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 St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site 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 New Brunswick, 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.
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me -”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
“Your service was just what I needed. I would not hesitate to use your services in the future if needed. I would recommend you to anyone needing your help. Again, thank you for caring.”
“Mai was wonderful in every way. She gave great care to my father and also cared for me and my family.”
“ALWAYS BEST CARE, Princeton Junction is the place to call if you need help in caring for a loved one. We have a brother and his significant other who were living independently and when visiting them realized they had not been eating or keeping their home clean. Since we knew of Always Best Care and heard of their excellent reputation we contacted them. They immediately stepped in and assisted us in knowing what steps we needed to take. After taking both our brother and his significant other to the doctors and learning that they had the beginnings of Alzheimer’s disease, we met with Carmen who helped us set up a plan. She suggested that we start with a few days a week of in home care so that we would know that they were eating. She provided us with excellent aids that not only helped prepare meals, but also interacted with our family members to encourage socialization. These few days increased to five days a week which left us with Saturday and Sunday to monitor their eating. While this was taking place, Carmen helped us find an Assisted Living Community where they could move. We visited several in the area and decided on one after consulting with Carmen. She and Gimbert were always available to take our calls if we had any questions. They helped us with finding someone to clean out the house and assisted us in relocating our bother and his significant other to their new home. We have recommended Always Best Care to several of our neighbors who have needed assistance with caring for loved ones. Carmen is on top of any situation that needs attention. Whether a person needs an aid for a week, a month or indefinitely she arranges the right person for the client’s needs. Always Best Care, Carmen and Gimbert, cared for our family members as if they were their own family. We would not have been able to care for our family members as well as the aids from Always Best Care.Hopefully we will not need the services of Always Best Care again, but if we do we know that they will be there to help us.”
“It was a pleasure meeting Carmen! I appreciate the time she spent with me - her knowledge/advice, genuine caring, and friendly personality. We're managing well and hopefully that continues and if needed, we know to call ABC.”
“My wife and I are eternally grateful to Always Best Care for the wonderful care they provided for our Aunt and Uncle as they battled with diminishing health and mental conditions. Carmen and Gimbert were always available to us to answer questions and discuss aspects of care that was needed. Without their help the situations that we faced would have been so much worse. God Bless.”
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 Buccleuch 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 The Frog & The Peach or visit Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, 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 New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, 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.
New Brunswick Restaurant Week returns July 13 to 27, offering diners two weeks to taste Hub City's varied dining scene at affordable prices.Over 20 restaurants are participating this year. All of the deals can be found here, including a $59 three-course dinner at The Frog and the Peach, $7 wines by the glass at Batch Bin & Barrel, and a $45 three-course dinner with house wine and dessert at Roosterspi...
New Brunswick Restaurant Week returns July 13 to 27, offering diners two weeks to taste Hub City's varied dining scene at affordable prices.
Over 20 restaurants are participating this year. All of the deals can be found here, including a $59 three-course dinner at The Frog and the Peach, $7 wines by the glass at Batch Bin & Barrel, and a $45 three-course dinner with house wine and dessert at Roosterspin.
Diners who eat out at least five times during New Brunswick Restaurant Week can submit their receipts here by Saturday, Aug. 2, for a chance to win a gift bag.
The city's ambiance will also be embellished during the event, as parts of George Street are currently closed to traffic to make way for outdoor dining. The street is closed from Albany Street to Bayard Street, making it easier to access Restaurant Week participants like Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe.
If you're looking for takeout, it's free to park in the Lower Church Street Garage at 90 Church St. for 30 minutes or less during Restaurant Week.
Here are all of the participating restaurants:
Batch Bin & Barrel, a contemporary wine bar with small bite options. 98 Albany St.; 732-246-8587, batchbinbarrel.com.
Christopher's, a trendy lounge in The Heldrich hotel with New American fare and craft cocktails. 10 Livingston Ave.; 732-214-2200, theheldrich.com/christophers-bar-restaurant.
Clydz, an underground restaurant with a speakeasy vibe featuring creative American fare and a massive cocktail list. 55 Paterson St.; 732-846-6521, clydz.com.
Destination Dogs, a gourmet sausage restaurant and bar featuring hot dogs with ingredients from around the world. 101 Paterson St.; 732-993-1016, destinationdogs.com.
Earth & Ivy, a cannabis dispensary. 355 George St.; 732-317-2992, earthandivy.co.
Evelyn's Restaurant, a Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant with a bar and brick patio. 45 Easton Ave.; 732-246-8792, evelynsrestaurant.com.
Fritz's, a quaint cafe offering sandwiches, breakfast fare and baked goods in an 1882 building. 115 Easton Ave.; 732-543-0202, fritzsnb.com.
The Frog and The Peach, a creative and seasonal New American restaurant with a garden room. 29 Dennis St.; 732-846-3216, frogandpeach.com.
Glass Wood Tavern, a New American eatery inside The Hyatt Regency offering craft beer and brick oven pizza. 2 Albany St.; 732-873-1234, bit.ly/3IiCE7J.
Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe, a casual eatery with eclectic pub fare and house-brewed beers. 392 George St.; 732-249-6666, harvestmoonbrewery.com.
Mozzarella Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria, a casual restaurant with pasta and Mexican fare on the menu. 40 Jersey Ave., Unit B; 732-640-1786, mozzarellacucinaitaliana.com.
Pizza City, a late-night, old-school pizzeria. 297 Somerset St.; 732-214-1991, pizzacitynj.com.
Puffin Dispensary, a cannabis dispensary. 382 George St.; 732-378-3346, puffinstorenj.com.
Ramen Nagomi, a minimalist Japanese restaurant with acclaimed ramen. 49 Bayard St.; 732-317-2623, ramennagomi.com.
Roosterspin, a stylish Korean fusion restaurant featuring double fried chicken and eclectic eats, as well as vinyl records and karaoke rooms. 120 Albany St.; 732-545-4500, roosterspin.com.
Sakana Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant. 338 George St.; 732-867-9308, sakananewbrunswick.com.
Salt Seafood & Oyster Bar, a high-end seafood restaurant with a raw bar. 103 Church St.; 732-745-7258, saltrestaurantnj.com.
Steakhouse 85, a classic upscale steakhouse. 85 Church St.; 732-247-8585, steakhouse85.com.
Stuff Yer Face, a nearly half-century-old hangout for international beers, stromboli and "fish bowl" cocktails. 49 Easton Ave.; 732-247-1727, stuffyerface.com.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a smoothie and sandwich chain. 88 Easton Ave.; 908-364-8340, tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.
Veganized Restaurant, a colorful vegan restaurant serving animal-free takes on classic American fare. 1 Elm Row; 732-342-7412, veganizedfoods.com.
Victoria's Tratta Italiano, a cozy Italian restaurant. 94 Church St.; 732-545-6161, victoriastrattaitaliano.com.
Staff Reporter Jenna Intersimone: [email protected]
On the side of Route 130 in South Brunswick, N.J., a striking new sight is drawing both local traffic and out-of-town visitors: the world’s largest kosher mezuzah, towering over six feet tall, mounted proudly at the entrance of Chabad of South Brunswick’s newly built center since it was installed on June 13.The mezuzah...
On the side of Route 130 in South Brunswick, N.J., a striking new sight is drawing both local traffic and out-of-town visitors: the world’s largest kosher mezuzah, towering over six feet tall, mounted proudly at the entrance of Chabad of South Brunswick’s newly built center since it was installed on June 13.
The mezuzah was commissioned by the children of Rabbi Levi and Goldie Azimov, who direct the center, to mark the occasion of their community’s new building. It was written by a scribe in Israel and measures two full meters (6.5 feet) in height. It surpasses the famously large mezuzahs at Ben-Gurion International Airport (1.01 meters) and the Western Wall (1.4 meters), making it the largest documented mezuzah in the world.
“I was in the UAE and saw a sofer (scribe) writing a large mezuzah for someone else—nothing this big—and I asked him, ‘What’s the biggest you could do?’” said Mendel Azimov. “My parents are building a Chabad House, so I wanted something big, something special.”
“He told me the issue with writing something so big is that the klaf (‘parchment’) is very hard to find,” he notes. “He said, ‘I’ll look around, and the biggest klaf I can find, that’s what I’ll do.’”
Writing of such magnitude presents rare challenges. The klaf must be made from a single, unblemished section of hide—smooth, sturdy and suitable for sacred use. Locating a hide large and flawless enough for a scroll of this size is exceptionally difficult, making the project all the more unique.
Remarkably, the scroll arrived in the United States on one of the last inbound flights from Israel just before the outbreak of the war with Iran.
While its size makes it impossible to miss, the mezuzah is not simply decorative. It was written in full accordance with Jewish law and is enclosed in a protective case at the building’s entrance.
The case itself was handcrafted from rich mahogany wood, custom-made by a private commission in New York City to reflect the beauty and dignity of the sacred scroll it protects.
Rabbi Levi and Goldie Azimov founded Chabad of South Brunswick 23 years ago, opening the first synagogue in the township. Since then, the community has steadily grown—now home to a daily minyan, a Hebrew school and a vibrant CTeen chapter.
With participation expanding and space limited, it was time to build. The new building, located on a highly visible section of Route 130, is already creating new energy and momentum for Jewish life in the region.
“The new Chabad center is beautiful, inviting, and, more importantly, is about the people, of course,” said Jonathan Vorchheimer, a member of the community for 10 years. “I always feel welcome there. The people are special. Everybody welcomes everyone with open arms. It’s a safe space. It’s my second family.”
“The big mezuzah is a sense of pride,” said Vorchheimer. “A statement.”
Rabbi Azimov agrees. “You can see it from the road,” he said. “Last week, I saw from my kitchen a family with nine kids that came from Brooklyn just to come see the mezuzah.”
Rabbi Azimov sees the mezuzah not as an endpoint or the final touch on the new building, but as a springboard for a larger community effort. “The Rebbe, of righteous memory, always pushed us to use everything to the next level, use the opportunity.”
From now until Rosh Hashanah, the community will offer assistance to anyone in need of kosher mezuzahs for their home, with many provided at minimal cost. The program will also help facilitate home visits to inspect them and ensure they are properly affixed and kosher.
Our sages taught that when a Jew affixes a mezuzah to the doorpost, G?d protects the home from all harm (Talmud, Avodah Zarah 11a). On the back of the scroll are three Hebrew letters: shin, dalet and yud, which spell one of G?d’s names: Sha?dai. Tradition, however, teaches that they are also an acronym for the words Shomer daltot Yisrael—“Guardian of Jewish doors” (Siddur of the Arizal, Kavanat Mezuzah). “This is how we prepare for a better and safer year for the entire Jewish people,” said Azimov.
The Rutgers Board of Governor's has again approved tuition hikes greater than the rate of inflation, keeping New Jersey among the states with the highest in-state tuition rates.Included in the approval of a $5.9 billion budget for the 2025-26 academic year is a 5% increase in tuition for in-state students and a 5% increase in mandatory fees. Campus housing will increase 6%. Out-of-state students will see an overall 6% increase in tuition and housing.The tuition hikes are larger than 4% increase approved for the previous academi...
The Rutgers Board of Governor's has again approved tuition hikes greater than the rate of inflation, keeping New Jersey among the states with the highest in-state tuition rates.
Included in the approval of a $5.9 billion budget for the 2025-26 academic year is a 5% increase in tuition for in-state students and a 5% increase in mandatory fees. Campus housing will increase 6%. Out-of-state students will see an overall 6% increase in tuition and housing.
The tuition hikes are larger than 4% increase approved for the previous academic year and more than double the current 2.4% rate of inflation.
Under the budget just approved by the Board, an in-state, undergraduate student attending the New Brunswick campus full-time will pay $14,933 in annual tuition.
Tuition for out-of-state students will rise from $33,734 to $35,758.
The costs will vary for students attending school in Newark, Camden and other Rutgers locations.
New Rutgers President William Tate IV blamed several factors for the tuition increases including potential funding cuts from President Donald Trump's administration.
Rutgers not only has the third highest tuition among four-year schools in New Jersey; it has among the highest in-state tuition rates in the U.S.
The national average for tuition at public four-year colleges is $11,610 for state residents according to College Board data.
Florida offers among the lowest in-state rates $6,381 per year. That is an 18% decrease from the previous year.
Even California offers a lower in-state tuition rate for four-year schools at $16,607 per year.
SmartAsset released a study analyzing the most affordable places to live in New Jersey. The eighth annual study weighed several factors, including taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and home costs relative to the local median income.
The owner of apartment communities in Somerville and New Brunswick has sold the two properties for a total of $17.52 million.C&S Lexington, one of Somerville's older apartment communities, was sold for $11.9 million in April.C&S Easton sold the apartment building in New Brunswick for $5.62 million in May.The Lexington and Jefferson apartments, off Mountain Avenue in Somerville across from Immaculata High School, was sold to Lexington Residences 2, part of ...
The owner of apartment communities in Somerville and New Brunswick has sold the two properties for a total of $17.52 million.
C&S Lexington, one of Somerville's older apartment communities, was sold for $11.9 million in April.
C&S Easton sold the apartment building in New Brunswick for $5.62 million in May.
The Lexington and Jefferson apartments, off Mountain Avenue in Somerville across from Immaculata High School, was sold to Lexington Residences 2, part of Pentaurus Properties of Mountainside.
The apartments along Peters Brook were exclusively offered for sale for the first time since their construction more than 60 years ago by the original developer family.
The six-story Lexington, one of Somerville's first high-rise apartment buildings, has 54 apartments.
The Jefferson, a garden apartment complex, has 64 apartments.
Both communities were built in the early 1960s.
Pentaurus has apartment communities throughout Florida and New Jersey, including North Plainfield, Plainfield and Summit.
The Morristown office of Berkadia represented the owner in both sales.
“These multi-generational family assets are highly coveted by the investor community, consistently generating an overwhelming amount of interest,” stated Trevor Fiebel of Berkadia. “However, they typically come with a significant amount of tax exposure for the seller. We identified the family’s concerns and worked closely with them in preparation for the sale of their entire portfolio, while also providing solutions for them to exit in a tax efficient manner."
Berkadia, a national real estate firm, also represented the same family in the sale of the Century Apartments on Easton Avenue in New Brunswick.
C&S Easton sold the four-story building, built in 1969, with 38 apartments to Century Apartments LLC, part of Penn Properties Management, of Millstone Township, for $5.62 million in May.
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East Brunswick High School students, who participated in Urban Land Institute (ULI) Northern New Jersey’s 2025 UrbanPlan program, participated in a behind-the-scenes tour June 5 of two luxury residential rental community sites – Russo Development's Vermella East Brunswick and The Raye by Vermella in New Brunswick.The 50 students heard first-hand accounts of the two large-scale projects by project managers and executives, including President/Property Management Adam Pasternack, Executive Vice President/Head of Development C...
East Brunswick High School students, who participated in Urban Land Institute (ULI) Northern New Jersey’s 2025 UrbanPlan program, participated in a behind-the-scenes tour June 5 of two luxury residential rental community sites – Russo Development's Vermella East Brunswick and The Raye by Vermella in New Brunswick.
The 50 students heard first-hand accounts of the two large-scale projects by project managers and executives, including President/Property Management Adam Pasternack, Executive Vice President/Head of Development Chris Erb and Vice President of Marketing Courtney Mulligan, as well as New Brunswick Mayor James Cahill, New Brunswick Councilwoman Suzanne Sicora, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, and Urban Land Institute Northern New Jersey (ULI NNJ) program volunteers.
This gave the students an inside look at redevelopment in action and learn more about the wide variety of careers available in the commercial real estate and planning industries.
Established in 1936, the ULI is a nonprofit education and research institute with almost 40,000 members across the globe. The mission of the ULI is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the total environment.
Created by ULI, UrbanPlan allows students to participate in a hands-on, simulated real estate planning program while working side-by-side with leading industry professionals. Through the program, students learn about the fundamental forces that affect real estate development and how responsible development can shape, transform, and ultimately improve our communities.
ULI NNJ introduced the UrbanPlan curriculum to the high school in 2019 under the leadership of East Brunswick High School teacher Marc Mondry. Since its introduction, nearly 200 students have participated in the program at the high school. Today, the program is overseen by the high school’s Jonathan Pawlowski. In 2024, Russo Development became the event sponsor of the district's ULI NNJ’s program and launched the program’s first-ever project tour.
"We’re proud to continue our partnership with ULI NNJ in support of the UrbanPlan program and its mission to inspire the next generation of real estate and planning professionals," said Ed Russo, CEO of Russo Development. "Allowing students to experience both an active development site and a completed community offers a unique, real-world perspective that brings the curriculum to life in a meaningful way."
Since 2003, UrbanPlan has reached more than 52,000 high school and university students in the U.S. and Canada.
The UrbanPlan curriculum tasks teams of students with responding to a "request for proposals" for the redevelopment of a dilapidated neighborhood in a fictional community. Each team member assumes one of five roles: Finance Director, Marketing Director, City Liaison, Neighborhood Liaison or Site Planner.
Through the roles, students develop an understanding of how various market forces − supply and demand, availability of capital, risk versus reward, etc. − clash and collaborate with non-market forces − regulation, politics, advocacy groups, etc. − to create the built environment. Using modeling Lego blocks representing differing asset classes of buildings and property usages, each team reconciles the often-competing agendas to create a well-designed, market-responsive, financeable, and buildable project. Following the creation of their plans, teams are tasked with presenting and defending their proposals in front of a volunteer-based mock city council.
"UrbanPlan empowers students to understand how the built environment takes shape and the vital role they can play in shaping it," said Mara Winokur, executive director of ULI NNJ.
The tour of Russo Development’s Vermella project sites offered a unique opportunity for the UrbanPlan students to observe the redevelopment process first-hand while learning more about the variety of careers available in the commercial real estate and urban planning industries.
Over its 50-plus-year history, Russo Development has completed more than 60 industrial projects and has become one of the largest owners of data center space and delivered more than 5,400 luxury apartments in the New York metropolitan area. The firm’s short-term development pipeline includes more than 3,500 residential units and five million square feet of industrial space, two of the hottest sectors in the New Jersey market.
Russo Development’s Vermella East Brunswick and The Raye by Vermella projects highlight both ends of the redevelopment process explored by students in the UrbanPlan curriculum.
Currently under construction in a joint venture partnership with River Development Equities, Vermella East Brunswick is a mixed-use development project along southbound Route 18. The project will feature 753 units at completion with 30,000 square feet of retail.
Completed in 2025, The Raye by Vermella is a redevelopment of a former department store site in New Brunswick featuring 20,000 square feet of retail and 531 market-rate units. Located at 100 Vermella Drive, the residential experience is further enhanced through an amenity package including a signature resort-style pool, outdoor lounges, playground, dog park, podcast rooms and golf simulator.
The tour marked the completion of the school year's annual UrbanPlan program.
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Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter forMyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or@CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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