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“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”

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.
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“I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care.”

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!!
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“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”

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.
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Elderly Care for Leta J.
551
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“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful
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Senior Care for Carla500226
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“We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver”

We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.
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Elderly Care for Judy367738
451
Caring

“We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now.”

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.
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In-home Care for Nancy176801
551
Caring

“We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in”

We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I 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

“Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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

“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

“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
In-Home Care Colts Neck, NJ

How does In-home Senior Care in Colts Neck, NJ work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Colts Neck, NJ

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Colts Neck, NJ 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.

Respite Care Colts Neck, NJ

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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 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.

Caregivers Colts Neck, 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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.

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.

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Latest News in Colts Neck, NJ

Football photos: Toms River South vs. Colts Neck in the state tournament, Oct. 28, 2023

Game LeadersTotal Passing Yards57Colts Neck47Damir Nelson #9 55Chris ScullyColts Neck195Receiving yardageGrayson Thumm #11 33Tesio CarabelloColts Neck24Sacks1Eric LoueiroColts Neck1Tackles - TotalJames Alexander0Dom BeninatoColts Neck0InterceptionsJames Alexander0Dom BeninatoColts Neck...

Game Leaders

Total Passing Yards

57

Colts Neck

47

Damir Nelson #9

55

Chris Scully

Colts Neck

195

Receiving yardage

Grayson Thumm #11

33

Tesio Carabello

Colts Neck

24

Sacks

1

Eric Loueiro

Colts Neck

1

Tackles - Total

James Alexander

0

Dom Beninato

Colts Neck

0

Interceptions

James Alexander

0

Dom Beninato

Colts Neck

0

View Bracket

Sat, October 28, 2023, 12:00pm

1 2 3 4 Final

Toms River South (6-3)

 0 0 0 0 0

Colts Neck (6-4)

 14 7 13 7 41

Subscriber Exclusive

Joe Zedalis | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com | Oct 28, 2023

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter TRS CN
Scully, Chris 3-yd run (Manassao, Aidan kick) 0 7
Scully, Chris 10-yd run (Manassao, Aidan kick) 0 14
2nd Quarter TRS CN
Manassao, Aidan 18 pass from Beninato, Dom (Manassao, Aidan kick) 0 21
3rd Quarter TRS CN
Scully, Chris 2-yd run (Manassao, Aidan kick) 0 28
Scully, Chris 35-yd run (kick failed) 0 34
4th Quarter TRS CN
Royal, Bryson 29-yd run (Brady, Tormey kick) 0 41

Player Stats

COMP ATT YDS TDs INTs LNG
James Alexander 5 10 57 0 0 0
Jake Henehan 1 1 4 0 0 0
Totals: 6 11 61 0 0 0

Colts Neck Passing

COMP ATT YDS TDs INTs LNG
Dom Beninato 3 5 47 0 0 0
Totals: 3 5 47 0 0 0
ATT YDS TDS LNG
James Alexander 10 10 0 0
Jake Henehan 12 50 0 0
Damir Nelson 11 55 0 0
Totals: 33 115 0 0

Colts Neck Rushing

ATT YDS TDS LNG
Dom Beninato 3 -6 0 0
Chris Scully 19 195 4 45
Ethan Mathieu 1 0 0 0
Jack Lefkowitz 1 7 0 0
Tormey Brady 1 5 0 0
Bryson Royal 1 29 1 0
Totals: 26 230 5 45
REC YDS TDS LNG
Grayson Thumm 2 33 0 0
Joe Randazzo 1 6 0 0
Joe Pignatelli 1 6 0 0
Totals: 4 45 0 0
REC YDS TDS LNG
Jack Lefkowitz 1 6 0 0
Aidan Manassao 1 17 1 0
Tesio Carabello 1 24 0 0
Totals: 3 47 1 0
S TFL T/SOLO T/AST T/TOT FF FR FUM/TD INTs INT/TD SAF KB
Joe Randazzo 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Colts Neck Defense

S TFL T/SOLO T/AST T/TOT FF FR FUM/TD INTs INT/TD SAF KB
Eric Loueiro 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Devin Donnelly 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
Totals: 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1
KOR/ATT KOR/YDS KOR/LNG KOR/TD PR/ATT PR/YDS PR/LNG PR/TD
Totals: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
KOR/ATT KOR/YDS KOR/LNG KOR/TD PR/ATT PR/YDS PR/LNG PR/TD
Totals: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Toms River South Special Teams Scoring

FGM FGA FG/LNG XPM XPA 2PT
Totals: 0 0 0 0 0 0

Marlboro Area Restaurants Open For Thanksgiving Day 2023

Don't feel like cooking for hours in the kitchen? There are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in the Marlboro-Colts Neck area.|Updated Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 2:24 pm ETMARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ — For people who don’t want to spend hours or even days cooking and cleaning up from a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in the Marlboro-Colts Neck area are open Thanksgiving Day.Restaurants open for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23, offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast fo...

Don't feel like cooking for hours in the kitchen? There are restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in the Marlboro-Colts Neck area.

|Updated Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 2:24 pm ET

MARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ — For people who don’t want to spend hours or even days cooking and cleaning up from a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in the Marlboro-Colts Neck area are open Thanksgiving Day.

Restaurants open for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 23, offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you’ll need to make a reservation, so plan as much as possible.

As always, Patch encourages you to call any restaurant on this list in advance to double-check hours on Thanksgiving Day, as many vary by location. Here are the local restaurants that plan to be open:

Other options:

According to lists curated by The Pioneer Woman, delish and Good Housekeeping, national chains that will open Thanksgiving Day include the following in and around Marlboro and Colts Neck:

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

Options include:

Applebee’sBuffalo Wild WingsBurger KingDenny’sDomino’s Golden CorralIHOPMcDonald’s Popeye’sSonicSubwayT.G.I. FridaysWendy’sWhite Castle

Hours and services may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead.

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Election 2023: Vincent Rugnetta, Colts Neck Board of Education

Patch asked Board of Education candidates to share their views on the issues. Vincent Rugnetta of Colts Neck presents his ideas.|Updated Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 8:17 pm ETCOLTS NECK, NJ — Vincent Rugnetta is one of six candidates for three full-term seats on the Colts Neck Board of Education in the Nov. 7 election.Rugnetta, of Colts Neck, is seeking a three-year term. You can follow him on Colts Kids First on Facebook, Instagram, X, ColtsKidsFirst.o...

Patch asked Board of Education candidates to share their views on the issues. Vincent Rugnetta of Colts Neck presents his ideas.

|Updated Thu, Oct 26, 2023 at 8:17 pm ET

COLTS NECK, NJ — Vincent Rugnetta is one of six candidates for three full-term seats on the Colts Neck Board of Education in the Nov. 7 election.

Rugnetta, of Colts Neck, is seeking a three-year term. You can follow him on Colts Kids First on Facebook, Instagram, X, ColtsKidsFirst.org.

There are six candidates for three full-terms seats on the school board; two candidates for a two-year unexpired term. You can see all the candidates for the school board listed below.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Rugnetta is running on the Colts Kids First team and says he encourages additional focus on special needs education and initiatives to make up the learning gap post COVID.

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

He says the school board should oversee curriculum development and he advocates age-appropriate civics education. He also favors an "opt-in" approach to the school health curriculum.

Read more from Vincent Rugnetta:

Background:

Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, school board experience, campaign links, and personal background.

I have been a proud resident of Colts Neck for over 23 years when I moved here with my family in April of 2000. I have loved growing up in this town since I was a teenager playing recreational baseball on the fields of Laird Road with my dad. Now, I get to experience the fortune of continuing to live in Colts Neck as an adult with a family of my own.

I have coached my son’s baseball and flag football teams for the past several years. I love working with children and teaching them how to work as a team. Sports has taught my child the importance of discipline, work ethic, and support for your peers. Sports have taught the value of being humble in victory and grace in defeat, and in defeat the significance of getting back up and moving forward. These are incredible principles I believe are the backbone in raising a child.

Another reason I have always loved about Colts Neck and why I wanted to stay in this town when I came to have a family was the incredible school system.

However, as topics and policies have changed in our school system, I have felt the need to run for school board to make sure my children and every child gets the best education they deserve. Our students have encountered unprecedented challenges in recent years, and as a parent I empathize with the concerns regarding the loss of educational and developmental delays, especially post COVID.

If I am elected, I will be dedicated to targeting learning loss by working to provide intervention services and examining district and state data to identify strengths and weaknesses within our district, yet also focusing on the overall growth and well-being of our children.

My unwavering commitment involves diligently allocating resources for maximum efficiency and effectiveness, guaranteeing that our students and teachers are equipped with the necessary tools and support to succeed.

I will continue to be a strong advocate for our special education students, striving to improve their access to specialized services and tailored support that addresses their individual needs.

Inclusivity forms the bedrock of a robust educational system, and I will champion this principle throughout my tenure. I am here to represent the voices of Colts Neck families, always prioritizing parental choice in education while ensuring transparency in decision-making processes and respectful engagement between board members, community members, teachers, staff, and administration.

I will always advocate and vote for the best interests of our children and have an unwavering support of parental rights. I wish to be a vessel for parents' questions and concerns. I want all parents to know they can come to me with any issues they would like brought forth to the board, and vise versa.

I wish to make sure our board and schools are as transparent as possible. I can tell you that if a policy is going to benefit our children I will be in favor of it. Such is the case with the summer bridge program and extended school year in which my child, and children I personally know have benefited from greatly.

However, if an issue or policy is going to add more wasteful spending and taxes and not benefit our kids, either directly or indirectly, you can be sure I will vote against it. I hope to see and get to know many more parents and residents at town events and Colts Kids First meet-and-greets, or wherever we may unite in the coming weeks before the election.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their district, and how the school board can address them.

They must consider modernizing educational content, incorporating technology effectively, creativity, innovation, and ensuring that the curriculum prepares students for higher education and their future careers. This includes advocating for what would be age-appropriate instruction in American Civics, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and U.S. history without bias for all students.

While these topics are included in the curriculum to some extent, I believe they should be taught in greater depth and with ongoing participation from elementary school through middle school.

Unfortunately, we currently dedicate insufficient time to these subjects. It is essential for our children to study these topics repeatedly because they constitute the bedrock of our nation. Our children are the future, and they must understand past mistakes so as to not repeat them.

Accordingly, they must understand our past successes as well so they don’t lose sight of what made our country great. Regrettably, many young adults today appear to have forgotten our core principles, becoming engrossed in contemporary distractions rather than embracing the values that shaped our nation.

Policy 5756:

Candidates were asked if they wanted to comment on state Policy 5756, which provides guidance regarding transgender students, including communication with parents. Some districts in the state are repealing or amending the policy.

As a parent and candidate I extend my gratitude to the current Colts Neck Board’s decision to abolish Policy 5756. However, it should be noted that without the current Colts Kids First members on the board consistently fighting for parents, it never would have happened.

It is a good first step in the right direction, but unfortunately does not implement parental notification or consent. There should be zero discretion when it comes to the board or school policies.

Nothing about a child should be kept from a parent, and as a board member I will do what I can to make sure rights are given back to the parents. I will support initiatives to create a policy that more accurately reflects our district’s values and one that reiterates my commitment to ensuring all students feel safe, comfortable and respected.

Colts Neck Board of Education (Full term; vote for three)

Colts Neck Board of Education (Two-year unexpired term; vote for one)

Freehold Regional High School District (Full term; vote for one)

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More from Marlboro-Coltsneck

Football: Colts Neck vs. Toms River South, SJG4 Quarterfinal, October 28, 2023

Football: Colts Neck vs. Toms River South, October 28, 2023James Alexander (13) of Toms River South has the ball knocked loose by Devin Donnelly (33) of Colts Neck for a turnover during the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 4 quarterfinal football game between Colts Neck and Toms River South at Colts Neck High School in Colts Neck, NJ on Saturday, October 28, 2023....

Football: Colts Neck vs. Toms River South, October 28, 2023

James Alexander (13) of Toms River South has the ball knocked loose by Devin Donnelly (33) of Colts Neck for a turnover during the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 4 quarterfinal football game between Colts Neck and Toms River South at Colts Neck High School in Colts Neck, NJ on Saturday, October 28, 2023.Get Photo

Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media

Football: Colts Neck vs. Toms River South, October 28, 2023

Chris Scully (21) of Colts Neck rushes past Agustin Ramos (60) of Toms River South on his way to the first touchdown of the game during the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 4 quarterfinal football game between Colts Neck and Toms River South at Colts Neck High School in Colts Neck, NJ on Saturday, October 28, 2023.Get Photo

Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media

Football: Colts Neck vs. Toms River South, October 28, 2023

Dom Beninato (19) of Colts Neck throws a pass during the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 4 quarterfinal football game between Colts Neck and Toms River South at Colts Neck High School in Colts Neck, NJ on Saturday, October 28, 2023.Get Photo

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Drinking water danger? Monmouth asked to shoot down plan for 360 Colts Neck apartments

FREEHOLD - Colts Neck residents have asked the Monmouth County Commissioners to reject a proposed sewer plan for a controversial 360-unit apartment complex to be built on Route 537.More than 1,800 people have signed an online petition asking for a more in-depth review of the environmental impacts of ...

FREEHOLD - Colts Neck residents have asked the Monmouth County Commissioners to reject a proposed sewer plan for a controversial 360-unit apartment complex to be built on Route 537.

More than 1,800 people have signed an online petition asking for a more in-depth review of the environmental impacts of Colts Neck Manor. Leaders of the petition drive also spoke to the commissioners at their meeting Tuesday.

Their concern is Colts Neck Manor's location near the Yellow Brook, which feeds into the Swimming River Reservoir.

Failure of the sewer system proposed for the project "could create a major contamination event affecting the drinking water of half of the residents of Monmouth County," Colts Neck resident Rick Orriss said.

Approved by the township:Colts Neck approves 360-unit apartment complex, with some regrets

The Colts Neck Planning Board already signed off on zoning for Colts Neck, which would construct a 15-building complex with a clubhouse and a pool at Route 537 and School Road East. The developer, Kushner Cos. LLC, is seeking an amendment to Monmouth County's Water Quality Management Plan to allow for a package plant, a prefabricated wastewater treatment system.

Colts Neck does not have municipal water and sewer services.

The Monmouth County Commissioners would need to sign off on the amendment before it goes to the state Department of Environmental Protection for final approval. A date for the commissioners to review the amendment has not been set.

Colts Neck changing:See inside Becker Hardware's final days and what drove owner to close store

Heeding to legal advice, Commissioner Director Tom Arnone did not comment on the project directly, but said he would research the matter more to understand the issues.

"I'd like to know more about it," he said.

The site previously received a water quality management plan amendment in 2006 when it was slated for a 48-townhouse project.

But the project is now significantly larger and should meet current environmental standards, former Colts Neck Mayor RoseAnn Scotti said.

"This project seems to be progressing through the processes on a design for a project that was approved in 2006 for a 48-unit townhouse development, and it is now a 360-apartment unit project," she said. "We are simply asking that it be developed subject to the same environmental standards as any other project would be."

Colts Neck Manor is a project that is included in the township's affordable housing settlement with Fair Share Housing Center, a statewide housing advocacy group.

New Jersey has a housing shortage overall and a severe shortage of affordable housing. For every 100 families earning extremely low incomes, New Jersey has only 31 affordable and available rentals, according to data from Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey and National Low Income Housing Coalition.

Housing prices:Why it is so hard to find affordable housing in New Jersey?

Housing advocates say stringent municipal zoning laws are often the biggest barrier to building more homes to help low-to-moderate income families. The settlement requires Colts Neck both to rezone the site and to do everything it can to support the water quality plan amendment, Fair Share Housing Center executive director Adam Gordon said. In almost all cases, counties defer to what towns want. "Residents of Colts Neck always find a way to argue that any particular site in the town is not appropriate for affordable housing," he said. "Those arguments about sites being suitable somehow do not seem to come up when new mansions are proposed in Colts Neck."

Scotti said the residents are not against affordable housing. Scotti was mayor in 1993 when Colts Neck implemented an affordable housing project called The Grande.

"It has worked out beautifully and satisfied our quota at the time along with a rehabilitation housing program paid for by the developer," she said.

Susanne Cervenka covers Monmouth County government and property tax issues, winning several state and regional awards for her work. She's covered local government for nearly 20 years, with stops in Ohio and Florida before arriving in New Jersey in 2013. Contact her at @scervenka; 732-643-4229; [email protected].

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