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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 Fillmore, IN

Home Care Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore Historical Museum 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 Fillmore, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Fillmore, IN

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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

“best people at there”

Shelly L.
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“Great staff!! Caring people!”

Lissa W.
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“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”

Brandi S.
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“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”

Diana W.
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“Very compassionate caregivers!”

Kendall A.
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“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”

Amanda N.
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“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”

Isabella G.
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“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”

Eugene K.
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“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”

Nathan E.
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“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”

Robin
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”

Thomas H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Fillmore, IN?

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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 Fillmore, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, IN
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 Fillmore, IN
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 Shiell's 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 Fillmore, IN
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 Progress or visit Millard Fillmore Museum, 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 Fillmore, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, 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.

 Elderly Care Fillmore, IN

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 IN'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 Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, 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.

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 Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, IN

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:

  • Fillmore Country Club
  • Fillmore Senior Apartments
  • Cogir Of Alexandria Fillmore
  • Parkview Court Apartments
  • Pahvant Senior Citizens
  • Greenfield Care Center of Fillmore
Home Care Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, IN

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 Fillmore, 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.

 Elderly Care Fillmore, IN

Latest News in Fillmore, IN

Clay Theatre to Be Restored and Revived as Moviehouse Amid Billionaire's Upper Fillmore Revamp

We have news this week about the historic Clay Theatre on upper Fillmore, which went dark in early 2020 and has been closed ever since.There were fears in the last few years that the 112-year-old Clay Theatre in Pac Heights would be substantially or completely demolished, as part of one wealthy man's vision for upscaling the already upscale stretch of Fillmore north of Pine Street. After Landmark T...

We have news this week about the historic Clay Theatre on upper Fillmore, which went dark in early 2020 and has been closed ever since.

There were fears in the last few years that the 112-year-old Clay Theatre in Pac Heights would be substantially or completely demolished, as part of one wealthy man's vision for upscaling the already upscale stretch of Fillmore north of Pine Street. After Landmark Theatres — which previously operated multiple cinemas in San Francisco and now only has one remaining at Opera Plaza — ended their run managing the Clay, the venue's future looked uncertain.

The theater had, in recent years, been known for midnight screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room, and its final screening before closing in January 2020 was a showing Rocky Horror.

Then, in early 2024, we learned that the Clay had been purchased along with multiple properties along Fillmore Street between Pine and Clay streets by a mystery buyer who we soon learned was billionaire venture capitalist Neil Mehta.

Mehta has only made a few public statements about his intentions for those two blocks of Fillmore, but he did say last spring that he intended to revive the Clay as "a high-end theater and hospitality concept."

The New Fillmore reported this week that those plans are taking shape, and an operator for the Clay Theatre has been selected. Ted Gerike, the founder of Los Angeles cinema-bookstore Now Instant and currently the director of digital content for downtown New York indie cinema Metrograph, will be leading the programming at the Clay. And Metrograph may be the model for the "high-end" concept that Mehta had been envisioning, with its membership program, focus on art-house and historic Hollywood cinema, and in-house restaurant.

Gerike issued a statement saying, "I envision the Clay as both a home for local voices and a bridge connecting San Francisco to the wider world of cinema and ideas."

"Ted Gerike is exactly the type of operator we are eager to see thrive on Fillmore Street,” says Cody Allen, director of the Mehta-backed Upper Fillmore Revitalization Project, adding that Gerike's plans are "emblematic of our broader vision" for the corridor.

Plans reportedly include 500 film screenings annually, projection capability for both 4K digital and 35mm analog films, and a refurbished theater with around 200 seats. Preservation architects Page & Turnbull have been retained to work on the renovation.

The programming at the Clay will reportedly include "first-run premieres, repertory classics, filmmaker talks, and cinema-focused events."

Allen has said that the broader project seeks to "support unique and experiential small business entrepreneurs who will bring something new and special to the neighborhood we live in and love." And the group has a number of retail properties to work with, after Mehta has invested millions already in acquiring properties.

But Mehta's intentions have not always been very clear, there was some local uproar last year over what appeared to be moves to evict several legacy businesses, including the 45-year-old Mediterranean restaurant La Mediterranee. (La Med, as it's known, recently got a four-year lease extension.)

Mehta spoke on an investment podcast back in April, admitting that this is all something of a vanity project — adding that it is "a terrible financial investment."

Mehta suggested he was seizing control of this microcosm of San Francisco, as "a lot of things are going in the wrong direction" in the city, saying "this was one part of my little corner of the world, [and I am] starting to invest and make it better."

Most would agree that Upper Fillmore, with its high-end boutiques and generally decent food offerings, isn't a corner of San Francisco that's screaming for revitalization. But Mehta seems to think it is, and he says his project "came from a place of wanting to make that street beautiful. And if we can make that one street beautiful, then you could maybe do that across other parts of the city, and you could make the city livable for families and have people still there."

In any event, having a cool new art-house cinema in the neighborhood, following a decade that saw the closure of a number of theaters around SF — including the beloved Landmark Embarcadero at Embarcadero Center — is welcome news for movie buffs.

There's currently no timeline for when construction on the Clay may be complete, and this still seems to be in the early stages.

Fillmore and Franklinville to battle in Class D state quarterfinal

One squad is making its second regional trip in four years while the other has reached the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history. The scene is set Saturday June 7th as the Class D champs of Section V Fillmore Eagles take on the winners of Section VI Franklinville Panthers in the NYSPHSAA Class D Far West Regional. Here’s the breakdown:Class D No. 6 FILLMORE EAGLES (14-7 / Allegany I)vs.No. 1 FRANKLINVILLE PANTHERS (13-6 / CCAA III)Saturday June 7th, Geneva McDonough Park, 12:00 p.m....

One squad is making its second regional trip in four years while the other has reached the state quarterfinals for the first time in program history. The scene is set Saturday June 7th as the Class D champs of Section V Fillmore Eagles take on the winners of Section VI Franklinville Panthers in the NYSPHSAA Class D Far West Regional. Here’s the breakdown:

Class D No. 6 FILLMORE EAGLES (14-7 / Allegany I)vs.No. 1 FRANKLINVILLE PANTHERS (13-6 / CCAA III)Saturday June 7th, Geneva McDonough Park, 12:00 p.m.

How they arrived here: No. 6 Fillmore kicked off its postseason with a 21-2 victory over No. 11 Hammondsport and edged out No. 3 Elba in the quarterfinals 3-1. The Eagles then cruised to a 14-5 victory against No. 2 Keshequa 14-5 in the semifinals to make the title game and walked it off against top-seeded Arkport-Canaseraga in extras 5-4 to earn their spot in the Far West Regional. After a first round bye, No. 1 Franklinville started its playoff run with a 4-2 victory over No. 4 Ellicottville in the semifinals and rolled to a 6-1 victory against No. 2 Brocton in the sectional championship to advance to the regional.

Tempo and trends: Fillmore scores 9.0 runs a game while allowing 4.05 against. Fillmore rolls into the regional on a six-game win streak while scoring 10-plus runs in four of them. The Eagles have outscored opponents 70-21 in that span. Fillmore has allowed more than five runs six times while obtaining seven double-digit victories on the season. To go along with that, the Eagles are 3-1 in games decided by one run this season. Franklinville enters the Far West Regional on a two-game win streak with victories in four of its last five. In those five games, the Panthers outscored opponents 36-26. Franklinville has scored 10-plus runs eight times with seven of those being double-digit victories while being 2-1 in games decided by one run.

Players to watch for Fillmore: Kalen Beardsley Sr.; Jack Boon Sr.; Jared Boon Fr.; Sawyer Brown Jr.; Brayden Hennard Sr.; James Hillman Jr.; Connor McCumiskey So.; Avery Potter Fr.; Damon Potter Sr.; Isaac Wilcox So.

Franklinville: Bretton Blecha; Mason Blecha; Gannon Callahan; Tyrnan Farrington; Nicholas Hillman; Trevin Lane; Brendan MacWilliams; Collin Mooney; Matthew Spittler; Brady Tatlow; Isaac Towne

Coaches: Kaiden Bowers (Fillmore), Reed Mitrowski (Franklinville)

History 101: After falling in the sectional final in 2024, Fillmore took care of business and is back in the Far West Regional for the second time in four years. The Eagles are 1-1 all time in regional appearances as they fell 3-2 to Clymer-Sherman-Panama in 2022 and are looking for their first victory since 2000. For Franklinville, its a clean slate for the program as the Panthers have made history already with their first regional appearance in program history.

What’s at stake: A spot in the Class D state semifinal against either Oriskany (III) or Notre Dame-Elmira (IV).

‘Why not Fillmore?’: Flashes unveil baseball stadium, prepare to build $27M athletic complex

The Taj Mahal of Ventura County ballparks has been built on the campus of Fillmore High School.Booty Sanchez Varsity Baseball Field’s towering support beams, painted bright Fillmore blue, are visible from blocks away. Manicured grass stretches out 365 feet from home plate to the center-field fence, while the carefully raked infield dirt looks almost like carpet.Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle recognizes that visiting teams — and even locals — might be surprised when they pa...

The Taj Mahal of Ventura County ballparks has been built on the campus of Fillmore High School.

Booty Sanchez Varsity Baseball Field’s towering support beams, painted bright Fillmore blue, are visible from blocks away. Manicured grass stretches out 365 feet from home plate to the center-field fence, while the carefully raked infield dirt looks almost like carpet.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle recognizes that visiting teams — and even locals — might be surprised when they park their car at Fillmore High and lay eyes on the new stadium.

“These are facilities that some may not expect to see in a small district, small town,” Schieferle said. “We just like to say, our kids deserve it. (We) say, ‘Why not Fillmore?’ ”

The $4.4 million stadium opened Feb. 19 after five months of construction.

Notable details include a 30-foot-tall section of foul-ball netting around the backstop, enclosed dugouts with covered roofs for both home and visiting teams, a large programmable scoreboard, five new bleacher sections, and a new irrigation system.

A towering batter’s eye dominates the center-field fence line, near the padded, six-foot-tall home-run fence and 15-foot warning track — all designed by consultant Bert Vigil and his company, Turf Team Inc.

It is the dream ballpark for a storied Fillmore baseball program.

Hall of Fame pitcher Rick Stewart and the great Flashes teams of the mid-1970s won three-straight CIF-Southern Section titles from 1975-77, before finishing runner-up in 1979. In 2023, the Flashes advanced to the Division 7 title game.

Fillmore baseball head coach JR Sandoval said he and his players were blown away when they first stepped foot on the field and have continued to be astonished watching the excitement it has generated around the program.

“It’s just an experience for the kids. It’s cool seeing the scoreboard and upgrades to everything. The biggest thing, for me, is having support,” Sandoval said. “Having a bunch of people coming to games, and they have something to look at — not only the baseball game, but something beautiful to look at.”

“The other field was great, don’t get me wrong, but this field is just so much better,” said junior pitcher Thomas Alamillo. “We were at a loss for words.”

Construction of the new facilities was funded entirely by a pair of general obligation bonds, Measure V and Measure G, which passed in 2016 and 2022, respectively.

Measure V authorized $35 million, then an additional $7 million the following year, with a goal of constructing a new varsity baseball stadium at Fillmore High. Eight years later, Measure G added $41.6 million more to fund, in part, the construction of a massive new athletic complex on the site of the old varsity baseball stadium.

Both bond measures passed with overwhelming support from the voters of Fillmore and Piru.

“It just shows that the community recognizes the potential, and they want to see that potential in our kids, from kindergarten all the way through,” Fillmore Assistant Principal D.R. Moreland said. “I think it’s really special.”

The funds raised have gone towards countless renovation and development projects across the district, according to Schieferle.

“Fillmore and Piru — they are generational. Many of our students’ parents, grandparents went through our schools,” Schieferle said. “There is a genuine interest in wanting to see our kids succeed, wanting to see kids in our community go out and do great things.”

“We have such a tight-knit community here,” Sandoval said. “When something goes into building facilities for Fillmore, they are going to buy into it. … I have lived here my whole life, so I know how strong the support is.”

Gene Evans has lived in Fillmore since 1961 and in the same home on Central Avenue since 1971. He was a close friend of the late Gabriel “Booty” Sanchez, the new stadium’s namesake.

A former baseball player himself, at neighboring Santa Paula High and Ventura College, Evans has seen his fair share of local ballparks. When Fillmore’s new stadium began to take shape, Evans could tell it was going to be unique.

“We watched it, from the first breaking ground and moving the dirt around, and wondering how they were ever going to make a field out of that,” Evans said while watching his grandson, Alamillo, pitch against Channel Islands on March 28. “Cut to this — I just wish I would have played on a field like this when I was a kid.”

The baseball field is just the first of many changes coming to Fillmore High’s athletic facilities.

Construction of a 43,000-square-foot athletic complex, with an estimated price tag of $27 million, is on the horizon.

The bidding process for the construction of the facility is complete, said Schieferle, and Fillmore High plans to award the contract at its school board meeting on May 6. Construction is set to begin this summer and administrators project a completion date in approximately 18 months.

A central gymnasium will house three basketball courts, with seating for more than 1,500 fans. With the use of a retractable wall, the gym will be able to expand or shrink based on need, from practice to game time.

The facility will also include a new weight training room, a new wrestling room, an equipment room, team storage rooms, locker rooms for players and coaches, training rooms and an athletic treatment room, which will accommodate Fillmore High Director of Sports Medicine Breanna McLain.

The Fillmore High Hall of Fame will be relocated to the lobby of the new building and trophy cases will proudly celebrate the great Flashes of old.

“As soon as you walk in the building, you are going to see that small-town, hometown sense of pride,” Schieferle said, “and all of the athletes that came before us.”

Dominic Massimino is a staff writer for the Star. He can be reached at [email protected]. For more coverage, follow @vcsdominic on Twitter and Instagram.

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