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Home Care In Clutier, IA

Home Care Clutier, 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 Terrace Hill Historic Site 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 Clutier, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Clutier, 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.
551
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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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Hickory Hills 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 Clutier, 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 Montage or visit Herbert Hoover National Historic 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.

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In-Home Care Clutier, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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:

  • Sunrise Assisted Living Suites
  • Sunrise Hill Care & Rehab Center
  • Premier Estates of Toledo
  • Arlington Place at Grundy Center
  • Center Point Heights, A Senior Living Community
  • Keystone Senior Suites
Home Care Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, 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 Clutier, IA

Latest News in Clutier, IA

Tama County 4-H and FFA Members exhibit at the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES – Tama County 4-H and FFA members exhibits were on display in the 4-H and FFA Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair this year.Divisions young people may exhibit in include agriculture and natural resources, creative arts, family and consumer sciences, personal development, and science, mechanics & engineering.4-H members exhibit these projects at the Tama County Fair. The judges are then given the task of selecting a number of projects to move on to the Iowa State Fair. This number is determined by the S...

DES MOINES – Tama County 4-H and FFA members exhibits were on display in the 4-H and FFA Exhibits Building at the Iowa State Fair this year.

Divisions young people may exhibit in include agriculture and natural resources, creative arts, family and consumer sciences, personal development, and science, mechanics & engineering.

4-H members exhibit these projects at the Tama County Fair. The judges are then given the task of selecting a number of projects to move on to the Iowa State Fair. This number is determined by the State 4-H office. These exhibits are then taken to the fair to be judged again and displayed throughout the Iowa State Fair.

“During the 4-H program year, members set goals for themselves, and their exhibits receive placings based on how well they’ve met their goals and on the evaluation standards for each class,” said Jenny Hulme, County Youth Coordinator at the ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office. “We’re pleased to announce that these Tama 4-H members have received special recognition for their hard work by having their exhibits on display at the Iowa State Fair.”

Tama County State Fair 4-H Exhibitors

Emily Hulme, a member of North Tama FFA, pictured with one of her static entries, a toy box, at the 2023 Iowa State Fair. PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNY HULME

-Lillian Bru, Gladbrook, Wolfcreek Whirlwinds: Crop Production and Plant Science, Blue; Animal Science, Blue; Photography, Blue; Citizenship and Civic Engagement, Red

-Levi Murty, Traer, Buckingham Boosters: Fish and Wildlife, Red

-Rachael Murty, Traer, Buckingham Boosters: Home Grounds Improvement, Blue

-Ryan Hosek, Traer, Buckingham Boosters: Safety and Education in Shooting Sports, Blue; Food and Nutrition: Prepared Products, Blue

-Carlee Smith, Laurel, Young Guns: Photography, Red

-Colbie Fevold, Gladbrook, Wolfcreek Whirlwinds: Blue

-Amaya Peterson, Gladbrook, Wolfcreek Whirlwinds: Visual Arts, Red

-Codi Jackson, Garwin, Garwin Roughriders: Clothing and Fashion: Constructed/Sewn, Red

-Abigail Kemp, Beaman, Wolfcreek Whirlwinds: Clothing and Fashion, Purchased, Blue; Health, Blue

-Ty Guthrie, Clutier, Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls: Citizenship and Civic Engagement, Red; Visual Arts, Blue; Welding, Blue

-Scout Ridout, Clutier, Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls: 4-H Poster Communication Exhibit, Seal of Merit

-Claire Bacon, Tama, Toledo Techs: 4-H Poster Communication Exhibit, Seal of Merit

-Belle Werner, Toledo, Toledo Techs: Welding, Blue

-Bryce Lacina, Toledo, Toledo Techs: Welding, Blue

In addition to the ribbons, these Tama County 4-H members received additional recognition:

-Natalie Keller, Toledo, Young Guns: Photography, Blue and 4-H Photography Gallery Award (Sponsored by the Professional Photographers of Iowa)

-Emily Hulme, Clutier, Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls: Health, Blue; Outstanding Health Special Award; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of ISU $500 scholarship; Iowa Department of Ag and land Stewardship Award

-Emily Hulme, Clutier, Clutier Cowboys and Cowgirls: Veterinary Science, Blue; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of ISU $500 scholarship

For more information on 4-H opportunities, please contact Jenny Hulme at the ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office at [email protected] or 641-484-2703 or visit the Iowa 4-H website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/

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Connecting Czech culture across Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS - When floodwaters swallowed the city in 2008, Sonya Darrow - a Czech-American artist splitting her time between her native Cedar Rapids and the Czech Republic - watched as the waves washed away precious Czech heritage.After the water receded, Darrow stood outside a Czech Village garage with other volunteers as they picked through damaged artifacts. She was devastated to see so much destruction, but in the same moment saw an opportunity.'It was a moment forever marked in my memory because I realized I needed to hel...

CEDAR RAPIDS - When floodwaters swallowed the city in 2008, Sonya Darrow - a Czech-American artist splitting her time between her native Cedar Rapids and the Czech Republic - watched as the waves washed away precious Czech heritage.

After the water receded, Darrow stood outside a Czech Village garage with other volunteers as they picked through damaged artifacts. She was devastated to see so much destruction, but in the same moment saw an opportunity.

'It was a moment forever marked in my memory because I realized I needed to help preserve and cultivate Czech culture,” she said. 'It made me realize I wanted to be a keeper of tradition.”

From there, Darrow developed the identity '319 Czech” with an idea to connect Czech culture in the community and explore her own 'Czechness,” she said.

She began collecting stories from Czech community members and found objects symbolizing Czech heritage to be repurposed into folk art.

'I like to tell stories through things you might not think of,” Darrow said.

In December, Darrow received a $10,000 grant from the Iowa Arts Council - a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs - funded by the National Endowment for the Arts to begin working on 'Stezky/Pathways,” a project in which she used her '319 Czech” identity to explore the 'pathways across Iowa inspired by Czech settlements,” according to her website.

The project kicked off this spring and concludes with an exhibition at the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library through July 13.

'We're a national museum and we feel very strongly that Iowa's Czech history extends far beyond Cedar Rapids,” said museum Vice President Leah Wilson. 'There are many stories in these smaller Iowa communities, and we want to do more to tell them,” she said, describing Darrow's project as a 'great way to connect rural communities with Czech heritage.”

For the past three months, Darrow has traveled across Iowa to engage with rural Czech settlement communities including Vining, Clutier and Protivin. She gave presentations about herself and her project in each community and collected audio recordings of people's stories, soundscapes of the area and objects from people willing to donate or lend them to the exhibition.

Wilson said one of the project's strengths was the way it 'involved these communities in the production of art.”

'She's not just taking an exhibit into a community. It's really an active and participatory process,” Wilson said. 'When she goes into a community and talks about herself and her artistic journey, it brings all kind of emotions, ideas and memories to the surface. What you end up with is a treasure trove of new information and stories that you didn't have before.”

In conversations with community members, Darrow said she often heard people say it had been a long time since they'd talked about their heritage. They were excited to see someone trying to preserve it.

Wilson described Darrow as a 'rare find” who uses her 'own brand of magic” to join people, places and cultures.

'They definitely trust her,” she said. 'They see her as this person with whom they can share everything about their culture - even the quirky things. I don't know how else to describe it. It's just hard to find somebody like her who can connect to people like that. ... She's been telling me stories that bring tears to my eyes. Stories about people who we might describe as founders of our museum, people who are deeply connected to the culture.”

'They understand I'm wanting to keep culture alive,” Darrow said. 'Culture doesn't have to die with people or buildings being demolished.”

l Comments: (319) 398-8364; [email protected]

Clutier Alumni Banquet to be held April 17

The Clutier Alumni committee has met to finalize the 2010 Clutier Alumni Banquet. The Alumni Banquet will be held April 17, 2010, at the Clutier Legion Hall. Social hour will be at 6 p.m. with supper following at 6:30 p.m.The American Legion Auxiliary will be preparing the meal.Reservations can be made with Margaret Babinat, 3262 Hwy E36, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph. 319-479-2753; Jean Miller 2884 Hwy E29, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph 319-479-2241, or Virginia Jensen, P.O Box 104, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph 319-479-2701.Honored clas...

The Clutier Alumni committee has met to finalize the 2010 Clutier Alumni Banquet. The Alumni Banquet will be held April 17, 2010, at the Clutier Legion Hall. Social hour will be at 6 p.m. with supper following at 6:30 p.m.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be preparing the meal.

Reservations can be made with Margaret Babinat, 3262 Hwy E36, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph. 319-479-2753; Jean Miller 2884 Hwy E29, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph 319-479-2241, or Virginia Jensen, P.O Box 104, Clutier, Ia., 52217, ph 319-479-2701.

Honored classes and those who graduated that year are 1930.

1930 (80 years): Elsie Blocker-Vincent, David Fluharty, Helen Hanus-Kopecky, Philip Hanus, Albie Hess-Hennesy, Dorothy Peters-Podhajsky, Henry Popper, Anna Rayman-Raymond, Mildred Uridel-Holst.

1935 (75 years): Gordon Blakely, Vincent Caslavka, Francelest Hach-Helm, Joseph Hanus, Ruth Hess-Konicek, Arthur Hess, Pearl Hushak-Schoenfelder, Alta Kaloupek-Mundel, Lester Konicek, Ada Sienknecht-Krutzfeldt, Geneva Ulch, Marvin Unitedt.

1940 (70 years): Kenneth Chitty, Doris Cizek-Formanek, Milton Hruby, Victor Hushak, Romona Key-McKinney, Laverne Krezek, Wesley Kriz, George Mareda, Donald Zmolek.

1945 (65 years): Edward Krezek, Vernon Krezek, Arlene Knoop-Kriz, Martha Novotny-Seda, Donald Pavelka.

1950 (60 years): Melvin Dostal, Lester Pokorny, Thelma Vlasak-Sienknecht.

1955 (55 years): Franklin Banes, Raymond Dufek, Paul Foley, Danny Kearney, Mary Kay Kearney-Douglas, Norman Kopecky, Vernon Kopecky, JoAnn Kosnar-Shannon, Ila Jean Linhart-Yung, Donna McCullough-Nolf, Terry O’Connor, Alvin Pokorny, Bill Sienknecht, Margaret Sienknecht-Dvorak, Clarence Yuska.

1960 (50 years): Allen Caslavka, Linda Cross-Pokorny, Joe G. Dvorak, Paul Dvorak, Ronald Dvorak, Ronald Hayek, Paul Gerleman, Ronald Kolpek, Andrew Jensen, David Podhajsky, Dixie Stejskal-Heiser, Maxine Vlasak-Falb.

1985 (25 years): John Babinat, Barb Dostal-Jordon, Tom Dvorak, Jane Hayek-Maloney, Theresa Hlas-Proctor, Jeff Kriz, Paula Kubik-Harrington, Chris Kupka, Doreen Morris, Carol Parizek-Kramer, Mike Pokorny, Jenny Svoboda-Adams, Sharon Vondracek-Satterly.

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Blockers hold family reunion

The Melvin and Tena Blocker family held their annual reunion at Toledo Heights on Sunday, August 4. The following ...

Hanus / Hladik reunion Aug. 11

Attendees at the Hanus- Hladik famly reunion held August 11. 2019, at the Tama Civic Center were Arlene and Keith ...

Cibula reunion on July 28

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Why did the turtle cross the road? To get to the Clutier Library!

CLUTIER – Three live turtles who usually make their homes in the basement of Otter Creek Lake & Park Nature Center safely crossed several roads (by vehicle) earlier this month while on a field trip to Clutier as part of the public library’s summer programming.The turtle ambassadors along with Naturalist Raina Genaw were greeted by a full house on Aug. 1 in the one-room library with 11 area children from babies up to middle schoolers in attendance alongside their caregivers and library director Patti Kupka.Genaw ...

CLUTIER – Three live turtles who usually make their homes in the basement of Otter Creek Lake & Park Nature Center safely crossed several roads (by vehicle) earlier this month while on a field trip to Clutier as part of the public library’s summer programming.

The turtle ambassadors along with Naturalist Raina Genaw were greeted by a full house on Aug. 1 in the one-room library with 11 area children from babies up to middle schoolers in attendance alongside their caregivers and library director Patti Kupka.

Genaw began the program by introducing Van Gogh, a male painted turtle, to the gathered group.

“The reason that he’s called a painted turtle is because he has these really pretty lines all over him that people say look like brush strokes,” Genaw explained to the clearly captivated young audience. “So it kind of looks like someone took some yellow paint and just painted right on that turtle.”

Using both Van Gogh and two unnamed resident ornate box turtles, Genaw spent roughly 30 minutes sharing interesting facts and tidbits about turtles including how to tell the difference between land and aquatic turtle species (aquatic turtles have much smoother shells), and also why male box turtles appear to be so much ‘prettier’ (being fancy essentially helps the males ‘get a girlfriend,’ Genaw said with a chuckle).

At one point Genaw passed around a turtle scute for the kids to examine. A scute, she explained, is what makes up the outer layer of a turtle’s shell. Turtles shed their scutes as they grow with an adult turtle shedding the papery, thin scales about twice a year.

Iowa boasts 13 turtle species including the snapping turtle. While Genaw only brought two of the species to Clutier, the nature center also cares for a baby snapping turtle named Petunia.

“Every so often, I’ll pick [the snapping turtle] up, and it will not like that,” Genaw told the group.

While holding a biting snapping turtle — thankfully — wasn’t part of the program that day, participants were given the opportunity to hold Van Gogh and the box turtles as long as they remembered to keep their faces and hands away from the turtles’ mouths, to never turn the turtles upside down (they don’t like it), and to only touch the turtles’ shells.

“To the turtle, it kind of feels like you’re touching their nails,” Genaw explained. “So they can feel it – but just a little bit.”

As the kids gently passed the turtles around their half circle – or backed themselves away slowly from the whole ordeal entirely – Genaw shared one last fact, before taking questions, about how the ornate box turtle got its name.

“The reason that these guys are called box turtles, is because when they get really, really scared … they’ll tuck their head and their legs and tail and everything inside their shell. And then this little flap will come up and close their shell like it’s a box.”

Since no box turtles elected to wrap themselves up for USPS delivery during the Clutier visit, it’s safe to assume the trip to Clutier was a ‘turtle’ success.

For more information on arranging a Tama County Conservation educational program, email Genaw at [email protected] or call 641-484-2231.

A non-comprehensive list of the county’s Conservation program offerings can be found here: https://www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/files/conservation/educational_program_guide_63517.pdf

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Quaint Iowa town hosts vibrant Czech celebration

Like many small Iowa towns, Clutier helps keep its community alive with an annual celebration.With a population of just over 200 people, Clutier is located in east-central Iowa, in an area fondly dubbed the “Bohemian Alps” and more formally as the Scenic Czech Trail.Related: Find three cultures along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway...

Like many small Iowa towns, Clutier helps keep its community alive with an annual celebration.

With a population of just over 200 people, Clutier is located in east-central Iowa, in an area fondly dubbed the “Bohemian Alps” and more formally as the Scenic Czech Trail.

Related: Find three cultures along the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway

On Sept. 12,1920, Clutier’s first Kolache Day was held at the Clutier ball park, featuring a ball game of Belle Plaine vs. Clutier, music, airplane flights and a tug-of-war. The annual festival continued for 25 years, was halted in WWII and returned in 1950.

Clutier retains that Czech influence during its annual Czech Day celebration, scheduled this year for Saturday, Aug. 3.

Organized by a vibrant community group called Standing for Clutier, the celebration features an auction, food vendors, a 5K run/walk, street cruise and other activities.

Related: Kolaches are king at farmers market

Featured entertainment this year includes the Jerry Beauchamp Polka Band from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A large-scale parade that starts at 10:30 a.m. is among other family friendly attractions and a daylong flea market takes place in the ZCBJ Hall, with its own Bohemian influence.

Look for beloved Czech fruit-filled kolaches and more ethnically diverse foods throughout the festival, located along the town’s Main Street.

See photos from last year’s Clutier Czech Day and find more about the 2019 celebration on the Standing for Clutier Facebook page.

Following is the 2019 Clutier Czech Day schedule of events:

7 a.m.: 5K Run/ Walk

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Flea Market @ ZCBJ Hall

10-10:30 a.m.: Kiddie Parade

10:30 a.m.: Veteran & Grand Parade

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Tama County Cattlemen Lunch

1 p.m.: Kiddie Money Scramble

2 p.m.: Kiddie Tractor Pull

3:30 p.m.: Clutier Public Library Auction

5-7 p.m.: Clutier Firemen’s Hog Roast

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Jerry Beauchamp Polka Band

7:30-8:30 p.m.: Clutier Street Cruise

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Wikid Likir Band

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