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

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

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Home Care In st-marys, IN

Home Care St-marys, IN

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.

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-marys, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care St-marys, IN

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The Always Best Care Difference

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

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

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

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TESTIMONIALS

“best people at there”

Shelly L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff!! Caring people!”

Lissa W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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!”

Brandi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Diana W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very compassionate caregivers!”

Kendall A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”

Amanda N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”

Isabella G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Eugene K.
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“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”

Nathan E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”

Robin
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Thomas H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in st-marys, IN?

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

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

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

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

 Senior Care St-marys, IN

Types of Elderly Care in st-marys, IN

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 St-marys, IN
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 St-marys, IN
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.

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 St-marys, IN
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. 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 St-marys, IN

Benefits of Home Care in st-marys, IN

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

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

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

With the help of elderly care in st-marys, 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.

 Elderly Care St-marys, IN

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 IN'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 St-marys, IN

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 st-marys, 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.

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 St-marys, IN

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 St-marys, IN

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.

Home Care St-marys, IN

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 St-marys, IN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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

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

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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

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

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

 Elderly Care St-marys, IN

Latest News in st-marys, IN

Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements on St. Mary’s Avenue in Kimberley

The City of Kimberley has announced a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the underground water, sewer, and storm systems on the section of St. Mary’s Avenue, from Ross Street/Highway 95A to Wallinger Avenue.Officials say the project also includes replacing the retaining wall on Spokane Street, road reconstruction, and streetscape improvements such as sidewalk redevelopment, lighting, and signage enhancements. The city says this will improve services and accessibility in the area and extend the Platzl feel thro...

The City of Kimberley has announced a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the underground water, sewer, and storm systems on the section of St. Mary’s Avenue, from Ross Street/Highway 95A to Wallinger Avenue.

Officials say the project also includes replacing the retaining wall on Spokane Street, road reconstruction, and streetscape improvements such as sidewalk redevelopment, lighting, and signage enhancements. The city says this will improve services and accessibility in the area and extend the Platzl feel through this portion of Spokane Street and St. Mary’s Avenue.

Construction is expected to begin the week of April 21 and last through the summer months with completion slated for early October 2025. Work will take place between Highway 95A and St. Mary’s Avenue intersection and Spokane Street and Wallinger Avenue (Platzl Entrance).

Mackay Contracting has been awarded the contract to complete the work. Residents, visitors, and local businesses can expect road closures as outlined in the map, as well as intermittent parking impacts, noise, vibrations, dust, and occasional service interruptions such as water shutoffs.

The City says it will notify those affected ahead of any planned interruptions. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be impacted for the duration of the project. Access to City Hall will be maintained however, residents can expect no parking availability directly in front of City Hall. Those visiting City Hall will have to park on nearby roads and parking lots and use the sidewalk to access the main entrance.

Residents are reminded to please follow all construction signs and directions for your safety. Site conditions and access directions will vary as construction progresses.

The City of Kimberley thanks residents for their patience and understanding as they complete this important upgrade.

For further information on this and other capital projects, visit Kimberley.ca to follow the link to our interactive Story map or contact the Operations Desk at 250-427-9660.

Carter Gillen's goals power Chatham Maroons past St. Marys Lincolns in Game 2

Article contentWhen the Chatham Maroons acquired Carter Gillen at the trade deadline, the scouting report on the veteran defenceman boiled down to this: he makes his teams better.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThat was certainly the case Sunday.Gillen’s two goals led the Maroons to a 4-3 win over the St. Marys Lincolns in Game 2 of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Western Conference final before 1,065 fans at Chatham Memorial Arena.“We played a great...

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When the Chatham Maroons acquired Carter Gillen at the trade deadline, the scouting report on the veteran defenceman boiled down to this: he makes his teams better.

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That was certainly the case Sunday.

Gillen’s two goals led the Maroons to a 4-3 win over the St. Marys Lincolns in Game 2 of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Western Conference final before 1,065 fans at Chatham Memorial Arena.

“We played a great game,” Gillen said. “Our goalie played spectacular. Gannon Hunter had a few great saves there in the end and he kept us in it.”

After the Maroons saw their two-goal lead disappear in the third period, Gillen’s second goal snapped a 3-3 tie with 3:36 left in regulation.

“Kudos to us,” Maroons forward Dylan Richter said. “We hung in there. When they came back, they kind of grabbed the momentum, but Gillen was able to make a nice play and grab one for us and we were able to hold on.”

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Gillen took a pass from Richter and beat Lincolns netminder Nico Armellin from the left point for the winner.

“I saw low was open, so I punched it home,” Gillen said. “It was a great play cross-ice to find me and I really appreciate my teammates giving me that puck and trusting me to go low.”

The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1 going into Game 3 Tuesday in St. Marys at 7:30 p.m. Game 4 will be Thursday in Chatham at 7:30 p.m.

The Maroons acquired Gillen, 20, from the Leamington Flyers in January for his energy and his hockey smarts. He wasn’t a big scorer in the regular season with two goals in 36 games, but he was happy to chip in Sunday.

“If it wants to happen every game, we’ll take it,” he said, “but the biggest thing was just our D (defence) blocking shots, our wingers getting pucks out and our goalie was making tremendous saves.”

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Gillen already has exceeded his regular-season production with three goals in 14 playoff games.

“I’m just here to win a championship,” he said. “Our goal is to win that Sutherland Cup and whatever I have to do and however I have to adjust my game to win a Sutherland Cup, it doesn’t matter to me.”

Gillen was injured soon after the trade. He sat out all but one game in the final month of the regular season, but he hasn’t missed a playoff game.

“It feels amazing to be back,” he said.

VETERANS SCORE: All four Maroons goals came from graduating players. Connor Hunt, on a power play, and Brody Gillis scored in the opening 10 minutes for a 2-0 lead.

Ryan Hodkinson answered late in the period on a Lincolns power play, but Gillen restored the Maroons’ two-goal cushion midway through the second.

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“We knew they’d have a good push with their home rink,” Lincolns head coach Jeff Bradley said. “We were trying to limit that as much as we could, but we definitely came out a little more flat than we thought.

“They were getting out through the neutral zone against us pretty easily, so we changed one thing up and I think that kind of catapulted us to get a little bit of momentum back. I thought the latter half of the game we played pretty well.”

Lincoln Moore scored in the third period at 3:17 and Ryan Cornfield followed at 9:29 for the 3-3 tie.

Maroons coaches have spoken all playoffs about being even-keeled, so players didn’t panic when the Lincolns drew even.

“I played against these guys the last two years and they’re never out of it,” Richter said. “You could be up 5-0, you need to play a full 60 to beat them. I think we did a pretty good job with that tonight. We’ve just got to (stay) not too high, not too low.”

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Richter spent the previous two seasons with the Strathroy Rockets, which were swept by the Lincolns from the 2023 and ’24 playoffs.

“It’ll be nice to get them back this year,” he said.

Hunter made 36 saves and Armellin made 37 in the clash of rookie goalies.

DYNAMIC DEFENCE: Gillen’s three playoff goals are tied for second among GOJHL defencemen.

Maroons blue-liners have scored six in the playoffs, while the Lincolns’ have only two.

“We have a very dynamic defence,” Richter said. “I think that’s what separates us from other teams. We can score from any spot. They jump in the play, but they know when to stay back. Gillen, he’s very dynamic, and you saw it tonight when he scored two nice goals for us.”

Maroons captain Blain Bacik leads all GOJHL defencemen in playoff scoring with 12 points. Ryan VanNetten has nine, Gillen has seven and Jaxen Fortier-Smith has six.

Ex-Maroon Owen Kalp of Chatham leads the Lincolns defencemen with five points.

NOTES: Maroons defenceman Josh Harding had a career-high three assists. Richter and Liam Campbell each had two. … The Maroons were 1 for 4 on the power play. The Lincolns were 1 for 2. … Maroons affiliate player Eamon Edgar played his fifth post-season game. He’s been called up because the Maroons need a right-handed centre to replace injured Parker Nyitray. … The St. Catharines Falcons and Fort Erie Meteors are tied 1-1 in the Eastern Conference final.

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Softball Recap: St. Marys' Win on Saturday Extends Winning Streak to Eight

St. Marys had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Saturday. They blew past the Robert C. Byrd Eagles 18-6. The Blue Devils might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has ...

St. Marys had already won seven in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 6.3 runs) and they went ahead and made it eight on Saturday. They blew past the Robert C. Byrd Eagles 18-6. The Blue Devils might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won 11 matchups by six runs or more this season.

Ella Bullman was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with one home run, five runs, and four RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. The team also got some help courtesy of Cali Masters, who went 4-for-5 with four RBI and two runs.

St. Marys was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .600. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .367 or higher in three consecutive contests.

St. Marys pushed their record up to 19-4 with the win, which was their seventh straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Robert C. Byrd, they are on a 15-game losing streak (dating back to last season) that has dropped them down to 0-14.

Coming up, St. Marys will square off against Ravenswood at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Blue Devils are facing the Red Devils at the right time seeing as the Red Devils are stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Robert C. Byrd, they will head out to face off against Fairmont Senior at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. The Polar Bears have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.53 runs per game on average), something the Eagles will no doubt try to take advantage of.

Photos: Irish Hooley in Old Town Alexandria’s Basilica of St. Mary’s Raises $13,000

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hooley as “an Irish party, usually with music.” And the Basilica of Saint Mary was alive with music, dancing, and Irish cheer on Sunday afternoon, March 9, as parishioners and guests gathered to celebrate Irish heritage at the 2025 Saint Patrick Irish Hooley. Held at the Basilica School gym, the sold-out event drew a crowd of approximately 400 at...

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hooley as “an Irish party, usually with music.” And the Basilica of Saint Mary was alive with music, dancing, and Irish cheer on Sunday afternoon, March 9, as parishioners and guests gathered to celebrate Irish heritage at the 2025 Saint Patrick Irish Hooley. Held at the Basilica School gym, the sold-out event drew a crowd of approximately 400 attendees, all donning green to enjoy traditional Irish music, food, drinks, and cultural performances — all while raising funds for a good cause.

The annual Hooley was organized by the Frank Herbert-Pat Cady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) in Alexandria. This year, the festive celebration raised a record-breaking $13,000 for Christ House, a Catholic Charities program in the Diocese of Arlington that serves the local community by providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need.

Father Edward Hathaway, Rector of the Basilica, opened the afternoon with a prayer featured on Saint Patrick prayer cards placed at each table. The lively program included performances by local Irish musician Pat Garvey, the Boyle School of Irish Dance, the O’Neill James School of Irish Dance, and vocalist Tom McCuin. A special appearance was made by the Rose of Tralee, Siobhán Spiak, adding to the afternoon’s festive spirit.

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A particularly moving moment came when Mary Ellen O’Leary, the Basilica’s stewardship and annual fund officer, recited the “Our Father” in Gaelic alongside her great-uncle, Father John McLaughlin, a retired priest visiting from Roxbury, Massachusetts.

The event concluded with a rousing performance by the Alexandria Pipes and Drums. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction, raffle, and a hearty Irish meal catered by Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, featuring favorites like shepherd’s pie, fish, and corned beef.

The highlight of the day was the presentation of a $13,000 check — the highest ever raised by the AOH for the event — to Sister Aniliza Juan, volunteer coordinator at Christ House. The donation reflects the community’s generous spirit and commitment to helping those in need.

St. Patrick’s Hooley Raises Funds for Christ House in Alexandria

Investigation launched as much-loved Donegal church gutted by fire

An investigation has been launched after a much-loved Co Donegal church was gutted in an overnight fire.Firefighters and the emergency services fought gallantly to save St Mary's Church in Derrybeg overnight.The blaze broke out at around 4am. Despite the efforts of the emergency services the building was left gutted.Nobody was injure din the huge blaze which could be seen for miles around.The Church was officially blessed on its opening in 1972 by then Bishop of Raphoe Dr McFeely.The octagonal-shaped buildi...

An investigation has been launched after a much-loved Co Donegal church was gutted in an overnight fire.

Firefighters and the emergency services fought gallantly to save St Mary's Church in Derrybeg overnight.

The blaze broke out at around 4am. Despite the efforts of the emergency services the building was left gutted.

Nobody was injure din the huge blaze which could be seen for miles around.

The Church was officially blessed on its opening in 1972 by then Bishop of Raphoe Dr McFeely.

The octagonal-shaped building was designed by architects Patrick Carr and Partners from Ballybofey and built by Joesph McMenamin and sons, also from Ballybofey.

Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of the Raphoe Diocese, ceelbrated his first mass in the church.

He said he is "heartbroken" by the news of the fire.

He said "I am heart broken to learn of the destruction by fire this morning of Séipéal Mhuire, na Doirí Beaga, the parish church for the parish of Gaoth Dobhair.

"I wish to express my support to Fr Briain Ó Fearraigh, Parish Priest, who has the full support of the community as he faces this Challenge. I join with him in thanking the personnel of the Fire Brigade both in Gaoth Dobhair and from near and far in the county who did their very best to save the building.

"We are grateful to An Garda Síochána who must now lead the necessary investigations. I think of Fr Brendan Ward, CC, and the many priests who have served this church and for whom it is their native parish, myself included.

"And I think of all the people of Gaoth Dobhair at home and away who will receive this news with great sadness. Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972, and it is here that the most significant moments of the life of the parish are marked.

"With God’s help, with our Lady’s intercession, with the support of the community and the hard work of the clergy, a new parish church will rise again in one form or another. In the meantime, the life of faith will continue and will guide and sustain the parish of Gaoth Dobhair."

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