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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

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Home Care In Amana, IA

Home Care Amana, IA

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 Amana Heritage Society 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 Amana, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Amana, IA

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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 James T.
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“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care”

Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!
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In-home Care for Michael H.
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“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all”

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.
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Senior Care for Melanie S.
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“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable”

Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Amana, IA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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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Senior Care Amana, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Amana, IA

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

Personal Care

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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Respite Care Amana, IA
Home Helper

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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Caregivers Amana, IA
Companionship Services

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 Amana Community Park 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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Home Care Amana, IA
Respite Care

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 Ox Yoke Inn or visit Historic Amana Colonies State Historical Marker, 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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In-Home Care Amana, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Amana, IA

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:

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 Amana, IA, 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.

Elderly Care Amana, IA

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 IA'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.
Senior Care Amana, IA

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 Amana, IA 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.

Respite Care Amana, IA

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
Caregivers Amana, IA

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:

  • Amana Retirement Community - Lakeview Village
  • Amana Retirement Community - Colonial Manor
Home Care Amana, IA

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.

In-Home Care Amana, IA

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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 Amana, IA 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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Elderly Care Amana, IA

Latest News in Amana, IA

Amana’s Hahn Bakery closing Sunday after 150 year legacy

MIDDLE AMANA, Iowa (KCRG) - This weekend, a historic bakery in Middle Amana will be closing its doors. The Hahn Bakery is more than 150 years old, and well known for its breads and coffee cakes.For the customers who’ve been coming for generations, Doris Hahn behind the counter is a familiar sight. She and her husband Jack took over the bakery from Jack’s parents, Carl and Emilie Hahn, in 1968, and ran it with their friends and family.Doris says there was a bit of a learning curve, at first, saying “It was hard...

MIDDLE AMANA, Iowa (KCRG) - This weekend, a historic bakery in Middle Amana will be closing its doors. The Hahn Bakery is more than 150 years old, and well known for its breads and coffee cakes.

For the customers who’ve been coming for generations, Doris Hahn behind the counter is a familiar sight. She and her husband Jack took over the bakery from Jack’s parents, Carl and Emilie Hahn, in 1968, and ran it with their friends and family.

Doris says there was a bit of a learning curve, at first, saying “It was hard for me to learn how to make bread and coffee cakes, because I never did that before. And then Jack said to me, you’re gonna learn fast. And I did!”

They baked together for around 30 years, until Jack passed away. Then, Doris learned some more, and for more than 25 years, she’s run the bakery herself. “I just felt that was my job, was to take care of my customers,” says Hahn.

The heart of the Hahn Bakery is its hearth oven- a 10 feet by 10 feet structure that can bake up to 100 loaves of bread at a time. A century ago, it fed an entire community as part of the communal kitchen in Middle Amana. It’s fed customers all across the United States, and become a center of connectivity.

“They knew, it must have been, the vast majority of people that were coming in and out of the bakery. Both people who would come in from the community just to say hi, but people through the sales room. Tourists, especially that they would see every year,” says Grant Rozeboom, Doris’ grandson.

And among the millions of cinnamon rolls, loaves of bread and coffee cakes, the Hahn family has made millions of memories.

“My Oma...kind of took one of my groups of classmates under her wing. She gave us lots of treats, she welcomed them to the bakery,” says Rozeboom.

“I loved every day that I baked. I can’t say I didn’t love it,” says Hahn.

While the bakery will be greatly missed when it closes its doors December 31st, Hahn says she’s ready for retirement, which will include seeing more of her family. “It’s gonna be hard, on New Years Eve. But I really am looking forward to a new adventure,” says Hahn.

Copyright 2023 KCRG. All rights reserved.

5 Iowa day trips to take in summer 2023 from Winterset and the Amanas to Jewell and more

Special to the RegisterStay local this summer by taking a day trip to one of the charming towns in Iowa. The Amana Colonies offer a glimpse of German heritage that makes up the seven scenic villages. Winterset brings charm, covered bridges and John Wayne a short drive west of Des Moines. Jewell north of Ames features quaint shops and cute dining and coffee options. Over in the Loess Hills near Council Bluffs, find stunning views. And in Charles City in northern Iowa, discover rapids for rafting.Here, a look at fi...

Special to the Register

Stay local this summer by taking a day trip to one of the charming towns in Iowa. The Amana Colonies offer a glimpse of German heritage that makes up the seven scenic villages. Winterset brings charm, covered bridges and John Wayne a short drive west of Des Moines. Jewell north of Ames features quaint shops and cute dining and coffee options. Over in the Loess Hills near Council Bluffs, find stunning views. And in Charles City in northern Iowa, discover rapids for rafting.

Here, a look at five ways to take a day trip in Iowa this summer.

Amana Colonies

Learn about the history of the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies at the Amana Heritage Society to find out more about the area originally settled by German immigrants in 1855, and visit the Amana Woolen Mill, Millstream Brau Haus, multiple wineries or the Amana Meat Shop & Smokehouse.

Learn more: amanacolonies.com

More:Fill your summer with 113 things to do in Iowa, from Hawkeye point to 'American Gothic'

Winterset

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Winterset. Visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, discover the six covered bridges, or browse a variety of shops in the downtown area. Don’t miss City Park. You can hike to Clark Tower, get lost in the hedge maze or let the little ones loose on the large playground.

Learn more: madisoncounty.com

More:5 ways to feel the beat this summer in Iowa from Hinterland to Saturday in the Park and more

Jewell

Head to Jewell north of Ames on weekends to stroll down Main Street and visit the local shops. Browse antiques, vintage items and Iowa-made products. Stop at The Mustard Seed Revival and Mustard Bean Coffee House for cup of coffee while you shop. Try a panini, the Cat’s Meow charcuterie board or enjoy a cocktail at Juniper & Olive Co. while you’re in town.

Learn more: jewelliowa.com

More:5 ways to celebrate the great outdoors in Iowa the summer, from nature walks to lakes

Loess Hills

Southwest Iowa is home to the Loess Hills, created by glaciers and winds carrying glacial till. The area spans more than 1,000 square miles. Take a hike at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek and enjoy the views from the Loess Hills Lodge and Gallery.

Learn more: pottconservation.com

More:5 ways to learn more about Iowa this summer, from farm equipment to military history

Charles City

Go whitewater kayaking, tubing or stand-up paddle boarding at Riverfront Park in Charles City. The course consists of three water features and is three-quarter of a mile long. If you prefer to stay on land, play a round of disc golf at Riverside Disc Golf Course or head to nearby Rockford and dig your own Devonian fossils at the Fossil and Prairie Center.

Learn more: cityofcharlescity.org

Heather Torpy is a freelance writer based in Des Moines.

Four Winds Farm Hemp opens shop in Amana

First generation hemp farmers Scott and Megan Booher, rural Homestead, are bringing their Four Winds Farm’s line of organic edible and body care hemp products to Amana. Four Winds Farm Apothecary, located at 5404 220th Trail, across from the Amana General Store, held a soft opening at the end of April, with a grand opening planned later this year.After selling their products at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids and at farmers markets around the state, the couple decided it was time, literally, to set up shop. With an established...

First generation hemp farmers Scott and Megan Booher, rural Homestead, are bringing their Four Winds Farm’s line of organic edible and body care hemp products to Amana. Four Winds Farm Apothecary, located at 5404 220th Trail, across from the Amana General Store, held a soft opening at the end of April, with a grand opening planned later this year.

After selling their products at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids and at farmers markets around the state, the couple decided it was time, literally, to set up shop. With an established customer base in Iowa, Johnson and Linn counties, Amana was the perfect fit.

The small retail location in the west end of the Catiri’s Art Oasis building felt custom made for Four Wind’s needs, Scott notes. A few cosmetic renovations and the addition of shelving in the display area provided the couple with a brick and mortar site to sell the products they craft themselves. As Four Winds Farm Apothecary expands its product line, they will also carry wares by several other local herbalists. The store’s common thread will be a focus on locally made products by people who grow or wildcraft their own ingredients.

Product line

Four Winds Farm specializes in both edible and topical body care products containing non-psychoactive cannabigerol or CBG. CBG is a type of cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It is completely legal, providing it is derived from cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3 percent THC, the compound that causes people to get high.

Flowers from the hemp plants at Megan and Scott’s farm are harvested, dried and sent to a facility in Wisconsin for processing. The resulting distillate and isolate are returned to the Boohers as concentrates to be added to their various products.

While the FDA prevents the Boohers from making medical claims in the print labeling on their products, Megan says people have found the edibles useful in easing stress and anxiety, lowering blood pressure and helping with sleep. Topicals have properties that aid in treating inflammation and have hydrating properties. The Four Winds line includes body salve blended with herbs and essential oils to ease inflammation from arthritis or sore muscles; a solid lotion bar crafted with lanolin and beeswax; massage oils and an after-sun oil to relieve topical pain.

“People report CBG benefits that exceed what CBD (the more familiar cannabidiol) can do,” Megan says. “It’s up and coming. You’re going to see a lot of it in the future.”

She equates the body’s response to the edibles as what one might experience from taking ibuprofen.

“Everyone responds differently,” she explains.

Opening the shop allows the couple to reach more people face to face and help shoppers decide what products are the best fit for them.

“We’re available to the customers,” Megan said. “You get to talk to the people who grew it and made it.”

The Boohers rent a commercial kitchen in Iowa City to process the edibles. The remaining skin and body care items are crafted at their home.

New this year, the couple are starting a line of herbs and also growing flowers to be dried and used in crafts.

Additional products

Joining Megan and Scott in their shop will be Emma Barber, Rhubarb Botanicals, Mount Vernon, and Mandy Dickerson, Plantchanters Garden, Iowa City.

“We want to share the space with people who grow the products used in what they make,” Megan says.

Barber specializes in herbalist-formulated tinctures and elixirs, therapeutic salves and balms, tea blends and additional small-batch seasonally-inspired creations. Her herbal remedies are crafted from planted tended and harvested on her medicinal herb farm.

Dickerson’s homemade apothecary and culinary goods are crafted from her home garden, as well as local wilds. Her product line includes botanical soaps, herbal kitchen items, infused vinegars and salves and body balm.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Look for Four Winds Hemp at farmers markets in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines and possibly Davenport this year.

To learn more about the Boohers and their farming practices, visit www.fourwindsfarmhemp.com. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook at fourwindsfarmhemp.

Comments: [email protected]

Marengo, Amana move forward with RAGBRAI plans

RAGBRAI will wheel through Benton and Iowa counties Friday, July 28, and organizers in pass-through towns are forming up plans for their part of the 50th anniversary of the ride.MarengoAs a meeting town on the bicyclists’ trek from Tama to Coralville, Marengo expects to welcome approximately 25,000 riders, says MarenGo Executive Director Corriene Daly.The route has been firmed up, with riders coming into town from the west on Highway 212. They will proceed east on South Street, north on Court Avenue to North Stre...

RAGBRAI will wheel through Benton and Iowa counties Friday, July 28, and organizers in pass-through towns are forming up plans for their part of the 50th anniversary of the ride.

Marengo

As a meeting town on the bicyclists’ trek from Tama to Coralville, Marengo expects to welcome approximately 25,000 riders, says MarenGo Executive Director Corriene Daly.

The route has been firmed up, with riders coming into town from the west on Highway 212. They will proceed east on South Street, north on Court Avenue to North Street, then east to Eastern Avenue/M Avenue, where they will turn north and continue to Amana.

Bus and support vehicle parking will be at the Iowa County Fairgrounds and Lions Park. Drivers of those vehicles will enter Marengo from the west on Highway 6. When leaving town, they will go south on M Avenue to reach the overnight stop in Coralville.

In Marengo, vendors will set up on the street on Court Avenue between Hilton Street and Main Street. This will allow businesses owners in the area to use the sidewalks in front of their shops as they wish.

Marengo and Iowa County vendors are the target as planning moves forward to provide riders with food and drink.

“Our focus is on having local, in-county vendors,” says Daly. “We want to support the local businesses.”

Vendor applications (Iowa County groups only) will be sent soon to those who have already contacted MarenGo and expressed an interest in participating. Local businesses and organizations who have not already done so may contact Daly at [email protected] to get vendor information. Daly adds potential vendors should be prepared to serve between 600 and 800 people.

Currently, outside vendors have been capped at nine, with no further applications being taken. Daly notes this may change as the event draws nearer, if organizers feel there are not enough local food vendors to handle the expected number of riders.

A Facebook page is expected to launch in the next few weeks. Search for MarengoRAGBRAI2023 on Facebook. The site will include basic info about the route, a list of vendors and include an interactive Google map showing water filling stations, toilets, storm shelters and sag wagon sites.

Volunteers are always needed, Daly says, although much of the volunteer effort will be focused on cleanup after riders have moved through. Look for a volunteer link on the Marengo Community Development site, Go-Marengo.com, in coming weeks.

The town has also developed a RAGBRAI logo and theme: “Together we can MarenGo further on two wheels.” This reflects MarenGo Community Development’s support of its businesses and the planning strategy aimed at providing business owners a financially positive experience with this year’s ride.

Amana

Following an initial community meeting earlier this month, Amana Colonies Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Stacey Colledge notes plans are just starting to take shape.

“We will be hosting a beer garden at the Festhalle with performances by Barefoot Becky and serving the Official Beer of RAGBRAI by Big Grove,” College said. “We are still looking for volunteers to help with set up and tear down as the community hosts on July 28. If anyone is interested in helping out, they can call the Amana Colonies Visitors Center at (319) 622-7622.”

Potential volunteers can also check out the ACCVB’s page on Signupgenius.com (search for Amana Colonies CVB RAGBRAI Volunteer Sign Up). Opportunities remain for the setup and teardown committee, signage committee, community hosts, general volunteers and trash bin donation.

Belle Plaine

The Belle Plaine Community Development Corporation is spearheading planning for the day’s activities, along with a yet unnamed community organization. More information will be included in future issues.

New performing arts council breathes life into old theater in Amana Colonies

Eastern Iowa WeekliesWhen one theater closes, a new performing arts venue opens.When the Old Creamery Theatre in Amana closed its doors in early February, Iowa County patrons of the arts rallied. By mid-March, the Amana Colonies Performing Arts Council had been formed and began looking at ways to re-purpose the...

Eastern Iowa Weeklies

When one theater closes, a new performing arts venue opens.

When the Old Creamery Theatre in Amana closed its doors in early February, Iowa County patrons of the arts rallied. By mid-March, the Amana Colonies Performing Arts Council had been formed and began looking at ways to re-purpose the former Old Creamery building as a new entertainment and event-hosting option.

The newly established council is made up of members of area community organizations and businesses, ranging from the Amana Arts Guild and Amana Colonies Festivals to Fireside Winery and the former Iowa Theatre Artists Co. The building the Old Creamery Theatre had called home for three decades was owned by the Amana Society Inc. Still under ASI ownership, it has been christened the Amana Performing Arts Center and the council is moving forward with plans to update the 1990s structure for a variety of uses.

More:Old Creamery Theatre closes permanently, cites financial challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic

The former theater is located at 39 38th Ave., directly across from the Amana RV Park and Event Center. While the RV park hosts thousands of campers and events throughout the year, from antique shows to dog shows to weddings, the theater building, with its stage, lighting, sound system, seating and dressing rooms, offers options beyond the what the park traditionally offers.

The 270-seat theater includes restrooms, a large lobby, parking and an outdoor courtyard. The Amana Colonies Performing Arts Council hopes to bring in outside theater performances, community events, corporate seminars, weddings and school events.

“Things moved really quickly,” says Jamie Scott, manager of the Amana RV Park and Event Center. “The Old Creamery closed in February and by mid-March, the Council was formed. Now, just a month later, we’ve got the first events scheduled at the theater.”

The Amana Performing Arts Center is operated under the umbrella of the RV Park and Event Center. Groups interested in scheduling an event at the theater should contact Scott at (319) 930-1030 or email her at [email protected] for rental rates and scheduling.

Two events are already planned: a “Weekend Comedy” production May 20-21, and a swap meet with vendors, music and food beginning in July.

New signage will be going up soon and plans are underway to give the structure an interior and exterior facelift. Scott said the future may also see displays showcasing the Amana Colonies’ art, history, culture and shopping offerings in the building’s lobby.

“We want it to be a community-minded space that celebrates everything about the Colonies,” she said.

The center will have its own website and Facebook page but for now, information can be found at https://amanarvpark.com/buildings-rentals/ or https://www.facebook.com/AmanaRVParkEventCenter.

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