It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Parowan Adobe Fort Historical Marker 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 Parowan, UT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
“Emily and I (Nolan) are very grateful you all gave us the opportunity to work here. We had excellent experiences with management, caregivers, and our clients. We are thankful for your patience with our schedules and experience. We have learned a lot from being here, and we hope that our experiences from being here can be for our future benefit. We’d recommend working at ABC to our friends because of the great experiences we’ve had her. Emily and Nolan”
“I have used this company for a few of my residents. They take such good care of their clients and do such a good job at taking the time with each and every one of them. They go above and beyond for their clients. I’d definitely recommend them!”
“I can’t say enough about Always Best Care. Henry and his staff was there from the start to help me find a sitter. I was in a position where I needed immediate help and they came through. His staff was caring and responsible. They helped me through a very difficult time.”
“They were wonderful watching my husband why I had to work stayed right with him so he didn’t fall”
“I work with Always Best Care and it's been an amazing experience for me. I have learned so much about not only our patients we help, but the compassionate hard working people that are behind it all. I'm so grateful to work with such a caring, kind and helpful company they really do treat you like family❤. Not only are they giving back each day to patients who need them they are kind and caring to their employees as well. I love working for this company!”
“Amazing staff! I am so glad to have found Always Best Care, it is a blessing. I live 300 miles away from my elderly parents and cannot always travel, it’s comforting to know that my parents are in great hands and that I don’t have to worry about them. The staff is well trained and the management goes above and beyond to meet your needs. I think of them as angels in disguise!”
“I’m so glad we found Always Best Care to help our family take care of my grandpa! They have been amazing to work with. It’s such a relief to find a company that has open communication and cares about their clients and the clients family, too!”
“I have used the services of Always Best Care since Sept. 2021. I have been very pleased with the attentive care they have given my husband. They have been flexible, accommodating, and gone the extra mile helping with my husband's needs. As an example, I was away for the day and I was called by the caregiver that my husband was not doing well. I came home and we decided to take him to the emergency room. The caregiver came with us and stayed at the hospital for hours. He was released with the medication he needed for his recovery and she helped bring him home and get him settled before she left. This was way into the night and passed her normal working hours. One of my requests before hiring on a Senior Service was that the caregivers enjoyed their job and enjoyed working with challenging patients. I use their service six days a week and every caregiver has been kind, compassionate, and hard working. I really have been pleased.”
“Always Best Care is amazing! All of the caregivers are professional and provide the best care. I have tried multiple different agencies in the area for help with my grandmother and none have been as attentive and helpful as ABC”
“Great staff. Working around my schedule and always there when I need them.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“Always best care has the most genuine team I’ve ever seen. They go above and beyond providing amazing care for the elderly with the help of trustworthy caregivers! They work as a team which makes the environment of there company so unique. Thank you always best care you have been amazing.”
“They really care about their clients and staff, fast turnaround and superb care”
“The owners and staff at Always Best Care are so professional and friendly! With aging parents, it’s so nice to have the staff here to step in and help with caring for them. They are able to set everything up so quickly and provide the care when we need it! We are so happy we found out about them!!”
“The staff are exceptional and truly have their patients best interest in mind. Grateful to have found a company that will care for my loved ones in a way I would myself. Thank you!!!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services have organized and caring faculty and staff. They genuinely care for their clients and want to help them in the best way possible. We are so happy with the services they provide.”
“Great place to work. They are very helpful and also fast to respond to any questions that I have. Thank you ABC!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Great to work with, caring, compassionate and willing to work with different situations! They take time to understand needs to accommodate the best way to help! They are trustworthy, dependable and a business you can count on!!????”
“The caregivers and staff at Always Best Care of St George are top notch. I highly recommend them for in home senior care services!”
“I'm so happy to have Always Best Care as a resource for us when we need more help with our aging parents. The office staff and owners are very professional and kind and they seem to be extremely careful in hiring staff that reflect the same values. I feel safe in trusting the caregivers. It's a huge relief to know that we have someone else who can help fill in when we can't be there or our parents just need more help than we can give.”
“Friendly and knowledgeable staff!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Parowan Heritage Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local La Villa Fine Food Mexican or visit Parowan Old Rock Church 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.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Parowan, UT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Parowan, UT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Parowan, UT 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.
CEDAR CITY — Iron County rescuers successfully brought two stranded hikers to safety near Parowan on Wednesday.At approximately 4 p.m, the Iron County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team was activated to respond to a report of two lost hikers on Valentine Peak, which is located immediately to the east of Parowan.Iron County Sheriff’s Cpl. Michael Hilleger was the first to arrive on scene, according to a social media ...
CEDAR CITY — Iron County rescuers successfully brought two stranded hikers to safety near Parowan on Wednesday.
At approximately 4 p.m, the Iron County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team was activated to respond to a report of two lost hikers on Valentine Peak, which is located immediately to the east of Parowan.
Iron County Sheriff’s Cpl. Michael Hilleger was the first to arrive on scene, according to a social media post made later that same evening. Hilleger immediately began hiking to the hikers’ last known GPS location.
At approximately 5 p.m., Iron County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team members arrived and began ascending the trail.
Meanwhile, as the search and rescue volunteers were hiking up, Hilleger made contact with the two hikers, who were found in steep terrain approximately 400 feet off the trail.
“They were cold, wet, and not prepared for the changing weather conditions,” the post states, adding that Hilleger provided the female hiker with an emergency blanket and the male hiker with a coat.
“The SAR volunteers assessed the location of the hikers and Corporal Hilleger and were able to find a route off trail with somewhat level terrain to allow us to reach them in the shortest amount of time,” the post adds.
Before the descent, the hikers were provided with dry clothing, hand warmers, feet warmers and gloves.
“The female hiker’s socks were drenched and her feet were painfully cold,” the post states. “The team removed her shoes and socks, warmed her feet, and then provided her dry socks and wrapped them in plastic to keep them dry for the descent down, since her sneakers were soaked.”
At approximately 6:15 p.m., the two hikers, along with the seven search and rescue volunteers and two sheriff’s deputies, arrived back down at the trailhead, located near the Iron County Fairgrounds parking lot.
“We’re thankful the hikers called us sooner rather than later, so we could get them warmed and down before it got dark and much colder,” the post concludes.
Iron County Sheriff’s Office said the incident serves as a reminder to have proper gear when recreating outdoors, especially this time of year.
“The valley temps may be mild but when you get into the higher elevations, the weather can drastically change,” the post states.
Photo Gallery
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
PAROWAN — When Parowan Elementary School’s third grade classes presented their annual Utah History program on Feb. 21, it was a historic milestone in itself.The program marked the final one of many for longtime third grade teacher Rex Burton, who has announced he’s retiring at the end of the current school year.Burton’s career as an educator spans 45 years, and all but the first one were spent at Parowan Elementary.Burton himself even attended elementary school in that same buildi...
PAROWAN — When Parowan Elementary School’s third grade classes presented their annual Utah History program on Feb. 21, it was a historic milestone in itself.
The program marked the final one of many for longtime third grade teacher Rex Burton, who has announced he’s retiring at the end of the current school year.
Burton’s career as an educator spans 45 years, and all but the first one were spent at Parowan Elementary.
Burton himself even attended elementary school in that same building.
“Rex was going into the first grade when this building was opened for school for the first time,” noted Darlene Rowley, one of several of Burton’s friends and former colleagues who lined up to read snippets of his life story before a large crowd that filled the school’s multipurpose room to capacity.
“Mr. Burton’s legacy will live on here in our school,” added Shirley White. “After all, he has spent more time in this school than any other person. He attended six years as a student and 44 years as a teacher here.
“There has never been a more devoted teacher. He cares deeply for all of his students.”
Another former colleague, Richard Thatcher, summed up a few of the many things for which Burton is known:
His willingness to step up and lead cannot be matched. Whether it’s putting on a third grade program, with all of its projects and quilts, leading music in Parowan’s birthday celebration and flag ceremony, his dedication to his overhead projectors, his sliding into base during the sixth grade softball game, or his unmatched positive attitude to greet each day with a ‘Good morning!’ and a smile, he will be greatly missed!
The two-hour program, which highlighted various aspects of Utah’s and Parowan’s history, was presented twice that day, once in the morning for the students and staff of the school and once in the evening for parents and others in the community.
Each year, one or more members of the Parowan community are spotlighted as outstanding citizens, with aspects of their life stories being shared as part of the program. This year’s honorees were Ron and Susan Roth and Marilee Stowell.
The stars of the program itself were the more than 60 third graders at Parowan Elementary: the 22 students in Burton’s class, plus those in Emily Contrys’ and Sidney Adams’ classes. Their entertaining presentations included a variety of popular Western songs, narrative monologues, pioneer stories, a humorous skit and a couple of dancing numbers.
The program wrapped up with a brief discussion of the legend of Parowan’s name, followed by the songs “Parowan the Mother Town” and “Utah: This is the Place.”
At the conclusion of the event, Burton thanked those in attendance for their participation and support.
Burton and his wife Chris are the parents of five children; they also have 15 grandchildren.
Photo Gallery
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
, left to right: Trevor Harris, second attendant; Angelina Shamilyan, second attendant; Spencer Whitelaw, first attendant; Ruthi Cowan, first attendant; Daniel Bernhardi, prom king; and Piper Carlson, prom queen, Parowan, Utah, March 2, 2024 | Photo by Becca Evans Photography By Cami CoxPAROWAN – A longstanding community tradition was once again observed March 2 as Parowan community members turned out for the annual Parowan High School junio...
| , left to right: Trevor Harris, second attendant; Angelina Shamilyan, second attendant; Spencer Whitelaw, first attendant; Ruthi Cowan, first attendant; Daniel Bernhardi, prom king; and Piper Carlson, prom queen, Parowan, Utah, March 2, 2024 | Photo by Becca Evans Photography |
By Cami Cox
PAROWAN – A longstanding community tradition was once again observed March 2 as Parowan community members turned out for the annual Parowan High School junior class promenade.
“There’s just a lot of little things this town does that I don’t think many other towns do,” said Kaitlyn Osborn, a math teacher and junior class advisor at Parowan High School.
Each year, PHS’s junior prom is more than just a dance for students; it’s an occasion for parents, siblings and the entire community to join in as the junior class is presented to them and the students then perform their “promenade” – a choreographed couples dance. Family members then get to join in a family dance with their students.
The Parowan High School gymnasium was transformed into a scene befitting this beloved city event, with lights, flowers and other decorations adorning the space as the unique ritual took place.
Dressed in their formalwear, the PHS juniors entered the gym and were announced couple by couple. The students then presented their promenade, dancing in choreographed step around the room. Parents and other family members were then invited to the dance floor to dance with their students.
“This has been a tradition for forever, so we’re obviously still keeping that alive here,” Osborn said.
The junior prom royalty were also announced during the event. Daniel Bernhardi and Piper Carlson were named as the 2024 junior prom king and queen, with Spencer Whitelaw and Ruthi Cowan named as the first attendants and Trevor Harris and Angelina Shamilyan named as the second attendants.
Having grown up in a large city and graduated with a class of about 1,000 students, Osborn said her experience living and teaching in Parowan has been very unique, and the promenade tradition is one example of something that isn’t commonly found in larger communities and bigger schools.
“This is a really unique and cool town,” she said.
Trail: Vermillion Castle Trail Location: Dixie National Forest between Parowan and Brian Head Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: Approx. 520 feet Distance: Approx. 2 miles roundtrip Average time: 1–3 hours Family Friendly: Yes. However, the first half of the hike is mostly uphill, so younger children or less experienced hikers may need to take several breaks. Pet Friendly: Yes, Dogs are also able to ...
Trail: Vermillion Castle Trail Location: Dixie National Forest between Parowan and Brian Head Difficulty: Moderate Elevation gain: Approx. 520 feet Distance: Approx. 2 miles roundtrip Average time: 1–3 hours Family Friendly: Yes. However, the first half of the hike is mostly uphill, so younger children or less experienced hikers may need to take several breaks. Pet Friendly: Yes, Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Access: Drive on State Route 143 from Parowan toward Brian Head. After about three miles, turn left and follow signs toward Yankee Meadows and 5-mile picnic area. Past the picnic area, the Vermillion Castle trailhead will be on your left.
The trail: It is a good idea to hike the Vermillion Castle Trail on a day when it is cooler, as the trail is mostly exposed. However, given the starting elevation of 7,000 feet, this is a little easier to do than in other parts of southern Utah. The first half of the hike is almost entirely uphill as well, so be sure to take breaks when needed, and keep hydrated.
The trail starts with a series of switchbacks that wind through a wide variety of trees and plants. You will arrive at a rim that overlooks SR 143 and the canyon. You can also see across the canyon to another hiking trail called Noah’s Ark. After this small ledge, you can continue upwards.
Vermillion Castle Trail is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Parowan, Utah that features beautiful wildflowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.
Appropriately named, Vermillion Castle, from a distance looks every bit a castle. Spires and towers, lofty ceilings and sloping buttresses, one would expect a golden carriage to arrive at any moment. The trail requires a lot of sacrifice on behalf of the hiker to arrive at the front door for a closer look.
After a little bit, you will reach a flatter area of the hike where the elevation changes are much less dramatic. You will reach some sandstone pocked by small holes and “windows” that have been eroded into it by wind and water.
After you pass the sandstone, you will reach the end of the hike at a large flat area with several views of the valley below as well as the deep red of the vermillion cliffs for which the trail is named.
When you are ready, you just turn around and go back the way you came. The return trip is much less strenuous as it is mostly downhill.
There is nowhere to get drinking water before or during the hike, so bring sunscreen, enough water for each person, and snacks.
ST. GEORGE — Exploring Utah’s best beat-the-crowd travel destinations has become more entertaining and effortless thanks to an update to an app.The Natural History Museum of Utah Explorer Corps app got a facelift for its passport program of 29 unique locations statewide.Beth Mitchell, senior manager for external relations at The Natural History Museum of Utah, told St. George News they have launched an updated Explorer Corps app that delivers users an enhanced experience.The new app uses pers...
ST. GEORGE — Exploring Utah’s best beat-the-crowd travel destinations has become more entertaining and effortless thanks to an update to an app.
The Natural History Museum of Utah Explorer Corps app got a facelift for its passport program of 29 unique locations statewide.
Beth Mitchell, senior manager for external relations at The Natural History Museum of Utah, told St. George News they have launched an updated Explorer Corps app that delivers users an enhanced experience.
The new app uses personal profiles created to track visits to marker locations automatically. Mitchell said this lets travelers update their logs easily and progress toward Explorer Corps rewards, while they last.
Mitchell noted sites were chosen for the program with input from local officials, tourism operators, the Natural History Museum of Utah research teams, curators and collections managers. The museum started the Explore Corps program in 2020 and went live in the summer of 2021.
“We were looking for spots of natural or cultural history significance in each county,” Mitchell said. “Confluence Park was a really good source of natural history landmark for Washington County.”
The Natural History Museum of Utah Curator of Archaeology Lisabeth Louderback helped choose Washington County’s site. It is the meeting place of Ash Creek, LaVerkin Creek and the Virgin River. Mitchell said thousands of years ago, ancient inhabitants grew crops there.
The location would draw wildlife and produce a variety of plants and vegetables. The Virgin Anasazi and Southern Paiute Indian cultures were the first to inhabit the area, she said. Today it is known as Confluence Park in LaVerkin.
“I think what we found in Confluence Park is something that either is out of the ordinary, something that is uniquely Utah, that’s not found anywhere else,” Mitchell said. “And we tried to find that with each location in each county in Utah.”
According to the Natural History Museum of Utah website, the growing of corn caught the attention of one of the first European colonists that visited the area. On Oct. 15, 1776, Spain’s Dominquez-Escalante Expedition stopped in Confluence Park. The priests hoped to find a route from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey, California.
During their stop, they found large ears of corn placed on a mat and small fields of corn still growing there. However, visitors of Confluence Park today will find no fields of corn being tended. The 344 acres of the park is a nature preserve, home to many animals and plants native to Utah.
Mitchell said the Natural History Museum of Utah is hosting The Ultimate Utah Road Trip contest to promote the app. Mitchell said thanks to the continued support from Salt Lake City-based Kellville Vans, road-trippers will have the chance to win one of two week-long adventures in a luxury RV of their choosing. The winner will be announced Sept. 5. She said additional support for Explorer Corps 2023 is from The Union Pacific Foundation.
“We are so excited to deliver Explorer Corps participants a fully updated app experience on iOS and Android,” Mitchell said. “I hope everyone will download the updated app and plan their road trips. Each summer, there will be limited Explorer Corps rewards for the earliest app users.”
Iron County’s site on the app is the popular petroglyph site called the Parowan Gap. Mitchell said most of the Parowan Gap comprises Jurassic rocks laid down by dune-covered deserts around 200 million years ago.
Other geologic formations exist, such as the Late Cretaceous Iron Springs Formation, which contains dinosaur tracks. But the reddish and orange stone of the Jurassic would play a critical role in the gap’s later history.
For those who visited markers with the former app or using the physical passport, Mitchell said they would transfer marker visits to the new app. Participants should delete the old app and download the new one for iOS or Android, creating a new profile.
According to a news release, to transfer visits, use this form to request visits be moved from the old app to the new one or to submit photos of your Passport Booklet or previous marker visits.
Please note that rewards are only accrued using the new app, but stops will reset yearly for multiple chances to win. Explorer Corps runs until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 4.
Here’s how to get involved:
Follow along @NHMU on Instagram and “Like” the Natural History Museum of Utah on Facebook for weekly prize giveaways from Utah-based companies, including Albion gift cards, Klymit camping seat cushions, and a uniquely curated collection of T-shirts, hats, stickers and other summer swag.
Visit this webpage for more updates and information on the Natural History Museum of Utah’s Explorer Corps program.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.
385-444-7026
