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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Granby, CT

Home Care Granby, CT

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 Dewey-Granby Oak 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 Granby, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Granby, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Debra T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Anita
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Madison R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Gregory C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Milissa K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Liam C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dorothy W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Susan W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Pope A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kevin N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Dorothy29
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Caring5863
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have a very good providers from this Company”

elizabeth S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Granby, CT?

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care Granby, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Granby, CT

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

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

Respite Care Granby, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Granby, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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

Common companionship services include:

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

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Figata or visit Granby Center Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Granby, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Granby, CT

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in Granby, 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.

 Elderly Care Granby, CT

Affordable Care

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

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

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

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

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care Granby, CT

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

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

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Granby, CT

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:

  • MeadowBrook of Granby
  • Stony Hill Village
  • Barkhamsted-Granby Group Homes
  • Granby Senior Center
  • Salmon Brook Group Home
  • McLean
Home Care Granby, CT

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

 In-Home Care Granby, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

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

 Elderly Care Granby, CT

Latest News in Granby, CT

Granby dog came close to death after being mauled by mother bear, owner says

GRANBY — Since barely surviving being mauled by a bear Aug. 23, Josh Ballard's dog, Evan, will not go near the pear trees in the yard of his Granby home.Bad memories persist for both the dog and his owner."I don't know who has more PTSD, me or him," Ballard, 47, said Tuesday.That evening about two weeks ago, Ballard had finished feeding his 40-pound, five-year-old companion and let the dog out so he could run around the fenced-in yard, chase squirrels and rabbits "and have a good old time," as h...

GRANBY — Since barely surviving being mauled by a bear Aug. 23, Josh Ballard's dog, Evan, will not go near the pear trees in the yard of his Granby home.

Bad memories persist for both the dog and his owner.

"I don't know who has more PTSD, me or him," Ballard, 47, said Tuesday.

That evening about two weeks ago, Ballard had finished feeding his 40-pound, five-year-old companion and let the dog out so he could run around the fenced-in yard, chase squirrels and rabbits "and have a good old time," as he always does, Ballard said.

This time, however, the Vizsla-Pharaoh Hound mix ran right into a massive mother bear that had broken through a gate in the yard and was standing guard while her three cubs were up in a pear tree munching ripe fruit. The bear went after Evan, pinned the dog to a chain link fence and "was just mauling him," Ballard said. "The sounds were horrifying."

Ballard said he grabbed a strand of sleigh bells hanging on the back door, which Evan jingles when he wants to go out, and ran toward the scene, jangling the bells and screaming at the top of his lungs. Meanwhile, the curious cubs had come down from the tree and were standing right next to him as he tried to scare away their fierce mother.

Granby is among Connecticut towns with the most human-bear conflicts, and Ballard said he sees several bears every week. This one, he said, was the biggest he had ever seen, far over the 300-pound upper weight limit for most female black bears.

Seeing her cubs next to the human who was shaking bells and screaming, the mother bear charged at him, Ballard said, and he barely had time to close a gate before the big animal crashed into it, busting the hinges. Evan was able to run back up onto the deck, and Ballard said he followed close behind and both bolted into the house.

The bear had punctured Evan's neck and back, Ballard said, but the extent of the wounds were evident only after the dog was shaved at an emergency animal hospital. Ballard, an engineering product manager for a medical device manufacturer, said staff at the hospital told him he should prepare to say goodbye, and when he left late that night, he thought his beloved pooch was a goner.

But Evan fought through, had surgery and now is on the mend, Ballard said.

"His neck is still damaged, so I can't put a collar on him and take him for a walk, but he's got his energy back," Ballard said.

Now, before he lets the dog out, Ballard said he surveys the yard thoroughly to make sure the big mother bear is nowhere around.

'Smile' At Avon Theater Group's Latest Production

Avon's Playhouse 44 this Saturday, Aug. 23, is hosting two shows of its latest original production, 'First You Smile.'Playhouse 44AVON, CT — A popular, Avon-based theater group is back in action this weekend with its second full theatrical show.Playhouse 44, which has had an exceedingly busy debut year (one play, two storytelling nights, two concerts, and one corporate event) is returning to the stage with its second theatrical production.It's an original revue called "First You Smile...

Avon's Playhouse 44 this Saturday, Aug. 23, is hosting two shows of its latest original production, 'First You Smile.'

Playhouse 44

AVON, CT — A popular, Avon-based theater group is back in action this weekend with its second full theatrical show.

Playhouse 44, which has had an exceedingly busy debut year (one play, two storytelling nights, two concerts, and one corporate event) is returning to the stage with its second theatrical production.

It's an original revue called "First You Smile: Explorations on Love, Laughter, and Loose Ends."

There will be two performances on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Avon High School, 510 W. Avon Road, Avon, at 2 and 7 p.m.

"There are several elements that give First You Smile a measure of distinction," wrote founder and Playhouse 44 publicist Joel Samberg.

"First, although it’s an entirely original production, there are scenes and characters that will be familiar to most audience members — and fun to see."

He said Playhouse 44 is using a diverse group of performers that include four actors making their stage debuts, and others who have more than a half-century each of theater experience.

Also, the age range of the cast spans decades — mid-20s to mid-70s, Samberg said.

"One of Playhouse 44's goals has always been to provide opportunities to those who wish to explore their creativity, even if they have never done so before," he said.

According to Samberg, one of the goals of Playhouse 44, which only formed a couple of years ago, is to make all events affordable "so that no one is excluded from being entertained."

Tickets for "First You Smile" are just $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online at https://playhouse44.org/first-you-smile/ or at the door.

Nor’easter hits CT Sunday; power outages reported

Granby resident Josh Ballard and his 5-year-old dog Evan are an inseparable pair, but after a surprise bear attack last month, he said he is grateful that they are both alive.The attack occurred on Aug. 25, after Ballard let Evan outside in the backyard of his Granby home.“I let him out the back deck where he usually runs around the pool before coming back in,” Ballard said. “When he went out, I noticed this giant bear right in the path where he normally runs and her cubs were up in my pear tree. Unfortunately...

Granby resident Josh Ballard and his 5-year-old dog Evan are an inseparable pair, but after a surprise bear attack last month, he said he is grateful that they are both alive.

The attack occurred on Aug. 25, after Ballard let Evan outside in the backyard of his Granby home.

“I let him out the back deck where he usually runs around the pool before coming back in,” Ballard said. “When he went out, I noticed this giant bear right in the path where he normally runs and her cubs were up in my pear tree. Unfortunately, I don’t think he saw the bear until it was too late. The sounds were just horrifying. I had about a second to react.”

Ballard said quick thinking took over and he grabbed the bells on his door and began making loud noises.

“By some luck, I happened to be right next to her cubs when I opened the door on the other side, and the bear turned to look at me and began to charge at me, which was absolutely terrifying. The bear was massive, probably at least 600 pounds. So to see the bear going from 30 feet to 3 feet felt like an eye blink, she was right in front of me. She was clearly trying to defend her cubs.”

Ballard said that he was able to shut the gate that surrounds his deck just in time for the bear to crash into it. Evan, a Vizsla and Pharaoh Hound mix, was able to run back inside the house despite his extensive injuries.

“He’s an amazing dog, we’re kindred spirits,” Ballard said. “He’s my best friend and we’re together all the time. We go hiking a lot and take walks a lot and it’s been tough on both of us to not be able to do that right now. It was a real blow to hear I might have had to say goodbye to him. So I’m just so grateful that he’s alive and recovering.”

Ballard said that Evan had to have emergency surgery on several puncture wounds to his throat, windpipe, legs and chest.

“Thankfully the bear missed his heart by an inch, despite the puncture wounds being deep in his chest,” Ballard said.

“He did need tubes for draining after the surgery in his neck and one tube next to his heart. He can’t really bark still because his windpipes are damaged. But he’s healing really well and it’s a miracle that he has no broken bones or more serious injuries. He’s projected to make a full recovery, but it will be a long road ahead.”

Bear sightings and interactions are becoming more frequent in Connecticut, such as recently when a black bear and her three cubs entered a Granby home, took some food items and departed, according to the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

Those bears left the home on their own, but after a black bear slashed a Connecticut man’s chest as he was walking his dog in North Canaan recently, the debate over bear hunting in the state once again heated up.

Officials with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said they responded to a report of a bear attack that occurred in North Canaan last month when a man came between the bear and his dog with cubs present on his property.

In June, a woman named Kayleigh Roy said she used her water bottle to fend off a bear from attacking her dog Phoenix on a trail near Talcott Mountain.

The number of bear sightings reached 159 out of the state’s 169 towns and cities last year, according to the 2025 “The State of the Bears,” a DEEP publication that tracks their growth.

A GoFundMe page has been launched for Evan to help raise money for the veterinary bills.

“This is more about letting other people know to be extra careful when putting their pets outside or letting their kids play in the backyard. I am super vigilant now about it,” Ballard said. “There are so many bears in the state now. It’s always a good idea to be cautious.”

Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected].

CT's Brandyn Garcia has had a whirlwind month: MLB debut with Seattle, traded to Arizona

Kristin Garcia had just flown back to Connecticut from Seattle where her son, Brandyn, had made his major-league debut with the Mariners.No sooner had she arrived back at her Granby home, however, than the news came that her son had been traded. Brandyn, a 6-foot-4 lefthander, was dealt to Arizona as part of the deal that brought Josh Naylor to the Mariners. No, Kristin Garcia didn't hop back on a plane for Pittsburgh, where the Diamondbacks were playing. It all happened too quickly.But Brandyn's travel plans were hardly throug...

Kristin Garcia had just flown back to Connecticut from Seattle where her son, Brandyn, had made his major-league debut with the Mariners.

No sooner had she arrived back at her Granby home, however, than the news came that her son had been traded. Brandyn, a 6-foot-4 lefthander, was dealt to Arizona as part of the deal that brought Josh Naylor to the Mariners. No, Kristin Garcia didn't hop back on a plane for Pittsburgh, where the Diamondbacks were playing. It all happened too quickly.

But Brandyn's travel plans were hardly through. After about a week with the Diamondbacks and appearances in Pittsburgh and Detroit, he was sent down to Triple-A Reno, where he's been since Aug. 1. It's all been part of a whirlwind season for Garcia, 25, who began with the Mariners' Double-A affiliate in Arkansas, got promoted to Triple-A Tacoma on June 24, called up to Seattle on July 21 and traded three days later.

"Everything has been really crazy the last few weeks," he said recently by phone. "But it's everything I've wanted, so it's good."

Indeed, a player can only make his major-league debut once, and Garcia did so that July 21 against Milwaukee. With his mom, sister, fiancee, agent and members of his summer-ball host family at Seattle's T-Mobile Park, Garcia came on in the eighth inning and gave up four hits and an earned run. Two nights later, he bounced back with a hitless inning of relief against the Brewers.

"That was really exciting," he recalled. "Obviously, I've been working towards that since I was a kid in Connecticut. It's been crazy. It was good for my family to go out there and experience it, too. That's something I'll never forget."

The next day, he was traded to the Diamondbacks.

"It was really cool and really fun being able to experience the Mariners," said Garcia, an 11th-round pick by the organization in 2023. "That's something I'll forever be grateful for. They developed me out of college and helped me get to the level where I was at."

But, the way Garcia sees it, "The Diamondbacks wanted me more than the Mariners wanted to keep me. And that says a lot. It's something I'm really, really excited to have the opportunity for."

Garcia, 25, pitched a hitless inning of relief in his Diamondback debut on July 27. Two night later in Detroit, however, he got hit hard (four hits, three runs in just 1/3 of an inning) and was soon sent to Reno.

Born in Newport, R.I., Garcia's family moved to Granby when he was 5 and he grew up there, attending elementary and middle schools and his freshman year at Granby Memorial.

After that, he enrolled at the Masters School, the small, Christian school in Simsbury, to play alongside the Northeast Dragons travel ball players he'd been teammates with since age 9. His dynamic left arm got him recruited to Quinnipiac, where he spent three years, going 5-13 with a 6.09 ERA, but striking out 121 batters in 105 innings.

"I look back at that and never, ever regret going there out of high school," Garcia said. "Those three years I developed as a person and as a baseball player so much. It's something I look back on as my big 'flip-the-switch' years."

Switch flipped, Garcia transferred to Texas A&M for his final season of college ball. Once again, his statistics weren't mind-blowing (3-3, 5.56 ERA in 27 relief outings) but the flashes of dominance were there: 56 K's in 43 2/3 innings and a .213 batting average against.

"I finally decided that it was baseball, baseball, baseball," he said of his one year at A&M. "That's what I needed to commit to if I wanted to accomplish my dreams."

Garcia made nine relief outings across two levels after being drafted in 2023, then pitched almost exclusively as a starter last season. And he pitched great, going 6-2 with a 2.25 ERA and striking out 134 in 116 innings between High-A Everett and Arkansas. But in the offseason, he sat down with Mariners' brass and mapped out his future.

With the Mariners boasting one of the top starting rotations in Major League Baseball, the decision was made to put Garcia back in the bullpen to start this season.

"They basically told me that my chances of being a starter and sticking as a starter in the Mariners' system was really, really low, just because of how good they are," he recalled. "They said, 'You have a chance to come be a bullpen arm and make a big impact this year.'"

That was all Garcia needed to hear to be down with the decision.

"My goal is to play in the big leagues, it wasn't to be a starter or a reliever," he noted. "Whatever you guys think gives me a chance to do that, that's what I'm down for."

Now, Garcia is in a different organization, at Triple-A Reno, where batters are hitting just .148 against him and he's notched 11 strikeouts in eight innings of relief. He's trying to get more innings under his belt so he can go into the offseason with more options, if he wants to consider going back to being a starter.

"To be able to throw more innings here is going to be good because it refines command, gets me more reps, rather than just going one inning, and being able to go full-tilt next year in spring training," he said. "If I stay here for the rest of the year and get the chance to stay up there longer next year, that's what I'm willing to do."

Dave Borges is a sports reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media Group. An award-winning journalist, Dave has covered the UConn men's basketball team since 2007, including coverage of five Final Fours and four national championships (2011, 2014, 2023 and 2024). He has been an Associated Press Top 25 poll voter since 2009 and was named NSMA Connecticut Sportswriter of the Year in 2019. Dave has authored two books, "Rebound: The Incredible Story of UConn Basketball's Comeback from Defeat to Dominance," and "Images of Baseball: The Pawtucket Red Sox." He also covers baseball and was a beat writer chronicling the 2004 World Series-champion Boston Red Sox. Dave has been a Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2014.

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