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 John Brown Birthplace Site 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 Torrington, 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 Burr Pond 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 Geppetto Osteria e Bisteccheria or visit Torrington History 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 Torrington, 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 Torrington, 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 Torrington, 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.
TORRINGTON — Carly Rabideau recalled shopping with her mother at Joann fabric and craft stores since she was a child. News of the national retailer's plan to close all 10 of its Connecticut stores, including the one at Torrington Plaza, has upset her family."It's such a loss," said Rabideau, 45, of Bethlehem. "My mother is heartbroken, too. She's a big sewer...
TORRINGTON — Carly Rabideau recalled shopping with her mother at Joann fabric and craft stores since she was a child. News of the national retailer's plan to close all 10 of its Connecticut stores, including the one at Torrington Plaza, has upset her family.
"It's such a loss," said Rabideau, 45, of Bethlehem. "My mother is heartbroken, too. She's a big sewer. There's nowhere else to get fabric."
Rabideau's mother, Cherry Thurlow, also of Bethlehem, wasn't shopping with her Friday. Rabideau was at the store to pick up supplies for a Valentine's Day project she was helping organize for young children at Washington Montessori School in New Preston.
"I source crafts here all the time for the school's Stay and Create program," said Rabideau, a member of the school's parents association. "Now I'm going to have to be a lot more proactive online. There's not enough places that have a big enough selection. My mom comes here a couple of times a month and she travels to other Joann stores, too."
Joann is closing a total of 500 of its 800 stores nationwide. In addition to the Torrington location, the retailer will shutter stores in Brookfield, Clinton, Manchester, Enfield, Newington, Southington, Hamden, Milford and Norwich. Information on when the Connecticut stores will close and how many employees will lose their jobs was not available Friday.
An employee at the Torrington location declined to give her name or comment on the looming closure, but she said there are 11 part-time workers at her store. She didn't know when the store would be closing but advised shoppers to use any gift cards they have as soon as possible.
There was no sign of any liquidation sale Friday, just the normal 25% off signs in certain aisles.
Susanne Hyder, of Morris, another shopper at the Torrington store, admitted she hadn't been to Joann in a while and wanted to shop there after she heard it was closing.
"It's sad. Where do you go now if you're a sewer or quilter? Online? I like to look at things before I buy them," said Hyder, who was shopping for thread, pins, needles and yarn. "I'm a big knitter. Amazon is handy. Most of us are guilty (of online shopping), but this is my preferred store. I heard they were closing and I wanted to get here before it's totally picked over. I'll probably be back, too."
Joann interim CEO Michael Prendergast said on Jan. 15 when the bankruptcy was announced "the last several years have presented significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment, which, coupled with our current financial position and constrained inventory levels, forced us to take this step. After carefully reviewing all available strategic paths, we have determined that initiating a court-supervised sale process is the best course of action to maximize the value of the business."
The decision by company officials to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is the second time in less than a year that has happened. Joann first filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 after getting about $132 million in new financing to pay down part of its $1 billion debt.
A month later, the retailer emerged from Chapter 11, having converted into a privately held company.
HARTFORD — A Torrington man who authorities say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old before trying to cross into Canada in 2021, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography Wednesday, federal officials said....
HARTFORD — A Torrington man who authorities say kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old before trying to cross into Canada in 2021, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography Wednesday, federal officials said.
Christopher Jesus Constanzo, 22, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and faces between 15 and 30 years in prison, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut Marc Silverman said in a news release.
Silverman said that Constanzo and a 16-year-old victim arrived by car to the U.S. Port of Entry at Highgate Springs, Vermont on Dec. 2, 2021, just after Canadian officials at the St-Armand/Philipsburg Border Crossing had refused entry to the two.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials separated the two, and the victim reported that she met Constanzo the night before at Stillwater Pond State Park in Torrington, Silverman said. She reported that Constanzo had sexually assaulted her before forcing her into the trunk of her own car and restraining her before he started driving, Silverman said.
Silverman said the victim reported that Constanzo sexually assaulted her another time that night.
"As they neared the Canadian border, Constanzo had the minor victim sit in the front passenger seat of the car," Silverman said. "Constanzo instructed her to 'act normal' and 'go along with the story.'"
Constanzo told Canadian border agents that the victim was his sister and they were going into Canada for four days to visit friends, Silverman said.
Because of the lack of COVID tests, Constanzo and the victim were denied entry into Canada.
In July 2021, Silverman said, Constanzo used SnapChat to coerce a 16-year-old girl to enter an abandoned Torrington warehouse to record herself having sex with him, "and, posing as two fictitious individuals on SnapChat, he threatened to kill the minor victim and kill her boyfriend if she did not comply," Silverman said.
Constanzo sexually assaulted the minor at knifepoint at the warehouse, Silverman said.
That same month, Constanzo also recorded explicit Facetime videos of a 17-year-old girl, Silverman said.
As part of the plea agreement, Constanzo admitted his actions against the three victims, Silverman said. Constanzo, who has been detained since his arrest, is scheduled to be sentenced May 7, Silverman said.
State charges are still pending, Silverman said.
Feb 12, 2025
Hearst Fellow
Hana Ikramuddin is a Hearst Fellow in Connecticut. She spent the first part of her fellowship at the Houston Chronicle.
Raised in the Twin Cities, Hana majored in journalism and political science at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
She has held internships with the Star Tribune, APM Reports and Sahan Journal. In her free time, she loves to cook, make chai and take care of her houseplants.
TORRINGTON — Speedy Tacos, a new eatery featuring Mexican dishes, opened in Torrington Plaza Friday.Owner Jesus Ortega was surrounded by family and friends during a ribbon cutting grand opening before the lunch rush. City Council Member Stephen Ivain and Community Development Coordinator Richard Lopez made brief statements before Lopez and Ortega took a pair of golden scissors to the ribbon and opened the doors for the first day of business to the crowd of awaiting customers.After the ribbon cutting, Ortega thanked everyo...
TORRINGTON — Speedy Tacos, a new eatery featuring Mexican dishes, opened in Torrington Plaza Friday.
Owner Jesus Ortega was surrounded by family and friends during a ribbon cutting grand opening before the lunch rush. City Council Member Stephen Ivain and Community Development Coordinator Richard Lopez made brief statements before Lopez and Ortega took a pair of golden scissors to the ribbon and opened the doors for the first day of business to the crowd of awaiting customers.
After the ribbon cutting, Ortega thanked everyone for coming and asked the Rev. Edwardo Cadena, of Chicago, to bless the business. Cadena read a couple verses from the Bible and gave a brief prayer.
The line of hungry customers — many city employees — wrapped around the inside of the restaurant and filled the tables while staff and cooks busily prepared tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and other Mexican favorites.
Ivain, who said he plans to frequent the establishment with his family, sampled a beef burrito, to which he gave "a two thumbs up," noting the food was well-constructed.
"Delicious with a friendly face," he said. "Quality ingredients, generous portions and tasty."
Jesus Ortega said his wife Tanya Ortega loves to cook and spend time in the kitchen and has worked in restaurants her entire life. While he came to the United States from Ecuador 27 years ago, Tanya's homeland is Mexico.
The recipes have been passed down from her family, he said.
While Jesus weaved through the crowd, Tanya went from job to job in the kitchen gathering ingredients, making guacamole and chopping pork and other meats. Meanwhile Jose Martinez worked at the stove, stirring a steaming pot of soup and tossing a skillet of frying peppers over a hot flame.
The staff starts prepping for lunch at 7 a.m., Jesus said
Everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, including beef, chicken, pork sausage, and vegetables.
Jesus said his favorite item on the menu is meat enchiladas.
His relative Yanna Ortega, who translated for Jesus, said Tanya's recipes are good and her favorites are the soup — there are two soups on the menu, regular and chicken — and "lengue" or tongue tacos, which she said were delicious.
She also loves Jarritos Mexican soda in Tamarind, and said the flavor was a fan favorite. She asked several patrons and Jesus their favorite soda and they all agreed with her choice.
Jesus said he and contractors spent about seven months renovating the space from floor to ceiling.
A first-time restaurateur, he has been working in construction since coming to the U.S.
It has been a good change, however, he said. Working in a restaurant is more enjoyable and something he can get used to.
Get ready to turn back time.The iconic style, sound and swagger of Cher will be celebrated in two tribute shows that showcase her timeless talent, including one this weekend."The Beat Goes On," featuring Lisa McClowry as Cher, will be Saturday at Torrington's Warner Theatre. This Broadway-style show authentically pays homage to the legend with live vocals, capturing every detail from speaking voice to mannerisms. McClowry is backed by a real band and will perform covers of Cher's hits throughout the decades.&qu...
Get ready to turn back time.
The iconic style, sound and swagger of Cher will be celebrated in two tribute shows that showcase her timeless talent, including one this weekend.
"The Beat Goes On," featuring Lisa McClowry as Cher, will be Saturday at Torrington's Warner Theatre. This Broadway-style show authentically pays homage to the legend with live vocals, capturing every detail from speaking voice to mannerisms. McClowry is backed by a real band and will perform covers of Cher's hits throughout the decades.
"The Beat Goes On" will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington. Call 860-489-7180 or visit www.warnertheatre.org.
"The Cher Show," a new musical, will be Feb. 28 to March 1 at Waterbury's Palace Theater. In the show, Cher is played in three parts: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. The musical features 35 hits and a wealth of flashy costumes to cover the performers' six decades of stardom. It's not surprising that the superstar is the focus of these tributes: Cher's enduring allure stems from her remarkable ability to reinvent herself through six decades in the spotlight, and solidifying her status as a legend when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.
"All of us invent ourselves. Some of us just have more imagination than others," Cher once said of her colorful career.
Emerging in the 1960s as half of the duo Sonny & Cher, she captivated audiences both in song — "I Got You Babe" — and on television via the pair's variety show. After transitioning to a solo career, Cher showcased her versatility by embracing various musical genres, from folk and rock to disco and electronic dance music, keeping her relevant to multiple generations. Her catalog has a range of hits, including "The Beat Goes On," as well as solo smashes "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," "I Found Someone," "If I Could Turn Back Time" and "Believe." Beyond music, Cher also has a presence in film. Her performances in movies such as "Moonstruck," for which she won an Academy Award, as well as "Mermaids" and "Mask" have sealed her role as a multifaceted performer.
In recent years, Cher has continued to demonstrate her versatility and enduring appeal through various projects, releasing a holiday album in 2023 and publishing the first part of her memoir, "Cher: The Memoir, Part One," last year.
"The Cher Show" will be Feb. 18 at 8 p.m., and March 1 at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury. Call 203-346-2000 or visit www.palacetheaterct.org.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the Cher tribute show will be Friday.
TORRINGTON — The Gathering Place will close once the building where it is located is sold, board members said.The 1,533-square-foot “exceptionally well-maintained commercial office condo,” at 21 Prospect St., is listed by Marshall Cohen of the Cohen Agency for $249,000. It went on the market last week.Board members for New Beginnings of Nort...
TORRINGTON — The Gathering Place will close once the building where it is located is sold, board members said.
The 1,533-square-foot “exceptionally well-maintained commercial office condo,” at 21 Prospect St., is listed by Marshall Cohen of the Cohen Agency for $249,000. It went on the market last week.
Board members for New Beginnings of Northwest Hills Litchfield County, the local non-profit that in 2014 opened the walk-in center for the homeless, blamed the closure on the opening of a new drop-in center at Trinity Episcopal Church.
The center at Trinity, a new location for Hub Walk-in Services, brings service providers together and is in the same location as the soup kitchen and winter overflow shelter, several service providers said.
It does not offer the same services that are available at the Gathering Place, which includes a place where people can take showers, do laundry and get their mail.
Housing Collective Chief Executive Officer David Rich said the Hub opened Jan. 27. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The intention is not to close the Gathering Place, but to compliment it, said Julia Scharnberg, Vice President of Community Engagement at the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.
She called the Gathering Place a critical partner in providing services to the unhoused population and said the new hub will ultimately be open for longer periods and on weekends and will give people a chance to connect with service providers.
The Gathering Place is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Service providers have partnered with the organization and come onsite to find out what people need. Many of them will be doing the same this at the hub or moving there.
“When you have the number of people we have showing up for the overflow shelter, it's important to interact with them after 3 p.m. and on weekends,” Scharnberg said.
That it will be happening at the same location as the soup kitchen and overflow shelter is ideal, she said, adding that the Gathering Place is tight and service providers needed more space.
Maria Coutant-Skinner, president & CEO of the McCall Behavioral Health Network, said McCall already has space in the church where it offers employment, outreach, case management and family services. Skinner offered use of the space to other service organizations to do such things as Coordinated Access Networks assessments.
Skinner said McCall also offers services at the Gathering Place with a mobile van that still goes there.
Gathering Place Executive Director Nancy Cannavo, in an emailed statement, said the impending closure of the space that has served the unhoused for 11 years is disheartening and “a sad ending.”
On behalf of the board, Cannavo extended gratitude to the community for its care, support, generosity and collaboration.
“As president of New Beginnings, I am very concerned that the clients will not get all the great services that The Gathering Place offers, such as showers, laundry and mail services, to name a few,” she wrote. “Our guests compliment us for having a clean, safe and secure place to come to and stay 5 days a week-keeping them out of the elements.”
Board members Claudia Sweeney and State Sen. Jay Case, R-Winsted, said they were “dumbfounded” that agencies were being moved to the new location. They took the news to mean the Gathering Place was being dismantled and said Rich had said the plan is to rebuild it “piece by piece” as he sees fit.
“We had a big meeting. We thought we were going to talk about ways we could fundraise for the Gathering Place. Instead we got the very distinct determination that they were going to dismantle us; that we work in a silo.” Sweeney said. “We were very shocked. We had absolutely no inkling. We thought we were going to a fundraising brainstorming meeting not a tear apart the Gathering Place meeting. We were just very shocked.”
The situation is frustrating, Case said.
Sweeney also said Cannavo will be pulled from her position at the Gathering Place and returned fulltime to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, where she is a psychiatric nurse.
Tina Varona, of Hartford Healthcare Media Relations, said there have been no changes to Cannavo's position and there are no plans for changes at this time.
Calling it “a true hub,” Rich said he hopes there is a way to keep the Gathering Place open. He said there is no plan to dismantle it, noting that the hub at the church brings all the agencies serving the homeless together.
“I've always loved the Gathering Place it a great asset for the community,” he said. “I love the whole idea of the Gathering Place as a drop in center for the homeless. It's a model for the state.”
Scharnberg, who said the Housing Collective has been the back bone for the Northwest CAN since 2020 and helps find funding for homeless services, concurred.
“The Gathering Place, as it was created by Nancy Cannavo, was innovative and it is admired as a model of what communities should have as a homeless drop-in center and we recognize its value,” she said. “The Gathering Place and what it offers is a critical resource to anyone who is unhoused or at risk to being unhoused and it'll be a tremendous loss to the community if it ceases to operate.”
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