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.
“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!”
“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.
NEW CANAAN — With just 14 players on the roster, this year’s New Canaan football senior class is one of the smallest coach Lou Marinelli has had in 44 years with the Rams.That couldn’t stop them from leading New Canaan back to the state’s biggest stage.The second-seeded Rams scored three, second-half touchdowns to break open a tie game and defeated third-seeded Newtown 35-20 in a ...
NEW CANAAN — With just 14 players on the roster, this year’s New Canaan football senior class is one of the smallest coach Lou Marinelli has had in 44 years with the Rams.
That couldn’t stop them from leading New Canaan back to the state’s biggest stage.
The second-seeded Rams scored three, second-half touchdowns to break open a tie game and defeated third-seeded Newtown 35-20 in a CIAC Class L semifinal thriller Sunday at Dunning Field.
New Canaan, which is bidding for a state championship three-peat, will be playing in its 20th CIAC final and its 14th since 2006. It has won 10 titles during that span and has 14 championships overall.
“It’s everything you could ever dream of,” New Canaan senior Michael Smith said of the state finals. “If you ever write something out as a plan, this is what you plan for.”
New Canaan (11-1) will face fourth-seeded Darien (10-2) in the Class L final at 3 p.m. Saturday at Central Connecticut State University. The Rams defeated Darien 28-21 in last year's state final and 34-0 in this year's Thanksgiving game.
“I’m happy for these seniors,” Marinelli said. “This is the smallest senior class I can remember in 40 (years)-however long I’ve been here. These guys stayed in, they get coached hard, they want to be good and they compete. I can’t say enough about this senior class.”
One of those seniors was Smith, who was seemingly everywhere for New Canaan on Sunday.
Smith had a pair of first-half interceptions, helping to slow a Nighthawks’ offense that was moving the ball with relative ease in the first half. He also returned a kickoff into Newtown territory to set up a first-half touchdown, blocked a PAT to keep the Rams ahead at 21-20 in the third quarter, and rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown in the fourth.
“He does it all,” Marinelli said of Smith. “I’d be surprised if he’s not an All-State player because he’s done everything for us. We wouldn’t be where we are without him.”
Smith’s said he’s fine doing different things, while adding “I like to hit people.”
“I just love being out here,” Smith said. “Being a senior it’s everything you want just being out on the field. I love it all.”
The loss ended a terrific season for Newtown (11-1), which was unbeaten during the regular season.
“You don’t really prepare a speech when you lose, especially at the end of the season," said Newtown coach Dan Farina, an assistant for Marinelli and the Rams for seven years before joining Newtown in 2023. “These seniors played their hearts out for us for 12 games. We came up a little short , but I’m extremely proud of the way they played. High school football is the best thing in the world and something they’re going to remember for their entire lives.”
Newtown’s offense moved the ball well against the Rams’ typically stifling defense. The Nighthawks had five drives of 55 yards or longer, quarterback Ryan Schofftstall put up 311 passing yards, and two receivers broke the century mark: Jayden Taylor with six catches for 145 yards, including a 63-yard TD reception, and Will McManus with seven catches for 104 yards.
New Canaan’s defense forced three turnovers, twice on Smith’s interceptions and once on a pick by Michael Hiraman. The Rams' offense came alive in the second half when Esposito had 89 yards from scrimmage and two TDs, and quarterback Luke Robinson threw for 115 of his 165 yards. Hudson Kenny finished with 11 carries and 114 yards including a 59-yard touchdown run.
“They gave us all we could handle,” Marinelli said. “The kids got punched in the mouth but to their credit they responded, especially in the second half. I’m just happy to be coaching another week with these guys.”
Michael Smith, New Canaan: The senior did it all for the Rams with two interceptions, a blocked kick, a big kickoff return and a touchdown run.
“I’m just glad to be playing. I don’t care who we’re playing. Darien is another rivalry game and wouldn’t be great if they kept the game down here at Boyle (Stadium in Stamford)? We’re going to have adjust for them and see what we can do. It’s going to be a good game. It always is.” — New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli on playing Darien in the Class L final for the second-straight year.
NC—Hudseon Kenny 59 run (Tucker Stevens Kick) N—Nick Pavia 5 run (Jacob Roszman kick) N—Pavia 2 run (Roszman kick) NC—Chris Cuesta 23 pass from Luke Robinson (Stevens kick) NC—Andrew Esposito 2 run (Stevens kick) N—Jayden Taylor 63 pass from Ryan Schoffstall (kick blocked) NC—Esposito 19 pass from Robinson (Stevens kick) NC—Michael Smith 4 run (Stevens kick) Records: Newtown 11-1, New Canaan 11-1
DARIEN — Although Darien senior Charlie Thom usually stands taller than his opponents, the 6-foot-6 tight end found a way to stand out even more.Thom found the end zone twice in the third quarter to help No. 4 seed Darien pull away from No. 8 Notre Dame-West Haven 35-21 to advance to the CIAC Class L championship football game at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Central Connecticut's Arute Field.“He’s a great p...
DARIEN — Although Darien senior Charlie Thom usually stands taller than his opponents, the 6-foot-6 tight end found a way to stand out even more.
Thom found the end zone twice in the third quarter to help No. 4 seed Darien pull away from No. 8 Notre Dame-West Haven 35-21 to advance to the CIAC Class L championship football game at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Central Connecticut's Arute Field.
“He’s a great possession receiver and did a really good job controlling the ball over the middle of the field,” Darien coach Andy Grant said. “We used him a lot of different ways today. He did a fantastic job.”
Thom ended each of the Blue Wave’s first two second half possessions in the end zone, giving Darien the lead, and then some breathing room.
“We went in at halftime and talked about how we weren’t finishing our drives really well,” Thom said. “We came out and said we needed to get going.”
Darien couldn’t seem to get any momentum in the first half. On its first drive , Notre Dame-West Haven drove down the field through a series of runs, setting up an eventual two-yard keeper by quarterback Giuseppe Capasso.
Darien knotted the score at 7-7 entering halftime thanks to a 21-yard catch and run by receiver Tyler Spellman, but the Blue Wave had a pair of turnovers that prevented any other scoring chances.
“We’re very methodical at halftime. We go in and meet as a staff, we talk about adjustments and meet with the kids,” Grant said. “It’s very analytic. We do a really good job transitioning from the first to second half.”
Thom’s two touchdowns with a defensive stop sandwiched in between gave Darien a 21-7 lead late into the third quarter and the Blue Wave never looked back.
Notre Dame-West Haven scored a touchdown in the final moments of the third quarter to bring the deficit within a score, but Darien responded on its ensuing possession on a run by quarterback Ben Rolapp. Each team added one more score before time ran out, giving Darien another chance at a state title.
Darien will also get a chance at redemption in the CIAC championship against New Canaan, which defeated Newtown 35-20 in the other Class L semifinal. The Rams spoiled Darien’s Thanksgiving with a 34-0 win.
Grant realizes a lot must change for his team to be able to reverse the result.
“We try not to look too far backward or too far forward. We’re going to try to correct the mistakes we made on Thanksgiving,” Grant said. “We knew we made a lot of mistakes. We let the (rainy) weather control what we were doing and take its toll on us. Our plan is to be prepared and be really aggressive. We’re really excited to play.”
For Notre Dame-West Haven, which closes out the season 7-5, the Green Knights didn’t feel like the underdog entering the game.
“It was an up and down season, but I expected to be here. We actually expected to play next week,” Notre Dame-West Haven coach Joe DeCaprio said. “In our locker room, there was no surprise. The surprise was that we lost a few games we shouldn’t have. This is a really good football team.”
Charlie Thom SR TE: Thom had a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter that helped Darien pull away.
“We’re excited to play [New Canaan], obviously the kids want another rematch. One of the things we’re talking about is how we can limit mistakes and how we can put ourselves in really good spots.” — Darien head coach Andy Grant
ND — Giuseppe Capasso 2 run (Ryan Malone kick) D — Tyler Spellman 21 pass from Benjamin Rolapp (Edwin Rapp Kick) D — Charlie Thom 4 pass from Benjamin Rolapp (kick good) D — Charlie Thom 35 pass from Benjamin Rolapp (kick good) ND — Tremaine Barr 32 pass from Giuseppe Capasso (kick good) D — Benjamin Rolapp 3 run (kick good) D — Tommy Karczewski 38 pass from Benjamin Rolapp (kick good) ND —Tremaine Barr 30 pass from Giuseppe Capasso (kick good) Records: Darien 10-2, Notre Dame-West Haven 7-4
DARIEN, CT — Darien residents may now bring their dogs to Great Island.The town announced last week that as of Nov. 16, leashed dogs are welcome to the 60-plus acre property for a trial period until March 31, 2025, but they must remain leashed and on paved paths at all times.Additionally, as part of expanded access to Great Island, residents may walk off the paved paths and roads unless signage...
DARIEN, CT — Darien residents may now bring their dogs to Great Island.
The town announced last week that as of Nov. 16, leashed dogs are welcome to the 60-plus acre property for a trial period until March 31, 2025, but they must remain leashed and on paved paths at all times.
Additionally, as part of expanded access to Great Island, residents may walk off the paved paths and roads unless signage or barriers indicate otherwise.
"Visitors are reminded to respect all posted signs and avoid restricted areas," the town said in an announcement. "Please note that the property has tenants residing on-site. We ask all visitors to pay close attention to signs indicating private residences and respect those areas. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to provide safe and enjoyable access to Great Island for everyone."
Dog access has been a topic of conversation since the town first opened Great Island to pedestrians.
A survey on Great Island conducted by landscape architecture firm Reed-Hilderbrand generated "200 to 400 mentions" of dogs on Great Island, with 45 percent of people in support of allowing them and 45 percent in opposition. The survey did not solicit views on allowing dogs.
Residents said dog walking is a primary form of exercise and socialization, and some pointed to the successful implementation of dogs at other parks such as Tod's Point in Greenwich and Waveny Park in New Canaan.
Those opposed to dogs at Great Island have concerns about their impact on wildlife and ecosystems, and residents' ability to follow rules, pick up after their dogs and keep them on leashes.
On Oct. 17, the Great Island Advisory Committee voted to allow dogs as part of a desire to expand property access for residents.
The town first needed to complete tasks such as installing signage, roping some areas off, adding garbage cans, benches, and conducting stump removals and hole filling before the rules took effect.
Reed-Hilderbrand principal Beka Sturges said at the meeting she preferred to wait before making a decision on dogs at Great Island.
The Great Island Vision and Master Plan design team held a second community engagement workshop on Nov. 16.
Another survey on the Great Island Vision Plan is now online.
Click here for more information.
The Darien Board of Education unanimously approved the new courses this week.Richard Kaufman, Patch StaffDARIEN, CT — Students at Darien High School will have three new courses to choose from next year following unanimous approval from the Board of Education this week.The board voted to bring astronomy, American Sign Language 3, and cybersecurity classes to DHS for the 2025-2026 school year. The courses were p...
Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff
DARIEN, CT — Students at Darien High School will have three new courses to choose from next year following unanimous approval from the Board of Education this week.
The board voted to bring astronomy, American Sign Language 3, and cybersecurity classes to DHS for the 2025-2026 school year. The courses were previously approved by the board's curriculum committee.
Department coordinators briefly went over each course for the board on Tuesday.
Science Department Coordinator Christian Dockum said the astronomy course will be a STEM/elective graduation credit for grades 11 and 12.
"This, along with the anatomy and physiology class that we introduced and implemented this year, were really the two highest interest courses we had when we polled our students about two years ago when we started the process of making these proposals for both of these two classes," Dockum said.
The course will give students "a comprehensive study of our universe and our place within it."
Some equipment from DHS's earth science class can be repurposed and utilized within astronomy, Dockum said when asked why there's no need to purchase a telescope right now.
"We do have some materials we can use starting off, and certainly we'd be looking at what kind of improvements we can make on those materials as we continue to build the course in the future," Dockum added.
Time could be used early in the morning or later at night to make some observations in the night sky as part of the course, Dockum said. Students could even take a field trip to the planetarium at New Canaan High School for "cross-curricular work" with a neighboring school, Dockum said.
This course follows the sequence of the ASL program at DHS, and will be worth one credit at a 300 level for grades 11 and 12, according to K-12 World Languages Coordinator Scott Webster.
"ASL continues to generate strong interest among students who are enthusiastic about this unique language program," Webster said, noting the course will not affect full-time employee numbers.
Next year, Webster said the department plans to propose ASL 4, which would allow students to complete a full four-year sequence in the language to mirror the school's other language offerings.
The half-year cybersecurity course will replace an outdated computer animation class, and it will be available as a STEM/elective graduation credit at the 300 level for grades 10, 11 and 12.
The course will "provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, principles, and practices related to cybersecurity in order to safeguard against cyber threats," and it will complement a half-year computer science class, according to STEM/Tech Education Department Coordinator Greg Darin.
"There's definitely a career need for the cybersecurity course. According to Forbes.com, a recent study in the past year or two shows about 4 million available jobs in cybersecurity, and they expect that to increase by about 30 percent over the next 10 years," Darin said. "It will help prepare students not only for maybe a career in cybersecurity, but any computer science higher education program will have components of cybersecurity."
Tuesday's Darien Board of Education meeting was streamed on Zoom and Darien TV79, and is now available to watch on-demand here.
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