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 Cherry Valley Village Historic District 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 Cherry Valley, MA 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 am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care to provide”
“I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t say enough great things about Always”
“Always Best Care was very knowledgeable and compassionate to my families needs. With their”
“Fantastic care Holly is a great hire for the company. always best care is a”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring”
“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s”
“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week”
“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job”
“I am a past client of this provider Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care”
“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful.”
“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company.”
“Staff was very professional during consultation.”
“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and”
“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”
“I am a past client of this provider We worked with Always Best Care to provide 24-hour care for our parents who needed additional help to stay in their home. The care workers were helpful, caring, and provided the support and peace of mind needed. In addition to the care workers, office staff were regularly reachable and patient with multiple questions! Although it was a short term placement, about 3 months, I'd recommend and would use them again if the need arises.”
“I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them to help move my aunt from Boston to Phoenix, and I literally couldn’t have done it without them. From my first interaction with Ron to set things up to Kingsley helping (that word doesn’t begin to describe his patience and calmness) to the most amazing caregiver I’ve ever encountered, Sarah, they handled her every need while also ensuring me it would all be okay. Another passenger on the plane even commented how amazing Sarah was with my aunt! They were truly Heaven sent, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for any health care they provide!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t say enough great things about Always Best Care Senior Services! We used them to help move my aunt from Boston to Phoenix, and I literally couldn’t have done it without them. From my first interaction with Ron to set things up to Kingsley helping (that word doesn’t begin to describe his patience and calmness) to the most amazing caregiver I’ve ever encountered, Sarah, they handled her every need while also ensuring me it would all be okay. Another passenger on the plane even commented how amazing Sarah was with my aunt! They were truly amazing, and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone for any health care they provide!”
“Always Best Care was very knowledgeable and compassionate to my families needs. With their assistance and guidance we were able to provide my family with much needed home and respite care. They were also able to work with my family to find ways to defray the costs. The home health aids are wonderful. They provide a high level of professional service as well as companionship for my family.”
“Fantastic care Holly is a great hire for the company. always best care is a top of the line company that really cares about its clients. I highly recommend them.”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mom is 93 and had COVID-19, requiring hospitalization for shortness of breath and treatment with oxygen. I would have cared for my mom, but I got sick. I contacted ABCSS twelve hours before I started caring for my mom. My mom had some brain fog and some fluid balance issues. They responded that they could provide my mom with 11 hours of care a day, starting the day I was to be there. The next morning, an aide came with a supervisor to see my Mom. My goals for that day were small: to coax my mother to see the hairdresser, wash her hair, and ensure she took her medications. The aide was able to do that, to give my mom medication that was set out, to encourage her to drink and to walk in the halls. The following day, the aide encouraged her to shower and get dressed. My mom left her apartment to go to the dining room and eat with her friends. My mom might have required another hospitalization without the aide coaxing her to eat and drink reliably. Having an aide helped my mom regain some of her independence despite her brain fog and helped reinstitute the daily schedule that my mom had before her hospitalization. I had initially been contracted for 8 days, but with my mother's progress, I could terminate one-to-one care in just 6 days! I helped by setting daily goals, but the aide coaxed my mother toward health. I highly recommend this agency. I thank Georgianna for her care of my mother.”
“I would like to thank you for your professional care and handling of my Mom’s extended home care. When I called you for assistance with Thelma’s home care needs you were such a good listener and I could feel your warmth and good spirit over the phone”
“Kingsley, first may I say what a wonderful person Aggie has been during this week helping my wife on her return from Knollwood. She is most attentive, helpful and pleasant. It is hard to find a nicer person to have sharing ones home. We are very pleased you chose her to be with us.”
“I would like to take sometime to commend our caregiver Holly for the wonderful job she is doing with my dad by providing in home care. She is caring, engaging , and provides professional services and the best companionship for my Dad !! Great job to Always Best Care !!!!”
“I am a past client of this provider Our 85 year old mother needed overnight care following repeated hospitalizations over a 9 month period and ensuing hospice care. We called Kingsley, the Director, who was kind, gracious, professional, and knowledgeable. Flexible scheduling was also a priority and we always received immediate attention. The Director even brought over the PCAs personally to introduce them and would visit to ensure our mother’s needs were being met.The office staff and PCAs were kind and professional. Overall would highly recommend this agency.”
“Their professionalism and response to questions and concerns. They were the only agency that said they could help us for the care of my husband. The care takers are responsible, and really care for the person and caretaker. Their secretary is very professional and helpful and always gets back to me. Kingsley is fantastic, professional, caring, and goes over an beyond his call of his profession. We are very thankful for Always Best Care and I have recommended them to friends and rehab centers.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Greater Worcester is wonderful. The person who answers the telephone (her name is Donna), and she's older like we are. She has a clue about what we're talking about when we're asking for help and why, so it becomes a very personal conversation. I was introduced to the director. He is an RN, plus a few other things. When he comes in to do the assessment for what you need, he works really hard at putting together the right caregiver with the person asking. He was just absolutely lovely. We needed somebody who could drive to do errands, and then I needed help with the laundry and occasional meals. The caregiver picks up and tidies around. She does bathing for my husband, who is almost bedbound. She does other simple health-related things for him. For me, she helps with my bathing because I have a bad back and bad knees. She's nice, and she's sweet. She can be a little tough when she needs to be, which is what we wanted. Not to be abusive, but just someone with a firm hand. When you don't feel well, you tend to act like a 7-year-old; it doesn't matter how old you are. She is just lovely. We couldn't ask for anything better.”
“It's a great company to work there. I have learned a lot from this company. I was not left on my own when I started working, everyone is friendly and pleasant.”
“Staff was very professional during consultation.”
“The Schedulers are very professional and respectful. they work with the caregivers very well and find them the right cases. The pay is also very great”
“Always Best Care is a great place to work where they really care about their clients and employees! Absolutely would recommend to anyone looking for care for themselves or a loved one, or a new job!”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Worcester.”
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 Cherry Plain State 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 Twisted Fork Bistro or visit Lafayette-Durfee House, 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 Cherry Valley, MA, 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 Cherry Valley, MA 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 Cherry Valley, MA 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.
Cherry Valley's own Terry Brennan says he loves songs that tell a story. The story of his own life has been one of service to others through an organic blend of music and charity.He entertains with a steady concert schedule throughout Massachusetts and New England, from Worcester to Boston, to his birth place in Leicester to his current home on Cape Cod, with a smooth mix of Irish, folk, rock, soft rock and country music, and, in the process, has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund through his performances since 200...
Cherry Valley's own Terry Brennan says he loves songs that tell a story. The story of his own life has been one of service to others through an organic blend of music and charity.
He entertains with a steady concert schedule throughout Massachusetts and New England, from Worcester to Boston, to his birth place in Leicester to his current home on Cape Cod, with a smooth mix of Irish, folk, rock, soft rock and country music, and, in the process, has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Jimmy Fund through his performances since 2008.
"Music is the one constant in this world that people can agree on. Not everyone likes the same types or styles of music, but it's nearly impossible to find someone who doesn't like some kind of music," Brennan says.
He has loved listening to music since a very early age. Born in 1966, the youngest of seven children, he grew up listening to a wide variety of different musical styles.
"Early on it was Irish, folk and rock, but my love of music soon started to expand and in my early to mid teens I developed a liking for country music as well as southern rock, soft rock, easy listening, Motown and even a bit of reggae," he says.
In 1980, three of his brothers, Tom, Jim and Fred, helped form an Irish/folk band called The Celtic Standard.
"Although I was only a teenager, I would go and listen to them with my folks as often as possible, and quickly grew to love the music and the thought of being an entertainer/musician," Brennan says of those days.
In the meantime, he began taking banjo lessons, and his brother Jim taught him how to play guitar, an instrument he quickly fell in love with.
The Celtic Standard became very popular, playing venues across New England, but in 1983 tragedy struck, and Jim passed away.
"After Jim's passing, and with dates already booked for the band, I was asked to join, which I did willingly. It was tough trying to fill the shoes of a great showman like my brother Jim, but I gave it my all and there's been no looking back since," says Brennan.
The band continued to play its classic blend of Irish and folk music, but Brennan wanted to expand his repertoire. He soon began playing solo shows in local Leicester bars like Hennessy's and Breezy Bends.
In 2000, Brennan bought the Tipperary Pub on Millbury Street. Meanwhile, The Celtic Standard was reduced to just Terry and his brothers Tom and Fred; as a result they were soon rebranded the Brennan Brothers. After 2006, when the Tipperary Pub closed, Brennan moved out to the Cape and became a full-time entertainer.
During his tenure as a full-time musician, he has begun to do something more than just entertain people. In the summer of 2008, Brennan was struck by the generosity of a kid he heard about while listening to a Red Sox game. The 9-year-old boy had raised $900 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The story inspired him and, as of August 15 of that year, Brennan began to put out a tip bucket with all tips to be donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. He now continues this practice every night, and it has been a wild success.
"It's been one the most heart-warming things I've ever been involved with! To see the generosity of common people in a pub or restaurant setting reaching out to help others, it's been fantastic!" he exclaims.
In the first year, the amount of money donated reached $17,068.15, and each year since the total has exceed $20,000. The grand total is now over $93,000 and counting. Brennan hopes to soon break the $100,000 mark and see how far it can go. He keeps an up-to-date tally of the total amount of money raised on his website.
"Any amount of money, whether it be the price of a drink, the change in your pocket, a buck or two, or more, it all adds up to helping to find a cure," he tells his audience.
Every Monday you can see Terry Brennan at the Black Rose on State Street in Boston. In Worcester, he plays at The Banner on Green Street on Tuesdays and at Funky Murphy's on Shrewsbury Street the first and third Wednesdays of every month. On the weekends you can often see him at Fiddlers Green on Temple Street and the St. Charles in Millbury. He is also a regular at a number of venues on Cape Cod in Yarmouth, Dennisport, Harwich and Hyannis, and will even make the occasional trek to Connecticut and Vermont.
He has two CDs recorded live at shows on the Cape. He and his brothers also have a CD together released in 2000 called "20 Years of Miles and Smiles."
You can see Terry as a solo act, as part of the Brennan Bros with Tom and Fred, or now as 1/4 of a fun project called The Paddy/Murphy Quartet on the Cape, but no matter where, with whom or for whom he's playing, he still loves it just the same and hopes others do as well.
"It's the greatest life anyone could ask for! To be able to make a living, traveling from place to place, meeting new people, making new friends and doing something I absolutely love, what more could anyone ask for? To help someone forget their troubles or to get over a really bad day and put a smile on their face by singing a song, that's an awesome feeling!"
And it doesn't hurt that he's doing it all for a good cause.
"With the help of the Jimmy Fund and the Boston Red Sox, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is striving for a cure for cancer, and they can use all of the help that we can give them."
To learn more about Terry Brennan or to hear some of his music, visit his website.
MARLBOROUGH – Superintendent Ernest F. Houle and Principal Mark Hollick are pleased to share the Honor Roll for the third term at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.Grade 12 Highest HonorsBerlin: Elliot RobinsonBoylston: Marcus FremClinton: Maxwell SivertHudson: Saige Roach, Kelsey TrueMarlborough: Luiz Felipe Correia, Omavuaye Ighovoyivwi, Alexa StukaNorthborough:...
MARLBOROUGH – Superintendent Ernest F. Houle and Principal Mark Hollick are pleased to share the Honor Roll for the third term at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.
Grade 12 Highest Honors
Berlin: Elliot Robinson
Boylston: Marcus Frem
Clinton: Maxwell Sivert
Hudson: Saige Roach, Kelsey True
Marlborough: Luiz Felipe Correia, Omavuaye Ighovoyivwi, Alexa Stuka
Northborough: Paul Alfonso, Rose Heller
Shrewsbury: Malorie Baldinger, Matthew Brinkmann, Joel Carey, Makaila Patenaude
Grade 12 High Honors
Marlborough: Kevyn Jorge
Northborough: Manuel Colon, Claire Helwig
Shrewsbury: Brian Pinho
Sudbury: Maynor Ruiz
Grade 12 Honors
Boylston: Amber MacConnell, William Schiavone
Clinton: Abigail Callinan, Emanuel Cardenas, Nina Eaton, Dakota Hart, Jackson Kolodgy, Abigail McFarland, Jackson Raith
Hudson: Erin Bourque, Arian Fernald, Reannah Foster, Julia Hache, Agnes Kelly, Rachel Leibowitz, Felicia Rodrigues, Benjamin Sherman
Leicester: Emily Connolly, JaNya Johnson
Marlborough: Gabriel Arroyo, Bailee Benevelli, Ashley Carbajal Monroy, Milena Castaneda Lopez, Citlali Ceja Carrero, Nicholas Chappelle, Marisa Clayton, Michael Ray Davenport, Fatima Diaz, Blake Lindgren, Chyanne Malik, Ingrid Reyes, Alexande Rodriguez Turell, Michael Sanchez
Maynard: Andrew Borey, Emmet Powers
Shrewsbury: Cristopher Cordero
Southborough: Justin Thompson
Grade 11 Highest Honors
Boylston: Ryan Bounville
Clinton: Samantha Lamb, Alicia Lundgren, K O’Connor, Samantha Phillips
Hudson: Keegan Antelman, Krista Avila, Madison Beane, Keegan Cabral,
Lucas Cerqueira, Rachele Connor, Zachary Gogan, Camille Graffeo,
Jennifer Martinez Paz, Fernando Rivera, Kayley Shea
Marlborough: Jayden Chiasson, Ryan Culkin, Naiyalize Feliciano, Alec Gentile-Magoon, Zachary Gentile-Magoon, Thais Lopes, Alandra Pettigrew, Nicolena Russo, Kanata Tanaka, Jhefte Vieira
Maynard: Emma Boucher, Madison Brown, Sophia Fiandaca, Madisen Hobbs,
Northborough: Viktoriya Kebartas, Muhammad Sall
Shrewsbury: Ryan Griffin, Lilliana Gulbicki, Madison Taubinger
Southborough: Colin Kessinger
Sudbury: Austin Guzzetti-Ouellette
Westborough: Kathryn Carew, Andrew Monaco
Grade 11 High Honors
Berlin: Sarah Gostanian, Nathan Rider
Hudson: Tyler Abbondanzio, Kaidence Canty, Samella Goncalves, Selena Melo, Isaac Rykbost
Marlborough: Rachel Chetwynd, Erin Dwinells, Chloe Osgood, Joann Rodriguez Garcia, Leandro Zakaitis
Northborough: Mark Stamoulis
Shrewsbury: Anthony Nolle
Southborough: Megan Little, Jacob Prior
Sudbury: Hannah Snow
Westborough: Sofia Ramirez-Granick, Rachel Sommerville, Zachary Webster
Grade 11 Honors
Berlin: Felipe Alencar
Boylston: Matthew Chalifoux, Michael Savoie, Cole Swackhammer
Clinton: George Falette, Owen Keenan, Roberto Leiva, Myles Pitts, Beckner Pu-Calderon
Hudson: Ethan Bushey, Thomas Collins, Jake Figueiredo, Brian McGrath, Thomas Peckham, Brett Peterson, Tatiana Resendes, JaShawn Santos, Liam Weagle
Leicester: Lianna Jennings, Kathleen O’Brien
Lunenburg: Alexander Sowa
Marlborough: Caio Blanc, Darien Burke, Eduardo Carey, Joselin Carrillo Rivera, Eric Edwards, Emanuel Gentile-Magoon, Jordan Lewis, Vitoria Marcolino Vieira, Yacairy Mercedes Familia, Isaiah Munoz, Kaylie Noronha, Haylee Parker, Zachary Petty, Ashley Regalado, Angelica Rivera, Eduardo Sapata, Thomas Silva, Anthony Sousa, Kyle Stewart
Maynard: Jewell Croushore, Sophia Manganaro, Matteo Mitchell
Northborough: Madison Vadenais
Shrewsbury: Shayne Goldsmith
Southborough: Ryan Ponte
Westborough: Henry Christensen
Grade 10 Highest Honors
Berlin: Julien Melanson
Boylston: Samantha Savoie
Clinton: Aidan Chiaravalloti, Maria Lacerda Tavares
Hudson: Camren Cooper, Leo Garcia-Soberanis, Larissa Granger, Michelle Krieg, Aiden Ly, Keira Madden, Emma Nelson, Tristan Parsons, Dylan Rebeiro, Jayna Tang, Ariana Tavares, Krystal Walsh
Leicester: Kathleen McManus, Destiny Rivas, Vincent Zito
Marlborough: Darelin Aguilar-Mayen, Rania Lara Andrade, Melody Ashman, Kathleen Azevedo, Abigail Barter, Jack Brzenk, Shanery Burgos Velez, Ashly Franco Zayas, Gabriel Goncalves Lopes, Blake Lupien, Sarah Meyer, Cody Pare, Heydi Velasquez Garcia, Jully Anne Viana, Mary Zouharis
Maynard: John Ntaganda, Andrew Talcoff, Zachary Zmijak
Northborough: Lara El-Amme Pingitore, Rafael Marroquin Soc, Danika McLaughlin,
Rochdale: Jackson Ricarte
Shrewsbury: Eva Berganza, Isla Marija Bukow, Jack Casillo, Jaden Daniels, Haley Erickson, Jenna Grenier, Allison Hatcher, Edriel Paulino Fernandez
Westborough: Parker Medeiros, Marcos Zengotita-Archila
Worcester: Jonathan Morales
Grade 10 High Honors
Berlin: Chloe Wians
Clinton: Torin Christie, Alonzo Cornelius, Haley DeVeau
Hudson: Maria Araujo de Aquino, Emily Brennion, Raquel Gomes, Adrian Lugo, Anthony Luongo, Victoria Maldonado
Marlborough: Lincoln Araujo, Diogo Brito, Evan Dube, Alexis Hughes, Nicole Keher, Nick Oliveira, Janthony Rivera Santiago, Melissa Sanchez, Izaiah Velazquez De Jesus
Maynard: Emma Lataille, Jose Sousa Bandeira
Shrewsbury: Janie Labbe, Liam O’Brien
Westborough: Joel Zengotita-Archila
Grade 10 Honors
Berlin: Elliott Duquette-Holmes, Hayden Freitas
Boylston: Alexander Buron, Jacob Weir
Cherry Valley: Chloe LaPierre
Clinton: Jordan Child, Rose DiMeco, Juliana Grussi, Tabitha Maurice, Viclishtar Nerrette
Grafton: Madison Taylor
Hudson: Evan Bushey, Jhohan Cano Raigoza, Jack Clifford, Alessandra Desa, Lucas DeSouza, Jocelyn Dunnells, Gianna Foster, Stephan Harlow, Sarina Prather, Matthias Tucker
Leicester: Owen Collette, Thomas Moore
Marlborough: Kaitlyn Alarie, Ian Almeida Brandao, Erin Blanchard, Christian Brown, Emily Cambara-Agreda, Andrea Cardenas, Therese Cosco, Luiz Fellipe DaSilva,David DePaula, Lily DeSimone, Aiden Desrosiers, Alexandria Dupont, Luke Feddersohn, Joseph Florendo, Mia Gonzalez, Edward Hatch, Shania Hill, Jack Lopez Salazar, Kaylen Lyons, Tyler Mackey, Jaleeza Monteiro, Giancarlo Navarro, Marcelo Oliveira, Gabriela Pereira, Ashley Sanchez, Yuridia Sandoval, Thiago Somaio, Owen St. Angelo, Anthony Tupper, Ned Zimmerman
Maynard: Collin Cormier
Northborough: Ryan Guitard, John Pirozzi
Shrewsbury: Deven Champy, Jussiah Falcon, Mavrick Falkins, Kealany Sanchez, Matthew Watson
Southborough: Shelby Aker
Westborough: Kyle Glennon, Sean Kronenberg, Sarah Silva
Grade 9 Highest Honors
Berlin: Alexis Marshall, Alexander Vincequere
Boylston: Emily Spencer
Clinton: Darren Colangelo, Tyler Cordeiro
Hudson: Aidan Miller, Carla Miranda, Cianna Piso, Kallia Piso
Olivia Russell, Luca Silver, Joseph Slater, Isabella Sutherland, Amanda Trudel
Leicester: Collin Harrington, Connor Harrington
Marlborough: Declan Allen, Bianca Brito, Sarah Ciavattone, Leticia Da Silva Araujo, Lavinia De Araujo, Kasey Espino, Andrew Hart, Niran Kilpatrick, Ashley Pu Calderon, Kylie Rabelo, Ethan Reed, Milla Santos Nunes, Zoey Savitzky, Victoria Villar
Maynard: Natalie Carlson, Riley Carven, Phillip Fiandaca, Meghan Grundstrom, Dean Sawyer
Northborough: Allen Camara
Shrewsbury: Meredith Agneta, Landon Herard, Erin Kaye, Chelsea Mayone, Vance Pehl
Southborough: Alexis Ellis, Jesse Tokaya
Sudbury: Gianna Leanza
Westborough: Ma Ferreira Brum Da Silva, Pamela Goncalves, Kaua Rissato Nobrega
Grade 9 High Honors
Clinton: Alyssa Curley, Sophia Oliveira
Hudson: Arianna Bryce, Brady Friend, Briana Melo
Leicester: Jacob Dolimount
Marlborough: Jalissa Araniz Khweis, Andrew Benway, Millena De Oliveira, Brian Decruz, Katerine Godoy Gonzalez, Kiran Lorch, Amanda Pereira, Cole Ponte, Gabriel Souza, Katherine Taylor, Luiz Valdir Da Silva, Pedro Lucas Vidal
Shrewsbury: Geoffrey Mann
Westborough: Katherine Tovar
Grade 9 Honors
Berlin: Jacob Getman, Tadiwanashe Motsi Nemhara, Molly St. Jean
Boxborough: Sammy Laighton
Clinton: Evelyn Bater, Alysse Christie, Mollie Keenan, Henri Sonsin
Hopkinton: Robert Loos
Hudson: Kiera Avila, Vincent Carlino, Olivia Contreras, Wyatt Foley, Forrest Lortie, Andrew Melo, Mia Resendes, Eliza Tardif, Sydney Yorston
Marlborough: Sofia Alvarez Munera, Samara Alves Santos, Fernanda Araujo, Keily Arroyo Garrido, Karina Atocha, Nelson Aviles, Alex Bentley, Skye Bresnahan, Wendy Cupil Sacalxot, Giulia De Luca Andrade, Thiago De Sousa, Brenda Elias, Lillian Everett, Emilia Johnston, Avery Kelley, Lara Lima, Michaela Menear, Caio Moraes, Megan O’Leary, Gabriell Ribeiro Do Prado, Julio Ribeiro Gomes, Colton Ross
Maynard: Luka Cameron, Elliot Chetwynd, Ayden Fales, Colt Jackson, Ava Palizzolo, Emma Ryan, Derrin Sawyer
Northborough: Branden Speranza
Rochdale: Edward Rose
Shrewsbury: Landon McKeon, Joshua Moody, Calvin Ortega, Juneau Tetreault
Southborough: Rause Dina
Westborough: Vitoria Borges, Maxie Cabrera Tkaczuk, Cam Hebert
LEICESTER (CBS) - It's that time of year when lawns across the state are thirsty for water and in Massachusetts many people are already struggling to afford their increasing water bills.Experts call it a crisis and if something doesn't change, those bills will only go higher.Ron Martin lives in the Leicester village of Cherry Valley which has some of the highest rates in the state. Last summer his bill went up 50-percent."Our monthly bills went basically from $200 a month to about $300 a month," he told WBZ-TV....
LEICESTER (CBS) - It's that time of year when lawns across the state are thirsty for water and in Massachusetts many people are already struggling to afford their increasing water bills.
Experts call it a crisis and if something doesn't change, those bills will only go higher.
Ron Martin lives in the Leicester village of Cherry Valley which has some of the highest rates in the state. Last summer his bill went up 50-percent.
"Our monthly bills went basically from $200 a month to about $300 a month," he told WBZ-TV. "You try to take quick showers. We bought a front load energy efficient washer."
Martin also uses rain barrels to collect the runoff from his gutters to water his garden.
"You have to be a lot more efficient with your water, unless you want to pay the higher bills."
At Eller's Restaurant, the bills are ten times what Martin is paying.
"That's raises I could give. That's equipment I could buy for the restaurant," Jeff Eller told WBZ
The problem is rising operating costs and debt payments for the town's sewer system.
"We all have the same dilemma of pipes in the ground that were put in during the Civil War that are failing," said Philip Guerin, the Director of Water and Sewer Operations in Worcester.
They are often to blame for water main breaks you see all over the state. Guerin said the federal government isn't pitching in to help pay the way it used to.
"There's no more of that grant money at all." he said. "People have to realize these costs are going to go up."
Conservation isn't a magic fix. When communities restrict lawn watering during droughts customers pay less, so there's less revenue for the water department.
"So whatever they may have saved on not watering the their lawn, they may end up paying the next year in just the increased rate," Guerin said.
"This does have a domino effect on the amount of disposal income you have and how you spend it," Martin told WBZ.
"The first thing that's going to get cut back is things that they do with their discretionary income, which is how I make a living," said Eller.
The Biden Administration's proposed infrastructure bill includes $56 billion in grants and loans to help communities pay for these water improvements. Without that help, experts say ratepayers will pay the bulk of the rising costs.
Betty Olah (Barthelmes) Allen, 99, passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, VA on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 after a very long and beautiful life. She was born in Medford, MA the wife of the late Scott L. Allen. She was a longtime resident and pillar of the community in Leicester, MA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.The joy of her life was her family; her predeceased husband, Scott L. Allen of Leicester, MA; her sons: Wayne D. Allen and his wife, Merrilee of Spencer, MA and Douglas J. Allen and his ...
Betty Olah (Barthelmes) Allen, 99, passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, VA on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 after a very long and beautiful life. She was born in Medford, MA the wife of the late Scott L. Allen. She was a longtime resident and pillar of the community in Leicester, MA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
The joy of her life was her family; her predeceased husband, Scott L. Allen of Leicester, MA; her sons: Wayne D. Allen and his wife, Merrilee of Spencer, MA and Douglas J. Allen and his wife, Jeanne of Virginia Beach, VA and pre-deceased by her son, Brad S. Allen; her daughters: Susan L. Mallard and her husband, Russell of Holden, MA; and Wendy J. McDonald and her husband, Bruce of Greenwood, SC; and her former daughter-in-law, Christine Allen Start and her husband, Phil, of Cherry Valley, MA. She was loved and respected by her 13 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.
Betty was a WWII Veteran in the US Navy and was honored to attend a WWII Honor Flight ceremony in Washington, DC with her husband, Scott, who was also a WWII Veteran. She graduated from Worcester State University, and attended Anna Maria College and Temple Emmanuel Braille University. She obtained her Doctorate in Braille at Boston College.
Betty was best known as a Leicester Elementary School Teacher, the Tri-Valley Elder Services, Southbridge, MA. and Massachusetts Association for the Blind, Worcester, MA. She was a dedicated supporter for the Blind and Deaf and was honored as Volunteer of the Year for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind. She was an active member of the Leicester Federated Church (Unitarian), the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Sunday School Teacher, Leicester Recreation program and many others. She was a Red Cross volunteer, help to create the FISH Program in Leicester, involved Leicester’s Senior Center, the Meals on Wheels program, Queen Mother of Red Hats (in MA and VA) and too many other organizations to list! After retirement, she and her husband, Scott, spent a couple of years volunteering for the Christian Appalachian Project in the hills of Kentucky. After moving to Virginia Beach, she was involved with the Virginia Beach Baptist Church and a volunteer at Corporate Landing Elementary School and, of course, supporting the Blind. At her Virginia Beach Nursing Center, she organized their lending library and also taught sign language to a recent fellow patient who had lost his ability to speak.
Betty continues her life of Service through one last special gift that will make a significant and lasting contribution: the gift of donating her body to medical science at the University of Richmond, VA Anatomical Program so that future doctors will learn their craft using the bodies of those who have donated them.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 30th, at 3 PM at the Leicester Unitarian Church, 5 Washburn Square, Leicester, MA. All are welcomed to attend to celebrate Betty’s life. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Betty Allen’s life may make donations in her name to the Leicester Unitarian Church, or a charity of your choice.
The National Weather Service is tracking the amount of snow that fell across Massachusetts Friday. Here are the latest snowfall reports from the NWS, which will be updated as new measurements come in.Totals from reports submitted to NWS as of 11:30 a.m. Saturday:MASSACHUSETTSBarnstable CountyMashpee 5.0East Falmouth 4.9Marstons Mills 4.5West Yarmouth 2.5Berkshire County (10:30 a.m.)Savoy 4.2Becket 3.0Lanesb...
The National Weather Service is tracking the amount of snow that fell across Massachusetts Friday. Here are the latest snowfall reports from the NWS, which will be updated as new measurements come in.
Totals from reports submitted to NWS as of 11:30 a.m. Saturday:
MASSACHUSETTS
Barnstable County
Mashpee 5.0
East Falmouth 4.9
Marstons Mills 4.5
West Yarmouth 2.5
Berkshire County (10:30 a.m.)
Savoy 4.2
Becket 3.0
Lanesborough 2.5
Pittsfield 2.0
Great Barrington 1.8
Williamstown 1.8
Stockbridge 1.3
Bristol County
Norton 8.5
Easton 7.0
Attleboro 7.0
Mansfield 6.5
Dighton 6.4
Rehoboth 6.0
Fairhaven 5.0
Swansea 5.0
New Bedford 3.5
Essex County
Salem 12.0
Manchester 11.5
Swampscott 10.5
Marblehead 9.9
Peabody 9.0
Topsfield 8.0
West Peabody 7.5
Ipswich 7.0
Lawrence 6.5
Haverhill 6.0
Bradford 6.0
North Andover 6.0
Andover 6.0
Franklin County
New Salem 4.8
Rowe 4.0
East Hawley 3.2
Hampden County
Wilbraham 4.9
Hampshire County
South Hadley 3.8
Amherst Center 3.0
Middlesex County
Framingham 8.8
West Newton 8.7
Lexington 8.4
Burlington 8.3
Wakefield 8.0
Sudbury 8.0
Natick 7.5
Concord 7.1
Reading 7.0
North Reading 7.0
Somerville 7.0
Acton 7.0
Bedford 7.0
East Acton 6.9
Carlisle 6.8
Tewksbury 6.6
Woburn 6.5
Tyngsborough 6.3
Littleton 6.1
Maynard 5.9
Pepperell 5.6
Westford 5.5
West Townsend 3.5
Norfolk County
Blue Hill Coop 15.2
Westwood 14.4
Walpole 14.2
Quincy 14.0
Norwood 13.5
North Weymouth 13.0
Randolph 12.2
Weymouth 12.0
Dedham 11.8
Franklin 11.5
Braintree 11.0
Sharon 11.0
Foxborough 10.5
Wrentham 10.3
South Weymouth 9.7
Brookline 9.5
Plymouth County
Hingham 12.0
Whitman 8.8
Rockland 8.6
East Bridgewater 7.0
Pembroke 6.8
Marion 6.8
Carver 6.5
Lakeville 6.0
Duxbury 5.5
Cedarville 3.0
Suffolk County
Jamaica Plain 13.2
Winthrop 12.0
Logan Airport (Boston) 11.7
Chelsea 9.8
Worcester County
Northbridge 12.0
Douglas 12.0
Milford 11.0
Grafton 10.3
Westborough 9.2
Spencer 9.0
Holden 7.1
Boylston 7.0
Paxton 7.0
Cherry Valley 6.7
Worcester Airport 6.2
Leominster 5.9
Lancaster 5.3
West Warren 5.0
Petersham 4.0
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