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 Twin Creeks Historic 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 Cedar Park, 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.
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“Always Best Care provided the perfect service we needed for our mom. Their caregivers”
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“Lori and Kyle were great to work with and are super people. They matched my”
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“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. ”
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“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 Brushy Creek Lake 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 Soto or visit WilsonLeonard Brushy Creek Burial Site, 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 Cedar Park, 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 Cedar Park, 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 Cedar Park, 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.
CEDAR PARK — With Texas high school football beginning next week, the American-Statesman is ranking the top 10 teams in Central Texas.In 2024, one local team was crowned a state champion. Could that number go up this season? The road to AT&T Stadium for the UIL title games is around the corner. The poll is derived from rankings by three local preps reporters and an editor.Our No. 10 team this season is Round Rock and No. 9 are the Dripping Springs Tigers. At No. 8 is Weiss, followed by No. 7 Georgetown, with Bastrop c...
CEDAR PARK — With Texas high school football beginning next week, the American-Statesman is ranking the top 10 teams in Central Texas.
In 2024, one local team was crowned a state champion. Could that number go up this season? The road to AT&T Stadium for the UIL title games is around the corner. The poll is derived from rankings by three local preps reporters and an editor.
Our No. 10 team this season is Round Rock and No. 9 are the Dripping Springs Tigers. At No. 8 is Weiss, followed by No. 7 Georgetown, with Bastrop coming in at No. 6 and Liberty Hill at No. 5.
Our No. 4 is perennial contender Cedar Park, which hopes to come on strong after a rough season (by its standard) in 2024. With the return of 14 starters, including running back Trae Hill, expectations are high for the Timberwolves.
Here's more on the Timberwolves:
Three things about the Timberwolves, who went 6-5 last year and lost 35-21 to Red Oak in the bi-district round of the Class 5A Division I playoffs:
Perhaps no Cedar Park player is looking forward to the season more than running back Trae Hill, who rushed for 608 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior despite missing the last five games with a broken toe. There were high hopes for Hill after he ran for 1,248 yards and was named Central Texas' offensive player of the year by the American-Statesman as a sophomore.
"The kid's been hungry since the season ended," head coach Michael Quintero said this week. "He's one of the most motivated players we've got; he's probably our biggest leader, even though he's been told all along that he can't play college football. They say it's because he can't do this or he can't do that. And he's going to prove everybody wrong. He's a Division I running back."
Hill is keeping his options open as far as playing at the next level. He has multiple scholarship offers, including from Houston, Texas State, Air Force, Lamar and Fordham.
Another strength this year is an offensive line that returns four starters: Jacob Slaughter, Brock Bungo, John Huling and Zachary Gfeller. By contrast, the offense often played with six sophomores on the field at the same time last year.
It also helps to have an established quarterback. David Cooper was stellar a sophomore, contributing 2,181 passing yards and 20 touchdowns and rushing for 574 yards.
"He was a great quarterback last year," Quintero said. "He did some things that a sophomore shouldn't be doing. He's going to be great this year and he's showing more confidence as a varsity quarterback. One thing he's improved on is becoming more of a vocal player."
Cedar Park had to work harder than most teams in 2024, at least in the beginning. The Timberwolves opened the season with a 45-43 loss to Harker Heights that took five overtimes and a 49-46 win over eventual Class 6A DII state champion Vandegrift that went into double overtime. The first two games this year will be against Harker Heights and Vandegrift.
Does Quintero take comfort from being the only team to beat Vandegrift last year?
"It's good rivalry game, but do we hang our hat on that? No," he said. "Because you saw we lost to Huntsville the week after we beat Vandegrift. That's a team I felt like we should have beat and we didn't. I tell my players to move forward. Don't hang out hat on certain games. Being Cedar Park, we know we're going to get everybody's best game."
The two best teams (at least on paper) in District 8-5A DI collide on the last night of the regular season. Nothing short of a district championship and favorable playoff seed could be on the line. Georgetown prevailed 31-7 last year 31-7 at Cedar Park, as the Eagles' Jett Walker ran for four touchdowns. This year's game is in Georgetown.
We'll be seeing a lot less of Quintero this year. Literally. The coach reports that he has lost "100-plus" pounds over the past year, mainly by watching his diet. He's down to a svelte 225 pounds, a far cry from the 300-plus pounds he carried last season. "I did it for health; I've got two young kids at home and I've got to come out and perform for these kids, too," he said. "If health prevents me from doing my job, I'm not giving these kids everything I've got." ... There should be improvement on the defensive side of the ball, too, with the return of LB Jahiem Porter (125 tackles), DL Brooks Bouffard (48 tackles, 3 sacks), LB Jacori Sims (25 tackles), DL Olujimi Aluko (30 tackles, 5 sacks) and DB Hayden Hollander (26 tackles). ... All told, Cedar Park has seven returning starters on offense and seven on defense. And three of last year's four team captains — Cooper, Hill and Porter — return. ... The Timberwolves won state championships in 2012 and 2015.
CEDAR PARK — The toughest opponent wide receiver Jamal Porter has faced throughout his life sleeps on the other side of the hall.Before they were football players, Jamal and twin brother Jahiem competed against other daily. Football. Basketball. Track. Wrestling. Or maybe it was just to see who would be the first to reach the front door of the house. After all, sibling rivalries can get a little testy.As seniors at Cedar Park, which is ranked No. 4 in the American-Statesman's annual top-10 preseason list of the best teams...
CEDAR PARK — The toughest opponent wide receiver Jamal Porter has faced throughout his life sleeps on the other side of the hall.
Before they were football players, Jamal and twin brother Jahiem competed against other daily. Football. Basketball. Track. Wrestling. Or maybe it was just to see who would be the first to reach the front door of the house. After all, sibling rivalries can get a little testy.
As seniors at Cedar Park, which is ranked No. 4 in the American-Statesman's annual top-10 preseason list of the best teams in Central Texas, the Porters are still feisty. But they now fight for the same cause. They just happen to be two of the leaders of a team that aspires to make a deep playoff run in December.
Jahiem is one of the best linebackers in the Austin area. He recorded 117 tackles, 14 behind the line of scrimmage, for the Timberwolves in 2024. Jamal is on the fast track to becoming an excellent wideout. He led all Cedar Park receivers in catches (42), receiving yards (579) and receiving touchdowns (five) last fall.
The brothers have a mutual respect for each other.
"In the house, you compete against each other as soon as you wake up," Jaheim said. "There's something you're always competing against. I can't just wake up and say I'm going to take the day off today. I don't think I'd be where I'm at without (Jamal). I get up now wanting to perfect my craft because someone wants to beat you every single day."
Said Jamal: "(Jahiem) is a big guy (6-foot-1, 220), pretty strong. You have to run away from him. He's made me faster. It's competitive, but we've never beat each other up."
At least not at home.
On the football field, Jahiem has taken a no-mercy approach against everybody, including his brother. So, what does it feel like when Jahiem delivers a big hit?
"It feels like you've just run 3 miles and there's a sharp pain in your liver," Jamal said.
Cedar Park coach Michael Quintero said the Wolves are lucky to have both of the brothers. They lead by example and are vocal on the field. He also said the twins have different personalities.
"They're totally different from each other," Quintero told the Statesman. "I'd said Jahiem is more serious, Jamal more laid back."
Cedar Park (6-5 last year) should be much improved, the coach said. The Porters will have a major impact on the season, but they have plenty of support on both sides of the football. Quintero points to an offensive line that returns four starters while the defensive front seven are "very solid."
As for the Porters, there is another reason to be excited about the 2025 season. The seniors know this is their final chance to chase high school glory. They want to establish their own imprints at a school that won state championships in 2012 and 2015.
"We're trying to get a ring this year," Jahiem said. "Our chemistry is crazy this year. It's just different. We have a special bond. It's all about the present and the future right now, not the past. We're trying to leave our own mark, our own legacy."
Jamal aspires to finish his high school career with his first 1,000-yard season. He certainly has a chance, considering the Timberwolves have returning starting quarterback David Cooper, a 6-foot-4, 210-junior who threw 20 touchdowns as a sophomore. He predicted Jamal will reach the 1,000-yard mark.
"He's 100% worthy," Cooper said. "Last year we built chemistry each and every day. This year I feel like I'm comfortable enough to know where he's going to be and where he's going to want the ball."
Jahiem, meanwhile, said he's tired of hitting players in practice. He wants to swap helmet paint with players from other teams. It'll start with a home game against Harker Heights, which outlasted the Timberwolves last year in five overtimes.
Jahiem banged his helmet several times with the side of his fist when speaking Tuesday about the opener.
"We've been waiting for someone else to hit," he said. "That first game of the season, I feel bad for Harker Heights."
Look out, H-E-B: A new grocery store is in town! Popular German grocery store chain Aldi is opening a new location in the Austin area, its latest move in expanding its presence in Central Texas.Here's what to knowAldi coming to Cedar ParkAldi has plans to build a $1.75 million new store in Cedar Park just down the road from a H-E-B, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Construction on the nearly 24,000-square-foot store is slated to begin Sept. 22 and be completed in February. The Austin ...
Look out, H-E-B: A new grocery store is in town! Popular German grocery store chain Aldi is opening a new location in the Austin area, its latest move in expanding its presence in Central Texas.
Here's what to know
Aldi has plans to build a $1.75 million new store in Cedar Park just down the road from a H-E-B, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Construction on the nearly 24,000-square-foot store is slated to begin Sept. 22 and be completed in February. The Austin Business Journal reports that Aldi will sit on a former Big Lots property.
The project will involve replacing the building's sign and siding, adding or relocating openings, and installing a new freezer, cooler, HVAC system and electricity package as typical components of an Aldi store.
Aldi will prepare a new store at 350 N. Bell Blvd, Suite 104, per the TDLR filing. Just across East Whitestone Boulevard is a H-E-B, one of three Cedar Park locations. Plus Trader Joe's, which originated from the same German business as Aldi, has a potential store location less than two miles down the boulevard.
While Aldi hasn't officially confirmed the new Cedar Park location, it would align with the chain's U.S. expansion. The company's current five-year growth strategy involves opening more than 800 new stores by the end of 2028. Of those, 200 will open this year — more than any other grocery store chain, according to The New York Times.
There are currently 2,567 Aldi locations in the U.S., per the chain's website. This year's planned openings would make it the third-largest supermarket chain according to number of stores, behind Kroger and Walmart. Texas claims the fifth-most Aldi locations among U.S. states, with 128 stores.
Meanwhile, the Lone Star State is the only state with H-E-B stores, with a whopping 340 locations.
— Cristela Jones, My San Antonio, contributed to this report.
Eric Rauschuber, director of public works and utilities for Cedar Park, Texas, had a problem: His water workforce was aging and there wasn’t a pipeline of workers to take over their jobs. He already had unfilled positions because of service demands from his rapidly growing community, an Austin suburb.This situation is common among local governments, responsible for the vast majority of drinking and wastewater systems. One in three water utility workers will be eligible to retire over the next decade, according to the U.S. Enviro...
Eric Rauschuber, director of public works and utilities for Cedar Park, Texas, had a problem: His water workforce was aging and there wasn’t a pipeline of workers to take over their jobs. He already had unfilled positions because of service demands from his rapidly growing community, an Austin suburb.
This situation is common among local governments, responsible for the vast majority of drinking and wastewater systems. One in three water utility workers will be eligible to retire over the next decade, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Taking expansion into account, utilities are expected to need new workers for the majority of their 300,000 jobs over this period.
The outlook for Cedar Park began to change two years ago when Carrie Coble joined the city’s Human Resources Department, bringing decades of tech sector HR experience to her new job. As she began to assess the city’s needs, her attention was drawn to double-digit openings across its Public Works Department. Filling licensed operator positions was a particular challenge. Her first question was where the city went to recruit for these jobs.
“They had agencies that they worked with, and I thought, ‘Why aren’t we looking at high schools?’,” Coble says.
There would be some students who didn’t plan to go to college. If they could earn a provisional license before they graduated, they’d be on the path to a career with the city.
Building such a pipeline depended on a partnership with a local school, and Coble found a local educator whose enthusiasm for the project matched her own.
The city had reached out to the school district years ago for help getting young people interested in opportunities at water utilities, Rauschuber says, but the idea never gained traction.
It was a different story in 2023 when Coble connected with Sarah Spradling, a work-based learning specialist at the Leander Independent School District. Schools in Leander, about 10 miles from Cedar Park, serve young people from several Greater Austin communities, Cedar Park among them.
Spradling had recently come to the district as associate director of career and technical education. In her first week on the job, a meeting with city officials opened her eyes to the potential to build curriculum around water utility jobs. She took this up with Coble, who had reached out to her.
“We had students who were going to be seniors, who were looking for work opportunities to extend their learning and get high school credit for it at the same time,” says Spradling. “That's where this was a really perfect marriage.”
From the beginning, the intention was to offer students a paid apprenticeship, following a model used by both industry and federally funded programs. The end product would be both work experience and a provisional certification in water plant operations that would qualify apprentices for a job offer from the water utility.
Coble and Spradling developed curriculum that was accredited by the Leander Independent School District and and the Texas Education Agency. The water utility agreed to provide funding for an initial group of three apprentices. Applicants would be selected through the same application and interview process used to hire full-time employees.
Coble and Spradling got to work developing marketing and branding materials that would attract applicants.
There were some basic requirements. Students needed to be entering their senior year, commit to a minimum of 30 hours a week to their apprenticeship and be 18 by the time they completed it. Interviews took place in May and June 2024, each preceded by a tour of the utility. The three students who were selected began their apprenticeships in August.
The utility field crews were excited to have young people around them that they could teach and train, Rauschuber says. “The kids just absorb everything,” he says. “Even if they want to learn a piece of equipment that may not be in their normal job duties, we will train them.”
Public Works staff supervised on-the-job training as well as students’ study periods devoted to certification curriculum. The program ran through May of this year. All three apprentices were offered jobs at the utility, and all accepted.
The students who participated told Spradling that the experience helped them better understand the role of city government, and public works in particular. “They felt there was so much value in giving back to their community, that without that department the city could not function,” she says.
Next year, the program will be expanded to six apprentices, and Coble is already seeing “double digit” preregistration for interviews due to word of mouth.
City jobs were not on her radar before this partnership, Spradling says. As Coble walked her through all the types of professionals that the city employs, it became clear that the district could partner with the city for virtually all its career and technical education programs. “It was hugely eye-opening,” she says.
A recently enacted Texas bill allows high school students to spend two days of their junior and senior years doing job shadowing. Spradling launched a program to send them to shadow Cedar Park workers. Leander city leaders took notice and asked to be included in this.
Cedar Park has also offered a summer externship to Leander educators to help them gain a better understanding of job opportunities at the city and the skills its HR department is looking for in applicants. This training encompasses the city’s onboarding and interview process, so teachers can help students be better prepared to apply.
There have been some hiccups, Spradling says, but the close collaboration with the city and Coble’s perseverance overcame them. It took time to work out the right way to market the program to students. This starts with getting district educators on board, they found, including tours of the Public Works Department so they had firsthand exposure to its operations and the work students would do.
Spradling remains struck by the satisfaction the first apprentices expressed in having jobs with purpose, something that is important to Gen Z. “That makes me feel good about directing students to this type of work,” she says.
Rauschuber notes that the jobs he and his colleagues are working to fill offer something else that is valuable at this time: stability.
Some of the apprentices asked for a month off before they began their jobs.
“We said, ‘That’s fine.’ We’ve been here since 1973,” he says. “We’re not leaving.”
On the northern outskirts of Austin, Cedar Park has quickly turned into a booming suburban community. With its population jumping nearly 59% and going from 49,000 residents in 2010 to over 77,000 people calling the city home in 2020, it's clearly become a favorite of those wanting a little more leg room.The city has long been attracting visitors and newfound residents courtesy the likes of developments like the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, the city-owned sports and entertainment arena that opened in September 2009 with a sold-out perfo...
On the northern outskirts of Austin, Cedar Park has quickly turned into a booming suburban community. With its population jumping nearly 59% and going from 49,000 residents in 2010 to over 77,000 people calling the city home in 2020, it's clearly become a favorite of those wanting a little more leg room.
The city has long been attracting visitors and newfound residents courtesy the likes of developments like the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, the city-owned sports and entertainment arena that opened in September 2009 with a sold-out performance from beloved country music artist George Strait. The venue houses roughly 130 events annually, city officials noted, including the Texas Stars and the Austin Spurs.
As Cedar Park has blossomed, so, too has its development scene, running in tandem with Austin's as more companies set up shop across the metro. The city touts existing developments and economic powerhouses courtesy national and regional headquarters for companies like Firefly Aerospace, ABEO, James Avery Artisan Jewelry and the upcoming home of baseball and softball scouting organization Perfect Game.
When reviewing development documents registered between June 2024 and June 2025, MySA recorded dozens of large-scale projects that'll continually amplify the city's economic development efforts as well as accommodate its growing population. Leading the charge on that front is a $95 million Cedar Park Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, set to be located at 2155 Cedarview Drive, Cedar Park, TX 78613.
According to filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the upcoming hotel and convention center have been incorporated into project plans for CedarView, an upcoming mixed-use development in the city. The site will feature a nearly 300-room hotel, a 30,000-square-foot event and meeting space, a full-service restaurant, a cafe and a pool area, according to project details. Construction on the new hotel and convention center is expected to run through early 2027, MySA previously reported.
It's not the only hotel project slated for the city. Cedar Park is poised to welcome a five-story, 120-room New Residence Inn by Marriott hotel at 1410 Main St., Cedar Park, TX 78613. The estimated $15 million, 104,000-square-foot project also includes a roughly 1,450-square-foot meeting space as well as an outdoor pool, according to TDLR filings.
Within the entertainment and lifestyle sector, the North Austin suburb has attracted celebrity interest and luxury facilities to its portfolio. A national golf chain backed by Tiger Woods, PopStroke, is constructing a $5.8 million mini-golf and entertainment facility at 817 C-Bar Ranch Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613. The 13,000-square-foot facility is tentatively set to wrap construction in April 2026, TDLR filings detailed, and will join PopsStroke's other Texas locations in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and College Station.
Looking for some relaxation and reprieve? A $5 million WorldSprings Austin spa development is underway at the northwest corner of East New Hope Drive and Scottsdale Drive in Cedar Park, with TDLR documents noting an estimated May 2026 project completion. A North Texas brand whose flagship is in The Colony near Dallas, WorldSprings' upcoming Cedar Park hot springs resort will include a 40,000-square-foot facility along with an estimated 40 pools.
All of this development news working up your appetite? You're in luck: Austin's homegrown taqueria chain, Tacodeli, will expand its way into the North Austin suburb, with an upcoming restaurant opening this summer at 1400 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613. However, the company's 15th location will bring its own unique flair, featuring Tacodeli's first drive-thru pickup lane for digital pre-orders.
"Our goal has always been to share our love of tacos with as many people as we can – and Cedar Park has been on our radar for quite a while,” founder Roberto Espinosa said in a statement.
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