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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Welcome, NC

Home Care Welcome, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting North Carolina Executive Mansion in Welcome, NC 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 Welcome, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Welcome, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

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

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

Home Care Welcome, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Welcome, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Home Care Welcome, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Home Care Welcome, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Harris Lake County Park in Welcome, NC 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 Welcome, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Herons or visit Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, 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.

Home Care Welcome, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Welcome, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Welcome, 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.

Home Care Welcome, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Home Care Welcome, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Welcome, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Home Care Welcome, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Home Care Welcome, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • The Reserve at Mills Farm
  • Oak Hill Assisted Living Community
  • Woodland Terrace
  • Carolina Reserve of Durham
  • Mallard Ridge Assisted Living
  • Galloway Ridge at Fearrington
Home Care Welcome, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Home Care Welcome, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Welcome, 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.

Home Care Welcome, NC

Latest News in Welcome, NC

Asheville weather: Sunny week ahead, rain possible Halloween weekend

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you’re a fan of sunshine and mild fall temperatures, you’re going to like this week’s forecast. But another stretch without rain isn’t exactly what parts of Western North Carolina need.The National Weather Service is calling for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s through Friday, with little chance of rain before the weekend.Monday will be sunny with a high near 72 degrees in Asheville after some early morning fog clears. Temperatures will drop to around...

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — If you’re a fan of sunshine and mild fall temperatures, you’re going to like this week’s forecast. But another stretch without rain isn’t exactly what parts of Western North Carolina need.

The National Weather Service is calling for mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s through Friday, with little chance of rain before the weekend.

Monday will be sunny with a high near 72 degrees in Asheville after some early morning fog clears. Temperatures will drop to around 39 overnight.

Tuesday looks even warmer, with sunshine and a high near 74. Clouds will begin moving in Tuesday night, bringing slightly cooler weather Wednesday, when the high should reach around 70.

The sunshine returns Thursday and Friday, with highs near 74 and 76, respectively.

Overnight temperatures will generally dip into the upper 30s and lower 40s.

Recent rainfall has brought welcome relief to Western North Carolina, leaving much of the Asheville area and central mountains out of drought.

But not every part of the region has recovered. Some areas farther west are still dealing with abnormally dry conditions or drought, and another week without rain won’t help.

The National Weather Service says a stubborn area of high pressure is responsible for the sunny, dry weather. That pattern is expected to stick around through the end of the workweek.

A cold front could finally shake things up over the weekend, bringing more clouds and a chance of showers.

Saturday is Halloween, and the forecast gets a little less certain heading into the weekend.

The National Weather Service is calling for a high near 72 Saturday, with a 40% chance of showers Saturday night. Rain chances increase to 60% Sunday.

That means trick-or-treaters may want to keep an eye on the forecast, although it’s still too early to say exactly when showers might arrive.

For now, the workweek looks ideal for getting outside and enjoying the fall weather. And while the sunshine is welcome, parts of Western North Carolina could use another round of rain.

Six Wilmington-area beaches make Southern Living's top 10 in NC

What are the best beaches in NC, according to Southern Living? Six of the top 10 are within a short drive from Wilmington.Summer is out and cooler temperatures are in. This may mean the tourist season is slowing down, but for some locals, it's the best time of year to visit the beach.Southern Living recently compiled a list of North Carolina's 10 most beautiful beaches. The list is specifically geared toward the fall, which Southern Living said "provides a welcome respite from the sweltering heat at our very favorite North...

What are the best beaches in NC, according to Southern Living? Six of the top 10 are within a short drive from Wilmington.

Summer is out and cooler temperatures are in. This may mean the tourist season is slowing down, but for some locals, it's the best time of year to visit the beach.

Southern Living recently compiled a list of North Carolina's 10 most beautiful beaches. The list is specifically geared toward the fall, which Southern Living said "provides a welcome respite from the sweltering heat at our very favorite North Carolina beaches."

Out of the 10 beaches included on the list, six are located in the Wilmington area. Check out which beaches made Southern Living's cut.

Topsail Island

Topsail Beach and Surf City are a good bit farther of a drive from Wilmington, which is one reason these beaches offer a more lowkey experience. The ban on any high-rise development also helps the beach feel calm and quaint. The southernmost tip of the island, known as The Point, is a pristine beach now under state protection.

Wrightsville Beach

The closest beach to Wilmington, it's a popular spot for tourists and college students alike. Southern Living noted that Wrightsville Beach is known for watersports like surfing, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding in the Intracoastal Waterway.

Oak Island

Oak Island is one of six beach towns in Brunswick County -- two of which made the Southern Living list.

The magazine said that Oak Island is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly beach with a small-town feel. Oak Island's nearly 10 miles of beach front offers plenty of uncrowded space. The town also has a public, par-3 golf course, skate park, nature center and a pier.

Carolina Beach

It's not just the beach itself, but what's around it, that helped Carolina Beach score a place on the list.

Southern Living called the Carolina Beach Boardwalk "a classic American promenade," highlighting the restaurants, shops and attractions that line the way. Wilmington-area residents may not be surprised to hear that Britt's Donuts also got a shout out.

Bald Head Island

If you're looking for a remote destination, then Bald Head Island is for you. Reaching the island requires a ferry ride, and the majority of Bald Head is undeveloped. Visitors will find it especially uncrowded in the fall, which makes it a great time to explore the island's natural beauty.

Kure Beach

New Hanover County beaches went three-for-three on making the list. Kure Beach, which neighbors Carolina Beach, is the farthest from Wilmington itself. Southern Living highlighted activities such as the concerts and markets hosted at the Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, as well as the nearby Fort Fisher historical attractions.

Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Six Wilmington-area beaches make Southern Living's top 10 in NC

Reporting by Charlie Kingree, Wilmington StarNews / Wilmington StarNews

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

N.C. Labor Commissioner to welcome Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch to NCDOL

RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) — Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor will welcome NASA Artemis II astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch on Wednesday, August 26, for a special event highlighting the critical role of workplace safety, skilled trades, engineering, and innovation in America’s return to crewed deep-space exploration.The event, “From North Carolina Workplaces to the Moon: Safety, Skilled Trades, and the Artemis II Workforce,” will bring together students, workforce ...

RALEIGH, N.C. (NCN News) — Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor will welcome NASA Artemis II astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch on Wednesday, August 26, for a special event highlighting the critical role of workplace safety, skilled trades, engineering, and innovation in America’s return to crewed deep-space exploration.

The event, “From North Carolina Workplaces to the Moon: Safety, Skilled Trades, and the Artemis II Workforce,” will bring together students, workforce leaders, and North Carolinians connected to the Artemis II mission to celebrate the people and skills behind one of the nation’s most ambitious achievements.

As a member of the Artemis II crew, Koch made history as part of NASA’s first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years. Her journey from North Carolina to becoming an accomplished NASA astronaut offers an inspiring example of how education, technical expertise, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can open the door to extraordinary opportunities.

“Christina Koch embodies the determination, innovation, and commitment to excellence that make North Carolina proud,” said North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley in a press release. “We’re honored to welcome her to the Department of Labor as we celebrate the hardworking men and women whose skills, craftsmanship, and dedication to safety make extraordinary achievements possible. Whether building our communities here at home or supporting the next era of space exploration, North Carolina’s workforce continues to lead the way.”

The event will highlight the teamwork and technical expertise required to support America’s return to crewed deep-space exploration, while showcasing the many career pathways that contribute to innovation and economic growth.

From advanced manufacturing and engineering to construction, skilled trades, technology, and other technical fields, the Artemis II mission demonstrates how workers with specialized skills play an essential role in turning ambitious ideas into reality. The event will encourage students to consider the wide range of opportunities available through North Carolina’s skilled workforce programs.

Koch’s visit also underscores the importance of maintaining safe workplaces where workers can develop the skills, experience, and confidence needed to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Welcome to Heartbreak: NC State Finds Creative Way To Lose Against Vanderbilt

Most suspected NC State would find itself in a close game against Vanderbilt. But absolutely no one could predict how the game would finish.Off to A Hot Start The Wolfpack embarrassed FCS Richmond in Week 2 and looked to continue their success against Vanderbilt.The Commodores were 2-0 against FCS teams but were mainly untested before Saturday’s bout with the Wolfpack.Much attention was paid to Vanderbilt’s highly touted freshman quarterback, Jared Curtis, who was told this week that he’d be ma...

Most suspected NC State would find itself in a close game against Vanderbilt. But absolutely no one could predict how the game would finish.

Off to A Hot Start

The Wolfpack embarrassed FCS Richmond in Week 2 and looked to continue their success against Vanderbilt.

The Commodores were 2-0 against FCS teams but were mainly untested before Saturday’s bout with the Wolfpack.

Much attention was paid to Vanderbilt’s highly touted freshman quarterback, Jared Curtis, who was told this week that he’d be making his first start against the Wolfpack.

However, Curtis wasn’t much of a factor early on in the game. The Wolfpack got off to a hot start on offense, scoring two touchdowns on their first two drives of the game.

At one point, State’s largest lead was 17 points, until Curtis clawed Vandy back into this game with 1:06 left in the 2nd quarter.

He completed a 23-yard touchdown pass to a Commodores receiver to get 7 points on the board before halftime.

Losing Control

It was a tale of two halves for NC State, on both sides of the ball.

The Wolfpack looked great up until the final few minutes of the first half and then were never able to maintain their dominance over Vanderbilt.

NC State played like the better team for moments in this game, but Vanderbilt found ways to respond with touchdown drives when it mattered.

For the most part, CJ Bailey played well today. He completed 25-of-37 for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns, but he had 2 turnovers in this game, one of which proved fatal.

After a Brody Barnhardt interception reception with 1:04 left on the clock and the Wolfpack up by 3, all NC State had to do was eat up some time.

State would escape from Nashville with its first regular-season SEC victory since 1999.

Instead, on 4th down from NC State’s 4-yard line, CJ Bailey fumbles in the back of the end zone with three seconds left in the game.

Vanderbilt recovers to win the game, 35-31.

Andre Cherry’s Quick Thoughts

This is the most painful NC State football loss that I’ve ever endured.

Frankly, I’m still in disbelief that the game ended the way that it did. This loss will haunt my memories for a long time.

Bailey’s error was a big one, but there were also major clock management issues that did the Wolfpack in today.

There is enough blame to go around for everyone for State’s effort today.

Because it’s one thing to lose a game, but it’s another to lose it in such an embarrassing fashion.

Everyone is dunking on NC State right now.

Even people I haven't spoken to in years are suddenly coming out of the woodwork to share the horrible news with me.

The clip of CJ Bailey fumbling in the end zone will unfortunately live on forever.

This loss changes the entire outlook for the season.

I can't escape this.

Welcome to Heartbreak.

Published Sep 19, 2026

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