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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

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Home Care In Stockertown, PA

Home Care Stockertown, PA

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 Moravian Historical Society 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 Stockertown, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Stockertown, PA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”

David G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”

Mary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”

Carrie W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”

jill F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”

Barbara T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”

Jane T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”

Matthew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”

Sheri C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent in every respect.”

Andre C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”

Denise O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”

Mary C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

Jill K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”

Lisa E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”

Earl P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”

Howard S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”

Gretchen L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”

KJack
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”

Bobbi D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Stockertown, PA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Stockertown, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Stockertown, PA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Stockertown, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Stockertown, PA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Newhart Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Stockertown, PA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Widow's Tavern And Grille or visit 1753 Bachmann Publick House, 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.

 In-Home Care Stockertown, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Stockertown, PA

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Stockertown, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Stockertown, PA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your PA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Stockertown, PA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Stockertown, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Stockertown, PA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Stockertown, PA

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:

  • Renaissance Home Forks
  • Country Meadows Retirement Communities
  • Alexandria Manor
  • Eastern Comfort Assisted Living
  • William's Manor
  • Moravian Hall Square
Home Care Stockertown, PA

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.

 In-Home Care Stockertown, PA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Stockertown, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Stockertown, PA

Latest News in Stockertown, PA

‘Greatest of all taverns’: Brothers and friends…

It’s a tall order, but a group of brothers and friends are looking to bring the “greatest of all taverns” — or GOAT, for short — to Stockertown.The GOAT Pub & Pie, featuring high-quality tavern fare with a focus on Detroit-style pizza, is expected to open within the next few months at 700 Main St., co-owner Sam Ashton said.The borough building previously housed Devery’s Pub & Grill, which closed last year.“We were throwing a bunch of names around when we bought the place,...

It’s a tall order, but a group of brothers and friends are looking to bring the “greatest of all taverns” — or GOAT, for short — to Stockertown.

The GOAT Pub & Pie, featuring high-quality tavern fare with a focus on Detroit-style pizza, is expected to open within the next few months at 700 Main St., co-owner Sam Ashton said.

The borough building previously housed Devery’s Pub & Grill, which closed last year.

“We were throwing a bunch of names around when we bought the place, trying to decide what we wanted to go with,” Ashton said. “And the idea of the ‘greatest of all time’ or ‘greatest of all taverns’ acronym started catching a little steam.”

The GOAT, featuring a full bar with a new 12-tap draft system, will be operated by Ashton and his two friends, brothers Matthew and Tim Cosover.

The trio became close while bartending together at Rip Van Winkle’s Pub in Easton a few years ago.

“The three of us were looking for something new to do and got the idea in our head that maybe it’s time to run our own place,” Ashton said.

After purchasing the Stockertown building last year, Ashton, a 2009 graduate of Freedom High School, and the Cosovers, both graduates of Easton Area High School, began mostly cosmetic renovations. Improvements will include new flooring, wall paint and a bar top.

The menu is still being finalized, but future patrons can expect “a little bit of everything,” featuring dishes made with locally sourced meats, produce and other ingredients, Ashton said.

“We’re definitely going to have a smaller menu focusing on fresh, really good stuff,” Ashton explained. “We want to make a burger, and we want it to be one of the best burgers you’ve ever had. We want to have some wings, and we want them to be the best wings you’ve ever had. So, we’re looking to offer classic bar and pub food, but we want to try and elevate it a little bit so it’s not like you’re getting something that was frozen, tossed in a deep fryer and thrown on a plate.”

The GOAT’s main attraction will be its Detroit-style pizza, which Ashton became familiar with after enjoying the dish at various restaurants in Philadelphia, his residence of nearly two years.

The pizza, which is baked in square pans, traces its origins to the mid-1940s, when Buddy’s Rendezvous pizzeria and bar in Detroit began making pies in industrial blue steel pans that were readily available from local automotive suppliers.

After Tim and Matthew also gave their stamp of approval on the unique pizza, the trio decided to make it a highlight of The GOAT’s menu. Customers will be able to order plain pies, customize them with traditional toppings and choose from a selection of specialty varieties.

“We love pizza, but we wanted our pizza to be a little bit different than what is already in the area and market,” Ashton explained. “With Detroit-style, it’s not a deep-dish, but it has a thicker, breadier crust and base. The toppings and sauce go right up to the edge, and the cheese along the side forms almost a caramelized wall of crispy deliciousness.”

In addition to food, The GOAT will serve a wide array of draft and bottle beers, including options from local breweries, along with wines and classic and signature cocktails.

Renovations are still underway, and a tentative opening date has not yet been announced. However, the partners are targeting to open “right around March or April,” Ashton said.

Individuals can follow The GOAT’s progress on the business’ Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages (TheGoatPubPie).

“We’re hoping to bring something new to the area, and we’re hoping everyone likes it,” Ashton said.

Fire crews spend hours battling fire at Stockertown cement plant (UPDATE)

Fire crews worked into the early morning Friday fighting a stubborn mulch blaze at a Northampton County cement plant.Firefighters were called at 7:18 p.m. Thursday to the Buzzi Unicem USA’s Hercules Cement plant, 501 Hercules Drive in Stockertown, and found flames in a ...

Fire crews worked into the early morning Friday fighting a stubborn mulch blaze at a Northampton County cement plant.

Firefighters were called at 7:18 p.m. Thursday to the Buzzi Unicem USA’s Hercules Cement plant, 501 Hercules Drive in Stockertown, and found flames in a huge barn-type structure filled with mulch, Forks Township Volunteer Fire Co. Chief Michael Vinci said.

The mulch had pieces of ground up rubber tires in it, similar to what you may see on a playground, the chief said.

“We had lots of fire when I arrived,” Vinci said, and that included mulch piled up in an electrical room with a conveyor belt behind the structure.

Plant personnel had immediately notified emergency services when smoke was detected coming from the building use to store alternative fuel materials that include wood chips and shredded tires, according to Jennifer Morgan, coordinator of training, development and communications for the company based on Brodhead Road outside Bethlehem in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

The Forks Township fire marshal was called and the cause of the blaze is under investigation, Vinci said.

Staff at the plant have been in contact with the local fire investigator, as well as the federal Mine Safety & Health Administration, Morgan said.

There were no injuries to plant personnel, though the fire damaged the building’s siding and some electrical equipment, she said. The plant did not lose electrical power, and an evaluation is ongoing as to the exact extent of the damages.

“I want to thank all the emergency responders for their quick response and professionalism in getting the fire under control swiftly,” Stockertown Plant Manager Rad Slavov said in a statement.

Fire departments from Nazareth and the townships of Palmer, Plainfield, and Upper Nazareth also responded.

It took two hours to initially knock down the blaze, and then crews started using an auger, front end loader, and a bulldozer to pull everything out and hose it down from ladder trucks, the chief said.

It took a lot of manpower over the six hours, and the chief said they rotated firefighters through jobs. Because of the hot weather, a rehab area was set up to help responders cool down.

A firefighter suffered a minor injury and was checked out by EMS, Vinci said.

Crews faced water supply issues fighting the flames, when the hydrant closest to building was not in service and firefighters had to run hose lines from about a thousand feet away, Vinci said.

Firefighters were at the scene until 1:30 a.m. Friday. There was a minor rekindling at about 7 a.m., the chief added.

Opened in 1916, the Stockertown facility manufactures Portland cement in a dry kiln process, according to Buzzi Unicem.

The Hercules plant employs more than 130 in its cement manufacturing and the associated quarry operations, which are closely regulated by federal and state agencies, the company said; operations are routinely inspected by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and federal Mine Safety & Health officials.

Haunted Stockertown: The Widow's Tavern & Grille

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Community CornerLocal celebrity ghost Marvin has been responsible for more than a few shenanigans.Neighbor|Updated Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:56 am ETThe story goes something like this:Way back when, a couple hundred years ago, the restaurant currently known as was an inn and stagecoach stop.A man who wor...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Local celebrity ghost Marvin has been responsible for more than a few shenanigans.

Neighbor

|Updated Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:56 am ET

The story goes something like this:

Way back when, a couple hundred years ago, the restaurant currently known as was an inn and stagecoach stop.

A man who worked at the inn, Marvin, fell in love with a woman who also worked there. The owner forbade their relationship, and Marvin was fired.

A short time later, Marvin was found hanging in the entrance to the servants' quarters. Whether he hanged himself or was hanged was never known.

But what they do know is -- he never left.

Find out what's happening in Nazarethwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Even the owner of The Widow’s Tavern & Grille isn’t 100 percent sure how old the tavern is, but the fact that it was once a stagecoach stop puts it at more than 200 years old, which is perhaps why the place has attracted so many paranormal investigators over the years.

Experts agree that there are at least four spirits roaming the floors of Widow’s, but the most active -- and physical -- is Marvin.

Two employees of the restaurant claim to have seen him, both saying that he stood at the top of the stairs looking down at them. Although the owner, Jody Stahley, hasn’t laid eyes on him herself, she’s experienced plenty of bizarre occurrences firsthand.

“He likes to play with the TVs,” Stahley said. “He’s notorious for turning them on and off.”

Other reports include turning doorknobs, locking doors, knocking signs from the walls, flickering the lights, and occasionally breaking a glass or bottle.

“Things fall off the shelves, but like they’re pushed… I think he’s a jokester,” Stahley said.

Backing up Stahley’s theory is bartender Felicia Brunner, who had a few amusing stories about Marvin’s antics. She said that he likes to tug waitresses’ ponytails, and occasionally, pats or grabs a rear end.

“One day I was here and I was talking to someone, and I felt something poke me in the butt,” Brunner admitted with a smile. “It’s happened twice! Apparently, he’s a butt man.”

Others have claimed that Marvin has grabbed their shoulders, or they’ve heard him stomping around on the second floor.

“More things happen on the second floor,” according to Stahley. “Some people are afraid to go to the upstairs bathrooms.”

These occurrences happen three or four times a week at Widow’s -- it has become a part of the business. While some people are spooked by the specter, others get used to having him around.

The precise location of Marvin’s death, which was once a staircase up to the second floor, is now a storage closet. Open the closet door, and you’ll see a plastic skeleton hanging there.

According to Stahley, the skeleton has been there since she took over, and she’s never moved it, leaving it as homage to their resident spirit prankster.

Enjoy Detroit-Style Pizza, Casual Vibe at the GOAT Pub & Pie

It’s nowhere near the Motor City, but a recently-opened restaurant in Northampton County has forged a culinary connection with it that’s already winning rave reviews.Est. Read Time: 6 minsIt’s nowhere near the Motor City, but a recently-opened restaurant in Northampton County has forged a Motown culinary connection that’s already winning rave reviews.The GOAT Pub & Pie in Stockertown opened in late April with Detroit-sty...

It’s nowhere near the Motor City, but a recently-opened restaurant in Northampton County has forged a culinary connection with it that’s already winning rave reviews.

Est. Read Time: 6 mins

It’s nowhere near the Motor City, but a recently-opened restaurant in Northampton County has forged a Motown culinary connection that’s already winning rave reviews.

The GOAT Pub & Pie in Stockertown opened in late April with Detroit-style pizza as a focal point of its menu, after co-owner Sam Ashton picked up on the crusty square pie trend while living and working in Philadelphia.

Detroit-style pizza is unique in part due to its rectangular shape, which comes from being baked in steel automotive part pans; a tradition that pays homage to Sicilian-style pizza and began in the mid 1940s, according to the GOAT’s menu description of it.

The GOAT offers seven different types of Detroit-style pizza, with the most popular–according to Ashton–being classic plain; their Hot & Honey Pie, which is topped with house-made marinara, mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, jalapenos and honey; and their 700 Main Pie, which is topped with house-made marinara, mozzarella, provolone, Italian sausage from Giacomo’s in Easton and roasted peppers.

Sourcing local ingredients from businesses like Giacomo’s is something Ashton said he and the GOAT’s other owners are happy to do, and was possible because of connections they developed while working as bartenders at an Easton area establishment: Rip Van Winkle’s, which was located inside Palmer Township bowling alley Bar-Don Lanes.

“Rip’s” was where Ashton, a Bethlehem Township native, first met brothers Matt and Tim Cosover, who grew up in the Easton area and also tended bar there.

With a degree in journalism from Penn State, Ashton had moved on from bartending to working in marketing by the time the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020.

Three of the GOAT Pub & Pie’s signature cocktails are Brax & Bray’s, Nola & Tay’s and The Ella. Owners Sam Ashton, Tim Cosover and Matt Cosover all met while tending bar at Palmer Township bowling alley. Their friendship ultimately led to a business partnership with fourth co-owner, Jonathan Quayle. (Contributed photo)

He lost his job, and around the same time the Cosover brothers found themselves out of work because of the government-mandated shutdown of bars and other businesses that were deemed “non-life-sustaining.”

“At that point, we had this idea that we would open our own place,” Ashton recalled.

He admitted there was apprehension due to their decision to plan a business opening in the midst of a pandemic, but things ultimately worked out in their favor.

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The GOAT Pub & Pie welcomed its first customers on April 26, 2021 at 700 Main Street in Stockertown, not long after the state eased many of its remaining restrictions on indoor dining and re-allowed bar seating for the first time in more than a year.

“We ended up getting pretty lucky with the level of restrictions by the time we opened,” Ashton said.

Located in a building that previously housed a different establishment, the concept for the GOAT (which Ashton said is an acronym for “the Greatest of All Times”) was basic.

The goal was to provide customers with a limited menu featuring freshly-prepared, high quality food in an atmosphere that was equally comfortable for a family night out or watching a game at the bar.

“We figured if we could do our main basics but do them great, then people would come back,” Ashton said.

The kitchen is the domain of head chef Matt Gonzalez, who was known to Ashton and the Cosovers from their time working at Rip Van Winkle’s and was eager to take on a new challenge at the GOAT.

“We do your classic pub/tavern fare,” which at the GOAT includes items such as onion rings, fried mozzarella, wings, a burger, a pulled pork sandwich and a cheesesteak, Ashton said. On top of that is the focus on Detroit-style pizza, along with a couple of desserts, including their unique Oreo Grilled Cheese.

All of the sauces, dressings and other ingredients in the dishes are made fresh on-site.

“Our fries are cut fresh every morning,” Ashton said. “We want to have good food. There are a million places where you can get a drink.”

Due to its location on a somewhat narrow lot, the GOAT doesn’t offer outside dining, however there is ample seating inside its dining room and adjacent bar area. Parking is available behind the restaurant, and takeout is offered at off-peak times, Ashton said.

In addition to a specialty cocktail list, the GOAT offers a draft list that includes beer, cider and even hard seltzer.

A rotating draft list is written on a chalkboard behind the bar at the GOAT Pub & Pie in Stockertown.

Ashton said the Stockertown community has embraced the GOAT since it opened, but he and his partners–a fourth co-owner is Jonathan Quayle of Bethlehem–are also seeing faces from further afield on a regular basis. All of the owners are actively involved in running the business, and Ashton said they have received “a ton of support,” including from friends who are part of the local restaurant industry such as the Bayou Boys.

“We try our best,” Ashton said. “We want to make sure that people not only come in here and have a good time, but that they want to come back.”

The GOAT Pub & Pie is open Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 11 p.m. More information along with their menu may be found on their website, and regular updates are posted on their Facebook and Instagram feeds, which Ashton maintains.

The Oreo Grilled Cheese dessert at the GOAT Pub & Pie has proved popular, Ashton said. (Contributed photo)

Dinner at Widow’s Tavern and Grille a Winner: LV Dining Scene With Kristina

You might not always get a trick, but you’ll definitely be in for a treat when you dine in at the supposedly haunted Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown.Est. Read Time: 5 minsWidow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown is reputedly haunted by a ghost named Marvin.You might not always get a trick, but you’ll definitely be in for a treat when you dine in at the supposedly haunted Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown. Marvin, the friendly resident ghost, has been haunting Widow’s f...

You might not always get a trick, but you’ll definitely be in for a treat when you dine in at the supposedly haunted Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown.

Est. Read Time: 5 mins

Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown is reputedly haunted by a ghost named Marvin.

You might not always get a trick, but you’ll definitely be in for a treat when you dine in at the supposedly haunted Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown. Marvin, the friendly resident ghost, has been haunting Widow’s for almost as long as it’s been built (think back to when stagecoach stops were a thing). You can read the full story about Marvin on the restaurant’s menu and on its About Us webpage, but let’s just say you may experience some spooky happenings if you stop in at Widow’s.

Conveniently located right off of Rt. 33, the historic tavern building is hard to miss when you drive down Main Street. The restaurant was decorated nicely for fall with pumpkins and seasonal flowers when I visited. When I first walked in I could easily tell that Widow’s is a favorite with locals, seeing that almost every seat at the bar was full. We were seated at a large table in a room next to the bar, right next to an old fireplace. Widow’s has preserved many of the historic features of the building.

Fried Mozzarella

Homemade Pierogies

The menu at Widow’s is quite large, but the variety was welcome. To start, we had the Homemade Pierogies ($6.50), Fried Mozzarella ($8.50) and Warm Homemade Chips ($5) with ranch.

All the appetizers came out quickly, and it was hard to pick a favorite among the three. The pierogies definitely tasted like they were house-made. Sauteed with butter and onions, they hit the spot on a chilly fall night. I was especially excited to try the fried mozzarella, since the cheese is from Calandra’s in Nazareth. It did not disappoint, either. The mozzarella was fried perfectly golden on the outside, and gooey on in the inside. Lastly, the homemade chips seemed like a simple choice for a starter, but I could have eaten the whole basket myself! Every chip was perfectly crisp and salted.

It’s hard to believe, but even after all these appetizers there was no way I was saying no to a cup of signature She Crab Soup ($6.50), which is crab meat simmered with celery, cream and a hint of sherry.

She Crab Soup

Being that it was so creamy and rich I’d suggest getting this as a single appetizer (not in addition to many others, like I did). I could taste the sherry in the soup, but it was not overwhelming. And there were lumps of crab meat in every single spoonful.

For my dinner I went with the English Burger ($11), which was topped with a mixture of mayo, diced bacon, mustard and jack and cheddar cheeses served on an oversized toasted English muffin.

English Burger with fries

I was more than happy to find that the delicious mixture of toppings was formed into a patty, and seemed to be grilled on the flat top before being placed on top of my burger. This creamy, cheesy combo was the perfect topping for my burger; no ketchup needed. I opted to pay extra for french fries with my burger, but I regretted not getting the housemade chips instead. They’re much tastier than the fries, and of course nothing beats house-made.

One of my guests got a slightly fancier option for dinner: the 8 oz. Filet ($28.50) with a Chesapeake mixture on top that included crab meat, mozzarella and crumbled bleu cheese, baked golden brown ($6 extra).

Eight ounce filet with a Chesapeake topping

All entrees come with a dinner salad and it was surprisingly much tastier than your typical house salad.

Dinner salad

What set the salad apart from the rest were the crispy shredded sweet potatoes on top. A little personal touch like this makes it stand apart from your typical greens, tomatoes and onions. The filet was the standout meal at the table. It was cooked to a perfect medium-rare and melted in your mouth. This filet was actually better than those I’ve had at actual steakhouses! The cheesy crab sauce poured over the top was filled with flavor, and did not overpower the steak, either.

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but I had no room for even one bite of dessert after this meal. It’s rare that I go to a restaurant and have everything I order be a hit. Widow’s Tavern and Grille served up nothing but delicious, homemade food on a busy Friday night. Hopefully next time I stop in, I’ll get to finally meet Marvin the friendly ghost.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Address: Widow’s Tavern and Grille, 200 Main St., Stockertown, PA 18083

Phone: 610-365-8890

Website: www.widowstavern.com

Facebook Page: Click here

Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:30 am – 11 pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am – 11 pm; Sunday: 11:30 am – 8 pm.

Kristina Gonzalez is a lifelong Lehigh Valley resident who works in the publishing industry. She enjoys dining out regularly and trying new restaurants in the area. Do you have a local restaurant review suggestion for Kristina? Please email it to jo**@sa**********.com.

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