AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There were a few bumps in the road, but we have hit the jackpot with two of our caregivers. Melissa Pericas and Jordene have been amazing! My mother has been struggling with having strangers in her home and letting someone else take care of her husband, but these two lovely women have melded into the family and put her completely at ease. They are both very experienced and are doing and amazing job. My mom is able to put the caregiving into their capable hands and focus on being his wife and spend valuable time with him. These ladies both deserve 5 stars!! I rated the agency with 4 stars because we had some scheduling issues in the beginning and had one caregiver that was problematic, but he was removed from our schedule as soon as I reported the issue.”

Sherry D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”

t M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and us with this transition process. She has been wonderful explaining everything. If we had questions or just needed to talk about what is going on with the parents she was there to help. She goes above and beyond. She has help us tremendously. I feel blessed for having Cynthia during this time. Our family would like to say thank you for everything. We couldn't have done it without her.”

Deborah M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is what we call her. Shay is a life saver without her I'll be running like a chicken with my head cut off. She has stepped in and saved the day numerous times between changing her schedule to work with ours, to even making sure Steve visits his wife grave. We appreciate her please don't take her from us steve would be devastated. She's amazing”

Stephanie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They are very hospitable and provide a wide range of job and in various locations. They communicate these job very well and make access to these opportunities easy. I definately like working for them.”

Jardene R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with ABC has been great. My current caregiver Tashaya S. Is helpful and quick”

Virginia C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I enjoy my job , I love the flexible hours :)”

Zhane C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The caregivers talk with me. I like that the caregivers clean for me.”

Walter S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC has been very supportive in providing excellent caregivers to take care of my 96 year old father. It’s been a very good experience working with them over the past few months. Responsive and flexible in covering last minute requests. We are also blessed to have Ginny as our full time day caregiver and Mike for overnight. Both are very passionate about the care they give and do a terrific job. We have no worries when they are with dad. They care for him as if he was their own and it means a great deal to my family. They go above and beyond our expectations. We are more than grateful for their assistance.”

Donna M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My uncle needed support-fast! Cynthia’s assistance helped him weigh his options and make the transition from home to assisted living in surprisingly quick fashion. In addition, she suggested vendors and agencies to help support and manage the distribution of his belongings. We are forever grateful.”

Deborah S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Nothing in particular. Generally, I get people who are good people, most of the people they send are okay and I have had 2 or 3 people who were bad. I have someone now who is good and I have had some people who were not good from the agency. Some of them need to be more thorough.”

Anonymous_7278
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great company to work with, flexible and reasonable. Always involved and available as well as continued contact from beginning to end of service. The caregiver we had was amazing and devoted as well as super knowledgeable and driven to not only care but to rehabilitate . I would recommend them to anyone in need without hesitation.”

Kevin A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC was a great care giving company to work with. If there were issues, they were corrected quickly by the office staff and the aides my mother had were kind and caring. Kudos to everyone!”

Rich R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great company to work with, flexible and reasonable. Always involved and available as well as continued contact from beginning to end of service. The caregiver we had was amazing and devoted as well as super knowledgeable and driven to not only care but to rehabilitate . I would recommend them to anyone in need without hesitation.”

KJA511
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TESTIMONIALS

“She talks with her while I go to appointment and if there is a problem. I would recommend because it provides companionship.”

Connie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They've boosted my husband's spirits and his wellbeing. We've had two people, and they're absolutely incredible.”

George G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My Mom started requiring 24x7 care 2 years ago and her primary aid was attentive to her needs and treated her with dignity and respect. She would often call my Mom her "Queen". They always provided advanced notice whenever the aid needed time off and was responsive to questions and concerns. I don't know what we would have done if not for ABC and its services.”

KBPells
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TESTIMONIALS

“If my back is hurting, the aid will do everything I need. She takes me to every one of my appointments. I would recommend this agency because the people that have cared for me have all been great people, and they are willing to do everything for me.”

Andrew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The client feels comfortable with the provider. I like that they are attentive to the patient.”

Domenico B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The first time you send an aid to someone, send a list of expected duties the aid is supposed to do. I like that they always offer a fill in care giver. They always make sure I have an aid when I am supposed to have one.”

Barry P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My Mom started only requiring part time care due to her cancer but as it progressed, we needed around the clock care. The aides were always extremely helpful and kind to my Mom and when we needed care 24x7 our aide was Na who was here for my Mom day in and day out. In a six month period she had only taken two days off where we needed coverage which Always Best took care of for us. Na was just wonderful and my Mom loved her and everything she had done to comfort her. I also appreciated everything Na had done for my Mom and to have an aide as dedicated to my Mom was critical in my eyes. I would also like to thank their entire office they always worked with me and were always available whenever I needed anything. Thank you Always best Care, my Mom couldn't have been treated any better!!!”

kevinRK
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TESTIMONIALS

“I deal with Deanna, and I can ask her to do what I need without question. I like that they're prompt.”

Gilmay L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Tommico, she makes my bed, she helps me with cleaning my floors cleans my bathroom, and she really does a nice job. They try hard to get caregivers and the right care to have someone here for me.”

Barbara K.
 In-Home Care Branford, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Branford, CT work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Branford, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

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

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Branford, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Branford, CT gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Branford, CT

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Branford,CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Branford, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Branford, CT

In Branford: HealthTech Park to Become First-of-its-Kind Healthcare Innovation Hub in CT

Ryan Companies US Inc., a commercial real estate firm, shared this conceptual design to develop HealthTech Park in Branford on 120 acres stretching between Route 1/East Main Street (on a portion of the former Bittersweet Farm property) and the I-95 corridor. The project is currently in co-development. A master site plan, once developed, will require approval from Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Ryan Companies and CT-based Henrich Partners LLC are co-developing the project with landowners Belfonti Companies LLC and A. Secondi...

Ryan Companies US Inc., a commercial real estate firm, shared this conceptual design to develop HealthTech Park in Branford on 120 acres stretching between Route 1/East Main Street (on a portion of the former Bittersweet Farm property) and the I-95 corridor. The project is currently in co-development. A master site plan, once developed, will require approval from Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Ryan Companies and CT-based Henrich Partners LLC are co-developing the project with landowners Belfonti Companies LLC and A. Secondino & Son Inc. Local and regional expertise is being provided through community partnerships with the Town of Branford, BioCT, the Department of Economic Community Development and other departments within the State of Connecticut. Image Courtesy Ryan Companies

Press Release, Ryan Companies

April 20, 2023: Work is underway to develop HealthTech Park, a 120-acre parcel of land along Interstate 95 in Branford. The medical and life sciences development is expected to deliver a diverse environment that will cater to the region’s fastest growing life science communities, while appealing to the state’s globally recognized healthcare industry.

“What we’re looking to develop on this site is extremely unique. There is a significant focus on embracing the natural elements of the property—preserving the trees, streams, views—to create a place where businesses can thrive within islands of nature,” said Connor Lewis, vice president of real estate development, Ryan Companies. “HealthTech Park will shine as a beacon for the Town of Branford and Connecticut, as well as across the country as a leading example of a healthcare and life sciences-centric development.”

Located along the region’s most active throughfare, I-95, HealthTech Park will offer convenience to other major financial and life sciences hubs throughout the Northeast. Being centrally located between Boston and New York City presents boundless opportunities for growth in healthcare, life sciences and technology. The anticipated 500,000+-square-foot park will offer doctors, researchers and innovators a unique and modern state-of-the-art space set in the area’s natural environment of trees, creeks and walking paths. Immersed in nature, each building will provide expansive views, optimal layout flexibility and inspiring shared spaces to encourage conversations and an enjoyable daily experience for those who work and receive care at HealthTech Park.

“Branford has enjoyed the notoriety and reputation of being a go-to town for science, research and technology since the 1980s,” said First Selectman James Cosgrove, Town of Branford. “The town offers a healthy infrastructure for development; accessibility by road, rail, sea and air; and low tax rates. As life sciences continues to gain notable traction, Branford will continue to build on its reputation with HealthTech Park.”

“The growing population in New Haven and the Connecticut shoreline comes with an urgency and opportunities to shape real estate environments for the future of health care,” said Chris Ostop, JLL Connecticut managing director. “As the healthcare landscape evolves, real estate and facilities have gained new importance in value-based care delivery, and HealthTech Park’s Class A medical office space presents a unique opportunity for the region’s premier hospitals, medical groups, and the growing life science ecosystem, to gain a competitive advantage while, most importantly, improving patient outcomes for a growing population.”

Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Connecticut-based Henrich Partners LLC are co-developing the project with landowners Belfonti Companies LLC and A. Secondino & Son Inc. Community partnerships consisting of regional and local expertise including the Town of Branford, BioCT, the Department of Economic Community Development and other departments within the State of Connecticut will all play critical roles in bringing HealthTech Park to life.

Ryan A+E Inc., the design studio of Ryan, will lead the site master planning and architectural design, while Ryan also manages the construction with the support of its local partners. The project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for trade professionals during construction, as well as countless opportunities in healthcare, life sciences and biotech once it’s completed.

How Much Does Hiring A Plumber Cost In Branford?

From leaky faucets to burst pipes, hiring a Thumbtack professional is the fast and easy way to handle all your plumbing needs.Thumbtack, Brand PartnerAs a homeowner, plumbing probably doesn’t cross your mind much until there’s a problem. But when your faucet won’t stop dripping, your toilet is clogged or a burst pipe causes flooding, ...

From leaky faucets to burst pipes, hiring a Thumbtack professional is the fast and easy way to handle all your plumbing needs.

Thumbtack, Brand Partner

As a homeowner, plumbing probably doesn’t cross your mind much until there’s a problem. But when your faucet won’t stop dripping, your toilet is clogged or a burst pipe causes flooding, finding a plumber to come to the rescue quickly is an absolute necessity. Fortunately, Thumbtack, a home services app used by millions, has Branford residents covered.

Thumbtack connects homeowners with local professionals, including top-rated plumbers. When you need a plumbing professional to repair faulty fixtures, clear drain blockages, replace damaged pipes, or handle any other plumbing need, Thumbtack makes it simple to find and hire a plumber in the Branford area.

Stubborn clogs in sinks, toilets, or showers can eventually lead to pipe and drain issues. Plumbers have specialized tools to repair drains, clear blockages and ensure water flows freely. The average cost of plumbing drain repair in Hartford is $351.74, according to data obtained by Thumbtack.*

Once your plumbing needs are handled, you can use Thumbtack to connect with other pros in the Branford area to complete virtually any home task. You can hire a house cleaner, electrician, landscaper, and more to help you tackle that to-do list.

Each professional on Thumbtack has a profile, allowing you to read reviews, see how many times they’ve been hired by others, and see how long they’ve been in business. You can contact pros and request free cost estimates, allowing you to compare prices and choose the professional that best fits your budget.

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

Whether you need services from a plumber or any other professional in the Branford area, Thumbtack is the way to go.

*Pricing data is based on projects requested on Thumbtack in the past 24 months as reported directly by the independent service professional or individual consumer. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.

French-Born Restaurateur Reflects on First Year Since Opening Otoulouse in Branford

BRANFORD – Born and raised in Toulouse, France, Christophe Santos spent decades developing his palate for French cuisine, leading to him opening his first restaurant in October – Otoulouse.As the restaurant’s one-year anniversary approaches, Santos said he hopes it becomes a staple for Branford residents and a destination for people looking for fine French dining.Located at the corner of East Main and Chestnut streets, Otoulouse sits behind a richly dressed garden and brick path. Flowering plants like hibiscus...

BRANFORD – Born and raised in Toulouse, France, Christophe Santos spent decades developing his palate for French cuisine, leading to him opening his first restaurant in October – Otoulouse.

As the restaurant’s one-year anniversary approaches, Santos said he hopes it becomes a staple for Branford residents and a destination for people looking for fine French dining.

Located at the corner of East Main and Chestnut streets, Otoulouse sits behind a richly dressed garden and brick path. Flowering plants like hibiscus grow prominently.

“I always worked for somebody else, and we decided to try it for ourselves,” said Santos, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Rachelle. “We chose Branford because we live in Branford. We think it’s a nice town, and so far they’ve been treating us pretty well.”

Santos said food is the foundation of French culture.

“In France, both my grandmas were really good cooks,” he said. “My mom’s mother used to do a lot of catering, big meals for weddings. My mom, she’s a really good cook. My dad used to be a really good cook. It’s in our DNA. Even if you don’t cook, you live in it. In France, it’s the base of our society.”

After working his way through kitchens in France since age 16, Santos decided to take a chance on the United States. He moved to Connecticut in 2004 and got his first stateside job at Union League Cafe in New Haven. He then helped a friend open a restaurant in Boston in 2008 before returning to France in 2010.

Santos and his family returned to the U.S. in 2014, where he continued working in restaurants until deciding it was time to open a place of his own.

“I was in charge of a lot of things,” Santos said. “Over the years, first you learn the technique – how to handle knives, how to do different kinds of cuts, how to butcher meat, fish. Then you learn the other part, which is creating recipes, ordering, being in charge of all kinds of things. Once I felt like I could do it for myself, we decided to do it when I was feeling comfortable and capable.”

When discussing the possibility of opening a restaurant, Santos said he was more nervous about it than his wife.

“I don’t think she was nervous,” he said. “I think I was the one who was most nervous. I knew how hard it can be. Physically, mentally, it could be difficult.”

The menu at Otoulouse reflects Santos’ French roots, offering classic dishes like vol au vent d’escargot, and magret de canard à l’orange, ju corse – or duck à l’orange.

Some recipes at Otoulouse are also inspired by Santos’ mother.

“I stole a lot of recipes from my mom, and I use them every day to do what it is I want to do,” he said.

A popular dish at Otoulouse – and one of Santos’ favorites – is lamb shank.

“We cook it for about seven hours,” he said. “It takes time. Anything that takes time is always better. Patience is the key to success.”

Whenever possible, Santos said, he will source locally for his ingredients.

“We’re working on a tomato salad,” he said, which comes with manchego cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

“I buy them from the Guilford Country Farms II,” he said of the tomatoes for the salad. “Corn, tomatoes, all kinds of vegetables. Anything I can find on the farm, I’ll buy some.”

One thing to notice on the menu, he said, is that the side dish for each entrée is never listed.

“I don’t write down what’s going to be served with it,” he said. “I can change the vegetables any time I want. Lately it’s sliced potatoes, basically like a gratin with no cream, just chicken stock and onion confit. It’s very nice.”

Along with local products, Santos said he likes to buy organic as well.

“We try to work with a really good product,” he said. “The cod is wild. The Scottish salmon is organic. The mussels are organic.”

Rachelle said her favorite dishes include the duck, the pan seared scallops and, on a cold day, the New York strip steak.

“The cream peppercorn sauce – it’s rich, but not heavy,” she said of the steak dish. “It goes along super well with the French fries.”

Like the rotating sides served with entrees, the menu changes regularly, so there are rarely specials on the menu.

“I’ve already changed the menu for the summer twice,” Santos said. “If I find something that I’m really interested in, I’ll run a special. Since we’re changing the menu often, you’ll get a new dish on the menu.”

For people looking to end their meal with a dessert, the chocolate mousse and flan au caramel are favorites, as well as a new dessert – peach melba.

“It’s poached peach in vanilla syrup and we serve it with vanilla ice cream, a little bit of chantilly and sliced almonds and berry sauce,” he said.

Santos said he’s working to make his customers as happy as possible.

“I really want to be open in the next 10 years,” he said.

Branford 2023 football preview: Florio, Snider lead battle-tested Hornets on another playoff run

Master list: CT high school football season previews 2023BRANFORD[Vitals][They're Here][Reason to Cheer]Branford is on a roll as a program, having reached the state playoffs the last two seasons.[Reason to Fear]The Hornets were still just 5-5 last year... and now they're playing in SCC Tier II.[The Bo...

Master list: CT high school football season previews 2023

BRANFORD

[Vitals]

[They're Here]

[Reason to Cheer]

Branford is on a roll as a program, having reached the state playoffs the last two seasons.

[Reason to Fear]

The Hornets were still just 5-5 last year... and now they're playing in SCC Tier II.

[The Bottom Line]

Coming off a year in which it was two points away from reaching the state final, Branford was expected to be in the thick of another playoff fight last year. That turned out to be correct, but not in the way the Hornets might have liked.

When top back Nate Cheiffo was lost for the year in the season opener, Branford struggled to a 2-5 start. Yet, the Hornets rallied to win their final three games to finish 5-5.

In previous years, the Hornets would have taken that momentum into the offseason. But the CIAC's expanded playoffs resulted in a weak Class M field, and Branford actually qualifed with a .500 record, the the first to do so in CIAC history.

The Hornets hung tough with unbeaten Berlin, but ultimately lost to the eventual Class M runners up by 10 points.

Beacuse of their recent success, Branford have now moved up to SCC Tier II, giving it dates with teams like Xavier and Hand for the first in a long time.

Luckily for Branford, a significant number of key players return to, once again, prove the Hornets belong.

Nate Florio and Cole Snider, who stepped up for the injured Chieffo, return at running back. Florio rushed for over 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns whiile Snider rushed for over 300 yards and six touchdowns.

Even better for them, the Hornets have four offensive lineman with starting experience, led by three-year starter Ryan Jones. Limone said it is a hardworking group with a lot of upside.

Quarterback is a different story. Senior Billy Clapp, junior Scott Penner and sophomore Shiloh Williams are competing to replace Zach Turbert. None of them attempted a varsity pass last year.

Jones, a three-year starter on the defensive line, leads a talented group on defense, Limone said. Snider and Jeter Decusati saw significant time at linebacker. Florio and Akiel Lomotey lead the secondary.

The Hornets have a managable schedule the first month of the season, that is, until they face Hamden, a Class LL playoff qualifier last year, in Week 4. That's followed by (in order) Xavier, Sheehan and Hand. That's tough, but if Class M continues to be as forgiving as it was last year, Branford has some room for error.

[2023 Schedule]

** Division game * Conference game @ CT HS Alliance game

Patch Candidate Profile: Shawn Tiernan, Branford Board of Education

Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, shares why he's running for a seat on the Board of Education.BRANFORD, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Branford and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.Branford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, is running for a seat on the Board of Education....

Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, shares why he's running for a seat on the Board of Education.

BRANFORD, CT —The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Branford and there are plenty of local races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Branford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Shawn Tiernan, 63, of Branford, is running for a seat on the Board of Education.

Education.

I attended St. Mary’s Grammar School here in Branford, then went to Branford High School where I graduated in 1977. I received a BA from Hampshire College in 1981, and a JD degree (with honors) from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1986.

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

What is your occupation?

I’ve been an attorney for 37 years, virtually all of that time working as an Assistant Public Defender in the Connecticut Superior Court until my retirement last year.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife Cheryl and I have been happily married for 28 years. She is a physical therapist working in home care in the area.

We have two adult Children. Our son earned his CPA this year and is working for a large accounting firm in Philadelphia. Our daughter graduated from college this year and is presently seeking a PhD in chemistry at Dartmouth College. Both of them attended Branford Public Schools and greatly benefitted from their time in our school system.

And I am a part of a large and accomplished extended family, the middle child of five. The Tiernans moved to Branford in 1961, and we all attended Branford Public Schools. My mother and my late father instilled in us the importance of public service, and I think we’ve all lived up to that.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My brother, Chuck Tiernan, was elected the Probate Judge for Branford and North Branford last year.

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

No. I’ve worked over my lifetime to get people elected to various offices, but this is my first time running for anything.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I care about Branford and I care about Branford education. Our town's education system has given me, my siblings, and my children so much and now I have the time to give back. Serving on the board is a volunteer position but a complex and compelling one. I believe I have the experience, expertise and energy to maintain Branford’s excellence in education.

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

In Branford education, the most pressing issue facing my constituents is how we maintain the high standards that the school system has set for itself. As a member of the Board of Education, I would be contributing my efforts towards that goal—working on hiring and retaining great teachers and staff, looking out for the needs of all kids, and providing a learning environment that is stable and secure.

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

We’re all very different people—all six of us. It’s a testament to the variety and diversity of Branford that so many different choices are available to the voters. I respect that all of us running care about kids and care about Branford.

I think if I’m bringing something unique to this election, it is perspective—the perspective of having decades of interaction with the Branford School system. I’ve spent my whole life in Branford. My siblings and I all went to Branford High. My own kids have been through the Branford School system (and are much the better for it). I know where we’ve been, and I can appreciate what we’ve achieved over time to create a great school system, and what’s needed to keep it going forward.

And my career has given me enormous perspective on the societal issues that teachers and staff address in schools on a regular basis, and how to deal with them.

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

Not applicable.

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

Branford has been largely immune from the culture wars that have plagued school boards across America. Branford has always kept its eye on the ball, simply focusing on giving every kid a great education. I’d like to keep it that way.

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

Being a public defender for 32 years involved dealing with a lot of damaged adults who would have benefitted from a better young life. I gained an enormous appreciation of the importance of the start everyone gets in life, the importance of stability, security, support, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from your mistakes without lifelong consequences. Providing a great education doesn’t just help our kids, it’s really critical to society as a whole.

And anybody who knows me knows I’m someone with a broad range of interests who has always craved knowledge about pretty much everything. I got my first library card at the Blackstone Library in 1967, and I’ve renewed it ever since. To me, education is everything.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

We’re all equal. No task is beneath you. Work hard and don’t be a show off.

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

I want your kids to succeed, and I’ll devote myself to making that happen.

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