abc-logo
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

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Cowpens, SC

Home Care Cowpens, SC

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 Cowpens National Battlefield 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 Cowpens, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cowpens, SC

location Service Areas

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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us. I live out of state and I have a brother who lives near the client, but he has a full-time job. It really takes a village to take care of the clietn now. I just feel like this agency is part of that village. They really have his best interest at heart. They give great care, but they're also super easy to work with and you feel important with them. I have recommended the agency to many people. I like the owner, Phil. He is just a really stand-up guy. He is very knowledgeable and he is very empathetic. You don't get the feeling that he is in the business to make money and provide livelihood. He really cares about people and really wants the clients taken care of well. I think he has a lot of expertise and compassion. Everyone that we have dealt with there has been great. I also like the caregiver that we've had, Fawn. She has been with the client for over 15 months. She is just really great with the client. He is in assisted living now but we choose to have her go in still for more companion care for the client. She is just a really sweet person and helps us with keeping up to date with what the client needs. He just loves having her around.”

Crawford H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what they got to do. I like that they are really friendly and nice. They do not talk to him in a sharp way, they are really good with him.”

Paul B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so I asked them for someone a bit older, and they did that. I would recommend them because they are prompt, and they have good people.”

Gary K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she is has made this so positive. I like the assistant that they have sent to help my brother.”

Sandra S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very professional and they truly care about their clients...I highly recommend Always Best Care of Rock Hill”

Will J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one? Look no further than Phil and his team at Always Best Care of Rock Hill!”

Tamaya M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They are informative and helpful. When I need to schedule care, they are very responsive. Definitely a good choice in companion care.”

AshS
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always willing to help”

Christine B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill, SC is by far the best! They treat their clients and caregivers with generosity and compassion. They go "above and beyond" in every area. You can't go wrong with them.”

Loretta B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we needed to make changes in the schedule. After dealing with two other agencies I wish I had gone with them from the start. They deserve a 10!”

Bobbie S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“New Employee & I’m loving it already”

Sonda P.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a past client of this provider, but because I continue to receive words of encouragement and advise from them, I still claim the current client status. Their help with my mother that was provided while she was at home was fantastic. They also have helped guide us through hospital and rehab stays. I would have to give them a 5 star rating and honestly can not think of one thing that went wrong on their part while we used their care The Caregiver was excellent. I wholeheartedly would recommend Always Best Care to anyone that finds themselves needing a caregiver to come along beside them.”

CBrakefield
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at Always Best Care were very responsive to our needs for 24/7 care for about 8 weeks. They try hard to have the same caregivers come to the house for continuity of care. The family really appreciated Phil's assistance with placing my parents in Assisted Living. His knowledge of the local York County homes was invaluable to placing my parents in a welcoming environment. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to help with senior care!”

Mary E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always willing to help”

Christine G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents. They're fantastic. The caregivers are professional, courteous, entertaining, and accommodating. They mainly provide medication management and companionship. I feel like they give personal touches, and there's a certain professionalism to them that other agencies I contacted didn't have.”

Van
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed you.”

Robin J.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past year. The AMAZING part is that I live in CA and they're providing these services in Rock Hill. When I have any questions they are quick to get my answer back in a timely manner.”

James G.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers for my 91 year old father for more than 2 years now. I have been happy with their staff. My father is cared for with love and dignity and with their help I've been able to keep him in my home.”

Laura A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in locating an assisted living facility for my Mother. Very professional and I would use them again.”

TWright
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good job with providing home assistance with my mother and I am happy to recommend their services to others. The home care assistantswere friendly, patient, and respectful. Above all, I was extremely pleased with the active role the president, Phil Davidson, took in my mother’s care. He was exceptional at balancing professionalism and personal concern as he took a genuine interest in my mother’s well-being, he checked in periodically to see how the home care was going, and he diligently communicated with both family and staff. Phil’s efforts and those of the ABC staff are very much appreciated.”

Stephen S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful live-in care for our Grandfather from June through October 2013. Our family found ourselves in the most unimaginable situation when our Grandmother was unexpectedly hospitalized in late May and ultimately passed away in June. As you know, she was the sole caregiver for our Grandfather who has severe Alzheimer's disease. We are so very fortunate that we discovered your agency! You were able to promptly place qualified caregivers in his home and this gave our family immediate peace of mind. The level of care and compassion that you and your caregivers demonstrated toward our Grandfather is more than we ever anticipated and we will be forever grateful. You all walked with him through the terrible tragedy of losing his wife of 67 years. You and your staff provided extraordinary physical and emotional care for him through his grief and made getting him back to a "normal" life your top priority upon her death. In addition to the care you all provided my Grandfather, you were so kind to help educate us on the progression of Alzheimer's. You were a wonderful resource to us on what to expect in the next phases of this disease and help us plan for long-term care for him. While we are very sad to have to place him in a memory care-assisted living facility, we made the decision knowing that this will be the best place for him as he ages and his disease worsens. Your guidance and expertise in helping us choose the right facility for him helped make this daunting task bearable. Thank you again for all that you have done for our grandfather and for our family! We will be forever grateful!”

Ashley S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your business. You really stand out in an industry and a time when people just go through the motions. You are a very special man and I pray that you will be very successful in your business.”

K L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during this summer. The care givers that we had were excellent and very professional. Thanks for being so flexible with the scheduling.”

John A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“"Phil Davidson with Always Best Care was an answer to prayers! After unexpectedly losing my dad and have my mom move in with us (and being new to the area), I didn't know where to start in finding the right new home for my mom. A friend recommended Phil to us and after my first phone conversation, I was instantly at ease knowing I had a knowledgeable caring partner in this important search. He was always available and prompt in answering my endless questions. I was amazed at the time and effort he put in to our search never pressing me in a particular direction but guiding me based on our budget and priorities. He was also wonderful in connecting me to other professionals from the Veteran's Administration to Financial experts to help with other areas where we had questions. After many months, we did find the right fit for my mom and I owe that to Phil. Phil, know that I am always happy to be a reference and talk/email with anyone. Thank you again and I appreciate your follow up on Mama. I know there is an adjustment period and especially with the new facility as it fills ???? It's priceless having her so close!”

Kristin Y.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Cowpens, SC?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

 Senior Care Cowpens, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Cowpens, SC

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

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

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

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Cowpens, SC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Cowpens, SC
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 Gordon Henry Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Cowpens, SC
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 Dolline's on Main or visit Visitor Center, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Cowpens, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Cowpens, SC

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.

Request More Information vector

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 Cowpens, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Cowpens, SC

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

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 Cowpens, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

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

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

Assisted Living Referral Services

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

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


Respite Care Cowpens, SC

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

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

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Cowpens, SC

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:

  • Charles Lea Center For Rehab
  • Charles Lea Center-Rehab & Specialties
  • Pacifica Senior Living Skylyn
  • Eden Terrace of Spartanburg
  • Woodland Place Senior Living
  • Bevid Place
Home Care Cowpens, SC

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

 In-Home Care Cowpens, SC

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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Cowpens, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Cowpens, SC

Latest News in Cowpens, SC

Powerball player wins big in SC. What she did next left her family ‘stunned’

A “spontaneous” Powerball player scored a huge prize — and her next move left her family “stunned,” officials said.The woman made the unexpected decision to share some of her prize money with her siblings, according to the South Carolina Education Lottery.“I wanted to make positive changes for my family,” the Spartanburg-area winner told lottery officials in an April 18 news release.The woman sh...

A “spontaneous” Powerball player scored a huge prize — and her next move left her family “stunned,” officials said.

The woman made the unexpected decision to share some of her prize money with her siblings, according to the South Carolina Education Lottery.

“I wanted to make positive changes for my family,” the Spartanburg-area winner told lottery officials in an April 18 news release.

The woman shared the wealth after she bought a ticket that matched all but one number picked in the Feb. 28 drawing. Since she spent an extra dollar on the Power Play option, her $50,000 prize doubled to $100,000, McClatchy News reported.

“I was definitely surprised,” the woman said. “I kept rechecking it to be sure it was true.”

The prize was the real deal, and the woman scored it after she bought her lucky ticket on a whim.

She was at a Scotchman convenience store in Cowpens when she reportedly made the “spontaneous,” “spur of the moment” decision to play Powerball. She chose the Quick Pick option, meaning a machine randomly chose the numbers for her.

It turns out, her $3 ticket matched five of the six numbers picked in the lottery’s drawing. But it was one number from winning that night’s estimated jackpot of $414 million, drawing results show.

The winner — who wasn’t identified in the news release — kept $69,500 after taxes, lottery spokesperson Holli Armstrong told McClatchy News in an email.

To score a jackpot in the Powerball, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball.

The odds of scoring the jackpot prize are 1 in 292,201,338.

Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state.

Drawings are broadcast Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be streamed online.

Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Find American history and really big trees at South Carolina’s top national parks

The Palmetto State has more than its fair share of sites that showcase key moments in American history, as well as a national park that showcases astounding champion trees.At these attractions, you can take your sweet time strolling nature paths, listening to the birdsong and admiring nature’s beauty – while learning about the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction.Here are the best national park experiences in...

The Palmetto State has more than its fair share of sites that showcase key moments in American history, as well as a national park that showcases astounding champion trees.

At these attractions, you can take your sweet time strolling nature paths, listening to the birdsong and admiring nature’s beauty – while learning about the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction.

Here are the best national park experiences in South Carolina.

Discover the towering scope of ancient trees with a visit to South Carolina’s only “scenic” national park. Primordial cypresses, giant upland pines and water tupelos count among its towering specimens – the highest concentration of “champion-size” trees (aka the biggest of their species) anywhere in North America.

Look out for the massive loblolly pine, which rises to over 170ft tall. If that’s not enough, the park also protects the eastern US’s largest tract of old-growth bottomland forest, low-lying land that’s periodically covered by water throughout the year.

The best way to see the trees – and to admire the beauty of this unique park – is along the 2.6-mile elevated Boardwalk Trail. You can also paddle along the Congaree River, its dark, tannic-dyed waters hiding turtles, frogs and other watery life.

Bring your own canoe or kayak, or join a paddling tour led by a park ranger. You can also rent a watercraft in Columbia, a 30-minute drive away.

If you thought the Revolutionary War didn’t extend to the Southern states, think again. Among several battles that took place in South Carolina, one of the most significant took place at Cowpens.

The battle occurred on January 17, 1781, near present-day Gaffney. The site was, literally, a wide-open woodland (or “cowpens”) where early cattle drovers would camp overnight.

On the fateful day, Gen Daniel Morgan strategically deployed his Continental troops here against Lt Col Banastre Tarleton’s forces. The end result: more than 1000 losses for the British and about 150 for the Americans.

The park includes a visitor center and a walking tour through the battlefield.

Two forts guard the entrance to Charleston’s harbor, emblems of South Carolina’s roles in both the Civil War and Revolutionary War.

The more famous of the two is Fort Sumter. On April 12, 1861, the Confederate Army opened fire on the Union fort: the first battle of the Civil War. The bombardment ensued for 34 hours, followed by a Union surrender.

The Confederate troops occupied the installation, making it a symbol of resistance – though constant shelling from Union troops over the course of the war virtually destroyed it. Visitors today can see the cannons and fortifications that remain and hear lots of stories about this crucial fortification.

On nearby Sullivan’s Island, Fort Moultrie is where Col William Moultrie’s South Carolinians warded off a British attack in one of the Revolutionary War’s first Patriot victories.

The only way to visit both forts is by boat shuttle, departing from Liberty Sq in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point across the harbor.

Thomas Jefferson called it the “turn of the tide of success.” During the Revolutionary War, American and Loyalist soldiers clashed on this isolated ridge, just below the North Carolina line, on October 7, 1780.

Fighting tree to tree with rifles and bayonets, the rebels won the first American victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston.

The park preserves important battle sites, with markers and monuments that detail the action. At the visitor center, you can watch an introductory film, see exhibits and consult a map of the walking trail that winds through the battlefield.

Explore more along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a 330-mile route through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina that follows the path of the American militia leading up to the battle of Kings Mountain.

In addition to the famous Yorktown, the town of Ninety Six presents some of the Revolutionary War’s best remnants of original siege lines anywhere. Established in the early 1700s, this crossroads town was so named because of its location 96 miles from the nearest Keowee village.

Twelve roads passed through it – more than in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1863 – helping it to flourish in terms of commerce, trade and transportation. Then the war came along.

In November 1775, Americans and Loyalists faced each other in a three-day battle here, ending in an uneasy truce. The Americans built an important post, subsequently seized by the British in 1780.

Another battle erupted in 1781, when Gen Nathanael Greene’s army arrived to take the British fort, initiating what became the war’s longest siege. Greene’s forces ultimately failed – though the British were so weakened, they moved their post to Charleston.

Today, the visitor center has exhibits on the site’s history, while walking trails wander past earthworks, cannon and exhibits.

As a child, Charles Pinckney split his time between the family’s Charleston mansion and Snee Farm, a rice and indigo plantation just outside of Charleston where enslaved individuals toiled.

Pickney is also known for his political involvement in the revolutionary cause: he contributed at least 25 clauses to the U.S. Constitution, before serving four terms as state governor and Thomas Jefferson’s ambassador to Spain.

But as a member of one of the state’s wealthiest and most politically powerful families, Pinckney inherited the plantation (as well as the Charleston mansion) in 1782 and continued to run the "family business" – thanks to, per the 1810 census, 58 enslaved people.

While much of the plantation was sold off over the years, the NPS has preserved 28 acres of it as the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, a quiet place sprinkled with ornamental gardens and pockets of moss-draped live oaks.

A visitor center occupies an old 1828 farmhouse, offering exhibits on Pinckney the politician, the African people he enslaved and the operations of the plantation.

There are walking trails and archaeological displays to explore: for instance, archaeologists have unearthed delftware and pearlware once used by the elite. Archaeologists also uncovered a bounty of colonoware – unrefined, handmade earthenware widely used by enslaved people on the property. Farm tours are also available.

Many historians claim Beaufort County in the Lowcountry to be the birthplace of Reconstruction, the tumultuous, post–Civil War era (between 1861 and 1898) when the reunited nation faced the economic and social legacies of slavery.

Established only in 2019, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a work in progress, its aim to spotlight nationally important places and events throughout Beaufort County that reflect this stormy time.

The park includes four sites in and near Beaufort. Penn Center on St Helena Island was founded in 1862 by Northern missionaries as the first school in the South for formerly enslaved West Africans. Today, the historic building houses a cultural and educational center.

Enslaved people constructed Brick Baptist Church on St Helena Island for white planters. After emancipation, the edifice became a school for formerly enslaved individuals, and today it hosts an active church congregation.

On New Year’s Day in 1863, Union Army Gen Rufus Saxton publicly read the Emancipation Proclamation to 3,000 Black soldiers and formerly enslaved people at Port Royal’s Camp Saxton.

The Old Beaufort Firehouse in downtown Beaufort serves as the new park’s visitor center and offers a good starting point for your visit.

New speculative building with 1.2 million SF coming to Cowpens industrial park

A nearly 1.2 million-square-foot industrial facility that will be one of the largest speculative buildings ever constructed in Spartanburg County has broken ground near Cowpens.The Class A building will be located in Upstate Corporate Park on a 106-acre site off Mount Olive Road, across from Dollar Tree’s southeast distribution center. It is being constructed by Evans General Contractors. The 1,189,440-square-foot facility is a concrete tilt-wall project that will include a 40-foot minimum clear height, 50-foot by 56-foot column...

A nearly 1.2 million-square-foot industrial facility that will be one of the largest speculative buildings ever constructed in Spartanburg County has broken ground near Cowpens.

The Class A building will be located in Upstate Corporate Park on a 106-acre site off Mount Olive Road, across from Dollar Tree’s southeast distribution center. It is being constructed by Evans General Contractors. The 1,189,440-square-foot facility is a concrete tilt-wall project that will include a 40-foot minimum clear height, 50-foot by 56-foot column spacing, 70-foot speed bays, and a 200-foot truck court with ample trailer parking.

The building’s flexible design is the product of collaboration between the multi-national architectural firm, NELSON Worldwide, and Carolinas’ leading civil engineering firm, Seamon Whiteside. The project is being capitalized by institutional owners, and the Greenville commercial real estate firm NAI Earle Furman will handle both the leasing and development management. The project is slated to be delivered in early 2024.

“We’re excited a high-quality industrial developer has taken the lead on the Upstate Corporate Park, one of the premier industrial parks in the region,” said David Britt, chairman of economic development in Spartanburg County. “The Upstate Corporate Park is a shining example of the kind of collaboration you can find in Spartanburg, and across the Upstate. This park represents significant opportunities for industrial users to establish operations that will, in turn, be career opportunities for residents in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties.”

Upstate Corporate Park is in the rapidly growing southeastern corridor along I-85, a strategically advantageous location for both manufacturing and distribution operations. The park offers access to an available labor pool creating a competitive advantage for manufacturing operations and offers distribution users access to 40 million people within a one-day drive, which is 38 percent more than Atlanta and 41 percent more than Charlotte.

Allen Tate raises over $20K for education

The Upstate offices of Allen Tate Realtors recently gathered to raise more than $20,000 to benefit public education in the region through the company’s annual FUNday event.

Although the event has been an Allen Tate mainstay for 25 years, the 2022 edition was the first in-person gathering after two years of virtual fundraising due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2022 event was part of four such Allen Tate gatherings across the Carolinas, which to date have raised more than $2.51 million for public education.

More than 100 people attended Greenville event held Oct. 20 at the Saskatoon Lodge. Festivities included a live auction, costume content, DJ, photo booth, beer and wine pull, reverse raffle and games. Local education organizations that will benefit from Allen Tate FUNday dollars include Greenville County, Spartanburg, Oconee, Pickens and Anderson One school districts.

Coffey among those earning luxury title

Kasey Coffey, a lifetime resident of the Upstate and team leader of The Coffey House Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors, has earned the designation of Luxury Collection Specialist, the agency has announced.

Luxury Collection Specialists are skilled in the buying and selling of luxury homes that reside in the top 10 percent of their local market, according to C. Dan Joyner Realtors. A Fountain Inn resident, Coffey attended Hillcrest High School and North Greenville University, and obtained his real estate license in 2014.

Today's Top Headlines

Other C. Dan Joyner Realtors who have recently earned the designation include Della Toates, Patrick Toates, Liz Nunnally, Jennifer Davis, Brian Sullivan, Jeff Meister, Robbie Haney, Alex Crigler, Melissa Morrell and Sharon Calhoun.

Area’s 3Q price jump ranks in U.S. top 10

The Greenville metro area was among the U.S. markets that saw the biggest increase in the prices of existing single-family homes in the third quarter of 2022, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Single-family existing-home sales prices increased 18.8 percent from the third quarter of 2021 to the third quarter of 2022, the NAR said. That jump by the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin metropolitan statistical area was the sixth-biggest nationally, though not the largest in South Carolina—the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach MSA saw prices jump 21.1 percent over that same period, according to the NAR, good for third nationally.

The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Fla., area led the nation with an existing single-family home price increase of 23.8 percent between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022. Nationally, the price rose 8.6 percent, although that figure is a slowdown from the 14.2 percent increase seen in the second quarter of the year.

“Much lower buying capacity has slowed home price growth and the trend will continue until mortgage rates stop rising,” said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. “The median income needed to buy a typical home has risen to $88,300 – that’s almost $40,000 more than it was prior to the start of the pandemic, back in 2019.”

Johnson attains SIOR designation

Hal Johnson, the chief development officer of the Greenville-based commercial real estate firm NAI Earle Furman, has attained the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation, the company has announced.

Johnson works in conjunction with NAI Earle Furman leadership team to strategically direct business development plans and design and implement processes to support the growth and success of their individual clients. He also works directly with clients and business partners to ensure the success of their projects and determine evolving market needs.

During his career, Johnson has also worked with many large companies including BMW, Michelin, Magna, Walmart, Oatly, Inc., Lennox, Food Lion, Husqvarna and Zeus. Only the industry’s top professionals qualify for the SIOR, a professional symbol of the highest level of knowledge, production, and ethics in the commercial real estate industry.

Prior to joining NAI Earle Furman, Johnson served six years with the Orangeburg County Development Commission as its executive director, and three years with the South Carolina Department of Commerce as a Project Manager before becoming president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance in 2005. He served in this capacity for almost nine years and was named the 2013 Economic Developer of the Year by the South Carolina Economic Development Association.

Greenville has the 11th-largest stock of build-to-rent (BTR) homes in the country, according a report from the research division of the apartment search site RentCafe.com. The city saw 584 homes built specifically to rent in 2022, with another 529 constructed in 2023, bringing the metro area’s total number of BTR units to 1,455.

Build-to-rent homes are single-family homes (which can be attached or detached) constructed by developers with the purpose of renting rather than selling them. Nationally, the number of BTR units has skyrocketed over the past decade, from 4,056 in 2014 to 27,495 in 2023, according to RentCafe. Greenville has seen a 473 percent increase in BTR deliveries over the past five years, the site added.

The BTR inventory in the United States is expected to eventually double, according to John Burns Research and Consulting. The Palmetto State has at least 66 active BTR communities, according to a March report from South Carolina Public Radio, among them the Harrington Trail and Fairforest Creekside developments in Greenville and Durham in Spartanburg.

Greenville’s available home inventory is ticking up from historic lows brought about by the pandemic buying frenzy, with 4,215 residential listings in March, the most recent month for which figures were available. The median sales price that month was $311,704, up 6.5 percent from the previous year. The Greenville-Spartanburg area also had a multifamily occupancy rate of 88.6 percent as of the first quarter of 2024, according to the commercial real estate firm Colliers South Carolina.

Greenville’s BTR inventory is the highest among metros in the Palmetto State, according to RentCafe. Myrtle Beach ranked 16th nationally with 1,181 units, and Charleston 18th with 964. Phoenix led the nation with 12,357 BTR units as of the end of 2023.

Cowpens festival honors veterans

A historic upstate South Carolina town is so small that you might miss its exit on Interstate-85, but to Merle Gault, it’s home.During Father’s Day weekend, the red, white and blue colors are hoisted high in Cowpens as the 2.3 square-mile town celebrates the Mighty Moo.“If you don’t know what the Mighty Moo is you’re losing out on a lot of things,” said Gault, a Cowpens resident.The town holds the four-day celebration each year to honor and remember Navy crewmembers of the USS Cowpens ...

A historic upstate South Carolina town is so small that you might miss its exit on Interstate-85, but to Merle Gault, it’s home.

During Father’s Day weekend, the red, white and blue colors are hoisted high in Cowpens as the 2.3 square-mile town celebrates the Mighty Moo.

“If you don’t know what the Mighty Moo is you’re losing out on a lot of things,” said Gault, a Cowpens resident.

The town holds the four-day celebration each year to honor and remember Navy crewmembers of the USS Cowpens CVL-25 who served in World War II and those from the USS Cowpens CG-63, which is currently active in the US Navy’s fleet. This year’s 41st festival was June 13-16.

The festival is packed with various events for visitors and residents. This year, those events included, rides, performances, and fireworks. Vendors were also there this year.

“It’s to welcome traveling veterans from across the country and their families that come into Cowpens, and it’s a lot like a church social or a family reunion,” said Jan Humphries, a member of the Mighty Moo Committee and the official point of contact between the community, the ship and veterans.

The history of the festival is one Cowpens clings to and celebrates.

According to documentation at the Cowpens Museum, during World War II, George D. Martin, a Cowpens businessman, wrote to President Franklin Roosevelt asking that an aircraft carrier be named after the town of Cowpens. This wasn’t an unqualified request since Cowpens was the site of the pivotal Revolutionary War battle.

Many saw the naming of the ship as an appropriate honor, and so did President Roosevelt.

On May 28, 1943, the USS Cowpens was commissioned in Philadelphia, jumpstarting a distinguished combat career.

The CVL-25 “was in active service for three years during WWII. She was floating next to the Missouri when the Japanese signed the peace treaty. And her planes flew off her deck and were the first to land in Japan after the end of the war,” said Humphries.

The ship earned 12 battle stars and a navy unit commendation for her service in World War II, according to the Mighty Moo website.

Carswell Wynne served as plane captain on the USS Cowpens CVL-25 and recalls being near the Missouri at the end of the war.

“Going into Tokyo Bay on the first American Air Craft Carrier, [being] anchored close to the Battleship Missouri when all the dignitaries came aboard to sign the surrender, [and] walking the streets of Tokyo two weeks after the surrender [were] all exciting to participate in,” he said. “[But,] the most exciting time was when the going home pennant went up and our ship was headed for home.”

“The Mighty Moo” was the nickname given to the ship by its crew, because of the “mooing” sound the ship made as it moved through the water, according to accounts from the crew. Cowpens picked up on the nickname in 1977, turning the annual festival into the ship’s namesake.

“Well it initially started following, the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. The first reunion of the USS Cowpens CVL-25 WWII ship was held in ’77. And all they did was put a blurb in several newspapers throughout the southeast,” said Humphries.

But that blurb was more than enough to draw a crowd. According to the Mighty Moo website, about “1,500 visitors” showed up to enjoy the “rides, flea market, and colonial experiences” the first year.

On March 9, 1991, the USS Cowpens CG-63, a guided missile cruiser, was commissioned in Charleston, South Carolina.

“We call it, the ‘new ship,’ even though she’s 26 years old… She’s the first of the guided missile cruiser group that’s being renovated, updated, modernized with all of their security, technology, everything. She’s going to be top of the line. They are anticipating that she will be back in active service late 2019 to mid-2020,” Humphries said.

The ship has set many records, including an unparalleled track of six successive battle efficiency awards.

With the crew from two different ships, the amount of people that the annual festival drew grew, which Humphries attributes to the uniqueness of the festival.

“We say, and very proudly say, that we are the only community in the United States that has this type of event. I’ve had military career sailors, veterans tell me, ‘I’ve been/served on six or seven ships and I’ve never seen anything like what Cowpens has done with the Mighty Moo.’ Never. It’s not done,” said Humphries.

The future of the festival faces a challenge as the number of World War II veterans dwindles.

Just four of the eight surviving CVL-25 crewmen were able to attend this year’s festival.

“It’s very hard and sad. It breaks your heart because we are family. It’s kind of what the adopt-a-crew emphasis is. Celebrating our family that served on our ship and they are now part of the Cowpens family. It’s very hard losing our WWII crewmen,” said Humphries.

The dwindling number of crewmen isn’t lost on Humphries and many others.

“There’s only four of us from the CLV-25 here this year, and we’ll be dropping off year by year. So, the CG-63 people take up the representation of the Cowpens ship,” said Ray Williams, a WWII USS Cowpens CVL-25 crewman.

Wynne, too, is aware of that reality but plans to relish every moment.

“Words can’t explain the joy we have when coming to The Mighty Moo Festival,” Wynne said. “This could be my last year, but if I can crawl, I’ll be here next year,” he said.

Humphries is confident the younger crew members of the CG-63 will take up the baton and represent the ships at future reunions as they get older.

“You know when you’re young, you don’t think about reunions … But as you get older, you think back to the history, the times, the experience you shared,” she said. “I’m very proud of them, and I’m very sure that they will step up and continue for our WWII crew.”

But for some, coming to Cowpens once a year wasn’t enough.

Joe Giannini was on the original ship in World War II. Gianni, a lifelong resident of New York had eight children who he exposed to the Mighty Moo celebration.

His son, Mark, a New York city fireman who brought his family to the festival for almost 20 years, served during 9/11 and recently retired from the New York City Fire Department. After retirement, he moved his family to Spartanburg County and built a house on a local lake last summer.

“That’s all funneled through Mighty Moo because of the relationships and the connection that’s been made over the years,” Humphries said. “They have fallen in love with the area, the people, so we are thrilled to have them.”

Humphries hopes others follow their lead. “If you haven’t gotten here yet, come on and visit us. We are waiting for you, anytime you can make it. We will love on you, spoil you and wear you out, but we will have a fantabulous time,” she said.

For more information about the festival, visit cowpensmightymoo.com.

Alline Lavonna Gaffney Brown

COWPENS, SC-- Mrs. Alline Brown, born Alline Lavonna Gaffney on April 14, 1929, near Thickety Mountain in Cherokee County, SC was reared in Cowpens, SC.She was the 5th child of James Warren and Julia Marie (Mills) Gaffney. To the union, four children were born to Mrs. Brown and the late Mr. Uzie Brown, Sr., Willie James, Uzee, Jr., Ethelene, and Delois Marie. She and her husband were married for 42 years.Mrs. Brown graduated from Cowpens High School in 1946. She worked as a special education teaching assistant for Cowpens Eleme...

COWPENS, SC-- Mrs. Alline Brown, born Alline Lavonna Gaffney on April 14, 1929, near Thickety Mountain in Cherokee County, SC was reared in Cowpens, SC.

She was the 5th child of James Warren and Julia Marie (Mills) Gaffney. To the union, four children were born to Mrs. Brown and the late Mr. Uzie Brown, Sr., Willie James, Uzee, Jr., Ethelene, and Delois Marie. She and her husband were married for 42 years.

Mrs. Brown graduated from Cowpens High School in 1946. She worked as a special education teaching assistant for Cowpens Elementary School, as an employee of Collins and Aikmans Textile, and as a childcare provider. She was the first Black manager of Southland Shopping Center Cafeteria. At an early age Mrs. Brown joined Island Creek Baptist Church.

For more than sixty years at Foster's Grove Baptist Church, she faithfully served as the pianist and choir director, deaconess, Sunday School teacher and vice president of the Sympathy Club. She was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Brown always believed that hard work is a virtue that leads to achievement. She was a supportive wife, and continued to be a supportive mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, relative and friend.

Throughout her life she preached that no hurdle, challenge or plateau of success was greater than faith in God, the power of prayer, and a willingness to work. She lived a full and blessed life.

Mrs. Brown leaves to celebrate her life; children, Deacon Willie James (Cornelia) Brown, Sr. of Cowpens, Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr. of Atlanta, Mrs. Ethelene Brown Palmer of the home, Reverend Delois Brown-Daniels (Reverend Dr. David Daniels, III) of Chicago, Mrs. Daisy Mae Dawkins of Spartanburg, and Mr. Zebedee (Effie) Brown of Spartanburg; brothers, Mr. James Warren Gaffney, Jr. of Virginia Beach, Mr. Smith Elbert Gaffney (Sandra), and Mr. Howard Benjamin Gaffney (Hattie), both of Gaffney, SC; grandchildren, Willie James Brown, Jr., Brandon C. Brown, Sonya L. Palmer, Leroy Palmer, Jr., Jason C. Palmer, David D. Daniels, IV, DeAndrea M. Daniels, Gail Brown, Stephanie Brown, Stefon Brown, Odis Dawkins, Cynthia Dawkins West, Sheila McGill, Michael McGill, Linda McGill, and Brenda McGill; cherished great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Brown was predeceased by siblings, Anthony James Gaffney, Anita Marie Hunter, Samuel Edwin Gaffney, Vivian Gaffney Moore, and Weldon David Gaffney and a newborn.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010, at 3:00 PM at Foster Grove Baptist Church. Reverend Horace Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Brown will lie in state from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:00 PM at the John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel on Sunday, August 15, 2010.

J. W. Woodward

Funeral Home

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.