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 North Liberty Water Tower gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Liberty, IN 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.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
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 Centennial 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 Tin Roost or visit Potato Creek State Park, 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 North Liberty, IN, 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 North Liberty, IN 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 North Liberty, IN 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.
You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Pacha Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in person at the Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St., or online. These highlights of the coming month are published on the third Thursday of each month. You can sign u...
You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Pacha Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in person at the Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St., or online. These highlights of the coming month are published on the third Thursday of each month. You can sign up to have this emailed to you at northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.
April brings the annual EGGs-travaganza of events with Egg Decorating & Coloring, the Bunny Clue Trail and our Underwater Egg Hunt. All three programs, held April 12 and 13, are free (the Underwater Egg Hunt requires registration; see link below).
Our adjusted Recreation memberships and fees go into effect on April 1, the first significant change in seven years. Memberships have been retitled to make it easier to understand what is included and annual membership remain the most economical options, with an all-inclusive annual membership running less than 75¢ a day. Track use remains free for North Liberty residents. Find the full list at northliberty.recdesk.com and visit our Community Center Open House from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on April 2 for 25% discounts on all memberships.
The Summer Activity Guide, covering programs, classes and events in May, June, July and August, is out, and registration will begin for most programs on April 7 at 6 a.m. in person and online.
There’s always something free and fun to do in North Liberty. The City Slate offers events all year long, and is made free with the support of Centro, Inc., Collins Community Credit Union, Corda Credit Union, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union. More at northlibertyiowa.org/cityslate.
Community Center Open House April 2, 4:30 to 6:30, Library, Free Discover everything the North Liberty Community Center has to offer during our spring open house, including City programs, giveaways, and 25% discounts on Recreation memberships only available during the event. More…
Bunny Clue Trail April 12, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gerdine, Free Explore springtime dioramas, meet furry friends, take photos with spring inflatables and other decor, seek hidden items, and enjoy a bag of treats. Part of the EGGs-travaganza of events. More…
Craft Supply Swap April 5 and 6, Regular Hours, Library, Free Too many craft supplies you’re never going to use, just sitting around the house? Looking to refresh your craft supply hoard? Join other arts and craft enthusiasts at the library for our Craft Supply Swap! Stop by during regular library hours on Saturday and Sunday to pick up new-to-you supplies! Don’t have any items to bring? Don’t worry about it! The shop is open to everyone; no donation required. Donations of supplies will be accepted starting April 4, through 2 p.m., April 5.
Builders Club Tuesdays April 8 through 29, 6 p.m., Community Center, $25 This class for ages 3 to 5 is centered around your child’s imagination. Different items such as Legos and Kapla Blocks will be used to build many creations. Class will have challenges and competitions between building teams.
Doodlebugs with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art April 28, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free Mary’s Magic Kingdom. Mary Blair used unusual colors to create some of the most well-known Disney artwork, like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella. Join us to create with colors you may have never heard of before!
Cold-Blooded Redhead April 9, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Lindsay Butikofer is a local reptile enthusiast who has recently pursued her passion of sharing reptiles/invertebrates. She will bring several of her various lizards, snakes, arachnids and more to the library to get up close and personal with attendees! Lindsay wants to give kids and adults alike the chance to learn, discuss, touch, and even hold some reptiles.
Super Tuesday: Stained Glass Buttlerfly April 1, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free Spring is emerging from its cocoon. Help us usher in the new season with a fun and beautiful stained glass butterfly craft!
Tweendom: DIY Scrapbook April 14, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free Turn paper lunch bags into your one a kind scrapbook complete with pockets for keepsakes and trinkets.
Super Tuesday: Graham Cracker Art April 15, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free Transform Graham Crackers into edible masterpieces resembling decorated art canvases.
Storytime about Palestine with Mona Odeh April 22, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free Join us for a special school age storytime featuring A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh. The author will read the book, share her experiences as a Palestinian-American and answer questions. Kids can also complete a fun craft inspired by the story. This is a wonderful chance to learn about Palestinian culture, history, and the power of storytelling.
Teen Wednesday: Board Games April 23, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free Choose from a variety of board games and challenge staff or friends to some friendly competition!
55+ Tuesday Gathering Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free Join us for a weekly social gathering that will feature rotating activities and friendly conversation – board games, puzzles, art, book discussions, and more!
Page Wreckers April 9, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free Junk journals are a popular way to store memories and can be used for writing, art journaling, and photos. Collect found and recycled materials such as trash, packaging, paper scraps, book pages, music sheets, maps, illustrations, and ephemera. Then join us the second Wednesday of each month to combine your materials with library provided items and create your junk journal.
Growing a Successful Veggie Garden April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Gerdin, Free Want to grow your own produce but don’t know where to start? Have you been gardening without much success? This class is for you! Join us for this free seminar with the experts at Forever Green. You’ll learn how to prepare your garden for success, choose what to grow, choose among raised beds, containers and traditional gardens, protect your garden from furry friends, how to water and reduce weed and insect problems.
Small Biz in Small Libraries: All About Pitching & Networking April 24, 6:00 p.m., Library, Free Speak up, Small Biz Owners! Need some tips on how to navigate networking events and public speaking opportunities? Join us for another SBSL event, where our facilitator (and Toastmasters extraordinaire) Diane Debok will share her conversational expertise in a workshop-style session where you get to fine-tune your voice for all business settings. Seating is limited.
Beginning Machine Sewing Starts April 10, 6 p.m., Library, Free Learn from the very beginning how to sew with a sewing machine. This is a 6-week class running Thursdays, April 10, 17 and May 8, 15, 22 and 29. Space is limited and registration is required. It is best to bring and learn on your own machine if possible.
Swimming Safety Day April 6, 10 to 10:45 a.m.; 11 to 11:45 a.m., Pacha, FreeJoin us for a swimming safety day to help kids 3 to 12 be ready around water. We will offer two time slots for a free swim lesson and safety lesson around water. We will have swimming safety handouts, coloring sheets and raffles for lifejackets. Registration begins March 30 at 8 a.m. Register for 10 a.m. session
Take a Kid Outdoors: Spring Shed & Scavenger Hunt April 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Goose Lake, Free Hunt for that Big Rack you’ve been dreaming about…in the spring. Gather your kids and come explore all that spring has to offer. Be prepared to go on a short hike and possibly walk on some muddy trails to see spring birds, bugs and flowers. Participants should dress to walk in the woods.
Underwater Egg Hunt April 13, 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m., Pacha, Free Talk about a twist to your typical egg hunt. Our indoor pool will be full of plastic eggs that participants can swim and dive to collect, followed by an open swim, with raffles, arts and crafts, and goodie bags included. Registration is required and opens at 8 a.m. on April 6. Part of the EGGs-travaganza of events.
Register for 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. session for kids ages 1 through 5 Register for 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. session for kids ages 6 through 10
Maintaining Modern Cars 101 Free April 26, 1 to 4 p.m., Community Center, $15 This class for ages 15 and older is about putting yourself in charge of your vehicle’s service and repair needs at less cost, increasing efficiency and longevity. Topics include 22 critical service needs—when and why, 30 things to never do to your vehicle, show and tell of actual components and today’s challenges.
This is the 55+ Connections weekly update. If you would like to sign up to get more updates from the city go to northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.55+ Connections: Tuesday GatheringTuesday, March 1810:30 AMNorth Liberty Library – Meeting Room CDOur monthly puzzle day is upon us again! Bring a friend (or enemy) to put together jigsaw puzzles in the library meeting rooms. We’ll hav...
This is the 55+ Connections weekly update. If you would like to sign up to get more updates from the city go to northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.
Tuesday, March 18
10:30 AM
North Liberty Library – Meeting Room CD
Our monthly puzzle day is upon us again! Bring a friend (or enemy) to put together jigsaw puzzles in the library meeting rooms. We’ll have a variety of 300 piece (and smaller) puzzles to work on as well as snacks and coffee!
Join us each week for a social gathering full of activities and friendly conversation – board games, crafts, puzzles, book discussions, and more! No registration required. You can choose which events you would like to attend and are not obligated to go weeks when the activity is not of interest to you.
Friday, March 21
11:30 AM
North Liberty Rec Center – Rooms 3&4
IT’S PIZZA PARTY TIME!!! Marco’s Pizza will be catering this week, bringing us several types of pizzas and after lunch we’ll play BINGO!
Registration for lunch is $5 and required for all who attend lunch. Participants must register before noon on Thursday, March 20th. Call the Rec Center to register (319)626-5716 or go online to your RecDesk Account and register yourself.
Friday, March 21
2 PM
Iowa City Senior Center – Room 302
Come to the Senior Center to watch a movie and eat popcorn!
March 21st: The Problem with People (2024)
Two estranged cousins who never knew each other try to make amends for many generations of family dispute.
March 21, 4 – 7 PM
March 22, 4 – 8 PM
March 23, 1 – 5 PM
North Liberty Community Center – Roberts Gym
Nine holes of black light miniature golf in the gym! An attendant will hand out golf clubs and glow golf balls. There are score cards available if you’re feeling competitive. The gym lights will be off and the course will be lit by blacklights to make parts of the course glow, however the weight room and track will remain open so the gym won’t be completely dark. No reservations, first come first serve!
Saturday, March 29
9 AM – 12 PM
City Hall Council Chambers – 360 North Main Street, North Liberty
State legislators from Johnson County update the community on what’s happening in Des Moines and take questions.
With warmer weather this week, we’ve started dreaming of summer time adventures and shenanigans. If you’re looking for things to do while you plan your own summer shenanigans, look no further than the North Liberty Summer Activity Guide! You’ll see some familiar favorites from years past and some exciting new events as well. Check it all out on the city website here.
The University of Iowa Health Care’s new medical campus in North Liberty will open next month, on April 28. The first patients of the medical center will be welcomed to its orthopedic clinics and operating rooms, orthopedic injury walk-in clinic, and emergency department, as stated in a release from UI Health Care.The North Liberty medical campus — located at 701 West Forevergreen Road — is the fi...
The University of Iowa Health Care’s new medical campus in North Liberty will open next month, on April 28. The first patients of the medical center will be welcomed to its orthopedic clinics and operating rooms, orthopedic injury walk-in clinic, and emergency department, as stated in a release from UI Health Care.
The North Liberty medical campus — located at 701 West Forevergreen Road — is the first newly constructed hospital facility away from UI Health Care’s main university campus in Iowa City. UI Health Care staff and the public are invited to an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12. Tours of the new medical center will be available.
The North Liberty location will serve as the new home for the UI Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, which includes UI Sports Medicine. An emergency department with a Level 4 trauma center and 24-hour drive-thru pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, and clinical lab services also will be available.
Dr. Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, shared her thoughts in the release.
“This is a historic moment for UI Health Care,” Dr. Jamieson said in the release. “We know more Iowans want access to our care and expertise. This new campus will make it easier for patients to receive nationally recognized, comprehensive orthopedics care, emergency treatments, and other services closer to where they live here in the community and surrounding areas. Patients from across Iowa with orthopedic care needs also will have greater access and convenience at our North Liberty location.”
The 60-acre campus holds a three-level hospital and five-level medical office building with outpatient clinics and space for clinical research and teaching activities, as stated on the UI Health Care website. The 469,000-square-foot facility includes:
During the open house, the green space around the facility will feature autograph sessions with select Iowa Hawkeye athletes, food trucks, activities, games, and demonstrations for all ages. In case of inclement weather, select outdoor activities will move inside the medical center, the release notes.
“We think patients and families will be impressed—and excited—about the facilities and, ultimately, their care experience at North Liberty,” Dr. Jamieson said in the release. “We’re eager to share what we’ve built for Iowans and how it will increase access to our patient care services while also advancing medical research and education.”
Murray Family Foundation will offer career readiness resources to athletesMegan Woolard Why you can trust The Gazette The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.NORTH LIBERTY — Former Iowa men’s basketball star Kenyon Murray is looking to build a 50,000-square-foot basketball training...
Murray Family Foundation will offer career readiness resources to athletes
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
NORTH LIBERTY — Former Iowa men’s basketball star Kenyon Murray is looking to build a 50,000-square-foot basketball training facility just south of North Liberty’s Liberty High School after the City Council unanimously approved tax incentives for the project.
The Corridor Sports Performance Center will include four basketball courts, physical therapy spaces, a fitness center and community event space. The basketball courts also will be used for volleyball and pickleball. The fitness center and physical therapy office will be leased to outside partners.
The facility will serve as the home of Murray Elite, a basketball club serving athletes in grades 6 to 11. It also will host tournaments and be the hub for Murray’s nonprofit, the Murray Family Foundation.
Jon Davidshofer, director of development at contractor Build to Suit, said the facility likely will cost over $10 million, though construction costs still are in the process of being finalized.
Construction on the project is expected to start in September and take 12 to 14 months.
“We've got a nonprofit involved … it's in a very prominent location, and we feel very good about how this is coming together, and we'll continue to work through it,” Davidshofer said Tuesday at the North Liberty City Council meeting.
In addition to the gym space and fitness center, the facility also plans to have different offices and space that can be rented out for community events.
Murray said the hope is that the Murray Family Foundation can partner with organizations such as Junior Achievement and Brightn, a mental wellness app. The facility also plans to offer interview practice and financial literacy classes.
“Our goal is to be a resource to the community, and with these other partnerships, we know that we can make a difference,” Murray said at a recent City Council meeting.
While the specifics of what services will be available at the facility have yet to be confirmed, Murray said the site will be open to the public, not just to members of Murray Elite basketball.
“We have to give (kids) other skill sets to be successful after the ball stops bouncing, and that’s what this is all about. There's a ton of facilities that have popped up, but there's none that's going to be able to offer these services,” Murray said at a council meeting.
Murray said fundraising efforts are ongoing for the Murray Family Foundation and for the services the facility plans to offer.
As part of the fundraising efforts, Kenyon said that his two sons, Kris Murray of the Portland Trail Blazers and Keegan Murray of the Sacramento Kings, might use the NBA Players Association Foundation grant program to help boost the project.
The grant program matches active NBA players’ donations of up to $25,000 for eligible nonprofit and philanthropic projects.
Murray said the facility also will look into partnering with nearby facilities such as the Palestra in North Liberty and Xtream Arena in Coralville for tournaments and other events that need additional gym space.
The City Council this week unanimously approved the request for tax increment financing incentives for the project over the course of eight years. City staff members now are working to finalize an agreement on the incentives, which will not exceed $1.3 million.
“When we're using tax dollars to incentivize this project, we're looking for maximized return, not just the base bottom line of paying back the rebate,” North Liberty council member Brent Smith said at this week’s meeting. “We want to see business driven to our community. We want to see people from out of town, from a long ways away, come and stay and spend their money in North Liberty.”
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City would provide $20M incentive for 20-acre projectMegan Woolard Why you can trust The Gazette The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.NORTH LIBERTY — The North Liberty City Council has unanimously approved a $20 million incentive to make way for the development of 65,000 square feet o...
City would provide $20M incentive for 20-acre project
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
NORTH LIBERTY — The North Liberty City Council has unanimously approved a $20 million incentive to make way for the development of 65,000 square feet of commercial space and 350 apartments across 20 acres located south of North Liberty’s Community Center.
The Urban Central District, as termed by the Lion Development Group, is estimated to cost over $100 million and would include a mix of banks, restaurants and retail spaces, as well as the residential units ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Work on the property could begin as soon as this summer, though there is no firm time for completion.
Download: North Liberty Urban Central District.pdf
The area has been underdeveloped due to existing buildings on the property and flood mitigation required for development. Parts of the property are in the flood zone from nearby Liberty Centre Pond.
Lion Development Group estimates the work required to make the land ready for development would cost about $27 million, making the price per square foot one of the highest in the area.
“The 20 acres to become the (Urban Central) district has sat as undeveloped for up to 40 years for the sheer reason that is economically not feasible to develop these parcels without a significant public-private partnership, exorbitant acquisition cost, relocation of existing businesses, paired with extreme development costs,” Brandon Pratt of Lion Development Group said at a council meeting earlier this month.
The work includes flood mitigation, demolition of existing buildings and managing elevation changes. In addition, the development group said navigating railroad tracks and complying with Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations for a stream in the area contribute to the difficulties.
“The goal of the UC district is to bring in a more urban engagement and vision for those that both choose to visit and or live inside the district. … We are looking to transform 20 acres of underutilized ground in the heart of North Liberty into something new and exciting that hasn't been done before,” Pratt said at the recent City Council meeting.
In the case of the Urban Central District, the development team requested an up-front investment of $20 million from the city due to the challenges with preparing for construction, as opposed to property tax rebates after a project has been completed.
Since the city is offering the incentive up front, it will borrow the $20 million and repay the loan with property taxes collected from the project once it is complete. Now that council has approved the request, city staff will work with the development group on an agreement to protect the investment.
“The request is $20 million — that be the largest incentive that the city has ever undertaken. That being said, this would probably be the largest economic development project the city's ever been a part of in terms of parcel of land and the redevelopment work that needs to be done,” City Administrator Ryan Heiar said at a council meeting.
City Council members noted the project would improve the area around Cherry Street, which was identified by Greater Iowa City Inc. as a strategic investment district — meaning an area with potential for economic development but that is now underutilized.
Lion Development Group is made of up Iowa City metro area residents, with Pratt being a North Liberty native.
“What I'm excited about with this project is it's a demonstration of investment in our community. There's skin in the game from both the developers … but then also from the city of North Liberty. And that's really an illustration of a true public and private partnership,” said council member Brian Leibold.
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