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 Manassas National Battlefield Park 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 Manassas, VA 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.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
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 Manassas National Battlefield 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 Carmello's of Old Town Manassas or visit Ben Lomond 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 Manassas, VA, 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 Manassas, VA 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 Manassas, VA 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.
This Saturday night at 8:00 PM 4/19/24-as twilight falls upon Old Town Manassas, the spirits awaken and the Ghost Doctors are set to embark on an extraordinary journey. Join the adventure for a supernatural experience that has captured the attention of the NOVA metro area. As seen on cable and network TV from coast-to-coast, renowned paranormal investigators and tours guides to the supernatural, the Ghost Doctors will be leading adventurous souls on an actual ghostly exploration through the darkened streets passing century-o...
This Saturday night at 8:00 PM 4/19/24-as twilight falls upon Old Town Manassas, the spirits awaken and the Ghost Doctors are set to embark on an extraordinary journey. Join the adventure for a supernatural experience that has captured the attention of the NOVA metro area. As seen on cable and network TV from coast-to-coast, renowned paranormal investigators and tours guides to the supernatural, the Ghost Doctors will be leading adventurous souls on an actual ghostly exploration through the darkened streets passing century-old buildings of Old Town Manassas.
Grab your courage and prepare to delve into the unknown! Equipped with a doctor's bag brimming with the tools of the ghost hunting trade the Ghost Doctors and their daring hunters will prowl through the historic district in search of signs of paranormal activity. It's like stepping into the pages of a bestselling ghost hunting novel as you navigate the eerie streets of Old Town Manassas.
Before the adventure begins, the Ghost Doctors will impart their wisdom upon their newly inducted ghost hunters. Learn the fundamentals of paranormal investigations as well as lore and legend as you discover how to get a glimpse of supernatural occurrences and even how to use your own cameras and smartphones in the process. You'll be transformed into a fearless investigator ready to face any spectral encounter.
But Old Town Manassas holds more than meets the eye. During twilight, this already extraordinary place takes on an entirely new perspective. Bathed in moonlight and the dim glow of street lamps, it becomes a hauntingly beautiful town straight out of a ghostly novel. Prepare to be transported to another era as you navigate the shadowy corners and hidden passages.
This is more than just a tour, it's a thrilling adventure into the paranormal. Don't miss it!
For ticket and tour info including future UFO tour dates, go to, https://ghostdoctors.com or call (703) 686-4564. Email contact: [email protected]
MANASSAS, Va. (7News) — Tyleik Williams is a force to be reckoned with. The Manassas, Virginia, native will not have to wait long to hear his name called at the 2025 NFL Draft.As a projected second-rounder, Williams is ready for this next chapter in his football journey to begin."It's definitely been a long process, but I've enjoyed it," Williams told 7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala. "You only get to go once, so making the most of it is kind of how I try to attack it."...
MANASSAS, Va. (7News) — Tyleik Williams is a force to be reckoned with. The Manassas, Virginia, native will not have to wait long to hear his name called at the 2025 NFL Draft.
As a projected second-rounder, Williams is ready for this next chapter in his football journey to begin.
"It's definitely been a long process, but I've enjoyed it," Williams told 7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala. "You only get to go once, so making the most of it is kind of how I try to attack it."
PHOTOS | Behind-the-scenes look at NFL Draft Theatre, green room and red carpet
Williams closed out his collegiate career at the top of the college football mountain. The defensive tackle played an impactful role for the Buckeyes as Ohio State won the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.
"Sophomore year is where it really clicked for me that I have a chance to go to the next level and be a good player at the next level," Williams said. "I'm just completely different from my freshman year. I'm still that goofy kid from Manassas, but I know when to get serious."
If you take one look at Williams, you would see why his game is expected to translate beautifully to the NFL. At 6'3'' and 334 pounds, Williams is ranked 3rd-overall in this class of defensive tackles entering the draft. But aside from the physical attributes, Williams takes pride in being a student of the game.
"My IQ is very high. I can diagnose things before they happen. Most guys don't really have that," Williams said. "I watch a lot of tape. I'm kind of a film guru. I'm always watching some kind of tape of somebody, and I can pick up on a lot of things."
Night one of the 2025 NFL Draft is on Thursday, April 24, and begins at 8 p.m. You can watch every pick from every round on all three days of the draft on 7News.
For the latest sports news, sign up for the 7News Sports newsletter here.
The elusive morel mushroom is popping out of the ground in Virginia as temperatures warm up. Here's where sightings have been reported.Deb Belt, Patch StaffVIRGINIA — One of the most delectable of springtime treats — elusive morels, the so-called “sacred mushroom” — are popping out of the ground in Virginia.Morels are among the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. Although morel hunters are...
Deb Belt, Patch Staff
VIRGINIA — One of the most delectable of springtime treats — elusive morels, the so-called “sacred mushroom” — are popping out of the ground in Virginia.
Morels are among the most desired wild mushrooms in the world. Although morel hunters are a notoriously secretive group, many have reported the date and general area they found their caches to The Great Morel.
Reports in Virginia include these from the last two weeks:
Keep in mind, as we move toward warmer temperatures, there’s only a small window to find morels, which are just decaying fungi that pop out of the ground under just the right fusion of atmospheric conditions and pollen counts.
Weather patterns have everything to do with the timing of morel mushroom season. Prime mushroom hunting time is usually over by Mother’s Day, which is on Sunday, May 11, this year.
The ‘Sacred Mushroom’
If you’ve never experienced these earthy, woodsy and nutty tastes of spring, don’t turn down an invitation to partake in their deliciousness. Alex Guarnaschelli of “Iron Chef” called them the “sacred mushroom,” wrote the late food author Simon Majumdar, who said the mention of morel mushrooms “will bring a look of appreciation to every chef” he encounters.
“The morel, or morchella, is actually more related to the truffle than it is to other mushrooms and, like truffles, is the fruit of a fungus that sprouts in the moist soil of woods and forests,” Majumdar wrote. “There are debates about the number of different types of morel, but the most common ones are black morels and yellow morels. They both have a stem and a conical body that is covered with pits and ridges like a honeycomb, which makes them instantly recognizable to anyone who spends time hunting for them.”
Morel mushrooms are used heavily in French cooking, but the most common among morel cooking methods in the United States is to dip the mushrooms in egg, dredge the mushrooms in flour or seasoned bread crumbs or crackers, and fry them in butter.
Before You Head Into The Woods …
Mushrooms are typically found from March to May. Morels prefer certain habitats, for example near the base of dead or dying elm trees or around ash, tulip and old apple trees. Experienced hunters also report finding them in areas around washes, downed trees or logging areas, old flood plains, and burn sites.
The website Mushroom Appreciation offers morel hunting tips. After nighttime low temperatures warm up to 40 degrees or above, head out into the woods on a warm morning after a spring rain.
The big thing to know before heading out is how to recognize the difference between an edible morel and a poisonous false morel that can make you sick or even kill you. This page has everything you need to know about morel mushroom identification.
No matter how tempting, “don’t pick every mushroom you see,” the site suggests. “Leave a few, so they can continue to drop spores and you and others can enjoy them for years to come.”
Also, be sure to take along a map, compass and a phone with GPS tracking. While practicing safe social distancing, it’s also a good idea to take along a friend. Mace or pepper spray is a good idea, too, in case you run into a moose, bear or dog taking exception to you tromping around the woods.
Mushroom Appreciation cautions against coming right out and asking hunters where precisely to find morel mushrooms, though.
“If you have superior charm and people skills, you might try asking about local morels in a roundabout and modest way,” the site advises. “Just beware that you may not get the desired response, or you may wind up with directions to the local haunted forest!”
The Great Morel is accepting reports of morel sightings through its website, or by emailing them to [email protected] with the ZIP code, city, state and date found, along with any other helpful information, such as weather conditions. Don’t worry — the exact location where hunters found the morels is sacrosanct.
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MANASSAS, VA — The public hearing is approaching in late April for the Manassas city budget, which could increase average homeowner tax bills despite a proposed flat real estate tax rate.Since the budget was proposed to Manassas City Council on Feb. 24, there have been various work sessions on different components. Now, a public hearing on the budget, including the ...
MANASSAS, VA — The public hearing is approaching in late April for the Manassas city budget, which could increase average homeowner tax bills despite a proposed flat real estate tax rate.
Since the budget was proposed to Manassas City Council on Feb. 24, there have been various work sessions on different components. Now, a public hearing on the budget, including the Capital Improvement Plan and tax rates, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on April 28. A work session on matters from the public hearing and any outstanding issues will follow at 5:30 p.m. on April 30. First reading of the budget adoption will be at 5:30 p.m. on May 12, and second reading of tax rates and other rate ordinances is at 5:30 p.m. on June 9.
The $327.881 million budget would be a 1.7 percent decrease from last year's 333.58 million budget. That decrease was attributed to last year's budget using one-time funds for property acquisitions — the city purchased the former Marsteller School site and Manassas Shopping Center.
While the budget proposes keeping the real estate tax rate at $1.26 per $100 of assessed value, City Council provided an advertised rate of $1.28 per $100 of assessed value on March 5. That advertised rate isn't the final tax rate, but it is the highest that could be adopted during the budget process. City Council is eyeing other options like a tax rate reduction as well.
City Council received scenarios of how different real estate tax rates between $1.23 and $1.28 would affect residential tax bills with appreciating property values. Under the $1.28 rate, average residential tax bills would total $5,863 per year, reflecting a $520 increase from the last year. The existing $1.26 rate would increase average tax bills by $428, with an average annual bill of $5,772. A three-cent reduction to $1.23 would still increase the average tax bill by $291 to an annual $5,634.
Since the budget was proposed, the Manassas City School Board approved the school division's budget, which is subject to approval of city and state funds. The Manassas City Public Schools operating budget tops $146.1 million, and the estimated capital improvement plan budget for 2025-2026 is $27.04 million.
In a letter to Mayor Michelle Davis Younger, School Board Chair Suzanne Seaberg said employee pay was the top budget priority. The MCPS budget includes $5.2 million for salary increases and a reduction of the employee share of health insurance premiums through a $1 million employer contribution increase. With the new budget, staff pay increases would average 5.5 percent in fiscal year 2026.
In the proposed city budget, city staff would receive a 3 percent merit pay increase as well as cost of living adjustment increases.
City staff also recommended removing the vehicle license tax, which is a $25 fee for vehicles and $10 for motorcycles typically charged alongside the personal property tax on vehicles. That would cost $950,000 and is considered an unfunded request at the flat tax rate.
The full budget proposal is available on the city's budget website.
571-297-5764
