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 Stony Creek Museum 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 North Branford, 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 North Farms 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 Nataz or visit Historical Tree, 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 North 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.
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 North 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.
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 North Branford, 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.
Get outside and explore — these nearby hikes offer everything from easy strolls to more challenging treks for every kind of adventurer.North Branford is full of opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quick stroll or a more challenging trek, these can't-miss hikes in and around North Branford offer something for every kind of adventurer.Please note: Drive times are approximate and may vary based on your starting point and traffic. Be sure to check for trail closures and ...
North Branford is full of opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a quick stroll or a more challenging trek, these can't-miss hikes in and around North Branford offer something for every kind of adventurer.
Please note: Drive times are approximate and may vary based on your starting point and traffic. Be sure to check for trail closures and consider weather conditions before heading out.
????Supply Pond Road, Branford, CT
This easy-to-moderate trail system winds through peaceful woodlands and around scenic ponds, perfect for birdwatching and a relaxing nature escape. The well-marked paths are great for families and casual hikers looking for a quiet stroll.
????Sea Hill Road Trailhead, North Branford, CT
This moderate out-and-back hike offers a steady climb through wooded terrain leading to views of Lake Gaillard. It’s a quieter section of the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail, ideal for those seeking solitude and a bit of a workout.
????Sam Hill Road, Guilford, CT (20 minutes from North Branford)
A popular network of over 39 miles of trails, Westwoods features rock formations, caves, streams and dense forests. With trails ranging from easy to challenging, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of spot perfect for exploration.
????200 Mt Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT (20 minutes from North Branford)
This peaceful preserve offers moderate trails through forests and meadows, and alongside a flowing brook. It's a great place for a nature walk, especially in the fall when the foliage is vibrant.
????200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT (20 minutes from North Branford)
This well-loved state park offers both easy and challenging trails that climb the “giant’s” back, ending with sweeping views from a stone castle tower. The terrain varies from gentle paths to rocky climbs, making it a favorite for all skill levels.
????133 Middletown Ave, North Haven, CT (15 minutes from North Branford)
This moderate trail climbs to a rocky summit with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park is a quiet gem, with forested paths and benches to rest and enjoy the scenery.
The North Branford Thunderbirds defeated the St. Paul Bristol Falcons to win the CIAC Class S state softball championship.STORRS, CT — Regardless of who won Sunday's CIAC Class S girls softball title game, history would be made as both teams competed for their school's first state championship.But in the end, it was the North Branford High School Thunderbirds and their calm junior hurler Lauren Vitarisi who walked out of Storrs with a 4-2 win over St. Paul High School in Bristol.It all prompted North Branford sof...
STORRS, CT — Regardless of who won Sunday's CIAC Class S girls softball title game, history would be made as both teams competed for their school's first state championship.
But in the end, it was the North Branford High School Thunderbirds and their calm junior hurler Lauren Vitarisi who walked out of Storrs with a 4-2 win over St. Paul High School in Bristol.
It all prompted North Branford softball coach Nicolas DeLizio to call this squad a "legacy team," one that, after nearly a decade of conference dominance, finally was able to win a state title.
He said his pals jokingly reminded him of that absence of state glory. "Absolutely," an elated DeLizio said after the game. "My friends reminded me of that all the time."
He said, ultimately, a championship was what he wanted his players to experience, and they did.
"You want it for the players," DeLizio said. "You want them to experience that joy."
With two RBIs in the title game, junior Ava Ryszczyk was the game's most valuable player.
It was especially gratifying for her, as she missed her freshman and sophomore seasons recovering from hip surgery.
Needless to say, she's back.
"It feels great," Ryszczyk said after receiving her trophy and medal. "It means a lot to me.. I'm so happy for all of the girls. I feel like we earned it, and we were all ready to work together."
It was a battle of Class S powerhouses, with the top-seed Thunderbirds carrying a 22-1 total record going into Sunday's game. The second-seed St. Paul Falcons, coached by Gary Hovhanessian, were nearly as good, 21-2.
Both were looking for their program's first-ever state championship, with history along with a winner's plaque the goal.
The Class S game was the first of four taking place on a cloudy Father's Day at the Burrill Family Field Softball Complex at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
Originally slated for Saturday, June 14, the slate of softball championships was moved to Sunday and a more promising weather forecast.
The Thunderbirds retired St. Paul at the start of the game, despite allowing one hit
Then, in North Branford's half of the first, senior captain Adrianna Hills led off with a single to center, which was quickly followed by a double to right by senior co-captain Alexa Falcioni.
With runners on second and third and one out, Ryszcyk singled to left, driving in Hills for the game's first run, giving North Branford a 1-0 lead off.
North Branford got another run when Falcioni scored on an out and carried a 2-0 lead after one inning.
The good start gave Vitarisi a boost, and she quickly shut down St. Paul in the second.
In the bottom of the third, sophomore St. Paul hurler Breyona Demora walked Hills, who then stole second.
With two outs, Hills scored when Ryszczyk singled up the middle, extending the Thunderbird lead to 3-0.
In the top of the fourth, St. Paul sophomore Julia Koziak led off with a single to right, then stole second on a Falcon strikeout.
She scored on a single that went past North Branford's first baseman, getting the Falcons on the board and cutting the deficit to 3-1.
But two pop-up outs got Vitarisi out of the inning, and the damage was limited.
Demora, however, settled down for St. Paul and proved to be stingy, and she was able to keep the deficit within striking distance in the game's late innings.
Then, the Falcons struck and threatened to take over the game.
St. Paul senior Taylor Williams led off the top of the sixth with an infield single, just beating out the throw from third base.
She advanced to second on an error by the North Branford third baseman, which put runners on first and second before a St. Paul single loaded the bases.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, the Falcons pulled a run back on a sacrifice fly by Koziak, scoring Williams and cutting the lead to 3-2.
Then, with two outs and runners on second and third, Vitaris got a soft lineout by St. Paul sophomore Lilliana McCulloch to keep the lead 3-2, North Branford.
That was the inning that could have ended North Branford's run, but Vitarisi calmly pitched out of it.
It was something she said she knew she could do.
"I knew what I could do," Vitarisi said calmly after the game. "It's definitely a little nerve-wracking having all those people on base."
The nerves calmed just slightly when North Brnaord scratched out another run in the last inning.
North Branford sophomore Alia Martone led off the bottom of the sixth with an infield single in the hole at short.
With one out, she stole second as the Thunderbirds desperately sought an insurance run.
That run came when Martone scored on a bloop single to left by junior Madison DiStefano with two outs, giving North Branford a 4-2 lead.
Boosted by that crucial run, Vitarisi took the mound in the top of the seventh with a chance to win the school's first-ever title.
She quickly retired St. Paul on a popup and a lineout, setting the stage for the last, history-making out — a popout to short and wild cheering in the center of the infield.
Vitarisi said those first two outs, on a total of three pitches, gave her no doubt of the outcome and allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief.
When it was over, Vitarisi said she and her teammates felt just as happy for their coach as themselves.
Their coach, however, said it was the players who deserved the praise. Said DeLizio: "It was on them this year. They said they were going to go for it."
Set for Tuesday at 6:30, there's a dedicated email address for residents who can't make the meeting to submit budget suggestions, testimony.NORTH BRANFORD, CT — The North Branford Town Council will conduct a Special Meeting to make adjustments to the Recommended FY 2025-26 Town Budget.The meeting follows the rejection of the Recommended Budget by voters during the Annual Budget Referendum conducted last Tuesday. The Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the North Branford High School Cafeteria.T...
NORTH BRANFORD, CT — The North Branford Town Council will conduct a Special Meeting to make adjustments to the Recommended FY 2025-26 Town Budget.
The meeting follows the rejection of the Recommended Budget by voters during the Annual Budget Referendum conducted last Tuesday. The Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the North Branford High School Cafeteria.
The Town Council is also setting up a dedicated email address for those residents who wish to submit testimony on the budget but are unable to attend the Special Meeting. Residents can submit testimony, and suggestions for budget cuts to [email protected].
Submissions should be sent by noon on May 27. All submissions under 1,000 words will be read at the Special Meeting before the Council. Those submissions that are longer than 1,000 words may not be read aloud but will still be made part of the record.
Original story:
Voters cast their one-question referendum ballots Tuesday: "Shall the Town Council Recommended Budget of $65,044,838, which will require a mill rate of 27.84 mills, be adopted?"Voters rejected the budget.
"With a turnout of 20.1%, the residents of North Branford have spoken at today's town-wide budget referendum and rejected the Town Council's recommended budget of $65 million and 27.84 mills," Town Manager Michael Downes wrote.
The budget now returns to the Town Council for revision, Downes said. "Under the Charter they must act before June 1st, 2025."
What does that mean?
Downes responded to voter questions about the revision process on Facebook.
Downes was asked if "Binding" means the Council has to meet and discuss the budget before it can be accepted but at this meeting, can choose to ignore the vote and advance the 27.84 mill budget increase as is.
Downes: The Charter states under Sec. C8-5 “ if at least 15% of the electors vote and the total votes to reject exceed the total votes to accept the budget shall be deemed rejected, and the Council, taking into consideration the composition of the vote to reject, shall adopt a new budget by June 1st.”
In a follow-up question, the Town Manager was asked if there is "no legal requirement to reduce it a specific amount? So if they just cut $1 off it, it's fine?"
Downes answered this way: "That is the extent of what the Charter says."
"I know the Council isn't aiming to make superficial cuts. They and I take the will of the voters very seriously, and we are listening to them," Downes said in a statement to Patch. "We will work to address them as we revisit the FY 25-26 budget."
The recommended budget, which would have set the mill rate at 27.84, returns to the Town Council for revision. What does that mean exactly? Updated Fri, May 16, 2025 at 9:25 am ETNORTH BRANFORD, CT —Voters cast their one-question referendum ballots Tuesday: "Shall the Town Council Recommended Budget of $65,044,838, which will require a mill rate of 27.84 mills, be adopted?"Voters rejected the budget."With a turnout of 20.1%, the residents of North Branford have spoken at today's town-...
Updated Fri, May 16, 2025 at 9:25 am ET
NORTH BRANFORD, CT —
Voters cast their one-question referendum ballots Tuesday: "Shall the Town Council Recommended Budget of $65,044,838, which will require a mill rate of 27.84 mills, be adopted?"
Voters rejected the budget.
"With a turnout of 20.1%, the residents of North Branford have spoken at today's town-wide budget referendum and rejected the Town Council's recommended budget of $65 million and 27.84 mills," Town Manager Michael Downes wrote.
The budget now returns to the Town Council for revision, Downes said. "Under the Charter they must act before June 1st, 2025."
What does that mean?
Downes responded to voter questions about the revision process on Facebook.
Downes was asked if "Binding" means the Council has to meet and discuss the budget before it can be accepted but at this meeting, can choose to ignore the vote and advance the 27.84 mill budget increase as is.
Downes: The Charter states under Sec. C8-5 “ if at least 15% of the electors vote and the total votes to reject exceed the total votes to accept the budget shall be deemed rejected, and the Council, taking into consideration the composition of the vote to reject, shall adopt a new budget by June 1st.”
In a follow-up question, the Town Manager was asked if there is "no legal requirement to reduce it a specific amount? So if they just cut $1 off it, it's fine?"
Downes answered this way: "That is the extent of what the Charter says."
"I know the Council isn't aiming to make superficial cuts. They and I take the will of the voters very seriously, and we are listening to them," Downes said in a statement to Patch. "We will work to address them as we revisit the FY 25-26 budget."
Here are the referendum results:
203-269-1522
