Home Care In Oxford, CT

OXFORD, CT — Haven Hot Chicken, the Connecticut chain that serves Nashville-style hot chicken, announced it plans to open its latest restaurant in the state in Fairfield, with plans to open stores in Newington and Oxford in 2024.

The Oxford location will be at Quarry Walk. The Fairfield spot, at 907 Post Road, will join other Haven Hot Chicken locations in Norwalk, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, Storrs and Middletown, which opened last month.

Haven Hot Chicken specializes in "crispy, crunchy, juicy, spicy, delicious chicken and vegetarian options ranging from Country (not spicy) to Haven (extremely spicy), including the epic and signature 'THE Sandwich,' as well as other featured mains, classic sides and seasonal limited-time offerings."

"We’re excited to be closer to our mission of 25x25 – opening 25 stores by 2025 – as we continue our expansion west of New Haven with the announcement of two new locations opening this Spring," said Haven Hot Chicken President and Co-Founder Jason Sobocinski in a statement. "Store #008 [in Fairfield] will bring us to beautiful downtown Fairfield, in a location that’s a quick hop on and off I-95, as well as on the outskirts of the Fairfield University campus. Store #009 [in Oxford] will be easily accessible to Routes 67, 8 and I-84, but will bring us to a new type of location that’s a brand-new, vibrant community hub in Oxford combining retail, residential and office space across 30 acres in a New England town-square type setting. Our Fuego Fam continues to expand, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring the BEST Hot Chicken and Not Chicken to new fans!"

The Fairfield location will offer online ordering with curbside takeout and delivery, limited in-house seating and catering options, as will the Oxford store.

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

Haven Hot Chicken has a mission of "helping raise crucial funds to help curb food insecurity in the state of Connecticut through 'The Great Banana Pudding Drive,' donating the cost of one meal from the sale of each absurdly delicious banana pudding to the organization."

That mission continues with the company’s long-term partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, and to date, Haven Hot Chicken has helped to raise funds for more than 60,000 meals for Connecticut residents in need.

From the announcement:

The restaurant was highlighted in 2023 as one of the “8 Fast-Food Chains that Serve the Best Hot Chicken” around the country by Eat This, Not That!, and winner of The Perfect Pitch concept competition at the 2023 Fast Casual Executive Summit. The brand was also recognized as one of the 2024 20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch by FastCasual.com.

For updates, follow @havenhotchicken on Instagram or visit havenhotchicken.com.

About Haven Hot Chicken

Haven Hot Chicken brings Hot Chicken and “Not Chicken” to Connecticut as one of the first fully dedicated Nashville-style Hot Chicken concepts in New England. With locations in downtown New Haven (21 Whitney Avenue), Orange (550 Boston Post Road), Norwalk (596 Westport Avenue), North Haven (146 Washington Avenue), Storrs (1206 Storrs Road), Middletown (524 Main Street), Newington (coming soon to 12 Fenn Road), Fairfield (coming soon to 907 Post Road) and Oxford (coming soon to Quarry Walk), the concept was founded in 2020 by local restaurateurs Rob LaTronica, Craig Sklar, Jason Sobocinski, and Etkin Tekin.

Serving chicken and its “not chicken” vegetarian option ranging from no spice to very spicy, the menu features the epic and signature “THE Sandwich,” as well as other featured mains, classic sides and seasonal limited-time offerings. The restaurant’s convenient locations offer easy online ordering, pickup access, a sizable delivery radius for the surrounding area and catering. Community initiatives include a long-term fundraising partnership with Connecticut Foodshare through “The Great Banana Pudding Drive,” and a transition to new packaging and goods that are environmentally friendly. The restaurant was highlighted in 2023 as one of the “8 Fast-Food Chains that Serve the Best Hot Chicken” around the country by Eat This, Not That!, and winner of The Perfect Pitch concept competition at the 2023 Fast Casual Executive Summit. The brand was also recognized as one of the 2024 20 Fast Casual Brands to Watch by FastCasual.com. For more information, visit @havenhotchicken on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook or sign up for their newsletter at havenhotchicken.com.

It has been nearly a year since Oxford quarterback Matthew McGuire had his junior season ripped away from him after breaking his collarbone against Seymour just before halftime.

Scrambling out of the backfield to around the 5-yard line, McGuire took a hit out of bounds and landed on his shoulder. It was the fourth game of the season, and it forced Oxford's hand at quarterback.

In came backup quarterback Michael Dorosh, a less experienced version of McGuire who would lead the team to a 3-3 record the rest of the way, just missing the CIAC postseason.

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"When the injury occurred it was devastating for him, Matt (McGuire) is all about football," Oxford coach Joe Stochmal said. "He lives for football, he is the kid who just loves to play the game. When he knew that his season was lost he was devastated, but we talked about his role moving forward and how he would help Michael (Dorosh) learn the position a little bit more. He was kind of a little bit like a coach and he took that role on and now those two are very close."

McGuire took his sideline role to heart, contributing the only way he could.

"He taught me a lot," Dorosh said. "I wasn't fully familiar with the audibles and everything, and I wasn't as smart as him at the position. He helped me become more of a general on the field. I have become more confident on the field, and I don't feel as rushed this year."

While Dorosh grew as a quarterback, it became clear to Stochmal that with both McGuire and Dorosh healthy a year later as seniors, he could have something special brewing.

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So far through two games, McGuire and Dorosh have been utilized in extremely unique ways. Both can play quarterback, both can play receiver, and both can play on defense. With the two quarterback depth, Stochmal is taking advantage.

"Michael (Dorosh) was getting second team reps last year, but to be perfectly honest we were excited about his defensive skill set," Stochmal said. "He was a kid that showed that he can fill in the alley and have some big hits in our scrimmages early on. He was playing rover for us, which is kind of like an outside linebacker and he was doing well. Once we had to install him as our starting quarterback, we had to take that defensive role away from him to limit the chances of him getting injured."

Dorosh was named Oxford's defensive player of the game after making a key interception in the Wolverines' 12-6 win over Waterbury Career Academy in Week 2. In Oxford's 34-0 Week 1 win over Wilby, McGuire was named the offensive player of the game after rushing for 54 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.

"Going into this season we knew that we had to get both of them out on the field," Stochmal said. "We worked on both of them as receivers, so we were able to get them on the field at the same time. They can both throw the ball, they can both run the ball and they can both catch the ball. We are fortunate to have two kids with that set of skills, and we try to use their strengths when they are both out on that field. That is what is great about being able to have two quarterbacks, we can now play both of them on defense and use them on offense."

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In Week 1 the two quarterbacks split time in that role, but McGuire took more snaps in Week 2. Neither is considered more of a starter than the other however.

"It all depends on the game time situation," Stochmal said. "What is the down and distance? Where are we located on the field? What are we looking to do? And then we can fluctuate between the two of them according to that situation."

For most teams, having two players split time at such a integral position can disrupt team chemistry.

For McGuire and Dorosh, who have become increasingly close over the past year, ego is not an issue.

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"We really don't care who plays quarterback as long as we are successful," Dorosh said. "The only thing that matters is that we win. We are always rooting for each other when the other makes a great play."

And the wins have been rolling in through two weeks. On Thursday however, Oxford will face a familiar challenge.

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When Oxford plays Seymour this week, it will attempt to defeat the Wildcats for the first time since 2013, and improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2010.

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"It was disappointing that I couldn't finish out that game last year," McGuire said. "I think Seymour is a great team that is very well coached and has a great tradition. We have a lot of respect for them and I think it is going to be a great challenge for us."

Oxford has outscored its two opponents 46-6 so far and is 2-0 for the first time since 2016, dominating offensively with the running game.

McGuire has rushed for 168 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries while senior running back Christopher Bobbie has 153 rushing yards on 35 carries. Dorosh ranks third on the team in rushing with 56 yards and a touchdown on just three carries. Meanwhile the quarterback duo has combined for 71 passing yards.

"It is better to run the ball if you can do it, because if you throw the ball three things can happen and two of them are bad," Stochmal said. "We try to be a 60-40 split with our run to pass game. But again, the situation dictates how much we throw the ball in a game."

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The plan has worked so far.

With its 10 returning seniors, Oxford is quietly hoping to do something it has never done in program history. Make it to the CIAC postseason.

"We never talk about the 'p-word' around here," Stochmal said. "Not until Week 8 or Week 9 and we see if we have a chance. We try to take things one week at a time. We are happy to be 2-0 right now but we have a great challenge with Seymour on Thursday."

"It is great when you have returning players," Stochmal said. "Some of these guys took their lumps a couple years back because we were starting freshmen and sophomores. They gained valuable experience through those games and it is nice to be able to have those guys for two or three years as starters. We think that if we can take care of the little things, that at the end of the season that we will be sitting where we want to be sitting."

CALLING all Vendors and Volunteers! We are looking for family friendly vendors (this event is just before mothers day, great day for shopping)

We are looking for family friendly vendors for the Oxford Spring Fair which is a rain or shine event! Vendor and volunteer forms can be found here https://www.oxfordculturalarts.org/spring-fair

What are we planning for the Oxford Spring Fair?

WHERE Oxford Town Hall (486 Oxford Rd)WHEN Saturday May 4 2024. RAIN OR SHINETIME 10am-2pm

What we need to make this a success...

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Please sign up to Volunteer for this event. We are looking for local experts to help us create the education zone. Do you raise livestock, rabbits, horses? Do you want to show off a special skill like felting? Do you have a unique vehicle you would be willing to show off in our touch-a-truck-or-tractor area? We are looking for girl scout troops and boy scout troops to participate as well in educational poster sessions Municipal groups and organizations can also show twhat you provide or have to offer the local residents with an information table.

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

VENDORS

We need family friendly vendors who have pop-up canopies... The area will allow for 10x10 or 12x12 pop up tent/canopies. This is a rain or shine event. We're looking for vendors who have items appealing to kids, and young families alike. Price friendly, family friendly, and fun. Vendors can find the application form here

RAIN OR SHINE

Why rain or shine? unless we have a hurricane, we live in New England. And even on rainy days, you can put on a rain coat, rain boots and splash around and have some fun.

QUESTIONS?

Reach out to Oxford Cultural Arts via eMail [email protected] or on Facebook @oxfordculturalarts

The Oxford Cultural Arts Commission is a Commission through the Town of Oxford, Connecticut. Our mission is to Promote and Preserve Culture and the Arts in Oxford

Oxford Main Street Project Corporation (OMSP Corp.) and its partners are supporting the construction of a pedestrian bridge within Little River Nature Preserve.

The pedestrian bridge is part of a larger program of support that OMSP Corp. is bringing to the walkway/bikeway being constructed along route 67 in Oxford, and to the Little River Nature Preserve, a 17-acre town-owned property.

Hiking and enjoying nature have become a widespread activity. Little River Nature Preserve in Oxford provides a chance for residents and visitors to enjoy nature right in the center of Oxford. Hiking trails and boardwalks are being constructed on the west side of Little River, but a pedestrian bridge is needed to access those trails. Without this bridge, users must wade through a section of the river to get to the hiking trails.

OMSP Corp. is partnering with Sustainable CT in a fundraising effort to bring this bridge to completion. OMSP Corp. is looking to raise $7,500 to put towards construction of the bridge. Sustainability CT will match donations to this effort, dollar-for-dollar, up to $7,500 through its Community Match Fund. The goal is to raise a total of $15,000 to support the bridge project.

Those who are interested in supporting and learning more about this project can go to patronicity.com/OMSP. Alternatively, checks can be made out to “OMSP Corp” and mailed to Oxford Town Hall, c/o Jeff Luff – Chairman OMSP, 486 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT 06478.

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

“The pedestrian bridge will provide public access to the boardwalk and hiking trails on the west side of the river. OMSP Corporation volunteers will be able to provide guided hikes and nature walks within Little River Nature Preserve.” said Jim Sanders, OMSP Corporation’s vice president.

Future plans for Little River Nature Preserve and the OMSP Corp. are to provide the public with free educational opportunities including sponsoring live animal demonstrations, invasive plant control guidance, guided hikes, guided historical walking tours, labeling of various plants within the preserve, and completion of the hiking trails and boardwalks without the preserve.

Phase 2 of the OMSP will extend the walkway/bikeway from Dutton Rd down to Quarry Walk. A large federal grant has already been received to start this phase. Phase 3 of the OMSP will extend the walkway from Quarry Walk down to the Seymour Fish Ladders. Phase 4 of the OMSP will extend the walkway from Little River Nature Preserve to the Larkin Bridle Trail in Southbury.

Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund provides a dollar-for-dollar match to donations raised from the community, doubling local investment in projects. Anyone can lead a project and ideas can be proposed at any time by contacting Sustainable CT at [email protected]. The Community Match Fund is generously supported by the Hampshire Foundation, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Connecticut Green Bank, and Supporting Organizing Work CT.

"We’re thrilled to support OMSP’s pedestrian bridge project – putting residents at the forefront of creating positive, impactful change," said Lynn Stoddard, executive director for Sustainable CT. "Like all Match Fund projects, this initiative is community-led and community-funded, demonstrating the power of people working together to make change where they live."

An AI tool that can predict 10-year risk of deadly heart attacks, could transform treatment for patients who undergo CT scans to investigate chest pain, according to British Heart Foundation-funded research presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia.

In the first real-world trial of the AI tool, it was found to improve treatment for up to 45 per cent of patients. The AI technology could potentially save the lives of thousands with chest pain, who may not have been identified as at risk of a heart attack, and therefore may not have received appropriate treatment to lower their risk. With the technology also found to be cost-effective, the researchers hope it could change the management of patients who are referred for chest pain investigations, across the NHS.

Every year in the UK around 350,000 people have a cardiac CT scan – the standard test to identify any narrowings or blockages in the coronary arteries. In around three quarters of cases, there is no clear sign of significant narrowings, so patients are often reassured and discharged. Unfortunately, many of these people will die from a heart attack in future, because small, undetectable narrowings may break up if they are inflamed, blocking the arteries. Until recently, it was not possible to identify these patients at risk.

In the new study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, Professor Charalambos Antoniades and his team at the University of Oxford's Radcliffe Department of Medicine, analysed data from over 40,000 people undergoing routine cardiac CT scans at eight UK hospitals. Participants were followed up for a median of 2.7 years. While those with significant coronary artery narrowings were more likely to have serious cardiac events or death, twice as many patients with no significant narrowings experienced heart attacks and cardiac deaths.

The team then used a new AI tool, trained using information on changes in the fat around inflamed arteries – which can indicate the risk of events such as heart attacks – as well as information on narrowings of the arteries and other clinical risk factors. Further testing on an additional 3,393 patients over 7.7 years revealed it could independently and accurately predict risk of cardiac events.

Among those with no obstructions to their arteries, those with the highest levels of inflammation in their blood vessels had a more than 10-fold higher risk of cardiac death compared to those with lower levels of inflammation.

In a world-first pilot, the team provided AI-generated risk scores to clinicians for 744 consecutive patients, and found that in up to 45 per cent of cases, clinicians altered patients’ treatment plans, indicating that this AI tool could be hugely valuable in guiding and informing how patients with chest pain are managed, ensuring early identification and preventative treatment of those at highest risk.

Analysis comparing the use of the AI tool to standard care revealed it was highly cost-effective for the NHS. In addition, the researchers estimate that implementing this technology in the NHS could lead to over 20 per cent fewer heart attacks and 8 per cent fewer cardiac deaths and strokes, among those having the test. With the technology required to power the AI tool already commissioned by NHS England for a pilot programme in five NHS hospitals, the researchers are hopeful that it could soon be rolled out across the UK.

Professor Charalambos Antoniades, BHF Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine and Director of the Acute Multidisciplinary Imaging & Interventional Centre, at the University of Oxford, said: 'Our study found that some patients presenting in hospital with chest pain – who are often reassured and sent back home – are at high risk of having a heart attack in the next decade, even in the absence of any sign of disease in their heart arteries. Here we demonstrated that providing an accurate picture of risk to clinicians can, alter and potentially improve the course of treatment for many heart patients.

'We hope that this AI tool will soon be implemented across the NHS, helping prevent thousands of avoidable deaths from heart attacks every year in the UK.'

Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'This research shows the valuable role AI-based technology can play in better identifying those patients most at risk of future heart attacks and thereby help clinicians make better treatment decisions for their patients.

'Too many people are needlessly dying from heart attacks each year. It is vital we harness the potential of AI to guide patient treatment, as well as ensuring that the NHS is equipped to support its use. We hope that this technology will ultimately be rolled out across the NHS, and help to save the lives of thousands each year who may otherwise be left untreated.'

Professor Antoniades’s research is also supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.