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 Settler's Rock 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 Ridgefield, 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.
“Wonderful agency, great caregivers, responsive, personal. Would have given 5+ but please pay your”
“It is a pleasure to write this! The BEST way to describe your staff:--Pleasant—congenial. Choosing”
“I am writing on behalf of my family to tell you how appreciative we are”
“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for”
“Thank you so much for everything. Mom is not ready to take the step to”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to”
“This company is courteous and very compassionate when it comes to caring for your loved”
“My experience interacting with Always Best Care far surpassed my expectations. They’re polite and courageous”
“I am sending you some of my thoughts about Always Best Care now that I”
“I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother.”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“I forgot to tell you that I miss your compassion toward your people. You positive”
“I just wanted to shoot you a quick email expressing our thoughts about Mary, who”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you for all of your help over”
“Other Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future”
“I am a past client of this provider Shame on me for not writing sooner. The”
“I am a past client of this provider My Mom’s last 15 months were made easier”
“Other We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always”
“Other I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend.”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you so much for your kind, personalized”
“I interviewed this provider I have learned so much with having you and your staff care”
“I am a past client of this provider I was so happy with the services which”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“Wonderful agency, great caregivers, responsive, personal. Would have given 5+ but please pay your caregivers every week not every other week. They are dedicated and deserve to be paid weekly. They are the only agency that pays biweekly…. Thank you”
“It is a pleasure to write this! The BEST way to describe your staff:--Pleasant—congenial. Choosing Always Best Care was one our better decisions. You have sent us the perfect people to help my wife. I am grateful for that. Best wishes for continued success.”
“I am writing on behalf of my family to tell you how appreciative we are of Always Best Care and your services. These have not been the best of times for my family and especially hard on my Mom but we take great comfort knowing you are there to help. Our caretaker has been wonderful since my Dad was sent to River Glen in Southbury and from the very beginning of our ordeal. My Mom is extremely protective of my Dad and has always requested for Judy to help out with my Dad. To me that is the biggest proof of our confidence that has been my Mom's faith in her. Anything we have asked of her she has delivered and shown what most can't - that she really cares. Your Professional staff is a pleasure to work with - adapting schedules, applying payments quickly, and always courteous. I felt like great service should be made aware of and should set a standard that Always Best Care always seems to meet..”
“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”
“Thank you so much for everything. Mom is not ready to take the step to accepting in-home help yet, but I can assure you that when she is, you will be our agency of choice. Knowing that you will be able to assist us when the time comes makes me feel so much better about all of this. For me, it makes a big difference to actually know someone who is in charge and I think that will make a difference with my Mom too.”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to someone coming into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“This company is courteous and very compassionate when it comes to caring for your loved ones. They are available 24/7 to help you fill all your caregiving needs and have a great pool of caregivers. The office staff is friendly, very supportive and they will go above and beyond to provide their customers the best service around. I would highly recommend them for any of your Homecare needs.”
“My experience interacting with Always Best Care far surpassed my expectations. They’re polite and courageous and always available 24/7 to answer questions and respond in an emergency situation.”
“I am sending you some of my thoughts about Always Best Care now that I have had time to reflect. Mom’s move to Assisted Living has gone very well and I’d like you to know:--From the initial home meeting and throughout my mother’s care, everyone was extremely personable, professional and knowledgeable of the home care industry. --ABC matched caregivers to my Mother’s needs and personality and we (and my Mother) were very happy with the care received and with the communication between caregivers and family.--Although my Mother is in Memory Care now, she still remembers ‘her ladies’ that not only assisted in her care, but more importantly, offered friendship. We would be very happy to be used as a reference if needed!”
“I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother. I never would have expected her to rally so much after my father’s death. But it’s amazing what loving care can do –just amazing! Tracy and I cannot thank you enough – you have helped us see how to make our mother’s last days as pleasant and meaningful as possible–which is not only good for her but also for her whole family. I and my boys and husband, and my sister and her son and his family, we can all have time to connect with my mother that will surely enrich our lives forever—and that is such a precious gift! Thank you”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
“I forgot to tell you that I miss your compassion toward your people. You positive and helpful approach toward them is admirable. I did not have such luck with the local companies in MA, lacking good organization and consideration to the clients and the care givers. It is not an easy job accomplish such a success like yours.”
“I just wanted to shoot you a quick email expressing our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she “sees the work”, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, ‘sees what needs doing”. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesn’t just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says “no wait, let me do it’—if she hasn’t already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistive to someone coming into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you for all of your help over the last few weeks. Your caregivers were all terrific and I just don’t know what we would have done without you.”
“Other Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”
“I am a past client of this provider Shame on me for not writing sooner. The days go by so fast –and thanks to your good care I am back to doing things for myself and being busy. Did my own deck this year! And other gardening ---feels good! Have started walking 3 times a week at the track! The big 90 will be here in October ---and I am going to be ready to celebrate it! Thank you again for all your help. It’s good to know it is there when I need it.”
“I am a past client of this provider My Mom’s last 15 months were made easier with the diligent and devoted care provided by Scheryl and your support to come up with replacements when she needed time off. Scheryl was caring and compassionate for both my Mom and her sister when she came to stay. They had a really nice bond. Both the ladies were ever grateful for Scheryl’s attention, conversation, cooking and friendship. Larry and I send best wish and sincere thanks!”
“Other We would like to express our appreciation and thanks for the in-home care that Always Best Care is providing our parents. You have guided us through this very difficult time and have helped us deal with my mother’s illness and her inability to care for my dad. Your caregivers are very capable and caring, and your staff is competent and thorough. We believe this makes your company invaluable to families with loved ones in need of assistance. We would recommend Always Best Care to anybody in search of quality care for their loved one. Thank you for all you and your staff do.”
“Other I just wanted express our thoughts about Mary, who was the caregiver for the weekend. We all thought she was wonderful!! I think her biggest strength is that she “sees the work”, needs little/to no direction, offers to take things out of our hands, and is a true-go-getter. For Billie, this type of help is great since she feels like she can take some time to rest and trust all is okay. Mary works hard and is also very patient. I really think Mary is a natural dealing with elderly. She is patient and kind! Anyway, what I wanted to ask is if Mary can be the consistent caregiver for the weekends. The other 4 caregivers that I have met are also very nice. We would like Mary as much as possible as she is punctual, and as I mentioned before, ‘sees what needs doing”. She is focused on what she can do to help. She doesn’t just sit there next to Bill, she has eyes in the back of her head and goes the extra mile. Anything that needs to get done, she says “no wait, let me do it’—if she hasn’t already initiated it herself. She seems to have endless energy and never complained. I just felt compelled to drop you a this note to let you know how impressed we were with her. Thanks”
“I am a current client of this provider Thank you so much for your kind, personalized service. My mother was always resistant to have someone come into her home to help care for her, but she is very, very pleased with Betsy. Not only does she have someone to keep her company and meet her physical needs—her kitchen is looking cleaner than I have seen it in a while. Thank you again. Your kind manner was reassuring to my mother and to me, and you have made the process of caring for my mother at home easy, and provided me with much needed relief so that I can actually return to work with a calm mind.”
“I interviewed this provider I have learned so much with having you and your staff care for my mother. I never would have expected her to rally so much after my father’s death. But it’s amazing what loving care can do –just amazing! Tracy and I cannot thank you enough – you have helped us see how to make our mother’s last days as pleasant and meaningful as possible–which is not only good for her but also for her whole family. I and my boys and husband, and my sister and her son and his family, we can all have time to connect with my mother that will surely enrich our lives forever—and that is such a precious gift! Thank you”
“I am a past client of this provider I was so happy with the services which Angela provided! She was very courteous, hands-on and would do anything I asked her to do. She was pleasure. I enjoyed having her work for me.”
“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”
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 Sturges 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 Luc's Café or visit Ridgefield Historical Society, 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 Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield, 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.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The streets of Ridgefield will once again come alive with music on Friday, June 21, as the town celebrates its seventh annual Make Music Ridgefield festival.Organized by the Ridgefield Arts Council and part of the international Make Music Day initiative, the event is a free, town-wide celebration that invites musicians of all levels and genres to perform at locations throughout Ridgefield. The day features scheduled performances and spontaneous musical moments in parks, storefronts, restaurants and other public ...
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The streets of Ridgefield will once again come alive with music on Friday, June 21, as the town celebrates its seventh annual Make Music Ridgefield festival.
Organized by the Ridgefield Arts Council and part of the international Make Music Day initiative, the event is a free, town-wide celebration that invites musicians of all levels and genres to perform at locations throughout Ridgefield. The day features scheduled performances and spontaneous musical moments in parks, storefronts, restaurants and other public spaces.
Musicians and venue hosts are encouraged to register online to participate. Performers can sign up for available time slots at venues ranging from the Ridgefield Library to Town Hall and Main Street storefronts, while businesses and organizations can offer their spaces as performance locations.
Related: Museum Launches Outdoor 'Aldrich Box' Installations In Ridgefield
Local music fans can expect to enjoy a diverse range of live music, including solo instrumentalists, vocalists, student ensembles, and community groups. Participation is open to amateurs and professionals alike, and there is no cost to perform or attend.
Make Music Ridgefield is part of the global Make Music Day movement, launched in France in 1982 and now observed in over 1,000 cities worldwide. In the U.S., the event is presented by the NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the Make Music Alliance.
In the event of rain, concerts planned for sidewalks may take place inside a building lobby or storefront (provided that it is okay with the space’s owner.)
For more information or to register as a performer or venue, visit the Make Music Ridgefield website here.
RIDGEFIELD — This is a story about two Connecticut high school boys lacrosse teams headed in opposite directions for the postseason.There’s Ridgefield, the state's No. 4-ranked team, which burst from the gates with eight unansw...
RIDGEFIELD — This is a story about two Connecticut high school boys lacrosse teams headed in opposite directions for the postseason.
There’s Ridgefield, the state's No. 4-ranked team, which burst from the gates with eight unanswered goals on the way to a dominating 17-5 victory over Wilton Saturday at Tiger Hollow. Senior Brandon Penn was again stellar on faceoffs, and Conor Vickers and Levi Kesslers had hat tricks for the offense.
Now 13-2 with an eight-game win streak, the Tigers have the look of a Class LL and FCIAC championship contender under first-year head coach James Goldmann.
On the other side, there’s Wilton which, with Saturday’s loss, will miss out on the CIAC tournament for just the second time in its storied history. The Warriors also missed the playoffs in 2014.
Wilton (5-10) has one regular season game remaining Tuesday in Greenwich, but even with a victory there, would be short of the .400 winning percentage needed to qualify for the CIAC postseason. That is despite being sixth in the LaxNumbers overall and strength of schedule ratings, and No. 9 in the GametimeCT Top 10 Poll.
The Warriors will play in the FCIAC tournament starting Friday, as all Tier One teams qualify for the league playoffs.
“We always want to play a tough schedule,” Wilton coach Steve Pearsall said. “People can criticize me for setting that up, but that’s what Wilton lacrosse is all about: Playing the toughest teams.
“Sometimes you have these years when the ball is not bouncing your way. We’re not in sync sometimes or we're playing half a game, but we’re going to continue to play a tough schedule because that’s what we deserve and what we need to keep on pushing.”
For Ridgefield, it’s been a a transition year with Roy Colsey stepping down as head coach after 16 years, and Goldmann taking over. Previously, Goldmann was head coach at Archbishop Stepinac (NY) and led the Crusaders to their first state championship last spring.
The early results at Ridgefield have been tremendous. “(Coach Goldmann) just picked up where our last coach left us,” Brandon Penn said. “He’s not forcing anything on us, not putting in new systems. He’s taking the pieces that he has and trying to make it stick even better. Our flow this year has been amazing and our chemistry has been growing ever since our freshman year.”
Having a big group of seniors helped, according to Goldmann.
“We have 19 seniors and when you have seniors like we have, it makes it a really easy transition,” he said. “We're just doing our best as a new coaching staff to not get in their way. Guide them the right way, but build on the fundamentals that they’ve put together for the last 16-17 years of their lives.”
Ridgefield came out firing, with Jake Carney scoring just past the first minute mark to ignite a 7-0 first quarter. The Tigers led 10-2 at halftime, 14-4 after three, and put the game into running time with just under seven minutes to play.
In addition to the hat tricks from Vickers and Kessler, Ridgefield’s Chris Colsey, Des Couri and Carney each scored twice.
“It could’ve been a trap game, “ Penn said. “They’re hungry trying to make it into the states. So, we came in with the mentality that we were trying to pout the dagger into their season and finish them off quick.”
While Ridgefield gears up for a showdown with New Canaan on Monday, the season doesn’t end here for Wilton with anywhere from two-to-four more games to play depending on how deep they can drive into the three-round FCIAC tournament.
“Keep on working hard,” Pearsall said. “Right now, we have the FCIACs to look forward to. That’s it. We know that, we own it and we need to get our mojo back. Go into Greenwich, win that game and just move forward. That’s the message.”
Brandon Penn, Ridgefield: There was plenty of scoring to go around for the Tigers and the catalyst was Penn, who had a typically strong performance on faceoffs, winning 19-of-23 to give Ridgefield control of the game’s flow.
“We’re trying to sharpen up our fundamentals in practice and Monday is just a regular game (against New Canaan). Win or lose, we’ll still be ready for the playoffs.” - Ridgefield senior Brandon Penn.
WILTON 0 2 2 1 — 5RIDGEFIELD 7 3 4 3 — 17Wilton: Cael Dexter 2g; Joey Hagerty 1g; Connor McAndrews 1g; Charlie Calabrese 1gRidgefield: Levi Kessler 3g, 1a; Chris Colsey 2g, 2a; Conor Vickers 3g; Jack Carney 2g, 2a; Des Couri 2g, 1a; Thomas Lunn 1g, 1a; Liam Kristan 1g; Brandon Gmelin 1g; Ryan Troy 1g; Boden Noell 1gFaceoffs: R - Brandon won 19-of-23Saves: W - Trevor Galligan 8; R - Dylan Penn 10, Sebastian Miller 2Records: Wilton 5-10, Ridgefield 13-2
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield residents will have the opportunity to vote on two significant measures at a special town meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Town Hall, located at 400 Main St.The first item on the agenda is a proposed $750,000 appropriation to fund the acquisition of real property located at ...
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield residents will have the opportunity to vote on two significant measures at a special town meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the large conference room at Town Hall, located at 400 Main St.
The first item on the agenda is a proposed $750,000 appropriation to fund the acquisition of real property located at 217 Danbury Road. The funds would cover costs including the purchase price, legal fees, inspections, surveys, appraisals, and other related expenses. The appropriation would be financed through the issuance of town bonds, with the potential to reduce the borrowing amount if grants or external funds are secured.
According to the resolution presented by both the Board of Selectpersons and the Board of Finance, the bonds would be issued under terms set by the First Selectperson, with authorization to seek temporary financing while awaiting full bond issuance. The property acquisition is framed as a strategic investment in the town’s infrastructure and future planning.
The second matter to be considered is the proposed repeal of Ridgefield’s local ordinance regulating hydraulic fracturing waste, commonly referred to as fracking waste. Originally enacted as a preventive environmental measure, the ordinance regulates the storage, handling, and disposal of waste byproducts from the hydraulic fracturing process.
Residents are encouraged to attend and vote on both matters. Full text of the proposed resolution and background documentation is posted in the Town Calendar section at www.ridgefieldct.gov.
Ridgefield officials weigh housing application, land purchase, and a $4M grant for drainage; town meetings set for May 28 and June 11.Patch StaffRIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield officials are reviewing a range of local developments, including a proposed 20-unit affordable housing project, a $750,000 land purchase, and major infrastructure upgrades, according to highlights from recent town meetings.The Planning and Zoning Commission closed the public hearing on an application under the ...
Patch Staff
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield officials are reviewing a range of local developments, including a proposed 20-unit affordable housing project, a $750,000 land purchase, and major infrastructure upgrades, according to highlights from recent town meetings.
The Planning and Zoning Commission closed the public hearing on an application under the Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Procedure to build a 20-unit apartment complex at the former Red Rooster site at 43 Danbury Road. The commission will now deliberate before voting to approve or deny the project.
A separate application seeking amendments to zoning regulations for accessory dwelling units was withdrawn. The PZC previously adopted a six-month moratorium on development to allow time for comprehensive regulation review.
See Also: Red Rooster Pub In Ridgefield Shutters Permanently: Report
Meanwhile, the Board of Selectpersons approved a license agreement with MetroSTOR, advancing the town’s composting program by adding a 24-hour compost container outside the Recycling Center. The program began in 2022 and continues to grow.
Ridgefield also secured a $4 million state grant through the Local Capital Improvement Program for drainage replacement along Ridgebury Road, from the Danbury line to Route 116. Repaving options are being considered.
The Board also approved $174,000 to replace the dispatch center’s aging console system after two recent failures. The upgrade, previously included in the rejected Public Safety Building referendum, will support emergency services and be transferrable to any future facility.
In other developments, a proposed 15-year lease of 0.6 acres at McKeon Farm to the American Chestnut Foundation was approved. The group will plant disease-resistant chestnut trees as part of restoration efforts.
A Special Town Meeting is scheduled for May 28 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the dispatch console funding. Another is set for June 11 to vote on repealing the town’s fracking waste ordinance, which conflicts with state law. That same meeting will address the proposed purchase of 217 Danbury Road, which could be used for future recreational space or parking.
Separately, House Bill 7035, which would prevent local zoning commissions from imposing moratoriums on building projects, passed the House and awaits a vote in the State Senate.
The BOS Meeting, Public Hearing, and Town Meeting may be viewed online here.
DANBURY — A family is suing Insight Counseling LLC over an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile patient and now-former employee of the Ridgefield mental health service center.In a lawsuit filed in state Superior Court in Danbury, the parents of the alleged victim accuse Kathleen “Katy” McEvoy of sexually assaulting their 16-year-old son during what was supposed to be a therapy session in December 2022.The assault allegedly occurred during an intake session at Insight Counseling, according to ...
DANBURY — A family is suing Insight Counseling LLC over an alleged sexual assault involving a juvenile patient and now-former employee of the Ridgefield mental health service center.
In a lawsuit filed in state Superior Court in Danbury, the parents of the alleged victim accuse Kathleen “Katy” McEvoy of sexually assaulting their 16-year-old son during what was supposed to be a therapy session in December 2022.
The assault allegedly occurred during an intake session at Insight Counseling, according to an amended complaint filed earlier this year, which says McEvoy’s misconduct started with “sexually inappropriate remarks concerning (the teen)’s appearance” shortly after he and his parents arrived at Insight Counseling.
At the time, the parents believed McEvoy was trying to build some rapport with their son, who was there for therapy related to “behavioral problems,” according to the complaint.
The complaint says the parents brought their son to see McEvoy because she was advertised and “presented by…Insight as an individual qualified to provide therapy services.”
Following a group meeting with the family, the complaint says McEvoy asked the teen’s parents to wait in a nearby room while she continued speaking with their son. Once they left, the complaint says McEvoy “pounced on (the teen) and sexually assaulted, molested and abused him for the duration of the ‘therapy’ session.”
The complaint originally filed in June 2023 said McEvoy was terminated immediately after the incident. While that was not mentioned in the amended complaint, a check of Insight Counseling’s website on Monday did not show McEvoy listed as one of the company’s therapists.
The plaintiffs in the pending civil case hold Insight Counseling liable for McEvoy’s alleged actions and are suing the company for negligent hiring, negligent supervision and respondent superior liability.
They accuse Insight Counseling of, among other things, failing to “prevent the gruesome assault by hiring and providing McEvoy with an opportunity to assault their son,” and seek damages for “substantial and likely lifelong harm done to their minor child,” according to the lawsuit.
Court records show McEvoy originally was listed as a defendant in the case but was removed following a withdrawal of action filed in April 2024.
There were no upcoming court events scheduled in the case as of Monday.
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