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.
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 Cherokee, 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 am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel”
“I am a current client of this provider I can depend on her coming and being”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal”
“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”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel like this will be a most rewarding opportunity.”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They do the cooking and everything for me. One was a poor caregiver and the other was good.”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and get breaks from each other. I like the fact that they seem to be a Christian-based organization. That comes through with the care that is provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like how I can call, get a person and not just a recording.”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created a thorough and detailed individual care plan with us that addressed all of our concerns and caregiving requirements. Our caregiver Elaine was fantastic. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, friendly, and engaging. My father was always excited when Elaine came to the house. They would talk for hours, laugh, play games, do puzzles, look at photo albums, and watch all kinds of sports together including tennis, football, soccer, and basketball. He said that Elaine made the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too. She even stopped by to check on us after hurricane Helene to make sure that we were ok. I fully recommend Always Best Care to any family needing respite and caregiving services for their loved ones. They are truly the Best!”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing me really good care and there was a never struggle with them. I liked that Always Best Care was always very kind and worked with me very easily.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're very good about doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel comfortable.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can depend on her coming and being there. They are very responsive and do what they say they're going to do and are dependable.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting staff 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.”
“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”
“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.”
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.
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. 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 Cherokee, 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 Cherokee, 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.
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 Cherokee, 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.
After last year’s cancellation, the Tar Heels are heading back to Cherokee, North Carolina, for a weekend of fan engagement, including a scrimmage, autograph session and meet-and-greet with UNC players and coaches.CHAPEL HILL — One year after UNC's trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, was canceled due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Tar Heels are set to return to the western part of the state.This weekend, UNC will travel to Cherokee for an intrasquad scrimmage, a meet-and-greet and an autograph sess...
CHAPEL HILL — One year after UNC's trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, was canceled due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Tar Heels are set to return to the western part of the state.
This weekend, UNC will travel to Cherokee for an intrasquad scrimmage, a meet-and-greet and an autograph session taking place on Friday and Saturday.
"To be able to go to Asheville and play in front of those residents — a lot of them still don't have their homes, have utilities — and to spend time, serve and give back, that's all it is," head coach Hubert Davis said last week at ACC Tipoff. "It's going up there, serving and giving back, and I'm so thankful that we had an opportunity to go back up there this year and we're really looking forward to it."
Friday night's events begin with a meet-and-greet and dinner hosted by Old Well Management from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Harrah's Resort. Admission is $100 per person, plus fees.
On Saturday, fans can attend an autograph session at Cherokee High School beginning at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person, plus fees.
Immediately following the autograph session, the team will take the court for a scrimmage at the Charles George Memorial Arena, also located at Cherokee High School. Admission to the scrimmage is included with the autograph session ticket; no separate tickets will be sold for the scrimmage.
WINSTON-SALEM — There weren't many positives for North Carolina on Saturday night. The Tar Heels lost to Wake Forest, 28-12, didn't score a touchdown and allowed 414 yards of offense.
All 12 of UNC's points came off the right leg of kicker Rece Verhoff, who not only made four field goals, but also put through a 57-yarder, a career high and UNC program record. The Marshall transfer attempted six field goals total, the most ever by a Carolina kicker. The two misses were blocked.
The key for Verhoff is simplicity.
"I try not to overthink anything because when you overthink it, it just throws all those factors in there where you can mess up," Verhoff said after the game. "For me, I just go out there and trust my process. I've worked hard enough to get these opportunities."
Verhoff's first opportunity came with 12:56 left in the second quarter. He converted a 40-yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game.
Two possessions later, Verhoff trotted onto the field for his second attempt. It was 4th and 11 on the Wake Forest 21-yard line. The ball was snapped and Demon Deacon safety Nick Anderson jumped over the line and blocked the try.
With two seconds left in the first half, UNC took a timeout to stop the clock at the Wake Forest 39-yard line.
Verhoff walked onto the field to try a career-long 57-yarder. His previous best was 51 yards. Demon Deacons head coach Jake Dickert took a timeout to try and ice Verhoff.
Verhoff — lined up below the "F" in the Wake Forest logo — ran up to boot the ball towards the uprights. The ball started wide right, but hooked back inside the upright and barely cleared the crossbar.
History.
Verhoff couldn't tell if it went in at first. He saw long snapper Spencer Triplett, who was in the end zone since Wake Forest had a returner if the ball was short, put his hands up. He was in disbelief.
"From my angle, I'm not gonna lie, it looked like it was gonna hit the upright," Verhoff said. "I was like, 'Oh no,' and all of a sudden, I saw people holding their hands up, good, because I couldn't see it go in. But I was ecstatic because I worked a lot to hit one of those."
Verhoff's teammates were thrilled for him, too. After the game, linebacker Khmori House praised his kicker.
"I've been seeing him work every day, kicking that thing," House said.
Out of halftime, Verhoff's services were needed again after the Heels' offense stalled out in Wake Forest territory. He made a 42-yard field goal, his third make of the game in four attempts. The three points cut the Deacons' lead to just one possession, 14-9.
With the seconds winding down in the third, UNC coach Bill Belichick took — at the time — a questionable timeout with five seconds left in the quarter.
After the game, Belichick said the wind direction was blowing behind Verhoff, which would've helped potentially give him more comfort.
That decision was never relayed to Verhoff, but it didn't matter. He lined up for the 45-yarder and Wake Forest defensive lineman Mateen Ibirogba blocked the kick, the Deacons' second of the night.
"I'll take all the blame for that; that was on me," Verhoff said. "I kicked it a little low."
Verhoff's final opportunity in a record-setting day came with 11:06 left. Down 21-9, Verhoff was sent onto the field — in another curious decision, down by two possessions regardless — to boot a 47-yarder. He hit a low line drive that went through the uprights, marking his fourth make of the night.
Verhoff is now 16 of 20 on field goals this season and a perfect 17 of 17 on extra points. Inside of 50, he's 15 of 17, both misses due to a block. He's 1 of 3 beyond 50 yards this season.
The Tar Heels will likely rely on Verhoff in their final two regular-season games, whether it's extra points or to put three on the scoreboard. But it's undeniable that Verhoff has been one of UNC's most consistent players this season.
247Sports Embed Resource
Andrews Mayor James Reid kept his seat in a narrow win against challenger Alderman Brandi Smith.For alderman, Chasity Ledford won easily with Heath Woodard coming in second for two available seats in Andrews.Here are the full results with two of two precincts in:Andrews mayor: James D. Reid 177 51.75% Brandi Smith ...
Andrews Mayor James Reid kept his seat in a narrow win against challenger Alderman Brandi Smith.
For alderman, Chasity Ledford won easily with Heath Woodard coming in second for two available seats in Andrews.
Here are the full results with two of two precincts in:
Andrews mayor:
| James D. Reid | 177 | 51.75% | |
| Brandi Smith | 163 | 47.66% | |
| Write-In (Misc.) | 2 | 0.58% |
Andrews Board of Aldermen (top two win):
| Chasity Ledford | 193 | 29.88% | |
| Heath Woodard | 176 | 27.24% | |
| Rex Cable | 151 | 23.37% | |
| Gary R. James | 114 | 17.65% | |
| Write-In (Misc.) | 12 | 1.86% |
Murphy results
Murphy Mayor Tim Radford won his reelection bid Tuesday, with 93.92% of votes against 6.08% for unidentified write-ins.
Radford received 139 votes to nine votes cast for write-in candidates.
Jonathan Dickey and Kimberly Harris will fill two open seats on the Murphy Town Council. Four incumbents will keep their seats.
Here are the full results with two of two precincts in:
Murphy mayor:
| Tim Radford | 139 | 93.92% | |
| Write-In (Misc.) | 9 | 6.08% |
Town Council (6 seats):
| Cindy Chastain | 138 | 16.77% | |
| Charlene Smith | 136 | 16.52% | |
| Jonathan D. Dickey | 133 | 16.16% | |
| Barry McClure | 129 | 15.67% | |
| Gail Walker Stansell | 123 | 14.95% | |
| Kimberly Hayes Harris | 120 | 14.58% | |
| Write-In (Misc.) | 44 | 5.35% |
The Tar Heels are going on tour this weekend.Well, sort of.In a throwback to the barnstorming games of yesteryear—really just a couple of years ago—Carolina is spending the weekend in western North Carolina. With classes paused for fall break, the Heels practiced early on Thursday and then loaded the bus for Cherokee.They'll have a meet-and-greet tonight in Cherokee, and then have a combined autograph session and Blue-White scrimmage tomorrow at Cherokee High School. And in doing so, they'll also sprea...
The Tar Heels are going on tour this weekend.
Well, sort of.
In a throwback to the barnstorming games of yesteryear—really just a couple of years ago—Carolina is spending the weekend in western North Carolina. With classes paused for fall break, the Heels practiced early on Thursday and then loaded the bus for Cherokee.
They'll have a meet-and-greet tonight in Cherokee, and then have a combined autograph session and Blue-White scrimmage tomorrow at Cherokee High School. And in doing so, they'll also spread the Carolina word to a section of the state that doesn't frequently get in-person visits from their sports heroes.
"It's a huge deal," says John Holbrook, who grew up in and played his high school basketball in Hickory, about two hours down I-40 from Cherokee. "You don't get many chances to see Carolina Basketball this far west in North Carolina, so for a lot of fans and families out here, this is really special. There's a big Carolina presence in western North Carolina, and bringing the team out here makes people feel even more connected to the program."
The game action tomorrow will be Carolina's final public appearance before they travel to take on No. 8 BYU in Salt Lake City next Friday night. The Heels will then play an exhibition game against Winston-Salem State on Oct. 29 at the Smith Center (a reminder to season ticket holders that the exhibition game is on the season ticket package) before opening the regular season Nov. 3 against Central Arkansas.
In addition to the chance to energize the standard daily practice environment, the weekend is also a chemistry-building opportunity to spend several days together before the real challenges begin. Preseason activities for the Heels have now spanned the state. Hubert Davis also took his team on their annual beach trip in August. Multiple Tar Heel players and staffers have identified chemistry—even with a roster featuring ten newcomers—as an asset early in the year.
And in the process, they might even cement a few long-term Tar Heel fans this weekend. "Let's just say," Holbrook said of his reaction if Carolina had visited the western part of the state during his younger years as a UNC fan, "young John Holbrook wouldn't have slept that week. The Heels playing that close to home would have felt like the state fair, Christmas, and March Madness all showing at once. That's how big of a deal it would've been."
Ticket information for the weekend is available here.
In Cherokee, NC every step into the woods feels like a step back in time. Ancient trails once walked by the Cherokee people still wind through misty forests, climb rocky ridgelines, and descend into hollows where waterfalls whisper and wildflowers bloom.Here, in the ancestral homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the land itself is alive with story—and hiking is your way in.Whether you’re searching for advanced climbs, peaceful riverside walks, or a place to rediscover yourself beneath a canopy of trees,...
In Cherokee, NC every step into the woods feels like a step back in time. Ancient trails once walked by the Cherokee people still wind through misty forests, climb rocky ridgelines, and descend into hollows where waterfalls whisper and wildflowers bloom.
Here, in the ancestral homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the land itself is alive with story—and hiking is your way in.
Whether you’re searching for advanced climbs, peaceful riverside walks, or a place to rediscover yourself beneath a canopy of trees, Cherokee, NC is your gateway to natural wonder.
Cherokee, NC serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled at the Park’s southern entrance and surrounded by some of the most exquisite natural beauty in the country. With direct access to over 800 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore everything from peaceful river walks to challenging mountain summits, all while immersing themselves in the rich heritage of the Cherokee people. Today, the tradition of connecting with the land continues, ancient footpaths have inspired new green spaces that invite both recreation and reflection.
Cherokee, NC’s trails are more than scenic—they’re sacred. The Cherokee people have lived in these mountains for thousands of years, and their stories and spirit are woven into the landscape.
From backcountry clearings to riverside RV spots, Cherokee has camping options for every kind of traveler. Whether you want solitude or a spot with easy access to nearby trails and comforts, this is where you settle in, exhale, and truly arrive.
Whether you’re solo backpacking or with loved ones, Cherokee’s campgrounds offer the perfect place to wind down. After a day of hiking, fall asleep to the sound of hooting owls and wake to birdsong just outside your tent. The forest becomes your living room, and the peace here is something you carry with you long after you leave.
Enjoy a glowing fire under a sky full of stars. Share stories, roast marshmallows, and breathe in the scent of pine and campfire. Cherokee invites you to slow down and soak in the stillness that comes after a day on the trail.
Hiking might be the highlight, but Cherokee has more to offer:
Every adventure in Cherokee, NC, brings you closer to what moves you. Plan your trip today at.
CHEROKEE, N.C. — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians issued a statement on Wednesday regarding a letter sent to President Donald Trump, claiming that Tiffany Trump has “ancestral ties.”Principal Chief Michell Hicks said the letter was a part of a “lobbying push” that shows “how far the Lumbee are willing to go.”The Lumbee have been lobbying for federal recognition since the 1980s, ABC11 reports. Trump signed a memorandum in January to establish a process for federal recognition of the ...
CHEROKEE, N.C. — The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians issued a statement on Wednesday regarding a letter sent to President Donald Trump, claiming that Tiffany Trump has “ancestral ties.”
Principal Chief Michell Hicks said the letter was a part of a “lobbying push” that shows “how far the Lumbee are willing to go.”
The Lumbee have been lobbying for federal recognition since the 1980s, ABC11 reports. Trump signed a memorandum in January to establish a process for federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe.
For years, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has pushed back against the national recognition of the Lumbee. The Lumbee previously identified as the “Cherokee Indians of Robeson County,” according to the Charlotte Observer.
“Lobbying tactics and name association are not proof of sovereignty,” Hicks said. “They are signs of desperation, and desperation is not legitimacy.”
If the Lumbee were to gain federal recognition, they would surpass the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as the largest federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River, 55,000 to 13,000.
Hicks argued that a “true tribe” would not need to have ties like that to Tiffany Trump to be federally recognized.
“If you are a true tribe, if you carry your history, your culture, and your government through the generations, you do not need to search for celebrity ancestors or political connections to prove your identity,” he wrote. “A true tribal nation’s identity speaks for itself.”
In the letter, the Lumbee stated that Tiffany Trump would not be eligible for membership, but that she may be connected to their tribe through her ancestors nonetheless.
Tiffany Trump’s grandmother was Laura Ann Locklear, and according to the Curt & Catherine Locklear American Indian Heritage Center, a majority of Locklears are Lumbee Indians.
The Lumbee Indians are still on a path to federal recognition, but the House and the Senate have yet to approve legislation to recognize the tribe.
WATCH: Lara Trump considers run for NC Senate seat, backed by Rep. Pat Harrigan
©2025 Cox Media Group
828-676-2939
