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

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

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

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

Sherry D.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

t M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Deborah M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Stephanie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Jardene R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

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

Zhane C.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Walter S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Donna M.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Deborah S.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Anonymous_7278
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kevin A.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Rich R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

KJA511
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Connie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

George G.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

KBPells
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Andrew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Domenico B.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Barry P.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

kevinRK
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Gilmay L.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Barbara K.
 In-Home Care Wallingford, CT

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

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

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

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

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 Senior Care Wallingford, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

Comfort
Comfort

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

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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

Independence
Independence

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

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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

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

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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

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

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

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

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

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

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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


Respite Care Wallingford, CT

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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

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

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

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

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

 Caregivers Wallingford, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

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

02

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

03

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

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

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

Latest News in Wallingford, CT

Controversial restaurant, food park proposed for Wallingford

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateWALLINGFORD — Lost & Found Wallingford, a small restaurant and food park aiming to offer "international flair," has been proposed for two acres of land on Mansion Road, according to a project official.Some residents have criticized the proposed layout and questioned its impact on the environment. But Joe Flamini, one of three business partners for the project's applicant, Lost and Found Ventures, said most of the claims are misinformed and unfounde...

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WALLINGFORD — Lost & Found Wallingford, a small restaurant and food park aiming to offer "international flair," has been proposed for two acres of land on Mansion Road, according to a project official.

Some residents have criticized the proposed layout and questioned its impact on the environment. But Joe Flamini, one of three business partners for the project's applicant, Lost and Found Ventures, said most of the claims are misinformed and unfounded, adding that he intends to beautify the area and bring it back to life.

Plans show that an existing garage – thought to be a former woodworking business –will be torn down and replaced by a 3,000-square foot restaurant on part of the property at 10 Mansion Road. Outside the restaurant would be a "food, beverage and entertainment park" featuring shaded picnic areas, tree huts, lawn games, mobile bars and stationary food trucks, according to Flamini.

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The food trucks would have many of their auto parts removed, operating more like concession stands at the beach. "We’re really trying to impress and create a really cool outdoor park vibe," Flamini said Thursday.

Flamini, who co-owns the Mexican food truck business Los Mariachis On Wheels, said the Lost and Found Wallingford's outdoor food vendors would serve a variety of cuisines, including seafood, Italian and, of course, Mexican. The restaurant's menu would vary and reflect those of its vendors.

The restaurant and food park would be located on commercial property at the corner of Mansion Road and South Turnpike Road. In addition to the garage, a vacant multifamily home also sits on the land. That structure likely would be used for storage once construction begins, but could be torn down and rebuilt as a coffeehouse later on, according to Flamini.

Flamini's team also has proposed filling an existing drainage ditch and replacing it with an underground drainage system capable of handling a 100-year storm. This aspect of the project has caused the most contention, as some residents believe filling the ditch would constitute a disturbance of wetlands.

But Flamini said he believes the ditch, which is dry for most the year, is not actually wetlands, and filling it would not be harmful. "It's not a protected area," he said.

Erin O'Hare, the town's environmental and natural resources planner, did not respond to a phone message seeking comment Thursday.

If the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, which is reviewing the project, were to rule against him, Flamini said, he anticipated building a bridge over the ditch.

Barbara F. Celotto, 74, who lives in the Brentwood Village condominium complex down the street from the proposed project site, said she believed the new establishment would "take away the whole ambiance of this community." She also felt removing trees to build the food park would hurt the landscape.

According to Flamini, any trees that have to come down in dealing with the ditch area will be recycled into wooden benches, among other elements. "We're actually going to re-purpose a lot of our trees that we have to take down," he said.

While some residents have expressed concerns about excessive noise, Flamini did not think that would be an issue; the only music he said he is proposing is an acoustic guitar player to entertain customers.

Celotto accused Flamini's team of failing to properly notify residents when he submitted an application to the town Planning and Zoning Commission requesting a zone change for the property, which previously had been part residential. But Wallingford Town Planner Kevin Pagini confirmed proper notice was given.

"Everything we've done from the beginning has been on the up and up – working with the community, working with the officials to make sure that there can be no question as to what we're doing," Flamini said.

The restaurant project is expected to revive an area that previously had resembled a junkyard. Flamini said he already had filled five dumpsters with debris he picked up from the grounds, including "five or six" mattresses he discovered leaning against one of the existing buildings. On Thursday, a rusty go-kart could be seen buried beneath fallen branches and overgrown shrubs near the drainage ditch. Other smaller pieces of debris scattered the area.

Some residents had a more positive outlook on the proposal. Ashley Mendez, who also lives in Brentwood Village, said she was excited to see an attractive destination being pitched for the area.

"There's not really many things around here that attract people besides Oakdale (Theatre)," Mendez, 28, said. "I think a lot of people are thinking about it more negatively ... but really we don't know what it entails yet, and people are in an uproar about it.

"Me personally, I think it's a pretty cool idea," Mendez added. "It's different."

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that tree removal would be required in the ditch area of the property, according to the applicant.

Community Center Volunteer Is Dedicated To Telling Wallingford's Story

Susan Adele Huizenga is a driving force in community engagement. Two decades ago, at the age of 50, Huizenga pursued an advanced degree in e-media at Quinnipiac University to expand her project management skills, overcome her technology phobia and realize her dream of producing video poems. Little did she know that this journey would transform her into a citizen media maven, dedicated to curating people and stories in the public interest, exemplifying the power of lifelong learning and community commitment.In her role as volunteer exe...

Susan Adele Huizenga is a driving force in community engagement. Two decades ago, at the age of 50, Huizenga pursued an advanced degree in e-media at Quinnipiac University to expand her project management skills, overcome her technology phobia and realize her dream of producing video poems. Little did she know that this journey would transform her into a citizen media maven, dedicated to curating people and stories in the public interest, exemplifying the power of lifelong learning and community commitment.

In her role as volunteer executive director of WPAA-TV and Community Media Center Huizenga makes connections with churches, nonprofits, civic groups and independent artists. Her work often spans advocacy, creativity and the pursuit of social, climate and economic justice.

We spoke with Huizenga about her experience in building a stronger, more connected Wallingford community through media.

Patch: What have you accomplished in your media career and at WPAA-TV?

Huizenga: My media peers in New England honored me with the Alliance for Community Media Chuck Sherwood Leadership Award in 2022. In 2017, I was nominated to participate in the Adaptive Community Leadership Program hosted by the Graustein Family Foundation.

Most of my accomplishments are shared with the local community of media makers. WPAA-TV has been recognized over the past decade, nationally and regionally, for excellence and community impact. Four times in the past five years WPAA-TV won the Alliance For Community Media Overall Excellence Award for public access channels with budgets $300,000 and under; our budget averages $80,000. I have had the privilege of stitching the clips together of our Annual Video Report telling the story of our collective impact in numerous areas from wellness to justice to transparency.

Patch: What can you tell us about your current role as volunteer executive director?

Huizenga: I am more process than people oriented. My project roles range from curator, collaborator, editor, synthesizer, organizer and advocate. I try to lead by standing alongside others on their journey as I am more comfortable behind the scenes. My joy is found in seeing people of all ages discover things they did not know they needed: a moment with art, or in conversation or learning.

Patch: What's one thing you wish others knew about the resources, events and programs available to them through WPAA-TV and Community Media Center?

Huizenga: WPAA-TV and Community Media Center provides the tools and stage for everyone to express themselves. It can be a safe and brave space. We practice a “no need to knock” policy. You do not need an appointment to start your journey with us. Stop in and be inspired by how volunteers adapted a 1924 cow barn into a public space. Start believing in what you can do with a TV studio, podcast room, green screen and tech tools available to you at no charge.

Patch: What do you love most about your role in Wallingford?

Huizenga: My volunteer job in Wallingford is so much #MoreThanTV. It is about conversations and stories and improving people's lives.

Patch: How can the community contribute to the success of WPAA-TV and Community Media Center?

Huizenga: If you want to contribute, you can give $5 to us during the annual #GreatGive06492 community fundraiser in May. I am credited with leading this initiative that raises the profile of a dozen nonprofits simultaneously to raise unrestricted funds that help all of us with the flexibility to be responsive to the needs of our community.

Additionally, WPAA-TV is turning 30 and we are turning a corner as the community’s destination station. We are celebrating Community Media Week Oct. 16-21 with many cablecast specials and an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 21. Unity begins with U.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Beloved Wallingford Farmer Seriously Injured In 'Freak' Accident

The community is rallying around beloved farmer Billy Beaumont, who was recently seriously injured in an accident at his farm in Wallingford(Vinnie Salzo/Patch)WALLINGFORD, CT — The community is rallying around beloved farmer Billy Beaumont, who was recently seriously injured in an accident at his farm in Wallingford.Beaumont Farm, located at the intersection of East Center Street and South Airline Road, has become well known th...

The community is rallying around beloved farmer Billy Beaumont, who was recently seriously injured in an accident at his farm in Wallingford

(Vinnie Salzo/Patch)

WALLINGFORD, CT — The community is rallying around beloved farmer Billy Beaumont, who was recently seriously injured in an accident at his farm in Wallingford.

Beaumont Farm, located at the intersection of East Center Street and South Airline Road, has become well known throughout the region for the unique displays created by Beaumont.

Beaumont was seriously injured while working at the farm three weeks ago, according to Lisa Lohmann, a friend of the family.

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

Beaumont was home from the hospital on Monday and will have regular visits from nurses, according to Lohmann.

Lohmann has organized the “Let’s help Billy get back to his farm!” fundraiser on GoFundMe to “give back to a man who has given so much to our community, and to my family personally.”

“Billy and his farm have been a positive fixture in the Wallingford community,” Lohmann wrote on the GoFundMe page. “He decorates his property with incredibly creative and stunning exhibits for children and adults alike to explore free of charge. He has showcased his creative talents in the current Candyland display to previous sets with M&Ms, Frozen, Peanuts and A Christmas Story, just to name a few. He invited the community to come explore his labors of love and never asks for anything in return. Billy is a man of great joy and generosity which can be easily seen through his creative passions and heard in his infectious laughter.”

Lohmann said that she has personally known Beaumont for the past seven years, but her husband’s family has known him for more than 25 years.

“Billy has always been incredibly generous and helpful,” she told Patch. “My family has a small hay farm and whenever we have had issues with equipment, Billy has been willing, without question, to come over and help troubleshoot with my husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law. His knowledge of mechanics and agricultural is truly incredible. Billy never hesitates to give whatever he can for the betterment of the Wallingford community.”

Lohmann noted that Beaumont and his farm are currently participating in local school fundraisers for mums and farm décor, and “of course, we all know of his gorgeous, expertly executed displays on the Beaumont Farm’s property. All which he does free of charge.”

On a personal level, Lohmann said that when she got married six years ago in October, “Billy generously surprised us by gifting us all of the pumpkins and mums that we ordered for decor for our ceremony and reception at our home/farm.”

“He is truly a good man and I am honored to be able to offer some assistance to him when he truly needs it,” Lohmann said.

More than $5,100 has been raised within the first day of the GoFundMe fundraiser, as of Monday afternoon.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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Wallingford Election 2023: Melanie Rossacci Running For Board Of Ed

Melanie Rossacci shares with Patch why she should be elected to the Wallingford Board of Education.WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford with plenty of races on the ballot.Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.Wallingford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near....

Melanie Rossacci shares with Patch why she should be elected to the Wallingford Board of Education.

WALLINGFORD, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Wallingford with plenty of races on the ballot.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 7 and cast their ballots for the position of mayor, along with seats on the Town Council and Board of Education.

Wallingford Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

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

Executive Director (22+ years experience in child welfare; children’s behavioral health and juvenile justice.)

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

Married for 22 years to my husband Stephen. We have three children: Tyler, Sydney and Brady.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

No

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

My inspiration for running for the Board of Education stemmed from my desire for increased transparency and process improvements related to current practices. Additionally, I care deeply about children's mental health issues and would like to strengthen community partnerships to help support the increased mental health needs of our students post-pandemic. I am most passionate about children's mental health and how it impacts a student's ability to learn. I also care deeply about ensuring that the family’s social determinant needs are also met; for example working life conditions, food insecurity, inadequate housing, and basic needs. I believe we must take into account the whole family system and what issues they may be struggling with, because family struggles will effect a child’s success in school.

Finally, I am committed to pushing forward a plan for our schools that is best for ALL students. Every school in Wallingford needs improvements. Our school buildings have been neglected for far too long. Now is the time to act. We must include the community in decision making and we must allow parents and students to ask questions.

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

Whether or not to support high school consolidation in Wallingford. I intend to continue to advocate to preserve the current two high school model in Wallingford and to work to get dollars approved to renovate both high schools to new. It's what Wallingford students deserve.

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

My experience in the children’s mental health and juvenile justice fields. I would like to advocate for a mental wellness subcommittee for the Board of Education.

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

To increase Transparency related to BOE meetings and to advocate for public Q & A sessions for the public.

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

I am currently the Executive Director of Clifford Beers Community Care Center in New Haven. This experience has allowed me to see how valuable the partnerships are between community mental health organizations and schools are. I will be able to apply this experience to make improvements in Wallingford.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat others how THEY want to be treated.

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Connecticut Lottery moving headquarters to Wallingford

AdvertisementWALLINGFORD — The Connecticut Lottery Corp. has signed a lease with the owner of 15 Sterling Drive to relocate and consolidate its operations in 136,000 square feet on the town’s east side.The lease for the lottery’s current headquarters in Rocky Hill expires in June and executives were seeking a location that could house all its operations under one roof. The move to Wallingford is planned for August and the Rocky Hill headquarters will remain open to the public until then....

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WALLINGFORD — The Connecticut Lottery Corp. has signed a lease with the owner of 15 Sterling Drive to relocate and consolidate its operations in 136,000 square feet on the town’s east side.

The lease for the lottery’s current headquarters in Rocky Hill expires in June and executives were seeking a location that could house all its operations under one roof. The move to Wallingford is planned for August and the Rocky Hill headquarters will remain open to the public until then.

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A spokesman for the quasi-public agency said the lottery will provide more details closer to its move-in date. The Lottery Corp. is expected to invest $9 million in renovations to convert the former warehouse and industrial space into offices and a television studio.

“We are not looking to move until August,” said Lottery spokesman Christopher Davis. “We’ll have more details later when we get closer.”

Davis said the Wallingford location was selected for its easy access off the highway for players and employees. There is also enough space to spread out and include all its operations, which are now scattered in four sites in Rocky Hill. Wallingford also has a municipally owned Electric Division, which translates to roughly 25 percent lower utility costs for commercial and residential customers.

“We’re pleased that active commercial space is filled,” said Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. “And employees will be coming in. It’s a good sign of economic vitality. I’m not sure what their criteria was but I’m pleased we came out on top.”

The deal has been in the works for some time, after the lottery searched about 15 sites in central Connecticut. The 10-year lease was signed in the fall, according to NewHavenBiz.com.

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Mark Duclos, founder of Sentry Commercial, represented the landlord, Sapphire Group 151 LLC of Lakewood, New Jersey. The building was the former home of financial services company Fiserv Inc. and the Arris Group, which left the building just as the brokers were working on the deal for the Lottery Corp. MRC Global already occupies 36,000 square feet in the building.

“It’s a win for the landlord,” Duclos said. “It’s nice to have the lottery in that building.”

Wallingford officials were also pleased with the deal.

“We’re looking forward to them coming to town,” said Economic Development Commission Chairman Joseph Mirra. “Any new industry is welcome and we love to see that building filled and it’s a boost to the downtown business community. They’re going to be a good neighbor.”

Town officials are meeting with lottery representatives next week on details of the pending arrival, Mirra said. He suggests the lottery selected Wallingford for its central location, highway access, electric rates, good schools, nearby airports, rebuilt train station and nearby medical facilities.

In addition to its headquarters and corporate offices, the Lottery Corp. will also bring its warehouse space, TV studio and online betting operations to 15 Sterling Drive.

The lottery employs more than 140 people and generated $1.6 billion in operating revenue in fiscal 2022, and has experienced growth after launching online and retail sports betting operations in 2021, according to NewHavenBiz.com.

CBRE of Hartford assisted the lottery in its site search. Representatives from CBRE could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

According to Rocky Hill land records, the current lottery headquarters at 777 Brook St. is appraised at $11,921,700 and generates $1.9 million in annual rental income.

[email protected]: @Cconnbiz

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