It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Reidsville Sesquicentennial Clocktower 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 Reidsville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“From the first phone call ABC has been responsive, informative and caring. Kathleen was so”
“I couldn't be happier with the help of Stephen Carlson. He helped move my mom”
“We had the pleasure of being introduced to Stephen Carlson from a referring social worker”
“I hired these folks on a recommendation from the assisted living facility where my Mom”
“Stephen Carlson with Always Best Care was a tremendous help to my sister and I”
“"Always Best Care" Senior Services in Greensboro, NC helped our family find the perfect fit”
“Wonderful to work for. They care about their employees and go above and beyond to”
“1. My time at ABC has been fantastic! The team is amazing and works hard”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the”
“I love working for ABC ! This is one place I would recommend bringing your”
“Always informative about the clients and the staff is excellent”
“I’ve been working for always Best Care for almost two years . The staff are”
“Best”
“I have been with Always best care for j a while now and they”
“Employment with always best has been great . The company name speaks for the care”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful”
“I’ve bn with this company for abt 2 yrs and I love it. They match”
“Love working for ABC. They are very flexible with your schedule! All the staff are”
“ABC is the best company to hire to take care of your loved ones! They”
“My name is Arionan Frinks and I love working at always best care and meeting”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen Carlson in assisting me with getting”
“Steven was really great. His knowledge of the various senior living centers made our”
“Stephen took so much time with us family members. He helped us immeasurably. He added”
“Stephen was a huge help with the details of the process as well giving great”
“From: Tom and Laura McAdams Steven Charelston was such a big help to my husband, myself”
“From the first phone call ABC has been responsive, informative and caring. Kathleen was so patient and understanding when answering my family’s questions and concerns about dad’s dementia. I appreciated her honest information delivered with compassion and respect. Leslie has been so supportive through the entire process. Don’t hesitate to call for help with your loved one”
“I couldn't be happier with the help of Stephen Carlson. He helped move my mom from a really bad situation to a really great one. Our first phone conversation he said "you are going to have to trust me." And I'm so glad I did. He told me that the place he thought best for my mom was maybe might not the most convenient but he knew how caring and loving the environment would be. I'd much rather be inconvenienced than have my mom treated poorly. So I trusted him and we are forever grateful! He gave me the 1st hand information on much closer places and still thought this farther away place would be the best scenario. He reassured me that no matter where we did move her to, we could always update him on how things were going. And he takes that information into consideration for all his clients and that's how he knows the scoop! I believe the families he works with trust him because he is honest and open. People report back to him the necessary details so he knows where and where not to suggest to his clients. My mom was in a facility we were really unhappy with. After going to the hospital and speaking with a social worker, she suggested I speak with Stephen and assured me he would help us find a better situation. My mom has Alzheimer's so she can not advocate for herself. Aside from having family to help her navigate this, we really needed someone who knew where we could trust her being taken care of properly. I feel like he made this transition from awful to wonderful so easy and removed the stress from our lives in a pretty stressful time. He was so fast and accommodating. I will absolutely pass his name on to any and everyone in the future. He continues to check in with me and my mom and I couldn't love him more. Thank you Stephen! Thank you Always Best Care Senior Services for doing what you do!”
“We had the pleasure of being introduced to Stephen Carlson from a referring social worker and from the moment we spoke we knew we were in excellent hands. Stephen is diligent, communicative, efficient, compassionate, and a true professional. He went above and beyond investigating our needs for our elderly relative and stayed in contact over the Christmas period to ensure we were happy. I would highly recommend Stephen and his team; Always Best Care is a rare godsend in times of need and uncertainty when it comes to placement for your elderly loved one. Thank you Stephen for everything. We truly appreciate you!”
“I hired these folks on a recommendation from the assisted living facility where my Mom lives, to facilitate Mom’s attendance at our family Christmas party on Christmas Day. The contracting was seamless and the aide who signed up, Serenity, was great. She was on-time, brought all the paraphernalia we requested for Mom’s safety and comfort, made the 80 mile round trip without a hitch, and provided Mom with nearly invisible, but reassuring care at our party. Thank you to all!”
“Stephen Carlson with Always Best Care was a tremendous help to my sister and I when seeking out assisted living communities for our Mother. Stephen helped ease our anxieties by setting up tours for us, answering the many questions that we had, and guiding us through the process. I give Stephen the highest recommendation if you are considering qualify senior living facilities for your loved one!”
“"Always Best Care" Senior Services in Greensboro, NC helped our family find the perfect fit placement for our mother in an assisted living facility. Stephen Carlson, Director of Community Relations, was very instrumental in providing us with 5 Star, phenomenal, personal attention to what we were wanting and expecting in her care. When our mother fell and could no longer walk, we had to make quick decisions in the hospital and had no clue or guidance as to how we were going to navigate this new journey. When she was moved to a rehab facility, that is where we were introduced to Stephen Carlson. He was our saving grace as he rescued us from all uncertainty we were facing. As he himself in his own family faced these same circunstances, he had tremendous empathy and knowledge, along with compassion, to help us get through this transition. He was so easy to talk to, and listens to all questions and goes far and beyond to seek out the answers. Stephen is a sweet soul who really cares and what is amazing is he always answers your phone call promptly and if you need a shoulder to cry on, he is there. May God bless Stephen Carlson back for the blessings he blessed us with. He was truly a gift to us! Thank you! He still continues to be if we need help.”
“Wonderful to work for. They care about their employees and go above and beyond to take care of their employees and clients”
“1. My time at ABC has been fantastic! The team is amazing and works hard to find great caregivers for seniors who need help. If you want a good job or a place for a senior family member, ABC is the best choice.”
“I love working for Always Best Care! They're understanding, have a wonderful team in the office that helps make our jobs easier as caregivers! Easy to talk to and communicate which makes the days so much easier! Flexibility and communication is key! Amazing Clients, Amazing Staff, Amazing caregivers!! Yeah, pretty amazing!! ????”
“I love working for ABC ! This is one place I would recommend bringing your family too , they have great service for everyone.”
“Always informative about the clients and the staff is excellent”
“I’ve been working for always Best Care for almost two years . The staff are all amazing and if you have any questions or concerns they go the extra mile to help out. I love that they are all about their employees and clients .”
“Best”
“I have been with Always best care for j a while now and they do everything to find you a shift and work with you and your schedule.Everyone is so friendly and helpful in the main business office.”
“Employment with always best has been great . The company name speaks for the care that’s being done.”
“I have been working for ABC for two years now, and I am very grateful for my position. The staff are acceptable, the clients are lovely, and the environments are professional. I highly recommend PCAs and CNAs to apply.”
“I’ve bn with this company for abt 2 yrs and I love it. They match you with a client that you fit both there needs and you're needs . They work around your schedule and understand needs of both clients and workers . Best place to work at”
“Love working for ABC. They are very flexible with your schedule! All the staff are friendly and very helpful! Best place to hire to take care of your loved one!”
“ABC is the best company to hire to take care of your loved ones! They have many years of experience and are excellent people! I love working for them!”
“My name is Arionan Frinks and I love working at always best care and meeting new clients and families that have hard time being there for there family member 24/7”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Stephen Carlson in assisting me with getting residents placement. Stephen is beyond helpful and as a social worker in skilled nursing it can be difficult to get residents placed who have complex needs or behavior concerns. Working with Stephen has been a tremendous help to not only myself but the families I work with as well. Special thanks to him for going above and beyond for patients and their families! He is truly appreciated!”
“Steven was really great. His knowledge of the various senior living centers made our decisions easier and the process smoother. Highly recommend Steven”
“Stephen took so much time with us family members. He helped us immeasurably. He added his knowledge insights and even threw in some humor. He made this process so much quicker and easier.”
“Stephen was a huge help with the details of the process as well giving great ideas of questions to ask”
“From: Tom and Laura McAdams Steven Charelston was such a big help to my husband, myself and our family. Without him I don’t know where my husband with dementia would be right now. He found us long term care at Greenhaven. He helped explain so many things to me and the family about how the care works and how Medicade works. From the start Steven made us all feel like family and friends thanks for everything you are a special person. We thank you so much for everything.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Courtland Park and Bird Sanctuary with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Homestead Kitchen or visit Downtown 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.
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.
Request More Information
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 Reidsville, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Reidsville, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Reidsville, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Sixty and counting.Reidsville has its second straight N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A championship, running the state's longest active winning streak to 60 as the 2024-25 boys basketball season concluded on Saturday night.The Rams took control in the second half to defeat Northwood 71-54 in Saturday's final at Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum.Reidsville is 86-1 — ...
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Sixty and counting.
Reidsville has its second straight N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A championship, running the state's longest active winning streak to 60 as the 2024-25 boys basketball season concluded on Saturday night.
The Rams took control in the second half to defeat Northwood 71-54 in Saturday's final at Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum.
Reidsville is 86-1 — its only loss in the 2023 2A title — over the last three years.
Those are the years in which juniors Kendre Harrison and Dionte Neal arrived. They've won two straight titles after being denied as freshmen.
"It's just been an unbelievable run," Reidsville coach Jason Ross said.
Harrison had 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting with 11 rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.
"Kendre could've easily won MVP or Most Outstanding Player but you know, some things at the end of the game kind of overshadowed that. But you saw all this weekend what he was," Ross said.
Ross was alluding to an incident after the game in which Harrison ran off the court and taunted the Northwood student section, using a belt as a prop. Players can be deemed ineligble for MVP by the NCHSAA after votes are tallied.
Instead, it was senior Johnniyus Sharpe (18 points, 7-of-16 shooting) getting the Charlie Adams MVP, given to the game's top performer. Neal had 24 points (8-of-16 from the field, 7-of-9 free throws), with four assists to earn the West MVP.
Reidsville (31-0) led just 23-20 at halftime, but created separation in the third, taking a 44-30 lead into the fourth.
Northwood (30-3) was able to stay in the game thanks to a 1-3-1 zone that limited where the Rams could go with their ball movement.
Cam Fowler, who had 27 points, including 10-of-14 from the free throw line, and eight rebounds, led the way for the Chargers.
"I'm very happy with how we conducted ourselves on the basketball court tonight," Northwood coach Matt Brown said.
In the second half, Reidsville got going while Northwood remained out of sync. The Rams scored 44 points in the paint and held Northwood to 18-of-50 shooting (36.0 percent) from the field.
"We started off slow, credit to Northwood. That 1-3-1 zone gave us a few problems as far as making shots," Ross said. "But once we got our groove on at the end of that third quarter, it was lights out then."
Reidsville's 60 straight wins are not enough to be in the NCHSAA record book, which has only three teams listed and ends with 73. The state mark is 91.
Central Cabarrus' streak of 65 was snapped earlier this season after winning 3A titles in 2023 and 2024.
This was the sixth appearance in the state championship for Northwood, which is still chasing its elusive first state title.
For Reidsville, it's their sixth state championship overall.
On Thursday, top-seeded Reidsville defeated 15-seeded Bandys 79-50 in the 2A West regional final while third-seeded Northwood defeated fourth-seeded West Bladen 57-38 in the 2A East regional final. Those games were also at "the Joel" as part of the final four format.
Before the game, each team honored its sportsmanship award winner for the season: Beau Harvey from Northwood and Bryan Gwynn from Reidsville.
QUICK BOX SCORE
REID 9-14-21-19 71NWD 9-11-10-20 54Reidsville: Kendre Harrison 16, Dionte Neal 24, Kristian Scales 7, Johnniyus Sharpe 18, Cam'ron Jones 3, Savion Johnson 2Northwood: Hayes Burleson 2, Isaiah Blair 6, Beau Harvey 13, Cam Fowler 27, Josiah Brown 3, Raje Torres, 2 Chad Graves 1
A pair of historic North Carolina barbecue joints are snuffing out the smokehouses after a collective century and a half in business.Short Sugar’s in Reidsville and Kepley’s in High Point are the latest longtime barbecue restaurants to close, joining a growing list of lost North Carolina barbecue legends.The distinctive Reidsville restaurant Short Sugar’s BBQ closed for good last week, according to several neighboring businesses, ending its run after 76 years.Owned by David and Lea Wilson,...
A pair of historic North Carolina barbecue joints are snuffing out the smokehouses after a collective century and a half in business.
Short Sugar’s in Reidsville and Kepley’s in High Point are the latest longtime barbecue restaurants to close, joining a growing list of lost North Carolina barbecue legends.
The distinctive Reidsville restaurant Short Sugar’s BBQ closed for good last week, according to several neighboring businesses, ending its run after 76 years.
Owned by David and Lea Wilson, Short Sugar’s was among the oldest barbecue restaurants in the state. Short Sugar’s is on the North Carolina Barbecue Society’s Historic BBQ Trail.
Short Sugar’s first opened in 1949, owned by brothers Johnny and Clyde Overby. It was named in honor of a deceased third brother, Eldridge, whose nickname was Short Sugar, owner David Wilson said in a 2011 interview with the Southern Foodways Alliance. Wilson became involved with the restaurant in 1980 after the death of his father-in-law Johnny Overby.
Something of a rarity in North Carolina barbecue, Short Sugar’s was at its heart a drive-in. In its hey-day, its parking lot was filled with cars and teenagers in the evenings and was a center of Reidsville’s nightlife.
“There are a lot of interesting stories,” Wilson said in the SFA interview. “There were professional wrestlers that would be going between Greensboro and Danville in this area and they would stop in all buddy-buddy eating together and then they’d go wrestle and want to kill each other, you know that type of thing. It has a real history.”
Short Sugar’s smoked mostly pork shoulders in the Lexington-style tradition. But it served a distinctively thin, dark and sweet barbecue sauce, with the pork ordered minced, chopped or sliced.
In recent years, operating hours could be sporadic at Short Sugar’s, according to neighbors, noting that staffing was occasionally too short to open the restaurant.
In a text message, Wilson declined to comment.
In High Point, Kepley’s BBQ announced that it will close on Feb. 8.
Opened in 1948 as a barbecue joint in an old metal military surplus building, Kepley’s was founded by original owner Hayden Kepley. But for most of its history it has been owned and co-owned by Bob Burleson, who started working as a teenage carhop in 1948. Burleson bought the restaurant in 1962.
Burleson passed away in 2022 at 90 years old, with his daughter Susan Burleson taking over the restaurant.
The closing of Kepley’s was first reported by the High Point Enterprise.
Kepley’s was a Lexington-style restaurant, smoking shoulders and serving its sauce and slaw with a red tinge.
Sensing a demand for a last chance for Kepley’s barbecue from near and far, Burleson posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page that diners can call and arrange for shipments.
August 22, 2024 2:00 PM
August 28, 2024 4:17 PM
March 7, 2024 6:00 AM
This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
Neal averaged 22.9 points, 9.3 assists and 7.1 steals per game for the Rams this season.REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Reidsville's Dionte Neal is the North Carolina Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year — as a junior.The 5-foot-9 point guard was the heart of the Rams this season as they won their ...
Neal averaged 22.9 points, 9.3 assists and 7.1 steals per game for the Rams this season.
REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Reidsville's Dionte Neal is the North Carolina Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year — as a junior.
The 5-foot-9 point guard was the heart of the Rams this season as they won their second straight 2A state title, finished the year 31-0 and pushed their overall winning streak to 60 games. Along the way, he averaged 22.9 points, 9.3 assists and 7.1 steals per game, picking up All-State honors and the Player of the Year Award from the NC Basketball Coaches Association.
This latest accolade is the cherry on top, but one that holds special meaning to the Reidsville star. Now, his name is listed alongside some of the biggest legends in North Carolina basketball — like Jerry Stackhouse and Chris Paul — as well as current NBA players like Bam Adebayo and Coby White.
"I wanted this since freshman year," Neal said. "Just to get it now, when I found out I went crazy ... Just to be part of that, it just makes me feel good. It makes me feel like all my hard work I put in is finally paying off."
One of the first people he shared the news with was his father, Jarrod, who is an assistant coach for Reidsville and has been a coach on every team Dionte has played on growing up.
Jarrod said Dionte has been playing basketball since he was big enough to hold one, and his natural talent became apparent. When he was four, Dionte played in a league with 8-12-year-olds. It wasn't long — maybe two or three more years — until the younger Neal could take on his dad 1 v 1.
Credit: WFMY News 2
Still, Jarrod was somewhat surprised when he found out his son won Gatorade Player of the Year.
"It was kind of surreal because that's an award they usually give to seniors," Jarrod said. "For him to get it, it was huge, it was a blessing. I was surprised, but he definitely worked hard and he earned it."
Beyond games of 1-on-1, Jarrod has pushed Dionte to reach his potential — both as his father and his coach. Along the way, their bond has been strengthened by a shared love for the game that has given them so many cherished moments.
Even some of the earliest ones.
"I love basketball," Dionte said. "That's my first love. My first steps was in (the Reidsville) gym."
"I was an assistant coach at the time and set him down," Jarrod said. "He took off across the court. We had to stop practice. That was the first time he ever walked."
At 5-foot-9, Neal is the shortest player to win North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in the award's 40-year history. He's also a three-sport star at Reidsville, playing football and running track and field for the Rams.
His abilities on the basketball court have earned him college scholarship offers. He's currently ranked as one of the top 150 players in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports. He holds offers from Appalachian State, High Point and other schools, but he remains uncommitted as he decides what school is the right fit.
With one more season of high school basketball on the horizon, Dionte has little left to prove on the court. But if your favorite team has a spot on the roster, he could be the perfect fit.
"I'm a winner," Dionte said. "I win at every level. I played at middle school, high school, Peach jam, AAU, so if you take Deonte Neal, you're getting a winner."
Regardless of what comes next, Jarrod said he's proud of how his son has handled his journey.
"I'm super hard on him," Jarrod said. "At times, you feel like you're too hard on him, but it's only because I know what he's capable of. I love him to death and I'm super proud. I think I'm the most proud father ever. He's a great kid."
Born with limb differences, Bryson's journey highlights the unwavering faith of his parents and the power of adaptation.REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Bonnie and Tyler Cox’s journey changed at their 20-week anatomy scan when they learned Bryson would be born with limb differences. Confusion and fear set in, but faith quickly replaced those emotions."We knew Bryson was going to be awesome no matter what. God chose us to be his parents for a reason," said mother, Bonnie Cox.At 8 months old, Bryson loves singing, ...
Born with limb differences, Bryson's journey highlights the unwavering faith of his parents and the power of adaptation.
REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Bonnie and Tyler Cox’s journey changed at their 20-week anatomy scan when they learned Bryson would be born with limb differences. Confusion and fear set in, but faith quickly replaced those emotions.
"We knew Bryson was going to be awesome no matter what. God chose us to be his parents for a reason," said mother, Bonnie Cox.
At 8 months old, Bryson loves singing, playing with his toys, and—most of all—watching ceiling fans! But his journey is unique.
Physical therapy started early, and discussions about prosthetics followed. Bryson now uses temporary fiberglass legs to practice balance. Soon, he’ll receive lighter, more permanent legs that might help him take his first steps.
The Cox family calls their incredible prosthetics team "Team Bryson," who ensure adjustments are made as Bryson grows. They swap out sockets, feet, or joints as needed, eliminating the need for entirely new legs every few months.
For now, prosthetic arms aren’t a priority because Bryson is so independent. His parents will let him decide if and when he wants adaptive tools—whether for daily tasks or playing baseball or golf one day.
Credit: Cox family
"He can do whatever he wants—just in his own way," Bonnie said.
A moment many parents take for granted became a huge milestone for the Cox family—shoe shopping!
"Getting him shoes was something I never imagined I’d worry about. But it was the best feeling," the couple explained.
The Cox family hopes Bryson’s story encourages others facing similar challenges. Through TikTok, Instagram, and beyond, they share his journey to show the world that thriving is possible.
"Bryson’s life is different than we expected, but it’s so much more beautiful than we could have imagined," the couple said.
"Whoever comes into contact with this type of situation again, you're not alone like there's other people in the world and not only are they here but they're thriving like Bryson is so that was one of the big reasons. We believe he was born like this for a reason, and we believe he has a story to tell and so we just wanna start that story because eventually, he's already ready to start talking, but he's eventually gonna tell that story on his own," said Tyler.
Reidsville (North Carolina) two-sport star Kendre Harrison is collecting quite a resume.The 6-foot-7, 243-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 13 overall prospect and No. 1 tight end in the class of 2026.But his basketball prowess may be even more eye-opening.After losing in the state title game as a freshman, Harrison has led his Reidsville team to back-to-back undefeated seasons, culminating in a second consecutive North Carolina 2A state title Saturday.Reidsville, which has gone 86-1 in the past three season...
Reidsville (North Carolina) two-sport star Kendre Harrison is collecting quite a resume.
The 6-foot-7, 243-pound athlete is rated the nation's No. 13 overall prospect and No. 1 tight end in the class of 2026.
But his basketball prowess may be even more eye-opening.
After losing in the state title game as a freshman, Harrison has led his Reidsville team to back-to-back undefeated seasons, culminating in a second consecutive North Carolina 2A state title Saturday.
Reidsville, which has gone 86-1 in the past three seasons, defeated Northwood 71-54, behind Harrison's impressive statline - 16 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and three steals.
While Harrison's stock is a bit higher in football, ESPN ranks him as the nation's No. 36 overall prospect in hoops, putting him within striking distance of becoming a McDonald's All-American.
With that kind of talent, college coaches in both football and basketball have continued to try to pursue Harrison since his commitment to the Ducks
But he shut down his recruitment earlier this week, indicating he was done with the recruiting process completely and was dead-set on a future in Eugene.
What are Dan Lanning and Dana Altman getting?
A two-sport high school All-American who was the MaxPreps national athlete of the year as a sophomore.
Here's what 247Sports had to say about Harrison as a football prospect:
"Once every decade type of prospect given the fact that he’s being courted by college blue bloods to play football and basketball. Blessed with hulking size as he was verified at just a shade under 6-foot-6, 250 pounds summer before junior year. Likely only going to keep getting bigger with his near 6-foot-11 wingspan and big 10.5-inch hands. A straight-up mismatch for defenders, especially down the red zone. Not the most explosive route runner and isn’t one that really offers a ton after the catch, but is a coordinated mover with superb body control that knows how to get the most out of his backboard-shattering athleticism. Future on the gridiron appears to be as a Y tight end as he’s got the sheer mass to eventually move defenders while attached, but ability to change directions and get home as a pass rusher on the other side of the ball is certainly alluring. Saw production dip as an 11th grader after a remarkable 10th-grade campaign, but his one-of-a-kind clay is always going to be attractive. Will need to make some technical strides in hopes of becoming more than just a situational target, but projects as a possible difference-maker for a College Football Playoff contender that can unlock things for an offense with his NFL measurables."
336-270-4352
