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.
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.
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 Mt Horeb, WI is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 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.
“I recently started employment at ABC. The hiring, interview and training process was exceptional. The”
“I love ABC. I have worked with Colleen for seven years. She has helped me”
“Always Best Care really is the best care, always. We needed immediate care and Colleen”
“I enjoy working for Always Best Care.”
“Excellent agency to work for.”
“They cared for our grandma and did an amazing job! It was so nice that”
“The care that they gave the seniors in my life was excellent until their passing.”
“The people that work here are so kind and caring.”
“I started with ABC nearly 7 years ago and Colleen and the office staff have”
“I have worked for this company since 2015, I absolutely love them. Colleen and the”
“I have worked for Always Best Care for over 10 years, I can honestly say”
“This is by far the best home care agency in the area. Caregivers are conscientious,”
“I've been an employee at Always Best Care for 10 years a great company to”
“I currently am an employee of 2 1/2 years. Colleen Foley and the whole Always”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be apart of the Always Best Care”
“My experience with Colleen Foley and the staff at ABC was fantastic. Every caregiver is”
“I've been working for always best care since may of 2020 and during this pandemic”
“I currently work for Always Best Care! I would have to say that this is”
“Always Best Care and especially Colleen Foley are angels on earth. An experience with another”
“We were looking to move my dad to a new living facility and was introduced”
“It is an honor to work for Always Best Care. The leadership and the direction”
“My mom was hesitant about moving to a senior living facility. She never felt quite”
“I heartily believe that this company strives in all aspects to exemplify its name and”
“It is not at all difficult to extol the virtues of being an Always Best”
“Always Best Care staff are always friendly and helpful. It is evident this company truly”
“Always best care has been wonderful with my father in law. They have worked hard”
“I can honestly say best care anyone can truly ask for. Staff is trustworthy and”
“Until I worked with Tina at Always Best Care, I was struggling with my search”
“Our 96 year-old uncle reached a point where he could not live alone anymore. ”
“Colleen and ABC care has provided in home care for both of my parents. They”
“I am so grateful to Tina for helping us find a new Assisted Living Facility”
“This company is providing care for me mom, they're doing an awesome job. I called”
“we worked with Tina to find a Memory Care for my family members. She listened”
“I would like to appreciate the level of care and support Always Best Care’s caregivers”
“Very professional service. Easy to work with and we loved the care givers who worked”
“There was such a sense of relief knowing my grandmother was being cared for by”
“I was very impressed when I first contacted Always Best Care. Mary was very”
“Always Best Care was such a help to me and my family during a very”
“Thank you ABC for taking care of my dad. Excellent, personalized In-home care services. We”
“I recently started employment at ABC. The hiring, interview and training process was exceptional. The women in the office are professional, patient as well as understanding. Colleen is very welcoming, driven and empathetic. I couldn’t ask to work for a better team or a better team to staff those in need of care.”
“I love ABC. I have worked with Colleen for seven years. She has helped me grow personally and professionally through all these years! I have learned so much from her. I highly recommend them as an employer and inside the home!!”
“Always Best Care really is the best care, always. We needed immediate care and Colleen had everything coordinated in less than 24 hours. Every care worker that came was exceptional. They were polite, kind and respectful. They followed the care plan and left daily notes. They did light housekeeping and made very nice meals. They interacted with the client, even watching Brewer game after Brewer game. One of the girls even wrote down the roster so he could follow who each player was and what time and channel future games were on.This was our first time with in home care and it has been great!! I highly recommend Always Best Care. I never worried if someone would be there. It was always covered. Thanks for making a tough situation easier.”
“I enjoy working for Always Best Care.”
“Excellent agency to work for.”
“They cared for our grandma and did an amazing job! It was so nice that we could trust their staff with good care!”
“The care that they gave the seniors in my life was excellent until their passing. The caregivers were kind and compassionate. We had over 4 + years of this company caring for our loved ones. Definitely the only company that I would trust with my family.”
“The people that work here are so kind and caring.”
“I started with ABC nearly 7 years ago and Colleen and the office staff have played a vital role in my personal and professional growth. Everyone is flexible, understanding, and helpful. There’s always room for growth and opportunity. I highly recommend them as an employer and inside the home!”
“I have worked for this company since 2015, I absolutely love them. Colleen and the staff have become family over the years, they’re awesome! I highly recommend this company if you’re looking to work one on one with clients. If you’re looking to become a client, you wouldn’t regret it. Our team truly cares about the wellness and comfort of those in our care.”
“I have worked for Always Best Care for over 10 years, I can honestly say this is one of the best places I have ever worked at. Our teamwork is phenomenal and, the quality care that we provide our clients is outstanding. When you have a team like we have anything and everything is possible.”
“This is by far the best home care agency in the area. Caregivers are conscientious, well trained and friendly. They fit right in when working with both my in-laws and my Mom. I was able to be a daughter, not a caregiver. I have referred ABC to my friends and they have been very happy with the caregivers also:) The agency works hard at finding a good fit for you and your loved one. I used to work in Senior Healthcare, so I have seen it all. I understand what to look for and the questions to ask. ABC is top notch and terrific in all aspects of home care. I will definitely use again when needed.”
“I've been an employee at Always Best Care for 10 years a great company to work for!! Colleen is a beautiful person inside out!”
“I currently am an employee of 2 1/2 years. Colleen Foley and the whole Always Best Care team is nothing less than amazing. They truly are committed to accomidating and giving their clients the best care they deserve. As an employee I am greatly appreciated and treated with the out most respect from Always Best Care. I highly recommend Always Best Care!”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be apart of the Always Best Care team. The care they provide for the Seniors and families in this community is unmatched. Each employee holds a strong dedication and loyalty to providing exceptional care to every client they serve.”
“My experience with Colleen Foley and the staff at ABC was fantastic. Every caregiver is very well trained and the office staff is very responsive and helpful to our family at any time of day. This company has immense compassion for helping older adults in the community.”
“I've been working for always best care since may of 2020 and during this pandemic these group of people have been awesome with the caring they displayed and with the understanding that some of us were and still are very much involved. I couldn't have pick a better company to work for”
“I currently work for Always Best Care! I would have to say that this is one of the best companies I have worked for. The management staff really cares about the caregivers and clients. They are flexible with schedules and meeting my needs as an employee.”
“Always Best Care and especially Colleen Foley are angels on earth. An experience with another company left me so suspect about home health care companies that I was nervous. But, believe me when I say, the team at Always Best Care were professional, kind, honest, trustworthy and absolutely exceptional. I highly recommend Always Best Care. Truly the best!”
“We were looking to move my dad to a new living facility and was introduced to Marisa of Always Best Care. From day one she was thoughtful and caring. She met with our family to find out more about my dad and his needs. She took the time and listened to what we had to say and never once did we feel rushed. She presented us with options and sent us all the information we needed to help us in making a decision. When we chose a couple of facilities that we were interested in she set up the appointments and was with us during those visits. Whenever we had a question she always got back to us in a timely manner. Even after we found a new home for my dad, she called to check up on how things were going. We were so blessed to have her in our corner and help us find the best place for our dad.”
“It is an honor to work for Always Best Care. The leadership and the direction of the company is superior. It is a great pleasure to assist clients through their process of In Home Care and Assisted Living Placement services.”
“My mom was hesitant about moving to a senior living facility. She never felt quite comfortable when visiting friends. She ended up being hospitalized 2x in 6 months and we used Always Best Care for help after both hospital stays. They were fantastic and her caregivers were so very kind and helpful. So much so that my mom announced her decision was made, “ no senior living for me, I’ll use Always Best Care from now on. “”
“I heartily believe that this company strives in all aspects to exemplify its name and be the Always Best option for those it serves in our Greater Milwaukee community. I am grateful to be a part of this hardworking, compassionate team!”
“It is not at all difficult to extol the virtues of being an Always Best Care team member. This is hands down the most positive and empowering workplace. Advocacy and compassion for clients and caregivers is the foundation of the Always Best Care approach. I am blessed to be a part of the team and would recommend Always Best Care without hesitation.”
“Always Best Care staff are always friendly and helpful. It is evident this company truly cares about their clients and employees by hiring the best caretakers and providing support for clients and their family's needs. The attentive care given to my grandmother is second to none!”
“Always best care has been wonderful with my father in law. They have worked hard to find him a home that best suits his needs.”
“I can honestly say best care anyone can truly ask for. Staff is trustworthy and compassionate. You won’t find anyone better!!”
“Until I worked with Tina at Always Best Care, I was struggling with my search for a new home for my parents, who are moving back to the midwest from Phoenix. Tina has worked with staff and residents at senior living communities; she provides straightforward information about the care and lifestyle your loved one would experience at each place. Within one week of working with Tina, I found my parents' new home and I am confident they will love it. What a relief after weeks of search and worry. I highly recommend Always Best Care and Tina--simplify your life and work with them!”
“Our 96 year-old uncle reached a point where he could not live alone anymore. He already had information regarding assisted living facilities in the area. Still, our uncle's social worker gave us a card for Always Best Care (ABC), and said, "Call Tina at ABC today." So we did. Tina asked a lot about Uncle and us, his POAs. Within 24 hours, she arranged a tour, and accompanied us to a facility that would be a great fit our uncle, and was only eleven minutes away from our home. Tina asked questions we never thought of asking, and clearly knows the care-giving business. She was ready to accompany us to other facilities that would fit our needs, if we wanted to do that. We opted to go for the first, and after three weeks, Uncle is settled and thriving. We are most grateful to Tina and ABC for the excellent service in care for seniors in need!”
“Colleen and ABC care has provided in home care for both of my parents. They carefully matched the CG's to my parents special needs and personalities. With their excellent care, both my parents have maintained their independence in their own homes. Currently my father is battling cancer & his needs are more of a Rehab focus. Amy (the CG) has adapted a plan of care that is tailored to his needs. In only a few short weeks he has regained his independence at home and as of yesterday he was even outside doing yard work!! Thank you Colleen, Amy and everyone else at ABC!!!”
“I am so grateful to Tina for helping us find a new Assisted Living Facility for my mom when she wasn't receiving the care she needed. She contacted the new facility, knew exactly what my mom would want and where she would receive better care (and get better FOOD!). She did all the legwork and even came on the tour with us! We couldn't be happier with the move we made. I am no longer stressed that my mom is in the wrong place. I'm so grateful to the advice and help I got from Tina!! I felt like she really cared about me and my mom. She truly is a life saver!”
“This company is providing care for me mom, they're doing an awesome job. I called them the same day I needed services, and they had a caregiver out to my home within hours. I would highly recommend this company.”
“we worked with Tina to find a Memory Care for my family members. She listened to our concerns and needs, then arranged for us to tour four facilities. We had been given a 30 day timeline to find a new living arrangement for a couple with advancing dementia. Tina's assistence made a challenging situation manageable. We found a place that can handle both and the piece of mind that they are now safe and cared for is a blessing.”
“I would like to appreciate the level of care and support Always Best Care’s caregivers offer. I hired them for the care of my elder sister who lives alone. Now it’s been more than a year, I am still continuing with ABC.”
“Very professional service. Easy to work with and we loved the care givers who worked with my sister who has terminal Cancer.”
“There was such a sense of relief knowing my grandmother was being cared for by their staff. They really put my family at ease and made us feel comfortable.”
“I was very impressed when I first contacted Always Best Care. Mary was very helpful with providing information about services that could be provided. Tina was a great support for us when transitioning my brother from skilled nursing care. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in senior care gave us the peace of mind to make informed decisions about his continued care. With Tina’s strong community relationships within Dane county we were able to access resources that met my brother’s special care needs! Thank you, Always Best Care! You were a lifeline when our family needed one.”
“Always Best Care was such a help to me and my family during a very stressful time. Tina, the director, was incredibly professional and most helpful throughout the process and we are so grateful for her help. I don't know what we would do without in-home care for my parents; the staff have been dependable and consistently provide great care. I would recommend Always Best Care for those in the Madison area looking for in-home care.”
“Thank you ABC for taking care of my dad. Excellent, personalized In-home care services. We have been very pleased with the assistance from all of you during our difficult times.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home 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:
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:
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.
Common companionship services include:
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. 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.
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:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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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.
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 Mt Horeb, WI, 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.
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:
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 Mt Horeb, WI 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.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
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.
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.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Mt Horeb, WI 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.
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Nearly 200 Mount Horeb residents gathered to listen and make public comments at Wednesday night’s planning commission hearing.After hearing comments for over four hours, the commission decided to pause the meeting until Nov. 11 where they will hold the ultimate vote.The long awaited meeting was set to determine the fate of a new multi-use building proposed by J&G Development Group.The four-story building would have both apartment units and commercial spaces, which project planners expect ...
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Nearly 200 Mount Horeb residents gathered to listen and make public comments at Wednesday night’s planning commission hearing.
After hearing comments for over four hours, the commission decided to pause the meeting until Nov. 11 where they will hold the ultimate vote.
The long awaited meeting was set to determine the fate of a new multi-use building proposed by J&G Development Group.
The four-story building would have both apartment units and commercial spaces, which project planners expect would be good for the village’s economy. It would be built in the village’s historic downtown, on Main St.
While some Mount Horeb residents believe in the potential benefits, many spoke at the meeting against the development.
For the last two months, a group of concerned citizens started the campaign, “It’s Too Big,” to build enough community support to influence the village planning committee to vote against the building’s approval.
They feel that the new building would take away from the village’s quirky small-town charm.
Amanda Desonia moved the Mount Horeb three months ago, and happened to buy the property next to the potential project site.
“Unfortunately we weren’t in a position where we could stand on the sidelines. We had to get involved because it acutely affects our daily lives,” Desonia said.
Once she got involved, she said that she found a welcoming and engaged community among her Mount Horeb neighbors.
“I have never lived in a community that has this much civic pride. the turnout here tonight shows that people are invested in this community, and that is something to be exciting to be a part of,” Desonia said.
If the building gets approval, its developers would still need to pass through a few more steps, including a Village Board vote.
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When Jermaine Butler decided to open an Italian restaurant in Mount Horeb, he knew there would be challenges, especially considering the location.Butler’s Vita Bella Italiano Ristorante now occupies 209 E Main St., the former location of another Italian joint, Bar Manzo, which closed only six months after opening. Another Italian restaurant, Sole Sapori, had also previously occupied the space.“The location has a long history of Italian food and we knew we needed to do something different that would get people’...
When Jermaine Butler decided to open an Italian restaurant in Mount Horeb, he knew there would be challenges, especially considering the location.
Butler’s Vita Bella Italiano Ristorante now occupies 209 E Main St., the former location of another Italian joint, Bar Manzo, which closed only six months after opening. Another Italian restaurant, Sole Sapori, had also previously occupied the space.
“The location has a long history of Italian food and we knew we needed to do something different that would get people’s attention,” Butler said. “So I thought, ‘How about a flaming wheel of cheese?’”
Vita Bella has two dishes on the menu that the staff prepares right at customers’ tables. One is a classic Caesar salad ($23), the other is polla alla Parmigiana, a chicken parmesan pasta ($36). Servers bring over a cart with a bowl of hot noodles and a very large wheel of parmesan cheese, carved into a bowl with chunks of cheese inside. Then they light it on fire.
“We use high proof wine to help light the cheese wheel and keep the flame burning,” Butler said. “Then we dump the noodles onto the cheese, which puts out the flame. Then we mix the noodles into the cheese and serve it.
“It’s one of our most popular orders.”
While customers, sadly, do not inherit the entire cheese wheel as their serving bowl, the parmesan flavor on the noodles is rich and the chunks of freshly heated parmesan have made it very popular.
“I tell everyone who comes in that they have to try the parmesan pasta at least once,” Butler said. “It’s an experience. I may not be a chef myself but I know talented people who know what gets people’s mouths watering.”
Butler is the president of Zenith Hospitality Group, a company that operates nationwide providing ancillary services such as valet parking, hotel housekeeping, travel services and more. This is the second restaurant the group has opened, the first being the Links at Pioneer Point in Verona.
That American restaurant and cocktail bar is where Butler got to know Guadalupe Reyes and Victor Meyo. The duo proved themselves as Links cooks and were promoted to chefs at Vita Bella, with Reyes serving as executive chef.
Vita Bella’s bistecca al caffe (coffee-roasted steak, $42) was Reyes’ suggestion. Using a dark roast Mexican coffee, Reyes mixes the fine coffee grounds with salt and pepper and coats the outside of the steak, rubbing the mix into the meat like seasoning.
“At other restaurants I’ve worked at, it was my job to come up with specials for the menu,” Reyes said. “We love our coffee and pairing it with steak.”
Once she knows the steak is fully covered in the coffee grounds, she sears the steak filet in a pan with oil and butter, then finishes roasting the steak in the oven.
“Coffee is definitely Lupe’s jam,” Butler said. “I may not be a chef but I know how to eat and her steak is so good.”
Meyo worked at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey for seven years before starting at Links. His contribution to Vita Bella’s menu is braciola di maiale el bourbon, roasted pork chop in bourbon ($39).
To make the pork chop dish, Meyo first cooks the pork chops halfway in a pan, then cooks for a few more minutes in the oven, then puts them back on the pan to cook as the meat marinates in the bourbon. Once it’s ready to serve, the deglazed bourbon takes on a maple syrup flavor, and the pork chops are served on top of this sauce.
“I’d never tried to make anything like that before,” Meyo said. “But this is the first time I’ve been given the role of chef at a restaurant and wanted to give it my all.”
“Victor has a great sense for flavors,” Butler said. “And he and Lupe are like Batman and Robin in that kitchen.”
Butler says that one of the best parts of running Vita Bella, outside of taste-testing Meyo and Reyes’ dishes, is getting to see two cooks who have become his friends thrive and grow as chefs.
“We share ideas with each other all the time and are always trying to come up with things for the menu that are different,” Meyo said. “And we’d like to have more dishes we can prepare at the table, like our parmesan pasta.”
“Watching them take all this in stride and grow as food artisans … is more rewarding for me than the money,” Butler said. “They are both so talented, it’s unreal. There’s a reason we have 15-16 reservations a night. I really believe everyone should try their food.”
When it comes to autumn, Wisconsin is tough to beat, boasting unmatched fall colors, bountiful pumpkin patches and apple orchards, and a blissfully mellow climate. Celebrate the season with these eight festivals, all within driving distance from Madison.Verona (15-minute drive)Among Verona Fall Fest's offerings are a petting farm, hay rides, food trucks, a beer tent and a bonfire to cap off the evening. Catch the festival's screening of "Ghostbusters" with the family, then come back after dark to watch the 1987 horr...
When it comes to autumn, Wisconsin is tough to beat, boasting unmatched fall colors, bountiful pumpkin patches and apple orchards, and a blissfully mellow climate. Celebrate the season with these eight festivals, all within driving distance from Madison.
Among Verona Fall Fest's offerings are a petting farm, hay rides, food trucks, a beer tent and a bonfire to cap off the evening. Catch the festival's screening of "Ghostbusters" with the family, then come back after dark to watch the 1987 horror-comedy classic, "The Lost Boys." Sept. 26, 4-11 p.m., 111 Lincoln St., Verona
The population of Gays Mills, a small town nestled on the bank of the Kickapoo River, barely grazes 500, but it has over a thousand acres of apple orchards. This year’s Apple Festival will have a flea market, a mini carnival, live music and more. (While you're in town, why not stop at one or two of Gays Mills’ six picturesque apple orchards and pick a bushel for yourself?) Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-midnight and Sept. 27-28, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., downtown Gays Mills
The very same park where the Wisconsin State Fair is held each summer also hosts the Harvest Fair annually at the end of September. Attendees can see a lumberjack show, dance to live country music and try their hand at pumpkin bowling. The fair also hosts more than 40 food vendors peddling classics like funnel cake and corn dogs, along with some seasonal items — among them, pumpkin spice and apple crisp-flavored cream puffs. Sept. 26, 5-11 p.m., Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 640 S. 84th St., West Allis
They don’t call Milwaukee “brew city” for nothing. It’s home to one of the largest German-American populations in the U.S. — and the city’s annual Oktoberfest, which pays tribute to the world-famous Munich festival of the same name, does not disappoint. Held on Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds, Oktoberfest will have live music, a brat-eating contest and German fare provided by 100-year Milwaukee staple, Kegel’s Inn. And of course, there’ll be lots and lots of beer. Oct. 3, 4-10 p.m., Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee
The name says it all: This autumnal festival’s main event is a weigh-off of some truly gargantuan pumpkins. Other attractions include a tractor show, carnival rides and a 100-foot giant pumpkin drop. Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 916 Prospect Ave., Nekoosa
For an Oktoberfest celebration with a small-town feel, head to the Milwaukee suburb of Cedarburg. Highlights at the festival this year include Foxtown Brewing’s bier garten, live bands and lighthearted contests like best braids and best lederhosen. Come hungry and try your luck in the pretzel-eating competition. When you’ve eaten your fill, do some shopping in Cedarburg’s historic downtown. Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., downtown Cedarburg
Get a head start on holiday shopping at Mount Horeb’s Fall Village Market, which welcomes more than 75 vendors of handmade crafts and upcycled goods to the town’s main street. Make it a high-spirited shopping spree: During the event, local restaurants offer to-go cocktails so attendees can sip while they shop, and new to this year's market is the pop-up Thirsty Troll Beer Garden. Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., downtown Mt. Horeb
On Oct. 11, downtown Baraboo will draw thousands of visitors to browse the work of almost 200 crafters, artists and photographers at its annual Fall Fair on the Square. Attendees can also enjoy live music performances and explore the Baraboo Farmers' Market, which runs in conjunction with the event. Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., downtown Baraboo
Elsa Englebert is an editorial intern at Madison Magazine.
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