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 Asbury Park Casino 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 Asbury Park, 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 have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“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”
“I have been working for Always Best care for 1.6 years and my experience has been nothing but amazing. Although there are some hiccups here and there with cancellation of confirmed shift but regardless, it’s been a pleasure and good experience working for the company.”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“My working experience with Always best care has been a blessings and a life changing. Always best care have been a blessings also to my friends have introduce to the company”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“The dementia class was very helpful,I learned about it ,it was good to know.Thank you”
“I enjoyed learning and understanding the pros and cons of dementia How deal and coupe with the everyday and new behaviors How to help assist respect and enjoy every day life with clients How to help and assist with maintaining their respect. Dignity individuality their purpose of life”
“Good”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“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.”
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 Asbury Park Boardwalk and Beach 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 Pascal Sabine or visit Stephen Crane 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.
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 Asbury Park, 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 Asbury Park, 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 Asbury Park, 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.
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Saturday, July 19 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $293 million ($131 million cash option).The winning numbers in Saturday's drawing are 28, 48, 51, 61 and 69, with Powerball number 20. The Power Play is 3X.Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?There was no winner for the Powerball.When is the next drawing of the Powerball?The next Powerball drawing is Monday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.How late can...
Powerball winning numbers are in for the Saturday, July 19 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $293 million ($131 million cash option).
The winning numbers in Saturday's drawing are 28, 48, 51, 61 and 69, with Powerball number 20. The Power Play is 3X.
There was no winner for the Powerball.
The next Powerball drawing is Monday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.
Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.
All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.
Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.
To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.
The complete guide to winnings is:
The overall odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.
Jenni “JWoww” Farley is coming to the Asbury Park boardwalk.Farley, star of MTV's “Jersey Shore” and its reboot, “Jersy Shore Family Vacation,” will appear from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19, on the boardwalk across from the Stone Pony to celebrate National Lottery Day with New Jersey Lottery executive Marc Marseglia.National Lottery Day is “a day to recognize the positive impact of lotteries on communities and various programs,” according to NJ Lottery. The festivities incl...
Jenni “JWoww” Farley is coming to the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Farley, star of MTV's “Jersey Shore” and its reboot, “Jersy Shore Family Vacation,” will appear from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19, on the boardwalk across from the Stone Pony to celebrate National Lottery Day with New Jersey Lottery executive Marc Marseglia.
National Lottery Day is “a day to recognize the positive impact of lotteries on communities and various programs,” according to NJ Lottery. The festivities include celebrating the new NJ Lottery $10 “The Shore Thing” scratch-off game, which gives players 18 and over a chance to win up to $500,000.
There will also be interactive games, beach-themed photo ops and “exciting swag giveaways.”
Farley and the “Jersey Shore” cast were based in Seaside Heights for the original run of the show from 2009 to 2012.
The “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” reboot, which debuted in 2018, has filmed in Manalapan, Point Pleasant Bech and other parts of the state, but not extensively in Asbury Park.
Farley, a native of Franklin Square, New York, now lives in Holmdel, where scenes of the show are often filmed.
Farley, who also starred in the reality series “Snooki & JWoww” on MTV, co-wrote and directed the 2024 horror film “Devon.”
Season 8 of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” currently airs at 8 p.m. Thursday on MTV.
The NJ Lottery event will take place at 900 Ocean Ave. on the boardwalk, between First and Second avenues.
Subscribe to app.com for the latest on New Jersey celebs.
Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]
Shadow Of The City festival kicked off in the early afternoon of June 28 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, once again. The Stone Pony Summer Stage is known to be the heart and soul of all things musical during the summertime.A copious amount of local New Jersey support came out to this event and demonstrated to me a large sense of care in the community. I found this energy to be heartfelt and empowering. Between acts, I explored the stands set up along the sidelines, local foundations, and zine creators, all engaging with fans for good caus...
Shadow Of The City festival kicked off in the early afternoon of June 28 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, once again. The Stone Pony Summer Stage is known to be the heart and soul of all things musical during the summertime.
A copious amount of local New Jersey support came out to this event and demonstrated to me a large sense of care in the community. I found this energy to be heartfelt and empowering. Between acts, I explored the stands set up along the sidelines, local foundations, and zine creators, all engaging with fans for good causes. At one of the booths, I received a really nifty Jack Antanoff Pin that now sits on my camera bag.
Despite the end-of-June heatwave at large, hundreds if not thousands, of people packed the summer stage lot throughout the day. Performances from acts such as Cassandra Coldman, Ben Kweller, Dora Jar, Mike Birbiglia, Joyce Manor, and Bleachers were all scheduled to take the stage! All these amazing talents packed into one day drew a truly amazing crowd to Asbury Park.
Dora Jar gracefully and confidently took the stage with a fabulous performance despite all odds. She seemed unafraid to be herself up there, and I admire that quality in a performer. How her voice meshed with the music of the band was elegantly unique. I can only hope to experience it again one day!
While a majority of the lineup was rooted in a similar musical genre, I appreciated the addition of local New Jersey-based comedian Mike Birbiglia to the day. I think more shows and festivals should have a comedy act; it was an entertaining break from the action-packed musical sets.
Joyce Manor approached the stage and was greeted by just about every single person in the front row, handing over the barricade and shouting along with their truthful and emotionally charged, however catchy lyrics. There’s so much raw emotion tied to their stage presence and music that resonates with the crowd, and it is so beautiful to experience and capture as a fly on the wall.
The majority of fans I spoke with throughout the day raved about last year’s event, with some even attending their fifth-plus time. I got word that this year’s event was even bigger than last year’s! This was my first time seeing Bleachers, admittedly, and what the day had in store exceeded my expectations minute by minute!
Bleachers delivered a mind-blowing performance. They kicked off their set with “Don’t Go Dark.” Jack Antonoff bounced around the stage almost immediately, engaging and riling up fans in the crowd! Evan Smit and Zem Audu absolutely crush it on the saxophone. I love it when a live band includes a saxophone. There’s so much talent up that simply radiates off the stage from all the members of Bleachers. It is nearly impossible to see their show and not sing or dance along. Their bouncy and angelic sound was only enhanced by the voices of the members of the audience. There was a guest appearance from none other than bassist Blue DeTiger, an awesome surprise that the crowd roared over! Throughout the day, I felt like every time I turned around, I saw more people with Bleachers merch, new and old, appearing. Notably, I saw many “New Jersey’s Finest New Yorker hats” that seemed to be a fan favorite and best seller of the day. I do admit that I think I need to get my hands on a “New Jersey’s finest New Yorker” hat with all my heart and soul.
As Shadow of the City came to a close, the entire day I spent in Asbury Park left me with a feeling reminiscent of attending my first concert. While I’ve attended countless numbers of shows at this point in my lifetime, this one felt remarkably heartfelt and intimate for an event so large. Bleachers and their fans have an undeniable bond that unites them, and it is an outstanding dynamic to be a witness to. I loved attending Shadow of the City this summer and hope to see more of every act on the lineup at some point in the future!
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Board Overcomes Legal Conflicts and Invokes Rule of Necessity to Maintain District LeadershipASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Board of Education voted 5-4 to reappoint Mark Gerbino as Acting Superintendent for the 2025-26 school year, signaling a vote of confidence in his leadership amid ongoing legal turmoil involving several members of the board and senior district administrators.Gerbino has served as acting superintendent since February 2024, following the placement of Superintendent Dr. RaShawn Ada...
ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Asbury Park Board of Education voted 5-4 to reappoint Mark Gerbino as Acting Superintendent for the 2025-26 school year, signaling a vote of confidence in his leadership amid ongoing legal turmoil involving several members of the board and senior district administrators.
Gerbino has served as acting superintendent since February 2024, following the placement of Superintendent Dr. RaShawn Adams on administrative leave. Adams remains employed by the district while his future remains unresolved. His leave set off a wave of administrative instability, including the resignation of former Asbury Park High School Principal Bridget O’Neill. Both Adams and O’Neill have since filed lawsuits against current members of the Board of Education.
Gerbino himself is a plaintiff in ongoing litigation involving board members Dominic Latorraca, Stephanie Ackerman, and Jessie Ricks, stemming from alleged defamation during the 2024 school board election season. The lawsuit centers around accusations that Gerbino’s reputation was harmed by public statements made by the board members during the campaign. Board member Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo, while not named as a defendant, provided a certification in support of Gerbino's claims, creating a conflict of interest for him as well.
Additional conflicts arose due to personal ties between board members and district employees. Board President Tracy Rogers and board member Jessie Ricks were both deemed conflicted due to immediate family members working within the district. With a majority of the nine-member board unable to vote without breaching ethics rules, the district’s attorney, Adam Weiss, determined that the Rule of Necessity must be invoked. This rarely used provision permits all board members to vote when a quorum cannot otherwise be formed due to widespread conflicts.
The final vote saw five members—Tracy Rogers, Wendi Glassman, Kristin Clarke, Giuseppe Grillo, and Dr. Michael Penna—approve Gerbino’s reappointment. The remaining four members—Dominic Latorraca, Stephanie Ackerman, Barbara Lesinski, and Jessie Ricks—abstained.
Gerbino brings a long history of service to the Asbury Park School District, having held leadership roles including principal of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Asbury Park High School, as well as Director of Athletics. Before joining Asbury Park, he worked as a math teacher and coach in the Rahway School District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Montclair State University and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from St. Peter’s University.
While legal and administrative challenges continue to cast uncertainty over the district, Gerbino’s reappointment ensures continuity in leadership as Asbury Park schools prepare for the upcoming academic year. His experience within the district and familiarity with its staff and students are expected to help guide the school community through a period of transition and recovery.
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