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 Schlesinger Preserve 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 Colts Neck, 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.
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“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
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“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 Dorbrook Recreation Area 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 Colts Neck Inn Steak House or visit Big Brook Nature Preserve, 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 Colts Neck, 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 Colts Neck, 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 Colts Neck, 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.
MONMOUTH COUNTY- For 150 years, the YMCA has been a safe, welcoming place for area residents of all backgrounds to gather, connect, and grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.On Thursday, Nov. 14, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (the Y) will commemorate its enduring legacy at its 150th anniversary gala at the historic Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury.The special event will celebrate six longtime supporters that have helped steer the Y through periods of transformation and growth, ensuring its continued...
MONMOUTH COUNTY- For 150 years, the YMCA has been a safe, welcoming place for area residents of all backgrounds to gather, connect, and grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County (the Y) will commemorate its enduring legacy at its 150th anniversary gala at the historic Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury.
The special event will celebrate six longtime supporters that have helped steer the Y through periods of transformation and growth, ensuring its continued impact in the community, said President and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Goganzer.
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“The unwavering dedication of our honorees has been instrumental in expanding our reach resulting in our Y serving over 42,000 people in central New Jersey today," Goganzer said.
PNC Bank will be presented the Community Impact Award for partnering with the Y to help early learners flourish through its Grow Up Great program that brings outdoor play activities and employee volunteers to the Y’s child care programs. Since it was introduced in 2004, Grow Up Great has enhanced learning for over 10 million children five and under across the United States.
Individual honorees, all current and former board members and trustees who were part of the 2019 merger that brought The Community YMCA and the YMCA of Western Monmouth County together to form the current regional YMCA, are: Bruce Lakefield, Danny Matarese, Peter McCarthy, Chris Mosley, and Carol Stillwell.
Lakefield, who resides in Rumson and Naples, FL, will be honored with the Legacy Award for his lifelong commitment to the Y and personal mission to uplift the community through the Y's mission. A former chief executive officer of Lehman Brothers and US Airways, Lakefield’s leadership experience has served the Y well through years of change and growth, while also inspiring his children to carry on the legacy of giving.
Also being presented with a Legacy Award will be McCarthy, of Little Silver, a 40-year veteran of the financial services industry and CEO of PJM Capital Management. His efforts as a volunteer board member were instrumental in helping the Y recover through economic challenges.
The Y’s Distinguished Citizen Service Award will be given to Stillwell, of Holmdel, an unwavering supporter of philanthropic causes in central New Jersey for over 35 years. As president of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., she has been frequently recognized as one of New Jersey’s top businesswomen for leadership in data center infrastructure solutions.
The Champions for Youth Award will be presented to Matarese, of Morganville, and Mosley, who lives in Colts Neck. Each year, the pair chairs an annual golf tournament that benefits the Y’s scholarship program for youth summer camp.
Y Chief Volunteer Officer Michael A. Wright said that as the nonprofit reflects on a “remarkable journey of strengthening generations of people, it’s only fitting that we recognize those who’ve played a pivotal role in its success.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s mission to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, income, or background — has the opportunity to access the Y’s life-changing programs, including fitness and chronic disease prevention, mental health, child care, summer camp, and youth leadership.
Leading the gala committee are board members Irene Hall and Samara O’Neill. The celebration is set for 6-10 p.m. at the stately Shadowbrook mansion, built just two years after the Y was established in downtown Red Bank in 1874.
Individual tickets are $275 and include an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and exciting auctions. Guests are invited to embrace the elegance of the "Gilded Age" with cocktail attire inspired by the era when the Y was founded.
Lead sponsors of the gala are the McCarthy, Mosley, Kroon and Jakubecy families, PNC Bank, and Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. Sponsorships and tickets are still available at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcaofgreatermonmouthcounty/event/150gala/.
About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County For 150 years, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has empowered youth, improved health, and fostered connections that unite and uplift the community. Serving 42,000 people annually, we’ve provided over $5 million in financial assistance in the last five years. With locations in eight communities and programs integrated into more than 100 schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are dedicated to strengthening communities. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace for three consecutive years by NJ Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.
Fawnsdale Farm Owner Sarina Pang said she welcomes people to learn more about farming and gardening when they visit.COLTS NECK, NJ — Hidden in a cul-de-sac of Colts Neck lies Fawnsdale Farm, a local hobby farm owned and founded by Sarina Pang and her partner.First established in 2019, Fawnsdale Farm offers visitors a varie...
COLTS NECK, NJ — Hidden in a cul-de-sac of Colts Neck lies Fawnsdale Farm, a local hobby farm owned and founded by Sarina Pang and her partner.
First established in 2019, Fawnsdale Farm offers visitors a variety of vegetables, flowers, animals, produce and more to shop from. Though the farm isn’t the largest in the Colts Neck area or the most well-known, Pang said Fawnsdale's “small-farm feel” keeps people coming back for more.
“It’s a quaint place,” Pang said. “It’s very peaceful. When customers come here, they say ‘Oh, it’s just a little piece of heaven.’”
Though customers may describe Fawnsdale as a “little piece of heaven” now, it wasn’t easy to construct the farm when Pang and her partner first purchased the land in 2018.
According to Pang, the hardest part of establishing Fawnsdale was setting up the farm’s infrastructure — something that’s not easy to do in a two-person team.
“We painstakingly put in all the fences ourselves,” Pang said. “That was the hardest part. We fenced in the garden as well to prevent deer coming in and eating the produce, rats coming in — things like that.”
Alongside setting up the farm's infrastructure, Pang said another dilemma Fawnsdale has faced is what tools they have access to.
According to Pang, Fawnsdale doesn't use a cutting machine, tiller, or heavy machinery. Without these extra tools, she and her partner rely on themselves to tend to the farm as needed.
“We don’t have the benefits of huge machines,” Pang said. “And it’s not a small backyard garden that you can just tend to for a couple of hours a day either — it’s somewhere in-between. Pretty much everything is done by hand or light equipment.”
To help manage some of the farm’s day-to-day operations, Pang said planning is essential.
According to Pang, April through June is the busiest time of year for Fawnsdale. During that period, Pang makes it a goal to have everything planted for customers, and once June arrives, she starts to think about succession planning, and what she’ll offer shoppers on a weekly basis.
“Last year, I grew 65 different types of vegetables for my customers,” Pang said. “So out of the 65, for example, I had 12 different varieties of tomatoes, but I only count that as one [kind of vegetable].”
Alongside what Pang plants at the farm, she also runs a farm-shares CSA (community-supported agriculture) program in the summer.
According to the National Agricultural Library, CSA farming looks to form a group of individuals that pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes “either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm.”
At Fawnsdale, Pang said their CSA program lasts for 18 weeks and typically begins in June. Throughout the program, Pang sells farm produce to participating customers and gives them a glimpse into what farm operations are like.
“The program is very vigorous,” Pang said. “There’s a lot of planning involved before the actual program starts, and because I don’t buy seedlings or plugs from other places, I pretty much start my own seeds and plant everything myself.”
Though running Fawnsdale keeps Pang and her partner busy, she said it’s been rewarding working with the Colts Neck community and seeing the farm develop over the years.
“I have people come to me to look at some of my plants or get eggs and they say ‘I’m so glad I found you. How come I didn’t know about you?’” Pang said. “We’re small, but I’m happy with the fact that we’re not growing leaps and bounds. Anything beyond that and I’d have to get a lot more help.”
Though Pang isn’t looking to expand Fawnsdale in terms of property, she said she always welcomes new customers and encourages people to try gardening themselves. As Fawnsdale develops, Pang said she wants the farm to grow alongside the Colts Neck community.
“It’s [Fawnsdale Farm] a good place to spend the weekend, a good place to educate kids on livestock, or vegetables and how they grow,” Pang said. “I honestly and thoroughly believe that if everyone wanted to start their own garden, or raise chickens, or things like that, they can. And I'm happy to help them start."
Fawnsdale Farm is located at 12 Nan Tone Ct., Colts Neck.
To learn more about Fawnsdale Farm, you can visit their Facebook page.
Owner Mary Pahira said she thinks of the store as the heart of the Colts Neck community.Sara Winick, Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 4:03 pm ETCOLTS NECK, NJ — The Colts Neck General Store and Deli is celebrating 175 years in the Colts Neck community.Founded in 1849, the store was started by the Matthews family and initially built as a mill, according to Colts Neck General Store Owner Mary Pahira....
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 4:03 pm ET
COLTS NECK, NJ — The Colts Neck General Store and Deli is celebrating 175 years in the Colts Neck community.
Founded in 1849, the store was started by the Matthews family and initially built as a mill, according to Colts Neck General Store Owner Mary Pahira.
Though the building has undergone plenty of renovations since its founding, you can still see parts of its original structure today in everything from the building's rafters to antiques the store has collected over the years.
At one point, Pahira said there even used to be a trap door that led to the store's basement.
"Over the years, it’s changed," Pahira said. "It’s been a deli for the last 35-40 years now, but this place has been a lot over the years.”
Since its inception, Pahira said the General Store has been a butcher shop, a hardware store, and even a liquor shop. According to Pahira, the store’s roots go so deep that a liquor store around the corner from Colts Neck General got its liquor license from the General Store years ago.
“This place has been a lot over the years,” Pahira said. “It was here before the Civil War, so it’s pretty neat just to have that kind of history tied in here.”
Though Pahira has been the General Store’s owner since 2017, she’s been working with the store and the Colts Neck community much longer than that.
In 2008, Pahira was working at Delicious Orchards when she heard about the General Store for the first time.
Her co-workers mentioned visiting the store for pork roll egg and cheese sandwiches (the store would later be voted as one of the best spots for a pork roll egg and cheese in the state), and Pahira said they often took turns visiting the store to pick up food.
“They’d [her coworkers] always say ‘This General Store, this General Store – you have to go to the General Store,’” Pahira said. “And I was like, ‘What the heck is the General Store?’”
It was late 2008 when Pahira finally got her answer.
Upon visiting the General Store for the first time, Pahira said it wasn’t what she was expecting.
Though she was surprised by the set-up of the store’s interior, it didn’t stop her from coming back. After visiting for a few months, one of the store's owners offered her a position to work there.
“He said, you know, ‘do you want a job?’” Pahira said. “And I was like ‘yeah, okay. Sure.’”
In March 2009, Pahira officially began working at the General Store. Fast-forward to March 2017, and Pahira took over as the store’s official owner.
“I worked other places over the years, but I always wanted a piece of the pie,” Pahira said.
Since joining the General Store, Pahira said the building has undergone a few makeovers. In 2013, she said they gave the store “a little bit of a facelift” by painting and putting up pictures and decorations.
Yet the true store makeover came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Pahira said they re-did the building’s lighting, ceiling, and more while the store was shut down.
“I did all of the displays where the register is, the flooring, the ceiling — it used to be a drop ceiling,” Pahira said. “We redid all of it."
Today, the General Store is a hotspot for the Colts Neck community to gather, eat, and talk with one another, Pahira said.
The store is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and offers everything ranging from food, to custom gift baskets, candles, baked goods, and more.
“I look at it [the General Store] as like the heart of the town,” Pahira said. “You know? At 7 a.m. I open the doors, the coffee’s made, and I’ve got people already waiting to just get in and sit down and take up a whole table.”
“And it’s important,” Pahira continued. “It’s nice being in a small town, being in a place like this — because it doesn’t feel like work. It’s awesome that this is where people want to come and hang out, and it’s an awesome experience to be a part of that.”
To learn more about the General Store, you can visit their Facebook page.
The Colts Neck General Store & Deli is located at 171 County Road 537, Colts Neck.
Candidate Robert Scales shares why he's running for election on the Colts Neck Board of Education in 2024.Sara Winick, Patch StaffCOLTS NECK, NJ — Colts Neck’s general election on Nov. 5 has seven candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education.Candidate Robert Scales is running for one of three seats with Brian Scarpa and Sara Horowitz. Opposing candidates include Mark E. Chersevani, Brenna ...
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
COLTS NECK, NJ — Colts Neck’s general election on Nov. 5 has seven candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education.
Candidate Robert Scales is running for one of three seats with Brian Scarpa and Sara Horowitz. Opposing candidates include Mark E. Chersevani, Brenna Dillon, Amy Dimes, and Vanessa Dawson.
Are you running for the Board of Education in Colts Neck? Contact Sara Winick at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Colts Neck Patch.
Age: 40Town of residence: Colts NeckEducation: University of Rhode Island, Bachelors in EconomicsOccupation: Senior Executive, Business Development — Indirect Procurement
What drove you to seek public office?My family and I have proudly called Colts Neck our home for nearly a decade and have been residents of Monmouth County our entire lives. I am running for the Colts Neck Board of Education (CNBOE) because we cherish this town and I am committed to upholding the conservative values that make it special. Our community thrives on strong family values and the safety of our children, and I am dedicated to preserving these principles against any overreach from the government in Trenton.
As a former All-American student-athlete, I deeply understand the significance of fair play and the transformative power of education and athletics on our youth. My goal is to ensure that our children have a fair and enriching experience both in the classroom and on the field.
I believe that parenting should remain a personal responsibility, not one imposed by the State of New Jersey. Transparency for parents is crucial, and I will work tirelessly to foster collaboration among teachers, families, and fellow board members to safeguard parental rights. Our dedicated Colts Neck teachers deserve to focus on education without the undue pressure to conform to state-driven agendas.
I am acutely aware of the hard work that Colts Neck families put into earning every dollar. With rising property values and tax revenue, it is essential that every penny is spent wisely. If elected, I will ensure that funds are managed efficiently and not wasted on unnecessary administrative costs.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?What sets me apart from other candidates is my commitment to the Colts Kids First vision and the collective strength of our team. I am running with an exceptional slate of candidates—Brian Scarpa, Sara Horowitz, and Phyllis Camera (Camera is running for a one-year unexpired term on the Board of Education against opponent Tracy Kramer).
Our shared vision is captured in our slogan: Progressing with Purpose, Educating with Passion, Pioneering Our Future.
Here’s what sets the Colts Kids First slate apart:
CKF TEAM GOALS:
As a united team, we bring diverse experiences and a shared dedication to building a dynamic, supportive learning environment. What sets us apart is our ability to work collaboratively while keeping a laser focus on what matters most: the success of every child in our district.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Colts Neck, and how will you resolve it?The impact of Colts Neck Manor on our school district's infrastructure, along with the fiscal responsibility required to manage the situation properly, is a significant concern.
I am dissatisfied with the current board's response to this evolving financial landscape. Our board must take a proactive approach and be prepared for future challenges. Years ago, they misjudged the impact of The Grande, and based on what I’ve observed, they are on track to underestimate the impact of Colts Neck Manor as well.
Here are the facts:
We need a board that will address this head-on, and if elected, I will ensure we do.
What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?Over the past 18 years, I have held several executive leadership roles in an industry dedicated to developing enterprise workflows that enable corporations to make efficient and fiscally responsible purchasing decisions. I have successfully consulted with C-suite executives of Fortune 500 companies, working closely with corporate buying committees consisting of 5 to 10 board members.
I am confident that my professional expertise will bring valuable insights and innovation to our Colts Neck BOE and our district.
Name one thing about Colts Neck that always makes you smile.Our community means everything to us.
My family and I love this town, and I feel immense pride whenever someone asks "Where do you live?" And I can proudly reply, "Colts Neck, NJ."
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Candidate Tracy Kramer shares why she's running for election on the Colts Neck Board of Education in 2024.Sara Winick, Patch StaffCOLTS NECK, NJ — Colts Neck’s general election on Nov. 5 has two candidates running for one, open one-year seat on the Board of Education.Candidate Tracy Kramer is running for the open seat against opponent Phyllis Camera.Are you running for the Board of Education in Colt...
Sara Winick, Patch Staff
COLTS NECK, NJ — Colts Neck’s general election on Nov. 5 has two candidates running for one, open one-year seat on the Board of Education.
Candidate Tracy Kramer is running for the open seat against opponent Phyllis Camera.
Are you running for the Board of Education in Colts Neck? Contact Sara Winick at [email protected] for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Colts Neck Patch.
Age: 47Town of residence: Colts NeckEducation: BBA Emory University & Design Certificate SUNY Purchase Occupation: CFO, Property Manager, and Builder
What drove you to seek public office?I first decided to seek public office because I found the BOE to be an excellent opportunity to get involved. I wanted to make a difference in our local community, both for the students and parents in our district. Simply put, I love our schools and this town!
What sets you apart from the other candidates?The thing that sets me apart from my fellow candidates is that my career path has taken me from finance, to design, to property management and construction, and, most importantly, to being a mom. This combination, along with having a son in the district for six years now, has given me a wide lens and a unique set of skills suitable for the business of the Board.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Colts Neck, and how will you resolve it?To me, the biggest issue facing Colts Neck is maintaining the integrity of our schools and making sure the district continues to meet the educational needs of families in our town who moved here specifically for a quality education and a peaceful lifestyle.
The large new community being built, Livana, will have an impact on our schools for better and for worse. While we as a town welcome newcomers with open arms, the district will be tasked with absorbing the new students and making sure all of our current students continue to get the individualized attention and learning opportunities that they have now.
I am certainly up for that challenge by making sure the district refers to and tweaks the demographic study that was done previously, making sure that the budgets can handle any new staff needed, along with adjustments to district space constraints starting now, and not in three years when there is an influx of students. There are 2 budget seasons left to make these preparations.
What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?The thing that most qualifies me to be a BOE member is that I recently served for 3 years on the Board.
In those years, I served as Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and helped spearhead the ESIP program that is currently underway. The Energy Savings program brings solar, LED, and several building envelope improvements, which allows the district to upgrade the entire HVAC system throughout the three schools without using taxpayer dollars to do so.
Additionally, along with other members of the Finance Committee, I negotiated the most recent CNTEA contract which resulted in unanimous votes from the Board and CNTEA leadership. And finally, and most personal to me, when COVID-19 divided more than just this town, I always stood firm in my beliefs throughout my time on the Board to fight for our children against mask mandates and State overreach. I stand by that still today.
Name one thing about Colts Neck that always makes you smile.The kindness of the people in this town always makes me smile. And of course, coming in close second is that for a small town, there are so many spots to get a great cup of coffee!
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