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.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic San Tan Historical Society gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in San Tam Valley, AZ 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.
“Getting to know Becky and staff I have learned to trust their deep concern for”
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“My mother’s caregiver is patient when explaining computer issues, tv issues and other technical problems”
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“This is Kathy, Marcy did an assessment on my brother on January 14th who is”
“Caring, concerned, kind and always on time. Everyone was stellar and helped me care for”
“I am a past client of this provider Caring, concerned, patient, kind, and always on time.”
“John and his team will give you the best care and best options. They are”
“Always Best Care is an amazing company to work for. John and the team really”
“Other I use this agency to help me with my 87 year old Mother. Everytime I”
“Working for ABC Mesa puy my heart in a happy place. I felt I was”
“Great family business that cares about your loved ones and has your best interest in”
“I am a current client of this provider We're currently using Always Best Care of Mesa.”
“Excellent caring staff who pay attention to the details. They are particularly kind. ”
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“Getting to know Becky and staff I have learned to trust their deep concern for the people they care for, as well as the depth of knowledge that Always Best brings with them. Their thoroughness is their hallmark!”
“Everyone at Always Best Care are so friendly and helpful. We can tell that they genuinely care about us and our needs.”
“I cannot say enough positive things about this company. Becky and John have been incredibly helpful in helping me and my family understand the struggles and challenges of my elderly relative. With their guidance we have been able to speak with our beloved aunt and help her understand all of her choices and chose what is best for her. It's so important to have people who really understand the ins and outs of aging in place versus aging in a community. I highly recommend calling Always Best Care Senior Services if you really want to help the elderly loved ones in your life.”
“Great staff”
“I had a wonderful experience with this company providing home aids during a post-op recovery period of six weeks. I can't say enough about how professional, knowledgeable, friendly, courteous, punctual, responsive, skilled, discreet, and just great to have around a few hours per week during my home stay. Everything I needed done was done without question or complaining or unnecessary comments. And, with a great attitude! They were truly there to help and it was very comfortable having the aids in my home. They did so much to help my recovery go smoothly. I highly recommend Always Best Care and wouldn't hesitate to use their services again should the need arise.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care of Mesa is very easy to work with. The owner, John, made us feel very good. The caregivers themselves are extremely good, and we're very happy with them. They are very receptive and always asking what they can do to help out. They are always willing to do anything that we've asked them to do, and they're very personable when talking to my dad when he needs someone to talk to. They provide basic assistance like preparing meals, cleaning around the house, helping with my dad's hygiene, and other non-medical assistance. The agency is extremely flexible in changing schedules when needed, and very responsive whenever I have questions. They are a very good agency and I highly recommend them. Definitely consider them when looking for home care. Their rates are extremely competitive, if not the best, and their people are very professional and caring.”
“They were great . They truly care about their clients”
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“I'm a caregiver for Always Best Care. It is the best company to work for. The management team are super helpful. They greatly care for their caregivers, and clients”
“My mother’s caregiver is patient when explaining computer issues, tv issues and other technical problems that are becoming increasingly frustrating. These things are so important to Mom when she feels forgetful and disconnected from family. I am glad we found Always Best Care. They really care for their clients.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been fantastic! Always going out of their way to meet my needs. I am in a wheelchair and tasks are hard for me. One of my caregivers even put together a nightstand for me from IKEA so that I had a place to set important items I need at night. She was great! I would recommend Always Best Care Senior Services Mesa to anyone.”
“This is Kathy, Marcy did an assessment on my brother on January 14th who is in congestive heart failure . We were concerned with what kind of living situation would be best for him She suggested a senior living center as he would benefit from having help around during his set backs. Since I live 2000 miles away I really appreciated her help. We got him placed and her records helped his new home getting him situated. Thank you Kathy”
“Caring, concerned, kind and always on time. Everyone was stellar and helped me care for my loved one. Top notch!”
“I am a past client of this provider Caring, concerned, patient, kind, and always on time. What more can a loved one want for their loved one!”
“John and his team will give you the best care and best options. They are experts and will focus on your personal needs. If you need help and care for your loved one Always Best Care truly is the best care available. Your loved one matters and John will not let you down. Their commitment and care will put your mind at ease and provide care and support for you or your family member. This is a place you can trust to give their best. Thank you for all you do.”
“Always Best Care is an amazing company to work for. John and the team really care about their employees and also clients.”
“Other I use this agency to help me with my 87 year old Mother. Everytime I call, email or text them they get back with me right away. They always take good care of my Mom and show deep concern and care for my Mom. Right now I am only using them for transportation purposes but feel very safe when they come and pick up my Mom and take her to all her Doctor appointments or even when she needs to give blood they go inside with her and help her sign in. I highly recommend this agency.”
“Working for ABC Mesa puy my heart in a happy place. I felt I was appropriately paired with clients I wouldnt just get along with, but with my skills as well. I never had a client i was reluctant to go back to and I believe Trevor and John played a significant role in this.”
“Great family business that cares about your loved ones and has your best interest in mind. I highly recommend Always Best Care - Mesa”
“I am a current client of this provider We're currently using Always Best Care of Mesa. Their caregivers are very good. They help my mom with socialization, shopping, and light housework. Their scheduling is great, we've had no problems with it, and their billing is excellent.”
“Excellent caring staff who pay attention to the details. They are particularly kind. Excellent service.”
“Excellent caring staff who pay attention to the details. They are particularly kind. Excellent service.”
“Other Excellent agency with wonderful caregivers. I recommend ABC”
“Other I was visiting my sister-in-law while one of your caregivers was providing services. She was so polite, friendly and conscientious! She communicated clearly about everything she did (areas she cleaned, cat fed) and asked several times if there was anything else my sister-in-law needed before she left. I could tell she really cared and she encouraged her to call whenever she needed anything. I felt that my sister-in-law was in good hands! Thank you for providing such high quality care. ????”
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. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Skyline Ranch 1 park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
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. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Palma Kitchen + Tap or visit Desert Wells Stage Stop, 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.
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 San Tam Valley, AZ, 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 San Tam Valley, AZ 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.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
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 San Tam Valley, AZ 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.
As temperatures drop, Arizona bark scorpions are on the move, seeking warmth and shelter inside homes across San Tan Valley. Recognized as the most venomous scorpion in North America, these scorpions are known for their potent sting, which can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and even vomiting in adult humans. While a sting is rarely fatal, it can pose significant risks, particularly to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Encounters with these scorpions are common in Arizona, making them a familiar&m...
As temperatures drop, Arizona bark scorpions are on the move, seeking warmth and shelter inside homes across San Tan Valley. Recognized as the most venomous scorpion in North America, these scorpions are known for their potent sting, which can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and even vomiting in adult humans. While a sting is rarely fatal, it can pose significant risks, particularly to young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Encounters with these scorpions are common in Arizona, making them a familiar—yet unwelcome—sight for many local residents.
Reports from residents show how these resilient creatures are finding their way into unexpected places in homes across the area. Genevieve Pioth shared, "I poured a glass of wine the other day and noticed something in my glass. Initially, I thought it was a piece of cork, and then I realized it was a scorpion!" Dawn Beard echoed the common pain of a sting, noting that although it wasn't crippling, "the first sting was multiple back-to-back and REALLY hurt."
Bark scorpions are particularly stealthy, often hiding in shoes, clothing, blankets, or dark corners. Resident Ellen Whitworth recounted finding one just in time on Halloween: "I found my first one (at this house) on Halloween! It was in a bowl I was about to fill with Halloween candy."
Others, like Jamey Holmes, noted that encounters are frequent in San Tan Valley: "We live in San Tan Valley and have seen a few since building out here." And for those who have been stung, like Sabrina Soto, the experience can be uncomfortable for days afterward. "For a week after [being stung], I deep cleaned and moved everything in my house, one room at a time with a numb foot!" she shared with a sense of humor about the painful encounter.
Identifying and Handling Bark Scorpions
Arizona bark scorpions are relatively easy to identify by their long, thin pinchers and thin tails. While they are typically around 2 to 3 inches in length, their color can help them blend into many surfaces, making them hard to spot. Their stings can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and in some cases, temporary immobility around the sting site.
With so many residents reporting encounters, it's helpful to keep a few preventive tips in mind:
When it comes to keeping your home scorpion-free, local pest control experts like Porter Pest Management have been a trusted resource in San Tan Valley. "Scorpions are a common concern in this area, especially as they seek warmth indoors during cooler months," said Dewayne Castillo, founder of San Tan Leads. "For long-lasting protection, we recommend a reliable service like Porter Pest Management, which has helped many local families keep their homes safe."
For more information on Arizona bark scorpions, their behavior, and ways to keep your family safe, you can visit this helpful fact sheet from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Stay vigilant, San Tan Valley—check those shoes, shake out blankets, and keep your loved ones safe from these tiny but tenacious intruders!
Gilbert San Tan Charter played inspired defense against Santa Cruz Valley in Friday’s high school football showdown of the top 2 teams in the AIA's 2A Conference.Santa Cruz valley (7-1) entered the game No. 1 in The Arizona Republic's 2A Conference rankings, and San Tan Charter (7-0) No. 2. Those positions ...
Gilbert San Tan Charter played inspired defense against Santa Cruz Valley in Friday’s high school football showdown of the top 2 teams in the AIA's 2A Conference.
Santa Cruz valley (7-1) entered the game No. 1 in The Arizona Republic's 2A Conference rankings, and San Tan Charter (7-0) No. 2. Those positions were reversed in the AIA's initial 2A rankings released earlier in the week.
The Roadrunners' forced three turnovers on downs, two fumbles and two interceptions. Another stellar outing from versatile two-way player Uriah Neloms led the Roadrunners to a win, 24-15.
Key Plays
Santa Cruz’s O’Ryan Williams got things going for the Dust Devils with a fumble recovery returned all the way to San Tan Charter's 8-yard line. A couple penalties and Roadrunner stops later, Santa Cruz went for it on 4th-and-25, but couldn’t convert.
With 2:30 left in the first, Neloms showed off his legs and took it up the middle for a 55-yard touchdown. The Roadrunners held a 6-0 lead after a missed 2-point conversion.
San Tan's Timi Akinyoyenu had things rolling on both sides of the field. He picked up a loose ball after a completed pass was knocked loose by Christian Munoz. Then, with a little over two minutes to play in the half, he caught a 47-yard strike from Neloms for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion was good this time and San Tan was up 14-0 at the break.
Santa Cruz came out in the second half swinging, putting together an efficient drive that concluded with Juan Juarez reaching into the end zone after quarterback Nathan Harris delivered a dart.
But the Roadrunners were resilient. On fourth down, they faked the punt to get the first down, and the next play, Dwayne Jones caught a short pass and ran it 45 yards for a touchdown. Roadrunners up 14.
San Tan’s defense continued to show out. They forced another fumble, which was recovered by the Dust Devils only for Brody Prassas to intercept a pass from Nathan Harris on the next play. The Roadrunners would force another turnover on downs when Santa Cruz went for it on 4th-and-goal.
Then it was the defense, again, that closed it out. With two minutes to play, Jayden Williams tipped a pass attempt into the air, and it was none other than Neloms who came up with the interception. Then it was victory formation for the Roadrunners.
Key Players
Neloms started the Roadrunners’ scoring with a 55-yard rush and contributed two touchdowns through the air. He even added an interception to the stat sheet to close out the game. Timi Akinyoyenu got it done on both sides. He recovered a fumble for San Tan, then caught a 47-yard touchdown.
Quotes
“It sucks,” said San Tan head coach Chase Cartwright on what it’s like to play against Santa Cruz. “They’re big, they’re physical, they’re well-coached, they’re disciplined … Hopefully we’ll see them down the road again.”
“Todd Peat being our defensive coordinator, a former high school teammate of mine, he’s come in and done just an incredible job leading that entire group of defense,'' Cartwright added.
“Trust in the game plan. Coach Chase had us in a position to win. We just executed our game plan.” – San Tan’s Uriah Neloms
Next Up
Santa Cruz (7-1) will play in a home game against Sequoia Pathway (1-6) next Friday, while San Tan Charter (7-0) heads out on the road against Heritage Academy (5-2).
BusinessCourtesy Amber ThompsonPosted Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:36 pm The Dance Spot270 E. Hunt Highway, No. 7San Tan ValleyBy Leah Haynes | Special to Independent NewsmediaThe doors to The Dance Spot — a family-oriented dance studio in San Tan Valley — opened almost 13 years ago. Back then, the community hardly knew the lasting impact the small business would have on the lives of those who walk through its doors.Since 2012, The Dance Spot, 270 E. Hunt Highway, No. 7,...
Business
Courtesy Amber Thompson
Posted Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:36 pm
The Dance Spot
270 E. Hunt Highway, No. 7
San Tan Valley
By Leah Haynes | Special to Independent Newsmedia
The doors to The Dance Spot — a family-oriented dance studio in San Tan Valley — opened almost 13 years ago. Back then, the community hardly knew the lasting impact the small business would have on the lives of those who walk through its doors.
Since 2012, The Dance Spot, 270 E. Hunt Highway, No. 7, has grown into a studio with seven different competing groups, 52 classes a week and 15 instructors. The children of original students are enrolling in classes, and the small studio is entering the community’s hearts in large ways.
“The most fulfilling part is the longevity,” said Mindy Melillo, founder and CEO of The Dance Spot. “I have students I’ve taught (and) I am now teaching their children. It’s amazing to see the full circle of community, how important it is to people and how people stick around a while.”
Examples of longevity abound even within the office staff.
“My daughter was very shy and very reserved and now she’s doing a solo,” said Megan Wilhelm, an office staff member at The Dance Spot. “The friendships at The Dance Spot really help the kids bring out their personal confidence.”
Similarly, Melanie Vidra, another office staff member, said, “I like the friendships for my kid. That’s a big part of it too.”
“When we started here, she was shy. She went into her first class and stood in the corner and just watched,” Vidra added. “Within a few classes, especially with Arian (an instructor) who was really good with her — picking her up and carrying her around — she made me feel that my daughter was going to be OK. Now my daughter is much more outgoing.”
Before opening her own small business, Melillo had more than 30 years of experience teaching at other dance studios. During that time, she came to the realization that she wanted something more for herself and her students: a sense of community and belonging.
“I’ve taught for some very large, competitive studios, and it just wasn’t my style. I wanted more of a small-town studio, a small-town feel that still does some competitions and performances, just without the pressure that some of those big studios put on the kids. Something just a little different,” Melillo said.
With that goal in mind, Melillo opened The Dance Spot’s doors.
However, just like many other small businesses, The Dance Spot has gone through its challenges.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, in-person classes were not an option, and enrollment rates dropped. Melillo suddenly found herself navigating online dance classes and facing new obstacles she had never experienced before.
“The challenging part is just being a business owner in general … there’s lots of learning curves and curve balls daily and monthly. I think that’s the most challenging, but it’s also humbling,” Melillo said.
As the jarring effects of the pandemic ended, The Dance Spot gained traction once again, and enrollment rates rose exponentially.
“The public response has been really well,” Melillo said. “San Tan Valley is now getting pretty large and growing pretty rapidly, but it has been a small community, so I think it needed a small-town thing, and that’s kind of what this has been.”
With more 250 students, The Dance Spot has grown into “a big family,” which has been Melillo’s intention since day one.
“I didn’t want it to feel stuffy or too business-like. I wanted the parents to have just as much fun hanging out in the lobby as the kids are having in the classroom,” she said. “I think I’ve been pretty successful with that.”
Leah Haynes if a student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
San Tan Valley, dance, The Dance Spot
PHOENIX - Early voting for the November general election has begun in Pinal County and in other parts of Arizona, and from now until the polls close on Election Day, voters can cast their ballots early, either by returning their mail-in ballots or going to a physical location to vote early.Here are the details.Is it too late for me to register to vote?The deadline to register to vote for the November election was October 7, according to the Secretary of State's website. If you have y...
PHOENIX - Early voting for the November general election has begun in Pinal County and in other parts of Arizona, and from now until the polls close on Election Day, voters can cast their ballots early, either by returning their mail-in ballots or going to a physical location to vote early.
Here are the details.
The deadline to register to vote for the November election was October 7, according to the Secretary of State's website. If you have yet to register, it is now too late to do so, and you will not be able to cast a ballot in Arizona.
Per the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, the deadline for accepting requests for a ballot-by-mail for the November general election was Oct. 25. It is now too late to request an early ballot.
State elections officials say ballot-by-mail must be received by county elections officials by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
"We highly recommend that you mail your ballot back at least 7 to 10 days before the election," officials wrote.
Besides mailing back the ballot, officials with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office say people can return their ballot at "any ballot drop-box, drop-off location, early voting location, or Election Day voting location in your county on or before Election Day."
Per the Pinal County website, early voting sites are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The interior ballot drop box in Florence also has the same hours for access.
Apache Junction Recorder's Office
Arizona City Council Sheriff Substation
Casa Grande Recorder's Office
Pinal County Building (Former Elections Location)
Eloy County Health Building
Pinal VOTES Office
Florence Recorder's Office
Pinal County Building E
Maricopa Recorder's Office
Oracle Justice Court
San Tan Valley Recorder's Office
San Tan Valley County Health Department
If you live in Maricopa County, we have a list of early voting locations here. We also have a list of early voting locations for people in Coconino County.
If you live in other Arizona counties, here is a link to each county's list of early voting locations, based on information we can find on county websites:
Operating hours of these early voting locations differ between counties, and some locations close before Election Day. Please carefully check the opening hours for the early voting location that you want to visit.
480-984-8000
