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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 Fair Haven, NJ

Home Care Fair Haven, NJ

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 Historic Portland Place 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 Fair Haven, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Fair Haven, NJ

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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

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

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“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

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“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Fair Haven, NJ?

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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 Fair Haven, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, NJ
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 Fair Haven, NJ
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 East Rock 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 Fair Haven, NJ
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 Raven the Peach 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.

 In-Home Care Fair Haven, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, 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.

 Elderly Care Fair Haven, NJ

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 NJ'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 Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, 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.

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 Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, NJ

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:

  • Senior Living Advisor LLC
  • Arbor Terrace Shrewsbury
  • Mira Vie at Tinton Falls
  • Brandywine The Sycamore by Monarch
  • Serravalle Senior Care Solutions
  • Sunrise of Shrewsbury
Home Care Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, NJ

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 Fair Haven, 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.

 Elderly Care Fair Haven, NJ

Latest News in Fair Haven, NJ

Boys Lacrosse: Manasquan vs. Rumson Fair-Haven, SCT Final, May 19, 2025

1 / 48Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance MediaBoys Lacrosse: Manasquan vs. Rumson Fair-Haven, SCT Final, May 19, 2025Joseph Whitehouse (13) of Rumson-Fair Haven scores the game winner in overtime during the the boys lacrosse game between Manasquan and Rumson Fair-Haven in the Shore Conference Tournament Final at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ on Monday, May 19, 2025....

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Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Lacrosse: Manasquan vs. Rumson Fair-Haven, SCT Final, May 19, 2025

Joseph Whitehouse (13) of Rumson-Fair Haven scores the game winner in overtime during the the boys lacrosse game between Manasquan and Rumson Fair-Haven in the Shore Conference Tournament Final at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ on Monday, May 19, 2025.Get Photo

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Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Lacrosse: Manasquan vs. Rumson Fair-Haven, SCT Final, May 19, 2025

Rumson-Fair Haven celebrates after winning the boys lacrosse game between Manasquan and Rumson Fair-Haven in the Shore Conference Tournament Final at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ on Monday, May 19, 2025.Get Photo

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Mile Djordjiovski | For NJ Advance Media

Boys Lacrosse: Manasquan vs. Rumson Fair-Haven, SCT Final, May 19, 2025

Joseph Whitehouse (13) of Rumson-Fair Haven celebrates after winning the boys lacrosse game between Manasquan and Rumson Fair-Haven in the Shore Conference Tournament Final at Monmouth University in Long Branch, NJ on Monday, May 19, 2025.Get Photo

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A new hot spot: The Fair Haven Diner is now open at the NJ Shore

This particular building along River Road in Fair Haven, NJ, has hosted a few different businesses over the past several years that residents in and around the area have grown familiar with.For a long time, Umberto's Pizzeria has called this place home. Up to 35 years, to be exact. They served their last slice of pizza in March of 2020.After that, Jack's Goal Line Stand opened its doors, which, up until recently, operated its sports-themed restaurant in that location. They closed their doors early in 2025.Now, a new esta...

This particular building along River Road in Fair Haven, NJ, has hosted a few different businesses over the past several years that residents in and around the area have grown familiar with.

For a long time, Umberto's Pizzeria has called this place home. Up to 35 years, to be exact. They served their last slice of pizza in March of 2020.

After that, Jack's Goal Line Stand opened its doors, which, up until recently, operated its sports-themed restaurant in that location. They closed their doors early in 2025.

Now, a new establishment has opened up in an area that's very popular for anyone both living in or visiting the Jersey Shore region in Monmouth County this summer.

The all-new Fair Haven Diner quietly opened its doors on Monday, May 5, 2025, as part of its soft launch.

Curious, I decided to stop in to check it out for myself. I've been saying for a long time that the area needed a casual diner like this. A place that served breakfast but also bridged the gap between Red Bank and Rumson.

I decided to go for breakfast right after I got my kids to school on Friday, May 9. Here's how that visit went.

Despite the gloomy and rainy weather that morning, the parking lot was filled, which is not usually a common sight so early in the morning.

The outside of the building doesn't look that different. Even going back to the days of the pizzeria, not much has changed with the physical appearance of the place.

But that doesn't hold true for the inside. It's obvious the owners put a lot of work into this place to help give it that classic, yet modern feel of a true Jersey diner.

As soon as I walked in, I was able to get seated right away. It was decently crowded considering the diner had only been open for about 30 minutes. I ended up sitting at the counter, which is toward the back of the diner.

Probably the only thing that didn't feel typical about the menus is the fact that there were no food or sauce stains stuck to them. But to be fair, the diner hasn't been open that long yet - give it time.

As for menu items? It ranges from everything, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And this is no small menu, either. And for those who are curious? There was no Taylor Ham on the menu, only Pork Roll. Sorry to all the Taylor Ham fans, but they got it right.

For this particular visit, I decided to go a different route and save the Pork Roll for another time.

I decided to go for one of their breakfast quesadillas. And it didn't take long for them to prepare it. Absolutely delicious.

Actually, the only issue I had was that I had a hard time finishing it all in one sitting. A fairly good problem to have when you're at an eatery.

This was truly a generous portion for the price (which, again, classic Jersey diner). Every item on the menu just looked so good. And trust me, there's plenty for the kids to enjoy, too.

The staff was also great. They checked up on me periodically and offered to top off my coffee every time.

When I say it felt classic, yet modern, I meant just that. The place was well-spaced, complete with a dining area and a counter to sit at.

What I really liked about the counter area was the way they had it set up. They had desserts displayed there, along with some fun signage. Plus, the old-school overhead diner lights were a nice touch.

And along the back wall is a fireplace. Not that a fire will be raging any time soon, since summer is right around the corner. The atmosphere overall is very inviting.

This was also a nice touch, having the dessert displays right by the registers. Speaking of which, that's also where you pay.

Much like how diners should be in New Jersey, you walk up to the register at the end of your meal to pay. Again, the staff couldn't be more welcoming.

It's a great addition for anyone coming to the Jersey Shore this summer to check out. And of course, for anyone living here year-round.

The Fair Haven Diner will be having a grand opening soon, which at that time will have expanded hours (they're only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the time being). Check out their website here.

Fair Haven Sailing Organization Gets Surprise Donation From Former Student

Shawn Tumulty first learned to sail with River Rats Sailing as a child. Now, he's passing that love of sailing on with a special donation:FAIR HAVEN, NJ — A Fair Haven sailing organization recently received a surprise donation from a former student who learned how to sail with them.River Rats Sailing, which offers both junior and adult sailing programs, helped teach Shawn Tumulty, previously of Fair Haven, to learn to sail as a child....

Shawn Tumulty first learned to sail with River Rats Sailing as a child. Now, he's passing that love of sailing on with a special donation:

FAIR HAVEN, NJ — A Fair Haven sailing organization recently received a surprise donation from a former student who learned how to sail with them.

River Rats Sailing, which offers both junior and adult sailing programs, helped teach Shawn Tumulty, previously of Fair Haven, to learn to sail as a child.

Now a resident of Monmouth Beach, Tumulty thought his old Sunfish sailboat would help others enjoy the water just as he once did, and donated the boat to the organization.

“I’m very happy to help,” Tumulty said. “There are a lot of memories here.”

River Rats Skipper Jill Lynch, who was on hand to receive the sailboat, noted that it will be put to good use as both youth and adult summer sailing programs are in full swing.

“We are thrilled, of course,” Lynch said. “As a non-profit, a donation like this can really make an impact and help us provide the best experiences for our students and members.”

At River Rats Sailing, membership is not needed to take part in classes; however, members do receive substantial discounts and have first priority.

The flagship youth sailing program has trained over 5,000 children to date, and the adult training program allows entire families to learn to sail together.

In addition to their classes, the organization also offers mooring space for members along with berths for kayaks and paddle boards, plus popular seasonal social events such as sailing races and BBQ nights.

More from Rumson-Fair Haven

No. 5 Rumson-Fair Haven wins 10th-straight, rolls into South, Group 1 final

Rumson-Fair Haven has been a powerhouse in South, Group 2 dating back over 10 years, and the Bulldogs have the hardware to prove it.Since 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven has advanced to 10 sectional finals, won six sectional titles and brought home four state championships. Last year though, the Bulldogs lost in the sectional semifinals to eventual Group 1 champion Glen Ridge, which put an end to their run of sectional final appearances.Complete Box ...

Rumson-Fair Haven has been a powerhouse in South, Group 2 dating back over 10 years, and the Bulldogs have the hardware to prove it.

Since 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven has advanced to 10 sectional finals, won six sectional titles and brought home four state championships. Last year though, the Bulldogs lost in the sectional semifinals to eventual Group 1 champion Glen Ridge, which put an end to their run of sectional final appearances.

Complete Box Score »

That is something that has fueled Rumson-Fair Haven this season, and on Friday afternoon the top-seeded Bulldogs, ranked No. 5 in the NJ.com Top 20, made it to their 11th sectional final since 2012 with an 18-7 victory over fourth-seeded Shore in South, Group 2.

“Last year we lost in the semifinals, so that kind of jump-started our mentality going into this semifinal,” Rumson-Fair Haven’s Madde DeSena said.

Friday’s game was the third time that the two Shore Conference American Division opponents had faced one another. Shore won the first meeting 13-9 back on April 29, while the Bulldogs returned the favor with a 9-7 victory in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals on May 17.

“I think our mentality was just different, during the regular season and Shore Conference we were like we’re going to have more games, we took it very lightly, but now it’s go-time,” DeSena said. “It’s game time. We want to our seniors to go all the way to the end so we want to do it for them.”

While both previous meetings were determined by just a few goals, Rumson-Fair Haven came out firing against Shore in the sectional semifinals. Kat O’Connor got things started when she won the initial draw control, ran downfield and scored in the first 12 seconds. From there, the Bulldogs scored another six goals to take a 7-0 lead with 42 seconds left in the quarter.

Gabby O’Brien scored with 11 seconds left for a 7-1 game after one.

“I think we obviously wanted to play better, have a better start than we did there,” Shore coach Troy Madison said. “We knew from the last time we played them some of the things they were going to do, their transition is really good, they have seven kids going (Division I). I think the start they got off to, the speed and them hitting a couple of transition goals on us early just set us in a funk and at that point it was too big of a hole to really come back from, kind of set the tone.”

Rumson-Fair Haven outscored Shore 5-1 in the second quarter for a 12-2 lead at the half, and both sides traded goals in the third quarter as the Bulldogs led 16-5 after three.

In the fourth quarter both teams received their fourth yellow cards and had to finish the game down a player in the final 3:45. Rumson-Fair Haven scored twice with goals from Aly Megaw and Rachel James, while Teagan Harmon scored for Shore for the 18-7 final.

“It was a wake-up call the first time and we came in very aggressive, we all wanted this, we didn’t want our season to end today,” Rumson-Fair Haven Chloe Kelly said. “I think we knew what we had to do and we just did it for our seniors.”

O’Brien led Shore with four goals and added one assist and two draw controls, while Kendall Bennett finished with two goals and six draw controls. Ava Matthews recorded five draw controls and Marielle Montenegro chipped in two assists.

“They had a great year, unfortunately with games like this it’s tough because obviously someone has to lose,” Madison said. “I think coming in, it’s been a whirlwind this week, but they battled. As we said a couple times in timeouts, despite the score I can’t fault the effort and the hustle. The care, the love and the character those kids have, they just play every day. They’re great kids, they make our job a lot easier.”

For Rumson-Fair Haven, which has won 10-straight games, Mia Milkowski recorded with four goals and three assists. O’Connor finished with four goals, one assist and four draw controls. Rachel James contributed a hat trick, five draw controls, three ground balls and two forced turnovers. Kelly had a hat trick, two assists and four draw controls and Daisen Iwan added two goals and one assist.

“We just knew our teammates strengths and weaknesses and we created plays for each other,” Kelly said. “The key to that is playing unselfishly and helping each other out.”

Rumson-Fair Haven will now face second-seeded Haddonfield, ranked No. 8, in Tuesday’s sectional final. It will be the second meeting this season between the two teams after Rumson-Fair Haven defeated Haddonfield 12-9 back on April 17. The win snapped a four-game losing streak against the Bulldawgs dating back to 2017.

2025 Shore Conference boys lacrosse final preview - No. 15 Manasquan vs. No. 20 Rumson-Fair Haven

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Game Leaders

Goals

Brandon Kunz #12

Manasquan

7

#27 Luke Lydon

Rumson-Fair Haven

4

Assists

Brandon Kunz #12

Manasquan

1

#3 Grayson Goldin

Rumson-Fair Haven

2

Points

Brandon Kunz #12

Manasquan

8

#27 Luke Lydon

Rumson-Fair Haven

4

View Bracket

Mon, May 19, 2025, 3:00pm

1 2 3 4 OT Final

Manasquan (19-3)

6 4 2 2 0 14

Rumson-Fair Haven (15-9)

3 5 2 4 1 15

Brandon Gould | May 19, 2025

Brandon Gould | May 19, 2025

Player Stats

Manasquan Scoring

G A P GB FOS-Taken FOS-Won FOS-Win%
Brandon Kunz 7 1 8 0 0 0 0
Jack O'Reilly 1 1 2 0 0 0 0
Lucas Longo 1 1 2 0 0 0 0
Kieran Schneider 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
Parker Harms 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
Ryan Aldi 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Kai Donahue 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Matt Schneider 2 1 3 0 0 0 0
Will Conway 0 0 0 0 32 16 0.5
Totals: 15 5 20 0 32 16 0.5

Rumson-Fair Haven Scoring

G A P GB FOS-Taken FOS-Won FOS-Win%
Luke Lydon 4 0 4 0 0 0 0
Grayson Goldin 1 2 3 0 0 0 0
Britt Lumsden 2 1 3 0 0 0 0
Michael Marino 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Blake Ahmann 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Teddy Whitehouse 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Arthur Bowen 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
John Paik 1 0 1 0 2 1 0.5
Joseph Whitehouse 2 0 2 0 0 0 0
Liam Haggerty 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
Rory Keane 0 0 0 0 7 1 0.14
Jaden Cavise 0 0 0 0 23 14 0.61
Totals: 15 5 20 0 32 16 0.5

Manasquan Goalie

Saves GA GP
Pat Loxley (L) 10 15 1
Totals: 10 15 1

Rumson-Fair Haven Goalie

Saves GA GP
Daniel Jaroschak (W) 5 14 1
Totals: 5 14 1

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