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 Litchfield Town Green in Litchfield, CT 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 Litchfield, 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 Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield, CT 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 West Street Grill or visit White Memorial Conservation Center, 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 Litchfield, 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 Litchfield, 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 Litchfield, 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.
Ask any designer to name their greatest sources of inspiration, and travel will almost always make the list. Exploring architecture, colors, and culture can create new points of view and references that you wouldn't otherwise find. And, while I can see how a trip to Marrakech or Milan would do a lot to open up one's aesthetic perspective, 'travel' doesn't necessarily have to mean visiting the other side of the world, or even getting on a plane. One of my favorite places to go for design inspiration is actually just an hour's drive away from ...
Ask any designer to name their greatest sources of inspiration, and travel will almost always make the list. Exploring architecture, colors, and culture can create new points of view and references that you wouldn't otherwise find. And, while I can see how a trip to Marrakech or Milan would do a lot to open up one's aesthetic perspective, 'travel' doesn't necessarily have to mean visiting the other side of the world, or even getting on a plane. One of my favorite places to go for design inspiration is actually just an hour's drive away from where I live, in Litchfield, Connecticut.
Litchfield and the surrounding towns like Morris, New Preston, Woodbury, Washington, Kent, and Falls Village have long been a hamlet for artists, antique dealers, curators, and the design-minded. It's also one of the most charming, historic parts of the state. Hence, the area has always drawn a certain sophisticated, yet low-key crowd of New Englanders and New Yorkers out to its idyllic downtowns, where you'll find a shop selling local dairy next to one selling fine art and Persian rugs.
In the last 10 years (and maybe even more so since the COVID pandemic), the interest in the Litchfield Hills has grown even more, and has brought with it new designers and developers who have added, in my opinion, even more of a reason to visit. The Mayflower Inn & Spa opened in 2018, designer Bunny Williams opened her store in Falls Village in 2019, and textile house Sister Parish added a showroom in Litchfield in 2022, just to name a few.
One of my favorite new additions is right in the heart of downtown Litchfield: Belden House Inn & Mews. The boutique hotel opened in the spring of 2025 and won a Michelin Key just a few months later. It sits in an 1888 building a block from the town's center, and aside from being convenient, it's one of the most beautiful properties I've ever stayed at. The bones are Victorian, and the interiors preserve that character in a way that feels fresh and cheeky: confident color choices, a mix of modern and vintage, and so much detail that you want to stop and really take in every space.
One of the things I find most inspiring about travel, near or far, is hotel design. Spending time in a well-designed boutique hotel, where intention and thoughtfulness show up in every detail, is like language immersion for interior design. Most of us don't have access to homes decorated by top designers, but a chic hotel is open to anyone. Belden House, designed by New York-based firm Champalimaud Design, is the kind of hotel that demonstrates firsthand the power of a color combination or how a textured wallpaper can transform a space.
Outside of the hotel, the shops are where I find inspiration in the Litchfield area, and not just for what they sell. A well-curated boutique can also function like a mini decorating lesson, with insight about how to put things together, how to style a surface, and how to make disparate objects feel like a collection.
There aren't a ton of boutiques in downtown Litchfield, maybe twelve to fifteen at most, but they cover a nice range, from high-end clothing to home decor to fine art and antiques. You can cover it in an afternoon, which is all I had on this trip. If you have more time, the neighboring towns are worth the short drive, because almost every village in the Litchfield Hills has at least one shop that people make the trip specifically for.
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If you happen to find yourself in the area, these are the ones that are most renowned:
There are plenty of others, but even this list is probably more than you can absorb in one trip.
While not every area has a 'Litchfield' an hour away, there is plenty that can spark an idea in any day trip; the way a drink is served or a meal is presented, the spine of a book in an old bookstore, a thrift shop in a church basement. You just need to get out and look around.
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For 60 years, a little thrift store has collected gently used clothing, shoes and housewares.It uses the proceeds to support services provided by the local visiting nurse association.After the store’s most recent home on Route 202 in New Preston was sold, the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County moved the business to a new home, this time in Bantam.The store’s new location is at Our Lady of Grace, St. Louis de Montfort Parish, on Route 202.A recent gathering drew volunteers, shoppers and cur...
For 60 years, a little thrift store has collected gently used clothing, shoes and housewares.
It uses the proceeds to support services provided by the local visiting nurse association.
After the store’s most recent home on Route 202 in New Preston was sold, the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County moved the business to a new home, this time in Bantam.
The store’s new location is at Our Lady of Grace, St. Louis de Montfort Parish, on Route 202.
A recent gathering drew volunteers, shoppers and curious newcomers.
Among the volunteer group were longtime members Diane Locke and Iona Douskey.
“My son was 9 years old and he was in Cub Scouts, and he ripped a pair of pants at an activity,” Locke recalled.
“I went to the thrift store; it was above the pharmacy in Washington at the time, and I found a pair for him. The lady at the store said, ‘Would you be interested in volunteering?’ and I was. I’ve been volunteering for 50 years,” she said.
“When we moved from New Milford to Washington, I signed up, and that was 20 years ago,” Douskey said.
“It’s fun, volunteering,” she said. “You stay in the house too much, you start to get depressed; volunteering gets you out, you meet people and help, and all of sudden you feel better. I enjoy it.”
VNHLC, or the Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, includes Foothills VNA, VNA Northwest, Salisbury VNA and Farmington Valley VNA, which previously joined forces to serve the Northwest Corner and Farmington Valley.
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, a non-profit agency, has been serving home health and hospice care needs in Litchfield County and the Farmington Valley for more than 100 years, according to the organization. It brings care 24 hours a day to the communities it covers, is licensed by the state Department of Public Health and certified by Medicare.
Before the agencies joined together, the thrift shop was overseen by VNA Northwest; before that, the smaller organization was known as the VNA of Washington and Warren.
The thrift store, founded around 1966, has operated around town: above a pharmacy, in a church, and in an office building in New Preston, part of Washington.
In the early 2000s, the store and its volunteers settled in the Sebec Trading Company building on Route 202, also in New Preston, where it operated for 15 years.
“We’re very appreciative to the members of Our Lady of Grace for welcoming us,” said Jean Chapin, store manager.
Chapin worked at the Gunn Memorial Library in Washington for many years. Now retired, she oversees the store and the 20-plus group of volunteers.
Chapin said the store has always been in Washington, until now.
“But we’ve had a very nice reception here in Bantam,” she said. “We hope our Washington donors will drive the extra distance and continue to bring us donations. “They’re the life blood of this organization, and we don’t want to lose them.”
The new store’s space is a square room with high ceilings, displays, and a small kitchen with a window, where customers can pay for their purchases.
Clothing racks are arranged around the room, along with shelving and display cases for glassware and kitchenware. There are clothing, books and toys for children; summery dresses and hats; handbags, sandals and shoes for all ages.
The volunteers check each donated item for quality, price it and put it out for sale. A boutique display features “like new” clothing and shoes.
Chapin noted, “Regular hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We’re closed Sundays and Mondays.”
Volunteers are always welcome. Members of the group take turns running the store, sorting clothes and creating displays.
The new location’s address is 761 Bantam Road/Route 202, Bantam, behind Our Lady of Grace church. The entrance is in the rear of the building, with plenty of parking.
For information on the VNHLC thrift store, visit vnhlc.org, or call 860-379-8561.
On a recent hot and sunny morning, the first Litchfield County Clipper excursion traveled from Torrington to Thomaston and back again, shuttling visitors on a vintage passenger train for a scenic ride.The train, owned and operated by the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston and its partner, the Naugatuck Railroad, is overseen by a crew of conductors, narrators and operators.In the bar car, Trish Gallucci wore a bright red blouse under her black uniform and greeted passengers as they found a seat.The first train ex...
On a recent hot and sunny morning, the first Litchfield County Clipper excursion traveled from Torrington to Thomaston and back again, shuttling visitors on a vintage passenger train for a scenic ride.
The train, owned and operated by the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston and its partner, the Naugatuck Railroad, is overseen by a crew of conductors, narrators and operators.
In the bar car, Trish Gallucci wore a bright red blouse under her black uniform and greeted passengers as they found a seat.
The first train excursions were on July 12, and continue through the summer.
RMNE and Naugatuck Railroad members Scott Ornstein, Kevin J. Meehan, Ted Gallucci, Orion Newall, Alex Formanek, Craig Czarsty, Ethan Mandolfo and Stuart Crouse, waited on the platform for last-minute passengers to arrive.
Meehan, a member since 1996, was resplendent in a crisp black uniform and white shirt, with brass buttons and a conductor’s cap. He said he’s loved trains since the age of 9.
“My father bought me my first train set,” he said. “This is a dream come true, to work here and be around them. I enjoy it.”
Craig Czarsty was the station agent for the day; he also coordinates volunteers for the railroad museum.
“The passengers enjoy hearing about the railroad, and we’re always looking for more people to volunteer with us,” he said. “Just give us a call.”
“We’re all actors on the train, portraying different characters who worked on the railroad,” Meehan said.
The train cars, with wide leather seats and rows of tall windows for scenic viewing, were carrying about 55 passengers on the Clipper’s first round trip of the day, heading out to Thomaston, where it turns around and comes back to Torrington.
Three round trips offer a window of time at each stop, giving passengers a chance to explore, eat and shop. In Thomaston, the train stops at the station, where passengers can also explore, eat and shop. A schedule is available on the RMNE’s website, rmne.org. The Torrington stops are at Market Street Creatives, 100 Lawton St., and Railroad Square Platform (Downtown Torrington), 99 Railroad Square. The Thomaston stop is at Thomaston Station, 242 East Main St.
According to rmne.org, the original Naugatuck Railroad was chartered in 1845, and opened in 1849 between Bridgeport and Winsted, adjacent to the Naugatuck River.
“Changing economic climates over the years led to a number of ownership changes until regular service north of Waterbury ended in 1995,” members wrote on the website. “Around the same time, after three decades of preserving and restoring New England’s railroad heritage, we were looking for a new home, and we chose Thomaston.”
The old Naugatuck Railroad name was restored by state charter, and the new Naugatuck Railroad was incorporated June 7, 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary of RMNE.
Their first passenger trains ran in October of 1996 and continue to be a popular attraction, with Christmas train rides for children and families, scenic autumn trains and other events. The railroad’s Chocolate Decadence Tour, for example, takes passengers to Fascia’s Chocolates in Waterbury, a longtime candymaker.
City officials, in a statement, said the Sunday train trips mark “a significant milestone for Torrington and the region, bringing renewed passenger rail service to the city after more than six decades and building on recent downtown infrastructure investments, including the completion of the new $4.2 million Railroad Square Platform.
By connecting visitors directly with Torrington’s downtown arts district and small-business community, the Litchfield County Clipper is expected to serve as both a tourism experience and an economic development driver in both communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome the return of passenger boarding in Torrington for the first time in decades,” said Torrington Mayor Molly Spino, in a statement. “The Litchfield County Clipper represents more than just a train excursion … With stops at Railroad Square and Market Street Creatives, passengers will experience the creativity, culture, and energy that make Torrington such a unique destination in Northwest Connecticut.”
On the Sunday trip, Mandolfo, a younger member, was assigned to be the trip narrator.
“I describe the scenery, things people are seeing as we go by,” he said. “I also help out with ticket sales.”
The Sunday train travels along the Naugatuck River, through Litchfield County, and across the historic Thomaston Dam.
Formanek, the RMNE’s general manager, said he hoped people would take advantage of the Sunday train rides.
“Hopefully the weather will be nice on Sundays, and we’ll have passengers,” he said.
Suddenly, the train came to life with a long and short hoot.
On cue, the conductors and officials climbed aboard. Passengers were already settled in two cars, including the bar car. Then the train was off, and everyone seemed to be smiling.
“There’s something about trains,” Ornstein said. “People love to ride them, to look at them. It does something to them.”
Tickets and additional information about the Litchfield County Clipper and the other train trips offered at the RMNE are available at www.rmne.org/excursions/countyclipper.
Meryl Streep has to be congratulating herself on her moxie.The Oscar-winner was disinclined to act in "The Devil Wears Prada II," until she realized the producers needed her - so she asked for double her salary, she told Jenna Bush Hager on "Today With Jenna & Sheinelle""I read the script - the script was great. They called me up and they made an offer, and I said 'No. I'm not going to do it.'" Streep said, saying she figured the movie would be successful. "I wanted to see if I doubled my ...
Meryl Streep has to be congratulating herself on her moxie.
The Oscar-winner was disinclined to act in "The Devil Wears Prada II," until she realized the producers needed her - so she asked for double her salary, she told Jenna Bush Hager on "Today With Jenna & Sheinelle"
"I read the script - the script was great. They called me up and they made an offer, and I said 'No. I'm not going to do it.'" Streep said, saying she figured the movie would be successful. "I wanted to see if I doubled my ask, and they went right away and said, 'Sure.'"
The movie became a major box office hit, finishing its theatrical run with roughly $690.8 million worldwide on a production budget of $100 million, according to Variety.
Streep, who has a home in Salisbury, has lent her support to environmental, arts and healthcare issues in Litchfield County.
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That extends to the annual "Arts Connected" benefit in New Milford on Aug. 29.
Streep is among the honorary host committee members lending their names in support of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council's efforts to support and uplift the region's arts community, according to a news release. Additional celebrities supporting the cause are Tim Daly, Téa Leoni, Diane von Furstenberg, Patti LuPone, Jack O'Brien, Sam Waterston and Paul Winter, according to the release.
This year's "Arts Connected" will take place at Buck's Rock Camp in New Milford from 5 to 8 p.m. It will feature live performances from the internationally renowned dance group MOMIX, jazz duo Perfect Manhattan, roaming puppeteers, an African drum circle, fire spinning and live painters with Plein Air Litchfield, according to the release.
Was "The Sopranos" really the best TV series of all time?
The Palace Theater in Waterbury will give audience members a chance to discuss this among themselves in February 2027 when it presents "A Night with the Cast of The Sopranos," starring four cast members and an emcee from the cast of the show on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
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The show includes host Matt Servitto, who played Agent Harris; Jason Cerbone, who played Jackie Aprile Jr.; Dan Grimaldi, who played the twins Patsy and Philly Parisi; and Robert Funaro, who played Eugene Pontecorvo in the HBO series. A surprise mystery guest from the cast also will make an appearance, according to a news release.
In the production, cast members will sit at tables covered with the red-and-white checkered tablecloths in front of a backdrop of Satriale's Pork Store, a frequent setting in the series, according to the release. The actors will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the show, adding clips, discussion about episodes, personal stories, interactions with fellow actors and a Q&A session with audience members, according to the release.
"The Sopranos" creator David Chase was debating whether to give another actor the role of Tony Soprano but ultimately decided on James Gandolfini. Who else was Chase considering?
On Aug. 29, the UnGroup Society will present its 13th annual Spirit of Unity Festival at Silas Bronson Library Park in Waterbury.
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The Soufest starts at noon and runs through 10:30 a.m., and typically draws about 2,000 people, according to a news release. This year's festival will feature national recording artists Glenn Jones and Cherrelle, along with local artists and entertainment. The free celebration will feature local vendors, food, family activities, community organizations and resources for residents, according to the release.
The UnGroup Society is a grass-roots organization that tries to "strengthen families, empower young people, celebrate culture and create opportunities for meaningful community connection," according to the release.
"Soufest is where all of that work comes together," Warren Leach, executive director of The UnGroup Society, said in a release. "We spend the entire year creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, heal, connect and build community. Soufest gives us an opportunity to celebrate that work together - with music, culture, food, family and the people who make Waterbury special."
Meanwhile, Hartford's Bushnell is bringing performer/magician Carisa Hendrix in "Lucy Darling: You're Welcome" on Nov. 6 for two performances.
Hendrix brings her "charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast" persona to the stage in a "touring variety show featuring her razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends," according to a news release.
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She will be accompanied on piano, melodica and other instruments by the "delightfully eccentric" Mark Ettinger (musician, composer, and juggler with the Flying Karamazov Brothers). "This charming duo's playful banter and effortless chemistry dazzles and enchants audiences everywhere they go," according to the release.
David Chase debated casting Steven Van Zandt as Tony. Instead, he cast Van Zandt as Silvio, according to Esquire.
This article originally published at .
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