Home Care In Willow City, TX

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 Willow City Loop 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 Willow City, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Willow City, TX
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Willow City, TX
Benefits of Home Care in Willow City, TX
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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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Elderly Care for Antoinette G.

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support”

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In-home Care for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff”

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Home Care Services for Mark A.

“Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother”

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In-home Care for Laurie K.

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to”

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Home Care Services for Kristen B.

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared”

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Non-medical Home Care for Shirley S.

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken”

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Personal Senior Care for Chae S.

“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his”

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Home Care for Melissa C.

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas”

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Senior Care Services for Kelly B.

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and”

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Personal Care Services for Chae S.

“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with”

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Senior Caregiver for Jill &.

“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

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Antoinette G.

Mark A.

Laurie K.

Kristen B.

Shirley S.

Chae S.

Melissa C.

Kelly B.

Chae S.

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Willow City, TX?

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.

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Types of Elderly Care in Willow City, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal 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:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

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Home Helper Services

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:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

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Companionship Services

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 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

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 Hitchin' Post Steakhouse or visit La Villita Historic Village, 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.

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Benefits of Home Care in Willow City, TX

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:

Age in Place

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.

Peace of Mind

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.

Socialization

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.

Personalized Care Plan

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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 Willow City, 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.

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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 Willow City, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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:

Housekeeping
Laundry
Recreational Activities
Social Outings
Emergency Medical Response
Medication Monitoring
Family Visitation
Personal Care

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:

Clear Fork Senior Living
Willow Bend Assisted Living & Memory Care
Big Creek Senior Living
Brookdale Willowbrook Place
Willow Fork Alzheimer's Special Care Center
A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Truda Swanson

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.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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 Willow City, 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.

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The 8 Most Picturesque Small Towns In Texas

The iconic state of Texas takes the cake as the second largest state in the United States of America after Alaska by spanning 268,596 square miles, and leaving its mark on the county with over 30 million residents! With all this land, communities, history, and nature, Texas has so much to provide to tourists and locals alike. For those looking to discover a new state, escape the heat by the water, or visit small adjacent villages packed with history and natural beauty, Texas has a picturesque small town for you.

Willow City

Famous for the town's alluring and ethereal-looking floral displays, Willow City is like an escape from reality into a floral heaven! Perfect for photos, memories, and fun, the beauty of this mesmerizing community enchants visitors. Even with a small population of about 75, Willow City's tourism is not hindered. Most visitors come from Fredericksburg and flock to the community for its key attraction which is the unique Willow City Loop, where travelers will discover a splendid 13-mile scenic drive sprinkled with picturesque valleys and hills adorned by an array of blooming purple flowers. Willow City is also a short trip from the world-famous views at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Visitors must ensure they never skip over this enchanting and beautiful site!

Jefferson

The beautiful, scenic streets of the popular pre-civil war town of Jefferson located in eastern Texas are an excellent option for a road trip. Packed to the rim with over 70 historical landmarks, Jefferson is bound to please anyone who visits. One popular attraction is Big Cypress Bayou which is an ethereal feeling wetland full of stunning vegetation, wildlife, and natural wonders, perfect for photographers or families looking to capture memories for years to come. The small yet profound town of Jefferson also offers museums such as the Jefferson Historical Society Museum and classic carriage rides pulled by large, majestic horses throughout this stunning picturesque community.

Jefferson, TexasJefferson is a small city situated in Marion County.

Wimberley

Adorned by glistening turquoise waters in its enchanting Blue Hole Regional Park decorated by mother nature with ravishing mature trees and bright green vegetation, Wimberley is one of the most beautiful spots in the US. Perfect for swimming or floating gracefully in a tube to get out from under the hot Texan sun on a scorching summer day, Wimberley is a town tourists will never forget and will regret skipping over. Other popular sites perfect for picture taking and memory making include the Devil's Backbone which appears to be straight out of a western movie or one of Wimberley's numerous art galleries. Travelers with a passion for music will appreciate this lovely town which holds a "Bluegrass Jam"!

Wimberley, TexasIt lies at the confluence of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek.

Marble Falls

Offering numerous site seeing spots such as the Flat Creek Estate Winery, Save the World Brewing Co., Sweet Berry Farm, and much more, Marble Falls is an underrated treasure in the iconic state of Texas! For tourists looking to escape the sometimes unbearable Texas heat, Lake LBJ Marina is the perfect destination to cool off. Watch boats speed by, and dip your feet in the clean and cool waters at one of its many beaches or swimming holes. For more scenery and adventure, Hidden Falls Adventure Park has much in store for travelers looking for fun. If hiking and picture taking is part of the plan, then Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge has everything desired. Excellently crafted by mother nature, this beautiful park will never be a letdown.

Canyon

Home to the astonishing Grand Canyon of Texas, the majestic Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an amazing natural wonder bound to leave every visitor to travel the beautiful canyon in awe of its stunning visuals. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is perfect for photos, vlogs, and memories to last a lifetime. With natural, terracotta-colored pillars raising to the bright blue skies as if they are trees made of rock, the landscape of the second-largest canyon in the United States of America is unlike any other. This gorgeous canyon is by the city of Canyon, a rustic yet picturesque town home to around 15,000 people.

Bandera

Famously dubbed the Cowboy Capital of the World, known for the town's exciting rodeos, scenic horseback riding trails, and rustic yet aesthetically pleasing ranch tours, Bandera will be an amusing experience for anyone with an interest in cowboys, ranches, horses, and nature! If that is not authentically western enough, the town hosts Saturday Afternoon Cowboy "gunfights" and entertaining nightly music for everybody! With stunning places to stay matching the cowboy vibe of the town, visitors receive the ultimate ranch experience yet with the luxury of being in the modern day. With even drugstores, grocery stores, and clothing stores all matching the old west aesthetic, everywhere visitors go, they will feel like they are in a whole other world!

Salado

Centrally located in the great state of Texas, Salado offers a fun and picturesque tourism experience while maintaining a relaxing vibe. Offering lodging in beautifully crafted and cohesive buildings, and loads of shopping experiences for items such as antiques, wine, jewelry, and cheesecake, Salado is a stunning town. As the host of various festivals and events anywhere from music, art, and food, boredom is seldom in Salado, especially when combined with all the sites and attractions visitors can experience! Attractions include breweries, golf, historical sites, live music, and beautiful parks and gardens.

Salado, TexasIt is positioned between the cities of Austin and Waco.

Port Isabel

Perfect for pictures, Port Isabel is the star of the show. With a humongous historical lighthouse located in the heart of the town, surrounded by a long pier along turquoise waters, the town offers perfect fishing, delicious dining, and more! Close by visitors will find the endlessly interesting Port Isabel Historical Museum, painted a stunning shade of green with unique architecture. For lovers of boats and the ocean, Port Isabel also offers Black Dragon Cruises and Osprey Cruises along the towns glistening waters. For history and ghost tale fanatics, The Spirits of Port Isabel tour is an exciting experience. Eco tours and boat rentals are available to admire the natural beauty of the town as well as refreshing beaches such as the gorgeous Isla Blanca Beach.

Most Beautiful Cities in TexasFrom the lush green spaces of Houston to the historic San Antonio and the cultural hub of Dallas, the Lone Star State has a lot to offer.

Every town on this list represents the beauty of Texas, enticing residents to visit with turquoise waters, diverse wetlands, towns with a cohesive theme, and architecturally stunning communities perfect for professional photography, or family photos. These beautiful scenic towns offer everlasting memories. Whether visiting Willow City filled to the rim with gorgeous flowers, Bandera with a super fun cowboy theme, or Port Isabel which offers a once-in-a-lifetime oceanside experience, Texas will always impress those who decide to visit this picturesque state!

Where to stand in Texas to see 2 solar eclipses in under 6 months

What if the same place on the planet had two solar eclipses in under six months?That's what will soon happen in southern Texas, which will begin its planetary purple patch on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, with a 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse. Less than six mo...

What if the same place on the planet had two solar eclipses in under six months?

That's what will soon happen in southern Texas, which will begin its planetary purple patch on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, with a 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse. Less than six months later on Monday, April 8, 2024, comes the real thing — total solar eclipse 2024.

This is celestial good luck on the grandest of scales. "There are about 375 years on average between total solar eclipses in a given location and thousands of years between getting two solar eclipses in a row so this is an extraordinary thing," Dr. Angela Speck, Co-Chair of the American Astronomical Society's Solar Eclipse Task Force and teacher of astrophysics at the University of Texas in San Antonio, told Space.com. "There are at least two solar eclipses every six months somewhere on Earth, but where I live, this time I get to see both."

San Antonio is in a good location for both eclipses. This October it will see a 'ring of fire' for 4 minutes and 5 seconds and while it's right on the edge of the path of totality in April, its northern suburbs will see up to a few minutes of totality.

The Texan 'Two Eclipse' square

A square of Texas measuring 120 miles (193 kilometers) on each side — over 14,000 square miles (36,000 square km) in total — will see both a 'ring of fire' (for up to 4 mins 50 secs) and totality (for up to 4 mins 46 secs).

(Image credit: Michael Zeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

Prime locations that will experience both eclipses include Rocksprings, Junction, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Bandera, Comfort, Medina, Utopia, Vanderpool, Concan, Leakey, Rio Frio and Uvalde.

"It's a really beautiful area of hills, trees, rivers, vineyards and winding roads," Erica Sagebiel, Director, Texas Hill Country River Region, told Space.com. "My favorite part about these eclipses coming to us is that it means we can share the Hill Country with people from other places that maybe don't have any idea what it is."

The last annular solar eclipse to occur in Texas Hill Country was on April 7, 1940, when a 'ring of fire' lasted for around 6 minutes and 15 seconds. It was photographed from Conroe, Texas by scientists from the University of Kansas, who published their photos in the August 1940 issue of Popular Astronomy. The last total solar eclipse experienced in this region was on May 26, 1397, for 5 minutes 1 second — a whopping 627 years ago.

Although this area of Texas is rated as having the best chance of clear skies in the U.S. on April 8, 2024, on October 14, 2023, it's more likely to have clouds than the other U.S. States crossed by the path — including New Mexico Utah, Arizona and Nevada. However, on both occasions, the chance of clear skies is about 50%.

Exploring the square

(Image credit: Elaine Brackin / 500px via Getty Images)

Garner State Park is confirmed to be hosting activities for the 'ring of fire'. Other undoubted beauty spots in the vicinity include South Llano River State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, the latter of which is just outside the path of the 'ring of fire', but in prime position for the total solar eclipse. Both are Dark Sky Parks. April also sees the peak for the flowering of bluebonnets across Texas Hill Country, with a good spot being Willow City Loop scenic drive near Enchanted Rock.

The city of Uvalde, population 15,000, is the gateway town to Hill Country itself and not typically a destination for tourists, but plans for the eclipses are ramping up. "We've been really focusing on the city on how to get schools involved," says Sagebiel. "Come September we plan to be in schools giving presentations to the kids and giving lectures and information to teachers." Both eclipses will be organized for the local community, not just visitors.

Geographically, Uvalde is in the perfect location. As well as being at the crossroads for the two eclipse paths it's also at the crossroads for two of America's most famous and longest roads — Highway 90 (which runs between Mexico and Canada) and Highway 83 (Mexico to Florida). Eclipse-chasers could well get to know Uvalde because while Highway 90 runs between San Antonio and Del Rio on the Mexican border, Highway 83 goes north from Uvalde into the Texas Hill Country proper. "Uvalde is the beginning or the end of Texas Hill Country, depending on where you're coming from," says Sagebiel.

'X' marks the spot

Lost Maples State Natural Area is a good location for those wishing to stay close to the paths of both solar eclipses. (Image credit: jennifer m. ramos via Getty Images)

There's absolutely no need to obsess about the centerline for a total solar eclipse. While being there does mean the longest totality possible, reaching the actual centerline is a journey of diminishing returns — you really just need to stay away from the edges of the path.

However, if you want to experience the longest possible 'ring of fire' and the most totality, both within six months, then there is, of course, a location in the Texas Hill Country where the two centerlines of both eclipse paths meet in a celestial 'X'. That happens close to the Sabinal River, just north of Vanderpool, Texas in an area of hills, canyons, hollows, rivers and scenic drives.

Nearby is the aptly-named MoonDancer Springs Ranch while across the street is Winery Springs (sold out for both eclipses) and a snack van called MJ's Coney Island that does authentic Michigan Coney Dogs. Just north are the Foxfire Log Cabins (full for October 14, 2023) and the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum. If you want to stay in this area consider Lost Maples State Natural Area, which has a campground for 30 (full for October 14, 2023, with bookings for April beginning five months prior). It's known for its excellent stargazing. Just south of the 'X' is Lost Maples RV and Camping, which — at the time of writing — has gaps for October 14, 2023, but is booked for April 8, 2024.

Casualties of the crossroads

NASA's map of the crossroads zone in Texas. Click the upper right corner to expand. (Image credit: NASA/Beth Anthony; map by NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; eclipse calculations by Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

This strange quirk of nature in Texas does have casualties. Spare a thought for the likes of San Marco, Geronimo, Comstock and Laredo — and the others close to the four corners of the Texan 'Two Eclipse' square — for whom a miss is as good as a mile; they all get two partial solar eclipses in six months.

If the two eclipses of 2023-2024 make the Texas Hill Country one of the luckiest locations on the planet, its luck is only temporary. The following 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse will happen here in 217 years and the next total solar eclipse will occur on May 26, 2617. That's a longer-than-average wait. However, the coming drought of 593 years between totalities shouldn't be too hard to bear thanks to arguably the 'Greatest American Eclipse' — the longest for many centuries — that will come to nearby Oklahoma and Arkansas on August 12, 2045.

North America is living through a golden age of eclipses, but it's currently Texas that's the luckiest U.S. state of all.

Here's Where to See Texas Hill Country's Famed Bluebonnets

Every spring, fields across Texas turn into blue seas—blue seas of flowers, that is. The bluebonnet, which is the Texas state flower, can be found across many regions of the state, captivating locals and visitors alike during its brief blooming period, which runs from late March through late April. If you're planning on making a trip to Texas to catch the bluebonnet blooms, here are the best places to go.EnnisThe Official Bluebonnet City of Texas, Ennis, located outsi...

Ennis

The Official Bluebonnet City of Texas, Ennis, located outside of Dallas, has more than 40 miles of driving trails designated for prime bluebonnet viewing. It's also home to the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival in mid-April.

Burnet

This Texas Hill Country town just northwest of Austin has the distinction of being the Official Bluebonnet Capital of Texas—not to be confused with Ennis' title of the Bluebonnet City. It, too, hosts a bluebonnet festival, occurring annually over the second weekend of the month and drawing some 35,000 people to town.

Donovan Reese Photography//Getty Images

Marble Falls

Just down the road from Burnet, Marble Falls' biggest bluebonnet claim to fame is the Bluebonnet House, a ruin in the middle of a bluebonnet field that's a popular spot with photographers. While in town, visit the century-old Blue Bonnet Café, which serves up homestyle eats and delectable pies.

Fredericksburg

Another Hill Country town, Fredericksburg is the site of Wildseed Farms, the country's largest wildflower farms—and yes, there are bluebonnets here. But you can see them in the wild, too, particularly on the Willow City Loop scenic drive just outside of town.

Ron and Patty Thomas//Getty Images

Big Bend National Park

Though most bluebonnet destinations are in Central Texas, you'll want to head south to Big Bend National Park if you want to see the tallest species of bluebonnet, the Big Bend Bluebonnet, which can grow up to three feet tall. Blooms happen a little earlier than elsewhere in the state: February through March.

Brenham

Located between Houston and Austin, Brenham and its neighboring towns are a bluebonnet hotspot, with the flowers blooming along roads, in parks, and in fields. After a scenic drive, head into town to sample Brenham's famous Blue Bell ice cream.

Austin

If you aren't up for a bluebonnet road trip, you can still see them in the city—specifically in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The garden serves as Texas' state botanical garden and arboretum, and it has plenty of wildflower displays, including some for bluebonnets. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center also forecasts wildflower blooms across Texas, as well as provides real-time reports of the blooms.

Stefanie Waldek

Contributing Writer

Stefanie Waldek is a Brooklyn-based writer covering architecture, design, and travel. She's worked on staff at Architectural Digest, ARTnews, and Oyster.com, a TripAdvisor company, and has contributed to Condé Nast Traveler, The Washington Post, Design Milk, and Hunker, among others. When she's not dreaming about midcentury chairs, you can find her re-watching The X-Files, likely in an airport lounge or on a plane.

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America's Most Musical Family

There’s always something slightly fascinating about all-sibling band. Whether it’s their natural closeness, the interest they generate, or an ability to connect on a deeper level – Texas-based Willow City is a group that definitely demonstrate this.Next week sees the release of their upcoming song “Ghosts”, which goes in conjunction with their featured appearance on Nickelodeon's new show - .Opening with piano chords, “Ghosts” progresses into a country-pop sound, and also adds hints of ...

Next week sees the release of their upcoming song “Ghosts”, which goes in conjunction with their featured appearance on Nickelodeon's new show - .

Opening with piano chords, “Ghosts” progresses into a country-pop sound, and also adds hints of electronic music accompanied by a synth sound. The chorus offers catchy memorable lyrics, as is true to many folk songs. “Ghosts” provides an uplifting and positive vibe, encouraging an inspiring mindset for its listeners, aided by its dreamy nature. Bright, clear impressive vocals are delivered throughout the song in addition to great harmonies.

The lyrics detail a relationship as the lead vocalist discusses feelings brought on by the trials and tribulations regarding romantic relationships. Although some of the words are not expressing the most positive things in life, the song in contrast still remains quite happy and upbeat.

Recognized as a folk-pop band, Willow City offer a blend of various genres but are obviously influenced by their roots of folk primarily. “Ghosts” doesn’t go overboard on any particular style; it provides a nice crossover feel, which could easily appeal to a wide audience of listeners.

In addition to their new release, exciting times are ahead for Willow City, as next week they make an appearance on a brand-new Nickelodeon show - America's Most Musical Family. Representing the Proch family, Beecher, Ezra, Liza and Asa Proch will appear on an episode airing November 15. With a total of thirty talented families competing, the stakes are high with the winner receiving a recording contract with Republic Records, as well as a whopping $250,000 cash prize. The show will also bring great exposure for this talented young group. The Show is judged by Ciara, a Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, dancer, and model; David Dobrick, a YouTube sensation having garnered over 5 billion views and 8.4 million followers on Instagram; Debbie Gibson, the youngest female artist ever to write, produce and perform a number one hit. Multi-Platinum recording artist, TV host and businessman Nick Lachey is hosting the show.

Willow City are a young band from Texas are cherishing their role of spreading the message of happiness and hope through their music.

You can pre-save Ghosts on Spotify, iTunes and Google Play here, the single drops on the 14th November.

Folk-pop Country

New tax rate among state's biggest decreases

Posted Friday, August 25, 2023 1:13 pm The Community NewsIn a world where prices are going up by the minute, it seems, property owners in Willow Park will now be able a thing or two that they might have previously put back on the rack. Heck, with the tax break they're receiving they can even buy one for a friend.The city council, at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, approved a tax decrease of more than 26% from last year. The new tax rate is 40 cents per $100, a decrease of more than 14 cents from 54.It is also ...

Posted Friday, August 25, 2023 1:13 pm

The Community News

In a world where prices are going up by the minute, it seems, property owners in Willow Park will now be able a thing or two that they might have previously put back on the rack. Heck, with the tax break they're receiving they can even buy one for a friend.

The city council, at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 22, approved a tax decrease of more than 26% from last year. The new tax rate is 40 cents per $100, a decrease of more than 14 cents from 54.

It is also the second straight year the city has seen a property tax cut, having been 57 cents two years ago.

The new tax, along with the new budget for fiscal year 2023-24, will go into effect on Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024.

"We're very excited to pass savings on to citizens of Willow Park," Place 1 Council Member Eric Contreras said. "Every dollar counts in a family budget."

The lower tax is largely the result of the Willow Park Fire Department being annexed by Parker County Emergency Services District 1 through a vote of residents last November.

As the potential annexation was being discussed, Willow Park City Manager Bryan Grimes explained to residents that since the city sales tax would no longer have to go mostly to funding the fire department, they could reap the benefits. Along with a lower tax rate, the city now has funds for other things such as roads, etc.

"Obviously, a 26% reduction, 14 cents overall, is significant to taxpayers," Grimes said. "We're very fortunate to be living in a community that's growing and supports local business."

New Budget

The council also approved the budget for the new fiscal year of just over $4.2 million. It's an increase of just over $251,000 from the previous fiscal year.

The budget includes a projected property tax of just over $1.9 million and a projected sales tax of $2.25 million.

Grimes noted the new budget and the freedom of not having the sales tax support the fire department allowed for the creation of a parks department. Other plusses include funds for street repairs, putting money back for debt service and putting money in reserve.

"This is a budget staff feels confident about and is comfortable with and we feel will serve us well moving forward in the next year," Grimes said.

Wastewater rate study

The council voted to accept a water/wastewater rate study from NewGen Strategies, which city officials had requested several months ago. Willow Park has not increased either rate since 2017.

Assistant City Manager Bill Funderburk noted the city has been transferring money from the water account to the wastewater fund to offset a deficit.

Due to rising costs in the water and wastewater systems, and construction of a must needed wastewater plant, NewGen Chief Financial Officer Chris Ekrut said a three-year model was requested to make both funds financially healthy.

"We need some sizable wastewater (fund) increases going forward," Ekrut said.

In the study, it was recommended the city address:

*Revenue sufficiency - Revenues must match or exceed expenses.

*Reserves - Must plan for a rainy day.

*Reinvestment - Repair, replace, and reinvest in infrastructure.

Ekrut said the cost to the city to create a balance will be approximately $35.4 million. To help offset that cost, the study showed monthly bill impacts going forward for Willow Park, should an increase take effect, will be:

*Residential - Current, $108.21; fiscal year 2024, $119.21; FY25, $130.66; FY 26, $142.11; FY27, $142.56; FY28, $143.01.

*Commercial - Current, $201.21; FY24, $258.40; FY25, $289.59; FY26, $320.78; FY27, $322.13; FY28, $323.48.

"Not having any adjustments over several years, it's something we have to look at," Willow Park Mayor Doyle Moss said. "The cost of everything is going up. We're playing catch-up.”

New wastewater plant

The council authorized city staff to amend the bid specifications for a new wastewater plant and seek competitive proposals. The capacity has been reduced from 1 million gallons to 750,000 gallons based on current and projected future water usage because of growth expectations.

"Seven hundred and fifty give you quite a bit of expansion room, based on projections we now have," said Derek Turner of Jacob and Martin Civil Engineers.

Current water usage in Willow Park is about 350,000 gallons per day.

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