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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 Highlands, NJ

Home Care Highlands, 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 Highland Park Doughboy 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 Highlands, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Highlands, 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”

susan A.
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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.”

Josie J.
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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!!”

Pamgoldberg
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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.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Leta J.
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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.”

Carla500226
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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.”

Judy367738
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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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Huddy 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 Highlands, 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 Christine's or visit Veterans Monument, 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 Highlands, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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:

  • Parker at Stonegate
  • Senior Care Options
  • CareOne at Middletown
  • Serravalle Senior Care Solutions
  • Royal Senior Care
  • CareOne at The Highlands
Home Care Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands, NJ

Latest News in Highlands, NJ

Last Chances To See Seals This March At Sandy Hook

HIGHLANDS, NJ — As the weather turns warm and we officially head into spring, you only have a few more weeks left to see seals at Sandy Hook this winter season.American Littoral Society has the following guided walks planned this March:Seal & Winter Waterfowl WalksSandy Hook, NJSundays, March 10 and March 24Learn more about seals and local winter waterfowl. Join the Littoral Society for a walk on Sandy Hook. ...

HIGHLANDS, NJ — As the weather turns warm and we officially head into spring, you only have a few more weeks left to see seals at Sandy Hook this winter season.

American Littoral Society has the following guided walks planned this March:

Seal & Winter Waterfowl WalksSandy Hook, NJSundays, March 10 and March 24

Learn more about seals and local winter waterfowl. Join the Littoral Society for a walk on Sandy Hook. Register on their website.

Wingin' It Spring Bird WalkSandy Hook, NJMarch 28 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

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

Grab your favorite adventure buddy and join American Littoral Society for an early spring bird walk. "Bird nerd” and Assistant Director Lindsay McNamara will lead the group, looking out for the return of ospreys and shorebirds like American Oystercatcher, to the Hook. RSVP on their website.

Seal & Bird Ecology Cruise with SeastreakBoat leaves out of Highlands, NJSaturdays through the end of March 2024

Join Littoral Society naturalists on a seal and bird eco-cruise aboard the Seastreak Ferry to explore the waters around Sandy Hook and learn more about the incredible history, geography, and ecology of this unique habitat. Get tickets through Seastreak.

LOOK: Movie shoot underway in Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Looks like we're at it again in New Jersey. The cameras are rolling and magic is being made.There are so many great projects that have been filmed in New Jersey throughout the years. And so much more to come in the future.One of the all-time greats would have to be "The Sopranos." A true example of everything that represents New Jersey when it comes to the filming industry.Even reality TV has its place here. Just look at the con...

Looks like we're at it again in New Jersey. The cameras are rolling and magic is being made.

There are so many great projects that have been filmed in New Jersey throughout the years. And so much more to come in the future.

One of the all-time greats would have to be "The Sopranos." A true example of everything that represents New Jersey when it comes to the filming industry.

Even reality TV has its place here. Just look at the continued popularity of "Jersey Shore" and how the franchise continues to live on to this day.

Of course, it doesn't have to be a TV series that's completely based completely within The Garden State. It was reported that "American Horror Stories" also did a shoot for one of its future stories on Sandy Hook, NJ.

And it's not just cable networks that get in on the action. Apple TV, for example, also calls New Jersey home with one of its popular series, "Severance."

In fact, we were able to catch a live shoot of "Severance" taking place in Holmdel, which was really cool to see. You can see more on that live shoot and filming below.

But first, New Jersey recently had another film crew come to town to work on an upcoming movie. This time, it took place in Atlantic Highlands, NJ.

Wonder what it could be?

Check out the action from that shoot in Atlantic Highlands below, along with what we learned about what movie was being filmed that day. Who was behind it, and what's the movie all about?

LOOK: Movie shoot underway in Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Production crews were seen all along the downtown area. Wonder what it could be?

ACTION! This historic building in Holmdel, NJ, used to film popular TV special

It's open to the public year-round, even when film crews are in town.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

Drawing Done By Highlands Teen Will Be On USS New Jersey Coin

LEONARDO, NJ — We told you this back in December, but here's a reminder that America's newest submarine will be unveiled this April at U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown.And a drawing created by a local teenager was chosen to go on the back of a commemorative U.S. coin that will be minted for the submarine.The teen is Russell Karshmer, who lives with his family in Highlan...

LEONARDO, NJ — We told you this back in December, but here's a reminder that America's newest submarine will be unveiled this April at U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown.

And a drawing created by a local teenager was chosen to go on the back of a commemorative U.S. coin that will be minted for the submarine.

The teen is Russell Karshmer, who lives with his family in Highlands. He is a high school junior at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), located on Sandy Hook. Karshmer is also a cadet chief petty officer in the Navy Junior ROTC program, which has a unit at MAST.

To commemorate the new submarine, the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee held a coin design contest in 2023. Karshmer's drawing was selected as the winner out of more than 300 submissions.

Karshmer will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a special invitation to attend the commissioning ceremony at NWS Earle on April 6.

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

New Submarine Will Be Commissioned In Middletown This April (Dec. 15, 2023)

Karshmer drew the view from the top of Mount Mitchell, the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard.

His drawing is incredibly thoughtful: He deliberately included symbols that represent our state, including the state bird, an Eastern Goldfinch, perched atop the state tree, a red oak, as it holds the state flower, a violet, in its beak. Also depicted in Karshmer's drawing is the submarine itself, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States.

Even the number "three" is significant in his drawing: The USS New Jersey is the third warship to bear the name of the state, and New Jersey was the third state to join the union. That's why Karshmer drew three oak leaves, three acorns and the three piers of Naval Weapons Station Earle, which itself was designed to look like King Neptune's trident.

He also intentionally used the official state colors of New Jersey, blue and buff.

The judges said they were impressed by how much detail Karshmer put into his design.

“The Commissioning Committee was extremely impressed by the thoughtfulness and detail,” said Julianne Dods, a trustee at the USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee. “We applaud all the students for their creativity and congratulate Russell for his remarkable work in helping to depict this historical event.”

The submarine is called the USS New Jersey and it will be commissioned in a huge ceremony at 10 a.m. April 6 at NWS Earle in Leonardo. It is a Virginia-class submarine, and is also the first U.S. submarine designed to support an integrated male and female crew.

The name of the vessel was announced in May 2015 and it was christened in November 2021. The commissioning ceremony is where military boats or submarines are officially recognized as joining the Navy fleet. Organizers call it a "sacred"" event for a U.S. military vessel.

Hundreds, if not thousands of people attend, including many high-ranking members of the U.S. Navy and U.S. government.

Those who would like to attend the commissioning should go to www.njcommissioning.org to enter the ticket lottery to be on hand for this historic event. The deadline to enter the lottery is Jan. 14 and tickets are limited, so make sure to enter as soon as possible. It may even be possible for some groups to get up close and even tour inside the submarine.

To stay up to date on the Commissioning of the USS New Jersey: www.njcommissioning.org

With a big second half, Ramapo football tops Northern Highlands for sectional title

FRANKLIN LAKES − Same old story: Ramapo and Northern Highlands squared off in a North 1, Group 4 sectional championship classic for the third year in a row.New ending: The Raiders shook off losses in the last two sectional finals and defeated Northern Highlands, 14-10, Friday night at Drew Gibbs Field.Ramapo senior Brandon Del Valle caught the winning 21-yard touchdown from Landon DePrima with 2:00 remaining. That capped a 14-0 second half by the No. 1 seed, which advanced to the Group 4 state semifinals and will host Mou...

FRANKLIN LAKES − Same old story: Ramapo and Northern Highlands squared off in a North 1, Group 4 sectional championship classic for the third year in a row.

New ending: The Raiders shook off losses in the last two sectional finals and defeated Northern Highlands, 14-10, Friday night at Drew Gibbs Field.

Ramapo senior Brandon Del Valle caught the winning 21-yard touchdown from Landon DePrima with 2:00 remaining. That capped a 14-0 second half by the No. 1 seed, which advanced to the Group 4 state semifinals and will host Mount Olive (11-1) next weekend.

"Our team always starts off slow – I don't know why," Del Valle said. "But we're just a special team. We've all grown up together and been through a lot of stuff together, and I feel like that's why we won this game."

Check out the photo gallery, then continue reading.

Ramapo (11-0) had beaten the No. 3 seed Highlanders (9-3) in September, 34-33, after trailing 21-0. So erasing a deficit half as large was nothing, right?

"It's never nothing, particularly not versus them," Raiders coach Mike DeFazio said. "That's a phenomenally coached team, and they've got great players that are very, very smart football players.

"Would you have expected anything else?"

No one familiar with this rivalry would.

What it means

Ramapo earned its first sectional title since 2019 by knocking off the two-time defending champs. Northern Highlands prevailed in the 2021 North 1, Group 4 final, 35-30 in Allendale, less than two weeks after the death of longtime Raiders coach Drew Gibbs.

Last year, in the rematch at Gibbs Memorial Field, Northern Highlands won a 49-42 overtime thriller that was interrupted by two power outages.

Ramapo now has an opportunity to match the best record in program history: 13-0, achieved in 2018 and 2019 when the NJSIAA tournament went as far as the regional finals.

Key plays

As far as individual plays, several helped swing the game. DePrima completed a 40-yard pass to Zach Schnorrbusch late in the first half for the Raiders' longest play of the night, setting up DePrima's 12-yard TD pass to Charlie Wingfield.

Senior Gavin Taylor then made an interception to set up the drive for Del Valle's winning score, and junior Dylan Rosano broke up a Highlander pass in the end zone as time expired.

The key change on offense, though, was Ramapo committing to the run in the second half. Its running backs totaled four carries in the first half but had 18 in the second half, split between Rosano (14 for 40 overall) and James Magerko (8 for 31).

"We just had to lock in," Rosano said. "Linemen had to get the right mentality, fire off the ball, and it all starts with the line. They win the game."

By the numbers

There was a dramatic shift in Ramapo's defensive results after halftime. In the first two quarters, Northern Highlands QB Nate Johnson completed 14 of 15 passes for 119 yards.

In the second half, the Raiders allowed six completions in 16 attempts for a total of 40 yards.

Meanwhile, DePrima started 7-of-12 for 55 yards in the first half, then went 8-of-11 for 110 yards, two touchdowns and one interception after the break.

Game balls

? Del Valle finished with two catches for 32 yards and a TD, and made nine tackles on defense. Magerko added 12 tackles and a fumble recovery.

? Matthew Boydell gained 179 all-purpose yards for Northern Highlands: six rushes for 50, six catches for 43 (and a TD), three kick returns for 79 and one punt return for 7.

? Jesse DeNobile led the Highlander defense with 10 tackles, 2½ sacks and a forced fumble.

They said it

"We can play through pressure. That's one thing about our team that helps us win, we can play through the pressure." − Del Valle

"We made the actual adjustments a little bit toward the end of the second quarter. But they really came to fruition in the second half. The biggest thing is, our guys do such a great job of steadying the ship themselves. The coaches focus on the football stuff; they [the players] bring it together from the team execution and culture part. And again, they just did a great job." − DeFazio

Beloved Monmouth County sandwich shop closes its doors

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — Another beloved New Jersey eatery has shuttered its doors.Big Mike’s Little Red Store, in the landmark Navesink red building in Atlantic Highlands, has been feeding locals and visitors, alike for the past five years.But on Aug. 15, the shop famous for its sandwiches, announced on social media that it was closing its doors immediately.“As we close the chapter on five amazing years at Big Mike’s Little Red Store, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible cu...

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS — Another beloved New Jersey eatery has shuttered its doors.

Big Mike’s Little Red Store, in the landmark Navesink red building in Atlantic Highlands, has been feeding locals and visitors, alike for the past five years.

But on Aug. 15, the shop famous for its sandwiches, announced on social media that it was closing its doors immediately.

“As we close the chapter on five amazing years at Big Mike’s Little Red Store, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our incredible customers and the wonderful community we’ve had the pleasure of serving,” according to a Facebook post.

The post goes on to say that Big Mike’s is looking forward to its next big venture.

“We are in the midst of an exciting transition, preparing to open our brand-new restaurant, Saltwater Social Bar and Kitchen by Big Mike,” the statement reads.

The Saltwater Social Bar and Kitchen will be in another historic New Jersey location but the post does not say where that location will be.

Big Mike’s Little Red Store ended the announcement by saying it was excited to embark on this new culinary journey, and can’t wait to create new memories with the community.

Customers took to Facebook to respond to the announcement. Many wished Big Mike luck in the opening of his new restaurant, but at the same time said they would miss the sandwiches.

“Sad day for our local area……nothing more to say”

“Can’t wait to have many drinks at the new spot, but we’re really going to miss you guys at the Red Store! Wishing you the best of luck!”

“Best of luck on the new restaurant! I am not sure what we would have done during the pandemic without your store and amazing food!!”

“Looking forward to the opening. Will miss the sandwiches”

Big Mike’s Little Red Store’s menu of sandwiches was a big draw for locals and visitors.Some menu favorites included:

Poppa (charred bologna, two eggs with cheddar, potato pancake, and Red Store ketchup on a hard roll)

My Cousin Vinny (chicken cutlet, aged provolone, tomato, arugula, balsamic glaze, and lemon aioli on semolina bread)

Big Michelle (fried eggplant, chipotle aioli, fresh mozzarella, avocado, tomato, roasted red pepper and arugula)

Red Hook Bomber (hot roast beef, fresh mozzarella, fried eggplant, and gravy on semolina sub)

Big Mike’s also had an extensive catering menu, as well.

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