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 the historic Cheshire Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cheshire, 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.
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael,”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. ”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. ”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on”
“We are 3 weeks into working with this agency for homecare for my dad. There”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting”
“Cynthia Montano is the amazing from Always Best Care. Cynthia has helped my parents and”
“I just want to thank ABC agency for allowing us our angel giver which is”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have been wonderful to work with, they sent us Michael, Michael has now been caring for my Dad for a few months now, totally reliable and such a peace of mind for the family that he's there. Dad just loves him. I don't think we could have found a better fit for Dad. Michael cares about Dad as if he was family. Thank you for making this time in Dad's life so much happier and giving his family such peace of mind. Linda Lee”
“Five stars is not enough to recommend the service Always Best Care provides!! Our situation was quite desperate when I contacted them to provide a live in care giver for my mother in law. Denise, more than understood our situation when I called. I contacted ABC earlier in the day and by evening, she was at my mother in law’s home and matched us with a wonderful care giver! Rosina immediately bonded with my mother in law!! The professionalism and compassion Rosina showed was beyond measure. She never left her side and kept us well informed as my mother in law was unfortunately and quickly approaching end of life…..Rosina even stayed with us through the process as my mother in law left her home one last time…….Much Appreciation from The Cotrona Family!!”
“A sincere, heartfelt "thank you" to Sky and Ruth and the team at ABC. Sky and Ruth were amazing, patient, kind, and caring with my father during a very difficult time at the end of his life. I know my dad appreciated it, and the entire family says a big "THANK YOU" for the tremendous care that you provided. Having your help made things so much easier on my mother and the family.”
“Outstanding organization and staff! I have had the privilege to work with Cynthia Montano and to witness the care, attention and professionalism she provides to her clients. Cynthia represents her company with pride and truly provides services to her clients with their needs above all else. Anyone in need of services for their loved one will be fortunate, pleased and grateful to work with Cynthia Montano and Always Best Care.”
“I would like to say how wonderful Carol May is with my uncle. She is very caring and understanding with my 94 year old single uncle. Not an easy job , but she is able to help him in so many ways. Carol is very reliable, trust worthy, and compassionate. We are lucky to have her! I would also like to give Tia in the office a huge compliment! She is really on her game if an issue comes up she is on top of things. It is hard to find good help, she foresee problems and handles things efficiently. Our experience has been very positive!”
“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that we so much appreciate Yolanda. She comes to our home weekly for light cleaning and she is a breath of fresh air. Every Friday she brightens our home with her presence. Yolanda also does a wonderful job taking care Of our home. Please let her know how much we appreciate her. Brad Nelson”
“I’m leaving a five star review for Nellie. She is the most caring caregiver I have ever worked with my husband is disabled and she is so kind and treats him and both of us like family. She makes sure he eats properly cleans, and spend special time with my husband. You are very, very lucky to have such a great worker I know because I work with other agencies for my mother and you can’t find someone who cares for someone like Nellie does. She should be recognized and rewarded for her efforts. She is never late never calls and is always positive and friendly. I look forward to seeing her every day and consider her family, thank you Beth and Scott Albertson”
“I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone looking to set up home care for their loved ones. Within 1 hour of initial contact, Denise was at my home to gain an understanding of my needs. The very next day, Sharon began working with me and I couldn't be more pleased. Sharon is friendly and helpful and I will miss her now that I no longer need home care services. If you are looking for a home care agency that assures skilled aides and good communication and oversight, look no further than Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care has been wonderful to work with , very prompt and responsive. Angela , my mom's home health aid has been so patient and caring - just what we were hoping and looking for! Would highly recommend!!”
“We had the most wonderful experience with Always Best Care. Cynthia was an answer to our prayers ????”
“I am so appreciative for the time, patience, and insight that Cynthia Montano provided to my brother and me in helping us transition our mother from independent to assisted living. Cynthia educated us about the various “models” of assisted living communities in an effort to ascertain the appropriate level of support required for our mom. She was sensitive to finances and lifestyle preference. Cynthia has a network of relationships among assisted living facilities, and always did hands on research before presenting us with options to tour. She is truly a professional. Cynthia has generously made herself available to brainstorm, as we begin to think about eventual next steps. Thank you, Cynthia.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help me out a lot and things I can't do, they help me. I like that they are prompt and always on time.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“This review is for Bernadette. She is exceptionally competent. You can feel how caring she is for her patient and for the entire family. Self directed.”
“We are very happy with my sister's companion, Anne Sumner, and the services that Always Best Care provides!”
“Tosha, There are no words accurately quantify my family’s appreciation for you. You are undoubtedly the kindest, caring, compassionate competent care giver there is. You’ve treated my father and my whole family with a loving heart. We will forever be grateful for making this difficult time easier. We love having you a part of our family.”
“I am a current client of this provider His caregiver is wonderful. She helps keep him from being depressed and she's always asking if he took his medications. I would like to see more consistent communication.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped us the most by always calling and checking in on us. I like that they're always able to find someone for us.”
“I am a current client of this provider When my caregiver was sick or going on vacation, they reached out to me. I like their caregivers they send.”
“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.”
“Our caregiver Anne Sumner is more than a passionate, compassionate, caring, dependable and dedicated professional. She quickly became a family member and friend.”
“I am a current client of this provider He is very difficult, but he is getting better. He is happier than he has ever been. I like that they are very responsive.”
“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.”
“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”
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 Roaring Brook Park 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 Butcher Bros Steakhouse or visit Castle Craig, 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 Cheshire, 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 Cheshire, 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 Cheshire, 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.
CHESHIRE, Conn. – As a Cheshire High School sophomore, Jenica Matos threw three no-hitters last season before the Rams squared off against their archrival, Southington High School, in a Connecticut Class LL State Championship semifinal game last June. One of those no-hitters came at the expense of the Blue Knights, so they were focused heading into the game, but Matos nearly repeated her performance, yielded just one hit while striking out 13 to help Cheshire win 4-0.A few days later, Chesire lost the state champi...
CHESHIRE, Conn. – As a Cheshire High School sophomore, Jenica Matos threw three no-hitters last season before the Rams squared off against their archrival, Southington High School, in a Connecticut Class LL State Championship semifinal game last June. One of those no-hitters came at the expense of the Blue Knights, so they were focused heading into the game, but Matos nearly repeated her performance, yielded just one hit while striking out 13 to help Cheshire win 4-0.
A few days later, Chesire lost the state championship game to Fairfield Ludlowe, 3-2 in 10 innings, but Matos sparkled again as she threw 191 pitches, allowed just three hits and recorded 16 strikeouts.
Not bad for a young woman who is legally blind.
In 2018, after her 10-year-old daughter complained that her vision was fuzzy, Becky Matos took Jenica to a local eye doctor to have her vision checked. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the doctor felt the girl needed glasses and fit her for them. However, as days and weeks passed, Becky Matos noticed her daughter was striking out a lot, and her maternal intuition told her something was wrong.
"We took her back to the eye doctor, and this time the doctor was like, 'Can I check the back of her eyes?'" Becky Matos said. "We're like, 'Yeah, sure, do what you've got to do.'"
The local eye doctor ran tests, got the results and sent them to doctors at nearby Yale New Haven Hospital for a second opinion. Henri Matos, Jenica's father, got the call and immediately reached out to his wife.
"He called me and said, 'I need to take her to Yale, like, now. Today,'" Becky Matos recalled.
After a battery of tests, doctors determined that Jenica Matos has a rare genetic disorder called Stargardt disease. It is linked to a mutation in the ABCA4 gene, which is responsible for making proteins that remove toxic substances from the retina. In people with Stargardt disease, fatty deposits and material form over time on a small part of the retina called the macula, which is used for sharp, central vision. As the deposits enlarge or grow in number, central vision gets blurrier, sensitivity to bright light often develops, and dark areas form in a person's central vision.
There is no treatment or cure for Stargardt disease, and while estimates on the number of people in the United States who have it vary, according to the Cleveland Clinic, the number is between 30,000 and 200,000.
"We left after everything and I went to my mom's house and just broke down," Becky Matos said. "I was like, 'I don't know what to do.' I came home and talked to Henri, and we just cried."
"It started getting blurrier when I was 11 or so," Jenica Matos said. "When I was maybe 13, I really couldn't see. Since I was 13, I think it got like a little bit worse, but right now, it's steady."
Today, Matos is legally blind but does not see a world of black or total darkness. If you talk with her, she looks at you, but even faces across a kitchen table are somewhat blurry. She can't clearly see someone standing 5 or 6 feet away, and while contact lenses help, they don't fix the problem.
"It just like, it goes from everything being blurry to being more clear, but if there is a sign somewhere, I can't really read it," she explained. "But without them, everything just looks like a big blur and the colors kind of blend."
Matos turned 17 on April 17, but her vision will prevent her from ever having a driver's license, and she can't read the whiteboard at the front of the classroom. Her teachers often provide her with notes she can copy and study.
While Matos can't see home plate when she is standing in the pitcher’s circle, she can find the strike zone with her fastball, which reaches speeds up to 64 mph. For context, that translates to a baseball pitcher throwing in the low 90s.
In addition to playing for Cheshire High School, Matos plays for a travel team, the Empire State Huskies 16U National, and has competed in events as far from New England as Colorado, Florida and Georgia. At 5 feet, 6 inches tall, she is not as physically imposing as some pitchers, but Matos is powerful and intense on the mound, with her sunglasses – which she wears rain or shine – giving her an imposing presence.
"She's a competitor, and she's a thinking competitor," said Kristine Drust, Cheshire's head softball coach. "She truly does seek out the game within the game to beat her opponents. When you see her, you will see that she is a gritty, gritty competitor."
Drust said that while she and her coaching staff could make defensive accommodations for Matos' vision, that hasn't been necessary.
"She's a great defensive player, she really is, and I wish that we could all really understand what she sees and how she sees it. But she does, and she gets it done," Drust said. "We have never, ever found any holes in how she fields her position on the mound."
Matos only needs two accommodations in order to pitch. First, her catcher needs to have a chest protector and glove that are in contrasting colors. To make sure that happens, the family bought a white chest protector and brings it to games because most catcher's gloves are black or dark brown.
Last season, Cheshire's catcher had a white chest protector and a white glove, which necessitated some creativity. "We colored in the webbing of her glove with a black Sharpie," Matos said.
The second thing Matos needs is a way to get pitching signals from her coaches. Ordinarily, catchers relay signals and information on what pitch to throw, but Matos can't tell how many fingers her catcher may be flashing, so once again, Matos's coaches have used some creativity.
"Coach Kelly (Brenner-Hennessey, Cheshire's pitching coach) also wears a black coat or black clothes, and she wears a neon winter glove," Drust said. "That's how she signals the signs to the catcher and Jenica."
Starting in January, when she plays for the Empire State Huskies, Matos and her coaches began using a high-tech watch.
"It's got a white screen with black lettering, and it'll say like 'FB Out' for fastball outside," Jenica explained, gesturing that she needs to hold the watch close to her eyes to read the notes. "It's kind of simple."
A high school sophomore who throws in the 60s, tosses three no-hitters and routinely collects double-digit strikeouts will get the attention of college softball coaches, but the Matos family was nervous about the recruiting process.
"I was kind of concerned that, like, colleges wouldn't look at me or take me because of (my condition)," said Jenica Matos, who is now a junior. "At the same time, I kind of wanted them to know, rather than not know, because if they knew and they still contacted me, then I'd know that it wouldn't bother them as much."
Drust, on the other hand, saw the challenges Matos faces and her track record of success as a positive—something that could attract coaches.
"I had concerns, but it was super important to get out to the public just how much success, even with some adversity, she was obtaining," Drust said. "In my conversations with the coaches that were recruiting her, that was a huge plus. Yes, she does have a disability, but to know how much grit, resiliency and success she has found. That is a player that every coach wants."
It turns out Drust's instincts were correct, and Matos had no reason to worry.
At midnight on Sept. 1, the moment college coaches could contact her, Matos started receiving text messages and emails.
"She went from 8 a.m. on Sept. 1 until like 8 or 9 at night talking to college coaches," Becky Matos said.
After being contacted and visiting schools such as Seton Hall, the University of Massachusetts and other northeastern colleges, on Nov. 3, Matos announced her verbal commitment to play college softball at St. John's University on X. Located on Long Island in Jamaica, New York, the Red Storm's campus is less than 100 miles from Matos' house.
"I want my parents to be able to come and see my games," she said.
For the last four years, Matos' central vision has not deteriorated as quickly as it has for others diagnosed with Stargardt disease. She gets her eyes checked routinely, and while Stargardt disease typically does not lead to complete blindness, that does not provide much comfort.
"I don't know if I'm going lose my vision or not," she said, sitting at her family's dinner table. "That's kind of hard."
Many things about Jenica Matos's future are out of her control, but with the winter's snow gone and her high school team’s season started, she is back in a place where she is in total control—the softball field.
"I want to get the Gatorade Player of the Year award," she said, referring to an all-sport honor bestowed every year on one athlete in every state. As lofty as that goal may seem, it's attainable. Matos was named to the Connecticut Class LL All-State team and was the Pitcher of the Year last season after posting a record of 21-2 while compiling 318 strikeouts in 156 2/3 innings.
As for her high school team, Matos wants the Rams to repeat as the Southern Connecticut Conference champions and win the state championship. Through April 29, the team was 11-1, with the lone loss to LaSalle Academy, a private school in Rhode Island. Cheshire is ranked No. 1 in the state.
On Monday, Cheshire defeated No. 4 Amity 1-0 in 11 innings, behind Matos' two-hitter with 25 strikeouts.
"Even though I have an eye disease, it doesn't really shape who I am as a player and a person," Matos said. "It's my talent and how hard I work. I don't get anything given to me because I have an eye disease. I actually work for it, and I love doing what I do, even if it's hard most of the time."
Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service. Amie Schaenzer, Patch StaffCheshire, Connecticut — Connecticut is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.This submission comes...
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Cheshire, Connecticut — Connecticut is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.
This submission comes from Amber Brucato who nominated Ava Hartunian of Connecticut.
If you know a student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured as a Star Student on Patch.
What is the star student’s name?
Ava Hartunian
What grade is the student in?
10th Grade
How do you know the star student?
Daughter
Tell us about your star student's accomplishments and why they deserve to be recognized on Patch!
My daughter is a Distinguished Honors Student, taking four AP classes, has been running both indoor and outdoor track & field, is the head electrical engineer on the MechaRams Robotics Team and plays the Clarinet and Saxophone in band & Jazz band. Ava also reads novels and fiction series all year with an extensive list of books that keeps getting longer! We are so proud of the hard work and dedication she puts into all the things she does.
What three words best describe your star student?
Determined, Dedicated and Conquerer
Keep up the great work, Ava Hartunian If you know an outstanding student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
The family-run farm had featured a produce market, pick-your-own fruit, along with hayrides, Christmas trees, and more.CHESHIRE, CT — Norton Brothers Fruit Farm in Cheshire has closed after nearly 270 years in business, according to a post on its website.“The Farm and Farm stand are Permanently Closed as of May 2025,” the post reads.The post did not include details on the closing.In a post ...
CHESHIRE, CT — Norton Brothers Fruit Farm in Cheshire has closed after nearly 270 years in business, according to a post on its website.
“The Farm and Farm stand are Permanently Closed as of May 2025,” the post reads.
The post did not include details on the closing.
In a post on Facebook at the end of the 2024 season, the owners indicated the farm would reopen in June.
“It’s the end of the year and we are now closed for the 2024 season,” reads the final post on the farm’s Facebook page on Dec. 26, 2024. “Thank you all so much for visiting the farm and supporting us, creating and sharing memories with us and enjoying the farm with us! It’s all of you that keeps us going and also what makes it so enjoyable for us! We’ll miss you all, but we will see you all in June when we re-open for the 2025 season!! We already can’t wait!! Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year and we’ll see you all again in June!!!”
The beloved family-run farm has featured a produce market, pick-your-own apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, blueberries and raspberries, along with hayrides and Christmas trees.
The farm, located at 466 Academy Road in Cheshire, has been run since 1757 by seven generations of the Norton and Perry family, according to the New Haven Register.
The family did not immediately return phone messages left at the number of the farm stand. It has been run since 1757 by seven generations of the Norton and Perry family at 466 Academy Road.Cheshire Assistant Town Manager Andrew Martelli said he had heard rumors that the farm was closing but had received no confirmation."I get notificat...
The family did not immediately return phone messages left at the number of the farm stand. It has been run since 1757 by seven generations of the Norton and Perry family at 466 Academy Road.
Cheshire Assistant Town Manager Andrew Martelli said he had heard rumors that the farm was closing but had received no confirmation.
"I get notifications of all property transfers" and so far, "no one has come in. There's been nothing that's crossed my desk," Martelli said. "As far as I'm concerned, it's just rumors right now."
A note on the website at NortonBrothersFruitFarm.com reads, "The Farm and Farm stand are permanently closed as of May 2025."
Norton Brothers operated on about 107 acres as of 2019, according to a UConn Extension online publication. It produced everything from apples, peaches, and pears to blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries — including 34 varieties of apples.
At least two residents had posted about the apparent closure on Cheshire Facebook pages — with dozens of responses to each.
"More houses — no more open space," wrote one resident on a post asking if anyone else had heard about the closure in The Original Cheshire CT Community Forum.
"This is so disappointing," wrote another resident.
"I've been taking the kids for pictures there in the fall since they were little," wrote another resident.
"So sorry to hear this," wrote another. "I will miss picking blueberries there. And their apple cider donuts were the best in town, in my opinion."
While Norton Brothers has been around as a farm for a very long time, it is not close to being the oldest farm in Connecticut. That title goes to Field View Farm in Orange, which has been a farm since 1639 — said to be the oldest continuously-operated farm in the United States.
Field View Farm, located on Route 34 off Grassy Hill Road, has been owned and run by members of the Hine family for 12 generations.
The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club will honor the winners at its 20th Annual "No 'I' in Team" High School Awards Banquet.Updated Thu, May 29, 2025 at 8:42 am ETCHESHIRE, CT — Cheshire’s Nick Giampietro will be among the 34 honorees to receive the John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” Award at the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club’s upcoming banquet.The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club, Inc., will hold its 20th Annual “No ‘I&rs...
Updated Thu, May 29, 2025 at 8:42 am ET
CHESHIRE, CT — Cheshire’s Nick Giampietro will be among the 34 honorees to receive the John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” Award at the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club’s upcoming banquet.
The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club, Inc., will hold its 20th Annual “No ‘I’ in Team” High School Awards Banquet on Sunday, June 8, at The Woodwinds in Branford. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with the speaking program and a buffet brunch to begin at 11 a.m.
Tickets to the 2025 SCDC “No ‘I’ in Team” luncheon are $50 per person and will only be sold in advance. Tickets can be purchased online here or by contacting Rose V. Mentone, Executive Director, at [email protected].
The SCDC, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization whose stated mission is to foster and promote the game of baseball in greater New Haven, will bestow upon a player from each of 34 area high schools the John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” Award.
The honor is named for Piurek, the longtime West Haven High School coach, Seattle Mariners scout, and Greater New Haven Baseball Umpires Association commissioner, and is tagged with one of his favorite phrases.
Honorees were selected jointly by their coaches and directors of athletics. While it was recommended schools choose a senior, they were free to recognize any player they felt gave most unselfishly to their team.
Winners represent the Southern Connecticut Conference (19), Shoreline Conference (5), Naugatuck Valley League (4), New England Private Schools Athletics Council (3), Central Connecticut Conference (2), and Connecticut Technical Conference (1)
The SCDC will also recognize its Teams of the Year and Coaches of the Year at the luncheon. Honorees will be announced later this week.
The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club redirects all net proceeds back to the local baseball community. To make a donation, visit the link above or donate via Venmo @SCDC-1.
The 2025 winners of the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club John “Whitey” Piurek “There’s No ‘I’ in Team” Award are:
Amity Regional – Carlo Lombardi
Ansonia – Rey Alvarez
Branford – Carson Jarvis
Canterbury – Jake Petrin
Cheshire – Nick Giampietro
Derby – Michael Slack
East Haven – Cameron LaCroix
Fairfield Prep – J.J. Schachinger
Foran - Mathew Krenicki
Guilford - Matt DiNardo
Haddam-Killingworth - Colton Merola
Hamden - Armando Rodriguez
Hamden Hall - Atticus Bird
Hand - Cooper Burke
Hillhouse/Career - Yadriel Gonzalez-Serrano
Hopkins - Matthew Ragaza
Law - Christian Galligan
Lyman Hall - Owen Rich
Morgan - Wyatt Luke
Naugatuck - Kevin Cestari
North Branford - Jason O’Connor
Notre Dame (West Haven) - Nico Bonilla
North Haven - Andrew Manzo
Old Saybrook - Charles Carmichael
Platt HS - Jayden Gaither
Sheehan - Garrett Wilkinson
Shelton - Ben Liberatore
Southington – Marco Spataro
Westbrook – Kyle Leandri
West Haven – Zach Boutellier
Wilbur Cross – Jean Guerrero
Wilcox Tech – Ean Finkle
Woodland Regional – Brett Lato
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