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 Bastrop State Park 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 Bastrop, TX 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.
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. ”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for”
“Always Best Care was there for me when I needed them. I was providing hospice care for my mother in my home. I could not have done it without them. The caregivers are kind and dependable. The company was supportive in every aspect of my mother's care. I cannot thank them enough for their support during this difficult time.”
“I am so happy with Mr. Steven Coleman services. He has been very professional and helpful.”
“We had an excellent experience with Always Best Care Senior Services in Austin. They provided in home care when my mom got out of the hospital and, in parallel, helped us find an assisted living facility. I was calling them from the hospital and we didn't know when my mom would be discharged or what kind of care she would need and Always Best Care was responsive, flexible and provided guidance when we needed it most. This was a stressful time and they gave us peace of mind while providing the best care for my mom. The caregivers were on time, thoughtful and kind. I'd recommend Always Best Care to anyone trying to navigate the complexities of eldercare.”
“Highly recommend using Always Best Care for all your senior service needs! Super helpful and really takes care of patients to make them feel comfortable and safe!”
“Kyle and his team are great.”
“I am a past client of this provider My siblings and I engaged Always Best Care to help care for our mother, initially when she was still able to do a significant amount on her own. Over time she declined and needed different levels of care. At each stage, Lori, Kyle, and each member of the ABC team listened to our needs, and was warm, caring, attentive, patient, punctual, and flexible in accommodating Mom‘s abilities, needs, and wants. Caregivers often went above and beyond, and the teams’ communication with my siblings and me was terrific – – especially helpful since none of us lived in the area. I feel fortunate to have been connected with Lori and Kyle, and I highly recommend the ABC team.”
“Always best care is ALWAYS the BEST care. No pun intended. Means a lot to know my loved ones are in good hands ????”
“Kyle and his team rock ,really good communicators. I would refer them to people who would need this service”
“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers were on time, professional, and did what mom/we asked of them and more. The owners, Lori & Kyle, listened to our needs and went above and beyond in their help and care. A few times when we had to take mom to the ER, Lori and/ or Kyle came to the house to be sure all of mom's needs were met. At the end of mom's life, their caregivers could not have been more attentive, kind, caring and professional. I would highly recommend ABC Care for your loved one.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my husband up with very competent companions who were kind and dependable.”
“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”
“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”
“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”
“Owners Lori and Kyle are genuine, salt-of-the-earth folks who are super-dedicated to their clients. I know I can trust them to make sure our Mom gets the care and help she needs. And caregiver Leah is so very kind -- she's the best!”
“Lori & Kyle were very attentive and responded very quickly to our needs. They visited us in person to introduce the new aide, to make sure instructions were done smoothy. ABC came thru in a very critical time for us. Forever grateful for their compassion & thoughtfulness to our health needs.”
“Always Best came to the rescue when my mother needed immediate caregiver services while in a skilled nursing facility and it continues to provide steady, reliable and helpful care now that she is at home. The owners are very kind and authentic and seem to really care about the people they are helping! My mother adores her caregiver. Would highly recommend.”
“I’ve known Lori for years and have high confidence in her ability to provide care. She’s caring, intelligent, dependable and friendly. She would be an excellent service provider!”
“I had the pleasure of working with Lori Schrayer in a professional setting where she was in a leadership role. I worked with her and her team on multiple projects as a liaison to the County Manager or head of the municipal organization. Lori is consistent in her treatment of peers, communication style, and commitment to her staff. I would be fortunate to work with Lori in the future and would provide her business if given the opportunity as I know they’d be in great hands.”
“I am a current client of this provider Lori and staff - What a sanity saver and great team. From day one we have felt that Mom’s well being is their first priority. We were extremely hesitant to turn over care to someone else. But those concerns vanished immediately— thanks to the team’s communication and compassion. It’s a great comfort knowing the entire staff are there for us and responsive to our need and requests.”
“Always Best Care of Austin, TX is the only place I trust to care for my elder loved ones. It's locally owned by a the kindest couple who treat every patient and employee like part of their family. Their caregivers are compassionate and give me a sense of comfort knowing my loved ones are in good hands when I cannot be with them.”
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 Bastrop State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Piney Creek Chop House or visit Bastrop County Museum Visitor Center, 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 Bastrop, TX, 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 Bastrop, TX 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 Bastrop, TX 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.
Elon Musk's SpaceX has laid out a plan for a private recreation complex near the Starlink factory in Bastrop, Texas, according to Bloomberg.Known as "Project Echo," the plan involves developing basketball and pickleball courts, plus picnic areas and possibly even a floating deck for kayaks, according to documents Bloomberg ob...
Elon Musk's SpaceX has laid out a plan for a private recreation complex near the Starlink factory in Bastrop, Texas, according to Bloomberg.
Known as "Project Echo," the plan involves developing basketball and pickleball courts, plus picnic areas and possibly even a floating deck for kayaks, according to documents Bloomberg obtained. The documents also note that only SpaceX employees could use the complex. The timeline of the project is unclear, but Bastrop County has reportedly issued a development permit.
Details about the plan arrive as Musk eyes even more activity in Central Texas. SpaceX's Starlink indicated plans last fall to add 700,000 square feet to an existing building at its site in Bastrop as the team ramped up production on its kits for high-speed internet service. Meanwhile, in Austin, a report was submitted to Travis County economic development officials in April for a publicly accessible "ecological paradise" near Tesla's facilities, complete with hike and bike trails and a sports complex.
Musk's companies have also previously pushed ahead on plans to build amenities and other facilities for employees. In South Texas, where Starbase recently became an official city, a May filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation revealed that SpaceX plans to build a $22 million community building.
Other plans for Musk-centered development projects have included a shopping center, a sushi restaurant and another recreation center. SpaceX has even made a filing to construct a school for students from infancy to grade 12 known as Ad Astra. The "project-based learning" curriculum of the school is expected to focus on science, technology, engineering and math, and has an expected construction completion in January 2026.
But the growth has raised eyebrows for some. The recent plans for an Austin "riverfront eco-park" arrived after Tesla racked up a slew of warnings over environmental activity at its nearby factory. In one instance, Tesla reportedly diverted pond water with toxins into the sewer system, after which Austin Water proposed monthly meetings with Tesla.
And at Starbase, disputes came up as authority to close Boca Chica Beach on weekdays was transferred from Cameron County to Starbase's leaders. That was followed by a decision from Starbase commissioners in late June to approve a request from SpaceX to install gates near four intersections, restricting public street access.
That mouthwatering smoke resonating from barbecue joints across the state is about the only type of heat Texans are willing to take when its pushing 100 degrees in June. Still, if it's going to take standing in line for hours to secure your meat (a la Franklin Barbecue or ...
That mouthwatering smoke resonating from barbecue joints across the state is about the only type of heat Texans are willing to take when its pushing 100 degrees in June. Still, if it's going to take standing in line for hours to secure your meat (a la Franklin Barbecue or Burnt Bean Co.) you can't blame Texans opting for a faster option.
Enter Smokey Mo's. The Cedar Park-founded barbecue chain first opened more than 20 years ago and has since expanded to 21 smokehouses between San Antonio, Waco and Houston, including nine in the Austin area. Now Smokey Mo's is once again setting its eyes on the towns around the Capital City, specifically to the east into a burgeoning tech hub.
Bastrop's Burleson Crossing shopping center is set to become Smokey Mo's newest destination. A $650,000 restaurant is aiming to begin construction on July 21 and be completed by November 21, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The 2,400-square-foot space will form a "counter service" restaurant along the Highway 71 frontage road, not far from a nearby Lowe's, Academy or Chick-fil-A.
Known for having the last Buc-ee's before hitting Austin on I-71, a giant squirrel statue and the state's only pecan pie vending machine, Bastrop has received some extra attention with Tesla CEO Elon Musk relocating X's headquarters into the growing Texas town. With Sprouts, Texas Roadhouse and now Smokey Mo's on the way, residents will have to wait and see who shows up next in the thriving town.
MySA has reached out to Smokey Mo's for comment.
Find it: 707 Highway 71 W., Suite 124 Bastrop, TX 78602
Ishmael Harris was sworn in last month and will finish out the term of former Mayor Lyle Nelson, who resigned in January.BASTROP, Texas — After a turbulent year and a half for city leadership in Bastrop, newly-elected Mayor Ishmael Harris said his top priority is bringing the community back together.Harris – a lifelong Bastrop resident and the city’s first Black mayor – was sworn in last month following a ...
Ishmael Harris was sworn in last month and will finish out the term of former Mayor Lyle Nelson, who resigned in January.
BASTROP, Texas — After a turbulent year and a half for city leadership in Bastrop, newly-elected Mayor Ishmael Harris said his top priority is bringing the community back together.
Harris – a lifelong Bastrop resident and the city’s first Black mayor – was sworn in last month following a runoff election. He will serve one year to finish out the term of former Mayor Lyle Nelson, who resigned in January.
Nelson’s departure followed an investigation into alleged financial mismanagement by a former city employee and months of public discord.
“We just need to be a unified people again. That’s what Bastrop has always been about, and I think at some point in time, we got away from that,” Harris said.
He said his experience as a former Planning and Zoning employee and coaching young people in sports in the community gives him a unique perspective on Bastrop's needs.
“I’m thankful that the council is ready to come up under my leadership and, you know, with my positive attitude and my 'do good by people' mentality, 'do right by folks' mentality, it’s gonna be alright,” Harris said.
Among his top goals for his brief term are improving the quality of life and preserving Bastrop’s history.
He has announced plans to upgrade city parks, including the addition of an ADA-accessible playground and splash pad in Minerva Park.
Harris is also working to establish a Black historical district on the south end of Bastrop, highlighting the area’s cultural significance.
“Our history has long been forgotten, and it's very important that we bring that out. And I think that'll help revamp certain areas within the communities” he said.
Dominica McGinnis works at a law firm attached to the historic Paul Quinn AME Church, one of the historically Black churches in the south end of town. She said she’s encouraged by Harris’s focus on preserving the city’s heritage.
“This side of Bastrop has not been visible until now, and so it's really neat to see it, you know, become part of the focus of the community,” she said.
While some residents note the historic nature of Harris’s election, McGinnis said the most important thing is the opportunity to move forward.
“Yes, it’s special that it’s the first, you know, Black person, but that’s just a blip on the radar. It’s special because it’s him. It’s special because now we get to move forward,” she said.
Harris said he does plan to run for mayor again after his year-long term is up, but for now, he's determined to make the most of his short time in office by focusing on unity, inclusivity and progress for all of Bastrop’s residents.
The city expanded its Capital Area Rural Transport System (CARTS), making it easier for people to reach essential services.BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — The city of Bastrop has expanded its on-demand transportation service, part of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS), to cover all areas within city limits and ensure greater accessibility for all residents.Officials said the goal is to help more locals reach essential destinations, from workplaces and medical appointments to grocery stores.CARTS launched ...
The city expanded its Capital Area Rural Transport System (CARTS), making it easier for people to reach essential services.
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — The city of Bastrop has expanded its on-demand transportation service, part of the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS), to cover all areas within city limits and ensure greater accessibility for all residents.
Officials said the goal is to help more locals reach essential destinations, from workplaces and medical appointments to grocery stores.
CARTS launched in 2021 and has averaged 2,800 trips per month since its launch. Assistant City Manager Vivianna Andres said the expansion came after CARTS identified a need for greater transportation options for areas in Bastrop that were not fully serviced.
“We realized that we had a very limited service area where we could guarantee, provide some form of alternate transportation if someone didn't have access to a vehicle," Andres said. “The State Park area, the Piney Ridge area, also the Industrial Park area – that wasn't fully serviced. And so, there's a lot of residential people, or residential citizens, that live in those areas that couldn't do the on demand service."
CARTS now operates within city limits Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Residents can request rides via the CARTS app or by calling by calling 512-505-5666. The service remains accessible, with fares set at $2 for a one-way trip, $3 for a round trip and $6 for an all-day pass.
“There're a lot of people in the Bastrop area who can't afford a vehicle and can't get into the city for things like doctor's appointments or medicine," Bastrop resident Anna Burns said. "And it's not until you see stuff like that that you realize that, it's something that everyone needs access to."
Looking forward, city leaders are exploring additional mobility solutions, including the potential introduction of electric bikes, to further enhance transportation options for Bastrop residents.
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife held a community meeting Monday to share what it learned following the Rolling Pines fire of 2022, and changes they've made to ensure prescribed burns don't get out of control when they return to Bastrop County parks this fall.It's been more than three years since a prescribed burn in Bastrop County got out of control, burning hundreds of acres and prompting evacuations.Lulu Bright lives between two state parks in Bastrop County."I'm concerned about any of those...
BASTROP COUNTY, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife held a community meeting Monday to share what it learned following the Rolling Pines fire of 2022, and changes they've made to ensure prescribed burns don't get out of control when they return to Bastrop County parks this fall.
It's been more than three years since a prescribed burn in Bastrop County got out of control, burning hundreds of acres and prompting evacuations.
Lulu Bright lives between two state parks in Bastrop County.
"I'm concerned about any of those fires," Bright said. "We're not overly populated, but everybody has a lot of land around them and a lot of trees."
She remembers the Rolling Pines fire of 2022, when a prescribed burn at Bastrop State Park got out of control, burning more than 800 acres of property.
“It was certainly concerning," Bright said. "We could basically see it kind of around us."
Texas Parks and Wildlife held a community meeting Monday night about the fire and the changes being made as they resume prescribed burns this fall. They were put on hold after the fire.
"Prescribed fire is the best habitat management tool that we can use in this ecosystem, and it's important that we talk about that here." T.P.W.D. Superintendent Nathanael Gold said. "This is a fire-adapted ecosystem that we live in, and we have a lot of folks who live in this area, so it's important that we all protect each other."
An out-of-state auditor found 22 areas of improvement, ranging from available on-hand resources to the number of staff members there to monitor the burn. Gold says they didn't just implement all 22 of the changes in Bastrop, but the agency has made those changes at every park across the state.
"This was something that we took very seriously," Gold said. "We had to be very diligent and thoughtful about how we were going to implement it, and what that would change operationally."
Not everyone is a fan of the changes. During public comment, one person said it adds too much bureaucracy to an already complicated process.
"You're trying to control the public reaction to the burn and mitigate opposition to the burn. You're not managing the burn," He said. "We are so far from the natural wildfire situation you've described, we can't have moderate intensity burns and get through the fuel that needs to get done."
Bright says after hearing the presentation, she feels safe and is ready for the burns to resume.
"It's a great idea," Bright said. "I mean, I think it does need to happen, because I really think that if we don't do it, any other measures will not be enough."
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