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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

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Home Care In Monroe, CT

Home Care Monroe, CT

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 Monroe Historical Society 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 Monroe, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Monroe, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Peg L.
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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

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

Fiona S.
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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

“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.
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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

“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.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Monroe, CT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Monroe, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Monroe, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Monroe, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Monroe, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 William E. Wolfe Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Monroe, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 The Smithy or visit Monroe Historical Society, 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.

 In-Home Care Monroe, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Monroe, CT

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:

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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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 - 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.

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

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 Monroe, 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.

 Elderly Care Monroe, CT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
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.
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.
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.
 Senior Care Monroe, CT

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 Monroe, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Monroe, CT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Monroe, CT

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:

  • Always Best Care Senior Services
  • Fairway Acres
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Nicole Tatara
  • Bridges by EPOCH at Trumbull
  • Spring Meadows by Monarch - Trumbull
  • Monroe Town Senior Citizen Center
Home Care Monroe, CT

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.

 In-Home Care Monroe, 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 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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Monroe, 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.

 Elderly Care Monroe, CT

Latest News in Monroe, CT

Jersey Mike's To Open In Monroe Next Week, With Masuk HS Benefit

The new Monroe Jersey Mike's grand opening and fundraiser will help support the Masuk High School Athletic Department.|Updated Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 5:49 pm ETMONROE, CT — Jersey Mike's Subs, famous for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, is coming to Monroe next week.The sandwich maker will open at 143 Purdy Hill Road, near the corner of Purdy Hill Road and Monroe Turnpike, on Nov. 15, according to a company statement. The location will be the 35th Connecticut site for the popular franchise, and the latest of 1,...

The new Monroe Jersey Mike's grand opening and fundraiser will help support the Masuk High School Athletic Department.

|Updated Fri, Nov 10, 2023 at 5:49 pm ET

MONROE, CT — Jersey Mike's Subs, famous for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, is coming to Monroe next week.

The sandwich maker will open at 143 Purdy Hill Road, near the corner of Purdy Hill Road and Monroe Turnpike, on Nov. 15, according to a company statement. The location will be the 35th Connecticut site for the popular franchise, and the latest of 1,500 Jersey Mike's nationwide, according to the company's website.

Franchise owner Mitch Thomson will hold a grand opening and fundraiser from Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Nov. 19 to support the Masuk High School Athletic Department. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $3 contribution to Masuk High School Athletic Department in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Diners can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the app or through third-party delivery partners. Curbside pickup is available for orders placed through the app.

The sub sultans are also looking to hire some help, as well. Job seekers "who are passionate about customer service and connecting with their local community" are invited to apply by emailing [email protected].

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

The restaurant’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

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Masuk High School football coach Steve Christy waits: Monroe Board of Ed tables decision on future

MONROE — After an investigation that began before the football season and has lasted into the offseason, it seemed halfway appropriate: Monroe’s Board of Education was in executive session for over three hours on Monday night discu...

MONROE — After an investigation that began before the football season and has lasted into the offseason, it seemed halfway appropriate: Monroe’s Board of Education was in executive session for over three hours on Monday night discussing the fate of Masuk football coach Steve Christy.

When they emerged back into the Masuk library, the saga continued. The board’s attorney, Steve Sedor, recommended tabling a motion to decide whether to keep or fire Christy.

The board voted in favor of that motion to table, with one member against and two abstaining, as over a hundred Christy supporters shouted some variation of “Are you kidding me?” most with an interjection in the middle.

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It had been hoped that a final call would end an investigation into the team and coaches that has stretched from summertime into winter.

Christy came out of executive session a little after 9:15 p.m., almost two hours after they went in, and he said he expected to know within 10 minutes. It took another hour and change not to get a resolution.

“I can’t comment on anything that was discussed in executive session,” board chair David Ferris said after the meeting. “I will say we had a very good conversation with Mr. Christy and his attorney. (That) caused a long dialog in the executive session about what they said, taking what they said very seriously.

“I apologize for the delay,” he added. “That’s why we need to come back, so we can debate it further and seriously consider what we’ve looked at in the report and the exhibits and to further consider what Mr. Christy and his attorney told us.”

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Christy said he couldn’t discuss what was discussed, either.

“I’m going to continue to trust the process,” he said. “I believe in this town and I believe in the process. The truth will set me free. I’m so overwhelmed at the amount of support. I love this town and always will.”

The board's next regular meeting is Jan. 2. Ferris said he expects to schedule a special meeting for further discussion and a possible resolution.

Christy, who took over the team in 2021, and longtime Masuk assistant coach and teacher Eric Giordano were placed on administrative leave over the summer when the board opened an investigation into the team and coaches.

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Ferris said last week that the investigation report is in the board’s attorney’s possession. Hearst Connecticut Media has requested a copy when it becomes available.

When Christy came out of the executive session, he thanked the large crowd for sticking around, said he’d be fine whatever happened and urged those present to respect the board’s decision and not to criticize the board. He also several times stuck up for Monroe superintendent Joe Kobza.

“I’ll never forget you and I love all of you,” Christy told the crowd. “No matter what happens, we handle it like Masuk.”

When the board arrived a little over 75 minutes later and put off the verdict, some supporters listened to Christy. Many weren’t so calm. He tried again to calm them down as the board tried to go on with the meeting, but shouts continued. One young man, clearly joking, lifted a folding chair; Christy yelled to put it down.

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Ferris said he’d have to clear the room for disturbing a public meeting. The shouts lasted a few more minutes before Christy asked the crowd to let the board do its job, and most left.

Christy alleged in a letter to the community last week that those involved dragged out the investigation process, and he has reiterated that he had no plans to resign.

Christy, speaking Monday in public participation, wondered why the board hadn’t asked him in earlier.

“We’re five months into this, it’s the first time I’m looking at some of your eyes,” he said.

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The coaching situation took twists through the season. Brian Halapin was named interim head coach during the summer.

Halapin – who resigned in early November when Giordano resigned – in public participation read an email that he said he had sent Aug. 18, four months to the day before the meeting, in which he expressed concern about how long the investigation was taking and its handling.

The in-season drama included a potential forfeit at Brookfield, but assistant Jeff Lever took over as the team’s second interim head coach, several alumni came in to help coach the rest of the season, and the team won four in a row to reach the CIAC Class MM semifinals. Masuk finished 9-3.

Christy’s teams went 9-3 in 2021 and 8-4 in 2022, reaching the Class L semifinals in 2021 and, after the playoffs expanded, the Class MM semifinals in 2022.

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“I want to be your coach next year,” Christy told his players Momday night while speaking in public participation. “I want to put that on record. I will not quit. You (the board) will have to fire me. And if they ask you how you’re going to be next year, your answer is real simple: You already know. We’re built for this. We’re about to go on a revenge tour and win a state championship.”

Dec 19, 2023

Michael Fornabaio is a sports reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Born in the Bronx and raised at the New Haven Coliseum (but really in Orange), Fornabaio has been with the Connecticut Post since 1997. He has covered high school sports for pretty much that whole time, though he also covered the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers daily for 17 years. In his occasional free time, you can usually find him watching more baseball or hockey and complaining about the delay-of-game rule.

Monroe School District Among Top 25 In Connecticut, New Ranking Says

Eighty-five Connecticut school districts were included in Niche's latest ranking of 12,192 school districts nationwide.Patch StaffMONROE, CT — Monroe School District has been ranked as the 22nd best in Connecticut in Niche’s 2024 Best Schools and Districts rankings, which was released this week.Westport School District took the No. 1 spot, with an A+ rating. Monroe received an A grade from Niche.The districts were among...

Eighty-five Connecticut school districts were included in Niche's latest ranking of 12,192 school districts nationwide.

Patch Staff

MONROE, CT — Monroe School District has been ranked as the 22nd best in Connecticut in Niche’s 2024 Best Schools and Districts rankings, which was released this week.

Westport School District took the No. 1 spot, with an A+ rating. Monroe received an A grade from Niche.

The districts were among 85 in Connecticut included in Niche’s ranking of 12,192 school districts nationwide. The list includes 364 newly ranked school districts.

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

The top 25 school districts in Connecticut and the letter grades assigned by Niche include:

You can view the full rankings here.

Niche also ranked 94,058 public schools and 30,809 private schools. The platform said its rankings were created to provide families with valuable information — both quantitative and qualitative — on schools in their area or in a neighborhood they’re not familiar with yet.

See also: These Are The Top 25 Public High Schools In CT, New Ranking Says

Several Connecticut schools were among the best public schools in America. New Canaan High School was ranked No. 1 overall in Connecticut, and No. 100 out of 21,129 schools in the country for athletes.

Among private schools, Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford came in at No. 3 nationally.

See also: These Are The Top 25 Private High Schools In CT, New Ranking Says

The rankings differ from others that rely almost exclusively on test scores and academic performance in that it also includes input from students, alumni and parents, as well as quantitative data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate teachers, resources and facilities.

Monroe Moves Forward With Purchase Of St. Jude's For Community Center

The Town and St. Jude have agreed to a final purchase price of $1,775,750.Patch Staff**News Release Submitted by Town of Monroe**Sept. 27, 2023First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced that the Town has approved an agreement with St. Jude Parish to purchase the former St. Jude school property. The purchase is the first step in Kellogg’s previously stated vision for the creation of a Monroe Community Center on what will become an expansion of the Town Hall Campus.The purchase agreement, which wa...

The Town and St. Jude have agreed to a final purchase price of $1,775,750.

Patch Staff

**News Release Submitted by Town of Monroe**

Sept. 27, 2023

First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced that the Town has approved an agreement with St. Jude Parish to purchase the former St. Jude school property. The purchase is the first step in Kellogg’s previously stated vision for the creation of a Monroe Community Center on what will become an expansion of the Town Hall Campus.

The purchase agreement, which was approved by the Town Council during its September 26, 2023 meeting, is contingent upon various municipal approvals, including voter approval at a Town Meeting.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding executed last year, the Town’s purchase price was not to exceed $2,300,000. The Town and St. Jude have agreed to a final purchase price of $1,775,750, to account for the costs of various deferred maintenance items that the Town would work to address upon closing.

Kellogg stated that the Community Center would be implemented in phases. Initially, the Parks & Recreation department would have the immediate ability to increase programs and services, while allowing St. Jude to continue to utilize the second floor for up to ten hours per week. Long-term, the Town has the ability to fully renovate the facility to accommodate additional services and municipal offices. “This is consistent with the Town’s long-term space needs study conducted by DeCarlo & Doll, Inc.,” said Kellogg. That study concluded that while the school building is older construction, the benefits to the Town are significant, and that its acquisition would be a rare opportunity to substantially add to the Town Hall campus and open up much-needed space at Town Hall.

While the former Chalk Hill School was also evaluated in that plan, DeCarlo & Doll confirmed that re-establishing use of that building would cost taxpayers more than $10 million, but most importantly, full utilization of that space was most challenging due to it being on a school campus. “Any municipal use of Chalk Hill would be extremely limited to be consistent with a school campus setting with specific security concerns,” said Kellogg. The Town administration had explored various options for that building, including use by various outside educational organizations, however none have come close to full occupancy nor were able to adequately support the significant renovation costs. “More importantly,” said Kellogg, “in the face of increased enrollment, our Board of Education has appropriately asked that the Chalk Hill location and building be included in their upcoming overall facility needs study.”

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One Man Christmas Carol Coming to Monroe

Press release written by Hannah MudryValley Shakespeare Festival to present the One-Man Reenactment of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas CarolMONROE, CT - A Christmas Carol is coming to Monroe this December. The show will take place one day only (Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2 PM and 7PM) at St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church.Charles Dickens' production focuses on the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who neglects the Christmas spirit. After the death of his business partner, Jacob Marley, ...

Press release written by Hannah Mudry

Valley Shakespeare Festival to present the One-Man Reenactment of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

MONROE, CT - A Christmas Carol is coming to Monroe this December. The show will take place one day only (Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 2 PM and 7PM) at St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church.

Charles Dickens' production focuses on the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who neglects the Christmas spirit. After the death of his business partner, Jacob Marley, he is visited by the three ghosts of Christmas: past, present and future. Dickens highlights how being kind can transform a life and that greed will drive someone to their end.

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

Kristen Kingsley, Valley Shakespeare’s stage manager, is coming back for another season to guide the technological side of the show.

“We're so happy to be welcomed back at the beautiful church in Monroe. There's something special about A Christmas Carol being presented there, a place of peace, forgiveness, redemption, and love,” said Kingsley. “We get a different perspective on this beloved story anytime we go somewhere new. And I love that.”

This year, the show is being performed in a church, rather than the library where it has been in years past. The theater will be presented as a proscenium stage rather than the typical thrust stage layout; the audience has previously watched the show from three sides of the stage. But, carols will still be sung, and joy shall be had by all.

Tickets will be sold by sliding scale ticket prices. The true price of the tickets are $20, which covers the pay of actors, stage management, musicians, costumes and space rental. The “pay it forward” price is $30, which will help cover the cost for anyone who does not buy a ticket at the true price. The “arts for all” tickets are sold at $10, which is the asked donation price of typical program sales. This new model was introduced because Valley Shakespeare Theater wants everyone to partake by paying what they would like, this was especially helped by the generosity of Valley Community Foundation and Newtown Savings Bank.

A Christmas Carol will be presented December 16, 2023 at St. Peter's Grace Episcopal Church,175 Old Tannery Rd, Monroe, CT. Buy a ticket at the sliding prices by going to www.eventbrite.com and searching for the event or calling 203-513-9446. Come see this unforgettable story being retold in this fascinating way.

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