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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

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Home Care In Laton, CA

Home Care Laton, CA

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 El Adobe De Los Robles Historic Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Laton, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Laton, CA

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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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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Laton, CA?

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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.

 Senior Care Laton, CA

Types of Elderly Care in Laton, CA

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

Respite Care Laton, CA
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
 Caregivers Laton, CA
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 Laton-Kingston 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
Home Care Laton, CA
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 Tommy's Restaurant or visit China Alley, 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.

 In-Home Care Laton, CA

Benefits of Home Care in Laton, CA

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 Laton, CA, 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 Laton, CA

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 CA'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 Laton, CA

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 Laton, CA 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 Laton, CA

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 Laton, CA

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:

  • Elder Placement Professionals Central Valley
  • Valley Christian Home
  • King's Stewards Inc
  • Advancement Care
  • Hurbard Care Home
  • Compassionate Care
Home Care Laton, CA

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 Laton, CA

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 Laton, CA 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.

 Elderly Care Laton, CA

Latest News in Laton, CA

Laton High School bringing a big punch to help students

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A small school is now bringing a big punch to help students improve socially and academically.Students at Laton High School are now taking boxing classes through a new after-school program in partnership with Cano Bros Boxing.“Cano Bros Boxing is a program that we bring to the schools, we teach students how to box at their school because it’s the safest there,” said Roman Cano, who is the CEO of ...

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A small school is now bringing a big punch to help students improve socially and academically.

Students at Laton High School are now taking boxing classes through a new after-school program in partnership with Cano Bros Boxing.

“Cano Bros Boxing is a program that we bring to the schools, we teach students how to box at their school because it’s the safest there,” said Roman Cano, who is the CEO of Cano Bros Boxing.

The program helps students to get out of their comfort zone and explore a new sport.

Since opening Cano Bros Boxing in 2019 they have partnered with several schools, 32 in this school year so far.

“So the students who come, they sign up, they sign a waiver with their parent’s permission, and with that waiver they get their free shirt, as they continue the program they earn their hand wraps, boxing gloves, and a bag to put everything in,” said Cano. “And once they complete the program they get one free month to any boxing gym that they want to go to.”

Cano says he and his brother have experienced firsthand how boxing can improve someone’s life.

“Me and my brother were at-risk youth, and it wasn’t until me and my brother got involved with boxing that it changed our whole lives around,” said Cano.

Now Roman and his brother, along with a team of coaches are making it their mission to bring boxing to schools that all students can then benefit from, teaching them the art, science, and life changing benefits of boxing.

For one highschool student who decided to join a few weeks ago, it’s also a much needed outlet.

“I love it ,it’s pretty fun, I love working with coach Simon and it allows me to get my aggression out and that’s the main thing that I like,” said Jaythan Garcia who is a junior at Laton High School.

But it’s not just the kids getting a good work out in, every now and then principle Lucio Cortez also joins in the action.

“Boxing is such an amazing sport, we have several students here who really wouldn’t have a sport, were struggling academically, with their character and we have several students in here that went from having below a 2.0 to a 3.5 GPA, they are model students here on campus,” said Cortez.

Its benefits like these which is why Laton High School decided to partner with Cano Bros Boxing for the entire school year teaching students self control and self discipline.

Next year they’ll start learning boxing defense, how to block , how to defend themselves, and how to counter.

Cano encourages parents to get their kids involved in boxing.

“Come out and see your students, see what they’re doing, see that they are smiling and having fun,” said Cano.

‘Lucky to be alive.’ Ag helicopter pilot unhurt after crashing in Fresno County field

A helicopter pilot considered himself lucky Saturday afternoon, able to walk away from the wreckage of his crashed aircraft after clipping power lines while spraying a field near Laton in rural Fresno County.Mark Trinkle of Kingsburg said he was flying a Bell 206 JetRanger, built as an agriculture sprayer, when it went down just before 2 p.m. near South Clovis and East Blanchard avenues, just north of downtown Laton.Trinkle was applying herbicide and making his last pass on the farm, which the pilot said is in a tricky area bec...

A helicopter pilot considered himself lucky Saturday afternoon, able to walk away from the wreckage of his crashed aircraft after clipping power lines while spraying a field near Laton in rural Fresno County.

Mark Trinkle of Kingsburg said he was flying a Bell 206 JetRanger, built as an agriculture sprayer, when it went down just before 2 p.m. near South Clovis and East Blanchard avenues, just north of downtown Laton.

Trinkle was applying herbicide and making his last pass on the farm, which the pilot said is in a tricky area because of the multiple power lines that run across it. He said he went underneath one set, but hit another.

He “clipped it and it threw me into these ones,” he said, “which then brought the helicopter down.”

“I got out and made sure the power was off and fuel and everything was off. Just crawled right out. Lucky to be alive.”

No one else was onboard. He praised the helicopter’s design for helping him avoid injury, other than a scratch on the right cheek and back of his hand.

An ambulance crew checked him out to make sure he was fine.

“The helicopter itself is very reliable and safe,” Trinkle said, noting he also was wearing a harness and helmet. “As you can see, the cockpit is totally torn up and I’m fine.”

A pilot for 16 years and a crop-duster since 2009, it was his first helicopter crash. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, a crew member on a P-3 Orion. The crash and survival training he received in the service helps remind him of the dangers.

Trinkle walked to where his trailer was parked, then return to pick up the debris. He had help from family and friends who loaded the wreckage. The rotor blade was in the field.

A passerby reported the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate, Fresno County Sheriff’s Lt. Robert Salazar said.

PG&E spokesman J.D. Guidi said one pole was broken and, along with damage to the electrical lines, power was knocked out for 56 customers.

Those affected included 48 customers in Laton, six in Selma and two in Hanford. Estimated restoration was 2 a.m. Sunday, Guidi said.

This story was originally published March 13, 2021, 2:44 PM.

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Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.

Full list of Memorial Day events throughout Central California

From real black powder canons in Laton, concerts and car shows at the Clovis Veterans memorial District or the Avenue of Flags in Visalia.Here's a list of the many Memorial Day events that are taking place across the Central Valley.FRESNO COUNTY Academy CemeteryTime: 9:00 a.m.Location: 11824 Mendocino Avenue, ClovisRedbank CemeteryTime: 10:30 a.m.Location: 11548 East Shaw Avenue, ClovisWoodward ParkTime: 5:44 a.m.Location: 7775 F...

From real black powder canons in Laton, concerts and car shows at the Clovis Veterans memorial District or the Avenue of Flags in Visalia.

Here's a list of the many Memorial Day events that are taking place across the Central Valley.

FRESNO COUNTY

Academy Cemetery

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 11824 Mendocino Avenue, Clovis

Redbank Cemetery

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: 11548 East Shaw Avenue, Clovis

Woodward Park

Time: 5:44 a.m.

Location: 7775 Friant Road, Fresno

Los Banos Cemetery

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Location: 16575 Center Ave, Los Banos

VFW Hall Firebaugh

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 1300 O Street, Firebaugh

Dinuba Memorial Building

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 249 S Alta Avenue, Dinuba

Washington Colony Cemetery

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 7318 S Elm Avenue, Fresno

Floral Memorial Park

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 2430 Floral Avenue, Selma

Japanese-American War Memorial in Roeding Park

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 890 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno

Golden Sunset

Time: 5:44 a.m.

Location: 7775 Friant Road, Fresno

Clovis Cemetery

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis

Clovis Veteran's Memorial District

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 808 4th Street, Clovis

Veteran's Liberty Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 821 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno

Oak Grove Cemetery

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: 19811 Cedar St, Laton

Fowler Cemetery

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: 8523 South Fowler Avenue, Fowler

Sanger Cemetery

Time: 11:00 a.m.

568 S Rainbow Route, Sanger

Fresno Memorial Gardens

Time: 11:00 a.m.

175 South Cornelia Avenue, Fresno

Chowchilla Cemetery District

Time: 11:00 a.m.

23359 Road 14 , Chowchilla

MERCED COUNTY

Merced Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 1300 B Street, Merced

Dos Palos Cemetery District

Time: 11:00 a.m.

1800 Elgin Road, Dos Palos

MADERA COUNTY

Court House Park

Time: 11:00 a.m.

200 South G Street, Madera

TULARE COUNTY

Tulare Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 900 East Kern Avenue, Tulare

Visalia Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 1300 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia

MARIPOSA COUNTY

Mariposa Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 4979 Joe Howard Road, Mariposa

KINGS COUNTY

Hanford Cemetery

Time: 5:44 a.m.

Location: 10500 Tenth Street, Hanford

Kingsburg Cemetery

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 12782 Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg

Grangeville Cemetery

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: 10428 14th Avenue, Armona

Leemore Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 1441 North Lemoore Avenue, Lemoore

Corcoran Cemetery

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: 4170 Waukena Avenue, Corcoran

Garden Tour: Muradian and Miller garden in Laton

Be prepared to be surprised and amazed with this diverse experience as you explore the variety of plants from many parts of the world at the home of Mark Muradian and Patty Miller. Granite, petrified wood, antique farming implements give an abundant expression of ‘love of nature’ to the landscape.Begin you adventure on the drive to this wonderful find in Kings County! As you approach, the property, large colored objects lining the driveway will catch your eye. What are these unusual objects?? Perhaps some kind of watering ...

Be prepared to be surprised and amazed with this diverse experience as you explore the variety of plants from many parts of the world at the home of Mark Muradian and Patty Miller. Granite, petrified wood, antique farming implements give an abundant expression of ‘love of nature’ to the landscape.

Begin you adventure on the drive to this wonderful find in Kings County! As you approach, the property, large colored objects lining the driveway will catch your eye. What are these unusual objects?? Perhaps some kind of watering gadgets?! Well I had to ask what they were.. They are water buoys that were in the ocean along our California shores. Mark rescued them and proudly displays them.

Mark purchased this amazing property in 1979; the beginning of the creation of the museum you see today. If you have traveled to visit botanical gardens, you will see collections of plants that are native to California and other parts of the world. Looking at the displays at this site will give you the feeling of a botanical garden, showcasing the grandeur and beauty of very mature, blooming plants! Exquisite!

Mark constructed the first raised bed in the mid '80s. Some of the plants were obtained from nurseries all over the southwest. Most of the plants are native to the Americas, with a few from Africa. There are over 100 different species. Obviously, one can just image the wonderful trips Mark and Patty have made collecting and enjoying the original location the plants and items have come from. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to see their collection in this diverse garden. The granite used to make the borders came from the Emigrant Dam built across the Kings River in 1892. These raised beds were handmade and put together with some heavy equipment.

We all are familiar with the phrases reuse and recycle. Mark and Patty are very expert in this area. Patty found tiles on the property that were stacked up with no purpose. Now there are tile walking paths, patios and barriers under their iron antique treasurers to provide protection from the wet ground. This is only one example of making good use of throw away or not used materials. This is a trait takes imagination and creativity to execute. These are characterizes of this couple! Take your time to allow your eyes to take in the magic this property has to offer.

The huge old oak tree (propped up for safety) provides interest and also holds beautifully hung objects. This grand oak also makes a great hangout for the cat. Speaking of the cat, she loves to explore with her owners and guests, as well as get up close to the spiny plants that are thriving in her back yard.

Another interesting hobby of Mark’s is enjoying the creation of his beautiful bowls and pots. He has his own kiln and produces wonderful art work. Mark and Patty have created a unique gift they love to share.

Laton volleyball holds on for playoff win

LATON – Victoria Castaneda gave Laton High’s volleyball team a spark when they needed it most.The senior served six straight aces in the fifth set to swing the momentum the Mustangs’ way, and No. 6 Laton went on to defeat No. 3 Kern Valley 3-2 in the first round of the Central Section Div. V playoffs Tuesday night.With the 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 victory, the Mustangs improve to 8-16 on the season and earn another home game in the semifinals, against No. 2 Frazier Mountain on Thursday.Frazier ...

LATON – Victoria Castaneda gave Laton High’s volleyball team a spark when they needed it most.

The senior served six straight aces in the fifth set to swing the momentum the Mustangs’ way, and No. 6 Laton went on to defeat No. 3 Kern Valley 3-2 in the first round of the Central Section Div. V playoffs Tuesday night.

With the 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 22-25, 15-12 victory, the Mustangs improve to 8-16 on the season and earn another home game in the semifinals, against No. 2 Frazier Mountain on Thursday.

Frazier Mountain (19-9-2) swept fellow High Desert League member California City 25-16, 25-9, 25-15 on Tuesday.

Even with the higher seed, Frazier Mountain will travel to Laton. As part of the deal allowing the High Desert League to shift from the Southern Section to the Central, schools agreed to hit the road in the playoffs, unless playing another league member, for the first three years.

Kern Valley (Lake Isabella) has its season end with a 12-11-5 mark.

“I think I must have worn a path along that blue line worrying (marking the basketball out-of-bounds line),” said Laton coach Troy Brassart.

Kern Valley forced the fifth and deciding set on Heather Mulin’s serve, breaking a 22-all tie with an ace and ending the set with another ace.

The Broncs built the lead to 6-2 in the fifth set before a side-out led to Castaneda’s turn in the rotation.

“I had to trust in the other girls to get things done,” she said.

The service run widened the lead to 9-7. Kern Valley closed to within 12-11, but a Savannah Harsberger block gave Laton a little cushioin, and Hurlbut ended the game with an ace.

The Mustangs also got a boost from two players called up from the junior varsity, freshman Ashlyn Rempp and sophomore Blaise Mosher.

“Even in the first set, we kept it close,” Brassart said. “I told the girls they couldn’t get down.”

Laton took the lead for good in the second set at 19-18, scoring the last two points on a kill by Castaneda and an ace by Amanda Hurlbut.

Hurlbut served the deciding stretch in the third set as well with five straight points, including four aces.

Castaneda ended the night with eight aces and six kills and Hurlbut 15 digs.

Also for the Mustangs, it was Llesenia Jimenez three aces, seven kills and 31 digs; Maria Rios 43 digs; Janette Alvarado two aces, four kills and 20 digs; Savannah Harshbarger five kills and three blocks and Mosher with 24 assists and 10 digs.

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