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 Havens Homestead Museum 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 Brick, 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”
“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.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“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.”
“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 Hank Waltonowski 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 Cordi's Italian Gourmet or visit Boxwood Hall State Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brick, 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 Brick, 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 Brick, 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.
One of Brick Township’s most popular spots for food, drinks and dock-and-dine is seeking to make a portion of its waterfront setting available almost all-year-long, and add new entertainment infrastructure.River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar, located on the Manasquan River off Route 70, will appear before the township’s planning board this week to pitch a two-phase plan to expand what is currently an outdoor portion of the facility to a “three season” enclosed space, renovate the interior with new f...
One of Brick Township’s most popular spots for food, drinks and dock-and-dine is seeking to make a portion of its waterfront setting available almost all-year-long, and add new entertainment infrastructure.
River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar, located on the Manasquan River off Route 70, will appear before the township’s planning board this week to pitch a two-phase plan to expand what is currently an outdoor portion of the facility to a “three season” enclosed space, renovate the interior with new features, and add an outdoor stage.
According to plans submitted with the restaurant’s application, the most significant portion of the restaurant’s plan is to install what is described as a “three season enclosure” on top of the existing outdoor deck overlooking the river and the marina facility attached to the restaurant. The work will include adding a roof to this portion of the restaurant along with removal glass windows. The formal roof and windows will replace that is now a retractable awning installed over the deck, making the area suitable for guests on all but the coldest times of year.
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The new system would allow the restaurant to automatically open and close the deck to the elements, meaning it could continue to be used not only during chilly weather, but during rainy days any time of year.
“The proposed system is more substantially constructed and can withstand substantial wind loads,” a report from an engineering consulting firm stated.
The first phase of the project will also include a new outdoor stage and interior renovations to the restaurant as a whole. The renovations were referred to in the engineering report as a “complete remodel.”
As part of a second phase, the planning board is being asked to approve a plan that would reconfigure a portion of the business’s parking lot. Currently, there are 149 parking stalls reserved exclusively for the restaurant in its direct parking area, with about 10 stalls in the southeast corner within a dead-end lane. The loading zone and trash enclosure in this same area has been deemed by the restaurant to be too small, and delivery trucks often have a difficult time accessing the site. The dead-end parking would be eliminated and the easternmost portion of the lot would be reconfigured under the restaurant’s plan, with the addition of a pedestrian walkway between the restaurant and separate liquor store to the south. Two islands would be constructed with lighting in order to illuminate a pedestrian path and increase security, while also creating a safer traffic flow.
Finally, the trash and recycling enclosure would be replaced with a more substantial masonry structure which will be gated and have both truck and personal entrances.
While, at first glance, the plan may seem as if spaces might be eliminated, the overall number of parking stalls would increase from 149 to 171 due to the efficiencies of the design.
The proposal must be heard by the board since variance relief is required for setbacks and building coverage measurements that, largely, already exist and must be ratified. The additions also modify the existing site plan for the business as a whole, which is subject to board review.
The meeting will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the township municipal complex on Chambers Bridge Road.
Check out Patch's guide to the coolest and scariest Halloween residential displays in Ocean County.Patch Staff|Updated Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 11:57 am ETOCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Halloween is almost here, and with nice weather in the forecast it's an ideal time for people to check out Halloween decorations around the area.Patch again has gathered a list of scary yards in Ocean County for folks to drive around and have fun checking out.For those who aren't on the list yet, we are still welcoming more homes fo...
Patch Staff
|Updated Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 11:57 am ET
OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Halloween is almost here, and with nice weather in the forecast it's an ideal time for people to check out Halloween decorations around the area.
Patch again has gathered a list of scary yards in Ocean County for folks to drive around and have fun checking out.
For those who aren't on the list yet, we are still welcoming more homes for the tour. We'll be updating the list leading up to Halloween. Read more: Show Off Your Halloween Homes, Ocean County: Join Patch Scare Tour '24
JUST A REMINDER: Please be respectful of people's neighbors. Don't yell, scream, honk your horn or litter. Understand that people have to work and children have school so most displays will be shut off by 10 p.m. on weeknights.
The list is sorted by town, north to south in Ocean County. New entries will be added to the top of each town, so come back and see as new homes are added.
BRICK
Spooky Q Haunt308 Spruce Drive, Brick
Lights on weekends and a walkthrough with live actors will only be available on Halloween. Follow them on Instagram.
Walcott Manor 235 Cottonwood Drive, Brick
Lit nightly from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Highlights include a life-sized zombie horse pulling a hearse, 7- foot tall plague doctor, 10-foot-tall werewolf, 10-foot-tall winged predator and custom-built props. Our display will include fog, atmospheric music and all animatronics activated on Halloween. They are collecting donations for Adopt A Pet, Inc, a nonprofit, volunteer only rescue located in Freehold. Follow them on Facebook.
Lennon Acres, Bricktucky Graveyard 45 Birch Drive, Brick
Website: https://lennonacres.com/
Monday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The scene features a lifelike burning witch.
POINT PLEASANT
Nerd Chamber725 Beaver Dam Road, Point Pleasant
Corner of Beaver Dam Road and Christopher Road. Partially lit Monday through Thursday after dark to midnight; fully lit Friday-Sunday after dark to midnight. Features over 10 animatronics; including 3 oversized monsters, and movie favorites (ie: Beetlejuice, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Chucky) in addition to spooky lighting, hologram graphics, jack-o-lanterns, projections, skeletons, etc. Follow them on Instagram @nerdchamber
BEACHWOOD
929 Longboat Ave., Beachwood
Display running until Halloween featuring loads of fun animatronics. From the psycho circus to the hellish graveyard, there's a lot to see. During trick-or-treating hours on Oct. 30, stop by for the full experience with music, fog, and more!
TOMS RIVER
Cedar Inn Haunt26 Cedar Inn Road, Toms River
Lit from 6:45 p.m. until 11 p.m. every night. Free haunted house in the driveway with live actors again and more scares on Oct. 30 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are collecting donations for breast cancer awareness as a donation to help a great cause.
The Reaper Band1416 Lawrence Ave., Toms River
The Reaper Bank includes a puking skeleton and a fire pit skeleton, both made for this year's display. It is lit up from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly. The Band is making its big-time performance with live music and is taking requests on Halloween. The display features a smoke machine and cool lighting.
Grimm's CornerCorner of Equestrian Way and Yale Avenue, Toms River
It will be lit up every night until Halloween. There will be fog machines and a walkthrough blow-up on Oct. 30 during trick-or-treating in Toms River.
Terror on South Main 126 South Main St., Toms River
Trick or Treat Bash on Oct. 30 with live actors, music and fog. Check their Facebook page.
Rizzo's Halloween House 1240 Audubon Drive, Toms River
Display is on every night from 6-10 p.m.
The BONEyard179 Arizona Ave., Toms River
Every day from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. They are collecting donations for Warhorse Scuba Inc., dedicated to our nation's combat veterans.
Patch is publishing candidate profiles for municipal and school board elections in 2024.Patch StaffBRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick....
Patch Staff
BRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.
Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick.
Challenging for the three seats, on the slogan Common Sense 4Education, are George Malgeri, Gregory J. Cohen and Georgia Lane-Hansen. Cohen sought election to the school board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from George Malgeri.
Name: George Malgeri
Age: 25
Family: Single
Education: Brick Township High School (Diploma issued in 2017), Ocean County College (Associate’s issued in 2021), Georgian Court University (Bachelor’s in Political Science issued in 2023), Georgian Court School of Business and Digital Media (Master’s in Business Administration to be issued in 2025).
Occupation: Food server, real estate agent (anticipated start date: Jan. 1, 2025).
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government?
No elected office yet; interned for our State Senator and our members of State Assembly when studying for political science degree in pursuit of an eventual law school education.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.
My parents do not work in politics or government as elected officials, but do work as public employees. My mother works as a teacher for Lakewood Township Public Schools; my father works as an equipment trainer for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office as I have had an interest in politics and government from a very young age. Having grown up and continuing to be part of a church community, originally The Church of Grace and Peace in Toms River and now New Beginnings Church here in Brick, I have been instilled with a desire to help others to satisfy their needs and achieve their goals however I may be able to do so. I am hoping to be able to do whatever I can to best serve my fellow residents of Brick who would like to see the children of our town receive a high-quality education to make themselves fulfilled and productive members of society but would also like and deserve to know how exactly our and how many of our tax dollars are being spent for educating children for their future in our present, uncertain economic climate marked by inflation in conjunction with higher local property tax bills and shrinking education-related aid from the state to many desirable, middle-income, suburban school districts such as Brick to send more of our tax dollars to chronically underperforming, low-income, urban school districts such as Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth, among others that benefit financially at our expense, both financially and in terms of the quality of education that can be afforded to the children in our town.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Brick Township School District right now and how would you address it?
I strongly believe the most significant issue confronting the Brick Township School District at present is a funding crisis instigated by acts of the State Legislature executed by the Governor. Residents, parents, teachers, and ultimately taxpayers can clearly see that Brick and many other towns at the Shore and across the state with a similar demographic and economic profile as ours have been placed on the back burner with regard to education-related aid from the state. Brick residents pay local property taxes, state income taxes, among other taxes to contribute to a “thorough and efficient education” as mandated by our State Constitution, and yet schools in Brick have encountered increasing difficultly in the last number of years with ensuring sufficient staffing to avert class overcrowding, obtaining full access to all facts and statistics from the Central Administration of the district and the State Department of Education to better understand the issues confronting our district, and a recent property tax increase approved primarily to fill an ever-increasing education funding gap from the state; more than half of every $1.00 Brick residents pay in property taxes are sent to the school district.
At the same time, emphasized with the passing of Senate Bill 2 in Trenton being executed into law by the Governor’s Office, the state has taken tax dollars meant to ensure a constitutionally mandated “throughout and efficient” education for all children in all schools in New Jersey and has, in the pursuit of equity, continuously taken more dollars away from middle-income suburban towns such as Brick and many others at the Shore and elsewhere across the state and has given tax dollars that otherwise would have gone to towns such as ours to lower-income cities benefitting from Schools Development Authority District, or SDA (formerly Abbott District) status granted by the state; 60% or educated-related state aid is sent to the approximately 30 SDA districts across New Jersey, taking into consideration that New Jersey has approximately 600 school districts. Not only has this impacted districts such as Brick in more negative manners than one (i.e.; larger class sizes, higher property taxes, shrinking resources to manage ever-changing needs for each student as demographics shift in Brick as they have in other districts across the state and across the nation in recent years for various reasons), but also appears to have been done in vain by the state as the districts that have been benefitting the most, financially speaking, from our financial issues instigates by the state has not demonstrated tangible improvements with ever-increasing funding at our ever-increasing expense, both financially and otherwise.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected to the Brick Township Board of Education, I would work as effectively as I can with fellow Board members, taking into consideration that a number of Board members already share in my aforementioned viewpoints and frustration, to send a message to the state that our children, teachers, fellow residents and taxpayers in Brick deserves equity just as much as any other district in New Jersey, even if we do not qualify for some sort of special status that has allowed for districts such as Brick to have treated as a sort of piggy bank by the state with more of our tax dollars leaving our districts to go to others with no improvement on our part nor on the part of the districts that have e received the money that would originally gone to our children; I would serve as a cheerleader for a quality education for all of our children to make for a better future for all of us and a cheerleader for taxpayers who deserves a good return on investment for all the tax dollars that they pay.
Name one thing about the Brick Township School District that always makes you smile.
As someone who has lived on the autism spectrum for as long as he has had memory, in the present day as a college graduate pursuing a graduate degree and hoping to pursue a law degree afterwards, I am reminded of my time as a student in the Brick Township School District from kindergarten to 12th grade, having received a quality level of special services for which the district came to be well-known and highly valued over the years. From compassionate teachers and teacher’s aides to understanding principals and therapists, I was able to experience all types of school and district employees at all levels worked in one fashion or another for the benefit of students with special needs such as myself who just needed some extra help to learn and succeed in school and in life alongside mainstreamed friends and peers; I feel very blessed and I am very appreciative of my individualized education experience in the Brick Township School District and I would do whatever I can to ensure that children in our town with any and all types of special needs receive the services they need and deserve through our district if fortunate enough to be elected to the Board of Education.
Patch is publishing candidate profiles for municipal and school board elections in 2024.Patch StaffBRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick....
Patch Staff
BRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.
Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick.
Challenging for the three seats, on the slogan Common Sense 4Education, are George Malgeri, Gregory J. Cohen and Georgia Lane-Hansen. Cohen sought election to the school board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Gregory J. Cohen.
Name: Gregory J. Cohen
Age: 61
Family: Married to Kim Cohen. We have a blended family of 7 children, 8 grandchildren and one on the way.
Education: Atlantic School of Insurance, Rutgers Collage of Government Studies
Occupation: Director of Transportation, West Orange Schools; Adjunct Instructor for Rutgers Transportation Supervisors Course; Owner, Gregory J. Cohen Insurance Agency
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? No answer provided
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for the Brick Schools board to bring transparency and common sense back to our education system. I believe that every parent, taxpayer, and staff member deserves to know what is happening in our schools. My main goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and to provide robust support for the dedicated educators who guide them. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone feels informed and empowered.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Brick Township School District right now and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing Brick Township Schools right now is the continued erosion of funding from Trenton. This reduction is leading to increased class sizes and decreased staffing, which ultimately impacts the quality of education our students receive. To address this, I believe in empowering our parents, staff, and the community to advocate for our schools. By building a coalition of voices, we can push for proper funding and hold our state leaders accountable. Together, we can work to ensure that our schools receive the resources they need to provide a high-quality education for every student.
Name one thing about the Brick Township School District that always makes you smile.
One thing that always makes me smile about the Brick Township School District is reflecting on the incredible teachers who have guided me, my brothers, and my seven children throughout our years in Brick Schools. Their dedication and passion for education have made a lasting impact on our lives, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where students can truly thrive.
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A developer is proposing a multifamily residential development that will include 60 units spread among nine buildings, located along a major township thoroughfare.The proposed development would be located at 100 Drum Point Road, which is currently the home of two small medical buildings offering eye care services. The property is owned by the estate of its longtime owner, however a development firm known as 100 Drum Point LLC is the contract purchaser of the parcel and is behind the development. That firm, according to state business ...
A developer is proposing a multifamily residential development that will include 60 units spread among nine buildings, located along a major township thoroughfare.
The proposed development would be located at 100 Drum Point Road, which is currently the home of two small medical buildings offering eye care services. The property is owned by the estate of its longtime owner, however a development firm known as 100 Drum Point LLC is the contract purchaser of the parcel and is behind the development. That firm, according to state business records, is owned by Hiren Ramani, James D’Iorio, Vijyaben Ramani, and Daksha Ramani, all of Roselle Park, N.J. All are associated with Ramani Group, the developer of apartments and multifamily complexes across the state, accounting for more than 3,000 residential units spread throughout a $1 billion real estate portfolio.
The property is located across the street from the Brick Presbyterian Church, about halfway between Brick Boulevard and Old Hooper Avenue.
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A residential development is not a permitted use in the Village Zone, in which the property at 100 Drum Point Road is located, necessitating the developer to obtain a use variance from the township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. Such a variance requires support from a supermajority of board members for approval.
According to a filing with the board, plans call for the removal of the two existing masonry buildings and the construction of nine multi-family residential buildings consisting of 60 units in their place. The buildings would be built along with driveways and associated site improvements, including a drainage basin.
Numerous levels of variance relief would be required to be granted by the board. In the Village Zone, a small number of dwelling units are permitted to be constructed over light commercial space – generally aimed at those in the building trades – on the first floor. No residential uses are normally permitted on the first floor, while the Drum Point proposal calls for units to be placed there. The proposed multifamily residential buildings are not a permitted principal, accessory or conditional use within the zone, meaning a use variance – often known as a “D” variance – is required, in turn triggering the supermajority requirement.
The developer is also seeking a density variance due to the proposed density of 11.2 units per acre.
In addition to the use and density variance relief being sought, the developer is also seeking permission to eschew the requirement to build 3-foot berms beside parking stalls adjacent to a right-of-way, build a stormwater basin along Drum Point Road (basins are not normally permitted in front yards) and build to a height of 27.5-feet at the eve of the structure, where 26-feet is normally the limit.
The application will be the subject of a hearing at the zoning board’s Oct. 9, 2024 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. at the township municipal complex on Chambers Bridge Road.
732-483-4611
