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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Long Branch, NJ

Home Care Long Branch, 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 President Garfield Memorial in Long Branch, NJ 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 Long Branch, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Long Branch, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

laura K.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Jerry Morgan Park in Long Branch, NJ 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 Long Branch, 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 Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant or visit Seven Presidents Memorial, 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 Long Branch, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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:

  • Complete Care at Monmouth
  • Universal Institute
  • Rest Home Chelsea
  • MOCEANS Center for Independent Living
  • West Long Branch Senior
  • Long Branch Senior Center
Home Care Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, 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 Long Branch, NJ

Latest News in Long Branch, NJ

Long Branch Navy Airman Returns Home After 321-Day Deployment Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

Kyle Santos, a 2024 Long Branch High School graduate, was welcomed home by family and friends and received a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor John Pallone.LONG BRANCH, NJ — Navy Airman Kyle Santos, a Long Branch native who served aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during a 321-day deployment, returned home this month and was recognized by city officials during a gathering with family and friends on Saturday, October 17, 2026.Mayor John Pallone attended the welcome-home celebration and presented Santos with a Certificate ...

Kyle Santos, a 2024 Long Branch High School graduate, was welcomed home by family and friends and received a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor John Pallone.

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Navy Airman Kyle Santos, a Long Branch native who served aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during a 321-day deployment, returned home this month and was recognized by city officials during a gathering with family and friends on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Mayor John Pallone attended the welcome-home celebration and presented Santos with a Certificate of Recognition in acknowledgment of his military service.

“We thank Airman Santos for his extraordinary service to our country and are proud that Long Branch is represented by his dedication and resiliency,” Pallone said.

Santos graduated from Long Branch High School in 2024 before enlisting in the United States Navy. After completing basic training, he was assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore in California’s Central Valley, which is the Navy’s largest Master Jet Base.

On November 21, 2025, Santos deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier with approximately 5,600 personnel. According to the city’s announcement, the carrier later took a leading role in Operation Epic Fury in Iran.

The deployment lasted 321 days, which the city described as the longest deployment for a U.S. aircraft carrier in 50 years.

The USS Abraham Lincoln and its crew returned to San Diego Bay on October 8, 2026, following the deployment.

Santos is spending 12 days with his family in Long Branch before returning to Naval Air Station Lemoore in California.

“I’m happy to be back and proud to be serving my country,” Santos said.

The gathering brought together Santos’ family and friends to mark his return and recognize his service in the United States Navy.

N.J. Coffee House Almost Home Expands to Long Branch

A café that is known for its high-end coffee options and has expanded significantly in recent years launched their latest outpost inside one of Long Branch’s newest developments.Inspired by Somerset Development and the ownership behind Almost Home recently held a ribbon-cutting at the newly completed Inkwell Lofts, a 22-unit boutique condominium development. Remarks were delivered by Long Branch Mayor John Pallone and other dignitaries, while the event included a rooftop reception featuring refreshments, food, and music....

A café that is known for its high-end coffee options and has expanded significantly in recent years launched their latest outpost inside one of Long Branch’s newest developments.

Inspired by Somerset Development and the ownership behind Almost Home recently held a ribbon-cutting at the newly completed Inkwell Lofts, a 22-unit boutique condominium development. Remarks were delivered by Long Branch Mayor John Pallone and other dignitaries, while the event included a rooftop reception featuring refreshments, food, and music.

Almost Home pays homage to the original Inkwell Coffee House while introducing a modern, welcoming destination. The business caters to serious coffee drinkers, offering some of the best single-origin coffees from around the world that rotate based on which beans are currently in harvest.

Highlights of the beverage menu include the Cereal Latte, which features the flavors of a different breakfast cereal that rotates monthly. A few smoked drinks like the S’mores Latte and the Old Fashioned Cold Brew have also become quick favorites.

The café’s food spans a variety of breakfast sandwiches, waffles, avocado toast, cheesesteaks, and buffalo Caesar wraps, along with other sandwiches and salads.

Almost Home has other locations in mostly seaside spots like Lincroft, Navesink, Sea Bright, Belford, Highlands, and Oceanport. The brand also opened a Jersey City location late last year.

“The Inkwell Lofts offers a move-in-ready, modern coastal lifestyle in the heart of Long Branch, with beautifully designed residences and a setting that reflects the character and energy of this special community,” said Ralph Zucker, president and CEO of Inspired by Somerset Development. “The addition of Almost Home further enhances the resident experience by providing a welcoming destination right at residents’ doorsteps, while paying tribute to the legacy of the original Inkwell Coffee House.”

Hours at the Long Branch version of Almost Home, which sits at 665 Second Avenue, span from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, with a 9 p.m. closing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What The Monmouth County Park System Has Planned In November

They've got activities for kids, adults and seniors. Here's everything that's planned:LINCROFT, NJ — Whether you’re looking to spend some time in nature, create memories, or just have a bit of fun, the Monmouth County Park System has a lot of interesting stuff planned this November:Milling Demonstrations Saturdays & Sundays, October 31 & November 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold...

They've got activities for kids, adults and seniors. Here's everything that's planned:

LINCROFT, NJ — Whether you’re looking to spend some time in nature, create memories, or just have a bit of fun, the Monmouth County Park System has a lot of interesting stuff planned this November:

Milling Demonstrations

Saturdays & Sundays, October 31 & November 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, and 28 & 29 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold

See the 19th century gristmill grind corn into meal. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes. FREE!

Open Mic Poetry - Gratitude and/or poems written as a set of instructions

Sunday, November 1 from 3-4:30 p.m.Thompson Park Visitor Center, Lincroft

Explore or recite literary works during a time of alliteration, rhythm and verse. All are welcome to read your work aloud or read work from your favorite poet(s). Must be appropriate for a family-oriented audience. Pre-registration is recommended for readers. FREE!

Awesome Autumn Amble (two dates)

Wednesday, November 4 at 10 a.m. Freneau Woods Park, Aberdeen - Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Wednesday, November 18 at 10 a.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park - Meet in the Rocky Point section parking lot in Highlands.

Explore the trails with a Park System Naturalist and discuss all manners of plant and animal phenomena. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. FREE!

Historic Portland Place Tours

Wednesday-Sunday, November 4-8 and 11-15 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust section of Middletown

Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house with exhibits that help tell the story of the region's history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County. Tours are limited to 10 persons and may be suspended during severe weather conditions. Register on site at the Portland Place Visitor Center, day of tour. FREE!

Climb Time

Friday, November 6 from 12-3 p.m.

Thompson Park, Lincroft – Use Filly Run Parking Lot.

Try the Park System's 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult. Weather and conditions permitting. FREE!

Fall Craft Show

Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping during this show that features over 40 unique, quality craft vendors. Admission and parking are free.

Blacksmith Demonstration

Sunday, November 8 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Head to the blacksmith shop and see craftsmanship in action and learn about the rich history behind the forge. FREE!

Open Shoot Archery

Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft

All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and NOT designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

Cookstove Demonstration

Saturdays, November 14 & 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

See what's cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. FREE!

Piano Ballads from the Turn-of-the-Century

Saturday, November 14 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear popular turn-of-the-19th-century ballads. FREE!

Nature Lecture: Nonnative Fish of New Jersey

Sunday, November 15 from 1-2 p.m.

Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen

Hear about some of the nonnative and invasive fish species swimming in New Jersey’s waters that threaten our native aquatic ecosystems during this talk by a Park System naturalist. FREE!

Casual Birder

Tuesday, November 17 at 9 a.m.

Manasquan Reservoir, Howell – Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot.

Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available. FREE!

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s

Saturday, November 21 from 1-3 p.m.

Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel

Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit. FREE!

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit www.MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000.

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Crews battle wind-driven blaze at Long Branch home beside Springsteen's 'Born to Run' cottage

No compatible source was found for this media.andTony Caputo••Updated 27 days agoCrews are working to extinguish an early-morning fire that tore through a home on West End Court in Long Branch, displacing at least five people.Multiple mutual aid crews from nearby municipalities responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. Upon arrival, units found heavy fire and smoke throughout the building. Windy conditions, with gusts over 25 miles per hour, continue to be an issue as firefighters work...

No compatible source was found for this media.

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Tony Caputo

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Updated 27 days ago

Crews are working to extinguish an early-morning fire that tore through a home on West End Court in Long Branch, displacing at least five people.

Multiple mutual aid crews from nearby municipalities responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. Upon arrival, units found heavy fire and smoke throughout the building. Windy conditions, with gusts over 25 miles per hour, continue to be an issue as firefighters work to control the flames.

Detours were in place in the immediate area as fire departments worked to bring the blaze under control.

There is no information yet on what started the fire. Multiple first aid crews were called to the area. Officials at the scene told News 12 that all of the occupants made it out of the house. There is no word yet on any injuries.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross told New 12 their team has assisted three residents of the home with emergency financial assistance to obtain temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs. They also have Disaster Health, Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care Services available. In addition, the Red Cross is planning to assist two additional residents who were not at the scene.

The location is next door to a well-known local landmark—the Bruce Springsteen "Born to Run" house, located at 7 ½ West End Court. This private cottage is where the rock icon claims to have written every song on the Born to Run album while living there from 1974 to 1975. Fire officials say the landmark was not damaged. The family that currently occupies that house said they were home when the nearby fire broke out. They initially thought a large branch had fallen, but then noticed the fire.

Hidden On New Jersey's Shore Is A Friendly Beach City With An Oceanfront Promenade, Artsy Fun, And NYC Proximity

With dozens of options of scenic beaches and old resort towns, lively boardwalks and endless entertainment, the Jersey Shore in summertime is like nowhere else. The only problem is narrowing down which beach city to visit. While towns like Seaside and Cape May tend to get more buzz, Long Branch, nestled in Monmouth County, deserves some of the spotlight as well. As one of New Jersey's best summertime escapes since the 18th century, and once the former stomping grounds of U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield,...

With dozens of options of scenic beaches and old resort towns, lively boardwalks and endless entertainment, the Jersey Shore in summertime is like nowhere else. The only problem is narrowing down which beach city to visit. While towns like Seaside and Cape May tend to get more buzz, Long Branch, nestled in Monmouth County, deserves some of the spotlight as well. As one of New Jersey's best summertime escapes since the 18th century, and once the former stomping grounds of U.S. Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James A. Garfield, and Woodrow Wilson, Long Branch is the perfect relaxing getaway.

One of the beach's strongest points is its proximity to New York City. From New York Penn Station, a train ride to Long Branch takes an hour and a half. Driving will take you along the Garden State Parkway, so be sure to leave early to beat rush hour, especially during summer weekends. Luckily, there's plenty of parking at Long Branch, and you won't be desperately searching for street parking like at some other New Jersey beaches. If you're coming from farther away, Newark Liberty International Airport is Long Branch's closest airport, just an hour's car ride away or an hour and a half via public transportation. Once you arrive in Long Branch, you're in for a beach day as quiet as Jersey's Ocean Gate — rather than the hustle and crowds of bigger beach towns, Long Branch has a good mix of shops, cafés, and wide beaches, perfect for unhurried vacationers.

Oceanfront entertainment in Long Branch

Be sure to spend some time in Long Branch's Pier Village, a seaside promenade tucked along the boardwalk. As Long Branch's hub for all things dining, shopping, and entertainment, it's the perfect place to enjoy the expansive ocean scenery. Families can enjoy all sorts of virtual reality games, Skee-Ball, and more at Pier Village's arcade, or go bowling or play virtual golf at Pier Pins. When you work up an appetite, head to McLoone's Pier House, which has become a Jersey Shore staple over the past 20 years for its upscale cuisine, ocean views, and live entertainment. Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant is another beachfront gem, known for its unbeatable scenery, ambiance, and seafood. For something quicker and cheaper, Piazza on the Pier offers incredible, large New York-style pizza pies.

If you're in town for longer than just a beach day, there's plenty to do. Just a few blocks away from the ocean is the New Jersey Repertory Company, which performs up to six plays every year, many of which are world-premiere new works. Long Branch's artistic spirit is celebrated throughout the year as well, like with the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival, which has become a summertime staple in August.

Enjoying the beach in Long Branch

When it comes to swimming, surfing, and ocean kayaking, or even just sunbathing, Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park offers a beautiful 38-acre beach and excellent swells, equipped with showers, picnic areas, a snack bar, and parking. Entrance fees are charged from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day — admission for Seven Presidents and Long Branch's other beaches varies.

If you're staying in the area, Ocean Place Resort & Spa is an unbeatable choice. The 4-star accommodation overlooks the ocean and boasts 16 different spa treatment rooms with hair, skin, and nail services. With its indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant and bar options, you'll have everything you need for a rejuvenating stay on the Jersey Shore. The hotel even provides chairs, towels, and umbrellas for prime beach lounging. For more of Jersey Shore's best, pair your visit with some time in nearby Asbury Park, one of America's best beaches.

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