Hickory Living July 2021

Complimentary July 2021

On the Cover

DYNAMIC JOURNEYS TRAVEL DYNAMIC DYNAMICJOURNEYS JOURNEYS TRAVEL TRAVEL Extraordinaryisisour ordinary Extraordinary ordinary Extraordinary isourour ordinary

page 12

On the Road Again... pages 23-28 HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

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HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

Each OfficE is indEpEndEntly OwnEd & OpEratEd

Trae Stokes Realtor®/Owner 828.312.1996

Amanda Stokes Realtor®/Owner 828.234.9553

Danielle Stone Realtor®/Broker 828.446.6683

Dale Sharpe Realtor®/Broker 828.612.7248

Wendy Flynn Realtor®/Broker 828.238.2345

Sandi Dingler Realtor®/Broker 828.612.2399

Claudia Vargas Realtor®/Broker 828.302.1456

Josh Ritchie Realtor®/Broker 828.469.8411

Sarah Moretz Realtor®/Broker 828.234.2659

Ashley Carmichael Realtor®/Broker 704.351.1938

Tuffer Howell Realtor®/Broker 828.261.6373

828.855.1055 David Berry Realtor®/Broker 828.639.4533

Kamie Pitts Realtor®/Broker 704.883.2938

3244 Springs Rd NE Hickory, NC 28601 THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE? Call Trae!

Cory Klassett Realtor®/Broker 828.446.4589

Kristen Knox Realtor®/Broker 704.763.2960

Denise Williams Realtor®/Broker 828.434.5800

Shawn Mullen Realtor®/Broker 910.988.2518 HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021 3

contents

MacAdam Smith

JULY 2021 FEATURES 12 • COVER STORY Dynamic Journeys Travel Extraordinary Is Our Ordinary

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20 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Catawba County Partnership For Children Preparing For Lifelong Success

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

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

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

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

24 • Momentum Tire & Car Care 25 • Make It A Day Trip Into History 27 • Advice From Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 28 • Conley Motorsports

IN THIS ISSUE

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

8 • Welcome To The July Issue

25 Hickory

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

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

10 • July Events 17 • Creating A DIY Fountain 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

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Shane Greene Photography

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Welcome to the

July Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | rozbyshaka

H

appy Independence Day! As we celebrate the birthday of our country, let us be thankful for the freedoms and the voice we possess. No country is perfect or without challenges, but for me, I’m happy and grateful to live in the United States of America where I have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We are still the land of opportunity where people can get a job, an education, start a business, and follow their dreams. Opportunities are possibilities that are risky with no guarantee of success. They require hard work and sacrifice. Opportunity isn’t easy, it’s a chance. Regardless of where you and I start economically, it is up to us to make the necessary sacrifices, pursue and reach our goals, and achieve our happiness...hopefully leaving an inheritance that benefits our children in reaching 8

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

their goals. Look at the sacrifices our forefathers made to make the United States what it is today. Celebrate the birth of our nation by being thankful for the freedom to speak our mind and the chance to do something great!

Our theme this month is On the Road Again. North Carolina has a rich history dating back to our country’s beginning.

As one of the original 13 colonies, with three North Carolinian signatures on the Declaration of Independence, we thought historical road trips would be a fun way to celebrate! Check out our North Carolina historical day trips on page 25. While you are in that section of the magazine, read about our advertisers in the automotive field who can help you keep your vehicle serviced and repaired or help you purchase a new one just in time for those road trips!

If you are staying close to home, we have a list of outdoor concerts on page 10. Also, plan the vacation of your dreams with Sarah Moretz. Sarah is our cover story this month and owns a travel agency called Dynamic Journeys Travel. She can eliminate the stress from planning your trip and knows what’s available to make your vacation, honeymoon, or destination wedding more than you imagined.

On page 20, our business spotlight features Catawba County Partnership for Children. This organization offers early childhood services for children birth to five years of age. If you have small children or grandchildren, you will want to read their article!

Thank you for reading the July issue of Hickory Living. Have a safe July 4th and enjoy your summer!

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JULY EVENTS

Enjoy!

HICKORY July 31 Crawdads and The Rhett Walker Band LP Frans Stadium 2500 Clement Blvd, Hickory Christian Concert The game starts at 5PM and concert follows the game.

For group tickets call 828.322.3000 For individual tickets visit: https://www.milb.com/hickory/ tickets/single-game-tickets

NEWTON

July 1, 3, 8, 17, 22, 31 Get Your NewtOn! 2021 Music at the Farm Catawba Farms 400 Technibilt Drive, Newton Bring a lounge chair or blanket.

Wine, beer, hard cider, soft drinks, and food available. No outside food or drinks allowed. Music starts at 2PM on Saturdays and 6:30PM on Thursdays.

July 1: Funk Cake July 8: Back Porch Smoke Break July 17: Carolina Divide July 22: Sycamore Bones & The Older Brothers July 31: Joseph Hasty & Don Hogan catawbafarms.com 10

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July 3 LIVESTARR Indie Music Festival Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds, 1 American Legion Avenue, Newton Noon - 11PM Artists from all around the country.

Vendors • Art • Food • Drink • Music For tickets, visit www.livestarrmusicfest.com

VALDESE July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 July 2: Valdese Celebrates Independence Day Main Street Closes at 5PM 7PM Music from Southside Station Dusk–Fireworks, shot behind the Old Rock School Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts held on the football field behind The Old Rock School • Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM. July 9: Fox & Company July 16: Super 60’s July 23: Rated PG July 30: Little Johnny Trailer Trash townofvaldese.com

BLOWING ROCK July 7, 14, 21, 28 Music On The Lawn The Inn at Ragged Gardens

203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock Bring a lawn chair, no coolers, no pets. 5:30PM–8:30PM July 2: Harris Brothers July 9: Lucky Strikes July 16: Shelby Rae Moore Band July 23: Soul Benefactor July 30: Continental Divide www.ragged-gardens.com

Visit Local Farmers Markets Downtown Hickory Farmer’s Market Union Square under the Sails, Hickory Wednesdays: 10AM–2PM Saturdays: 8AM–1PM Local music sponsored by The City of Hickory.

Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market 3070 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory Thursdays: 10AM–1PM Conover Farmers Market 109 1st St. E, Conover Saturdays: 8AM–12 Noon Hildebran’s Farmers Market Albert Parkhurst Municipal Complex Parking Lot, 202 South Center Street, Hildebran • Tuesdays: 8AM–1PM

You have a CHOICE for Rehab Ask for Conover Nursing & Rehab!

Our goal is to get you back in the parade, celebrating your independence.

You are in good hands at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. After an illness, surgery or injury, our team is dedicated to your recovery and safe transition back home!

• Rehab Wing with Central Gym and Indoor Track • Results Oriented Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists on Staff • Family Owned & Operated

Conover Nursing & Rehabilitation Center 828.695.8282

www.ConoverNursingandRehab.com

920 4th Street SW • Conover, NC 28613

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on the cover Photos:

On the cover–Sarah Moretz, owner of Dynamic Journeys Travel Pictured–Matchboxes Sarah’s grandparents collected around the world were some of her first toys. Playing with them, she learned about exotic places.

She’s planning to visit each destination they’re from.

Photos by Shane Greene Photography

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DYNAMIC JOURNEYS TRAVEL Extraordinary is our ordinary

By KristieTRAVEL Darling NAMIC JOURNEYS

“Wanderlust bit when I was little,” Sarah Keener Extraordinary is me ourhard ordinary

Moretz said with a smile. “Every night before bed, Dad would get me to spin my globe as fast as I could, then ask, ‘Where’s Italy? Find Mongolia!’” and it wasn’t long before I knew all the countries, lots of cities, and I was fascinated with the world. I’m the perfect example of…if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

WHY BOOK WITH DYNAMIC JOURNEYS? To begin, think expert guidance, worldwide connections, and an extremely savvy travel agent who thinks outside the box. Sarah owns and operates Dynamic Journeys Travel here in Hickory.

She does it with passion, experience, dedication, and a network of international partners in the travel industry. She knows her stuff firsthand—she’s traveled all around the world and also holds certifications from a slew of luxury travel partners, so she’s on top of what’s happening in the world of travel. She’s also the recipient of a multitude of awards in the travel industry.

Moretz said, “I’ve been so honored the past 13 years to have earned the trust of my clients for their most important milestone vacations. For me, it’s been fun to see the progression from honeymoons and destination weddings I’ve planned to multigenerational family vacations, now.”

Many new clients contact Sarah when they are overwhelmed with the options they’ve found online themselves. They want to know they are getting the best value, that the itinerary fits them, and they want a sense of security upon arrival. “I’ve caught a lot of errors that can be made by booking without me—like not enough connection times in an airport or wrong airports,” she shared. “I also have access to events and extra perks around the world that people otherwise would not be privy to. I enjoy bouncing ideas back and forth with my clients who like to be involved. Other times, they just give me their interests, dates, and budget, then they let me surprise them! I treat each trip as if it were my own.”

Gail Garrison said, “Now that most of our kids are grown, it’s a tradition for our extended family to travel together for holidays

Photos:

Courtesy of Gail Garrison.

Deep sea fishing and making family memories.

HICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

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at least once a year. Using Sarah makes it so much easier to handle all the bookings and special requests. She’s suggested and planned some fabulous vacations for us—precious memories that we cannot put a price on.”

PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION Sarah makes planning your next vacation easy, quick, and fun.

“I realize people have been waiting and saving money sometimes for years to get to go on the trip I’m planning for them, so I want to cover all their wishes and then add extras they haven’t considered to make it even more wonderful,” she said.

“Having clients return from their vacations relaxed, reconnected, and inspired is always my goal...it’s so rewarding.” A simple phone call or email is all that’s needed to get going.

Formerly DJT was located in Moretz Mills, but Sarah found most people preferred a quick 10-minute call. They would usually call back to book within the hour their proposal was received. “People get overwhelmed thinking about traveling, especially with family and friends. I’ll take on the challenge, you won’t be stressed, and you’ll save time and money,” Sarah continued. “I can book the best suite on the ship, arrange for any means of travel or transfer—limo, train, helicopter, a chartered yacht with crew in the Mediterranean—and I can find availability where you might not. I’m a full-service, boutique travel consultant who will become your new best friend when you see how relaxed you can be out in the world. I’m ready to get you going!”

Client Sarah Greer said, “There have been multiple occasions when we’ve looked to Sarah’s guidance with travel recommendations and arrangements. She’s helped us find unique and memorable locations to celebrate many of our important milestones—from our honeymoon to anniversary trips.

We’ve enjoyed working with Sarah and look forward to future bucket-list experiences. “

Photos: Courtesy of Sarah Moretz.

Sarah’s travels have included: • Bora Bora • Japan • Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Upstream is Zambezi National Park where you can see white rhinos and elephants.

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EXCLUSIVE PRIVILEGES, UNIQUE EXPERIENCES, LUXURIOUS AMENITIES Every traveler has different needs, and Sarah enjoys checking off her clients’ requirement list as “done.” She can get you, and your family and friends to your destination wedding so that everyone enjoys all of it. “Your honeymoon can be the most amazing time you’ve ever had…think of exotic places you’d like to visit, and let’s explore that!” Did you know there are luxury suites in Dubai with an aquarium by your bedside?

Sarah knows the trendy as well as the remote regions of the world, and she knows how to get you there!

Dynamic Journeys menu of services ranges from spa retreats, honeymoons, destination weddings, golf packages, villa rentals,

reunions and multi-generational family holidays, to school trips, business conferences, safaris, all-inclusive resorts, weekend getaways, bucket lists, and anything in between that you and Sarah might dream up!

Last year, the world kind of stopped. As we begin to make arrangements for renewed travel, working with Sarah will ensure you have all your ducks in a row. She knows what the requirements are these days in countries around the world. “I want my travelers to be aware of where they are going,” Sarah told me.

“The travel-scape has changed quite a bit and continues to do so. I can have good people on the ground to assist you when you arrive, have personal touches included, and I will help keep your vacation comfortable. Traveling with young children, and with seniors as well, takes special planning. Sarah makes sure you’re not on your own, wondering what’s next.

LET’S TRAVEL Whether you’re into adventure or sophisticated wine tours, if you yearn to see the landscapes of Italy, the beaches of Hawaii, meet Geishas in Japan, birdwatch in New Zealand, or cruise around the tip of South America, Sarah can get you there in comfort and style. When you meet with her, ask about snorkeling in Fiji, swimming to the edge of Victoria Falls in Zambia, riding elephants while trekking through Thailand, and what it’s like to interact with the great whites in Gansbaai, South Africa.

Sarah can tell you all about these adventures, and you will leave wanting to create memories of your own…Run, don’t walk… time’s a wasting!

DYNAMIC JOURNEYS TRAVEL Extraordinary is our ordinary

If you’re ready to travel, contact Sarah at: DynamicJourneysTravel.com Contact@DynamicJourneysTravel.com 828-234-2659

Photos:

• The Greer’s in Paris. Photo courtesy of Sarah Greer.

• Brunch with a giraffe in Kenya. Photo courtesy of Jason Zhao.

• Dan and Diana Rink off the coast of Madeira, Portugal.

Photo courtesy of Diana Rink.

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Creating A DIY

Fountain

By Kathy Wheeler

Water features can be very smoothing, and I decided to add one on my deck. I had a large pot of million bells that had bloomed from the year before and thought I would add an extra tier to it. The top tier would act as the fountain. After doing some research, I found a solar fountain that was made for a bird bath or pond. Because it was solar, there would be no wires, and it also had foam underneath the fountain making it float.

Solar is great when it works, but hasn’t advanced much over the years. Keep in mind that the small solar panel on the fountain has to be in the sun to work. It’s not for shaded areas in your garden. On rainy days, it will work sporadically, and it doesn’t work at night. So there are limitations to using a solar fountain, but it worked for my purpose.

A few helpful considerations when purchasing the fountain—first, get one with a built-in battery. Not all fountains have a battery backup. The information states that the battery should recharge about 300 times.

Second, the wattage is not that important. It doesn’t take much power to run the pump, but get the largest battery you can find. I ordered mine from Amazon, and it was 2.5 watts with a 1200 mAh battery. Third, purchase a fountain that shuts off when it runs out of water. If you don’t, it will run until it burns up the motor in the pump. On Amazon, the price range for these fountains is from $14.00 - $26.00. I purchased one on each end of the price point, and they both work the same.

The pot I purchased was 14” in diameter for $10. It was the wrong color, but the shape matched the pot I already had, so I spray painted it. I purchased a metal plant stand from Walmart for $5.00 and put that into the dirt of the larger pot to hold the smaller pot off the flowers. When I put the fountain in the pot, it wouldn’t stay in the center. It floated around, throwing the water out of the pot. This is an easy fix.

Take bamboo skewers and stick in the flotation foam, then break the skewers off evenly to keep the fountain in the center of the pot. Leave a little room so you don’t have to fill the pot too often. Once the water gets low, the skewers will hold the fountain off the water.

There is no adjustment to the height of the water flow; however, you receive several different nozzles with your fountain. Try various nozzles until you find the one that works best for the size pot you have. You will have fewer problems keeping the water in a pot with a larger diameter than a smaller pot. I put together a second fountain by my front porch using a 16” diameter pot that I purchased for $20.

You will need to clean the water and the pump on the fountain regularly. I found a strainer works well for getting debris from the water.

The pump is easy to clean per the instructions.

Once you start putting all the parts and pieces together, you will be enjoying the serene sound of a trickling water in 30 minutes or less!

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Advertorial

DWI

(Driving while Impaired)

Is it Really a Big Deal?

W

By Blair E. Cody, III Attorney at Law

ith July 4th upon us, many of us will celebrate our nation’s birthday with friends and family. Often times those celebrations involve alcohol. To drink and then drive is NOT against the law (assuming you are 21 years of age). However, driving while impaired is, and that is where an experienced trial attorney can significantly increase your chances of avoiding a conviction or limiting the consequences of such a conviction. The word “impaired” has a specific legal definition in N.C. Many people drive after having a couple drinks with dinner, and there is nothing illegal about that. As a criminal defense lawyer whose practice focuses on DWI representation, I certainly have a different perspective from others when I see the blue lights in my rearview mirror. While you should always show respect to law enforcement in every encounter— they’ve earned it—you also need to keep in mind that once they activate their blue lights, you are being seized by a government actor, and this is not going to be a casual encounter. Remember, in order for the officer to stop you, he/she must have reasonable and articulable suspicion that you have already violated the law. Here are some frequently asked questions that I get when speaking with folks about DWI.

Q. If I’m stopped by law enforcement, do I have to answer his questions, or can I refuse and do nothing?

A. The only legal thing you are required to do when stopped by L.E. is to

provide your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. That’s it!

And, I would suggest that is all you do. As difficult as it may seem, I would not engage in any conversation with the officer such as answering questions about where you are coming from or how much you’ve had to drink.

I always suggest that you politely ask the officer if you are free to leave when asked any questions, and if he says “no” then just respectfully say, “If I’m not free to leave, then I’m not going to do or say anything else” and then DON’T. Be firm but respectful when dealing with L.E.

Q. If I’ve never had a DWI before, can I go to jail if convicted? If so for how long?

A. Yes, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case you could

go to jail, prison actually, for up to two years, even if this is your first DWI. If you receive a Level One Punishment you may also be fined up to $4,000, be placed on probation, ordered not to consume alcohol, ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet, ordered to perform community service, ordered to obtain an alcohol assessment, complete all recommended treatment, have your license to drive suspended, and be ordered to pay the cost of court.

Q. If I am convicted of DWI, will I lose my license? Can I get a temporary license so that I can drive to work?

A. Yes, if convicted you will lose your license for at least one year. Yes,

depending on the level you are sentenced at. Levels 3-5 all allow a person to receive a limited driving privilege.

Q. Should I do the field sobriety tests or blow at the scene if told to do so by the officer?

A. I always advise that you respectfully decline (refuse) to do any field

sobriety tests or blow at the scene. Remember, the officer doesn’t ask everyone he stops to do testing, just the people he suspects are drunk. It’s hard to be successful on any test when the person doing the grading already thinks you’re impaired.

When you are charged with DWI always hire an experienced DWI attorney right away—the next day if possible—because there are certain legal rights that relate to your ability to drive, as well as evidentiary issues that are time sensitive and need to be preserved in order to give you the best possible chance of being successful in court.

The Attorneys at Helton, Cody & Associates Can Help You! To schedule an appointment, call 828.328.9966.

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Bristol, Pawalegal....>

With the merger of The Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton and

Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC

The Law Office of Blair E. Cody, III, we 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

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 HICKORYLIVING LIVING••APRIL JULY 2021

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left, The Catawba County Partnership for Children and Children’s Resource Center staff are here to connect parents to early childhood services!

Opposite page Reading to young children is an important step of building early literacy skills.

Ashley Benfield and Leonor Tobar help a mom find child care.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program mails free books to kids.

kindergarten. We have 26 different classrooms countywide, serving over 400 children. Learn more and apply at www.catawbakids.com.”

EARLY LITERACY

Preparing for Lifelong Success

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene

Perhaps you’ve heard that the first five years of life are critical to the positive development and life-long success of a child. Well, you heard right! No one knows more about this critical aspect of early childhood than the team of professionals and volunteers who staff Catawba County Partnership for Children. “These early years are a time of significant brain development,” says Executive Director Kim Holden. “We’re here to provide a solid foundation for kids from birth to five years, each one with totally different needs. It’s important work.”

With a mission to “…ensure every child in Catawba County enters kindergarten prepared for lifelong success,” the Partnership’s programs focus on specific goals.

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EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES Children’s Resource Center is a “free, one-stop shop to get connected with quality services for young children,” Kim continued. “We help families find licensed childcare, preschool programs, scholarships, and we support early childcare educators with professional development.” Training topics include self-care for caregivers and creating emotional literacy, among others. childrensresourcecenter.org.

NC Pre-K is a free, pre-kindergarten program designed to enhance kindergarten readiness for eligible four-year-olds.

“Every child deserves to have a highquality, pre-K experience!” Kim shared.

“Children who participate are better prepared for success when they get to

Imagination Library is “one of our most popular programs—and it works!” Kim says. “The Dollywood Foundation helps fund mailing one free children’s book to each enrolled child every month, up to age five.

Kids learn to love reading and parents become dedicated readers to their kids…it’s a win-win.” With over 5,400 enrolled and a goal of serving 70% of Catawba’s young children, the importance of early literacy is shared in the community. Enroll your child or consider being an Imagination Library sponsor at catawbakids.com/ imagination-library.

FAMILY SUPPORT & PARENT EDUCATION “Parents are our first teachers,” Kim continued. “Most parents need support, training, guidance, and resources to be great first teachers. Our Parent Helpbook covers early literacy, starting kindergarten, immunizations, and more.” An extensive list of

services/resources is included in an awesome 36-page free handbook. Parenting programs like Parents as Teachers and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) are available for parents through all stages of parenthood.

HEALTH & SAFETY This focus identifies children with special needs and ensures they receive services and support. The Partnership provides health educators to keep children safe by training teachers and parents about topics like sudden infant

death syndrome (SIDS), car seat safety, and responding to children’s medical conditions.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS & ADVOCACY Community partners are essential to the Partnership’s ongoing work and future.

Local and regional partners, such as our school systems and libraries, Departments of Social Services and Public Health, state/local governments, Catawba County United Way, the Unifour Foundation, businesses, and individuals, all keep

the work going. A very important partner is North Carolina’s Smart Start initiative.

Together, they help educate the public about our young ones’ critical needs.

“Advocacy and outreach are a big part of our mission—we can’t do all we do without this incredible community support.

We encourage parents and caregivers to reach out to connect with the many early childhood programs available to you.

Together, we can build brighter futures for Catawba County kids!”

828-695-6505 • catawbakids.com

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LANDSCAPES,LLC

Transforming Landscapes into Scenic Views!

• Creative and innovative design • Impeccable reputation • Meticulous attention to detail • Integrity as business professionals • Quality that exceeds client expectations

Visit us online at www.ScenicViewLandscapes.net Owner and Landscape Contractor, Kevin Sipe

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• Landscapes • • Hardscapes • Water Features • • Outdoor Lighting • Garden Maintenance •

For Your Landscape Transformation, Contact Kevin Sipe and the Scenic View Team

828-256-2517

On the Road Again...

Summer is a great time to take a road trip! If you are looking for interesting places to explore, we have some suggestions on fun, historical, and educational day trips within our state!

Before you head out, get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is ready for the trip. Sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck or having A/C problems in the heat of summer is not part of a good time! On the following pages, you will find service centers that can keep you traveling safely and in comfort. If you don’t feel confident that your automobile can handle a long trip, it may be time to purchase a new one. Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram offers some buying advice and tips. Also, accidents can happen, and if you find yourself needing body work, Custom Body Works can help restore your vehicle to its previous state.

At Hickory Living, we wish you safe travels this summer creating great memories on the road!

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MOMENTUM TIRE & CAR CARE Don’t let car problems ruin your vacation! Before hitting the road this summer, have your vehicle checked and serviced by a reputable five-star service center!

Momentum Tire and Car Care understands your time is valuable so they make car care fast and easy. They offer shuttle service for repairs that take longer or if you choose to wait, hang out in their comfortable waiting area and grab a free beverage and snack, access Wi-Fi, or take advantage of their outdoor seating...and your dog is always welcome!

Momentum’s staff brings over 150 years of automotive experience, and their technicians are ASE (Automo-

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tive Service Excellence) Certified.

Momentum services all makes and models using state-of-the-art equipment. Not only do they offer routine maintenance including oil changes, brakes, alignments, and NC State Inspection, they also diagnose and repair more complex issues, such as engines, transmissions, check engine lights, and A/C and electrical systems.

Momentum also has the right tire for your car! They carry all major brands such as Goodyear, Michelin, Kelly, Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper, and others to fit your vehicle or your budget. You will receive a free alignment check and free rotations when you purchase your tires at Momentum.

Pulling a boat or camper this summer? Momentum can help you choose

the right trailer hitch for what you will be towing.

Momentum Tire and Car Care is a local family-owned business, open since 2017, with two locations in Hickory and Gastonia.

Call today or make an appointment online; make sure you are road trip ready!

HICKORY 1040 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE 828.855.3356 GASTONIA 714 Union Road 704.866.9144 www.MomentumCarCare.com

MAKE IT A DAY TRIP INTO HISTORY!

By Kristie Darling

Photo of Fort Dobbs courtesy of Andrew E. Duppstadt

We’re back on the road again! Summertime means travel, learning, sun, and fun. North Carolina has lots to explore and in just one day, you can see plenty!

If you need a change from amusement parks and putt-putt, delve into NC’s 27 State Historic Sites. They are filled with our treasured past, nature, drama, culture, archeology, and more. For these sites, a day is all you need…though you might enjoy a destination enough to spend a weekend!

ENJOY HISTORY? Consider our closest NC State Historic Site — FORT DOBBS. You won’t believe your eyes! In 1756, Fort Dobbs was the only permanent frontier fort in the colony of North Carolina. In 2017, North Carolina built a true-to-life Ft. Dobbs replica on its original hilltop site in north Statesville. Reconstruction, with period-appropriate French and Indian War era parts and pieces, began with the wood beams that make up the structure’s three-story walls, and finished with interiors furnished so you experience how military life actually played out. Housed in Ft. Dobbs were 50 British soldiers and local colonists defending themselves from small parties

of revengeful Cherokee whose families had been murdered by settlers in Virginia. This is a perfect daytrip for lovers of up-close-and-personal history who thrill to witness exciting re-enactments.

Find out when these battles will be held…when they fire the cannon…at www.fortdobbs.org/events. These living history displays include camp cooking, trades, and crafts, and the real-life frontier in North Carolina.

REED GOLD MINE is just 85 miles from Hickory in Midland, NC. You might be surprised to learn that it’s the location of our country’s first documented gold find in 1799. From this discovery—one year garnering over $1,000,000—gold mining spread to nearby counties and into surrounding states. For almost 50 years, not until 1848’s Gold Rush to California, did North Carolina move to #2 in gold production. Explore the mine’s 1830’s underground tunnels and watch the stamp mill and other machinery operate like it did in the 1890s. Try your hand at gold panning while you’re there and plan a picnic. ADA accessible trails, archeological sites, a visitor center with documentary films and gift shop will enhance your visit.

CHARLOTTE HAWKINS BROWN MUSEUM in Gibsonville, a twohour drive just east of Greensboro, presents the history of Palmer Memorial Institute, founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown.

More than 2,000 African American students’ lives were changed here. You can explore where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. African American history, women’s history, social history, and education are explored, and the critical contributions African American Carolinians made are featured.

THE NORTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM is in Spencer, NC, just a 65-mile drive from Hickory.

You’ll learn all you need to know about most any transportation-related topic in North Carolina’s history in a get-up close and experience things personal way. The largest surviving roundhouse in North America, The Bob Julian Roundhouse, includes locomotives, passenger rail cars, plus the Wright BrothHICKORY LIVING • JULY 2021

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1880’s Hauser farmhouse that’s been restored and furnished to fit into the early 1900s era, with a well and wash house, fruit house, smokehouse, double-crib log feed barn, tobacco curing barn, corncrib, and a reconstructed fruit and vegetable dry house. Wheelchair accessible, with assistance, and a shaded picnic area make things comfortable and fun. Check in at www.historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/horne-creek-farm to find out about special events that focus on farm life—sheep shearing, pie baking, corn shucking, ice cream socials, musical afternoons, and plowing with draft animals. A great trip for kids of all ages!

ers’ Wright Flyer, a life-sized replica. Steam locomotives were once overhauled in the huge Back Shop. It now displays historic rail cars, antique autos, fire trucks, and the restoration of Piedmont Airlines’ Potomac Pacemaker DC-3. Bumper-tobumper antique autos on display fill The Flue Shop.

HORNE CREEK LIVING HISTORICAL FARM is a working farm with livestock, poultry, dogs, and cats. It’s only 90 miles from us, and the farm is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Along with a quarter-mile nature trail through the woods, historic monuments, outdoor exhibits, and an old family cemetery, at Horne Creek you can visit the

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AND THERE’S MORE. These North Carolina Historic Sites are also easy one-day trips, with time for exploring, learning, and a meal or two while you’re on the road…Look them up at historicsites.nc.gov, and find one that resonates with you and your family…then hit the road!

• Pres. James K. Polk Site, Pineville (65 miles) • Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Asheville (75 miles) • Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace, Weaverville (90 miles) Of course, there are also 19 other historic sites spread throughout North Carolina…the website has all the details for planning a visit to any of them!

ADVICE FROM GASTONIA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM What is the best time of year to buy a car? You can get the best deals at the end of the month. Dealers have goals to reach with their manufacturers and will negotiate the biggest discounts during the last week of the month, but the internet has leveled the playing field to a degree. Demand has increased for new and used vehicles, so our team is constantly monitoring the competition to ensure our internet prices are the most competitive in the market every day.

Should I buy this year’s or last year’s model? Check to see if the newest model has any major tech or style upgrades that are important to you. If not, buying the previous year’s model is an excellent way to save money on a new vehicle.

Should I consider a new or used vehicle?

There isn’t a huge difference between a new vehicle and a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, and in many cases, a CPOV warranty will be even better than the original manufacturer’s

warranty. If you don’t need an absolutely brand new car, going certified is a great way to get a nearly new vehicle for less.

Can you give us some tips for buying a car?

• Find a dealer with a solid online reputation and ties to the local community—a dealership that invests in helping local organizations is committed to building relationships, not just the bottom line.

• Research online...check the manufacturer sites for general info about features and benefits of specific models, then check dealer sites for current inventory available.

• Consider ordering your vehicle through the dealer you’ve chosen. There is currently a very high demand for vehicles and, rather than being one of several people interested in an in-transit vehicle, you’re better off ordering the exact vehicle you want and having it guaranteed as yours.

• Value your trade ahead of time. We offer a real-time trade evaluation tool on our

website called Trade-In Valet, that will give you a live estimate for your trade.

• Use an online shopping tool like the one found on our website to see what type of payment you’re comfortable with, based on the selling price of the vehicle you want to buy, your credit, down payment, etc. It will increase your confidence in the final negotiations if you have a clear idea of your options.

• When considering extended warranties or protection products, discuss with your finance manager the exact protection each offers to determine if it’s a good fit for you. These products can generally be purchased at a reduced rate when you purchase your vehicle, can be financed into your deal, and add only a few dollars a month for significant peace of mind.

• Test drive the vehicle, ask questions, confirm the vehicle has the features you want, and ask the salesperson to demonstrat new technology. Our goal is for you to drive away in a vehicle you love!

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CONLEY MOTORSPORTS If you own a Porsche, Audi, or Volkswagen, you know you need a certified mechanic who specializes in these brands to keep your vehicle running smooth.

Quality work and regular maintenance are key to preserving the heritage of your vehicle.

“At the end of the day, most people don’t know how to work on these cars, and they end up creating more issues,” Justin Conley, owner of Conley Motorsports, said. Justin has spent his 16-year career focused on Porsches, Audis, and Volkswagens. He is a factory-trained master technician with extensive training under his belt and employs two Volkswagen factory-trained technicians.

Conley Motorsports opened its doors for business April 2019.

Conley Motorsports offers mainte-

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nance, service, repairs, and diagnostic and performance updates, specializing in German vehicles. They also build and support track vehicles. “Whether it’s a simple oil change or an engine replacement, if it’s on one of those three brands, we can do it here,” Justin said.

Conley Motorsports offers maintenance services including oil changes, yearly services, spark plugs, filters, etc. They can also perform a diagnostic test when a check engine light is on to determine the problem. Justin has factory diagnostic equipment for each brand. Conley Motorsports services and maintains new vehicles that are still under warranty and older models as well.

Maybe you want a performance upgrade? Conley Motorsports can upgrade your software, exhaust, turbo, suspension… anything performance-related,

they can do. They are an authorized dealer for Cobb Tuning, ECS Tuning, Eurodyne, and Motul Oil. “We’ve had a lot of repeat customers, and word is getting out about our expertise and great customer service,” Justin said. “We’re also very competitively priced.” Conley Motorsports is your dealership alternative.

When properly maintained, Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen vehicles are known for their long life, performance, and safety. Before you take a road trip this summer, give Conley Motorsports a call to have your vehicle checked out.

828-855-2744 2351 US Highway 70 SW www.conleymotorsports.com Find us on Facebook

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