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 Los Alamos History Museum 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 Los Alamos, NM 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 have been with Always Best Care for almost 5 yrs. This is an amazing company.”
“Great place to work! Very friendly people and excellent work environment.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The”
“Awesome place to work, friendly staff. Caregivers are the heart of the agency. Our clients”
“This is a fantastic company of compassionate and hard working people who genuinely care about”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The”
“The service that my mom has received has been a total blessing. The”
“Great company to work for. Love the staff”
“Darlene, Sara, Annalee, and Sam have been so awesome ! My live in Mother is”
“I have been working for Always Best Care for 4 1/2 years and that should”
“I love working for this company! They are one of the best when it comes”
“Working for an in home health care agency committed to providing the best care possible”
“Amazing place to work for. Highly recommend. Flexible schedule foe caregivers and amazing supportive staff.”
“I have been working for this company 7 years and in all my time with”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above”
“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and”
“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special”
“I have been with Always Best Care for almost 5 yrs. This is an amazing company. We not only care about our clients but the company also takes care of their employees.”
“Great place to work! Very friendly people and excellent work environment.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”
“Awesome place to work, friendly staff. Caregivers are the heart of the agency. Our clients really appreciate us.”
“This is a fantastic company of compassionate and hard working people who genuinely care about making a difference in people’s lives. They go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best quality care to people in the community.”
“Always best care is an extremely fast-growing company and a wonderful place to work! The CEO truly cares about each individual, welcomes creativity, and leads by example. The culture at Always best care is the best I've ever worked for and everyone is authentic and loves what they do. Training processes are great and really help people to feel comfortable in each position. The Supervisors are always willing to help and will take time out of their day to dedicate to helping you if needed.”
“The service that my mom has received has been a total blessing. The team at Always Best Care Albuquerque has done an amazing job getting my mom the care and attention that she has needed ever since she was discharged from the hospital. My mom had been treated with kindness, care and respect. Highly recommend”
“Great company to work for. Love the staff”
“Darlene, Sara, Annalee, and Sam have been so awesome ! My live in Mother is 92 years old and if left alone, she would blowup the microwave oven, burn something on the stove top, or toaster oven, let the 3 dogs out 25 times, and feed them snacks they should not have. I work, and with the daily care from Always Best Care, I don't worry over my mother's antics while I'm not home. My wife and I are cyclists and tennis players, and we workout at the gym also. When we have days off from work, we can enjoy hours of endurance training knowing my Mom is receiving comfort, company and care. Thank you Always Best Care ! We love you.”
“I have been working for Always Best Care for 4 1/2 years and that should say it all, but I will elaborate. The company makes sure you are part of a team. The pay is good, and the hours are good. There is an open door policy to make sure the caregivers experience is enhanced by strong support. If your are looking to work with a team that has your best interest and that of client in mind then then don’t hesitate to consider Always Best Care.”
“I love working for this company! They are one of the best when it comes too making sure their staff has the support and essentials that are needed for work. Communication is amazing. I can honestly say this is byfar my favorite company I have worked for.”
“Working for an in home health care agency committed to providing the best care possible to clients in need, is extremely rewarding work.”
“Amazing place to work for. Highly recommend. Flexible schedule foe caregivers and amazing supportive staff.”
“I have been working for this company 7 years and in all my time with this company I have been blown away at how much they support the caregivers and there ability to hold the caregivers needs and concerns as high as there clients is why I have been an employee of this company for so long. The owner has truly created an environment that puts the focus of care for the client's and work continuity for the caregiver as her highest priority and this is why I have been truly blessed to be employed with this company.”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”
“Always Best Care is the best! Darlene and her team are exceptional and provide excellent service to their clients. I thoroughly enjoy working with them. Call them today for all your home care needs!”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”
“I was very satisfied with the professional care Always Best care provided to my father. Our caregiver was fantastic to work with and always easy to reach when I had any questions. Always Best Care and their staff showed so much care and compassion towards my father, I always knew they were taking excellent care of them. I would highly recommend them to any family.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”
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 Bandelier National Monument 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 Blue Window Bistro or visit Alcove 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 Los Alamos, NM, 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 Los Alamos, NM 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 Los Alamos, NM 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.
Photo courtesy New Mexico History MuseumNEW MEXICO HISTORY MUSEUM NEWS RELEASEJoin the New Mexico History Museum for an April 26 free public reception celebrating its new exhibition, “Chimayó: A Tradition of Faith,” as well as free admission to the museum all day, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.What: A special reception celebrating the exhibition, “Chimayó: A Tradition of Faith,” will be hosted by the Women’s Board of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. V...
Photo courtesy New Mexico History Museum
NEW MEXICO HISTORY MUSEUM NEWS RELEASE
Join the New Mexico History Museum for an April 26 free public reception celebrating its new exhibition, “Chimayó: A Tradition of Faith,” as well as free admission to the museum all day, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
What: A special reception celebrating the exhibition, “Chimayó: A Tradition of Faith,” will be hosted by the Women’s Board of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. Visitors will have the chance to write their own reflections or prayers, similar to the ex-votos, or offerings, left at the Santuario. Special guest author Patricia Trujillo-Oviedo will attend the event and sign copies of her book, “Images of America: Chimayó,” which will be available for purchase at the museum gift shop. Light refreshments will be offered by the Women’s Board. Admission to the museum is free all day, including to the reception.
Who: New Mexico History Museum
When: Saturday, April 26, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: New Mexico History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave., Santa Fe, NM 87501.
Why: “Chimayó: A Tradition of Faith,” delves into the rich history and enduring spiritual significance and tradition of the annual pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chimayó, a site that draws the largest religious pilgrimage in the United States during Holy Week, and features powerful photographic documentation by Sam Howarth, Miguel Gandert, Oscar Lozoya, and Cary Herz, along with insights from oral historians Dr. Enrique R. Lamadrid and Troy Fernández. Visitors will experience the essence of the pilgrimage and discover the profound stories of faith and hope that draw thousands to Chimayó
The Albuquerque Journal via APThe U.S. Department of Energy said it has identified 16 federal sites, including storied nuclear research laboratories such as Los Alamos, where tech companies could build data centers in a push to accelerate commercial development of artificial intelligence technology.The sites are “uniquely positioned for rapid data center construction, including in-place energy infrastructure with the ability to fast-track permitting for new energy generation such as nuclear,” the ...
The Albuquerque Journal via AP
The U.S. Department of Energy said it has identified 16 federal sites, including storied nuclear research laboratories such as Los Alamos, where tech companies could build data centers in a push to accelerate commercial development of artificial intelligence technology.
The sites are “uniquely positioned for rapid data center construction, including in-place energy infrastructure with the ability to fast-track permitting for new energy generation such as nuclear,” the agency said in a statement Thursday.
The move follows an executive order signed in January by outgoing President Joe Biden that sought to remove hurdles for AI data center expansion in the U.S. while also encouraging those data centers, which require large amounts of electricity, to be powered with renewable energy.
While President Donald Trump has since sought to erase most of Biden's signature AI policies, he made clear after returning to the White House that he had no interest in rescinding Biden's data center order.
“I’d like to see federal lands opened up for data centers," Trump said in January. "I think they’re going to be very important.”
The lands identified as potential sites include a number of national laboratories, such as the New Mexico-centered Los Alamos and Sandia laboratories and Oak Ridge in Tennessee.
While the tech industry has long relied on data centers to run online services, from email and social media to financial transactions, new AI technology behind popular chatbots and generative AI tools requires even more powerful computation to build and operate.
A report released by the Department of Energy late last year estimated that the electricity needed for data centers in the U.S. tripled over the past decade and is projected to double or triple again by 2028 when it could consume up to 12% of the nation’s electricity.
The United States, under both presidents, has been speeding up efforts to license and build a new generation of nuclear reactors to supply carbon-free electricity.
While Biden's executive order focused on powering AI infrastructure with clean energy sources such as “geothermal, solar, wind, and nuclear,” Thursday's statement from Trump's energy department focused only on nuclear. But in a lengthy request for information sought from data center and energy developers, the agency outlines a variety of electricity sources available at each site, from solar arrays to gas turbines.
LOS ALAMOS HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS RELEASEThe Los Alamos Historical Society has announced its upcoming lecture, a free event, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge.Join renowned storytellers Cisco Guevara and Mike Katko for an unforgettable journey through the history, heritage and culture of Northern New Mexico. With humor, heart and deep local knowledge, they will bring the past to life through captivating tales that will make you laugh, cry, and see this unique region in a whole new light. Whether yo...
LOS ALAMOS HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWS RELEASE
The Los Alamos Historical Society has announced its upcoming lecture, a free event, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the Pajarito Room at Fuller Lodge.
Join renowned storytellers Cisco Guevara and Mike Katko for an unforgettable journey through the history, heritage and culture of Northern New Mexico. With humor, heart and deep local knowledge, they will bring the past to life through captivating tales that will make you laugh, cry, and see this unique region in a whole new light. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, you’ll leave with a richer appreciation of the land, its people, and the stories that shape us all.
Francisco “Cisco” Guevara: River Guide, Storyteller and Conservationist
With over 50 years of experience running the Rio Grande and Rio Chama, Cisco Guevara is a seasoned river guide, storyteller, and environmental advocate. He is the founder and president of Los Rios River Runners, New Mexico’s oldest rafting company, and the board president of Amigos Bravos, a Taos-based water protection group.
Raised in Los Alamos, and now a longtime resident of Taos, Cisco has been a fixture of the Taos Storytelling Festival for nearly two decades. Known for his signature black cowboy hat and captivating stories, he blends humor, history, and cultural insights, whether performing on stage or sharing tales around a riverside campfire.
Mike Katko: Educator, Author and Veteran
Mike Katko is an award-winning educator, former school principal, and U.S. Armed Forces veteran with a diverse background in construction, business and public service. He has served as chairman of New Mexico’s Instructional Materials Commission and the Occupational Therapy Board and worked closely with the Eight Northern Pueblos for more than a decade.
Now retired, Katko writes, lectures and consults on veterans’ affairs, history and public education. He is the author of Skies and Other Poems (2011) and the award winning novel Big Medicine Pretty Water (2022). His next book of poetry, Runt Heaven, is set for release this year. An avid skier and woodworker, he lives in Los Alamos with his wife, Debbie.
The Los Alamos Historical Society extends a heartfelt appreciation to TechSource for its generous sponsorship of the Lecture Series and continual commitment to supporting the community.
To view lectures online, visit the Los Alamos Historical Society YouTube Channel here: http://www.youtube.com/@LosAlamosHistoricalSociety
SPORTS News:SANTA FE — The Los Alamos High School varsity hockey team claimed the New Mexico state championship title Feb. 23, defeating the Santa Fe Blue Jackets 2-1 in a hard-fought final at the Santa Fe Genoveva Chavez Community Center Ice Arena.The win wrapped up a successful weekend of games, remaining undefeated with a mix of wins and a tie. The Hilltoppers opened with a 2-2 draw against El Paso, followed by a commanding 5-1 victory over NMICE. They continued with another impressive ...
SPORTS News:
SANTA FE — The Los Alamos High School varsity hockey team claimed the New Mexico state championship title Feb. 23, defeating the Santa Fe Blue Jackets 2-1 in a hard-fought final at the Santa Fe Genoveva Chavez Community Center Ice Arena.
The win wrapped up a successful weekend of games, remaining undefeated with a mix of wins and a tie. The Hilltoppers opened with a 2-2 draw against El Paso, followed by a commanding 5-1 victory over NMICE. They continued with another impressive 5-1 win against the Santa Fe Blue Jackets before the championship final game.
The Hilltoppers’ victory marked the end of a successful season filled with determination and teamwork. The team maintained a dominant record for most of the season.
Senior forward and team Captain, Gavin Mitchell, scored the first goal of the final game assisted by senior wing Tyron Pietryga.
Gavin on his last season with LAHA: “We had an amazing group of players and coaches this year, making this season truly unforgettable. There’s no better feeling than coming together and finishing as State Champions, especially for us seniors. With such a young team, we hope this win proves just how much dedication, teamwork, and effort it takes to not only succeed but excel. We faced our challenges and made some games closer than they should have been, but in the end, we stuck together, put in the work, and got the job done.”
The Hilltoppers’ defense held strong, anchored by stellar goaltending from Sophomore goalie Oliver Henzl who made 14 saves in the win. Oliver shared: “This championship was probably the biggest game of my life. After losing in late overtime last year especially the seniors wanted to win the trophy back. Myself as well since I was in net when we lost last year. The game was extremely close so everything had to count. The opposing team wanted to win just as much as we did so at this point it was a matter of mentality. Personally, I think without Angus, Gavin and our seniors it wouldn’t be possible. They held us in the game, kept the younger players going, and set a great example for future varsity players. I would also like to recognize this year’s first-time varsity players because after all every player counts and playing the game would be impossible without them.”
Sophomore defenseman Angus Smith delivered the game-winning goal in the final period, assisted by Gavin Mitchell.
Junior defenseman, Aiden Alley, commended his team, stating, “Our defense did an excellent job holding the line. We had excellent leadership through our team Captain and Assistant Captains.” He went on to applaud his teammates for their hard work and strong performance throughout the season.
Head Coach Lyle Grove praised his players on their State Championship Win: “I’m incredibly proud of this team. They showed resilience, stayed composed under pressure, and worked together every step of the way. Winning the championship is a great accomplishment, but more than that, it reflects their hard work and dedication all season long. It’s been a privilege to coach them.”
Paige Trujillo was crowned state champion in the girls’ 12-and-under 110lb bracket. Courtesy photoJuanito Lopez claimed the state title in the boys’ 10-and-under 120lb bracket/Courtesy photoBY RONDA YAKSICH-TRUJILLOTwo young athletes from the Española Junior Wrestling team captured New Mexico Junior Wrestling (NMJW) Championship titles at the 2025 NMJW State Tournament, held on Saturday, March 1 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque. The team sent 11 wrestlers to compete, including four ...
Paige Trujillo was crowned state champion in the girls’ 12-and-under 110lb bracket. Courtesy photo
Juanito Lopez claimed the state title in the boys’ 10-and-under 120lb bracket/Courtesy photo
BY RONDA YAKSICH-TRUJILLO
Two young athletes from the Española Junior Wrestling team captured New Mexico Junior Wrestling (NMJW) Championship titles at the 2025 NMJW State Tournament, held on Saturday, March 1 at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque. The team sent 11 wrestlers to compete, including four girls in the girls’ division and seven boys in the boys’ division.
Paige Trujillo, a seventh grader at Los Alamos Middle School, was crowned state champion in the girls’ 12-and-under 110lb bracket. She dominated the competition, winning by pin in 1:42 in the first round, 0:31 in the quarterfinals, and by forfeit in the semifinals. In the championship match, she secured the title with a pin in just 1:16.
Juanito Lopez, a sixth grader at Mesa Vista in Ojo Caliente, claimed the state title in the boys’ 10-and-under 120lb bracket. Lopez fought through a tough bracket, winning his first match by 15-9 decision, pinning his quarterfinal opponent in 0:51, and securing a 17-6 decision in the semifinals. He sealed his championship victory with a pin in 2:44 in the final match.
Several other Española Junior Wrestlers also reached the podium with top-six finishes:
? MiQuela Sandoval (8th grader, Carlos Vigil Middle School, Española) – 2nd place (14U, 90lb)
? Harmony Coronado-Lopez (8th grader, Mesa Vista Middle School, Ojo Caliente) – 2nd place(14U, 126/132lb)
? Kaylee Sanchez (3rd grader, Pablo Roybal Elementary, Pojoaque) – 3rd place (8U, 60lb)
? Diego Sandoval (3rd grader, James H. Rodriguez Elementary, Española) – 6th place (8U, 73lb)
Other team members who competed at the tournament included Luke Romero, Hezekiah Miramontes, Jacobi Gonzales, Brenden Mares, and Mateo Gonzales, all proudly representing Española Junior Wrestling.
A season of hard work pays off. Qualifying for the state tournament is a major achievement, and reaching the podium is an even greater honor. The Española Junior Wrestling team dedicates countless hours to training, practicing at least four days a week from November through February. Their hard work and dedication paid off on the state’s biggest stage.
While the state tournament marked the end of the season for many of these young athletes, some will continue competing in regional and national events. A huge thank you to head coach Mark Sanchez and assistant coaches Eric Gonzales, Gilbert Sandoval, Cruz Sandoval, Melissa Sanchez and Robert Lopez for their hard work, dedication, and guidance in helping these athletes succeed. Congratulations to all the wrestlers on an outstanding season!
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