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 Stephen Crane House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Asbury Park, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
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“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“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”
“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.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“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!!”
“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.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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 Kennedy 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 Stella Marina Restaurant & Bar or visit The Carousel Building, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Asbury Park, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Asbury Park, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Asbury Park, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Bruce Springsteen didn't back down.The Boss repeated his criticism of President Donald Trump at the E Street Band's Saturday, May 17 tour opening show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, U.K., that previously prompted Trump to call Springsteen a “dried out prune.”“In my home America, the America I've written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” said Springsteen to cheers as he took the stage on Satu...
Bruce Springsteen didn't back down.
The Boss repeated his criticism of President Donald Trump at the E Street Band's Saturday, May 17 tour opening show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, U.K., that previously prompted Trump to call Springsteen a “dried out prune.”
“In my home America, the America I've written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” said Springsteen to cheers as he took the stage on Saturday, echoing what he said at the tour's opening show on Wednesday, May 14 at the same venue.
“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices and stand with us against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” said Springsteen, according to a live stream of the show. “This is 'Land of Hope and Dreams'.“
Springsteen also repeated his statement on free speech before “My City of Ruins.”
“There's some very weird, strange, and dangerous (blank) going on out there right now,” said Springsteen during both shows. “In America, they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now.”
Story continues below photo gallery.
Trump posted a reply the morning of Friday, May 16, on his Truth Social account.
“I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States,” Trump said. “Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he’s not a talented guy — Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country.”
Trump also suggested there would be consequences if Springsteen had made the statement in the U.S.
“This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that’s just ‘standard fare’,” Trump said. “Then we’ll all see how it goes for him!”
Much of the music world is showing support for Springsteen. Pearl Jam covered “My City of Ruins” at their Friday show in Pittsburgh and Jason Isbell played the Boss' “Cover Me” at his Count Basie Center for the Arts show in Red Bank, also on Friday.
The American Federation of Musicians issued a statement of support on Friday for Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who Trump insulted on Friday with a short missive stating: "Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she’s no longer 'HOT?'."
“The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will not remain silent as two of our members—Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States,” the group said. “Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world. Whether it’s Born in the USA or the Eras Tour, their music is timeless, impactful, and has deep cultural meaning. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.”
Trump and Springsteen are neighbors -- kind of. Springsteen, 75, has a home in Colts Neck and Trump, 78, owns the Trump National Golf Club there. Trump has attended several equestrian events where Jessica Springsteen, the Boss' daughter, has competed, including the 2013 Trump Invitational Grand Prix in Palm Beach.
In 2016, Trump played Springsteen's “Born in the U.S.A.” at his campaign rallies. Springsteen has been critical of Trump's policies since 2016 but this week is the first time he's addressed them from an E Street Band concert stage.
Springsteen and the E Street Band are currently on the 16-show "The Land of Hope and Dreams Tour' of Europe.
Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey music scene.
Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]
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Tired of the same summer weekend plans? New Jersey has much more to offer than shore crowds and parkway exits. Bordered by New York, Pennsylvania, and ...
Tired of the same summer weekend plans? New Jersey has much more to offer than shore crowds and parkway exits. Bordered by New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the state hides small towns that come alive when the weather warms, places where beaches are quieter, and festivals fill the streets. Whether you want cold beer, outdoor art, or live jazz in a shaded park, these towns specialize in character, not image. Some focus on music, some on water, but all stretch summer just a little longer. If your regular Friday-to-Monday is getting old, try these seven towns. They’re worth the drive, the detour, and maybe even a hotel. Leave the itinerary loose. You’ll need the hours.
Sunny days in this southern slice of New Jersey start best with sand between your toes and seabirds overhead. Begin the day at Cape May Beach, and if you’re adventurous, climb the nearby Cape May Lighthouse for panoramic views. For lunch, dine on fresh seafood at The Lobster House, where dockside tables meet ocean breezes. Stop by Jersey Shore Alpacas to feed the gentle alpacas, then take a whale and dolphin watching cruise for a closer look at sea life. August visitors won’t want to miss the Cape May Craft Beer & Crab Festival, with local beer, seafood, and live music in a laid-back summer setting.
Summer hits differently here. There’s the ocean, sure, but also music, retro arcades, and a bar where dogs rule the floor. Mornings are best on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, where vendors open early and residents arrive with iced coffee and sun hats. Take a dip in Asbury Park Beach, then visit the fabled Wonder Bar, where Yappy Hour draws locals and their dogs to an enclosed deck for cocktails, sun, and off-leash mingling between dogs and their humans.
Slip into the Paranormal Museum, an offbeat local favorite filled with ghost stories, strange artifacts, and haunted legends. For an old-school blast, visit the Silverball Retro Arcade, where pinball machines and vintage video games light up the walls. Stay after dark for the Stone Pony Summer Stage, where live music runs from May through October.
Just 15 minutes from Philadelphia, this town feels nothing like the big city, and that’s what visitors love about it. Head to the Collingswood Farmers’ Market, where locals load up on Jersey-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, and pastries. Kayak the Cooper River, then pick up picnic supplies from Haddon Culinary, a market run by chefs who keep things smart but relaxed.
The town is dry by law, but its restaurants make up for it. Sapori Trattoria Italiana, cited by Zagat and recognized by the James Beard Foundation, serves upscale Italian in a cozy BYOB setting. On the third weekend in August, the downtown hosts the Crafts and Fine Arts Festival. Stick around for Second Saturday, when shops and galleries stay open late with art, music, and sidewalk buzz.
No beach, no problem; Haddonfield still owns summer. Visit the Indian King Tavern Museum, where Jersey declared independence in 1777. Then head to Kings Highway, a downtown corridor so full of shops it was named “Best Downtown Shopping Area” by Courier Post readers. When the sun is high, cool off at King’s Road Brewing Company, where craft beer flows indoors and out.
Spend some time at the Hadrosaurus Foulkii Site, where the first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton was discovered. Take the evening off on the first Friday of each month, when the town stays up late with live music, open galleries, and sidewalk crowds.
No noise, no flash, just Ocean Grove in the summer. Begin on Ocean Grove Beach, where the sand stays wide and the pace stays slow. The boardwalk comes alive in June with the Giant Craft Show, followed by the Ocean Grove Flea Market, filled with antiques, handmade finds, and funnel cake.
In July, the Summer Stroll Art Walk transforms Main Avenue into a street gallery with painters and jazz. Catch a summer concert at the Great Auditorium, then get your 0.9-mile walk in to The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, where the music spills out the door. Back in Tent City, canvas cottages remind you how summers used to be.
Boonton brings low-key summer charm with waterfalls, art, live music, and street festivals. Begin your day in Grace Lord Park, where woodland trails and a waterfall path sit just behind downtown. Drop by the Speakeasy Art Gallery, home to strong local art and summer exhibits that spill onto the sidewalk.
Stick around for First Friday Late Nights, when shops stay open, musicians play in storefronts, and food trucks fill the curb. Go for evening views from the bridge at Boonton Falls, shaded, breezy, and quieter than you’d expect. If you’re in town in July, the Rock & Brew Festival adds an extra kick, with craft beer, live bands, and vendors turning the streets into an open-air setlist.
Riverside towns don’t get more walkable or more worth a summer day than Lambertville. Start at the Golden Nugget Flea Market, where locals browse for antiques under sun-drenched tents. Wander the boutique-lined streets, then have lunch on the deck at Lambertville Station, an old train depot turned restaurant with views of the water.
Rent a bike or walk the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail, where the shaded bends feel custom-built for summer afternoons. During the Shad Festival, artists, vendors, and performers take over the riverfront for a lively seasonal celebration. End the day with a stroll across the bridge into New Hope, where porch lights and music keep the night going.
Best Road Trips to Take in New Jersey
Not all summer memories require a wristband or a mega-resort. These towns remind you that an in-town stroll, live music in the park, or a spot on the shore can be plenty. From boardwalks and jazz nights to galleries and garden concerts, they localize the season, making it intimate and relaxing. Each one offers something different, but all make it easy to ditch the schedule and stay out late. Whether you’re jumping between them or finding a favorite, these towns earn their place on your summer map. You don’t have to go far. You just need a tank of gas, a cooler, and some room in your weekend.
LACEY -- A new bill under consideration by New Jersey lawmakers could cut municipal and county officials out of the process to approve new small-scale nuclear energy facilities.The bill, S4423, would make the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities able to authorize construction of small modular nuclear reactors, without approval ...
LACEY -- A new bill under consideration by New Jersey lawmakers could cut municipal and county officials out of the process to approve new small-scale nuclear energy facilities.
The bill, S4423, would make the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities able to authorize construction of small modular nuclear reactors, without approval from municipal or county authorities, in towns that currently or at one time had nuclear plants.
The rule would only apply to two municipalities in New Jersey: Lacey and Lower Alloways Creek in Salem County. Lower Alloways Creek is home to the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants.
In Lacey, the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station stopped producing electricity in 2018. The facility is being decommissioned by a division of Holtec International, which is also working to develop a small modular reactor prototype.
The New Jersey bill, if approved, would permit small modular reactor operators to store nuclear waste on the property until a permanent national repository is approved. The bill would also direct the Board of Public Utilities to provide financial incentives for the development of these new variety of reactors.
"With rising utility prices and increasing demand for electricity as we pursue electrification, New Jersey needs to increase our production capacity without worsening climate change with new fossil fuel burning facilities," state Sen. Robert Smith, D-Middlesex, said in a news release. Smith is the bill's primary sponsor and chair of the state Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
"Properly regulated nuclear power is reliable, safe and most importantly does not emit greenhouse gases," he said.
Lacey Mayor Peter Curatolo said he opposed the portion of the bill that would cut township authorities out of the decision-making process.
"It's important for us to have home rule and to be the final determinant for land use as the local authority having jurisdiction," he said by phone.
Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are nuclear fission reactors that generate 300 megawatts or less of electricity, or about a third of the power of a traditional nuclear reactor, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
As a result of their smaller scale, these reactors rely on passive systems that would not require human intervention or external power to shut down in case of an emergency, according to the agency. They could also be manufactured at a facility, then pieced together at another location at lower cost than the construction of traditional nuclear facilities, according to the energy agency.
"These increased safety margins, in some cases, eliminate or significantly lower the potential for unsafe releases of radioactivity to the environment and the public in case of an accident," agency officials wrote on their website about small modular reactors.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling on the U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to speed up the approval process for the nation's first SMRs, other small-scale reactor models and new kinds of nuclear facilities. The secretary is also charged with streamlining the environmental review process for nuclear energy projects.
"It is the policy of my Administration to foster nuclear innovation and bring advanced nuclear technologies into domestic production as soon as possible," the president wrote in his order.
In 2023, 42% of the electricity produced in New Jersey came from nuclear sources, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Natural gas plants produced nearly half of the state's electricity, according to the agency.
Curatolo, the Lacey mayor, said he supports the creation of SMRs, but wants township officials to have a voice in the process.
"I do believe small modular reactors are the future and make the most sense for the economy," he said. "They will produce energy for us. And I believe in the technology, and I believe it is the future, and that we could do it well here in Lacey Township."
Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, [email protected] or 732-557-5701.
Beyonce? lassoed hips, hearts and minds, too, at her MetLife Stadium Cowboy Carter show on Thursday, May 22, in East Rutherford.The nearly three-hour spectacle was a delight of a country music concert, Beyonce? style, that touched on contemporary themes and critiques, with a smile and a twirl.The central point is country music was founded in the hymns, spirituals, blues and field songs of Black America, and that fact this is not widely recognized — well, that’s part of the American problem.&ldq...
Beyonce? lassoed hips, hearts and minds, too, at her MetLife Stadium Cowboy Carter show on Thursday, May 22, in East Rutherford.
The nearly three-hour spectacle was a delight of a country music concert, Beyonce? style, that touched on contemporary themes and critiques, with a smile and a twirl.
The central point is country music was founded in the hymns, spirituals, blues and field songs of Black America, and that fact this is not widely recognized — well, that’s part of the American problem.
“They used to say I spoke too country,” sang Beyonce? in “American Requiem,” from her hit album, “Cowboy Carter.”
What is the remedy? An album and tour of country music that takes the genre to its roots and explores exciting possibilities.
From a delicate performance of the Beatles “Blackbird,” dedicated “to all the beautiful Blackbirds who opened the door for me,” to a delightful corn-fed rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Beyonce? showed an impressive range and exquisite feeling in her vocals.
The multi-piece band made all the right notes and shadings, and the the backup singers delivered a rich context, especially on the new “Flamenco.”
Mind you, Bey did not strap on her cowboy boots and cowboy hat to just stand there and sing. Beyonce? and her big dance troupe were in constant motion throughout the night, and that included daughters Blue Ivy and Rumi.
When not dancing, Bey rode a horseshoe and late model sedan over the audience via wires — and, on stage, a mechanical bull, gold horse and truck with giant horns. She looked like a cool Kid Rock when she was on the truck, for a stutter rhythm version off “Crazy In Love.”
Video vignettes framed the night, such as the concept of the “reclamation of America.” Heady stuff, and perhaps unsettling to portions of the population. But they were delivered here with such charm and skill that this lesson in American cultural history will not soon be forgotten.
Check out Thursday's setlist below for what Beyonce played at the MetLife opener:
American Requiem
Blackbird
The Star-Spangled Banner
Freedom
Ya Ya / Why Don't You Love Me
Oh Louisiana
America Has a Problem
Spaghetti
Formation
My House
Diva
Alligator Tears
Just for Fun
Protector
Flamenco
Desert Eagle
Riverdance
II Hands II Heaven II
Tyrant
Thique
Levii's Jeans
Sweet Honey Buckiin’ / Pure Honey / Summer Renaissance
Texas Hold ‘Em
Crazy in Love
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)
Love on Top
Irreplaceable
If I Were A Boy
Jolene
Daddy Lessons
Bodyguard
II Most Wanted
Cuff It
Heated
Before I Let Go
Daughter
Renaissance
I’m That Girl
Cozy
Alien Superstar
16 Carriages
Amen
The "Cowboy Carter” album won Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Album of the Year.
Beyonce? opened her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour April 28 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and it played in Chicago before the East Rutherford shows, which include Saturday, May 24; Sunday, May 25; Wednesday, May 28; and Friday, May 29.
The five upcoming shows at MetLife are record breaking — they're the most by an artist on a single tour at the venue.
The nine-city tour will also play in Europe before the finale on Saturday, July 26, in Las Vegas.
The NJ Transit engineer strike was settled this week, and it's service as normal at MetLife for the shows. The trains start departing Secaucus for the concerts at 4:29 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, and 4:53 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29.
The last train will not leave MetLife Stadium before 1 a.m. Check out njtransit.com for more info.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at [email protected]
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