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 Historic Rosedale 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 Charlotte, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I love working for this company.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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 Freedom 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 Bentley's Restaurant or visit The Charlotte Museum of History, 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 Charlotte, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Charlotte, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Charlotte, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Block Love Charlotte is one of several organizations opening its doors to provide cold water and cooling space.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With scorching temperatures bearing down on the Queen City, summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. And for some people, it's even life-threatening.Now, local organizations are stepping up to make sure those most vulnerable aren’t left to suffer alone in the sweltering sun....
Block Love Charlotte is one of several organizations opening its doors to provide cold water and cooling space.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With scorching temperatures bearing down on the Queen City, summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s dangerous. And for some people, it's even life-threatening.
Now, local organizations are stepping up to make sure those most vulnerable aren’t left to suffer alone in the sweltering sun.
Block Love Charlotte is one of several groups opening its doors to provide cold water and a place to keep cool.
"Normally, in the afternoon, it’s just a trickle. Today, we are already full," said Deborah Phillips, Executive Director of Block Love Charlotte. “Last evening we had a packed house, including children and larger families. We’ve had some come in and their first request is water."
Inside their outreach center, people are seeking shelter from the sun find relief.
“She’s like an angel to me,” said visitor Kisher Harris. “She’s a good lady; she’s like my second mom that I never had."
Block Love Charlotte has seen a surge in need this week as neighbors facing homelessness or living without air conditioning come in desperate for water and a break from the heat.
But the danger of extreme temperatures goes beyond the unhoused. Mecklenburg County is also working to protect seniors, who are more at-risk during heat waves. In partnership with Duke Energy, the county is handing out free box fans to older residents while supplies last.
To find out if you qualify for a free box fan and where you can go to pick one up, you can click here.
Contact Anna King at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Metallica have released the official live video below, featuring the band’s performance of “Screaming Suicide”, filmed at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31.Metallica recently issued the following update in regards to their shows this weekend: “The Metallica Machine is making its way to Santa Clara for a No Repeat Weekend starting Friday, June 20, with special guests Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills. Then, two days later, we’ll take the stage again – after special guests P...
Metallica have released the official live video below, featuring the band’s performance of “Screaming Suicide”, filmed at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31.
Metallica recently issued the following update in regards to their shows this weekend: “The Metallica Machine is making its way to Santa Clara for a No Repeat Weekend starting Friday, June 20, with special guests Limp Bizkit and Ice Nine Kills. Then, two days later, we’ll take the stage again – after special guests Pantera and Suicidal Tendencies – to perform an entirely different setlist. But if you know us… you know that when we come to town, there will be plenty of festivities off the stage as well.”
An official Metallica Pop-Up Shop will be open from Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22.
Thursday – Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM 55 Holger Way San Jose, CA 95134
“Each M72 Pop-Up Shop will feature its own splatter vinyl edition of 72 Seasons and a completely exclusive screen-printed poster, event tee, and skateboard designed by some of your favorite artists. Santa Clara’s poster design is courtesy of artist Vance Kelly.
Premium items, including the newest Dixxon flannel collaboration, will also be available. Plus, you’ll find staples you’ve come to expect from the Metallica Pop-Up Shop, including a full selection of new and classic merch and high-quality Metallica-branded Yeti products.
And don’t forget to pick up a Fan Card during your visit for a chance to win awesome prizes, including Snake Pit Passes!
* Please note that there will be a limited daily quota of vinyl, posters, and skateboards on sale, and each will be limited to one per customer.”
Tickets for Metallica’s M72 2026 tour run are available at this location.
Enhanced Experiences may include a meet & greet, stage tour, “Black Box” lounge, and Snake Pit access. For premium views, try the “Lux Æterna” private platforms. “I Disappear” tickets are also available for fans wanting to attend multiple shows. Click here for details.
One-day tickets gain access to one show only at the venue you have purchased for. Two-day tickets gain access to both shows at the venue you have purchased for in the same location per show.
Single-day tickets to No Repeat Weekend shows will be available starting July 25.
Metallica recently issued the following update in regards to their ongoing M72 World Tour:
“Get ready for year four of the M72 World Tour coming to Europe next spring and summer! Tickets go on sale Friday, 30 May, with presales beginning Tuesday, 27 May (more info below).
The production will feature the same unique stadium production in-the-round at midfield, with the Snake Pit in the center of the stage providing a complete 360° view of the show. We’re excited to continue the now-tradition of No Repeat Weekends and will also have a mix of some One Night Only shows. Pantera is returning for another M72 run with us, and we’re reuniting with our World Magnetic touring partner/WorldWired guest, Gojira. And we’re excited to welcome Knocked Loose and Avatar to the tour.
Frankfurt, Budapest, Dublin, and London will all feature No Repeat Weekend shows that will continue to offer a completely unique experience each night: two totally different set lists spanning our 40+ years with two different sets of support acts! Purchase a 2-Day ticket, and you won’t hear the same song twice. As you’ve come to expect, we’ll be sure to have lots of extracurricular events planned for you to hang with fellow Metallica fans on the day between shows.
Continuing with the new twist started in ’25, there will be eight One Night Only shows, including long-overdue stops in Athens (for the first time since 2010), Chorzów (for the first time since 2008), and Cardiff (for the first time since 1996!). We’ll also play single shows in Bucharest, Zurich, Berlin, Bologna, and Glasgow.
Enhanced Experiences ranging from access to a meet and greet, production and stage tour, and food and beverage in the Black Box Lounge to early entry into the venue and the aforementioned Snake Pit. The “I Disappear Ticket” is back and is the ultimate pass for the fan who wants to run away with us and attend every M72 2026 show in Europe! For more information about Enhanced Experiences and I Disappear Tickets, visit wearesuper.co/metallica. Travel packages will also be available for select locations, including hotel, ticket, and local transportation passes. Visit metallicatravel.com for all the info.”
For further information, visit metallica.com.
2026 tour dates:
May 9 – Athens, Greece – Olympic Stadium * 13 – Bucharest, Romania – Arena Na?ional? * 19 – Chorzów, Poland – Stadion ?l?ski * 22 – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park * 24 – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park ? 27 – Zürich, Switzerland – Stadion Letzigrund * 30 – Berlin, Germany – Olympiastadion *
June 3 – Bologna, Italy – Stadio Renato Dall’Ara * 11 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena ? 13 – Budapest, Hungary – Puskas Arena * 19 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium ? 21 – Dublin, Ireland – Aviva Stadium * 25 – Glasgow, Scotland – Hampden Park * 28 – Cardiff, Wales – Principality Stadium *
July 3 – London, England – London Stadium * 5 – London, England – London Stadium ?
* Gojira and Knocked Loose support ? Pantera and Avatar support
As always, a portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will go to local charities via the band’s foundation, All Within My Hands. Established in 2017 as a way to give back to communities that have supported Metallica over the years, All Within My Hands has raised over $20 million, providing $11.4 million in grants to career and technical education programs, including the ground-breaking Metallica Scholars Initiative, now in its seventh year, over $7.4 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $4.7 million to disaster relief efforts.
M72’s 2026 European leg is produced by Live Nation.
BraveWords Records… home for Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester & Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr, Crimson Glory, ASKA and Lillian Axe.
Make sure you are following the label on Facebook. >> https://www.facebook.com/bravewordsrecords
Charlotte and nearby cities are celebrating Juneteenth with music, food, art, and reflection, highlighting freedom, unity, and community across the region.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Communities across the Charlotte area are commemorating Juneteenth with a series of events celebrating Black freedom, culture, and community.From Uptown Charlotte to surrounding cities like Huntersville, Kannapolis, and Gastonia, each celebration offers a unique way for residents to honor the historic day.RELATED: ...
Charlotte and nearby cities are celebrating Juneteenth with music, food, art, and reflection, highlighting freedom, unity, and community across the region.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Communities across the Charlotte area are commemorating Juneteenth with a series of events celebrating Black freedom, culture, and community.
From Uptown Charlotte to surrounding cities like Huntersville, Kannapolis, and Gastonia, each celebration offers a unique way for residents to honor the historic day.
RELATED: Juneteenth: What does the flag represent?
In Charlotte, First Ward Park is hosting a free Juneteenth event from noon to 3 p.m., organized by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP. This year’s theme, “For Culture, For Community,” invites attendees to reflect on the meaning of Juneteenth through music, connection, and storytelling.
Just a few blocks away, the Harvey B. Gantt Center is offering an indoor celebration from noon to 4 p.m., featuring hands-on art activities, guided tours, live performances, and special discussions. One highlight is a conversation inspired by the exhibit "Black Behind Bars," led by featured photographer Alvin C. Jacobs, Jr.
The program also includes reflections on the writings of James Baldwin, examining the layered meaning of freedom and justice.
RELATED: Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? What to know about its beginnings
Other cities across the region are also holding celebrations:
Tasha White, organizer of the Gastonia celebration, says recognizing Juneteenth is just as important as recognizing the Fourth of July.
“America has two Independence Days,” White said. “It’s not a made-up holiday, it’s a real thing and it affects real people. And so as a community, if we can honor the Fourth of July, what’s one more day to celebrate? It should bring us all together and help us know how important community and unity are in our society.”
RELATED: EbonyFest steps into spotlight as Gastonia's official Juneteenth festival
For those who can’t attend events on June 19, the town of Waxhaw will host its Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Downtown Park on Givens Street, featuring performances, crafts, and educational exhibits. There are also plenty of ways to celebrate and recognize the holiday this weekend.
Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Contact Destiny Richards at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The park, formerly known as Thomas Polk Park, has been transformed and will celebrate its grand opening with live music, food and speakers.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A redesigned Uptown Charlotte park honoring former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl will officially open this weekend after years of construction.The park, formerly known as Thomas Polk Park, has been transformed into ...
The park, formerly known as Thomas Polk Park, has been transformed and will celebrate its grand opening with live music, food and speakers.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A redesigned Uptown Charlotte park honoring former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl will officially open this weekend after years of construction.
The park, formerly known as Thomas Polk Park, has been transformed into McColl Park and will celebrate its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, with live music, food, and guided tours.
Located at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte, the park features a 56-foot-tall art installation called "The Nest" that illuminates the night sky above the tree line. The space also includes gardens, seating areas, and a splash pad.
World-renowned artist Walter Hood designed the park along with Bolton & Menk, drawing inspiration from his Charlotte roots. Hood, who grew up in the Hidden Valley neighborhood, said the intersection served as a "lifeline east, west, north, south to the city" during his youth.
"I came back like, wow, who would've thought as a 16-year-old that I would come back 40-something years later and literally have this conversation," Hood said.
The park aims to honor Charlotte's history while recognizing McColl's contributions to shaping the city. McColl, a philanthropist and former Bank of America CEO, played a significant role in Charlotte's development.
"Perhaps see a name on that wall that they've heard of, but most importantly, it'll be a place for them to reflect and I hope be inspired to continue to move our city forward," said Kieth Cockrell, Bank of America's Charlotte president.
The park had a soft opening on Wednesday, coinciding with McColl's 90th birthday, giving residents their first chance to view the completed space without construction fencing. Many visitors took photographs and explored the new amenities.
Locals expressed enthusiasm about the addition to the downtown area, with some noting they looked forward to having a new place to spend lunch breaks.
The park's centerpiece, "The Nest," joins other notable public art in the area, including "Il Grando Disco" by Italian futurist Arnaldo Pomodoro located across the street -- the same artwork that inspired Hood to become an artist.
He hopes the park will inspire future generations.
"You never know who you're going to inspire, right? You just never know," Hood said. "I'm hoping that people come here and kids will see this and it will stay in their memory."
Contact Kayland Hagwood at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Susan Nichols will move from her role as principal of Charlotte Engineering Early College to lead Ardrey Kell.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Weeks after the former principal of Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte suddenly left her role, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has announced who will take on leader...
Susan Nichols will move from her role as principal of Charlotte Engineering Early College to lead Ardrey Kell.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Weeks after the former principal of Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte suddenly left her role, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has announced who will take on leadership of the school.
In a video shared on YouTube Wednesday afternoon, the district announced that Susan Nichols would become the new principal for Ardrey Kell. Nichols currently serves as principal at Charlotte Engineering Early College, which is one of the district's charter schools.
Nicols' biography on the CEEC website shows she has 27 years of experience as an educator and is originally from Winston-Salem. She earned her undergraduate degree in K-12 Spanish and French Education from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and began her career there.
She came to Charlotte in 2002 as a Spanish teacher at Butler High School. During her time teaching with CMS in 2009, she earned her Master's in School Administration from UNC Charlotte. She earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Gardner-Webb University in 2014.
"I realize that change can be challenging, but it also brings new opportunities. I want to assure you that my commitment is to build strong bonds and earn your trust," Nichols said in the announcement video. "I recognize that actions speak louder than words, and through my actions I will prove that I am the leader you deserve."
The recent departure of previous principal Jamie Brooks saw backlash from teachers and families against CMS. Brooks had served as Ardrey Kell's principal since 2020 before her quiet suspension with pay and subsequent retirement.
Families weren't notified of Brooks' suspension until the action was revealed through a public records request weeks later. The district then issued a brief message in late May announcing her retirement but provided no explanation for either action.
A parent input session earlier this month about who would be the future leader of the high school got heated as parents voiced their frustrations with what they said was a lack of transparency from CMS leaders.
After the hiring of Nicols, parents once again stated that CMS lacked transparency in the situation.
"We asked the question over and over, 'Do you already have someone?' We were told no," Kelly Ludwick, a parent, said. "We were told the new principal would be put in before July 1st, and here it is June 18th, and they have someone. Hard to believe they didn’t already know who they wanted to put in there."
Ludwick said that a Charlotte Mecklenburg board member told parents that they were only made aware of Nicols' hiring through the YouTube video as well. Board members have not confirmed that with WCNC Charlotte.
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