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 Southington 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 Southington, 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 Southington Memorial 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 New Mill Restaurant or visit Barnes Museum, 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 Southington, 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 Southington, 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 Southington, 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.
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local officials will hear public input Monday on a massive modernization/renovation of Southington's public water system, before deciding on it later.The Southington Town Council has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center, 196 N. Main St., Southington.There, the council will listen to public input on a four-pronged water system upgrade being planned ...
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local officials will hear public input Monday on a massive modernization/renovation of Southington's public water system, before deciding on it later.
The Southington Town Council has scheduled a public hearing on Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center, 196 N. Main St., Southington.
There, the council will listen to public input on a four-pronged water system upgrade being planned by the Southington Water Department.
In total, the project will cost the quasi-public agency more than $14 million to complete.
According to town officials, the water project entails four components:
• $3,586,730 to design and build a new treatment building for the Southington Water Department's "Well No. 10."
• $3.5 million for general water main improvements.
• $3.5 million for Phase I of designing, building, and replacing water main pipes/connections, including those with lead piping.
• $3.5 million for Phase II of designing, building, and replacing water main pipes/connections, including those with lead piping.
After the hearing, in which anyone can offer comments, the council will vote on four separate ordinances — one for each project component — appropriating the money to the water department.
At the March 10 council meeting, water department officials presented the details of the project and the logistics behind funding it.
Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone said at the March 10 meeting that the water department, as a separate, quasi-public entity from the town, is not able to take on debt.
So, he explained, what happens is the town assumes the debt and is paid back by the department, adding that debt from this project is not subject to the town's bond rating.
The water department is also getting 50 percent state funding for the project, Southington Water Department Superintendent Douglas Arndt told the council last month.
For more information on the public hearing and the project, click on this link.
For the minutes of the March 10 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Plans to convert a vacant college campus in town into a large housing development are further on hold.For the second meeting in a row, the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission tabled a public hearing and decision on a rezoning plan to allow a developer to redevelop the old Briarwood/Lincoln College site on Mount Vernon Road.The latest vote to table happened last week at the April 1 PZC meeting at the request of the applicant, New Haven-based PGX Holdings LLC.PGX has applied to the PZC to see...
SOUTHINGTON, CT — Plans to convert a vacant college campus in town into a large housing development are further on hold.
For the second meeting in a row, the Southington Planning and Zoning Commission tabled a public hearing and decision on a rezoning plan to allow a developer to redevelop the old Briarwood/Lincoln College site on Mount Vernon Road.
The latest vote to table happened last week at the April 1 PZC meeting at the request of the applicant, New Haven-based PGX Holdings LLC.
PGX has applied to the PZC to seek a zone change allowing the old Briarwood/Lincoln College campus at 2279 Mount Vernon Road to become a housing development for those aged 55 and over.
In order for such a development to happen, the zoning for the property needs to be adjusted from residential zoning to what is called "ARCHZ" — an acronym for "age-restricted cluster housing zone."
The 32.75-acre campus in Southington, once home to Briarwood College, then the Lincoln College of New England, now sits empty.
Lincoln shut down in 2018, and the campus has been vacant since.
At the March 4 PZC meeting, the commission extended a public hearing on the application to Tuesday, March 18.
At that meeting, Southington PZC Chairman Robert Hammersley said PGX requested more time to fine-tune its application per the request of the commission.
This resulted in the item being tabled to April 1, where it was tabled further by the zoning board with the applicant still working on a response.
The PZC did not indicate when the zone change would be taken up again, but it next meets Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the John Weichsel Municipal Center, 196 N. Main St., Southington.
If a zone change is granted, the applicants would have to come back to the PZC for a site plan review/approval regarding the actual project itself.
From March 24: 'Southington PZC Tables Rezone Plan For Project At Old College Campus'
The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved an expansion project for a major factory in town.Michael Lemanski, Patch StaffSOUTHINGTON, CT — A major industrial player in Southington's business community recently saw its large expansion plans approved by local land-use officials.The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved at its last meeting April 1 a site plan modific...
Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff
SOUTHINGTON, CT — A major industrial player in Southington's business community recently saw its large expansion plans approved by local land-use officials.
The Southington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved at its last meeting April 1 a site plan modification for Uyemura USA in Southington to build a 17,100-square-foot expansion.
The current factory site has a 33,400-square-foot facility with a parking lot for 70 vehicles, along with necessary truck access for deliveries and shipping.
Located at 240 Town Line Road, Uyemura — headquartered in Ontario, Calif., with a tech center in Southington — produces chemical plating materials that treat metal for various industrial uses worldwide.
It occupies 4.67 acres at the site, and company officials told the PZC the expansion would, mostly, be additional manufacturing and warehouse space for storage and inventory.
Emily Kelting, of Loureiro Engineering in Plainville, represented the applicant at the meeting.
Kelting said the company handles chemicals for specialty coating and plating and stores raw materials and "mixed proprietary blends" packaged for resale to industrial clients.
She said the addition will be an "expansion of the current operations."
"It will house the same uses as the current building. There will be rooms for additional plating, mixing, and packaging operations," Kelting said.
Aside from technical questions associated with drainage, noise, and other aspects of the plan, PZC members easily approved the modification 7-0.
The property is industrially zoned, so the project is appropriately zoned for the applicant's proposal, which is why a site plan modification permit was sought.
A public hearing on April 1 drew no comments from anyone opposed.
Southington Economic Development Director Lou Perillo praised the company for their work in the community.
"The company is a phenomenal company. It's vital. Never any complaints. Good workforce," he said, adding Umenyura even donated part of its property to accommodate a nearby Rails-to-Trails hiking trail. "I think that goes a long way to show the character of the company."
"We look forward to doing business with you for a long time," said Southington PZC Vice Chairman Steve Waloski, who was chairing the meeting.
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The history of public transportation in the town of Southington is one of starts, stops and notably some legal drama.Connecticut transportation historian Richard DeLuca defines transportation as “the conversion of energy into motion for the purpose of social and economic interaction.” The evolution of transportation served to connect Southington individual...
The history of public transportation in the town of Southington is one of starts, stops and notably some legal drama.
Connecticut transportation historian Richard DeLuca defines transportation as “the conversion of energy into motion for the purpose of social and economic interaction.” The evolution of transportation served to connect Southington individuals for social and economic interaction to adjacent towns and cities and to other states. Our transportation history evolved from horse drawn wagon and stagecoach to barges on canals to steam driven locomotives to electric trolleys to cars and buses. The Enterprise was the first canal boat to travel thru the Southington portion of the Farmington Canal on November 12, 1828 with a load of shingles headed north.
In September of 1839, 106 boats traveled thru Southington on the canal with 3.9 million pounds of merchandise. The expansion of steam driven locomotives made the canal system obsolete.
In the 1870s the Northampton Railroad, connecting Southington to the rest of the state and New England, decided to eliminate the stops in Southington and Plantsville. Years of protests and legal action resulted in the Supreme Court of the United States ruling in 1881 (Railroad Company v Hamersley) that service to Plantsville and Southington must be restored. A robust electric trolley system evolved and served to connect Southington to adjacent towns for many decades. Soon bus services became the dominate public transportation mode and the trolleys were eliminated.
The nationwide build out of interstate highways ensured that automobiles and trucks would be dominant means of transportation for our nation. Bus service was and still is needed to provided public transportation options for many rural and urban residents as well as the growing suburban population.
Private bus companies, in the 1950s and 1960s, were fiscal failures and nation wide those services were converted into transit districts that were state and federally subsidized. In the 1960’s Connecticut’s bus companies were transformed into transit districts and the vast majority of privately owned bus corporations opted for the state subsidized transit district model with one exception, Southington. Town officials rejected the opportunity to be served by the newly formed transit districts in all surrounding towns. The end of bus service to the town in January of 1969 was met with protests but those fell on deaf ears and for 55 years.
Southington was, and still is, an island surrounded by a sea of public transportation options in adjacent towns. Yes, anyone with a car could get on or off the island, but all others are stranded on the island of Southington. Individuals without a car are denied equal access to public transportation.
The new 532 bus route was recently implemented bringing bus service to a small section of Route 10 from Plainville to the Stop and Shop. Less than 10 percent of Southington’s residents are served by this new route. A proposed expansion of service through town to Plantsville and then up West Street to Bristol is on hold. Southington has bus service for senior citizens thru the Calendar House, Senior Transportation Services and RSVP, but those services are limited to senior citizens and the disabled and are limited in hours and days of operation.
Therefore those individuals under 55 are not considered at all. Southington’s disabled individuals are denied “equal access” to ADA mandated Para Transit transportation services that are available in the vast majority of the state’s towns and cities that have robust public transportation services.
The 2018 Comprehensive Service Analyses conducted by The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) and CT Transit identified Southington as a town with “explosive growth in housing and industrial properties that has transformed Southington into one of the larger population and employment centers in the Greater Hartford area.” The CRCOG study further stated that transportation options are needed to alleviate congestion and foster transit oriented development.
Southington officials recently formed a Transportation Committee to look at alternatives to a public bus system. Some committee members have indicated that Southington doesn’t need a bus system, that micro transit services (small buses offering door to door service) would be sufficient to satisfy the public transportation needs of Southington’s residents. All existing micro transit services in the state provide added accessibility to existing public transportation systems.
Discussion regarding expanding the existing Calendar House service has occurred, but again that service is limited to to seniors and hours of operation as well as geographic areas served. state funding has been provided for eleven new micro transit services for a two year pilot program. Each new micro-transit operation serves to supplement existing public transportation operations.
Some Transportation Committee members have stated that Southington doesn’t need public bus services through town, people could walk and bike. Southington residents deserve to have equal access to public transportation to connect to the rest of the state for social and economic interaction. The best option to remedy Southington’s lack of public transportation is to implement Phase 2 of the 2018 Comprehensive Services Analyses, which recommended the continuation of bus service from Plainville through downtown Southington then to Plantsville and finally up West Street into Bristol. With the addition of a micro-transit service Southington would no longer be an island with the only way off being by automobile. It is time for the “City of Progress” to be connected to the rest of the state to allow equal access for social and economic interactions for Southington residents.
George Pohorilak lives in Southington
Originally Published: April 4, 2025 at 5:30 AM EDT
The Sacred Heart Academy Sharks of Hamden defeated Southington High Sunday for the CIAC Class LL state girls basketball championship.Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff|Updated Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:29 am ETFreshman guard Neria Maule scans the Sacred Heart defense in the first half on Sunday. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)Southington senior Lily Cooper became the all-time leading scorer in program history, surpassing the...
Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff
|Updated Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 6:29 am ET
Freshman guard Neria Maule scans the Sacred Heart defense in the first half on Sunday. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)
Southington senior Lily Cooper became the all-time leading scorer in program history, surpassing the mark in Sunday's CIAC state title game. (Michael Lemanski/Patch)
UNCASVILLE, CT — One year ago, Sacred Heart Academy endured a crushing CIAC championship game loss to crosstown rival Hamden High in the Mohegan Sun Arena.
But it was that experience that, seemingly, allowed the Sharks to weather a first-half attack by the Southington High School Blue Knights Sunday as they sought redemption.
When the horn sounded, Sacred Heart did what they couldn't do a year ago.
They won the 2025 CIAC Class LL state girls basketball championship, 57-47, Sunday in the same place as last year's disappointment.
"I'm just so proud of our team. We fought so hard," an ecstatic Sacred Heart coach Jason Kirck said amid a wild, post-game celebration in the arena. "They amaze me every time they step on the court."
When the game concluded, it touched off one of the wildest post-game celebrations of Championship Weekend, as delirium overtook the "Shark Tank" student section, with the giddy throng singing the official song of the all-girls Catholic academy.
The well-balanced Sharks were led by senior guard Emily Mennillo, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and junior Madelyn Burke, who had 11 points and nine boards.
Going into Sunday evening's Class LL contest, second-seed Southington was 22-1 (including tournament play) while Sacred Heart, the fourth seed, was 21-2.
The Blue Knights, coached by Howard Hewitt, were striving for the program's eighth state title and first since 1993.
Meanwhile, the Sacred Heart Sharks from Hamden were seeking the school's fourth championship and first since 2022.
In the first quarter, Southington and Sacred Heart raced up and down the floor in a fast-paced and well-played contest, neither side showing any title jitters early.
The quarter was highlighted by senior Southington guard Lilly Cooper becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Blue Knights.
Eventually, Southington's speed and athleticism briefly broke open an even contest.
Utilizing a pressing defense and an offense predicated on attacking the rim, Southington ended the quarter up 17-10, with senior forward Hannah Blanchard pouring in 6 points.
Play became a bit erratic in the second quarter, with turnovers and missed shots slowing down the scoring, but not the game's pace.
A three-point play by sophomore Mila Harmon of Sacred Heart cut the lead to 23-19 Southington with about three minutes left in the half.
Then Southington freshman Ariana Quick banked in a three, putting some distance between the Blue Knights and the Sharks, 26-19.
Harmon hit a jumper for Sacred Heart and a putback by Shark sophomore Alexis Powell further cut into Southington's lead, leading to a 26-23 halftime score in favor of the Blue Knights.
The second half then became Shark time, as Sacred Heart started strong in the second half, briefly taking a 28-25 lead before Southington tied it at 28-28.
Junior guard Molly Gunning of Sacred Heart then drained a three to put the Sharks up 31-28, further fueling the game's fast pace.
The Blue Knights continued to struggle on offense and the defensive boards, allowing the Sharks to distance themselves to a 34-28 lead.
Sacred Heart's surging third quarter ended with the Sharks holding a 38-32 lead and one quarter away from making the bad feelings of 2024 disappear.
As the fourth quarter started with a lid on Southington's hoop, Sacred Heart went up eight, 40-32, their biggest lead at that point.
As the game entered the 5-minute mark, Sacred Heart had a 42-34 lead, which ballooned after Mennillo scored after a drive and foul.
Though she missed the freebie, it made the score 44-34 Sacred Heart, putting the Golden Knights in desperation mode.
From there, the Sharks went into clock-killing mode while, still, executing their offense.
A basket-and-foul three-point play by Burke ballooned the lead to 13 at 47-34.
Southington cut it to 10 on a three-pointer, but the clock was the enemy as much as the Sacred Heart play.
Despite Southington's best efforts down the stretch, the outcome was never in doubt as Sacred Heart hit enough free throws to keep Southington at bay despite the Blue Knights' three-point shooting down the stretch.
Kirck said it was all a matter of playing tough defense all game long and executing.
"We bought into our defensive philosophies and we tried to guard them as best as we can," Kirck said, complimenting the talent and effort of Southington, who never quit.
When the buzzer eventually sounded, it was redemption for Sacred Heart.
And it couldn't have been any sweeter.
For the full game statistics from the CIAC, click on this link.
From March 17, 2024: 'Hamden Defeats Crosstown Sacred Heart To Win Girls Hoops Crown
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