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

“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.”

Varner M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”

Fiona S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Petra D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jaymie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Hunter L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Fiona H.
 In-Home Care Milford, CT

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

01

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

03

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 Milford, CT

Restaurant Week Details Announced In West Haven, Milford

This year's Restaurant Week is enhanced by running concurrently with Milford's, according to officials. Read details here.WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven & Milford Regional Restaurant Week, presented by TrinityPoint Wealth, returns Oct. 6 through Oct. 15th, officials announced.The 10-day culinary experience, organized by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Milford Business Association, will once again offer “tastefully crafted prix-fixe menus” at participating restaurants across the greater...

This year's Restaurant Week is enhanced by running concurrently with Milford's, according to officials. Read details here.

WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven & Milford Regional Restaurant Week, presented by TrinityPoint Wealth, returns Oct. 6 through Oct. 15th, officials announced.

The 10-day culinary experience, organized by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Milford Business Association, will once again offer “tastefully crafted prix-fixe menus” at participating restaurants across the greater West Haven and Milford region, according to officials.

“This year’s Restaurant week is enhanced by running concurrently with West Haven Restaurant Week; nearly doubling your dining choices,” officials wrote in a news release.

Read more from the news release below:

This highly anticipated celebration of dining throughout the region invites diners to sample the incredible array of eateries participating in this year’s event including Bin 100, Tropical Caribbean, The Breakwall, Monty’s River Grille, Strada Gastrobar, and more.

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

“Restaurant week provides a valuable platform for local restaurants to showcase their culinary talents and unique offerings,” Chamber President Michael Moses said. “It encourages residents to dine out and support these establishments, which are often small businesses that are the backbone of the local economy. West Haven and Milford Regional Restaurant Week celebrates the diversity of cuisines and dining experiences available in our community. It introduces residents to new culinary experiences and encourages them to explore different flavors and cuisines.”

Participating restaurants will offer crave-worthy multi course fixed price menus with special pricing for lunch, dinner and all-day specials ranging from $15 to $40 per person. These carefully curated menus are available in-person at all participating restaurants, many with outdoor dining available and some offering take-out as an option.

“Restaurant Week is a fabulous culinary event welcoming diners to visit some of the incredible eateries that make up the region’s culinary culture,” DMBA President Tracy Bonosconi said. “Both of our organizations are proud leaders and supporters in the local community, so we are thrilled to collaborate on this special event that celebrates and supports our wonderful restaurants.”

For the full list of participating restaurants, visit here.

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Connecticut Post Mall owner again leads list of Milford's top 10 taxpayers

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateMILFORD — The Connecticut Post Mall's owner once again sits atop a list of the city's top 10 taxpayers dominated by Boston Post Road businesses.Walmart, Whole Foods Market, ShopRite, Life Storage of Milford — some of Route 1’s largest properties are represented by the companies on the list, but none comes close to paying as much as mall owner Centennial Retail Management, LLC.Centennial, which ...

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MILFORD — The Connecticut Post Mall's owner once again sits atop a list of the city's top 10 taxpayers dominated by Boston Post Road businesses.

Walmart, Whole Foods Market, ShopRite, Life Storage of Milford — some of Route 1’s largest properties are represented by the companies on the list, but none comes close to paying as much as mall owner Centennial Retail Management, LLC.

Centennial, which goes before the Planning and Zoning Board on Tuesday to discuss what could be the next phase of the mall's life, paid nearly $3.4 million in taxes for the fiscal year that ended June 30. It was also atop this list in 2022, said Cory Gumbrewicz, the city’s tax collector.

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The city's second-largest taxpayer, B33 Milford Crossing LLC, which owns the shopping center that houses Staples, Barnes & Noble and Sonic, paid a little more than $1 million about a third of the mall's payment.

Gumbrewicz called the mall "an important asset" to Milford.

“They help the (city’s) revenue and budget substantially," he said. "They are a very important partner to the city.”

The planning board will review Centennial's application to change city zoning regulations to allow mixed-use commercial and retail buildings on the site. The buildings would probably feature retail operations on ground floors and apartments above, said city Chief of Staff Justin Rosen.

The firm previously proposed a regulations change in 2021, but the board opted not to vote on it. The board rejected a regulations change with a 5-3 vote in 2020 that would have allowed a 300-unit apartment building at the more than 50-acre mall site.

Centennial's tax payment covers various properties including the mall, 1201 Boston Post Road, and two adjoining parcels behind the mall near Interstate 95, Gumbrewicz said.

Some residential property owners also made the list. Woodmont Road LLC, which owns Avalon Apartments on Avalon Drive between Route 1 and I-95, paid a little more than $993,000 in the 2022-23 fiscal year and is third on the list. Fourth-ranked Value Star, the owner of Metro Star's Star Deluxe Apartments at 92 Plains Road, paid a little more than $643,000, Gumbrewicz said.

Milford Developers LLC, which owns housing on Wheelers Farm Road, is a list newcomer in the fifth spot with about $632,000 in taxes paid.

BLR Realty Company — which houses various stories on Route 1, including Whole Foods Market, Plan B Burger Bar and Loft — paid nearly $571,000 combined on its various properties. Taking the seventh spot is SR 230 Cherry Milford LLC, who house ShopRite, Total Wine and More, at nearly $528,000.

MDC Milford Associates, LLC, is eighth at nearly $510,000. It owns a factory on Bic Drive. Life Storage owner Sovran Acquisitions is ninth at around $466,000, and tenth is Milford Beach Associates, which owns Milford Beach Apartments on Joy Road, at more than $456,000.

The top 10 account for nearly $9.13 million of the more than $208 million owed by all city taxpayers in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Those businesses are all paid up for that year, Gumbrewicz said.

The East Coast’s Greatest Flea Market Is in New Milford, Connecticut

Sort through racks of worn-in denim and piles of antique jewelry and vintage magazines. The Town Green in New Milford, Connecticut. | Fadein/Wikimedia We like city life because of its proximity to ...

Sort through racks of worn-in denim and piles of antique jewelry and vintage magazines.

The Town Green in New Milford, Connecticut. | Fadein/Wikimedia

We like city life because of its proximity to culture, thriving nightlife, and top-notch eats, and we love it despite the abysmal air quality and noisy traffic. But every once in a while, we all crave greener pastures where we can romanticize a quiet existence, full of friendly neighbors, fresh air, and serenity.

A place to fulfill that desire for a slower life is the unpretentious town of New Milford, Connecticut, the home to Elephant’s Trunk, a nearly 50-year-old flea market that’s the antithesis of an overpriced metropolitan thrift store.

Open every Sunday from April through December, upon entering, you’ll notice the lofty size of the market. Taking up the span of a 55-acre field, waltzing in without a game plan can be quite daunting, so here are some pointers to get you started.

We recommend starting your sojourn at the far left corner of the market, leisurely making your way through the rows of booths, one by one. You’ll find yourself striking up conversations with the knowledgeable vendors, made up primarily of locals with a genuine interest in their pieces who often make it a family affair by selling alongside their children.

It’s absolutely necessary to at least peruse each stall; even if one doesn’t pique your initial interest, each is rich with treasures you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Sift through piles of antique jewelry, vintage Life magazines from ’60s, deliciously worn-in leather jackets, and a plethora of unique, funky glassware.

Once you’re fully satiated retail-wise, pick up some nourishment from the line of food trucks for sandwiches served on fresh sourdough along with summer-friendly ice cold lemonade and snowcones. Whether you choose to grab a bite at the market or somewhere else, make sure to pull up a seat at one of the picnic tables and listen to the local bluegrass band.

Drive time:

2 hours from NYC.2 hours, 45 minutes from Boston.3 hours, 45 minutes from Philadelphia.5 hours, 45 minutes from Washington DC.

More things to do in the area:

One of New Milford’s greatest assets is its ties to our country’s rich history. There are a plethora of landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, like the Lover’s Leap Bridge at Lover’s Leap State Park (built in 1895) and the family-run, three century old Hunt Hill Farm (now known as a nonprofit cultural center, The Silo).

To really soak in the woodsy, small town vibes, embark on the New Milford Barn Quilt Trail, a route of 19 hand-painted quilt patterns displayed on various barns and historic buildings throughout the town. The trail leads you from one end of the town to the other; it’s the perfect way to get to know the area and take in its essence. Plus, you’ll most likely see some farm animals along the way; think baby goats, cows, and pigs.

Where to stay in New Milford:

Part of the charm in staying in a place like New Milford is its bounty of independent, local businesses—hence why it’s unlikely you’ll find a chain hotel in the area. Instead, opt for the Homestead Inn, a bed and breakfast that has hosted notable guests like Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedys. Decked out with cozy nooks, picturesque views, and vintage touches, the inn will help you live out all of your Gilmore Girls fantasies.

Where to eat in New Milford:

Located a few miles from Lake Waramug, Upper Crust Cucina serves delectable Northern Italian cuisine in a Tuscan-style farmhouse. The atmosphere alone is enough of a reason to snag a table; the lush greenery and welcoming environment make it feel like you’re visiting a friend’s villa on an ideal summer evening.

Before leaving the inn and hitting the road, pop over to nearby River & Rail Cafe for The Lavender Hive, a spiced honey and lavender infused latte. Take your pick of breakfast sandwiches from their seasonal menu, and get a freshly baked chocolate chip muffin for the road.

Boys & Girls Club of Milford, CT Pumpkins on the Playground event

Presented by TrinityPoint Wealth, on Saturday, October 28 / 11AM – 5PM / at The Boys & Girls Club of Milford, CTJT, Community ContributorEnjoy a day full of festivities, including a festive food stand and snack shack, a variety of craft vendors, a Pumpkin Playground, Pumpkin Carving contest, Trunk or Treat, live music, food trucks and more!“The Boys & Girls Club of Milford is very excited about ...

Presented by TrinityPoint Wealth, on Saturday, October 28 / 11AM – 5PM / at The Boys & Girls Club of Milford, CT

JT, Community Contributor

Enjoy a day full of festivities, including a festive food stand and snack shack, a variety of craft vendors, a Pumpkin Playground, Pumpkin Carving contest, Trunk or Treat, live music, food trucks and more!

“The Boys & Girls Club of Milford is very excited about Pumpkins on the Playground,” said Megan Altomare, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Milford “Thank you to presenting sponsor, TrinityPoint Wealth, our sponsors, Trunk or Treat participants and craft vendors. We are excited to host the community at an event that will be a day full of fun, laughter and excitement.”

Need additional details about sponsoring, participating or volunteering? Email Bryanna Miller: [email protected].

Event highlights

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

Craft vendors include: Crafts by spooky, Sweet Sof, Violet Soul, Mik's Mix, Make a bracelet, Canna cutie crafts, Pampered Chef, Contemporary headwear, Color Street, Envy Hair Design DBA Beauty and the Barber

Pumpkins on the Playground sponsors

About Boys & Girls Club of Milford, Connecticut The Boys & Girls Club of Milford is part of a nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous organizations that work to help young people of all backgrounds develop the qualities they need to become responsible citizens and leaders. It is facility-based, employs 4 full time staff members, supplemented by several part-time employees, and many volunteers. We offer our members daily access to a broad range of programs in five Core Program Areas: Education and Career Development, Character and Leadership Development, Health and Life Skills, The Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation. Today, over 650 members are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Milford. They benefit from trained, caring, professional staff and volunteers who help young people take control of their lives, envision productive futures, and achieve their goals. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, CT visit: www.boysandgirlsclubofmilford.com / or visit Instagram (@boysandgirlsclubofmilford) and Facebook/Twitter (@BGCMilford).

Make A Difference In A Young Person’s Life—sponsor, volunteer or donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Milford, Connecticut, the 17th Boys & Girls Club in the state of Connecticut. The Boys & Girls Club is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. Visit www.boysandgirlsclubofmilford.com for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. Stay up to date on all of the Boys & Girls Club Events—connect on Facebook. CONTACT: Megan Altomare, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Milford, [email protected] or P: 203-713-8055

About Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaFor 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. More than 4,700 Clubs serve over 4.3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.

West Haven Pizza Wars: West Haven Vs. Milford

West Haven's popular "Pizza Wars" event, which is open to the public, is returning with a new feature this year.WEST HAVEN, CT — The West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Ladies Auxiliary’s popular “Pizza Wars” event is returning with a new feature this year.The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Cielo Banquet Hall at 85 Chase Lane in West Haven. The entry fee is $10 and doors open at 11 a.m. with tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.This year, organizers said t...

West Haven's popular "Pizza Wars" event, which is open to the public, is returning with a new feature this year.

WEST HAVEN, CT — The West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Ladies Auxiliary’s popular “Pizza Wars” event is returning with a new feature this year.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Cielo Banquet Hall at 85 Chase Lane in West Haven. The entry fee is $10 and doors open at 11 a.m. with tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year, organizers said they proposed a friendly “war” with neighboring Milford, and have a total of 10 participating pizzerias.

“The pizzerias representing West Haven this year include favorites and past Pizza Wars winners: Lorenzo’s Ristorante, Zuppardi’s Apizza and Mike’s Apizza and restaurant,” organizers wrote in a news release. “We are also happy to include returning West Haven staples: Cappetta’s Italian Imports and Pizza, and Casa Bianca Pizza. Representing Milford we have Bella Napoli, Honey Spot II, Nautilus, New Haven Pizza Place and Silver Sands Pizza.”

There are two categories: The People’s Choice and West Haven vs. Milford's Best. West Haven vs. Milford's Best is a blind tasting by a panel of experienced culinary judges.

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

“Please note: all participating pizzerias receive guidelines and a blank copy of the scoring sheet prior to the competition,” organizers wrote. “For the People's Choice award, each person is given a token upon entry in which they can vote for their favorite pizzeria.”

Read more from the news release below:

Dancers from West Haven's Top Hat Academy will be opening the event with the Tarantella at 11 a.m., a traditional Italian Folk dance, followed by tasting and voting from 11:30 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Italian music will be played by DJ Terry and will be hosted by Christian F. Lawrence, better known as Opus along with a special guest TBA.

Born in Rome, Italy but raised in New Haven, Christian (Opus) is a full-time professional touring international musician who plays in several bands including "Dead By Wednesday," "Earth" (Black Sabbath Tribute USA), & has a solo career as well. Opus formerly played in David Ellefson's solo band as well as "Gargantua Soul" in the 90s. He has performed live on drums with Frank Bello of "Anthrax", "Bumblefoot," Daryl of "Run DMC," John Bush, Woodstock '99 and many more!

Our judges this year include the Italian American Civic Association's Women's Auxiliary member, Caprice D'Aurio who has 20+ years’ experience in the food service industry and foodie, men's club member, Scott Bisighini, former food service director at Yale University and current Co-Owner of Water's Edge Deli & Catering in Woodmont.

Among the judges panel is also Bruno Cenicola owner of Piu Facile Imports and past owner of Bruno’s Pizza from 1996-2006, Rich Goulart a Center for Culinary Arts graduate, Chef/Owner of Simply Elegant Catering, and current bakery manager for Shaw's Supermarkets. Another judge we are proud to present is Allison Carasone who started her Instagram page "Food of CT" in 2017 as an outlet for her restaurant and food adventures. She has grown her community to nearly 90K followers across her social media platforms, with her most recent accomplishment being the opportunity to serve on the panel for the Annual CT Restaurant Association Awards.

Last but not least, West Haven’s very own celebrity chef, Jeff Lamberti, recipient of over 20 CTNOW readers’ poll awards, awarded #1 in Connecticut in a 2017 piece for insider food called “The Best Burger in every State” and was featured on Food Network, for his Pizza Donut in an article called “Six Foods That Think They’re Pizza But Aren’t.” Featured on the Cooking Channel episode of Cheap Eats with Ali Khan “Hungry in New Haven,” and recently nominated for Marquis Who’s Who Magazine, you can find him whipping up specialty dishes at Moby Dicks Oyster Bar & Grill on Campbell Avenue.

Let's talk about raffles. This year attendees have a chance of winning two pizza ovens, an OONI and Bertello (patent pending from Shark Tank) whom have each graciously donated an oven to our event, along with Pizza Steels by Steelmade USA and Pizzori. Of course, our raffles wouldn't be complete without a one-on-one class to the New Haven Pizza School and one of CT's best local food tour, DVD and book from Taste of New Haven.

The Auxiliary is very excited to once again hold this event during Italian Heritage Month.

This year the Women’s Auxiliary will be donating a portion of the proceeds to WHEAT (West Haven Emergency Action Taskforce) and the Purple Pantry to help our two communities fight food insecurity for the upcoming holiday season.

The West Haven Italian American Civic Association’s Ladies Auxiliary is looking forward to making this event as enjoyable as it has been in the past.

We hope to get the support of the community. Please come out and support this!

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