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.
×
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.
×
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 Sandy Hook, CT

How does In-home Senior Care in Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook,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 Sandy Hook, 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 Sandy Hook, CT

Trial lawyers who won $1.5B from Alex Jones for Sandy Hook families earn top honor

Attorneys in Texas and Connecticut who won a group of Sandy Hook families an historic $1.5 billion defamation verdict against Alex Jones last year were awarded the top honor from a nonprofit that fights injustice, corruption and oppression.“No result in court can undo the harm Jones has done,” said ...

Attorneys in Texas and Connecticut who won a group of Sandy Hook families an historic $1.5 billion defamation verdict against Alex Jones last year were awarded the top honor from a nonprofit that fights injustice, corruption and oppression.

“No result in court can undo the harm Jones has done,” said the nonprofit Public Justice in granting its annual Trial Lawyer of the Year award in Philadelphia on Monday. “The results in these cases are a testament to the generosity and bravery of these families, who, even after all they had lost, were willing to face terrifying and powerful opponents to protect other families from what they had suffered.”

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“As a firm this is one of the biggest honors we will probably ever receive from a professional standpoint, but as an attorney and a normal guy my response is I couldn’t be more proud of Mark Bankston for laying the pavement for everybody to follow, not just in the Alex Jones cases but for any … media outlet to understand that the veracity of what you report matters,” said Bill Ogden who helped try Jones’ first defamation awards trial in Texas. “We got a big verdict and then in Connecticut they got a massive one.”

As a result of the big court wins, which Public Justice called “the largest defamation verdict in United States history," Jones filed for personal bankruptcy — a case that continues in a Texas federal court.

"Alex Jones has been restricted in how he can use his revenue and the objective is to collect as much of the judgment as possible to hold him accountable," Mattei said on Tuesday.

Does that mean the harassment has stopped that Sandy Hook families have suffered at the hands of Sandy Hook massacre deniers? Yes and no.

“What we have seen is a pause in at least Jones’ public comments, but as we said at the trial, what he unleased spewed far and wide,” Mattei said. “While we can’t go after every person who Jones poisoned with this lie, what we have done by going after the author is to signal to others that there is an existential financial cost to spreading lies like this.”

Meanwhile a federal judge in Texas has approved a potential agreement between Jones and defamation victims in two more Texas cases, including the case of the parents of a slain Sandy Hook boy Jones defamed. The agreement could substitute a settlement for a third and fourth defamation awards trial.

“If not, we are more than happy and willing to go to trial,” Ogden said of both cases.

For the Sandy Hook families the issue was never about money, Mattei said, but about protecting other families from going through what the Sandy Hook families had to suffer.

“These cases only come about because of the courage of the families who refused to accept that they were powerless to do anything,” Mattei said.

In 2022 Mattei’s firm won the Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award at the American Association of Justice’s annual conference in Seattle for the work by Josh Koskoff and others at the firm to win a $73 million settlement against the bankrupted gun manufacturer Remington.

Daughter Of Slain Sandy Hook Principal Battling Rare Cancer

NEWTOWN, CT — Erica Lafferty has been fighting for changes in the nation's gun laws ever since the death of her mother, Sandy Hook Elementary School principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, in the 2012 mass shooting.But lately, she's been fighting for her life.Six weeks ago, Lafferty was diagnosed with stage 2 orbital lymphoma. A week later, doctors discovered large masses in her lymph nodes. Based on the orbital tumor's rate of growth, Lafferty said doctors told her, "It's not a matter of if these masses turn in...

NEWTOWN, CT — Erica Lafferty has been fighting for changes in the nation's gun laws ever since the death of her mother, Sandy Hook Elementary School principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, in the 2012 mass shooting.

But lately, she's been fighting for her life.

Six weeks ago, Lafferty was diagnosed with stage 2 orbital lymphoma. A week later, doctors discovered large masses in her lymph nodes. Based on the orbital tumor's rate of growth, Lafferty said doctors told her, "It's not a matter of if these masses turn into cancer, it is when."

Lafferty's friend Melissa Lewis began a GoFundMe to help pay for the treatments, which can cost up to $7,650 per cycle, according to the fundraising site. As of Monday morning, the campaign has raised $71,053 of its $100,000 goal.

As well as sending Lafferty scrambling for additional revenue, the diagnosis also prompted a drastic change in her diet. She must now eat all raw foods, avoid dairy, and — cruelest cut of all — lay off the pasta.

"You know, you wouldn't know it with a last name like Lafferty, but I'm pretty Italian," she joked. Less funny: Since she has begun "eating fresh," her grocery bill has caught fire.

Shortly after her mother's death, Lafferty began working with Mayors Against Illegal Guns, which later merged with Moms Demand Action to become Everytown for Gun Safety in 2013. Her tireless work advocating for domestic violence laws, secure firearm storage, and state background checks, along with her Sandy Hook lineage, has made hers the go-to soundbite for just about every national network reporting on a school shootings the past 10 years.

'So I reached out to these news outlets and was like, 'Hey, can you share my GoFundMe? You're my friends, I've done everything for you, everything you've asked,' I've never said 'no'.''

The response she received shocked and surprised her.

"I gave them 10 years of my life, and they would not share my GoFundMe, something that essentially is a matter of life and death for me," Lafferty said. "I'm 37 years old, and I walk around my house with a walker, … I'm weak, and I'm tired, and I'm in pain, and I just need some freakin' help. For one time in a decade, I'm asking for something for me."

The "Help Lafferty Beat Lymphoma #SurvivorsSurvive" GoFundMe fundraiser is online her.

Greenwich developer revising housing plans next to Sandy Hook girl's sanctuary after public outcry

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateNEWTOWN — Three months after a Greenwich developer withdrew what opponents termed “monstrous” blueprints for 170 apartments next to a slain Sandy Hook girl’s animal sanctuary, designers are drawing revised plans for the “challenging” 14-acre property.“We are still spending time an...

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NEWTOWN — Three months after a Greenwich developer withdrew what opponents termed “monstrous” blueprints for 170 apartments next to a slain Sandy Hook girl’s animal sanctuary, designers are drawing revised plans for the “challenging” 14-acre property.

“We are still spending time and money hoping there is an opportunity to do something with that property,” said William Donohue, founder and managing partner of Teton Capital Co., referring to plans to buy land from Newtown on Commerce Road next to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary and build a residential campus. “I can’t say when we will resubmit.”

Donahue’s assurance that he’s committed to the project means the possibility is still in play for a $3-to-$4 million deal between Newtown and Teton, depending on how many apartments are approved on land Connecticut conveyed to Newtown to be used for economic development.

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On the other hand, Teton will have to win support from land use review boards who panned Teton’s plans as “out of skew” and “too urban.” And Teton will have to win over Newtown residents who called the proposal “unconscionable,” “a disgrace,” and “an abject demonstration of disrespect.”

At the center of opponents’ concern was Jenny Hubbard, the mother of a girl slain in the 2012 Sandy Hook School mass shooting who founded an animal sanctuary in her daughter’s name. Newtown rallied behind the Sandy Hook mom and railed against Teton’s plan after Hubbard said she had not been consulted about Teton’s “aggressive urban design.”

Hubbard said during a two-hour public hearing in the spring that the project, which called for 152 apartments and 19 villas for seniors, would have “a remarkable negative impact” on her nonprofit’s 34-acre nature preserve.

Donohue’s assurances to opponents during that public hearing in April that “We want to get this right,” and the testimony of Teton’s architect that he had been working for three years on blueprints for the “challenging site” did not appear to move the needle in Teton’s favor.

In May, Donahue withdrew Teton’s plans from the town’s wetlands commission and from the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, vowing to return with a revised design.

Teton’s May withdrawal marked the third time in a year that public opposition to a major construction proposal played a defining role in taking the blueprints off the table. Teton was the only developer of the three that vowed to come back with a new plan.

In February, the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted down a proposal by New York developer Farrell Building Co. to cluster 200 apartments in 11 buildings east of Interstate 84’s Exit 9 after public opposition.

The property in question was next to a larger 100-acre terrain where another New York investor proposed to build an 8-acre trucking warehouse. The same commission voted down that proposal in June, 2022 after widespread neighborhood objection and town-wide protests.

Michigan State University student with painful memories of Sandy Hook massacre speaks out

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Michigan State University student who was on campus during Monday's deadly shooting also has painful personal memories of the Sandy Hook massacre.Jaqueline Matthews, 21, is originally from Newtown, Connecticut.She was in 6th grade when the shooting happened in 2012 and attended an intermediate school nearby.She is currently majoring in international law at M...

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Michigan State University student who was on campus during Monday's deadly shooting also has painful personal memories of the Sandy Hook massacre.

Jaqueline Matthews, 21, is originally from Newtown, Connecticut.

She was in 6th grade when the shooting happened in 2012 and attended an intermediate school nearby.

She is currently majoring in international law at MSU.

"I don't ever think you ever get over something so traumatic or so tragic, even if it's not in your community," she said. "I think things like this, people feel and it never really goes away."

Note: This story has been updated to correct the fact that Jaqueline Matthews was not a student at Sandy Hook Elementary school when a mass shooting occurred there in 2012. She attended a nearby intermediate school at the time.

Matthews suffers from a PTSD fracture in her back which she said occurred as the Sandy Hook massacre was happening.

Joe Torres has more on Jaqueline Matthews' experience:

Matthews said she almost never talks about what happened at Sandy Hook on that dark day, but as she watched the carnage and chaos from her window on the MSU campus Monday night, she couldn't stay silent.

Matthews posted on TikTok to express her frustration and concern for the communities.

"I never talk about that topic, but I felt the need to post that video, I was sitting with my roommate, and we were talking about how out of hand this is, and how it's not OK," Matthews said. "Even the kids form Sandy Hook/Newtown, the kids from Stoneman Douglas, their lives don't stop when these things happen. The fact that the odds of me being in both of those places for two mass shootings, is unfortunately, not as unlikely as it is, for other people as well. I think that's why I felt the need to make the video to bring awareness to the fact that, enough is enough. It just needs to end."

Matthews said she is done being scared of the conversation.

WATCH | Official explains impact of grant aimed at curbing gun violence

In fact, according to the Gun Violence Archive, the number of mass shootings in the United States has nearly tripled in the last decade.

Matthews said she is willing to do her part to help put an end to it.

"It's been put in my face too many times, to the point where being scared is no longer an option," Matthews said.

ALSO READ | Michigan State University gunman found with note threatening Ewing, New Jersey schools

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Heritage Park & Trail Groundbreaking Marks Big Step For Project

Town officials and representatives of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) gathered to break ground for the Sandy Hook Village Heritage Park at 7 Glen Road on May 18.The activity kicked off the first phase of construction for the project, said Michael Burton, SHOP president.“The Heritage Park project has been six years in the making. It is a partnership between the Town, SHOP, and many generous donors,” said Burton. “Collectively, we are transforming a blight into a beautiful asset to the communit...

Town officials and representatives of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) gathered to break ground for the Sandy Hook Village Heritage Park at 7 Glen Road on May 18.

The activity kicked off the first phase of construction for the project, said Michael Burton, SHOP president.

“The Heritage Park project has been six years in the making. It is a partnership between the Town, SHOP, and many generous donors,” said Burton. “Collectively, we are transforming a blight into a beautiful asset to the community. It will increase everyone’s property value and give the business community the ability to increase their volumes as a result of increased parking and recreational space.”

A number of town officials attended the ceremonial groundbreaking event, including Selectman Maureen Crick Owen, Legislative Councilman Matt Mihalcik, and Kimberly Chiapetta, representing Newtown’s Economic and Community Development office.

“I’m glad to see this project get off the ground and that it will come to fruition,” said Crick Owen. “It’s added value to Sandy Hook and the town.”

“I think this is a great spot to start the trail,” said Mihalcik. “The American Rescue Plan and Legislative Council funded the sidewalks. This will be a great hub for the whole trail.”

The Heritage Park & Trail in Sandy Hook is planned to be a community space on a piece of town-owned property that SHOP leases for $1 per year. The park will include a pavilion, 30 public parking places, and a green space that extends down to the river.

To date, SHOP has received grants for the project from The State of Connecticut, The Town of Newtown, Flint Ridge Development, and Newtown Savings Bank.

SHOP will continue fundraising for Phase Two of the project: The Heritage Trail, which will include a wayfinding map of the trail locations at the 7 Glen Road location. Burton estimates the group has raised 75 percent of what it needs.

For more information and future fundraising events, visit sandyhookvillage.com.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at [email protected].

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