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Home Care In Howell, NJ

Home Care Howell, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Howell Living History Farm 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 Howell, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Howell, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Howell, NJ?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Howell, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Howell, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Howell, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Howell, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Echo Lake Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Howell, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Christie's Italian Seafood Grill or visit Historic Walnford, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Howell, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Howell, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Howell, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Howell, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Howell, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Howell, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Howell, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Howell, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brandywine Living at Howell
  • Women Surgicare of Howell
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Jennifer Iacovo
  • The Orchards Assisted Living
  • Monmouth Crossing Assisted Living
  • Bella Terra by Monarch
Home Care Howell, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Howell, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Howell, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Howell, NJ

Latest News in Howell, NJ

Cedar Lane Alpacas - OPEN FARM

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Howell|Local EventSat, Nov 9, 2024 at 11:00 AMCedar Lane Alpacas, 67 Victory Rd., Howell, NJ 07731The leaves are falling and the weather is turning colder so it's Alpaca time! Our Alpaca farm will be open Saturday Nov. 9th from 11-3 for tours and shopping. Tours leave eve...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Howell|Local Event

Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Cedar Lane Alpacas, 67 Victory Rd., Howell, NJ 07731

The leaves are falling and the weather is turning colder so it's Alpaca time! Our Alpaca farm will be open Saturday Nov. 9th from 11-3 for tours and shopping. Tours leave every hour on the hour, with the last one leaving at 2. Tour tickets are $8 for everyone 5 and older and are redeemable in our Farm store in the amt. of $6 ea. toward Alpaca merchandise. Knitters, our Spring yarn has arrived. We have hand knit hats, gloves and more. We’ll see you at the farm! For Directions call 732-938-4185

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Where To Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 Near Howell

HOWELL, NJ — New Year's Eve is near, and if you are looking for ways to ring in 2025 there are plenty of local restaurants holding parties to celebrate.In addition to the nighttime parties on New Year's Eve, there are some daytime events in Monmouth County to celebrate the changing of the calendar.There is family fun at Pier Village in Long Branch on New Year's Eve, with activities for kids and adults, ending with fireworks at 9 p....

HOWELL, NJ — New Year's Eve is near, and if you are looking for ways to ring in 2025 there are plenty of local restaurants holding parties to celebrate.

In addition to the nighttime parties on New Year's Eve, there are some daytime events in Monmouth County to celebrate the changing of the calendar.

There is family fun at Pier Village in Long Branch on New Year's Eve, with activities for kids and adults, ending with fireworks at 9 p.m.

IPlay America in Freehold also has a family-friendly event starting at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve, with unlimited ride passes, a DJ, prizes and a ball drop at midnight.

There is a "Noon" Year's Eve Party at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College in Toms River on Dec. 31. The event begins at 11 a.m. and the show includes an astronomical year in review, plus what to look for in your night sky in 2025. The show ends with a Countdown Celebration. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children and seniors and can be purchased online.

Find out what's happening in Howellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here is a look at some additional events happening near Howell. Some of these require reservations so you will want to call in advance.

In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have their own versions of this celebration, such as the Peeps Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho.8

The transition from one year to the next is often marked by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.

The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who made promises to return borrowed items and repay debts at the beginning of the new year, which was in mid-March when they planted their crops.

According to legend, if people kept their word, the pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. However, if they broke their promises, they would lose favor with the gods.

Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.

The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are many reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude or a plan for coping with the stress and discomfort that comes with changing a habit or condition.

Restaurants Open For Christmas Eve, Christmas 2024 Near Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Not everyone wants to cook Christmas Eve supper or Christmas Day dinner, but there will be some places open in the Howell area that will cook up something scrumptious for your group — if you get a reservation now before they’re snapped up.According to these local restaurants, choices near Howell are:Several national chains are also open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or both. Participation and hours may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead:...

HOWELL, NJ — Not everyone wants to cook Christmas Eve supper or Christmas Day dinner, but there will be some places open in the Howell area that will cook up something scrumptious for your group — if you get a reservation now before they’re snapped up.

According to these local restaurants, choices near Howell are:

Several national chains are also open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or both. Participation and hours may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead:

Applebee’s: The casual restaurant is usually open but closes early on Christmas Eve, although that varies by location. Restaurants are closed on Christmas Day.

Bonefish Grill: The seafood restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, but not on Christmas Day. Hours may vary by location.

Find out what's happening in Howellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, but may close an hour or so earlier than usual. Hours on Christmas Day vary by location and local regulations, but most will be closed.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill: The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve, although hours vary by location, and closed on Christmas Day.

Chili’s Bar & Grill: The restaurant is open on Christmas Eve (hours may vary by location) but is closed on Christmas Day.

Chipotle: The Mexican restaurant is open on Christmas Eve but not on Christmas Day.

Domino’s Pizza: Pizza deliveries will be made Christmas Day, but participation may vary by location.

Hard Rock Cafe: Most locations will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

IHOP: The casual breakfast chain will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but for limited hours at certain locations.

KFC: The fast-food restaurants will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.

McDonald’s: Many but not all locations of the fast-food restaurant will be open on Christmas Day.

Olive Garden: Some locations of the fast-casual Italian restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve, but all locations will be closed on Christmas Day.

Outback Steakhouse: The Australian-inspired steakhouse is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

P.F. Chang’s: The Asian bistro is open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery: Many locations will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours may vary by location.

Red Lobster: The seafood chain’s restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.

TGI Fridays: The casual restaurant will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.

Wendy’s: The fast-food restaurant will be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve and some may be open on Christmas Day.

This list of national chains was curated from emails to Patch, restaurant websites, USA Today, Good Housekeeping and Cozymeal.

N.J. town sued after rejecting mega-warehouse proposal

Two months after local officials voted to kill plans for a 200,000-square-foot warehouse complex in a Monmouth County township, the property developer is suing the planning board over the allegedly “arbitrary” decision.The developer, AAVRHW Property, filed its proposal to build a warehouse along Victory Road in Howell more than two years ago. The applicatio...

Two months after local officials voted to kill plans for a 200,000-square-foot warehouse complex in a Monmouth County township, the property developer is suing the planning board over the allegedly “arbitrary” decision.

The developer, AAVRHW Property, filed its proposal to build a warehouse along Victory Road in Howell more than two years ago. The application laid out a vision of a 203,802-square-foot warehouse and office complex with 25 loading dock spaces, 35 trailer parking stalls and 72 passenger vehicle parking spaces.

The proposal quickly attracted the attention of Victory Road’s residents, some of whom began organizing to oppose it.

After a series of contentious public hearings that began last April, the Howell Township Planning Board voted unanimously to deny AAVRHW Property’s application in September. The move was applauded by members of the public in attendance, according to the Asbury Park Press, which first reported the lawsuit’s filing.

In the lawsuit, filed late last month, the company alleged the board’s decision was “arbitrary, capricious, unreasonable, and unsupported by the record.” It asked the court to overrule the township, void the denial, and order the board to approve its application under “reasonable conditions.”

The planning board did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the lawsuit. A lawyer for AAVRHW Property did not immediately respond to a request to comment.

AAVRHW Property alleges in its suit that it presented the board with “competent, comprehensive and detailed evidence” to support the Victory Road proposal. The board “improperly considered evidence presented by, and on behalf of, members of the public that had no sufficient factual or legal basis,” the lawsuit said.

The Victory Road residents, who are not a party to the case, disagree with the allegations.

“They hired a team of experienced lawyers and experts,” said Marc Parisi, the president of Howell NJ First, a local nonprofit involved in the opposition effort.

Testimony at the hearings showed “why this application was insufficient and problematic,” he said.

Betty Lou Velez-Gimbel, a farmer who lives within 200 feet of the property on Victory Road, said she received a letter in 2022 informing residents of AAVRHW Property’s proposal. She made copies and began spreading the word to her neighbors.

“This was much more than a ‘Not In My Backyard’ type of mentality,” Velez-Gimbel told NJ Advance Media, referring to the so-called NIMBY movement.

The application failed to take into consideration the environmental sensitivity of the property, a heavily wooded plot with pockets of freshwater wetland, she alleged.

The area has a fluctuating water table, as well as the matter of stormwater management issues and the presence of threatened species like the Pine Barrens tree frog, Velez-Gimbel said. Other issues included traffic and and the proximity of a nearby liquefied natural gas plant.

Some residents pressed for the area to be rezoned for residential development, in line with the rest of Victory Road’s zoning. Their request was granted earlier this year.

“We have to find a balance,” said Velez-Gimbel, who also ran unsuccessfully as an independent candidate for the township council last month. “That’s what I was looking for in this. I’m not against capitalism. I’m certainly not against warehouses. But I am for common sense. There are places for them, and this was certainly not the right place.”

The board’s September decision to reject the warehouse proposal was accompanied by a 76-page resolution summarizing testimony from both sides and its findings. It said the residents’ experts had presented more “credible” evidence.

AAVRHW Property maintains in its lawsuit that the findings were “fabricated and manufactured for an illegal, transparent purpose of providing specious reasoning for its improper denial.”

Zoe Ferguson, one of the environmental and land use lawyers representing Velez-Gimbel and the other residents, said they plan to keep an eye on the case as it progresses. “We’re certainly watching it very closely,” she said, “and we are feeling confident that the decision will be upheld in court.”

Parisi added, “It’s our hope the Planning Board will defend this denial with the same tenacity their own residents showed in fighting this project.”

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