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 Hubbell House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in New Fairfield, 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 Squantz Pond State 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 Martel Bistro Bar or visit Fairfield Burr Homestead, 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.
Request More Information
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 New Fairfield, 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 New Fairfield, 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 New Fairfield, 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.
FAIRFIELD — The seeds planted last year by the Notre Dame Prep football team have grown into a contender this season.Riding big performances from quarterback LJ Richardson and running back Ja’cari Harris, the Lancers scored five second-half touchdowns and overcame New Fairfield 43-26 in a battle of undefeated teams Friday night at Sacred Heart University's Campus Field.Notre Dame Prep, a state semifinalist two years ago, improved to 4-0 after winning just two of 10 games last season.The Lancers still have a r...
FAIRFIELD — The seeds planted last year by the Notre Dame Prep football team have grown into a contender this season.
Riding big performances from quarterback LJ Richardson and running back Ja’cari Harris, the Lancers scored five second-half touchdowns and overcame New Fairfield 43-26 in a battle of undefeated teams Friday night at Sacred Heart University's Campus Field.
Notre Dame Prep, a state semifinalist two years ago, improved to 4-0 after winning just two of 10 games last season.
The Lancers still have a relatively young squad with just five seniors on their roster, but it’s one with experience after a trial by fire last season.
“The thing that they learned most importantly last year is that they have to play for each other,” Notre Dame Prep coach John Johnson said. “We had a lot of guys last year who were riding off the coattails of what happened two years ago. They learned we can’t do that. They learned they’ve got to play for each other, play hard at all times and respect the game of football, and your opponents. That’s what these guys do at all times.”
Richardson, a junior who played at St. Thomas More last season, has taken over as Notre Dame Prep’s starting QB, and while he and the offense were relatively quiet in the first half, they exploded for four touchdowns and 29 points in the second half.
Richardson had a 51-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, a big response after the Rebels had cut the Lancers’ lead to 14-7. He also passed for 148 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 83 yards and two scores.
“I just had some of my guys throw on the switch,” Richardson said. “It was too close of a game. They have a good quarterback, so we couldn’t let them get too close.”
Harris, a 5-foot-11, 230-pound freshman, continued to be a beast in the run game for Notre Dame Prep, putting up 122 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. He’s surpassed 100 yards in each of the first four games.
“Everyone knows I love big running backs,” Johnson said. “That’s why this kid came here. Right before that (last) series, I told him you’re getting the ball every single time and we’re going to ice this game. He takes pride in that.”
New Fairfield’s fortunes have been similar to the Lancers'. The Rebels were 3-7 last season, but have already matched that win total by winning three of their first four games.
“I’m really proud of the way they competed the entire game,” New Fairfield coach Greg Schwarz said. “We have to clean some things up, but knowing the way they are, I know we’re going to come back and be a better team. I’m sure it was clear on the field what they’re willing to do for each other on the turf. This is all the process of getting better,”
Senior quarterback Michael Traynor has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Rebels. He passed for 278 yards and three touchdowns on Friday, although he was picked off twice, first by Marvel Johnson and then on a 40-yard pick-six by Jayce Edmondson.
The Lancers had a response for everything the Rebels threw at them in the second half. New Fairfield scored on the opening drive of the second half to cut a 14-point deficit in half, but Richardson answered with his long touchdown run.
After Traynor connected with Jack Riccio for a 29-yard score to cut the lead down to 21-13, Notre Dame Prep went 65 yards and scored on a 17-yard pass from Richardson to Marvel Johnson.
Edmondson had his pick-six one play later, and the Lancers had all but sealed the win.
LJ Richardson, Notre Dame Prep: The junior quarterback scored two rushing touchdowns and passed for a third. More importantly, he led the Lancers in responding to a pair of New Fairfield touchdowns.
“I was proud of the way we finished the game. The guys battled. We’re still a Class S school regardless of the playoff division they have us in. As you could see, our guys were banged up, cramping, playing both ways. That’s Notre Dame football — we fight till the end.”
— Notre Dame Prep coach John Johnson
NEW FAIRFIELD 0 0 13 13 — 26NOTRE DAME PREP 7 7 7 22 — 43ND—LJ Richardson 4 run (Davis Syzmansky kick)ND—Ja’cari Harris 13 run (Syzmansky kick)NF—Hunter DeBellis 9 pass from Michael Traynor (Caio Ribeiro kick)ND—Richardson 51 run (Syzmansky kick)NF—Jack Ricco 29 pass from Traynor (kick failed)ND—Marvel Johnson 17 pass from Richardson (Syzmansky kick)ND—Jayce Edmondson 40 interception return (Syzmansky kick)NF—DeBellis 5 run (Ribeiro kick)ND—Harris 2 run (Harris run)NF—Jack Perun 15 pass from Traynor (pass failed)Records: New Fairfield 3-1; Notre Dame Prep 4-0.
Dave Stewart is a sports reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group who has been covering sports in Connecticut since 1996 and serves as the GameTimeCT writer for volleyball, girls hockey, wrestling and girls lacrosse. He has won multiple New England Newspaper & Press Association and Connecticut SPJ awards for writing and photography and is a member of the FCIAC Hall of Fame.
KENT – Through its new merger with Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will be entrusted with conserving another 600 acres of protected land in the Danbury area, among other opportunities.“This merger strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the lands, waters and natural areas that make our communities thrive,” said Catherine Rawson, executive director of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.The merger between the two nonprofits takes effect Tuesday, with the ...
KENT – Through its new merger with Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will be entrusted with conserving another 600 acres of protected land in the Danbury area, among other opportunities.
“This merger strengthens our collective ability to safeguard the lands, waters and natural areas that make our communities thrive,” said Catherine Rawson, executive director of Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.
The merger between the two nonprofits takes effect Tuesday, with the combined organization continuing under the name Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy.
Through the merger, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy will be responsible for Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust’s 611 acres of protected land in Danbury and New Fairfield, including eight public nature preserves.
Those properties include the Nazarro Preserve and Barnard, Schwab and Wiedel Preserves in Danbury, as well as Finn's Land and Demento Preseve, Hahlawah Preserve, Hidden Valley Nature Center, Komlo Preserve, Sweetcake Mountain Preserve and Titicus Mountain Preserve in New Fairfield.
“Together, Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy and Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust can expand public access to the outdoors, protect clean drinking water and ensure that treasured natural lands in Danbury and New Fairfield are cared for in perpetuity," she added. "We are proud to carry forward Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust’s legacy and to build an even stronger foundation for regional conservation.”
Members of the Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust Board of Directors will represent the community as part of the newly formed Candlewood Valley Council. In addition to providing local input, the council will be responsible for helping shape future land acquisitions and conservation programs, host events in Danbury and New Fairfield and collaborate with advisory councils from other northwest Connecticut towns.
“As the work of land conservation has grown, many of our local land trusts have been strengthening their impact by joining together,” said Faline Schneiderman, president of Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust. “By sharing resources and expertise, merged organizations have been able to better steward their preserves, expand their reach, and ensure long-term success. CVRLT is thrilled to be able to strengthen and grow our conservation legacy as part of the larger, stronger team of land trusts united within Connecticut’s largest land trust.”
The Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy was founded in 1965 and has been recognized as the largest land trust in Connecticut and the 22nd largest in the United States by the number of lands conserved, according to its website. It protects more than 14,000 acres in Litchfield and northern Fairfield counties.
Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust was founded in 1971 and operates as an all-volunteer, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting natural areas in the Candlewood Valley, according to its website.
Both land trusts have been nationally accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
The two organizations will celebrate the merger at the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy’s annual meeting on Nov. 15 at the New Fairfield Senior Center Community Room, located at 33 Route 37 in New Fairfield.
Kaitlin Keane is thrilled to nurture her journalism career as a weeklies reporter with Hearst and looks forward to becoming better acquainted with the communities in her coverage area. While she enjoys the opportunity to cover breaking news, her beat is generally focused on local profiles and school-centered stories. Outside of her reporting work, she is an avid reader, baker and cyclist.
Fairfield, Connecticut's Little League World Series dream is alive and well, and the team is handling the spotlight like seasoned pros.Fairfield National defeated Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 13-1 on Monday to get within one game of playing for the U.S. championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.Fairfield's next game is against Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Metro Region champions beat Hawaii on Friday before the primetime matchup with South Dakota.Coach Brian Palazzolo said before Monday's game that the mes...
Fairfield, Connecticut's Little League World Series dream is alive and well, and the team is handling the spotlight like seasoned pros.
Fairfield National defeated Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 13-1 on Monday to get within one game of playing for the U.S. championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Fairfield's next game is against Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The Metro Region champions beat Hawaii on Friday before the primetime matchup with South Dakota.
Coach Brian Palazzolo said before Monday's game that the message to his players is always the same.
"Every pitch, every play, every inning. We take nothing for granted. We're gonna pump strikes and have the defense be ready to make a play behind out pitcher tonight," the coach told CBS News New York.
The Metro Region also includes New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island, and fans from all over have been in Williamsport to cheer on Fairfield.
"We are a baseball family. Nothing can get in the way. Nothing can break us," Palazzolo said. "Errors will happen, it's Little League. If we can limit those to just a little bit, we're better than most teams."
First baseman and pitcher Tommy D'Amura said he enjoys being a two-way player.
"I prefer hitting, but defense is always fun when you're making the plays and just having a good time in the field," he said.
The team will return to Connecticut as heroes no matter what, but they'd love to add a championship banner to the collection at Tunxis Hill Park.
Only a handful of teams from the northeast have won the Little League World Series, including Binghamton, New York, in 2016 and Toms River, New Jersey, in 1998.
Mark Prussin contributed to this report.
Tony Aiello
Tony Aiello serves as a CBS News New York general assignment reporter with a focus on covering news and breaking stories in the Northern Suburbs.
Groovin’ in New Fairfield is thrilled to welcome back TOBY WALKER with special guest CAT LINES on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm.PLEASE NOTE: If you don't purchase tickets ahead of time, please call 203-746-1142 before you purchase tickets at the door to make sure we still have tickets available and the show has not sold out. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the New Fairfield Senior Center or by mail with cash or by check. Ch...
Groovin’ in New Fairfield is thrilled to welcome back TOBY WALKER with special guest CAT LINES on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm.
PLEASE NOTE: If you don't purchase tickets ahead of time, please call 203-746-1142 before you purchase tickets at the door to make sure we still have tickets available and the show has not sold out. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the New Fairfield Senior Center or by mail with cash or by check. Checks can be mailed to: Groovin' in New Fairfield, c/o New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812. (NOTE: please leave sufficient time if you are using the mail option.) Please include all contact information (name, address, phone, email) on your ticket requests. All sales are final. For more information, contact us at 203-746-1142 or email us at [email protected].
Enjoy a moderately-priced dinner catered by Bruno’s Restaurant before the show. Choices include: Eggplant Rollatini, Chicken Francese, Pizza, Coffee, Tea, Water and Homemade Desserts. Free water fill-up if you bring your own reusable water bottle!
Please note our upcoming show on Saturday, November 8, 2025 7:30pm with The Clement Brothers
TOBY WALKER is an award- winning guitarist and entertainer who tours the US, United Kingdom, and Europe. He was the 1st place recipient of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and has been inducted into the NY Blues Hall Of Fame. Walker has taught at Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch, The Swanannoa Gathering, and many other guitar camps. He also has eight instructional DVD's on Homespun Music Instruction. Walker traveled to the deep south where he studied with traditional blues and folk musicians such as Eugene Powell, James "Son" Thomas, and Etta Baker. "If he doesn't get them with his phenomenal guitar playing or catchy songs, he gets them with his wonderful stories. True entertainers have an engaging spirit that puts a smile on your face. Arlo Guthrie has it. David Bromberg has it. And so does Toby. "- John Platt - WFUV
"Flat out... you have to hear this great musician... I'm blown away“ Jorma Kaukonen. https://www.littletobywalker.c...
CAT LINES Cat Lines is the music director, fiddle player and female lead singer/songwriter for NEMA nominated Country/Americana group North County Band. In 2024, the band performed over 100 shows throughout the Northeast, including appearances at The Big E Fair, Park City Music Hall, the Bridgewater Fair, and the Edmond Town Hall. Last year, they recorded their first 11-song original album, with four songs written by Cat. The album, "Lay it on the Line", can be found on all major streaming platforms and has been played on radio stations throughout the northeast. Her playing can be described as lyrical and uplifting, and her performance style is influenced by artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Charles Wesley Godwin and Morgan Wade. https://www.catlinesmusic.com/...
PAGE 2
GROOVIN’ IN NEW FAIRFIELD – press release
About Groovin’ in New Fairfield: Groovin’ in New Fairfield seeks to develop and promote ongoing, regularly scheduled live music programs in New Fairfield and surrounding areas. It is a non-profit organization supported by sponsors, local businesses, grants from charitable organizations and patron donations and is staffed by volunteers. It operates under the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Commission. www.groovininnewfairfield.com
203-262-6170
