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.
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 Canfield, OH 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.
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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.
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.
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. 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 Canfield, OH, 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 Canfield, OH 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.
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 Canfield, OH 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.
CANFIELD, OH – Tournament soccer isn’t always pretty, and sometimes surviving is all that matters. Canfield found that out Thursday night, outlasting rival Boardman in a penalty-kick shootout to capture a Division III sectional championship and keep its postseason hopes alive.The Cardinals and Spartans went toe-to-toe in a defensive battle that couldn’t be settled during regulation or overtime. With neither team able to break through, the sectional final came down to one of the most pressure-packed situations in spor...
CANFIELD, OH – Tournament soccer isn’t always pretty, and sometimes surviving is all that matters. Canfield found that out Thursday night, outlasting rival Boardman in a penalty-kick shootout to capture a Division III sectional championship and keep its postseason hopes alive.
The Cardinals and Spartans went toe-to-toe in a defensive battle that couldn’t be settled during regulation or overtime. With neither team able to break through, the sectional final came down to one of the most pressure-packed situations in sports: penalty kicks.
Canfield delivered when it mattered most, winning the shootout to send the Cardinals into the district semifinals and bring Boardman’s season to an end.
It was a far different matchup than the last time these two teams met. Canfield had rolled past Boardman 6-1 on October 12, but the Spartans came into the tournament meeting determined to turn the tables. Boardman tightened things up defensively, challenged the Cardinals throughout the contest, and refused to give Canfield the kind of scoring opportunities it had enjoyed during the regular season.
The Cardinals had also beaten Boardman 1-0 in their September 23 meeting, giving them the edge in both regular-season matchups. Thursday’s postseason showdown, however, required considerably more work before Canfield could complete the season sweep.
For the Spartans, it was a gutsy effort that pushed a familiar conference rival to the limit. Boardman entered the tournament as the No. 36 seed and battled No. 15 Canfield all the way into a shootout, showing plenty of fight with its season on the line. The loss ended Boardman’s campaign with a 4-14 record.
Canfield improved to 10-6-2 with the victory, adding another postseason win to a season that has featured its share of competitive matches. The Cardinals have shown they can win games in different ways, and Thursday’s result demonstrated their ability to handle the pressure when a tournament game comes down to its final kicks.
While the offense couldn’t find the breakthrough during open play, Canfield’s defensive effort kept the Cardinals alive long enough to get their opportunity from the penalty spot. The shutout through regulation and overtime proved every bit as important as the successful shootout.
For Canfield, the victory wasn’t about style points. It was about finding a way to advance, handling the pressure of a rivalry matchup, and making enough plays when the season was hanging in the balance.
No. 15 Canfield will travel to face No. 9 Medina Buckeye in the Division III Northeast 2 district semifinals on Tuesday, October 27, at 7 p.m. Buckeye advanced with a 3-0 sectional final victory over Cloverleaf and enters the matchup having won 10 of its last 11 games. The winner will move on to the district championship on Saturday, October 31.
Editor’s note: A video has been removed from this story, and this story has been corrected to clarify that Mahoning County Commissioners have yet to vote on the issue. Commissioners on Thursday met to address the petition, but no vote was taken. We regret the error. CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) — Canfield City Council Wednesday evening approved the annexation of 11 acres from Canfield Township into the city.The Canfield City Council vote was 3-2, with Christine Oliver and David Schialdone voting no.The deci...
Editor’s note: A video has been removed from this story, and this story has been corrected to clarify that Mahoning County Commissioners have yet to vote on the issue. Commissioners on Thursday met to address the petition, but no vote was taken. We regret the error.
CANFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) — Canfield City Council Wednesday evening approved the annexation of 11 acres from Canfield Township into the city.
The Canfield City Council vote was 3-2, with Christine Oliver and David Schialdone voting no.
The decision came after residents of Laurel Hills Lane and Savannah Court addressed council, opposing the change.
“We are looking at developing and building single-family upscale homes,” attorney George Millich said.
Millich, representing the company On Mark Communities, addressed Canfield City Council with the plan for 11 acres, adjacent to Laurel Hills Lane and Savannah Court, to be annexed from Canfield Township into the city. Fifteen to 17 homes would be built on the proposed land.
“The homes are expected to have a value somewhere between a half million dollars to a million dollars,” Millich said. “That’s the hope in starting this project.”
“We have an active community, all 51 homes,” Chris Vecchione said.
Vecchione lives in the neighborhood, and he and his neighbors attended the meeting with several concerns, like proof that On Mark Communities can build quality homes.
“We can’t find any examples. Where’s the brag book?” Vecchione said. “Where are those pictures? We would love to see them.”
There is only one way into and out of the neighborhood, and it’s off Herbert Road.
Vecchione was concerned about the neighborhood’s safety with construction vehicles constantly moving up Laurel Hills Lane.
“But it is going to be done in a timely fashion. What is timely? What are you guys signing us up for? Ten to 15 years of construction?” Vecchione said.
With the annexation, Canfield City would provide the land with water and sewer services. Canfield City would gain the income taxes, while Canfield Township would keep the property taxes.
Canfield City must also approve all plans for how the neighborhood will be developed in the future.
“And the developer is going to make every reasonable effort to minimize its impact through reasonable scheduling, careful management of contractors and equipment, and ongoing attention to neighborhood safety,” Millich said.
Mahoning County Commissioners have yet to vote on the issue.
Jon Renforth contributed to this report.
PAPALIA PATROLLING THE BACK ROW: CANFIELD JUNIOR LIBERO BECOMING A DEFENSIVE FORCE FOR THE CARDINALSCANFIELD, OH — The big swings and thunderous kills might get the crowd on its feet, but championship volleyball starts with keeping the ball off the floor. For Canfield junior Chichi Papalia, that’s become her specialty. The Cardinals’ libero has developed into a defensive force, diving for loose balls, digging out some of the toughest attacks in the area, and giving Canfield’s powerful offense chance after chanc...
PAPALIA PATROLLING THE BACK ROW: CANFIELD JUNIOR LIBERO BECOMING A DEFENSIVE FORCE FOR THE CARDINALS
CANFIELD, OH — The big swings and thunderous kills might get the crowd on its feet, but championship volleyball starts with keeping the ball off the floor. For Canfield junior Chichi Papalia, that’s become her specialty. The Cardinals’ libero has developed into a defensive force, diving for loose balls, digging out some of the toughest attacks in the area, and giving Canfield’s powerful offense chance after chance to finish the job. With the Cardinals putting together another outstanding season, Papalia has become one of the important pieces behind their success, proving that sometimes the biggest plays come from the smallest players on the court.
Standing 5-foot-4, Papalia has embraced the responsibility that comes with anchoring the back row. While Canfield has plenty of offensive firepower with Ashtyn Hanousek, Paige Roberts, and Makayla Brown attacking the net, somebody has to make sure those hitters get an opportunity to swing. That’s where Papalia comes in. Her ability to read opposing attacks, react to hard-driven balls, and keep rallies alive has made her an important part of a Canfield team that has spent much of the 2026 season rolling through the competition.
Papalia’s development has been years in the making. As a sophomore in 2025, she was part of a Canfield program that finished 20-4 and captured the All-American Conference championship. Playing behind an experienced defensive group that included senior libero Carly Fleming and defensive specialist Payton Shina, Papalia had the opportunity to learn the responsibilities of the position while gaining valuable high school experience. According to MaxPreps, she appeared in 17 sets and recorded nine digs during that sophomore campaign, but the experience she gained would help prepare her for a much bigger role the following season.
When Fleming graduated, Canfield needed somebody to help fill the void in the back row. Papalia stepped into an expanded role during her junior season, taking on the challenge of facing some of Northeast Ohio’s strongest hitters while helping keep the Cardinals’ offense in rhythm. It’s a significant responsibility for a young player, especially on a team with championship expectations, but Papalia has shown she’s capable of handling the pressure.
One of her biggest performances came during Canfield’s early-season showdown with Marlington, a program coming off back-to-back trips to the state championship match. The Cardinals found themselves staring at a two-set deficit after dropping the opening frames by identical 25-23 scores, putting their unbeaten start in serious jeopardy. Rather than folding, Canfield dug in and completely flipped the script, taking the next three sets 25-12, 25-15, and 15-11 to complete a dramatic reverse sweep.
Papalia was right in the middle of that comeback, collecting 22 digs to help keep Marlington’s attack from putting the match away. Hanousek hammered down 22 kills, Roberts added 19 kills and three blocks, and Vivian Biro dished out 55 assists, but Papalia’s defensive work helped make those offensive numbers possible. Against a team with that kind of postseason pedigree, keeping rallies alive and giving hitters second opportunities can be the difference between winning and losing, and the junior delivered when Canfield needed her most.
As the season progressed, Papalia continued to make her presence felt against quality competition. In a September 22 sweep of Howland, she recorded 10 digs as the Cardinals rolled to a 25-18, 25-8, 25-19 victory. The match featured a pair of major milestones, with Canfield’s Hanousek and Howland’s Maya Kubancsek both reaching 1,000 career kills, but Papalia helped provide the defensive foundation that allowed the Cardinals to control the match and remain unbeaten in conference play.
Papalia also played an important role in Canfield’s early September sweep of Ursuline, recording seven digs as the Cardinals cruised to a 25-12, 25-12, 25-10 victory. The win pushed Canfield to 8-0 and gave the Cardinals momentum heading into their AAC schedule. While the offense was firing on all cylinders, Papalia’s work in the back row helped keep the Irish from putting together sustained rallies.
One of her strongest performances came October 8 when Canfield traveled to Howland for another conference matchup. The Cardinals took care of business in straight sets, winning 25-16, 25-18, 25-21, but Papalia made sure the Tigers had to work for every point. She finished with a match-high 20 digs, helping Canfield extend rallies and turn defensive stops into scoring opportunities. Hanousek led the offense with 16 kills, Brown added 10, and Biro handed out 31 assists as the Cardinals improved to 17-2.
Two days later, Papalia was back at it when Canfield traveled to West Branch for a five-set battle that tested the Cardinals from start to finish. The Warriors grabbed the opening set 25-21 before Canfield responded with wins in the second and third. West Branch refused to go away, stealing the fourth set 26-24 to force a decisive fifth, but the Cardinals found another gear and dominated the final frame 15-3 to escape with the victory.
Papalia collected 15 digs in the five-set thriller, helping Canfield survive a determined West Branch squad. Roberts stuffed the stat sheet with 19 kills, 13 digs, three aces, and three blocks, while Hanousek delivered 25 kills and 15 digs. Biro added 49 assists, but Papalia’s ability to handle the defensive workload helped keep the Cardinals in position to finish the job. It was another example of how important the junior has become in matches where every possession matters.
The biggest team accomplishment of Papalia’s junior season came October 13, when Canfield hosted Boardman with the outright All-American Conference championship on the line. The Cardinals left little doubt about who controlled the league, sweeping the Spartans 25-19, 25-11, 25-14 to finish the regular season with a remarkable 22-2 record and another AAC championship.
Papalia chipped in seven digs in the championship-clinching victory, joining fellow defensive specialist Ava Mazzella in helping keep Boardman’s attack under control. Hanousek finished with 15 kills, Roberts added nine kills and three blocks, and Biro handed out 29 assists as Canfield put together one of its most complete performances of the season. For Papalia, being part of another conference championship was especially meaningful after watching and learning from an experienced group the previous year.
What makes Papalia’s emergence impressive is the jump she’s made from a sophomore reserve to a regular contributor on a championship team. A year ago, she was gaining experience behind Fleming and learning what it takes to handle the defensive responsibilities of high school volleyball. Now, she’s being counted on to anchor the back row against quality opponents while helping a team with serious postseason aspirations.
The libero position isn’t always glamorous. There aren’t many headlines written about perfect serve receptions or the defensive positioning that allows a setter to run the offense. But players who understand the game know how important those contributions are. Every clean pass gives Biro another opportunity to distribute the ball, and every dig gives hitters like Hanousek and Roberts another chance to put away a point. Papalia’s value comes from making those opportunities possible, even when the spotlight is shining on somebody else.
Her development also comes at an important time for Canfield’s future. With seniors Hanousek, Biro, Brown, Shina, and Mazzella preparing to graduate, the Cardinals will have significant holes to fill heading into the 2027 season. Papalia will be among the returning players expected to help lead the next group, bringing the experience of competing for conference championships and facing some of the toughest programs in Northeast Ohio.
For now, though, Papalia and the Cardinals have bigger goals in front of them. Canfield will open its postseason with a sectional final on October 22, hoping to turn an outstanding regular season into a deep tournament run. With a lineup loaded with offensive weapons and a defense capable of keeping even the toughest attacks alive, the Cardinals have the pieces to make plenty of noise when the stakes get higher.
For Chichi Papalia, the opportunity to compete in meaningful postseason matches is another chance to show how far she’s come. She’s gone from learning behind an experienced libero to becoming one of Canfield’s defensive mainstays, and her performances against Marlington, Howland, West Branch, and Boardman have demonstrated that she’s ready for the challenge.
The Cardinals might have plenty of players capable of delivering the knockout punch, but somebody has to keep the ball alive long enough for those swings to happen. Papalia has embraced that responsibility, and with another season still ahead of her, she’s building a reputation as a player who can help keep Canfield among the Valley’s volleyball powers.
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2025 Winners$70,000 in prize money is on the line at the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off in Canfield, Ohio, on October 10. Will history be made with a new world-record ????CANFIELD, OH, UNITED STATES, October 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CANFIELD, Ohio – October 10, 2026 – The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406. The internationally recognized event is ...
2025 Winners
$70,000 in prize money is on the line at the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off in Canfield, Ohio, on October 10. Will history be made with a new world-record ????
CANFIELD, OH, UNITED STATES, October 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CANFIELD, Ohio – October 10, 2026 – The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406. The internationally recognized event is expected to draw some of North America's most accomplished giant pumpkin growers as they compete for one of the largest prize purses in the sport and the opportunity to make giant pumpkin-growing history.
Sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the world's governing organization for giant pumpkin competitions, the event serves as one of the premier weigh-off sites in North America. Growers from Ohio, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana will transport their prized pumpkins to Canfield in hopes of capturing top honors, setting personal bests, and potentially challenging world records.
Each autumn, giant pumpkin enthusiasts from across the globe focus their attention on a handful of elite weigh-off locations, and Canfield has firmly established itself among that group. The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers have built a reputation for excellence, attracting some of the heaviest pumpkins ever grown and creating an atmosphere where world-class competition meets family-friendly entertainment.
The excitement surrounding this year's event is heightened by the continued pursuit of the elusive 3,000-pound giant pumpkin. While the current world record remains one of the most remarkable achievements in horticultural history, growers continue to push the limits through innovative cultivation techniques, advanced genetics, and months of dedicated care. Every season brings new possibilities, and the Canfield weigh-off has become a location where history is always a possibility.
For spectators, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness agricultural accomplishments that few people ever see in person. Giant pumpkins weighing well over a ton will be unloaded from specially designed trailers and carefully lifted onto certified scales for official weighing. The dramatic process often draws crowds of cheering spectators eager to discover which grower has produced the heaviest pumpkin of the season.
The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers have earned international recognition by hosting the heaviest weigh-off site in the world. The organization currently boasts the world's highest Top 10 average weight of any weigh-off site at 2,252.5 pounds, a remarkable achievement that reflects both the quality of local growers and the reputation the event has earned throughout the giant pumpkin-growing community.
"Canfield has become one of the premier destinations in the giant pumpkin-growing world," said organizers of the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers. "Year after year, growers continue to raise the bar, and the level of competition continues to grow. The possibility of seeing a pumpkin approach or even surpass the 3,000-pound milestone generates tremendous excitement for everyone involved."
In addition to the competition itself, attendees will have the opportunity to meet champion growers, learn about giant pumpkin cultivation, and photograph some of the largest pumpkins ever produced. Many competitors are eager to share knowledge about seed genetics, soil management, fertilization programs, and the dedication required to grow pumpkins that can exceed 2,000 pounds.
A major attraction for competitors is the event's prize structure, which ranks among the most lucrative in the sport of giant pumpkin growing. More than $70,000 in prize money and awards will be distributed across all competition categories, rewarding both elite growers and participants throughout the field.
"The combination of elite growers, our reputation as the world's heaviest weigh-off site, and one of the most generous prize structures in the sport makes this event special," organizers said. "With more than $70,000 in prizes available and a potential payout of $25,250 for a new world-record pumpkin, we're excited to welcome competitors and spectators from throughout the region and beyond."
The first-place giant pumpkin will earn $12,250, while second place will receive $9,250 and third place $7,250. Prize money extends deep into the standings, with awards paid through 30th place to recognize a broad range of successful growers. Additional incentives include gas cards for Top 10 finishers and specialty awards such as the Howard Dill Award, Squash Award, and Grand Exhibitor Award.
One of the most exciting features of the competition is the $13,000 World Record Bonus, awarded after completion of the 2026 weigh-off season. Combined with first-place prize money, a grower who sets a new world record at the event could earn a total payout of $25,250, making the Canfield weigh-off one of the most rewarding destinations in competitive giant pumpkin growing.
Beyond giant pumpkins, the event will also feature competitions for giant watermelons, field pumpkins, sunflowers, tomatoes, long gourds, marrows, and bushel gourds. These categories showcase the remarkable diversity of giant vegetable growing and provide additional excitement for both participants and spectators.
The weigh-off has become an annual celebration of agriculture, gardening, and community. Families from throughout the Mahoning Valley and beyond attend each year to witness the spectacle of giant pumpkins arriving from across the region. For many visitors, it is their first opportunity to see produce of such extraordinary size and learn about the passion that drives growers to achieve these remarkable results.
Admission to the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off is free, making it an accessible event for families, gardening enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious about the world of competitive giant vegetable growing. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to experience the unloading and weighing process and to enjoy a day celebrating one of agriculture's most fascinating achievements.
What: Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Where: Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, OH 44406 Admission: Free and open to the public
Media Contact
Tim Parks Parks Garden Center 9010 Youngstown Salem Road Canfield, OH 44406 Phone: 330-533-7278 Email: [email protected]
About the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers
The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers is a competitive growing organization dedicated to advancing the cultivation of giant pumpkins and supporting growers throughout the region. As a sanctioned Great Pumpkin Commonwealth weigh-off site, the organization has established itself as one of the world's premier venues for
William T. Hendricks Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers +1 330-717-2455email us here Visit us on social media:Facebook
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CANFIELD, Ohio — The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406. The internationally recognized event is expected to draw some of North America’s most accomplished giant pumpkin growers as they compete for one of the largest prize purses in the sport and the opportunity to make giant pumpkin-growing history.Sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the world&rsqu...
CANFIELD, Ohio — The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers will host the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, Ohio 44406. The internationally recognized event is expected to draw some of North America’s most accomplished giant pumpkin growers as they compete for one of the largest prize purses in the sport and the opportunity to make giant pumpkin-growing history.
Sanctioned by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC), the world’s governing organization for giant pumpkin competitions, the event serves as one of the premier weigh-off sites in North America. Growers from Ohio, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana will transport their prized pumpkins to Canfield in hopes of capturing top honors, setting personal bests, and potentially challenging world records.
Each autumn, giant pumpkin enthusiasts from across the globe focus their attention on a handful of elite weigh-off locations, and Canfield has firmly established itself among that group. The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers have built a reputation for excellence, attracting some of the heaviest pumpkins ever grown and creating an atmosphere where world-class competition meets family-friendly entertainment.
The excitement surrounding this year’s event is heightened by the continued pursuit of the elusive 3,000-pound giant pumpkin. While the current world record remains one of the most remarkable achievements in horticultural history, growers continue to push the limits through innovative cultivation techniques, advanced genetics, and months of dedicated care. Every season brings new possibilities, and the Canfield weigh-off has become a location where history is always a possibility.
For spectators, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness agricultural accomplishments that few people ever see in person. Giant pumpkins weighing well over a ton will be unloaded from specially designed trailers and carefully lifted onto certified scales for official weighing. The dramatic process often draws crowds of cheering spectators eager to discover which grower has produced the heaviest pumpkin of the season.
The Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers have earned international recognition by hosting the heaviest weigh-off site in the world. The organization currently boasts the world’s highest Top 10 average weight of any weigh-off site at 2,252.5 pounds, a remarkable achievement that reflects both the quality of local growers and the reputation the event has earned throughout the giant pumpkin-growing community.
“Canfield has become one of the premier destinations in the giant pumpkin-growing world,” said organizers of the Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers. “Year after year, growers continue to raise the bar, and the level of competition continues to grow. The possibility of seeing a pumpkin approach or even surpass the 3,000-pound milestone generates tremendous excitement for everyone involved.”
In addition to the competition itself, attendees will have the opportunity to meet champion growers, learn about giant pumpkin cultivation, and photograph some of the largest pumpkins ever produced. Many competitors are eager to share knowledge about seed genetics, soil management, fertilization programs, and the dedication required to grow pumpkins that can exceed 2,000 pounds.
A major attraction for competitors is the event’s prize structure, which ranks among the most lucrative in the sport of giant pumpkin growing. More than $70,000 in prize money and awards will be distributed across all competition categories, rewarding both elite growers and participants throughout the field.
“The combination of elite growers, our reputation as the world’s heaviest weigh-off site, and one of the most generous prize structures in the sport makes this event special,” organizers said. “With more than $70,000 in prizes available and a potential payout of $25,250 for a new world-record pumpkin, we’re excited to welcome competitors and spectators from throughout the region and beyond.”
The first-place giant pumpkin will earn $12,250, while second place will receive $9,250 and third place $7,250. Prize money extends deep into the standings, with awards paid through 30th place to recognize a broad range of successful growers. Additional incentives include gas cards for Top 10 finishers and specialty awards such as the Howard Dill Award, Squash Award, and Grand Exhibitor Award.
One of the most exciting features of the competition is the $13,000 World Record Bonus, awarded after completion of the 2026 weigh-off season. Combined with first-place prize money, a grower who sets a new world record at the event could earn a total payout of $25,250, making the Canfield weigh-off one of the most rewarding destinations in competitive giant pumpkin growing.
Beyond giant pumpkins, the event will also feature competitions for giant watermelons, field pumpkins, sunflowers, tomatoes, long gourds, marrows, and bushel gourds. These categories showcase the remarkable diversity of giant vegetable growing and provide additional excitement for both participants and spectators.
The weigh-off has become an annual celebration of agriculture, gardening, and community. Families from throughout the Mahoning Valley and beyond attend each year to witness the spectacle of giant pumpkins arriving from across the region. For many visitors, it is their first opportunity to see produce of such extraordinary size and learn about the passion that drives growers to achieve these remarkable results.
Admission to the Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off is free, making it an accessible event for families, gardening enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone curious about the world of competitive giant vegetable growing. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to experience the unloading and weighing process and to enjoy a day celebrating one of agriculture’s most fascinating achievements.
Event Details
What: Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers Giant Pumpkin World Weigh-Off When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Where: Parks Garden Center, 9010 Youngstown Salem Road, Canfield, OH 44406 Admission: Free and open to the public
— Ohio Valley Giant Pumpkin Growers
330-385-5960
