AA 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

“Staff is great there a great place to work and call your workplace”

Babispyce S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve been a nurse for over 40 years, and I am currently a nursing professor. When my mom was recently in the hospital, I knew it would not be possible for her to be completely on her own right away. She loves where she resides and enjoys all of the activities that are offered. My goal was to get her back into her apartment as soon as possible with the support she needed to increase her strength and return to her prior level of wellness she had before she went into the hospital. She was used to walking a couple miles a day. When I reached out to ABC I made it clear that my mom would need somebody who would be willing to walk with her in the morning, and in the evening enabling her to get back to her baseline. I would like to complement all of the staff at ABC who provided my mom such wonderful support after two weeks she returned to her baseline and remained in her apartment. She really enjoyed all of the staff that were with her , they were professional they encouraged her to walk, drink fluids, eat and were instrumental in assisting her to reach her prior level of independence. I would strongly recommend ABC to anybody who is in need of support for their loved one.”

Robin Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mom’s care needs have been progressing over the past month - increased difficulty standing. walking, decreased appetite, increased incontinence. (Part of the expected declining process per her Dr.) Tara has been wonderful in adapting to Mom’s changing needs as they develop and a very helpful partner in troubleshooting. brainstorming how to adapt to best support Mom. It’s also been helpful in my regular communication with Mom’s Dr, to let her know in detail what has come up and how we have approached. Thank you (again) for your talented staff!”

Jeremy H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Outstanding personal service from this company. All of the caregivers were personable and provided outstanding care to our aunt. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has an elder family member in need. Also, the staff that helped to set up their services was outstanding as well. They made the decisions easy to understand with no hidden agenda. Thank you again to "ABC!"”

KEVIN M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Daniel S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Caring for family can be difficult and challenging at times. It's so nice to know that Always Best Care Senior Services is there to help!”

Cathy K.
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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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“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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It has been a true pleasure working with you and your organization. You all demonstrate empathy and compassion in caring for frail elderly family members and insure distant families are comforted knowing you are there.”

Steve S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mom’s caregiver is a part of the family, we absolutely love her!”

Joe L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has done a fantastic job in providing us with at-home care for my step-mother while we prepared for her transition to move permanently to a skilled nursing facility. With their help, she was able to spend a full six months at home before moving. We would not have been able to do it without them. All the caregivers we have met and used have been kind and attentive, frequently going the extra mile, whatever that may be on any given day. The office staff is friendly, empathetic and very diligent in keeping all parties informed of all aspects of day-to-day care. They are knowledgeable, respectful and efficient. I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone who is looking for help in keeping their loved one at home for as long as possible.”

Sarah C.
 In-Home Care Vernon, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Vernon, 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, 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

Aid and Attendance 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 Vernon, 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 Vernon,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 Vernon, 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 Vernon, CT

Northern CT Miracle Field Construction On Schedule, Brick Sale Begins

The brick sale adds to the fundraising efforts of the Miracle Field in Vernon. VERNON, CT — Construction is ahead of schedule in the efforts to build a specially designed and equipped athletic field for special needs athletes on the campus of Vernon's Northeast School.The field will be home to the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut.As of Tuesday morning, the dugouts and benches were in, the base of the field was down, the fences and foul poles were up and the bleachers were nearly finished. Steve Leibowitz of...

The brick sale adds to the fundraising efforts of the Miracle Field in Vernon.

VERNON, CT — Construction is ahead of schedule in the efforts to build a specially designed and equipped athletic field for special needs athletes on the campus of Vernon's Northeast School.

The field will be home to the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut.

As of Tuesday morning, the dugouts and benches were in, the base of the field was down, the fences and foul poles were up and the bleachers were nearly finished. Steve Leibowitz of the Miracle League said the target of finishing before school starts should be easily met.

The artificial turf would already be installed if it were in, he said.

The field is being constructed at Northeast School by the Miracle League in partnership with the town of Vernon and the Cal Ripkin Sr. Foundation and a host of local sponsors.

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Vernon officials signed off on the use of Northeast School last June and in February, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut announced a partnership to put the finishing touches on the project.

More than $900,000 has been raised for the field.

The park will accommodate lacrosse, baseball and softball programs as well as soccer.

The Miracle League Youth Development Park will be a custom-made, cushioned, synthetic turf to help prevent injuries and include wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a flat, barrier free surface to provide accessibility for visually impaired players, players in wheelchairs or other assistive equipment.

There are roughly 270 adaptive fields across the country and two others in Connecticut (West Hartford and East Lyme).

On Tuesday, the Miracle League announced the sale of engraved walkway bricks to not only defray costs, but "also leave a lasting legacy for all our Miracle League players and families."

The bricks will be on sale until July 31. Bricks can feature a name, a "meaningful message," or a tribute to a loved one, officials said.

Three sizes of Bricks are available:

Add-ons include hearts and paw prints.

Order forms can be downloaded here and checks can be sent to the Miracle League of Northern CT, 76 S Frontage Road, Vernon, CT 06066. Any questions can be addressed through [email protected].

Vernon Students Exceed State Average in English, Math And Science

The latest Smarter Balanced Assessments show Vernon students are "making progress," education officials said. VERNON, CT — As Vernon public school students get set for Thursday's first day of school for the 2023-24 academic year, statistics show they have outperformed the state average in the latest Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessments.The test results were released Monday by the state Department of Education.Vernon education officials said, while school districts across the state continue to work t...

The latest Smarter Balanced Assessments show Vernon students are "making progress," education officials said.

VERNON, CT — As Vernon public school students get set for Thursday's first day of school for the 2023-24 academic year, statistics show they have outperformed the state average in the latest Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessments.

The test results were released Monday by the state Department of Education.

Vernon education officials said, while school districts across the state continue to work to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, Vernon’s focus on "maximizing student learning for all children" is showing positive results.

"We are extremely pleased with the growth on the Smarter Balanced Assessment by our students in grades 3 through 8 in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science," Vernon Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said. "The hard work and efforts of our students, teachers, families, staff and administration are paying off. We are proud of the students' results and their increased achievement. Next year, we will do even better."

In the 2023 Smarter Balanced results, Vernon students:

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"These results are even more impressive considering we were still coming out of the learning disruptions caused by the Covid-19 health pandemic," Macary said. "We are making significant progress with student learning and moving the needle on student achievement."

Key to Vernon's progress is "quality core instruction" in every classroom, what Macary described as "effective interventions that help students who are below grade level in English Language Arts and math to catch up, and special education supports for kids with disabilities to help them overcome obstacles to achieve growth."

Test scores tell only part of a school or district’s story, he added.

Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Measuring growth shows how well a school is helping students learn, he said.

"We have impressive growth considering we just went through a pandemic, but we’re never satisfied,” Macary said. "We will never stop helping our kids keep moving forward. We know they can do it."

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Vernon 2023 Election: Ole Kushner Hermanson?, Town Council

Patch 2023 election profiles. VERNON, CT — Ole Kushner Hermanson is running for town council in Vernon.NameOle Kushner HermansonHow old will you be as of Election Day?43Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.What city or town do you live in?Vernon CTWhat office are you seeking?Town Council...

Patch 2023 election profiles.

VERNON, CT — Ole Kushner Hermanson is running for town council in Vernon.

Name

Ole Kushner Hermanson

How old will you be as of Election Day?

43

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Vernon CT

What office are you seeking?

Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

I'm proud to have a Bachelors of Arts from ECSU and A Masters in Labor Studies from UMass Amhearst

What is your occupation?

I have worked for over 20 years in the labor movement and I am currently a Director in the Labor Division at the Massachusetts Nurses Association

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have an amazing wife and partner Keri who teaches Special Education PreK in Meriden and two wonderful kids who are 17 and 14 and go to Rockville High School. They provide me with balance and motivation and happiness and all sorts of determination to make a better future.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My Mom is a State Senator in Danbury, Connecticut.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

This is my first time running for office.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I've lived in Vernon for over 18 years and have had a great experience raising my kids here but more and more it seems like we have to fight our town government to get the schools our kids deserve or the town services our community deserves. Last year, when I heard the Town Council was planning to bulldoze a pool that had served our community for generations, I knew I had to get involved. The experience of joining together with my community to keep our town pool made me realize I needed to be more involved.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

housing and infrastructure, I intend to bring our communities together and work to build a town plan we all believe in. We can have better roads and schools and it will attract the types of businesses our community wants, it will keep people here in our town and attract newcomers who we will welcome.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a strong working-class identity and I have real-life experience bringing people together and making a vision of a better future a reality. Together we can see it, we can plan it and we can build it.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

By being satisfied with the status quo the current Town Council has been caught looking backward not forwards and has lost sight that while things may be good for some, if any of our community is struggling none of us should be satisfied. They have said no to state funding, they have said no to improvements which would have helped our children and they have just plainly failed to envision a new future for our town.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I think we can do better in our town by bringing people in not keeping them out. I've been asking every person I talk to what they want to see in a town plan. If we collectively envision our town we can make it a place for all of us not just the few sitting in those council seats.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my role as chief negotiator for nurse's unions, I have helped organize hundreds of workers to come together to improve their workplace and have negotiated contracts for thousands of members. I have had the privilege of sitting on huge negotiating committees and working together to find consensus and build strong workplaces with good jobs and great delivery of care.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I love the quote, It always seems impossible until it is done.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I fundamentally believe that when working people come together we can fashion solutions to make the world a better place for all of us. The best part of this campaign has been getting out and talking to my neighbors about the possible and the future and feeling the sense of community that comes from people working together towards a positive common goal. I'm very excited for Vernon's next chapter.

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Vernon 2023 Election: Carmen Melaragno?, Board Of Education

Patch 2023 election profiles.VERNON, CT — Carmen Melaragno is running for a school board seat in Vernon.NameCarmen MelaragnoHow old will you be as of Election Day?48Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.What city or town do you live in?VernonWhat office are you seeking?Board...

Patch 2023 election profiles.

VERNON, CT — Carmen Melaragno is running for a school board seat in Vernon.

Name

Carmen Melaragno

How old will you be as of Election Day?

48

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Vernon

What office are you seeking?

Board of Education

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

MBA, University of Hartford 2006; BA, Post University 1997

What is your occupation?

Investment Officer, 20+ years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Wife, Tanya Flenke MelaragnoSon, Alex Melaragno

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Strong desire and calling to contribute to and serve my community. I have been a resident of Vernon since 2006 with my wife, who has been a Vernon resident all her life. Over the last several years I have been gradually getting more involved in the community (Vernon ZBA, WPCA and Knights of Columbus). I believe now is a great time to become more engaged in my community while balancing family and career.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Support for educators, students, parents and administrators. My plan is to listen and understand the challenges each constituent faces, and together agree on the most effective way to address the challenges. Secondly, I believe financial literacy needs to be of great focus - engage teachers, students, parents, BOE, and independent experts and research to improve and roll out curriculum sooner to students.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

What makes me different and qualified relative to other candidates is my unbiased perspective having gone through both private and public school, my strong financial acumen to help students become better prepared for the real world, and my commitment to listen and learn before taking action.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

It is critically important for me, as new member of the BOE, to listen to all perspectives and ensure any actions taken are for the benefit of the overall student body.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a naturally hard-worker evidenced by maintaining three part-time jobs at one point while attending college. In addition, I have held various roles in my career engaged with all levels of leadership and with different personalities. My experiences have taught me that hard work always pays off and having patience and listening first helps to build strong relationships. In my field it is very important to understand the potential risks of your actions and what are the potential impacts to any involved.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Growing up my dad always told me “tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who are.”

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’d like to reiterate the call to serve my community and I cannot think of a better way to contribute by lifting up our students so they become respectful and strong contributors to any community.

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Northern Connecticut Miracle Field Officially Opens In Vernon

A field specially designed for special needs athletes has officially opened at Vernon's Northeast School. VERNON, CT — A specially designed field for special needs athletes officially opened Wednesday on the campus of Vernon's Northeast School.The opening ceremonies were the culmination of a collaborative effort between the town of Vernon, the Vernon public school system, the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and a host of local businesses, volunteers and donors. The field will now ho...

A field specially designed for special needs athletes has officially opened at Vernon's Northeast School.

VERNON, CT — A specially designed field for special needs athletes officially opened Wednesday on the campus of Vernon's Northeast School.

The opening ceremonies were the culmination of a collaborative effort between the town of Vernon, the Vernon public school system, the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut, the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and a host of local businesses, volunteers and donors. The field will now host special needs events through the region.

The Ripken Foundation's Chuck Brady played off those team efforts. He said it is also a fitting tribute to Cal Sr., who had a passion for working with young people.

Brady told the story of how, on road trips, Cal Sr. would just grab a bag of baseballs and a fungo bat and seek out kids for impromptu workouts. They would then be followed by a lesson in life.

"This is a great day for the kids," he said.

Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The northern Connecticut field marks the 114th facility the Ripken Foundation has sponsored.

Vernon Mayor Daniel Champagne, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary and Steve and Laurel Leibowitz of the Miracle League of Northern Connecticut talked about how the whole thing came about. It was about a year ago, and when plans fell through in Tolland, the couple approached Vernon officials.

Vernon, which had a flat piece of land at Northeast, right on Route 30 and close to Interstate 84 — at a school — offered it up right away. The town council and school board endorsed the plan.

Macary called it an extension of the school system's philosophy that every child should have opportunities academically, socially and athletically, regardless of background.

Construction took place this summer.

The project cost was about $1 million with the Ripken Foundation as a major backer. The town provided $175,000 for expansion of the parking lot for the field, and provided in-kind services by town employees.

"This is a great day for Vernon, for Connecticut, and for the children who will enjoy this field for decades to come," Champagne said. "This project represents the good that government can achieve with community support. I thought it was a great idea. We immediately went to work on a plan to make it happen and, a year later, here we are."

While the field is built to be fully accessible to children who have disabilities, it will also be available for use by Northeast School students and others, Macary has said.

"Everything we do in the Vernon Public Schools is in the best interest of all children," Macary said. "When this proposal came to me and to the board of education, I immediately thought of our equity stance. How do we make it equitable for all children, in spite of their abilities."

The Vernon Miracle League Field has a synthetic short turf surface that is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues. The field also has wheelchair-accessible dugouts and is completely flat and barrier free so that children with visual disabilities can participate. During play, each athlete traditionally has a buddy.

Louis Ballestas, a 13-year-old Miracle League athlete, came with his baseball bat and glove. He took a tour of the infield with Laurel Leibowitz and called the facility "beautiful." He then tested the surface by whizzing up the first bae line in his motorized chair.

After that, it was deemed Louis approved.

Both Laurel and Steve Leibowitz used the word "surreal" to describe the day, separately and unprompted.

"We spent years searching for a place to build a field like this and I am just delighted that Mayor Champagne and Dr. Macary embraced our vision for creating a field that is truly for all children,” Steve Leibowitz said. "Every child deserves a chance to participate in and experience sports. We have achieved something very special here in Vernon."

There are about 300 Miracle Fields across the U.S. and two others in Connecticut, in West Hartford and East Lyme.

Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said town staff from multiple departments "enthusiastically" came together to make the project happen.

"Children and families from all over Connecticut are going to visit Vernon to play at the Miracle Field,” Purcaro said. "Those families will get to know what many of us already know – that Vernon is a welcoming community and a great place to live, work and play."

Vernon's monetary share came from federal American Recovery Act. U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney's office presented the Miracle League with a U.S. flag for the facility.

"Congratulations to the Town of Vernon for the opening of Miracle League Field of Northern Connecticut—a crown jewel of recreation and opportunity for children and visitors of all abilities," Courtney said. "I am pleased that a $175,000 federal American Rescue Plan grant could help make this project a reality and look forward to enjoying the field alongside eastern Connecticut residents for years to come."

Steve Leibowitz borrowed a line from the movie "Field of Dreams" to sum up his feelings. Well, sort of.

"Is this heaven? No it's Vernon," he said.

Here's a look at the grand opening:

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