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 Sea Girt Lighthouse 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 Sea Girt, 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.
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“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”
“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”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“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.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them.”
“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.”
“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.”
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 Divine 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 Scarborough Fair Restaurant or visit Twin Lights State Historic Site, 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 Sea Girt, 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 Sea Girt, 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 Sea Girt, 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.
With Sea Girt Borough Offices Moving Elsewhere, the Library Gains Green Light to GrowSEA GIRT, NJ – With Sea Girt Borough deciding not to build their new Administrative building alongside the Sea Girt Library, and instead lease commercial space in a local building, the Sea Girt Public Library has begun its own plans to expand the facility. The development and scope of the project has now officially begun.At the recent council meeting, Mayor Fetzer provided an update on the status of the library, “Th...
With Sea Girt Borough Offices Moving Elsewhere, the Library Gains Green Light to Grow
SEA GIRT, NJ – With Sea Girt Borough deciding not to build their new Administrative building alongside the Sea Girt Library, and instead lease commercial space in a local building, the Sea Girt Public Library has begun its own plans to expand the facility. The development and scope of the project has now officially begun.
At the recent council meeting, Mayor Fetzer provided an update on the status of the library, “The remediation of the library has been completed. The rectification team has signed off on allowing the library to re-open and staff to move back in. On the agenda are a number of resolutions to be passed tonight allowing for the relocation of all library materials to be put back in, along with the council authorizing the surveying and architectural design to begin. It was an amazing feat and everyone cooperated” Council President Anthony added, “I want to thank the library and its trustees for their patience with what our responsibilities were as a Borough to make sure that remediation was acted on swiftly and safely.”
We sat down with Sea Girt Library Director Lisa Luke to map out the vision for a revitalized library, review the status of the building, and outline next steps. While remediation has restored safe operations, Luke noted the expansion is about more than repairs — it’s about creating a modern, accessible hub where residents can learn, collaborate, and connect.
Immediate Challenges Addressed: In preparation for the project, the Borough conducted environmental testing for mold, asbestos, and lead. While no mold or asbestos was found, lead paint was discovered on interior surfaces, some of which had begun to flake. Borough officials acted quickly, passing emergency resolutions to allow immediate access to remediation services and professional movers to store library materials.
The lead abatement process required professionals to scrape paint down to bare wood while wearing protective clothing, before repainting with a special encapsulating paint. The Library has since received a lead-safe certificate from the remediation company.
Despite the setback, the library was closed for only ten weeks. The only unexpected expense during the process was the replacement of some carpeting, which officials said was addressed quickly.
Early Stages of Expansion: With remediation complete, attention has turned to the expansion itself. At the most recent council meeting, the Borough approved working with Cornerstone Architectural Group, who were also selected by the Library Board. The firm will oversee design of the project.
The Library will fund the expansion with accumulated funds while coordinating closely with Borough officials, since the building and property are owned by the municipality.
Vision for the new Library: While the project remains in its early design phase, officials say the expansion will focus on accessibility, flexibility, and community needs. Plans include:
“The train station is much-loved in the community and we will keep the current look and feel of it, with updates to meet current code,” Luke emphasized.
Libraries today serve as more than book repositories, Luke added: “They are vibrant locations for community members to come together to learn and socialize as well as to access technology.”
Timelines and next steps: No formal construction timeline has been set, as architectural plans are still being developed. Luke hopes the design process will begin soon, at which point a clearer picture of the scope, cost, and schedule will emerge.” In the meantime, the library plans to continue operating in its current facility while the expansion is being built, with renovations to the original building to follow.
The Sea Girt Library, though small, has long been a gathering place for residents. The expansion is expected to create more room for programs, events, and larger groups — transforming the library into a true hub of community activity. Luke added, “We look forward to a time when we can serve as the hub of Sea Girt activities with greater community participation.”
A good-size fleet of fluke boats was positioned on the Sea Girt Reef Tuesday, jockeying for drifting lanes over the reef substrate on a day with little breeze or current to move the boats.I boarded the Gambler party boat along with my two sons Emil, 12, and Teddy, 9, and our friends Mike Baiata and his eldest son Bodie, 11. Right off the bat a bonito was landed on the boat by a fisherman on the starboard side. Deckhand Dom Longo brought it around for people to check out. We didn't see another bonito on the day but we did observe a lon...
A good-size fleet of fluke boats was positioned on the Sea Girt Reef Tuesday, jockeying for drifting lanes over the reef substrate on a day with little breeze or current to move the boats.
I boarded the Gambler party boat along with my two sons Emil, 12, and Teddy, 9, and our friends Mike Baiata and his eldest son Bodie, 11. Right off the bat a bonito was landed on the boat by a fisherman on the starboard side. Deckhand Dom Longo brought it around for people to check out. We didn't see another bonito on the day but we did observe a lone chicken mahi-mahi come to the boat and check with some curiosity a fluke bait another angler was reeling in.
For us, white, curly tailed Gulps and a single squid strip was all we needed to keep the fluke interested. Six-ounce sinkers kept us away from the other lines and on the bottom. We netted four keepers, the biggest being around 4 or 5 pounds. In between, the short fluke kept us busy, as we seldom had to wait longer than five minutes for a bite.
It's been a banner week for bluefish. The boats that are fishing a few miles off the Atlantic Highlands have had them cornered for a few days now. It's been about the best bluefishing so far this season. The fish are ranging in sizes from 3 to 12 pounds and there are bonito running with them. Capt. Dave Riback on the Queen Mary said he had some arm weary anglers after tangling with these fish for a few hours.
Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park had a report of pretty big bluefish that was around 8 to 10 pounds and landed in the Seaside surf last Friday night. The angler was Chris Chwedczuk, who the shop said was fishing with bunker. The surf right now is chock-full of small bait that's been percolating all summer. There's a lot spearing but also a lot of young-of-the year, or fry, in the shallows.
That bait is certainly going to draw the attention of larger gamefish, particulary fluke, but by mid-August that could also mean the sudden appearance of bonito or false albacore, which are about due.
The Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna club is hosting their classic White Marlin Invitational this week. Thirty-seven boats are competing for $575,000 in prize money. So far, the contest is living up to its name. The boat Shark Byte is in the tournament lead after setting a new WMI record with 30 white marlin releases in two days of fishing. The tournament started Tuesday and concludes Friday.
The big game fishers will be back at it next week when the MidAtlantic tournament kicks off on Monday and lasts unti Friday. The event is staged out of two world renowned ports; Cape May where the Canyon Club Resort Marina is the home base of the tournament and Ocean City, Maryland, with Sunset Marina serving as the second port’s headquarters
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him at [email protected].
SEA GIRT, NJ – Long before trophies are handed out or waves are judged, the Kids Soft Top Surf Jam delivers something even more valuable—confidence in the water. Hosted by the Sea Girt Booster Club in partnership with Lifeguard Sgt. Gary Finnigan, the Sea Girt Beach Patrol, and the Surf School team, the event isn’t just about friendly competition. It’s about giving kids as young as eight—and even younger in the assisted division—the chance to gain hands-on ocean experience, strengthen thei...
SEA GIRT, NJ – Long before trophies are handed out or waves are judged, the Kids Soft Top Surf Jam delivers something even more valuable—confidence in the water. Hosted by the Sea Girt Booster Club in partnership with Lifeguard Sgt. Gary Finnigan, the Sea Girt Beach Patrol, and the Surf School team, the event isn’t just about friendly competition. It’s about giving kids as young as eight—and even younger in the assisted division—the chance to gain hands-on ocean experience, strengthen their swimming ability, and learn safety skills that could last a lifetime.
Now in its seventh year, the Surf Jam returned to Philadelphia Beach on Tuesday, August 12th, drawing over 100 young surfers ages 14 and under. Divided into age- and skill-based divisions, the event welcomes everyone from first-time surfers to seasoned junior lifeguards. Along the way, participants enjoy the thrill of catching waves, the camaraderie of the local surf community, and guidance from some of the region’s most experienced surf instructors and lifeguards. (see tournament results below)
We sat down with event co-leader Gary Finnigan—well-known surf instructor, St. Rose High School surf coach, East Coast surf judge, and competitor—to learn more about how the Surf Jam came to be.
Q: What inspired the creation of the Kids Soft Top Surf Jam, and how has it evolved over the past seven years?A: “It was a natural fit for Sea Girt. We have three beaches open for surfing daily, and the Sea Girt Surf School is now in its 24th year. Partnering with the Booster Club felt like a perfect match. The Surf Jam gives our younger community members a safe and exciting way to experience surfing while building their comfort and confidence in the ocean.”
Q: How did the partnership between the Sea Girt Booster Club, the Beach Patrol, and the Surf School come together?A: “It’s all about community. We love seeing familiar faces year after year, and our sponsors make it possible—Philly Beach Club, Kemsco, Obsidian, Woodbine, Tacoholics, Rays Cafe, Barewires, Parker House, Wonderland + Sea, Local Smoke BBQ, Siano Brothers Contracting, Benny’s Pizza, Spring Lake Pizza and Bistro, the Beach Patrol, and the Surf School itself.”
Tournament Results:
In the 9 & Under Category - where 15 surfers competed, 1st place went to Mason McGrath, followed in 2nd place by Gwenyth Mencel, in 3rd was Derek Williamson, in 4th place was Shea Christ and in 5th was Kinsley D'Antuono.
In the 10-11 year old Category, where there were 26 surfers, where 1st place went to Ben Geltzeiler, followed in 2nd place by Clayton Wanner, in 3rd was Brayden D'Antuono followed by Wyatt Bittner in 4th and Ava Martin in 5th place.
In the 12-14 Girls Category, where there 19 surfers, Laila Wanner took 1st place, followed by Preslie Fender, Emmy Avery, Georgia Kenny, and Taylor DeForrester taking 5th place.
In the 12-14 Boys Category, where there 16 surfers, RJ Artherholt took 1st place, followed by George Flynn, Collins Sharkey, Nate Brindger, and Julian Baldino taking 5th place.
In the 8 & Under Assist Category, where there 18 surfers, Quinn D'Antuono took 1st place, followed by Mason McGrath, Hobie Lezniac, Luke Miller, and Kayden LaRose taking 5th place.
In the Open category, where there 7surfers, Laila Wanner took 1st place, followed by Preslie Fender in 2nd, and Emmy Avery finishing in 3rd place.
The event is structured to make surfing accessible to all skill levels. The 8-and-under division allows parent assistance for children who are still gaining confidence in the water, while lifeguards remain on watch for safety.
Q: How do you accommodate kids who might be brand new to surfing?A: “We have an 8-and-under with assist division so parents can be right there helping. And thanks to the Beach Patrol, we always have lifeguards watching the water and ready to help if needed.”
In looking ahead, this year introduced an open division for surfers up to age 16, creating new opportunities for more advanced young athletes.
Q: What’s your long-term vision for the Surf Jam?A: “We want to keep expanding—bring in more kids, attract bigger sponsorships, and make this an even bigger community event each year.”
Q: Are there any new elements or surprises planned for the future?A: “This year’s open division was exciting. With so many talented young surfers, especially among our junior lifeguards, the competition is only getting better. We’re seeing our participant pool grow, which means even more energy and excitement for future events.”
Community involvement is central to the Surf Jam’s success.
Q: How can people in the community—whether surfers or not—help support future Surf Jams?A: “Sponsorships are huge for us. We want to involve the community as much as possible, and we welcome any support people can offer.”
From its focus on water safety to its celebration of surfing culture, the Sea Girt Kids Soft Top Surf Jam has become more than just a summer tradition—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of confident, ocean-ready kids.
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