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 Boston Post Road Historic District 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 Darien, 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.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
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 Baker 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 Restaurant L'Ostal or visit Bates-Scofield House, 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 Darien, 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 Darien, 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 Darien, 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.
Known for kindness and compassion, Nurse Kim also broke barriers as Darien's first female firefighter.Darien, CT — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Darien is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schoo...
Darien, CT — Back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and nerves — for students, parents and staff alike. Thankfully, Darien is home to everyday school heroes who help make the transition smoother and the school year a little brighter.
From teachers and tutors to bus drivers, cafeteria staff, crossing guards and more, these caring individuals bring steady support and positivity to our schools. To recognize their many contributions — big and small — Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to salute the unsung heroes of back-to-school.
This submission comes from Alyssa Fischer, who nominated Nurse Kim of Tokeneke elementary.
What is the school hero’s name?
Nurse Kim
Where does this school hero work?
Tokeneke elementary
Please describe why this individual is a hero at your school.
Nurse Kim is always there and loves caring for all students. She is always happy to help…she is our only nurse and we love having her at our school…nurse Kim is kind and hard working too
How do you know the school hero you’re nominating?
My sister
What should your community know about this person?
Nurse Kim was the first female volunteer firefighter in Darien. She has been a volunteer over 30 years
What three words best describe the school hero?
Hardworking…. Kind….Compassionate …
If you know a school hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
New employment data numbers have just dropped for Darien via the Connecticut Department of Labor.DARIEN, CT — Connecticut added an estimated 700 jobs in July, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.In July, Darien’s unemployment rose to 3.3 percent, from 2.6 percent in June, based on the preliminary data from the CTDOL.The report, released Monday, showed that June’s job growth figures were revised downw...
DARIEN, CT — Connecticut added an estimated 700 jobs in July, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.
In July, Darien’s unemployment rose to 3.3 percent, from 2.6 percent in June, based on the preliminary data from the CTDOL.
The report, released Monday, showed that June’s job growth figures were revised downward slightly, from an estimated 6,300 to 6,100. The state's unemployment rate has now remained below 4 percent for three consecutive years, a threshold economists generally consider representing full employment.
Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said the state continues to offer opportunities for job seekers, with about 80,000 positions currently available. She encouraged residents to use resources offered by the state’s American Job Centers, which provide assistance with resumes, navigating hiring software and artificial intelligence systems, and preparing for the job market.
“After the rapid post-pandemic growth, it’s taking longer to find a job than it did a few years ago, but CTDOL has resources to help,” Bartolomeo said.
The report showed private sector payrolls at 1,482,500, just 500 below the record high set in January. Professional, scientific and technical services gained 1,300 jobs in July, while health care and social assistance lost 900, a decline officials said may be seasonal. Federal government employment was unchanged.
The state’s labor force declined by 2,500 in July, following a drop of 3,700 in June. Officials noted the decreases could reflect normal fluctuations in an aging workforce or impacts from federal immigration policies. Connecticut’s labor force participation rate, at 64.7 percent, remains higher than the national rate of 62.2 percent.
Unemployment claims filings fell slightly to just over 31,000.
Patrick Flaherty, the agency’s director of research, stressed the importance of employers returning payroll surveys on time to ensure the accuracy of initial job estimates, which are regularly revised as more data becomes available.
DARIEN — With its historic architecture, acres of green space and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, Great Island in Darien is the kind of place that may soon find its way onto wedding inspiration mood boards.That fairytale hometown wedding could become a reality, as members of the Darien Great Island Advisory Committee look at crafting a policy that would allow events on Great Island, from painting classes to larger-scale celebrations, such as weddings.But there is no possibility of "large events" such as big...
DARIEN — With its historic architecture, acres of green space and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, Great Island in Darien is the kind of place that may soon find its way onto wedding inspiration mood boards.
That fairytale hometown wedding could become a reality, as members of the Darien Great Island Advisory Committee look at crafting a policy that would allow events on Great Island, from painting classes to larger-scale celebrations, such as weddings.
But there is no possibility of "large events" such as big concerts taking place on Great Island, First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky said.
"There's simply no chance we're going to have highly disruptive events. ... It's not going to happen," he said.
The Great Island Advisory Committee has finished its work, Zagrodzky said, and the issue will go to the Board of Selectmen in August to determine the process, "and what level of activity really makes sense on the island."
“What if a resident who has lived here all his life … and his wife are hoping that their daughter can get married in a ceremony out on the island?” Zagrodzky said. “Why wouldn’t we try to accommodate that family to have a discreet … event, say, one afternoon or an evening so they can celebrate that family event on an island in a town where they’ve been all their lives?”
Given its unique offerings and local significance, a venue such as Great Island is something wedding planner Danielle Mihai knows her many Darien clients would love. The founder of Stamford-based planning company Of Elegance said she could see couples drawn to the space’s natural beauty and historic significance.
“If they're from Darien, and Darien is their home, what better place to do it?” Mihai said “(Clients are) always looking for something unique, but not just a space that anyone can get married — somewhere that speaks to them and that their guests, when they show up, feel like this is a place that represents the couple.”
However, Mihai said, residents, as well as officials, understand there are some concerns about how best to balance hosting such celebrations without affecting the island.
Most agree there should be some limit on how many large-scale events — such as weddings or bar or bat mitzvahs — should be allowed in a year. In recognition of how the popularity of weddings, the advisory committee discussed rules about booking the space.
Members generally agreed that the couple getting married and their parents should be allowed to book the space if at least one of them is a Darien resident. However, some suggested widening that availability to grandparents and siblings.
Curtailing the number of large events may also be a benefit, not only for the island but also for those hosting events, Mihai said.
“It helps them keep the beauty of the space (and) not overused, but also it makes it a sought after, more exclusive thing,” she said. “People are going to want to do it more, because not everyone gets to do it just like every other venue.”
Officials may need to take into account power access, parking and options for inclement weather, Mihai said.
For example, advisory committee members discussed the possibility of bringing in dance floors or tents for weddings.
While town officials are excited to move forward with weddings, some residents worry that pushing forward with events could have negative consequences for the estate.
Community group Darien Green Wave, founded by residents Natalie Tallis, Julie Jones and Juliet Cain, questions whether Great Island is a place that can actually host such large events.
"It is premature to consider hosting events of any size" given the lack of clarity around the environmental, financial and operational implications of such a policy, co-founder Tallis said in a statement.
“Clear public feedback has expressed strong opposition to these events, and significant concerns regarding environmental, operational and zoning issues remain unresolved,” Tallis said. “The only decision that a majority of the residents have supported with respect to large private events is the decision not to allow them on Great Island.”
During a recent installment of the “Ask the First Selectman” series on public access channel TV79, Zagrodzky stated that 54% of Darien residents said they oppose the idea of large events at Great Island. However, he also said the 46% of residents who said they wanted "large events" was a significant number.
As someone who works on many historic properties such as Waveny House in New Canaan, Residents’ concerns are valid, Mihai said, and any policy that officials develop must be done thoughtfully and with community input.
“It has the potential to be such a unique and desirable venue, but, I mean, we have to be respectful of preserving the space, just like any other historic space,” she said.
Even if a policy is agreed on within the next couple months, anyone hoping to host a gathering of more than 100 people will be out of luck for a while. Advisory committee members generally agreed that large events won’t be possible on Great Island for the next eight to nine months as construction commences to widen the entrance road.
During that time, members proposed not allowing setting up larger scale items such as tents or floors.
Smaller events of under 100 people may be able to move forward on limited hours — after 4 p.m. weekdays and dawn to dusk weekends — though officials may limit those to two or three per weekend.
Other event policy ideas include limiting events to day-of setup and takedown, with the planners bringing everything in and out themselves.
Zagrodzky met recently with the Great Island Advisory Committee and said he was seeking to move cautiously with some social events and then evaluate how they went.
"It's all brand new. What we need to do is start with some low-key events, let's try some weddings, and see what works," he said. "We're going to do this in a transparent way, we're going to listen to neighbors. We're not going to upset and anger large majorities of people."
DARIEN, CT — Dr. Jennifer Falcone has been appointed director of elementary education for Darien Public Schools, the district announced this week. She succeeds Julie Droller, who retired in June.Falcone, currently serving as principal of Cider Mill Elementary School in Wilton, is set to begin her new role in August. Her appointment follows an extensive career in public education, with prior roles in Norwalk, Brookfield, Greenwich, and Wilton."Dr. Falcone brings a wide range of experiences that will serve her well in ...
DARIEN, CT — Dr. Jennifer Falcone has been appointed director of elementary education for Darien Public Schools, the district announced this week. She succeeds Julie Droller, who retired in June.
Falcone, currently serving as principal of Cider Mill Elementary School in Wilton, is set to begin her new role in August. Her appointment follows an extensive career in public education, with prior roles in Norwalk, Brookfield, Greenwich, and Wilton.
"Dr. Falcone brings a wide range of experiences that will serve her well in her new role at Director of Elementary in Darien," said Interim Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne in a news release.
Falcone began her career as a fourth grade teacher in Norwalk Public Schools before joining Brookfield Public Schools, where she worked in multiple capacities, including classroom teacher, remedial reading teacher, English language learner coordinator, and district literacy specialist.
From 2008 to 2013, she served as K-12 program coordinator for reading and language arts for Greenwich Public Schools, where she led several district initiatives, including the modification of student supports and interventions, the development of vertically and horizontally aligned, standards-based curriculum, and strategic planning in the areas of data teams, technology, and standards-based report cards.
While principal in Wilton, Falcone introduced instructional strategies such as learning walks and peer observations and focused on academic performance through an accelerated learning framework and data-driven professional learning. She also prioritized community engagement and integrated the Common Core Standards and backward design theory into transdisciplinary and core curricula, the district noted.
"I am honored to join the Darien Public Schools as the director of elementary education," Falcone said in a news release. "As a passionate and collaborative instructional leader, I am excited to learn alongside the talented educators, students, and families of Darien. I look forward to building on the district’s strong foundation and continuing the important work of fostering joyful, rigorous, and engaging learning for all."
Falcone holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in elementary education from Sacred Heart University, and a sixth year certificate in reading and language arts from Central Connecticut State University. She earned her administrative certification and doctorate from Western Connecticut State University, where she also served as a doctoral advisor. She has taught as an adjunct professor at both Western and Central Connecticut State Universities.
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There have been zero human cases in CT so far this year, but health officials are encouraging residents to take precautions.DARIEN, CT — State health officials are warning Connecticut residents of an increased risk of West Nile virus infection following the detection of virus-positive mosquitoes in 21 towns, including Darien.The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Bethel, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Gr...
DARIEN, CT — State health officials are warning Connecticut residents of an increased risk of West Nile virus infection following the detection of virus-positive mosquitoes in 21 towns, including Darien.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in Bethel, Bridgeport, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Hebron, Manchester, New Haven, North Branford, Stamford, Stratford, Wallingford, and Wethersfield. No human infections have been reported so far this season.
"We are seeing a geographic expansion of West Nile virus activity to new towns in Connecticut,” said John Shepard, medical entomologist at CAES. "We anticipate further build-up of West Nile virus in mosquitoes with increased risk of human infection from now through September."
Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES, emphasized the importance of personal protection.
"Now is the time to take precautions against mosquito bites," he said, encouraging the use of insect repellent and protective clothing, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
To reduce mosquito exposure, health officials recommend:
The CAES operates 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities, with traps rotated every ten days and increased to weekly testing following any detection of virus activity. Mosquitoes are grouped and tested by species, location, and date, with results shared with local health departments and available on the CAES website.
Connecticut’s mosquito surveillance and response efforts are coordinated by several agencies, including the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of Public Health, Department of Agriculture, CAES, and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Connecticut.
More information about West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, mosquito test results, and prevention can be found at the state government website here.
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