News Archive

January 5, 2021 - Cosmetologist at Abernethy Laurels, Donna Scott, has spent the last forty years providing hair care services for older adults at Abernethy Laurels, a continuing care retirement community.

October 2, 2020 - Learn about recent happenings within UCHS!

August 31, 2020 - Resident Ruth Graham and her late husband had always wanted to visit the Noah’s Ark replica in Kentucky. Time passed and unfortunately the couple never made it to see the vessel.

May 22, 2020 - Read the latest happenings at Abernethy Laurels, a CCRC in Newton, NC.

April 30, 2020 - Great Place to Work Institute has honored United Church Homes and Services with certification as a Great Place to Work. The certification process considered hundreds of employee surveys from across United Church Homes and Services locations, including Abernethy Laurels.

April 29, 2020 - Welcome to Abernethy Laurels, a licensed continuing care retirement community located on a 120-acre wooded site in Newton, NC, embraced by laughter, inspiration and purposeful living.

April 21, 2020 - We continue to be committed to keeping our residents and team members safe, and we need your help!

April 16, 2020 - First responders from the City of Newton and the surrounding areas came together to thank workers at Abernethy Laurels, the largest senior living provider in Catawba County.

April 7, 2020 - We continue to do all we can to minimize the risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19). At this time we do not have any confirmed or presumed cases of COVID-19 at any UCHS location. We are following the guidance of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, and state regulatory guidelines. Caring for your loved one and protecting all whom we serve and our team members is of utmost importance.

April 5, 2020 - Abernethy Laurels Director of Spiritual Life Susan Roddey implements creative ways for residents to worship.

April 5, 2020 - Abernethy Laurels resident Jimmie Gantt turned 93 on April 4. Still wanting to celebrate the big day, Abernethy Laurels team member Jackie Wesson and Gantt's family coordinated a balcony visit to serenade him!

April 1, 2020 - United Church Homes and Services continues to have lasting impact on our residents, team members, and community. We hope you will enjoy the stories behind our ministry, along with the people we serve and those that serve for the common good.

March 6, 2020 - Abernethy Laurels retirement community will hold a blood drive from 12:30 to 4pm on Wednesday, March 11 on their campus located at 102 Leonard Ave. in Newton. Blood donors will receive a free St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt and a $10 e-giftcard.

February 28, 2020 - United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation, headquartered in Newton, NC, held the fourth annual Philanthropy Luncheon at Rock Barn Golf & Spa on February 27, 2020.

February 20, 2020 - Girl scout Madeline Wright, a high school senior, brought stuffed animals and dolls to residents at Abernethy Laurels.

February 13, 2020 - Learn more about United Church Homes and Services in the 2019 Annual Report.

January 27, 2020 - Abernethy Laurels is excited to share the news of having earned a 5 star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

January 14, 2020 - Local Cub Scouts Pack #333 visited residents at Abernethy Laurels.

December 23, 2019 - Friday was special for Abernethy Laurels resident Carl Cardwell. Cardwell, 92 years old, became an official Catawba County Honorary Sheriff’s Deputy.

December 19, 2019 - Residents that live in our Health Center took their musical talents on the road to give a handbell performance.

December 16, 2019 - Be sure to read our latest News & Views newsletter!

December 6, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels Village residents celebrated the Christmas season with a beautiful evening of music, fellowship, a photo booth, delicious food, and a whole lot of fun on Thursday, December 5.

November 14, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels thanked the many veterans at their community with a breakfast on Veterans Day.

November 9, 2019 - On Saturday, November 9, United Church Homes and Services unveiled a new street sign and ceremonially dedicated it in memory of Rev. Van D. Grimes, wife, Edith Grimes, and family. Rev. Grimes served on the staff of United Church Homes and Services in 1983, chaplain at Abernethy Laurels (then, Abernethy Center) and Administrator 1984-1990.

November 5, 2019 - Many older adults can be found playing a round of bingo or knitting. Not Mickey Glickman. Glickman is a resident at Abernethy Laurels retirement community in Newton, NC, who craves real adventure! At the top of her adventure list – ziplining!

October 21, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels resident Dick Bruns has been concerned for some time that cursive writing is a dying form of writing as it is no longer taught in all schools.

October 17, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels recently celebrated the end of construction with employees and residents of the retirement community. To celebrate the ending of nearly 900 days of active construction, there was food, games, a photo booth and DJ.

October 8, 2019 - Please consider supporting the Abernethy Laurels team for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

September 27, 2019 - Local well-known pianist Joyce O'Neal wowed residents and guests during her recent piano recital.

August 22, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels helped residents Lynn and Carol Cole celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary!

August 22, 2019 - We’ve Launched a New App!

August 15, 2019 - Lou Grandmaison, a resident at Abernethy Laurels retirement community, has a yearning to help others in her community.

June 27, 2019 - Catawba County currently has a record number of children in foster care. There is an urgent need for foster families and supplies for these children that have been displaced.

June 14, 2019 - Kind, humble, giving, sincere. Those are just a few of the words to describe residents Walter and Helen Boone.

May 3, 2019 - Brenda Ward, a resident at Abernethy Laurels, had dreams of riding a horse again. With the help of a nearby riding center, the retirement community turned her dream into a reality.

April 26, 2019 - Beyond our Community Center, nursing and rehabilitation center, and the many independent living cottages, villas and apartments at Abernethy Laurels Retirement Community in Newton, NC is 120 acres of rolling hills, wooded areas, and beautiful flora. Residents living at Abernethy Laurels wholeheartedly value the beauty and serenity of the rural campus. From large oaks, flowering dogwoods, squirrels, birds, rabbits, raccoons, and an occasional deer – our campus is home to more than those 62 and older – it’s home to nature.

April 25, 2019 - We are flipping up a good time, hearty breakfast, and open houses at Abernethy Laurels!

April 5, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels recently welcomed Trail Life Troop 333 from St. James Lutheran Church. These scouts worked hard to build and install raised flower beds for our residents to enjoy!

March 12, 2019 - Sean Larson, MD and Kristin McNally, AGNP-C have joined our clinical team, practicing medicine through our continued partnership with Physicians Eldercare.

March 5, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels recently held a dedication ceremony for their new Health and Rehabilitation Center, marketed as North and South Manor.

February 22, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels, an active retirement community in Newton, will welcome talented pianist Joyce O’Neal to their campus on Tuesday, February 26 at 2pm

February 1, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels is excited to welcome presenter Carl Shatley to their campus on Thursday, February 7 at 2pm to share the history, career, and life of Milton Hershey.

January 18, 2019 - Abernethy Laurels will host a program designed to help anyone preparing to move and rightsize. “Rightsizing the Right Way” will be presented on Thursday, January 24 at 12:00pm on the campus of the retirement community.

December 21, 2018 - As nursing homes come under great scrutiny, Abernethy Laurels, a continuing care community in Newton, NC, continues to provide a high level of care and service. In the most recent survey December/2018 administered by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR). Abernethy Laurels was rated deficiency-free. It is unusual for a skilled nursing facility to receive a deficiency-free survey, meaning all services provided at the facility meet or exceed all state and federal standards.

November 19, 2018 - Girls on the Run, an organization from North Newton Elementary School, visited Abernethy Laurels to play games with residents. The intergenerational activities was a highlight for many of the residents and created new relationships for the 4th and 5th grade students.

November 14, 2018 - Amber McIntosh, Executive Director of Abernethy Laurels, a continuing care retirement community in Newton, recently announced that Matthew Diggs will be mentoring as Administrator In Training (AIT) at the community.

September 12, 2018 - United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation hosted the annual Julius Society dinner at Abernethy Laurels on September 11. Michael Readinger, President of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM), was the keynote speaker for the evening.

August 8, 2018 - Resident David Arndt devoted many years of his life protecting and serving our community. A true-blue public servant, he spent over 30 years with Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, over 20 years with Catawba Fire Department, and several years with Claremont Police Department.

August 1, 2018 - Both residents at Abernethy Laurels, Lou Grandmaison and Sarah Bostian have a strong desire to help others in their community. Lou and Sarah are both active within LINC (Linked in New Creative) Ministries and give freely of their time by volunteering in numerous capacities. When the two ladies heard about a need in our county to help foster children, they immediately jumped into action.

July 13, 2018 - Join us for an indoor performance Saturday, July 14 at 2pm in the Community Center at Abernethy Laurels featuring local bluegrass music!

June 22, 2018 - The WellBusiness program recognizes Catawba County workplaces that are committed to improving employee health and wellness.

June 12, 2018 - A national nursing shortage is causing many health care systems to recruit personnel from other areas. Last year when Hurricane Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico many nurses and health care professionals were left without power, basic necessities, and jobs.

June 8, 2018 - Concert pianist Solomon Eichner will perform at Abernethy Laurels on Thursday, June 14 at 6:30pm. The public is invited to attend.

May 30, 2018 - Abernethy Laurels will welcome The Whitings, a husband and wife jazz duo that has performed at theatres and special events in 23 states, to their campus on Monday, June 4 at 2pm.

April 12, 2018 - Abernethy Laurels and dining partner Sodexo recently awarded employee, Lisa Lackey, the Sodexo Senior CARES Award.

March 22, 2018 - Congratulations to employees Vanessa Smith and Cassidy Whitesell.

March 22, 2018 - Abernethy Laurels, an active retirement community in Newton, is pleased to host the Tesla Quartet. The group will perform on Wednesday, April 4 at 2pm in the Community Center at Abernethy Laurels.

February 26, 2018 - Looking through the lens of UCHS!

February 15, 2018 - In honor of Presidents’ Day, Abernethy Laurels, an active retirement community in Newton, will welcome Historian Dr. Melinda Ratchford to their campus on Tuesday, February 27 at 2pm to present on the Kennedy family.

February 7, 2018 - Did you know we offer massage therapy in our fitness center? Meet Robin Smith.

January 12, 2018 - During the cold winter nights those most in need in the Newton-Conover area just got a little bit warmer, thanks to an effort led by Abernethy Laurels retirement community.

November 17, 2017 - Amber McIntosh, Executive Director at Abernethy Laurels, announced that Cassidy Whitesell began the Administrator In Training (AIT) certification program at the retirement community.

November 15, 2017 - The Cockman Family is scheduled to perform a holiday-themed concert at Abernethy Laurels on Saturday, November 18 at 2pm.

November 9, 2017 - The month of November is often known as a time to give thanks. Our founding fathers expressed that throughout our nation, in our communities and neighborhoods, there would be a wealth of freedoms to be thankful for.

August 29, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels, a UCHS continuing care retirement community in Newton, held the ribbon cutting and grand opening of a new Health and Rehabilitation Center on their 120-acre campus which will be marketed as North Manor.

August 14, 2017 - Resident Josephine Pruitt celebrated her 100th birthday with a party full of surprises.

July 11, 2017 - After jumping from degree to degree out of high school, trying to find the right fit for me, I realized what I’m mostly passionate about was what I was doing every day: food service.

July 11, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels will welcome Hickory businessman Jeff Cline to their campus on Thursday, July 20 at 2pm to present on his visit to the country of Ukraine

July 5, 2017 - The WellBusiness Advisory Council announced 25 recipients of WellBusiness recognition during an awards luncheon held at Catawba Country Club on June 29.

June 30, 2017 - United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) recently held a campaign to Stock the Shelves of the new Abernethy Laurels Health and Rehabilitation Center.

June 29, 2017 - The Deneault's decided to move near family and far from the cold winters in the North - read their story!

April 21, 2017 - Single life during your retirement years, often gets a bad rap. Whether you are single by choice or by unforeseen circumstances, you can live richly at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, North Carolina.

April 18, 2017 - Students in Tasha Burgin’s second grade class are improving their writing skills, learning to communicate, and uncovering a sea of new friends at Abernethy Laurels, a senior living community in Newton.

April 13, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels retirement community invites the public to participate in the 2nd Annual It Takes a Village 5K walk/run on Saturday, May 20 on their campus.

April 12, 2017 - The 14th Annual United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Monday, Apr. 24, at Catawba Country Club in Newton

April 7, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels will host a program designed to help anyone preparing to move and rightsize.

March 6, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels invites the public to “The History of NC in 45 Minutes,” a program of stories covering North Carolina history from the 1600s to the present.

February 14, 2017 - Learn more about UCHS- our Annual Report is available for viewing!

February 10, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels will welcome The Whitings, a husband and wife jazz duo that has performed at theatres and special events in 23 states, to their campus on Monday, February 20 at 2pm.

January 20, 2017 - Well-known photojournalists Bill and Diana Gleasner recently gave a presentation at Abernethy Laurels about their experiences spanning the globe writing and photographing travel articles and books.

January 12, 2017 - Abernethy Laurels is excited to host Chiropractor Richard Sheppard D.C. on Friday, January 13 at 2pm .

December 13, 2016 - The 2016 LeadingAge Ziegler 150 Report (LZ150) released this month shares trends in the not-for-profit senior living industry.

November 30, 2016 - On November 14, 2016, Area Agency on Aging Director, Tina Miller, presented United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) with an award to recognize the company for the positive impact they bring to older adults in our community.

October 24, 2016 - The 2nd Annual Festival of Tables, hosted by United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation, brought together area businesses and associates, featured a silent auction, and concluded with a fashion show highlighting some of the latest clothing trends from area retail stores.

October 13, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels and Gary Barg, founder and editor-in-chief of Today’s Caregiver magazine, presented Adult Life Programs executive director, Mark Bumgarner, with the Community Fearless Caregiver Award.

August 22, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels and its construction management partner, Rodgers Builders, Inc., celebrated the retirement community’s new health and rehabilitation center project with a “topping out” ceremony on Friday.

August 9, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels will present “The Shooting of Dan McGrew,” a one-man show adapted and performed by community artist-in-resident Wayne Clawson.

July 8, 2016 - The Cockman Family is scheduled to perform at Abernethy Laurels on Saturday, July 30 at 2pm.

June 29, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels is excited to welcome Dr. Brian Magi, Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNC Charlotte, for a presentation about global warming on Thursday, July 7 at 2pm in their Community Center.

June 16, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels employee Jeffery Scott was recently presented with LeadingAge North Carolina’s Service Excellence Award by Tom Akins, President of LeadinAge North Carolina.

June 2, 2016 - Residents and staff work on planting vegetables and herbs as part of a new program.

May 26, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels will host a complimentary workshop on Thursday, June 2 at 11:30am designed to provide guests with the most up-to-date information and resources on financial protection.

April 29, 2016 - Older adults are a growing and increasingly vital part of our country. The contributions they make to our communities are varied, deeply rooted, and include influential roles in the nation’s economy, politics, and the arts.

April 29, 2016 - 85 year old Dorothy Adam’s iPod Shuffle circles through her favorite rhythm and blue songs. The moment an Aretha Franklin tune comes on, her head starts moving to the beats of the music and soon her arms and legs follow

March 30, 2016 - The 13th Annual United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) Foundation Golf Tournament will be held Monday, Apr. 25, at Catawba Country Club in Newton. The tournament is presented by Sodexo and will begin with a shotgun start at 10 AM

March 30, 2016 - Retirement Community to Present Financial Workshops Abernethy Laurels will host two complimentary workshops in April designed to provide guests with the most up-to-date information and resources on financial protection.

March 22, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels invites the public to attend a presentation by Dr. Richard Schultz of Piedmont Cardiology.

March 14, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels invites the public to attend a musical tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on Wednesday, March 16 at 2pm in their Community Center.

March 1, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels, a continuing care retirement community in Newton, has started a grief support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

February 8, 2016 - Abernethy Laurels will welcome The Whitings, a husband and wife jazz duo that has performed at theatres and special events in 23 states, to their campus on Tuesday, February 16 at 2pm.

February 3, 2016 - James “Jim” Bryant turned 101 on Wednesday, and he wanted one thing as a birthday present: to return to Lenoir from the Abernethy Laurels retirement community in Newton where he now lives and visit American Trade and Loan, a pawn shop he frequented for decades.

December 2, 2015 - Abernethy Laurels wishes you a Merry Christmas!

November 18, 2015 - The League of Women Voters of Catawba Valley (LOWVCV) recently honored a member of the organization during a ceremony held at Abernethy Laurels.

November 18, 2015 - Abernethy Laurels, a UCHS continuing care retirement community in Newton, held a ceremonial groundbreaking today for an approximate $26 million healthcare center replacement project.

October 23, 2015 -

October 20, 2015 - Giving a helping hand to Rising Hope Farm ... A Day of Caring.

October 2, 2015 - Barbara Taylor, a resident at Abernethy Laurels, had dreams of riding a horse again. With the help of a nearby farm, the retirement community turned her dreams into reality on Tuesday.

July 24, 2015 - Abernethy Laurels invites the public to hear Mur DeJonge share his story of patriotism, war and combat on Monday, August 3 at 4pm.

June 26, 2015 - Abernethy Laurels recently held their 1st Annual Cupcake Challenge event.

June 12, 2015 - We recently held our Cupcake Challenge event. Many of the departments and several residents entered the friendly but competitive competition.

May 26, 2015 - While Memorial Day is a special time for remembering those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, it is also a time for family and friends to gather.

May 7, 2015 - Congratulations to Abernethy Laurels employee Jorge Castro for winning the LeadingAge North Carolina Service Excellence Award.

February 19, 2015 - Nearly 150 residents at Abernethy Laurels were surprised with special care packages on Valentine's Day because a local furniture company shared their generous spirit and talents