It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Simsbury Historical Society 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 Simsbury, 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 Stratton Brook State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Millwright's Restaurant or visit Simsbury Bank and Trust Company Building, 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 Simsbury, 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 Simsbury, 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 Simsbury, 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.
The Simsbury Green Coalition? has several events planned in the community, starting with an invasive plant workshop on Saturday April 19.Michael Lemanski, Patch StaffSimsbury Green CoalitionSIMSBURY, CT — A local organization espousing the virtues of sustainability and environmental activism has a busy rest of April ahead — just in time for spring to start heating up.The ...
Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff
Simsbury Green Coalition
SIMSBURY, CT — A local organization espousing the virtues of sustainability and environmental activism has a busy rest of April ahead — just in time for spring to start heating up.
The Simsbury Green Coalition has several events planned in the community, all with an eye toward the planet and the town many call home.
Among the events planned are:
• Saturday, April 19: Invasive Plant Workshop, 9 to 11 a.m. • Simsbury Farms, Apple Barn, 60 Old Farms Road.
Learn how to ID invasive plants and why they need to be removed from our properties.
After a 45-minute presentation, folks will head out to the Simsbury Farms Exercise Trail for hands-on experience on how to remove these plants from our own properties.
Bring loppers, garden gloves, sturdy footwear, eye protection, bug spray, and water.
Workshop is sponsored by Simsbury Land Trust, Simsbury Conservation Commission, and Simsbury Open Space Committee.
Contact [email protected] for more information or to volunteer.
• Tuesay, April 22: "Soil. It’s Not Just Dirt" at 7 p.m. at the Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.
Simsbury Land Trust President Margery Winters will speak. Sponsored by the Simsbury Pollinator Pathway.
• Wednesday, April 23: Film: "Return of the Old Growth Forest," featuring Simsbury Land Trust President Margery Winters, 6:30 p.m. • Simsbury Public Library, Friends Room
The second film, "Return of the Old Growth Forest," describes the characteristics and the importance of old-growth northeastern forests.
Director Ray Asslin and Margery Winters will both be available for questions after the film.
Those who missed the first film “Lost Forests of New England” can see it at naturedocumentaries.org.
• April 25-27: Join the Farmington River Watershed Association and partners in Farmington River volunteer clean-up opportunities. See the date and sites here.
• April 26 (April 27 rain date): Burning bush removal workday at Onion Mountain Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, 71 W. Mountain Road, West Simsbury.
Volunteer efforts are underway to eliminate and control further spread of the invasive burning bush that are taking over Onion Mountain Park.
This is a big project and many hands are needed. No prior experience is needed – just a willingness to pitch in to help restore the ecological health of the park.
Bring loppers, garden gloves, sturdy footwear, eye protection, bug spray, and water.
Sponsored by the Simsbury Conservation Commission, Simsbury Open Space Committee and Simsbury Land Trust.
Contact [email protected] for more information or to volunteer.
• May 3: Simsbury Sustainability Fair — The Simsbury Public Library and the Simsbury Sustainability Committee are hosting a "Sustainability Fair" with dozens of clean energy and efficiency contractors, environmental groups, arts activities for kids of all ages, and good food.
The leaflet for the event is here.
Thu, Apr 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM230 Bushy Hill Rd, Simsbury, CT, 06070More info hereJoin The Ethel Walker School community for a reading and book signing with our Spring 2025 Visiting Writer Rachel Zucker on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Ferguson Theatre. This...
Join The Ethel Walker School community for a reading and book signing with our Spring 2025 Visiting Writer Rachel Zucker on Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Ferguson Theatre. This event is best suited for visitors aged 13 and older.
Rachel Zucker is the author of ten books, including The Poetics of Wrongness (2023), SoundMachine (2019), The Pedestrians (2014), and Museum of Accidents (2009), a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. She is the founder and host of the Commonplace podcast and Directrix of the Commonplace School for Embodied Poetics. A Yale and Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate, Zucker has taught creative writing for 29 years, serving as an adjunct professor at NYU for the past 15. In 2016, she was a Bagley Wright Lecturer, delivering talks on poetry, photography, confessionalism, motherhood, and ethics in art. Her honors include a 2012 NEA Creative Writing Fellowship, a 2016 Sustainable Arts Fellowship, and residencies at MacDowell and Vermont Studio Center (2018).
The Ethel Walker School's Visiting Writer Seminar is a semester-long course in which students have the rare and special opportunity to immerse themselves in a study of one writer’s works, something few students of English at the undergraduate and graduate levels experience. Throughout the semester, students read a critical mass of texts by that writer, developing a deep and abiding knowledge of that writer’s style, form(s), and ideas. The course culminates with a visit by the author to Walker’s. Through master classes, writing workshops, and readings to the community, students are invited to ask the questions that only the author can answer. At the end of each semester, students in the Visiting Writer Seminar collaborate on a final project in which they conceptualize, layout, design, and publish a class anthology of works, inspired by the writings of the visiting writer.
The Ethel Walker School is an independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school in Simsbury, Connecticut for girls in grades six through 12 plus a postgraduate year. Since 1911, Walker's has excelled at preparing students to make a difference in the world. Members of this diverse community are dedicated to scholarship, the arts, athletics, wellness, and service.
Simsbury High School's student section for its sporting events was recently named the winner of the CIAC's 'Battle of the Fans' contest.Michael Lemanski, Patch StaffSIMSBURY, CT — Just about every college and high school student section at sporting events likes to say they're the best.But the Simsbury High Scho...
Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff
SIMSBURY, CT — Just about every college and high school student section at sporting events likes to say they're the best.
But the Simsbury High School Trojans' student section IS the best, according to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletics Conference's 2024-25 "Battle of the Fans Contest."
While neither Simsbury's boys or girls basketball teams are still alive in the state championships, the fans have already won.
The CIAC last week named Simsbury's students as the best fans in the state, with Simsbury to be honored on March 15 at the Mohegan Sun Arena during the CIAC basketball championships.
The "Battle of the Fans" event aims to reward student sections for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship, with participating schools submitting videos via social media showing just that.
Judges then analyzed participants in several categories, including sportsmanship, school spirit, originality and student section leadership.
When the numbers were crunched and the results tabulated, Simsbury was tops in the state, according to the CIAC.
A year ago, that fan spirit was evident when the Simsbury girls basketball team won the 2024 CIAC Class L state championship at the Mohegan Sun, its first-ever title.
For more information on the CIAC's Battle of the Fans program, click on this link.
To watch the Simsbury High School 'Battle of the Fans' video, click on this link.
From March 16, 2024: 'Simsbury Girls Make History, Win First State Hoops Title'
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Health & Fitness|1d
The building would be on the Simsbury Commons property, near Stop & Shop, and include 300 units of multi-family housing.Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff|Updated Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 6:27 am ETSIMSBURY, CT — The owners of a once-busy shopping plaza in Simsbury this week formally unveiled plans to build a large apartment building there....
Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff
|Updated Thu, Mar 20, 2025 at 6:27 am ET
SIMSBURY, CT — The owners of a once-busy shopping plaza in Simsbury this week formally unveiled plans to build a large apartment building there.
Northpath Investments, which owns the Simsbury Commons shopping center at 50 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, unveiled those plans during a preliminary presentation to the Simsbury Zoning Commission on Monday, March 17.
According to early plans from Northpath, the plan is to build a large, 268,600-square-foot, four-story apartment building that would feature 300 units of multi-family housing.
That building would be erected on the Simsbury Commons site, which is anchored by a Stop & Shop Supermarket and features a movie theater, pickleball facility, and a trampoline park.
According to a letter signed by attorney T.J. Donahue Jr., of Killian & Donahue of Hartford, the site, which features some vacancies as well, is facing some "challenges."
"Our property, like many retail properties, is challenged by regional and national market conditions," wrote Donahue, who is representing Northpath.
As a result, the developer is seeking a zone change from business to one that would allow for residential/mixed-use development.
That zoning change would require a formal application, a public hearing, and, then, a zoning board decision.
If that goes in favor of the project, then a site plan process following the same format would be required.
None of those applications have, as yet, been submitted to the town.
According to Donahue, there are many reasons why a large, residential development fits with that area.
"The location in Simsbury is a vibrant location right on a significant, regional commercial corridor," he wrote.
Residents of the new development would be able to walk to nearby businesses and attractions, he said.
In addition, according to Donahue, such development falls in line with Simsburgy's plan of conservation and development, which calls for additional, diverse forms of housing in town.
And that goal, Donahue said, is also in line with a state report stating an acute need for additional residential sites in the greater Hartford area.
The zoning board Monday discussed the situation via an "informal presentation," meaning no formal procedural steps were taken, but the general development plans were unveiled to the board.
Representatives of the applicant were on hand Monday to discuss this project.
Zachary Chaplin of Stonefield Engineering & Design out of New York, who was hired by Northpath, spoke before the commission on Monday about the project.
Like many retail shopping markets, the industry has changed drastically post-pandemic, with foot traffic in brick-and-mortar establishments slow.
But with housing seen as a societal need, developments like this are, more and more, being looked at, he said.
"I think for this site, there's definitely a lot of opportunity," Chaplin said. "We're seeing trends for these larger shopping centers of just vacancies and retail struggling."
Chaplin went over the building's plans and specifics to commission members.
Simsbury Zoning Commission Chairman Bruce H. Elliot admitted such a project of this size might cause some concern among residents.
Elliot said a four-story building is large for Simsbury.
"I'm not sure if you've toured Simsbury and you may not know what it's like," he said to Chaplin. "There are no four-story buildings."
He said the town's apartment buildings are usually three stories or two at the most.
Elliot did say the developers are "heading in the right direction here," regarding their plans, but he warned of likely resident opposition.
"You have to know, there are a lot of people in Simsbury who don't want to see any more apartments," Elliot said.
None of the discussions of commission members Monday was binding, meaning ultimate approval or disapproval would rely on testimony from yet-to-be-filed applications.
For the preliminary plans from Northpath Investments on the project, click on this link.
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Schools Simsbury High School will get a 'Victory Bell' to ring following athletics victories after a recent school board vote. SIMSBURY, CT — If you hear a loud bell ringing near Simsbury High School in the future, it's not a church bell, dinner bell, liberty bell, or a "bell of freedom."It's merely a "Victory Bell."...
SIMSBURY, CT — If you hear a loud bell ringing near Simsbury High School in the future, it's not a church bell, dinner bell, liberty bell, or a "bell of freedom."
It's merely a "Victory Bell."
At the Simsbury Board of Education's last meeting on Feb. 25, board members unanimously approved receipt of the bell as a gift from the Class of 2025.
The bell gift required approval from the school board because of its value — $8,000 — which puts it within the regulations regarding gifts needing board approval.
Those regulations mandate a board vote on any gift greater than $1,500.
When installed, the 26-inch "Victory Bell" will be a place where Simsbury High School sports teams and fans can celebrate victories by ringing the bell.
"So every time we have a big win, that bell is gonna be rung," said Simsbury Assistant Superintendent of Schools Sue Homrok-Lemke at the meeting.
Simsbury High School Class of 2025 President Brendan Russell, who attended the school board meeting, said the original hope was for a bell to be installed in the fall.
But, Russell said, those plans fell through and the company it was expecting to buy the bell from had already sold it.
The hope, though, was for another bell to be purchased and installed this spring, perhaps by the middle of March or April, he said.
Russell said he was inspired to seek a "Victory Bell" by looking at other schools, for example, the private girls' high school in Simsbury — The Ethel Walker School, has one.
He also said other schools in the area have them, such as the Loomis Chafee School in Windsor and Avon Old Farms School in nearby Avon.
"Talking to students there, they really enjoy it," Russell said. "It's a really cool idea to bring the students closer together."
As expected, board members had no issues with the "Victory Bell" funds and they easily voted unanimously for the gift.
"This is an amazing gift," said Simsbury Board of Education Vice Chairman Jennifer Batchelar, remarking about the unusually large value of the annual graduating class gift.
One likely thing is that enthusiasm for ringing the bell will be intense.
After all, the Simsbury High School Trojans' student section was recently named by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletics Conference as the winner of the 2024-25 "Battle of the Fans Contest."
So spirit is always high in Simsbury.
From March 10: 'Simsbury HS Student Sports Fans Deemed Best In CT: CIAC'
For the minutes of the Feb. 25 Simsbury Board of Education meeting, click on this link.
For an example of the 'Victory Bell' at Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, click on this link.
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