Hickory Living July 2023

Welcome to the July Issue!

By Kathy Wheeler

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate July 4th, I hope you take the time to be thankful for our country—the land of opportunity. No government is without problems; it’s always a work in progress. Whether you think, as a nation, we are headed in the right direction or way off base, you still have the freedom to express your opinion, work toward your goals, and pursue happiness and follow your passions. While America isn’t perfect, we live in a great nation, and as a people, we have the freedom to work toward making it better!

If you are looking for some fun ways to celebrate this month, check-out local concerts and events on page 20. Attend a parade or start your own in your neighborhood. Find a beautiful spot by the lake or in the mountains to have a picnic and take in the beauty of our country. Gather with family and

friends for a backyard cookout or go to a baseball game and pull for your favorite team. Of course, the Fourth is not complete without fireworks! L.P. Frans Stadium will celebrate 2023 with their largest fireworks show on July 2nd.

We have incredible artisans in our area and the Furniture Mart will feature some of them the weekend of July 28th. During the Furniture Festival, artists will be located downstairs at the South Entrance of the Mart. Support them by visiting their displays and purchasing something unique! See hours and details on page 20.

Our July cover story features RE/MAX Legendary. Owners Trae and Amanda Stokes and their team of real estate professionals are committed to helping you find your dream home, investment property, or sell your current property. Read their article starting on page 10.

This month’s business spotlight features Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS). The results of a recent poll of residents in our area named CVHS as the best place to work. Their article on page 16 interviews employees who share why they love working at CVHS.

July is one of the busiest months to travel in the U.S. due to the extended holiday weekend and the warm weather. Drive safely this month. Avoid distractions like cell phones while on the road. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination, and service your vehicle before you leave. Enjoy the journey and not just the destination. Stop frequently to take a break! We hope you enjoy a fun and safe month.

Thank you for reading the July issue of Hickory Living! Happy Independence Day!

©iStockphoto.com | Jonathan Mauer

A Commitment to Excellence and Family

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

When choosing a real estate firm to work with, you want an agency with brand recognition and a team that is knowledgeable and has proven methods to help you reach your real estate goals. Globally, more buyers and sellers think of RE/MAX than any other real estate brand for good reason. Based on stats from 1,561 participating brokers, RE/MAX outsold others two to one with their agents averaging 13.6 transactions, more than double the average 6.2 of other agents in the study.* It’s clear to see why Trae and Amanda Stokes chose to be a part of this brand. Owners of RE/MAX

Legendary in Hickory, Trae and Amanda have built their real estate firm through growing strong relationships with buyers, sellers, and the community. In any market conditions, their agents are a force to be reckoned with...they have the professional skills, expertise, and experience to help consumers meet their real estate goals.

With 19 agents, you can stop by RE/MAX Legendary any time, have a cup of coffee, and visit with an agent to see if they are a good fit for you and your real estate needs. “We’re here to meet with you and answer your questions with no obligations,” Amanda said. “Everyone on our team enjoys building relationships, and they want the community to know they’re available when needed.”

A Commitment to Excellence and Knowing the Market

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you need to be able to rely on an agent with the most up-to-date skills, information, and works for your best outcome. RE/MAX Legendary agents fit all of these criteria and more. When you speak with Amanda and Trae, you immediately sense their strong values and commitment to excellence. “I love working with people, and real estate suits me perfectly. It’s easy to go to

work when you love what you do,” said Amanda. Trae added that their brokers are the heartbeat of their firm.

Research is important to the success of RE/MAX firms. The more information the agents have on current market trends, the better they can serve their customers. Nick Bailey, CEO of RE/MAX says, “The real estate market is forever in flux – and the past few years of changing housing prices, consumer demand, and mortgage rates have had a considerable effect. The landscape of homeownership in the U.S. continues to evolve, and economic factors are adjusting the priorities of homebuyers and sellers.”

“A 2022 report revealed that 54% of study participants think trust and familiarity have become more important factors when choosing a real estate agent. The desire for dependability has grown stronger over the past year. The report stated that 48% of American homebuyers want their agent to research listings and identify the best-fitting qualities of a property as well as the smartest repairs and renovations, while 52% of sellers want specific help pricing their home, understanding the selling process as a whole, and guidance in the closing stage,” said Trae.

A home purchase is one of the largest transactions a person will make in their lifetime. It’s important for buyers to have a clear understanding about what they’re seeking in a home and choose a real estate firm who can deliver results. “Homebuyers are more deliberate about what a home should offer them,” Bailey says. “Research on what consumers consider most important in their agent and their home can help a real estate professional guide customers in their search.” RE/MAX Legendary clients benefit from this national research as well as the expertise Legendary agents offer on our local area and market.

RE/MAX Legendary Agents Achieve Excellence

Each year, Real Trends ranks the top 1,500 brokerage firms based on sales volume and transactions. More RE/MAX brokerages made the 2023 Real Trends Nation’s Best list than any other brand. But national recognition isn’t the same as recognition for our local real estate professionals, and in 2022, 12 RE/MAX Legendary agents received awards from RE/MAX for their outstanding performance. Four agents received the RE/MAX Executive Club Member status, five agents received RE/MAX 100% Club, two received Platinum Club status, and one received Diamond Club. “These are impressive awards that translated into our local RE/MAX handling over 14% of the market share in 2022,” said Trae. “This is huge and another reason why you should call a RE/MAX Legendary agent when you want to maximum your most important investment.”

Photos: On the cover–Owners of RE/MAX Legendary Trae and Amanda Stokes with their children Alona, Jack, and Luke

Opposite page–Left to right–Mark Ritchie, Lindsay Philyaw, Michelle Galloway, Amy Harline, Claudia Vargas, Ashley Carmichael, Sarah Stansfield Turner, and Amanda and Trae

Above, top to bottom–Some of the Legnedary team pose with their children and potential future real estate professionals

• Lindsay and Lakyn Philyaw • Ashley and Carolina Carmichael and Amy and Brooklyn Harline

Photos, top to bottom:

• Claudia and Brianna Vargas

• Sarah and Hayden Turner

• Michelle and Nova Galloway

“Our agents are full-time professionals who know this business,” Trae continued. “They know local sellers and buyers and can make a deal happen quickly.” Although some market conditions are changing, RE/MAX Legendary continues to grow. “People look to us for our expertise and because we really do pull out all the stops to get things done for you,” Trae added.

A Work-Life Balance Builds Success

Receiving rave-reviews with top customer satisfaction seems to go hand-in-hand with a great work-life balance for agents. Although many of RE/MAX Legendary agents have advanced certifications and work hard to stay on top of market trends, they also believe in balance. Owners Amanda and Trae encourage this by example. They love working with people, and also subscribe to the philosophy of “work hard and play hard.” They enjoy time at home with their three kids and three pups, playing soccer and volleyball, and taking trips to the beach.

“We could work all day, every day in this field. Our job is never done, but we’ve found through experience that it’s so important to take time for self-care and family to be the best versions of ourselves,” said REALTOR/Broker Sarah Stansfield Turner.

Turning to a Strong Team to Achieve Your Goals

With a changing real estate market, you’ll want to work with agents who are not only professional, but completely dedicated to your goals as your listing or buyers’ agent. RE/MAX Legendary agents have a stream of five-star reviews from satisfied buyers and sellers.

“From the moment we met, I knew we chose the right person for the sale of our home,” said Emilie Vernier about her Realtor, Amanda Stokes. “I would not hesitate to call her a new friend, and it was a great, effortless experience!”

According to Judy Downs, “Cory Klassett is the best Realtor I have ever met. He is an enthusiastic, eager, and honest person.” Cory gave Judy suggestions to improve her home’s value. The result? Judy was able to sell the home in a single day for more than its asking price.

RE/MAX Legendary’s many five-star testimonials show that their team of real estate all-stars work hard to serve your real estate needs. Give them a call today or stop by their office to discuss your goals.

* Data was retrieved from a report created by RE/MAX, LLC. The report was created using information from different sources and for the full-year as of year-end 2022. Sources used: stats reported by Anywhere Real Estate on SEC 10-K, Annual Report for 2022 data from company websites and industry reports. U.S. transaction sides per agent are calculated from the T3 Sixty Real Estate Almanac Enterprises report. The report cites 2022 residential transaction sides and agent counts, some of which were estimated when company elected not to provide. 2MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness among buyers, sellers, and those planning to buy or sell; asked, when they think of real estate brands, which ones come to mind?

Why It Was Voted Best Place to Work

Photos provided by CVHS

A recent poll of Catawba Valley residents asked several questions about living in our area, one of which was “where is the best place to work in Catawba County?” Unsurprising to its employees and medical staff, Catawba Valley Health System (CVHS) gained the top spot among the voters.

Gener Dressler, MD, joined the CVHS medical group of physician practices as a vascular surgeon a few years ago, and she chose CVHS over many other options. Why? “When I came here to interview and met the people at Catawba, I was blown away by how kind the people here are,” she said. “I’ve never met kinder people than the folks

at Catawba, never in my entire life. This is the best place I’ve ever worked. I don’t regret it a single day because the leadership here is always trying to bring the best care.”

With healthcare and so many other industries currently facing workforce shortages, recruiting efforts never cease. But leaders at CVHS say what sets the organization apart to those they recruit is the culture, and recruiters very often reiterate that feedback to CVHS executive leadership.

“Our brand sells our organization,” said President and CEO Dennis Johnson, himself a new addition to CVHS

last November. “We score highest in quality, safety, patient satisfaction, and employee satisfaction in this county, and word of mouth about all of those is our best marketing. We consistently have applicants from other health systems who say they have heard about our culture from friends or colleagues, and that they want to be a part of it. And the fact that we have 82 employees with 30-plus year tenures shows you that once they come, they want to stay.”

Annette Gwaltney is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who joined the CVHS medical group’s clinic in Viewmont earlier this year. Although she was familiar with the community due to extensive undergraduate and graduate-level work at Lenoir-Rhyne University, she said the CVHS work environment is second to none.

“Before I became an employee, I was a patient at Catawba Valley Medical Center,” Gwaltney said. “I was impressed by

the kindness of the staff and the exceptional care I received. So, when I became a nurse, I was determined to start my career at CVMC. It was important to me when I was looking for employment to work somewhere that gave me the feeling of being part of something that was more than just a job, and I found that at CVMC.”

Lexie Phillips from the CVHS Human Resources Department says she hears these words repeatedly. In fact, Phillips herself is a relatively new CVHS employee who has caught herself expressing those same sentiments.

“My connection to CVHS was through a previous co-worker and friend—she would always tell me how great CVHS was and how the culture was so different and positive from what we had experienced at other healthcare systems,” said Phillips. “That solidified my decision to apply for a position here. This organization provides support inside and outside of work. If you want to experience a supportive environment, great culture, excellent leadership, and have opportunities to grow your career, then CVHS should be your pick!”

810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE • Hickory (828) 326-3000

CatawbaValleyHealth.org/JobOpportunities

Photos, left to right:

• Opposite page–Dr. Gener Dressler, vascular surgeon at CVHS

• Annette Gwaltney, FNP with CVHS medical group’s clinic

• Above–Lexie Phillips with CVHS human resources department

HICKORY

July 2, 28, 29, 30

Independence Day Extravaganza

July 2 - L.P. Frans Stadium

2500 Clement Blvd NW, Hickory The Crawdads will be playing the Greensboro Grasshoppers. Game starts at 6:30 PM, followed by the longest fireworks show of the year! www.milb.com/hickory/ schedule/2023-04

Artisans at the Furniture Festival Hickory Furniture Mart - South Entrance • 2220 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory • July 28-30:

Friday - Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday, 12pm-5pm

NEWTON

July 1, 13

Independence Day Community Parade • Downtown Newton

July 1: 11AM–12:00PM

Music On Main Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre

JULY EVENTS Enjoy!

217 North Main Avenue, Newton 6PM to 8:30PM • Food trucks 5PM Bring a lawn chair. No outside coolers permitted. Beer can be purchased on N. Main and from downtown providers.

July 13: Island Time Board www.downtownnewton.org

VALDESE

July 7, 14, 21, 28

Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts Held at Temple Field behind The Old Rock School • Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM.

July 7: Fracxured (Variety & Rock)

July 14: Southside Saints (Classic Rock)

July 21: Chasing Phoenix (Eclectic Variety)

July 28: Smitty & The Jumpstart Blues (Blues)

MORGANTON

July 14, 21, 28

TGIF Summer Concerts

Stage at the Courthouse Square • Bands start at 7PM –10PM • Food/ beverage vendors open at 6PM. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

July 14: Scott Moss & the Hundred Dollar Handshakes

July 21: Throwback Collaboration Band

July 28: IMY2

www.downtownmorganton.com

BLOWING ROCK

July 7, 14, 21, 28

Music On The Lawn

The Inn at Ragged Gardens

203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock

5:30PM–8:30PM • Bring a lawn chair, no coolers or pets. Cash bar and menu available.

July 7: Soul Benefactor

July 14: Shelby Rae

July 21: Harris Brothers

July 28: Continental Divide

What’s Cooking?

Feel free to customize with your favorite peppers – you can easily substitute jalapeno peppers for poblanos, or red bell pepper for roasted red peppers. This makes great leftovers for lunch, too.

Easy Texas Caviar

Servings: 4 • Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 2 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 can black-eyed peas – drained and rinsed

1 can black beans – drained and rinsed

1/3 cup roasted red peppers – chopped

1/4-1/2 cup chopped fresh Poblano pepper (or jalapeno)

1-1/4 cup halved grape tomatoes

2/3 cup celery – thinly diced

1/3 cup green onions – chopped

VINAIGRETTE:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. hot sauce of choice

1 garlic clove – minced

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 Tbsp. cilantro – chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

lives

Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Spice It Up Texas Style with Easy Texas Caviar

This Lone Star state name-sake appetizer transforms into a simple main dish with a few additional ingredients. We love to serve this dish over rice to make this into a meal. Customize with toppings such as avocado, sour cream or shredded cheese and enjoy — this makes such a fresh summer meal, all without cooking.

Of course, Texas Caviar is equally delicious as a dip served with tortilla chips. It’s perfect for cookouts when utensils are optional.

OPTIONAL GARNISHES:

2 (8.8 oz.) pouches fully cooked rice

1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

INSTRUCTIONS

Make vinaigrette – whisk vinaigrette ingredients together or shake in a small jar.

Next, stir together the first four ingredients (through poblano pepper) with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Let stand for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, microwave the bean mixture for 2 minutes on high, stirring at 30-second intervals.

If using, heat rice according to package directions. To serve, divide bean mixture and rice among individual plates. Top each serving with chopped tomatoes, celery, green onions and remaining vinaigrette. Garnish with avocado, shredded cheese or sour cream.

Kathy Dicken

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