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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

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Home Care In Old Greenwich, CT

Home Care Old Greenwich, CT

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.

 In-Home Care Old Greenwich, CT

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

J G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kristen S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Suzanne D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!!”

Richard C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Lara K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

steven G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kenneth B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gregg F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Robert G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”

Keisha H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”

Deirdre B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Alan L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent!”

Abu Y.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Old Greenwich, CT?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Old Greenwich, CT

Types of Elderly Care in Old Greenwich, CT

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Old Greenwich, CT
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Old Greenwich, CT
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Old Greenwich, CT
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Old Greenwich, CT

Benefits of Home Care in Old Greenwich, CT

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Old Greenwich, CT

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your CT's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Old Greenwich, CT

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Old Greenwich, CT

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Old Greenwich, CT

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:

  • Edgehill
  • The Mews
  • High House Senior Residents
  • Senior Living Options, LLC
  • Gladhaven Club
  • The Residence at Summer Street
Home Care Old Greenwich, CT

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.

 In-Home Care Old Greenwich, CT

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Old Greenwich, CT

Latest News in Old Greenwich, CT

Former Longtime Greenwich Bank Building Could House Jiu-Jitsu Classes

The building had been used as a bank since it was built in 1967, and most recently, it was occupied by Bank of America.Richard Kaufman, Patch StaffGREENWICH, CT — A former longtime bank building in the Byram section of Greenwich could be converted to house jiu-jitsu classes, according to plans submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Department.JED Martial Arts LLC, a prospective lessee of the property...

The building had been used as a bank since it was built in 1967, and most recently, it was occupied by Bank of America.

Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff

GREENWICH, CT — A former longtime bank building in the Byram section of Greenwich could be converted to house jiu-jitsu classes, according to plans submitted to the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Department.

JED Martial Arts LLC, a prospective lessee of the property at 30 South Water St. in Byram, is looking to change the use of the building from office to group fitness for jiu-jitsu instruction, documents on file with the town say.

The now vacant building, owned by 30 South Water Street LLC, is 4,288 square feet and on a .35 acre parcel of land. It had been used as a bank since it was built in 1967, and most recently, it was occupied by Bank of America.

The proposed use would maintain the first floor as it is, with minor modifications to allow group classes with a maximum of 15 students and an instructor, submitted documents say. The lower level would be reconfigured for bathrooms and lockers.

An anticipated schedule for jiu-jitsu instruction would be as follows:

Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Monday to Friday

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The parking required for bank use is 22 spaces plus a handicap space, submitted documents note, but there are only 12 spaces and a handicap space at the site currently.

The existing parking "should be more than sufficient for the use," submitted plans say.

An addition of four parking spaces could be achieved by adding parallel spaces in what is now the "drive-past lane" on the southwestern side of the property, according to submitted plans. The Department of Public Works would have to review any additions.

Overall, the site would remain "largely unchanged," except for the replacement of plantings in planting beds "which are currently fairly sparse."

A pre-application is expected to be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission in the coming weeks.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports and studies.

Public Hanukkah celebration in Old Greenwich, energy fair at North Mianus and other celebrations

Public Hanukkah event in Old GreenwichWhat is being called the first-ever public Hanukkah celebration in Old Greenwich took place 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Old Greenwich fire station. The pre-Hanukkah event included a "Menorah Rise," food and activities and drew roughly 300 people. According to a news release, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., placed the final light bulb on the menorah.Energy Fair showcases sustainabilityNorth Mianus School's Energy Fair recently took place and, according the...

Public Hanukkah event in Old Greenwich

What is being called the first-ever public Hanukkah celebration in Old Greenwich took place 1 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Old Greenwich fire station. The pre-Hanukkah event included a "Menorah Rise," food and activities and drew roughly 300 people. According to a news release, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., placed the final light bulb on the menorah.

Energy Fair showcases sustainability

North Mianus School's Energy Fair recently took place and, according the Greenwich Public School's District Digest newsletter, was "a vibrant showcase of creativity and learning, where fifth grade students presented their projects on energy conservation and sustainable practices."

The students' innovative ideas ranged from solar and wind-powered models to energy-efficient designs. The students explained how they could reduce energy usage at home and in their community, demonstrating their understanding of environmental impact.

Greenwich woman honored by Italian American group

The National Organization of Italian American Women's annual Epiphany brunch honoring Three Wise Women will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Patterson Club in Fairfield, 1118 Cross Hwy. Among those honored will be musician Joyce DiCamillo of Greenwich.

The other two women to be honored are Raeleen D'Agostino Mautner, an author from Wallingford, and Victoria Ferrara, a Fairfield attorney.

According to a news release, each year, NOIAW, "a national organization dedicated to empowering, connecting and inspiring women of Italian American descent," celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany by recognizing the achievements of “Three Wise Women” and the role their heritage has played in their achievements.

“The Connecticut Region of the National Organization of Italian American Women is proud to honor these Three Wise Women of distinction and prominence in their respective fields. Their success is an inspiration to all Italian American women and they serve as role models to our young women," Pat Tinto, president of the organization, said in a news release. “Every day they are making a difference and enriching the lives of others through their shared heritage.”

Tickets for the brunch are on sale at givebutter.com/1zIpuh. For sponsorship information, email [email protected] or call the NOIAW office at 212-642-2003. People may also call or email Mary Lou DeRosa for more information at [email protected] or 203-258-3403.

Proceeds from the Epiphany Celebration help to support NOIAW cultural programs and services, including the scholarship program which provides financial assistance to students and the mentorship program, which pairs young Italian American women with established professionals in their field.

Greenwich's Hyatt Regency hotel gets its tax bill cut $685,000 as part of settlement with town

GREENWICH — The Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich has reached a settlement with the town over a tax dispute which will result in a smaller tax bill for the hotel and a roughly $685,000 credit as a reimbursement.Lawyers representing the Hyatt Regency argued that the property was overvalued by the town assessor and the town agreed, according to court documents.Advertisement...

GREENWICH — The Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich has reached a settlement with the town over a tax dispute which will result in a smaller tax bill for the hotel and a roughly $685,000 credit as a reimbursement.

Lawyers representing the Hyatt Regency argued that the property was overvalued by the town assessor and the town agreed, according to court documents.

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The settlement stipulates that the value of the property will be decreased in tax calculations for the 2021 to 2025 Grand Lists, which means the hotel will get a credit reflecting the tax “overpayment” made by the hotel.

The hotel's tax credit will add up to roughly $685,000, based on an estimate by Greenwich Time, which considered the change in valuations and mill rate from Grand List years 2021 to 2025. The mill rate, which is used to calculate property taxes, changes each year as the Board of Estimate and Taxation sets the town budget.

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The hotel, which has 374 rooms on a 14-acre site, is the largest in Greenwich. The owners recently completed a nearly $40 million renovation.

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Owen Weaver, an attorney at Marino, Zabel & Schellenberg who represented the town in the suit, said the changed valuations are reflective of the renovations. He said the town's valuation in the settlement is also considerably more than the sale price paid when the property changed hands in 2022.

"The settlement was reached after lengthy negotiations with the plaintiff," he wrote in a statement. "(The settlement) was based on multiple factors, including the fact that the property had been under construction and sold in an arm’s length transaction a year after the revaluation for $37,498,348. The settlement resulted in a revised valuation much higher than this sales price and reflects the impact of the ongoing construction at the property."

Representatives for the Hyatt Regency did not respond to a request for comment.

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All town properties were assessed in 2021. That process pegged the value of the hotel parcel at 1800 E. Putnam Ave. at $79,012,100. Taxes are calculated off the assessed value of a property, which is 70 percent of the total, so the hotel was originally given an assessed value of $55,308,470.

Hyatt’s attorneys argued that the $79 million total valuation was “grossly excessive, disproportionate and unlawful,” which led to tax payments which were “manifestly excessive.” The hotel owed the town more than $600,000 each year since 2021, based on the 2021 assessment and the changing mill rate.

Property taxes are the town’s largest source of revenue, but most of the tax base comes from residential buildings, not commercial ones like the hotel.

The Hyatt’s $79 million valuation was supposed to be used to calculate tax payment through 2025, when the town assessor does its next reassessment, but the hotel challenged the figure.

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The owners first appealed the assessment at the town’s Board of Assessment Appeals in February 2022, which denied the hotel’s appeal.

The hotel then escalated its appeal to court and filed a lawsuit in April 2022 in state Superior Court in Stamford. The property was sold to new owners in October 2022, who continued the suit. Two cases, brought by old owners Greenwich Hotel LLC and new owners HRG Hotel Owner LLC, were consolidated into one and transferred to state Superior Court in New Britain in 2023.

The settlement between the hotel and the town was submitted to the court on Dec. 4 and accepted on Dec. 5, closing the matter.

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The settlement bumps the original $79 million assessment down to three different values over five years.

The smallest adjustment, for the 2024 and 2025 Grand Lists, drops the full value of the hotel from $79 million to $74 million, a roughly 6 percent decrease in value.

In the 2023 Grand List the hotel’s total value, under the settlement, dropped from $79 million to $58 million, a 26 percent reduction.

The largest change, resulting in the largest tax reduction, came in the 2021 and 2022 Grand Lists, which saw the hotel’s value drop from $79 million to $52 million, a 34 percent cut. This $52 million figure, Weaver noted, is still considerably higher than the $37 million sale price from 2022.

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The change in valuation is all about the buildings, not the value of the land, according to court documents.

The value of the land will stay the same on the town records after the settlement — a full value of $10.3 million — but the value of the buildings went down in the settlement. The building values did, however, grow over time, getting closer to the original town valuation but never reaching it.

No money will change hands under the settlement, meaning neither party will pay costs or interests to the other, but the hotel will get a credit against its future tax payments.

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Dec 22, 2024

Reporter

Andy Blye is a reporter with the Greenwich Time. He joined Hearst Connecticut Media Group in 2023. Andy grew up in California and started his journalism career in Arizona before moving to Connecticut. Outside of work he enjoys basketball, photography and video games.

Bluebird Taqueria, A New Mexican Eatery, Opens In Glenville

The quick-service restaurant offers authentic scratch-made Mexican cuisine using fresh and flavorful ingredients.Richard Kaufman, Patch StaffIt took a little over a year to prepare the space at 21 Glenville St. for Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by Jason Lindberg.)Enchilada Suizas from Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by James Muchmore.)The birria quesadilla from Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by James Muchmore...

The quick-service restaurant offers authentic scratch-made Mexican cuisine using fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff

It took a little over a year to prepare the space at 21 Glenville St. for Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by Jason Lindberg.)

Enchilada Suizas from Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by James Muchmore.)

The birria quesadilla from Bluebird Taqueria. (Photograph by James Muchmore.)

GREENWICH, CT — The food scene in Glenville has been turned up a notch with the addition of Bluebird Taqueria, a quick-service restaurant that offers authentic scratch-made Mexican cuisine.

Located at 21 Glenville St. within the shopping center, the new eatery officially opened on Dec. 9.

For Greenwich native, owner and chef Mike Pietrafeso, this latest venture feels like somewhat of a homecoming. He attended Western Middle School where he met his now wife, Krista.

"This is our third restaurant we've opened in Greenwich, and this is kind of the side of town we grew up on," Pietrafeso told Patch. "It's really nice to come back and just be able to bring something to this side of town and see faces I haven't seen in a long time."

Locals might know Pietrafeso from the popular Ada's Kitchen, as well as Roost Kitchen + Coffee in Cos Cob and Darien. A Fairfield location is planned for 2025.

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At Bluebird, customers can find everything from house-made guacamole and chips and healthy salads, to burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, tacos, Mexican plates, and kid-friendly options.

Menu highlights include the birria tacos, which are filled with brisket that's been marinated in adobo and braised in an aromatic spicy broth; the carnitas tacos - a tender mix of pork shoulder and pork belly that's been slow-cooked and shredded; and the caldo de pollo - a rich homemade chicken broth topped with pulled chicken, avocado, fresh cilantro, radish, onion and lime — among many other dishes.

Krista spoke about the kid's menu offerings.

"We have three young girls who all have different discerning tastes, and thankfully there are some great kid-friendly items on the menu that I think will please our kids as well as a lot of families," Krista said.

Elsewhere on the menu, entree-like plates include enchiladas, grilled salmon, carne asada, and the hamburguesa, which comes with two 4 oz. Pat LaFrieda special blend patties, roasted poblanos, caramelized onions, romaine, tomato, chipotle mayo, all on a toasted brioche bun served with slaw and fries.

The tortillas at Bluebird are especially a favorite for Pietrafeso.

"We're making the masa fresh each day, so it's a fresh corn tortilla that's got this deep, roasted corn flavor that I love. It's kind of all over the menu," Pietrafeso said.

The tortillas also represent a theme at Bluebird — scratch-made food with fresh ingredients.

"That's everything to us... Good food should take time, is kind of the way I view it," Pietrafeso said. "We're trying not to take any shortcuts. We're trying to bring fresh food every day."

The concept for Bluebird spawned from relationships Pietrafeso has made with members of his Roost team, including head chef Santiago Juarez, who would cook authentic Mexican food at team gatherings over the years.

"I just thought it would be a cool addition if we could bring that to life. It was quite a collaboration between my staff and I to bring this concept together," Pietrafeso said.

It took a little over a year to prepare the space in Glenville, which is next to Longford's Ice Cream and Luca's Pizza. Green & Tonic is also slated to open in the shopping center, as well as DeCicco's grocery store.

In warm weather, limited seating for Bluebird will be available outside, but Pietrafeso sees the eatery as more of a takeout spot. Customers can order online for pickup or delivery.

Corporate and party takeout will be available in the future.

For more information and to view the menu, visit Bluebirdtacos.com and follow @bluebirdtaqueria on social media for upcoming news and community announcements.

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