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 John Brown Birthplace 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 Torrington, CT 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.
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work and truly cares about the people she is in contact with. She is dedicated, diligent, and is devoted to her job assignment. She not only takes care of my Mom, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty. Bessie has a unique ability to connect with every person she meets. No day goes by that my Mom is not pampered. Bessie make sure she's always comfortable. She makes exceptional meals for her 3 times a day, cleans her clothes, gives her showers, washes her hair and makes her look amazing every single day. Bessie is so beneficial to our family we can't imagine our family without her. I myself and my family members could never do what she does for our Mom. She has been with my mom and our family for almost 1 year and we don't know what we would do without her, she truly is a gift from God. She not only takes care of my Mom daily, nightly and weekly, she also takes care of her personal life and whatever life throws at her. She is a devoted caretaker and should be recognized with the utmost respect. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of my Mom is commendable. You can't find anyone as special as she. Her life commitment has touched our lives through her delivery of exceptional care in a compassionate, respectful, and safe manner on a daily basis. She has become a member of our family and she has shown us the meaning of adaptability. Her strong faith in God, Forgiveness, and Believing in each other makes her the great person that she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank you for the extraordinary care and services your company has provided to us. Thank you for all you do”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a few hours a week, they were very thorough in asking about my mother's condition, and what were the needs that were required. It's more like bathing, medication, and companionship. We used them for about a week.”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at home assisted by the caregivers from your company Always Best Care of Greater Bristol. This letter is a personal thank you from my father and the entire Ceuch family on how your caregivers treated and attended to my father during this time. The caregivers became part of our extended family who shared in countless family events resulting in beautiful lasting memories. Caregivers Frances Boateng, Jeremy Turner, and Yanice Hernandez were awesome in their care of my father. I want to especially acknowledge Francis as a person who went above and beyond his responsibility and became part of the Ceuch inner circle. It was not uncommon for Francis on his off days to stop by during a family picnic to say hello...he is truly loved by my father. Again, I want to thank you for the loving care your caregivers provided my father. I would highly recommend your company to anyone interested in having a caregiver attend to a loved one. Thanks again”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my step father, Daryl. It's unbelievable how the progression of his illness happened so quickly, however, Always Best Care was always ready to provide the level of care he needed as it increased. Most importantly, I'd like to thank his aide, Sue Malasics. She was wonderful to Daryl and took great care of his needs. I knew I did not have to worry with Sue there with him. She was always cooking wonderful homemade meals and desserts and I was happy to see how happy she made Daryl. I think she is a wonderful asset to Always Best Care. Should I know of anyone needing help in the future, I would recommend Always Best Care and Sue Malasics.”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure. My mother was also very demanding about her care and who she would allow into her home. After several attempts with various in-home care agencies my mother really responded well to Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol and we cant thank them enough for the high level of compassionate care they were able to provide during my moms final months.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal care assistant until placement in a quality skilled nursing facility became available. We reached out to home health care agencies in her local area but, by this point, had already worked with several agencies for med reminders for Barbara (and 24/7 care for our Mom in another area of CT) and were a bit skeptical that that we’d find one that could provide consistent quality of care.When I spoke with Rick Downey of Always Best Care Senior Services in Bristol, he conveyed both confidence in his knowledge of health care and empathy in understanding the frustrations that families experience when seeking quality care for their loved ones. We were next contacted by their care coordinator,Heather Kozikowski, who came to our sister’s home to conduct an assessment and further explain the services offered by Always Best Care.A further testament to the exceptional quality of Always Best Care is the service and care we’ve received after Barbara is no longer a client; our thanks to Always Best Care for the excellent care of our sister, and the peace-of-mind it afforded our family knowing that she was in such kind and competent hands!”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
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 Burr Pond State 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 Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria or visit Torrington History Museum, 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 Torrington, CT, 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 Torrington, CT 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 Torrington, CT 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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Arts & EntertainmentThe Rocky Horror Picture Show's Original Star Barry Bostwick Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Nationwide TourNancy Sasso Janis, Community ContributorPress releaseTORRINGTON...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Nancy Sasso Janis, Community Contributor
Press release
TORRINGTON, CT – The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the longest-running theatrical release in film history, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with original cast member, Barry Bostwick (the iconic Brad Majors) who will be visiting cities across the US and Canada. Bostwick will be appearing at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT on October 30th at 7:30 PM.
Audiences in Torrington will have an opportunity to meet the original Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) from the movie; participate in a costume contest; and interact with a live performance by the Shadow Cast. They will be performing scenes from the movie ‘live’ on stage while the full un-edited film is shown behind them.
Says Barry Bostwick: “Rocky has changed lives, not just ours, and had a profound effect on how we accept our differences in this world. We were fitted for our corsets and high heels and enthusiastically started singing songs that have endured for all these years. And “dammit Janet”! I have made nerds cool.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the iconic little movie that conquered Hollywood. The hit movie stars Tim Curry as the devious and fabulous Frank-N-Furter; Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as everybody's favorite nerdy couple, Brad and Janet; Meatloaf as ex-delivery boy Eddie who dates a groupie, Columbia played by Nell Campbell; and Patricia Quinn as Magenta, servant to Riff Raff, played by the film's creator Richard O'Brien. The film has become the longest-running theatrical release in the world.
Limited VIP tickets are available and include a meet and greet with Bostwick. Nothing beats a Rocky Horror screening where you can jump up and dance to the time warp in this live, interactive experience. It's a one of a kind "happening". Come up to the lab and see what's on the slab!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s International Tour is produced by Scott Stander and The Stander Group.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show comes to the Warner Theatre on Thurs, Oct 30 at 7:30PM in Oneglia Auditorium in Torrington, CT. Tickets are on sale now and start at $35. Learn more at warnertheatre.org or call (860) 489-7180 x1.
The Sharon Audubon Center protects more than 2,100 primarily forested acres in Northwestern Connecticut. With raptor aviaries, pollinator gardens, a butterfly house, and a working sugarhouse, guests can enjoy nature year-round.Local sculptor Denis Curtiss displays hundreds of pieces of sculpture around 3 acres of gardens. Visitors are welcome to stroll the gardens and see if they can get a sneak peek of the artist at work.Located in Woodbury, Flanders Nature Center offers 2,100 acres of open space to hike, cross country ski, or...
The Sharon Audubon Center protects more than 2,100 primarily forested acres in Northwestern Connecticut. With raptor aviaries, pollinator gardens, a butterfly house, and a working sugarhouse, guests can enjoy nature year-round.
Local sculptor Denis Curtiss displays hundreds of pieces of sculpture around 3 acres of gardens. Visitors are welcome to stroll the gardens and see if they can get a sneak peek of the artist at work.
Located in Woodbury, Flanders Nature Center offers 2,100 acres of open space to hike, cross country ski, or just roam. Make sure to check out the Flanders Nature Center’s Sugar House, where you can learn how maple syrup was discovered and see how it is made
Located in 4,000-acres of the White Memorial Foundation, the White Memorial Nature Center offers year-round programs like family hikes, special events, and a wide variety of children’s programming.
Even beginner paddlers can spend a day rafting down the scenic Housatonic River with Clarke Outdoors. Clarke has a variety of rafts, canoes, and kayaks to pick from. Once you have completed your 10-mile journey down the Housatonic, guides will come to pick you up.
Go on a drive-through safari where you may drive your vehicle through a 50-acre, fenced-in exotic wildlife park at Action Wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras and buffalos.
Lake Waramaug is fun to visit for a paddle or just to gaze out over the calm waters. Photo by Ally Noel
I challenge you to find a Connecticut lake that is quite as scenic as Lake Waramaug. This pristine spot really shines in the fall, when the foliage is mirrored in its calm waters. In summer, you can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around 680 acres of Lake Waramaug.
Splash in the East Aspetuck River at Pratt Nature Center in New Milford. This 205-acre wildlife preserve encompasses a mountain, meadows, woods, wildlife, gardens, farm animals, a stream, a pond, and wetlands. With lots of opportunities for outdoor fun, you can spend the day hiking, bird watching, or partaking in one of the many family programs the center offers.
Hike up to the lookout tower and enjoy the view at Mount Tom State Park, and then, if it's warm, visit the sandy beach for a swim on Lake Tom.
Kent Falls is probably one of Connecticut’s most well-known parks. It's most popular for its waterfall, and families enjoy the easy hike up to the top of the falls. The trail up is well established and provides several viewing platforms of the 250-foot waterfall.
You can walk through and experience a replicated Algonkian Village at the Institute of American Indian Studies. Check out one of their scheduled events to watch history come alive. If you are up for a bit of a challenge, check out the Wigwam Escape escape room.
A visit to this spot opens up the vastness of space and the wonders of the universe. You can also see a model solar system built to scale at the John J. McCarthy Observatory in New Milford.
Have a classic movie experience in Litchfield County, CT. Photo courtesy of the Bank Movie Street Theater
Check out the latest movies at the quaint Art Deco Bank Street movie theater in New Milford, and then take a walk across the street to a great toy store, PLAY.
Eric Sloane was an artist, author, illustrator, and a collector of Americana, specifically hand tools. Guests can visit a replica of a pioneer cabin as described by Eric Sloane in a journal dating back to 1805. Works of art by Sloane are also on display.
Take a step back in time in a restored 1920s train coach while taking a scenic 20-mile round trip ride on the Naugatuck Railroad. Hop aboard the Easter Bunny Express, the Northern Lights Limited, or even indulge in a sweet treat in the Chocolate Decadence Express.
In addition to showcasing the history of Litchfield, the museum hosts a number of seasonal events and activities. From a Holiday Lantern Tour in Litchfield to Scarecrows in the Meadow and walking tours of local artists' work, the Litchfield Historical Society has indoor and outdoor events and displays.
This art deco gem is a little piece of Connecticut history. Built in 1931 by Warner Brothers Studios, Torrington’s Warner Theater is often described as “Connecticut’s most beautiful theater.” After a full restoration in 1983, the theater reopened as the performing arts center it is today.
Connecticuters know that Mohawk Mountain is the perfect spot to learn how to ski. Goggles the Yeti is known to frequent the mountain during family-friendly events.
Salisbury is home to Satre Hill, Connecticut’s only ski jump. During the annual Jumpfest, visitors come from all over to watch ski jumpers fly into the sky at the Salisbury Ski jumping event.
You can’t predict nature, but usually, sometime in April, daffodils make their appearance on Laurel Ridge. Make sure to pack your camera for picture-perfect vistas filled with these beautiful blooms.
Sit on the sprawling lawn and listen to Jazz during the Litchfield Jazz Festival. The festival has been bringing music to the Litchfield hills since 1996. Enjoy music from new and upcoming musicians as well as established performers.
Every summer, the Goshen Fair brings rides, games, food, and plenty of family fun to Litchfield County.
One of the best family-friendly breweries in Connecticut, Kent Falls Brewery sits on a 50-acre farm, complete with animals. And the beer is pretty tasty after a full day of family activities.
Nothing is quite as “New England” as covered bridges. Take a trip over the Cornwall covered bridge while riding an electric bike in warm months. Drivers need to be 18 or over, but kids can ride along on a cargo bike.
An earlier version of this post by Mary Beth Lawlor was published on January 30, 2017.
TORRINGTON — City officials are grappling with how to implement a potential 25% hike in residential taxes for some homeowners with ideas on the table including a phased-in plan and squeezing some cash out of the rainy day fund to offset the increase.Homeowners saw property values increase dramatically in December when Tax Assessor Stacie Maldonado mailed out assessments based on the ...
TORRINGTON — City officials are grappling with how to implement a potential 25% hike in residential taxes for some homeowners with ideas on the table including a phased-in plan and squeezing some cash out of the rainy day fund to offset the increase.
Homeowners saw property values increase dramatically in December when Tax Assessor Stacie Maldonado mailed out assessments based on the revaluation of property the city completed last year. At the time, she said people should not panic, noting that spiked home values do not drive up taxes; rather the city budget does so.
Mayor Elinor C. Carbone echoed that sentiment, pointing out that the mill rate would go down in response to the heightened property values. “When property values go up, the mill rate goes down!” she wrote in a note to residents posted on Facebook.
Since then, Carbone has said the tax rate will go down to about 32 mills from the current rate of 47.97 mills, but that the revaluation resulted in residential values elevating in some case by 100% to 120% while commercial properties only went up by 30% to 40%, shifting the tax burden to homeowners, a change that won’t be altered by a lower mill rate.
A mill is equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment. A 32 mill rate means that a person with a house and lot assessed at $100,000 will pay $3,200 in property taxes.
“Residential properties more than doubled in some cases and the commercial properties did not increase as much,” she said.
Multi-family assessments went up even more, she said. “How will these multi-family property owners pass this onto their tenants in an already inflated rental market?” she said. “Will this result in evictions?”
At Monday’s City Council meeting, board member Stephen Ivain said the increased assessments are concerning. “We haven’t seen this kind of shift in a long time,” he said.
He said he was concerned people are unaware their taxes will be going up. “People may be confronted with very large tax bills,” he said. “It could be anywhere from to $1,000 to $3,000.”
Ivain suggested taking advantage of a state allowed program that spreads tax increases gradually over three to five years. Carbone noted that Maldonado has presented the option to the Board of Finance and said the approach would entail more work for her office.
Carbone countered with a proposal to use the city’s fund balance, sometimes referred to as the rainy day fund, to offset the increase. The city’s savings account has $16.3 million, the mayor said Tuesday.
If and how much of the savings would be used to offset the tax hike is a decision for the finance board, Carbone said. She said she hasn’t been getting pushback on the idea of dipping into savings as neither residents nor officials anticipated the huge tax hike.
“I think everybody recognizes it’s been an extraordinary year,” she said. "These are taxpayer funds, it just make sense we make it work for them.”
Ivain, however, said that fund should be reserved for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. “Right off the bat, using any rainy day fund I’m concerned with,” he said. “A tax reassessment isn’t really the right criteria to use any rainy day fund.”
A phased-in approach will limit tax increases to about 6% a year for three to five years and be more palatable, he said.
Municipalities that have opted for the phase-in include New Haven, West Hartford, Naugatuck, Stamford, Waterbury, Canton, Norwalk and Hamden, according to a presentation in Bloomfield, which Ivain provided. Bloomfield is also considering the approach.
TORRINGTON — The sky is the limit when you consider the future of Torrington High School senior Micheal Ahoua.As the three-sport athlete prepares for the Naugatuck Valley League outdoor track season, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound Ahoua recently announced that he will be attending Avon Old Farms as a postgraduate next fall where he will play football and compete in th...
TORRINGTON — The sky is the limit when you consider the future of Torrington High School senior Micheal Ahoua.
As the three-sport athlete prepares for the Naugatuck Valley League outdoor track season, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound Ahoua recently announced that he will be attending Avon Old Farms as a postgraduate next fall where he will play football and compete in the jumping events on the track team.
But while his immediate future is settled, Ahoua has already been offered football scholarships at Syracuse and Monmouth with many other options coming his way, according to Avon Old Farms football coach and Southington native Jon Wholley.
Last weekend, Ahoua was at Boston College on an unofficial recruiting trip, and he previously trekked to Temple in Philadelphia. More visits are on the way when time permits.
Ahoua, a record-setting long jumper, high jumper and triple jumper who was the GametimeCT Indoor Track Player of the Year, for the Raiders, opened his season Saturday at Bloomfield High.
On X, Ahoua posted “Thanks go to Jonathan Wholley for this incredible opportunity. I can't wait to compete and be part of the Winged Beaver family!”
Avon Old Farms went 6-4 last season with a 5-1 mark in the Founders League.
Wholley, a former UConn player and assistant coach on ex-Huskies coach Randy Esdall's staff, reached out to Torrington football coach Gaitan Rodriguez after hearing a glowing recommendation from former Raiders standout and Huskies player Christopher DeBerry.
A three-year starting quarterback with Torrington, Ahoua would most likely switch to wide receiver, safety or linebacker next fall, according to Wholley.
Ahoua sees himself as a receiver or linebacker in college.
"I have been told by every college coach that my future is as a receiver or linebacker or defensive back," said Ahoua. "That is fine with me. I have been running passing routes and catching passes from my friends to get used to it. I played quarterback in high school because that was where I was needed to be. It was for the good of the team."
But now he is ready to make a switch for his ultimate future.
Sporting a 4.0 grade-point average, Ahoua, 17, is ranked 31st in a senior class of 251 students.
"Micheal is very big, long, strong and can run," noted Wholley. "But when we look at postgraduates (Avon has six projected postgraduates for '25), we don't look for just athletes and skilled players. We look for good (character) kids and kids who are leaders. Gaitan spoke so highly of him. He has great grades and I expect him to have some Ivy League opportunities, and the number of scholarship offers will explode (in the future)."
“Mikey's leadership skills are his best quality,” said Rodriguez. “He truly inspires those around him to be better. His mental toughness and maturity makes him so good.”
As a junior, Ahoua broke his left thumb in Week 6, ending his football season. But he still remained a key part of the team, standing by the side of Rodriguez and telling his head coach what he saw from the opposing defenses.
"It was tough to not be able to play, but I did everything to help my teammates and coaches," said Ahoua. "When I was able to resume to play, Coach Rodriguez is the reason I was able to blossom. He put me into a position to step up into that role. He gave me the confidence to reach my goals. We all had great chemistry. We went from 1-9 as sophomores to 5-5 as a junior and to 9-1 last season. We built ourselves up and completely shifted the culture and the (positive) results followed."
Last fall, Ahoua, who also plays linebacker, led Torrington to an 8-0 divisional record, a 9-1 regular-season mark in the NVL. He guided Torrington to a CIAC Class MM quarterfinal appearance before losing to Masuk.
Ahoua earned All-NVL defensive honors at the linebacker position.
He helped lead the Raiders to a dramatic 55-48 win over Watertown last Thanksgiving eve, rushing for a touchdown, passing for another and tossing for a two-point conversion.
Throughout the season, his command came into play. Never was that more evident than in the Raiders' 35-26 comeback victory over Kennedy in Waterbury.
"We were tied at 6-6 at halftime in a back-and-forth game and I kept telling my teammates to keep playing hard and to never give up and to take it play by play," Ahoua said. "Everyone stepped up and contributed, and at the end, that is the reason we won the game."
In February, Ahoua set an NVL indoor championship meet record in the long jump with a leap of 23 feet, 3 1/2 inches, and he also won the high jump (5-10) at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven.
On an even bigger stage, Ahoua captured gold at the Millrose Games on his final attempt in the long jump with personal-best 24-4 1/2 at the Armory a week later.
But he wasn't done.
Ahoua captured gold medals in the high jump (6-2) and long jump (24-1 1/4 inches) at the CIAC Class MM championships, and followed that up with a first-place finish in the long jump (23-4 3/4 inches) at the State Open.
He capped his season with a New England crown in the long jump (24 feet).
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