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 Greenwich, UT 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.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
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“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
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“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
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 Cos Cob 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 Polpo Restaurant & Saloon or visit Fourth Ward 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 Greenwich, UT, 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 Greenwich, UT 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 Greenwich, UT 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.
GREENWICH, CT. – Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell along with his mother Nicole and sister Jordan, have pledged $12 million to the Greenwich Country Day School.RELATED STORIESIt’s the largest single gift in the history of the school. The pledge will help the school achieve ambitious goals allowing easier access to athletics and education for prospective students.Mitchell attended Greenwich Country Day from third to ninth grade. His mother Nicole was a Lower Elementary school teacher at GCDS from 2007...
GREENWICH, CT. – Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell along with his mother Nicole and sister Jordan, have pledged $12 million to the Greenwich Country Day School.
It’s the largest single gift in the history of the school. The pledge will help the school achieve ambitious goals allowing easier access to athletics and education for prospective students.
Mitchell attended Greenwich Country Day from third to ninth grade. His mother Nicole was a Lower Elementary school teacher at GCDS from 2007 until 2019.
“I know how lucky I have been to have the foundation of my education happen here at Country Day,” Mitchell said. “This school has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I feel blessed to be able to give back and make the Country Day experience available for more kids especially those from inner-city neighborhoods or with backgrounds like mine. Over the past few years on my NBA journey, I have made it my mission to champion the causes of equity, social justice, and equal opportunity, especially in education. There is no better school anywhere to carry forward this mission and my family is excited to make this happen.”
Thank you does not begin to express our appreciation for NBA superstar Donovan Mitchell @spidadmitchell '12, his family, and their pledge of $12 million, the largest single pledge of support to the school in the history of the institution. Read more: https://t.co/Kso80BpMEd pic.twitter.com/jsbWAk0ZTP
— Greenwich Country Day School (@gcdstigers) December 4, 2020
The gift from Mitchell will create the “Mitchell Family Scholarship Fund.” The family also announced the “Nicole Mitchell Faculty Support Fund.” The monetary award will be made yearly at the opening faculty meeting and will be given to a teacher in each division in the school who have been at GCDS for at least three years, and have demonstrated the “passion, enthusiasm, optimism, and love for children always shown by Nicole Mitchell.”
Finally, the gift from the Mitchell family will allow Greenwich Country Day to build the “D.O.N.! The Determination Over Negativity Mitchell Family Athletic Center.” It will be a state-of-the-art gymnasium and will house one full NCAA regulation court with stands on both sides. According to the release, when the curtain is dropped it will house two full courts running north to south.
Mitchell recently agreed to a five-year, $195 million contract extension to remain in Utah. The new deal will begin next season.
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Dr. Jill Gildea is just wrapping up her first full school year on the job.|Updated Fri, May 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm ETGREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools released the following statement on the abrupt resignation of Dr. Jill Gildea, who is leaving her position as Superintendent of Schools to move to Utah. She is slated to become the superintendent in Park City, writes KPCW rad...
|Updated Fri, May 25, 2018 at 12:53 pm ET
GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools released the following statement on the abrupt resignation of Dr. Jill Gildea, who is leaving her position as Superintendent of Schools to move to Utah. She is slated to become the superintendent in Park City, writes KPCW radio.
In a statement to Greenwich Free Press, Gildea said she considers it a privilege to have been a part of the Greenwich School System, and she is proud of her accomplishments in the district.
The Greenwich district will begin a search for her replacement immediately:
The Greenwich Board of Education (BOE) initiated recruitment efforts today for an Interim Superintendent immediately following Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea’s announcement that she will be leaving the Greenwich Public Schools later this year due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah. In addition, the search for a permanent Superintendent will begin without delay. Dr. Gildea will be available to provide support throughout the transition.
BOE Chair Peter Bernstein said, 'While we are certainly disappointed by the news of Dr. Gildea’s unexpected departure, we understand her decision and are grateful for her contributions in the ongoing execution of our Strategic Plan."
Mr. Bernstein continued, "The District is well-positioned to attract a new Superintendent based on the roadmap provided by our Strategic Plan, the continued success of our students and the continuity of our dedicated administrators and staff."
Notable District highlights include:- Strong Student Achievement. As reflected across multiple measures, student achievement is improving:
- Innovative Strategic Plan. Our strategic vision for implementing a personalized learning experience for each student is flourishing in our schools- Focus on Student Health and Well-Being. The recently implemented initiative to start secondary schools later in accordance with research findings on teen sleep has been affirmedHighest Quality Staff. Our school administrators, teaching and support staff are of the highest caliber, regularly recognized with State-level awards and as presenters at State and National conferences- Budget Support. $160 million operating budget and $18 million in capital projects for 2018-2019 were approved as submitted by our Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on May 14- Long-term Facilities Plan. After a comprehensive year-long analysis, a proposed fifteen-year master plan sets the course for facilities and grounds maintenance and improvement- New School Construction. New Lebanon School building project is on time and on budget
Mr. Bernstein closed by stating, "We anticipate a successful search to find our next Superintendent in line with community expectations for our District to educate all students to the highest levels of achievement, to enable them to reach and expand their potential and to prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society."
Original story: Dr. Jill Gildea, Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools for only one full school year, is resigning her post, reports the Greenwich Time. A reason for the resignation has not been disclosed, but she is expected to make an official announcement at some point on Friday.
Gildea was hired by the district in March 2017 from the Fremont School District 79 in Mundelein, IL. Her three-year Greenwich contract began on July 1 of last year, and her annual salary is $250,000, with a $15,000 per year annuity. She also received a housing allowance of about $3,500 per month and a bonus of $20,000 for moving expenses.
She replaced interim Superintendent Sal Corda, who had taken over for former Superintendent William McKersie. Gildea and her husband, Greg Gildea, have three adult children and one child who attended Greenwich High School. She was selected for the Greenwich position following a national search.
Gildea's resignation is the second superintendent departure this week in lower Fairfield County. Dr. Dan Brenner, Darien's superintendent for the past three years, also announced his resignation.
Click here to read the full story on the Greenwich Time.
Photo: Dr. Jill Gildea. Photo credit: Greenwich Public Schools
Emmett Odegard began making it easier for placekickers and punters when he first showcased his long snapping skills as a seventh-grader. Today, Odegard continues to be the kicker’s best friend with his on-target snaps at Utah State.A 2013 Greenwich High School graduate, Odegard has found his niche as a long snapper on the Utah State football team. And it’s been quite a journey for the Greenwich resident.From Greenwich High, to the University of Massachusetts, to Nassau Community College, Odegard now finds himself at...
Emmett Odegard began making it easier for placekickers and punters when he first showcased his long snapping skills as a seventh-grader. Today, Odegard continues to be the kicker’s best friend with his on-target snaps at Utah State.
A 2013 Greenwich High School graduate, Odegard has found his niche as a long snapper on the Utah State football team. And it’s been quite a journey for the Greenwich resident.
From Greenwich High, to the University of Massachusetts, to Nassau Community College, Odegard now finds himself at Utah State, where he will soon begin his second season as a long snapper.
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Odegard, who played on Greenwich’s 2011 and 2012 teams that finished as the runner-up to Staples in the FCIAC championship game, took a challenging route to earn his current position (the Aggies’ projected starting long snapper).
Electing to go to UMass after being recruited by the school while at GHS, Odegard redshirted his first year on the squad. After his redshirt year, he was listed as the team’s backup long snapper on the depth chart, a decision he didn’t agree with. So he packed his bags and left UMass, eventually landing at Nassau Community College for the 2014 season. His first season at Nassau saw the team go undefeated, while winning the Valley of the Sun Bowl Championship.
“Playing at Nassau Community College was an incredible experience,” said Odegard, who grew up in Las Vegas, Nev., before moving to Greenwich with his family prior to his junior year of high school. “I’m very grateful to experience those two seasons. It was a good experience and we had a great coaching staff.”
Indeed, playing at Nassau Community College was different from being at UMass, where Odegard had a private dorm, a meal plan and monogrammed sweat pants. At the junior college level, he drove some of his teammates to practice at a public park and bought his own cleats.
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“On the field it was pretty difficult,” Odegard said. “Some of the jerseys we wore were so worn out and we had a limited amount of footballs, with some of them being a bit beat up. But it made you rely on your form and preparation. I was just grateful to be a part of the experience of playing in big games.”
The level of play at Nassau Community College is impressive, with numerous athletes going on to compete at Division I schools over the years, including Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Rasul Douglas. While at Nassau Community College, Odegard opened the coaching staff’s eyes with his ability to put each snap at the right spot.
“When Emmett walked through the door he was replacing a guy who only had one bad snap in two seasons, so he had some pretty big shoes to fill,” said Greg Lauri, the former special teams coach at Nassau Community College. “Emmett did a phenomenal job for us. He was a diligent worker and he improved while he was with us, especially with the speed and velocity of his snaps.
As a special teams coach, he made my life a lot easier, knowing the ball was going to get to our kicker and punter in the perfect place every time. We were never concerned about any of that. His snaps, I believe were of NFL quality.”
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Jason Depew, who also coached Odegard at Nassau Community College, was no surprised to see Odegard succeed at the Division I level.
“You want his work ethic with every athlete you coach,” Depew said. “His intensity and coachability were second to none. As a long snapper, you are asked to snap the ball and make a tackle if you have to and he always did what he had to and made a play when he could. He was as good a kid in the classroom as he was on the field.”
Odegard attended long snapper camps while he was in high school and has continued to do so during his collegiate years. His ultimate dream is to make a team’s roster in the NFL as a long snapper. To do so, he’ll have to catch someone’s attention during training camp as a free agent. One avenue to possibly get to the professional level is attending the College Senior Specialist’s Combine in Gilbert, Ariz., in February and the Free Agent Specialist’s Combine in March.
The combines are run by Gary Zauner, who served as a special teams coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, during his 13-year tenure in the NFL. Zauner’s combines have sent 19 long snappers to the NFL and CFL.
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He has coached Odegard at his developmental camps in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and through 1-on-1 instruction.
“Emmett has improved so much in the three years that I have known him,” Zauner said. “He wants to be an NFL snapper and he is driven. I look at his snapping talent, how hard he works and how much he has improved and I’m very impressed. He’s won awards at various camps that I’ve offered and he’s focused on what he wants.”
Zauner sees the skill in Odegard needed to be an effective snapper.
“Accuracy is very important and he is very accurate,” Zauner said of Odegard. “Everyone at a high level in college has fast enough speed with their snaps. But snapping is like real estate — the most important thing is location, location, location.”
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Before even thinking about attending combine camps during the winter, Odegard has plenty to concentrate on at Utah State. Like earning a starting role for a second straight season. A rising senior, Odegard competed with three other players for the starting role last year. One of his most memorable games last season came against USC on the road.
“That was our second game of the season, a big away game in front of a huge crowd at the Coliseum,” Odegard said. “When I went out there I was actually pretty calm. I was calmer on the field than I was on the sideline. Playing takes a lot of the nerves away from you.”
Coached by Matt Wells, Utah State, which plays in the Mountain West conference, opens its season on the road against Wisconsin on Sept. 1 on ESPN. The Aggies then visit Idaho State, Wake Forest and San Jose State, before playing BYU in its home-opener on Sept. 29. The 6-foot-1 Odegard will take the field this fall at 220 pounds.
“That’s the weight they like the long snappers,” he said. “We’re expected to run down the field and make a play on punts after the snap, so we have to be faster. I feel like I’ve improved a lot over the years. I wasn’t a great athlete in high school and my knowledge of the sport was limited. I’ve learned a lot about snapping through the two colleges and camps.”
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Recently, Odegard received preseason honors, as he was a Phil Steele Fourth-Team All-Mountain West selection.
“What impresses me most about Emmett is his behavior,” Adam Odegard, Emmet’s father said. “He has a laser focus on his passion and he never stops working. He is never not snapping, his mind is completely on it. I opened doors for him and he busted it down.”
dfierro@greenwichtime.com; 203-625-4423
Scene… NBA star and Utah Jazz point guard Donovan Mitchell, a Greenwich Country Day School graduate and native of Elmsford, New York, was seen having dinner at Tony's at the J House in Riverside last week. Mitchell appeared at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in 2010 for LeBron James’ announcement to join the Miami Heat.Out there… Local blues band Billy and the Showmen will be performing at Greenwich Historical Society on Strickland Road in ...
Scene… NBA star and Utah Jazz point guard Donovan Mitchell, a Greenwich Country Day School graduate and native of Elmsford, New York, was seen having dinner at Tony's at the J House in Riverside last week. Mitchell appeared at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in 2010 for LeBron James’ announcement to join the Miami Heat.
Out there… Local blues band Billy and the Showmen will be performing at Greenwich Historical Society on Strickland Road in Cos Cob on Friday, June 30, 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. The concert is open to the public. For more info, go www.greenwichhistory.org.
Scene… Greenwich resident Bill Owens, CBS News’ “60 Minutes” Emmy Award-winning executive producer, served as 2022 commencement speaker at Greenwich High School on Thursday evening. Owens’ son and daughter are 2020 and 2021 GHS graduates.
Scene… Famed fashion designer Christian Siriano was seen at Viva Zapata in Westport last Sunday enjoying drinks and dinner with his friends.
Out there… New York Comedy Club will be opening at the Stamford Town Center in mid-December in the mall’s restaurant plaza alongside Capital Grille, Peter Chang, Pieology and Puerto Vallarta. The 4,500-square-foot comedy club will accommodate 150 guests for comedy shows and will include a full-service bar area. Comics will be performing at the Stamford Town Center’s upcoming block party on Saturday and Sunday that will feature dance performances, magicians, face painters, food trucks, a beer tent and more. Admission to the block party is $20 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under; it includes a complimentary beverage and appetizer. For more info, go to shopstamfordtowncenter.com.
Scene… Norwalk native and NBA Hall of Famer Calvin Murphy, currently a member of the Houston Rockets’ AT&T SportsNet TV broadcast team, was seen at Joe’s 507 Café in Norwalk last Thursday where he predicted that the Golden State Warriors were going to win the finals.
Out there… The Wall Street Theater in Norwalk is featuring the First Ladies of Disco with Grammy nominee Martha Wash of The Weather Girls, Norma Jean Wright of Chic, and R&B legend Linda Clifford on Thursday, June 30 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 203-831-5004 or go to wallstreettheater.com.
Out there… Wilton resident Ben Pote officially opened Wildacre Rotisserie last Thursday in Greenwich at 147 E. Putnam Ave., the former site of Starbucks. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Scene… Local rock ‘n’ roller Tor Newcomer will perform at Greenwich Common on Greenwich Avenue as part of Free Music Fridays on Friday, July 8 from noon to 1 p.m. For more info, go to Facebook and Instagram (@greenwichforward) and Twitter (@greenwichfwd).
May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.
— Peter Marshall
And that’s all for now.
Later…
Got a tip? Seen a celebrity? Email Susie Costaregni at thedish2@yahoo.com.
GREENWICH — Shock and disappointment followed the announcement Friday that Superintendent of Schools Jill Gildea is resigning her position in Greenwich after less than one year to accept a new job in Utah.Gildea told school board members of her decision Thursday night, and official notification of the resignation was made the following morning.The school administration issued a statement that said Gildea is leaving “due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah.”AdvertisementArticle ...
GREENWICH — Shock and disappointment followed the announcement Friday that Superintendent of Schools Jill Gildea is resigning her position in Greenwich after less than one year to accept a new job in Utah.
Gildea told school board members of her decision Thursday night, and official notification of the resignation was made the following morning.
The school administration issued a statement that said Gildea is leaving “due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah.”
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News of the abrupt departure came as an unsettling turn of events. The position of Greenwich schools superintendent has seen turnover a dozen times in the past two decades — including interim school chiefs who filled in for a year while the school board searched for a new “permanent” leader.
“It’s shocking, I’m really surprised,” said a school parent near New Lebanon School on Friday afternoon. “Whoever takes the job next, I hope they stay,” she said.
Another parent said there were many questions in her mind about the latest resignation.
“Why?” asked the New Lebanon School mother. “Why so much turnover? Is the town that dysfunctional?”
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First Selectman Peter Tesei wondered the same thing.
“The fact Greenwich has been unable to retain a Superintendent for the long-term, is indicative that something is structurally, and perhaps philosophically, wrong with the processes employed by the Board of Education,” Tesei said in a statement. “It is my hope and desire that the Board of Education will review its policies, procedures and processes and be able to identify what needs to be done to bring long-term stability in the leadership of our school system.”
Tesei said he enjoyed working with Gildea and appreciated her commitment to work through the summer. But, he added, “While I understand her decision to leave Greenwich, I certainly am disappointed.”
Gildea, whose salary was set at $250,000 this year, wrote in a statement to the Greenwich community: “Though my time here in the district was shorter than I imagined, I look back with great pride and satisfaction knowing that we, together, have prepared students for their next steps. I remain grateful for and impressed with the work of our instructional and operational administrators, educators, and support staff. Their dedication and commitment to excellence is evident in all they do across the District.”
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Gildea was hired by the district in March 2017 for a term that began July 1. She replaced interim Superintendent Sal Corda, who was brought on in the prior year after former Superintendent William McKersie left to take over the schools in Weston in 2016. McKersie took the Greenwich post in 2012, and his four-year run was the longest in recent history.
The school district in Park City, Utah announced Friday it had hired Gildea to be its new superintendent after “an extensive national search.”
Gildea and her husband, Greg Gildea, have three adult children and a daughter who was attending Greenwich High School. She was known during her short time in Greenwich for a level-headed, low-key style, according to a number of parents. Prior to coming to Greenwich, Gildea was superintendent of a school district in the Chicago suburbs for six years, and another in northern Illinois for three years before that.
In addition to her annual salary in Greenwich, she received a $15,000 annuity and a $3,500-per-month housing allowance. The district reimbursed her moving costs to Greenwich from the Chicago area. McKersie was paid $238,368 in his last year.
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“Today’s announcement certainly came as a surprise to Council,” said Karen Bierman Hirsh, president of the Greenwich PTA Council. “I have really enjoyed working with Dr Gildea and in her short tenure, feel she has been an incredible asset to the district, our students and to Council. ... We are a district with high expectations, and while I am sad to see her leave and wish her well in Utah, we must now turn our attention to hiring a new superintendent who will continue to build on to the great framework created this year.”
The Park City School District Board of Education voted Friday morning to appoint Gildea.
“She has a proven track record in managing school districts using data-driven decisions and sound fiscal practices, working collaboratively with staff and parent groups, as well as with local township governments to fund educational needs,” the district said in an announcement on its website.
“Her experience as a superintendent both in the Chicago area and in Greenwich will bring valuable intellectual capital to our district,” Park City Board President Andrew Caplan said, adding Gildea was the first choice for the Utah position.
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Park City, a winter-resort town near Salt Lake City, is best known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival.
“From my perspective in visiting other districts across the country through my work with a variety of national organizations, I believe that Park City School District keeps its students at the center of key decisions, and models whole child practice,” Gildea said in a posted statement. “The District is well poised as a leader not only in Utah, but in the nation. I look forward to joining this talented and dedicated team.”
Gildea was selected for the Greenwich job from a national candidate pool as part of a nine-month search led by Ray and Associates. The school board interviewed seven superintendent candidates starting in February 2017.
Local school officials indicated Gildea’s abrupt departure means more turnover is likely ahead.
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“The Greenwich Board of Education initiated recruitment efforts today for an Interim Superintendent immediately following Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea’s announcement that she will be leaving the Greenwich Public Schools later this year due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah,” the school board said in a statement. “In addition, the search for a permanent Superintendent will begin without delay. Dr. Gildea will be available to provide support throughout the transition.”
BOE Chair Peter Bernstein said the Greenwich district is “well-positioned” to attract a new superintendent “based on the roadmap provided by our Strategic Plan, the continued success of our students and the continuity of our dedicated administrators and staff.”
The school board spent about $35,000 on the search that resulted in Gildea’s hiring.
May 25, 2018|Updated May 25, 2018 6:13 p.m.
Reporter
Robert Marchant is a veteran newsman who covers public safety and public policy for the Greenwich Time. Marchant holds a master’s degree in history from Columbia University and is the author of a book on urban history.
Reporter
Ken Borsuk was formerly a reporter with the Greenwich Time. He joined the Greenwich Time in 2015 and had been covering Greenwich since 2000. He has extensively covered local government, including the Board of Selectmen, Board of Estimate Taxation and Representative Town Meeting.
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