
WESTFIELD, NJ — Get ready to see your beloved characters and hear your favorite songs come to life with Edison Intermediate School Theater Guild’s upcoming spring musical, Disney’s “Frozen, Jr.”Michael Altman is the director. Janine Dayson is the choreographer and Stephen Markowski is the musical director.As in the popular Disney movie, sisters Anna and Elsa find themselves in a predicament when Elsa becomes queen and freezes the entire kingdom of Arendelle with her snow powers. Anna must now go on...
WESTFIELD, NJ — Get ready to see your beloved characters and hear your favorite songs come to life with Edison Intermediate School Theater Guild’s upcoming spring musical, Disney’s “Frozen, Jr.”
Michael Altman is the director. Janine Dayson is the choreographer and Stephen Markowski is the musical director.
As in the popular Disney movie, sisters Anna and Elsa find themselves in a predicament when Elsa becomes queen and freezes the entire kingdom of Arendelle with her snow powers. Anna must now go on an adventure to find and bring her sister back.
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Altman said the story is full of “twists and turns and characters you meet along the way, including the loveable Olaf the snowman, Kristoff the ice salesman, Hans the prince, Sven the reindeer and many others.”
The soundtrack is full of unforgettable and timeless songs many in the audience grew up with, including “Do you Wanna Build a Snowman?” and “Let the Sun Shine On.”
“Part of the things I’m most looking forward to are how the music that everyone has grown to know and love is something that they can see in real life, as opposed to on a TV screen,” Markowski said.
“The song I’m most excited for everyone to see is ‘Let It Go,’ and the costumes, particularly my tear-away dress,” said Corabelle Martin, the eighth grader who plays Elsa.
Using recorded music as background this year instead of live, the songs will have a much fuller sound, according to Markowski.
More than 100 members of the cast and crew are putting their all into this musical. According to Altman, the production is almost entirely run by the students, from creating sets to running lights.
“I’m really excited for everyone to see the sets. A lot of time and work has gone into them,” said eighth grade stage manager Tziona Gras.
Up on stage, the actors have also been hard at work putting together their dances and lines.
“Seeing everything come together has been so fun to see,” said eighth grader Fiona Brown, who plays Anna.
This production of “Frozen, Jr.” will be “far above and beyond anything you would expect any middle school to put together,” Altman said.
If you go:
Catch “Frozen, Jr.” on March 21 at 4 p.m., and March 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at Edison Intermediate School, 800 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, NJ. Thursday matinée tickets are $8.25 and tickets on Friday and Saturday are $13.50 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at https://eis.booktix.net/.
“Frozen, Jr.,” based on the book and Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck, features songs from the animated film with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Mahika Dang is a student at Westfield High School participating in a journalism program with TAPinto Westfield.
EDISON, NJ — The formation of an Ad-Hoc School Security Culture and Climate Committee - with a focus on vaping and substance abuse concerns - was declared by Board of Education President Biral Patel at the school board meeting on Tuesday, he said."It has been brought to my attention that issues persist, especially in our two high schools," he said in a statement at the meeting.He said concerns about vaping and substance use are issues that students - and parents - must deal with. And he said he feels a committee...
EDISON, NJ — The formation of an Ad-Hoc School Security Culture and Climate Committee - with a focus on vaping and substance abuse concerns - was declared by Board of Education President Biral Patel at the school board meeting on Tuesday, he said.
"It has been brought to my attention that issues persist, especially in our two high schools," he said in a statement at the meeting.
He said concerns about vaping and substance use are issues that students - and parents - must deal with. And he said he feels a committee focused on these matters can help.
The Ad-Hoc School Security Culture and Climate Committee would "address some of the concerns and overall culture of the schools." Not only will it look into all problem areas related to vaping and substance abuse, but come up with "enforceable solutions," Patel said.
Here are some of the goals of the committee:
Patel said school bathrooms have been identified as a problem area. So are vaping instruments, which escape notice, he said, because of the way they are packaged as normal goods such as pens.
Patel said he and the board will will work with Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli and his team, as well as principals from both high schools and with "a member or two from the Board of Education."
"As we work upon forming this in coming days, we can look into exploring other stakeholders and we will be happy to report back to the community on the progress. Meanwhile, please feel free to reach out to myself and Dr. Aldarelli via email anytime if you have any suggestions regarding this," Patel said.
He said one immediate step was approved on Tuesday with a contract for the purchase and installation of vape detectors at Edison High School and J.P. Stevens High School. The cost of the award is $152,759, according to the board agenda.
The Mayo Clinic said there are several hazards associated with vaping, including high levels of addictive nicotine, inflammation to delicate lung tissue with flavors and stabilizers, and the impact of nicotine on concentration and brain development. People under 21 can't buy tobacco products, including vape products, under federal law, Mayo Clinic says in its literature on the topic.
In another matter, the school board passed a resolution opposing a township ordinance that could expand areas allowing cannabis businesses, Patel said. The matter was scheduled to be discussed Wednesday by the Township Council.
"Resolved that the Members of the Edison Township Board of Education oppose Edison Township Council Ordinance .2211-2024, which would expand cannabis uses into additional areas of Edison, as it would have an impact on the Edison Township Public Schools," according to the school board resolution.
Patel had also sent a letter to the council in his personal capacity to oppose the ordinance.
EDISON, NJ — A proposed amended ordinance that would expand the permitted locations for cannabis businesses in town will have a public hearing at a meeting of the Township Council on Wednesday.But the council members themselves are not in full support of the changes, and residents have been circulating a petition - now with 2,700 signatures - against the change.The amended ordinance, O.2211- 2024, was introduced at a previous meeting. It will have a public hearing and then a vote on the ordinance is expected. The meeting ...
EDISON, NJ — A proposed amended ordinance that would expand the permitted locations for cannabis businesses in town will have a public hearing at a meeting of the Township Council on Wednesday.
But the council members themselves are not in full support of the changes, and residents have been circulating a petition - now with 2,700 signatures - against the change.
The amended ordinance, O.2211- 2024, was introduced at a previous meeting. It will have a public hearing and then a vote on the ordinance is expected. The meeting is Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Council Chambers.
According to a table in the amended ordinance, the following areas, with boundaries listed, would be approved for cannabis businesses:
Petitioners, however, have expressed "deep concern" about the changes in the petition that has 2,701 signatures. You can refer to the petition here.
"We the residents of Edison are petitioning to express our growing deep concerns about the potential impact of recreational cannabis on our children's well-being and overall community health and the image of Edison for raising our children safely.
"Several studies have highlighted the adverse effects of cannabis use among individuals. The research underscores the increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including depression and suicidality, as well as detrimental impacts on academic performance and behavioral outcomes in teens who engage in casual cannabis use.
"We the residents and taxpayers of Edison kindly urge the Edison council not to pass this ordinance to keep the reputation of the town as a safe place to raise the family," the petition states.
Nisha Sawant, along with guidance from Akhil Malhotra, began the petition, said Sawant. And it was formulated based on feedback from concerns of community members, she said. Sawant said the bottom line is that petition supporters are against the proposed ordinance.
She said there are other places nearby already established, such as in Woodbridge, that can provide cannabis needs.
Councilmembers Ajay Patil and Richard Brescher voted against the ordinance at introduction.
"The residents are telling us to stop," Brescher said in a separate interview on Tuesday.
He said areas such as Woodbridge Avenue are a "typical Main Street." There are businesses but they back up to residential areas. Talmadge Road also backs up to a large townhouse complex.
He said the current boundaries permitted for cannabis businesses have not attracted applicants because the area is industrial with larger spaces for rent, while cannabis retailers might need smaller locations.
Patil said that the mayor, Sam Joshi, proposed the new zoning ordinance and had a super majority support on the council. "They spoke highly why they favored these new zones for cannabis business with the rationale of tax revenue and accessibility," Patil said.
"As a responsible elected official, I strongly oppose this zone change ordinance and removal of the 1,000-feet restriction," he said, adding the changes can "impact our great school system, increase unwarranted traffic in the town, hamper quality of life, (affect) the housing market and (have) a long-lasting impact on the communities."
According to the town ordinance, cannabis establishments are a permitted use in "the area southeast of Woodbridge Avenue between Amboy Avenue and Mill Road except for areas zoned for any class of residential use or within 1,000 feet of any area zoned for any class of residential use and as otherwise restricted in this ordinance or by state law."
Another resident, Biral Patel, writing as the District 73 Democratic County Committeeman, also made a statement to express his concern about the proposed ordinance:
"I am requesting the council to deny this ordinance and consider not allowing any single cannabis establishment in and nearby all the locations mentioned in the ordinance. Further for future purpose, I would request that, if possible and feasible, council may want to engage in a dialogue with certain residents and stakeholders before putting forward a resolution such as this which may be 'sensitive' for the community," he said in the statement that he also sent to Patch. Unrelated to this issue, he is also the Board of Education president, he said.
Under the current ordinance, "the aggregate amount of Cannabis Establishment licenses issued by the Township shall not exceed 10 licenses. Specifically, a maximum of three Class 5 Cannabis Retailer licenses may be issued; and the remaining seven licenses may be distributed among Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator, Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer, Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler, Class 4 Cannabis Distributor, and Class 6 Cannabis Delivery licenses, with not less than one license allocated per class. You can see more on the cannabis laws here.
To read more about the establishment of the Edison cannabis rules, read this past Patch article.
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