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 1810 Goundie House 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 Center Valley, PA 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.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
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 Polk Valley 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 KOME Japanese Cuisine or visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 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 Center Valley, PA, 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 Center Valley, PA 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 Center Valley, PA 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.
A plow clears Club Avenue on the border of Allentown and Bethlehem on Sunday night.BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As a winter storm tapered off Sunday night, weather headlines shifted from precipitation to dangerous cold.While the snow took a few hours to start piling up, by mid-afternoon it was falling at rates of 2 inches per hour in some locations.The National Weather Service reported these totals within 5 p.m. Sunday to 12 a.m. Monday:Lehigh CountySSW Ancient Oaks: 7.3 inchesWeisenberg Twp.: 7.3 inchesWe...
A plow clears Club Avenue on the border of Allentown and Bethlehem on Sunday night.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — As a winter storm tapered off Sunday night, weather headlines shifted from precipitation to dangerous cold.
While the snow took a few hours to start piling up, by mid-afternoon it was falling at rates of 2 inches per hour in some locations.
The National Weather Service reported these totals within 5 p.m. Sunday to 12 a.m. Monday:
Lehigh County
SSW Ancient Oaks: 7.3 inchesWeisenberg Twp.: 7.3 inchesWescosville: 7.1 inchesAlburtis: 7 inchesWhitehall Twp.: 6.5 inchesSalisbury Twp.: 6.2 inchesCoplay: 6.1 inchesEmmaus: 5.8 inchesLehigh Valley International Airport: 5.7 inchesASOS Allentown: 5.5 inchesWest Allentown: 5.0 inchesCenter Valley: 5.5 inchesNorth Whitehall Twp.: 6.1 inchesGermansville: 5.5 inches
Northampton County
North Catasauqua: 6.6 inchesNazareth: 7 inchesEaston: 6.2 inchesTatamy: 6 inchesBerlinsville: 5 inches Bangor: 5.5 inchesMartins Creek: 4.6 inches Moore Twp.: 4.5 inchesBushkill Twp.: 5.2 inches Hellertown: 4.3 inchesChurchville: 3 inches
Sunday afternoon, the weather service issued a cold weather advisory for the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas in effect until at least 6 a.m. Tuesday.
Shortly after the weather service's cold weather advisory was issued, UGI Utilities sent an email to customers encouraging them to consider reducing energy usage ahead of plummeting temperatures.
The NWS warned of "very cold wind chills as low as 14 below expected." It said it's likely the advisory will be extended "as temperatures stay dangerously cold through much of the week."
"The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia and frostbite if precautions are not taken," the advisory says.
The weather service recommends using caution while traveling outside and wearing appropriate clothing such as a hat and gloves.
An updated forecast discussion Sunday night said the cold will begin to settle in for Monday, with temperatures remaining well below freezing for the entire area.
"Despite a mix of sun and clouds, highs are only expected to reach the low to mid-20s with only teens for the Pocono Plateau. Winds will also keep it blustery through the day with gusts of 20-30 mph out of the northwest," the discussion said.
"Wind chills will be in the teens to single digits as a result with our friends in the Poconos getting the short end of the stick with below zero wind chills all day.
"The big weather story Monday night into Wednesday will be the dangerously cold conditions," the discussion said.
The state Transportation Department continues to urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.
It lifted temporary speed restriction on Interstate 78 in Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties, which had temporarily been reduced to 45 mph.
Also lifted were the speed limit and right-lane-only commercial vehicle restrictions that were in place area roadways.
But it still urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel. PennDOT said it will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear.
Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority will operate on a Sunday schedule in observance of Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Also, because of weather conditions, LANtaBus will follow Snow Emergency Routing. LANtaVan services will be limited to dialysis trips only, and LANtaFlex will not operate.
For more information on snow emergency routing, go to LANTA's website.
Digital content producer Makenzie Christman contributed to this report.
A business offering handmade gifts, art supplies, pottery classes and more has closed its original Lehigh Valley location as it focuses on a new brick-and-mortar spot.SmARTivities Showcase, an artist market and maker space designed “to make creativity accessible to everyone,” on Sunday held its last day of business at its downtown Easton location, 60 Centre Square.The business is continuing operations at its new Promenade Saucon Valley location, which held a soft opening in October.“We appreciate all of...
A business offering handmade gifts, art supplies, pottery classes and more has closed its original Lehigh Valley location as it focuses on a new brick-and-mortar spot.
SmARTivities Showcase, an artist market and maker space designed “to make creativity accessible to everyone,” on Sunday held its last day of business at its downtown Easton location, 60 Centre Square.
The business is continuing operations at its new Promenade Saucon Valley location, which held a soft opening in October.
“We appreciate all of our Artists, loyal customers, and friends for supporting us over the last 6 years in downtown Easton,” a message on the business’ website reads. “We could not have done it without YOU!”
The new 3,023-square-foot SmARTivities Showcase location is situated between Elite Salons & Suites and The Promenade Pop-Up Shop.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome SmARTivities Showcase to Promenade Saucon Valley,” said Patrick Turner, general manager of the shopping center.
“Their dedication to community engagement and fostering creativity aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on our visitors and the wider community.”
SmARTivities Showcase is designed to be an inclusive space for all ages and abilities, with a strong focus on personalized teaching techniques.
The aim is to provide a welcoming environment where everyone can explore their creative side through a variety of activities and services including pottery wheel classes, open studio time, paint your own pottery, make and take crafts, classes and parties, artist market and showcase, art supplies and more.
All items are handmade, and the business works directly with artists, who are mostly local.
SmARTivities Showcase owner April Tennille Khalil is a lifelong artist specializing in custom pieces, varying from small works to large mural work.
After traveling the East Coast to participate in professional arts and craft shows with her family, Khalil wanted to have a space to be creative and share her love of art while showcasing other artisan works. Providing customized services and educational art enrichment classes paved the way for smARTivities (Show Me ART Activities) to be born.
Customers can shop unique, handmade works such as original paintings, photography, wooden crafts, pottery, jewelry, cork bags and candles.
“We're proud to offer quality merchandise and unique specialty items to support creativity and the arts in our community,” a message on the business’ website reads. “From our family to yours, we put lots of love and careful attention into what we do. We hope you enjoy our work as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.”
The mission of SmARTivities Showcase is “to provide a creative environment for individuals of all ages to imagine, explore, create, and celebrate the arts while being the leading specialty art supplier in the community and beyond.”
The business aims to promote education and enlighten creative minds towards success and growth in customized art classes, along with cultivating individual talents to realize their potential through group projects and special programs.
SmARTivities Showcase hosts customized parties and events, while also serving as a showcase for local artisans to demonstrate and sell their works.
At Promenade Saucon Valley, the business is located at 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Suite 802, Upper Saucon Township.
Upcoming classes include: Canvas Painting Night: “Sno VanGogh”, Beginner Pottery Wheel Class, Intro to the Pottery Wheel Course, The Pottery Wheel Experience Workshop, Beginner Drawing, Watercolor Painting w/April, Drawing Perspective in Pastels w/Charlie, Knitting 101 w/Phyllis, Kids SmARTist Club, Little Explorers Toddler Art Class and Sensory and Me Infant Art Class.
“One chapter is ending, and a new one beginning because our story isn’t over!” an announcement on the business’ website reads.
“We hope you will come visit us in our new location. We are open full time hours 7 days a week with Creation Station and paint your own pottery available daily! No appointment necessary. Our classes will be up on our new website www.SmartivitiesShowcase.com soon! We are continuing to offer classes and creative services as well as bring you handmade gifts and fine art in our Artist Market. Come join us in our new adventure!”
BEAVER FALLS — While many high school basketball teams across Western Pennsylvania will be competing in holiday tournaments next week, there is one tournament that has returned for its 33rd year and this year will be at the birthplace of college basketball for the first time at Geneva College on Dec. 27-28.With what started out as a four-team tournament, the Central Valley Roundball Holiday Classic has featured teams that have come off of WPIAL and PIAA state titles, and top teams from different states, which has brought some in...
BEAVER FALLS — While many high school basketball teams across Western Pennsylvania will be competing in holiday tournaments next week, there is one tournament that has returned for its 33rd year and this year will be at the birthplace of college basketball for the first time at Geneva College on Dec. 27-28.
With what started out as a four-team tournament, the Central Valley Roundball Holiday Classic has featured teams that have come off of WPIAL and PIAA state titles, and top teams from different states, which has brought some intriguing matchups into the Beaver Valley throughout the past three decades.
This year is no different, as tournament organizer Dave Ambrose has helped assemble an impressive slate of teams, including one Ohio team, two WPIAL and PIAA Champions, and a WPIAL runner-up from the 2023-24 season.
“People want to see good basketball,” Ambrose said. “We send invites to teams a year in advance and lock them into participating. The last thing that we want to do is bring a team in from Philadelphia and it is a blowout. We sit down for hours talking to coaches and ADs to give both sides a good game and that's why these teams come.”
With that being said, let's take a ook at the 2024 Central Valley Roundball Holiday Classic slate.
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Rochester finished second in its section behind Aliquippa in 2023-24 in Class 2A, finishing with a record of 17-9 overall and 9-3 in section play. Keystone Oaks, like the Rams, also finished in second place in its respective section, finishing 18-8 and 6-4 last year.
Central Valley has several returning starters from a year ago, which include leading scorer Nyah Hayes, Kylie Godshall, Italia Wilson and Mia Dinello. The Warriors are once again looking to compete for a section title after finishing in second behind Blackhawk in Section II. They will face a Northgate team that qualified for the WPIAL postseason last season.
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The boys' slate kicks off with a matchup between two Beaver County schools with both the Cougars and Tigers. Blackhawk features Tyler Heckathorn and Justin Shanor as a one-two punch and has been tough to stop in the first part of the regular season. Beaver Falls’ Brylon Pitts and Dajuan Flenory are two of the top scoring options for the Tigers, who look to lead the team after losing a number of players to graduation.
The first matchup that does not feature a WPIAL program is between the Knights and Trojans. Knoch returns several of its starters from a year ago who finished second in the section before it fell to Lincoln Park in the WPIAL playoffs. Greater Johnstown qualified for the PIAA playoffs last year and placed second in its respective conference.
Host Central Valley will face Gateway in its first of two matchups of the classic with the Warriors facing a PIAA qualifier from a season ago. The team returns most of its starters that includes Isaiah Jeter and Cam DeVincentis, which hope to make a deep run in the postseason this year. The Gators are coming off a 17-10 season where they placed second in WPIAL Class 5A Section III, falling to Mechanicsburg in the PIAA playoffs.
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The Comets and Red Raiders meet in a matchup between two PIAA playoff teams. Abington Heights is a team located outside of Scranton and qualified for the PIAA playoffs making it to the quarterfinals. The team posted an impressive 26-1 overall record falling to eventual state champion Imhotep Charter. Uniontown comes off of a 26-5 regular season after falling to eventual WPIAL and PIAA Champion Lincoln Park in the WPIAL quarterfinals and the second round of the PIAA playoffs.
The WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A champion Aliquippa Quips will face the Mentor Cardinals, which is located just outside of Cleveland. The Quips bring one of the top guards in the WPIAL in Josh Pratt, who burst onto the scene during the team’s postseason run. The Cardinals qualified for the Ohio state playoffs last season.
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The nightcap of day one features a matchup between WPIAL Class 6A runner-up Baldwin and a Beaver Area program looking to make a deep postseason run come playoff time. The Bobcats will come into the matchup with three consistent scorers in Brady Mayo, Nick Krzeczowki and Junior Marino. The Fighting Highlanders are expected to once again be in conversation for a WPIAL Championship with senior guard Nate Wesling leading the charge offensively.
Pine Richland will play one game in the classic as it will face off against the Bobcats. The Rams struggled in Class 6A last year and will look to rebound, which makes this second-day matchup an interesting one as Beaver Area returns most of its full roster from a year ago.
Lincoln Park will be breaking in a new roster that returns just one senior and brings in one junior and several freshmen that are looking to build chemistry with one another. The Leopards' matchup against the Warriors will be a good test as Central Valley brings back an experienced roster that was one of the top defensive groups in its section last year.
More information on the Central Valley Roundball Holiday Classic can be found on the Beaver County Tourism website. Tickets can be purchased online for fans looking to attend the event on Friday and Saturday.
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