Hickory Living Nov 2020

Complimentary November 2020 On the Cover

Smart Health is Your Greatest Wealth!

page 10

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR

Giving pages 23–26

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

Show those legs with Confidence Do you limit your wardrobe to garments that cover bulging and discolored veins?

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contents

MacAdam Smith

NOVEMBER 2020

Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

FEATURES 10 • COVER STORY HealthSmart Pharmacy Smart Health Is Your Greatest Wealth!

23

16 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS Carolina West Wireless Supporting Our Community With Competitively Priced Products And Nationwide Plans

GIVING BACK

Kathy Wheeler Design & Advertising Sales kathylivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 238-3224

Sharon Simpson Advertising Director sharon@lncurrents.com (704) 677-9159

23 • ‘Tis the Season For Giving 25 • Helping Others By Giving To Local Nonprofits

IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Welcome To The November Issue

16 Hickory

LIVING 10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave., Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 (484) 769-7445 HickoryLiving@gmail.com

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

Linda B. Wilson Advertising Sales lindalivingmagazine@gmail.com (704) 657-0237

20 • Preparing For Separation And Divorce TOP TEN LIST 29 • What’s Cooking?!

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

Don Forrest Advertising Sales donlivingmagazine@gmail.com (828) 244-6538

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristie Darling • Kathy Wheeler Blair E. Cody, III

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

Take Advantage of One of Our Many Services • • • •

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November Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

On Thanksgiving, it is tradition to count our blessings and be grateful for the good things in life, but I challenge you to also reflect on the difficult situations and find the good in them.

Turning negatives into positives is key to living your best life.

This year, we’ve had a considerable learning curve to overcome with living in a pandemic. So how do we take what we learned and move forward? By looking at the good and including it in our future. If you incorporated a new business model during the pandemic, then keep those things that served you well. Maybe you improved your website or adopted better customer service policies. Those things can help you expand your business in the future. If you worked from home and enjoyed it, maybe that is something you can negotiate into your job coming up.

Ordering your groceries online? Does it save you time? Maybe that’s something you continue doing. While staying at home, if you finished projects or turned your home into an oasis for the pandemic, those completed projects continue to benefit you. Most importantly, if you contracted the virus and survived, or you haven’t gotten the virus—both are something to be thankful for!

What we spend our time thinking about and the attitude we cultivate, I believe, 8

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

make all the difference. Positive breeds positive results and negative…well you know the outcome. There are always circumstances that are out of our control, and worrying about what we can’t change only depletes our energy from focusing on what we can change. This Thanksgiving, let’s count our blessings and find the good in our challenges, enjoy time with our families, and do something to give back. We have some ideas in this issue!

November kicks off the Christmas holiday season. I encourage everyone to shop local. Our advertisers are a good place to start! Gift certificates for spa services and purchases from local shops help those businesses and our local economy. Show your support!

Many nonprofits had an increase in demand this year. Their fundraising events have been canceled or have now gone virtual. Our generosity will enable them to continue doing good work. We have an article on page 25 that highlights local nonprofits you may want to support.

Here’s an idea…are you looking for a gift for a person who has everything?

Consider a donation in their name.

Check out our cover story on Health Smart Pharmacy. They are way more than just a pharmacy…they are totally

©iStockphoto.com | AlexRaths

Welcome to the

dedicated to their customers! Speaking of shopping local, our business spotlight features Carolina West Wireless, a local cellular company with national reach!

Voting for The Best of the Foothills ended October 31st. We are tallying the votes now, and December’s issue will announce the winners! Many thanks to our readers for voting and supporting local businesses.

At Hickory Living, as we reflect on this year, we’re thankful for you, our readers, for your continued faithfulness to our magazine. We are grateful for the businesses that host our distribution, and we are incredibly thankful for our advertisers. You have trusted us with your brand and allowed us the opportunity to promote your businesses—an opportunity we take very seriously. We are truly blessed to have all of you as a part of our magazine’s successes. Thank you and best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November Dates to Remember Tuesday the 3rd is Election Day. Wednesday the 11th is Veterans Day. Show your appreciation to our veterans and thank them for their service.

Saturday the 28th is Small Business Saturday. SHOP SMALL!

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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on the cover

Smart Health is Your Greatest Wealth!

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

“’Tis the season,” Andrea Ramsey said when we started talking about the familyowned pharmacy she has managed for 20 years. “This time of year, and especially this year, everyone wants to know their health is taken care of. Flu season is upon us, so we can give flu shots, shingles and pneumonia immunizations, and swab for strep or flu. It’s Medicare enrollment time again, and we can help you learn more about that. And, it’s always a good time to look over your medications to make certain they’re all compatible. We call that medication therapy management, and we’re glad to contact your doctors when we believe they might want to make an adjustment. Our customers know we’re here to answer any questions about 10

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

meds, supplements, and OTC products because we want you to understand their instructions and any side-effects you might experience. These are important aspect of being health smart that our team in your pharmacy can help you manage. COVID-19 has added a new layer of concern, of course, but there are many ways we work to keep you safe and healthy.”

Andrea and I started off talking about HealthSmart’s new delivery service and the pharmacy’s drivethrough pick up window. Delivery is free, can go beyond Catawba County for prescription customers, can happen same-day, and it’s a godsend during these days of social distancing and home schooling.

And driving through isn’t just for burgers. Staying in your car when you need to pick up your prescriptions or OTC items is smart anytime.

Photo:

On the cover HealthSmart Pharmacy in Claremont has been family-owned for four generations. Pictured, Andrea Busbee Ramsey and Pharmacist In Charge, Lauren DeBerry, PharmD Opposite page Lauren checking a prescription to make sure it is current before filling it.

Above • Kristan Sigmon, CPht helping a customer at the drive through.

• You will find much more than pharmaceuticals at HealthSmart Pharmacy. Check out their beauty products including Glo Skin Beauty’s line of Mineral makeup and skin care.

A FAMILY AFFAIR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE COUNTER “It’s the personal attention to detail we offer that keeps folks coming back,” Andrea said, “We know our customers personally because we’ve been here for them, their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents in some instances,” Andrea continued. “We’ve seen babies become college students, parents, and senior citizens. Over the years, that’s a lot of vaccinations, cough syrup, aspirin, and antibiotics!” Andrea knows all this because she is fourth generation at HealthSmart. “My dad is here a couple days a week now, but he is definitely still here,” Andrea said with a smile. “Anyone who’s been coming to us for their medicine and personal supplies knows about him and the legacy of this pharmacy.

My dad, Bob, his father, John, and grandfather, P. L. Ezell—going back to Central Drug Company in the early 1900s and Busbee’s Pharmacy in 1953—built a reputation for exceptional customer service, high quality products, and a personal connection with the community.”

A BOUTIQUE PHARMACY! This unique business model of a pharmacy and drug store co-mingled with an up-scale boutique was Bob Busbee’s brainstorm. After I met with Andrea, I spent time wandering around; I bought a couple things I needed! Her displays are beautiful, warm collections of items we’re always looking for. If you really care for quality and choice, start here for some good stuff!

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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Photos, above: • Bath products including handcrafted artisan soaps by SoapGirl makes a perfect holiday gift basket.

• Essential oils used in a diffuser are more than air fresheners and believed to have health benefits. You will find a full line of both oils and diffusers at HealthSmart.

Below: • Do you have a baby shower to attend? You will find a lot of great baby care items at HealthSmart Pharmacy!

• HealthSmart hasn’t forgotten the men when it comes to skin care with Jack Black and Mistral products.

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

Big signs make it easy to surf the store.

To make sure I don’t miss anything, here’s an alphabetical list of what you can shop at HealthSmart: all around care for Babies, Beauty, Feet, Hair, Hands, Kids, Men, Nails, Oral, and Skin. The products here are top quality and unique—some you won’t find elsewhere. They’re in demand, current trends. For instance, skin care brands include Image Skin care, a natural and effective line founded by an aesthetician on the principles of simplicity, value, and clinically proven results for all skin types. Glo Skin Beauty Mineral makeup and skin care products are professional quality, PETA approved, and recommended for women of all ages for a younger, healthier, more beautiful look.

Skin Owl health and beauty products are all natural, 100% vegan, cruelty/ fragrance/gluten free. A results-driven

company, Skin Owl will impress you with its positive outlook on life.

Hair and nail care, baby and kid’s care, hand and foot care products are all healthy for you at HealthSmart. I was impressed with the top-of-the-line men’s care products by Jack Black. You won’t find these face/shave/body/hair products at the chains, but it’s well worth a quick trip to HealthSmart to pick up something—it’s for men who want to be their best, personal hygienewise. Collections like Defensive Line Anti-Aging Triple Play and Mr. Fresh are a good start.

GIFT GIVING—HAPPENING NOW! It’s fun and easy to shop for holiday gifts at HealthSmart with lines like Corkcicle, Canteen, Yo Sox, and Bops Jewelry—run by women who make a

Photos, right: Stuffed animals and Warmies Hugs heatable and scented plush animals by

Hallmark make sweet gifts for children.

difference in the world by giving back. Other selections include candles, makeup brushes and mirrors, bath soaps, salts, and scrubs, journals, simple, refreshing toys for babies and treasures for kids, teens, and seniors alike. You’ll find striking décor pieces, rustic signs with today’s favorite sayings, snacks and goodies, gift wrapping stuff, and more. Shopping is a pleasure here!

The kiosk where I made a an instant print of a photo on my phone was easy and fun. I could have made a dozen personal gifts right then by plugging in and choosing the size I wanted, maybe adding frame or text, and printing out singles or multiples. Think instant school photos for grandparents, just add a frame!

A 21ST CENTURY DRUG STORE All that you might need in a drug store you’ll find at HealthSmart. Specialty customer services you don’t even know about support the health of our community every day.

Prescription management is critical. MedSync, does that— syncs your refills to one monthly trip. Text or email your refill requests on the app. Your profile and list of medications are there to review.

RxPacks are a free benefit at HealthSmart. A 28-day medication supply comes on a tear-off blister pack, dosed and marked with date and time—morning, noon, supper, bedtime—for easy dispensing. “One couple’s 80-year-old-mom lives alone. She gets her meds this way each month,” said Lauren DeBerry, pharmacist in charge. “It’s easy; she takes everything as she should. Her children live out of town, and

they don’t worry about Mom taking what she needs, when she needs it.” The pharmacy offers specialized compounding and accurate bottles filled by an amazing robot that gets it right the first time.

For some, dealing with insurance coverage and medication costs is a challenge. “Along with medication management, we also help with Medicare Part D,” Lauren said. “Your meds list is already in our computer, so we can easily compare insurance plans to ensure yours covers what you’re taking. We take all insurances. An in-the-background service is searching for generic alternatives or coupons without patients even asking…some coupons could save up to $40 at retail. This really impresses our customers.”

IT’S WHO WE ARE You don’t need to drive to the big city for your health and personal care needs. It’s all under one roof! This professional team has carefully chosen product lines in health, beauty, and wellness so shopping is fun, easy, and stress-free! Their level of customer care is truly in line with their quality health care.

Enjoy the large selection of gifts and unique, top-trending products that boast natural, organic ingredients and encourage a holistic approach to good, clean health. You will be well served at HealthSmart Pharmacy. Don’t hesitate to stop in or make an appointment…questions are free!

HealthSmart Pharmacy 828-459-2149 3119 N Oxford Street • Claremont, NC www.healthsmartnc.com/locations/claremont HICKORY LIVING •NOVEMBER 2020

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Bounce back from an illness with Hydration Therapy!

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828.322.1498

LOCATED AT VITALITY 74 8th Street SE, Suite 112 • Hickory 14

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left–At the Carolina West Wireless store, you will find the latest smartphones, tablets, connected devices, and accessories at a great value.

Below–Clearstream is the new Fixed Wireless Access service that gives consumers and businesses access to high-speed internet where they need it.

Opposite page • Matthew Stamper, director of sales, and Andria Lycoff, retail store manager, are committed to providing the highest level of customer service.

• Bark Mobile, the Carolina West Wireless prepaid brand, offers a great selection of devices and rate plans with affordable no contract/ no credit check wireless solutions.

Supporting Our Community with Competitively Priced Products and Nationwide Plans

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Carolina West serves the greater Catawba Valley area as our region’s premier wireless carrier. In addition to all types of phones, tablets, and connected devices, with competitive plans for individuals, Carolina West Wireless-Business Pro’s dedicated account executives are trained specifically to meet the needs of any local company. Your account executive will assess your wireless needs and recommend a customized solution that works for you. The company offers their own Clearstream High-Speed Internet service so customers can surf, stream, or download their favorite content at 4G LTE speeds from the comfort of their own home.

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

A SAFE COVID RESPONSE “The personal support we provide is second to none,” Jackie Mallory, chief marketing and sales officer, shared. “We have a long-standing reputation for quality service, and today, while COVID-19 has created circumstances we couldn’t have imagined, we’re true to our brand and remain loyal to the community and our customers. While many community events have been canceled, we’re continuing to support non-profits and chambers of commerce who rely on event revenue for their own livelihood.”

Carolina West stores are open. They have implemented customer and em-

ployee safety protocols that include abiding by state and local directives, altered hours of operation with special times for seniors and vulnerable customers, store hygiene and observing maximum occupancy, wearing masks, social distancing, and curbside pickup. In addition, Carolina West’s COVID assistance program allows individuals and businesses to request unlimited data, minutes, and ask that certain fees be waived. “We will continue this program through the end of the year,” Jackie explained, “and will re-evaluate then.”

We want to give customers a great experience. When they leave the store, our customers know they are valued and appreciated.

SERVICES AND DEVICES YOU WANT Smartphones, tablets, Clearstream Internet service and business solutions, along with the launch of new unlimited plans this year reflect Carolina West’s commitment to providing the best value. These are feature-rich plans that customers can choose to best fit their needs. Marketing Director Todd Elledge said, “We launched new apps recently— My CWW and My Bark Mobile. With these apps, you can shop, pay your bill, and perform self-support account management. We also launched a customer loyalty upgrade program. And, exist-

ing customers get discounts when they upgrade. You won’t find that with other carriers.”

SPECIAL OFFERS NOW Black Friday starts early for both Carolina West Wireless and Bark Mobile—November and December. No need to wait for the best deal on new iPhone 12s and best-of-the-year steals on other devices.

Look for a special announcement about the new Apple Watch Series.

With a unique customer/communitycentric approach, Carolina West Wireless

focuses on simplicity and transparency.

The team delivers an exceptional overall experience and can meet the unique and diverse needs of any customer. “When you choose us, you can be sure you will receive the highest level of personal, friendly support with exceptional value in rate plans and device pricing,” Jackie said. “We are so confident with every new customer’s experience, they can try us risk-free for 30 days. It’s all about the customer.” www.carolinawest.com 2041 US Hwy 70, SE, Hickory 828.322.5770

happy

we love helping families find beautiful homes, and are grateful to be part of that process.

Trae Stokes

Realtor®/Owner 828.312.1996

Amanda Stokes Realtor®/Owner 828.234.9553

David Berry

Realtor®/Broker 828.639.4533

Our wish for you this thanksgiving is that your home be filled with family, happiness and love. thank you for allowing us to serve you and your family.

828.855.1055

3244 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601 legendary-102032803.remax.com Each OfficE is indEpEndEntly OwnEd & OpEratEd

HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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CARDWELL CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATES

Celebrating 30 Years!

Dr. Cardwell’s educational and clinical philosophy is based on Vitalism–the understanding and principles that all organisms in the universe are conscious self-developing, self-maintaining and self-healing.

The concept of Vitalism is foundational to the entire concepts of health and wellness in human beings. Our bodies work hard to express health, to maintain health and to recover from illness or conditions that threaten one’s health. Chiropractic is the foundation for Vitalism.

Dr. Cardwell has and will continue to practice pure Chiropractic. He has pledged to his community the “ Lasting Purpose”...one that imposes giving out of my own abundance unselfish, spiritual love, compassion and dedicated service to my fellow man.

Offering:

• Spinal Adjustments • Laser • Ultrasound • Acupunture • X-Rays

Thank you for allowing me to serve you for 30 years!

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs - 9am-5pm Closed from 12 - 1 Wed - 9am - 12pm

790 U.S. Hwy 70 SW • Hickory | www.cardwellchiro.com | (828) 323-1177

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©iStockphoto.com | Stadtratte

Preparing for Separation or Divorce TOP TEN LIST

By Blair E. Cody, III Attorney at Law

One of the questions I sometimes get from folks is, “When is your slow time of year?” As a divorce attorney, if I had to pick a slow time of the year for seeing new appointments, I would say it’s the holiday season.

Couples sometimes want to make it through the holidays before making the decision to leave their marriage.

With the holidays quickly approaching, I came up with a Top Ten List of things you can do to prepare for a separation or divorce.

If I can help you with some answers related to your marriage, please give me a call.

1. Know your financial situation. You may be surprised how many people I see who have no idea what their financial situation is. You should know how much money each spouse makes, what debts you have, and if those debts are in both names, what are your reoccurring monthly bills and expenses, like cable, private school, etc., where are your financial accounts, and what are the balances?

2. Know what assets you have. You need to know what vehicles you own, how they are titled, and where they are insured. Are there life insurance policies?

If so, who are they with, what type of policies are they, and do they have any cash value? What assets does the family business own?

3. Know your children’s information. A good parent can be made to look bad or uninvolved on the witness stand if not prepared. Make sure that you know your child’s teachers, doctor, etc. Also, know about their grades and how their attendance has been. You need to remember that before your separation, you were splitting the responsibilities for your children, and now you will be solely responsible for these things when your kids are with you.

4. Know what property you have. You need to know what furniture, tools, equipment, lawn mowers, guns, jewelry, etc. that each of you has. Often times, after you separate, your spouse may not let you back in the home to catalogue your personal property. Make sure you document these items and take pictures to show their condition before you separate.

5. Have a plan. Before you separate, you should have a plan, know what it looks like, and how it will take place. Are you going to move from the marital home?

Where will you live? Is there enough room for you and the children in your new home? Is your new home in your children’s school district?

Blair Cody has been practicing Family Law for over 19 years in the Hickory area.

For an appointment, call Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC at 828.328.9966.

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

6. Know the law. I highly recommend speaking with an experienced divorce attorney prior to making any decision

to separate. You need to know what you are and are not entitled to. You also need to understand how the process works so you can prepare for the upcoming separation and what lies ahead.

7. Talk to your spouse. Maybe the most important thing you can do is to understand what your spouse wants. Let them know what you want. The more things you can agree on, like who is going to keep the house, the less there is to negotiate. Anytime you and your spouse can reach an agreement about how the separation will take place, the better you will feel about your position going forward.

8. Keep your family informed. Our families—our parents and siblings—are often a source of support. You may need to rely on your parents to help you financially during this process or to help in other ways, such as picking up the kids from school. You want to make sure that you have discussed your plan with your family so that you will know if they are in a position to help when you need them to.

9. Know where you stand with your job. You will likely need to leave work to pick up a sick child or get your children to ball practice. You will also need to miss some work to be in court or mediation. Make sure that you have discussed with your employer your need for a flexible schedule. Also, make arrangements so that your work gets done and your job performance is not adversely affected.

Remember, before your separation there were two of you to share the workload.

10. Be prepared to be flexible. Many things don’t always turn out the way we draw it up, and divorce is no different.

Despite how much you plan, there will inevitably be things that come up that you didn’t plan for. Be prepared to adapt and rise to meet the new situation. Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Remember that divorce is a process—your marriage didn’t take place over the course of a week and a proper resolution to that marriage won’t either.

The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and The Law Office of

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

AREAS OF PRACTICE: • Divorce • Personal Injury • Workers Compensation • Criminal Defense • Traffic Violations • Social Security Disability • DWIs • Wills & Estates • Child Custody and Support • Immigration

Pictured: Blair E. Cody, III (left) Lyndon R. Helton (right)

828-328-9966 827 Highland Ave. NE Hickory, NC (located near Lenoir-Rhyne University)

www.HeltonCody.com HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR

Giving

©iStockphoto.com | CentralITAlliance

November and December is all about being thankful and giving.

At Hickory Living, we wanted to highlight some local nonprofits that make our community a better place. So on the following pages, you will find information on what these organizations do, and how you can help.

There are numerous ways you can give on a regular basis that cost almost nothing. If you shop with Amazon, consider choosing a charity and shop AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com). A portion of your eligible purchases will go to your selected chairty. When you go through check out, either

online or in a store, you may have the opportunity to round up to an even dollar in support of a charity.

Facebook makes it easy to do a fundraiser for your favorite charity.

Small contributions add up and make a huge difference.

Speaking of making a difference... we encourage you to shop local this season! Small businesses can offer more unique products, better customer service, and they support your local economy. A good place to start is with Hickory Living’s advertisers. They will be happy to see you! Together we can make a difference.

©iStockphoto.com | CarmenMurillo

©iStockphoto.com | dragana991 HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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Excellent Root Canal Treatment Starts Here...

KOS ENDODONTICS Alexander Kutuza, D.M.D. Endodontics Specialist

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kutuza by calling:

828-322-8710

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

935 4th Street Drive, NE, Suite 4 Hickory, NC 28601

Dental Symptoms Root Canal Treatment • Endodontic Surgery • Endodontic Retreatment • Traumatic Dental Injuries • •

4th Street Drive, NE, Suite 4 Hickory, NC 28601 www.kosendodontics.com Open Mon.-Thurs. 8AM to 5PM

©iStockphoto.com | scyther5

Helping Others

By Giving To Local Nonprofits

By Kristie Darling

FAMILY CARE CENTER Homeless Families Get Back on Their Feet Homelessness in our community has been exacerbated over this last year.

Breadwinners are out of work; teens have lost their jobs. Families are at risk of food insecurity or not having a place to live. This is where you can help.

transition into permanent housing.

“More than a critical place to live,” Jane continued, “our program also means counseling and training in finances, budgeting and saving, childcare, job hunting, and skills needed to move on.

We serve couples, single moms and dads with children who work hard to become self-sufficient.”

HOW TO HELP This holiday season, 22 families need sponsors. It’s easy for your family, business, or church to give children (and parents) a merry Christmas. Adopt a family—you’ll get their wish list. Kids often ask for earbuds, tablets, sports gear, clothes, and, of course, bikes. One mom said, ‘I just want a crock-pot.’ Gift cards are easy to give. Sponsors bring wrapped and labeled gifts back to FCC for holiday delivery. Your gifts of love make a huge difference!

“This year, donations we usually receive from businesses and individuals will be down,” said Jane Earnest, executive director of Family Care Center of Catawba County. “And, the need in Catawba County is going up.” The Center serves homeless families with dependent children who need a breather to collect themselves while they resolve their precarious housing situation and

CHRISTMAS CARDS Come to Family Care Center to buy your Christmas cards, leave your names/ addresses list. Guess what? Your cards are mailed, and you have supported one of Catawba County’s critical nonprofit organizations. For a perfect gift, consider making a donation in somone’s name.

“Family Care Center directly affects people when they are most vulnerable,” Rev. Paul Christy, chairman of the board, says. “Profound changes hap-

pen—families pull themselves up and move forward with dignity.”

Information about sponsoring and donating at www.familycare-center.org.

THE CHRISTMAS BUREAU Especially For Children Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year…unless it’s not. When a family is experiencing financial, illness, or employment issues, Christmas might not happen at all.

Our local Christmas Bureau steps up to help families celebrate the traditions of Christmas morning. You can make a difference through this regional program operated by partnering organizations.

“In 2019, our Christmas Bureau—dozens of local businesses and non-profits, plus over 100 volunteers—pooled their resources to help your neighbors and friends,” John Bailey of Catawba County United Way said. “Overall, we impacted the lives of 1,521 children, including 380 teens through United Way’s Teen Christmas. Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry helped process applications. Hickory Fire Department and other local departments provided and assembled bikes, Century Furniture provided tricycles.

Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program gathered toys.

Hickory Soup Kitchen made sure every family received a Food Lion gift card.

Much needed coats were collected at HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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tions, sponsorships, memberships, volunteering, season and event tickets are opportunities to show support. Please explore the websites of organizations that interest you and decide how you can get involved. See the list at artscatawba.org/uac-membership! Here are a few coming up to get you started!

dry cleaners and elsewhere throughout the county.” The three Catawba County public schools, Partnership for Children, and DSS helped spread the word. Catawba Valley Medical Center and Safe Kids sponsored kid’s car seat checks and bike helmets.

Get your entire family involved—teach your kids how to share and care and learn about giving. Make the holidays fun again with a donation of time and money…volunteers are always needed; every contribution is appreciated. For application info: www.ecccm.org/cccb or 828-322-2535 or 828-465-1702.

THE ARTS Now More Than Ever The United Arts Council of Catawba County’s 37th annual United Arts Fund campaign begins in January. Contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations will support operating expenses of Catawba Science Center, Hickory Community Theatre, Hickory Choral Society, Hickory Landmarks Society, The Green Room Community Theatre, Hickory Museum of Art, Historical Association of Catawba County and Western Piedmont Symphony to the tune of about $200,000.

We’re blessed with dozens of arts, history, and science organizations. Dona26

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Jingle Bell BASH will be virtual this year and feature a drawdown raffle—the last number drawn (of only 500 entries) wins $10,000! Two other winners walk away with $1,500 and $1,000. Virtually, art works from local artists will be offered in the Silent Auction where proceeds go to the Arts Council’s Innovative Artist Grant. Monday evening, December 7th.

Tickets are on sale now at www.artscatawba.org or 828-324-4906 x 304.

Catawba Science Center is a beloved regional treasure. Today, when the role of science is more important than ever, the Center faces unprecedented financial challenges—it was closed for 20 weeks. To help keep the doors open for this essential resource for schools across 24 counties, make a donation to help Change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder. You can contribute at catawbascience.org. Your donation could one day lead to a doctor or scientist working to protect us from future situations like our current pandemic!

Other ways to help: Adopt an Animal • Become a Member • Plan to attend the Italian Dinner & Auction in 2021.

Buying tickets and attending an event or performance are year-round opportunities to support the arts, AND you and your family get the excitement of the arts up close and personal…These are some upcoming opportunities: Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts — The Nutcracker, a premier production.

This year’s virtual performance is a fun

way to donate…your donation gets you front and center at home to watch the always-memorable ballet about Clara and her magical journey to the land of sweets.

Executive director, Leanna Bodnar, said, “From preparation to performance, this experience is transforming our dancers.” Details about date, time, and how to watch goes up at www.hickoryballetpa.com or www.facebook.com/hickoryballetpa soon. The elaborate production, even virtually, will capture the same magic and atmosphere as past shows, and your donation is a win-win.

Hickory Community Theatre — Fully Committed is a one-man comedy about a harried restaurant reservation operator during the holidays. Forty wildly diverse characters are played by one very talented actor! The play will stream live online to your home so everyone can enjoy. December 4-12, afternoon and evenings. For details and purchasing online visit hickorytheatre.org/fullycommitted.

Historical Association of Catawba County — Bring the family and enjoy the Historical Association’s Very Murray Christmas Market on November 28th. Here you’ll not only support the preservation and education of our rich heritage, you’ll also support artisans, craftsmen, food vendors, and musicians from all around…a double opportunity for you. Enjoy hay rides, a wreath making workshop, hot chocoalate, apple cider, roast marshmallows by the fire, carolors, and Santa Claus.

There’s lots more to enjoy! In November and December, look for performances

by The Hickory Choral Society, Western Piedmont Symphony and others. With just a little research, you’ll find opportunities to share and care this season!

Photos courtesty of the organizations.

Shop Local for the holidays

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Shop Local for the holidays

Shop Local!

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

What's Cooking?!

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie 1 refrigerated pie crust, (from

14.1-ounce package)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons milk 4 eggs 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups pecan halves Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 9-inch deep dish pie plate with pie crust. Bake 7 minutes. Remove crust from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Meanwhile, microwave chocolate chips and milk in medium microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Pour chocolate evenly over crust.

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Slowly pour mixture over chocolate layer. Place ring of foil around edges of crust to prevent overbrowning.

Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until filling is puffed and center is still soft enough to move when shaken gently. Cool completely on wire rack.

Holiday-Flavored Whipped Cream

Try these flavored whipped creams using McCormick extract and spices.

For each recipe start with one cup of heavy cream, add the remaining ingredients, and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Vanilla: Add 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Candy Cane: Add 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/2

teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract Cocoa Cinnamon: Add 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Eggnog: Add 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon imitation rum extract Recipe and photo courtesy of McCormick. For more holidayinspired recipes, visit www.McCormick.com HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020

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HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2020