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.
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 Newton Grove, 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.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“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 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”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“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”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“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.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“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!”
“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.
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. 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 Newton Grove, 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 Newton Grove, 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.
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 Newton Grove, 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.
Interim County Manager Jeff Hudson finished his tour of reaching out to different communities explaining the current proposed county budget. His last stop was in the town of Newton Grove, at the Bryan Memorial Library. It seemed befitting that the town hall meeting transpired there, because similar to Garland, residents raised their concerns regarding cuts that are coming to the library.Members and citizens of the town were in attendance, as well as Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and vice chairman of the county Board of Commissioners and Dist...
Interim County Manager Jeff Hudson finished his tour of reaching out to different communities explaining the current proposed county budget. His last stop was in the town of Newton Grove, at the Bryan Memorial Library. It seemed befitting that the town hall meeting transpired there, because similar to Garland, residents raised their concerns regarding cuts that are coming to the library.
Members and citizens of the town were in attendance, as well as Sheriff Jimmy Thornton and vice chairman of the county Board of Commissioners and District 2 Commissioner Eric Pope. Hudson gave the same budget presentation that he gave to county commissioners at their meeting last week, as well as previous town hall meetings in Clinton and Garland. Many present admitted that no other county manager has been so proactive in reaching out to the citizens and being transparent. “When was the last time someone came to Newton Grove, and explained the budget?” Sheriff Thornton asked the crowd. All were in agreement that they couldn’t recall the last time, if ever, that has happened. “He was the right man for the job,” Thornton stated.
Hudson explained how the county was in a very unique situation, and how he was essentially thrown in at the worst time to fix years of incompetent budgeting. “The commissioners brought me in, and they told me, ‘We want you to find the truth and present the truth.’ That’s the case in day by day operations as well as the budget. It’s what they tasked me to do, but it’s also how I’ve made my career. You don’t last over 30 years in this business and not tell the truth,” Hudson stated.
Newton Grove citizen Pat Usher was one of the first citizens to speak after Hudson’s presentation. “I will say, I appreciate your presentation. It is very enlightening. I believe that you and the County Commissioners do take what’s being discussed and the cuts seriously, and have considered how it impacts us. I appreciate that effort.”
He continued by expressing, “I came here tonight to speak on behalf of trying not to cut the libraries. They’re a valuable resource, this library in particular was donated to the town. The town of Newton Grove pays for the facility and keeps it up and running. There’s not another public library in a 20-mile radius, so it’s convenient to our citizens and visitors. It adds to our quality of life.”
Sharon Laboda, a retired educator, expressed her concerns on how the library being open fewer hours will affect the children. “My concern is for a lot of students that come from socio-economic places that are not as well off as some of the other states and towns. We have a large Latino population, and there’s a section in our library system for those kids. I had a student who couldn’t read in English burst into tears because he couldn’t read anything. So I came here and got him a bunch of books, and he looked at me like magic just happened. You want him to contribute, and you want him to love Sampson County. We can’t shut the door on any kid’s education.”
Her husband, Larry Laboda, attested to why the library is important not just to the children but to adults as well. “I’m a historian, researcher, and author. I use these computers a lot. I use it for genealogical work, just to learn history, and so on. Having access to the books here and being able to order books from other locations was invaluable to me.” He also inquired if they could reallocate funds slightly to help fund library operations, like moving funds from recreation. Hudson explained at this meeting, as well as the Garland meeting, that the recreation department isn’t seeing the cuts the libraries are seeing due to it being a paid program that charges citizens. “Recreations are increasing their fees from $35 to $50. That’s a big step to save that program,” Hudson informed.
Another patron of the library, Penny Ward, described herself as a “voracious reader.”
“I’m here to represent your aging population in this town,” she said. “When I moved here, the main draw that made me feel at home was knowing I had a library close by for me and my children. Some people may be OK with Clinton and its library, and that’s fine, but it’s not home to me. This is my home library here. I spend a lot of time here and I want my library to stay open. Whatever I need to do to make that happen, I’m more than willing to do it. If you come up with some idea, please let me know.”
Hudson provided at each meeting a feedback sheet for residents to fill out, which he would then give directly to the corresponding commissioner. He also informed the public that they could contact their commissioners via email, being the most direct contact with response in return. “Now, we’re taking notes, the Sampson Independent is taking notes, and I think the vice chairman is sitting right there listening directly,” Hudson said. “Your voices are being heard, but it is best to let your wishes be known to the four other commissioners that couldn’t join us tonight.”
Commissioner Pope said jokingly, “The fish is frying in the pot right now.”
Hudson, as stated in previous meetings, informed all that cuts to different branches were solely because of patronage and the head count of those who come to the libraries. Robin Adams, who used to be a librarian for Lakewood and Midway High, wanted to express how the statistics don’t accurately tell the story of the importance of the library. “As for myself, I check out books for my husband, who has had back injuries,” she expressed. “Mothers come in and check out things for their kids. Many people come in here and are getting materials for other people as well, so it’s not an accurate depiction of the number of people who actually use the library. If those people came in, that number would increase greatly.
“This is one of the gems of Newton Grove. You come in here, it’s a safe, quiet, friendly place. There are social connections here and it’s many of ours’ safe space,” Adams continued.
Jill Usher, wife of Pat Usher, spoke as someone who works for the library system. “I work two days a week here, and some days in Clinton. I think the citizens of Sampson County think that the library is just a library. We do more here than just give people books. We constantly have people using our computers, we make copies for people, we have elderly people who can’t access their health records come here and go on the computer to print them out for their health insurance and their pharmacies. So if you limit us to just two days, what do those people do the rest of week when they’re in need? A lot of people can’t drive 20 minutes to Clinton or to Roseboro.”
Yesenia Ward, a young mother of three and employee of Hobbton High, wanted to speak on the importance of the library’s availability. “I feel like I’m here on behalf of all the new moms who had babies during COVID, when a lot of places shut down and we weren’t able to go anywhere. I feel like if this place were to shut down, our babies would never get to experience what we experience coming here. I remember coming in here as a kid. We, as a minority, used a lot of the services here, and I want my children to experience that. COVID shut a lot of that down, and I just don’t want to see another shutdown for our future.”
Hudson replied, stating, “I served on the Board of Education for four years. I was there through COVID, and I saw the social and academic impact it had on kids. It was horrendous. I don’t disagree with what you are saying. I hope you all do realize and understand, I do love libraries. In the presentation, you saw what you started with. I would love to pose the question, granted it is not your job, it is my job and the commissioners’, but I would like to pose the question to all of you, what are your preferences?”
Hudson informed that he gave the board options to choose from, regarding what would be cut, what would be increased, and what would be left the same.
Commissioner Pope addressed the crowd after Hudson’s presentation, trying to affirm that they are doing the best they can, especially Interim County Manager Jeff Hudson. “I heard a few of you say you wouldn’t mind paying higher taxes if it will save the library and other jobs, but there are a lot of people who aren’t here and I would get about 10-15 calls saying cut deep, cut hard, and take a chainsaw to it. When you look at how things impact people’s lives, it’s not an easy decision to make. I’m probably gonna have to eat crow for taxes going up, but at least I was raised with the humility to know when to do what’s right rather than sticking with my guns just to prove a point.”
“When we were interviewing [Hudson] for the interim position, the question I asked him was about strategic planning. That was my concern. He came in, and we know where every air conditioning unit on every county building is, when it was installed, a projection rate on when it needs to be replaced, that’s just one example of how prepared and diligent he is. He has been extremely helpful so we can start planning financially for the future.”
Pope also warned, “We’re going to have some growing pains this year, and I’m sorry, I apologize for that ahead of time. I don’t want a tax increase, nobody wants a tax increase, but reality hits home. Now’s the time. (Hudson) did exactly what we asked him to do. He came in and explored everything. And let’s be honest, statistically, the libraries would be an easy target based on five people coming to this brand opposed to 40 coming into another branch. Statistically speaking, it makes sense, but the humanity side takes it into a whole different perspective.
“People come up with quick solutions, but don’t think about long-term effects,” he continued. “We have to think about the future. I’ve heard your concerns tonight, and we’re gonna make some hard decisions. I’m just one of five. I can relay all the information you give me. You may get all that you want, there may be some compromise involved, but we got to come together for the county.”
The town of Newton Grove and its attorney, Lew Starling, have drafted a contract and submitted it the town’s Fire Department, offering a commitment of funds based on what the town can afford year to year.This comes at the request of town fire officials who were seeking something in writing that ensures they will be taken care of by the town. For the past 20-plus years, the two entities have operated by what Mayor Craig Warren described as a “gentleman’s handshake,” and since no one from the previous boards serv...
The town of Newton Grove and its attorney, Lew Starling, have drafted a contract and submitted it the town’s Fire Department, offering a commitment of funds based on what the town can afford year to year.
This comes at the request of town fire officials who were seeking something in writing that ensures they will be taken care of by the town. For the past 20-plus years, the two entities have operated by what Mayor Craig Warren described as a “gentleman’s handshake,” and since no one from the previous boards serves now, officials felt it best to put something in writing.
Contents and specifics of the proposed contract have not been released, since the fire department just received it Monday night, said Fire Chief Daniel Warwick.
Based on the town’s proposed 2025-26 budget, $46,000 has been set aside for the fire department, one of the highest allotments among local municipalities. The fire department will hold a board meeting to decide if the terms of the contract are suitable. If they agree to those terms, the contract will go into effect July 1, hopefully preventing an insurance point increase that has been looming.
Warwick believes that something will get done. “I’m optimistic that there’ll be a resolution before July 1 between the fire department and the town. We can’t let the citizens of the town go without fire services,” he attested. “Only thing we have to do at this point [is have] the fire department board vote on it, put the signatures on it, and once it’s signed, it’s a done deal.”
Warren shared similar high hopes that something will get done, but said he didn’t want to speak too much on the matter until he hears back from the fire department board. “This is something they requested. Our attorney and former attorney looked over the contract and ensured that this was a proper contract,” Warren stated. “We’ve budgeted what we can afford to do for the year, and that’s the numbers in this contract.”
Movie Night
The town is also gearing for some big events this weekend including a resurrected “Movie In The Park” night Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m. They have bought their own 28-foot screen and projector for the event. The movie selected will be the popular ‘90s movie, “Little Rascals.” Admission is free, and there will also be free concessions.
The following day, on May 18, 9 a.m., Hobbton High School will hold its senior parade. Principal Michael Warren took time to thank the board and all who were involved for their help in making the events possible, including getting the senior banners posted around the town. The parade will begin at Weeks Park, and will go down toward Eddie’s Cafe. The traffic circle will be shut off for the event.
Answering service
Town Clerk Amanda Baggett also wanted to encourage citizens of Newton Grove to use the town’s 24-hour answering service when it comes to reporting problems within the town.
“We get notifications directly when you use the answering service, unlike when you post it to the town’s Facebook page,” she stressed.
“It will be very helpful and more effective to report anything to the 24-hour answering service.”
Contact A.Goodman via email [email protected] or 910-249-4231.
919-554-2223
