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 Sailor's Refuge 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 Bristol, 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 Page 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 Chef's Table or visit Old Post Office, 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol, 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 Bristol, 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.
Reworld's plan to change its permits to allow biomedical waste incineration has triggered pushback from community members and local lawmakers alike. Several bills have been introduced into the state legislature to change incinerator rules in response to concerns around the health impacts from air pollution generated by adding biomedical waste to the incinerator’s feedstock.SB 80 would require in...
Reworld's plan to change its permits to allow biomedical waste incineration has triggered pushback from community members and local lawmakers alike. Several bills have been introduced into the state legislature to change incinerator rules in response to concerns around the health impacts from air pollution generated by adding biomedical waste to the incinerator’s feedstock.
SB 80 would require incinerators that process any amount of medical waste to meet the U.S. EPA's standards for medical waste incinerators; HB 5108 would establish new, more stringent standards for industrial low-frequency noise pollution; and HB 5107 would issue a moratorium on new medical waste incineration permits.
Community group Bristol Residents for Clean Air, which has been active in providing public feedback on the process, decried the proposed approval. The group said such a decision would make Bristol "the medical waste incineration capital of New England."
A spokesperson for Reworld said the company was pleased with the results of the “exhaustive” permitting process.
“Reworld has served the Bristol community with sustainable waste solutions for over 35 years, and we look forward to continued safe and effective operation in Bristol," Linda Ribakusky, Reworld senior manager of communications, said in an emailed statement.
The company noted several improvements it made to the Bristol facility that it said should alleviate noise issues flagged by residents. And Reworld staff insist that burning the proposed amount of biomedical waste at the facility would not cause any meaningful change in emissions, nor require enhanced monitoring.
The company also burns biomedical waste alongside municipal solid waste at three other locations, including in Lake County, Florida. During the Connecticut permit application process, Reworld submitted data from the Florida facility to show that it expects emissions at Bristol would not significantly change.
In its application, Reworld proposed to keep emissions limits at the same levels they have been for the past few years. It would receive up to 114 tons of special waste per day, including up to 57 tons of biomedical waste per day. That would mean that the facility is burning 8% biomedical waste at any given time, making the majority of burned waste municipal.
Community members have complained about noise at the facility for over a year, triggering violation notices from the Bristol-Burlington Health District, which enforces such issues. Those complaints rise through an enforcement process separate from DEEP. After a noise violation is flagged by a local governing body, the issue can be appealed or sent up to the state's department of public health.
In the memo, signed by hearing officer Kathleen Reiser, DEEP staff noted that they could only consider issues or permit violations in the evidentiary record when considering Reworld’s application. The memo noted: “As part of DEEP staff’s review of the Air Applications, a compliance check was conducted, and no noise violations within DEEP’s jurisdiction were noted pursuant to the existing permits.”
A DEEP spokesperson said in an email that the agency defers to local governments for adoption of noise ordinances and their enforcement. The agency further noted that its “compliance history review does not cover local enforcement actions, like noise violations.”
That perspective persists despite noise provisions baked into Reworld’s state permits, creating a regulatory process that is “dysfunctional if not largely nonfunctional,” Francis Pickering, a community member who has worked with local advocates, said.
"Not only is DEEP not informed about violations, but DEEP has refused to address any violations, claiming they do not have authority to do so. Basically, this is a ‘not my job’ situation," Pickering said in an email.
DEEP held a a public hearing on Nov. 7 to receive public comment on the permit application and accepted written comments. It noted concerns brought by the community about the noise. It also held an evidentiary hearing on Nov. 21 in which experts brought by Reworld and the agency offered testimony on the application.
"If you're the applicant, it's ‘evidence’; if you're anybody else, it's comment," Pickering said.
Reworld, in it capacity as the permit applicant, has the ability to apply for an exception or request an oral hearing over the agency’s proposed decision in the 15 days after it’s released, which began March 7. Pickering expects DEEP will issue its final decision in the next 90 days.
BRISTOL — Former State Rep. Christopher Ziogas was charged along with a former state budget official with extortion and bribery for allegedly bribing state officials to stop an audit into a Bristol optometrist.Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Marc Silverman said Friday that a New Haven grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging Ziogas, 73, and former state deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis, 68, of Farmington, in an alleged scheme to cancel a state audit into Helen Zervas, the owner of F...
BRISTOL — Former State Rep. Christopher Ziogas was charged along with a former state budget official with extortion and bribery for allegedly bribing state officials to stop an audit into a Bristol optometrist.
Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut Marc Silverman said Friday that a New Haven grand jury returned an 18-count indictment charging Ziogas, 73, and former state deputy budget director Kosta Diamantis, 68, of Farmington, in an alleged scheme to cancel a state audit into Helen Zervas, the owner of Family Eye Care Center in Bristol.
Zervas pleaded guilty in February to healthcare fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion after she was charged with submitting Medicaid and Medicare claims “falsely representing that she had provided, or determined it was medically necessary to provide, certain treatment,” Silverman previously said.
The indictment alleges that, in 2020, Diamantis and Ziogas conspired for Diamantis to receive payments from Zervas in exchange for “official acts” concerning a Department of Social Services audit into Zervas, according to Silverman. Diamantis and Ziogas, who was serving as State Representative for the 79th District in Bristol at the time, allegedly “took steps to conceal their conduct,” Silverman said in a press release.
Diamantis and Ziogas pleaded “not guilty” to the charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport on Friday, and were released on $500,000 bonds.
The indictment alleges that Zervas knew she had fraudulently overbilled Medicaid and Medicare, and asked Ziogas, who was her fiancee, how to prevent the state audit. Ziogas sought help from Diamantis, who then allegedly took payments from Ziogas and Zervas to pressure state officials to “favorably resolve” the audit, according to the release.
The indictment alleges that Ziogas made a $20,000 “bribe payment” to Diamantis on March 4, 2020. On the same day, Zervas’ attorney emailed a DSS official with a “settlement offer” to resolve the audit, according to the release. The next day, Zervas allegedly “reimbursed” Ziogas with a $25,000 check from Family Eye Care. Ziogas allegedly made another $10,000 bribe payment to Diamantis on March 12, and was “reimbursed” by Zervas, the indictment alleges.
On May 1, 2020, a DSS official cancelled the audit and accepted Zervas’ settlement proposal, “after having been advised and pressured indirectly by Diamantis through officials at [the Office of Policy and Management] and DSS,” according to the release.
On May 12, 2020, Diamantis and Ziogas allegedly delivered a $599,810 check from Family Eye Care to DSS. On May 15, 2020, Ziogas allegedly made a “final bribe payment” of $65,000 to Diamantis, according to the release.
The indictment also alleges Diamantis and Ziogas made multiple false statements to the FBI during the investigation, and that Diamantis didn’t include the $95,000 in “corrupt payments” on his 2020 federal tax return.
Diamantis and Ziogas are charged with extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; bribery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years; conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and conspiracy to commit bribery, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, according to the release.
The indictment also charges Diamantis with seven counts, and Ziogas with two counts, of making false statements, which carries maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count; Diamantis with one count of filing a false tax return, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years; Ziogas with three counts of making illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count; and Ziogas with one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, according to the release.
Silverman said an indictment is “only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.”
“Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Silverman said.
F+B SLINGSHOT MADNESS!Test Every Lane in the World’s Only Dedicated Themed Indoor Slingshot Shooting Gallery?— Vote for Your Favorite Target!—ONE WEEKEND ONLY — ONLY 4 SESSIONS - LIMITED TO 16 PLAYERS PER SESSION!?SESSIONS:Date: Saturday, March 29Time: 1:30-2:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!Date: Saturday, March 29Time: 5:30-6:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!Date: Sunday, March 30Time: 11:30-12:3...
F+B SLINGSHOT MADNESS!
Test Every Lane in the World’s Only Dedicated Themed Indoor Slingshot Shooting Gallery
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— Vote for Your Favorite Target!—
ONE WEEKEND ONLY — ONLY 4 SESSIONS - LIMITED TO 16 PLAYERS PER SESSION!
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SESSIONS:
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 1:30-2:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 5:30-6:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 11:30-12:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 3:30-4:30 — Book online, Doors open 10 minutes early!
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99 Main St., Bristol, CT
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WHAT’S SLINGSHOT MADNESS?
We’re bringing the excitement of March Madness to the slingshot world!
Try all four lane themes — each packed with unique, creative targets — and at the end of the hour, cast your vote for the ultimate fan-favorite target! For this event only, you won’t choose just one lane when booking online!
Four timed rounds — rotate through every theme!
10% off in-store purchases of slingshot equipment - and even snacks!
Competitive and social!
Your vote helps crown our 2025 Slingshot Champion Target!
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EVENT DETAILS:
• Maximum 16 players — sign up in advance!
• Arrive on time with waivers completed online and be ready for action!
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SIGN UP NOW!
Go to forkplusbandslingshot.com
Click “Book Now” and select the “Slingshot Madness” event!
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WHY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS:
• Play all the most popular and creative lanes in one exciting night!
• Be part of the fun energy and community atmosphere.
• Help decide which target becomes the official Slingshot Madness Champion!
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Fork+Band Slingshot Gallery
99 Main St., Bristol, CT
860-973-8857
Hours: Thurs–Sun (visit website for full details)
Follow us: [@forkplusband] on Instagram & Facebook
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The buzzer is about to sound — sign up now and be part of the madness!
The amusement park operator of Dollywood in Tennessee is buying Lake Compounce in Bristol and all of the U.S. properties of Parques Reunidos, the Spanish entertainment giant, officials of the two companies said Tuesday.Terms of the definitive purchase agreement ...
The amusement park operator of Dollywood in Tennessee is buying Lake Compounce in Bristol and all of the U.S. properties of Parques Reunidos, the Spanish entertainment giant, officials of the two companies said Tuesday.
Terms of the definitive purchase agreement between Atlanta-based Herschend Family Entertainment and Parques Reunidos were not released. The deal calls for Herschend to acquire all 20 of the U.S. properties of Palace Entertainment, a subsidiary of Parques Reunidos.
According to park management, Lake Compounce is the the oldest continuously operated amusement park in the country, opening in 1846 as a picnic park with lakeside band concerts in a gazebo and small amusements.
Lake Compounce is Palace Entertainment's best-known entertainment property outside of Kennywood, an amusement park near Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania-based Kennywood Entertainment Co. had become the managing partner of Lake Compounce in 1996 and both the Pennsylvania and Connecticut theme parks were sold to Palace Entertainment in 2009.
Herschend's amusement park portfolio includes Dollywood, a famous theme park in eastern Tennessee that is based in part on the life of country music star Dolly Parton. Dollywood draws about 3 million visitors annually and rivals some Disney parks in popularity, according to travel and amusement park websites. Andrew Wexler, chief executive officer of Herschend, said the acquisition represents a milestone that is fitting of the company's 75th anniversary.
"Today’s announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision," Wexler said. "By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.”
John Reilly, Palace Entertainment's chief executive officer, said Herschend "is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties."
“Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks," Reilly added. "Palace Entertainment's team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.”
No immediate changes are planned at Lake Compounce and the other Palace Entertainment properties that are being acquired, according to Herschend officials. Herschend has more than 14,000 employees.
In addition to the U.S. properties it is selling to Herschend, Parques Reunidos operates about 40 amusement parks and entertainment centers in Europe and Australia.
SOUTHINGTON/BRISTOL, CT — One of Connecticut's most beloved attractions will have a new owner this year, according to an Atlanta-based family entertainment company.Officials with Herschend Family Entertainment out of Atlanta, Ga., announced Tuesday that the 75-year-old company had acquired Lake Comp...
SOUTHINGTON/BRISTOL, CT — One of Connecticut's most beloved attractions will have a new owner this year, according to an Atlanta-based family entertainment company.
Officials with Herschend Family Entertainment out of Atlanta, Ga., announced Tuesday that the 75-year-old company had acquired Lake Compounce, which is located in Bristol/Southington.
The two-town theme park is Connecticut's largest and is considered one of the oldest such amusement parks in the country.
Lake Compunce is home to an amusement park, a water park as well as a popular campground.
Its world-famous "Boulder Dash" roller coaster carved into a nearby mountain is considered a bucket-list ride for coaster enthusiasts.
According to an announcement from Herschend, Lake Compounce was acquired after a deal was reached with Madrid, Spain,-based Parques Reunidos, which owns Palace Entertainment out of Pittsburgh, Pa., which had Lake Compounce among its stable of properties.
Lake Compounce is one of 20 "historic and beloved entertainment venues" acquired by Herschend.
In addition to Lake Compounce, Herschend is also acquiring "Kennywood" in the Pittsburgh, Pa., area and the famous "Dutch Wonderland" in Lancaster, Pa.
Herschend dates back to 1950 when the Herschend family took over a small cave tour in the Ozark Mountains.
Since then, the family-run company has expanded to several theme parks nationally, including the world-famous "Dollywood" theme park in Tennesee, which was founded by iconic country singer Dolly Parton.
Herschend Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wexler said Tuesday's announcement fits in with the company's goal of expansion during its 75th anniversary.
“This year, we’re celebrating 75 years of bringing families closer together—and looking ahead to the next 75,” said Wexler. “Today’s announcement marks a natural expansion and continuation of that vision. By growing wisely and staying true to our purpose, we are building a future where we can continue creating memories worth repeating for generations to come.”
With this deal, Herschend properties will include theme parks, aquariums, resorts, and immersive attractions that serve 20 million annual guests.
“We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands,” added Wexler.
“The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and building on their success. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams.”
Palace Entertainment officials said Herschend is the right buyer for their properties.
“Herschend is the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties,” said John Reilly, Palace Entertainment's chief executive officer, in a statement. “Herschend is best in class in providing a high-quality guest experience within its parks. Palace Entertainment's team members and its parks are in great hands as we make this transition.”
Said Herschend’s Board Chairman Chris Herschend: "Being a family business for 75 years has given us a deep understanding of what makes properties like these special—not just the rides and attractions, but the people who pour their hearts into them every day. These historic and beloved properties have been family traditions for generations, and we are honored to help carry that legacy forward.”
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
For more informatoin and the full announcement, click on this link.
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