Hickory Living October 2021

Complimentary October 2021 On the Cover

Celebrating

page 12

Our Pets pages 21–26

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contents

OCTOBER 2021 MacAdam Smith Publisher mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

FEATURES 12 • COVER STORY Caring Cremations Life Celebrations And Funerals

CELEBRATING OUR PETS

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22 • A Pet For You! Pet Adoption 24 • Animals Making Our World A Better Place

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

IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Welcome To The October Issue 16 • Who Gets The Dog? 33 • What’s Cookin’ Smothered Pork Chops in Mushroom Sauce

2021

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© Lauren Faulk Photography

Hickory

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

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING

Vote For Your Favorite Businesses!

See Page 29 For Details!

READER’S CHOICE AWARD

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.

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

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

contributors

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

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

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HickoryLIVING

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HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

Each OfficE is indEpEndEntly OwnEd & OpEratEd

You Deserve the Best!

When looking for your dream home or selling a home, Trae and Amanda Stokes, owners of RE/MAX Legendary, believe you deserve the best the market has to offer! They lead a team of 17 realtors whose purpose is to make your priorities their goal in finding your new home, selling your current property, and negotiating for the best result.

Call Today For All Of Your Real Estate Needs!

Trae Stokes Amanda Stokes 828.312.1996 828.234.9553

3244 Springs Rd NE Hickory, NC 28601 828.855.1055 HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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Welcome to the

October Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | SbytovaMN

O

ctober is a magical time of the year. When the leaves change, our landscape becomes a canvas of red, yellow, and orange. If you are planning a trip to the mountains this fall, the Blue Ridge Mountain Life website can keep you up-to-date with a leaf forecast. The site offers a list of the best places on the Parkway to take in the views. Visit BlueRidgeMountainLife.com/fall-foliage/ to plan your trip!

Kids will be dressing up this month for Halloween. Part of the fun is designing their costumes. A little makeup, some creative alterations to old clothes, and a few accessories from a local Halloween shop can make them super spooky! Maybe this year you want to include your pets. Check out these cute pets!

leading to the front porch, and I sat on the porch to wish them a Happy Halloween. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Although Oktoberfest has been canceled this year, the Sails Original Music Series is still happening in downtown Hickory. At the time I’m writing this, the concerts are still a go.

Shows begin at 6:30 PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music as well as the downtown businesses. Here is the October lineup: October 1: Selwyn Birchwood (Contemporary Blues) October 15: Cruz Contreras (Americana) October 22: Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba (West African) October 29: The Get Right Band (Psychedelic Indie Rock) This month is all about pets, starting on page 21. Be sure to check out the advertisers who help care for your pets yearround. Also, we wanted to honor the precious animals who help heal those with trauma and disabilities. See the article about Shining Hope Farms and Rising Hope Farms on page 22.

©iStockphoto.com | Firn

If you are concerned about COVID exposure while handing out candy but still want to participate in the fun of your neighborhood children all dressed up, I may have a solution.

Last year, I took a large beverage tub with a stand and filled it full of bags of candy. The bags allowed me to divvy up a handful of candy for each trick-or-treater and kept exposure at a minimum for the children. I set the stand in front of the steps 8

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

Our cover story this month features a new business that serves both humans and pets. Ben Jenkins, funeral home director and crematory manager of Caring Cremations, is changing the way cremation services are planned and viewed. The Jenkins family is known for their compassion helping families customize their loved one’s services. Their story begins on page 12.

October is the last month to vote for Best of the Foothills. Let our local businesses know you support them by voting! See page 28 for details.

Thank you for reading the October issue of Hickory Living.

We hope you stay safe and enjoy the fall season!

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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2021

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING READER’S CHOICE AWARD

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HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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on the cover

CARING CREMATIONS

Life Celebrations and Funerals

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

As cremation has gained in popularity through the years, more and more families are choosing cremation as their final disposition.

In 2021, trends and technologies have allowed funeral providers to offer new and sophisticated options to their menu of services. While revered traditions are still some part of one’s funeral, those long-held practices have evolved to meet the needs and desires of today’s families. Compassionate, personalized, eco-friendly options can be explored at Caring Cremations, Hickory’s newest cremation center.

Ben Jenkins, manager of Caring Cremations, along with professional funeral directors and support staff, are here to 12

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

explain how they can help plan the right service for your loved one.

“We are the new age of funeral service,” Ben told me as he gave me a tour through his modern cremation center and its private family visitation suites in downtown Hickory. “We’re here to answer questions, present our modern facility, and explain ways a cremation can honor and serve you. We offer traditional or tech-savvy, with networked media to ensure your service is the way you want when your family comes together after a death. Our new space is designed to accommodate any number of funeral possibilities custom created for you. For some families, cremation is an important experience

they want to share. For families choosing cremation over traditional burial services, we are listening. We’ve created a lovely space where families aren’t just dropping off their loved ones—they can actually be a part of the ceremony from start to finish. Lots of places use the term, ‘Your loved-one will never leave our care.’ We like to say, ‘Your-loved one will never leave your care’ in our facility where you can be there every step of the way. Cremation is the same as burial—both are forms of disposition. We thought, ‘If we carry our loved ones to the grave and lay them to rest,’ why do we, as funeral providers, not allow cremation families to do the same? It’s time for a change.’

That’s how Caring Cremations was started.”

A MODERN OPTION FOR FUNERALS Caring Cremations’ welcoming, contemporary space was designed by Ben’s wife, Meghan and her mother, Joni Bush to host family gatherings in a dignified, comfortable atmosphere. The central area has three family suites that can be opened into one private open space.

This flexibility, furnishings for comfortable seating and refreshments, plus continuous personal service by the staff enables families to choose the right setting and program for their service and visitation time. Wallmounted TVs can be used to share photos and videos.

Livestreaming and Zoom conferencing can be arranged.

Stories and memories are always comforting, and Caring Cremations created a setting where people can relax with each other and share. “Our dedicated staff is here for you every step of the way,” Ben said. “The Jenkins family has decades of experience in the funeral industry here in our community—many families know us through their experience with Jenkins Funeral Home in Newton. They come back to us when they again need to say good-bye to a loved one, and we hope they will continue to call on us. And now, we’re introducing the greater Hickory community to an additional new facility with new services. Everyone at Caring Cremations embraces that same Jenkins’ level of respect, dignity, and compassion in the work they do here.”

Edie King has known the Jenkins family for many years and told me the care she received when planning her husband’s funeral was exceptional. “They really do treat everyone like family, and I felt their compassion and support throughout our time together,” she said. “I’m not surprised they’re embracing this new concept in funeral service…I believe they understand our community well and are here to serve in one more special way.”

Photos:

On the cover–Ben Jenkins, funeral home and crematory manager of Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals and Family Pet Cremations.

Opposite page–Caring Cremations is a new facility serving families in Hickory and the surrounding areas.

Pictured, clockwise–Ben Jenkins(top-middle), Cremationist Pete Hager, Funeral Director and Cremationist Amanda Bailey Ward, Provisional Funeral Director and Cremationist Cassie Setzer, Cremationist Racheal Hester, Cremationist Bradley Scronce

Cremationists Bradley, Racheal, Cassie, Amanda, and Pete stand in front of both the human and pet crematories.

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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TRENDS IN FUNERAL PLANNING Caring Cremations is a bit different from a traditional funeral home. “We know what people are looking for these days, and we’re responding to that need,” Ben shared. “We understand that celebrating a life means different things to different people. Trends show that by 2025, more Americans will choose cremations for several reasons including lower cost and flexible, creative options for final commitment.”

ADVANCED PLANNING IN A NEW WAY Many people decide to custom-design their funeral in advance. Today, people are planning their retirement as well as their end-of-life choices and their legacy for the future. They select some or all the details…everything from cremation or burial, the cemetery and graveside service, casket, burial or cremation vault, urn, or another container for ashes, to special personal touches they want to include.

Some who desire cremation have already selected a handcrafted pottery jar or wooden box that they are enjoying now in preparation for its next usefulness. Your end-of-life planner at Caring Cremations will help you choose the venue, music, poetry, or scripture you want read—even the caterer. This is when you really get to define “my final wishes,” easing the burden on families and locking in costs by paying in advance.

“Pre-planning at Caring Cremations can also be done online,” Ben explained. “It’s easy, and we designed it for people who mostly know what they want. Of course, we’re always available to help or explain anything. An end-of-life planner will always follow up with an online request.”

Photos, top to bottom:

• Amanda, Cassie, and Ben review a family contract • All three family suites can open into one large space • Directors Amanda Ward, Ben Jenkins, and Cassie Setzer

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CREMATION PLANNING Pre-planning for a cremation is recommended. There are many considerations after cremation is chosen, either in advance or at the time of death. Are there certain clothes or a military uniform for the deceased? Keepsakes, jewelry, letters to be placed in the cremation casket? What are your plans for the ashes? Would you or other family members like to be present for, or participate in, your loved one’s cremation? “Because we know the healing that comes with letting go,” Ben shared, “our facility is uniquely designed to host interested families during the cremation itself. Our crematorium room is adjacent to our family suites, with an observation window, if desired. Everything is modern, secure, and pleasant. This option can serve as a final viewing, a final good-bye, if you will, and it ensures the family that the identity of their loved one is confirmed. As I said, your loved-one never leaves your care.”

Families can visit throughout or for part of the cremation process, about three hours. Just as you might visit at home, you can enjoy family love and prayer, a memorial service or celebration of life, refreshments, family videos, stories, and hugs—a unique option people have been asking for.

PET CREMATION “We are the only crematory in our region with separate retorts (the cremation chambers) for humans and pets,” Ben explained. “All the services that we respectfully provide for your family member, we offer your furry loved ones.” From pick-up after a death at home or veterinarian’s office, through the entire cremation process, people are comforted knowing their pet is cared for reverently in a setting suitable for grieving, sharing, and remembering. Pet cremations are totally private, one pet at a time. “As pet owners ourselves, we wouldn’t want anything less. Closure is important, and when you receive your pet’s cremains, that journey can begin. We treat your pets like we would our own—we want everyone to find comfort,” Ben shared. Preplanning and consultations are available; urns, caskets, keepsakes, and other remembrances can be selected.

A WISE AND COMFORTING CHOICE When death occurs, you may not know what to do, but I will tell you that Ben, his staff, and family always put families first, and they know how to help. They will listen and guide you. They will hold your hand and ease your burden during a most difficult time. Your decisions will give you peace of mind.

Whether you’re planning a funeral, a celebration of life, a special disposition of your faithful pet, the folks at Caring Cremations will help you discover and include the special touches that hold the most meaning for you and your family.

Caring Cremations 828-855-3350 609 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602 www.caringcremations.net

Photos, right, top to bottom:

• Private suite with kitchen and bathrooms • One of the conference rooms where arrangements are made with families • Ben and Meagan Jenkins with their children.

Photo courtesy of Monica Reid Photography

HICKORY LIVING •OCTOBER 2021

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Who Gets The Dog?

By Blair E. Cody, III, Attorney at Law Pictured is Blair’s pawalegal Bristol

Photo by Liza White Photography

October is Pet Month at Hickory Living, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to speak to a common issue that often isn’t considered by couples who find themselves separating until the separation actually occurs. While there is no specific statute that addresses the distribution of animals and household pets, there are some legal and practical considerations to consider. Chapter 50 of the N.C. General Statutes governs the distribution of pets acquired during the marriage.

Pets are often considered a part of the family, and as a result there can be a lot of emotions when it comes to deciding who gets the family pet. Pets are considered property and while my puppy dog may mean the world to me, it is viewed, in some ways, like the washing machine or dining room table. Pets are personal property and, as such, are subject to division. Because they are viewed in this way, there really isn’t an opportunity for the Court to grant custody or visitation with the beloved pet between the parties. One of the parties is going to end up with the pet, just like one of them is going to get the washing machine.

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If Husband and Wife are unable to agree on who gets the dog and each wants the dog, what happens then? Well, in that case, the approach I would take as a lawyer would be very similar to that in a custody case that involves the parties’ children. The first question I would want to know is who has been the primary caregiver for the dog? Who has taken her to the vet? Who takes her on walks, feeds her regularly, gives her the medications she takes? The next question I would want to know is who is most capable of meeting the day to day needs of the dog? Some dogs can be quite costly, requiring particular dog food, medications, allergy treatments, etc., and one party simply may not be able to afford the things that their dog needs. Also, how does each party intend to care for the dog every day? For example, if Husband is an over-the-road truck driver and would have to hire someone or ask a friend to watch the dog while he is working, Wife would have a good argument that the dog should be with her. In the same way, if the dog usually goes to work every day with Wife and as a result does not have to be at home alone, that type of

information would probably be influential in the Judge’s decision if tasked with choosing who gets the dog. Lastly, if there are children involved, what is their relationship with the dog? If the minor child is very close to the dog and Wife has primary custody, that would be another factor for the Court to consider in awarding ownership of the dog.

Certainly, the best option for a couple going through a separation is to work out a division, between themselves, that is in the pet’s and their best interest. Almost anything they can agree upon can be reduced to writing and have a binding legal effect. If the separating couple can agree to a split custody schedule involving the pet, then the Court is going to allow them that opportunity.

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.

Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC

With the merger of law offices, Lyndon R. Helton and Blair E. Cody, III now offer a broader range of law expertise.

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

HickoryLIVING

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 HICKORY LIVING LIVING • OCTOBER • APRIL 2021

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Celebrating

Our Pets

For many of us, our families would not be complete without our beloved pets. For others, those owning a service animal, their pets are much more than a friend. They are a life line to normal living. In this issue, we would like to honor the animals who serve mankind in a capacity of therapy. On the following pages, we invite you to read about Shining Hope Farms and Rising Hope Farms and the amazing work they do with their horses. If you are looking for a pet, you will find some pets for adoption and professionals to assist you in caring for your loyal, furry companions.

©iStockphoto.com |sanjagrujic

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A Pet for You!

828-464-8878 www.catawbahumane.org

Adopt a New Furry Friend Today at Humane Society of Catawba County Humane Society of Catawba County Mission:

Our mission is to make our community a better place by serving as an advocate for companion animals. Our vision for the future is that no adoptable animal will be euthanized in Catawba County, and that animal cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals will cease to exist.

Meet Brownie!

Paws down Brownie is the sweetest dog at the shelter. Brownie is a 3 year and 5 month old house broken, female hound/mix. There’s nothing she loves more than a good old-fashioned hug. Give her a tight squeeze and hold her close, ‘cuz this girl wants all the attention. Gentle is an understatement. Brownie is even tempered and mild mannered. No one takes a treat so kindly. She’s basically the perfect dog, a lady who would be awesome with children and families of all kinds. Her only request is for a home where there is another pup to play with. Brownie is a team player and does best when she is part of a pack. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds are perfectly acceptable.

Meet Sassy!

Sassy, a two year old female, is an open book and knows no stranger. No one is lonely when she’s around. She’s the most social cat at the shelter, and a serious kibble connoisseur. She is looking for a home with toys, toys, ALL types of toys—crunchy toys, catnip toys, little mice toys. She loves to play, and her aerobic style is renowned. Break out a laser pointer if you need some entertainment. Nobody scales a wall like our girl Sass! She gets a gold star for sportsmanship—she welcomes other cats to join in on the fun and is especially tender with kittens. To her future owners, we recommend investing in cat trees and tall perches. Her most notable feature is her adorable lop-ear.

Meet Hot Rod! Looking for the most loyal, fun, and handsome dog at the shelter? That would be our man Hot Rod, a 6 1/2 year old male, terrier and American pit bull mix. This energetic guy has waited on his furever family for far too long. He doesn’t show the greatest in the kennel as he and his kennel mate are excited to get outside.

Once out in the play yard, Hot Rod is well-behaved. He is loyal, likes to stay by your side, and responds well to guidance and correction. He knows several commands, including “sit” and is a perfect gentleman when taking treats. The perfect family would be an active one with older kids 12+ or no kids due to his excitement and energy. He does well with other dogs his size but must go to a home without small animals of any kind.

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Pet Services

Meet Braden!

When this timid guy came to us, it was obvious the indoors and people were new to him. The idea of being a pet is still a learning experience for Braden, a three year old German Shepherd mix. He has come far, and now enjoys being petted, soft treats, and receiving love, so long as the person doesn’t overwhelm him. He wants to be around you and sit by you. He is all about calm energy and responds well to confident, dog-savvy people. He is still not a huge fan of the leash, but once it’s on, his attitude completely changes—he knows it means he gets to go on a walk! Because of his nature, Braden is not well suited for a home with children. He does, however, do fantastic with other dogs. Braden is searching for the right family to treat him with patience.

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Animals Making Our World a Better Place

The work of Shining Hope Farms and Rising Hope Farms

By Kristie Darling

One lesson Jane Goodall taught us over decades of working intimately with animals is that they can be teachers. We learn unconditional love from our dogs and patience from our cats…and much more!

Today, we rely on animal friends often. Service animals, individually trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities, like seeing eye dogs, give many humans a guiding hand through their world. Emotional support animals, ESAs, befriend and comfort children and adults who need an extra serving of care and companionship just to make it

SHINING HOPE FARMS Where special kids and horses shine.

Shining Hope Farms soon celebrates its 20th year providing therapy services and therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs or disabilities.

Milinda and Paul Kirkpatrick founded Shining Hope, a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to enable people with special needs to reach their full potential through equine-assisted activities 24

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

through the day. From therapy dogs, recovery dogs, and senior care pets, to the uniquely trained animals who protect and work with psychiatric patients, animals in our lives can be more than simply the best friend who meets you at the door everyday… they can be your life support system.

“I call my horses ‘divine mirrors’—they reflect-back the emotions you put in. If you put in love and respect and kindness and curiosity, the horse will return that.”

–Allan Hamilton

and therapies. Horses play a major role as a unique, effective tool in clinical settings to help improve quality of life.

Licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists have received specialized training enabling them to incorporate horses in their therapeutic work.

“Doctors and pediatricians prescribe hippotherapy (OT, PT, or SLP, using the equine’s movement) as part of their treatment plan,” said Patrice Gibson, director of development. “For instance,

Photos:

Opposite page: In the barn at Shining Hope Farms, Elvis is on the lookout for riders to arrive.

Pictured, clockwise: • An occupational therapy session in progress • Staff member and a volunteer with Fritz • Our amazing staff at Shining Hope Farm in Conover Shining Hope Farms photos are courtesy of Lauren Faulk Photography

some children have never been able to walk due to birth disorders. The brain doesn’t know how to do it, but it can be trained. Riding a horse helps them understand how it feels to walk because the three-dimensional gait of a horse mimics human walking. After guided riding, they begin to leave their wheelchairs behind. Being on horseback builds core body strength and improves physical limitations. Sort of like biofeedback therapy, riding a horse enables the body to get out of its own way and learn how to walk, speak, and develop confidence. Clients with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, Down’s syndrome, developmental disabilities,

or brain injuries benefit immensely.

“We like to say, ‘our clients find wellness, strength, and hope on the back of a horse,’” Patrice shared. “We help children, adults, and Veterans.”

At the Conover location, Shining Hope Farms is expanding its work in mental health to address issues caused by Covid-19 and the impact on our youth.

“Kids have become fearful, truancy is increasing, students don’t want to go to school—children are suffering,” Patrice continued. “Teachers, social workers, and parents send kids to us for help mitigating the pandemic’s effect on their mental health.”

Veterans benefit through the Saddles & Salutes Veterans Program. Combat-induced trauma resulting in PTS, anxiety, anger and rage, insomnia, and flashbacks become less severe, and Veterans learn self-regulating skills. They’re able to integrate into a civilian community.

If you know a Veteran interested in the Saddles & Salutes Program—scholarships are available—visit Shininghopefarms.org.

Support them by attending: Shining Hope’s Charity Golf Tournament on October 4 For more information, visit shininghopefarms.org/golf-tournament HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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RISING HOPE FARMS Fun, Hope, and Healing The equine programs at Rising Hope Farms span all ages and offer fun and therapeutic horseback riding that helps improve health and life challenges. Beginning its 14th year in Claremont, the farm has developed signature programs that reach special-needs populations, age three through seniors, with disabilities, learning challenges, and illness through therapeutically designed horse-centered activities, games, and socialization. “Our riding programs are offered at no charge through our allvolunteer, not-for-profit organization,” founder Gail Wartner explained.

On October 23rd, Rising Hope sponsors Dr. Lew Sterrett’s inspiring ministry, Sermon on the Mount. “Horses can teach about our lives if we can just learn to listen,” Gail said. “The goal of this horse-centered presentation is that God uses our farm to provide fun, peace, and healing. Dr. Sterrett demonstrates how horses can strengthen our relationship with God in life-changing ways.” The public is invited to this spiritual and uplifting event.

Hoofs for Hospice is an on-going partner program with Carolina Caring Grief Camp. “Magical healing takes place when grieving children— they’ve lost a parent or grandparent, sibling or friend—begin to bond with the horses,” Gail told me. “Little kids and teens, along with their families, work with Carolina Caring of Catawba Valley bereavement counselors, certified instructors, trained volunteers, and our gentle horses, Miracle, Shalom, Prophet, Shadow, Gabe, Tug, Joy, and Zion. Together they experience the profound healing that these animals provide.

Most kids have never been on a horse, and by learning to feed, brush, ride, and care for them, they feel safe and begin to understand that life still has lots to offer. A trust is built with the horses that allows children to express their feelings…they sing to them, they love them.”

Reining Through Life helps at-risk youth unlock their God-given potential. Life skills lessons while riding are given by counselors, instructors, and of course, the horses. Kids and teens learn to cope with the challenges in their lives.

Senior Saddles targets adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia who want to feel better about themselves and improve their day-to-day living. Medical studies indicate that spending therapeutic time with horses can do this.

“More and more, our seniors begin to enjoy themselves in the moment,” Gail explained. “They begin to overcome anxiety and depression and build self-confidence.”

If you know anyone who would benefit from these amazing programs, don’t hesitate to tell them about Shining Hope Farms and Rising Hope Farms. Riding horses can change lives.

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Above photos provided by Rising Hope Farms

Support this amazing organization by attending:

Rising Hope’s Light Up the Farm October 31 Visit www.risinghopefarms.com/announcements for more information.

HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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2021

Best of The FOOTHILLS HickoryLIVING READER’S CHOICE AWARD

Visit hickorylivingmagazine.com last chance to vote!

HICKORY LIVING'S READER'S CHOICE AWARDS

2021 Best of the FOOTHILLS

Is there a small business that you have enjoyed shopping with or who offered you great customer service? Let them know by voting for your favorites! 2021’s Best of the Foothills winners will be announced in our December 2021 issue.

CATEGORIES 1. Auto Repair Services 2. Auto Dealer 3. Insurance Company 4. Breakfast 5. Sandwich Shop 6. Dining 7. Golf Course 8. Best Place for Cocktails/Wine 9. Fitness/Gym 10. Aesthetics/Med Spa 11. Weight Loss

12. Day Spa/Massage/Facials 13. Hair Salon 14. Women’s Boutique 15. Dentist 16. Orthodontist 17. Chiropractor 18. Veterinarian 19. Pet Groomer 20. Law Firm 21. Hardware Store 22. Home Builder

23. Interior Design 24. Landscaper/Lawn Service 25. Nursery 26. Real Estate Agency 27. Consignment/Thrift Store 28. Wedding Venue 29. Jewelry Store 30. Caterer 31. Art Studio 32. Art Gallery 33. Cosmetic Surgery Center HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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HICKORY LIVING • OCTOBER 2021

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What's Cooking?!

Smothered Pork Chops in Mushroom Sauce

When you are hungry and searching for something filling, turning to your pantry for onhand ingredients can make dinner a breeze. Dodge snack cravings and avoid swinging by the drive-thru; instead, you can have a homemade meal ready in a matter of minutes by putting your skillet to work.

Don’t waste time with complicated recipes, dirtying an array of kitchen utensils, and multiple trips to the store for ingredients you may not use again. This recipe requires one bowl and a skillet. Cleanup is a breeze, which means there is more time to spend around the table with those who mean the most.

Smothered Pork Chops in Mushroom Sauce Servings: 4

1

teaspoon mild chili powder

1

teaspoon garlic powder

¼

teaspoon salt

¼

teaspoon pepper

4

pork chops

2

tablespoons olive oil

2

tablespoons butter

Mushroom Sauce: 2 ½ cups brown mushrooms, sliced 5

garlic cloves, smashed

1

tablespoon parsley

1

teaspoon Italian seasoning

½

cup chicken broth

1 ½ cups heavy cream

fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

In small bowl, whisk chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined. Pat pork chops dry, and season generously with spice mix. Set aside.

In a skillet, add olive oil and butter. Add pork chops; sear 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

To make mushroom sauce: In same skillet, add mushrooms.

Stir fry until golden brown. Add garlic, parsley and Italian seasoning. Stir fry 2 minutes. Add broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Return pork chops to sauce.

Simmer 2-3 minutes until pork chops are cooked through.

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Recipe and photo courtesy of culinary.net Visit their website for more savory recipes.

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