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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 Parker, CO

Home Care Parker, CO

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 Scott Road Historic Bridge 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 Parker, CO is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Parker, CO

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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

“Our thanks to ABC for the wonderful nursing care and general management and coordination”

Sean R.
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“Amazing customer service and follow up regarding services for my mother-in-law”

Jenna F.
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“I'm sending this thank u to thank you, not only for being the best company I hold dear but being so individually beautiful!!! You're always the best care!!!!!”

Juliana S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you to all the caregivers who took care of our mom. We are forever grateful for your kindness towards our mom when we couldn't be there because of covid”

Clar B.
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“I am deeply grateful for the love and support you have shown me during this difficult time, especially by sending me beautiful flowers. Thank you so much for your love and sympathy”

Eugenia C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for the wonderful care you have provided, specifically Simone, for my mom the last 4 years. We couldn't have done this without Simone's assistance. She is truly an angel!!”

Ona D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you so much for the coordination of our parents care. Your loveliness and dedication made our parents lives so much better. We are very happy that ABC did every thing possible to let their home run smoothly. We appreciate all the efforts and especially your positive spirit”

Cormac M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I didn't think they could do better than I could on my own. They found a much better, more beautiful place at a much better price for my mom. HUGE THANKS TO NANCY FOR HER HELP !!!!”

avida
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have referred my families to Always Best Care and they have been very happy with the service and the care staff that come into their homes. I was recently talking to a nurse who owns a Home Health company and asked her who she liked to use for home care. She said Always Best Care in Lakewood never lets me down. They always show up and give good care! There are so many home care companies out there it can be overwhelming. If you are trying to chose which home care company to go with, I highly recommend Always Best Care in Lakewood.”

Pam S.
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“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”

Shayla E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you so much for coming by to visit our community with the Always Best Care fun wheel! I can tell you it really was a nice morale boost for our associates! Nancy, everyone on our team who worked with you and Always Best Care for our Memory Care resident who needed overnight care was so complimentary of how kind and helpful you were in coordinating care for her. Thank you for all your help.”

Patricia G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I had a wonderful experience working with the company. Very helpful and dedicated to providing caring services to their clients.”

Shayla H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“To Always Best Care Giver Cynthia C. H., “Thank you for taking the time to celebrate Carolyn’s Birthday, and making her feel so important and loved. Hats off to you.”

Leslie B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I can't find Sarah S, Alyssa, Paula, and the rest of the teams direct emails so please pass on my appreciation and gratitude for them too! Thank you so much for the shout out!! I love reading the newsletter and had no idea I was going to be in it so it was a wonderful surprise! I love this job and I hope I can help out more in the near future instead of just every weekend. Thank you again and I love being part of the Always Best team :) Thank you!”

Katherine S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our care giver Evelyn L. was wonderful, and such a great help to our family.”

Barb F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I recommend the services of Always Best Care. The several months I have employed Always Best Care have been very satisfying. The services they have provided for an elderly Alzheimer’s patient has been exceptional. One of the most satisfying aspects of their service is their reliability. They show up, on time , with enthusiasm, and know the patient before entering the home. Also, the scheduling and support staff is accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Anyone that needs help with an elderly Alzheimer’s patient should consider employing Always Best Care. Sincerely, Michael Iverson”

Michael I.
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TESTIMONIALS

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! If you or anyone in your family is looking for quality, sincere care for yourself or a loved one look no further. Always best care has the sweetest caregivers who go through an intense training course so they know for sure how well they do in certain environments. Erin the owner is the sweetest darn person who has a heart of gold who treats her employees very good so they can focus on doing their job right and enjoy doing it. I have been around the caregiving industry since 2013 and this is by far the best company I have yet seen. Trust me they won’t let you down!!!!!!!”

Carson C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“To ABC Care Giver Autumn W., we adore you and your caring heart is noticed by our family. We all thank you.”

Robin J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband had a bad fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures and a fractured rib. Fortunately, there was no need for surgery but unfortunately, he was going to be immobile and in a great deal of pain. He was very nervous about my ability to be able to handle him so he requested that we look into very short-term ( one week) home health care when first coming home. Not knowing when he would be released from the hospital I was in my own panic about setting up the care so quickly. With he help of Nancy -a key administrator, I was able to get set up immediately even when I was unsure of exactly when to start. I was guided through the process. When I had to delay one day-no problem. The care giver who was sent to us, Evelyn was terrific-personable and willing to help in anyway requested. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”

Renee F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC was so responsive and made it very easy to set up care. They worked closely with our Hospice team as well if we needed them to. They were respectful and kind to our Mom. Only thing I would change is having them be able to administer meds. Definitely recommend them though!”

Krista K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The response time and options for the care of my 101 year old father have been exceptional. I would recommend Always Best Care to anyone who needs assistance and/or guidance in the care of their elderly loved ones. Dan Anderson”

Dan A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It was great working with Nancy, she went the extra mile helping us find the right place for our Mom.”

robert K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care helped our family find just the right place for my mother-in-law. Nancy Hemming knows exactly what questions to ask in order to assess each situation and she does so with professionalism, kindness and compassion. Nancy was our shepherd through the overwhelming landscape of assisted living placement and insurance. We highly recommend Always Best Care. You will find their service to be of the highest quality!”

Karen R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you very much for your kind words and thank you so much to you and your staff for taking such good care of my mother. It was a big comfort to me to know she was in capable and caring hands.”

Bethany D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Hiring a service from a distance is extremely stressful. Just speaking with them on the phone took away any scary thoughts I had. Professional, but what mattered most was their kindness and understanding ! thank you Nancy and Veronka !”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Parker, CO?

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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 Parker, CO

Types of Elderly Care in Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO
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 Parker, CO
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 Tallman Meadow 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 Parker, CO
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 The Douglas or visit Twenty-Mile Historic 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.

 In-Home Care Parker, CO

Benefits of Home Care in Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO, 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 Parker, CO

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 CO'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 Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO 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 Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO

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:

  • MorningStar Senior Living of Parker
  • BeeHive Homes Assisted Living
  • Castle Country Assisted Living - Victorian House
  • Assured Senior Living 7 Parker Riverstone Drive
  • Life Care Center of Stonegate
  • Pine Grove Crossing Assisted Living & Memory Care
Home Care Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO

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 Parker, CO 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 Parker, CO

Latest News in Parker, CO

Is Hess Road in Parker your access to I-25? Prepare for a detour starting April 3 and lasting into the summer.

If you travel on Hess Road between I-25 and Parker, plan to take either Ridgegate Parkway or Crowfoot Road while crews repair a bridge beginning Thursday, April 3, 2025.Parts of the aging bridge structure will be removed and replaced over 90 days. During this time, motorists traveling westbound will not have through access to the Castle Pines and I-25 interchange.Two detour routes will be signed:...

If you travel on Hess Road between I-25 and Parker, plan to take either Ridgegate Parkway or Crowfoot Road while crews repair a bridge beginning Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Parts of the aging bridge structure will be removed and replaced over 90 days. During this time, motorists traveling westbound will not have through access to the Castle Pines and I-25 interchange.

Two detour routes will be signed:

Motorists traveling eastbound on Hess Road will have through access from the Castle Pines and I-25 Interchange to Parker. Please remember to slow down through the work zone and watch for lane shifts.

Rehabilitation of a second Hess Road bridge with similar traffic impacts is anticipated in Fall 2025. Stay informed about these projects by signing up for Douglas County’s Cone Zone email notifications. Learn more about the project on our project website. For statewide road conditions, visit cotrip.org.

Work/closure hours

View the detour map.

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MARION, PARKER CO-OP TALKS; UPDATED

on March 26, 2025Boards appear to be closing in on 9-year sports agreement as ‘Pheasants’ starting this fall, with football, softball & wrestling beginning in fall of 2026A possible nine-year sports agreement between Marion and Parker is on the table, and by all accounts, both school districts are on board.That’s the biggest takeaway from a special meeting of the Marion School Board held inside the high school gym Thursday night, March 27. The meeting featured a review of a...

on March 26, 2025

Boards appear to be closing in on 9-year sports agreement as ‘Pheasants’ starting this fall, with football, softball & wrestling beginning in fall of 2026

A possible nine-year sports agreement between Marion and Parker is on the table, and by all accounts, both school districts are on board.

That’s the biggest takeaway from a special meeting of the Marion School Board held inside the high school gym Thursday night, March 27. The meeting featured a review of a possible sports agreement recently drafted by Marion and shared with Parker, and a counter-proposal Parker shared with Marion last Thursday afternoon, suggesting the discussion is moving quickly.

And both districts have follow-up meetings planned.

The Parker School Board will hold a special meeting Thursday, April 3 starting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held inside the school’s main gymnasium to allow for public input.

The Marion School Board, meanwhile, will invite further discussion from the public when it meets again in regular session April 14 at 6 p.m. inside the school’s main gymnasium.

Marion and Parker are both proposing similar splits in practices and games, with the proposed new cooperative in cross-country, boys and girls basketball, track and field and volleyball beginning this coming fall. For that to happen, a proposal would have to be submitted to the South Dakota High School Activities Association by the end of the month for consideration.

Football, softball and wrestling would first enter into the new agreement in the fall of 2026.

Scott Tieszen, chair of the Marion School Board, said at the March 27 meeting that Parker’s willingness to work toward a long-term, all-sports agreement is something the Marion district has wanted for a long time “so we are known as one team,” he said.

“We have some good sports co-ops with Freeman; we have a long-term sports co-op with Freeman Academy, but as some of you have noticed, the numbers aren’t consistent,” he said. “There are some sports where there is good participation (from Freeman Academy) and some sports where there is not. What we need is partnership where we can be more sustainable in the long-term, and the Academy is not fulfilling that requirement.”

Tieszen noted that Marion officials reached out to Freeman Public — with which it has a partnership in wrestling (Rebels) and football and softball (Phoenix) — inquiring about expanding the partnership into all sports, and that the response was “not so enthusiastic.”

“You can all go onto Freeman’s website and watch that meeting in its entirety,” he noted, “and you will find the majority of the response was not necessarily in favor of an all-sports co-op with us.”

Still, Freeman Public late Tuesday night, Aug. 1 updated its agenda for a special meeting Wednesday, April 2 originally called solely for teacher negotiations. The new agenda shows a discussion about Marion’s request for an expanded co-op following the executive session for the negotiations.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m., with the second agenda item — the discussion on the co-op — live-streamed. Click here for the link.

Marion also reached out to Canistota and Parker, Tieszen said, and was met with a favorable response from Parker, a community eight miles to the south/southeast and Marion’s closest neighbor.

And on Wednesday, March 19, superintendents and athletic directors from Marion and Parker got together to discuss what a partnership could look like. Additional details were shared at last week’s special meeting of the Marion School Board, and while no official action has been taken, Tieszen noted that the Parker School Board appeared to be in favor of moving forward 4-1.

Details on the table

Based on that information, the mascot of a new cooperative between Marion and Parker would remain Pheasants, with Marion’s proposal suggesting the full name be Marion/Parker Pheasants, while Parker countered with a full team name of ParMar Pheasants.

“One thing Parker has made perfectly clear is a mascot change is off the table,” said Tieszen. “They will not even talk to you if you’re not willing to be a Pheasant.”

That did not appear to be a sticking point at Thursday’s special meeting in Marion, and other details shared suggest both school boards favor an agreement that is close to an even split.

Both proposals support 100% varsity/junior varsity football at Parker and a 50/50 junior high football split, as well as all track and field at Parker and a 90/10 split in wrestling.

Marion asked for a 50/50 split in boys and girls basketball and volleyball while Parker countered with 60% Parker and 40% Marion.

Marion’s proposal also included a 50/50 split in softball, to which Parker countered with 60% Marion and 40% Parker

“They like our facilities better than theirs,” said Tieszen. “Not too often do we get to say that in this town. We should be very proud of that.”

Both districts have also agreed to a nine-year cooperative with two year’s notice required — in writing — should one school want to break that contract. If proper notification of termination is not given, Marion school officials explained, the school abounding the partnership would be penalized 50% of one year’s worth of expenses.

All Marion School Board members spoke in favor of a long-term, all-sports co-op with Parker at last week’s meeting.

“This seems to be the fairest agreement we have received from any of these other towns, aside from Freeman Academy,” said Jaren Schmidt. “It’s kind of a tough one to swallow in terms of mascots, but right now we’re four different ones (Rebels in wrestling, Bobcats in soccer, Phoenix and football and softball and Bearcats in everything else), so is that really going to matter? To me it doesn’t. I’m looking forward to the future and moving forward with one co-op with one name.”

Donlan agreed.

“I’ve been working at this for six years and I know there are other people sitting in here who have been working at it a lot longer,” said Matt Donlan. “I get it if you’re frustrated with the Pheasant thing, but this is the most a school has come for Marion — ever.”

“I like it; I think it has a fair balance to it,” said Amalia Zick. “I appreciate the give and take and that’s what this is. Let them enjoy the sports, let them get to play, let them get that camaraderie going.”

“It’s time to figure out something we can be for many years,” said Jen McConniel, noting that Marion has played under various team names over the years, including multiple team names in various partnerships in football: Seahawks when they were attached to Bridgewater-Emery in 2021, Razorbacks during a partnership with Menno from 2013 to 2020, and Cobras during a short stint with Hurley — a team that won a Class 9AA title in 2008.

“We need to look at the longevity of things, and if we have to be the Pheasants, we have to be the Pheasants,” McConniel continued. “It is, after all, the state bird.”

Soccer, FA in the balance

The biggest difference in the two proposals shared last week was that Parker would like to keep the soccer partnership intact with Freeman Academy — something Marion board members questioned. But feedback from the public during the open forum included multiple comments in favor of maintaining that relationship with Freeman Academy’s soccer program, which in addition to Marion and Parker includes a connection with Freeman Public.

Marion school officials also said that they have not talked with Parker about bringing Freeman Academy along in other sports; Marion and Freeman Academy have enjoyed a largely healthy Bearcats sports cooperative since 2016.

Brian Paff, board chair at Freeman Academy, attended Thursday’s meeting in Marion and said that Freeman Academy “would like to be part of the conversation.”

No official action has been taken by any school board involved, although that could come the third week of the month when Marion has its regular meeting (with additional public input) on April 14.

Parker is scheduled to meet in regular sessino Thursday, April 17.

Impact, history

In addition to Freeman Academy, the latest developments with Marion and Parker could have a major impact on the “Phoenix” brand implemented in 2022, when Freeman Public, Marion and Freeman Academy agreed on a new football cooperative, with Phoenix softball beginning the following year.

It would also bring an end to the longest-standing wrestling cooperative in South Dakota — the Marion/Freeman Rebels established in 1991.

While the Freeman School Board took up the issue of the expanded co-op at its regular meeting on March 11, going so far as voting to “continue the discussion,” there appeared to be little support for the move.

And it’s not the first time that Marion and Freeman Public have failed to get a deal done. In fact, a five-sport, three-school cooperative was on the table in the spring of 2021 between Freeman Public, Marion and Freeman Academy prior to the establishment of the Phoenix football partnership.

At the conclusion of that discussion, at a special board meeting of all three school boards, Marion and Freeman Academy board members unanimously agreed to the partnership beginning the fall of 2021, while it failed on a 2-3 vote from Freeman Public despite the majority of public input favoring the three-school co-op.

Warby Parker co-CEO Neil Blumenthal sells stock worth $3.66 million

Neil Blumenthal, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE:WRBY), recently sold shares of the company’s Class A Common Stock, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The transactions, executed on March 3 and March 4, involved the sale of 150,000 shares at prices ranging from $24.37 to $25.07, totaling approximately $3.66 million. The sales come as WRBY shares have shown remarkable ...

Neil Blumenthal, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Warby Parker Inc. (NYSE:WRBY), recently sold shares of the company’s Class A Common Stock, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The transactions, executed on March 3 and March 4, involved the sale of 150,000 shares at prices ranging from $24.37 to $25.07, totaling approximately $3.66 million. The sales come as WRBY shares have shown remarkable performance, delivering a 92% return over the past year, though InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently trading above its Fair Value.

Additionally, Blumenthal sold another 27,967 shares at a price of $23.52, generating $657,783. These sales were conducted under a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Following these transactions, Blumenthal’s direct ownership stands at 23,961 shares. The company, currently valued at $2.81 billion, has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 15.16% over the last twelve months.

The filing also detailed other transactions, including acquisitions and conversions of stock, but these did not involve any cash transactions. For deeper insights into WRBY’s valuation metrics and 12 additional exclusive ProTips, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find comprehensive analysis in our Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, Warby Parker Inc. reported a notable 17.8% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter 2024 revenue, reaching $190.6 million, surpassing both Stifel’s projection of $185.7 million and the consensus estimate of $187.6 million. Despite this revenue success, the company’s earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.06 missed the forecasted $0.03. Warby Parker’s adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $13.8 million, aligning closely with expectations. Looking ahead, the company has projected fiscal year 2025 revenues between $878 million and $893 million, representing a 14% to 16% growth, exceeding both Stifel’s and the Street’s forecasts.

Analysts have responded to these developments with various adjustments to Warby Parker’s stock price targets. Stifel raised its price target to $25 while maintaining a Hold rating, citing the company’s strategic execution despite valuation concerns. UBS increased its price target to $23, retaining a Neutral stance, highlighting Warby Parker’s growth in eCommerce sales and active customer base. JMP Securities went further, raising the price target to $30 and maintaining a Market Outperform rating, pointing to the company’s strategic partnerships and market opportunities.

Warby Parker’s strategic initiatives include a new partnership with Target, where they plan to open five shop-in-shops, aiming to expand their customer base. The company also anticipates opening 45 new stores in 2025, with a focus on increasing both retail and e-commerce growth. Despite challenges such as potential tariff impacts, analysts like those at Evercore ISI see continued acceleration in active customer growth and an expansion of EBITDA margins, adjusting their price target to $24 while maintaining an In Line rating.

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