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 Board of Selectmen has authorized the town manager to hire a Bloomfield-based contractor for the $2.64 million project.SIMSBURY, CT — A major expansion of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center reached a significant milestone earlier this month with the town hiring a contractor for the project.The Simsbury Board of Selectmen July 14 unanimously approved authorizing Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson to sign a contract w...
SIMSBURY, CT — A major expansion of the Simsbury Performing Arts Center reached a significant milestone earlier this month with the town hiring a contractor for the project.
The Simsbury Board of Selectmen July 14 unanimously approved authorizing Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson to sign a contract with Bloomfield-based Millennium Builders Inc. to build the expansion for $2.635 million, less than what was anticipated.
This is the second major town action on the project this year.
The Simsbury Zoning Commission May 5 unanimously approved a special exemption/site plan allowing for the 3,061-square-foot addition at the outdoor band shell, which is located at 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury.
According to the project narrative, the addition will be to the existing band shell, and it will provide the facility with dressing rooms, office space, and public bathrooms.
Work on this project is expected to take place from October 2025 through May 2026, opening the next concert season.
The Town of Simsbury is listed as an applicant due to a longstanding operating agreement with the center, which is a separate, nonprofit entity from the town.
It is also why Simsbury selectmen had to act in hiring the contractor to do the work.
Last November, the town and Simsbury Meadows signed a 15-year operation pact, essentially making the town and Simsbury Meadows partners.
The expansion project is being funded through state grant dollars, donations, and town funding.
The addition and the funding plan were approved by voters at the polls in May 2024 during that year's budget referendum. It was a separate question that passed 1,377-624.
Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson told selectmen bidding for the project came in less than what the project was anticipated to cost, which was about $2.7 million.
"We went out to bid," Nelson said. "We got a pretty good response, and the range of bids was as expected."
Ultimately, the Bloomfield company was the contractor chosen.
Nelson said the town/center also needs to come up with a 4- to 6-percent contingency fund should the project run into any cost overruns.
For now, Nelson said the town should move forward with the contract, but he said it may have to come up with an extra $128,000 (or part of it) in contingency if it is needed.
"I propose we cross that bridge when we come to it," Nelson said, adding that type of money could be found within the town's budget.
Nelson said that, regardless of whether additional funding is needed for the project, the town would not conduct another referendum.
Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis said the center may have to be prepared to raise more funds, if necessary, or partner with the town on any overruns.
She said the upcoming November elections could change the makeup of the board of selectmen, putting any future decisions on this issue with them.
And those decisions are contingent on whether the project needs the added contingency funding.
"We don't know if that's going to happen. We don't know if we're going to need it. It's the elephant in the room, what happens then?" Mackstutis said.
"I'm willing to move this forward and just hope that doesn't happen, but we may have to make a decision if that happens, and we may not be here."
After the discussion, selectmen passed the contract authorization and moved the project forward.
For the minutes of the July 14 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.
The Simsbury Summer Theater for Youth's 60th show is a production of the classic 'Annie' on Thursday, July 31, to Saturday, Aug. 2.Simsbury Summer Theatre for YouthSIMSBURY, CT — The sun will come out tomorrow (or, in Simsbury, on Thursday, July 31) with a local theater production's milestone performance.Simsbury Summer Theatre for Youth's 60th show is a production of "Annie," which is called a "fa...
Simsbury Summer Theatre for Youth
SIMSBURY, CT — The sun will come out tomorrow (or, in Simsbury, on Thursday, July 31) with a local theater production's milestone performance.
Simsbury Summer Theatre for Youth's 60th show is a production of "Annie," which is called a "family-friendly theatrical experience that promises to captivate audiences with its story of hope and optimism."
The production will take the stage at Simsbury High School from Thursday, July 31, to Saturday, Aug. 2.
Performances are held at the Simsbury High School auditorium, 34 Farms Village Road, Simsbury, on Thursday, July 31, at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 2, at 2 and 7 p.m.
“Annie” is licensed by Music Theatre International.
In the classic play, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City.
She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan (played by Ginny DeCerbo).
With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie (played by Savannah Connors) escapes to the wondrous world of NYC.
Simsbury Summer Theatre for Youth is known for productions of full-scale Broadway musicals under the direction of theater professionals.
The creative team for Annie includes David Addis (director), Michael Yachanin (music director), and Rachel Armstrong (choreographer).
For six weeks each summer, SST provides a comprehensive, challenging, and fun educational experience for its members.
SST is open to incoming ninth-grade students (or age 14 by August of the current year) through age 22.
SST is a non-profit, private community theater organization committed to giving young adults the opportunity to learn, create, express, and enjoy the magic of theater, both on and off stage.
Amid general public support on Monday, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen voted to table a decision to fine-tune the ordinance's language.SIMSBURY, CT — Local officials and the public are supportive of a new Simsbury ordinance regarding dogs at local parks and mandates for them to be leashed and cleaned up after.But, citing several questions from the public, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to table action on new d...
SIMSBURY, CT — Local officials and the public are supportive of a new Simsbury ordinance regarding dogs at local parks and mandates for them to be leashed and cleaned up after.
But, citing several questions from the public, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to table action on new dog poop rules and come back with a revised ordinance.
The new ordinance would prohibit dogs on town athletics fields and play areas, and violators may soon face $100 fines for doing so.
It would also mandate that dogs stay on leashes and that those "having control over the dogs" clean up after their canines and have the necessary tools on hand to do so.
But members of the public, both at a public hearing on Monday and in writing via submitted input, had many questions.
Even Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis, a self-proclaimed lover of dogs, had some questions about the ordinance's language.
"I had a lot of questions on this as a dog person," Mackstutis said. "I definitely agree with the leash law and the sports fields and everything like that."
But she said Monday she wasn't sure selectmen were ready to vote on it, and her colleagues agreed.
At issue were requirements in the ordinance about the leash length, service dog requirements, and the need for added dog poop receptacles.
As a result, the selectmen tabled a vote on the issue. It is expected to be on the Sept. 8 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting agenda.
"I would be open to compiling all those other comments, providing ways to clean this up, potentially tabling this and bringing back a cleaner draft," Mackstutis said. "I don't think it's urgent we do this tonight."
Last month, selectmen scheduled a public hearing on an "Ordinance Regarding Dogs and Recreational Facilities, Athletic Fields, and Trails" for Monday, Aug. 11.
The hearing took place on Monday, with several residents speaking in support of the ordinance in general, but some having questions.
Ultimately, selectmen closed the hearing after Monday's testimony.
The ordinance is being pitched by Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson and Simsbury Director of Culture, Parks & Recreation Tom Tyburski.
According to the ordinance's written narrative, the new law would be "an important step in protecting the safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of our parks, trails, athletic fields, and recreation facilities."
The proposed ordinance lists 18 different athletic facilities and playscapes in town where dogs are banned.
It should be noted, however, that common areas at those sites — viewing areas/bleachers — can have dogs present as long as they're "properly restrained."
The ordinance also mandates the "cleanup and disposal" of dog waste, and those with dogs must have them leashed and have bags to pick up and dispose of waste.
In short, the town is cracking down on folks simply letting their dogs do their business and walking away.
This, officials said, is not only an aesthetic issue, but a health problem as well.
Residents speaking at the hearing liked the idea of the restrictions, but some had issues with the rules' language itself.
Simsbury Soccer Club President Ben Berger resoundingly supported the new rules.
"Parks and Rec does an excellent job keeping the fields in good condition," Berger said during the hearing.
"I'm a dog owner. I love my dog. But I can tell you when you have a thousand kids running around on fields and there is dog waste, it's not a great combination, and this ordinance seems common sense, it seems reasonable."
Jill Perrault of Simsbury, who has dogs of her own, liked the idea of the ordinance.
She, however, said the primary issue isn't having dogs on town fields. Rather, she said, it is people who don't pick up after themselves.
Perrault related a story where a soccer league official berated her for having her dog on the field, even though there were no signs posted about a ban.
She said the town should have more receptacles where dog owners can dispose of their pets' waste, and folks must abide by those rules.
Perrault said she has been accosted by soccer league officials, being told that dogs are not allowed when they currently are.
She said the problem is people not picking up the poop, and the town should have more places to properly dispose of dog poop bags.
"Part of me does support this. I think dog waste is disgusting," Perrault said.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Book lovers, treasure seekers, and fans of small-town charm—get ready for one of Connecticut’s most beloved summer traditions! The Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale is back from August 23–25, and it’s more than just a chance to stock up on great reads—it's a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection. Join us on Saturday, A...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Book lovers, treasure seekers, and fans of small-town charm—get ready for one of Connecticut’s most beloved summer traditions! The Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale is back from August 23–25, and it’s more than just a chance to stock up on great reads—it's a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection. Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM to kick things off. Then come back on Sunday, August 24, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM—because starting at 3 PM, all books are FREE! But it doesn’t end there—Monday, August 25, is the grand finale, and you won’t want to miss it. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, everything under the tent is completely FREE!
Imagine strolling through tables overflowing with over 30,000 books—from mystery and memoir to cookbooks and children’s classics—all nestled in the picturesque setting of the historic Norfolk Green. Hosted by the Norfolk Library Associates, this three-day event brings people of all ages together to support free cultural programming at the Library.
Whether you're a lifelong book lover or someone who just appreciates the charm of a beautifully bound hardcover, you're in for a treat! From rare vintage gems to eye-catching photography and art books that are perfect for your coffee table, there's a little something for every kind of reader. And here's the real page-turner: most of these books come with steep discounts—and if you stop by on Sunday after 3 PM or anytime on Monday, many of them are free! That’s right—free books by the boxful. So bring a bag (or two) and get ready to discover your next favorite read without spending a dime. Come for the books, stay for the charm and community spirit that make this tradition so uniquely Norfolk.
Extreme heat this week is prompting towns/cities to open cooling centers and abide by state hot weather protocols.Town of SimsburySIMSBURY, CT — This week's heat wave prediction has Simsbury officials, again, opening up cooling centers and urging folks to stay safe and cool."Our weather forecast predicts a heat wave beginning Monday and lasting through Thursday evening," wrote the Town of Simsbury on Monday, Aug. 11."Temperatures during the heat wave will be intensely hot an...
Town of Simsbury
SIMSBURY, CT — This week's heat wave prediction has Simsbury officials, again, opening up cooling centers and urging folks to stay safe and cool.
"Our weather forecast predicts a heat wave beginning Monday and lasting through Thursday evening," wrote the Town of Simsbury on Monday, Aug. 11.
"Temperatures during the heat wave will be intensely hot and humid, with highs of more than 90 degrees."
As a result, the town will approach “extreme hot weather” criteria, meaning it will feel like it is over 100 degrees, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.
Due to the expected high temperatures predicted through Thursday, Aug. 14, the Town of Simsbury and the Department of Community and Social Services would like to remind residents of the best practices to stay cool.
Among those tips:
• Try to stay inside where it is cool and utilize fans and air conditioning when available.
• Keeping your shades or curtains closed during the day will help keep your home cooler.
• If you must be outside, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure to the extent possible. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to be outside, so plan your day accordingly.
For those who need respite from the heat, the Simsbury Public Library is open during summer business hours; Monday to Thursday (9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.), Friday (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), and Saturday (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Governor Ned Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, which will be in effect through Friday.
Cooling centers are available and people should call Infoline at 211 or look online at 211ct.org to find the nearest location.
There's another way to beat the heat in Simsbury, local officials said.
"We encourage you to take advantage of the many open spaces Simsbury has to offer," wrote the town.
Suggested open spaces include the pavilions at Town Forest, Tariffville Park, Hop Brook Landing, and taking advantage of places with good tree canopies such as the trails in the Ethel Walker Woods and state parks located in town.
Simsbury Farms Pool and Memorial Pool are also open.
People are also asked to check on elderly family members and neighbors and never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle.
For further information, or if you or someone you know is at risk due to the high temperatures, please call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at 860-658-3283. The Department does not monitor their phone line or voice mail messages during the weekend. For emergencies call 911.
860-261-4405
