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 Brigham and Amelia Young Home gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Saint George, 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 Pioneer 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 Cliffside Restaurant or visit Ancestor Square, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Saint George, 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 Saint George, 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 Saint George, 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.
ST. GEORGE — Hollywood is calling Washington County for extras in Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga.” The epic Western is written, directed and stars Costner.The four-film series spans the timeline of the settlement of the American West before and after the Civil War.The production will be filming in St. George in late May and June, and opportunities are available for one day to multiple days of work. At this time, there will not be an open casting call, casting directors said. ...
ST. GEORGE — Hollywood is calling Washington County for extras in Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga.” The epic Western is written, directed and stars Costner.
The four-film series spans the timeline of the settlement of the American West before and after the Civil War.
The production will be filming in St. George in late May and June, and opportunities are available for one day to multiple days of work. At this time, there will not be an open casting call, casting directors said. Submitting through email is the only opportunity to join at this time.
“The open casting call for extras to be a part of Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ is a great opportunity for local talent, students and community members to be a part of the largest film production ever to be filmed in Utah,” Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Sales and Events Manager Joyce Kelly told St. George News.
“Washington County is looking forward to seeing our beautiful and diverse landscape on the big screen and to grow our film industry in order to provide a pathway to employment for the many students enrolled in Utah Tech University and Dixie Applied Technology film schools,” Kelly said.
Maryellen Aviano, the film’s casting director, told St. George News that the extras will receive $150 per 12-hour shift, with overtime paid after that. Aviano cautioned that working on the set would include long hours in hot, dusty outdoor conditions. Extras should expect early reporting times and be prepared to work with animals. Set locations will be in remote locations, so reliable transportation is a must. Food and snacks are provided on the set, she added.
All ages and ethnicities are welcome to submit. No prior experience is necessary to be a film extra, but if you have any special abilities, such as horseback experience, be sure to mention them in your submission. But be honest and don’t exaggerate your skill levels, Aviano said.
She added that it’s important to let casting directors know which prior movie scene extras were in Horizon 1 or 2 and what role they performed in their submission. Aviano said it’s one of her duties to match previous extras with the correct scenes so the continuity flows in the film.
Aviano said she wants also wants people who were not in any of the films to submit as well. She said she needs “fresh faces.”
Applicants must also understand that a “local hire” means they can work in the St. George area without needing a hotel. They must also have no scheduling restrictions anytime between May and June. It’s also vital to state whether one is currently a SAG-AFTRA member or not.
Before applying to work as an extra on “Horizon” be sure to first carefully review what to include in your submission, which can be found at this link. Submissions that fail to include all required information will not be considered. Multiple submissions will be deleted.
To submit, email HorizonFilmExtras@gmail.com with the subject line “St. George Extra.”
For further details to submit, visit this website.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
ST. GEORGE — Casting calls are not so common this far out into the desert, but it seems Kevin Costner is no longer just branding cowboys on TV, he’s claiming the entire landscape as part of his brand with a new feature film series “Horizon: An American Saga,” and the films require hundreds of extras.The first installment of the saga will debut at the Cannes Film Festival ...
ST. GEORGE — Casting calls are not so common this far out into the desert, but it seems Kevin Costner is no longer just branding cowboys on TV, he’s claiming the entire landscape as part of his brand with a new feature film series “Horizon: An American Saga,” and the films require hundreds of extras.
The first installment of the saga will debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, and later be introduced to the world in theaters on June 28. Casting coordinators Jessie Vanatta and Maryellen Aviano are searching for actors who can film ASAP to wrap the second installment. Filming for the third installment will begin in August, Vanatta said.
The casting call encouraged all ethnicities and all ages to apply, but Vanatta said ages 6 and up are ideal. She also said family units are “great,” and if applying together can submit just one application.
No experience is required, but the casting department does need to be notified of previous experience on the first installment of “Horizon: An American Saga,” and the respective roles played.
“This info is very important in case we have matching scenes as well as brand new scenes,” the call stated.
It also mentioned a “special abilities” category, where those who have horseback riding experience, blacksmithing, or other work with livestock can specify. The call emphasized that safety should always be first, and asked applicants to be honest.
“Filming days can be long and typically take place outdoors, usually from sun up to sundown with super early reporting times, hot/dirty/dusty sets, animals working, and locations are usually outside of town so must have reliable transportation,” the call stated.
General extras are eligible for $150 for 12 hours, and an overtime amount will kick in after 12 hours, Vanatta said. Applicants who are selected for special abilities will be paid at a higher rate depending on the scenes required.
Vanatta said one day or multiple days of work are available.
Applications can be sent by email to HorizonFilmExtras@gmail.com with the subject line “St. George Extra.”
Per the casting call, emails should include the following to be considered:
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ST. GEORGE — This rivalry game will be played a long way from home. Utah Tech and Southern Utah softball will compete in a Western Athletic Conference tournament single-elimination game at 2 p.m. Wednesday — in Seattle, Washington.The No. 5 Trailblazers (19-30 overall, 12-13 WAC) lead the all-time series with the No. 8 Thunderbirds (20-27, 9-17 ) by a count of 25-12, according to a news release. The two teams split a doubleheader in St. George on April 9 — Utah Tech won Game 1 5-0 and SUU run-ruled t...
ST. GEORGE — This rivalry game will be played a long way from home. Utah Tech and Southern Utah softball will compete in a Western Athletic Conference tournament single-elimination game at 2 p.m. Wednesday — in Seattle, Washington.
The No. 5 Trailblazers (19-30 overall, 12-13 WAC) lead the all-time series with the No. 8 Thunderbirds (20-27, 9-17 ) by a count of 25-12, according to a news release. The two teams split a doubleheader in St. George on April 9 — Utah Tech won Game 1 5-0 and SUU run-ruled the hosts 10-0 in Game 2.
This week’s tournament features the top two seeds, Grand Canyon and California Baptist, receiving open day byes, while No. 3 and 4 seeds Utah Valley and Seattle U advance to Wednesday night’s start of double-elimination play.
The other single elimination game pits No. 6 UT Arlington against No. 7 Tarleton State.
The Trailblazers rank third in the WAC in stolen bases with 42 led by LB Kahahawai-Kekona with a team-leading 11 stolen bags which ranks fifth in the conference. Leading the way in the circle for Utah Tech is junior Attlyn Johnston, who tops the conference in strikeouts (101) along with Hailey Hudson from Grand Canyon, and starts (22).
Johnston ranks second in the WAC in innings pitched (124.2) and is tied for sixth in wins (8).
SUU is hitting .277 as a team to rank seventh in the WAC. The Thunderbirds are averaging four runs per game and are 15-8 on the season when scoring four or more runs. Southern Utah is second in the WAC in home runs (39), fifth in slugging percentage (.430) and seventh in doubles (59) and on-base percentage (.341).
“I am so proud of this team,” Thunderbirds coach Don Don Williams said in a news release. “They have shown so much grit, perseverance and toughness this season. They earned it.”
Sophomore Emily Gonzalez was named first team All-WAC Monday, and Williams said the honor was definitely well deserved.
“Emily has been one of our most consistent players throughout our lineup,” she said in a news release. “She is a tough out and continues to come through for us time and time again. I am so proud of her for earning this award. I can’t think of a better person to be our program’s first first team All-WAC player.”
The Trailblazers wrapped up the regular season over the weekend being swept at Utah Valley on Friday and Saturday.
After falling 8-0 in five innings on Friday, the Trailblazers were tripped up in both ends of a doubleheader on Saturday falling 9-2 in Game 1 and 4-0 in Game 2.
The WAC tournament is being contested at Logan Field in Seattle. All games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Wednesday, May 8 – opening round (Single Elimination) Game 1 – No. 6 UT Arlington vs. No. 7 Tarleton State – 10 a.m. PT Game 2 – No. 5 Utah Tech vs. No. 8 Southern Utah – 1 p.m. PT
Wednesday, May 8 – First Round (Double Elimination Begins) Game 3 – No. 3 Utah Valley vs. Game 1 winner – 4 p.m. PT Game 4 – No. 4 Seattle U vs. Game 2 winner – 7 p.m. PT
Thursday, May 9 – Quarterfinal Round Game 5 – No. 2 California Baptist vs. Game 3 winner – 10 a.m. PT Game 6 – No. 1 Grand Canyon vs. Game 4 winner – 1 p.m. PT Game 7 – Game 4 loser vs. Game 5 loser – 4 p.m. PT Game 8 – Game 3 loser vs. Game 6 loser – 7 p.m. PT
Friday, May 10 – Semifinal Round Game 9 – Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner – 1 p.m. PT Game 10 – Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner – 4 p.m. PT Game 11 – Game 10 winner vs. Game 9 loser – 7 p.m. PT
Saturday, May 11 – Championship Round Game 12 – Game 9 winner vs. Game 11 winner – 1 p.m. PT Game 13 – Game 12 winner vs. Game 12 loser 4 p.m. PT (If necessary if Game 12 was a team’s first loss)
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah’s dwarf bear poppies are flowering, but these unique blooms won’t last much longer.Southern Utah is botanically unique since it’s located at the intersection of the Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau, St. George News reported.Several of the region’s species, like the dwarf bear poppy, a...
ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah’s dwarf bear poppies are flowering, but these unique blooms won’t last much longer.
Southern Utah is botanically unique since it’s located at the intersection of the Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau, St. George News reported.
Several of the region’s species, like the dwarf bear poppy, are found nowhere else, said Mindy Wheeler, a native plant conservation project leader with Utah State University. These flowers are specialized to their environment, which can limit how well they adapt to potential risks such as encroachment by development, climate change, recreation and habitat fragmentation. The plant was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1979.
Dwarf bear poppies, also known as bearclaw poppies, have fuzzy, blue-green leaves that appear smoky and showy, and white flowers, Wheeler told St. George News last year. They’re often found in gypsum-rich soils.
The plant is worth protecting “for its novelty alone, never mind its ecological benefits,” said Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Outreach Coordinator Ammon Teare.
“You can’t grow it in a greenhouse,” Elaine York, West Desert regional director for The Nature Conservancy in Utah, told St. George News via email. “You can’t transplant it. It will only grow in these few locations within this county. It’s stunningly beautiful. A mature plant might produce up to 300 blossoms in the short flowering period.”
The species typically bloom in April, and early May is considered the end of their annual flowering cycle, so “depending on the weather, they’ll likely only bloom for a few more days,” York said.
Teare agreed with York: Don’t delay if you’re thinking of viewing these blooms.
“There’s only a few days left of really prime viewing for the dwarf bear poppy,” Teare said. “Pretty soon the flowers will go to seed and the plant will enter its dormant phase. Get outside soon to catch this last week of fair weather and poppy panoramas.
“Some people travel for days or even weeks for one-of-a-kind experiences. The dwarf bear poppy practically grows in our backyards, and we’re the only people on Earth that get to see this particular flower in person.”
Southern Utahns can see the flower on the Bureau of Land Management’s Bearclaw Poppy trail system or at the White Dome Nature Preserve, York said. The 800-acre preserve is privately owned by the nonprofit and protects several sensitive species, including dwarf bear poppies and Siler pincushion cactuses.
“The Nature Conservancy of Utah has done a great deal to preserve poppy habitat with the funding and labor they direct to White Dome Nature Preserve,” Teare said. “We’re honored to join them by protecting poppies in Zone 6 (a portion of the reserve west of Bloomington), and we hope to continue protecting Zone 6 for many years to come.”
To help preserve the species, The Nature Conservancy recommends Southern Utahns tell friends and family about the plant and support conservation efforts by volunteering or donating.
“When you’re in poppy habitat, please stay on the trails,” York said. “Their habitat is fragile.”
Visitors can download an audio tour of the White Dome Nature Preserve at this link.
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.
CEDAR CITY — In the quiet of the evening, Air Force veteran Joel Zander sits on his porch, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Memories of his time in Saigon run through his mind, the sacrifices he made in service to his country.“You never forget war. I still remember the smell of dead bodies,” Zander reflects, his voice barely above a whisper. “After all these years, it’s like I’m still there sometimes.”Years after returning home, Zander still wrestles with the endu...
CEDAR CITY — In the quiet of the evening, Air Force veteran Joel Zander sits on his porch, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Memories of his time in Saigon run through his mind, the sacrifices he made in service to his country.
“You never forget war. I still remember the smell of dead bodies,” Zander reflects, his voice barely above a whisper. “After all these years, it’s like I’m still there sometimes.”
Years after returning home, Zander still wrestles with the enduring specter of war, a phenomenon commonly referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Like countless others, Zander grapples with this mental health condition triggered by exposure to traumatic events. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety and intrusive thoughts, all of which significantly impact daily life.
The Southern Utah Veterans Association is leading the charge to establish a pioneering PTSD center in Enoch, dedicated to bridging the gaps in mental health care. This center will cater not only to veterans but also to first responders, children, and individuals affected by suicide attempts.
Association founder Chuck Waddell, a retired US Navy Chief steel worker and diver, believes it’s important to address what he calls “a mental health crisis.”
“We are currently facing a mental health epidemic that is affecting many of our veterans in Southern Utah but also so many of our youth and first responders,” Waddell said. “The most effective treatment is creating a community that builds relationships and allows people to find relief by participating in the creative arts.”
Zander agrees, expressing that he experienced a profound sense of isolation before forming a friendship with Waddell, who engaged him in local support activities. Before that, he spent a great deal of time metalworking, which he said helped him process his inner thoughts.
“My friendship with Chuck and getting busy with this PTSD center and SUVA really helped give me a sense of belonging,” he said. “I used to spend hours doing metalwork and just thinking. It really helped me with my thoughts and my emotions. I truly believe working with our hands is important to healing.”
Group members envision the center as a hub for creative arts-based therapy, offering programs such as glasswork, ceramics, sculptures, sewing, metalwork, woodworking, and painting. Through these expressive mediums, individuals will have the opportunity to explore their emotions, process trauma, and foster a sense of connection.
The proposed center is designed to span 35,000 square feet and on a 20-acre piece of property, providing ample space for therapeutic activities and outdoor amenities.
“The sense of community built while engaging in the creative arts is so important to helping PTSD sufferers get out of their isolation,” Waddell said.
The centerpiece of the center will be a poignant sculpture representing the effects of Post Traumatic Stress on human beings.
This sculpture, commissioned by Southern Utah Veterans Association members, serves as a powerful symbol of the physical and mental toll of PTSD. With the heart in one hand and the brain in the other, the sculpture vividly captures the profound impact of trauma on individuals’ well-being.
Waddell said the organization has partnered with a local developer to acquire 20 acres of prime property at a significantly reduced price, laying the groundwork for the construction of the PTSD center.
Discussions are also underway with the Veterans Administration regarding the possibility of establishing a clinic adjacent to the site, enhancing access to medical services for veterans in the region.
“We are aware that this is an ambitious undertaking, but it needs to be done to preserve the lives of our citizens and our rural underserved community,” Waddell said. “By providing a central place for participation in the creative arts, we hope to offer a lifeline to those struggling with PTSD and other mental health issues.”
As Southern Utah Veterans Association members press forward with plans, the organization is actively engaging with stakeholders, including Veterans Services Officers, local representatives and educational institutions to ensure the center’s completion. For more information or to donate, click here to visit the website.
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