It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Shelton Historical Society in Shelton, CT 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 Shelton, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care of Milford. They were very”
“Jermaine is an OUTSTANDING care provider! Service oriented, friendly, professional and SAFETY first always! Bravo”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive,”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years”
“I had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care of Milford. They were very kind and professional from the inside staff and the care providers. Always Best Care provided my family with peace of mind while they took care of my 93-year-old mother-in-law at her home with breakfast, light PT , showering, dressing keeping her engaged. They provided the very best care.”
“Jermaine is an OUTSTANDING care provider! Service oriented, friendly, professional and SAFETY first always! Bravo Jermaine!”
“The staff at ABC has been wonderful! It's easy to reach them, they are responsive, respectful, and cheerful. This was the first step in getting outside assistance for our Mom and we were so impressed with how thorough the care was - the first helper checked to see that her home was safe and that she knew how to use her cell phone. We'd highly recommend using their in home care.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she sees the work, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, sees what needs doing. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesnt just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says no wait, let me do it if she hasnt already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Excellent company, very experienced management and staffs. Highly recommend”
“Thank you so much for your kind , personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Always Best Care Services is a good place to get good care. The employees would do their very best to take care of you in your time of need. I will recommended this facility to family and friends. I want to thank you so much for the exceptional care you took of my dad. I hold your agency in the highest regard and you have my deepest appreciation.”
“My mother was in need of help after she broke her hip at 101 years old. She refused to leave her home. Susan Oderwald took wonderful care of her. She found caregivers for her who treated her with kid gloves and she herself went above and beyond by getting papers signed, visiting her in the hospital and fetching things for her. I don't know what I would have done without her, since I live 3,000 miles away. I highly recommend her, her services and her staff of caregivers.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sunnyside Park in Shelton, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Il Palio Restaurant or visit Indian Well State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Shelton, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Shelton, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Shelton, 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.
Niche ranked Connecticut's top public and private high schools for 2027. See where Shelton schools landed.SHELTON, CT — Niche ranked the top public and private high schools in Connecticut for 2027, with several schools also earning spots among the best in the nation.For its 2027 Best Schools and Districts in America rankings, Niche analyzed 93,000 public schools, 30,000 private schools and 11,000 school districts nationwide.Shelton High School ranked 67th among the state's top 100 public high schools, according t...
SHELTON, CT — Niche ranked the top public and private high schools in Connecticut for 2027, with several schools also earning spots among the best in the nation.
For its 2027 Best Schools and Districts in America rankings, Niche analyzed 93,000 public schools, 30,000 private schools and 11,000 school districts nationwide.
Shelton High School ranked 67th among the state's top 100 public high schools, according to Niche.
The full list of Niche's top public and private high schools in Connecticut for 2027 .
Connecticut also had two private schools crack Niche's national top 10. Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford ranked No. 5 among the best private high schools in America, while The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville ranked No. 9.
Niche’s rankings combine federal and state data, school statistics, and over 3 million reviews from students, parents, and teachers to evaluate schools beyond test scores.
This year's updates feature methodology improvements and new standalone rankings for public and private schools. To offer clearer comparisons, Niche separated public and private lists for Best Schools for the Arts, Most Diverse Schools, Best College Prep Schools, and Best Teachers. Two rankings also received purpose-built methodologies for the first time. Best Boarding High Schools and Best Private Online High Schools both now include factors specific to their school type.
“Families deserve a complete view of their options, whether they’re evaluating schools in their area or exploring what’s available elsewhere," Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said in a news release. “This year’s rankings give families more ways to find the right fit, with updates designed to help them find schools where their children will thrive.”
Niche also provides rankings by state, metro area, STEM and arts programs, K-8 schools, and more, giving families the flexibility to compare schools based on what matters most to them.
BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2026 – Capital Markets announced today the sale of the Courtyard Shelton, a 161-room select-service hotel in Shelton, Connecticut.JLL and RobertDouglas represented the seller, Shelton Suites, LLC, an affiliate of Waterford in the transaction. V2 Capital acquired the asset.The seven-story property is located at 780 Bridgeport Ave. in Fairfield County and underwent a comprehensive $4.1 million renovation completed in 2023. The renovation included upgrades to all guestrooms, common areas and building ...
BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2026 – Capital Markets announced today the sale of the Courtyard Shelton, a 161-room select-service hotel in Shelton, Connecticut.
JLL and RobertDouglas represented the seller, Shelton Suites, LLC, an affiliate of Waterford in the transaction. V2 Capital acquired the asset.
The seven-story property is located at 780 Bridgeport Ave. in Fairfield County and underwent a comprehensive $4.1 million renovation completed in 2023. The renovation included upgrades to all guestrooms, common areas and building systems, as well as the conversion of select guestrooms into an extended-stay format. The hotel now features 23 suites with full kitchens and extended-stay amenities alongside traditional king and double queen accommodations.
Prior to the sale, the hotel was professionally managed by Connecticut-based Waterford Hotel Group from 2015 through two ownership transitions, helping enhance the property’s performance and long-term asset value.
The Courtyard Shelton operates under one of Marriott's premier select-service brands and offers 6,300 square feet of meeting and event space across multiple rooms capable of accommodating corporate meetings, conferences and social functions. Property amenities include The Bistro restaurant and bar featuring Starbucks specialty beverages, an indoor pool, fitness center, business center and outdoor patio. The hotel sits on 3.24 acres with convenient access to Interstate 95, the Merritt Parkway and Route 8.
The property benefits from proximity to major academic, corporate, healthcare and leisure demand drivers, including Yale and Fairfield University, the Yale New Haven Health system, and corporate headquarters for Sikorsky, BIC, Subway and Schick. Fairfield County is one of Connecticut's most economically dynamic regions with a $104 billion GDP and benefits from major infrastructure investments including corporate relocations and mixed-use developments in close proximity to the hotel.
Shelton's location provides access to more than 17 miles of Long Island Sound coastline. Local demand generators include the Sports Center of Connecticut, a multi-sport complex in Shelton that draws travel sports teams from across the region. The area is located between New York City and Boston along Interstate 95 and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, with Metro-North rail service connecting to Grand Central Terminal.
The JLL Capital Markets team was led by Senior Managing Director Alan Suzuki, Managing Director Matthew Enright, Associate Hunter Cuthbertson and Analyst Alexa Amorosino. The RobertDouglas team was led by Principal and Managing Director Douglas Hercher and Managing Director Andrew Heilmann.
"Select-service hotels in supply-constrained markets with diverse demand generators remain among the most sought-after assets in hospitality investment," said Suzuki. "This property's proximity to major corporate headquarters, world-class universities and significant infrastructure projects positioned it as an attractive acquisition for operators seeking stable cash flow and long-term appreciation potential."
Hercher added, "The joint RobertDouglas and JLL marketing effort generated meaningful competition for this asset, which speaks both to the quality of the renovation Waterford completed and to the durability of the Fairfield County market. We were glad to support Waterford in achieving their objectives and to see the hotel transition to an ownership group that recognizes its long-term potential."
JLL’s Capital Markets group is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The group’s in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients, including investment sales and advisory, debt advisory, M&A and corporate finance, loan sales, equity & fund placement, net lease, derivative advisory and energy & infrastructure advisory. The group has more than 3,000 Capital Markets specialists worldwide with offices in nearly 50 countries.
For more news, videos and research resources, please visit JLL’s .
JLL (NYSE:JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company with annual revenue of $26.1 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 113,000 as of March 31, 2026. For over 200 years, clients have trusted JLL, a Fortune 500® company, to help them confidently buy, build, occupy, manage and invest across a variety of industries and property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data center properties. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. Powered by rich global datasets and leading technology capabilities, we provide coordinated, end-to-end delivery of real estate services for a broad range of global clients who represent a wide variety of industries. Through LaSalle Investment Management, we invest for clients on a global basis in both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information, visit .
RobertDouglas is a real estate investment banking firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago, specializing in the sale, financing, and equity capitalization of hotel, resort, and gaming properties throughout North America. Founded by two of the hotel industry's pre-eminent finance professionals, Rob Stiles and Doug Hercher, RobertDouglas offers exceptional domestic and international institutional investor and lender relationships. The firm combines the capital markets sophistication of top-tier investment banks with detailed hotel underwriting and asset management expertise, providing the firm with unique capabilities in an underserved market. For more information, contact or go to .
Waterford Hotel Group, headquartered in Waterford, Connecticut, has a nearly 40-year track record of success, managing properties ranging from full-service hotels and convention centers to boutique New England inns. The company is recognized for its results-driven approach, combining operational expertise with a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences and strong financial performance for owners.
V2 Capital, headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, is a hospitality firm that acquires and operates differentiated assets throughout the Northeast.
A new nonprofit dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible play space for children of all abilities recently opened in Shelton.SHELTON, CT — Sensory Play Center, a new nonprofit sensory gym created to support neurodiverse children and their families, officially opened earlier this month in Shelton.Founded by Shelton teachers Martha Parkins, who has since retired, and Michele Lovallo, the center was created to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where children of all abilities can play, learn and thrive thr...
SHELTON, CT — Sensory Play Center, a new nonprofit sensory gym created to support neurodiverse children and their families, officially opened earlier this month in Shelton.
Founded by Shelton teachers Martha Parkins, who has since retired, and Michele Lovallo, the center was created to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where children of all abilities can play, learn and thrive through sensory-rich experiences, according to additional press materials provided by Sensory Play Center.
The center held its grand opening July 17 at 375 Bridgeport Avenue following more than a year of planning, fundraising and community support.
"Shelton was the perfect location because we saw a growing need within our community as the number of students with special needs continued to increase in our schools," Lovallo said in an email to Patch. "We also chose Bridgeport Avenue because it is a high-traffic, easily accessible location for families throughout the area."
According to press materials, the center was created to give children of all abilities a welcoming space to learn, grow and thrive through play, with sensory-friendly equipment and activities designed to meet a wide range of developmental and accessibility needs.
"Every piece of sensory equipment in our center has a purpose for children with sensory processing differences," Lovallo said. "We consulted with an occupational therapist when selecting our equipment, and many of these items are the same types of tools you would find in an OT clinic."
Lovallo said the idea for the center began with her daughter.
"My daughter loved going to occupational therapy because the equipment helped regulate her body while allowing her to have fun," Lovallo said. "We wanted to create a space where more families could experience those same benefits outside of therapy."
In addition to open play, story time and crafts, Sensory Play Center also hosts Caregivers & Coffee events and a Teen LEGO Club.
"We intentionally limit each 90-minute session to just 15 children," Lovallo said, "with parents or caregivers staying during the visit to ensure a calm, sensory-friendly experience for everyone...our center welcomes all neurodivergent children and teens, and we will also be offering dedicated 18+ sessions so adults can enjoy the space as well. While our programs are designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind, everyone is welcome to visit and experience our center."
Lovallo encouraged families to reserve their sessions through the center's website to guarantee availability.
As the center continues to grow, Lovallo and Parkins plan to add more programs, social groups and educational workshops for parents and caregivers, Lovallo said.
Press materials note the organization is committed to building a stronger, more accessible community through play and supports its mission, in part, through the Community Access Fund.
"We are a nonprofit organization," Lovallo said, "so donations are essential in helping us continue our mission and keep our doors open."
Since opening earlier this month, the community's response to the center has been incredibly positive, according to Lovallo.
"We've had parents become emotional because they are so grateful to finally have a place where their children and families feel welcomed, accepted and understood," Lovallo said. "Seeing families feel comfortable and supported has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey."
Overall, Lovallo said it feels amazing to finally open the doors to the center and watch families enjoy the space she and Parkins worked so hard to create.
"Seeing children smile, play and feel successful in an environment designed just for them," Lovallo said, "makes all of the hard work worthwhile."
More information about Sensory Play Center and its programs .
No injuries were reported, and the house is currently uninhabitable, the fire department said.SHELTON, Conn. — A Shelton house fire Sunday morning displaced three residents and a dog, fire officials said.No injuries were reported after the fire at the single-story ranch home on Day Break Lane, which is currently uninhabitable, according to the Shelton Fire Department.Firefighters were sent at 9:20 a.m. to the house fire and arrived to find flames showing from three windows of the home.As firefighters entered...
No injuries were reported, and the house is currently uninhabitable, the fire department said.
SHELTON, Conn. — A Shelton house fire Sunday morning displaced three residents and a dog, fire officials said.
No injuries were reported after the fire at the single-story ranch home on Day Break Lane, which is currently uninhabitable, according to the Shelton Fire Department.
Firefighters were sent at 9:20 a.m. to the house fire and arrived to find flames showing from three windows of the home.
As firefighters entered the home, the Shelton Fire Department said they faced high heat and "significant hoarding conditions." Some worked to clear a path to get to the flames inside, while additional firefighters entered through windows to search for any residents.
Firefighters extinguished the flames and determined no one was inside the home, the fire department said. A neighbor also told fire crews that all of the home's residents were accounted for in his house across the street.
Crews worked at the scene for just over an hour.
The fire marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire.
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Galbi is a sleek new Korean barbecue and steakhouse in Shelton that bills itself as “Vegas style.” It features nightclub-style lighting and a DJ booth and serves a collection of Korean delicacies alongside top-end — and pricey — Kobe beef and dry-aged steak offerings.I visited after seeing the restaurant featured in videos made by a number of local social media influencers. I found a unique vibe with steak offerings that were strong alongside an app and cocktail menu that leaned toward the standard side....
Galbi is a sleek new Korean barbecue and steakhouse in Shelton that bills itself as “Vegas style.” It features nightclub-style lighting and a DJ booth and serves a collection of Korean delicacies alongside top-end — and pricey — Kobe beef and dry-aged steak offerings.
I visited after seeing the restaurant featured in videos made by a number of local social media influencers. I found a unique vibe with steak offerings that were strong alongside an app and cocktail menu that leaned toward the standard side.
Let’s start with what worked. Going to Galbi is an experience, and everything from the red-hued lighting and nightclub decor to the stoves at each table where steak and other meats are cooked adds to that experience. The menu is split into sections with sushi offerings as well as Korean appetizers and a barbecue/steak section. Items ordered from the barbecue section
are re-cooked at your table on one of those aforementioned grills built into each table. I had two worries when I saw this. First, I worried I might have to assist with the cooking process, a horrifying prospect that I have heard occurs at some restaurants. Second, I wondered if having a chef at the table would be distracting and interfere with the conversation. Thankfully, both concerns proved unfounded. The chef cooks your meal at your table but isn’t there for very long, and it’s actually fun to watch the meat you’re eating being prepared. Speaking of that, the two I ordered were excellent. The Japanese Wagyu chuck lived up to this variety of beef’s buttery and tender marbling, though at $68 for 6 ounces, this is not something I can get often — and it was one of the less expensive beef offerings. The bulgogi (boneless beef short rib) was more affordable at $38 and also a strong option. These meats are accompanied by a variety of Korean side dishes, including kimchi and rice. This melding of the Korean BBQ experience and a steakhouse is clearly what the restaurant is all about, and I would order from the BBQ-steak portion of the menu exclusively on return visits.
Meanwhile, the appetizer sampler I tried was less unique. The steamed dumplings were uninspiring. The Korean chicken wings were good but lacked the juicy tenderness and crispiness of my favorite Korean-style chicken wings. Better was the sweet and salty fried shrimp, but these still fell into what I consider the average range. Meanwhile, the two drinks I tried were also a bit disappointing. I tried a bourbon and mezcal-powered drink called the Last Samurai and a Moscow Mule riff called Tito’s Gochujung Mule. Neither was booze-forward enough and seemed perhaps focused on the young 20s crowd, who I imagine come to this restaurant on late nights. Even though Galbi is expensive overall, its cocktails were surprisingly affordable, ranging between $12 and $13 dollars.
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The restaurant is owned by Chef Simon Chen and his wife Elaine, who is the restaurant’s general manager. They opened in March, after closing a previous restaurant called Gogi Korean Steakhouse & Sushi in Westport. Their new restaurant definitely offers a different experience than most other restaurants in the state and is even distinct from other Korean barbecue spots that I’ve been to. For that reason, Galbi is worth checking out, particularly for fans of new dining experiences.
785 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton
203-557-8626
galbisteakhouse.com/
203-877-1377
