AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC in Fletcher has an amazing team, and they made a huge difference for myself and my mother. We had them as in-home caregivers for 10 months. They are responsible, flexible and just a solid group with whom to work. I could reach them by phone immediately almost every time I needed to contact them. They handled billing and insurance claims and kept the caregiver plans absolutely up-to-date. As well as the regular RN visits. Jan, Mary and Melissa rock in addition to our caregivers. My only reason for not giving five stars has to do with the systemic challenge of finding enough caregivers. And in our case, caregivers who are proficient with Parkinson’s patients.”

Jennie G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I feel like I'm part of the family every time I'm there! A lovely bunch of ladies! The best quality care provider in the business!”

John Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have had many dealing with Always Best Care during my professional healthcare career. They have always provided great care to the seniors they serve. Jim and his team are great to work with and always go above and beyond not only in serving seniors but supporting many events in the community. I would highly recommend ABC for any in home needs.”

Bob P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I like working with Always Best Care Senior Services because the office staff are so nice and understanding and I have gotten to know them on a level that I know they are here to help me, when I need help or have a questions. From day one when I have called, they have ALL been here to help guide me and they have been there every time I’ve had a questions. Working for ABC has been an honor because I really do love the company and we have some sweet clients. The ladies that work in the office are amazing and without them I do not think our company would thrive like it does. When I did an application, it was on accident and then I got a phone call asking me to come in and interview and honestly I’m so blessed. I love my job because it is my passion to help people and to do what I can to make their daily living better and easier. I honestly don’t think there is anything that needs to change about ABC. I have never worked for such an amazing company before”

Craig R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I own a financial services business and share clients with Always Best Care. Recently, one of our shared clients experienced a fall which resulted in a broken hip. One of my first calls, after EMS, was to ABC. Mary Steiner responded immediately and offered to meet the client at the ER. She was wonderful and so very professional in the manner in which she handled the entire harrowing experience. She arranged for overnight care since the family had to arrive from out of town. I am so grateful for her genuine care for our client and stepping in during an emergency to help us handle the situation. I would recommend ABC for services because they absolutely go above and beyond with such a special touch. Robbie Chenault, Elevated Living Services”

Elevated L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working here! Jim truly cares about his clients and employees. The staff goes to great lengths to make sure that the clients are cared for. I am proud to represent Always Best Care.”

Sandra D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My husband was placed with always best care after leaving the hospital. he has received outstanding care from this company, The caretaker taking care of my husband did an outstanding job working with him , helping with daily care , cleaning, and his physical therapy, would recommend her and this company to anyone looking for home Assistant to take care of a loved one! Thank you always best care for being there for us and my family .”

Diane M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is one the best company’s to work for. Treats everyone like Family”

Danielle O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is very professional and they love the clients and their patients”

Javell F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“From the first day that I started it was an experience to learn your ways but with all the staff people that I became aware of oh my gosh it was wonderful. I have been very pleased with Mary, Melissa, and Danielle of letting me decide if my clients are a perfect match for me and them. I am pleased that I chose this company. Jim is doing a very good job of hiring a amazing staff in the office to work with. Thanks to all!”

Vicki B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Absolutely the best staff. They come to the house for 4 hours to take care of my dad and are so friendly. My dad loves the attention. Thanks so much for seeing to the needs of dad.”

Tom J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“My mom and her husband are 80 and 92 years old. They’ve both had Covid, pneumonia, and heart issues among many other things. Always Best Care sent out a caregiver named Pat. Pat is incredible! She cooks homemade meals for them, grocery shops for them, goes to the post office, bank, and anywhere else they need, helps with showers, takes them to church, and visits them when they have to go to the hospital or nursing home. Pat truly cares about them! It’s such a blessing to have a caregiver who really cares! They love her and she loves them! Pat is truly amazing and we are so grateful that Always Best Home Care sent her to our family!”

Lu A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“It is a privilege to serve this company's clients and staff. I am impressed every day by the lengths that all will go to to make sure people's needs are met.”

Mary S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC Asheville was always prompt and responsive to our family needs. Mary was thoughtful and efficient in all communications.”

Joel A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has helped me grow so much as a person and it is truly the best company I have ever worked for.”

Melisa L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great home care agency who really cares about their clients. Highly recommended.”

Nate R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to say thank you to all the ladies that helped look after Mom. I'm so appreciative. And thank you for all the times you helped me over the phone. I surely am thankful for your services!”

Becky C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've been a business peer of Jim Smeaton's at Always Best Care Senior Serivces for several years. Jim is one of my favorite leaders in the local buiness community. This is because of his ethical and service-oriented mindset. I have seen first hand that Always Best Care, who specialize in providing personalized, in-home care for seniors, is the best way to keep your loved ones independent and safe in the comfort of their own home in order to maximize their quality of life. Thank you Jim & team for all you do for our community!”

Jared B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve known Jim Smeaton and his company for several years. His energetic and genuinely caring spirit inspires Always Best Care which has an excellent reputation for always providing the best home care for it's clients. If your loved one needs support in living independently at home, you can't go wrong with Always Best Care.”

Mark W.
 In-Home Care East Flat Rock, NC

How does In-home Senior Care in East Flat Rock, NC work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care East Flat Rock, NC

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

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, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in East Flat Rock, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in East Flat Rock, NC 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care East Flat Rock, NC

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in East Flat Rock,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.

 Caregivers East Flat Rock, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

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.

Latest News in East Flat Rock, NC

More businesses are coming to Upward Road, including WNC's first QuikTrip

EAST FLAT ROCK - Upward Road has become a haven for construction workers in the past few months, and that means a big boost for the local economy, according to Henderson County Business and Community Development Director Chris Todd.Currently, there are three construction projects going on, with the latest being something Western North Carolina customers have yet to see: A QuikTrip. This will be the first location in the western part of the state for QuikTrip, which is a chain of convenience stores based in Tulsa, Oklahoma."...

EAST FLAT ROCK - Upward Road has become a haven for construction workers in the past few months, and that means a big boost for the local economy, according to Henderson County Business and Community Development Director Chris Todd.

Currently, there are three construction projects going on, with the latest being something Western North Carolina customers have yet to see: A QuikTrip. This will be the first location in the western part of the state for QuikTrip, which is a chain of convenience stores based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"Henderson County is always happy to see private investment in our county. The Upward Road corridor is ideally situated between downtown Hendersonville and Interstate 26. The addition of a new Quick Trip gas station right off the interstate will increase the chances of travelers getting off the road and exploring our beautiful county for all that it has to offer, most of which they may miss driving down the artery that feeds through the middle of our county," Todd told the Times-News on March 31.

There are 37 QuikTrip locations in North Carolina, with the closest ones in Charlotte (18 stores) and Gastonia (three stores), according to QuikTrip.com. As QuikTrip's commercials say, the store is more than just a gas station and a convenience store, offering plenty of food options, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts.

The construction plans have been approved, but the county is currently waiting on a general contractor to be selected for the project.

Just a short drive down Upward Road is another construction project: A Starbucks Shell, which is being built at 41 Upward Crossing Drive, just across the street from Bojangles. The permit for this project was issued on Jan. 18. Adam Updike, who is the Mid-Atlantic Starbucks Store Development Manager, said in an email to the Times-News that workers are hoping to have the store completed by the fall of 2023.

"The store will be approximately 1,000 square feet and will operate as a drive-thru only. The store will also have a walk-up window for mobile order pick up or placing an order traditionally," he said.

The new Dairi-O is also being built across from East Henderson High School and is expected to be completed sometime in the summer, according to past Times-News reporting. The restaurant chain began in 1947 in King as a take-out burger joint, selling hot dogs and hamburgers. Since then, it has added more to its menu, with healthier options like specialty salads, grilled chicken wraps and even veggie burgers, according to its website (https://dairio.com/).

A building permit for this project was issued last week on March 24.

More:New Dairi-O across from East Henderson High set to be completed in summer

Todd said these new businesses will bring in more money to the local economy and also provide more jobs for local residents.

"The addition of Dairi-O site and Starbucks add options for our local citizens to shop, and they will create a multitude of jobs in our community. We always say that Henderson County is open for business, and we are thrilled to see anyone who wants to continue to create jobs and invest in our county," he said.

Dean Hensley is the news editor for the Hendersonville Times-News. Email him with tips, questions and comments at [email protected]. Please help support this kind of local journalism with a subscription to the Hendersonville Times-News.

Hendersonville-area restaurant openings from January-June 2023

While there were several restaurants in the Hendersonville area that had to permanently close in 2023, there were also several that opened their doors for the first time.Below is a list of restaurant openings in 2023 in alphabetical order:Blue Ruby KitchenLocated at 2702 Suite C Greenville Highway in Flat Rock, this eatery is owned by Jesse Roque and Lesley Milhas. It opened in May and offers bakery goods as well as other French foods, including baguettes.The eatery takes over the spot previously ...

While there were several restaurants in the Hendersonville area that had to permanently close in 2023, there were also several that opened their doors for the first time.

Below is a list of restaurant openings in 2023 in alphabetical order:

Blue Ruby Kitchen

Located at 2702 Suite C Greenville Highway in Flat Rock, this eatery is owned by Jesse Roque and Lesley Milhas. It opened in May and offers bakery goods as well as other French foods, including baguettes.

The eatery takes over the spot previously occupied by Our Recipe Roots, owned by Jessica Owenby.

Dairi-O

Set to open this summer, Dairi-O will have its first Western North Carolina location in East Flat Rock across from East Henderson High School on Upward Road.

The fast-food chain originated in the city of King in the Central part of North Carolina and is now set to open its first location in the Western part of the state, according to Rusty LaRue, the chief operations officer for Dairi-O.

"This will be the farthest West that we'll have a restaurant. We just opened in Lenoir back in early November, but this one (in East Flat Rock) will be our most Western store once we get it completed," LaRue told the Times-News on Feb. 6.

Eagle Bar & Grill

Located at Cummings Cove Golf Club, this new bar and grill is open to everyone.

It is located at 925 Lake Ledge Court in Hendersonville and offers live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Eagle Bar & Grill offers a variety of American food, including seafood. The bar also offers local craft beers as well as traditional beers.

Indian Aroma Bistro

The town's first Indian restaurant, Indian Aroma Bistro, opened May 1 in Hendersonville at the site of the old Renzo's Ristorante at 502 North Main St.

The owners are Vikramjit Singh, 32, and his sister-in-law, Mandeep Singh, 42. Vikramjit Singh grew up in India but moved to America about 10 years ago, he said. If their names sound familiar, it's because they also own another Indian restaurant in Asheville called Mela Indian Restaurant, at 70 North Lexington Ave.

"The Asheville restaurant is more like South Indian food. Here, it's going to be both South Indian and North Indian food as well," Singh said.

Orchard Bar & Grill

Raynard Walker, the owner of Dreadlife Kitchen in Ednevyille, told the Times-News in March that he has partnered with his cousin, Ken Foster, to open a second location, which is Orchard Bar & Grill located at the spot of the old FATZ Cafe in Henderson Crossing Plaza off Four Seasons Boulevard. Foster will own Orchard Bar & Grill.

"(Ken) called me up one day and asked if I wanted to partner in and do the kitchen part of it. It was a great opportunity for me to be closer to town. We wanted to do this to give more life to the city of Hendersonville," Walker said. "It's going to be more of a bar/lounge type of deal. It will have my great food and be a place where people can come in and watch the games on TV and play a little pool at our pool tables."

Walker's Dreadlife Kitchen, also known locally as DLK, opened in 2018 and was featured on Food Network's show "Restaurant Impossible" with chef Robert Irvine in 2021. Walker continues to run DLK during the daytime and then heads over to Orchard Bar & Grill during the evening/nighttime hours.

Southern Streams CoffeeHouse

One of the newest coffee shops in town, called Southern Streams CoffeeHouse, is a family affair owned by a mother (Lori Rodriguez) and her two daughters (Amanda and Bethany), and they know plenty about coffee. It is at the site of the old Appalachian Coffee House in Laurel Park on Fifth Avenue.

The trio moved to Hendersonville from Colorado, where they owned a coffee shop there for about five years, Amanda Rodriguez told the Times-News on May 5. She said the family ended up moving to Hendersonville after her youngest sister moved here about four years ago.

The Rodriguez family has made several changes to the interior and exterior and has also brought their own style of coffee-making.

Tartan Sports Bar

Downtown Hendersonville's newest sports bar is located at 321 N. Main St. called Tartan Sports Bar and features a variety of American foods and local craft beers and domestic beers.

It opened earlier this year and is in Suite C in the downstairs portion of 321 N. Main St.

The Vitner's Table

This fine dining restaurant opened earlier this year at Burntshirt Vineyards, located off Sugarloaf Road in Hendersonville.

This new restaurant opened earlier this year and features views on its patio of the 19-acre vineyards.

Verri's Italian Fine Dining

Owned by Tom Verri, who also helps run Brooks Tavern with his wife and daughters, Verri's Italian Fine Dining is in the former site of the restaurant Mona Lisa on Church Street in downtown Hendersonville.

It opened in March and features Italian favorites, but also offers steaks and other selections.

Groundbreaking planned for $80M industrial park in Flat Rock

Blue Ridge Commerce Center, an $80 million industrial park planned in Flat Rock, will break ground this week.The official ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 337 McMurray Road.The project includes four buildings and 654,216 square feet of Class A industrial/warehouse development on 65 acres, according to a news release from Oppidan Investment Company, the Minneapolis-based developer of the project.Construction is expected to be completed in late summer of 2023.NAI Beverly-H...

Blue Ridge Commerce Center, an $80 million industrial park planned in Flat Rock, will break ground this week.

The official ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 337 McMurray Road.

The project includes four buildings and 654,216 square feet of Class A industrial/warehouse development on 65 acres, according to a news release from Oppidan Investment Company, the Minneapolis-based developer of the project.

Construction is expected to be completed in late summer of 2023.

NAI Beverly-Hanks closed on a 65.31-acre tract of land in Flat Rock with prime frontage on Interstate 26 on June 17. The land sold for over $8.7 million and was originally priced at $9.3 million.

“We are excited to bring Henderson County and the (city) of Hendersonville a Class A Industrial Park. This property was prime for development and the demand drivers of the area, with its continued population growth, labor and connectivity, made it an easy decision for us to invest here,” said Tim Brent, Oppidan Executive Vice President, Southeast. “We’ve designed very flexible buildings to be able to accommodate a wide variety of users and tenant sizes and we’re excited to bring that variety of industry, jobs and tax base to the city and county.”

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development assisted with development studies for this property, which was also part of the Duke Energy Site Readiness Program

“Based on its current zoning, the highest and best use (for this property) is industrial," said Brittany Brady, President of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development said in June. "Manufacturing types (of businesses) have a much higher wage scale, and we look forward to seeing good jobs and strong investment come from this.”

According to Oppidan, local officials expected at Thursday's groundbreaking include Steve Gwaltney, HCPED Board Chair; Rebecca McCall, Vice Chair of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners; and Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk.

This is Oppidan’s second industrial development in North Carolina. In May, Oppidan broke ground on the $100 million Apex Commerce Center, a four-building Class A industrial development on 121-acres which is part of Oppidan’s $157.3M, nine-property industrial pipeline with Rockpoint Group, a real estate private equity firm.

Rockpoint Group serves as the equity partner. Omega Construction, Cooper Construction and Merriman Schmitt Architects are also included in the project, according to the release. Al Williams, Matthew Greer and Jay Hill from JLL served as the brokers.

For more information on Oppidan, visit Oppidan.com

United Way gives back; Pardee to hold Casino Night; League of Women Voters' program set

United Way awards $50,000 to 13 local food pantriesUnited Way of Henderson County recently awarded $50,000 to 13 local public-facing food pantries and distribution sites, according to a news release. The funds were raised through a special initiative to help fight increasing food insecurity in the county.“With rising inflation and skyrocketing food costs, almost 13% of our county currently faces food insecurity,” said United Way Executive Director Denise Cumbee Long in the release. “Food costs...

United Way awards $50,000 to 13 local food pantries

United Way of Henderson County recently awarded $50,000 to 13 local public-facing food pantries and distribution sites, according to a news release. The funds were raised through a special initiative to help fight increasing food insecurity in the county.

“With rising inflation and skyrocketing food costs, almost 13% of our county currently faces food insecurity,” said United Way Executive Director Denise Cumbee Long in the release. “Food costs have risen 16% since 2020, and our local food pantries are taking a hit as they try to keep up with increasing demand. These organizations are a critical lifeline for hungry families, and they need our help.”

The fundraiser was launched as part of United Way’s Days of Caring in May. With a matching gift provided by local philanthropists Sue and Tom Fazio, United Way reached its $50,000 goal and was able to double every dollar donated by community members.

Long said United Way provided support for smaller food distribution sites as well as larger organizations since the smaller sites also play a critical role in meeting community needs in their respective areas.

“These funds will help us continue to serve an average of 85-90 persons each week through our Welcome Table meal, Monday morning breakfast, and our Blessing Box,” said Gale Hoots, a lead volunteer at Hope United Methodist Church in East Flat Rock.

Chip Lunsford, a volunteer at the Community Food Pantry in Edneyville, agreed with the importance of additional funding during a time of increased need.

“This support will help us as we feed approximately 2,000 individuals in our community every month. With the increased price of food these days, this kind of help is invaluable,” Lunsford said in the release.

Thirteen Henderson County food pantries and distribution sites received funding, including Calvary Episcopal Food Pantry, Etowah UMC Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, Love’s Kitchen at First Baptist Church Hendersonville, Back on Track Addiction Ministry, Hendersonville SDA Church, Pan de Vida Food Pantry, St. Paul’s Episcopal Community Food Pantry, The Salvation Army, The Storehouse, The Welcome Table at Hope United Methodist Church, HOLA Carolina, and Hendersonville Family YMCA.

For information about resources in Henderson County, including food distribution sites, call United Way’s free confidential helpline at 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org.

Pardee Hospital's inaugural Casino Night set for August

The Pardee Hospital Foundation will host its first-ever Casino Night from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 25 at Burntshirt Vineyards.

According to a news release, the event will feature casino games with live dealers, food and locally-sourced beer and wine. All proceeds will go to support UNC Health Pardee's growing cardiology program. Tickets are $100 with a limited number still available, the release said.

“We’re looking forward to a fun night with our friends and neighbors that will fuel our mission to support and expand services provided by Pardee,” said Pardee Hospital Foundation executive director Amy Treece in the release. “Right now that means growing cardiology care for residents in our region by adding a new heart catheterization lab. Ultimately, this will help reduce the need for potentially lengthy – and ultimately, dangerous – transport to other hospitals for patients needing critical treatment."

At the conclusion of the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, more than 1,000 heart cath procedures took place at Pardee. That number has increased by 300% over the last six years.

“As one of only 86 hospitals in the country recognized for treatment of heart attack patients by the American College of Cardiology, Pardee is well-positioned for this important development,” Treece said.

Casino Night is underwritten by companies and individuals including Andy Oxy Co., Inc.; Grove Manor Flooring; Tammy & Rusty Albrecht; Eurotechnik; Heather Kogoy, Realtor - Asheville Luxury Brokers; Noble Pest Solutions; Kandi Hendricks-Allen Tate/Beverly Hanks Realtors; Camping World; Integrated Equipment; and Movement Mortgage/The Caldwell Lending Team.

To purchase Casino Night tickets or to learn more about sponsoring the event, contact Sarah Swartz at [email protected] or by calling 828-233-2700.

LWVHC sponsors program with Common Cause NC

The League of Women Voters of Henderson County, along with Common Cause NC, will hold a program "Democracy Challenges and Priorities" at 11 a.m. July 21 at Agudas Israel Synagogue, located at 505 Glasgow Lane in Hendersonville.

The guest speaker will be Bill Sederburg, who is a Common Cause NC Advisory Board member. According to a news release, League of Women Voters Voter Services Chair Lynn McFarland will provide information on up-to-the-minute legislative changes and challenges facing all North Carolinians.

Both organizations are celebrating anniversaries this year: Common Cause NC is celebrating 50 years, while the League of Women Voters of Henderson County is celebrating 60 years.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to the League of Women Voters' website at www.lwvhcnc.org.

North Carolina youth league responds to critics over semi-automatic rifle raffle

EAST FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WLOS) — The controversy over raffling assault rifles continues in North Carolina.A fundraising effort involving the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League has drawn criticism for its prize -- an FN 15 Patrol Carbine M-LOK. (WLOS)The latest fundraising effort involves the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League, a nonprofit organiz...

EAST FLAT ROCK, N.C. (WLOS) — The controversy over raffling assault rifles continues in North Carolina.

A fundraising effort involving the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League has drawn criticism for its prize -- an FN 15 Patrol Carbine M-LOK. (WLOS)

The latest fundraising effort involves the East Henderson Youth Football and Cheerleading League, a nonprofit organization for children 5 years old to 12 years old.

The league is raffling an FN 15 Patrol Carbine M-LOK.

I thought it was in very bad taste for them to choose a weapon that is being used against children,” said a Henderson County parent who did not want to be identified.

The FN 15, which has an AR-style magazine, is up for grabs through raffle tickets sold by parents of the athletes.

I was honestly shocked when I received the message that the children were going to be selling an assault rifle because of what’s going on at schools around the country,” the concerned parent said.

Following the backlash, the league posted a response on its Facebook page:

In response to complaints made both publicly and "anonymously" regarding our raffle:

1) We're currently taking applications for an official Fund Raiser. If you have a sure way to raise enough money quickly to get us through the rest of the season and still have enough to start up next season, we need you to use that energy in a positive way.

2) We're ALWAYS accepting donations. This organization doesn't run on air and water. We're not "affiliated" with Henderson County Public Schools nor are we sponsored by Henderson County in ANY way. The referees aren't volunteers, the LEO and first responders for the children's safety aren't volunteers, the use of the field, stadium, and facilities are not free, the lost uniforms, mouthpieces, chin straps, ear pads, bows, and socks are not free, equipment is not free, the insurance is not free, and all the other fees the league must pay are not imaginary.

3) If we're not raising enough money, we're forced to raise fees.

A spokesperson declined an on-camera interview with WLOS but released a statement regarding the decision to host the raffle.

We are currently raising funds to purchase new equipment and to have the ability to sponsor children in our community who cannot afford the registration fees," the statement noted."

According to a spokesperson, the winner of the raffle must be 21 years old and pass a background check before claiming the prize.

The AR raffle has taken place three years consecutive and brings in the most support we have ever had,” the league spokesperson wrote in the statement. “This fundraiser has been taking place for many years. Shotguns, rifles, and gift cards to local gun stores, along with professional and collegiate football game ticket raffles, pancake breakfasts, sports cups and other attempts at fundraising.”

Despite the backlash, the raffle is still moving forward. The drawing will be Oct. 1.

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