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 Alfred Rehder Tree 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 Leland, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
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“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Westgate Nature 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 Christopher's Steakhouse and Seafood or visit Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, 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 Leland, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Leland, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Leland, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Plans for a major townhome development in Leland have been denied.After delaying a decision in January, Leland town council voted to deny plans for the Mallory Creek Plantation development on Feb. 20. Applicant Thomas & Hutton proposed a conditional rezoning of 31.5 acres along N.C. 133. Currently zoned for commercial use and planned un...
Plans for a major townhome development in Leland have been denied.
After delaying a decision in January, Leland town council voted to deny plans for the Mallory Creek Plantation development on Feb. 20. Applicant Thomas & Hutton proposed a conditional rezoning of 31.5 acres along N.C. 133. Currently zoned for commercial use and planned unit development, the proposal would have brought 127 townhomes, restaurant, retail and office space to the property.
Town council denied the rezoning proposal due to the limited commercial property in Leland, as well as traffic congestion in the area. The property is the last available commercial plot along N.C. 133 in the town, council member Bill McHugh said. Mayor Brenda Bozeman said that she made a commitment to nearby residents that housing projects along the road would not be approved until the N.C. Department of Transportation could address the condition of the thoroughfare.
"I made a promise […] that I would never approve any more townhomes and apartments on 133 until DOT did something with the roads," Bozeman said. "The road is not any different than it was then. I made a promise, and I can’t break that promise."
Mallory Creek Plantation would have generated 2,473 daily trips. As of 2022, the stretch of N.C. 133 had an annual average daily traffic volume of 6,600 trips. Planning capacity for the stretch is 15,439 trips. McHugh said that keeping the property commercial would preserve it for the long-term needs of the community.
“To sacrifice that bit of commercial for 120 or so townhomes and a potential future build of commercial property to me does not seem to be in the best interest of the people of Leland,” McHugh said.
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Several neighboring residents spoke in favor and in opposition of the proposal. Susan Parker supported the project and said the additional requirements of the rezoning process would prevent clear-cutting, which would be permitted in a by-right development.
“This is our only way to really have some control and some input over what happens with that property,” Parker said. “We should not be just blocking development for the sake of blocking development and hoping it stays empty.”
On Jan. 16, council postponed a decision on the project to allow time for the applicant to gather more feedback from the community. At a community meeting on Jan. 28, developer D.R. Horton addressed questions and concerns from nearby residents.
Mallory Creek resident Carol Grosbier attended the meeting and said that representatives from D.R. Horton informed her that none of the units would be set aside for workforce housing. She advocated for the preservation of the natural area.
“If we want to teach our children about the animals that are around us, we need to have some trees and some shelter,” Grosbier said. “Going in and cutting down as many trees as they are proposing is not a good way for us to be taking care of the Earth.”
Since the community meeting, the applicant changed the site plans to include specified tree retention, an extended eight-foot multiuse path along Mallory Creek Drive and an extended buffer along existing townhomes.
In addition to the 127 townhomes, the proposal would have brought 30,000 square feet of commercial space, fitness area, stage and a multi-use path to the site.
The property is currently undeveloped. Under current zoning, a variety of uses including animal hospitals, hotels, child day care centers and general merchandise stores are permitted to be built on the site. Town officials and Leland residents have both previously expressed the area’s need for these types of establishments.
What Leland wants:What does a Brunswick town have for kids and families? Not enough, some residents say
Several residential projects are underway near the property. On the adjacent property at Kellerton Court, 59 townhomes are being built. Along Culverton Road, 53 single-family homes are in progress. Pinnacle Point, another Mallory Creek project, is slated to bring 203 housing units to the area.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover and Brunswick counties for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
(This story was updated to add new information.)After years of speculation, a Publix is officially coming to Leland.Publix will open a location at the Savannah Branch Town Center, according to a news release. The grocer will occupy a 50,325-square-foot building in a new development on U.S. 17. An opening date has not yet been determined. The store is expected to employ roughly 140 associates.Previous coverage:...
(This story was updated to add new information.)
After years of speculation, a Publix is officially coming to Leland.
Publix will open a location at the Savannah Branch Town Center, according to a news release. The grocer will occupy a 50,325-square-foot building in a new development on U.S. 17. An opening date has not yet been determined. The store is expected to employ roughly 140 associates.
Previous coverage:After a year without progress, proposed Leland shopping center gets new life
“We are excited to continue our growth across North Carolina with this new location in Leland,” said media relations manager Jared Glover. “We look forward to our new customers experiencing the Publix difference soon.”
Publix will be the eighth major grocery store in Leland. Site plans for the shopping center also show a 16,560-square-foot building connected to the grocery store, as well as two 8,000-square foot buildings that will each house multiple shops.
The announcement follows the town's termination of an agreement with developer Renaissance Lifestyles, LLC in January. The town found that the developer was in material breach of their contract after no progress was made at the site in the past year.
While it marks the first Publix to Brunswick's largest town, it's not the grocer's first location in the county. Publix has stores in Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island.
There are three locations in New Hanover County, one of those being in Carolina Beach. There's also a Publix in Surf City.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover and Brunswick counties for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) addressed the fatal accident that occurred on US 17 North in Leland on Feb. 18.According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), BCSO Deputy Nathan Kye failed to stop at a red light on his way to help another BCSO member when he collided with Cora Cartrette’s car.Cartrette was pronounced dead at the scene and Kye was transported to the hospital due to injuries.Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism says he is thankful for t...
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) addressed the fatal accident that occurred on US 17 North in Leland on Feb. 18.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), BCSO Deputy Nathan Kye failed to stop at a red light on his way to help another BCSO member when he collided with Cora Cartrette’s car.
Cartrette was pronounced dead at the scene and Kye was transported to the hospital due to injuries.
Brunswick County Sheriff Brian Chism says he is thankful for the quick response from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) as well as the citizens who assisted.
“There’s a lot I want to say but I can’t get into details right now. I can’t,” Chism said.
Chism says multiple investigations are looking into the events leading up to the accident.
“We are actively looking at everything. We have internal affairs investigations. The highway patrol is doing their investigation. Once the investigations are done, then we can pull everything together and look at it,” Chism said.
Deputy Kye is currently recovering from surgery due to a foot injury received in the accident and they hope he will be released from the hospital today.
Chism says the accident was tragic and BCSO sends their thoughts and prayers to the family.
“There’s an opportunity to get better and learn from everything. The good and the bad. I think that’s one thing we will all be thinking about after this tragic accident,” Chism said.
Chism says he does not expect the investigation on the crash to last long and North Carolina State Highway Patrol will release details once the investigation is complete.
In a statement, Cartrette’s daughter-in-law said she will be missed.
“Cora was such a God loving, amazing woman. She was selfless in everything she did, she would give the shirt off her back if she knew it would keep the next person warm. She was truly the best mom, wife, mother-in-law, and friend. Her smile and laugh touched anyone she came into contact with. The world is a bit quieter with her gone, but her life will continue to live on through her children and her grandchildren. Anyone that would talk to you would say the exact same thing.”
Kelsea Johnson
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Wilmington StarNews...
Wilmington StarNews
As a performer, the last thing Vivien Monnie wants to hear is “good job.”
Over the past three years, the Leland resident and retired real estate agent has found success in an artform that was previously untread territory for her: stand-up comedy. While she was a newcomer, it didn’t take long for Monnie to receive recognition for her act.
In 2023, she won third place in the solo performance category at the Brunswick County Senior Games SilverArts Follies. The following year, she won the competition and was selected to compete at the state level in Cary. She performed a routine about senior discount days at the grocery store, using impressions of the characters she meets to vent frustrations about overworked cashiers and unsolicited flirtations from men with no teeth.
“It makes me wonder, is there a senior day at Victoria’s Secret?” Monnie said to the audience before exiting the stage.
After the crowd erupted in applause, Monnie took home the gold medal for the solo category. Unfortunately, she would not get an opportunity to compete on the national level because North Carolina is the only state with an arts section in their Senior Games. Monnie jokes that she is the top senior comedian in the country by default.
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Medals are secondary to the real reward that Monnie chases: laughter. While she has received a significant amount of praise for her work, she sometimes finds herself disappointed in the way people react. She recalls a time some people she knew were in the audience.
“There wasn’t any talking, but there also wasn’t a lot of laughter,” Monnie said. “They were listening, but it seemed like they weren’t there to have a good time. They were there to judge me. And then at the end, when I saw people individually, they told me I was great. And I’m like, well why didn’t you laugh?”
After the experience, Monnie realized she needed to tailor her routine to fit the crowd she was performing for. That's when she had the idea to write about senior discount days for the Senior Games.
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Although she recognizes her place as an amateur comedian, Monnie takes pride in her work. She commits her act to memory to not have to read from a notebook onstage. She does not believe that there are any secrets or shortcuts to doing something great. The only way to do something well, Monnie said, is to work at it wholeheartedly. She likens performing arts to cooking, her other favorite hobby.
“Anybody can be a really good cook,” Monnie said. “You just have to follow a recipe. If you don’t take the time to read, and if you aren’t passionate, it’s not going to work.”
For her, much of that work takes place in the middle of the night. Ideas come to her when she is unable to fall asleep after waking up at 3 a.m. By the time she gets up to start her day, she already has a storyline developed for a new routine. After writing it down, she makes several revisions and practices aloud with a stopwatch. For most stand-up sets, comedians are allotted a limited amount of stage time where routines have to be calculated to the minute.
“Sometimes you have to pause or speak quickly to make it funny,” Monnie said. “That all has to be taken into account.”
Monnie attended stand-up comedy classes at Dead Crow Comedy Room in Wilmington following a recommendation from her friend Eric Mens, who also competed in the Brunswick County Senior Games. The two studied dramatic acting at the Leland Cultural Arts Center together.
Monnie moved to Leland with her husband six years ago from Cincinnati. She worked in real estate for 30 years but often found herself with one foot in performing arts. She worked on “Cincinnati on the Go,” a city-subsidized television show that explored a variety of local offerings.
“They would send me to do these crazy things like ballroom dancing,” Monnie said. “I was on camera and writing the dialogue. It was too much work for a volunteer job.”
Monnie says she moved to Leland after “picking a spot on the map.” While her and her husband were ready to leave Ohio, she knew as a native New Yorker how expensive it can be to live on the East Coast. Prior to choosing Leland, the couple considered the prospect of living in Charleston, South Carolina, but ultimately decided it was too humid.
“If you go to Charleston in April you’re already sweating,” Monnie said.
Since getting involved with the local community of comedians, Monnie has struggled to find the perfect venue for her act. She has enjoyed performing on the Gio Fund Gong Show, a periodic variety show run by a nonprofit that raises funds for no-kill animal welfare in the Wilmington area. Overall, comedy is a late-night activity by nature, which can be at odds with her schedule.
“My days of partying until 2 a.m. are over,” Monnie said. “That’s primarily why I’m not out there more.”
She has approached restaurant owners in Leland with the idea of hosting stand-up comedians but has not garnered much interest.
“I asked if they had ever thought of having stand-up and they said that they had it once, and they thought the person was hilarious,” Monnie said. “But nobody in the restaurant listened to them. They complained. People wanted to have their own conversations. So, this person couldn’t have been that funny.”
Beyond cooking and comedy, there is one recreational activity that Monnie refuses to participate in following her lengthy career in real estate.
“People watch these shows where they renovate houses,” Monnie said. “I don’t think I need to see another house. I don’t care what they do to the outside, I don’t care what they do to the inside. I don’t care anymore.”
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