abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

phone-number877-292-2126 lm-right-arrow

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
SUBMIT REQUEST

Home Care In North English, IA

Home Care North English, 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 English Valley History Center 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 North English, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care North English, IA

care-serviceHome Care Services

location Service Areas

Read More
Elderly Care North English, IA Request More Information vector

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.

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for DouglasJJIWF
451
Caring

“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”

Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Carol64210350
551
Caring

“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”

I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”

DouglasJJIWF
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”

Carol64210350

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in North English, IA?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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.

Request More Information
Senior Care North English, IA

Types of Elderly Care in North English, 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
Request More Information
Respite Care North English, 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
Request More Information
Caregivers North English, 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 Wilson 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
Request More Information
Home Care North English, 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 EV Malt Shop 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.

Request More Information
In-Home Care North English, IA

Benefits of Home Care in North English, 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.

Request More Information vector

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 North English, 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 North English, 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 North English, 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 North English, 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 North English, 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 North English, 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:

  • Valley View Assisted Living
  • English Valley Care Center
Home Care North English, 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 North English, 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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 North English, 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.

Request More Information vector
Elderly Care North English, IA

Latest News in North English, IA

'Friday Night Blitz': Week 6 scores and highlights

Get caught up on all the Iowa high school football action from across the state.IOWA, USA — Share your high school football pictures and videos by using the hashtag #Local5Blitz or texting them to 515-457-1026!A-H-S-T-W, Avoca 49, Missouri Valley 0AC/GC 35, IKM-Manning 31Albia 49, Davis County, Bloomfield 14Ames 62, Ottumwa 23Anamosa 16, Tipton 10, OT...

Get caught up on all the Iowa high school football action from across the state.

IOWA, USA — Share your high school football pictures and videos by using the hashtag #Local5Blitz or texting them to 515-457-1026!

A-H-S-T-W, Avoca 49, Missouri Valley 0

AC/GC 35, IKM-Manning 31

Albia 49, Davis County, Bloomfield 14

Ames 62, Ottumwa 23

Anamosa 16, Tipton 10, OT

Ankeny 17, Prairie, Cedar Rapids 14

Aplington-Parkersburg 41, Central Springs 18

Audubon 34, Glidden-Ralston 20

Bedford def. Stanton, forfeit

CAM, Anita 64, Sidney 6

Cedar Rapids Xavier 26, North Scott, Eldridge 20

Cedar Rapids, Kennedy 34, Bettendorf 14

Clarinda 38, Clarke, Osceola 26

Clear Lake 29, Algona 28

Colo-NESCO 46, English Valleys, North English 0

Columbus Community, Columbus Junction 70, Louisa-Muscatine 14

Coon Rapids-Bayard 59, St. Edmond, Fort Dodge 34

Creston 39, Atlantic 0

Crestwood, Cresco 22, Osage 16

Decorah 35, Waverly-Shell Rock 20

Denison-Schleswig 22, Spencer 19

Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines 30, Ankeny Centennial 17

Dubuque, Hempstead 21, Davenport, North 14

East Mills 58, Griswold 20

East Sac County 23, Eagle Grove 0

Epworth, Western Dubuque 35, Marion 7

Exira/Elk Horn-Kimballton 28, Fremont Mills, Tabor 22

Gehlen Catholic, Le Mars 21, Sibley-Ocheyedan 20

Gladbrook-Reinbeck 56, B-G-M 14

Glenwood 42, Winterset 14

Grinnell 49, South Tama County, Tama 6

Grundy Center 42, South Hardin 14

Harlan 49, Perry 7

Harris-Lake Park 28, Ruthven-Ayrshire 20

Hinton 44, Maple Valley-Anthon-Oto 0

Humboldt 35, Charles City 9

Indianola 35, Boone 0

Iowa City High 61, Davenport, Central 0

Lenox 86, Murray 21

Lewis Central 63, Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 13

Linn-Mar, Marion 35, Muscatine 9

Lynnville-Sully 23, Mount Ayr 16, OT

MFL-Mar-Mac 34, Dike-New Hartford 14

Madrid 26, Central Decatur, Leon 7

Martensdale-St. Marys 41, BCLUW, Conrad 0

Mt Vernon 24, Assumption, Davenport 7

Related Articles

Nevada 43, Knoxville 0

New Hampton 30, North Fayette Valley 14

Newton 21, Pella 18

OA-BCIG 41, West Sioux 7

Okoboji, Milford 28, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura 21

Oskaloosa 22, Clinton 19

Pekin 56, Highland, Riverside 0

Pleasant Valley 31, Cedar Falls 28

Riceville 79, Central Elkader 0

Riverside, Oakland 56, Southwest Valley 8

Roland-Story, Story City 62, Greene County 31

Saint Ansgar 61, Newman Catholic, Mason City 0

Shenandoah 38, Red Oak 12

Sigourney-Keota 42, Pella Christian 15

Sioux Center 42, Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley 14

South O'Brien, Paullina 29, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 28, OT

South Winneshiek, Calmar 22, Nashua-Plainfield 14

Southeast Polk 38, Johnston 35

Southeast Warren, Liberty Center 42, Lamoni 6

Spirit Lake 42, Estherville-Lincoln Central 33

Sumner-Fredericksburg 19, Denver 7

Tri-Center, Neola 21, St. Albert, Council Bluffs 15

Underwood 49, Treynor 0

Wapsie Valley, Fairbank 55, AGWSR, Ackley 0

Washington 42, Mt Pleasant 7

Waterloo, West 31, Marshalltown 3

Waukee 58, Des Moines, Lincoln 0

Webster City 35, Hampton-Dumont-CAL 6

West Branch 21, Regina, Iowa City 17

West Hancock, Britt 57, South Central Calhoun 6

Western Christian 38, Sheldon 14

Williamsburg 56, Fairfield 14

Wilton 28, Cascade,Western Dubuque 12

Woodbury Central, Moville 43, Kingsley-Pierson 0

___

Some high school football scores provided by Scorestream.com, https://scorestream.com/

EV’s Spanish, ESL teacher makes America her country

Twenty-one years ago, Esperanza Lopez came to the United States with one goal in mind.“I wanted to learn to speak English,” she says. She was not, however, excited about learning to speak it in Iowa.The state she wasn’t excited about coming to and the small town she was initially dismayed to see soon filled her heart. Esperanza became a naturalized United States citizen in March and while she holds dual citizenship in Spain and the U.S., Iowa County and North English are now her home.“I love it he...

Twenty-one years ago, Esperanza Lopez came to the United States with one goal in mind.

“I wanted to learn to speak English,” she says. She was not, however, excited about learning to speak it in Iowa.

The state she wasn’t excited about coming to and the small town she was initially dismayed to see soon filled her heart. Esperanza became a naturalized United States citizen in March and while she holds dual citizenship in Spain and the U.S., Iowa County and North English are now her home.

“I love it here. This is my home, this is my family,” she says.

Esperanza was living in her native country of Spain when she read a newspaper story about American schools seeking Spanish teachers. The only requirements were a master’s degree and teaching licenses.

“I had both of those things, so I applied,” she recalls. “There was a lot of demand and very little supply, so you know what that means. They would hire anyone. I got the job.”

In 2002, Esperanza came to the United States as part of the Visiting Teachers Program. An agreement between Spain and the governments of numerous American states provided Spanish teachers for schools that were having difficulty filling those positions.

Although she could read and write English, she was not a fluent speaker. Her degree was in business administration and her previous job had been as a secretary for a foundation. Upon arriving in the United States, she remembers going to a train station with a notebook and pen and writing, “I need a ticket to (destination)” because her command of the spoken language was not yet strong enough.

Her determination to master the language was the driving force behind coming to America to teach Spanish.

“I knew if I was not immersed in the culture, I would not learn to speak English,” she says. “Then I got here and I find out, you have to teach Spanish in English.”

From 2002 to 2004, she taught in three different Iowa school districts. Gradually, she gained fluency in English and is now certified as an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor in Iowa, meaning she can instruct kindergarten through 12th grade students with language needs.

Instructing has provided a two-way street for learning, she notes.

“I have learned a lot from my students. They are very patient. Now I can understand the lyrics to American music,” she said, adding she has an affinity for Leonard Cohen.

Esperanza returned to Spain at the end of the initial three-year stint in the U.S., then returned in 2006 to teach Spanish at English Valleys High School, North English, this time on a work visa.

She confesses she had “no idea where she was going” when she arrived in North English. Her initial impression of the town’s size and its rural location, surrounded by farm fields, made her question her decision. While she knew she would be living and working in a small town, her expectation was of a suburb near a large metropolitan area.

“I came from a city of 1.5 million people,” she says. “I looked around and thought, ‘I am in the middle of nowhere.’”

Her welcome to the community soon dispelled any doubts about her decision. EV music teacher Denise Wade and retired EV teacher Scott Romine met her the day she arrived. They drove through North English, showing her around the town, introducing her to people and picking up donated pieces of furniture and other home furnishings for her new apartment.

When she arrived at her new home, she discovered it was already partially furnished through the generosity of people at English Valleys school and North English residents.

“That’s when I knew, these are good people,” Esperanza recalls. “Iowa has treated me very well.”

Adjusting to life in rural Iowa came with a learning curve that started at the dinner table.

“I did not eat meat before coming to Iowa. I ate fish. When I got here, I looked around and thought, ‘No fish. What am I going to eat?’ Then I had a steak.” She breaks into a smile. “I love beef. It is the best thing you grow in Iowa.”

While growing up, her father served in the military and the family moved around a lot during her childhood.

“This is the place where I have lived the longest,” she says. Since landing at English Valleys, Esperanza has taught high school Spanish for 17 years. The friendships she made and love of her job, the school and the students led to her decision to go beyond living here on a work visa to become a U.S. citizen.

The road to citizenship has been a long and winding one. The work visa allowed her to work only at the English Valleys Community School District, as the school was sponsoring her. Obtaining her green card was huge milestone in 2017. Her students threw a party for her at school.

“It was a big celebration. A green card allows you to work everywhere,” she explains. “You can do anything except vote.”

After obtaining her green card, she had to wait five years before applying to become a U.S. citizen.

To prepare for the citizenship interview, Esperanza had a list of 100 questions about American government. To meet the interview requirement, she had to answer six out of 10 correctly.

Her students helped her prepare, asking her study questions. Their tutoring paid off, as she easily answered six without problem.

The naturalization ceremony took place March 30 in the Neil Smith Federal building in Des Moines.

Going through security and checking paperwork took longer than the actual ceremony, Esperanza notes. Officials wanted to make sure the applicants were in good standing with the state of Iowa, with no outstanding traffic tickets or other violations. The gentleman in line in front of her had a number of speeding tickets that needed to be resolved, she recalls.

The ceremony itself was quick and simple.

“The ceremony was very brief but moving,” she says. “There were about 25 people there. It was very cozy.”

Esperanza has family in Spain, where she visits in the summer and at Christmas. While she is unmarried and has no children, she doesn’t feel alone.

“I have family,” she says. “My family is in this town.”

Comments: [email protected]

ICHS to host program, ice cream social at Gritter Creek School

Driving west out of North English along curved gravel roads to the old Gritter Creek Schoolhouse is reminiscent of the trip former students made every day to class. Join the Iowa County Historical Society at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 9, for a program on one room schoolhouses followed by an ice cream social. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.The speaker will be William Sherman, West Des Moines, a former member of the State Historical Society board of trustees. He is a retired Iowa State Education Association offic...

Driving west out of North English along curved gravel roads to the old Gritter Creek Schoolhouse is reminiscent of the trip former students made every day to class. Join the Iowa County Historical Society at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 9, for a program on one room schoolhouses followed by an ice cream social. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

The speaker will be William Sherman, West Des Moines, a former member of the State Historical Society board of trustees. He is a retired Iowa State Education Association official, an expert on the stories of one room schoolhouses and their role in Iowa's history, and editor of the book “Iowa’s Country Schools: Landmarks of Learning.”

The red brick schoolhouse is in an oak and hickory grove, northwest of North English in District Gritter, English Township. Schools were built in groves of trees to protect them from prairie fires. Before the brick building, there was a log schoolhouse at the west end of the schoolyard.

Gritter was built in 1874 with bricks from the Chauncey Weathral Brickyard, located one-quarter of a mile east. The woodshed or coal house on the east end of the yard was built before 1900, with outhouses built around 1916. Water was carried from the nearby farmhouse for drinking since a well was never available. They did not have anything fancy, they just drank out of a water pail and the students all took turns using the same dipper.

The Gritter School also served the neighborhood as a community center and during the Depression of the early 30s it served as a church. The earliest schools were conveniently located wherever settlements arose, with the teacher often a settler too. Together families

paid the teacher $5 or $6 a month. In the 1880s, salaries for the men teachers were $28 and women teachers $25. The average per pupil cost was $1.37. Frequently, tramps greeted the teacher in the morning as the school was a place for them to spend the night.

In 1951, the county reorganized the school districts and Gritter Creek school was closed. The old district is now part of the English Valleys Community School District. The school was sold to the English Township Trustees, Aug. 23, 1961, to be preserved as a memorial. The Iowa County Historical Society has been responsible for the schoolhouse upkeep since 1963 as part of a plan of restoration of historical sites. North English area people, local businesses and former students have helped to upgrade and preserve the school. In 1965 a new roof was put on by former students. Once again in early 1980s the North English area people helped raise funds for tuck pointing. The Iowa County Historical Society paid to have the bats removed from the attic of the school in 2022.

Many of the artifacts from the school are kept in the Gritter room in Marengo at the Pioneer Heritage Museum. There had been some talks in the past concerning moving the school, but it was found to be too costly.

Gritter Creek School is the only brick one room schoolhouse left in Iowa County. To find the school go west of North English on F67. Just west past the golf course, turn onto gravel (336 St.) Continue west/southwest two miles to J Ave, the first road going north. Turn north on J Avenue and advance one mile to the school.

(Editor’s note: Information for this article was taken from information that the late Reta Fox has supplied over the years for various newspapers and speeches.)

Judge sides with N. English on nuisance property

An Iowa County District Court judge has ruled in favor of the city of North English in the ongoing debate between the city and the owner of a dilapidated house.But city officials, at the North English City Council meeting Wednesday, July 5, weren’t celebrating victory just yet.A man named Williams owns the property at 133 W. Clark St., on which sits a house in disrepair. City officials have been trying, without success, to get him to either improve the property or tear the house down.The trial was he...

An Iowa County District Court judge has ruled in favor of the city of North English in the ongoing debate between the city and the owner of a dilapidated house.

But city officials, at the North English City Council meeting Wednesday, July 5, weren’t celebrating victory just yet.

A man named Williams owns the property at 133 W. Clark St., on which sits a house in disrepair. City officials have been trying, without success, to get him to either improve the property or tear the house down.

The trial was held last week, said city attorney Josh Kraushaar, and although the judge ruled in the city’s favor, officials still need to wait if there is an appeal filed. He didn’t think one would be filed, and if that comes to pass, he will approach the city council for a resolution to get a declaration that the house is abandoned.

“Of course we’d love to have a functional, nice house there instead of,” said Kraushaar.

“An empty lot would move better than that house,” replied mayor Richard Henson.

The houses at 248 E. Clark St. (Lang) and 232 E. Cherokee St (Hasley) are in either waiting periods or have had all paperwork served.

In another abatement-related issue, the council voted to send a letter to a resident on West Oak Street, after a neighbor complained of the new resident collecting junk at his property and keeping it there. The council gave the resident 60 days to abate or other actions would be taken.

The new resident showed up later to explain he was building a shed to keep the scrap metal and that he was making efforts to clean up the property. He wanted time to organize his efforts, and had good intentions on making the property look nice. Kraushaar noted that the notice to abate doesn’t necessarily mean that he had to be finished within 60 days, although reasonable progress needed to be made.

SEWER LINE

In a letter to the city council, developer Alan Grimm announced he was canceling his request to re-subdivide his lots of North Street, as presented at the June 7 meeting.

He said another couple, Roger and Stacy Lortz, are planning to build a new home in that area and want water and sewer. Grimm wrote that he was willing to allow utility lines to be placed far enough along North Street for that to happen.

The present North Street is graveled now and will be sealcoated next year past the Lortz home, at Grimm’s expense. Scheduling the sealcoating for next year will mean the road does not have to be torn up, and it will be done the same way as all roads done north of Washington Street through the years.

WASTEWATER PROJECT

The city’s wastewater treatment plant project is eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development fund, a letter to the city stated.

The city applied for $30,000 in funding to help with the project, and, in a letter from area specialist Cindy Pelzer, funds could be available during its upcoming cycle, but is competing with other applications through a priority ranking system.

The engineering agreement was found to be acceptable by the USDA Rural Development state engineer, Pelzer added.

Smoke testing was completed and several problem areas were found, said public works director Dave Knipfer. “The biggest ones with the city mains.

“We may have found the remedy for the one on the east end of town,” he continued. “We had smoke coming out of all the storm catch basins in that area. We’re working on replacing all the culverts to the dump today and we took out the first chunk of culvert.”

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business, the council:

* Reviewed city election information for the 2017 elections. No public measures are planned at this time.

* Agreed to issue a municipal infraction against a resident for keeping roosters in his yard. The resident had requested a month earlier to keep roosters and hens at his property but did not show. The council agreed that this was a violation right now and needed to be addressed.

* Discussed the flashing caution light at Main Street and Iowa Highway 149, and what would happen if the Iowa Department of Transportation would require replacement for solar-powered lights.

* Heard an offer for an asset managing program from city council member Matt Tapken.

* Discussed the upcoming vacation being taken by city clerk Tara Heyne. Kathy O’Rourke, the previous city clerk, will fill in during the vacation.

Few races contested in Iowa County election

MARENGO — Just over 12% of registered voters in Iowa County went to the polls Tuesday to elect city and school officials.The 1,505 voters (out of 12,393 registered) also decided several ballot measures that would allow increased tax levies and bonding for school construction projects.Jillissa Chvala and Ellen O’Rourke were the two top vote-getters for at-large Iowa Valley School Board seats. Chvala received 200 votes; Ellen O’Rourke, 149; and Benjamin Wagner, 145.Williamsburg mayor, Adam Grier, ran unco...

MARENGO — Just over 12% of registered voters in Iowa County went to the polls Tuesday to elect city and school officials.

The 1,505 voters (out of 12,393 registered) also decided several ballot measures that would allow increased tax levies and bonding for school construction projects.

Jillissa Chvala and Ellen O’Rourke were the two top vote-getters for at-large Iowa Valley School Board seats. Chvala received 200 votes; Ellen O’Rourke, 149; and Benjamin Wagner, 145.

Williamsburg mayor, Adam Grier, ran uncontested and received 118 votes. Only three candidates — Dale Walter, Anne Zalenski and Tyler Marshall — ran for the three city council seats, and only two candidates sought two seats on the school board, Mark Armstrong and Quinn Wolfe.

In one of the few contested mayoral races in Iowa County, Mattew Stoner received 25 votes to become Parnell’s mayor. Larry Schropp received 21 votes.

In Victor, Eric Refer defeated Donald Craig for the mayoral seat, 119-89.

Results are unofficial until votes are canvassed by county supervisors.

Ladora mayor: Kevin R. York, 21 votes; write-in, 10.

Ladora council at large (vote for 3): Brian Ward, 21; Craig York, 20; Annette Ehrenberger, 16; write-in, 11.

Marengo mayor: Adam Rabe, 201; write-in, 25.

Marengo council at large (vote for 2): Karen Wayson-Kisling, 185; write-in, 73.

Millersburg mayor: Richard Fry, 20; write-in, 16.

Millersburg council at large (vote for 3): Travis Gensley, 32; Michael Gorsch, 31; Jeffrey Clark, 22; write-in, 20.

North English mayor: Daniel J. Strohman, 118; write-in, 4.

North English council at large (vote for 3): Kathy O’Rourke, 119; Louis Garringer, 116; Gerald Allen Haugland, 100; write-in, 5.

North English council at large to fill a vacancy: Andrew Custer, 119; write-in, 2.

Parnell mayor: Mattew Stoner, 25; Larry Schropp, 21.

Parnell city council at large (vote for 5): Jared Dhondt, 32; Brad Strasser, 28; Jamie Abernathy, 28; Rick Rodgers, 25; write-in, 73.

Victor mayor: Eric Refer, 119; Donald Craig, 89; write-in, 5.

Victor city council at large (vote for 5): Shawn Sternhagen, 165; Cindy Trout Smith, 159; Marla Faga, 154; Josh Scholtus, 132; Joan Robinson, 103; Jim Rajtora, 91; Tyler Kasper, 81; James Thompson, 37; write-in, 14.

Williamsburg mayor: Adam Grier, 118; write-in, 8.

Williamsburg council at large (vote for 3): Dale Walter, 131; Anne Zalenski, 120; Tyler Marshall, 111; write-in, 9.

In Iowa County, Benjamin Reineke received 3 votes each and Tylar Gallagher, 2, for Belle Plaine School Director at-large. The votes are added to the totals cast in Benton County, giving the at-large seats to Gallagher, with a total of 480 votes; Jacobi, with a total of 471; and Reineke, with 414. Shirley Coles received 164 votes.

Three votes were cast in Iowa County in favor of the Belle Plaine School public measure to adopt a revenue purpose statement for Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund. In Benton County, 467 voted in favor of the measure, and 121 against.

Clear Creek Amana School Director at-large (vote for 2): Gabe Schaapveld, 182; Abdouramane Bila, 171; Joe Burns, 68; Sarah Rivera, 50; write-in, 2.

In Johnson County, Bila received 126 votes; Schaapveld, 99; Burns, 74; and Rivera, 51.

Clear Creek Amana School Director District 1 (vote for 1): Allison Momany, 274; April Schmitz, 37; write-in, 2. In Johnson County, Momany received 129 votes and Schmitz, 55.

Clear Creek Amana School Director District 2 (vote for 1): Patricia Higby, 154; Jennifer Downes, 117; write-in, 2. In Johnson County, Higby received 99 votes and Downes, 90.

Clear Creek Amana School Director District 3 (vote for 1): Jennifer Bollers, 234; write-in, 7. Bollers received 162 votes from Johnson County voters.

Clear Creek Amana School public measure to levy for 10 years a physical plant and equipment tax not exceeding $0.67 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.: Yes, 198; No, 83. Johnson County voters approved the measure 146-46.

English Valleys School Director at-large (vote for 3): Susan Schaefer, 205; Katie Taukei, 124; Ashley Dickey, 108; Thomas O. Voss, 92; Steven Banes, 85; Whit Faas, 66; Fred Huebner, 62; write-in, 2.

English Valleys School public measure to levy for six years an additional $0.67 per $1,000 assessed valuation: Yes, 180; No, 86.

HLV School Director at-large (vote for 3): Blake Kuesel, 204; David Doran, 198; Maria Hawkins, 139; Laurel Hollopeter, 113; Michael Kolesar, 109; Sharon Kriegel, 93; Michael Gilboa, 10; write-in, 1.

Iowa Valley School Director at-large (vote for 2): Jillissa Chvala, 200; Ellen O’Rourke, 149; Benjamin Wagner, 145; write-in, 6.

Mid-Prairie School Director at-large (vote for 4): Mary Allred, 20; Denise J. Chittick, 20; Randy Billups, 18; Jim Miller, 15; Ryan Schlabaugh, 10. (Iowa County votes only)

Mid-Prairie School public measure to issue up to $8.7 million in General Obligation Bons for a wrestling/activity center at the high school and other improvements: Yes, 11; No, 18. (Iowa County votes only.)

Tri-County School Director at-large (Iowa County votes only): Heather Schmidt, 0; Chad McKain, 0.

Williamsburg School Director at-large (vote for 2): Mark Armstrong, 220; Quinn Wolfe, 190.

Kirkwood Community College Director District 4 (Iowa County results only): Lorraine Williams, 15.

Kirkwood Community College Director District 5 (Iowa County results only): Alan Jensen, 888; write-in, 12.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.