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 North Haven Historical Society 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 Haven, 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 Hansen 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 Ludal's Italian Restaurant or visit Pines Bridge Historic District, 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 Haven, 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 Haven, 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 Haven, 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.
NORTH HAVEN, CT — Community Services for the Town of North Haven will be hosting a month-long equipment and supplies drive to benefit the North Haven Animal Control.“North Haven Animal Control needs various items for their shelter and is looking for your help,” officials wrote in a news release. “Community Services is asking for monetary donations to help fund the purchase of various supplies and equipment that the shelter needs including Impact crate pads, Vari Kennels, Kuranda dog beds, leashes, cat litter as...
NORTH HAVEN, CT — Community Services for the Town of North Haven will be hosting a month-long equipment and supplies drive to benefit the North Haven Animal Control.
“North Haven Animal Control needs various items for their shelter and is looking for your help,” officials wrote in a news release. “Community Services is asking for monetary donations to help fund the purchase of various supplies and equipment that the shelter needs including Impact crate pads, Vari Kennels, Kuranda dog beds, leashes, cat litter as well as nets and traps. The collection will take place for the entire month of July.
“As many of these items vary in price, Community Services encourages any monetary donation amount that can be used towards the purchase of any of these items.”
Read more from the news release below:
Checks can be made payable to Treasurer, Town of North Haven, and indicate Supplies drive for Animal Control in the memo field. Checks can be mailed to the attention of North Haven Animal Control, Memorial Town Hall, 18 Church St., North Haven, CT 06473.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Community Services office located at 5 Linsley St. weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you are interested in donating or have any questions about specific items needed, please contact Carla Picard in Community Services at 203-239-5321 x504.
If you would like to donate a Kuranda bed, visit shelterbeds.org. Search for North Haven Animal Control at the bottom of the page. Discounts and free shipping are available.
Or if you would like to see other items, visit this Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/UOYSO93DYWKP
From an abandoned 20th Century amusement park to bubbling waterfalls, Connecticut boasts many gorgeous and interesting hikes beyond the most popular destinations that become crowded every spring.With temperatures set to cool off and summer in full swing, now is a great time to lace up your hiking shoes, pack some snacks and sandwiches, and explore a woodland trail. Why not check out one of the s...
From an abandoned 20th Century amusement park to bubbling waterfalls, Connecticut boasts many gorgeous and interesting hikes beyond the most popular destinations that become crowded every spring.
With temperatures set to cool off and summer in full swing, now is a great time to lace up your hiking shoes, pack some snacks and sandwiches, and explore a woodland trail. Why not check out one of the state’s lesser known locations?
Former Courant nature columnist Peter Marteka visited many of the best hiking trails in the state. Here’s a look back at his columns to give you some ideas for getting outdoors.
Along the 4 miles of trails you’ll find the remnants of an abandoned 20th Century amusement park, glacial kettle holes and the scenic Roaring Brook.
There are a pair of trails in American Legion State Forest – Henry Buck and Turkey Vulture Ledges. The Henry Buck trail is a 2.3-mile loop while the Turkey Vulture is a mile-long out and back path.
The 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers beautiful overlooks. The main hiking trail – the Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail – is approximately a half-mile from an iron bridge at the northern end of the pond. It’s a half mile uphill and will give visitors a workout.
Horse Guard State Park Scenic Reserve doesn’t have elaborate trail systems, vast parking lots, websites and detailed maps and facilities. But, it does offer one of the best views in Avon and a respite from large crowds.
Nestled in Torrington, Sunnybrook State Park includes trails that run along the banks of the East Branch of the Naugatuck River. You can read more about the hidden gem in northwest Connecticut.
The Scantic River State Park encompasses more than 780 acres spread across three towns, but for the purposes of this list, we look specifically at Enfield, where, Scantic River Linear Park West features scenic views of the river, a farm, a forest filled with huge white pines.
There are 11-12 miles of trails available in the sprawling Sprague Land Preserve in the eastern part of Connecticut. Read more about this relatively secret patch of land.
A 1.7-mile paved multiuse path runs along the top of dikes high above the Naugatuck River and Housatonic River. Read more about the path that runs through “Connecticut’s Smallest City.”
What better way to avoid crowds than to head to the “Stoney Lonesome” trail high above Norfolk into East Canaan.
A hike through the Kensington Orchards Preserve in Berlin offers some spectacular views. It also provides the opportunity to hook up with miles of trails in the Chotkowski Conservation Area and Camp Meribrite.
NORTH HAVEN — It was supposed to be just a routine procedure. North Haven's Matthew Nolan, a robust 41-year old man who'd beaten back substance abuse and channeled his experience to become a better friend, mentor, father and husband, was supposed to be in the hospital just three days after a surgery.Three days stretched into weeks as Nolan developed dire post-op complications — complications which ultimately ...
NORTH HAVEN — It was supposed to be just a routine procedure. North Haven's Matthew Nolan, a robust 41-year old man who'd beaten back substance abuse and channeled his experience to become a better friend, mentor, father and husband, was supposed to be in the hospital just three days after a surgery.
Three days stretched into weeks as Nolan developed dire post-op complications — complications which ultimately led to his death on April 4, leaving a wife, two little girls and bills to pay, too many for Nolan's family if they wanted to maintain the life they built together in North Haven.
"To be honest, my No. 1 goal since this all happened is to keep my house," said Jennifer Nolan, a North Haven High School math teacher and Matt's wife of 10 years. "Matt built our house in North Haven. He gutted out what we bought and completely rebuilt it. And, for the girls, I want to be able to keep it. I can't afford it on my own."
Fortunately for the Nolans, the North Haven community had just the thing to help: the football team's annual Spring Brawl fundraiser which has generated tens of thousands of dollars for families in need over the last 15 years. Jennifer Nolan's coworkers made sure the Nighthawks knew about the family's plight.
"I think it was kind of hush- hush in the building, but some of the people in the math department, the secretaries in the building, came to me," coach Anthony Sagnella said. "They knew we were planning for this event. ... And it was a no-brainer."
North Haven will hold this year's Brawl to benefit the Nolan family Friday at 6 p.m. at the high school. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds from the event will go to the Nolan family. The game, which pits a white squad against a maroon squad of North Haven football undergraduates, is run by North Haven Youth Football and coached by the graduating North Haven football players, to avoid running afoul of CIAC rules.
This is the 21st year of the Brawl, which was dreamed up as a team fundraiser by then-players Ted Keyes and Charles Riether and has since evolved into the charity benefit. This year's celebrity coaches have connections to the founders. White Team's Chuck Reither, a local attorney, is Charles' father. Team Maroon's Ralph Zingarella is a North Haven graduate who runs the New Haven Board of Officials, of which Keyes is a member.
"It's great," said Anthony Parillo, a soon-to-be senior running back who will be playing for Team Maroon. "The tradition's been going off for 21 years to be able to be a part of it and to know how much work that me and all these other guys have put in for such a great cause, you know, it's really special to me."
Though Jennifer Nolan had known about the fundraiser for years — last year, Sagnella said, the Brawl raised nearly $25,000 for North Haven teacher Sarah Panaroni — Nolan was still "shocked" when she learned her family would be this year's beneficiaries.
"I was just like overcome with like just happiness," she said as her daughters, Annie, 7, and Katie, 4 played at her feet. “The community or North Haven, the school, have been ... I can't even express in words, how amazing they've been and how much support they've given to me.”
A Hamden native, Matt Nolan dabbled in all kinds of work, from finance, construction, real estate, his wife said. “He was a very funny, energetic, workaholic type of guy, always doing something,” she said. Six-foot-1, Matt Nolan was also an athlete, he played baseball and hockey player as a young man and was an avid golfer, Jennifer Nolan said. He was recently getting back to playing ice hockey.
But after confronting an addiction to drugs and alcohol with the help of Alcoholic Anonymous and other rehabilitation organizations, his wife said, Matt Nolan dedicated much of his time helping others like himself.
"That was a big part of his life and he helped a lot of people," Jennifer Nolan said. "He talked about it a lot, shared his story a lot, and wanted to help other people." Many of those people, strangers to Jennifer Nolan, swore by his impact: "They came up to me and said, 'Your husband saved my life.'"
Matt Nolan suffered from Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory condition of the digestive system that has no cure, but can be managed with lifelong treatments. The surgery in late February was supposed to keep him in the hospital for 2-to-3 days, Jennifer Nolan said. But complications arose after the procedure.
"A week later, he wasn’t getting any better," his wife said. "His blood pressure crashed, he was placed in ICU and they figured out he’d become septic. He developed pneumonia and influenza and his heart was irregular the whole time."
He finally went into cardiac arrest and lost enough blood supply to his brain that doctors said Matt would be left incapacitated for the rest of his life. It left the Nolan family with the decision to take him off life support.
“The family and I met a lot and we just know that he would never want to live that way,” Jennifer Nolan said. “If he couldn't work and take care of himself, he would have hated it. That was him, working and making things and making things better and giving stuff to people. If he couldn’t do that, then it would ruin him.”
Jennifer Nolan said community support and now the Spring Brawl's beneficiary has already given the family comfort as they face the future. "It's been amazing," she said. Many member of Matt's large, extended family will be in attendance Friday. "It's a big family," she said. "They've totally taken me in, they love the girls and everything. So all the cousins and everything will be there."
From his pocket, Sagnella pulled out a check, donated anonymously. "The first year I think we raised $2,500. I got a check in my pocket right now for $2,000," Sagnella said. "Since 2011, this game has generated about $170,000. Last year, we raised just shy of $25,000. So, we're hoping to break that this year."
To make a donation, make checks out to: North Haven Youth Football (Care of Spring Brawl) and send to North Haven High School, 221 Elm Street, North Haven CT, 06473 (Care of coach Anthony Sagnella) or venmo: @NHYFOOTBALL "Spring Brawl 2025"
The Southern Connecticut Diamond Club will honor the winners at its 20th Annual "No 'I' in Team" High School Awards Banquet.NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven’s Andrew Manzo 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 Banq...
NORTH HAVEN, CT — North Haven’s Andrew Manzo 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
Xavier – Evan O’Connor
North Haven Garden Club members Cristie Amato and Pete Stevenson recently filled the window boxes at the North Haven Post Office with pink, white and red geraniums for the sixth year.The flowers in the window boxes get watered and fed as needed.Members also planted geraniums and other annuals in more than 25 barrels and pots throughout town.The flowers will be cared for by the club with help from North Haven Public Works.For membership information, email Italia at [email protected] to kick off s...
North Haven Garden Club members Cristie Amato and Pete Stevenson recently filled the window boxes at the North Haven Post Office with pink, white and red geraniums for the sixth year.
The flowers in the window boxes get watered and fed as needed.
Members also planted geraniums and other annuals in more than 25 barrels and pots throughout town.
The flowers will be cared for by the club with help from North Haven Public Works.
For membership information, email Italia at [email protected].
North Haven Memorial Library will hold its annual Kick-Off to Summer Reading Fest on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will include games, crafts, balloon animals, food trucks and live music from School of Rock’s House Band.
Readers of all ages can register for the summer reading program and will receive a prize for signing up.
The free event will be held rain or shine.
The library is located at 17 Elm St.
For more information, visit northhavenlibrary.net.
The following programs are held at the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center, 189 Pool Road. For more information and to register for programs, call 203-239-5432 or stop by the office. View the newsletter online at town.north-haven.ct.us.
A Father’s Day cookout will be held June 13 at 11:30 a.m. Lunch includes two hot dogs, a bag of chips, fruit kabobs and ice cream sandwiches. Entertainment will be provided by solo accordionist and vocalist David “G” Goclowski. The cost is $5 per person for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Payment is due at registration. Registration ends May 30.
"Goal Setting 101 with Marisa" will take place June 17 at 1 p.m. The free presentation will discuss ways to meet health and wellness goals. North Haven residents can register now. Registration for nonresidents begins June 2. The registration deadline is June 13.
Create a personalized mug June 26 at 1 p.m. No experience is required. The program is only open to North Haven residents and space is limited. The cost is $5. Registration ends May 30.
Better Balance is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. The class focuses on strength training, stretching, safe and effective exercises, and flexibility and balance training. Exercises can be modified for each personal fitness level and can be performed seated or standing. Registration for the next session, which runs from July 8 to Aug. 14, begins June 9 at 9 a.m. The cost is $15 by check only, payable to Yale New Haven Health. Space is limited.
Learn about qigong and tai chi Mondays starting June 2 at 11 a.m. The introductory class combines the active and dynamic movements of qigong and tai chi to promote healthy energy to flow through the organs, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems and reduce blockages that can lead to inflammation and pain. The cost is $25 for residents and $35 for nonresidents by check only, payable to Treasurer-Town of North Haven.
The senior center also has a variety of games to choose from, including canasta, bridge, setback, dominoes, mah-jongg and Rummikub. Bingo is also held three days a week.
Nonresident guests are asked to complete a non-resident guest agreement and a nonresident guest application for all classes and both documents need to be on file before registration.
Classes with insufficient enrollment will be canceled prior to the start date and participants will be notified and receive a refund. Once a class is in session, there are no refunds.
Retirees from the North Haven Board of Education will meet June 16 at the Pacific Buffet and Grill, 20 Ives Road, Wallingford, for a social at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon.
The group raises scholarship money for graduating seniors from North Haven High School whose relatives have or had worked for the North Haven Board of Education.
Mia O'Connor, a senior at Sacred Heart Academy, is this year's recipient. She attended Clintonville Elementary School and North Haven Middle School, and plans to attend Southern New Hampshire University to major in business. She has also signed to play Division II soccer.
Her mother, Stacey O'Connor, teaches at Ridge Road Elementary School.
Registration is encouraged. The deadline for reservations is June 13.
To register, call Pat DeMatties at 203-239-5115, Tina Snyder at 203-891-5025 or Judy Cody at 203-265-6432.
North Haven Memorial Library will hold several events the first week of June.
On June 2, the documentary "Merchant Ivory," about the lives and filmmaking partnership of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, famous for "The Remains of the Day," "A Room with a View" and "Slaves of New York," will be shown from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The film is not rated and has a running time of 111 minutes. Registration is not required.
The German conversation group will meet June 3 from 4 to 5 p.m. Attendees can practice German in an informal setting. Registration is required.
Also on June 3, the library will present "The Challenges of Aging: Why 'Growing Up' Is So Tough," from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Merv Chaplin, an ordained minister who formerly served as a hospital chaplain and as executive director of SpiritCare Ministry in the San Francisco Bay area, will discuss the challenges of aging, including loss, grief and fear. Registration is required.
A virtual program on Smithsonian's "Extinctopedia" will be held June 4 from 2 to 3 p.m. Smithsonian scientists will highlight information found in the book and talk about what we have lost, what is at risk and how we can preserve the diversity of the planet. Registration is required.
The Teen Advisory Board will meet June 4 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The group, for teens in grade 6 to 12, shares ideas for new programs and services, helps the Teen Department plan special events and works to make the library a better place for teens. Registration is encouraged.
Historian and knitter Rebecca Bayreuther will present "Knit So As to Turn Water: The History of New England's Maritime Knitting" on June 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. She will discuss the connections between the sea and knitting. Registration is required.
The Thursday Morning Book Club will discuss "How to Read a Book" by Monica Wood on June 5 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required.
203-269-1522
