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 Rock Hill Clock Tower 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 Rock Hill, SC 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.
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver is a great communicator with us.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that come in and do what”
“I am a current client of this provider The first person was kind of young, so”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver as a person and who she”
“Phil Davidson and his staff provides the best service around in the York County area...Very”
“Looking for a loving and caring place for a parent, grandparent or any loved one?”
“I am a current client of this provider I have enjoyed working with Always Best. They”
“Always willing to help”
“I have worked for many agencies as a CNA. Always Best Care of Rock Hill,”
“They gave my mother the most wonderful, loving care. They were very accommodating when we”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“I am a current client of this provider I could probably say that I was a”
“Needed care for my mother with dementia, and father with medical issues. The team at”
“Always willing to help”
“I am a current client of this provider We're using Always Best Care for my parents.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed”
“I have had the best support from a caring and supporting staff over the past”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has been providing care givers”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care service was very helpful in”
“I can honestly say that Always Best Care in Rock Hill did a very good”
“Dear Phil, "We would like to thank you and your staff for providing such wonderful”
“Phil, We so love Sara and are very appreciative for the way you run your”
“Dear Phil, Thank you and your team for providing the great help and assistance during”
“"Phil Davidson with Always Best Care was an answer to prayers! After unexpectedly losing my”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
“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!”
“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.”
“Always willing to help”
“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.”
“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!”
“New Employee & I’m loving it already”
“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.”
“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!”
“Always willing to help”
“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.”
“Excellent care was given to my mother. Thank you for being there when we needed you.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“"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!”
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 Westminster 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 The Pump House or visit Rock Hill Civil Rights Memorial, 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 Rock Hill, 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.
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 Rock Hill, 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.
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 Rock Hill, 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.
Rock Hill’s newest park won’t be like any of its others.It isn’t all ball fields or basketball courts. It’s more of a connection point, aimed straight for the heart of the city.“This would be the spine of our downtown area,” said former city manager Joe Lanford. “Other things will feed into it, but it is a kind of linear park with civic spaces that tell Rock Hill’s story.”A new park called Storyline launched Tuesday. It’s an urban linear park concept similar to ...
Rock Hill’s newest park won’t be like any of its others.
It isn’t all ball fields or basketball courts. It’s more of a connection point, aimed straight for the heart of the city.
“This would be the spine of our downtown area,” said former city manager Joe Lanford. “Other things will feed into it, but it is a kind of linear park with civic spaces that tell Rock Hill’s story.”
A new park called Storyline launched Tuesday. It’s an urban linear park concept similar to the High Line in New York City, BeltLine in Atlanta and The Underline in Miami. A linear park is an outdoor space that connects other parks, gathering spots or landmarks.The planned Lowcountry Lowline in Charleston has similar features.
Storyline will stretch about 2 miles from Winthrop University to Fountain Park.
It could, in time, spur across to areas like Clinton College or the new 100-acre regional park planned between downtown and Heckle Boulevard.
“Storyline, over time, will be much more than this one small linear park,” said Mayor John Gettys. “We’ll see this be part of Rock Hill’s fabric for generations.”
Lanford offered plans to reshape downtown Rock Hill five years ago.
He proposed a $50 million development known as The Link to city officials and economic leaders. The privately funded project across from the former Herald property on Main Street would have a five-story apartment building with 280 units, plus a 700-space parking deck.
The Link, though, was part of something bigger. Storyline, Lanford told city officials at the time, would include Old Town, the former Herald site, the Cotton Factory, Family Trust headquarters, University Center and Mill Village.
New and existing spots to stop along the way, like Freedom Walkway, would offer insight into the city and its history.
The Link and the former Herald site would be connected by a new pedestrian bridge over Dave Lyle Boulevard that also would highlight the birthplace of Rock Hill. Lanford talked about creating an iconic bridge that could become a focal point for the city.
Some of those plans changed in recent years, but others remain. Lanford isn’t involved with the Link project and doesn’t know what may go there. He is working on redevelopment at the former Herald site.
Construction should begin there early next year to bring hundreds of apartments, retail sites and a brew pub.
There are still plans for that focal pedestrian bridge. The city announced a record $10 million federal grant this year to build it.
Construction won’t start until at least the end of next year, or more likely in 2026, Gettys said Tuesday. The bridge is the most identifiable part of Storyline.
“That’s the link between the old downtown and the new downtown,” Lanford said. “That’s the link that keeps us from having two ‘downtowns’ (opposite sides of Dave Lyle) competing with each other. We have one with some synergy.”
Gettys announced a Comporium donation of $25,000 on Tuesday for Storyline. That money will be used to hire a consultant to determine features. Public groups will help, too.
Storyline could take 10 or 20 years to complete, Lanford said. The wait for construction on that pedestrian bridge will allow time for focus groups to meet, Gettys said. The bridge will go in near a marker by the railroad tracks that commemorates the city’s birthplace.
“The founding of Rock Hill is right there, so I’m sure that’ll be one of the first areas,” Gettys said.
Neither Lanford nor Gettys could provide a cost for the park.
Many of its features are already there, with Storyline simply connecting them using signage, artwork or public gathering spaces. Some features will be added by developers as properties like the former Herald site or others along White Street are built.
New projects, like a planned performing arts center near Fountain Park, will be incorporated as they come.
Gettys doesn’t expect much local public money to be spent on Storyline, especially since the $10 million federal grant was announced for the new pedestrian bridge.
Storyline will tell the city’s story past and present, Gettys said, from its textile mills to its reinvention as a commercial and cultural hub in the Charlotte region. The story has a rich history just in recent decades, Lanford said. Few people knew about Rock Hill when he became city manager in 1980.
“Everybody thought we were just a mill town, we’d always been a mill town and we couldn’t be anything else,” Lanford said.
Gettys presented Lanford with a key to the city Tuesday, recognizing his years of work in economic development. Lanford helped change the perception of Rock Hill and he believes Storyline could, too.
“The image and perception of Rock Hill, that people have Rock Hill, is what creates wealth,” Lanford said. “It enriches people while they’re here. That perception of Rock Hill is what creates investment and sustains prosperity.”
It’ll be up to the city how quickly Storyline progresses, or what features it might have. Lanford is confident in civic leaders today who share his interest in improving Rock Hill.
“It’s difficult for people or cities or anyone else to see themselves as anything other than what they already are,” he said. “So you have to be creative. I think the secret to being creative is looking at the same thing everybody else is looking at and seeing something different.”
The Herald
John Marks graduated from Furman University in 2004 and joined the Herald in 2005. He covers community growth, municipalities, transportation and education mainly in York County and Lancaster County. The Fort Mill native earned dozens of South Carolina Press Association awards and multiple McClatchy President’s Awards for news coverage in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
ROCK HILL, S.C.The state semifinals now await the undefeated Northwestern football team.It was another night in which the Trojans’ high-powered offense fired on all cylinders in a 35-6 pasting of Greenwood. The Rock Hill-area high school started fast on a brisk Friday evening at District 3 Stadium, with its defense making big stops as the team pulled away early.N...
ROCK HILL, S.C.
The state semifinals now await the undefeated Northwestern football team.
It was another night in which the Trojans’ high-powered offense fired on all cylinders in a 35-6 pasting of Greenwood. The Rock Hill-area high school started fast on a brisk Friday evening at District 3 Stadium, with its defense making big stops as the team pulled away early.
Northwestern (12-0) advances to the semifinals of the South Carolina 5A Division II state tournament, where it will host Gaffney next Friday in the Upper State Championship game.
It was another strong passing day for senior quarterback Finley Polk, and the Trojans’ running game impressed once again. Sophomore running back Zymier Gordon-Miles raced into the end zone twice, bringing him to more than 1,000 rushing yards on the season.
“I’ll take a 35-6 win in the third round against a very, very much improved Greenwood team every day of the week,” Northwestern head coach Page Wofford said. “Defensively, a great job against a very good offense, and then we put some points on the board. Had a few hiccups, but we were still able to move the football when we wanted to, and special teams came up in big plays.
“Our defensive staff does a great job. Coach (Mario) Donato and those guys are clicking right now, and I hope they can click for two more weeks. We’ve guaranteed ourselves five more days together on the field.”
This season marks the Eagles’ (9-3) third straight that has ended at the hands of Northwestern.
Greenwood received the ball first, but its momentum didn’t last long.
Northwestern sophomore Khalil Williamson forced a fumble on the Eagles’ first possession, and senior linebacker Will Massey scooped up the ball and hustled into the red zone. Polk connected with senior wide receiver Daniel Caldwell on a 6-yard touchdown pass over the middle, and Matthew Fish drilled the extra point to give his team an early 7-0 advantage.
Following an empty Greenwood possession and a 41-yard punt return by junior Jonathan Spurgeon, the Trojans took over near midfield. And it didn’t take long for them to find the end zone once again.
Polk heaved a 48-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jayden Nichols. A penalty made it an easier two-point conversion, and Gordon-Miles punched it in to give Northwestern a 15-0 lead during the first quarter.
“(Gordon-Miles) gets better every day,” Wofford said. “Every week, he gets better just being in the system. His first year, he was a running back for us, last year he played free safety as a sophomore. But the offensive line does it too. (Greenwood has) a very good defensive front, and our offensive line did a good job preparing for it and really executing when we needed them there to run the football.”
Fish, the Trojans’ senior kicker who is considered among the best in the state, nailed an 18-yard field goal early in the second quarter. The Northwestern offense marched downfield on its ensuing possession — including a big reception by junior receiver Kameron Vance — then Polk dashed it in from the 1-yard line for a 25-0 lead.
Gordon-Miles tallied his second score of the night, sprinting for 37 yards to the house, early in the third quarter. Fish eventually tacked on a 36-yard field goal to extend the lead to 35-0, which the Trojans took late into the final period.
? This is the third straight season in which Northwestern has eliminated Greenwood. The Trojans previously defeated the Eagles by scores of 55-7 and 50-0, respectively, in playoff meetings in each of the past two seasons.
? While it continues to be one of the region’s most dominant teams, only one of Northwestern’s 12 victories this season has been a shutout. The Trojans kept the Eagles scoreless until the final 90 seconds of regulation on Friday.
? Sophomore quarterback Xavier Means, the Trojans’ strong dual-threat signal caller who is in line to start following Polk’s graduation, entered behind center during the fourth quarter of Friday’s blowout.
“(Means) is a real smart football player. He’s played a lot of ball for us, he’s coming through the system, and he’s playing very well. It didn’t surprise me to see him break free and run a little bit there. He’s a good quarterback, he’s a smart player — and I expect bigger things from him.” — Wofford on sophomore quarterback Xavier Means.
The Gaffney Indians earned a 21-7 win over T.L. Hanna on Friday night, sending them into the 5A Division II semifinal matchup against Northwestern on Dec. 6.
This story was originally published November 29, 2024, 10:10 PM.
Friday night playoff scores from high school football action around Columbia and South Carolina, and next week’s Upper State and Lower State championship game schedule.——Class 5A Division I——Upper StateDutch Fork 52, River Bluff 14Spartanburg 35, JL Mann 9Lower StateSummerville 49, Ridge View 20Sumter 31, James Island 14Dec. 6 scheduleUpper State finals: Spartanburg at Dutch ForkLower State finals: Sumter at Summerv...
Friday night playoff scores from high school football action around Columbia and South Carolina, and next week’s Upper State and Lower State championship game schedule.
——Class 5A Division I——
Upper State
Dutch Fork 52, River Bluff 14
Spartanburg 35, JL Mann 9
Lower State
Summerville 49, Ridge View 20
Sumter 31, James Island 14
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Spartanburg at Dutch Fork
Lower State finals: Sumter at Summerville
——Class 5A Division II——
Upper State
Northwestern 35, Greenwood 6
Gaffney 21, TL Hanna 7
Lower State
Irmo 56, West Florence 7
White Knoll 23, Berkeley 3
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Gaffney at Northwestern
Lower State finals: White Knoll at Irmo
——Class 4A——
Upper State
Westside 49, Camden 7
South Pointe 49, Daniel 35
Lower State
South Florence 49, Hartsville 21
North Augusta 63, Gilbert 16
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: South Pointe at Westside
Lower State finals: South Florence at North Augusta
——Class 3A——
Upper State
Mountain View Prep 30, Crescent 14
Belton-Honea Path 35, Powdersville 14
Lower State
Loris 30, Keenan 14
Oceanside Collegiate 28, Dillon 21
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Belton-Honea Path at Mountain View Prep
Lower State finals: Oceanside Collegiate at Loris
——Class 2A——
Upper State
Clinton 31, Batesburg-Leesville 14
Fairfield Central 48, Central 28
Lower State
Barnwell 28, Cheraw 27
Manning 34, Philip Simmons 21
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Fairfield Central at Clinton
Lower State finals: Barnwell at Manning
——Class A——
Upper State
Abbeville 48, Lamar 38
Lewisville 31, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 6
Lower State
Cross 12, Hannah-Pamplico 7
Lake View 42, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 32
Dec. 6 schedule
Upper State finals: Lewisville at Abbeville
Lower State finals: Cross at Lake View
This story was originally published November 29, 2024, 6:47 PM.
Seven years ago, Jim Ryan opened a Right at Home franchise in Rock Hill.More VideosROCK HILL, S.C. — Jim Ryan has worn several hats over the years.In 1984, he enlisted in the Navy.“You have tremendous responsibility. You move up pretty quickly in rank,” Ryan recalled.After six years in the Navy, he embarked on a career in IT.“I used to work for IBM for 25 years. This is actually the third adult thing I’ve do...
Seven years ago, Jim Ryan opened a Right at Home franchise in Rock Hill.
ROCK HILL, S.C. — Jim Ryan has worn several hats over the years.
In 1984, he enlisted in the Navy.
“You have tremendous responsibility. You move up pretty quickly in rank,” Ryan recalled.
After six years in the Navy, he embarked on a career in IT.
“I used to work for IBM for 25 years. This is actually the third adult thing I’ve done in my life,” Ryan said as he smiled.
You could consider his recent venture as an entrepreneur as his fourth.
The Buffalo, New York native moved to Rock Hill in 2008. After he explored his options, he decided to follow in his mom’s footsteps.
“I thought back to when I was younger. I remember my mom was a nurse for 30-plus years. And she was always very happy,” Ryan recalled.
Seven years ago, he opened a Right at Home franchise in Rock Hill. He said he uses his love for helping fellow veterans and his past managerial experience to help navigate his latest chapter.
“The girls in the office sometimes tell me to get out of the office. 'You’re here too much,'” Ryan shared. “I like being here. Other than being in the Navy, it’s the most fun I’ve had as an adult. You know you’re making a difference. We are helping people that in many cases they don’t have anybody else to help them.”
Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Ryan said a lot of his clients are vets.
“It brings me back to when my siblings and I went through that with my mom when she passed away. She passed away quite rapidly from a glioblastoma brain tumor back in 2000. It was four and half months from diagnosis to death,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he initially thought at the time about the possibility of his family needing more help. It’s a situation a lot of his clients face.
While Ryan admits that he spends a lot of time at work, he’s also very involved with connecting with veterans in the community and always finds time to give back.
“I would want to believe she [mom] would be proud. We were always so proud of her and everything she did,” he said.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at [email protected] and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Rock Hill, South Carolina, takes Christmas so seriously, that for four days during the holiday season, it changes its name to ChristmasVille. Right after Thanksgiving...
Rock Hill, South Carolina, takes Christmas so seriously, that for four days during the holiday season, it changes its name to ChristmasVille. Right after Thanksgiving, this historic city becomes a winter wonderland complete with all the festive trimmings required to kick the holiday season off right. ChristmasVille is inspired by the whimsical illustrations of Rock Hill native Vernon Grant, who, among other things, is credited with the creation of Kellogg's Rice Krispies Snap! Crackle! and Pop! characters. See why this enchanted town is the place to kick off the holiday season.
Every year since 2006, ChristmasVille has come alive with the help of nearly 500 volunteers to transform the city's "Old Town" into an enchanting storybook village with nearly 70 events for kids big and small. The festival kicks off with—what else?—the arrival of Santa at the opening ceremony.
This band of Santa's helpers ensures that the weekend is packed with all your favorite cozy Christmas activities. Admiring the cute cookie cottages at the gingerbread house competition, skating on Main Street's ice rink, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, gazing at more Christmas lights than you can count, and even walking through falling snow.
ChristmasVille's Head Gnome (his name is Grant) even sets up an official red and white mailbox exclusively for letters to Santa. More activities that are especially for kids include craft workshops, scavenger hunts, rides, and inflatables.
Carolers, bands, a performance of A Christmas Carol, outdoor movie screenings, and even strolling ukulele players keep everything festive. (Better start planning your Christmas karaoke song.) And don't leave ChristmasVille early—the weekend is topped off by a fireworks show.
Shop for unique hand-crafted items at the ChristmasVille Gift Market, and while you're in town, be sure to explore downtown's other eclectic boutiques like Shoppes at Rivers Edge and The Mercantile.
While you're in ChristmasVille aka Rock Hill, be sure to visit its special places like The White Home, the historic house (you'll love the charming porches) of the founder of Rock Hill. The Museum of York County is great for the whole family with its Settlemyre Planetarium and hands-on Naturalist Center. Stroll the footbridges and trails at Glencairn Garden where even in winter you’ll find camellias and winter honeysuckle on display.
Satisfy your hunger along Main Street at Ay Papi Tacos and Tequila, a Mexican-fusion restaurant featuring a from-scratch menu with specials like chipotle-glazed pork belly street tacos. Step out of the cold and grab a wood-fired pizza and a pint at Millstone Pizza and Taphouse while enjoying live music on Fridays. End the weekend with a meal at Kounter, housed in a former five-and-dime that was the site of Civil Rights Movement sit-ins. On the menu, you’ll find fun farm-to-table dishes like the Cubano Breakfast Bowl for brunch and Spaghetti o’s and Meatballs for dinner.
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