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 The Historic Goshen Police Booth 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 Goshen, 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 Shoup-Parsons Woods 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 Limoncello at the Orange Inn or visit Goshen Historical 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 Goshen, 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 Goshen, 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 Goshen, 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.
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GOSHEN, CT (WFSB) – As Eversource crews continue to work across the state, some homes are still in the dark while others are getting the lights back on.Along Route 63 in Goshen there are Eversource crews wrapping up services.One former resident, Don Pardon, said he went more than 12 hours without power.Don lives in Louisiana but is visiting his sister in Goshen in the house they were raised in.His childhood home saw the brunt of winter storm Brenda and was one of many locations that was in the dark Tuesday i...
GOSHEN, CT (WFSB) – As Eversource crews continue to work across the state, some homes are still in the dark while others are getting the lights back on.
Along Route 63 in Goshen there are Eversource crews wrapping up services.
One former resident, Don Pardon, said he went more than 12 hours without power.
Don lives in Louisiana but is visiting his sister in Goshen in the house they were raised in.
His childhood home saw the brunt of winter storm Brenda and was one of many locations that was in the dark Tuesday into Wednesday.
“They gave us a couple of estimates, I think the first estimate was about 8 in the evening, then it got pushed back to 9:30 then pushed back again to 12, then we were asleep. So it came back at about 4:30,” Don said.
Strong winds in the northwest today brought several trees down and outage numbers up.
Those winds left Norval Lunan in the dark for quite some time.
The damage also extended outside his home where several tree limbs and other debris covered his yard.
“Kind of scary hearing all the limbs coming down and the trees cracking,” Norval said.
With several inches of snow on the ground, he will have to wait a bit to clean it up.
“I’m figuring next week hopefully, we got some snow melt. I do it myself. It’ll probably take me a good 2-3 days to clean it up,” said Norval. “Born and raised here so it’s nothing new.”
At one point, 96 percent of Eversource customers in Goshen were without power on Wednesday morning following Winter Storm Brenda.
Heavy wet snow and gusty winds were to blame.
As of 6 a.m., however, crews made some headway and the number dropped 1,680 customers, 86 percent. Soon after that, most of the town was back on.
Residents in town said when a storm hits, they know outages are more than likely.
“We kind of are used to this, whether its 12 inches, 14 inches or 16, after a while it doesn’t make a lot of difference,” said Mark Harris of Goshen.
It wasn’t just power outages. Phone lines also came down.
“It started off as a very moist snow that actually froze,” Harris said. “I know we have trees down. I have a couple in my yard.”
Harris wasn’t alone. Thousands of customers in Goshen woke up to darkness.
“It went out yesterday at 1 p.m.,” said Mike Fitzgerald of Goshen. “[There was a] lot of snow and [we] waited for it to come on for awhile, and then ended up hooking up a generator.”
Some businesses fought to keep doors open as the storm continued into Tuesday night.
Goshen Pizza knew customers without power would rely on some food from it to ride out the storm. Propane and a generator were what owner Resmi Rizvani said he relied on to stay open.
Eyewitness News spoke to some people who shoveled in Goshen Tuesday night. They too said they had to rely on a generator.
Eversource said it brought in crews from across the country.
Those crews worked around the clock to get power back up and running.
Eversource customers Channel 3 spoke with said their power was lost in the late afternoon.
“My power’s been out since 2:30 p.m. [Tuesday],” said Steve Guletsky of Goshen. “So, I [needed] more gasoline for my generator.”
Harris said he remembered a few big storms.
“My first year in Goshen was ‘94 or ‘95,” he said. “We had 54 inches of snow that year. That’s the biggest I’ve seen.”
Wednesday, a day after the storm, Harris warned that the roads in town could still be slick.
“If they don’t have to be out there, they should stay home,” he said. “Some of the roads are actually impassable still.”
Read Channel 3′s complete forecast in its technical discussion here.
Download the WFSB Weather and News apps here.
Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.
GOSHEN — Just six months after a judge in Torrington Superior Court ruled against a request to remove three elephants from the Commerford Zoo in Goshen, the Nonhuman Rights Project has filed a nearly identical lawsuit, this time in Tolland County.The nonprofit group, based in Florida, considers the elephants to be their clients.“The elephants can&rs...
GOSHEN — Just six months after a judge in Torrington Superior Court ruled against a request to remove three elephants from the Commerford Zoo in Goshen, the Nonhuman Rights Project has filed a nearly identical lawsuit, this time in Tolland County.
The nonprofit group, based in Florida, considers the elephants to be their clients.
“The elephants can’t file a lawsuit,” said attorney Steven M. Wise, the group’s founder. They are “suing on their behalf.”
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The decision to file the suit in Rockville Superior Court, Wise said, was made because the group believes the judges in that district are more versed in the legal action that he seeks.
That legal action is nearly unprecedented in U.S. courts — the filing of a habeas corpus petition to ask a judge to recognize that the elephants have “the legal personhood and fundamental right to bodily liberty,” as do humans.
Three generations of the Commerford family have operated the zoo. Tim and Darlene Commerford run the business now. They inherited it from Tim’s father, who began the venture with a petting zoo. Darlene met Bill in high school, and she started working there when she was 15.
“We’re so tired of fighting this,” she said. “The elephants are outside playing in the yard right now. They do minimum work when they go to fairs.”
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Families used to visit the petting zoo, Darlene Comerford said, but it’s no longer open to the public. Instead, the elephants are occasionally shown at fairs, and the smaller animals, including ponies and goats, visit children’s groups and appear at private parties.
The Nonhuman Rights Project proposes to move the elephants to a sanctuary in California, but Darlene Commerford said their 40 acres “is a sanctuary.” The three elephants, Beulah, Karen and Minnie, have lived in Goshen since they were four years old. Beulah is now 50 and retired.
“Minnie is my favorite,” Darlene Comerford said, saying that Minnie came from a family in Pennsylvania who raised her from a baby. “She’s so affectionate toward women.”
Wise said his organization is a civil rights organization, not an animal rights group. He said if the judge in Tolland County were to refuse to hear the case, they would go to the appellate court.
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“That’s what we want to do,” Wise said.
“The way things are going, people won’t even be able to pet a goat or a sheep,” Darlene Comerford said.
She and Bill have two children who work for the family business, but it’s not a long-term plan.
“The next generation of kids, they won’t even get a chance,” Darlene Comerford said, “because of animal activists.”
TORRINGTON — Steve Putnam retired from a 40-year career at The Hartford Insurance Co. in 2013, and immediately threw himself into his favorite pastime — fishing on local ponds and lakes.Last weekend he surprised himself by catching two big trout in Goshen’s Tyler Pond — at the same time — while also pedaling his kayak.“To catch one would have been exciting, so to land them both was just amazing,” Putnam said. “I still can’t believe it.”AdvertisementArticl...
TORRINGTON — Steve Putnam retired from a 40-year career at The Hartford Insurance Co. in 2013, and immediately threw himself into his favorite pastime — fishing on local ponds and lakes.
Last weekend he surprised himself by catching two big trout in Goshen’s Tyler Pond — at the same time — while also pedaling his kayak.
“To catch one would have been exciting, so to land them both was just amazing,” Putnam said. “I still can’t believe it.”
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Putnam often fishes in and around Torrington, heading out in the early morning when the water is quiet and no one’s around.
“This time of year I like to fish at Tyler Pond for trout,” he said “In the summer, West Side Pond is nice, too. I go to Squantz Pond, Winchester Lake ... I’m not interested in competing. I like to go when it’s just me, the fish and a bald eagle flying around over me. There are such great places to go, all over northwest Connecticut.”
On April 19, while fishing on Tyler Pond, Putnam had a heavy fishing pole and a light one in his kayak, one on either side, both lines in the water.
“I have caught plenty of fish this year, just trawling, and I’ve caught what I wanted and threw a lot back,” Putnam said. “I didn’t bring a net, and I didn’t have a heavier fishing road. When you’re fishing and trawling in a kayak, the last thing you expect is to catch two at the same time.”
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But that’s exactly what happened.
“I was trying to pedal the kayak while I’m fighting with one fish, and both poles are bent in half at the same time,” Powell said, laughing at the memory. “So I tried to reel in the other lightweight pole, and it just took off. I thought (the line caught in) weeds, and that’s when I realized it was a fish.”
When a fish is caught on the line, Putnam uses a net to catch it, once he’s reeled it in. But he didn’t have one this time.
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“The other fishing pole was bouncing up and down,” he said. “I didn’t bring a net, and I didn’t have gloves on, so was totally unprepared. I kept thinking, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?’”
“I had to try and land the first one by grabbing it and pulling it into the kayak, all while trying to pedal the kayak to keep pressure on the line that still had the other fish on it,” he said. “With no gloves, the fish’s razor-sharp teeth slashed my thumb, so I actually pulled it in by the tail.”
Once he got the first fish into the kayak, he grabbed the other pole.
“Miraculously, the fish was still on the line,” Putnam said. “After another five minutes or so, fighting it, I got the second one into the boat. I had to hold them down with my legs because I didn’t have a stringer to grab them. Then I paddled back the boat launch. A man and his son helped me secure the fish and they took pictures.”
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Putnam knows the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection stocks ponds and lakes with trout, and also knew these fish weren’t native to this part of the country. These fish, according to the DEEP, come from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Berkshire National Fish Hatchery out of New Marlborough, Mass., where they raise lake trout for restoration efforts in the Lower Great Lakes.
“The intent in stocking them is strictly to provide Connecticut anglers with a specialty fishery, enhancing late season and winter fishing opportunities,” DEEP officials said in a statement.
“They were stocked last October as a one-time bonus from the DEEP,” Putnam said. “These lake trout really like about 120 feet of water, and this pond’s only about 20 feet deep, so they wouldn’t live through the summer. I didn’t feel so bad catching them; they were so beautiful.”
In 2020, when the state began to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Putnam called the DEEP and asked them why they didn’t start the fishing season early.
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“The lady on the phone said, ‘You know what, that’s a...good idea.’ And they did open fishing season early. I take credit for that.”
His freezer is already full of fish, he said, but he brought home the two trout. “I brought them home and cooked up a nice meal,” he said.
Each fish was about 26 inches long and weighed more than five pounds each.
“I remember thinking to myself when I glimpsed the first fish, ‘I’m gonna need a bigger boat,’” Putnam said. “I still can’t believe it. They both struck my lines at the same time.”
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Putnam and his wife, Jane, moved to Torrington in 1976. They have two grown sons, Jeff and Justin, who both live in Torrington, and three grandchildren.
“It’s great to have your family all around you,” he said.
Putnam said he has learned a valuable lesson.
“Even if you don’t plan on keeping any fish, bring a net, a stringer, and some gloves so that if that monster fish decides to take your bait one day, you will be ready,” he said.
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April 21, 2021|Updated April 22, 2021 7:51 a.m.
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A Wrinkle in Time is magical tale of hope and love that the whole family will enjoy.Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch MayorBack row L to R) Paul Brown, Cathy Annulli, Joe Guttadauro, Devon Richtmeyer, David Nichols, Hayley Gravel, Maia Wood, Jandi Hanna(Middle row L to R) Susie Hackel , Lucia Greene, Carla Galaise, Elijah Galaise(Front row L to R) Joel Osborne, Cheyenne Fortier, Sophia SedlakGoshen P...
Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch Mayor
Back row L to R) Paul Brown, Cathy Annulli, Joe Guttadauro, Devon Richtmeyer, David Nichols, Hayley Gravel, Maia Wood, Jandi Hanna
(Middle row L to R) Susie Hackel , Lucia Greene, Carla Galaise, Elijah Galaise(Front row L to R) Joel Osborne, Cheyenne Fortier, Sophia Sedlak
Goshen Players is proud to present A Wrinkle in Time, adapted for the stage by James Sie, from the Newbery Medal award-winning novel by former Goshen resident and Goshen Player, Madeleine L’Engle. A Wrinkle in Time will be performed June 3rd - June 12th, and it tells the story of one of literature's most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry. She is joined by her brother Charles Wallace, friend Calvin O'Keefe, and the celestial beings Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, to battle the forces of evil in order to rescue her father. Along the way she will save humanity, prove that love conquers all, and discover herself. A tall order for a young girl.
First published in 1962, we’re excited to present Ms. L’Engle’s story in its 60th anniversary year.
A Wrinkle in Time is magical tale of hope and love that the whole family will enjoy.
Reserve your tickets today! https://ci.ovationtix.com/35939
Cast List (in alphabetical order)Cathy Annulli - Postmistress/Beast 1 Paul Brown - Red EyesChip Fortier. - Meg Murry Carla Galaise - TeacherElijah Galaise - Billy Lucia Greene - Mrs. Whatsit Hayley Gravel - Happy MediumJoe Guttadauro - Father Susie Hackel - Mrs. Witch Jandi Hanna - Mrs. Who David Nichols - Principal Jenkins Joel Osborne - Calvin Devon Richtmeyer - Mother/Aunt Beast Sophia Sedlak - Charles Wallace Maia Wood - Chris Henderson/Girl
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