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 Old Town Hall 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 Old Greenwich, 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 Greenwich Point 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 Le Fat Poodle or visit Putnam Cottage, 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 Old Greenwich, 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 Old Greenwich, 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 Old Greenwich, 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.
Barbara Joan (née Drake) Glass May 27, 1953 –July 14, 2025Barbara Joan, née Drake, Glass passed away peacefully at her winter home in Florida. She leaves behind a beloved husband, Dik Glass, and her two children, Commander Alexander D. Glass, USN (Kate), and Joanna Mae Glass (Marco Silva), and three adored grandchildren: Henry P. Glass (10), Hadley I. Glass (6), and Oliver Atlas Silva (22 months). She leaves her dear brothers: J. William Drake (Anne), Geoffrey Drake (Meredith), and Thomas Drake, MD (Mimi).Ba...
Barbara Joan (née Drake) Glass May 27, 1953 –July 14, 2025
Barbara Joan, née Drake, Glass passed away peacefully at her winter home in Florida. She leaves behind a beloved husband, Dik Glass, and her two children, Commander Alexander D. Glass, USN (Kate), and Joanna Mae Glass (Marco Silva), and three adored grandchildren: Henry P. Glass (10), Hadley I. Glass (6), and Oliver Atlas Silva (22 months). She leaves her dear brothers: J. William Drake (Anne), Geoffrey Drake (Meredith), and Thomas Drake, MD (Mimi).
Barbara was born in Missoula, MT where her beloved father Joseph W. Drake, Jr and her mother Beatrice were living as Joe Drake attended law school. They returned to live in Manhattan. After Barbara’s brother Bill was born, the family moved to Old Greenwich, where Barbara attended North Mianus School, Dundee School, Eastern Middle School and Greenwich High School, Class of 1971. She attended Newton College of Sacred Heart, then finishing her degree in Art History at Syracuse University in 1976.
Because Barbara loved the Boston area, she returned after college to start working in sales at The Rouse Company at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where she met and fell in love with her soon-to-be husband, Dik Glass. They married in Greenwich CT on January 23, 1982 at Saint Michael’s church during a blizzard. After their wedding, they moved to Old Greenwich as Dik took a position in New York City. Barbara, the skilled salesperson, immediately found a job selling in the emerging new field of computer-generated graphics for the companies: Scolane, CGI, Schawk, and Matthews International.
She thrived and succeeded in the field and went on to more prestigious Management and Executive roles in these organizations while also becoming a mother of two very energetic and curious children. Barbara grew up in Old Greenwich and loved her hometown; she thought raising her children there was a wonderful generational tradition. She was deeply involved in the community along with her parents and her brother Bill. Barbara served on the board of Perrot Library for some time. Giving back to the community was something she shared with her children when they were growing up.
While they loved living in the Greenwich area and raising their children, Barbara and Dik wanted to impart some of their personal passions with their children, such as outdoor adventures and American history. Vacations were full of learning experiences such as exploring older homes in Nantucket that had been turned into Museums. Dik and Barbara considered themselves so fortunate to have Barbara’s family and some of Dik’s close by to share in these endeavors and in the joy of raising their children.
Barbara loved art and architecture. She enjoyed going to museums in New York, Boston, and Washington DC frequently. Often accompanied by her father, she attended many art history lectures and exhibits. She enjoyed collecting art, as did her father. In his retirement he took up sculpting, and in her retirement, Barbara became the painter. She was a prolific painter of many different subjects. Some of her most treasured artworks are her landscapes.
In addition to art, Barbara really enjoyed cooking. She loved to make delicious meals and entertain for family and friends. From 1999 to 2020, Dik and Barbara had a vacation house in Mystic CT on the water. They adored having big family gatherings there, especially Thanksgivings, when they could host the whole large family, including some submariners from the US naval base in New London CT. Barbara and her daughter cooked together and had so much fun preparing the meals.
In addition to her love of art and being the hostess of get togethers, Barbara loved to travel. She and her family traveled on many family vacations. Dik and Barbara took many trips together both in the US and abroad. When dating they went to Italy and met some of Barbara’s extended family on her mother’s side. They took their children for a grand month-long tour of Australia. Barbara had a semester abroad in college in London, and she and Dik continued traveling to London and Italy many times in the recent past. Barbara and her daughter enjoyed a trip to Paris, France, also within the past decade. Barbara was eager to enjoy the different cultures and see as much as she could during the variety of adventures they shared.
Barbara was a very dear and loyal friend. She maintained her friendships made at every juncture in life. She had so many childhood friends she continued to correspond with and visited often. She had college friends she visited and kept in touch with over the years. She and Dik went to Halifax Nova Scotia to visit an old college friend of hers and had a delightful visit. She also kept friendships she formed at work for years.
When Dik and Barb decided to buy a winter home in FL, Barbara immediately made many good friends who were visiting her almost daily until she passed. She loved her friends dearly, and she was a thoughtful friend in return, always remembering important dates and events. All of her relationships were important to her, but her family were the most cherished above all. She made time for those she cared for and about and took great delight in sharing in their lives.
Barbara will be dearly missed by all of those to whom she meant so very much.
A celebration of life is planned in Greenwich on August 30. Condolences and memories, along with any photographs people would like to share can be done so on Legacy.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: 1. Help fight Alzheimer’s. 2. Support Your Library – Perrot Memorial Library
Parking at a public beach in Connecticut might be free. Or it might costs upwards of $100.The fees can vary wildly based on a bunch of factors, including whether someone lives in the community and where the beach is located. Other factors include a beachgoer's age &m...
Parking at a public beach in Connecticut might be free. Or it might costs upwards of $100.
The fees can vary wildly based on a bunch of factors, including whether someone lives in the community and where the beach is located. Other factors include a beachgoer's age — senior residents get in for free at some locales — when they're going to the beach and whether they have anyone in their car with them.
Understanding the way the complex pricing matrix varies from one municipality to another can be a challenge, and the sometimes large disparity in costs to access the shoreline has long been a hotly debated topic across the state.
For Stamford resident Steven Labkoff, accessing public beaches can be a major hassle this time of year. The physician and semi-professional photographer likes to visit coastal regions of the state to take pictures of wildlife.
"Just to walk and take pictures shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg," he said.
Labkoff has a Stamford pass that gives him access to the city's beaches and parks throughout the summer season. Passes in Stamford cost $26.59 for residents (which is what Labkoff has) and $7.44 for seniors.
But for a nonresident like Labkoff, parking at a nearby Greenwich beach would mean paying the daily fee of $40 plus an extra $10 for anyone in the vehicle between the ages of 5 and 64. Accessing the beaches on foot costs $10, while single tickets for seniors who don't live in the town are free.
“They're doing that to be protectionist," Labkoff said. "I wouldn’t mind paying a nominal fee, but I really do mind paying obnoxious fees."
Other beaches in the state also charge high rates for nonresidents. At Walnut Beach and Gulf Beach in Milford, nonresidents are charged $40 a day or $5 an hour, while Milford residents get in for free with an annual parking sticker.
Bridgeport's Seaside Park, for example, charges out-of-state residents $100 to park for the day. Connecticut drivers have to pay $50 for a day pass, while Bridgeport residents can access the beach all season long with a $15 pass.
Season pass prices for nonresidents of a community can be particularly exorbitant. Westport charges most nonresidents a fee of $545 for a beach pass, which previously cost $775 as recently as 2022. The same pass costs a Westport resident $60.
In some locales, the daily rate for out-of-towners can often be the same rate residents pay for an entire season. That's the case in Darien, for example, where the daily price for a nonresident to park is $58, which is the same price a resident of the town would pay for five months of beach access.
Labkoff compared Greenwich prices to Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, a state beach, where visitors with Connecticut-registered vehicles can park for free and out-of-state visitors pay between $15 and $22 depending on the day. While the avid photographer said he understands why cities and towns charge for beach parking, Labkoff questioned the amount some communities demand.
"They're designed to keep people out," he said of the fees.
However, whenever the proposal to cap or limit beach parking prices has come up at the state level, it has always failed to gain traction.
In 2023, a bill was raised in the General Assembly that would have limited municipalities from charging nonresidents any more than twice the amount residents pay.
The ACLU of Connecticut provided written testimony in favor of that bill, one of only three entities to support it. About 90 different people and groups testified against the bill, which never advanced past a public hearing.
The letter from the ACLU, penned by policy counsel Jess Zaccagnino, claims that Connecticut has implemented "restrictive policies that are grounded in politics and discrimination" to keep certain people out of coastal areas.
"While cities have been forced to shutter public parks, playgrounds, beaches and swimming pools in low-income areas, municipal public beaches in nearby towns sustain parking fees that charge nonresidents hundreds of dollars more than residents, who are more likely to be people of color from cities lacking beach access," Zaccagnino wrote in 2023.
The ACLU of Connecticut declined to comment for this story "per our legal director," said B. Rae Perryman, communications director for the organization.
Fred Camillo, first selectman of the town of Greenwich, testified against the same 2023 bill, claiming it impeded on local autonomy.
"To demand and mandate that we lower fees would amount to basically asking our town's residents to subsidize nonresident usage," he told state officials.
In a phone interview, Camillo said he still holds those beliefs.
"We want to make sure we have a policy that taxpayers paying for the upkeep of the beaches are not squeezed out of it," he said.
Camillo said that whenever he testifies in Hartford, he invites state elected officials to visit Greenwich to see the beaches and learn about how the town handles beach access.
"Unless they’re a friend of mine, they never come," he said.
With limited parking at some beaches, such as Tod's Point, there needs to be a policy in place to help local residents access the shoreline, Camillo said. If not, he said, "People would just flood the beach and then those who live here in town would never be able to get a space."
Tod's Point at Greenwich Point Park was the focal point of a legal battle in the late 1990s, when Stamford attorney Brenden Leydon filed a lawsuit after he was denied access to the beach while jogging. He won a decision in the state’s Supreme Court that prevented the town from prohibiting nonresidents. However, Tod's Point remains a beach that outside residents must pay to enter.
Though beach access has improved across the state, Leydon said that differential payment plans that charge nonresidents much higher fees than residents are likely unconstitutional.
"It's intended to obstruct, not intended to have a nominal fee to offset cost," he said.
Jack Egan, vice chair of the Connecticut chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a beach access advocacy group, said beach access across the state is "pretty bad."
"Yes, our beaches are open to nonresidents, but they restrict parking and they make it pretty expensive and uncomfortable to do so," he said.
Let's go to Fairfield County, CT for the top things to do in Greenwich! Greenwich is special because it's located at the wayyy end of Connecticut (and at the beginning of New York), is reachable by train or car and close to the ocean and tons of forested trails for hiking. Spend a day in nature then grab a cone and stroll the cute shops.Mommy Poppins has rounded up some fun spots to eat in and around Greenwich with ...
Let's go to Fairfield County, CT for the top things to do in Greenwich! Greenwich is special because it's located at the wayyy end of Connecticut (and at the beginning of New York), is reachable by train or car and close to the ocean and tons of forested trails for hiking. Spend a day in nature then grab a cone and stroll the cute shops.
Mommy Poppins has rounded up some fun spots to eat in and around Greenwich with New York City Restaurants and Cafes Now Open in Fairfield County. To get more free fun at home and in your town delivered to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.
Recently renovated, the Bruce Museum's focus is art and science and there's a lot to see. The Bruce has permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits. See their extensive rock and mineral collection, impressionist interpretations of nature, and the always popular nature dioramas (kids love these!). The Bruce also offers tons of programming for kids as young as 2 and some offsite science programs too.
Once upon a time, Cos Cob was the first art colony in Connecticut, and "a cradle of American impressionism." A tour of the eight-room house links visitors to the past, offering glimpses into history, landscape, and gardens. Of special interest to families is the super-interactive summer Art and History Camp; children grades 2-8 weave and build Colonial toys during Early American Life week, and learn about the Cos Cob art colony while creating Impressionist art during Art Colony week. The house/museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Gone are the days when libraries were mostly musty storage houses for books. Today, many boast beautiful architecture, creative play areas, engaging programs, and plenty of resources beyond the printed page.Between the Library's gourmet cafe on the lower level, a full-blown art gallery that exhibits art in all mediums, and a vibrant children's area, you'll easily spend a day here.
Children as young as 5 can take art classes here, acquiring skills in painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. Stop by to peruse current exhibitions, or host a personalized art party held in a real art studio and taught by award-winning artists.
This chic 40-seat cinema is for guests of the Hyatt and local residents, and it's Greenwich's ONLY movie theater. Movie showings are 7 days a week. Enjoy recliner style seats, an intimate setting (perfect for events!), and food from Glenna's Cafe (located in the hotel). And, there are cocktails for mom and dad!
Recreational skaters, figure skaters, and hockey players call this indoor ice rink home. Take lessons, join a team, or just have fun with friends. Skating School is available for ages 3-15, and includes a Mommy, Daddy & Me program for ages 3-4. More experienced skaters can enroll in the Bridge Program, which includes introduction to ice dancing, edge and power skating, and more.
While you're making your way through town, would it be nice to have a great cup of coffee? Forget Dunks and Starbucks, head over to Coffee for Good and support a good cause. Coffee for Good provides paid training for young adults with developmental disabilities. See their full menu!
Méli-Mélo Crêperie & Catering was serving up crepé?s before it became a fad. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
How does a croque monsieur sound, or a banane et Nutella ave unce? A local favorite since 1993, this French restaurant offers a vast and delicious array of crépes, soups, sorbets, ice cream, sandwiches, salads, and juices. A wide selection of soups include French onion, chicken coconut, broccoli cheddar, and coconut pumpkin, while the rest of the mouth-watering menu includes chocolate croissants, fresh berries, and many omelets. Gluten-free crépes are available per request, along with vegetarian options.
Sure, online toy retailers abound, but there is something delightfully memorable about stepping inside a cozy, independently-owned toy story. A community fixture for more than 30 years, Smart Kids Toys offers unique and educational items for all ages. Dolls, musical toys, puppets, plushes, construction sets, and science and nature kits are sure to keep children entertained for hours.
Explore the playground, shop, get lost in conversation on the Greenwich Common, stop by the Veterans’ Memorial dedicated to those who fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, peek inside an art gallery, or indulge in a treat from Coffee Luca.
Celebrating nearly 30 years in business, the store's success is credited to its old-fashioned hometown feel, engaging staff, and a wide selection of books for all ages. Stop in to browse Diane's latest picks and search the names of authors who have signed the wall following speaking engagements.
Located on Sound Beach Ave. stop by for a cone of one of their several hard ice cream flavors or one of their soft serve flavors (mmm...Cookies n Cream). They also have frozen yogurt and most of their flavors are listed as gluten free!
Located on King Street, this family-owned farm offers goodness year-round, from fruits and vegetables, to farm fresh eggs, honey, fresh flowers, and seasonal items like pumpkins, corn stalks, and wreaths.
What a fun place to shop for the perfect toy! They have all the latest characters kids love plus the classic toys kids still dig. Something special here is their curated toy bundles for birthday and holiday gifts.
Enjoy natural abundance at the Audubon. Hundreds of acres are home to wildlife including seven sanctuaries with lots of native birds. Come to the Nature Center or hike the many different forested trails where you can find Hawks, Bluebirds, Wild Turkeys and many more. The Audubon has a packed calendar full of workshops that are open to the public and educating the next generation of nature lovers.
Drift away from the mainland and enjoy a different view of the Connecticut shoreline. Take a two-hour Cruise to Nowhere, or head to the island where a beautiful lighthouse awaits, along with plenty of bird watching opportunities (including egrets, osprey, and herons), picnic areas (featuring grills), trails, swimming (in posted areas), and restrooms. Between June and September, a public ferry service operates from the landing at Roger Sherman Park (off Arch Street).
Rock bridges, waterfalls, miles of trails, and of course, the Mianus River, decorate this urban forest nestled between Stamford and Greenwich. Children will enjoy exploring vernal pools and rock formations, trying to spot wildlife, fishing, biking, venturing inside a cave, or learning about what's growing in the wildflower garden.
33 acres of nature and recreation await you at Binney Park, one of the oldest parks in the area. Situated in a neighborhood, two areas comprise the park, one for outdoor sports like baseball games, tennis and field recreation and the other a walking track around water, a bridge and plenty of places to sit. A great place for picnicking.
The town's oldest park. Play catch, have a picnic, hike, explore playgrounds suitable for ages 2 to 12, enjoy scenic views of Long Island Sound, and, of course, do not forget to check out the exhibits at the Bruce Museum, which adjoins the property. The park is especially beautiful in the spring, when daffodils, azaleas, and dogwoods are in full bloom. Kids will enjoy the playground.
This pristine portion of wilderness is perfect for quiet family outings, recharging, and reconnecting to nature and each other. The 4-mile loop is low in elevation (under 300 feet) and suitable for all ages and abilities. Horseback riding is allowed, so do not be surprised by the sight and sound of hooves.
Gather seashells, relax by the waterfront, take a dip, admire the seaside garden, indulge in a picnic (clambake, anyone?), go for a bike ride along Long Island Sound, or await a spectacular sunset. Non-residents must purchase entry passes.
A destination spot for plant lovers and nature appreciators with many opportunities for kids to learn about all aspects of nature. Tell the kids to dress for the experience, because their are streams.
Located along the Cos Cob Harbor, this lovely park is ideal for play, relaxation, and reflection. Twin translucent towers overlooking Long Island Sound stand in memory of September 11, 2001, and serve as an educational resource especially for children who are increasingly farther removed from that fateful day. You will also find an interactive playscape, benches along the walking path, ADA accessible sidewalks, and restrooms.
Children have been learning to ride here since 1949. Whether your little equestrian is interested in competing, showing, or just bonding with a horse, this facility offers summer programs, year-round lessons, and features both indoor and outdoor arenas, a heated tack room with a viewing area, and direct access to Greenwich riding trails.
For the past decade, the party has celebrated community and instilled a sense of town pride by gathering the people of Greenwich for a day of music, food, fun, family, and friendship. The next event is scheduled for May 23, 2026.
The annual celebration takes place from the end of November through early December. Photos with Santa, visiting reindeer, face painting, balloon artists, refreshments provided by local restaurants, train and carousel rides, and dance demonstrations by Greenwich Conservatory of Classical Ballet are all part of the festivities.
Need a place to stay while you are in the Greenwich area? The Hyatt has family style suites that offer one and two room spaces with living rooms, kitchenettes and king and queen size beds. The Hyatt also welcomes dogs for an additional cost, and has a grab and go cafe on-site for that much needed cup of coffee or a quick bite (open all day!).
Originally Published 2019; updated 2025
By Michelle Weissler, Greenwich High School class of 2025Elementary students recently got a taste of the Wild West—right here in Greenwich—thanks to a special guest: Ernie Sites, The Yodeling Cowboy, all the way from Idaho.The event at Old Greenwich Elementary School, celebrating Children’s Health and Wellness Day, was packed with line dancing, art, and a cowboy who made sure everyone left with a little more “yee-haw” in their step.The main attraction was a cowboy performer who trav...
By Michelle Weissler, Greenwich High School class of 2025
Elementary students recently got a taste of the Wild West—right here in Greenwich—thanks to a special guest: Ernie Sites, The Yodeling Cowboy, all the way from Idaho.
The event at Old Greenwich Elementary School, celebrating Children’s Health and Wellness Day, was packed with line dancing, art, and a cowboy who made sure everyone left with a little more “yee-haw” in their step.
The main attraction was a cowboy performer who traveled from Idaho to share stories, songs, and a bit of cowboy culture with the kids, performing along with his wife, Barbra.
“That gives us an opportunity to share the West with the young crowds,” he said. “One of the songs I always really liked to sing is ‘Home on the Range,’ which is older than the hills so nobody knows it anymore.”
Cowboy Ernie Sites explained that events like the one at Old Greenwich School were important to him because he loves sharing his culture with kids—no matter where they live.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s in New York, or if it’s in Idaho, or if it’s in Texas. We all need to hear it. And so that’s my goal, besides, I love the kids,” he said, adding, “It’s exciting for me to be able to share a little piece of Cowboy culture, the Western culture with the young audiences.”
The event was organized to get kids moving and having fun, inspired by a new Connecticut law called Children’s Health and Wellness Day. The theme this year was “Western Cowboy Toy Story,” and it was a hit with the crowd. Kids got to try line dancing and take part in art activities, all while learning about cowboy life.
Ernie Sites was brought to Old Greenwich School as part of Arts for Learning Connecticut – a Connecticut non-profit with the mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts.
In addition to Dolphin Day, students wore hats for the ‘Hats for Hope’ fundraiser, spearheaded by Carla Lenschow, a Greenwich High School student and Old Greenwich School alumna.
Hats for Hope is a fundraiser throughout Connecticut to raise money for pediatric cancer at Yale Hospital, where students can wear a hat (silly hats, baseball hats, sun hats etc) and bring a dollar; the students raised over $500 for Hats for Hope.
At Old Greenwich School, 4th and 5th graders are set to perform their spring musical, Disney’s High School Musical Jr on The Frank Gasparino Stage on Thursday and Friday.The musical is directed and choreographed by Tracy Martineau and Christina Kampler. Sets are by Jennifer Webb.Benefiting from upbeat live music – drums by Sean Charles and keyboard by musical director Zach Kampler – over 75 students in the cast and crew share High School Musical’s themes of overcoming adversity, challenging soci...
At Old Greenwich School, 4th and 5th graders are set to perform their spring musical, Disney’s High School Musical Jr on The Frank Gasparino Stage on Thursday and Friday.
The musical is directed and choreographed by Tracy Martineau and Christina Kampler. Sets are by Jennifer Webb.
Benefiting from upbeat live music – drums by Sean Charles and keyboard by musical director Zach Kampler – over 75 students in the cast and crew share High School Musical’s themes of overcoming adversity, challenging social norms, and the power of friendship.
From the start, the stage comes alive with Wildcats cheerleaders, marching band musicians and basketball players. Characters include the delightfully conniving Sharpay Evans who has the gifted but shy new student Gabriella Montez on her radar. The painfully conflicted Troy Bolton copes with pressure from his father, the basketball coach, as Troy and Gabriella, hailing from different social groups are cast as Romeo and Juliet. Adding to the dynamic is Miss Darbus who adds the drama to the drama department.
According to Old Greenwich School Principal Dr. Jen Bencivengo, in preparation for the show the students had the opportunity to take a field trip to New York City where they participated in a 90-minute vocal and choreography workshop in Broadway rehearsal studios with Broadway teaching artists. From there, the students caught a performance of Wicked on Broadway.
“We believe theater is an an integral part of education, including both preparation and performance – whether you’re a cast member, on the crew or in the audience,” Bencivengo said. “So when the students saw the work that went into preparing for a scene and then had the opportunity to see that same number performed in Wicked on Broadway, it brought their own theater experience to life.”
For more check out the Playbill.
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