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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 Allenhurst, NJ

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

 In-Home Care Allenhurst, 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

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

laura K.
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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.”

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Sunset Lake Memorial 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 Allenhurst, 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 Mister C's Beach Bistro 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.

 In-Home Care Allenhurst, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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:

  • Ocean Grove Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Millennium Memory Care at Ocean
  • Alcoeur Gardens
  • Hillside Group Home
  • Jersey Shore Adult Day Care
  • Senior Living Market Analysis
Home Care Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, 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 Allenhurst, NJ

Latest News in Allenhurst, NJ

$24M beach fill project for Loch Arbour through Deal gets started

LOCH ARBOUR – Over the objections of some environmentalists, a $24 million beach fill project has started here and is expected to be completed by March 1, pending major weather delays.Three Jersey Shore towns — Loch Arbour, Allenhurst and Deal — will get sand in the beach replenishment proje...

LOCH ARBOUR – Over the objections of some environmentalists, a $24 million beach fill project has started here and is expected to be completed by March 1, pending major weather delays.

Three Jersey Shore towns — Loch Arbour, Allenhurst and Deal — will get sand in the beach replenishment project, which is being carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers. It will restore more than 1.1 million cubic yards of sand to the towns’ beaches. The amount of fill is equivalent to 51 football fields.

The federal investment in the project is $16.9 million, which is 65% of the total cost. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-New Jersey, said state and local funds will make up the remaining cost.

Pallone, who has been a longtime advocate for beach replenishment along the Jersey Shore, called the project critical to protecting the beach and local communities.

“Coastal restoration projects like beach replenishment ensure that our beaches and infrastructure remain resilient to bad weather events. I would like to thank the Army Corps of Engineers for their continued dedication to this important project in our state," Pallone said.

The project received pushback from a coalition of environmental and beach access groups led by local chapters of the Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club, who met on the beach in Deal in October to oppose it, a week after the replenishment was announced.

The coalition contends that beach replenishment does more to protect wealthy homeowners, damages the coastal ecology, and, ultimately, the added sand washes back into the sea and has to be replaced.

The group wants New Jersey lawmakers to reject a bill that would double the amount of money the state puts toward shore protection projects each year from $25 million to $50 million.

'No end in sight':Coalition argues $1.5B in NJ beach replenishment has been a waste

The bill passed the state Senate and currently sits in committee in the state Assembly.

At the very least, the coalition wants a new funding formula that would require beachfront property owners to pay the lion's share of the costs instead of putting the burden on taxpayers. By the coalition's count, over $1.5 billion has been spent on New Jersey beach replenishment dating back to the 1980s.

This new round of beach fill follows a federal beach renewal project that stretched from Manasquan Inlet to Sea Bright that started in 1994 and finished in 2001.

That project area was replenished again following superstorm Sandy, using 8 million cubic yards of sand.

In 2015, the area from southern Deal to Loch Arbour, which wasn't included in the original project, was filled.

Pallone said beaches where replenishment has been done get new fill about every six years on average.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].

Criterion Chocolates in Eatontown offers taste from your childhood for almost a century

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.MAIN STREETFive-minute readEATONTOWN - Growing up in Long Branch with an industrious spirit, Ron Boyadjian began working at nearly century-old Criterion Chocolates as a high school student.More than 50 y...

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Five-minute read

EATONTOWN - Growing up in Long Branch with an industrious spirit, Ron Boyadjian began working at nearly century-old Criterion Chocolates as a high school student.

More than 50 years later, Boyadjian now serves as co-owner of the third-generation, Eatontown-based company, along with Allenhurst resident George Karagias Jr., grandson of the company’s founder, and the two couldn’t be more dedicated to honoring their company’s iconic past while forging an exciting new future.

Founded by Louis Karagias in Asbury Park in 1929 as Criterion Candies, “our company established a factory in Eatontown in 1970 called Criterion Chocolates to supply our Asbury Park retail location(s),” said Boyadjian, 68, a Middletown resident. “In July 1971, right before my senior year of high school, I started working there cutting taffy, helping one of the owners cook batches, and assisting with other jobs.”

Following high school, Boyadjian went on to graduate from Georgetown University with a degree in business management and returned to work full-time at Criterion Chocolates at a managerial level.

Then owned by Louis’ sons, George Sr. and Demitri, along with a third partner, “the company’s third partner passed away in 1985 and Demitri left the business in 1989, leaving just George Sr. and myself to run the operation,” said Boyadjian, who had no ownership stake at that time. “However, in 1992, George Sr. brought myself, his son George Jr. (who had worked at the company throughout high school and college and came on-board full-time in 1986) and a third partner, Jim Samaras, in as owners.

"Jim ended up retiring at the beginning of the pandemic and George Jr. and I have been the sole co-owners of Criterion Chocolates since March 2020,” Boyadjian said.

'Tried-and-true recipes'

Supported by 17 full and part-time team members today, “we left Asbury Park in 1993, and, though we returned to Asbury Park in 2012, we closed that shop in 2016 and Eatontown is now our only location,” Boyadjian noted.

But while its footprint may have changed over its 93-year history, the menu of products has largely remained the same at the beloved company, which has been part of the fabric of the Jersey shore since the close of the Roaring Twenties.

“We offer over 100 everyday bulk items in milk, dark and white chocolate varieties, from simple chocolate pops on a stick to more complex almond butter crunch and everything in between, including vanilla buttercreams, plain and sea salt caramels, chocolate turtles with almonds, cashews or pecans, nut clusters, jellies, creams, nonpareils, chocolate-covered pretzels, coconut patties and much more,” Boyadjian said of confections that typically sell for either $17.95 or $19.95 a pound. “While we discontinued some boardwalk products over time, we never stopped making taffy items and continue to offer them year-round.”

These and an extensive selection of other products are available at the 1,200-square-foot retail shop that sits adjacent to their 7,200-square-foot manufacturing facility, but Criterion Chocolates also supplies bulk items to farm markets, drug stores and candy shops both locally and as far away as North Jersey and Long Island as well as pre-packaged items to such outlets as Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties in Point Pleasant, Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck and Dearborn Market in Holmdel.

“Though we don’t make chocolate — we buy it from a chocolate manufacturer, melt it down and work with it from there — we use top-quality milk and dark chocolate,” Boyadjian said. “We haven’t changed some of our tried-and-true recipes at all, and we’ve brought back some original processes while enhancing others.”

When it comes to trends, “almond butter crunch is one of our biggest sellers and chocolate-covered graham crackers in both milk and dark versions are also extremely popular,” Boyadjian said. “We don’t necessarily hop on fads, but longer-term trends that we’ve worked into our line over the years include sugar-free products and sea salt caramels.”

In other trends, he added, “dark chocolate has grown in popularity over time, perhaps because of its publicized health benefits, and we’ve moved to some different packaging strategies, including smaller packages for customers who want to enjoy a treat without the guilt.”

Among challenges, Boyadjian said that pandemic-era supply chain issues made it difficult to get certain flavors and raw materials. In addition, like many businesses, “product costs and wages have all gone up and it’s also been hard to get people, so we’ve tried to remain flexible and make things more efficiently using less hours of labor.”

On a positive note, “we have a good relationship with some of our competitors and have helped each other at different times,” he said. “There’s a lot of diversity in the industry and we all have our niche.”

Since the pandemic, “I spend half of my time on production activities such as making products and tweaking our processes and the other half interacting with customers and developing new products, while George supports our product development and sales/distribution activities,” Boyadjian said.

'Offering great memories and value'

Looking ahead, “we’re poised for a great holiday season on the retail, wholesale and corporate gift fronts,” he said. “We’ll be expanding our offering of candy platters starting at $25 that people can serve at parties or give as gifts and this year we’re offering a peppermint-stick taffy that features a different texture than our normal peppermint taffy; it’s a nostalgic item that people remember from their childhood.”

The company is also excited to reinvent classic products for today’s consumers. “For example, we’ve been ‘holiday-izing’ such products as our nonpareils by changing their seed colors to commemorate the holidays — e.g., red, green and white seeds for Christmas, brown, yellow and orange ones in the fall, etc.,” Boyadjian said. “And we recently added a new variety of chocolate turtle featuring broken pretzel pieces with sea salt on top that we call our ‘Sea Turtle,’ which is great for people who don’t like or can’t eat nuts.”

As the company approaches its milestone 100th anniversary in just a few years, Boyadjian and Karagias take pride in the indelible mark their products have made on customers near and far.

“People grew up with us, love that taste and ship our products to others located all over the country to share them,” Boyadjian said. “We love hearing customers tell us that they used to go to our store in Asbury Park when they were kids. People have great memories of our brand and we look forward to seeing current customers someday become old-time customers who look back on and remember our products fondly.”

As for his favorite part of the job, “I enjoy finding new ways of delivering quality and freshness in an ever-evolving market,” said Boyadjian, whose own favorites include the company’s almond butter crunch and any of its peanut butter items. “I love the challenge of reinventing and always becoming better while offering great memories and value.”

Criterion Chocolates

Location: 125 Lewis St., Eatontown

Phone: 732-542-7847

Owners: Ron Boyadjian and George Karagias Jr.

Founded: 1929

Website: criterionchocolates.com

Jersey Shore beach badge prices for 2025 revealed. Top cost hits $200.

Jersey Shore towns have already started to announce 2025 beach badge pricing, including daily and season tags.Most New Jersey beaches require paid badges or tags, with pricing ranging from daily passes for $3.50 to seasonal badges that will set you back $200. If you plan to spend a lot of time at one beach, a number of towns offer pre-season discounts on season badges.More than a dozen beaches offer ...

Jersey Shore towns have already started to announce 2025 beach badge pricing, including daily and season tags.

Most New Jersey beaches require paid badges or tags, with pricing ranging from daily passes for $3.50 to seasonal badges that will set you back $200. If you plan to spend a lot of time at one beach, a number of towns offer pre-season discounts on season badges.

More than a dozen beaches offer free entry to veterans, and many have discount options for seniors and those with disabilities. Entrance is generally free for young children.

Want to compare beach tag prices? NJ Advance Media has you covered with a list of fees for Jersey Shore towns that have announced prices for the 2025 season:

Allenhurst

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Asbury Park

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Atlantic City

Free, no badge required.

Avalon

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Avon-by-The-Sea

Barnegat Light

Bay Head

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Beach Haven

Belmar

Bradley Beach

Check back for daily and weekly badge pricing.

Brick

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Brigantine

Cape May

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Cape May Point

Corson’s Inlet State Park

Free, no badge required.

Deal

Harvey Cedars

Holgate

Island Beach State Park

No beach badge required. Free through June 30. Parking is $6 during the week and $10 on weekends.

Lavallette

Loch Arbour

Long Beach Township

Long Branch

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Longport

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Manasquan

Check back for 2025 pricing.

Mantoloking

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Margate

Monmouth Beach

North Wildwood

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Ocean City

Ocean Grove

Ortley Beach

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Sandy Hook

No badge required. Parking is $20 per car. Season parking passes available for $100.

Sea Bright

Sea Girt

Sea Isle City

Seaside Heights

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Seaside Park

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Seven Presidents (Long Branch)

Ship Bottom

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Spring Lake

Stone Harbor

Strathmere

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Surf City

Ventnor

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Wildwood

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Wildwood Crest

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