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 Historic Welcome to Freehold “My Hometown†Sign 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 Freehold, 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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“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 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.”
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“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 Michael J. Tighe Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Cipollina or visit Craig House, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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 Freehold, 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.
The National Weather Service released an updated tornado warning at 9:34 p.m. on Monday in effect until 10 p.m. for Monmouth County."At 9:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Yorketown, or 15 miles south of New Brunswick, moving east at 35 mph," says the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."Locations impact...
The National Weather Service released an updated tornado warning at 9:34 p.m. on Monday in effect until 10 p.m. for Monmouth County.
"At 9:33 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Yorketown, or 15 miles south of New Brunswick, moving east at 35 mph," says the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."
Locations impacted by the warning include Keansburg, Yorketown, Marlboro, Strathmore, East Freehold, Eatontown, Holmdel, Robertsville, Shrewsbury, North Middletown, Red Bank, Englishtown, Lincroft, Morganville, Middletown, Matawan, Tinton Falls, Freehold, Little Silver and West Long Branch. This includes Garden State Parkway between mile markers 106 and 118.
The weather service states, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. Take cover now!"
When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down:
Tornado watch: Be prepared!
Tornado warning: Take action!
Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.
Be weather-ready:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast to stay informed about tornado risks. Tune in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on tornado watches and warnings
Sign up for notifications:
Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes.
Create a communication plan:
Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member.
Choose a secure shelter:
Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
Practice your plan:
Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows.
Secure your home:
Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.
Extend a helping hand:
Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt.
When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:
Stay informed:
Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings.
At home:
If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits.
At work or school:
In the workplace or at school, adhere to tornado drill procedures and proceed promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter. Avoid areas with large, open spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and stay away from windows.
Outdoors:
If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure.
In a vehicle:
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
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FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — There was a joyful mood at Monday night’s council meeting when Freehold Borough recognized special guests from their “twinned” community of Rathangan, Ireland, and the 2nd Infantry Battalion Veteran Association from Dublin.Their visit came after the Borough Council approved a “Twinning Agreement” with Rathangan, County Kildare, Ireland in 2024....
FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — There was a joyful mood at Monday night’s council meeting when Freehold Borough recognized special guests from their “twinned” community of Rathangan, Ireland, and the 2nd Infantry Battalion Veteran Association from Dublin.
Their visit came after the Borough Council approved a “Twinning Agreement” with Rathangan, County Kildare, Ireland in 2024.
The Irish town is home to Bruce Springsteen’s ancestors and the agreement aims to connect the two communities, which borough officials noted as “miles apart, always close at heart.”
“It’s like we’ve known everybody forever,” Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane said. “...It’s remarkable the friendships that we’ve developed.”
Prior to Monday night’s council meeting, guests from Rathangan and the 2nd Infantry Battalion were in town for the Borough Arts Council’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which took place on Sunday.
Grand Marshall Tim MacCutcheon and Community Grand Marshall Tommy Taylor led the parade with an afternoon step-off, and hosted music, food, and more throughout the day.
Following the weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the borough council welcomed their guests to Monday night’s meeting, where they were presented with a certificate and Freehold-branded gifts.
“The bond between the towns has deepened as we learn our two communities have so much more in common than just an international rock star,” the borough said in an online post.
“It was a special honor to have met and talked to the Irish Veterans, especially when they visited our veteran organizations," the borough continued. "We thank all of them for their service and their commitment to veterans around the world.”
At Monday night’s meeting, the association and guests from Rathangan also presented the borough with gifts, and thanked them for their hospitality during their stay.
“Freehold has shown its strong sense of community and culture,” said Paul Clarke, chairman of the 2nd Infantry Battalion Veteran Association. “It’s a friendly and welcoming place, and yesterday, we witnessed all the different community groups coming together to showcase what is great about Freehold and its citizens.”
Sheila Knightly, a guest from Rathangan, also spoke at Monday night’s meeting, and talked about the growing bond between the two communities.
“We started this out as my hometown to your hometown, and the more it has grown, the more and more it feels like it is a hometown within a hometown, and becoming like a hometown to us,” Knightly said. “...The welcome, the warmth, the generosity of everyone has been amazing.”
To see the agenda from Monday night’s meeting, you can click here. To watch a full meeting recording, you can click here.
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FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Voters have officially approved a $135.5 million bond referendum to fund long-lasting building improvements at the district’s Pre-K-8 schools, according to certified results from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.Unofficial results for the referendum initially came in on election night (March 11), though school district officials said the ...
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Voters have officially approved a $135.5 million bond referendum to fund long-lasting building improvements at the district’s Pre-K-8 schools, according to certified results from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.
Unofficial results for the referendum initially came in on election night (March 11), though school district officials said the votes were “too close to call” at that time.
On Tuesday, March 18, the county clerk’s office updated voting results, which shows that the referendum passed with 1,520 “yes” votes and 1,399 “no” votes. 2,919 votes were cast in total.
The approved referendum will give Freehold Township upfront funding and unlock approximately $45 million in state aid to offset the total $135.5 million in project costs, school officials said.
Updates to the structures and systems that support students and staff members will be made at every building across the district.
“On behalf of the Board of Education and administration, I extend my gratitude to the residents of Freehold Township for voting and taking time to learn about this important step in the future of this community,” Superintendent Neal Dickstein said.
With the help of professional consultants, the school district said they worked carefully to plan improvements that will meet the district’s needs now and position it for the future.
Throughout the election process, residents and community members were also invited to information sessions (both in-person and virtual) where they could learn more about the referendum and ask questions.
Now that the referendum has passed, school officials said the tax impact is estimated at $37 per month over 20 years for the owner of a home assessed at the Freehold Township average of $611,704. Payments on this investment will start in July 2026.
“We are excited to begin working on finalizing the plans for updates and renovations so the district can better support our students and community now, and into the future,” Dickstein said.
Going forward, officials said Freehold Township’s financial advisor will focus on selling bonds at the most favorable rates and the architects will begin finalizing project specifications for the bidding process.
Work on the funded projects (which are outlined on the district’s referendum website) could begin as soon as summer 2026, officials said, though the timing of other renovations will be coordinated with the district to cause minimal disruption to daily operations.
To see the official election results from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, you can click here.
To learn more about Freehold Township Schools’ bond referendum, you can visit their website.
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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Kids & Family Freehold Family YMCA Hosts Healthy Kids Day April 26, Kicking Off a Season of Fun, Friendship & Learning YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, Community ContributorThe YMCA of Greater Monmouth ...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, Community Contributor
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County invites area children and families to Healthy Kids Day, a free and fun-filled event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday April 26, at the Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road.
The Y’s signature annual event is open to all and aims to kick off a summer season of active play, learning, and connection for local children.
“The Y knows that keeping kids moving and learning during the summer months is key to avoiding the learning dip known as the ‘summer slide,’" said Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of the YMCA Greater Monmouth County and the Ocean County YMCA.
“Research shows that students benefit from quality summer experiences and extended learning, especially children in less-served communities who often lack the resources to continue their development when school is out,” Goganzer said. “Healthy Kids Day helps families take the first step toward shaping a summer filled with growth, discovery, and making new friends.”
Healthy Kids Day will offer families a chance to explore summer possibilities at the Y while enjoying hands-on activities and community resources.
Parents can learn about YMCA summer camps and swim lesson options, while kids take part in free activities such as a preschool obstacle course, youth and teen fitness classes, a bounce house, water safety games, kids safety IDs, and arts and crafts. Families can also enjoy time together on the basketball court and on yoga mats.
The Y will also share information about its current job openings and mental health support services. Families can get a free behavioral health toolkit to support positive outcomes for youth and teens.
A variety of local partners, including Freehold Fire Department, Monmouth County Public Library, Social Spectrum, Essential Life Chiropractor, New York Life, and Stop & Shop will be on hand with health and safety resources.
All non-member guests will be invited to tour the Y, receive a free one-week pass, and enter to win a three-month family membership at one of the regional Y locations.
The Freehold Y’s Executive Director Glenn MacAfee emphasized that the YMCA is open to all, and as a charitable organization, offers financial assistance for membership and programs on a needs-based, sliding scale.
“YMCA programs are designed to nurture the potential of every child and help families and communities grow stronger,” MacAfee said. “We encourage all families to come out to the Y on Healthy Kids Day to play, learn, and plan for a summer of fun and connection.”
Healthy Kids Day events will also take place on April 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the following YMCA of Greater Monmouth County locations:
For more information on Healthy Kids Day visit YMCANJ.org.
About YMCA of Greater Monmouth CountyFor 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.
By Bill OBoyle [email protected] The King’s graduate went to high school with the Boss.Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience. Click here to subscribe today or Login.? ?WILKES-BARRE — ...
By Bill OBoyle [email protected]
The King’s graduate went to high school with the Boss.
Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience. Click here to subscribe today or Login.
WILKES-BARRE — Mega star Bruce Springsteen’s high school friend, Joe DePugh, died this week and “The Boss” issued a statement on social media.
“Just a moment to mark the passing of Freehold native and ballplayer Joe DePugh. He was a good friend when I needed one. He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool — Glory Days my friend,” Springsteen said.
Yes, that Joe DePugh — a King’s College graduate and the topic of one of Springsteen’s most iconic songs, “Glory Days.”
“I had a friend was a big baseball player, back in high school.
He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool, boy.
Saw him the other night at this roadside bar, I was walking in, he was walking out.
We went back inside sat down had a few drinks, but all he kept talking about was,
Glory days, well they’ll pass you by,
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl’s eye,
Glory days, glory days.”
DePugh was Springsteen’s Freehold Regional High School classmate.
In July 2011, the Times Leader talked to Joe DePugh when he was living in Stowe, Vermont. The conversation was about those “glory days” that happened long before DePugh donned a King’s College basketball uniform.
DePugh played sparingly for the Monarchs back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. But it was his prowess on the baseball diamond — Little League to Freehold Regional High School in New Jersey — that inspired his teammate, Springsteen, to write a song about DePugh later in life.
DePugh graduated from King’s College in 1972 before going on to be a painting contractor, splitting his time between Florida and Vermont. DePugh and Springsteen graduated high school together in 1967.
It was back in the summer of 1973, after DePugh played a game in the Jersey Shore Basketball League, that he said he went to the opposing team’s sponsor’s bar — the Headliner in Neptune on the Jersey shore.
“I was leaving the Headliner at about 9:30 p.m. and when I get outside, here comes Bruce,” DePugh recalled in the 2011 Times Leader story. “We were 24 years old and he was just hitting it big in the music industry. We went back in and started talking about grade school, the nuns we had, Little League and high school. The ‘glory days,’ just like the song says.”
DePugh said there was a dynamic between the two — DePugh was the star of the team and Springsteen was the kid that sat at the end of the bench and never got in the game.
“That dynamic has never changed,” DePugh said. “We’ve only been together a couple of times since high school, but when we do see each other, I’m still the big baseball star and he’s still the same quiet, humble kid at the end of the bench. We used to call him`Saddie’ because he hardly ever played.”
When “Glory Days” came out in 1985, it was the fifth single released from Springsteen’s album “Born in the U.S.A.”
“I knew immediately it was about me,” DePugh said from Vermont. “It described exactly what happened that night. It’s never been a mystery — everybody who knew me knew the song is about me.”
A mutual childhood friend, Don Norkus, arranged for DePugh and Springsteen to meet again at an Italian restaurant in Red Bank, N.J., in May of 2005. ” “We got there in the afternoon and stayed until the place closed.”
Wilkes-Barre connections
A week before the Times Leader story, The New York Times published a story about DePugh being Springsteen’s “Glory Days” inspiration. A copy editor at the New York Times, Connor Ennis, who grew up in Dallas, PA, called DePugh.
Ennis graduated from Dallas High School, the son of the late John and Mary Jo (Joanne) Munley Ennis who both worked at King’s College for years. John Ennis was chairman of the English Department and Mrs. Ennis was a resident Counselor of Women when female students first enrolled at King’s in 1969-70. Connor Ennis served briefly as a correspondent for The Times Leader.
“I was totally surprised about DePugh’s King’s connection,” Connor Ennis said in 2011. “I didn’t know much about the story, despite being a huge Springsteen fan myself. When I got to that part of the story, I immediately called my parents and asked if they knew DePugh.”
They did — DePugh was an English major at King’s, but Mrs. Ennis knew DePugh better.
“Indeed, I remember Joe and he was a very pleasant person,” Mrs. Ennis told the Times Leader in 2011. “He often visited the sixth floor of East Hall, which is where the first young women resident students lived. But Joe was always cooperative about respecting visiting hours.”
Concert is huge experience
In 2011, childhood friend Norkus said he and DePugh were among 30 people from Freehold, N.J., who went to see a Springsteen concert at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands in 2004.
“Bruce left us tickets and backstage passes,” said DePugh. “Before he sang `Glory Days,’ Bruce yelled into the microphone, `Joe D., are you out there?’ Norkus’ daughter came up to me and said,`the song is about you?’ All of my high school friends knew that, but the other 60,000 people at the concert didn’t know who Joe D. was.”
In 2011, Norkus said he hadn’t seen DePugh in years.
“It always bugged me who that speedball pitcher was,” Norkus said. “Joe told me the whole story. It blew me away.”
Norkus ran into Springsteen two weeks later and he had confirmation straight from the Boss’ mouth.
“Bruce told me the pitcher was Joe,” Norkus said.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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