Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“You can't go wrong with this crew. Extremely patient and caring.”

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Taylor, John, and Kristine and their crew are the best. They are patient, understanding, and a joy to work with.”

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sabina always has a pleasant, caring, and respectful attitude. I feel she treats me as she would as her own mother. She treats me the way she would like to be treated. We are a good “team” together.”

Tracy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Diana has a total commitment of compassion, empathy, and respect for myself and my family. My daughters feel she is truly a tremendous caregiver. They know I am in good hands. She acknowledges with commitment of my physical, emotional, and practical needs, my quality of life has excelled due to Diana’s help. I look forward to her presence everyday her attitude is exceptional, Diana comes to work daily with a smile on her face. She enters the front door, singing softly ready to work. She has never taken a day off, I have had many caregivers, but Diana is truly the best!”

Anne H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tina has been with us since the start, caring for my mom. Tina has nothing but my mom’s best interest at heart. She continues to go above and beyond to care for my mom, and ensure anyone else who may be there also understands my mom’s needs. Tina has even gone so far to rearrange her schedule or give up her free time to stay with my mom to avoid her having someone that doesn’t know her. I can see that she genuinely cares for my mom, and treats her as if she was her own family member. That also goes both ways, my mom lights up when she sees Tina. We consider Tina part of our family.”

David L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped our family get through a very difficult time with my mother's care. Kristine and Taylor are a pleasure to work with. They are very knowledgable and had the answers to all our questions. They were able to help with all aspects of the care we needed. I highly recommend them.”

John S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kristine and John are extremely caring and compassionate about helping their client's and family and making sure they receive the best care available. Highly recommended!”

Greg G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We needed some home care services for Dad who has dementia, and we made the right decision to trust ABC Senior Services for this support. Dad was lined up with a caregiver who was attentive and helpful, and she and Dad really hit it off. The management and administrative staff from ABC were also very effective and professional. You'll make a good decision to go with ABC Senior Services...”

Liam M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I approached Kristine regarding care for my elderly father. Even though he was outside her service area, she helped to find resources for us. Her commitment to providing outstanding care is only surpassed by her desire to help others. Thank you Kristine!”

Matt B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Kristine Lajeunesse for many years now through business networking and she and her Team at Always Best Care are very caring and professional and exactly who you would want on your side if you have a loved one who needs help!”

Ann B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The client care at Always Best Care Senior Service is outstanding”

Kimberly O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Rosemary has many great qualities. She is a hardworker, sensitive, has a giving nature and has an immense desire to help my father. Reliability is vital trait in Rosemary. When my father was in the hospital and came home she immediately wanted to be by his side. My father has come to rely and depend on Rosemary. She is always on time whether it is giving medication or administering food and often encourages my father and helps my father maintain his dignity”

Denise D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides caregivers to our building on a regular basis when we are short staffed. Due to our licensing, we can only have CNAs on the floor and Always Best Care has provided excellent CNAs every time we need some extra help. All of their CNAs have been helpful, willing to go above and beyond for our residents and we always have great responses from our own CNAs and supervisory staff. I am so thankful to Michelle and Wilda who will always staff a shift that I need, even if I call 30 minutes before the shift starts. You’ve been such a huge help!”

Kaytee S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known John and Kristine Lajeunesse for almost 20 years and when my dad needed care following a diagnosis of dementia, I knew there wouldn’t be anyone better to call than them. The caregivers that have worked with my dad have been wonderful. They are true saints to my family, allowing us the knowledge that Dad is okay to stay at home. They have navigated all of the changes in his cognitive state with grace and kept my father’s dignity in place. He was always a very active man and the caregivers have managed to keep him active, even as his health declines.”

Belinda F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped me to get care lined up for my uncle, after I received their information from a close friend of mine that also used their agency. My uncle was a very proud man and did not want help from anyone, including family. Taylor met with me and spent time getting to know the ins and outs of my uncle’s care as well as his personality. She asked about his background so that they could look for a caregiver with similar interests. Although he took a turn for the worse rather quickly, the short time care was provided was wonderful. Thank you for your help and compassion.”

Karel O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My dad’s caregiver is great. He is a man of few words, but she is able to get him talking about all aspects and experiences of his life. They go out regularly and she encourages my dad to participate in the activities put on by the community he lives in. They run errands, go out for meals, or go for a drive just to get a change of scenery. I was nervous at first about how my dad would take having a caregiver come in to help him, but he seems so happy and has great things to talk about after his time spent with his caregiver.”

Martin F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you, Kristine - I am very appreciative of the professional manner with which you and your organization operates. From the initial phone and in-person conversations with Taylor, to the ongoing support of my mother's care - it's been thorough, timely and well managed. I am also struck by how the home-health employees conduct themselves. They are reliable/responsive *and* responsible, and making every effort to work through the challenges day to day with my mother. Thanks for the great job you and your organization are doing. It means a lot to me, especially during this trying time! Best Regards”

Anna T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you and your staff for all of your hard work and dedication to their clients. When my parents finally realized they needed help in their home, I chose ABC as the company I felt would be the best fit. Yes, we have had some ups and down, but when you paired Leah with my parents, it was truly a blessing. My parents love her. She genuinely cares for them and they speak highly of her work ethic. As my mom says, “she is too good to be true”. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your working with me to find the right fit. Well on our end, Leah fits like a glove and I hope she feels the same. She is a special person so I wanted to acknowledge her hard work and dedication to my parents. It makes me feel more at ease knowing there is someone coming to the home to properly care for them. Again I want to thank you all and encourage you to keep up the good work.”

Craig F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My family provides the care to my mother 24/7, we called Always Best Care to provide respite care to my mom while we took some time to ourselves for a weekend. Mom’s caregiver, Gloria, was great and she had the perfect disposition to work with my mom. She was attentive and kept mom well fed and engaged during the time we were away. We would definitely call Always Best Care again when we need some time away.”

Brenda
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregiver that helped my husband and I were so kind to us both, especially to my husband while I spent some time in the hospital and rehab. Our caregiver brought my husband to see me every day while I was at the hospital and at rehab, I knew he was in excellent hands and I could focus on getting stronger again.”

Heather R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“i really like my caregiver, Victor very much. Victor is a very patient and observant aide who knows when I need his help. I knew from the first day meeting him that we would get along very well.”

Johnson L.
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TESTIMONIALS

““I want to give a huge thank you for the care that Always Best Care provided over the last year and a half. They started out assisting just my dad since he was wheelchair bound and then began providing care to my mom as well who had advanced dementia. The two ladies that helped them both did an amazing job and gave me the confidence that they were being well cared for since I live on the other side of the country. Up to my dad’s passing, his caregivers were there for him to provide comfort and companionship while managing my mom’s emotions as well during the difficult time my dad had. Being a nurse myself and in the healthcare field for a while, I had high expectations which were exceeded by the caregivers and office staff of Always Best Care.”

harry B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Both of Mom’s caregivers are exceptional. They are always professional, calm and extremely patient with my mom. They know how to keep her calm and to manage her anxiety. My whole family is very grateful, knowing that Mom is getting really competent care, great meals and friendly companionship. Thank you.”

Kathleen F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband had care from Always Best Care until he passed away. Thankfully he is on his "next journey" and finally pain free, while he was here with us, his caregiver, Craig, did an amazing job caring for him and was here to help us from our first day of services. Craig always managed to get my husband to share stories from his time in the war that even I had not heard before. It was a great way to get to know more of my husband so his memory can continue with others around him.”

Beth F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am very pleased with the care that Craig gave to my husband. My husband enjoyed having another man to talk to instead of conversation only between him and I. Craig managed to keep him occupied and safe so that I could go and get some time to myself, allowing me peace of mind that my husband was in great hands”

Sonia T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I hired Always Best Care to help my mom who was living with me at home. She was diagnosed with dementia and within 3 months she could hardly do much for herself anymore. I was able to continue working full time while my mom received care from Always Best Care. We had the same caregiver from day 1 and she was absolutely amazing. She kept everyone in the loop with any changes my mom experienced and the regular in person and phone check ins were a great added support to myself and my family. Thank you ABC for all the help and compassion that you showed my mom until her passing.”

Laura
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TESTIMONIALS

“They are very caring and easy to deal with. They work with the family and the patient to see that the patient has what is needed for their care. In all we had a good experience with Best Care.”

Elaine G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our caregiver is the absolute best, you all got lucky finding her.”

Bob G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Anything from Always Best Care is good to have. The care from them has given me my life back. I wasn’t expecting a perfect match on the first caregiver, but Always Best Care did a very good job.”

Claudia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have been using the services of ABC for almost three years, and I have worked personally with John, Kristine, Taylor, Michelle and Wilda, as well as the many wonderful caregivers who have attended to my mother’s needs with great care and attention. Throughout this time, my mother’s care needs have changed many times, and they have always been very responsive to any requests, including the directives of the hospice nurses that work in concert with all of them. Taylor and Michelle are incredibly diligent about keeping on top of issues that arise day-to-day, and running their questions and concerns by me. I remain a loyal customer to ABC because I feel that my mother is getting really great care, and will continue to see the warm, friendly faces she has come to know and trust today and every day. At 94 yrs old, my mother is quite dependent on the care providers for almost all her needs, and they always show up and make her feel safe and secure.”

Rachel C.
 In-Home Care Newington, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Newington, CT work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Newington, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Newington, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Newington, CT 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Newington, CT

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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 Newington,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.

 Caregivers Newington, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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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.

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.

Latest News in Newington, CT

Connecticut HS Hockey – Highlights: Newington’s Wagner Nets Fourth Shutout Of Season; Branford’s Morgan Scores 5 In Win

– Fairfield Prep handed Notre Dame-West Haven (13-2-1) its first in-state loss this season, beating the defending Division I state champions 5-1. Blake Baksay recorded three goals and one assist, while Justin Lewis made 25 saves. The Green Knights’ only other loss came back on Dec. 27, 7-1 to Catholic Memorial of Massachusetts.– Jeremy Wagner recorded his fourth shutout this season and the school-record 10th of his career as Newington Co-op blanked South Windsor 2-0....

– Fairfield Prep handed Notre Dame-West Haven (13-2-1) its first in-state loss this season, beating the defending Division I state champions 5-1. Blake Baksay recorded three goals and one assist, while Justin Lewis made 25 saves. The Green Knights’ only other loss came back on Dec. 27, 7-1 to Catholic Memorial of Massachusetts.

Jeremy Wagner recorded his fourth shutout this season and the school-record 10th of his career as Newington Co-op blanked South Windsor 2-0. The Nor’easters were coming off a 4-3 overtime win over Hall, their second in three days.

– Norwalk/McMahon beat Wilton 6-4, snapping a four-game losing streak. Grady Connell recorded two goals and an assist, helping the co-op overcome a 3-1 deficit.

– Wilton fell to 0-5-1 over its last six following a 5-0 loss to Staples. Aaron Kail stopped all 29 shots he faced to earn the Wreckers’ first shutout this season. Tyler DiMaio and four others scored, while Domenic Petrosinelli and Nikos Ninios had three assists apiece.

– Woodstock Academy beat North Branford 6-1 behind a four-goal second period. Donny Sousa and Max Larkin each scored twice.

Drew DePodesta’s goal with 7:35 remaining lifted Cheshire to a 3-2 victory over fellow Division II contender Wethersfield. Two days later, the Eagles rebounded with a 4-0 victory over the CT Eagles. Ryan Adduci netted his first varsity goal and Owen Thulen was perfect in net.

– Continuing his big week, DePodesta followed Will Gaudet’s hat trick with one of his own in an 8-5 victory over the Eastern CT Eagles. Rocco Ocone-Krause added two goals for the Rams.

Alex Petersen got the scoring started for North Haven, which coasted past Daniel Hand 6-1.

– East Haven Co-op salvaged a 2-2 tie with Watertown/Pomperaug after goals from Jack Leary and Griffin Nemoto had given the Warriors a two-goal lead.

– SGWL (1-16) edged Housatonic Co-op 4-3, becoming the last team in Connecticut to score a victory. SGWL had lost its first 15 games, including 14 by multiple goals.

– Guilford was no match for Branford’s Matt Morgan, who scored five times in the Hornets’ 8-5 victory. Branford followed that up by topping Farmington Valley 4-1 behind a solid performance from Dante Dilegge in net.

Tommy Branca and three others scored, helping Darien bounce back with a 4-1 win over Ridgefield. The Blue Wave shut out St. Joseph 6-0 the following day and will head into their regular season finale against Notre Dame-West Haven at 12-4-3 overall.

– Newtown/New Fairfield picked up a pair of out-of-state victories, beating Fox Lane (N.Y.) 8-3 and Mt. Everett (Mass.) 4-0 behind a shutout from Garrett McCollam.

CJ Sherwood scored four times to help North Branford down the Eastern CT Eagles 5-1. Mike Matteo tallied two assists.

– Glastonbury made quick work of East Catholic, rolling to a 7-1 win. Ben Howey, Michael Rodriguez and Kyle Gianetti scored as part of a three-goal first period.

– Somerset Berkley improved to 17-1-0 on the season with a 7-0 win over Cambridge. Luke Gauvin, Liam Derocher and Davis Sullivan all netted a pair of goals. Nate Melo also scored and Mason Sullivan chipped in three assists.

– Walpole skated to a 3-3 tie with King Philip for MIAA purposes, but won 4-3 in a shootout to advance to the Songin Cup Finals. Jason Finkelstein, Ryan Jackson and Matt Bianculli all scored. In the final, the Timberwolves downed North Attleboro, 7-1, behind four goals from Bianculli.

North Attleboro earned the right to face Walpole in the Songin Cup Final after a 6-5 win over Mansfield. Mark Ayvazyan had a big night with two goals and two assists. Joe Quinn and Kaden Burns also each netted a pair.

– Tewksbury blanked D1 Winchester for their 17th win of the season. Jeremy Insogna scored a pair of goals and Tyler Barnes the other. Ben O’Keefe had another solid outing in net earning his eighth shutout of the season.

– Oliver Ames had a huge 3-2 win over Plymouth South. Dan Paul, Jack Perron and Matt Lawson all scored. Brandon Burke had 23 saves in net.

– Silver Lake downed Bridgewater-Raynham 7-2 behind senior captain Aiden Dunphy’s big night. The captain had three goals and two assists in the win to surpass the 100-point mark in his impressive high school hockey career.

– Boston Latin shut out Latin Academy 4-0 with goals from Aidan Fitzpatrick, Matthew Carrera, Patrick Harnan and Richard Bova.

– Lowell Catholic beat Bishop Stang 3-1. Jake Cabral had two goals for the Crusaders in the win.

– Hopkinton handed Lynnfield its first loss of the season beating them 5-4 in round one of the Farleigh S. Dickinson Tournament. Joe Carrazza netted the winning goal with 1:15 left. Pavit Mehra scored a hat trick and Joe Scardino also scored. The Hillers then went on to blank Martha’s Vineyard 5-0 to win the tournament for the third consecutive year. Scardino and Dylan Mansur had two goals each and Cam MacPherson the other.

– Gloucester beat Swampscott 9-2 behind four goals from Colby Jewell. Brett Cunningham, Brady Salah, Chris Karvelas, Drew White and Cade Cooper also scored for the Fishermen.

– Duxbury beat Archbishop Williams in the first round of the Buddy Ferreira Classic, 3-1. Reilly Murray, Connor O’Connell and Aiden Harrington all scored. Sam Mazanec was strong between the pipes.

– Minnechaug closed out their regular season with a 2-1 win over Northbridge. David Noel had both goals for the Falcons. Drew VanZandt had two assists and John Pollard had 29 saves in goal.

– Concord-Carlisle clinched a playoff spot with a 3-2 win over Bedford. Noah Thorpe scored a pair and Jay Carter had the other.

– Canton avenged an earlier season loss to Franklin with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win. Griffin Hughes scored the game-winner. Colin Blake also scored for the Bulldogs.

– Wilmington won 6-3 over Melrose and coach Steve Scanlon earned his 375th career win. Nathan Alberti netted a hat trick. Brian Barry, Brett Ebert and Casey Robbins also scored.

– Plymouth North earned a 4-3 overtime win over D1 Barnstable. Josh Bates scored the overtime winner. Logan Greeley, Aidan Mackenzie and Sean Hallissey also scored in the win.

– Bishop Feehan held on for a 3-2 win over Malden Catholic. Mary Lamoriello, Chloe Bryda and Isabella Hasenfus each had a goal for the Shamrocks. On Monday the Shamrocks edged King Philip, 2-1, with both goals from Molly Braga and 41 saves by Avery Blanchard.

Lucy Irwin had two goals, and Kailin Sullivan and Gianna DeMedeiros each had one as Central Catholic doubled up Wayland-Weston, 4-2.

– Norwood picked up a key 4-3 win over Martha’s Vineyard thanks to goals by Morgan Roach, Michaela Reen, Micaela Brown and Lindsay Rogers. With a goal and assist in the game, Morgan Roach reached the 100-career point mark.

– Two goals by Lanie Cawley propelled Frankin to a 4-2 win over Westwood in its final regular season tilt. Ava Vilella and Julia Flynn added goals for the Panthers, who head into the post-season 9-8-3.

– Shawsheen/Bedford outlasted Masconomet, 6-5, thanks to three goals from Violet Lorusso, two from Becca Sobol and one from Paige Fuller.

– Canton squeezed passt Algonquin/Hudson, 2-1, in a rematch of last year’s D2 title game. Anna Lehan and Abby Brogan had the goals for the Bulldogs.

– Hingham rallied from two goals down to beat Pembroke, 4-2. Addison Garrity scored a pair of goals, while Caroline Doherty and Abigail Kennedy had a goal apiece.

– Bishop Fenwick toppled Weymouth, 4-1, as Abbey Millman, Abi Bruner, Molly Sullivan and Mya Jewell found the back of the net.

– Goals by Sammi Ryan, Kat Schille, Hannah Forget, Sarah Doherty and Breena Lawrence powered Methuen/Tewksbury to a 5-1 win over Beverly/Danvers.

Meghan Carney scored the lone goal in Duxbury’s key 1-0 win over Sandwich.

Jenna Chaplain, Abbie Poole and Gabbi Oakes each had a goal as St. Mary’s got past HPNA, 3-1. Maggie Pierce then scored a pair of goals in St. Mary’s 4-0 blanking of Billerica/Chelmsford.

King Philip held off Braintree, 4-3. Kelly Holmes fired home two goals for KP. Mara Boldy and Katie McGann each scored once.

Ella Spinazola and Meaghan Keough each had a goal as Woburn slipped past Belmont, 2-1.

– Reading knocked off Arlington, 2-1, with goals from Gianna Bonfillio and Ally Sumner.

– Goals from Kiera Sweeney and Abby Gropman gave W/E Bridgewater a 2-1 win over Nantucket. The two teams met the next day as well, and Nantucket came away with its first win of the season, a 3-2 victory on Emerson Pikarcik‘s goal with 4.8 seconds left in regulation.

– Both Emily Coogan and Alana Nevin had six-point games as Martha’s Vineyard downed Scituate, 7-3. Coogan scored four goals and had two assists, while Nevin scored twice and dished out four assists.

Proposed Legislation Could Create CT Cannabis Ombudsman Position

“Their choices also diminished dramatically by strain, like Indica or sativa they went maybe down to five of each kind,” Jeff Glidden, of Deep River, said.It was these frustrations with a different hybrid dispensary that brought Jeff Glidden to the Fine Fettle Dispensary in Newington.“There is 25 different choices on any given day that are both recreational and medical,” Glidden said.On Jan. 10, 2023, ...

“Their choices also diminished dramatically by strain, like Indica or sativa they went maybe down to five of each kind,” Jeff Glidden, of Deep River, said.

It was these frustrations with a different hybrid dispensary that brought Jeff Glidden to the Fine Fettle Dispensary in Newington.

“There is 25 different choices on any given day that are both recreational and medical,” Glidden said.

On Jan. 10, 2023, adult-use cannabis sales began across Connecticut.

With the change in the market, some medical patients expressed concerns in the variety of products available for sale. Advocates took the issue to state leaders.

“The oversight we have had so far has largely not been in service to patients, they do not have a voice in their own program,” Medical Cannabis Patient Advocate Lou Rinaldi said.

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas is pushing for those voices to be heard.

Rojas introduced a bill which would create the position of a cannabis ombudsman in the state to improve quality and safety for medical patients.

“We thought creating a person that can serve as a go between patients and the department might be the appropriate person,” Rojas said.

Rojas said the concept of the bill he proposed has been included in a separate bill, which will be heard by the General Law Committed during a public hearing on Thursday.

“After the public hearing, we will have an opportunity to revise the language to more accurately reflect what the intent is and also reflect what we might hear during the public meeting,” Rojas said.

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said in a statement:

"The DCP team has worked hard to protect patients since the inception of the program over ten years ago, and continues to do so today. We are aware some patients have expressed concerns regarding the availability of certain products following the opening of the adult-use market and the increase in the allotment for medical marijuana patients to five ounces per month, as allowed by the law. The department is monitoring and evaluating the information in the seed-to-sale tracking system, complaints, and the medical preservation plans as well as communicating with the producers as necessary. We look forward to working with the legislature and others on finding ways to further ensure that patient input remains at the forefront of Connecticut’s cannabis program."

Recreational cannabis sales in Newington an experience some never thought they would see: 'Not in my lifetime'

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateNEWINGTON — Fine Fettle employees cut the ribbon as customers cheered at its Berlin Turnpike location Tuesday morning, marking the start of recreational cannabis sales in Hartford County.A small line began to gather outside the location about an hour before the doors opened for sales Tuesday morning. Several medical patients got in line early in hopes of beating the crowd. Elijah Giguere, of Hartford, was one of the first customers in line to purchase cannabis f...

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NEWINGTON — Fine Fettle employees cut the ribbon as customers cheered at its Berlin Turnpike location Tuesday morning, marking the start of recreational cannabis sales in Hartford County.

A small line began to gather outside the location about an hour before the doors opened for sales Tuesday morning. Several medical patients got in line early in hopes of beating the crowd. Elijah Giguere, of Hartford, was one of the first customers in line to purchase cannabis for recreational use.

"There's a lot of people excited for adult use," Giguere said. "I was up late at night, I saw the menu dropped and I put in my order."

Giguere ordered an eighth-of-an-ounce of flower. He used to frequent the Massachusetts dispensaries, but now he won't have to make the trip.

Fine Fettle required all customers to pre-order products before entering the store. Customers were required to present a valid identification and proof of their pre-order before being allowed inside the store. Inside, there were registers designated for medical and recreational use so there was little congestion.

The Newington location is one of seven retail locations, three of which owned by Fine Fettle, that began selling cannabis for recreational use on Tuesday.

The first man in line Tuesday morning was 70-year-old Shawn Merritt, a medical patient from Bristol who said he'd been using cannabis since "back in the '70s."

"I smoked weed way back then," Merritt said. "I smoked weed my whole life. I have been on medical for three years because of a motorcycle wreck. I have been on every pill you can imagine. Opioids and everything. They never worked for me. Marijuana is the only thing that's ever worked for me."

Merritt came to the Newington location Tuesday despite the anticipated crowds because his monthly order was ready for pick-up. While he's been coming each month for about three years, he still got to walk under the balloon arch into the store and celebrate the historic day.

"I would never dreamed this in my entire lifetime," Merritt said. "Five years ago, you would have said 'marijuana is going to be legal and you can walk in off the street and buy it?' I would have said 'not in my lifetime.'"

As the morning progressed, there was limited car congestion Tuesday in the parking lot at Fine Fettle. Parking attendants helped customers find designated spots and greeters guided people through the lines.

Marghie Giuliano, chief compliance officer at Fine Fettle, said the smooth launch and minimal crowds could be attributed to "months of work" and the hiring of over 100 new employees statewide.

The pre-order model, according to Fine Fettle CEO Richard Carbray, is an attempt to avoid long lines like those seen when Massachusetts launched recreational cannabis sales in 2018.

"We really have to be conscious of the potential of traffic," Carbray said. "We don't want to happen what happened in Massachusetts with huge lines and people getting upset because of sitting in cars waiting."

On her way out of the store, Alyssa Michaels clutched a small white bag with her purchase, which she had pre-ordered online. Michaels, of Newington, used to drive to Massachusetts to buy cannabis. She said the prices in Massachusetts are better, but she is excited to be able to buy cannabis so close to home.

"It's a lot more expensive here," Michaels said. "I am going to try this out, see how it is. I am here to support Connecticut. I am excited for it to kick-start. In a couple of years, I'd expect the prices to be a lot more competitive."

Eric Halpern, who runs inventory at Fine Fettle, said pricing in Connecticut is lower than when Massachusetts launched adult-use cannabis in 2018, but higher than the prices in Massachusetts now.

"I think this is the highest the price points would be," Halpern said. "As more producers come on board and the supply goes up, the prices should come down."

The Newington location will not yet stock a full range of edible products, but will offer indica and sativa strains of flower, pre-rolls and vapes. Halpern explained that some of the limited variety is attributable to state regulation.

"The state is allowing only certain categories of products on the recreational, adult-use menu," Halpern said. "Flower or pre-rolls that are 30 percent or less THC. On the medical menu we will have similar products that are more potent."

Similar to Massachusetts, Connecticut dispensaries are able to sell pre-filled vape carts with no limit to potency. The edibles also have the same dosage restrictions as Massachusetts, but come in less varieties, flavors and forms.

In February, Fine Fettle plans to open a second Hartford County location in Manchester that will only offer recreational cannabis.

"It is long over-due for us to have responsible adult-use of cannabis in the state of Connecticut," state Sen. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, said as he cut the ribbon Tuesday. "Please enjoy these products responsibly."

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