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 Memorial Park 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 Neptune City, 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.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Memorial 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 Patrick's Grille or visit Stephen Crane 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 Neptune City, 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 Neptune City, 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 Neptune City, 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.
NEPTUNE - The trauma center at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been verified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, the first verified in New Jersey, by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). This premier Level 1 verification complements the ranking of Jersey Shore’s pediatric facility, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital - which, along with Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital - is ranked #1 in New Jersey in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Ch...
NEPTUNE - The trauma center at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been verified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, the first verified in New Jersey, by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). This premier Level 1 verification complements the ranking of Jersey Shore’s pediatric facility, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital - which, along with Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital - is ranked #1 in New Jersey in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospital Report.
“All of our surgeons, specialists, advanced practice practitioners, and nurses are highly specialized experts in stabilizing and treating pediatric patients arriving at our academic medical center, typically in life-threatening conditions,” said pediatric general surgeon Victoriya Staab, M.D., medical director of the pediatric trauma center. “Our goal is not only to save lives, but also ensure the best possible recovery, and quality of life for these patients after they leave our care.”
Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and the highest level of institutional performance, as outlined by the ACS COT in its current manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. There are three levels of ACS trauma center verification, each defined by specific standards that speak to the important roles of the center in serving its community. These standards clarify the care that must be available to the injured patient at the facility, along with other expectations related to research and educational contributions to advance the field and to ensure the availability of highly qualified trauma providers in the future.
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“Our adult trauma center has been Level 1 verified since 2022,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, JSUMC. “This premier verification for our adult and now pediatric trauma center reflects our surgeons and nursing teams’ high-quality and exceptional critical care, as well as surgical capabilities throughout all of our specialties, whether provided for inpatients or on an outpatient basis.”
The ACS Trauma Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program helps hospitals to evaluate and improve their trauma care. It provides an objective, external review of a trauma center’s resources and performance. A team of trauma experts completes a site review of the hospital. The team assesses relevant components of the program including their regional role(s), the availability of physical and health human resources, policies, patient care protocols, and the hospital’s quality improvement processes. Of note, patients cared for in ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers.
“Residents of Monmouth and Ocean counties and the entire region have long relied on Jersey Shore’s trauma and emergency care teams,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president southern market, HMH. “With this verification, families should be comforted that their children are receiving the best care during a crisis.”
Importantly, the ACS does not designate trauma centers. Instead, it verifies compliance with the standards listed in the manual, Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient. A facility earns the title of “designated trauma center” when it meets the requirements of the government or other authorizing entities.
As an ACS-verified trauma center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center is an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. Being a Surgical Quality Partner signifies a hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. The Surgical Quality Partner designation lets patients know JSUMC is dedicated to quality and relentless self-improvement and has been verified or accredited by the ACS. Patients can trust that the care they receive at Surgical Quality Partner hospitals adheres to the most rigorous standards in surgical quality.
"ACS Quality programs are grounded in more than a century of experience and participation is an important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality. As an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, Jersey Shore University Medical Center has shown a commitment to providing the best possible patient care, evaluating that care in a rigorous fashion, and dedicating themselves to continuous self-improvement," said ACS Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Patricia L. Turner, M.D., MBA, FACS.
For information, visit Hackensack Meridian Health online.
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The Shark River Cleanup Coalition is looking into dead shore birds in the Shark River along Belmar and Shark River HillsPhoto Credit: TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City By TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City StaffPublished February 15, 2025 at 2:32 PMLast updated February 18, 2025 at 1:12 PMSHARK RIVER HILLS - The Shark River Cleanup Coalition is looking into the recent discovery of dead shore birds in the Shark River in Belmar (from McClearie Park to 16th Ave), and in Shark River Hills along South Riverside D...
The Shark River Cleanup Coalition is looking into dead shore birds in the Shark River along Belmar and Shark River HillsPhoto Credit: TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City
By TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City Staff
Published February 15, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Last updated February 18, 2025 at 1:12 PM
SHARK RIVER HILLS - The Shark River Cleanup Coalition is looking into the recent discovery of dead shore birds in the Shark River in Belmar (from McClearie Park to 16th Ave), and in Shark River Hills along South Riverside Drive.
The Department of Environmental Protection has been contacted as well as the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Aquaculture Enforcement division. Town officials in Belmar and Neptune have also been notified.
The State is working with local health departments to determine if the avian flu is the cause. Infected birds shed avian flu viruses through their saliva, mucous, and feces. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the nationwide avian flu outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the public. As of now, no human infections have been reported in New Jersey.
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Dr. Pat Connelly, NJ DEP Wildlife Veterinarian, is investigating the deaths and collected 14 specimens along South Riverside Drive yesterday (2/14/25) and will autopsy several specimens. He advises avoiding contact with dead birds, and warns that if you keep chickens or ducks in your backyard, they are highly susceptible to the virus. He is hoping to see a lessening trend as the weather warms. Over 25 dead specimens were observed by the SRCC in Belmar yesterday, and 8 dead birds were observed along South Riverside in Shark River Hills.
Sick or dead birds should be reported to the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337)
For more detailed information on the avian flu outbreak, visit the SRCC website, sharkriver.org
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On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyOn Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's HeartOn Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's HeartOn Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's HeartO...
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting Ceremony
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's Heart
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's Heart
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's Heart
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting CeremonyPhoto Credit: Rami's Heart
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By TAPinto Neptune/Neptune City Staff
Published March 7, 2025 at 4:00 AM
WALL TOWNSHIP - On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial will host its 5th Annual Lighting Ceremony at dusk, beginning at 6:00 PM, featuring a solemn candlelight vigil and lasting approximately an hour.
This milestone event will be held at Allaire Community Farm (1923 Baileys Corner Rd, Wall, N J 07719) and will bring together hundreds of grieving families, supporters, and community members to honor the lives lost to COVID-19 over the past five years. Some families will travel from out of state to collectively gather and remember, highlighting the deep impact of these losses across communities and disciplines.
As a symbol of solidarity and remembrance, 35 bridges and monumental buildings across the United States, including the iconic Niagara Falls, will be illuminated in yellow in conjunction with the ceremony. These yellow lights represent the collective grief, resilience, and unity of communities nationwide.
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The event will open with a speech by Belmar Mayor Gerald Buccafusco and will also include messages from Senator Cory Booker, Senator Andy Kim, and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, which will be shared via social media.
Attendees will be provided with candles to participate in the vigil, creating a powerful visual of light and solidarity to honor those who passed due to COVID-19. Photos of many of the lives lost will also be displayed, ensuring their faces are brought to the forefront of the remembrance.
In addition, students and professors from George Washington University's Anthropology Department, as part of their "Rituals in the Making" program, will be present.
"This year marks five years since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in New Jersey, for many of us it marks the beginning of pur tragic loss," said Rima Samman-Whitaker, founder of Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial. "The last five years have been filled with unimaginable loss and heartbreak, leaving many of us grappling with disenfranchised grief. Our mission is to provide acknowledgment and create a space where those we’ve lost are remembered not as statistics but as cherished individuals."
For more information about the 5th Annual Lighting Ceremony and Rami’s Heart COVID-19 Memorial, please contact [email protected]
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By Contributor: Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch)Last updated March 20, 2025 at 3:59 PMThe state aid school funding numbers the governor released last week will bring much-needed stability after years of volatility and ensure that districts can better plan their budgets and continue providing quality education for students. They were a step toward making funding more equitable, with nearly 70 percent of New Jersey’s school districts seeing an increase in state aid.For the past several months, our ...
By Contributor: Senator Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch)
Last updated March 20, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The state aid school funding numbers the governor released last week will bring much-needed stability after years of volatility and ensure that districts can better plan their budgets and continue providing quality education for students. They were a step toward making funding more equitable, with nearly 70 percent of New Jersey’s school districts seeing an increase in state aid.
For the past several months, our team has been working on legislation that would create new guard rails around the state’s school funding formula and we’re thrilled to see Governor Murphy propose similar mechanisms in this year’s budget. In announcing the funding numbers, the administration proposed capping cuts in state aid at 3 percent while capping increases at 6 percent.
The problem in predicting school budgets and state aid in recent years is caused in part by a confusing element of the school funding formula for calculating a school district’s local fair share. Sharp year-to-year changes in local fair share calculations can be blamed for much of the formula’s volatility, which is why the proposal also calls for using a three-year average of local property values in calculating a district’s local fair share. These guard rails are welcome changes to the formula, but we still have a long way to go.
The Legislative District 11 team has been working on legislation to correct many of the longstanding issues with the state’s school funding formula. The Governor's proposals, in many ways, mirror that legislation, which also takes steps to make the formula more dynamic.
Every three years, the Governor is required to review pieces of the state’s funding formula and recommend changes through the Educational Adequacy Report. Our legislation proposes a more comprehensive educational adequacy report, allowing every aspect of the formula to be reviewed, and making opportunities for stakeholder input.
We need predictability and transparency and the way to achieve that is to give educators, municipal leaders, and residents access to how the state is calculating aid and how their school district is calculating its budget. Our bill would also change districts’ budget deadlines to give them more time to formulate their budgets in addition to requiring that the Department of Education publish a “user-friendly” overview of each district's state aid numbers.
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Our bill would also initiate an immediate review of the state’s “census-based” method for funding special education and convene a task force to propose a fairer alternative. With significant uncertainty surrounding federal education dollars, these changes will provide much-needed stability to New Jersey’s school funding streams. No school should have to build a budget while uncertain about how much aid they will receive. We remain committed to working with local school officials to bring more fairness and accountability to the funding process so that every student in New Jersey has access to the quality education they deserve in a way that local property taxpayers can afford.
Submitted by Senator Vin Gopal
Senator Vin Gopal serves as Senate Majority Conference Leader and Chair of the Senate Education Committee. Elected in 2018, a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Senator Gopal represents residents of Asbury Park, Allenhurst, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbor, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Tinton Falls, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Township, and West Long Branch in the State Senate.
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