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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 Gastonia, NC

Home Care Gastonia, NC

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 R Gregg Cherry Historical Marker 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 Gastonia, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Gastonia, NC

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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 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.”

Karen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gayle S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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-”

Richard H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”

Said Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”

Lacey J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Seema T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Chris B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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”

Sarah H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company.”

Stephanie U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Kim P.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Gastonia, NC?

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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 Gastonia, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Gastonia, NC

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 Gastonia, NC
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 Gastonia, NC
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 George Poston Park 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 Gastonia, NC
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 Webb Custom Kitchen or visit The Schiele Museum of Natural History Planetarium, 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 Gastonia, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Gastonia, NC

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 Gastonia, 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.

 Elderly Care Gastonia, NC

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 NC'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 Gastonia, NC

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 Gastonia, 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.

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 Gastonia, NC

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 Gastonia, NC

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:

  • Morningside of Gastonia
  • Terrace Ridge Assisted Living
  • Wellington House
  • Brookdale New Hope
  • Brookdale Robinwood
  • Belaire Health Care Center
Home Care Gastonia, NC

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 Gastonia, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

 Elderly Care Gastonia, NC

Latest News in Gastonia, NC

10 Fabulous Things to Do in Gastonia, North Carolina

Inside: We are sharing 10 fabulous things to do in Gastonia, North Carolina, and giving you all the details on how to have an epic day trip there!Looking for a town to explore on a day trip? Just an hour from the Upstate is Gastonia, NC. We discovered this town is full of things to do. There is a fabulous museum, parks, and some of the best milkshakes in the country according to USA Today. Since Gastonia is so close to the Upstate it makes a great day trip!Things to Do in Gastonia, North CarolinaWe wer...

Inside: We are sharing 10 fabulous things to do in Gastonia, North Carolina, and giving you all the details on how to have an epic day trip there!

Looking for a town to explore on a day trip? Just an hour from the Upstate is Gastonia, NC. We discovered this town is full of things to do. There is a fabulous museum, parks, and some of the best milkshakes in the country according to USA Today. Since Gastonia is so close to the Upstate it makes a great day trip!

Things to Do in Gastonia, North Carolina

We were recently invited to check out the Schiele Museum of Natural History, in Gastonia. This museum was the number one mentioned activity when we polled readers about what we should do on a trip to Gastonia. We enjoyed the museum and had enough time to explore more of the town after leaving the museum.

Knowing how I’m on a continual quest for awesome tacos, Reader Jes suggested we try Viva Tequis. I’m so grateful she did. In fact, I thought about the food from there for days after.

Ok, I’ll be honest. I actually detoured through Gastonia the following weekend on a trip to Charlotte, just to eat there again. If that’s not enough of a reason for you to want to go, let me tell you about the actual food. Viva Tequis offers tacos, tortas, tostadas and more. They serve coke soft drinks, horchata, jamaica and there’s a bar in the back. While there is no children’s menu, the menu items are ala-carte and kid-friendly. You can fill your belly with yummy food for under $10 and that’s another reason to love this place! Fresh ingredients top the food with your choice of sauces from the hot sauce bar. My favorite items from the menu are the carne asada tostada and the carnitas taco, both topped with the hot avocado sauce from the salsa bar.

Viva Tequis Website | 238 West Main Avenue, Gastonia NC 28052

After an early dinner, we headed on to explore the local parks. Gastonia has several parks with stuff to do to keep kids entertained any time of the year.

Gastonia’s first park, Lineberger Park has everything you could ask for in a park. Consisting of 18.5 acres, Lineberger Park is fun for families. You’ll find hiking trails that pass a Vietnam War Memorial, a playground, a mini-train ride, a splash pad, and a public pool.

The pool is open Memorial Day through Labor day and costs only $4 per person for a 2.5-hour session. That’s quite a deal because the park offers not only a pool, but a lazy river, a two-story waterslide, and an additional splash pad from the one in the park.

The splash pad in the park is open from mid-May through mid-September. The train is just $1 per person and has seasonal hours that can be viewed on the city website. The train doesn’t run during the winter months, December through February.

Lineberger Park Website | 632 East Garrison Avenue, Gastonia NC 28054

The splash pad at Lineberger was at capacity on the day we visited, so we went on to explore the next park on our list. Erwin park has a playground, a community pool, and a splash pad. The kids really enjoyed the dump bucket feature and the water cannons. Someone smart designed these water cannons. The kids kept trying to squirt the adults, but the water turns to a trickle when it’s pointed toward the perimeter of the splash pad.

Erwin Park Website | 1000 North Pryor Street, Gastonia NC 28052

After the splash pad, we continued on to the next park on our “Gastonia Park Hop”. To say that I was shocked to see Martha Rivers park as we pulled up would be an understatement. It looks just like the castle design at Greer’s Century park, prior to the redesign. The huge castle playground has ample seating for parents, and a restroom adjacent to the playground. There are also fields for playing soccer and other sports.

Martha Rivers Park Website | 1515 Neal Hawkins Road, Gastonia NC 28056

We left the park at sunset and headed to the ice cream shop that our reader Rachel said to try. Tony’s Ice cream turned out to be a popular place! The fact that an article declaring it the “best place in all of North Carolina to grab a milkshake” was published that week probably lent to the insanity. We waited for nearly an hour with a lobby full of people for a hand-spun milkshake that was huge and sticking out over the cup! Over a century old, Tony’s Ice cream is the place to be seen on a weekend night in Gastonia!

Tony’s Ice Cream Website | 604 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia NC 28054

More Fun Things to Do in Gastonia, NC

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden was recommended by readers, and while it’s not technically in Gastonia, it’s off the same exit as the museum. We got a chacne to visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and check out some truly amazing areas for the kids. During the holidays, they have a holiday light festival that looks awesome and is on our winter activity list!

Rankin Lake Park is a great stop for fans of disc golf! You can enjoy 18 holes of disc golf with the beautiful lake in the background. The park also has a newly redesigned playground that includes a zipline, a walking trail, picnic shelters, and boat rentals. Fishing is allowed at the lake and requires a North Carolina Fishing permit for those age 16 and over, and a fishing fee of $2/$3 per person for non-residents. Boat rentals start at $5 an hour and include the fishing fee for the lake. Swimming is not permitted at the lake.

Rankin Lake Park Website | 1750 Rankin Lake Road, Gastonia NC 28052

A great stop for homeschooling families and lovers of history, this relatively new museum focuses on the contributions of local African Americans to the area. The museum offers educational opportunities for all ages and a virtual tour on its website.

African American Museum of Gastonia Website | Loray Mill – 300 S. Firestone St., Suite P Gastonia, NC 28052

We enjoyed our time in Gastonia, and think you will too! I’m looking forward to the seasonal programs at the Schiele Museum and the Holiday Light Festival at the Botanical Garden.

Here are Gastonia, Shelby area high school football's top teams ahead of Week 7

Week 6 is in the books for high school football teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. Here’s a look at how the area’s top teams stack up as we move into October.1. Ashbrook (6-0, 2-0 Big South 5A/6A)Previous ranking: 1Last week: defeated North Gaston, 44-0The scoop: Ashbrook earned its first shutout of the season, exerting its will against an overmatched North Gaston team. A.J. McClain threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. The G...

Week 6 is in the books for high school football teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties. Here’s a look at how the area’s top teams stack up as we move into October.

1. Ashbrook (6-0, 2-0 Big South 5A/6A)

Previous ranking: 1

Last week: defeated North Gaston, 44-0

The scoop: Ashbrook earned its first shutout of the season, exerting its will against an overmatched North Gaston team. A.J. McClain threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. The Green Wave defense produced points as well with Quamell Scott and Makylin Hinton scoring touchdowns on a fumble recovery and an interception, respectively.

Up next: vs. Kings Mountain (Oct. 10)

Who were Gastonia, Shelby area's top performers in Week 6? Here's who earned game balls

2. East Lincoln (6-0, 4-0 Western Foothills 4A/5A)

Previous ranking: 2

Last week: defeated Bunker Hill, 57-0

The scoop: East Lincoln earned its second shutout in a row with a 57-0 thumping of Bunker Hill. Such comes after the Mustangs allowed better than 28 points through their first four games. With its latest tally, the Mustangs have scored more than 50 points in four of their six victories.

Up next: at West Iredell

3. South Point (4-1, 1-1 Big South 5A/6A)

Previous ranking: 3

Last week: defeated Hunter Huss, 53-6

The scoop: South Point rebounded well from a Week 5 loss to Ashbrook, rushing for 238 yards in a 53-6 rout of Hunter Huss. Kham Crawford added to his reputation as a special team whiz, returning a punt for a touchdown along with an interception return on defense.

Up next: at Crest

4. Crest (4-1, 0-0 Big South 5A/6A)

Previous ranking: 4

The scoop: The conclusion of Crest’s Week 6 matchup with Forestview was postponed after a torrential downpour came through Boiling Springs on Friday. Crest will now play two games in a span of five days, taking on rival South Point in a key Big South 5A/6A fixture.

Up next: vs. South Point

5. Kings Mountain (4-1, 1-0 Big South 5A/6A)

Previous ranking: 5

Last week: Idle

The scoop: Kings Mountain got back on the winning side of the ledger last week, shutting out Forestview 49-0. While the Mountaineer offense has scored at least 30 points in four of its five games, the defense allowed its fewest points in Week 5 since its season-opening victory against Shelby. The unit’s evolution through the season’s latter half will be worth watching.

Up next: vs. North Gaston

6. Shelby (4-2, 4-0 Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A)

Previous ranking: 6

Last week: defeated Stuart Cramer, 51-29

The scoop: After an 0-2 start, Shelby has won four in a row. Coach Mike Wilbanks believes there is still much his team can improve on after being heavily penalized and mistake-prone against Stuart Cramer. Lorenzo Roseboro and J.J. Williams each had more than 100 receiving yards and combined for three touchdowns this past week.

Up next: at Lincolnton (Oct. 10)

7. Lincolnton (5-1, 4-0 Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A)

Previous ranking: 7

Last week: defeated Highland Tech, 52-0

The scoop: Lincolnton earned its third shutout in four games with a rout of Highland Tech. The Wolves tallied 430 total yards, 243 of them from the arm of quarterback R.J. Lynch. Trashad Lineberger had three catches for 130 yards and two TDs in his team’s Week 6 win.

Up next: vs. Bessemer City

8. Stuart Cramer (4-1, 2-1 Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A)

Previous ranking: 8

Last week: lost to Shelby, 51-29

The scoop: The Storm put up a good fight at Shelby, albeit in a losing effort. Against the best secondary he’s faced thus far, tight end Qualeau Hawkins had a big game, catching five passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. Cramer’s run defense must improve, however, particularly this week against a Burns team which puts an emphasis on running the football.

Up next: vs. Burns

Others considered: Burns (3-3, 3-1 Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A); Hunter Huss (4-2, 1-1 Big South 5A/6A)

Floor & Decor Announces Grand Opening of Gastonia, North Carolina Store

--Leading high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring offers homeowners and professionals the industry's broadest in-stock selection of tile, natural wood, natural stone and more, celebrates its new warehouse location in North Carolina—ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Floor & Decor (NYSE: FND), the leading high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring for homeowners and professionals, has announced the grand opening of its newest warehouse location in Gastonia at 4210 East Franklin Rd, Gas...

--Leading high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring offers homeowners and professionals the industry's broadest in-stock selection of tile, natural wood, natural stone and more, celebrates its new warehouse location in North Carolina—

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Floor & Decor (NYSE: FND), the leading high-growth retailer specializing in hard-surface flooring for homeowners and professionals, has announced the grand opening of its newest warehouse location in Gastonia at 4210 East Franklin Rd, Gastonia, NC, 28056. The warehouse store and design center has opened with a team of approximately 35 full-time and 15 part-time associates, and is led by Jesse Tooper, the store’s Chief Executive Merchant.

Floor & Decor operates more than 250 warehouse-format stores and five design studios across 38 states and offers a broad assortment of in-stock hard-surface flooring, including tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, and natural stone, along with decorative accessories and wall tile, installation materials, and adjacent categories at everyday low prices.

“We are so excited to expand to Gastonia," said Tooper. "Opening this new store allows Floor & Decor to bring our products and expertise to even more homeowners and professionals. We’re looking forward to connecting with our new neighbors and making their renovation experiences seamless, creative, and budget-friendly."

In celebration of the grand opening, Floor & Decor is hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 10:00 am ET with the Gastonia Business Association.

Calling All Flooring & Home PROs Floor & Decor provides a comprehensive suite of services, and a rewards program tailored for professionals in the construction, renovation, and flooring industries through its PRO Services and PRO Premier Rewards Program.

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00pm–8:00pm ET, Floor & Decor invites all PROs in the Gastonia area to an exclusive PRO Industry Networking Event, with a chance to win a $10,000 check*. Pros can visit www.flooranddecor.com/gastoniapro to RSVP and register to win.

During the event, visitors will get to meet the dedicated on-site PRO Services Team, who are there to assist and provide efficient service and support, just for Pros. Visitors will also get to interact with supplier representatives and learn about Floor & Decor’s PRO services and industry-leading PRO Premier Rewards program.

“Building relationships with our local professionals is very important to us. Their success is our success,” said Topper.

$5,000 Floor Makeover Sweepstakes In addition, the Gastonia Floor & Decor store will give away a $5,000 Floor Makeover* as part of its grand opening festivities. From September 11, 2025, through November 11, 2025, customers have the chance to register to win at www.floormakeovergastonia.com.

Super Saturday & Crack the Code Following the grand opening, the Gastonia Floor & Decor store will host a family-friendly Super Saturday* event on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm ET, to showcase local vendors and the new store to the community.

Floor & Decor will partner with local businesses to celebrate, including Fryeday Coffee Roasters for hot coffee and cold brew with all fixings, and Sugarlicious Bakery for various treats for the first 200 customers.

The first 200 customers will also have a chance to win $100,000 in Floor & Decor’s Crack the Code* game, where participants can try their luck at guessing a five-digit code to win the grand prize. Customers can learn more at www.fdcrackthecodegastonia.com.

Store Facts & Features

For more information on Floor & Decor, please visit www.flooranddecor.com or follow on Instagram at instagram.com/flooranddecor.

About Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. Floor & Decor is a multi-channel specialty retailer of hard surface flooring and related accessories and seller of commercial surfaces operating 257 warehouse-format stores and five design studios across 38 states as of June 26, 2025. The Company offers a broad in-stock assortment of laminate and vinyl, tile, wood, and natural stone flooring and installation materials and decorative accessories, as well as adjacent categories, at everyday low prices. The Company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

*Must be at least 18 years old to enter the $10,000 check, $5,000 Floor Makeover, Best in Town Super Saturday, and Crack the Code Sweepstakes.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250925464592/en/

MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Myers

Agean Public Relations

[email protected]

732-947-1366

Source: Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

See Dinosaurs, Critters, Minerals, and More at The Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia, North Carolina

Have you visited the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium? Located in Gastonia, North Carolina the museum makes a great day trip. Expect to have a spectacular time exploring exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, animals, critters, nature and so much more! If you haven’t been yet, you should definitely add it to your museum bucket list.Thank you to the Schiele Museum for providing admission to the museum so we could bring this review to our readers! The words and opinions in this article are those of the writer....

Have you visited the Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium? Located in Gastonia, North Carolina the museum makes a great day trip. Expect to have a spectacular time exploring exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, animals, critters, nature and so much more! If you haven’t been yet, you should definitely add it to your museum bucket list.

Thank you to the Schiele Museum for providing admission to the museum so we could bring this review to our readers! The words and opinions in this article are those of the writer.

Read our Guide to Fun in Gastonia, NC for more fun you can have while visiting the museum.

Kidding Around Reader Favorite – The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

Just an hour from the Upstate is the Schiele Museum of Natural History. We recently asked readers where we should visit on a trip to Gastonia, and this was the number one response!

I’ll be honest, I thought I was good at my job here at Kidding Around. I thought nothing got past me. Well, that illusion recently got shattered. I’m embarrassed and ashamed to say I had never heard of the Schiele Museum until we were invited. I learned that this little museum that I had never heard of was AWESOME, and I couldn’t believe we hadn’t been yet.

The History Of The Schiele Museum of Natural History

The Schiele Museum is named for Rudolph “Bud” Schiele, a botanist and naturalist. Bud worked with the community to establish the Gaston County Museum of Natural History in 1961. He needed somewhere to house his vast collection of specimens. This museum was a dream of his since the age of 17.

Boy Scouts will find it interesting to know that Bud turned down the opportunity to be the sole wildlife official in the entire territory of Alaska to be an executive with the Boy Scouts of America organization. Although he passed away just 13 years after the museum was dedicated, his legacy lives on through the museum whose name was changed to honor his legacy.

Exhibits at The Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium

There is a lot going on at the Schiele Museum! Exhibits include dinosaurs, live animals and their habitats, a spectacular mineral collection, and environmental and agricultural exhibits outdoors. All of the exhibits explore science and the natural world. You can also visit The Farm and the Planetarium for an additional fee, which is worth the extra couple of dollars on top of your ticket.

The outdoor exhibits alone are worth a trip to the museum, especially on days when they have special events and programs offered. Check their website regularly for information on upcoming events.

On the day we visited there was a wetland education program down at the pond. We were able to make paper binoculars, a really cool little nature journal, and see some animals that were native to the pond’s ecosystem! This was all in addition to the regular programming the museum offers.

The Farm is really neat and has several live animals like alpacas, turkeys, pigs, and goats. Tickets to the farm are $3 per person. They also have a beautiful garden where you can learn all about different plants and flowers that grow best in this part of the state.

Past the farm and along the nature trail, you will see a mill powered by a stream, a Catawba Indian Village, a stone-age exhibit, a wildlife garden, a pond, and a play area for children called the “Playscape”.

We especially enjoyed our time with Mariah during the Wetland activity. Mariah can normally be found working in the animal husbandry and environmental education departments. She was a wealth of knowledge and was even the one who tipped us off to one of the parks we visited while in Gastonia. Look for Mariah when you visit, you’ll learn a lot from her!

In the lobby you’ll find the ticket counter. Tickets are under $10 per person (3 and under are free) and do not include the planetarium show. Please check the website for current ticket prices.

Once you have tickets purchased, you’ll see the current featured exhibit to your left, which changes out so check the website for the most up-to-date info. Next, you’ll go across the hall to the Dino Safari. Older kids will enjoy the exhibit for its fossils and different full-sized models. Younger kids will marvel at seeing the characters from their favorite train-riding dinosaur show up close and in person.

Next, you’ll visit the Mineral exhibit. My children love what they refer to as “beautifuls,” so this exhibit was a huge hit. My son was disappointed to learn though, that there were no huge diamonds on display. Me too, kid. Me too!

The rest of the exhibits are down the hall and to the right. There is a mixture of taxidermy animal displays and live animals. We got some really good photos with some of the taxidermy animals. I must say though, I hope I’m never that close to a brown bear in real life. The leaf-cutter ant display had my daughter mesmerized. They have the ants set up in little Plexiglas ecosystems and have video cameras for you to see what they were doing. The exhibits include the human history of North American Native Indians.

James H. Lynn Planetarium and Science Theater

Admission to the second-largest planetarium in the state of North Carolina is in addition to the general admission price of the museum. Tickets are $5 per person. There are several different shows playing on any given day, so be sure to check the schedule before you head out if you have a certain show in mind.

1500 East Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC

Have you been to the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gaston County? What is your favorite part?

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