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 Thomas Wolfe Memorial 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 Asheville, NC 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.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
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 Carrier 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 The Bull and Beggar or visit The Blackwell Memorial, 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 Asheville, NC, 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 Asheville, NC 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 Asheville, NC 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.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville's tourism numbers for March are out and show a 6% drop in hotel room demand compared to March 2024.Vic Isley, CEO of Explore Asheville, has said for months that recovery after Helene will reflect lower tourism revenue numbers from tourist volume. During the monthly report presented Wednesday, tourism officials discussed several marketing strategies, including Charlotte as a priority market to advertise and pitch Asheville stories to journalists for exposure."Charlotte is a ...
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville's tourism numbers for March are out and show a 6% drop in hotel room demand compared to March 2024.
Vic Isley, CEO of Explore Asheville, has said for months that recovery after Helene will reflect lower tourism revenue numbers from tourist volume. During the monthly report presented Wednesday, tourism officials discussed several marketing strategies, including Charlotte as a priority market to advertise and pitch Asheville stories to journalists for exposure.
"Charlotte is a major market of origin, sending the most travelers to Asheville year in and year out," said Dodie Stephens, marketing vice president for Explore Asheville.
"That's an opportunity for our team to lean in and engage that market. In March and April, alone the team has worked on 21 different stories with broadcast outlets, bringing them into Asheville to help them cover openings," Stephens said.
CANTON HOPES FOR SUMMER REOPENING OF FLOOD-DAMAGED CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN NATURE PARK
In March, Asheville had 186,584 hotel bookings, just slightly higher from March 2024 before Helene. However, hotel lodging tax revenues for March were down compared to March 2024 for both hotel and vacation rental (Airbnb) bookings.
Hotel taxes were down 7% compared to March 2024, and vacation rental lodging tax revenues were down 35% compared to March 2024.
Isley said overall vacation rental figures reflect a reduction in the number of vacation rentals in the market after the market was saturated with them several years ago, particularly in 2019 during Covid when people chose vacation rentals over hotels.
On Wednesday, Lexington Avenue in Asheville had a handful of tourists walking and shopping. At Chevron Trading Post and Bead Co., owner Vanessa Murray has looked at her April sales numbers.
"It is tremendously lower than last year," Murray said. "I am a little bit worried."
Murray has managed the store for five years and bought it from the longtime owner. She said weekend sales in recent months have been strong and she's cautiously optimistic tourism numbers will trend back higher this summer despite the ongoing rebuilding around Asheville after Helene.
CHAINSAW ARTIST TRANSFORMS HELENE-FELLED TREES INTO SCULPTURES
Chris Pelrine has owned a vacation rental 10 years in Montford.
"Most of our weekends are booked, but we don't have any bookings in May," said Pelrine.
He's confident tourism will come back to the town and is willing to be patient. The consensus among those fully vested in businesses in Asheville is that post-Helene, it's a marathon to fully recover, not a sprint.
Airline numbers during Wednesday's tourism reports showed 2024 was a strong year despite Helene and the second busiest in Asheville's history of keeping passenger records. Ft. Lauderdale remains the top city for travel in and out of Asheville when it comes to passenger numbers.
Airport officials showed passenger numbers down around 8% for this April compared to last April. The airport is planning some restrictions on flight volumes in the coming months as it focuses on the airport expansion and related construction at the airport.
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ASHEVILLE - Frustration is brewing ahead of a public meeting intended to show off the latest plans for the northern section of the N.C. Department of Transportation's monumental Interstate 26 Connector project.NCDOT's meeting notice made no mention of the topic drawing the ire of area advocates and residents: an interstate bridge that would take I-26 over Patton Avenue on the west side of the French Broad River, rather than under.It is a ...
ASHEVILLE - Frustration is brewing ahead of a public meeting intended to show off the latest plans for the northern section of the N.C. Department of Transportation's monumental Interstate 26 Connector project.
NCDOT's meeting notice made no mention of the topic drawing the ire of area advocates and residents: an interstate bridge that would take I-26 over Patton Avenue on the west side of the French Broad River, rather than under.
It is a recently revealed revival of an element believed to have been quashed 15 years before.
Following decades of advocacy, and what was considered a major win in the mid-aughts to nix the over-Patton design, with this reversal, another community effort is mounting to oppose the overpass. The newly formed I-26 Citizens' Coalition, founded by Dori Darras and Rachel Murdaugh, urges people to get involved.
The bridge would intersect Patton between the Sam's Club and Westgate shopping centers.
While supportive of the I-26 Connector and enhancements to traffic flow and vehicular safety it will bring, the "current configuration across Patton (Avenue) needs to be addressed," according to the coalition's website.
NCDOT is holding its information session from 4-7 p.m., April 24, in the Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. People can drop in anytime. There will not be a formal presentation.
The $1.8 billion NCDOT project in its entirety will design a median-divided freeway accessible only by interchanges, which will connect I-26 in southwest Asheville to U.S. 19/23/70 throughout northwest Asheville.
The overpass is part of the project's North Section, which runs from Haywood Road in West Asheville and crosses the French Broad River to connect to U.S. 19/23/70, by Broadway Street. At $1 billion, the design-build contract for this section is the largest ever awarded by NCDOT.
In May, Archer-Wright Joint Venture won the contract, which underwent a six-month "optimization and refinement process" after all contract costs for the northern section came in over budget. The process shaved about $124 million off the initial cost estimate for the project.
NCDOT told the Citizen Times in February that the overpass design was submitted as an "alternative technical concept" by Archer-Wright before the optimization and refinement process. The department reviewed and approved it in July 2023.
West Asheville resident Sonia Marcus, who lives near the area proposed for the new interstate bridge, said she and neighbors stand to be directly impacted. With a background in sustainability, she has environmental concerns around the eight-lane overpass — like noise and air pollution, as well as less welcoming conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.
Other advocates have questioned how the design can return without going through another Final Environmental Impact Statement process.
But Marcus said as she braces for the April meeting, the "process" is her central issue, citing a lack of transparency and community engagement.
"It’s the disingenuous way that they approach these changes by making them behind closed doors and without public input," Marcus said.
Wendy Legerton, president of the American Institute of Architecture Western North Carolina section, and a principal with local firm, Legerton Architecture, said she was surprised to find Asheville back in this situation — having deviated from the under-Patton plan believed to be accepted in 2010.
"What it feels like right now is that we are hearing it is the eleventh hour, people have been talking about this project for over 20 years, and they just want to get it built, they don't want to talk about the design any more," Legerton said.
She and others are advocating for NCDOT to authorize design fees for Archer-Wright to work with a group of local interdisciplinary design professionals to engage in a "meaningful alternate exploration" that would honor promises to community and find other ways to cut costs.
"We get one chance to build it," she said. "And now is the time to get it right. It's much more expensive to tear it down."
Of the meeting, Legerton said she was hopeful for openness, a pause and a chance to engage in a meaningful design process, rather than NCDOT "showing the plans as they are, and progressing full steam ahead."
What: NCDOT is hosting a project update meeting to show updated project plans for the northern section of the I-26 Connector.
Where: From 4-7 p.m., April 24 in the Grand Ballroom at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, 31 Woodfin St.
Learn more and find maps: https://publicinput.com/i26connector
Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email [email protected] or message on Twitter at @slhonosky.
Lucky you. You just found AVLtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events that are taking place throughout Asheville each month.Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into May. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly....
Lucky you. You just found AVLtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events that are taking place throughout Asheville each month.
Take out your calendar, grab your day planner, or text all your friends — these are the top events we recommend heading into May. Psst: Don’t forget to bookmark this page and come back; we update our guide monthly.
Blue Ridge Orchestra’s 25th Anniversary Season Finale | Friday, May 2, Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | UNC Asheville, Lipinsky Auditorium | $20 | The Blue Ridge Orchestra will dazzle you with jazz and classical tunes — after all, they’ve been doing it for a quarter of a century.
Wilco | Friday, May 16 | 7 p.m. | Asheville Yards | $71 | Just imagine jamming to “California Stars” as the sun sets — plus, get excited to see alt-country darling Waxahatchee.
The Crane Wives | Friday, May 16 | 8 p.m. | The Orange Peel | $34 | Hear the Americana influences abound as the four-piece band lights up the stage.
Kishi Bashi | Sunday, May 18 | 7 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $33+ | The singer and violin virtuoso will bring the bright and funky-fresh sounds of his latest album, “Kantos,” to life — City Editor Grace is a big fan.
Sturgill Simpson “Who The F**k is Johnny Blue Skies? Tour | Tuesday, May 20-Wednesday, May 21 | 8-11 p.m. | Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville | $95+ | The Kentucky-based singer is bringing his style of outlaw country and authentic songwriting to the Land of the Sky for two nights.
Steep Canyon Rangers | Thursday, May 29 | 6-10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Asheville’s hometown Americana heroes will rock the park with a free community concert presented by the Asheville Downtown Association.
{Re}HAPPENING 13 | Saturday, May 3 | 3-10 p.m. | Camp Rockmont, Black Mountain | $15+ | Part art event, part fundraiser, 100% community-driven — the event keeps Black Mountain College’s storied legacy and influence on contemporary art alive with installations, media + music performances.
RAD Renaissance | Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Upper River Arts District | Free | Support the artists of the RAD during a jam-packed day of live art demonstrations, performances, food trucks, and the launch of the RAD Art Market, a weekly market in Pine Gate Renewables’ parking lot.
Fiber Day | Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Folk Art Center | Free | Learn about the process of fiber art with interactive demonstrations from textile artists — then try your hand at some of the craft activities.
Uncommon Market Asheville | Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | AB Technical College | Free | The market enters its 11th season, showcasing incredible antiques, art, vintage decor, jewelry, and more.
Asheville Amadeus Festival | Wednesday, April 30-Saturday, May 10 | Times vary | Locations vary | $0+ | The theme of this year’s fest is “The Art of Storytelling” — all events are ticketed separately, including performances from headliners Chris Thile and Time for Three.
WNC Farmers Market Spring Festival | Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | WNC Farmers Market | Free | Add all sorts of delicious farm-fresh goodies to your tote bag and score everything you need for the spring growing season, from herb starts to landscaping plants.
Parlor Fest: A Celebration of Creativity & Story | Friday, May 2, Sunday, May 4 | Times vary | Story Parlor | $150+ | Celebrate three years of the multi-disciplinary arts space with an inspiring schedule of workshops, panels, roundtables, and performances.
GRINDFest | Saturday, May 3-Saturday, May 31 | 8 a.m.-11 p.m. | Various venues | This year, the festival will celebrate Black entrepreneurs and businesses every weekend of May — expect live music, workshops, food, and games.
Vegan Market Asheville | Sunday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Bridge & Tunnel Coffee Cafe, A-B Tech Coman Center | Free | Get your fill of plant-based fuel from vendors like The Royal Vegan, Hominy Farm, Back Porch Baking Co., and more.
Asheville Improv Festival | Wednesday, May 7-Saturday, May 10 | Times vary | Various locations | $20+ | See what creativity comes of the performances when there’s no script and no safety net.
LEAF Global Arts Retreat | Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | Lake Eden, Black Mountain | $50+ | The spring camping festival offers a more intimate experience than its fall counterpart, but the lineup of music, workshops, and panel discussions packs a punch.
Movies in the Park | Friday, May 9 | 7-11 p.m. | Pack Square Park | Free | Sit back in your lawn chair and watch “Moana 2" (with treats from food trucks, of course) — a new family-friendly film will play each month through August.
Mother’s Day Tea Party | Saturday, May 10 | 2-4 p.m. | The Omni Grove Park Inn - Country Club | $25+ | Celebrate the lovely lady in your life with a charming afternoon of tea, hors d’oeuvres, and live music.
Haw Creek Hustle | Saturday, May 17 | 8:30-11 a.m. | Charles Bullman Park | $10+ | Lace up your running shoes for a 5k to benefit Haw Creek Community Association projects or opt for the family-friendly Fun Run.
Asheville City SC Season Opener | Saturday, May 17, Saturday, May 24 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Greenwood Field | $12+ | Kick off the season at the women’s team’s home opener and cheer on the Blues while sipping on Summit Coffee and snacking on goodies from other local food trucks — the men’s team starts the season Saturday, May 24.
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Big Lots has released an official list of all 219 stores planned to reopen over the next several months, including over 50 in North Carolina.After bankruptcy and store closures, Big Lots plans to gradually reopen 219 stores. A ...
Big Lots has released an official list of all 219 stores planned to reopen over the next several months, including over 50 in North Carolina.
After bankruptcy and store closures, Big Lots plans to gradually reopen 219 stores. A first N.C. store reopened in Asheboro during Wave 1 of the opening plan, and another 12 are scheduled to open in early May.
According to a previous news release from the Henderson-based company Variety Retailers responsible for the openings, customers will experience "remodeled stores, a large selection of closeout deals and new merchandise categories, including apparel for the family and electronics" upon the reopening of Big Lots stores.
Here's what we know about the final waves of reopening plans, including every store scheduled to open in N.C. and S.C.
Previously, Big Lots announced the opening of Wave 2 stores, of which N.C. had the most planned to reopen out of all states. On April 23, business media website Fast Company released the company's plans for locations set to reopen in the final two waves including the following in N.C., and including five set to open in Western N.C.:
Big Lots openings planned for waves three and four were also announced for SC:
No South Carolina stores reopened in Wave 1.
Stores are also reopening in 13 other states including:
Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores it aims to open in four waves. 54 stores will reopen during the second wave, 78 during the third wave and a final 78 in the fourth wave.
The first wave of Big Lots openings took place on April 10. The second wave is scheduled for early may, and remaining stores will open on unspecified dates through early June, leading up to a grand opening celebration taking place across all stores in the fall.
BigLots.com and Big Lots social media channels will feature more news and updates on store announcements, according to the release.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
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