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

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Bonita, LA

Home Care Bonita, LA

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 McSwain Home 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 Bonita, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Bonita, LA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care started helping me in July, 2022. My husband needs daily care and we have been more than pleased with the caregivers that they have provided. The Staff is so professional and efficient, yet like family at the same time. Their focus is on their patients and the families. They have made my life so much easier. Highly recommend!!”

Tusi
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TESTIMONIALS

“My Grandmother is a client with Dementia and wanted to stay in her home. Always Best Care has allowed her to do so, and our family is forever grateful. Thank you Always Best Care!”

Cynthia W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“By far the best personality for this job. Plenty of patience and a bubbly attitude. I will definitely be using her again when I’m ready to sell. I highly recommend her.”

Joseph P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Summer Riggs made new homeownership a reality for our family. I highly recommend Summer Riggs!”

Kimberly M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband and I will be gone on a 50th anniversary vacation trip for 14 days. During that time our wonderful caregiver has agreed to be “on-call”. We are so grateful for her and there is no way we could take this trip without the peace of mind that her presence gives me! Thank you ABC for the service that your company provides and for the personal touch that you and your sister provide. Marilyn Get Outlook for iOS”

Marilyn H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Current employer I love the staff everyone is very understanding and the clients are nice and you will never find a better place to work and they are very respectful, understanding and caring bosses. They pair you up with clients that matches your personality. I really love working for this company and how they treat their employees.”

Betty W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Summer has always been excited about new homes and it shows in her work. She loves her job because she gets to find the perfect home for her clients. I highly recommend Summer to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”

Tiffany S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family”

Corey W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We've been extremely pleased with Always Best Care of Monroe. They've been very helpful and the caregiver that we have working for us is fantastic. I would give them a very high recommendation. They started in July and have done exactly what we wanted them to do for our needs, and met those needs.”

Marilyn
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have been taking care of my mother for the past 8 years. Their care providers have been the absolute best in the industry. Our mom has been very happy with all the care providers we have used through Always Best Care.”

Patty A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They provide the best care! The Owners are nurses and have been in the business for over 25 years.”

Ruben T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They have been taking care of my mother for the past 8 years. Their care providers have been the absolute best in the industry. Our mom has been very happy with all the care providers we have used through Always Best Care.”

Rhonda S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care was a GOD send for me. I did not worry about my Mother . I could go to work and know she was in excellent hands Very professional. Came on time. Treated us like family Cotton Bradford”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Bonita, LA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Bonita, LA

Types of Elderly Care in Bonita, LA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Bonita, LA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Bonita, LA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Rohr Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Bonita, LA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Angelina's Ristorante: Fine Italian Dining or visit Wonder Gardens, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Bonita, LA

Benefits of Home Care in Bonita, LA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Bonita, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Bonita, LA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your LA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Bonita, LA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bonita, LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Bonita, LA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Bonita, LA

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:

  • Pacifica Senior Living Bonita
  • Ivy Park at Bonita
  • Vintage Home & Residential
  • Richview
  • Erachel Board & Care
  • Sunnyside Services
Home Care Bonita, LA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Bonita, LA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bonita, LA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Bonita, LA

Latest News in Bonita, LA

San Gabriel Valley girls basketball Top 10: La Salle, South Pasadena, Bonita, Glendora lead the way

(Records through Tuesday, Dec. 5)The Lancers continue to win with authority. They beat St. Paul 55-30 to win the San Marino tournament title over the weekend. They’re in the Arroyo tournament this week and could wind up colliding with Sonora in the championship game on Saturday.Previous: 1The Tigers have one of the best one-two punches in the area with Kayla Boozer and Dylan Tse. Boozer scored 23 points with 17 rebounds in a 71-56 win over Alemany. Tse added 19 points and 10 rebounds. They have dom...

(Records through Tuesday, Dec. 5)

The Lancers continue to win with authority. They beat St. Paul 55-30 to win the San Marino tournament title over the weekend. They’re in the Arroyo tournament this week and could wind up colliding with Sonora in the championship game on Saturday.

Previous: 1

The Tigers have one of the best one-two punches in the area with Kayla Boozer and Dylan Tse. Boozer scored 23 points with 17 rebounds in a 71-56 win over Alemany. Tse added 19 points and 10 rebounds. They have dominated every game with similar numbers.

Previous: 3

The Bearcats won Monday’s big rivalry clash with San Dimas, 51-38, with four players scoring in double figures. They are young, have depth and will continue to be a force.

Previous: 2

The Tartans are starting to hit their stride. They beat Rancho Cucamonga 53-51 to win the Kaiser tournament with Rylie Anderson scoring a game-high 25 points. They will try to win the Covina tournament his week.

Previous: 6

The Saints took on Bonita on Monday in one of the best girls basketball rivalries in the area, but they fell short, 51-38. The Bearcats’ quickness was a little too much, but the Saints will bounce back.

Previous: 4

The Brahmas clearly look like they will be the Hacienda League favorites. They have been solid since a season-opening loss to Chino Hills. They have five straight wins, including a 63-62 victory over Cerritos in overtime.

Previous: 10

The Raiders struggled in a 49-44 win over California and had a lopsided loss to Paramount 68-43. They do not have a signature win yet.

Previous: 5

The Rebels have won four straight, which includes a 54-32 victory over Keppel. The Rebels’ loss was a 63-58 setback against St. Paul.

Previous: 8

The Aztecs have chosen to play a stepped-up schedule and are paying for it. A loss to Flintridge Prep hurts, and drops them a couple of spots in our rankings.

Previous: 7

Another team playing a tough schedule. The Swordsmen advanced to the championship game of the San Marino tournament, where they lost to No. 1 La Salle. They have a win over Flintridge Prep. They deserve this spot.

Previous: Not ranked

On the Menu: La Bonita Mexican restaurant, Heartwork Brewing Company now open

La Bonita Mexican restaurant at 1709 N. College Ave. has a new menu and 22 new tables and booths. The new restaurant area is just inside the main doors to the right before you enter the market. It opened on Nov. 21, according to manager Edgar Palacios.The restaurant will be open daily, from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The menu now includes seafood and a wider variety o...

La Bonita Mexican restaurant at 1709 N. College Ave. has a new menu and 22 new tables and booths. The new restaurant area is just inside the main doors to the right before you enter the market. It opened on Nov. 21, according to manager Edgar Palacios.

The restaurant will be open daily, from 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The menu now includes seafood and a wider variety of meats, and there will be daily specials of authentic Mexican cuisine, from seafood and soup to tortas and tacos.

The expanded menu includes nachos especiales with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, bacon, jalapenos, rice and beans and pico de gallo all topped with cheese sauce; and Alambra al pastor with marinated pork, ham, bell pepper, pineapple and tomato, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served with rice, beans and corn tortillas. Patrons can choose a variety of meat for their tacos, from carne asada, carnitas, pollo, chorizo, tilapia, al pastor, campechono (with steak, chorizo and grilled onion), beef, beef tongue, goat and shrimp.

La Bonita also serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas (including vegetarian), quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas, tortas and chicken and seafood dishes. The camarones chipotle has whole shrimp covered with chipotle sauce served with rice, avocado, lettuce, tomato and tortillas. The sopes have handmade, thick corn tortillas with beans, onion, cheese, sour cream and green salsa and either grilled chicken or steak on top.

Desserts of tres leches cake and flan are available or can be purchased in the adjacent Mexican market.

Heartwork Brewing opens on North College Avenue

With 12 beers on tap, Heartwork Brewing officially opens its doors this week, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 29, and the grand opening on Thursday, Nov. 30. The brewery at 1703 N. College Ave. will serve people age 21 and older inside and outside. Three food trucks — Pili's Party Taco, Planted Bloomington and Doner Kebab — will be at the brewery throughout the weekend.

In addition to the beers, Heartwork Brewing will have a house-made gluten-free seltzer on tap and non-alcoholic drink options.

Hours will be 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. There will be raffles and prizes given away throughout the opening weekend, according to Jeff Browne, one of the co-owners. The brewery will be open 4-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Heartwork Brewing has arcade games in the lower area, which will be open along with the tap room and the private area throughout the ]weekend.

For now the brewery is only open to people age 21 and older, but everyone is welcome to walk up and eat from the food trucks, Browne said. Eventually he anticipates Heartwork Brewing will allow all ages and begin offering cider and wine.

Bloomington restauranteur:Nathan Finney, owner of Social Cantina, The Tap, dies in small plane crash

Chocolate Moose opens kiosk in College Mall

Just in time for holiday shoppers, Chocolate Moose has opened a kiosk in College Mall next to Auntie Annes near the food court. The Chocolate Moose booth offers ice cream and a full coffee menu, including lattes, frappes, Americanos and drip coffee using Brown County Coffee beans. The handmade ice cream flavors will rotate and can be served in a bowl or on fresh-made waffle cones, according to Jordan Davis, director of operations for Chocolate Moose.

Hours for the College Mall Chocolate Moose will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday during the holidays. The kiosk will be open through at least January.

Chocolate Moose closed the shop that was next to BuffaLouie's at 114 S. Indiana Ave.

Chipotle on West Third Street to open Dec. 4

A new Chipotle restaurant is scheduled to open its doors at 3151 W. Third St. (next to Outback Steakhouse) on Dec. 4. The restaurant will have a drive-thru pickup lane, known as a Chipotlane, that allows guests to conveniently pick up digital orders without leaving their cars. The new restaurant is the fourth Chipotle in Bloomington, and the first with a Chipotlane.

Warm up with the Caribbean menu at Lennie's

Lennie’s is bringing back its Caribbean menu 4-9 p.m. Dec. 4-5. A special Jamaican Patty appetizer is made from pastry filled with potatoes, red bell peppers, peas, corn, onions and carrots, with mango chutney on the side.

Entrees include: green curry shrimp with garlic shrimp sautéed in a spicy ginger and coconut curry with pineapple and red pepper over white rice; jerk-spiced smoked pork shoulder, house-made beef sausage, tomato, garlic, pepper, olive and onion served with white rice and black beans; green curry tofu of marinated, pan-fried tofu with pineapple and red peppers in a spicy coconut curry sauce over white rice; and a Cuban sandwich with ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles and mustard all hot-pressed inside a garlic roll. It also comes with white rice and beans.

Special desserts are house-made pineapple-coconut cake, with warm pineapple-banana rum sauce and vanilla bean ice cream or a Key lime pie mini Indulgence dessert. Lennie's is at 514 E. Kirkwood Ave.

Other food news:Brown County Coffee begins using low-emissions roaster

Upland Brewing's Courtside pale ale is first Pacers-branded beer

Upland Brewing Co., a Bloomington based craft brewer with brewery and brewpub locations throughout Indiana, recently released a new limited edition beer called Courtside Indiana Pale Ale in collaboration with the Indiana Pacers. This is the first Pacers-branded craft beer.

Courtside is a crisp pale ale with a 5.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). It's now available for purchase at all Upland Brewing locations in Indiana, including the brewpub at 350 W. 11th St. in Bloomington. Pursuant to an agreement between Upland Brewing Co. and Levy Restaurants, it now is available during Pacers games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“Living in Indiana, basketball is almost as much a part of our identity as craft beer,” said Brent Ducker, director of sales and strategic accounts at Upland Brewing, in a news release. “Deepening our relationship with the Indiana Pacers by launching Courtside is a natural next step and one we’re thrilled about. We hope it will enhance the already incredible fan experience for people at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and also appeal to anyone who wants to display their support of the local team and the craft beer industry.”

The Pacers and Upland Brewing Co. first took the court together in late 2022 when Upland Brewing became an official sponsor of the Indiana Pacers, which included the unveiling of an Upland Brewing Co. branded bar, serviced by Levy Restaurants, on the balcony level of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Burma Garden closed

Burma Garden, at 413 E. Fourth St., has closed its doors. A post on the restaurant's website says: "Burma Garden is closed. Thank you for all of our customers their support and patronage for 17 years."

Bonita linebacker Noah Mikhail has the foundation to be a star

Seventh in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Noah Mikhail, Bonita linebacker.The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is about 11 miles from downtown Cairo. It’s 481 feet tall built with stone blocks estimated to weigh 6 million tons.Noah Mikhail has never visited the pyramids in Egypt even though his father, Karim, grew up in Cairo before moving to the Southland as a teenager.Looking at Mikhail’s muscles bulging from his shoulde...

Seventh in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Noah Mikhail, Bonita linebacker.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is about 11 miles from downtown Cairo. It’s 481 feet tall built with stone blocks estimated to weigh 6 million tons.

Noah Mikhail has never visited the pyramids in Egypt even though his father, Karim, grew up in Cairo before moving to the Southland as a teenager.

Looking at Mikhail’s muscles bulging from his shoulders, you have to wonder if he would have fit right in with the workers from the 26th century BC carrying rock and stones to build the mammoth structure.

He’s been hanging out in weight rooms since seventh grade. At 6 feet 3 and 220 pounds, the La Verne Bonita student is considered among the best junior linebackers in the nation, with such college coaches as Lincoln Riley of USC, Ryan Day of Ohio State and Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame hoping to land him.

At 16 years old with a clear passion for football and a 4.0 grade-point average, Mikhail ticks nearly every box on the checklist of what coaches want in a player.

Work.…2 Timothy 1:7 pic.twitter.com/eIYjIAwKmz

— Noah Karim Mikhail 6’3” 215 lbs LB ‘25 (@noahmikhail3) April 30, 2023

“He’s a phenomenal kid,” Bonita co-coach Bo Beatty said. “He’s the first guy in the weight room and the last guy to leave. He’s completely locked in to football. He likes working out and training and on Sunday, he goes to church.”

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He has grown up in San Dimas and La Verne. His father was an offensive lineman at Azusa Pacific. An older brother played at Bonita. While Mikhail heard all the selling points imaginable for why he must transfer to attend a powerhouse program that will give him exposure and attention, it was his decision to attend the school three miles from his house.

His conclusion was simple.

“It really is bet on yourself. If you’re good enough, they will find you,” he said.

Sure enough, everyone is beginning to learn about Mikhail, whose versatility, instincts and toughness resonate with all those who take the time to watch, listen and learn.

On offense, he can play receiver, running back, tight end or on the offensive line. He easily can be a wildcat quarterback. On defense, he can play end or tackle. But he’s being recruited to be an inside or outside linebacker. He says his strength has been helping him in a big way.

“Strength gets your body right and helps your body absorb the contact you’re taking,” he said. “It helps you with endurance.”

Off the field, he’s an energetic, friendly teenager. Faith is critical in his life. He can surf, he can dunk a basketball, he can hit a golf ball pretty far. On the field, he’s totally focused and uses days of watching film to prepare and understand what an opposing team might try to do.

“Being able to be versatile helps me in every position and helps the team,” he said.

The fact he entered April of his sophomore season with more than 30 scholarship offers is proof that he was right to “bet” on himself.

“He actually goes to the school he‘s supposed to go to. It’s refreshing,” Beatty said.

Now, if only he can get some time to visit the pyramids of Egypt, where his strength, size and passion would have come in helpful for the original builders.

Sunday: St. John Bosco defensive back Peyton Woodyard.

La Bonita to reopen Desert Inn location after 2 years of closure

La Bonita is set to reopen its Desert Inn supermarket location this year after nearly two years of closure.The supermarket, which was closed in 2021 after it partially collapsed because of a windstorm, is expected to reopen sometime in the fall of this year, according to Jessica Tabares, a spokesperson for La Bonita. The store is at 2500 E. Desert Inn Road.“We will be very happy to get our neighbors back to this store,” Tabares said.Tabares said La Bonita wished the reopening of the Desert Inn location could ...

La Bonita is set to reopen its Desert Inn supermarket location this year after nearly two years of closure.

The supermarket, which was closed in 2021 after it partially collapsed because of a windstorm, is expected to reopen sometime in the fall of this year, according to Jessica Tabares, a spokesperson for La Bonita. The store is at 2500 E. Desert Inn Road.

“We will be very happy to get our neighbors back to this store,” Tabares said.

Tabares said La Bonita wished the reopening of the Desert Inn location could happen faster but the process has been drawn out since the company needed to work with the landlord of the property to get repairs done and needed to obtain permits from Clark County to fix the damage. But she said La Bonita is taking the opportunity to fully remodel the Desert Inn location and install new equipment and add several self-checkout stations.

The location will also have the typical features of a La Bonita store with a kitchen, a juice bar, full produce section and meat department.

It’s estimated that La Bonita will need to hire about 100 employees to operate the Desert Inn location, and a hiring event should take place before this store opens, according to Tabares. She said that the employees who were working at the Desert Inn location before it closed were offered jobs at other La Bonita stores and they will have the opportunity to transfer back.

The starting wages for the open positions at the Desert Inn La Bonita will range from $12 to $17 an hour, according to Tabares.

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Once the Desert Inn store reopens, La Bonita will have seven locations operating throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Although the company’s website says an eighth location will be added to the area sometime in 2024, Tabares said she couldn’t share any details about where or when a new La Bonita location would open.

Contact Sean Hemmersmeier at [email protected] or @seanhemmers34 on Twitter.

SGV boys water polo: La Salle loses in CIF-SS semifinals; Bonita advances to title game

ARCADIA – The history-making playoff run by the La Salle boys water polo team came to an end in the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinals Wednesday, as it fell to Royal of Simi Valley, 18-9, at Arcadia High.Royal (28-4), which won CIF-SS water polo titles in 1995 and 2017, will play Ayala (20-14), a 15-4 winner over Cabrillo, at Mt. San Antonio College in Saturday’s championships. All of this year’s will be played at Mt. SAC.Also in the semifinals Wednesday, Bonita knocked off Temecula Valley 13-9 in Divi...

ARCADIA – The history-making playoff run by the La Salle boys water polo team came to an end in the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinals Wednesday, as it fell to Royal of Simi Valley, 18-9, at Arcadia High.

Royal (28-4), which won CIF-SS water polo titles in 1995 and 2017, will play Ayala (20-14), a 15-4 winner over Cabrillo, at Mt. San Antonio College in Saturday’s championships. All of this year’s will be played at Mt. SAC.

Also in the semifinals Wednesday, Bonita knocked off Temecula Valley 13-9 in Division 4. Bonita will take on Woodbridge in the finals Saturday. Times for the finals have not been released.

Woodbridge was an 11-7 winner over San Dimas in the other Division 4 semifinal.

In Division 2, Edgewood was eliminated by top seed Summit 22-4 in the semifinals.

For La Salle, the semifinals appearance was the first in program history and its first playoff game in over 10 years.

The Lancers finished the season with a 15-11 record.

“I’m super proud of our boys,” said fourth-year coach Ian Castillo. “We just met a good opponent (Wednesday). The flow of the game caught us off guard. It was a good game.

“Win, lose or draw, (La Salle) is going to be a force, and my mission statement is to put La Salle on the map. Our program is still growing. It (the loss) was a reality check for us.”

Castillo, who played college water polo at Citrus, guided La Salle’s girls water polo team to a CIF title in 2020, his first season as the team’s coach.

Castillo is assisted by his wife and assistant coach Elizabeth (Keane) Castillo, who played at Mt. SAC.

Senior utility Tommy Shea had nine steals and a game-high six goals, and his brother Patrick Shea added five assists and five goals.

Freshman utility Marco Sanfelippo added three goals, while sophomore goalie Connor Pagels made seven saves to go with two steals and one assist.

Leading the way for La Salle was senior Ryan Rivard with five goals and sophomore Tanner Borowitz added three. Freshman Macsen Wallis scored one goal.

“It was an amazing game for (Rivard) and an emotional game,” Ian Castillo said. “He took the game into his own hands, and he snuck three goals by their goalie.”

As for Rivards teammate Borowitz, he said, “We really wouldn’t be here without him. He’s really incredible.”

Borowitz, who is a Prep League first team selection, has scored 136 goals as a sophomore and finished his freshman year with 57 goals.

“We won two games my first year and now Ian (Castillo) is our whole program, basically,” said Rivard, who was named to the Prep League second team. “He’s building up a lot of our new guys who have never played before and he is that foundation.

“I haven’t played in a game this big since I was 12 in the junior Olympics.”

Royal, which was a powerhouse program in the 90’s, held a slim, 3-2 lead after the first period.

Trailing, 1-0, Borowitz evened the game at 1-1, but 2:30 later Sanfelippo scored for the 2-1 lead. Macsen tied the game for the Lancers, but with seconds left in the opening period, Patrick Shea gave Royal the 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the way.

Patrick Shea highlighted a 7-2 run to end the half with three goals for a 10-4 lead. Rivard scored the only two La Salle goals in the second period.

Royal continued to outscore the Lancers, 4-2, in the third as Borowitz and Rivard scored for La Salle. Royal led, 14-6.

Tommy Shea led with two goals in the final period, while Rivard and Borowitz scored two and one goal, respectively, for La Salle.

“This run in CIF has been amazing and it was up and down,” Borowitz said. “We played our hearts out in the second round (22-10 win over Jurupa Valley).

The Lancers won their quarterfinal game against Liberty, 8-6.

“It’s been amazing to see,” said Borowitz, of the excitement of the team after its previous down years. “It was really cool to see everyone a lot happier, especially after that 2-17 season. We were 7-12 last year and lost seven seniors for this year.”

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