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”
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“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.
Courtesy SFNFSFNF NEWS RELEASESanta Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are planning to actively manage the lightning caused Laguna Fire located in the Coyote Ranger District, 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Currently, 80 personnel are on the Laguna Wildfire.The wildfire was first reported Wednesday June 25, 2025, and is burning in an area that has undergone the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and previously been thinned and treated wi...
Courtesy SFNF
SFNF NEWS RELEASE
Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) fire managers are planning to actively manage the lightning caused Laguna Fire located in the Coyote Ranger District, 8 miles north of New Mexico State Road 96 and west of the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Currently, 80 personnel are on the Laguna Wildfire.
The wildfire was first reported Wednesday June 25, 2025, and is burning in an area that has undergone the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and previously been thinned and treated with prescribed fire. The objectives for the Laguna Wildfire prioritize the safety of firefighters and the public while protecting water quality in watersheds, water systems, and springs by minimizing fire intensity and uncharacteristic severe fire effects.
Fire managers will start firing operations as early as this week with the aim of restoring the ecological process of fire across approximately 13,000 acres of forest land. To conduct a firing operation, firefighters cut away vegetation to make a line of bare soil ahead of a fire and then using aerial and hand ignitions burn the vegetation between that line and the actively burning fire front.
“We manage fire-adapted landscapes, and the Laguna Wildfire is an opportunity to create a resilient ecosystem that reduces the future risk of catastrophic severe wildfire to communities,” stated Anthony Madrid, SFNF Deputy Forest Supervisor.
Fire managers evaluate various strategies for managing wildfires caused by lightning. These strategies can range from full suppression to actively managing the wildfire to restore its natural role in the landscape. Decisions regarding wildfire management are influenced by several factors, including firefighter safety, availability of resources, terrain, weather forecast, previous prescribed burns, vegetation management projects in the area, and potential threats to public safety and property.
SFNF leadership is collaborating with local communities, Tribes, and federal, state, and local agencies to reduce wildfire risk for private landowners in the area. There are currently no risks to nearby communities, and no evacuations will be necessary. A closure order for the area surrounding the Laguna Wildfire is expected to be issued for the safety of the public andfirefighters.
When firing operations begin, smoke may be visible and impact communities on NM State Road 96 including Gallina and Coyote, and the towns of Abiquiu, Llaves, and Cuba. Motorists are advised to slow down and proceed with caution.
Laguna Wildfire updates will be provided on Inciweb, NM Fire Information, Santa Fe National Forest website, and social media (Facebook and X).
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
A crack in this new gasket would have allowed a slow leak in the line to erode the earth around it enough to cause the recent sinkhole in White Rock. Photo Courtesy LACCOUNTY NEWS RELEASEA new, but faulty, gasket appears to be the cause of the sinkhole that recently appeared on the road near the intersection of NM-4 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock.The water transmission line feeding White Rock and running parallel to NM-4 was replaced earlier this year under a Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) pr...
A crack in this new gasket would have allowed a slow leak in the line to erode the earth around it enough to cause the recent sinkhole in White Rock. Photo Courtesy LAC
COUNTY NEWS RELEASE
A new, but faulty, gasket appears to be the cause of the sinkhole that recently appeared on the road near the intersection of NM-4 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock.
The water transmission line feeding White Rock and running parallel to NM-4 was replaced earlier this year under a Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) project. Contractor Wagner Construction led the effort, which included a section of pipe that crossed under the roadway in White Rock. Shortly after the project was completed, a sinkhole began to appear under the far-right eastbound lane of NM-4 as it approaches the intersection at Rover Blvd.
Personnel from DPU and from the New Mexico Department of Transportation coordinated repair efforts as representatives from Wagner Construction, which is based in Minnesota, returned to Los Alamos in response to news of the sinkhole last week.
The faulty gasket was installed at a joint that enabled the pipeline to cross under the road. It passed a pressure test when it was installed, however a crack was discovered on the gasket when Wagner worked to repair the sinkhole. This crack would have allowed a slow leak in the line to erode the earth around it enough to cause the sinkhole.
Wagner has repaired the pipeline infrastructure and repairs to the road above it are in the works. NM-4 drivers can expect the right turn lane on NM-4 to remain closed until the road work is complete, which should occur sometime this week (May 12-16).
Miles Iverson, left, and JoyMei Lincoln are the winners of the Los Alamos Community Winds 2025 scholarships. Courtesy photo
LACW NEWS RELEASE
The Los Alamos Community Winds (LACW) announced this year’s scholarship winners for 2025 at their Spring Concert Performance on May 10, 2025. The LACW scholarship recognizes graduating Los Alamos High School (LAHS) seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to having a Music-Filled Life by continuing to play instrumental music now and into the future.
LACW’s scholarship winners are:
“We look forward to hearing how each of these scholars sustain music as they move forward in the next phase of their life.’ –LACW
Senior officials with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office and legacy cleanup contractor Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos LLC provide responses during the public Q&A period at the Environmental Management Cleanup Forum.Comprehensive sampling and monitoring program outlined at public forumLOS ALAMOS, N.M. — Protecting water supplies is a key priority of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) legacy cleanup m...
Senior officials with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office and legacy cleanup contractor Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos LLC provide responses during the public Q&A period at the Environmental Management Cleanup Forum.
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. — Protecting water supplies is a key priority of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) legacy cleanup mission.
Earlier this month, senior officials from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management Los Alamos Field Office (EM-LA) and its cleanup contractor stated that they have instituted a robust monitoring and remediation program.
“My priority has been and remains to be ensuring that the legacy cleanup mission is implemented safely, efficiently, effectively and transparently,” EM-LA Manager Jessica Kunkle said at an Environmental Management Cleanup Forum held June 12.
“It is my goal to continue to be transparent with EM-LA’s engagements and share progress on our priority cleanup work, including our legacy waste operations, as well as our soil and water investigation and remediation,” Kunkle added.
Newport News Nuclear-BWXT-Los Alamos LLC (N3B), the legacy cleanup contractor at LANL, has instituted a comprehensive approach to protecting water quality that includes monitoring and managing various water supplies, along with addressing contaminated soils that could pose a threat, according to N3B acting Environmental Remediation Program Manager Vince Rodriguez.
Vince Rodriguez, acting Environmental Remediation program manager for legacy cleanup contractor Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos LLC, provides a comprehensive overview on keeping water supplies protected for the Los Alamos National Laboratory legacy cleanup mission.
Protecting Water Quality and Addressing Groundwater Plumes
“Protecting the water supply is the ultimate goal,” Rodriguez said. “What we are doing — working with DOE, N3B, the pueblos — and the actions that we are taking ensures that the water quality is protected at all times.”
One aspect of the LANL legacy cleanup mission focuses on addressing two groundwater plumes: a hexavalent chromium plume and the royal demolition explosives plume, according to Rodriguez. While neither plume currently threatens offsite water supplies, EM-LA and N3B are working to monitor and control potential migration while cleanup remedies are developed.
For the hexavalent chromium plume, EM-LA and N3B are using an interim measure, a pump-and-treat system that has treated almost 460 million gallons of groundwater since May 2018, Rodriguez said.
Today, the interim measure is running 24 hours per day, seven days a week, Kunkle said, praising the system’s performance.
“Since partial restart of the interim measure in September 2024, chromium concentrations at and near monitoring wells have shown significant decrease based on the latest May sampling data,” she said.
Soil Cleanup Progress
To help prevent water contamination, EM-LA and N3B work to address legacy soil contamination through LANL’s 34 “Aggregate Areas,” each of which is within a single watershed or canyon. Aggregate Areas contain Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs), where waste was placed, and/or Areas of Concern (AOCs), which may have had a release of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents. Since May 2018, 435 SWMUs or AOCs have been investigated and, if necessary, remediated, Rodriguez said.
Currently, there are more than 480 SWMUs and AOCs in the Aggregate Areas that have received certificates of completion from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), and another 120 requests for certificates of completion are pending with NMED.
More Than 48,000 Samples Collected Since Legacy Cleanup Contract Began
N3B also conducts sampling and monitoring for water, soil and vapor to provide critical insight into the effectiveness of various cleanup approaches and to determine the extent of contamination. Since the start of N3B’s contract in May 2018, more than 48,000 water, soil and vapor samples have been collected, Rodriguez said, adding that the summer sampling includes a four-day raft trip along the Rio Grande River.
N3B’s sampling program helps demonstrate that “our stormwater and engineering control systems are working,” Rodriguez said. “It also confirms that cleanup is effective. Any time you do a cleanup, you’re going to do confirmation. That is the goal here: to ensure whatever we’re cleaning up, we’re cleaning it to a point that meets the applicable standards. Whether it’s through air, whether it’s through water, or whether it’s through soil, that’s what sampling tells us.”
-Contributor: Michael Nartker
LANL News:Eighty years after the end of World War II, locals and travelers are more interested than ever in what remains of the top-secret lab and makeshift town that supported the Manhattan Project. Here’s a guide of what you can see in a day’s journey back in time.Head out from Santa Fe around 10 a.m. to sidestep early-morning commuters, many of whom are driving to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Head north from Santa Fe on U.S. Highway 84/285 on a drive that should take 35...
LANL News:
Eighty years after the end of World War II, locals and travelers are more interested than ever in what remains of the top-secret lab and makeshift town that supported the Manhattan Project. Here’s a guide of what you can see in a day’s journey back in time.
Head out from Santa Fe around 10 a.m. to sidestep early-morning commuters, many of whom are driving to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Head north from Santa Fe on U.S. Highway 84/285 on a drive that should take 35 to 45 minutes. In Pojoaque, turn left (west) onto N.M. 502. Although this road has been widened and paved over many times in the past 80 years, you are now on the route that Manhattan Project scientists, staff and members of the U.S. Army took up the hill to the town that didn’t exist.
What’s it like to live and work in Northern New Mexico? Explore here
Crossing into new territory
The road takes you through scenic country and four Native American pueblos: Tesuque, Nambé, Pojoaque and San Ildefonso. As you cross the Rio Grande, note that you’re at historic Otowi Crossing and you’ll see the old Otowi Bridge on your left, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. “Otowi” is a Tewa word meaning “gap where the water sinks” — and that part of the landscape endures. During the Manhattan Project era, Edith Warner ran a teahouse here, and J. Robert Oppenheimer had a standing weekly reservation. Other scientists of the day — such as Norris Bradbury, Phillip Morrison, Edward Teller, Stanislaw Ulam, Hans Bethe, Enrico Fermi and Niels Bohr — all used pseudonyms to make their reservations, as it was the only restaurant for miles, and they didn’t need an official day pass to Santa Fe to go there.
For many New Mexicans, Otowi Crossing became symbolic of the boundary between the known world and the Atomic Age. Warner and this period in history are immortalized in the books “The House at Otowi Bridge” by Peggy Pond Church and “Woman at Otowi Crossing” by Frank Waters.
Heading onward, the road rises in elevation, making it clear why Los Alamos was known as “the Hill”, as it still is today. Stay on N.M. 502 to the town of Los Alamos, which is where Los Alamos National Laboratory is based in a county of more than 19,000 people. Near the city limit, you’ll see Main Gate Park, a replica of the main gate as it looked in 1943. (Another version was reconstructed for the 2023 film “Oppenheimer.”) This can be a fun photo-op stop as well as a rest area (with a public restroom) and a place to pick up brochures and maps.
Surveying the science
Venturing into downtown Los Alamos, your second stop is the Bradbury Science Museum, operated by the Laboratory. Located at 1450 Central Ave. and open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, the museum is free and showcases artifacts from the Manhattan Project, including a replica of the Fat Man bomb that was detonated over Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945.
In addition to the Manhattan Project, the Bradbury’s exhibits document the science of the Laboratory’s 80-year history, including advances in supercomputing, nuclear nonproliferation, biotechnology and climate science. For most people, the museum is the closest they will get to understanding what happens at the national security lab, which is closed to the public. Beginning July 15, visitors can see the museum’s new installation, “Trinity 80th Anniversary Exhibit,” which takes a close look at the people who caught on film daily life and major moments of the Manhattan Project, like the Trinity test.
“The Bradbury Science Museum is a place for families to engage in exhibits and learn together,” Director Patrick Moore said. “About a third of our exhibit space is on the Manhattan Project, and many visitors come here for our origin story. The rest of our museum is about Lab research and is ideal for middle schoolers through adults.”
Peeking behind the fence
The National Park Service has worked diligently to preserve many of these buildings and sites as part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, and tours of the Los Alamos site are offered twice a year with advance registration through a lottery system. Tour dates and lottery registration information is always listed on the Lab’s website for the park.
“The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is probably different from any other national park you’ll ever visit because it’s surrounded by Lab property in active use,” Program Manager Jonathan Creel said. “We’re not open every day all the time, but before the park was created, only Lab staff members (and sometimes not even them) could visit this historic place and understand the importance of accomplishing so much with so little. Gradually, we’re making it more accessible to more people.”
About 180 people will get to visit the park on the next round of tours. However, for those who don’t have the opportunity, there’s plenty more Manhattan Project history to be seen.
A few blocks down Central Avenue, you’ll find Ashley Pond and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center (475 20th St., near the corner of 20th and Central) on your left and Fuller Lodge, Bathtub Row and the Los Alamos History Museum (1050 Bathtub Row) on your right.
Entering the park visitor center, you’ll see a massive photo map on the wall depicting how Los Alamos looked during the Manhattan Project, and a line from the movie “Oppenheimer” — “Build a town and build it fast” — may echo in your ears. Not much of the era remains today because frankly, early Los Alamos was simply not built to last, but the map can help you compare and contrast Manhattan Project-era Los Alamos with what’s still standing now.
Thankfully, Ashley Pond is much greener and grassier than it was 80 years ago and is a great place to take a break or have a picnic. In the evenings, enjoy the free Los Alamos Summer Concert Series.
Beholding the backstory
Across the street, Fuller Lodge is the flagship building of the now-defunct Los Alamos Ranch School, a boarding school for boys from 1917 to 1942. The U.S. government bought the school for use in the Manhattan Project. Fuller Lodge functioned as a meeting place and community center during the project and still does today, though it is now owned and operated by Los Alamos County. Inside, the Fuller Lodge Arts Center Gallery and Gift Shop showcases works by local makers.
Visiting the adjacent Los Alamos History Museum, you’ll learn about the Manhattan Project with an emphasis on the life and stories of its participants as well as the era’s material culture. The houses dotted along the property were originally those of Ranch School teachers and later Manhattan Project leaders. They were the only facilities on the Hill with bathtubs, hence the name Bathtub Row. Along Bathtub Row, you can see and enter the Hans Bethe House, and stand outside the J. Robert Oppenheimer House next door. Fuller Lodge and the two houses were both filming locations for the movie “Oppenheimer.” The Oppenheimer home is currently closed for historic preservation purposes.
Connecting history to today
Driving down Central Avenue, turn left on Diamond Drive, where you will cross the Omega Bridge, built in 1951. During this post-war time period, property previously used for the Manhattan Project became the Los Alamos townsite, and the Laboratory moved across the canyon to its present location. Turning left on East Jemez Road, on your right you will see Los Alamos National Laboratory as it is today: 40 square miles of facilities employing approximately 18,000 people working on national security missions, which extend beyond military applications to include the security of the country’s energy supply, food supply, environment, public health and economy.
Today’s main gate is significantly larger than the original — but make note, no photographs are allowed, even from your car.
From this point, you can stay on East Jemez Road, which will take you back to N.M. 502 — or on to N.M. 4 if you want to visit other scenic sites in the region such as Bandelier National Monument or the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
LAPS NEWS RELEASEIt’s the start of Senior Week at Los Alamos High School for the Class of 2025. The week includes several activities, including Senior Sunset, Senior Picnic at Urban Park, and Senior Walks at the elementary schools and middle school, culminating in graduation on Saturday, May 24 at Sullivan Field.The ceremony will begin at 9:00 am. Tickets are not required to attend the graduation ceremony. Gates will open at 8:00 am. Families with graduates with last names beginning with A – Lo are asked to enter th...
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
It’s the start of Senior Week at Los Alamos High School for the Class of 2025. The week includes several activities, including Senior Sunset, Senior Picnic at Urban Park, and Senior Walks at the elementary schools and middle school, culminating in graduation on Saturday, May 24 at Sullivan Field.
The ceremony will begin at 9:00 am. Tickets are not required to attend the graduation ceremony. Gates will open at 8:00 am. Families with graduates with last names beginning with A – Lo are asked to enter through the gates closest to the United Methodist Church. For families with graduates with last names beginning with Lu – Z, please enter through the gates closest to Mesa Field. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.
This year, the Sullivan Field parking lot will be for handicapped parking only. Other parking will be available at Griffith Gym and Duane Smith Auditorium. Additional parking may be found at one of the neighboring churches, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church and First United Methodist Church. There is no parking in the lot behind UNM-LA.
The 2025 graduation ceremony will be live streamed beginning at 8:30 am. The link will be posted on the Los Alamos High School website.
The Athletics Department would like to remind everyone that food is not allowed on Sullivan Field. Please do not bring any seeds or gum to graduation. Bottled water is allowed. In addition, all chairs must have a blanket or towel under the legs. Visitors will be turned away at the entrance if they do not have a blanket or towel to place under their chair. Please respect the facilities and help us keep them undamaged for our teams and community partners.
Sullivan Field and the track will be closed Thursday, May 22 through Tuesday, May 27 forgraduation preparations and ceremonies. Sullivan Field and the track will also be closed to thepublic on Tuesday, May 20 for Senior Sunset from 7 pm – 9 pm.
Graduates and one guest are invited to Senior Appreciation Night starting at 6 pm on Saturday. A Los Alamos tradition since 1984, SAN is sponsored by Los Alamos businesses and organizations, and features games, music, a carnival, photos, skating, climbing, a movie, andprizes.
Jemez Mountain Brewhouse in Jemez Springs. Courtesy photo
JMB NEWS RELEASE
Join Jemez Mountain Brewhouse as we celebrate our third year in business with music and entertainment between Thursday, May 22 and Monday, May 26. Each day features many local and regional musicians and entertainers.
There is much to be thankful for at JMB, starting with our hardworking staff. They have been making delicious food and delivering excellent service. We also know we wouldn’t be here without our loyal local customers. Thanks to the Jemez Springs Village officials, and to everyone in the New Mexico beer community that have helped us along the way. Thank you to the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) for their 2025 TEAM Fund award. The RDC award will help us keep our brewing side of the Brewhouse climate-controlled, and is the second award that JMB has received from the organization. We appreciate their continued support for small businesses like ours.
This past year has provided lots of opportunities to celebrate. We brewed our first batch of beer on-site in August of 2024! We have continued to host Open Mic Nights on Mondays and increased the number of our Karaoke nights. We’ve hosted more regional musical touring performers and local musicians alike. We’re ready to tap our eighth beer brewed on-site (After Midnight, American Pale Ale), just in time for the celebration. On most Monday nights (excluding May 26) you can find our pizza slices in Los Alamos at the Bathtub Row Brewing Coop starting at 5pm. We have even hosted a few wedding receptions and private parties at the Brewhouse. Did we mention we’re brewing on-site? We’re pretty excited about that!
Join us Thursday to listen to Canyon Standard Time, and Friday for John McEvoy, and Mark Whitcomb & John Urban. Start off Saturday with Yoga in the park at 11:00 with Meg and then come hear Kent Taylor at noon, or Lane Stevens at 2:00, or Josh Martin from 5-8:00. On Sunday Greg Mertz, Kent Taylor, and Peter Harrington all have their own timeslot. At noon on Monday Tom Swetnam, local historian, will give an informative talk about Jemez Springs, Devin Rivera will entertain you with comedy at 1:00, Maximus Wilkins plays at 2:00, and Jamiversary concludes with Adrian Wall performing at 5:00. Check our social media pages for updates!
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