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 Hoyt-Barnum House 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 Stamford, 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 Scalzi 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 The Capital Grille or visit South End Historic District, 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 Stamford, 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 Stamford, 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 Stamford, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.See the first CT local production of COME FROM AWAY and find out! Opening 9/11 at Curtain Call, Stamford.The full cast of COME FROM AWAY.How does a town of 9,000 feed 7,000 strangers?On September 11, 2001, 38 airplanes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, stranding nearly 7,000 passengers for five days. COME FROM AWAY, this Broadway hit tells the story of humanity at its best in the shadow of the wo...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The full cast of COME FROM AWAY.
How does a town of 9,000 feed 7,000 strangers?
On September 11, 2001, 38 airplanes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, stranding nearly 7,000 passengers for five days. COME FROM AWAY, this Broadway hit tells the story of humanity at its best in the shadow of the worst of humankind and will play in Stamford's Kweskin Theatre, 1349 Newfield Avenue, September 11 through October 4.
"COME FROM AWAY is the only Broadway musical that I've ever paid to see three times...that's how much I loved this show," said Lou Ursone, Curtain Call's executive director and one of 12 actors in the production. "It's one of the most moving musicals I've ever seen, and while 9/11 is the backdrop and reason why these 'plane people' were stranded, it's about the resilience of the human spirit and about people opening their hearts to others," he added. The people of Gander responded with kindness, hospitality, and generosity. The musical explores the theme of community and the power of human connection, highlighting how strangers became family in the face of adversity. With a vibrant folk-inspired score and an ensemble cast portraying multiple characters, COME FROM AWAY celebrates the spirit of compassion and unity in the midst of crisis.
In 2011, David Hein and Irene Sankoff, who wrote the book, music and lyrics for COME FROM AWAY, received a Canada Council for the Arts grant to travel to Newfoundland for the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. There they met and interviewed returning passengers, pilots and local townsfolk. With an additional grant from the Ontario Arts Council, they first workshopped COME FROM AWAY at the inaugural season of The Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP). In January, 2013, they developed the show further at Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Musicals and again in March at CMTP. Following other out-of-town development productions, the show opened on Broadway in March 2017.
When COME FROM AWAY opened, New York Times reviewer Ben Brantley wrote, "The show — based on interviews with the people who inspired it — covers a vast expanse of sensitive material with a respect for its complexity. It understands that much of what it portrays is guaranteed to stir fraught memories among many of us. And it may provide just the catharsis you need in an American moment notorious for dishonorable and divisive behavior."
"We're all incredibly honored to tell this story, and so excited to be the first locally produced, post-Broadway production of this amazing show in CT," Ursone noted. While the show had a great Broadway run of nearly 1,700 performances—and several years of touring —Curtain Call is one of a handful of community-based theatres across the country allowed to present this remarkable show. "COME FROM AWAY is the kind of show that makes you smile, cry and laugh all while reminding you of how good people really can be...and, like me, you'll want to see it again," Ursone said."COME FROM AWAY shows how the worst of humanity can be felled by the best of humanity," he added.
Director Karen Randazzo has been working throughout the Northeast for over 40 years, including many corporate entertainment programs through the company that she and her husband, Peter, run: Steppin' Out Entertainment. The musical director for the show, Neil Flores, has been involved with Curtain Call for several years, as an actor, a stage manager, and now as music director. In addition to Ursone, the cast includes past Curtain Call performers Miguel Acevedo, Sophia Burdett, Tracey Marble, Brian Meltzer, Gregory Suss, Jonathan Wu, and Gail Yudain. Making their Curtain Call debut are Ryan Deal, Dina Dessner, Stacie Perlman, and Marisa Zullin.
Randazzo has directed numerous shows at Curtain call since 2001 - her most recent success was the January hit, STEEL MAGNOLIAS. While a 100 minute musical may look and sound simple/easy, Randazzo had these thoughts: "When I was asked to direct COME FROM AWAY I immediately felt both excitement and anxiety. The show is such a beautiful, moving piece and everyone loves it, which triggered the anxiety. Will I do it justice? Will it meet the high expectations? Luckily, if nothing else, I am really good at casting. This cast is not only musically talented, but thoughtful, dedicated, and true fans of the show. Their character and kindness as actors make COME FROM AWAY a treasure trove of reasons to believe humanity will thrive through love and decency."
In the spirit of the incredible generosity of the people of Gander, Curtain Call will be encouraging patrons to bring donations of food, clothing, and basic necessities for our neighbors in need by partnering with our fellow nonprofit, Person to Person. With the production opening on the 24th anniversary of that fateful day, Curtain Call has also offered free tickets to local first responders for opening night.
Performances will be held in The Kweskin Theatre at the Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT, September 11 through October 4, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm. Doors open one half hour before show time.
Tickets are available online at CurtainCallinc.com or by calling the Box Office at 203-461-6358. There is plentiful on-site parking and two restaurant partners: The Royal Green Restaurant and The Stillery. (Call for special restaurant offers at 203-998-7225.) Shows following COME FROM AWAY include THE 39 STEPS, MISERY, WHITE CHRISTMAS, and many more.
Play and Learn (Ages 1-3)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 16 - November 25Tuesday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 1Wednesday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 2Thursday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 3$125.00 per child once a week for 8 weeksInstructor: Jen LupinacciPlay and Learn introduces your toddler to the experience of preschool with a caregiver. Our classroom will be set up with child-initiated activities. There will be centers to explore...play doh, painting and ...
Play and Learn (Ages 1-3)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 16 - November 25Tuesday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 1Wednesday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 2Thursday – 9:30AM – 11:00AM – Sess. 3$125.00 per child once a week for 8 weeksInstructor: Jen LupinacciPlay and Learn introduces your toddler to the experience of preschool with a caregiver. Our classroom will be set up with child-initiated activities. There will be centers to explore...play doh, painting and more. We will have a circle time with songs and stories. A snack will be provided. We will play in our spacious gym or, weather permitting, outside on our playground. This will encourage movement and independence in a fun and safe environment. A great way for your child to continue to develop both fine and gross motor skills, learn about transitioning to the next activity and spatial awareness. A caregiver and me program! (No class 9, /23, 9/24, 10/2, 11/4 & 11/11
Hands On Science (Ages 2-4)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 18 - November 13 (No class 10/2)Thursday11:15AM – 12:00PM$105.00 per child once a week for 8 weeksInstructor: Jen LupinacciIt’s full STEM/STEAM ahead in this hands-on class. We will explore something new every week-while applying sim-ple scientific aspects that children can relate to. We will have a lot of fun with simple experiments and hands on exploring. The children will be allowed to help mix -stir and possibly EXPLODE our experiments! Themes may include dinosaurs, volcanoes, magnets, hibernation, space and more! A caregiver & me program!
Sensory Sprouts (Ages 1-3)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 16 - November 25Tuesday -11:15AM – 12:00PM - Sess. 1Wednesday - 11:15AM - 12:00PM - Sess. 2Fee: $105.00 per child for 8 weeksInstructors: Jen LupinacciIn this class the children will have time to use their senses and explore different centers in our classroom. There will be weekly themed art activities offered as well as story time! Hands on learning inspires and encourages the eagerness to learn. Introductions of structured activities with simple step by step directions to help develop listening skills and how to follow basic patterns. This is a caregiver and me class. No class 9/23, 9/24, 11/4 & 11/11)
Let’s Get Messy (Ages 1 - 3)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 19 - November 7Friday10:30AM - 11:15AMFee: $105.00 per child for 8 weeksInstructors: Jen LupinacciJump into art - we will explore different art mediums in this class. Paint, clay, wood and even rocks! The children will be encouraged to use their natural sense of curiosity while exploring different textures and sensory combinations to create their own toddler art. Being free to create builds confidence in children. Caregiver and me class.
Learn Spanish Through Music (Ages 1 - 4 Years old)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 22 - December 1 (No class 10/13) Monday9:30AM - 10:10AM$219.00 per child for 10 weeks Instructors: Ms. Ericka /Armelle for Kids A fun, multi-sensory way to learn Spanish! This interactive class uses songs to teach key vocabulary and sentence structures. By combining visual, audio, and tactile activities, your child will learn Spanish in an engaging and effective way perfect for children as young as one years old all the way up to 4 years old!
Junior Adventure of Missing Color” Program for Preschoolers Ages 3-5Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveNovember 3, 2025Monday10:00AM - 10:30AM$12.00 per person per childInstructors: Science HeroesJoin Science Heroes on our mission to find our favorite color! Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, we get kids excited about the science that’s all around us! Featuring amazing experiments all about chemical reactions, laws of motion, air pressure and more! Max of 35 children.
Little Cooks (Ages 3 - 5 yrs old)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 29 - November 10 ( No class 10/13)Monday10:00AM - 11:00AMFee: $240.00 per child for 6 weeksInstructors: Fiddleheads Cooking StudioPreschoolers will enjoy a flavorful adventure at these fun and educational cooking classes, where they will learn where food comes from using seasonal and fresh ingredients. It’s all about food exploration, as children are encouraged to touch, smell and taste all ingredients. They will learn how to collaborate together to create their dish and how to use kitchen tools safely as they take turns measuring and mixing – giving them the confidence they need in the kitchen! As their dish cooks, they will enjoy story time, a fun art project or activity. This class offers great bonding time between the child and caregiver as you cook and taste your final creations together! Parents or caregivers must stay for class.
Pre-K Games & Activities (Ages 4 - 5)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 5 - September 26Friday3:30PM - 4:15PM$109.00per child for 4 weeks/ per sectionInstructors: A1 Athletics StaffEmbark on an action-packed journey where you'll explore the exciting world of sports! Our Pre-K games and activities class is designed to introduce your little ones to a variety of sports, games, and activities in a fun and engaging way. Through play, your child will develop essential motor skills, coordination, and teamwork while discovering their favorite sports. From kicking soccer balls, throwing basketballs, to running relay races, every class will bring new adventures and discoveries. Registration starts online August 15th!
Movin N Groovin (Ages 2 & 3)Recreation Star Center, 1170 Shippan AveSeptember 22 - December 1 (No class 10/13)Monday10:00AM - 10:45AM$220.00 for 10 weeksInstructor: Ms. Alexandra / Az– Dance StaffIn this class your child will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively through movement and music while practicing valuable gross motor skills. Age-appropriate dance technique will be explored along with dance games, singing and free dance. Comfortable play clothes encouraged.
STAMFORD, CT — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Stamford-area apple orchards.There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Stamford. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of app...
STAMFORD, CT — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Stamford-area apple orchards.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Stamford. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Address: 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NYSeason dates: Year-roundHours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (farm store)
"Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is a family owned and operated apple orchard located in North Salem, NY, in Westchester County. Primarily an orchard, our main harvest is, of course, apples!"
Blue Jay OrchardsAddress: 125 Plumtrees Road, BethelSeason dates: September - DecemberHours: Saturdays and Sundays beginning Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Blue Jay Orchards is a 122+ acre orchard with over 8,000 producing trees, and 20+ apple varieties. Blue Jay Orchards farm is nestled just in Northern Fairfield county."
Address: 124 Moose Hill Road, OxfordSeason dates: September - DecemberHours: Weekends, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"On our small, yet beautiful farm, we have a wide assortment of products."
Address: 278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110, White Hills section of SheltonSeason dates: September - DecemberHours: Weekends beginning Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
"Beardsley’s have been farming here in the White Hills section of Shelton since 1849. We have re-planted thousands of dwarf apple trees in our fields for our Pick-Your-Own orchard."
Silverman's FarmAddress: 451 Sport Hill Road, EastonSeason dates: To be determined, September - DecemberHours: Once the season starts, open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"THINGS ARE GROWING! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES ON OUR UPCOMING SEASON AND PICK YOUR OWN START DATES!"
Address: 105 South St., MiddlefieldSeason dates: September - DecemberHours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"For more than 280 years, Lyman Orchards has been farming right here in Middlefield, Connecticut, and this year, we were honored to be named Best Pick-Your-Own Farm in Connecticut by 'Connecticut Magazine.' Every fall, our hills come alive with visitors from far and wide picking crisp, juicy apples while taking in our scenic orchard views."
The following orchards and farms are a little farther away from Greenwich, but would make for a great day trip:
Bishop's OrchardsAddress: 480 New England Road, GuilfordSeason dates: Late August - Late OctoberHours: "Call [the] PICK line in season for daily updates, hours, and locations. 203-458-PICK"
"Bishop’s Orchards Guilford Pick-Your-Own Orchards are located at multiple fields. Please visit our Pick Your Own page for locations."
March FarmAddress: 160 Munger Lane, BethlehemSeason dates: Sept. 5 - OctoberHours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Pick Your Own Apples typically begins the first weekend of September from the Farm Store Orchard with varieties including Cortland, Gala, Honey Crisp & Macintosh. Picking from the Hill Top Orchard begins mid-September and continues through October with varieties including Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Jonagold, Macintosh, Macoun, Mutsu, Red Delicious & Rome."
Drazen OrchardsAddress: 251 Wallingford Road, CheshireSeason dates: September - Mid-NovemberHours: Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Pick your own is subject to 5lbs per person minimum. Pets are not allowed."
Belltown Hill OrchardsAddress: 483 Matson Hill Road, South GlastonburySeason dates: Open now to late OctoberHours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Step out into the beauty of our orchards for a picturesque afternoon in our Pick-Your-Own fields from mid-June to late October. Our farm is famous for our pick-your-own apples, offering over 24 varieties!"
Rose Orchards FarmAddress: 33 Branford Road, North BranfordSeason dates: Mid-August to Mid-OctoberHours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Corn mazes and pumpkin patches are also open or will open soon.
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said.
— Al Branch, Patch Staff, contributed to this list
Stamford’s transportation center is one of the busiest stations in the northeast corridor, and it’ll soon undergo an overhaul with the addition of affordable housing.The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) owns numerous parcels of land, and wants to find new ways to use them, according to Deputy Transportation Commissioner Laoise King.“We know that housing is something that we are really lacking in Connecticut, and this is a way that the state can use its assets to help alleviate some of that burden...
Stamford’s transportation center is one of the busiest stations in the northeast corridor, and it’ll soon undergo an overhaul with the addition of affordable housing.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) owns numerous parcels of land, and wants to find new ways to use them, according to Deputy Transportation Commissioner Laoise King.
“We know that housing is something that we are really lacking in Connecticut, and this is a way that the state can use its assets to help alleviate some of that burden,” King said.
The department is from private development firms to .
The 11-acre site serves more than 5 million bus and rail travelers annually, and is in need of infrastructure updates and upgrades to meet growing demand.
DOT is seeking designs that include redevelopment of the station and the surrounding parcels, including sites that were previously large parking lots, King said.
King said the department is open to various models, but the design must incorporate affordable housing.
“We want to make sure that there is a housing component, but we're also open to office, retail and institutional use, a cultural center, et cetera,” King said.
A portion of the homes will have to be affordable for families earning no more than 30% of the area’s median income, the level set by a state .
As far as the look of the development, King said they’re open to any combination of housing and infrastructure, such as an apartment building above the train station or a mixed-use development adjacent to the facility.
“We can leverage what we are doing to help with housing, to help with the economy, to help create and build neighborhoods, to help reconnect communities, to make sure that what we are doing is resilient and helps the environment,” King said.
DOT is accepting design applications until December and plans to select a developer in February, King said. The project won’t be complete for several years, but King said rail and bus service will not be interrupted.
The redevelopment is a “once-in-a-generation” chance to create a new transportation hub, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. The development will meet the evolving needs of travelers.
“By reimagining this property, we can deliver new housing, enhanced transit amenities, and commercial and retail spaces that will serve residents and visitors for decades to come,” Eucalitto said.
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STAMFORD — Numerous Stamford residents and local leaders gathered in front of Superior Court in Stamford on Thursday to denounce the actions of many Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents in Connecticut.A crowd of people, including state politicians and the city’s Board of Representatives, surrounded speakers as they explained what they had seen firsthand and through media reports.The gathering was hosted by Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants, a group formed in June that supports immigrants and seeks to &l...
STAMFORD — Numerous Stamford residents and local leaders gathered in front of Superior Court in Stamford on Thursday to denounce the actions of many Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents in Connecticut.
A crowd of people, including state politicians and the city’s Board of Representatives, surrounded speakers as they explained what they had seen firsthand and through media reports.
The gathering was hosted by Stamford Norwalk United with Immigrants, a group formed in June that supports immigrants and seeks to “defend our civil liberties,” according to the group’s website.
Democratic state Reps. Matthew Blumenthal, Hubert Delany and Jonathan Jacobson were among those at the gathering.
The courthouse was also where CT Public Radio reported two people were arrested by ICE agents on Monday, witnesses told them.
Marcella Branca, a volunteer with SNUI, said the city was no longer safe for immigrants. She said she filmed the incident Monday, which she called a kidnapping.
“I could see terror, the confusion and sadly the resignation on the face of the man who was handcuffed right in front of me,” Branca said.
The SNUI said in a news release that the actions of the ICE agents in Connecticut conflicted with the state’s Trust Act, though that regulation, passed in 2013 and updated in 2019, generally restricts when and how local law enforcement can cooperate with ICE.
The group alleges that ICE agents entered courthouses to detain people appearing for appointments, failed to present warrants before detaining someone and continued to detain people when charges were dropped or a person has “lawful presence,” according to the news release.
A spokesperson for ICE did not respond to requests for comments via email regarding the allegations made in the news release.
Juan Fonseca Tapia, who lives in Danbury and is an immigrant from Mexico, said he has also been an organizer in the state “for many years.”
He said he has seen ICE at Danbury’s courthouse and heard of what he said were kidnappings across the city and surrounding area. He said he had been worried he would not make it to the Stamford gathering because of ICE's presence in Danbury as well.
According to a statement from Danbury Unites for Immigrants, over two dozen armed ICE agents "swarmed the Danbury courthouse in military fatigues and gear, threatening to pepper spray and taser peaceful community members and activists" on Thursday.
"As agents abducted two individuals from the courthouse steps, community members demanded the agents identify themselves and present a warrant, which they refused to do," said a statement from the group, which said it documents ICE activities and alerts the community.
The incidents followed a week of "heavy and unprecedented ICE activity in Danbury," the statement said, with six workers stopped and taken into custody on Tuesday, and "at least four individuals" taken from the courthouse steps on Wednesday and Thursday.
“I have a lot of pain,” Tapia said of the recent actions by ICE. “I'm feeling a lot of rage. I'm feeling a lot of disappointment and deep sadness.”
Tapia said he went to bed crying one night because he saw a Facebook post from a mother who asked whether “ICE is still out there” because she needed to go to the laundromat.
“Our people are not even able to leave their homes right now, wondering whether or not they're gonna make it home,” Tapia said.
Phil Berns, a member of the Board of Representatives in Stamford, is also an attorney who practices immigration law and has done so for 25 years. He said he helps people get work permits, secure legal residency and citizenship.
However, out of every 25 people who call him, Berns said he “at best” was only able to help “maybe one or two,” because the laws are “really, really stacked against people.” His phones and the ones of other immigration lawyers are “ringing off the hooks from people in an absolute panic,” he said.
“Now we have this maniac in the White House who has demonized and accused 14 million people of being criminals,” Berns said.
Berns said he wanted to make sure there were efforts in the community to inform people, especially those threatened by ICE, of their rights and what they should do if confronted by federal officers.
Steve Fletcher, a lifelong Stamford resident, stayed to the end of the gathering, sitting and watching as others mingled or trickled out.
He said he was afraid of what was going on in the United States, and said he and his wife had been to many protests.
“It's scary,” Fletcher said. “I think people are just too complacent as to what's going on right now and then, sooner or later, it's going to catch up to us.”
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