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 Newtown Flagpole 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 Newtown, 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 Dickinson Memorial 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 La Stalla or visit Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site, 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 Newtown, 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 Newtown, 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 Newtown, 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.
NEWTOWN, CT — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Newtown area apple orchards.There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Newtown. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples...
NEWTOWN, CT — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Newtown area apple orchards.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Newtown. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Hidden Gem Orchard, located at 2500 Purchase Brook Road in Southbury, is open to pick your own apples 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 6 through Nov. 2.
"Pick Your Own" at Blue Jay Orchards, 125 Plumtrees Road in Bethel, will be open Saturday and Sunday of each weekend beginning Sept. 6, and also on the Columbus Day holiday.
Silverman's Farm at 451 Sport Hill Road in Easton is open 7 days a week.
Beardsley's Cider Mill and Orchard at 278 Leavenworth Road in Shelton is open daily 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Although not a "pick your own" orchard, Halas Farm Market is huge, and nearby at 28 Pembroke Road in Danbury.
While you are out scouting orchards, be sure to check out that extraordinary corn maze in Brookfield, at Twins BBQ at 401 Federal Road.
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said.
Aquarion connects Fairfield Hills supply, ending yearlong water limits in Newtown and restoring capacity after 2024 flood.NEWTOWN, CT — Aquarion Water Company has connected its system to the Fairfield Hills water supply, ending more than a year of restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use imposed after severe flooding in 2024.The August 2024 storm flooded Aquarion’s wellfield off South Main Street in Botsford, taking two major wells offline. Since then, residents and businesses across Newtown have been limit...
NEWTOWN, CT — Aquarion Water Company has connected its system to the Fairfield Hills water supply, ending more than a year of restrictions on non-essential outdoor water use imposed after severe flooding in 2024.
The August 2024 storm flooded Aquarion’s wellfield off South Main Street in Botsford, taking two major wells offline. Since then, residents and businesses across Newtown have been limited in their water use. The new interconnection restores capacity and allows Aquarion to move to a two-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule.
“This project took thoughtful planning and strong collaboration,” First Selectman Jeff Capeci said in a statement. He credited Public Works Director Fred Hurley, Aquarion’s Robert Ulrich, and Tim Clark of the Pootatuck Club — which owns the land where the town-owned Fairfield Hills wells are located — for helping complete the project.
Capeci said the connection strengthens the system and provides stability for residents and businesses. It also enables Aquarion to honor “will-serve” letters for housing and commercial projects that had been delayed because of the shortage, particularly in Sandy Hook and other neighborhoods.
“This is a win for Newtown,” Capeci said. “It strengthens our water system, supports economic development, and removes limitations that residents and businesses have endured since last summer’s flood. Most importantly, it gives our community the confidence to move forward.”
Officials said the Fairfield Hills connection is designed for emergency use and is not a permanent fix. The town, Aquarion, and local partners are continuing to negotiate with a railroad company to resolve a culvert collapse that blocked the Pootatuck River and contributed to the wellfield flooding.
The parties will continue to monitor the system to ensure reliable service and long-term stability, according to the town.
NEWTOWN, CT — The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary will hold its annual Butterflies, Birds & Blossoms event Sept. 21, offering families a chance to learn about the role of pollinators and how to help protect them.The free community event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the sanctuary, located at 8 Commerce Road in Newtown. Each year it draws more than 200 visitors for hands-on activities, educational programs, and family-friendly entertainment.Organizers said the event comes at a critical time, as nearly one in...
NEWTOWN, CT — The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary will hold its annual Butterflies, Birds & Blossoms event Sept. 21, offering families a chance to learn about the role of pollinators and how to help protect them.
The free community event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the sanctuary, located at 8 Commerce Road in Newtown. Each year it draws more than 200 visitors for hands-on activities, educational programs, and family-friendly entertainment.
Organizers said the event comes at a critical time, as nearly one in five native plant species in Connecticut are listed as endangered and pollinator populations are in steep decline. The sanctuary, a certified Monarch Waystation and butterfly garden, has worked to create habitats where pollinators can thrive and to teach the public how to replicate those efforts at home.
“As pollinators face unprecedented threats, events like this remind us that protecting them isn’t just an environmental choice, it’s an opportunity to learn simple, everyday actions that safeguard our planet,” said Jenny Hubbard, president of the sanctuary.
Highlights this year include monarch butterfly tagging for Monarch Watch, meadow net sweeping and insect discovery, native bird exploration, pollinator seed bomb launching, and children’s craft stations. Native pollinator plants will also be available for purchase, and Lucky Dog Refuge will bring adoptable animals.
Experts in entomology, ornithology and conservation will be on hand to provide insight into pollinator protection.
The sanctuary spans 34 acres of meadows, woodlands and gardens dedicated to fostering wildlife and honoring the memory of Catherine Violet Hubbard, a 6-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. In addition to its conservation programs, the sanctuary supports senior pet owners through its Senior Paw Project and hosts a variety of free or low-cost educational and recreational events.
Mexicali Rose, a popular Mexican restaurant in Newtown owned by Marklin and Minerva Hidalgo, recently announced that it will be closing its doors for good after nearly 30 years following recent events.The restaurant temporarily closed for four days after a car crashed into the front of business at 71 South Main St. in Newtown on Aug. 26. Since then, the Hidalgo family has made the decision to close the doors for good, according to a recent announcement on social media.“After nearly 30 years of serving Newtown, it is with ...
Mexicali Rose, a popular Mexican restaurant in Newtown owned by Marklin and Minerva Hidalgo, recently announced that it will be closing its doors for good after nearly 30 years following recent events.
The restaurant temporarily closed for four days after a car crashed into the front of business at 71 South Main St. in Newtown on Aug. 26. Since then, the Hidalgo family has made the decision to close the doors for good, according to a recent announcement on social media.
“After nearly 30 years of serving Newtown, it is with heavy hearts that we share that Mexicali Rose will be closing its doors. Our final day will be Sunday, September 21,” according to the statement. “This was not an easy decision, especially taking into account the timing of recent events. As some of you may know, Minerva — the heart and soul of Mexicali Rose — has been dealing with health challenges. Right now, our focus needs to be on caring for her and supporting her.
“We know this news is emotional not just for us, but for many of you who have been part of our extended family here over the years. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for choosing us, for sharing meals with us and making Mexicali Rose a part of your lives,” the statement continued. “We hope to see you in the coming weeks — not to say goodbye, but to share memories and maybe one last plate of your favorite dish.”
Mike Hidalgo, the owners’ son, said his parents came to the United States as immigrants — Minerva from Mexico and Marklin from Costa Rica — to chase the “American Dream.”
“They came to this country without knowing the language, knowing anybody, knowing what the world was like here and made something of themselves and just took a chance and started their own business and here we are almost 30 years later,” Mike Hidalgo said. “They came to this country like a lot of people do to chase the American Dream, and they made something out of nothing. It’s proof if you set your goals right and put your heart into something, you can pretty much do anything you want.”
Mike Hidalgo, 33, said he grew up in the restaurant, which opened in 1996. He started as dishwasher during Cinco de Mayo as a 6-year-old and worked there through college.
He described his mother as a “Chatty Cathy” when customers would come in and noted that the restaurant was never fancy.
“It was always a hole in the wall, but it was kind of like if you went to your best friend’s house or your parents’ house and you were just going in for a meal it was that kind of place,” Mike Hidalgo said. “It was just homey. You were there for the food and the people eating there. That’s why we were able to be so close with the people that ate there. We saw people come in as children and coming back with children of their own.”
Mike Hidalgo said the chips and salsa were always a hit, adding that his great-grandmother’s recipe for Chicken Chile Relleno has been the trademark dish for many years.
As soon as the Hidalgo family announced the upcoming closing on social media, there has been an outpouring of support on social media and customers started filling the restaurant.
“Minerva, and family, we can’t thank you enough for the many memories we have of dining at Mexicali Rose with our kids!! We talk about your wonderful restaurant often, even though we left Newtown a few years ago. Peace to your lovely family,” one post read.
“Hidalgo family, we are sure this is a heartbreaking decision for you. We have been with you for 24 of your 30 years. We’ve watched your kids grown up as you’ve watched yours. Your delicious food has been part of so many of our family celebrations, big birthdays, graduations, Friday night dinners for years. We will miss your special place and hugging each of you, more than you will know. Thank you for filling our tummies and hearts,” another read.
Another poster wrote, “I’ll need to get my fill of a few shrimp chimichangas before then … thanks for everything and best of luck going forward!”
“This breaks my heart, honestly one of the best food shops in town. Much love and appreciation to you guys always,” another said.
Mike Hidalgo said the comments were touching for him and his family.
“It was surprising to see how many left a like or wrote a couple of words,” Mike Hidalgo said. “It was really touching to see that. … It made the difficulty of putting that message up a little bit better to see how many cared.”
The family had been discussing selling the business for the past few months and the damage to the restaurant sped that process up. The goal was to sell the business and to keep it going, but Mike Hidalgo said the economic climate made that difficult. Also, his father has been running the business as well as being the caretaker for Minerva.
“Then the accident happened, which no one could have planned for, but then kind of catapulted it a little bit more for us to make a more solid decision,” Mike Hidalgo said. “The loss of business, just from that alone, didn’t help things. At that point, we had to buckle down and then pick a date. And that’s kind of what we did.”
Mike Hidalgo said the walls in the restaurant are covered in family photos and holiday cards.
“The main message we want to leave our customers is ‘Thank you so much for the support. … Let us feed you one time'” Mike Hidalgo said.
NEWTOWN, CT —The Newtown Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variance requests at its Sept. 3 meeting, allowing property owners to move forward with projects that required modifications to setback rules.The board, meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center, voted unanimously in favor of applications involving homes on Mohawk Trail, Old Town Road, and Hanover Road.The first application, submitted by Christopher W. Pace for 53 Mohawk Trail in Sandy Hook, sought approval to place a 10-by-16-foot shed closer to the property l...
NEWTOWN, CT —The Newtown Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variance requests at its Sept. 3 meeting, allowing property owners to move forward with projects that required modifications to setback rules.
The board, meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center, voted unanimously in favor of applications involving homes on Mohawk Trail, Old Town Road, and Hanover Road.
The first application, submitted by Christopher W. Pace for 53 Mohawk Trail in Sandy Hook, sought approval to place a 10-by-16-foot shed closer to the property line than regulations allow. Neighbor Mary Ann Jacob spoke in support, noting the small, nonconforming nature of lake lots in the neighborhood. She cited steep slopes, the location of the septic system and well, and the property’s topography as limiting placement options.
The board determined the circumstances created a hardship and voted 5-0 to approve the request.
The second application, from John Tita Jr. for 7 Old Town Road, requested permission to build a 22-by-27-foot detached, two-car garage on a concrete slab. Tita explained the garage would encroach about 20 feet into the 25-foot setback because of the lot’s shape, an existing well and septic system, and steep slopes from an adjoining property.
A neighbor submitted a letter of support. With no opposition voiced, the board unanimously approved the variance.
The final application came from Kathryn Cullinan for 32 Hanover Road. Cullinan plans to replace an aging carport with a one-car garage, requiring an additional two feet of width beyond the standard setback allowance. She said the lot’s angle, backyard slopes, a retaining wall, and the placement of utilities limited other options.
The board again found a hardship existed and approved the variance in a unanimous vote.
The board also approved the minutes of its June 4 meeting before adjourning at 7:22 p.m.
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