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

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Home Care In Toms River, NJ

Home Care Toms River, NJ

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

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic 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.

 In-Home Care Toms River, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

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

susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Josie J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Pamgoldberg
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Theodore S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Leta J.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Carla500226
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Judy367738
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Nancy176801

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Toms River, NJ?

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care Toms River, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Toms River, NJ

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Toms River, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

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

Companionship Services

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

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 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.

 In-Home Care Toms River, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Toms River, NJ

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in 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.

 Elderly Care Toms River, NJ

Affordable Care

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

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

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

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

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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

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

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care Toms River, NJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Brandywine Living at Toms River
  • Spring Oak at Toms River
  • The Chelsea at Toms River
  • Alcoeur Gardens at Toms River
  • Magnolia Gardens
  • The Haven at Silverwoods
Home Care Toms River, NJ

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

 In-Home Care Toms River, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in 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.

 Elderly Care Toms River, NJ

Latest News in Toms River, NJ

5 Toms River Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community. Patch StaffTOMS RIVER, NJ — If you’re like many of your Toms River neighbors, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community....

If you are looking for organizations to support for Giving Tuesday, here are local groups doing important work in the community.

Patch Staff

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If you’re like many of your Toms River neighbors, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community.

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits worldwide have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Maintaining funding is a constant challenge for many nonprofits that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Toms River area.

Here are five local nonprofits to consider getting behind on Giving Tuesday:

1. Your Grandmother's Cupboard: The organization based in Toms River distributes clothing, coats, blankets and personal care items to people in need, covering the necessities beyond food.

Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey: The organization provides services to seniors, veterans, and elderly disabled, along with individuals living with dementia, and caregivers of loved ones with chronic illnesses. The help provided includes transportation to medical appointments, caregiver respite, grocery shopping assistance, handyman services and more in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

3. MA-22 (Ma Deuce Deuce): The organization serves veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder from their military service, and helps their families, through outings and other ways to connect, to help prevent veteran suicides.

4. Animal Birth Control ABC-NJ: The organization provides assistance for spaying and neutering cats and dogs to help reduce the population of unwanted animals to both people who are adopting animals and to people working on trap-neuter-return programs.

5. Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity: While it's best known for helping low-income families become homeowners, the organization also does home repairs for people in need who don't have the financial means to hire a handyman or a contractor.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

ModWash Coming Soon in Toms River, NJ – Bringing a New Standard of Car Care to the Community

ModWash is coming soon to Toms River, NJ. Enjoy premium car care, exclusive membership perks, and eco-friendly services. Join us for our opening this December.Be the Positive Ripple.”— ModWashTOMS RIVER, NJ, UNITED STATES, November 19, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ModWash, a premier express car wash chain with a robust national and regional presence, is delighted to announce a new location opening at 833 Fischer...

ModWash is coming soon to Toms River, NJ. Enjoy premium car care, exclusive membership perks, and eco-friendly services. Join us for our opening this December.

Be the Positive Ripple.”

— ModWash

TOMS RIVER, NJ, UNITED STATES, November 19, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- ModWash, a premier express car wash chain with a robust national and regional presence, is delighted to announce a new location opening at 833 Fischer Blvd in Toms River this December. ModWash goes beyond the traditional car wash, embodying a philosophy that creates #PositiveRipple effects in every community it serves.

Celebrate Our Opening with ModWash

Join us on our social media channels for exciting updates and the latest news on our opening celebration! The Grand Opening event will include complimentary refreshments, exclusive #ModGiveaways, and a firsthand opportunity to experience the unique #PositiveRipple ModWash offers.

Exceptional Amenities, Unique Experiences

At ModWash, car care is elevated with premium amenities that provide a seamless, enjoyable experience. Our new Toms River location offers ModMat cleaners, powerful vacuums, air guns for hard-to-reach areas, microfiber ModTowels, glass cleaner, and bug prep stations. Adding a sensory element, we’re thrilled to introduce seasonal tunnel scents for a delightful touch. From a quick rinse to a deep clean, ModWash has tailored solutions to meet every need.

Exclusive Membership Benefits

As a ModWash member, you’ll have access to all 122 locations nationwide, offering convenience and flexibility wherever you travel. Our tiered membership packages provide significant savings with affordable options for families and businesses, ensuring your vehicles always shine. Join the first 1,000 members at our new Toms River location to secure a lifetime price through our ModFounders incentive and experience the exclusive benefits of being a ModMember.

Introducing ModAir – More Than Just a Fresh Scent

With each wash, members receive ModAir, our exclusive air fresheners designed to leave a lasting impression on your daily commute. ModAir includes refreshing scents paired with inspiring messages like "Think BIG" and "Never Give Up," adding a touch of positivity every time you get behind the wheel.

Eco-Friendly and Community-Focused

ModWash is reshaping how car owners perceive vehicle care by integrating advanced technology, eco-friendly practices, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our sustainable approach includes using only 30 gallons of water per wash—equivalent to a fifteen-minute shower—demonstrating our dedication to environmental responsibility.

Since its founding in 2020, ModWash has quickly become an industry leader in express car wash services by prioritizing innovation, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship. With Toms River as its newest location, ModWash continues its mission of delivering premium, eco-conscious car care across the U.S.

For more information, visit ModWash.com or contact us at 423-485-0005.

Contact: ModWash Email: [email protected] Phone: 423-485-0005 Website: www.ModWash.com

Mod Marketing ModWash LLC +1 423-645-0269 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Instagram TikTok

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Southern boys soccer wins 1st-ever section title, beating Shore rival: 'Today is revenge'

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STAFFORD TOWNSHIP -- Internally, there was always a feeling that this year's Southern boys soccer team might be the most talented group the Rams had ever had. They cemented their place not just as the most talented, but singularly as the best team in school history on Friday.

The Rams rolled to a dominant 6-3 win over division rival Toms River North to win the South Group 4 section title. It's the first boys soccer sectional championship in school history.

"It just came down to everyone being together," said senior Aidan Donnelly. "And it really just came down to putting the ball in the back of the net when it needed to be hit."

As always, Donnelly was superb at that aspect as he finished with a hat trick in the biggest game of the season. The senior upped his season goal total to 27 with three dazzling finishes against the Mariners. And for the stellar forward his fellow talented seniors, there was no chance they were gonna let their foot off the gas in this matchup against a bitter foe.

"As we were in the huddle in the second half, Nick (Prosperi) reminded us that freshman year we came and we lost 5-0 to (Toms River North)," said Donnelly. "We never forgot that. What we came out here and did today is revenge for what they did to us freshman year. They embarrassed us, and today we did the same to them."

It was a decisive showing as the Rams took a 3-0 lead into halftime and continued to apply offensive pressure. Even when North got its first goal five minutes into the second half, Donnelly answered just 40 seconds later to regain the three-goal advantage.

The bitterness between the squads became more clear down the stretch, as a series of tense exchanges culminated with a reckless hit by the Mariners on Southern's goalkeeper that resulted in a yellow. Both teams had players receive two yellows and a subsequent red, resulting in the game finishing with both sides at 10 players.

It's been a turbulent ride for the talented Rams as current coach Guy Lockwood, who had previously helmed the team, took over after Robert Munoz resigned prior to the team's playoff run. Although there might've been differing visions in the previous regime, the players continued to be united. Their bond has been rewarded with a coveted section title.

"We love each other," senior Brody Reynolds said. "We've been playing together for so long and just get this as a team together — to fight for it and get it and win it. It's just amazing."

Rams dominant for 80 minutes even amidst late scores

All the horsepower on the Southern roster was firing on all cylinders from the opening minute. The Rams consistently won possession and showed off their typical dynamic scoring prowess, scoring off set pieces and counter attacks alike.

It didn't help Toms River North that Southern's first goal came off a brutal error, after a set piece was errantly headed by a defender for an own goal. But despite that early mistake, the Mariners showed plenty of fight as they withstood a barrage of shots from Southern for the following 23 minutes.

But consistently, Southern was able to win possession in the middle third and launch counter attacks after their own back line got quick stops. Eventually those tactics paid dividends as Donnelly handled a high-arcing pass and outwitted the keeper for a goal.

And then in the final five minutes of the half, the Rams demonstrated the dangers of their set piece game to opposing defenses. Reynolds, fresh off a corner kick goal in the semifinal win over Central, hit a terrific corner that was finished off by Nick Prosperi to provide the 3-0 lead. Already, Southern had a comfortable cushion.

North answered with its own score by Christian Assanti with 36:23 left in the second half, providing slim hope for a comeback. But that hope was dashed when Donnelly put together an impressive individual effort to answer and bring the Rams' lead to 4-1. Things further unraveled as Toms River North coach Joe Mahon was assessed two yellows in short order and removed from the game.

The Rams kept the engine running as Reynolds again delivered an excellent corner that was finished off by Kaan Zenger to give Southern a 5-1 lead with 26:35 left in the second half. Just three minutes later, Donnelly put the finishing touch on his hat trick with a snipe off the free kick.

The Mariners continued to battle for pride, albeit with several distasteful showing such as the play that injured Southern goalkeeper Ryan Schweigart and separate incident when a Toms River North player spat on a Southern player. Assanti added another goal and so did Chris Ruggiero, but it was too little too late as the Rams bled out the victory.

Rams to host Princeton with a spot in state championship on the line

The victory sets up an exciting matchup with reigning state champ Princeton in the Group 4 state semifinals, a game that will be hosted by Southern. That home field advantage could be key as the Rams need all the help they can get against a program that has been perennially strong against Shore opponents.

Although the Shore was a guaranteed at least one section champion, the unsung story continues to be the stunning postseason run of Long Branch. Despite only recently getting their record above .500 (12-10), the Green Wave shocked Steinert on the road to win the Central Group 3 section title.

It's hard to say that anyone would've thought Long Branch and Southern would be the Shore's only two section champions when the season began, a testament to what a roller coaster it's been. Now the only question is if this thrilling ride ends with a state champion.

Scaled-Back Parking Garage Repairs Get Toms River Council Approval

The contract, awarded after a third round of bidding, does not include repairs to a fence hit by a driver on the top floor.Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 10:23 am ETTOMS RIVER, NJ — Nine months after a contract to make repairs to the municipal garage was pulled from the agenda, the Toms River Township Council has approved the award of a contract to address issues with the building.The contract awarded to Concrete Strategies LLC, of St. Louis, Missouri, is for a total not to exceed $306,562....

The contract, awarded after a third round of bidding, does not include repairs to a fence hit by a driver on the top floor.

Patch Staff

|Updated Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 10:23 am ET

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Nine months after a contract to make repairs to the municipal garage was pulled from the agenda, the Toms River Township Council has approved the award of a contract to address issues with the building.

The contract awarded to Concrete Strategies LLC, of St. Louis, Missouri, is for a total not to exceed $306,562.

A review of the bid specifications shows the package is a scaled-back version of the original bid package that was pulled from the council agenda in February that Mayor Daniel Rodrick repeatedly derided at the time as spending $500,000 on paint.

On Wednesday night, Rodrick was critical of the bid timeline the first time the repair package was advertised, saying the timeline was too short and didn't provide time to gather enough interest. The package at that time was put out to bid on Dec. 22, 2023, with a bid due date of Jan. 11, 2024. Only one vendor bid on the project at that time: Brave Industrial Paint LLC of Long Branch, for $497,800, according to the bid documents publicly available on OpenGov.com, a government project bidding website. The resolution to award that bid was for $524,800 but the reason for the discrepancy is unclear.

Rodrick ordered a review of the repair package by an outside engineering firm — former township engineer Wendy Birkhead had resigned by then — and the project was rebid in May.

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There were two changes to the bid package in May: the removal of a line item to replace timber rails on the top floor of the garage that separate the middle rows of parking stalls, for which Brave Industrial had bid $45,500, and a reduction in the construction allowance from $30,000 to $5,000.

The new package, listed May 11 with bids due June 12, drew five bidders with bids ranging from $430,150 to $491,449.45. Brave Industrial Paint was the lowest bidder, but the project again was pulled, this time to allow a review by John Mele, who was hired as township engineer in June.

For the third round of bidding, the package was rewritten. Instead of breaking down the repairs by garage level — the first two packages grouped line items by the top side and undersides of the top deck and the second level — the new package consolidated similar repairs into singe line-items.

It also moved five items that were part of the main bid last December into a secondary group labeled "Additional Alternate Improvement Options."

The main package includes concrete repairs where the concrete has cracked from water intrusion and rebar has been exposed, epoxy injections to repair cracks, hollow structural steel support posts and structural support angles, structural concrete, and the scraping, cleaning and painting of steel and drain pipes. Concrete surfaces would be recoated, two new drain caps installed and there is a line item for "shoring," which was identified on both levels on the first package. The construction allowance is $10,000.

The additional alternate items included putting new filler in existing joints and replacing building expansion joint material, repairing and rebuilding masonry — to address crumbling stucco — and timber replacement on the top level of the garage, along with powerwashing concrete. Concrete Strategies bid $144,820 on those items.

The combined cost of the main package and the alternate items would be $451,382 if Toms River chose to move forward with the additional items. It was not clear Wednesday night whether those items might be addressed at a later date.

Councilman Jim Quinlisk questioned the difference in the costs of the bids on Wednesday night, prompting Rodrick to accuse him of being angry that the original bidder, Brave Industrial, did not win the bid.

Rodrick took it a step further, saying "Do you have any relationship with the company?" Quinlisk replied, "Would you repeat the accusation?"

"It's not an accusation it's a question. Do you have any relationship with the company?" Rodrick repeated, and as Quinlisk tried to reply, began shouting him down, saying "You're hesitating. You won't answer the question."

Quinlisk owns Abby Lifts, a company that installs stair lifts and elevators in private homes for people who have mobility issues. Brave Industrial Paint does not do private residential projects, instead focusing on large industrial projects including "the restoration and preservation of steep superstructures," according to its LinkedIn profile.

None of the work approved Wednesday addresses damage caused when a vehicle hit the fencing on the top level of the garage in late summer. Two township vehicles, caution tape and chain-link fencing block access to the parking spots where the crash happened, and where the fencing is bent out away from the building. Assistant township attorney Peter Pascarella said those repairs are being handled through insurance.

Football: Rancocas Valley vs. Toms River North, NJSIAA SJG5 Final, November 15, 2024

1 / 50Football: NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North on November 15, 2024.Toms River North players hold up the trophy after winning the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North at Toms River High School North in Toms River, NJ on November 15, 2024....

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Football: NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North on November 15, 2024.

Toms River North players hold up the trophy after winning the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North at Toms River High School North in Toms River, NJ on November 15, 2024.Get Photo

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Richard O'Donnell | For NJ Advan

Football: NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North on November 15, 2024.

Toms River North Head Coach Dave Oizerowitz holds up three fingers indicating a three-peat after winning the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North at Toms River High School North in Toms River, NJ on November 15, 2024.Get Photo

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Richard O'Donnell | For NJ Advan

Football: NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North on November 15, 2024.

Nasir Jackson (0) of Toms River North recovers a loose ball that was tipped from a pass during the NJSIAA South Jersey, Group 5 Final between Rancocas Valley and Toms River North at Toms River High School North in Toms River, NJ on November 15, 2024.Get Photo

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