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 Bloody Bridge 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 St. Mary's, IN 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.
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“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
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 Memorial 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 Locals Dockside or visit Memorial Park, 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 St. Mary's, IN, 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 St. Mary's, IN 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 St. Mary's, IN 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.
ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The Maryland Wing’s St. Mary’s Composite Squadron and the Esperanza Middle School Flight have claimed a national title, winning first place in the Beginners division of the ...
ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The Maryland Wing’s St. Mary’s Composite Squadron and the Esperanza Middle School Flight have claimed a national title, winning first place in the Beginners division of the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ UAS4STEM drone competition on July 23.
The victory came at the national finals during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, where the St. Mary’s team earned a $1,250 prize. It marks a steady climb for the squadron, which competed in the Beginners division in 2023 and advanced to the Advanced division in 2024 before returning to dominate the Beginners field this year.
Representing the St. Mary’s Composite Squadron were:
UAS4STEM — the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Unmanned Aerial Systems for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program — challenges teams to design and build a quadcopter unmanned aircraft system, program it for flight and complete mission-based tasks.
Alongside the team’s achievement, Cadet Master Sgt. Rachel Rioux of the St. Mary’s squadron received the Dewey O. Broberg Jr. Scholarship, awarded by competition judges to recognize outstanding dedication, determination and adherence to the event’s rules and purpose.
The St. Mary’s Composite Squadron will host an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Walter F. Duke Terminal Building at St. Mary’s Airport. Timed with the start of the 2025-26 school year, the event is open to students in sixth grade or older and their families. Parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Cadet Program and Senior Member Program.
Information tables will feature Civil Air Patrol’s cadet leadership training, senior member opportunities, search and rescue operations, STEM activities and aerospace education — with possible simulator demonstrations. The event also welcomes aspiring aviators, adults who can serve as aerospace mentors and pilots looking to volunteer their skills.
Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing is divided into five regional groups, each overseeing local squadrons. Group 3 serves Southern Maryland and includes the Calvert, Charles, College Park, Esperanza Middle School and St. Mary’s squadrons — making it the hub for cadet and senior member activities in the region. These units regularly collaborate on training exercises, community events and emergency response missions.
Founded in 1941, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered public service organization that serves as both a nonprofit and the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. CAP offers K-12 aerospace and STEM education programs, youth leadership and career development opportunities, and vital community service in the air and on the ground.
As the Air Force auxiliary, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and conducts 90% of U.S. inland search and rescue missions. There are 52 wings in Civil Air Patrol — one for each state, plus the Washington, D.C., area, and Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands). Squadrons are located in communities nationwide and on U.S. military bases overseas. CAP has three types of squadrons: cadet squadrons for youth ages 12 to 18, senior squadrons for adults 18 and older, and composite squadrons that include both youth and adults.
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LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and leaders from across St. Mary’s County Government will be attending the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference in Ocean City, MD, from August 13-16, 2025.The 2025 theme “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government,” embodies MACo’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues that shape Maryland’s counties and finding innovative solutions to guide thei...
LEONARDTOWN, Md. – The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) and leaders from across St. Mary’s County Government will be attending the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) summer conference in Ocean City, MD, from August 13-16, 2025.
The 2025 theme “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government,” embodies MACo’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues that shape Maryland’s counties and finding innovative solutions to guide their success in the years ahead.
The four-day event is expected to draw over 3,000 county and state government representatives, alongside commercial companies from across Maryland – making it the state’s largest gathering of local government officials. Participants can expect a dynamic and enriching experience, with countless opportunities to network and build valuable connections across Maryland’s government and business communities. With more than 50 educational sessions, forums, and briefings, attendees will explore how local governments deliver essential services, plan for long-term financial sustainability, adapt to evolving responsibilities, and meet rising community expectations. The expansive 350-booth tradeshow and the innovative 60-booth Tech Expo will showcase cost-saving solutions and the conference will also offer numerous networking events, fostering invaluable connections within Maryland’s governmental and business communities.
“The MACo Conference is an important opportunity to share our experiences, learn new strategies, and strengthen relationships with our partners in government and industry so we can better serve our residents now and in the years ahead,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy, who also serves on MACo’s Board of Directors and Legislative Committee.
St. Mary’s County Government is proud to have two team members presenting at the 2025 conference. Bob Kelly, Chief Information Officer with our Department of Information Technology will present as a panelist on the sessions, “The Cyberattack “Hot Wash” − Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong” and “Ransomware Reality: Communicating Through a Cyberattack − An Interactive Exercise”. Additionally, Mary Ann Thompson, Warden of the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center will present as a panelist on the session, “Caring for Kids: Challenges with Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities.”
Note to Members of the Press: You are invited to attend the conference as complimentary guests and may register through MACo’s website: http://www.mdcounties.org/SC25OnlineRegistration.
Please note the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County will not meet on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. The next CSMC business meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the CSMC Meeting Room (1st floor, Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown). Meetings are open to the public and can be viewed live on TV Channel 95 or on-demand via www.YouTube.com/@StMarysCoGov. Visit stmaryscountymd.gov for more information.
Patients can now select an approximate arrival time for non-life-threatening emergency-room visits at Kankakee’s St. Mary’s Hospital through an online scheduling system.St. Mary’s, a non-profit member of Prime Healthcare, is now the only hospital in the area to offer an automated online ER visit scheduling system. FastTrackCare offers an enhanced emergency room experience, one that many patients will appreciate.The technology allows patients to select an approximate time to be seen in the ER via the ...
Patients can now select an approximate arrival time for non-life-threatening emergency-room visits at Kankakee’s St. Mary’s Hospital through an online scheduling system.
St. Mary’s, a non-profit member of Prime Healthcare, is now the only hospital in the area to offer an automated online ER visit scheduling system. FastTrackCare offers an enhanced emergency room experience, one that many patients will appreciate.
The technology allows patients to select an approximate time to be seen in the ER via the hospital’s main webpage. Patients fill out a brief, secure form; no username or password is required.
The tool can notify the patient if there is a change that may extend the wait time, and a notification can even be sent if there has been a reduction in surge to encourage an earlier arrival time. Importantly, FastTrackCare is intended only for non-life or limb-threatening emergencies. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
“Our new online ER scheduling tool is an important part of our mission to improve both access to care and the patient experience, one in which folks don’t dread having to go to an ER for a minor but pressing medical issue,” said Otis Story Sr., St. Mary’s Hospital president.
“Our hospital is deeply committed to Kankakee, Bradley-Bourbonnais, and all our surrounding communities. We’re continually working to expand access and bring the most innovative and needed medical services closer to home,” Story said.
The tool provides added convenience for those with non-life-threatening medical needs. While appointments cannot be explicitly guaranteed due to the unpredictable nature of an emergency department, the tool still allows patients insight into current wait times and improves communication through the system’s notification features.
For critical symptoms, such as severe injury, chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of stroke or heart attack, community members are encouraged as always, to call 911.
How FastTrackCare Works:
For more info or to reserve an ER arrival time, visit: FastTrackCare - St. Mary (Kankakee) Emergency
LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Love kept blooming in St. Mary’s County this summer, with July 2025 bringing 45 marriage license applications to the county courthouse — a notable jump from June’s totals.From waterfront sunsets to rustic barn backdrops, couples are saying “I do” in every style imaginable, making the most of Southern Maryland’s summer charm....
LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Love kept blooming in St. Mary’s County this summer, with July 2025 bringing 45 marriage license applications to the county courthouse — a notable jump from June’s totals.
From waterfront sunsets to rustic barn backdrops, couples are saying “I do” in every style imaginable, making the most of Southern Maryland’s summer charm.
Here are the couples who applied for marriage licenses in St. Mary’s County during July 2025:
July 1, 2025
Stephen Michael Hubley, 33, California, Md
Christine Fae Reiser, 44, California, Md
Sydney Elaine Messer, 23, Charlotte Hall, Md
Austin Patrick Reiner, 25, Charlotte Hall, Md
Julianna Marlee Payne, 32, California, Md
Charles Daniel Clements, 29, California, Md
Michelle Ranay Miller, 26, Lexington Park, Md
Robert Ramon Rajkowski, 27, Lexington Park, Md
Catherine Elizabeth Barr, 36, King George, Va
Stanley James Surratt, 45, King George, Va
Jocelyn Uneice Greenwell, 27, Godley, TX
Douglas Preston Carruth, Jr., 48, Bel Alton, Md
Todd Stephen Reid, 56, Arnaudville, La
Misti Guidry Gravouia, 47, Arnaudville, La
Julia Mary Schuebel, 20, Lexington Park, Md
Luke David Collins, 21, Lexington Park, Md
Stephen Dennis Rusevlyan, Jr., 61, Leonardtown, Md
Tricia Marie Morrison, 53, Leonardtown, Md
Heather Renee Tennyson, 41, Tall Timbers, Md
Derek Brandle Jefferson,43, Tall Timbers, Md
Jonathan Scott Harding, 52, Leonardtown, Md
Marisa Watson McDaniel, 53, Leonardtown, Md
Richard Martin Redmond, 74, Lexington Park, Md
Ciera Jovan Bowden, 39, Lexington Park, Md
Donell Robinson, 45, Lexington Park, Md
Christopher Howard James, 35, Frederick, Md
Monica Leigh Pearce, 39, Frederick, Md
Nevaeh Anjel Ann Nedd, 19, Fredericksburg, Va
Kyle Matthew Cusic, 27, Leonardtown, Md
Jillian Faith Risor, 25, Leonardtown, Md
Michael Raymond Osborne, 23, Hughesville, Md
Lacey Catherine Bell, 35, Lexington Park, Md
James Glenn Burroughs, Jr., 34, Lexington Park, Md
Couples who wish to apply for a marriage license in St. Mary’s County are encouraged to visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s website for more information.
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The City of Sydney and the Heritage Council of New South Wales appear powerless to stop a contentious development by the Catholic Church, to be situated next to the historic Saint Mary’s Cathedral.In a ruling at the start of August, the Land and Environment Court permitted the Archdiocese of Sydney to proceed with the erection of a three-storey building between the cathedral and Chapter House, the oldest building on the grounds. The new building, on the site of a present-day car park, is to house a café, bookshop, offices...
The City of Sydney and the Heritage Council of New South Wales appear powerless to stop a contentious development by the Catholic Church, to be situated next to the historic Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
In a ruling at the start of August, the Land and Environment Court permitted the Archdiocese of Sydney to proceed with the erection of a three-storey building between the cathedral and Chapter House, the oldest building on the grounds. The new building, on the site of a present-day car park, is to house a café, bookshop, offices and meeting rooms.
Advocating for the archdiocese, consultancy Urbis said that the proposal had “evolved in response to the comments from the City of Sydney” and that it respected the Gothic Revival style of the cathedral.
That is despite the Heritage Council arguing that the design “dominates and competes architecturally” with the surrounding historic structures.
Councillor Jess Miller, the deputy chair of the Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee, told City Hub that changes to the proposal over the course of the proceedings were not considered satisfactory by the City.
Miller said the proposal “was reduced in height, but the design actually got fatter and closer to the heritage items.”
“We do everything within our power to get a really good outcome based on a range of specific principles and ideas around what constitutes good design, what identifies the value of heritage, but ultimately the applicant can appeal the decision to the Land and Environment Court.”
“I think the City staff really tried to work with the applicant and the Heritage Council to make it a better scheme.” However, Miller said, the archdiocese “just wanted a lot of floor space.”
Councillor Yvonne Weldon, another member of the committee, does not have a firm view on the matter. “Planning decisions are often contentious, and that’s without involving the man upstairs,” she said.
“Our planners take great consideration to preserve sightlines and heritage when approving development. Ultimately, this matter has been taken out of the hands of the City of Sydney and determined by the court.”
A report prepared by Urbis states that “while the Chancery will address the street and will be appropriately read as a contemporary layer of development supporting the historic purpose of the precinct, it will be visually submissive to the earliest buildings” and responds appropriately to the setting.
The report says that the design references and responds to features of the surrounding structures, such as a stained-glass window on the north façade of Chapter House. It also says that the planned height of the building is “notably less” than that of an archiepiscopal residence intended for the site by Victorian era architect William Wardell.
“The Chancery would therefore reflect the early vision for the scale of development on this part of the site.”
One concerned parishioner of the Sydney archdiocese and employed heritage assistant agreed with this assessment, telling City Hub that the amendments show “the receptivity of the architects” to community concerns.
“The Chancery Building proposed in 2023 appeared as a very insincere attempt at forcing an ambitious monumental form within two one-of-a-kind Gothic Revival landmarks, that ignored the established architectural language of its setting, and furthermore dared to dominate and obscure these Pugin, Wardell and Hennessy designed buildings.”
“As someone who was staunchly against this design previously, feeling that such architectural language and prominence did not suit the historic spatial complexity for which the architecture of the Catholic Church is known, I now feel positive and hopeful as to what the outcome of this building will bring.”
574-232-8487
