It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Parsons/Taylor House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Easton, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Gollub Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local River Grille or visit Jacob Mixsell House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Easton, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Easton, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Easton, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FAIRFIELD — The town’s zoning commission has approved a 66-unit affordable housing development on Stillson Road — a site that had been approved for a townhouse project.The commission Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve Easton developer and Fairfield native Stephen Shapiro’s plans for a 66-unit, five-floor residential building under state statute 8-30g at property listed at 430 and 452 Stillson Road. The site was approved for 18 townhouses but that decision was appealed and remains in court.Commissioners questio...
FAIRFIELD — The town’s zoning commission has approved a 66-unit affordable housing development on Stillson Road — a site that had been approved for a townhouse project.
The commission Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve Easton developer and Fairfield native Stephen Shapiro’s plans for a 66-unit, five-floor residential building under state statute 8-30g at property listed at 430 and 452 Stillson Road. The site was approved for 18 townhouses but that decision was appealed and remains in court.
Commissioners questioned the building’s size but agreed that could play no part in a decision on an 8-30g project. The state’s 8-30g statute lets developers bypass local zoning regulations if at least 30% of their units are designated as affordable. This project will have 20 units designated as affordable.
“I know the neighbors disagree with the scale of the building, but as we know, 8-30gs cannot be rejected simply on scale or density,” commissioner Jeff Randolph said. “There has to be demonstrable harm."
“This building is too big,” he added, “but that is not a criterion for us to reject it.”
Shapiro had previously received Fairfield Plan and Zoning Commission approval for an 18-unit townhouse complex on the property, but Thomas Braun and Jae Braun — owners of 427 Stillson Road, home to Braun Orthodontics, a spa, salon and dialysis center — appealed the decision. That remains in court.
In response, Shapiro filed plans for the 8-30g project.
Some commissioners noted Tuesday they preferred the townhouse project, and Shapiro agreed.
“The 8-30g project will be significantly more profitable,” Shapiro said. “But I believe the townhouses are more in character with the neighborhood. I do prefer the townhouses to this but (the Brauns) left me no choice.”
The Brauns filed the suit against Shapiro and Fairfield's Town Plan and Zoning Commission, which amended the regulations in February to permit denser housing in pockets of town designed for affordable and senior residential buildings.
"I am in favor of affordable housing ... there are other ways to do it," said Thomas Braun, adding he will be consulting his attorney before making a final decision on appealing this latest ruling. "It does not have to be high rises."
Braun said his concerns with the latest proposal was the massive density and what he believes will be an adverse impact on an already "dangerous intersection. I know what the traffic experts have said but I believe there will be a lot more cars on the road here. It will make it an even more dangerous situation."
Braun added the town should have stood up for the residents and denied this plan.
"I can't believe I have spend my own money to protect the town's zoning," Braun said. "The town should be backing us up."
The regulations at the heart of the Brauns' lawsuit would increase the permitted density on the lots from single-family housing to a combined 20 units on more than 1.6 acres.
Shapiro planned to preserve one of the two single-family houses on the lots which sit behind Little Pub and demolish the other. The final townhouse development would have resulted in 19 housing units — the single-family house that remains and 18 townhouses, which will span four additional buildings.
“I wanted to create a more vibrant, walkable area by Black Rock Turnpike,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro added that if the Brauns want to appeal this latest approval, it would lead to more significant costs, which in turn would make the 8-30g project more likely.
“This is up to Dr. Braun ... is it townhouses or apartments,” said Shapiro, adding he has sought a meeting with the Brauns to no avail. “They have refused to meet.”
Shapiro expressed his love for Fairfield, noting how his grandfather used to hang out with New York Giants football players at what was Angus – on which Little Pub now sits – in the 1950s.
"I want what’s best for Fairfield ... my family has been here for generations. If apartments are built, it will be no fault of mine,” Shapiro added.
Shapiro's 8-30g application was one of 10 the zoning commission received after applying for a four-year moratorium on the state law in December. The state has since granted Fairfield the moratorium, but the commission will still need to consider Shapiro's 8-30g proposal because it was filed before the moratorium went into effect.
Shapiro has been most vocal about "middle housing," or multifamily residential developments more moderate in size and scale than towering apartment buildings.
He's teamed up with former Connecticut Speaker of the House Jim Amann to lobby state lawmakers for middle housing incentives at the local level. Shapiro wants middle housing developments to get the same exemptions from local zoning regulations as affordable housing projects under 8-30g. The state legislature is considering a bill that would offer grants to public housing authorities for middle housing developments.
Thomas Braun's sister — Kathryn Braun — serves on the zoning commission. She recused herself from the vote on the 8-30g project.
Josh Bailey shares with Patch why he should be elected to the Easton Board Of Finance.EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.Candidate's Name: Josh BaileyWhat office are you seeking? Board of FinanceWhat town do you live in? EastonFamily: ...
EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name: Josh Bailey
What office are you seeking? Board of Finance
What town do you live in? Easton
Family: Yes, married with 3 boys (14, 12 and 9)
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective: Yes - I was appointed to the board of finance to fill a vacancy last year.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m running for Easton’s Board of Finance because I believe our town deserves thoughtful, responsible financial leadership. Easton is a special place — from our working farms to our open space and our schools — and I want to make sure these values are protected while keeping the town affordable for families and seniors. Serving on the Board of Finance is my way of giving back to the community that holds my children’s childhood, which is truly precious.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The biggest challenge is balancing the cost of living in Easton with our community priorities — especially our schools, emergency services, and town infrastructure. I want to ensure families, seniors, and long-time residents can afford to stay here, without sacrificing the quality of life that makes Easton special. I’ll work to make budgeting decisions that are careful, transparent, and always in the best interest of the whole town.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? My professional background is in finance — I currently serve as Chief Financial Officer for a global commodities company. I bring decades of experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing complex financial operations. What sets me apart is not just this expertise, but also my collaborative approach: I believe in asking tough questions, listening carefully, and finding solutions that reflect the needs of the entire community, not just one group or interest.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? Beyond the town’s fiscal health, I want to focus on transparency and accountability in financial decisions. Residents should feel confident they understand where their money is going and why. I also believe the Board of Finance must plan proactively for the future — whether that’s investing in long-term capital projects, maintaining infrastructure, or ensuring our volunteer emergency services remain strong.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? As CFO of a global company, I oversee financial strategy, risk management, and multi-million-dollar budgets. I’ve successfully guided organizations through volatile markets and complex challenges while maintaining stability and growth. In addition, as a longtime Easton resident and parent of three children, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to safeguard the services and character of our town. My professional track record and personal commitment give me the skills and perspective to serve Easton effectively.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I ever received is: “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” It’s a principle I try to live by every day, whether in my career, with my family, or in my community. Integrity and accountability are the foundation of trust, and I believe they should guide every decision in public service.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Easton has been a wonderful place to raise my family, and I want to make sure it remains that way for future generations. I am committed to bringing fiscal expertise, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making to the Board of Finance. My goal is simple: to serve the people of Easton with integrity, responsibility, and respect.
John Foley shares with Patch why he should be elected to the Easton Planning & Zoning Commission.EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.Candidate's Name: John FoleyWhat office are you seeking? Planning & Zoning CommissionWhat town do you live in? E...
EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name: John Foley
What office are you seeking? Planning & Zoning Commission
What town do you live in? Easton
Occupation: I am the Executive Vice President of First Service Project Management, a Manhattan-based firm that specializes in managing large-scale capital improvement projects for residential buildings. We are a subsidiary of First Service Residential.
Family: I have been married for 22 years to my wife, Trisha, a hairstylist with a private practice in town. We have three children: Grace (20), a junior at Marist College; Farah (18), a freshman at Drexel University; and Joe (14), a freshman at Joel Barlow High School.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective: Currently serving as Chair of Planning & Zoning and Chair of the EMS Building Committee.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking election as Chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission because I care deeply about Easton and believe in finding practical, fair solutions to the challenges our town faces. I’m a reasonable person who works collaboratively with others, regardless of background or viewpoint. I’m an independent thinker who takes the time to listen, weigh the facts, and make decisions that serve the long-term interests of the community. I’m proud of the work we’ve done, including progress on the new EMS building, and I’m committed to continuing that service with transparency and respect for all voices.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is preserving the rural character of Easton while balancing the community’s evolving needs and the desire for greater connection within the town. I intend to address this by promoting thoughtful, transparent planning that respects our town’s identity while remaining responsive to resident input. I believe in working collaboratively, listening to all perspectives, and making decisions that reflect both our shared values and long-term vision for Easton.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I respect my fellow commissioners, including my opponent Lou, and value the perspectives they bring. We have a good working relationship and share a commitment to preserving Easton’s unique character. That said, I believe a key difference lies in how I approach leadership and decision-making.
I believe every vote should come with a clear explanation. If I support or oppose an application, I will always explain why. The public deserves to understand how decisions are made and what principles guide them. That transparency builds trust and accountability.
I also believe in leading through open, substantive discussion. If I believe strongly in a position, I will try to persuade others, not just cast a vote. I take each application on its own merits and work to ensure the board remains independent, engaged, and focused on long-term outcomes for the town.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? One of the key issues I intend to address is the need to strengthen enforcement of Easton’s zoning regulations. As it stands, the town has limited tools to hold individuals accountable when violations occur, often requiring lengthy court proceedings to impose fines. I believe we can remain compassionate and collaborative with residents while also giving our Planning & Zoning Commission the authority to respond more effectively to clear, ongoing violations. My goal is to ensure fairness, protect our zoning integrity, and avoid situations where bad actors are allowed to ignore the rules with impunity.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? As Chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission, I’ve led the board through complex and sometimes contentious applications while maintaining a fair, respectful process that gives every resident a voice. I’ve worked to strengthen public trust by promoting transparency and reasoned decision-making, even under pressure. Beyond P&Z, I’ve played a leading role in the ongoing EMS building project, helping guide it through the planning and design phases to serve Easton’s needs responsibly.
Professionally, I oversee large-scale capital construction projects across the New York metro area, requiring coordination between engineers, contractors, attorneys, and government agencies. This work has sharpened my ability to assess details, manage competing interests, and move projects forward—skills that I bring directly to my role in Easton. I believe this combination of public service and professional expertise uniquely equips me to continue serving effectively as Chair.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I ever received was to never forget my roots. I carry that with me every day—especially in my work to preserve the world’s largest collection of art related to Ireland’s Great Hunger. Honoring this history is not only a tribute to where I come from, but a commitment to ensuring future generations remember, reflect, and learn from the past so that such suffering is never repeated.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I moved to Easton because I grew up in a place just like this—a town where people know your name, look out for one another, and value the land they live on. I wanted my children to experience that same sense of belonging and to grow up in a community where the outdoors is part of daily life and where values like responsibility, kindness, and civic pride are taught by example. That’s what drives my service to this town. I want to help preserve what makes Easton so special, while ensuring it remains a place where families can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Stephanie Christie shares with Patch why she should be elected to the Easton Zoning Board Of Appeals.EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.Candidate's Name: Stephanie ChristieWhat office are you seeking? Zoning Board of AppealsWhat town do you live in? Ea...
EASTON, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.
Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.
Candidate's Name: Stephanie Christie
What office are you seeking? Zoning Board of Appeals
What town do you live in? Easton
Occupation: Marketing
Family: Husband – Robert. Sons – Stephan and Kai.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Previous public office, appointive or elective: This role, beginning in 2019
Why are you seeking this office? I enjoy the topics we handle on this board and working as part of a bipartisan team to serve our community.
The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Our constituents need to trust in our decisions and our integrity and judgment, adhering to the laws on which they are based. This also means taking into consideration any relevant procedures, community concerns, and potential consequences that come from them.
What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am a stickler for following the letter and spirit of the law on zoning issues so that the town remains protected against unnecessary legal action. Sometimes people perceive that there are loopholes, which embolden them to stretch the definition of zoning rules, whether that be for or against the existing norms on an topic, and I tend to take a more conservative view on matters that aligns with a belief that we should be changing our zoning regulations as necessary, not making one off exceptions repeatedly.
What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? The board is united around ensuring we are following all necessary rules and procedures, providing sound legal reasoning for our decisions, and increasing our documentation. I think this is a worthy and necessary priority as we move forward.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have demonstrated fairness and reasonable regard for all sides when contentious issues have been brought before the board.
What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Assuming makes an ass out of 'u' and me.
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am currently serving as the board secretary.
**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Bindelglass**Last week I had the pleasure of hosting two of our young people as First Selectmen for the day, Ariana and Theofilos. It was a great experience as they watched what a day in my life as your first selectman is like and how town government works, but I learned a lot from them as well. We discussed what they would do if they were in charge and the discussion went towards issues like social media and device use in schools, and interactions between their peers. I am a...
**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Bindelglass**
Last week I had the pleasure of hosting two of our young people as First Selectmen for the day, Ariana and Theofilos. It was a great experience as they watched what a day in my life as your first selectman is like and how town government works, but I learned a lot from them as well. We discussed what they would do if they were in charge and the discussion went towards issues like social media and device use in schools, and interactions between their peers. I am again reminded about the wealth of incredible young people we have in town, but also of our need to support them as they grow. I see this as a responsibility of the town as well as our schools specifically. On a similar note, school begins this week and we welcome back our students and educators. That means buses are back on the road so please be careful. We continue to work on our efforts to curb speeding and irresponsible driving in Easton.
Work on South Park Ave is now complete. New drainage is installed. The work was complicated by utility lines under the road which had to be preserved and protected, but things are back to normal. Publics Works did a great job and the road is ready for those school buses.
This week, Planning and Zoning met to discuss several matters. As many of you know the Strong on Center yoga facility has withdrawn its application and is exploring other options for locations for the center. There was a hearing for a special permit for the riding rink on Sport Hill Rd, next to Gourmet United, to provide riding lessons. There was also discussion about changing zoning regulations to protect historic homes and businesses. Lastly the commission is forwarding to the Board of Selectmen, an ordinance to give the town a greater ability to enforce its zoning laws, specifically to more aggressively levy fines. I have discussed in the past how the town has struggled to get some folks to comply with regulations. Once available, the selectmen will make a recommendation to a town meeting as is necessary for all new ordinances and changes. More to come on this. Several people have remarked to me about the tone of the meeting. There continue to be personal attacks on commission members and a general lack of civility. Planning and Zoning is required to hold public hearings on applications for permits. This is prescribed in the statutes and the hearing is to allow public comment on the merits of a particular application. It is not meant to be a stage where citizens lecture the commission on what the citizen imagines their duties should be. This commission is a bi-partisan group of qualified people, and works together to make decisions for the town. When it has been divided, it has often not even been along party lines. They are dedicated to service and deserve our respect. The selectmen have committed to providing an open forum at our meetings regardless of topic. This does not apply to all meetings. The Planning and Zoning meeting can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/showcase/easton-planning-and-zoning so that you can form your own opinion. As a reminder, if you have cable television they are transitioning public access TV which shows our meetings from channel 79 to 1310.
Thank you to those who continue to contribute to help out our sister city in Ukraine. Medical supplies and tools are on the way. As you can see from the sign at SSES we have raised over $100,000. their lives continue to get more difficult. The sunflower field remains beautiful.
The Easton Public Library will be having a blood drive on Tuesday September 9, 2025 from Noon to 5:00 pm sponsored by the Siren Aide of Easton in memory of Ellen Longbine Waugh.
Have a great weekend.
203-877-1377
