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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

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Home Care In Walnutport, PA

Home Care Walnutport, PA

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 Locktender's 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 Walnutport, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Walnutport, PA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”

David G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Mary M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Carrie W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

jill F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Barbara T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jane T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”

Matthew R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Sheri C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent in every respect.”

Andre C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Denise O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Mary C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Jill K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Lisa E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Earl P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Howard S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gretchen L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

KJack
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TESTIMONIALS

“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”

Bobbi D.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Walnutport, PA?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Walnutport, PA

Types of Elderly Care in Walnutport, PA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Walnutport, PA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Walnutport, PA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Walnutport Playground Association with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Walnutport, PA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 D'Sopranos Pizzeria or visit Walnutport Canal Association Heritage Center, 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.

 In-Home Care Walnutport, PA

Benefits of Home Care in Walnutport, PA

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:

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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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 - 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.

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

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 Walnutport, 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.

 Elderly Care Walnutport, PA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your PA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
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.
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.
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.
 Senior Care Walnutport, PA

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 Walnutport, 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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Walnutport, PA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Walnutport, PA

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:

  • Riverstone Manor
  • Eastern Comfort Assisted
  • Pond View Manor
Home Care Walnutport, PA

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.

 In-Home Care Walnutport, PA

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 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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Walnutport, 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.

 Elderly Care Walnutport, PA

Latest News in Walnutport, PA

Honking hallelujah: Drive-in theatre in Pa. becomes church during coronavirus shutdown

By shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday morning, the line of cars waiting to get into Becky’s Drive-in Movie Theater snaked half a mile down the road.The drivers weren’t there for a movie: They came for Bethany Wesleyan’s Sunday service. The church’s building is just two miles away, but, like most other public places, it’s currently shuttered to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.At the drive-in, volunteers in yellow safety vests held signs for the incoming traffic. “Please stay in your vehicle,...

By shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday morning, the line of cars waiting to get into Becky’s Drive-in Movie Theater snaked half a mile down the road.

The drivers weren’t there for a movie: They came for Bethany Wesleyan’s Sunday service. The church’s building is just two miles away, but, like most other public places, it’s currently shuttered to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.

At the drive-in, volunteers in yellow safety vests held signs for the incoming traffic. “Please stay in your vehicle,” one read, a necessity as Pennsylvanians try to keep their distance from each other.

But most signs were upbeat. “Smile, it’s Sunday!” Or, simply: “We’re glad you are here!”

The congregation was glad to be there, too. More than 1,000 people came — drawn by their faith and the possibility of being, if not together, at least near friends and family they don’t share a home with for a few hours.

“We were made for community,” said administrative pastor Dwight Addington. “We were made for a community with God and with others as well. So this gives that kind of an opportunity, while at the same time being as safe as we possibly can.”

In-person community is in short supply right now. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered all “non-life-sustaining” businesses closed, and is strongly discouraging any gatherings. On Sunday, Philadelphia officials announced a new “stay-at -home” order banning all public and private gatherings entirely.

At Becky’s, northwest of Bethlehem and Nazareth in Northampton County, the concession stand and restrooms were closed. Worshippers were told not to get out of their cars.

So, friends shouted back and forth through half cracked windows — rows of vehicles beneath an Appalachian mountain range.

It may not have been the same as sitting together in a church pew, but the camaraderie went a long way.

“This is … feeding the loneliness,” said Doris Zellers, a retiree from Palmerton. “We are seeing people, and we are able to wave, and just be social.”

Melissa Schwoyer, a stay-at-home mom from Lehighton, agreed.

“This is the closest thing we have to community right now, is this church,” she said.

Schwoyer, like many people in attendance, caravanned with her friends and family. In the next car over was Staci Wolfe, a remedial reading and math teacher who is spending her days with her college age-daughter — both forced out of school by the coronavirus-related shutdowns. Wolfe’s husband works in auto repair, a business state officials have allowed to keep operating.

“We just keep praying that keeps occurring,” she said, grateful for the income.

In the next car in the row sat Taylor Schwoyer, Melissa’s daughter. She’s finally coming up for breath after a week of long days at a local grocery warehouse.

“Right now, we are really big on our beans and grains and stuff,” she said, “because people are going crazy.”

‘Community thing’

Congregations from Texas to Wisconsin have turned to drive-in theaters in recent weeks as the pandemic has forced church leaders to rethink traditional worship service.

The idea isn’t exactly new. Televangelist Robert Schuller, famous for his “Hour of Power” television program, got his start preaching from the top of the concession stand at a drive-in movie theater in the 1950s.

The church’s motto: “Come as you are in the family car.”

Dean Deppe, who along with his wife Cindy manages the drive-in, said they were providing the space to Bethany Wesleyan and another local church free of charge. The decision was an easy one: Their season, scheduled to start in April, has been upended by COVID-19.

“[The film industry] has moved their releases back or canceled them for this year, so it would be a moot point to open,” he said.

Deppe says the worship service is a good fit for the drive-in. Both, he said, are designed to make people feel connected.

“You don’t come here to be alone,” Deppe said. “When you watch a movie, it’s a community thing.”

When Bethany Wesleyan’s praise band started, the congregation mostly kept their car windows up — listening by turning their radio dials to the in-house frequency instead.

Lead pastor Kevin Fetterhoff asked his worshippers to look to scripture to get through these uncertain times.

“When Jesus was in his pandemic, if you will, his quarantine, if you will,” Fetterhoff said, referencing the Christian son of God’s forty days in the desert, “he determined in the depths of himself that he would not sell out for the goals and the dreams and the aspirations he had because he knew the forty days would come to the end.”

The sermon reverberated from hundreds of idling cars, which used their horns as a makeshift “amen.”

Bethany Wesleyan is planning to continue with the drive-in service for as long as they can, and many in the congregation said they planned to return next weekend.

They may have to be alone. But at least here they can be alone, together.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Walnutport Pathmark is among 25 A&P stores closing

Communities in northern Lehigh and Northampton counties are losing a major option for grocery shopping.Pathmark in the Walnut Plaza along Route 145 in Walnutport is among 25 stores being closed by the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, a company spokeswoman said Wednesd...

Communities in northern Lehigh and Northampton counties are losing a major option for grocery shopping.

Pathmark in the Walnut Plaza along Route 145 in Walnutport is among 25 stores being closed by the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. amid a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, a company spokeswoman said Wednesday.

It is the only store in Lehigh, Northampton, Warren and Hunterdon counties closing. A&P, as the Montvale, New Jersey-based company is known, is also selling about 120 stores. The bankruptcy filing announced Monday is the company's second bankruptcy in five years.

RELATED: A&P seeks to close 10 stores in N.J., selling to Stop & Shop, Acme

The company plans to sell as many of its 296 stores as possible. A&P anticipates proceeds of $600 million from the 120 stores being sold, according to a filing with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. The decision to close 25 stores is "due to lack of interest and significant ongoing store operating losses," A&P said in a news release.

A&P operates stores under the brand names A&P, Best Cellars, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Pathmark, Superfresh and Waldbaums.

The Walnutport Pathmark closure is expected to have a significant impact on both Walnutport in Northampton County and Slatington, across the Lehigh River in Lehigh County, said Walnutport Borough Council President Matt Newhard.

"It's going to have a huge impact," he said Wednesday. "A lot of our older-age community, they use that as their main shopping source."

According to Newhard, the closest options for grocery shopping are going to be Thomson's Meat Market in the borough, Weis locations in North Whitehall and Whitehall townships, Country Harvest Family Market in Palmerton, Giant outside Lehighton and, though not strictly supermarkets, Rite-Aid in the Walnut Plaza and Kmart in Lehigh Township.

Walnutport also stands to lose out on tax revenue if the Pathmark location is empty for an extended period, he noted.

He believes there will be interest, particularly given how much longer Pathmark lasted than other A&P stores that have closed -- including the Route 378 Pathmark in Lower Saucon Township in 2011.

"I'm hoping that somebody will look at it being an opportunity to fill the void," Newhard said.

Walnut Plaza is owned by New York City-based J&W Management Corp., where leasing manager Erica Cohen said Wednesday the Pathmark space is being actively marketed.

"Right now we do have a broker working on it," she said. "It's a high-interest area."

A woman in customer service who answered the phone Wednesday at the Walnutport Pathmark declined to comment, deferring to A&P.

There is no timetable for the 25 stores to close, said A&P representative Dana Regan.

"However, the stores will likely close within the next few months," she wrote in an email.

A&P said it has more than 100,000 creditors along with more than $1 billion in liabilities and over $1 billion in assets.

Like many grocers, A&P has faced tougher competition from companies like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp. expanding their grocery options. The business has grown even more crowded and competitive with companies like Whole Foods Market Inc. and Fairway Group Holdings Corp. catering to a more health-conscious market.

RELATED: Walmart distribution centers to employ 1,000 in Bethlehem, company says

A&P was formed in 1859 as The Great American Tea Co. and renamed Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. in 1869. A&P operates in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.

A Chapter 11 filing gives a company a chance to reorganize its finances without added pressure from creditors.

A&P says its stores closing "in the near-term" will be fully stocked during this process. In addition to Pathmark in Walnutport, A&P identified the other 24 stores slated to close as:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Final canal festival planned for October

by Terry Ahner [email protected] signature attraction in Walnutport known for celebrating its heritage is set to host its final go-round.The 42nd annual Walnutport Canal Festival will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15, rain or shine.This will mark the final year for the event, according to festival event coordinator Jeanne Boehrer.“We have a committee, and we had talked about how difficult it is to make an event this large because we don’t have the manpower,” Boehrer said. “We are a...

by Terry Ahner [email protected]

A signature attraction in Walnutport known for celebrating its heritage is set to host its final go-round.

The 42nd annual Walnutport Canal Festival will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 15, rain or shine.

This will mark the final year for the event, according to festival event coordinator Jeanne Boehrer.

“We have a committee, and we had talked about how difficult it is to make an event this large because we don’t have the manpower,” Boehrer said. “We are a core group of 10 or 12 of us, and we’re just all aging, and we don’t have set up people and people that consistently volunteer; the ones we have had consistently, they are aging the same way we are.

Boehrer added, “It’s a lot of hours of putting it out, running it for the day and tearing it down. We’re all just aging, and we just don’t have the manpower.

“It’s not just us; we stewed about it that ‘should we make this the last one’. We’ve just determined we can’t.

“Everybody is kind of in the same boat,” she said. “That it everybody.”

While it may be on its way out, the festival promises to have something for everyone.

In addition to the various crafters along the towpath, Boehrer said there will be the horse-drawn wagon, a chain saw artist, cakewalk, Seeing Eye Puppy Club, churches, Boy Scouts, Slatington Public Library, the Women’s Club of Slatington, the Lehigh Township Lioness Club, Calliope (musical organ), Lehigh Valley Brass Band, Cub Scout group, and Diamond Fire Company.

“We will have all the nonprofits,” she said. “We would love to have the people come out, see us one last time, come out and have a good time.”

Boehrer noted the event is bittersweet.

“How do you just put 43 years to the side, how do you just stop it; we don’t know anything different,” she said. “It’s just unfortunate that this is the way that life is; people work two jobs, people commute, people have children, it’s sad.

“It’s 43 years of a lot of history and a lot of memories; people always looked forward to it,” she said. “I’m sad to see it go.”

However, while the festival may soon be a thing of the past, the Walnutport Canal Association will remain, Boehrer assured.

“We are not disbanding, we are not closing down,” she said. “We will have events every single month next year; maybe one month we’ll have a band play, we’re going to have a basket auction, we have thoughts.

“It’s not like we’re disbanding; we just can’t throw a big event such as a festival. Next year, we might have food trucks, that kind of stuff; we just realized maybe it’s easier for us to have some small events rather than one big event.”

Boehrer stressed the Walnutport Canal Association is still an active group that is looking for new members and new ideas.

She said anyone with ideas may send them to the Walnutport Canal Association, or contact her at 484-201-1732.

7 of the Friendliest Towns in the Poconos

The Poconos Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania are one of the region’s most beloved and sought after natural destinations. With their stunning vistas, alluring wooded surroundings, and pristine local bodies of water, this mountainous playground is indeed the perfect place to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors. And with a nu...

The Poconos Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania are one of the region’s most beloved and sought after natural destinations. With their stunning vistas, alluring wooded surroundings, and pristine local bodies of water, this mountainous playground is indeed the perfect place to enjoy the wonder of the outdoors. And with a number of great, charming, and friendly towns in the area, visitors will never have a shortage of fun and intrigue to discover. From fascinating local history to welcoming hospitality, these friendly Poconos towns are surely a great addition to an already stunning part of the country.

Milford

Near the border with New York State and located near the upper Delaware River, the town of Milford was established back in 1796. Today the home of just over 1,000 residents, Milford is a place where loads of old world charm welcome all who visit amidst the stunning framing of the Poconos. Filled with buildings designed in the Federal and Victorian style of architecture (particularly in the Historic District), Milford also has many cute local restaurants, charming boutique shops, galleries, and interesting museums chronicling the region’s past.

Stop by the Grey Towers National Historic Site, an 1880s chateau style mansion with beautiful gardens, or the Columns Museum with its impressive assortment of American artifacts including the flag that flew over Abraham Lincoln’s theatre box on the night of his assassination. And of course the natural wonder of the Delaware River and the Poconos mountain peaks make hiking, biking, and even scenic driving a truly great experience when in Milford.

Middleburg

Seat of Snyder County, the town of Middleburg was incorporated in the mid 1860s and today is home to just over 1,300 inhabitants. A friendly and historically charming locale, visitors to Middleburg can explore a number of 19th and early 20th century buildings and landmarks here while enjoying the quiet and relaxing atmosphere of a hidden mountain town. Stop by the Union County Historical Society Museum or the Shade Mountain Winery, for great insights into the regions history and some of the best in locally produced alcohols.

And naturally with its truly picturesque, wooded surroundings and stunning alpine hills, going for a hike and a bike ride is always a delight in Middleburg. Meanwhile at day’s end, an assortment of tasty local restaurants make this lesser known Poconos town an absolute delight for all ages.

Palmerton

Palmerton is situated some 86 miles from Philadelphia, right at the base of the Blue Mountain region. Formally incorporated in 1912 and today home to a population of nearly 5,600, the town is a beautifully picturesque locale full of charming small town friendliness and appeal. Known for the Blue Mountain Ski Zone, no matter what the season visitors can enjoy awesome activities here. Go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, while breathtaking hikes and bike rides are the highlight of any summer excursion. Visitors can also explore the Palmerton Zinc Pile Superfund Spot, a park and wild reserve ideal for an exciting afternoon the solo traveller and families alike. Meanwhile at the nearby Lehigh River, a portion of the Appalachian Trail can be explored! And of course as with many small towns, an assortment of great local shops, restaurants, and other galleries can all be appreciated in this most special Pennsylvania borough.

Hawley

Situated on the Lackawaxen River, Hawley is a splendid town of just under 1,300 residents. With plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and even tubing, spending time in this Poconos resort is indeed always a picturesque and fun experience. Near the Bushkill Falls, affectionately known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”, visitors can also enjoy wonderful hiking and biking trails, or can just simply marvel at this gem of nature. In addition one can visit such historic sites like the Hawley Silk Mill (1880) on the National Register of Historic Places or the Ritz Theater. And for the golf lover, a round or two at the Woodloch Pines Resort and its stunning natural panoramas, make any stay in Hawley a very special and memorable place to remember.

Stroudsburg

Seat of Monroe County, the charming town of Stroudsburg lies just some 75 miles from New York City. Founded in 1799 and now home to a population of just under 6,000 residents, the town is indeed a great blend of historic intrigue, natural wonder, and modern day amenities. Filled with quaint local restaurants, cafes, boutique stores, galleries, and a plethora of cultural events, Stroudsburg is indeed one of the Poconos finest locales. Visit the Academy Hill Historic District and Stroud Mansion (1795) for an authentic glimpse into 18th century life, while nature enthusiasts will certainly not want to miss a stop at McMichaels Creek and Glen Onoko Falls, for spectacular cascade sights and great fishing. But whether one marvels at the nature all around, explores some of the town’s history, or simply takes in the small town hospitality, it is certain that Stroudsburg will leave a most positive impression.

Honesdale

Honesdale is home to a population of nearly 4,500 people and serves as the seat of Wayne County. Established in the 1820s, this town is indeed a charming place full of historic intrigue and natural beauty. Located in a rural area, amongst he outdoor activities that remain popular with visitors and residents alike include biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, and rafting. And with its close proximity to the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers, there is surely never a shortage of opportunities to enjoy being on the water.

In addition visitors can hop aboard the famed Stourbridge Line, a stunning railway excursion with some of the very best views of the Poconos Mountains. Meanwhile at the Wayne County Historical Society Museum, an immersive journey through the town’s and region’s history is provided, entertaining and informing all guests who visit. For its mix of great Poconos vistas, riverside attractions, and charming history, the town of Honesdale is surely a place not to be missed.

Walnutport

Situated along the Lehigh River and home to a population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, the town of Walnutport was founded in 1909. A charming small town with alluring natural beauty and an always friendly atmosphere, Walnutport is indeed a great place to enjoy the Poconos and authentic Americana. Explore a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail here and take in some truly stunning views of the Mountains, while a visit to the Lehigh Canal Park is a step back in time in a most quaint and charming area. And with Walnutport’s assortment of cute shops, local restaurants, and small galleries, a real feeling of the simple life can be experienced, all within the special framing that is the Poconos Mountains.

For breathtaking panoramas, splendid, wooded areas, fun nearby lakes, and loads of small town charm and history, Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains are certainly hard to beat. The friendly small towns within its range are great examples of special American beauty that only a smaller community can offer, each with a unique dose of the northeastern United States. From historic district of Stroudsburg to the calming streets of Hawley and more, these friendly Poconos towns are definite treasures for any traveller to discover firsthand.

After four years without a supermarket, a Giant relief for Walnutport

Loading your audio articleBack in September 2015, the Northampton County borough of Walnutport lost its only full-size supermarket, Pathmark, as the grocer’s parent company worked through bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in five years.Since then, residents of the borough of about 2,000 people have been forced to travel more than 7 miles to the nearest large-scale grocer.In a couple weeks, however, residents will no longer need to travel 15 minutes each way to get fresh produce and other supplies: Giant Fo...

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Back in September 2015, the Northampton County borough of Walnutport lost its only full-size supermarket, Pathmark, as the grocer’s parent company worked through bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in five years.

Since then, residents of the borough of about 2,000 people have been forced to travel more than 7 miles to the nearest large-scale grocer.

In a couple weeks, however, residents will no longer need to travel 15 minutes each way to get fresh produce and other supplies: Giant Food Stores will open its newest Lehigh Valley supermarket 8 a.m. May 17 at the former Pathmark building on 300 S. Best Ave.

The 55,000-square-foot store, which will employ 200 full- and part-time workers, will operate 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

“It seems like [the former Pathmark building] has been empty forever!” Kiana Bellesfield of Slatington said while shopping at Walnut Plaza early Tuesday afternoon. “Having a Giant here will be really great because right now, the closest grocery store is Weis in Schnecksville, and that’s about a 15-minute drive away. There’s another Weis down Route 145, but that’s also about 15 minutes away.”

“I’m very excited,” added Karen Heffelfinger of Lehigh Township. “For the past few years, I’ve been shopping at the Redner’s in Northampton just because I work there and it’s convenient.”

While smaller nearby food retailers such as Country Harvest in Palmerton and Happy Huckster in Slatington have helped prevent the Walnutport area from becoming a food desert, devoid of fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthy whole foods, the community has still been forced to adapt to life without a major grocery store.

Slatington Mayor Walter Niedermeyer told The Morning Call in 2016 that he knew of many residents going to the Dollar General in Walnutport to shop for groceries.

The discount store offers packaged and nonperishable foods, but does not sell fresh produce, fish or meats.

“They took up the slack,” Niedermeyer said of Dollar General. “People are going in there and filling up their carts.”

Thomson’s Meat Market in Walnutport also reported an uptick in business since the Pathmark closed.

The market, which owner Jacob Thomson’s father started 35 years ago, has three aisles of groceries, a small selection of produce and basic necessities such as bread, milk and eggs.

Not only will Giant, the Cumberland County grocery store chain with nearly 180 locations in four states, provide Walnutport-area shoppers with a more convenient grocery option, the anchor tenant also will help the ailing shopping center.

The nearly 105,000-square-foot Walnut Plaza’s loan went into default in mid-2016, months after Pathmark closed, according to information from Trepp LLC, a New York City firm that monitors loans within commercial mortgage-backed securities.

Once it fell into foreclosure, the shopping center, which also counts AutoZone, Rite Aid and Dollar Tree as tenants, was bought by the lender at a foreclosure sale in June 2017, according to Trepp.

The property, built in 1977 and renovated in 1996, was only 47% occupied before Giant signed a 15-year lease for the 55,000-square-foot space that Pathmark vacated.

According to Trepp, the property remains in the care of special servicer LNR Partners LLC of Miami Beach and is not being marketed for sale.

The upcoming Giant, supplementing more than a dozen Lehigh Valley locations, will feature a floral department, bakery, seafood department, and an expanded produce department with more than 350 items, including locally grown and organic selections.

Additionally, a full-service deli will feature Boar’s Head meats, an Asian hot bar, hot rotisserie chickens, grab-and-go meals and seasonal salads.

“We take great pride in our unique local selections, and we are honored to feature PA Preferred items throughout each of our departments,” store manager Steve Bowlby said. “For example, in our bakery, customers will find dessert items crafted by local favorite Kiffle Kitchen.”

The Giant also will feature a fuel station, where BonusCard shoppers can earn 10 cents off per gallon of gas for $100 spent on groceries, and a Beer & Wine Eatery, stocked with more than 300 varieties of beer and wine, curated with “a focus on Pennsylvania craft beer and intriguing wine selections,” according to the release.

At the 30-seat eatery, customers can mix and match six-packs or sit and eat fresh-made fare, including sandwiches, wraps, subs, salads and sushi. The eatery will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.

“There’s nothing more exciting than opening a brand-new Giant, especially here in Walnutport, where the support from our neighbors has been fantastic,” Bowlby said.

Morning Call reporter Jon Harris contributed to this report.

Morning Call reporter Ryan Kneller can be reached at 610-820-6597 or [email protected].

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