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 Historical Schueman House 1883 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 Toms River, 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”
“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.”
“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 Cattus Island County 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 Villa Amalfi or visit Ocean County Historical Society, 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 Toms River, 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 Toms River, 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 Toms River, 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.
Patch is publishing candidate profiles for municipal and school board elections in 2024.Patch StaffTOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lone incumbent. Lisa Contessa, who served on the ...
Patch Staff
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.
There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lone incumbent. Lisa Contessa, who served on the board previously but stepped away for a year, is seeking election. Also running are newcomers Diane Oxley and Maria Marisa Matarazzo. Oxley had run for election to the board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates for the South Toms River seat are Krista Whittaker, a regular attendee and speaker at school board meetings, and Joseph Jubert, whose wife Jamie is the borough clerk in South Toms River and served on the Toms River Regional school board years ago.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Joseph Jubert.
Name:`Joseph Jubert
Age: 66
Family: Jamie, wife.
Education: Graduated from Toms River High School South Class of 1975
Occupation: Retired, was a general supervisor in the Ocean County Road Department for 38 years.
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government?
South Toms River councilman for 12 years; South Toms River Land Use Board; South Toms River Sewerage Authority commissioner; Ocean County Shade Tree Commission
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.
Jamie Jubert (wife) South Toms River Acting Municipal Clerk
Melissa Jubert (Daughter in Law), teacher in the Toms River Regional schools
Why are you running for office?
I am proud of the education I received in the Toms River Schools and I want my grandchildren to enjoy the same experience. I feel my knowledge, experience and leadership can help provide the support for the superintendent and administration to ensure that a quality education is provided for generations to come.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Toms River Regional School District right now and how would you address it?
Funding, particularly state aid distribution. Funding is being used as a political weapon and we need to work to get a fair and equitable distribution of funds. If the present elected officials can’t do this, then we need to get people in that see the children as a priority not their political agenda.
Name one thing about the Toms River Regional School District that always makes you smile.
Being a TR South graduate, it is definitely the tradition. The victory parade after a football win, the singing of “Old Indian Tom” and the ringing of the Victory Bell. These are memories that I now share with my children and grandchildren.
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Patch is publishing candidate profiles for municipal and school board elections in 2024.Patch StaffTOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lone incumbent. Lisa Contessa, who served on the ...
Patch Staff
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.
There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lone incumbent. Lisa Contessa, who served on the board previously but stepped away for a year, is seeking election. Also running are ewcomers Diane Oxley and Maria Marisa Matarazzo. Oxley had run for election to the board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates for the South Toms River seat are Krista Whittaker, a regular attendee and speaker at school board meetings, and Joseph Jubert, whose wife Jamie is the borough clerk in South Toms River and served on the Toms River Regional school board years ago.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Krista Whittaker.
Name: Krista Whittaker
Age: 45
Family: Married 21 years with 3 kids, 26yo daughter and 2 sons 18 and 17
Education: High school graduate as well as vocational school graduate with some college classes
Occupation: I graduated nursing school 22 years ago and have been practicing since in the fields of post-op rehab, wound nurse, clinical studies with the FDA, hospice, and pediatrics. Since 2016 I have worked for Aveanna Healthcare with pediatric patients in home settings, providing 1:1 care with trach/vents, feeding tubes, seizure disorders, cardiac care, and numerous other medical treatments/care.
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? I have never run for a government or elected position in the past.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.
No family working in the Toms River School district therefore no conflicts requiring me to abstain from voting,
Why are you running for office? I am running for the South Toms River representative for the Toms River BOE because for the past 10-plus years I have been attending the meetings and advocating for the students, parents/Taxpayers, and the community as a public guest and it’s time I speak as an elected representative as Anna Polozzo steps down. Our community deserves a voice that can speak on all matters presented to the board as well as someone who will advocate for what’s in the best interest of said community. I want to provide transparency for what is going on in the district as well as accountability for the boards actions.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Toms River Regional School District right now and how would you address it?
Biggest issues we are facing in the district all pertain to S2 funding, or lack thereof. Between classroom sizes growing due to cutting positions (including not hiring new when others retire), doing away with course programs, limited resources for teachers to utilize for curriculum, and the cuts to sports and clubs are all detrimental to one’s learning environment. More so with the actual district is the lack of transparency by the administration as well as the accountability of the BOE. The tentative budget being submitted and passed when our current Board voted NO which includes the increase of school-allocated taxes to 9.9% and the potential sale of 2 more properties is concerning to me and has me questioning to what capacity our BOE operates. The overall cost of providing education to our special needs population and OOD placement due to lack of resources in district needs to be looked into and sought different avenues as to what the district can do to keep our kids here.
Name one thing about the Toms River Regional School District that always makes you smile.
I am a proud alumni to the Toms River Schools (Indians class of 97’) and I can say there are so many things about Toms River School District that makes me smile, but if I have to name just one…. It would be going to a South football game and seeing how much spirit bleeds through the community. From past students, such as myself, who continue to attend Friday night games under the lights (in my situation with no kids of my own playing) to the classes of today. The spirit is still strong 25-plus years later!!
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Here in Toms River, we do Halloween a little bit different than in other towns.We don't have a mischief night.We don't trick-or-treat on Halloween.Weird, right?Every year, as Halloween creeps closer and closer I see people on Facebook ask their fellow neighbors when Halloween is in Toms River.It's a confusing concept for newbies for sure.Get our free mobile appJust today, on the Toms River & neighbors Community Forum, someone asked, "Hello. When do the kids go ]door-to-door] trick or ...
Here in Toms River, we do Halloween a little bit different than in other towns.
We don't have a mischief night.
We don't trick-or-treat on Halloween.
Weird, right?
Every year, as Halloween creeps closer and closer I see people on Facebook ask their fellow neighbors when Halloween is in Toms River.
It's a confusing concept for newbies for sure.
Get our free mobile app
Just today, on the Toms River & neighbors Community Forum, someone asked, "Hello. When do the kids go ]door-to-door] trick or treating in TR? Last year it was not on Halloween."
Some people didn't give the most useful answers, "They don't, been here three years don't bother to buy candy. You will end up eating it."
Someone else responded, "We skip the parade and trick or treat in bordering towns."
Another commenter replied, "It’s never on Halloween. Been that way for like 50 years lol."
None of these actually answered the poster's question.
Toms River gets to gloat a bit, we have the 2nd largest Halloween parade in the world.
Since the Halloween parade is kind of a big deal in good 'ol TR, we do some rearranging with the usual Halloween schedule.
Kids trick-or-treat in Toms River on October 30th, the day before Halloween. It's been that way for as long as pretty much anyone can remember.
In theory, that means mischief night doesn't exist right?
If mischief night is the night before Halloween and that same night kids and parents are all over the town filling their buckets with candy, teens can't toss toilet paper on trees without getting caught.
At least that's been my experience. I have never seen or heard of anyone participating in mischief night in Toms River. If I'm wrong, let me know.
The parade in Toms River is held on October 31st...most years.
However, if the 31st falls on a Sunday, the parade is then flipped with trick-or-treating and will be on the 30th with trick-or-treating on the 31st.
Confusing...I know.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Community CornerOn the Water Nov to May?– Wear a Life Jacket!Boat Safe US, Community ContributorFrom November 1, 2024 through May 1, 2025, all people on boar...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Boat Safe US, Community Contributor
From November 1, 2024 through May 1, 2025, all people on board a recreational vessel under 26 feet (including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards) must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while on a vessel that is underway. The only exception is for people inside the cabin of a cabin vessel.
This is in effort to prevent hypothermia deaths and to decrease the risks placed upon first responders during winter search and rescue operations on the waters of New Jersey.
See the NJSP Marine Service’s FAQ’s on the Cold Weather PFD mandate: nj.gov/njsp/marine-services/faqs-cold-weather.shtml
No matter what activity you have planned on the water, always remember to wear a life jacket. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for your water activity and fits properly. A life jacket that is too large or too small can cause different situational problems.
www.BoatSafeUS.com NASBLA Certified
To operate a vessel in NJ, you are required to take a boat safety class. Boat Safe US, LLC offers class and exam that are NJSP and NASBLA certified. You can also complete the online course with www.Boat-Ed.com, www.AceBoater.com or www.Boaterexam.com and join us for the mandatory proctored exam:
Class: Parsippany, Saturday, 11/2/2024, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Exam: Parsippany, Saturday, 11/2/2024, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Class: Mount Laurel, Saturday, 11/9/2024, 8:00am to 4:30PM
Exam: Mount Laurel, Saturday, 11/9/2024, 3:00pm to 4:30PM
Class: Toms River, Tuesday & Friday, 11/12/2024 & 11/15/2024, 6:00pm to 9:30pm
Exam: Toms River, Friday, 11/15/2024, 8:00pm to 9:30pm
Class: Toms River, Saturday, 11/23/2024, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Exam: Toms River, Saturday, 11/23/2024, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Class: Lawrence Township, Saturday, 11/30/2024, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Exam: Lawrence Township, Saturday, 11/30/2024, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Class: Parsippany, Saturday, 11/30/2024, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Exam: Parsippany, Saturday, 11/30/2024, 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Exam: Waretown, Saturday, 11/30/2024, 8:00am to 9:00am
Patch is publishing candidate profiles for municipal and school board elections in 2024.Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 9:35 am ETTOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lo...
Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 9:35 am ET
TOMS RIVER, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The Toms River Regional Board of Education has three seats up for election; two representing Toms River and one representing South Toms River. All are three-year terms.
There are four candidates seeking the Toms River seats. Jennifer Howe is the lone incumbent. Lisa Contessa, who served on the board previously but stepped away for a year, is seeking election. Also running are ewcomers Diane Oxley and Maria Marisa Matarazzo. Oxley had run for election to the board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates for the South Toms River seat are Krista Whittaker, a regular attendee and speaker at school board meetings, and Joseph Jubert, whose wife Jamie is the borough clerk in South Toms River and served on the Toms River Regional school board years ago.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Lisa Contessa.
Name: Lisa Contessa
Age: Declined to answer
Family: Happily married with two sons and a daughter. Our sons went through Toms River Schools Elementary, Intermediate and High School. Our youngest is currently a Senior at TR High School East.
Education: BS – Business Management/Marketing; MBA – Business Administration
Occupation: 2022- Present: Executive assistant to executive director at The Ocean County Utilities Authority; 2001-2016: VP Marketing, OceanFirst Bank, Toms River; Previous: Marketing manager, Adhesives & Plastics Manufacturing.
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government?
2021-2023 Toms River Regional Board of Education member
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to Fight. Fight. Fight.
Public education is funded through property taxes and State funding. State funding is meant to fill the gap between what can be raised through taxation and what is needed to provide every student with a thorough and efficient education, T&E.
The Constitution of the State of New Jersey mandates the Legislature provide support for a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the State ages five through eighteen years. Unfortunately, our state officials prioritize funding favorable districts serving their own best interests, undermining our educational integrity. NJ officials are not doing the job we the people are paying them to do.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Toms River Regional School District right now and how would you address it?
This district is in a funding crisis exacerbated by New Jersey’s sanctuary status, which requires us to educate many new non-English speaking students with very little formal education, without adequate support.
Instead of the obvious remedy — our fair share of state funding — the Governor has suggested raising taxes and closing schools. Closing schools would severely overcrowd our classrooms and worsen our problems. And in a State with the highest property taxes in the country NO ONE is in favor of raising taxes. On July 3, 2024, our Board unanimously opposed a 9.9% tax increase, but the state overruled us, still leaving a $13 million funding deficit of the $26.6 million they refuse to fund. We are now at the breaking point.
With over 14,000 students and 40 languages spoken, our teachers face immense challenges. Our district needs a strong, proven, experienced leader who will hit the ground running, continue to stand up to state officials and work on the tough decisions ahead while protecting our community.
As a representative of the citizens, taxpayers, parents and students a Board of Education member’s primary role is to shape the policies and procedures that govern the district. And to enforce the rules ensuring the district operates within the broader framework established by the state.
I know from experience our State officials often lie. They have been constantly trying to force perverted ideologies on our children and will tell you these policies are “Mandated” and must be adopted. In my experience I have come to know that “mandated” simply means “guidance”.
As Policy Committee Chair I was instrumental in halting the controversial “Comprehensive Health and Physical Education” policy the state was forcing on our district. Health and Phys Ed in public schools is intended to get our kids healthy by engaging in regular exercise and teaching about nutrition, various health conditions, diseases and prevention.
The policy the State brought us was filled with instruction on sexual orientation of every persuasion, gender identity, disproven claims about climate change, racist ideologies and social justice training.
There are thousands of school policies with new ones being introduced monthly and most have some form of indoctrination within. This is important and time-consuming work. My goal will be to clean up the policy archives with sound guidance that will teach our kids to be loving and kind, physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
I have fought for our funding, voted against tax increases and against agendas that jeopardize our children’s education. Once re-elected, I promise to continue fighting for our funding and against tax hikes. I will oppose inappropriate curricula and ensure all students have the resources they need to excel.
Name one thing about the Toms River Regional School District that always makes you smile.
It is hard to name just one, so I have to say the kids' faces while watching school plays, music and dance recitals, and of course the look of pride in all of them on graduation day.
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