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.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Arts & EntertainmentBring the family to a unique shadow dancing puppet show at the Darien Arts Center on Sunday, April 6th at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.Community Contributor|Updated Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 2:24 pm ETDARIEN, CT—From America’s Got Talent to Darien, Becca Winter brings her amazing sha...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Community Contributor
|Updated Tue, Apr 1, 2025 at 2:24 pm ET
DARIEN, CT—From America’s Got Talent to Darien, Becca Winter brings her amazing shadow dancing shadow puppet show to the Darien Arts Center on Sunday, April 6th. Using shadow dancing, captivating puppetry and creative storytelling, Woof Woof’s story follows Little Lucy, who, with the help of her Dad and a flashlight, discovers Woof Woof the Shadow Pup. In a colorful and interactive performance, Lucy finds action-packed adventure in magical worlds filled with enchanted castles, rocket ships, and zany zoo animals.
As one of the finalists on America’s Got Talent, Winter showcased her talent in a fascinating shadow dance performance with the dance troupe, Catapult. The AGT performance, which aired live at Radio City Music Hall, received unanimous accolades from judges Heidi Klum, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel in front of millions of viewers.
In addition to contributing as a choreographer for the show, Winter joins her cast of professional dancers in the performances that include original music by the Emmy-winning composer of Blue’s Clues and Peg + Cat, J. Walter Hawkes and voice narration created by American Idol star Kat Edmonson. Choreography is also produced by Hamilton Tour Dance Supervisor, Alessandra Marconi. Projection design is created by multimedia artist Katherine Freer and illuminating puppetry design is crafted by the Puppet Kitchen.
Purchase tickets for Woof Woof the Shadow Pup at the link below or call (203) 655-8683 with questions. The Darien Arts Center is located at 2 Renshaw Road in Darien, behind the Town Hall. The performance has three shows at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.
TICKETS - $30 each: https://register.darienarts.or...
# # #
About Darien Arts Center:
Founded in 1975, Darien Arts Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, promoting and providing the means of artistic expression in dance, music, visual arts and theatre for members of the community of all ages. The Board of Directors and various committees volunteer their time to represent the different areas of interest and oversee the diverse activities of the Darien Arts Center and its programs, including dance, music, theatre and visual arts. Our classes instruct close to 600 students of all ages each week, taking advantage of all the DAC has to offer. Hundreds more are involved with the performing arts. The programs would not be possible without the encouragement of the thousands of area residents who come out in support of these events and have stood by us and helped us grow into the successful and thriving organization we are today. For that we say “thank you!” And we promise we will continue to present the very best theatre, music, dance and visual arts for you and your family for generations to come. For more information, call (203) 665 - 8683, email [email protected] or visit www.darienartscenter.org
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
DARIEN, CT — Following the announcement this week that Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley will retire effective in June, the Board of Education has called a special meeting to jumpstart the process for finding a replacement.According to the agenda for a virtual special meeting slated for Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m., the board will hold a discussion and take possible action on "creating a personnel search committee of the Darien Board of Education for the purpose of identifying and recommending an inte...
DARIEN, CT — Following the announcement this week that Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley will retire effective in June, the Board of Education has called a special meeting to jumpstart the process for finding a replacement.
According to the agenda for a virtual special meeting slated for Monday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m., the board will hold a discussion and take possible action on "creating a personnel search committee of the Darien Board of Education for the purpose of identifying and recommending an interim and/or successor superintendent."
The agenda notes that there will be a public comment session.
In an email to families and staff on Thursday, Addley said he plans to step down after 41 years in education, which includes 17 years as a superintendent, "to spend quality time with family and pursue other endeavors." He joined DPS in 2019.
"It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as Superintendent of Darien Public Schools and to have provided continuity of leadership during the past six years," Addley wrote. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with such dedicated staff, Board members, public officials, parents, and students. Together, we have navigated some unique challenges and developed meaningful programs, practices and projects that have benefited all of Darien's students and staff."
Board of Education Vice Chair Robin Nelson, who is serving as acting chair this week since Jill McCammon is away, issued a statement to Patch regarding Addley's impending retirement.
"During his tenure, Dr. Addley guided our district through unique challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, while developing meaningful programs that have benefited all of our students and staff," Nelson said in part. "Dr. Addley also oversaw the successful new construction of Ox Ridge Elementary School and has helped guide the ongoing renovations of Holmes, Hindley and Royle elementary schools. His leadership helped maintain Darien Public Schools as one of the top-ranked districts in Connecticut."
The special meeting on Monday will be available to the public on Zoom. Those wishing to view the meeting only and not participate in public comment should do so through the DPS YouTube channel.
The Community Fund of Darien will hold its 46th annual volunteer celebration on April 29 at Meadowlands.Richard Kaufman, Patch StaffDARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien will recognize 46 local volunteers at its annual celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Meadowlands at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road. The event is free and open to the public.Since its inception in 1979, the Community Fund ...
Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff
DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien will recognize 46 local volunteers at its annual celebration on Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Meadowlands at the DCA, 274 Middlesex Road. The event is free and open to the public.
Since its inception in 1979, the Community Fund of Darien has honored more than 880 residents for their contributions to the community. Each February, local nonprofit organizations and the public are invited to nominate individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism.
"Volunteers are the heart of our community, and their dedication strengthens the very fabric of Darien," said Maggie Domont, executive director of The Community Fund of Darien. "Each of these 46 honorees has given selflessly to make a meaningful impact, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions. This feel-good, free event has a history of inspiring others to embrace the spirit of volunteerism and continue making a difference."
Honorees will be recognized in the following categories: Outstanding Adult Volunteer (ages 19-64), Outstanding Emerging Volunteer (18 and younger), Outstanding Senior Volunteer (65+), Outstanding Volunteer Family, Outstanding Volunteer Team, and Outstanding Volunteer Duo.
The event is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens, Bankwell, PURE Insurance, and USI Insurance Services. Brown Harris Stevens has supported the event for more than 20 years, and the Darien Community Association (DCA) is hosting the gathering at its recently renovated facility.
Attendees will enjoy light refreshments while celebrating the honorees alongside friends, family, fellow volunteers, and local nonprofit representatives. The Community Fund of Darien encourages the public to attend and recognize individuals who contribute to strengthening the community.
RSVP to the event by visiting communityfunddarien.org/volunteercelebration. Event is free and open to the public. Space is limited.
This year’s volunteer award honorees:
Outstanding Adult Volunteer
Outstanding Emerging Volunteer
Outstanding Senior Volunteer
Outstanding Volunteer Duo
Outstanding Volunteer Family
Outstanding Volunteer Team
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DARIEN, CT — Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley on Thursday announced his resignation, effective June 30 "or on a mutually agreed upon date."In an email to families and staff, Addley said he plans to step down after 41 years in education, which includes 17 years as a superintendent, "to spend quality time with family and pursue other endeavors." He joined DPS in 2019."It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as Superintendent of Darien Public Schools and to have p...
DARIEN, CT — Superintendent of Darien Public Schools Dr. Alan Addley on Thursday announced his resignation, effective June 30 "or on a mutually agreed upon date."
In an email to families and staff, Addley said he plans to step down after 41 years in education, which includes 17 years as a superintendent, "to spend quality time with family and pursue other endeavors." He joined DPS in 2019.
"It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to serve as Superintendent of Darien Public Schools and to have provided continuity of leadership during the past six years," Addley wrote. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with such dedicated staff, Board members, public officials, parents, and students. Together, we have navigated some unique challenges and developed meaningful programs, practices and projects that have benefited all of Darien's students and staff."
Addley went on to call DPS "an exceptional New England School district." He said he is "committed to assisting the Board in the transition to new leadership."
"For some life events, you go on but never really move on," he added. "As I look forward to retirement with excitement and anticipation, I know a wee part of me will always be part of the Blue Wave family and much like the tree in my favorite children's book, The Giving Tree - the tree was happy!"
Addley thanked the community and staff for their "unwavering support of education and care" for the students over the past six years.
Last summer, the Darien Board of Education voted to extend Addley's contract by a year through June 30, 2027. As part of the extension, Addley's base salary was $329,584, a 3 percent increase over his previous salary of $319,984.
Before coming to Darien in 2019, Addley was the head of the Granby Public Schools District for 11 years.
Addley replaced interim DPS Superintendent Elliot Landon, who took over for Dan Brenner.
Brenner resigned the previous year to take another job out of the district.
A native of Northern Ireland, Addley was a professional soccer player at one point and began his 41-year educational career as a mathematics teacher.
Board of Education Vice Chair Robin Nelson, who is serving as acting chair this week since Jill McCammon is away, issued a statement to Patch regarding Addley's impending retirement.
"The Board of Education sincerely thanks Dr. Addley for his six years of leadership and dedicated service to the Darien Public Schools," Nelson said. "During his tenure, Dr. Addley guided our district through unique challenges, including the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, while developing meaningful programs that have benefited all of our students and staff.
"Dr. Addley also oversaw the successful new construction of Ox Ridge Elementary School and has helped guide the ongoing renovations of Holmes, Hindley and Royle elementary schools. His leadership helped maintain Darien Public Schools as one of the top-ranked districts in Connecticut.
"We wish Dr. Addley all the best in his retirement and future endeavors. The Board is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent search for our next superintendent and will provide updates as the process progresses."
Most of the nearly $1.5 million a former University of Miami student from Darien has agreed to pay in restitution for his role in a multi-million dollar return shipping scheme will go to Amazon, with the remaining money divvied up among several other retailers, according to court records.Matthew Bergwall pleaded guilty to mail fraud conspiracy in federal court last summer....
Most of the nearly $1.5 million a former University of Miami student from Darien has agreed to pay in restitution for his role in a multi-million dollar return shipping scheme will go to Amazon, with the remaining money divvied up among several other retailers, according to court records.
Matthew Bergwall pleaded guilty to mail fraud conspiracy in federal court last summer. His sentencing is set to resume in June, after it was initially scheduled for last week.
Bergwall's attorney said in a motion his client had agreed to pay out around $1.5 million in restitution, after Bergwall obtained a loan for the money from a business associate.
A court filing last week laid out how the money would be divided up.
The bulk of the money, $1,091,092.62, will go to Amazon, according to the calculation in the filing, which was signed by both the defense and prosecution.
The remaining roughly $371,000 of the total $1,462,471.92 in restitution was divided up among seven other companies, most of them fashion or electronics retailers, according to the filing.
In a statement, an Amazon executive said the company and other retailers have faced "large-scale refund fraud" for years.
"Amazon is addressing this issue head-on through the development of tools that use machine learning models to proactively detect and prevent fraud, as well as employing specialized teams dedicated to detecting, investigating and stopping fraud," Kathy Sheehan, vice president of business conduct and ethics, said. "When bad actors attempt to evade our controls, we take action and work with law enforcement to hold them accountable."
A court filing indicated Bergwall faces between a little more than 5 years and six and a half years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines, before any departures or variances. At a sentencing hearing Thursday, the judge rejected a motion filed by Bergwall's attorney seeking downward departure in his client's sentence because of his "extraordinary prepayment" of the $1.5 million in restitution.
In addition to the potential prison sentence, Bergwall could also face between one and three years of supervision upon his release, a fine of between $25,000 and $250,000, and a special assessment of $100, according to court papers.
Prosecutors said in a news release at the time of his arrest that Bergwall was charged with hacking a "a multi-national shipping, receiving, and supply chain management company." The news release from the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Florida said Bergwall had unauthorized access to employees' accounts at the unnamed company between December 2021 and April 2022.
A more recent indictment against another defendant in the case revealed prosecutors believe Bergwall purchased the fraud scheme from a New York resident in February 2022. The New York resident created the fraud scheme — dubbed the "service" by prosecutors in court papers — soon after he gained access to the victim company's tracking platform in December 2021.
Prosecutors claim those involved in the scheme used the tracking platform to enter "false and fraudulent tracking information," which allowed them to receive refunds for merchandise while also holding on to the goods.
Bergwall is believed to have enlisted two other people to help him run the scheme, then passed off operating the conspiracy to one of his co-conspirators, court papers said.
In around five months, the scheme "caused nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns and resulted in victim-retailers losing more than $8 million," an indictment said.
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