abc-logo
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

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Arcadia, NC

Home Care Arcadia, NC

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 Arcadia City Hall 1926 Historical Marker 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 Arcadia, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Arcadia, NC

location Service Areas

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.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Arcadia, NC?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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 Arcadia, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Arcadia, NC

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 Arcadia, NC
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 Arcadia, NC
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. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Arcadia County Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

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 Arcadia, NC
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. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Derby or visit Arcadia Historic District Historical Marker, 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.

 In-Home Care Arcadia, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Arcadia, NC

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.

Request More Information vector

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 Arcadia, 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.

 Elderly Care Arcadia, NC

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 NC'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 Arcadia, NC

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 Arcadia, 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.

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 Arcadia, NC

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 Arcadia, NC

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:

  • Assisted Living & Wellness
  • Santa Anita Assisted Living
  • Arcadia Living
  • Oak Garden
  • Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
  • Trinity Hills Estates
Home Care Arcadia, NC

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 Arcadia, NC

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

lm-right-arrow
01

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

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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 Arcadia, 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.

 Elderly Care Arcadia, NC

Latest News in Arcadia, NC

ECU Health, Acadia Healthcare host groundbreaking ceremony for new behavioral health hospital

GREENVILLE, N.C. (November 1, 2023) – ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare held a ceremony today to celebrate the start of construction on its ...

GREENVILLE, N.C. (November 1, 2023) – ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare held a ceremony today to celebrate the start of construction on its previously announced state-of-the-art, 144-bed behavioral health hospital in Greenville, North Carolina. The event occurred on the site of the new hospital – located at 2820 MacGregor Downs Road, Greenville, North Carolina 27834 – and celebrated the joint venture partnership between ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare, which will own and operate the new hospital together.

Slated to open in Spring 2025, the hospital will be a center of excellence situated less than a mile from ECU Health Medical Center. It will offer comprehensive inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for adults, seniors, children and adolescents who struggle with acute symptoms of mental health such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as treatment for co-occurring disorders. Thomas Construction Group is the general contractor, and Stengel Hill Architecture is the architect for the project.

“Too many people, including children, in North Carolina get stuck in emergency departments when they urgently need short-term and high-quality behavioral health care,” said North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Sec. Kody H. Kinsley. “This new hospital will create lasting change in this region by making behavioral health services easier to access when and where they are needed.”

The new hospital will also serve as a teaching hospital for psychiatry, social work, nursing and other behavioral health professionals. This will address the shortage of clinical behavioral healthcare professionals in the area, training students and residents from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, many of whom will go on to practice in eastern North Carolina and carry forth ECU Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the region.

The hospital will include 24 inpatient beds specifically for children and adolescents with behavioral health needs. These beds will be the first of their kind in ECU Health’s 29-county service area and the only child and adolescent beds within 75 miles of Greenville, North Carolina.

“The shortage of mental health resources is a critical challenge in North Carolina,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, chief executive officer of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine. “We are pleased construction is underway for our new behavioral health hospital, and this moment marks another milestone in our effort to improve access to behavioral health care for the region. It will provide the hope and healing residents of Greenville and the surrounding communities need when dealing with complex behavioral health issues.”

Prior to the pandemic, nearly one in five North Carolinians were experiencing a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder, according to a report from the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Mental Health and Substance Use. In the past three years, national data indicates a growing trend of depression and anxiety symptoms. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to addressing mental illnesses and substance use disorders, normalizing and treating them with the latest science and medicine in appropriate care settings.

“This new hospital will provide North Carolinians with expanded access to quality behavioral health services and treatment from specialized clinical teams in a carefully designed environment,” said Chris Hunter, chief executive officer of Acadia Healthcare. “We are so proud to be affiliated with ECU Health, working together to address the strong need in this area and building upon their legacy and commitment to behavioral health services. This hospital will be a strong member of the Greenville community, collaborating with all organizations, hospitals and first responders. It will be a beacon of hope for patients and families in eastern North Carolina.”

To learn more about the partnership between ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare, visit ENCBehavioralHealth.org.

Public Invited to Blue Monday Shad Fry of North Carolina

By: BladenOnline teamOn Monday, April 10, the Blue Monday Shad Fry of North Carolina is happening at US Lock & Dam #1. This event offers a taste of history and culture and is free for everyone to attend.The American Shad, a saltwater herring fish, migrates to North Carolina rivers yearly in early spring to spawn in the Cape Fear River. According to...

By: BladenOnline team

On Monday, April 10, the Blue Monday Shad Fry of North Carolina is happening at US Lock & Dam #1. This event offers a taste of history and culture and is free for everyone to attend.

The American Shad, a saltwater herring fish, migrates to North Carolina rivers yearly in early spring to spawn in the Cape Fear River. According tothe Natural Sciences website, these fish species are an essential part of the food webin North Carolina. Natural Scientistsalso report, “American Shad played a significant role in the survival of the indigenous people, and the first settlers to the New World.”

State officials recognized this tradition about 10 years ago. NC House Representatives Ken Waddell and William Brisson proposed House Bill 241 as an Act to make the Blue Monday Shad Fry in East Arcadia the official State Blue Monday Shad Fry.

One of the event coordinators, Jerry Graham, explained after the death of the event’s original coordinator, Mr. Carter community members came together to continue the annual fish fry. Graham, Jesse Blanks, and Wendell Brown are some of the event organizers recognized in 2013 by the State as keeping the tradition alive.

Graham said, “The way we collect the fish has changed a bit due to State laws on fishing.” According to Carolina Countryand Mr. Graham, overfishing and the creation of the North Carolina dams caused a decrease in the fish spawning in the Cape Fear River. However, NC Wildlife agencies and the Army Corps of Engineers have worked together to help the fish repopulate.

Graham reports the fry continues to garner support from local communities and receives visitors from across the State and country. The fish fry is a time for people to enjoy a taste of history and culture while reuniting with community members.

There is no charge for a plate of American Shad with sides during this event. Graham explained the organizers cook everything on the “Founding Fish,” including the eggs. Around 500 to 1,000 people participate in the annual local shad fry experience. Plan to attend theBlue Monday Shad Fryheld at US Lock and Dam #1 at 996 Locks No 1 Road in Riegelwood, NC. The fish plates will be offered to all who attend from 11 am until 2 pm on Easter Monday, April 10, 2023.

Related media:

https://naturalsciences.org/learn/learning-resources/shad-in-the-classroom

https://harborfish.com/shad-roe-what-is-it/

Arcadia Views housing development gets 6-month delay from Laurel Park

[email protected] Park officials Tuesday approved a six-month delay for the preliminary plat approval for a contentious development proposed on Brevard Road.The 180-day delay follows a one-year delay approved in August 2019 by the Town Council, as developers work their way through court proceedings related to the project, the Cottages at Arcadia Views.Phase one of the project calls for 56 housing units consisting of 28 one-story duplexes on 16 acres. With five phases in all, the project ca...

[email protected]

Laurel Park officials Tuesday approved a six-month delay for the preliminary plat approval for a contentious development proposed on Brevard Road.

The 180-day delay follows a one-year delay approved in August 2019 by the Town Council, as developers work their way through court proceedings related to the project, the Cottages at Arcadia Views.

Phase one of the project calls for 56 housing units consisting of 28 one-story duplexes on 16 acres. With five phases in all, the project calls for a total 199 housing units on 90 acres.

Mark Kopcienski, with developer WXZ Development, told the council that developers have gained all necessary approvals to start work, including permits from the city of Hendersonville and the state Department of Water Resources, but are now dealing with a challenge to the NCDWR permit.

Early this year, a group of residents submitted a 240-signature petition to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality urging it to reject the development’s sewer connection permit and all other similar applications.

They argue that any increase in sewer flow to Hendersonville’s collection system will increase the frequency and magnitude of sanitary sewer overflows.

More:Arcadia Views developer asks for extension to break ground

More:Petitioners oppose sewer connection for Arcadia Views after overflows

More:Subdivision opponents counter traffic study

Sewer capacity isn’t the only issue residents have with the project. Neighbors have been outspoken as well about the traffic loads a 199-unit development would add to an already busy U.S. 64.

Kopcienski explained that a petitioner took action with the state Office of Administrative Hearings, described on its website as an independent agency providing a forum for resolution of contested cases between citizens and state agencies.

“We’re hoping to get clear of that in the near future and go out there and get to work,” he said.

A hearing is scheduled for the first week of September, Kopcienski said, adding that developers have been assured by the state attorney general’s office, which is representing NCDWR in the case, that they’ll receive a favorable outcome, expected within the next 60 days.

“We are ready to start and are far more anxious than the town of Laurel Park is, considering the millions of dollars that have been invested in this project to date,” Kopcienski told the council.

Once the case is resolved, he said developers can close the loan and get to work.

The council pressed Kopcienski for some kind of financial security, with Commissioner Paul Hansen expressing his concern and saying the town has “been through several iterations on this property.”

The motion to approve the extension, which passed unanimously, approved the 180-day extension period, with the understanding that if another extension is needed, the developers would issue a performance bond or some other sort of financial security for the project.

Kopcienski told the council that developers currently have a commitment from a lender to completely finance the project which can’t be closed until the petition issue is finalized.

Smallwood Coauthors Book on Aggie-Eagle Rivalry

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 17, 2023) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Arwin D. Smallwood, Ph.D., has coauthored a new book about the Aggie-Eagle rivalry.“NC A&T vs. NCCU: More Than Just A Game” was developed by Smallwood, professor and chair of the Department of History and Political Science in A&T’s College of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences. A renowned historian, he was recognized with the UNC Board of Governors’ Gov. James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Ex...

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 17, 2023) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Arwin D. Smallwood, Ph.D., has coauthored a new book about the Aggie-Eagle rivalry.

“NC A&T vs. NCCU: More Than Just A Game” was developed by Smallwood, professor and chair of the Department of History and Political Science in A&T’s College of Arts, Humanities And Social Sciences. A renowned historian, he was recognized with the UNC Board of Governors’ Gov. James E. Holshouser Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service in 2022.

Coauthor Charles D. Johnson, Ph.D., is an associate professor of history and Director of the Public History Program in the Department of History at North Carolina Central University.

“As an undergraduate, no game was more important than the NCA&T vs. NCCU game,” said Smallwood, an N.C. Central alumnus.

The book investigates the historically Black universities’ rivalry, which began before they played their first game in 1922.

It started with their leaders, James B. Dudley of A&T and James E. Shepard of N.C. Central, both businessmen who wanted the best for their students, campuses and communities.

“NC A&T vs. NCCU: More Than Just a Game” captures the games that have been played since 1922 as well as the unique history of the two universities, their coaches, players, students and alumni.

Smallwood and Johnson were inspired by the special relationship the universities have. The intensity of the rivalry between A&T and NCCU runs deep, with the pride of the Aggies and the love of NCCU.

Smallwood’s first game experience, which took place in Durham in 1984, sparked his curiosity. He remembers how Aggies packed O’Kelly Riddick Stadium to create a sea of blue and gold and cheered the team along with the Blue and Gold Marching. When the players and band members took the field, A&T fans waved small gold towels emblazoned with the words “Aggie Pride” in blue, chanting that signature sentiment.

“Shaping me into the person I am today, attending NCCU, I have gained a great love of HBCUs and their purpose and am honored to serve N.C. A&T,” said Smallwood, who has published many other works including “Bertie County: An Eastern Carolina History,” “Annual Editions: African American History” and “The Atlas of African-American History and Politics: From the Slave Trade to Modern Times.”

Released Aug. 28 by Arcadia Publishing, “NC A&T vs. NCCU: More Than Just A Game” is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target, among other retailers.

East Arcadia Focuses on Parks & Recreation

by Blake ProctorMayor Perry Blanks called the September 13th meeting of the East Arcadia Town Council to order at 7:05pm, with all Members but Rhonda Hall in attendance. Also attending were Acting Town Clerk Marie Miller and Town Attorney Santana Miller.Mayor Blanks opened the meeting with a prayer. Councilmember Pamela Graham moved acceptance of last month’s minutes, with a second by Councilmember Pete Carter; Councilmember Lillian Graham moved approval of the August Finance Report, with Mr. Cart...

by Blake Proctor

Mayor Perry Blanks called the September 13th meeting of the East Arcadia Town Council to order at 7:05pm, with all Members but Rhonda Hall in attendance. Also attending were Acting Town Clerk Marie Miller and Town Attorney Santana Miller.

Mayor Blanks opened the meeting with a prayer. Councilmember Pamela Graham moved acceptance of last month’s minutes, with a second by Councilmember Pete Carter; Councilmember Lillian Graham moved approval of the August Finance Report, with Mr. Carter again seconding. Both motions were unanimously approved.

Having been unavoidably detained, Councilmember Rhonda Hall joined the meeting at 7:15pm.

With no citizens or other interested parties desiring to address the Board, the Mayor turned to Committee Reports:

Ms. Lillian Graham, representing the Finance Committee, informed the Board that there has still been no word from Ivey Cauley of McDavid & Associates on the status of the water meter replacement project. A sense of frustration prevailed.

There was no Streets & Roads report, but Councilmember Horace Munn notified the Board that there were still problems with the bush-hog.

Parks & Recreation spokesperson Pamela Graham advised the Council that there was still $4,000 in the recreation grant that needed to be drawn down. Ms. Lillian Graham opined that the Town should move forward on at least the Jungle Gym.

Ms. Hall stated that the recreation grant needed to be closed out so the Town could move forward to other projects. A general discussion of the park project ensued; it was agreed that a general plan for the entire park should be drawn up so that requirements for the park would be known in advance.

Mr. Munn informed the Council that before anything is done at the park, the home plate of the softball field needed to be precisely placed so the entire ballfield could be arranged around it; this will allow the rest of the park, including the basketball court and Jungle Gym, to be properly and safely situated.

Ms. Pamela Graham wondered if perhaps the Board should hold off on any action for the time being; Ms. Lillian Graham disagreed, moving that the Jungle Gym be put up, and the Town would “go from there.” Mr. Munn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

A dedicated section of the park had been identified beforehand for this play area. Ms. Hall had computed that this area, four inches deep, would require three 20-ton dump truck-loads, or 60 tons of the proper sand at $14.33 per ton and $125 per load, a total price of $1,234.80.

This would not include preparation of the ground itself, so Ms. Pamela Graham moved that the Town hire someone to prepare the ground by eradicating all vegetation and compacting the area. Ms. Hall seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

There were no Councilmembers’ concerns, but Mayor Blanks advised the Board that, since Town Clerk Josephine Smith has retired, it is time to look for a replacement to fill this part time position.

It was noted that salary is open and dependent on qualifications and experience. Interested persons should contact Town Hall at 1516 E. Arcadia Rd, Riegelwood, NC 28456, or by calling (910) 655-4388.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48pm.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.