Home Care In Orange, 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 Orange Street Historic District 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 Orange, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Orange, CT
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Orange, CT
Benefits of Home Care in Orange, CT
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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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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Elderly Care for Peg L.

“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”

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Elderly Care for Varner M.

“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”

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In-home Care for Fiona S.

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

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Personal Senior Care for Petra D.

“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”

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Home Care Services for Jaymie B.

“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”

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Senior Care Services for Susan A.

“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”

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Non-medical Home Care for Hunter L.

“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”

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Home Care for Fiona H.

“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”

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Peg L.

Varner M.

Fiona S.

Petra D.

Jaymie B.

Susan A.

Hunter L.

Fiona H.

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

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.

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Types of Elderly Care in Orange, CT

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

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

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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

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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 Eisenhower 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

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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 Orange Hill Restaurant & Events or visit Orange 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.

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Benefits of Home Care in Orange, 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:

Age in Place

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.

Peace of Mind

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.

Socialization

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.

Personalized Care Plan

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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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 Orange, 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.

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.

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 Orange, 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.

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

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:

Maplewood at Orange
The Vero at Orange
Fieldstone Village
Orange Health Care Center
A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Nicole Tatara
Senior Citizens Building of Orange

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.

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

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 Orange, 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.

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Patch Candidate Profile: Jen Alfaro, Orange Board of Finance

Orange resident Jen Alfaro tells Patch why she should be elected to the Orange Board of Finance.Patch StaffORANGE — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.Jen Alfaro, 52, is seeking a seat on the Board of Finance in Orange as a Democratic Candidate.Education: High school...

Orange resident Jen Alfaro tells Patch why she should be elected to the Orange Board of Finance.

Patch Staff

ORANGE — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Jen Alfaro, 52, is seeking a seat on the Board of Finance in Orange as a Democratic Candidate.

Education: High school graduate. Occupation: Business owner.

Alfaro’s family includes her husband Gino, son Nikko, daughter-in-law Jenna and grandson Julian. Alfaro has another son, Lucas, a sophomore at Colombia University, and a daughter, Evelyn, a senior at Amity High School.

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

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

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I own and operate my own business and have always had a knack for finance. I would like to use my knowledge and experience in Orange. I would love to see more programs for children in our town and more affordable options for seniors aging out of their homes.

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

I believe we are being over taxed to add to the massive surplus we have in our rainy day fund. I would like to see taxes more stable and/or start using that fund to provide more programs for students in Orange and Amity.

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

I believe the current office is doing well with what they have to work with but we have not moved forward in a long time. I would like to challenge the Board with new ideas to further our town. I think the town mostly has "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality. I think it is broken if we are just standing still and not making use of the excess money we have to advance our town.

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

I think it is terrible to our seniors live here all of their lives, raise their children and grandchildren but then have to move to other towns to live out their lives because there are no affordable options to stay in Orange. Even if they sell their home for top dollar, most still can not afford to stay in Orange's senior living options. This forces our life long residence to move. I would like to work with the Board of finance and the Board of Selectman to come up with a solution.

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

Former Peck Place School Treasurer. Former Secretary of the ODTC.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

A teacher and high school told me this quote and it was the best advice I ever received. "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." Benjamin Franklin.

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

I may not have degrees to show that I have taken courses in finance but I have a lot of experience in owning and operating successful businesses. I am a hard worker and I fight for what I believe in.

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Patch Candidate Profile: Ken Briodagh, Amity Board of Education

Orange resident Ken Briodagh tells Patch why he should be elected to the Amity Board of Education to represent the 5th Region.|Updated Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 2:59 pm ETORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.Ken Briodagh, 43, is running for a seat on the Amity Board o...

Orange resident Ken Briodagh tells Patch why he should be elected to the Amity Board of Education to represent the 5th Region.

|Updated Thu, Oct 19, 2023 at 2:59 pm ET

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Ken Briodagh, 43, is running for a seat on the Amity Board of Education in Orange to represent the 5th Region as a Democratic candidate.

Briodagh holds a B.A. in English from the University of Main. His occupation is being a writer which he’s done for 25 years.

Briodagh is married, and his co-parents and he have two children at Amity Middle School in Orange.

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

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

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

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for Amity Board of Education because I see the generation of kids now in middle and high school as having more potential to change the world for the better than any before it (including my own), and that means they need our help to make sure they get the most well-rounded and complete education we can offer, as Amity always has done.

I believe there is a small but vocal faction of backward, conservative, anti-progressive people in Amity attempting to supersede quality education with scoring ideological political points. And whether that's due to ignorance or malice, it is critical that we oppose those ideas and people.

Education should focus on evidence-based science and history curricula, on the arts, and on leading-edge technology. As a member of the Amity BOE, I will drive policy that will support those aims.

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

Making sure Amity is education students at the highest level through interdisciplinary academics, STEAM, DEI, and an engaged community. I intend to push for programs that support those goals wherever I can, beginning by helping to support arts initiatives.

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

The slate of candidates put up by the Orange RTC to join the Amity BoE are dyed-in-the-wool trumpists who oppose public education, seek to cut services and programs that benefit our students and want to engage in explicit discrimination against marginalized populations. I want the opposite.

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

I've outlined my platform above, but to reiterate, I am in favor of using the best information available to craft an educational system that will best prepare the next generation to become the compassionate, lifelong learners that the world needs.

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

I have been a journalist and writer for 25 years (in addition to many other jobs and professions), and in that time I've lead teams, worked collaboratively to accomplish goals and complete huge projects. Finally, I know how to compromise where necessary and when not to.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Listen, learn, look. All of that before talking. And sometimes, don't talk.

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

I believe that public education is one of the most important institutions in our society. Perhaps the most important. It's the one area where we should never cut corners and where we get the most return on our investments. Nothing correlates closer to academic success than money (specifically property tax rates -- the higher the tax revenues, the better the schools). There are MANY factors that contribute to that correlation, but it remains true that giving schools (and by extension, teachers) the resources they need to do their jobs without struggle or complaint gives any district a head start. Let's make sure we're in the lead.

Does your campaign have a website?

www.orangectdems.org/team/ken-briodagh.

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New Year's Eve 2023 In Orange: Parties, Music, More

ORANGE, CT — The new year is almost here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate with family and friends in the Orange area for New Year's Eve.Here are all the events happening in the Orange area on New Year's Eve:In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have adopted iterations of the ball drop — the Chick...

ORANGE, CT — The new year is almost here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate with family and friends in the Orange area for New Year's Eve.

Here are all the events happening in the Orange area on New Year's Eve:

In the United States, one of the most popular New Year’s Eve traditions is the dropping of the giant ball in New York City’s Times Square. Other U.S. cities have adopted iterations of the ball drop — the Chick Drop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and the giant Potato Drop in Boise, Idaho, for example.

The end of one year and beginning of another is often celebrated with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scottish folk song whose title roughly translates to “days gone by,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica and History.com.

The history of New Year’s resolutions dates back 8,000 years to ancient Babylonians, who would make promises to return borrowed objects and pay outstanding debts at the beginning of the new year, in mid-March when they planted their crops.

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

According to legend, if they kept their word, pagan gods would grant them favor in the coming year. If they broke the promise, they would fall out of God’s favor, according to a history of New Year’s resolutions compiled by North Hampton Community College New Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Many secular New Year’s resolutions focus on imagining new, improved versions of ourselves.

The failure rate of New Year’s resolutions is about 80 percent, according to U.S. News & World Report. There are myriad reasons, but a big one is they’re made out of remorse — for gaining weight, for example — and aren’t accompanied by a shift in attitude and a plan to meet the stress and discomfort of changing a habit or condition.

Patch Candidate Profile: Anna Mahon, Orange Board Of Finance

Orange resident Anna Mahon tells Patch why she should be elected to the Board of Finance.ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.Anna Mahon, 48, is running for a seat on the Board of Finance in Orange as a Democratic candidate.Find out what's happening in Orangewit...

Orange resident Anna Mahon tells Patch why she should be elected to the Board of Finance.

ORANGE, CT — As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Orange, there are plenty of races with candidates who are eager to serve in elected office.

Orange Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Anna Mahon, 48, is running for a seat on the Board of Finance in Orange as a Democratic candidate.

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

No. My husband and I have been lifelong public educators and most of our career was spent at Amity (I worked for the district for 22 years; Sean has worked there since December, 1998).

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

Why are you seeking this office?

I am compelled to serve my community and believe I have a unique understanding of the relationship between municipal budgeting/financial operations and the regional school district we are a part of in Orange. Strong fiscal operation is the cornerstone to a strong town and community and I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the operations of Orange.

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

fiscal responsibility in our town.

I intend to work with all members of the Board of Finance and Board of Select to make fiscally responsible decisions for our town, including forming a respectful and positive relationship with the Amity Regional School District and analyzing our current fund balance to ensure we are applying an appropriate amount of the excessive funds to current town needs and avert a rise in household taxes.

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

I bring a unique set of experiences to this position, having been a long-time educator and educational leader in the Amity Regional School District and a resident of Orange since 1999. I have had extensive budgetary experience both as principal of Amity Regional High School as well as in my current role as an assistant superintendent and have served as a member of the Board of Trustees for my church, as well. I appreciate and value building positive relationships and working collaboratively to address current issues and plan for the future of Orange.

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

The acrimony and lack of transparency exhibited by the incumbents of the Orange Board of Finance have not only failed to meet the fiscal and operational needs of Orange, they have also held our town back from realizing our full potential as a municipality. The incumbents have attacked members of the Amity administration rather than worked in a collaborative manner to provide the best services to the citizens of Orange. Orange makes up just over 50% of the Amity community and, rather than embracing that to help create positive change, the incumbents waste time fighting and demonizing others based on mischaracterized bits of history.

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

I believe it is important to be transparent with the citizens of Orange. Along with working to build a productive relationship with the Amity Regional School District, I will work to establish a clear plan for how we will spend the excessive fund balance (currently at 20%, when it should only be between 12%-15%) in order to serve current needs and avoid increasing taxes for our citizens.

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

I am a long-time senior administrator in two different school districts, both of which operate with a 50-55 million dollar budget. In addition, I have had extensive experience with finance and operation management through my church, Orange Congregational, here in town. Finally, I am level-headed and able to listen carefully so I understand the multiple perspectives that impact any given issue. I have had strong success in building consensus to move initiatives forward.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Recognize what you can control and focus your energy on that. (From my sports psychologist during my Olympic pursuit)

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

I am a dedicated, passionate member of this community and I believe Orange has a ton of unrealized potential. I am excited for our future as a town.

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Last day of business announced for CT's Christmas Tree Shops

As shelves start to clear at Christmas Tree Shops locations across the country, the company has announced that all of its remaining stories will be closing on Aug. 12. More than 20 Christmas Tree Shops locations already closed on July ...

Customers can expect to save up to 80 percent on items from home decor and patio goods to food and bedding, according to the company's website.

Christmas Tree Shops' four locations in Connecticut — Danbury, Manchester, Orange and Waterford — will close their doors as part of the company's plans to shutter all of its stores. The company filed for bankruptcy in May after defaulting on a $45 million loan. Bed, Bath & Beyond, which announced the closure of its remaining two Connecticut stores in May as part of its own bankruptcy, sold Christmas Tree Shops to Handil Holdings in 2020.

According to a press release from Hilco Merchant Resources, who is handling press for the company, new merchandise will be arriving to stores until the end of the sale. Additionally, fixtures, furnishings and equipment from Christmas Tree Shops stores will also be available for sale. The liquidation sale, dubbed "Christmas savings in July," was announced by Hilco Merchant Resources in the press release dated Friday, July 7.

In a document filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, gift cards are no longer being accepted.

Christmas Tree Shops joins other national chains in filing for bankruptcy this year such as Party City, David's Bridal and Tuesday Morning.

Includes prior reporting by Alexander Soule.

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This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.

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