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 Gores Pavilion 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 New Canaan, 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 Irwin 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 South End or visit New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, 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 New Canaan, 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 New Canaan, 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 New Canaan, 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, CT — For people who don’t want the hassle of cooking or cleaning up after a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in and around New Canaan are open on Thanksgiving Day, which is on Nov. 28 this year.Among New Canaan area restaurants taking reservations on Thanksgiving Day, according to ...
NEW CANAAN, CT — For people who don’t want the hassle of cooking or cleaning up after a big turkey dinner, several restaurants in and around New Canaan are open on Thanksgiving Day, which is on Nov. 28 this year.
Among New Canaan area restaurants taking reservations on Thanksgiving Day, according to Open Table, are:
A number of additional local restaurants have also announced on social media they will be open on Thanksgiving. Residents are encouraged to check their favorite local eatery's social media to see if they will be open on Nov. 28.
Several national chain restaurants with a presence in Connecticut will also be open on Thanksgiving Day, according to lists curated by delish, Good Housekeeping and USA Today. They offer a range of dining experiences, from fine dining to fast casual to fast food. In some cases, you’ll need to make a reservation, so plan ahead as much as possible.
As always, Patch encourages you to call any restaurant on this list in advance to double-check hours on Thanksgiving Day, as many vary by location.
Applebee’s: Hours and participation varies by location.
Black Angus Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with a limited menu that includes a turkey dinner.
Bob Evans: Most stores will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bravo! Italian Kitchen: Restaurants are open regular hours and will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner along with an ala carte menu with Italian favorites. Order-ahead options are also available.
Brio Italian Grille: Restaurants will be open from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Hours may vary by location.
Burger King: Hours may vary by location.
Chart House: Three-course meal options on the restaurant’s Thanksgiving menu include a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes, stuffing and all the trimmings. Order-ahead options are available.
Cracker Barrel: The restaurant will be open during normal hours, with a limited Thanksgiving menu starting at 11 a.m. Order-ahead options are available.
Del Frisco’s Grille: Most locations will be open from 12 p.m.-9 p.m. In the past, the restaurant has offered a three-course turkey dinner. Order-ahead options are available.
Domino’s Pizza: Stores aren’t required to, but some individual locations may choose to be open on Thanksgiving.
Denny’s: The restaurant will be open during regular hours.
Eddie V’s: The prime seafood restaurant will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. In the past, the restaurant has had a special Thanksgiving menu with turkey and pumpkin pie.
Firehouse Subs: Hours may vary by location.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar: Restaurants are open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fogo de Cha?o: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Golden Corral: The buffet will offer all-you-can-eat fresh carved turkey and other Thanksgiving fare.
Hooters: Hours may vary by location.
IHOP: Hours may vary by location.
Maggiano’s Little Italy: The restaurant will be open during regular hours for dine-in and carryout, but also offers catering options.
McCormick and Schmick’s: In addition to its regular dinner menu, the restaurant will offer a traditional turkey dinner. Order-ahead options are available.
McDonald’s: Hours may vary by location.
Morton’s the Steakhouse: The restaurant is offering a four-course Thanksgiving meal for dine-in guests, as well as order-ahead and catering options.
Popeyes: Hours may vary by location.
Red Lobster: Hours may vary by location.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Reservations are strongly encouraged as the restaurant observes extended hours on Thanksgiving. Guests can choose a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner or order from the steak menu. A complete Thanksgiving meal or sides can be pre-ordered.
Seasons 52: The restaurant will be open regular hours and offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal for dine-in or pre-order.
Sizzler: Most locations will be open and will serve a traditional turkey dinner.
Sonic: Many, but not all, locations will be open.
Steak ’N Shake: Stores are open regular hours.
STK Steakhouse: The special Thanksgiving dine-in menu showcases seasonal flavors, including turkey alongside signature steaks, sides and desserts. Pre-order take-out options are available.
Subway: The chain’s locations are individually owned, so you’ll need to call ahead.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and will serve a traditional three-course Thanksgiving dinner as well as its signature items. Pre-order options are available.
Taco Bell: Hours may vary by location.
TGI Fridays: Hours may vary by location.
Waffle House: Restaurants are open regular hours, as they are every other day of the year.
Wendy’s: Most locations are open regular hours.
Whataburger: Most locations are open regular hours.
White Castle: Stores will be open until 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan EMS and one of its most tenured members recently received two of the top awards presented by the Connecticut EMS Advisory Board Council of Regional Presidents.According to a news release provided by the town, New Canaan EMS received a Volunteer EMS Agency of the Year award, while member Bonnie Rumilly received the EMS Supporter of the Year Award.New Canaan EMS Captain Josh Scofield announced the awards, which were presented at the EMS & Fire Pro Conference at Foxwoods Resort on Oct. 24....
NEW CANAAN, CT — New Canaan EMS and one of its most tenured members recently received two of the top awards presented by the Connecticut EMS Advisory Board Council of Regional Presidents.
According to a news release provided by the town, New Canaan EMS received a Volunteer EMS Agency of the Year award, while member Bonnie Rumilly received the EMS Supporter of the Year Award.
New Canaan EMS Captain Josh Scofield announced the awards, which were presented at the EMS & Fire Pro Conference at Foxwoods Resort on Oct. 24.
As Volunteer EMS Agency of the Year, New Canaan's ambulance corps was recognized and commended as a volunteer EMS organization that has enhanced the understanding and support of the EMS system through their public service, community education and contributions to a city, town, region or state, according to the town.
Rumilly won the EMS Supporter of the Year Award, which recognizes and commends individuals who are "behind the scenes" supporters of Emergency Medical Services in Connecticut.
Rumilly serves as a licensed clinical social worker, as well as an emergency medical technician.
First Selectman Dionna Carlson congratulated both New Canaan EMS and Rumilly for their recent awards.
"These accolades are a testament to the dedication, compassion, and commitment your team provides all day, every day, 365 days a year to our community," Carlson said in a news release. "We are proud to celebrate your achievements and the vital role you play in ensuring the health and safety of New Canaan residents."
Scofield also addressed Rumilly being selected as the statewide EMS Supporter of the Year.
"The winner of this award is chosen for high impact and commitment to EMS at the hospital, state, and local level," Scofield said in a news release. "Bonnie joined New Canaan EMS in 2000 at the age of 17. She completed the EMT course while attending New Canaan High School and being the main caregiver to her elderly, health-challenged grandfather. New Canaan EMS and our townspeople have benefited greatly from Bonnie's dedication to the corps and community."
New Canaan EMS will receive the 2024 Community Heroes Volunteer Recognition Award from the New Canaan Community Foundation during a town-wide award ceremony Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
New Canaan EMS annual membership drive and EMT training classes begin in January 2025. More information is available here.
Town officials also noted 2025 marks the 50-year anniversary of New Canaan EMS serving the community as a fully volunteer ambulance corps.
"Chicago" star Richard Gere has decided to sell his New Canaan home in Connecticut.Gere bought the house in 2022 through a trust linked to him from singer-songwriters Paul Simon and Edie Brickell for $10.8 million. Simon and Brickell sold at a loss, as they paid $16.5 million originally.The estate spans about 32 acres with a 6-bedroom, 11-bathroom home with a pool, several gardens and features reminiscent of when it was constructed in 1938.The "Pretty Woman" lead was planning on using the Brookwood La...
"Chicago" star Richard Gere has decided to sell his New Canaan home in Connecticut.
Gere bought the house in 2022 through a trust linked to him from singer-songwriters Paul Simon and Edie Brickell for $10.8 million. Simon and Brickell sold at a loss, as they paid $16.5 million originally.
The estate spans about 32 acres with a 6-bedroom, 11-bathroom home with a pool, several gardens and features reminiscent of when it was constructed in 1938.
The "Pretty Woman" lead was planning on using the Brookwood Lane property for low-impact farming, according to New Canaan Advertiser reporting in 2023.
However, Gere has decided to sell the Connecticut estate for $10.75 million, according to People magazine.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Here's why he gave up such a lavish and decadent abode.
Gere said in an interview with Vanity Fair Spain that he wanted to move to Madrid, so that his wife, Alejandra Silva, can be closer to her relatives and so that he could spend more time in the land his spouse was born.
Gere purchased an mansion in Madrid this year for 11 million euros, which several outlets like Marca, Hello Magazine and the Drinks Business have reported on.
The mansion is reportedly three stories high with a heated pool and a wine cellar, and the estate itself encompasses 10,000 square meters.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
Wendy Coleman Dixon Hilboldt will be honored for her many years of community service at the 63rd annual Gridiron dinner in April 2025.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffInformation via the Gridiron Club of New CanaanNEW CANAAN, CT — Wendy Coleman Dixon Hilboldt will be honored for her many years of community service at the 63...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
Information via the Gridiron Club of New Canaan
NEW CANAAN, CT — Wendy Coleman Dixon Hilboldt will be honored for her many years of community service at the 63rd annual Gridiron dinner April 24-25, 2025, at the Country Club of New Canaan.
According to a news release provided by the Gridiron Club of New Canaan, the event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend both days' events.
Tickets will be available online beginning March 13, 2025. More information on tickets and pricing will soon be available on the club's website and Facebook page.
Since her youngest days, Hilboldt has been a volunteer. At New Canaan High School, she organized school dances and proms, worked the football concessions, and served as class officer, according to the Gridiron Club.
Hilboldt graduated from Skidmore College, where she was an RA and Head Resident, and a skiing and tennis instructor on weekends. At Skidmore, she also caught the EMT bug, earning an A in Advanced First Aid.
Hilboldt graduated with a degree in elementary education with department honors.
Returning home to New Canaan in 1978, Hilboldt quickly began giving back to her community. She became a resident tutor at the ABC House, worked at New Canaan High School as the coordinator of student activities, and served as a director of the Teen Center, where she choreographed two productions.
Hilboldt also joined the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where she has served with distinction for 46 years. She earned an degree in early childhood education from Fairfield University and has been a kindergarten teacher, math teacher, tutor and long-term substitute teacher over the years.
Hilboldt helped launch and grow the New Canaan Food Pantry. She has served on the board of the New Canaan Community Foundation and is currently on their Behavioral Health Committee.
Hilboldt and her husband, Jim, have three grown children, Emily, Molly and Andrew, as well as six grandchildren. They are long-time members and choristers at St. Mark's church, where Hilboldt has also been a stalwart May Fair volunteer for more than forty years.
No stranger to Gridiron, her husband was in the cast of the 1995 show honoring Hilboldt's father, Harry Coleman.
Each year, the Gridiron Club of New Canaan celebrates a local citizen who has set a great example of community spirit and leadership, with a dinner and roast, as the life of the "Fall Guy" is portrayed on stage in an original musical. The cast features a group of businessmen-by-day New Canaanites who shed all modesty to sing and dance their way through the life and times of the Fall Guy – this year, "Fall Gal" – and the evening is sure to prove entertaining for all.
The Gridiron Club donates net proceeds from the show to a charity of the honoree’s choosing. Hilboldt has chosen the New Canaan High School Scholarship Fund, where she has served on the Executive Board and Grant Committee since her father passed away in 2006, to be the 2025 recipient.
Anyone who wishes to be included on the club's mailing list is asked to visit www.gridironclubofnc.org and click "Sign Up for Our Newsletter" at the bottom of the page.
The New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office has provided a number of key tips for residents to keep their home safe during fireplace season.RJ Scofield, Patch StaffNEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office has provided a number of key tips for residents to keep their home safe as the town enters fireplace season.In a recent ...
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NEW CANAAN, CT — The New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office has provided a number of key tips for residents to keep their home safe as the town enters fireplace season.
In a recent Facebook post, the fire marshal's office noted New Canaan has recently experienced two brush fires due to improper disposal of fireplace ashes.
With Connecticut under an "extreme fire risk," it is essential to handle fireplace embers and ashes safely, according to the fire marshal's office.
The following fireplace season safety tips were provided by the New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office:
1. Dispose of Ashes Properly: Ashes can stay hot for days. Always use a metal ash bucket with a tight-fitting lid and store it away from the house for several days before discarding.
2. Ventilation: Make sure the damper is fully open before lighting and leave it open for at least 24 hours to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
3. Avoid Combustible Liquids: Never use accelerants to start a fire.
4. Burn the Right Wood: Use only dry, seasoned hardwoods. Don’t burn trash or wrapping paper, which can overload the flue.
5. Use Fireplace Screens: These prevent flying embers from escaping.
6. Consider a Spark Arrestor Cap: A cap on your chimney keeps embers contained and critters out, especially if you have a wood-shingle roof.
7. Regular Cleaning: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by certified professionals regularly, especially if used often.
8. Inspect After Long Periods: If it’s been a while, have your chimney checked for nests or blockages.
9. Check Detectors: Ensure smoke and CO detectors are installed and working.
More information is available here.
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