Home Care In Red Bank, 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 T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center in Red Bank, 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 Red Bank, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Red Bank, NJ
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Red Bank, NJ
Benefits of Home Care in Red Bank, NJ
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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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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Elderly Care for susan A.

“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”

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In-home Care for Josie J.

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

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

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“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”

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Senior Care for Theodore S.

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

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Red Bank, NJ?

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.

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Types of Elderly Care in Red Bank, NJ

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

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

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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

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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 Count Basie Park in Red Bank, 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

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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 26 West On The Navesink or visit War 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.

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Benefits of Home Care in Red Bank, 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:

Age in Place

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.

Peace of Mind

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.

Socialization

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.

Personalized Care Plan

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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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 Red Bank, 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.

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.

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 Red Bank, 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.

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

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:

The Atrium at Navesink Harbor
A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Janet Wheeler
United Methodist Communities at The Wesleyan
RedBank Center for Rehabilitation and Healing
Senior Care Services
Visiting Angels

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.

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

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 Red Bank, 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.

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How a Red Bank Thanksgiving dinner came crashing down and went viral

Kat Hovnanian joined some 150 members of her far-flung family at her aunt's home in Red Bank for their annual Thanksgiving dinner and waited for the proceedings to begin.They would carry on the tradition: Her aunt would cook up a storm. They would gather around a long table filled with food. One of the young cousins would read a poem. They would recite a family prayer in Armenian. And then they would eat."It's honestly very straightforward," Hovnanian, 22, said. "There's nothing we do that's out of the ordinary. ...

Kat Hovnanian joined some 150 members of her far-flung family at her aunt's home in Red Bank for their annual Thanksgiving dinner and waited for the proceedings to begin.

They would carry on the tradition: Her aunt would cook up a storm. They would gather around a long table filled with food. One of the young cousins would read a poem. They would recite a family prayer in Armenian. And then they would eat.

"It's honestly very straightforward," Hovnanian, 22, said. "There's nothing we do that's out of the ordinary. This year, it's just shocking that the poem ended and, like, the table just came crashing down."

Hovnanian's Instagram video of the Thanksgiving feast going down in a heap is going viral, picked up by U.S. and international news sites alike. By 2 p.m. on Saturday, it had 325,000 likes and more than 5,000 comments. And it was the Jersey Shore's latest contribution to social media.

The video is less than 10 seconds long, but it managed to tell a story that had the emotional weight of a 30-minute sitcom or, as Hovnanian put it, a "cringy Hallmark movie."

Coldplay kiss cam video: Belmar woman who filmed viral hit reveals how it all happened

Hovnanian in an interview with the Asbury Park Press filled in the details. She said her aunt spent a week preparing for Thanksgiving, cooking turkey, ham, steak, lasagna, salads, sweet potatoes and more, then setting them out in a buffet on a long table covered by a white table cloth.

Hovnanian and other family members gathered around and took out their phones to record the pre-meal festivities. The video clip picks up with Hovnanian's 12-year-old cousin finishing a poem and the family clapping and calling out "Bravo!"

In a beat, the table behind her cousin collapsed, the family gasps, Hovnanian pans out to catch her aunt − the aunt who just spent the past week cooking the whole spread − cover her mouth in horror, as a faint laugh can be heard.

"I'm shocked that I did this, but I turned my camera to film her (aunt's) reaction, and I zoomed out and took like a pan out view of what was happening, and I guess this was kind of subconscious − I didn't even think this was going to be posted anywhere − but I was just like holy [expletive] I cannot believe this just happened," Hovnanian said.

The family rushed in to salvage what they could. The men dismantled the table and put it away. Others threw out food that had glass and porcelain pieces. Kat called her cousins who were still on the way, jokingly telling them they might want to pick up pizza.

But Hovnanian said the turkey and steak made it unscathed, and her aunt had more food in the kitchen.

"When everyone sat down, it was just kind of silent," she said. "Everyone got their plates, but instead of having 10 pieces of turkey, everyone had one. Everyone knew we couldn't be overeating because there might not be enough left to feed this humongous family. So we all sat down. It was delicious."

The family came to the conclusion that no one was at fault. Nobody bumped the table. A dog in the background is securely in its owners arms. In the end, they decided, the food's distribution was too heavy for the table to bear.

With her aunt beginning to laugh again, Hovnanian began to compare videos with other family members and decided they need to post it for posterity's sake. Kat, who was the only one to capture her aunt's reaction, had a feeling that it would go viral.

It would strike a chord with anyone trying to have a perfect holiday and falling short, which is pretty much everyone. Hovnanian put it on her Instagram account and had 100,000 views in the first 40 minutes.

"Happy Thanksgiving," she wrote in the caption, "from my family to yours!"

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry since 1999. He can be reached at [email protected].

Monmouth, Ocean County Christmas tree lightings for 2025

Grab your festive hat, ear muffs, gloves and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!Christmas is on the horizon and local towns in Monmouth and Ocean county are sleighing residents into the holiday spirit as they prepare for the holidays events which includes Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies.There are several tree lighting events scheduled along the shore so bundle up and step into the magic of the Christmas.Below are annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies around the Jersey Shore. Make sure to check local...

Grab your festive hat, ear muffs, gloves and get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas is on the horizon and local towns in Monmouth and Ocean county are sleighing residents into the holiday spirit as they prepare for the holidays events which includes Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies.

There are several tree lighting events scheduled along the shore so bundle up and step into the magic of the Christmas.

Below are annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies around the Jersey Shore. Make sure to check local town websites, Facebook and Instagram pages as the weather could cause changes to the schedule.

Tinton Falls

The Jersey Shore Premium Outlets will be kicking off the holiday with its annual tree lighting spectacular on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. sponsored by J.Crew Factory Store, New Jersey Natural Gas & Face Foundrie. There will be complimentary hot chocolate, arts & crafts, face painting, performances by Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen ,a special appearance from the Grinch and Santa will make his grand entrance straight from the North Pole on a horse-drawn sleigh. In addition those who donate a non-perishable food item to Fulfill, our local Food Bank will receive a Simply Southern reusable tote bag.

Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

Red Bank

Red Bank annual Town Lighting & Holiday Express Concert kicks off on Friday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Families will enjoy pre-show activities and a Holiday Express concert, and finally, the main event — the lighting of the Red Bank Christmas tree.

Long Branch

Pier Village in Long Branch is hosting a magical evening filled with festive fun, community spirit and holiday event on Sunday, November 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be holiday performances by the Long Branch High School Marching Band and Dance Team, Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, and holiday activities for kids of all ages.

Howell

Howell Township's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the municipal building. This free event includes a petting zoo, musical entertainment by Howell High School and Memorial 5th Grade Chorus, games and inflatables and of course a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and more.

Ocean County NJ

Ocean County’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Patrons can enjoy holiday music from the Pine Beach Elementary Chorus and refreshments after the ceremony.

Eatontown

Eatontown Recreation will have its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5. Come out and be part of the holiday spirit with pictures with Santa, arts and crafts, and fun.

Toms River

Toms River will host its Winter Wonderland Weekend Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 2. Join The Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District ring the magic of Christmas with Live music and entertainment before Santa arrives on the fire truck at 7 p.m. to light the tree. Photos with Santa will follow the tree lighting in Town Hall.

Red Bank Borough

The Red Bank Borough Westside Tree Lighting will take place Friday, Dec. 5. There will be a special visit from the North Pole and special performances from Lake House Music Academy, Red Bank Primary School Choir and Red Bank Charter School Choir.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park's annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Saturday, Dec. 6 starting at 5:30 pm. Join the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce for an evening of holiday magic that includes Christmas Carolers and treats. Santa arrives to light the tree at 6 p.m.

Long Branch

Long Branch City Hall Tree Lighting & Holiday Celebration will kick off Saturday, Dec. 6. There will be live performance by Long Branch Public School Students, a visit from Santa and refreshment that includes hot chocolate and cookies.

RED BANK: HOLIDAYS KICK OFF WITH BLIZZARD OF EVENTS

The 2024 Red Bank holiday town lighting. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)Ho, ho, ho, here we go Red Bankers! The holiday season is here.But first, a disclaimer. We at redbankgreen feel strongly that the best holiday on the calendar, Thanksgiving, should be thoroughly enjoyed and savored without the rush to Christmas marked by people putting up their holiday lights too early, rushing out to pre-black friday sales and other War-on-Thanksgiving related atrocities. Happy Thanks...

The 2024 Red Bank holiday town lighting. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)

Ho, ho, ho, here we go Red Bankers! The holiday season is here.

But first, a disclaimer. We at redbankgreen feel strongly that the best holiday on the calendar, Thanksgiving, should be thoroughly enjoyed and savored without the rush to Christmas marked by people putting up their holiday lights too early, rushing out to pre-black friday sales and other War-on-Thanksgiving related atrocities. Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy it.

That said, we present this rundown of holiday season kickoff activities a day early precisely so we can properly enjoy Turkey Day by doing absolutely nothing but stuffing our faces and collapsing on the couch.

It’s a great time of year in our great town. There’s the annual town lighting Friday, artists Sunday and much more on tap as the holiday season gets underway. Scroll away for all the deets.

FRIDAY

Annual Holiday Bazaar at Red Bank Elks

Things start early Friday at the Red Bank Elks holiday bazaar. There are craft vendors, hot cider and cocoa and more. It starts at 3 pm and runs throughout the holiday town lighting festivities until 9 pm.

Also on Friday, there’s a unique Black Friday shopping oportunity at the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center.

Santa parade/Holiday Express concert/Town lighting

SUNDAY

November 30th is Artists Sunday, a day dedicated to supporting local artists in communities worldwide.

Right after Thanksgiving, this nationwide movement unites artists, arts organizations, and communities to encourage everyone to shop local and buy art for the holidays.

Galleries and studios will be open across Red Bank. See the list and map below.

Remember: Nothing makes a Red Bank friend happier than to hear "I saw you on Red Bank Green!"

Red Bank Lights Up the Season with Holiday Kickoff Celebration — Watch VIDEOS!

RED BANK, NJ: Electric energy filled Red Bank last night as the RiverCenter launched the holiday season.Blustery winds, cold temperatures couldn’t dampen the excitement, with crowds flocking downtown to enjoy vibrant performances that kept revelers engaged and spirits soaring.“The Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express is the heart of our holiday season — a night when music, community, and pure joy fill the streets,” said Mairin Bennett, Executive Director of Red Bank RiverCenter. ...

RED BANK, NJ: Electric energy filled Red Bank last night as the RiverCenter launched the holiday season.

Blustery winds, cold temperatures couldn’t dampen the excitement, with crowds flocking downtown to enjoy vibrant performances that kept revelers engaged and spirits soaring.

“The Red Bank Town Lighting with Holiday Express is the heart of our holiday season — a night when music, community, and pure joy fill the streets,” said Mairin Bennett, Executive Director of Red Bank RiverCenter.

The festivities began at 5 p.m. at Edmund Wilson Plaza (between Triumph Brewing and the Two River Theater), where crowds enjoyed treats, music, dancing, and selfie photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The couple then boarded a Red Bank fire engine and, with the stirring accompaniment of the Pipe and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, led a parade up Monmouth Street to Broad Street.

Their arrival at the Holiday Express stage was a show-stopping moment, greeted by cheers from families whose excitement shone as brightly as the holiday lights.

The evening’s entertainment soared when Tim McCloone and his band, The Holiday Express, took the spotlight.

With lively banter and playful appearances from Elmo, Cookie Monster, Frosty, and the Grinch, the group delivered holiday classics and rock ’n’ roll favorites that kept the crowd moving.

“We performed shows now for 33 years, and seeing thousands of people gathered here makes it all worthwhile,” McCloone shared.

The night reached its peak as Santa and Mrs. Claus stepped onto the stage, spreading cheer in their iconic red suits. Children gazed in awe, reinforcing the tradition as a cornerstone of Red Bank’s holiday celebrations.

Mayor Billy Portman led the countdown, and with a burst of light, Broad Street transformed into a dazzling wonderland.

Families stood together in the heart of town, watching as festive decorations illuminated the streets and ushered in the season.

The season is officially aglow, and Red Bank stands as a true holiday destination.

VIDEOS - to hear the song, click on the link

The Holiday Express Band at Count Basie – Sponsorships & Tickets

Holiday Express will take the stage at the Count Basie Theater on Tuesday, December 16, 7:30pm.

This is a great show that benefits numerous charitable organizations.

To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, click on the link to the TAPinto Red Bank article, “Holiday Express Returns to Red Bank’s Count Basie Center.”

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Odoh runs wild on RBC, leads No. 13 Paramus Catholic to first state final since 2016

Reader Note: We’re currently experiencing technical issues on the High School Sports site. Our team is working hard to restore full functionality as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’ll continue publishing the stories you expect—available and on our social media channels. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal reader.The only thing that stopped Chukwuma Odoh on Friday night was a loose shoelace.With a chance to help send his team back to a state final...

Reader Note: We’re currently experiencing technical issues on the High School Sports site. Our team is working hard to restore full functionality as soon as possible. In the meantime, we’ll continue publishing the stories you expect—available and on our social media channels. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal reader.

The only thing that stopped Chukwuma Odoh on Friday night was a loose shoelace.

With a chance to help send his team back to a state final for the first time in nine years, Odoh exploded for 301 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 22 carries to lead Paramus Catholic, seeded second and ranked No. 13 in the NJ.com Top 20, to a 50-30 victory over third-seeded/No. 15 Red Bank Catholic in the NJSIAA/Xfinity Non-Public B semifinals on Friday in Paramus.

Odoh scored on runs of 7, 1 and 36 yards while averaging 13.7 yards per attempt, pacing a 382-yard ground attack by the Paladins that sent them to their first state championship game since 2016.

“It feels exciting. This is what I came here for and what I worked all summer for,” Odoh said. “I’m glad it finally came to life.”

Paramus Catholic will play top-seeded DePaul in the Non-Public B title game on Friday, Nov. 28 at 10 am at MetLife Stadium. DePaul defeated Holy Spirit 49-22 in the other semifinal game.

Odoh, a 6-foot, 210-pound back who can punish teams between the tackles and outrun them in the open field, had just 54 yards on 10 carries when Paramus Catholic beat Red Bank Catholic 30-16 on Oct. 17. He was just coming back from an injury at the time and wasn’t close to 100 percent healthy, however. Friday was his chance to show his true ability.

“I know I left a lot on the table last time, so I knew I had to get it back this game,” Odoh said. “And I definitely got it back.”

“He’s a big, strong kid who also runs an 11-flat 100, so when he pops it, it’s different,” Paramus Catholic head coach Greg Russo said. “The way the line was blocking and getting him to the second level, good luck tackling him. The only reason he didn’t score before the half was his shoe came off.”

Odoh broke a 63-yard run down to the Red Bank Catholic 10-yard line late in the half with Paramus Catholic (6-6) holding a 21-17 lead. He was caught from behind only because he ran right out of one of his cleats. RBC (11-2) ended up forcing an incomplete pass on fourth-and-goal on the final play of the half to keep its deficit at four points. The Caseys were set to receive the ball to begin the third quarter and had a chance to grab the momentum after trailing by double digits in the second quarter.

Instead, Paramus Catholic forced RBC to attempt a 49-yard field goal on the opening series of the third quarter. The kick by freshman standout Simon Picinich missed just wide to the right. On the first play after taking over, Odoh ripped off a 58-yard run to the RBC 22-yard line that set up his 1-yard touchdown run for a 28-17 lead.

After forcing RBC to go three-and-out on its next possession, Odoh scored on a dazzling 36-yard run to give the Paladins a commanding 35-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.

“That’s what I was most impressed with,” Russo said. “They scored before the half and then we had a chance to score but didn’t. A lot of teams, that’ll break them and they’ll play bad in the second half. We talk about the next play like every coach, but they went out and did it.”

“We’ve been preaching all year a next-play mentality,” Odoh said. “They were going to throw punches, we were going to throw punches. We just kept coming back, and they couldn’t handle us.”

Paramus Catholic scored on its first possession when sophomore quarterback Rowan Martin tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Nehki Martin. Red Bank Catholic responded on the second play of the second quarter when junior wide receiver Joe Egan was left wide open and freshman quarterback Rahmir Rivera found him for a 29-yard touchdown on 4th-and-four.

The Paladins had an immediate answer.

On second down, Martin threw a jump ball down the middle of the field for sophomore wideout AJ Lopez Jr. The 6-foot-1 receiver won the battle with an RBC defensive back and took it the rest of the way for a 79-yard touchdown and a 14-7 Paramus Catholic lead. A 41-yard field goal by Picinich cut the Caseys’ deficit to 14-10, but RBC’s defense had no answer for Odoh and the Paladins’ ground attack. He ran for 30 yards on first down to jump-start a 9-play, 80-yard scoring drive that concluded with his 7-yard touchdown run, putting Paramus Catholic ahead 21-10 with 2:57 left in the first half.

A personal foul against Paramus Catholic after the touchdown, which RBC elected to have enforced on the kickoff, gave the Caseys a short field on the ensuing possession. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on PC put the Caseys inside the 20, and two plays later Rivera connected with senior Dan Zabora for a 14-yard touchdown that cut Paramus Catholic’s lead to 21-17.

Paramus Catholic was unable to score after having first-and-goal from the 10 with just under a minute left in the half, but that ended up being only a speed bump. The defense came up with two key stops in the third quarter to allow an offense that has scored 113 points in two playoff games to do its thing.

“I feel like when our offense is going, we can’t be stopped,” Odoh said. “And our defense shows up when it’s time.”

Down 35-17 with 9:56 left in the fourth quarter, Red Bank Catholic drove 79 yards in two minutes to pull within nine points. Rivera scored on a 1-yard sneak on fourth-and-goal to make the score 35-24. The Caseys attempted an onside kick that Paramus Catholic recovered just shy of midfield.

On the next series, Paramus Catholic’s Achylles Dupont got loose for a 28-yard run on first down to set up a 3-yard touchdown run by Nehki Martin for a 42-24 lead.

Senior free safety Aiden Acevedo put the finishing touches on the victory with a 50-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Christopher Ventura ran in the 2-point conversion to extend the Paladins’ lead to 50-24.

RBC scored late on a 30-yard run by Luke Lonczack.

When Russo took over the Paramus Catholic program four years ago he inherited a group that had not won a game in two years. As a former Paladins standout and assistant coach, he knew what a return to glory would mean for the school community. Now, they’re one win from a state championship.

“These seniors came into this program when we hadn’t won a game in two years and there were 27 guys in the program,” Russo said. “So in four years to be going to MetLife, it’s a massive thing for them.

Paramus Catholic 50, Red Bank Catholic 30

	1	2	3	4	F
Red Bank Catholic (11-2)	0	17	0	13	30
Paramus Catholic (6-6)	7	14	7	22	50

First quarter

Paramus Catholic: Nehki Martin 37-yard pass from Rowan Martin (James Bortnick kick), 8:59

Second quarter

Red Bank Catholic: Joe Egan 29-yard pass from Rahmir Rivera (Simon Picinich kick), 11:06

Paramus Catholic: AJ Lopez 79-yard pass from Rowan Martin (James Bortnick kick), 10:03

Red Bank Catholic: Simon Picinich 41-yard field goal, 6:55

Paramus Catholic: Chukwuma Odoh 7-yard run (James Bortnick kick), 2:57

Red Bank Catholic: Dan Zabora 14-yard pass from Rahmir Rivera (Simon Picinich kick), 1:17

Third quarter

Paramus Catholic: Chukwuma Odoh 1-yard run (James Bortnick kick)

Fourth quarter

Paramus Catholic: Chukwuma Odoh 36-yard run (James Bortnick kick)

Red Bank Catholic: Rahmir Rivera 1-yard run (Simon Picinich kick)

Paramus Catholic: Nehki Martin 3-yard run (James Bortnick kick)

Paramus Catholic: Aiden Acevedo 50-yard interception return (Christopher Ventura run)

Red Bank Catholic: Luke Lonczak 30-yard run (pass failed)

TEAM STATISTICS

	RBC	PC
First downs	17	18
Rushes-yards	34-198	39-382
Passing yards	160	149
Passes Comp.-Att.-Int.	12-22-1	5-9-0
Fumbles-lost	1-0	0-0
Punts-Average	1-44	1-24
Penalties-Yds	6-40	6-70

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING - Red Bank Catholic: Gabe Kemp 26-126, Luke Lonczak 3-49, Rahmir Rivera 4-13, Joe Egan 1-10; Paramus Catholic: Chukwuma Odoh 22-301, Achylles Dupont 6-33, Rowan Martin 7-27, Nekhi Martin 3-18, Feury Diaz-Rinaldo 1-3.

PASSING - Red Bank Catholic: Rahmir Rivera 12-22-1 for 160 yards; Paramus Catholic: Rowan Martin 5-9-0 for 149 yards.

RECEIVING - Red Bank Catholic: Jason Berecsky 5-71, Joe Egan 1-29, Dan Zabora 2-24, TJ Walsh 2-21, Gabe Kemp 2-15; Paramus Catholic: AJ Lopez 1-79, Nehki Martin 3-58, Feury Diaz-Rinaldo 1-12.

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