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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 North East, MD

Home Care North East, MD

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 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine 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 North East, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care North East, MD

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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 is the best! Their caregiver is very nice with respective attitude. They are all expert and knows their job very well in all ages. I never regret that their service to take care of my grandmother. They are trustworthy, respectful, honest and passionate to their work. I highly recommend them on their work.”

Facundo K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider My mother passed away two months ago after nearly four years of coverage from the team members of ABC Upper Chesapeake. Mom and I were both very pleased with the coverage. ABC was most congenial to do their best to provide Mom with caretakers whom we found suited to Mom's personality and temperament. In the very few cases this was not so, we asked for someone else to care for Mom and this was promptly provided. All in all the caretakers were kind, friendly, competent and helpful, providing Mom with good care and company. Elaine G was very helpful in getting us in contact with the VA so that Mom was able to obtain a monthly benefit entitled to her because of Dad's service in the military. That was a great financial help to us in our particular situation. I strongly recommend this agency for the homebound and ill. They will work with you to do all they can to grant your reasonable requests. Thank you, Elaine and caretakers!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider ABC Upper Chesapeake provided excellent and compassionate care for my late father during his prolonged decline at age 95. The care enabled him to live in his home with my mom during his final months of life. Elaine worked with me diligently to match my parents' difficult situation with the perfect caregiver. My father was treated with dignity and gentleness when he was no longer able to care for himself at all. It gave our family great peace of mind knowing he was so well cared for.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I met with Elaine Gill as we needed a secure place for my Dad. She was very knowledgeable and professional. Fortunately, the second location she showed us was a good fit (Dakota Paradise). I heartily recommend Always Best Care if you want help finding a loved one the proper care.”

Keith S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”

Alan L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I interviewed this provider I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”

Mz C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I used Always Best Care to care for my parents who happen to live in another state. I met with Elaine (the owner) to discuss my options and determine the best caregiver service to meet my parents needs. She was a great help; addressed all my questions and concerns and gave me peace of mind that my parents were in good hands. Their caregiver is wonderful and very competent. I don't have to worry about them or become a detective to find out what is going on with them in Maryland. Although my parents were a little skeptical at first, Elaine and her staff have put their mind at ease and made them feel very comfortable about the entire experience. They both feel much safer now and happier that they are able to stay in the home that they love. I am comforted in knowing that my parents are receiving quality care and they are in the capable hands of Elaine and her staff at Always Best Care. Words can not express my sincere gratitude for the awesome care provided to my parents.”

Monica C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider I cannot really find the words to say how wonderful the staff is at Always Best Care of Upper Chesapeake: Highly competent, Comforting, caring, extremely attentive, endlessly patient and reassuring. Elaine Gill has done an amazing job at ensuring that the staff she has are just as committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for every client, as Elaine! You are on the top of my list for any further care services that my family members may need going forward.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I interviewed this provider Elaine is professional, knowledgeable, and has a heart for people. Her recommendations have been invaluable. We are thankful for Always Best! It is a 5 Star Company!!”

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TESTIMONIALS

“I interviewed this provider When we needed help getting our Father the proper care we were recommended to Elaine and ABC. It was the right move. Fortunately for us the second location she showed us was the right fit. It's been a difficult time and having their expertise eased our concerns.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in North East, MD?

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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 North East, MD

Types of Elderly Care in North East, MD

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 North East, MD
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 North East, MD
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 North East Community 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 North East, MD
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 Steak & Main or visit Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, 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 North East, MD

Benefits of Home Care in North East, MD

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 North East, MD, 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 North East, MD

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 MD'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 North East, MD

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 North East, MD 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 North East, MD

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 North East, MD

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:

  • SUMMIT VIEW ASSISTED LIVING
  • Brightview Severna Park - Senior Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Anew home assisted living
  • Strength To Love Assisted Living
  • New Hope Assisted Living LLC
  • Precious Heart Assisted Living
Home Care North East, MD

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 North East, MD

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 North East, MD 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 North East, MD

Latest News in North East, MD

Northeast Maglev's Lobbying Raises Questions for Maryland

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Politics & GovernmentLobbying- providing information or buying influence?Patch MayorThe Northeast Maglev, LLC, which is the company seeking to build a high-speed magnetic levitation train between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, was revealed to be the largest donor to lobbyists in Maryland over the last legislative session,...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Lobbying- providing information or buying influence?

Patch Mayor

The Northeast Maglev, LLC, which is the company seeking to build a high-speed magnetic levitation train between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, was revealed to be the largest donor to lobbyists in Maryland over the last legislative session, spending $410,000 on lobbying efforts in Annapolis. This far outpaces any other lobbying efforts: coming in number two is CSX Transportation, which spent $250,000. This heavy lobbying spending has raised questions about Northeast Maglev's influence in the state legislature as they seek approval to begin construction.

Northeast Maglev is proposing to construct an ultra high-speed train line that could transport passengers between D.C. and New York in 60 minutes. The technology was developed in Japan, and similar trains began operating in 2014 to connect Tokyo with Nagoya and Osaka. The project is estimated to cost over $15 billion, and requires major investment on the state and federal level. The company argues it will create jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and provide an alternative to driving or flying between the two cities.

However, the project still requires approval from federal, state and local officials. Northeast Maglev has numerous registered lobbyists working with state lawmakers to gain support for the project. Groups opposed argue the train line would disrupt communities and wildlife habitats. There are also concerns over the noise impact from the high speeds the train travels. The city of Baltimore decided not to support this project, citing environmental, equity and community concerns. Maglev trains are so advanced that they can not be combined with existing tracks and infrastructure; and the lobbying efforts have been active since 2010.

While large infrastructure projects often require lobbying to gain approval, the scale of Northeast Maglev's spending is seen by many as excessive. As the company seeks key legislative victories in 2023 to allow construction to move forward, Marylanders should be watching our lawmakers to make sure that they push for regulations and oversight to ensure this project is in the public's best interest.

Patch Mayors are trusted local users who help moderate the Patch platform by promoting good local stories and flagging unwanted content. To learn more, click here.

More from Gaithersburg

Why the record-setting Northeastern baseball team is ready for an NCAA tournament breakthrough against Maryland

The Huskies believe they’re on the verge of breaking through for Northeastern’s first victory in an NCAA baseball tournament regional.“It can’t be, ‘We’re happy to be there,’” says coach Mike Glavine, whose Huskies will be making their third NCAA appearance in six years when they meet No. 23 Maryland at 1 p.m. Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (streaming on ESPN+). “We’ve got to go toe-t...

The Huskies believe they’re on the verge of breaking through for Northeastern’s first victory in an NCAA baseball tournament regional.

“It can’t be, ‘We’re happy to be there,’” says coach Mike Glavine, whose Huskies will be making their third NCAA appearance in six years when they meet No. 23 Maryland at 1 p.m. Friday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (streaming on ESPN+). “We’ve got to go toe-to-toe with all three of these teams and believe that we can compete with them.”

The third-seeded Huskies (44-14) are in a four-team regional hosted by powerhouse Wake Forest (47-10)—top seed of the 64-team NCAA Division 1 Baseball Championship—which will take on fourth-seeded George Mason on Friday night.

The winner of the double-elimination regional advances to the final 16—one step away from the eight-team College World Series held annually in Omaha, Nebraska.

“We know we’re tough,” Northeastern senior third baseman Danny Crossen says. “We know that we have what it takes.”

That confidence was strengthened in no small part by a traumatic play last Saturday involving Crossen, who dropped a difficult pop up in a swirling wind to score the walk-off run in North Carolina Wilmington’s 6-5 semifinal win in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament.

Crossen, devastated, knelt at home plate as the winners celebrated his misfortune. He was helped to his feet by Northeastern closer Griffin Young, who had collided with Crossen in the aftermath near home plate. Two more players ran to them. In no time the Huskies’ leader was surrounded by teammates.

“We’re all there for each other,” says senior shortstop Spenser Smith, the CAA defensive player of the year. “That’s what makes this team so special. We love to go have fun and just be with the guys. But at the same time when someone’s down, everyone else is there to pick them up.”

The next day in the double-elimination tournament, Crossen went 4 for 6 with five RBIs and a homer in Northeastern’s 14-8 win over second-seeded Elon.

“That meant everything,” Crossen says of his teammates’ support immediately after the error. “I wouldn’t blame anybody if they blamed me. But there was none of that. Every single guy was there to pick me up. Everybody was coming over and putting their arms around me.

“To have the support that I get from those guys every day just gives me the confidence to go out there and come back even stronger. The support I got from my teammates in one of the toughest moments I’ve had in my career—they were able to pull me up from that. It was unbelievable.”

The bounce-back win advanced the Huskies to the championship final for the fourth time in five years, where they fell short again to top-seeded Wilmington, 5-4, despite a three-run homer in the ninth by Mike Sirota. Despite losing the automatic NCAA bid awarded to the conference champion, Glavine encouraged the Huskies to plan on qualifying for the national tournament based on the strength of their record-breaking season.

The Huskies learned Sunday that they had earned their second at-large NCAA tournament bid in six years.

“I’m really disappointed we didn’t win the conference tournament,” Glavine says. “But to come out of it as an at-large team is pretty special. It shows that we did things the right way—we play a really hard schedule, we play on the road, we’re not afraid to play anyone anywhere.”

Northeastern is 8-3 against top-50 opponents in the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), which ranks teams based on strength of schedule. Included in that record is a three-game February sweep of Indiana State (42-15), which recovered from that Florida series to host an NCAA regional this weekend.

The Huskies are 3-0 this season against ranked opponents—including Maryland, their opening opponent as the regional’s second seed. Northeastern beat the Big Ten champions 9-2 at Maryland on May 9, thanks to three Tyler MacGregor homers and a five-hit performance by a half-dozen pitchers.

That victory doesn’t give Northeastern an advantage as it prepares for its 11th overall NCAA appearance on Friday, insists Glavine.

“But at least we’ve seen that team and we know what we’re capable of,” says Glavine, who has personal knowledge of several Maryland players from recruiting visits.

The Huskies set school records of 44 wins (ranking them sixth nationally) and 103 home runs (16th). But their upcoming opponents are even more explosive: Maryland (123 homers) and Wake Forest (110) rank among the top eight nationally in runs per game.

Wake Forest complements its offense with the tournament’s dominant pitching staff. The Demon Deacons lead the nation in strikeouts-to-walks ratio (4.31) and rank second with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Though the Huskies are second nationally with a 3.55 earned run average, they rate well behind Wake Forest’s 2.82.

“We’ll see more power arms thrown against us than we’ll throw in this tournament,” acknowledges Glavine. But he’s convinced the Huskies can thrive by making the fundamental plays as they have all season.

“All of those top teams—they’re the ones feeling the pressure,” Crossen says. “So we’re able to go out there and play free and play the game we love. And when we can do that, we know we can beat anybody.”

Summer wildfire threat could imperil unexpected US regions: the Northeast and Midwest

In a summer of drought, smoke and haze, wildfires could flare up in unusual locations in the United States over the next few months — including New England and the Midwest, according to federal forecasters.“The predominant threat looks to be the Northeast, which is not normal,” said Jim Karels, the fire director for the National Interagency Fire Center, the federal center in Boise, Idaho that coordinates the national response to wildland fires. “This year it looks like there is potential for elevated fire condi...

In a summer of drought, smoke and haze, wildfires could flare up in unusual locations in the United States over the next few months — including New England and the Midwest, according to federal forecasters.

“The predominant threat looks to be the Northeast, which is not normal,” said Jim Karels, the fire director for the National Interagency Fire Center, the federal center in Boise, Idaho that coordinates the national response to wildland fires. “This year it looks like there is potential for elevated fire conditions all the way into August, from Minnesota to Maine and down along the Eastern Seaboard.”

As wildfires continued in Canada, Chicago, Detroit and other parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes experienced poor air quality in late June, and by the last days of June it had encompassed some East Coast cities as well.

The entire state of Maryland was under a ‘code red’ for air quality on Thursday, according to the state’s Department of the Environment, meaning that members of the general public may experience health effects from the smoky air and sensitive groups may experience serious health effects.

The Fire Center’s recent summer outlook forecasts atypical wildfire activity also for the northern tier of the United States, but a reprieve across much of the West, which has in recent years been scorched by above-average fire activity. That’s thanks, in part, to an unusually wet winter and record snowpack.

In a standard year, the lush green days of midsummer would be a quiet season for wildfires in the Midwest and Northeast. The regular wildfire seasons for these regions are early spring and early fall, before new growth has started in the spring and after the summer heat has dried out grasses and leaves that can fuel a fire.

The elevated fire danger this summer is due to the dry spring and forecasts for more hot, dry weather this summer.

“It is unusually dry for early June in the Great Lakes and there are above-normal temperatures. That is what is exacerbating the situation,” said Steve Marien, a meteorologist and the Eastern Area Fire Weather Program Manager for the National Park Service. “There is quite a bit of drought either in development or in place … especially in the northeastern quarter of the US. It’s abnormal for this early in the summer.”

A June 22 update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows a map blotted in drought warnings from Virginia to Vermont, including Maryland, and over much of the Midwest.

The East Coast has primarily “abnormally dry” to “moderate drought” conditions. A stretch of Maryland, including parts of seven counties and all of Howard County and Baltimore City, are classified as “severe drought,” as of Tuesday.

Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan’s lower peninsula are in moderate drought. And Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska have large areas of extreme drought.

That’s highly unusual for this time of year, but Marien says conditions can change. Further drought could develop in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, or with some luck, rain could restore the region over the coming months.

But recent rains that cooled the mid-Atlantic around the days of the summer solstice were not enough to bring the region out of moderate drought.

Fire analysts use data and forecasts from the National Forest Service and National Weather Service to make the wildfire forecast, which they update monthly to help direct firefighting resources.

The unusual fire patterns could place a strain on some federal firefighting resources, which are usually centered in the West over the summer. The National Interagency Fire Center helps coordinate where to strategically place air tankers, helicopters and other resources.

“It evolves around fire threats — weekly and daily we are looking at what resources we have and what is available,” said Karels, the fire director from NIFC.

Fires scorch North Carolina, Michigan

Already, unexpected blazes have ravaged parts of the East Coast and Midwest.

A campfire in Grayling, Michigan, on June 3 sparked a fire that burned for four days. It consumed 2,400 acres and prompted evacuations before it was contained.

Nationwide, as of June 22 there were 12 large fires in four states: New Mexico, Washington, Arizona and North Carolina, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

In North Carolina, a prescribed burn June 13 raged out of control, burning tens of thousands of acres and growing big enough to be seen from space. The air pollution from the fire caused red alert air quality warnings.

A prescribed or controlled burn is a tactic that forest managers use to try to mimic natural wildfire patterns in a controlled setting — letting fire burn some debris in a forest and then putting out the blaze. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission conducted the prescribed burn, and the N.C. Forest Service responded to assume command of the fire. It is now 100 percent contained.

The National Weather Service issued warnings in June for critical fire risk in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. And Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the East Coast states have seen multiple air quality alerts due to hazy skies, increased ground level ozone and particulate dust.

Maryland’s latest ‘code red’

Maryland entered its second ‘code red’ for air quality related to Canadian wildfires on Thursday.

A ‘code red’ is issued when smoke and pollutants drive the Air Quality Index to ranges between 151 to 200 on the 500-point scale.

Mid-day Thursday, Western Maryland was experiencing 174 AQI air quality, the worst in the state, according to the Department of the Environment’s data. Central Maryland and the Eastern shore ranges from 154 AQI to 164 AQI, with southern counties experiencing slightly less smoky air quality.

The Maryland Department of Health and Department of the Environment urged Marylanders to consider limiting their time outside Thursday and to avoid heavy exertion until air quality improves.

“People who must be outside, such as outdoor workers, should be alert for symptoms such as difficulty breathing,” the two state agencies warned.

Current forecasts report that winds Friday should usher some of the smoky air out of Maryland, offering reprieve for the general public but still posing some risk to sensitive groups.

Climate change

The smoke lifted from some of the record-breaking bad air quality days that New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, D.C., Detroit and Chicago experienced earlier this summer, when particulates from wildfires in Canada brought gray and orange skies reminiscent of the Star Wars planet of Tatooine. But by the last days of June, it had returned.

With parts of Canada and the United States at risk for an unusually active fire season this summer, the Midwest and Eastern United States could be in for more unusual fire activity and the air pollution that comes with it.

“There will be more air pollution days because of wildfires, no doubt about that,” said Andy Hoell, a research meteorologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, known as NOAA. “Where they start, where they burn and also the weather patterns will determine how bad it will be in certain areas.”

There are three main ingredients that create a wildfire: fuel (grasses, plants, leaves, trees, and anything that burns), ignitions (from humans or lightning), and dry conditions.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles of smoke and soot. The particles naturally move on air currents, and the heat of wildfires can push smoke higher into the atmosphere, helping it to travel longer distances. Weather patterns like wind, pressure systems and rain can affect where the smoke from a wildfire travels.

Wildfire is a natural part of forest ecology. But the size and number of recent wildfires is not the norm.

As climate change brings hotter, drier weather, wildfire seasons are getting longer and more intense. And some of the fires are burning hotter and longer because there is so much dry fuel available to feed the flames.

“By generally any metric we look at around the world, wildfires are getting worse, burning larger areas more severely at higher elevations, and burning over longer periods of the year.” said Kristina Dahl, the principal climate scientist for the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

It is not a linear trend, since some years are better than others. But the area burned by wildfires has doubled in Canada since the 1970s and quadrupled in the Western United States in that same time. Longer, drier summers have erased the concept of a “fire season” and turned it into a “fire year” in some parts of the arid West.

“In the case of any one particular year it can be hard to say because there is a lot of variability from year to year, but we know that the increase in heat extremes, for example, that the Midwest has seen, are linked to human-caused climate change,” said Dahl.

Worsening fires have created a climate-fire feedback, as carbon dioxide from the fires spews into the atmosphere.

A study published in the journal Science Advances found that wildfires in the North American boreal forests — like those aflame in Canada this month — have the potential to play an outsized role in future fire-related emissions. Boreal forests contain roughly two-thirds of stored global forest carbon.

Wildfires in these forests could contribute 12 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere over the next three decades, according to peer-reviewed research from scientists at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Woodwell Climate Research Center and Tufts University. That amount is equivalent to the annual emissions of 2.6 billion fossil fuel-powered cars.

In another study, researchers determined emissions from the 2020 wildfires in California could have wiped out the gains the state had made in greenhouse gas reductions since 2003.

“In order to prevent wildfires from growing worse in the future, one of the most important things we can do is reduce carbon emissions and wean ourselves from fossil fuels” said Dahl. “The more we emit going forward, the more we can expect wildfires to continue to worsen, big picture and long terms.”

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this report misstated which agency in North Carolina conducted a prescribed burn. The story has been corrected.

Maryland Matters reporter Danielle J. Brown contributed to this report.

ChristianaCare Primary Care at North East Now at New, Larger Location

New site at North East Plaza Shopping Center supports high quality, affordable care for more patients September 6, 2023ChristianaCare Primary Care in North East, Maryland, is now better than ever, with a new location at 103 North East Plaza Shopping Center that’s more spacious and able to support care for more patients. The practice is now accepting new patients from newborn through geriatric care....

New site at North East Plaza Shopping Center supports high quality, affordable care for more patients

September 6, 2023

ChristianaCare Primary Care in North East, Maryland, is now better than ever, with a new location at 103 North East Plaza Shopping Center that’s more spacious and able to support care for more patients. The practice is now accepting new patients from newborn through geriatric care.

The new location — only 1.3 miles from the previous site at 322 E. Cecil Ave. — more than doubles the size of the practice, with eight exam rooms instead of four. The new exam rooms are more spacious than at the previous location, and the new site also offers more convenient parking.

ChristianaCare Primary Care at North East 103 North East Plaza North East, MD 21901 410-287-5570

Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’ve provided primary care services in the North East community as expert, caring partners for more than 35 years,” said Amy Marston, MBA, MPH, campus executive director of ChristianaCare’s Union Hospital.

“We’re excited to continue to offer high quality, affordable primary care in a new space that allows us to comfortably and safely serve our growing community.”

Providers at ChristianaCare Primary Care at North East are:

In addition, a behavioral health therapist is available at the practice on a part-time basis, and the practice plans to add more providers in the future.

Services include:

—Comprehensive family care.

—Gynecological and women’s health.

—Preventive medicine.

—Immunizations.

—Medicare wellness.

—Care for acute and chronic conditions.

—Behavioral health care.

Patients who belong to a ChristianaCare primary care practice benefit from the advantages of being connected to one of the region’s largest, most advanced health care systems, including electronic medical records and easy referrals.

Their primary care provider becomes their “medical home” — the place where patients can build a relationship with their health care provider and seek medical advice for health problems large and small.

Patients of ChristianaCare’s primary care practices can access a secure patient portal that helps them to be actively engaged in their health.

Find a ChristianaCare primary care provider near you or call 302-777-0643.

North East 10u Softball All-Stars end season in Maryland State Championship game

SHARPSBURG — North East Little League’s 8-9-10 Softball All-Stars concluded their 2023 all-star season in the Maryland State Championship game on July 12, coming up two wins short of a state title in a 3-2 loss to Brunswick Little League.North East used a two-run top of the fourth to grab a one-run advantage over Brunswick. The Railroaders responded with runs in the home half of the fifth and sixth inning to capture the state title. Kylee Martin pitched for North East, allowing three runs, seven hits and struck out five Br...

SHARPSBURG — North East Little League’s 8-9-10 Softball All-Stars concluded their 2023 all-star season in the Maryland State Championship game on July 12, coming up two wins short of a state title in a 3-2 loss to Brunswick Little League.

North East used a two-run top of the fourth to grab a one-run advantage over Brunswick. The Railroaders responded with runs in the home half of the fifth and sixth inning to capture the state title. Kylee Martin pitched for North East, allowing three runs, seven hits and struck out five Brunswick batters.

Jordyn Winniford finisehd 2-for-3 at the plate for North East. Kamryn Workman went 1-for-2 with an RBI.

The defeat, however, did not take away from a successful district and state tournament run. North East went undefeated in District 5 play, going 4-0 in the tournament with wins over Havre De Grace, Rising Sun and back-to-back victories over Elkton.

North East continued its winning ways through the first two games of the state tournament, outscoring its opponents 27-0 in 17-run and 10-run victories. North East’s first defeat of the summer came in a 9-3 loss at the hands of Brunswick.

North East responded in the losers bracket with a 6-5 win over Hughesville Little League to reach the state championship and set up a rematch with Brunswick.

The one-run victory began with a five-run bottom half of the first inning for North East, followed by a three-run top half of the second for Hughesville. After Hughesville cut North East’s lead to one in the third inning, North East responded with an RBI double by Kylee Martin to put North East back up by two runs.

Martin — North East’s lone pitcher in the win — held Hughesville’s bats to just one run in the final three innings of play to seal the victory. Martin pitched six innings, allowed four hits, five runs and struck out nine batters. At the plate, Martin went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Madilynn Narron and Jordyn Winniford each finished with two RBIs in the victory.

North East’s All-Stars finished the summer with an overall record of 7-2.

Players of North East Little League’s District 5 Champion and state runner-up squad included: Brooklyn Arrants, Addison Bachmann, Amelya Banker, Devyn Daley, Cailin Daly, Gracie Evans, Addie Handy, Kylee Martin, Gemma Murray, Madilynn Narron, Jordyn Winniford and Kamryn Workman.

North East’s 8-9-10 Softball All-Stars coaching staff included Manager Kim Evans and assistant coaches Sarah Handy and Bobby Dietz.

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