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 Bellamy Mansion Museum 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 Wilmington, 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.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond to provide great care for you or your loved ones. Always Best Care makes it possible to stay in home, and stay as independent as possible. ABC staff are there to assist in keeping you or your loved ones safe, healthy and happy. If you are looking for top quality care, you have found the right place!”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are 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 Greenfield Park 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 manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, 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.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington, 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.
Local and state leaders gathered to celebrate Avelo Airlines' newest base in Wilmington.Avelo Airlines has serviced Wilmington since June 2022, offering one-way flight fares starting at $39. The airline opened its base in Wilmington on Thursday, April 3."Welcome home," New Hanover Board of Commissioner Vice Chair LeAnn Pierce said.The new base includes positioning two aircrafts at Wilmington International Airport and adding three new destinations.Where to grow: ...
Local and state leaders gathered to celebrate Avelo Airlines' newest base in Wilmington.
Avelo Airlines has serviced Wilmington since June 2022, offering one-way flight fares starting at $39. The airline opened its base in Wilmington on Thursday, April 3.
"Welcome home," New Hanover Board of Commissioner Vice Chair LeAnn Pierce said.
The new base includes positioning two aircrafts at Wilmington International Airport and adding three new destinations.
"We want more flights, cheaper fares. That's what Avelo's bringing to Wilmington," Gov. Josh Stein said.
Pierce said Avelo's Wilmington base will allow more people to visit the Wilmington area and support local businesses.
"As our state continues to grow, we're grateful that Avelo is growing with us across our beautiful land. ... Avelo's investment here is going to help even more North Carolinians take flight, for that we're grateful," Stein said.
With having a base at Wilmington International Airport, Avelo plans to create up to 50 new jobs, including customer support, flight attendants, pilots, aircraft technical operations and maintenance, and supervisors.
All Avelo crew for the new base, like the planes, will reside in Wilmington.
"Since 2019, the airport has grown 58 percent," said Jeff Bourk, director at Wilmington International Airport.
The base comes alongside several improvement projects around the airport.
Over the next five years, Bourk said $200 million will be spent on infrastructure improvements to keep up with the growth.
Bourk said Avelo is the first airline to bring low-costs and the first to have a base in Wilmington International Airport.
"Avelo started it all," he said.
Avelo Airlines recently announced four new routes from Wilmington International Airport, expanding service along the East Coast and in the South.
Avelo Airlines now offers nonstop service to 14 destinations from Wilmington. Avelo services the following destinations:
Beginning in June 2025, Avelo will offer twice weekly services to the following destinations on a Boeing-Next Generation 737 aircraft:
Savanna Tenenoff is a reporter for the StarNews. Reach her at[email protected].
All home gardeners, the countdown is on.The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association’s 37th annual plant sale at the New Hanover County Arboretum is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you. It will take place starting Thursday, April 10, and will run to Sunday, April 13. Hours are Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.This year’s plant sale will feature over 4,500 perennials, 3,400 annuals, and over 600 hostas and ferns. There will be plenty of native p...
All home gardeners, the countdown is on.
The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association’s 37th annual plant sale at the New Hanover County Arboretum is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you. It will take place starting Thursday, April 10, and will run to Sunday, April 13. Hours are Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
This year’s plant sale will feature over 4,500 perennials, 3,400 annuals, and over 600 hostas and ferns. There will be plenty of native plants for you to choose that promote local wildlife and provide an easy-to-maintain gardening experience for your gardening needs. These plants are well suited to Wilmington's climate and will make your garden blossom. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-time gardener or a veteran gardener; there will be an abundance of plants to choose from.
There will be plenty of Master Gardeners on hand to offer expert advice to ensure you get the best plants for your garden. Master Gardeners will be especially helpful for first-time gardeners, ensuring they start their gardens with the perfect plants. The plant sale also features Mike Hoffman, an expert machinist. He will only be at this year’s plant sale for one day only — Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So, if you need your tools to be sharpened, be sure to stop by on Friday so your tools are sharpened and ready for the gardening season.
The highly anticipated Seed Swap will also be there every day at this year's plant sale. That means you can switch out old seeds from last season for new, exciting ones that will help bring your gardening dreams to life. This will be a perfect time to switch out those extra seeds for ones that will help your garden thrive. There will be over 600 seed packets to choose from and a chance to discover new seeds that are not available in stores, all while saving money. Even if you don’t have seeds to swap, you will still be able to join in on this thrilling event.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
There will be so much to offer at this year’s plant sale, so you can’t miss out on this once-a-year gardening event.
Madison Treadway is an intern at the New Hanover County Arboretum. The NC Cooperative Extension?New Hanover County Center is located at the arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. The gardens are free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach Treadway at [email protected] or 336-247-6447.
If you’ve ever been bitten by a fire ant, you certainly remember it. Some years back, I didn’t realize I was standing near a mound and suddenly found myself with numerous stinging bites on my foot.They were not only painful but itchy for days. Benadryl and anti-inch cream helped, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget the incident.Having been a homeowner here for more than 20 years, I’ve also spent quite a bit of time trying to keep these fierce invaders out of my yard.Now, thanks to reporter Ga...
If you’ve ever been bitten by a fire ant, you certainly remember it. Some years back, I didn’t realize I was standing near a mound and suddenly found myself with numerous stinging bites on my foot.
They were not only painful but itchy for days. Benadryl and anti-inch cream helped, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget the incident.
Having been a homeowner here for more than 20 years, I’ve also spent quite a bit of time trying to keep these fierce invaders out of my yard.
Now, thanks to reporter Gareth McGrath, I find out there are two different kinds of fire ants and they’re crossbreeding to create a more invasive species.
You’re kidding, right? Nope.
In today’s StarNews, Gareth does a great job explaining how fire ants got to North Carolina in the first place and the potential impact of this crossbreeding. He also has some tips on how to combat these nasty pests.
Another interesting read in today’s edition is our MyReporter story from Allison Ballard. One question we hear frequently in the community is why local bars and restaurants don’t offer happy hour drink specials. Allison explains the North Carolina law on happy hours and some other ABC rules.
Allison also has a story in today’s StarNews about the North Carolina restaurants that made Yelp’s list of the top 100 in the country for 2025.
I’m sure the three NC spots on the list are terrific, but I’m pretty bummed that none are in Wilmington. We have an amazing food scene here with some top-notch restaurants. In fact, Olivero recently made USA TODAY’s Restaurants of the Year list for 2025. And Catch made the USA TODAY list last year.
Maybe Yelp reviewers will take notice and we’ll see one of your local favorites in the top 100 next year.
Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at [email protected].
The Black Arts Alliance presents the 22nd annual North Carolina Black Film Festival. The four-day juried festival will be held April 10-13 in Wilmington.Here's what to know about the North Carolina Black Film Festival.What is the North Carolina Black Film Festival?The North Carolina Black Film Festival is produced by the Black Arts Alliance Inc., (a non-profit and registered 501c3). The festival is a four-day juried and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by Black filmmakers. Also, the f...
The Black Arts Alliance presents the 22nd annual North Carolina Black Film Festival. The four-day juried festival will be held April 10-13 in Wilmington.
Here's what to know about the North Carolina Black Film Festival.
The North Carolina Black Film Festival is produced by the Black Arts Alliance Inc., (a non-profit and registered 501c3). The festival is a four-day juried and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by Black filmmakers. Also, the festival features films on subjects of Black life, urban culture and Black history, showcasing shorts and documentary films. Trophies will be awarded in each category.
Thursday, April 10
The festival will begin with its opening reception ? CineMixer on April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College, 703 N. Third St., downtown Wilmington. The evening will include live music from Village Minded, hors d’oeuvres, and will end with two music documentary short films ? "ARP - African Rhythms Power," directed by Nelson Shongo Leoni, and "The Jazz Photographer," directed by Cedric D Ingram.
Friday, April 11
The festivities will continue on April 11 at 5 p.m. at Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess St. Several blocks of shorts, documentaries, narratives, and feature films will be shown. One of the feature films will be "Ghetto Children," directed by Zac Manuel, a coming-of-age documentary about three childhood friends navigating adulthood while each living in the shadows of their famous fathers’ legacies (Cash Money Records’ Juvenile, B.G., and Soulja Slim). The other feature will be "Cotton Candy Bubble Gum," directed by J Pinder. "Cotton Candy Bubble Gum" is a vibrant coming-of-age comedy following 21-year-old Carter as he navigates the complexities of adulthood. There also will be a special community screening of "Life in My Eyes" at 6:30 p.m. at Boseman's Shoes, 4127 Oleander Drive.
Saturday, April 12
Film screenings will take place on Saturday at Jengo’s Playhouse beginning at 10 a.m. and the Black Girls Film Camp returns with a block of films from 10-11 a.m. Black Girls Film Camp seeks to close the representation gap with Black girls in media by cultivating the next generation of storytellers and amplifying their stories. There will be a Cinematography 101 workshop with Isiah Donte? Lee, the 2025 Visionary Award in Cinematography Honoree at 11 a.m. at Vue21North, 1002-B Chestnut St. Starting at noon, the focus will shift to a variety of shorts and feature films. Family cinema will be from 1:20-3:05 p.m. featuring age-appropriate films for families.
The festival will honor film producer and animator Bruce W. Smith with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Animation at 6:10 p.m. Smith will share some highlights of his work including the Oscar-winning animated short "Hair Love." There will also be a "fireside chat" with Bruce moderated by North Carolina Black Film Festival operations administrator, Sandra McClammy, The Midday Miss from Coast 97.3 FM. Afterwards, the screening of "Our Movement Starts Here," directed by John Rash and Melanie Ho. "Our Movement Starts Here" is a documentary about a rural community that inspired an environmental justice movement by fighting the state of North Carolina's toxic landfill in 1982.
Sunday, April 13
The festival will close with an award ceremony honoring cinematographer Isiah Donte? Lee with the 2025 Visionary Award in Cinematography on April 13 at the Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. The festival will also present awards for best documentary, best short and best feature. The closing film will be "Minnie Evans: Draw or Die," directed by Linda Royal. The documentary explores the inspirational life and artistic mastery of one of the most important African-American artists of the 20th century.
For tickets, passes and the complete festival schedule, visit www.BlackArtsAlliance.org.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
MedNorth Health CenterMedNorth Health Center recently announced the election of Sonya Peele as Board Chair. Peele is the chief executive consultant of Work it Girl Coaching & Consulting.Peele, a multinational award-winning sales and marketing executive, has more than 30 years' experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and business industries. Peele has experienced great success as a sales trainer, facilitator, director, manager and entrepreneur.New Hanover County Tourism Development AuthorityThe New Han...
MedNorth Health Center recently announced the election of Sonya Peele as Board Chair. Peele is the chief executive consultant of Work it Girl Coaching & Consulting.
Peele, a multinational award-winning sales and marketing executive, has more than 30 years' experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and business industries. Peele has experienced great success as a sales trainer, facilitator, director, manager and entrepreneur.
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority recently announced three staff changes at the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Megan Buchbinder has been hired as executive vice president of Marketing and Strategy for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Also, two members of the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Sales and Services team have been promoted. Molly Johnson, who previously served as the director of convention sales, has been promoted to the role of vice president of sales and services. Ashley Ackary, who previously served as the visitor services/sales coordinator, has been promoted to sales manager.
Buchbinder was hired in March 2025 to fill the position of Shawn Braden, who retired earlier this year. Buchbinder duties will include strategic direction and development of marketing programs, overseeing media planning, creative development, website content and functions, collateral development, and research initiatives. Buchbinder is currently enrolled in the Destinations International Certified Destination Management Executive program which is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.
Johnson, CMP-Fellow, joined the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2015 and now has more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry with experience in sales and operations.
Ackary joined the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2021 after graduating from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Ackary's duties will include handling the North Carolina State Associations, Government, Education and Religious markets.
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.
The Community Association Management Services recently promoted Nealie Williams to vice president of business development. She has served as the director of business development since 2020. Williams joined Community Association Management Services and the community management industry in 2014 and has held roles as a client services representative, business development coordinator, executive assistant, and team lead for Community Association Management Services business development and onboarding operations.
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina recently welcome its new president and CEO Amy Beros to Food Bank's Wilmington branch. Beros, a longtime anti-poverty advocate, returns back to her home city to take the reins of the hunger relief organization.
The town of Wrightsville Beach recently hired Bailey Hartsell as its new communications manager. Hartsell will lead the town’s communication efforts, ensuring transparent, timely, and effective engagement with residents, businesses, and visitors. She has experience in public service, community engagement and strategic communication and have a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication and political science from Randolph-Macon College.
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage recently welcomed five agents to different offices in the Wilmington area.
Melissa O'Dell, a resident of Hampstead, joined the Hampstead office. O'Dell is a second-generation realtor. Her early exposure to the industry inspired her to pursue a career helping people navigate the buying and selling process.
Danielle Tarabiya joined the Autumn Hall office in Wilmington. With a background in IT project management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration, Tarabiya is excited to help people realize their dreams of homeownership.
Lora Price joined the Carolina Beach office, bringing years of experience in retail management. Price excels in communication, organization, and customer service.
Ashley Heath joined the Hampstead office. A former real estate paralegal, Heath has lived in Surf City for the past five years.
Jennifer Mullen joined the Topsail office after working as an administrative assistant for top producing Sea Coast agent. A Jacksonville native, Mullen is passionate about helping others find a place to call home.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
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