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

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

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Martin L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alvaro C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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..”

Ryan P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sherece F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your service was timely and most satisfactory !, I'll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”

Cody V.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Susan M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lorrie O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Courtnie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Ryan C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”

Sara M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Ildiko G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Marieke H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Cheryl K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

LindaGo
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your service was timely and most satisfactory! I’ll definitely keep you in mind for future needs.”

Jack Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Marion M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Linda K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

FionaHoward
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Marieke H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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 Always Best Care. 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.”

Cheryl K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Caring_2645646
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TESTIMONIALS

“I was so happy with the services our caregiver 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.”

Marjorie C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent company and high levels of customer service!”

Ken B.
 In-Home Care New Fairfield, CT

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

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

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

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

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 Senior Care New Fairfield, CT

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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

Independence
Independence

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

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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

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

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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

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

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

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

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

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

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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


Respite Care New Fairfield, CT

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

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

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

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

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in 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.

 Caregivers New Fairfield, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

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

02

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

03

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

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

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

Latest News in New Fairfield, CT

New Fairfield residents blast $2 million in cuts from 2023-24 budget plans; 'people are going to lose jobs'

NEW FAIRFIELD — Despite overwhelming public support for the spending plans, the Board of Finance slashed more than $2 million from the proposed 2023-24 municipal budgets last week.During the board’s heavily attended, more than five-hour-long meeting, a motion was made to cut nearly $1.8 million from the proposed $40.7 million school operating budget and $300,000 from the proposed $12.8 million town operating budget.To the disapproval of many who have ...

NEW FAIRFIELD — Despite overwhelming public support for the spending plans, the Board of Finance slashed more than $2 million from the proposed 2023-24 municipal budgets last week.

During the board’s heavily attended, more than five-hour-long meeting, a motion was made to cut nearly $1.8 million from the proposed $40.7 million school operating budget and $300,000 from the proposed $12.8 million town operating budget.

To the disapproval of many who have urged the finance board to approve the budgets with minimal to no cuts, the motion passed 4-2, with members Kim Hanson, Thora Perkins, Mark Beninson and Claudia Willard voting in favor and Cheryl Reedy and board chair Wes Marsh voting in opposition.

Cutting nearly $1.8 million from the school operating budget is “huge,” Marsh said, and a $300,000 reduction in the Board of Selectmen’s operating budget will have a significant impact as well.

“People are going to lose jobs,” he said during the April 12 virtual meeting, which over 200 people attended. “I just think those are tremendous cuts.”

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The Board of Education and Board of Selectmen were to attend a special Board of Finance meeting on April 26 to present how they will handle the cuts.

First Selectman Pat Del Monaco said the $300,000 cut to the Board of Selectmen budget will have a significant impact.

“They will have to come out of our operating budget and they will be fairly severe,” she said Monday of the cuts. “We don’t have a lot of extra in our operating budget, so this will affect services that our residents enjoy.”

Del Monaco said the Board of Selectmen will discuss the $300,000 cut during a special meeting Thursday.

“I don’t want to get out ahead of the Board of Selectmen on specifics, but as I have said publicly, we’re going to have to look again at regionalizing our dispatch center and we’re going to have to look at operations in our library and our senior center,” she said.

Though he couldn’t be reached for comment Monday on the impact of the nearly $1.8 million cut, Superintendent Kenneth Craw has said a major cut would “deny children the education they deserve and be tantamount to educational malpractice.”

“For every $500,000 we have to cut from the schools’ budget, we will have to cut six certified and two non-certified positions,” he said earlier this month. Cuts to teaching positions would “lead to larger class sizes, reduced course and program offerings and co-curricular offerings,” he said.

The New Fairfield Board of Finance’s efforts to minimize the town’s tax increase came despite pleas from residents to approve the budgets without cuts.

“At the last Board of Finance meeting, we had over 300 people on the call and many of them (said) they want to see minimal or no cuts to the Board of Ed and Board of Selectmen’s budgets,” resident Don Kellogg said. “What I don’t understand is with this overwhelming outcry … how you can just ignore it.”

An alternate plan

Before the vote, finance board member Reedy proposed a plan designed to not only lower the projected tax increase from 13.2 percent to 6.9 percent, but to also mitigate the budget increase “without creating new holes for next year.” But others on the finance board said it was not “conservative enough.”

Reedy’s plan called for cutting $585,000 from the Board of Education and $175,000 from the Board of Selectmen, using $970,000 in excess revenue from the current fiscal year to offset next year’s increase in the medical fund and to start rebuilding the town’s medical reserve fund, adding $250,000 to estimated non-tax revenue and using $1.5 million in bond premium in 2023-24 — as well as $1.54 million in 2024-25 — to smooth out the tax increase.

Reedy said her plan may not be what residents had called for, but she said it would help the town avoid future budget holes and also be fair to all New Fairfield residents — some of whom can’t afford a 13.2 percent tax increase.

“I’m sure people will be unhappy with parts of this (plan), but I feel like we have a job to do and we haven’t done it yet, and it’s time for us to do our job and put this out to the public,” she said. “We can deal with this. We just need to make the decision that we’re going to do it.”

Reedy’s plan looked at the upcoming fiscal year as well as the years ahead.

“We need to look at this over more than just one year. If you look at what we did last year, we created holes that we have to fill this year,” she said, adding that she regrets not making past tax increases larger.

If tax increases had reflected taxpayers’ approval of funding for the construction of two schools, an additional school resources officer and infrastructure maintenance, Reedy said the town might have avoided the need to fill holes.

“We on the Board of Finance have failed (to) let the tax increase reflect the fullness of what taxpayers are telling us that they want,” she said. “If you want these things, you have to be willing to pay for them.”

Despite appreciating its forward-looking approach, others on the finance board weren’t fully on board with Reedy’s proposal and called for further reductions.

The public expressed frustration with the board members’ responses to Reedy’s proposal.

“I’m floored, really and truly,” resident Amber Fidel said. “Cheryl came up with some really solid solutions and was nearly railroaded.”

Kellogg said Reedy’s plan might not have aligned with residents' calls for minimal to no cuts, “but it was reasonable and it was rational … and you guys just took a machete to it.”

The Board of Finance will have to do its final budget markup April 26, in order to get the 2023-24 budget out to voters, Marsh said. New Fairfield’s code of ordinances requires the annual town budget meeting to take place no later than the first Wednesday in May.

Stray dog draws a following as New Fairfield animal control officer cares for her in her final days

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateNEW FAIRFIELD – It's a tale of two dogs for Kimberly Kraska, the animal control officer in town, one that she has seen many times, with the best ending for one pup and the saddest for the other.A Portuguese Podengo was found on Jewel Lane on June 9, and a white poodle was found the next day on Carleon Road. Neither of the stray dogs had an identifying microchip, so K...

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NEW FAIRFIELD – It's a tale of two dogs for Kimberly Kraska, the animal control officer in town, one that she has seen many times, with the best ending for one pup and the saddest for the other.

A Portuguese Podengo was found on Jewel Lane on June 9, and a white poodle was found the next day on Carleon Road. Neither of the stray dogs had an identifying microchip, so Kraska took them in at New Fairfield Animal Control. She affectionately gave them temporary names; Ginger for the orange hound dog, and Cotton for the canine ball of white fluff.

When Kraska finds a stray animal, her goal is to get out the word to reunite the pet with its owner. Or if the pet isn’t claimed within the seven-day waiting period, she hopes someone steps forward to adopt the animal.

“Strays who go unclaimed tend to attract a huge social media following,” Kraska said. “What attracts an even bigger following is when it is believed that the dog has been ‘dumped’ and left on the side of the road. They want to offer a home, supplies, monetary donations, and love to ensure the dog will not feel unloved or unwanted ever again.”

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For Ginger, whose picture was shared over 400 times the Animal Control’s Facebook page, there was happy outcome. She was adopted June 30 and renamed Penny by her new owner.

But Cotton, whose picture received dozens of caring posts and was shared over 1,000 times on Facebook, died June 20.

“Sadly, Cotton passed away from old age,” Kraska said. “She was approximately 15-plus years old. She had poor vision and was deaf. She could not walk or stand very well and would often fall over. She was malnourished and dehydrated and very frail."

After she was found, Cotton had been taken to Guardian Vets in Brewster, N.Y., for a checkup, Kraska said. The dog's blood work came back normal, but she wasn’t doing well.

“Her passing wasn’t so much of a surprise to me, I knew her condition wasn’t the best when I found her," Kraska said. "I tried to hold out hope and give her strength in love to help her fight, but her little body was just too weak.”

The many followers on Facebook posted thanks to the animal control officer for caring for Cotton in her final days and expressing sadness over the dog's death.

"So sorry for your loss, thank you for being with her and showing her the love she deserved while you had her. Run free over the rainbow bridge, Cotton," one post said.

Kraska said she likes to give the public updates when she finds an abandoned dog and share their stories with the community.

“Many people care about the outcome and welfare of the animal," she said.

It is likely Cotton had owners nearby and was not a stray, Kraska said, because the poodle was found wearing a $60 Seresto flea and tick collar.

Dogs such as Cotton and Ginger are found roaming fairly frequently in New Fairfield, Kraska said. A little over 2 years ago, she said she found another stray Portuguese Podengo that was never claimed but also was adopted by a new family.

But with the roaming dogs, “they are not all necessarily strays,” she said. A “majority of the dogs are claimed by their respective families. Sometimes, accidents happen. It could be something like wind blew a gate open, a worker left a door open, a leash broke, a dog jumped a fence, something along those lines, and a dog will escape.

"Having your dog licensed makes it easier for Animal Control to look up the tag number and reunite families with their dogs quickly,” she said.

Since Cotton's death, it has been quiet at Animal Control. As of July 5, there were no animals at its facility.

“Thankfully, our Animal Control building is empty right now,” Kraska said. “However, the shelter next door, the New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare, has many wonderful dogs and cats that have been waiting a long time for a family of their own.”

For more information on animals up for adoption or lost pets, go to the New Fairfield Animal Control website at www.newfairfield.org/municipal-departments/public-safety/animal-control or call 203-885-4417. For Animal Control Facebook page updates, go to www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057145102758. To learn about New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare, go to www.nfsaw.org.

Groovin' in New Fairfield welcomes back Dan Stevens with Laura Sumner

Groovin’ in New Fairfield is proud to welcome Ramblin’ DAN STEVENS with special guest LAURA SUMNER on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $15. 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 c...

Groovin’ in New Fairfield is proud to welcome Ramblin’ DAN STEVENS with special guest LAURA SUMNER on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $15. 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.

Upcoming shows; Saturday, February 4, 2024 Seth AdamsSaturday, April 20, 2024 Louise MosrieSaturday, September 28, 2024 Girl BlueSaturday November 9, 2024 Jesse Ruben

Dan Stevens "Ramblin" Dan Stevens performs an eclectic mix of traditional fingerstyle blues, popular songs and originals and has entertained audiences throughout the US, Germany, UK, Canada and Virgin Islands. Of special interest is his unique style of "bottleneck" slide playing popularized by early Mississippi delta bluesmen including his use of a homemade, three stringed "Cigar Box Guitar" and one stringed "Diddly Bow", both primitive blues instruments. As a finalist in the International Blues Challenge '08 on Beale St. in Memphis TN and protege of the legendary Dave Van Ronk, Dan has been lauded for his ability as a raconteur and for the authenticity of his approach gained by many years on the road as a traveling blues musician.in New York City Subway System in locations such as Times Square and Grand Central Terminal. www.danstevens.net

Singer-Songwriter Laura Sumner was born fittingly, in the Summer of Love, to parents with strong southern roots in Georgia. By the time she was 9 years old she had already moved from Florida, to New Jersey, Connecticut and California, finally settling back on the East Coast. Sumner now resides in the Hudson Valley, NY on land with a garden and a flock of chickens. Her musical influences spring from the proverbial well of 60’s and 70’s classic songwriters, naming Joni Mitchell as one of her greatest influences as well as The Beatles, Carly Simon, Neil Diamond & Neil Young. Sumner’s recent EP, Red Clay Blue Sky, released in June of ‘22 has been met with critical acclaim. “If you weren’t sure about her authenticity as a player… what she does behind the microphone is so stunningly intriguing that it’s bound to make a believer out of you, if not someone who would go out of their way to see her perform live on the next possible occasion.” - Melody Maker www.laurasumner.com

Groovin' in New Fairfield presents Kala Farnham with special guest Mike Herz

Groovin’ in New Fairfield is proud to welcome KALA FARNHAM with special guest MIKE HERZ on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $15.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...

Groovin’ in New Fairfield is proud to welcome KALA FARNHAM with special guest MIKE HERZ on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT. Doors open at 6:45 pm. Tickets are $15.

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.

Upcoming shows; Saturday, November 4, 2023 Bluesman Dan Stevens

Saturday, February 4, 2024 Seth Adams

Kala Farnham Armed with a voice and an entourage of instruments, songstress Kala Farnham set out into the world with one vision: To inspire through the transformative power of musical storytelling. Farnham has garnered numerous awards and recognition, including serving as the current Connecticut State Troubadour, 2020 Falcon Ridge Festival Emerging Artist, 2020 Great American Song Contest Finalist, and 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner. Farnham's 2020 album, "Your Spirit Is a Work of Art", is composed of thirteen musical vignettes exploring the imperfect beauty of the human condition; it has been described by Nick Noble of The Folk Revival as “a work of poetic insight… worth listening to again and again." Drawing from a classical education and professional career in musical theater, Kala presents a hallmark reinvention of the folk tradition: her lush musical arrangements, compelling vulnerability, and vivid storytelling draws her audience into imaginative vantagescapes of the familiar world. www.kalafarnham.com

Mike Herz With an uncanny ability to turn a phrase and deliver lyrics that rattle around in your head, Mike Herz writes and performs in a style that is all his own. Born and raised in small town New Jersey, music has brought him across America and into venues of all shapes and sizes. He's been recognized for his songwriting at the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. He's also played dive bars where intoxicated men request songs he does not know. With several albums under his belt, Mike is always exploring new sounds and arrangements and following wherever the muse may lead. www.mikeherzmusic.com

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

New Fairfield Man sentenced for manslaughter

Patrick Arthur Griffin, 60, was found guilty of killing James Knapp, 65.DANBURY, Conn. — A New Fairfield man was sentenced Wednesday in the manslaughter death of another man.James Knapp, 65, died of stab wounds in the home of Patrick Arthur Griffin, 60, of New Fairfield Griffin was sentenced to 20 years in prison, execution suspended after 16 years served...

Patrick Arthur Griffin, 60, was found guilty of killing James Knapp, 65.

DANBURY, Conn. — A New Fairfield man was sentenced Wednesday in the manslaughter death of another man.

James Knapp, 65, died of stab wounds in the home of Patrick Arthur Griffin, 60, of New Fairfield Griffin was sentenced to 20 years in prison, execution suspended after 16 years served, and five years of probation on a charge of Manslaughter in the First Degree.

Prosecutors showed that Griffin stabbed Knapp in the chest during an assault.

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Police said they were called to a report of an assault on Hillview Drive East in May 2022. The house is located in a small neighborhood off Fairfield Drive, about a half mile from the New York State line.

At the sentencing hearing, the Court heard from numerous friends and family members of Knapp, expressing how deeply his passing has affected them emotionally and physically.

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