Hickory Living June 2021

Complimentary June 2021 On the Cover

Living Your Best Life! page 12

CREATING THE PERFECT

Smile pages 25-31

HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

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HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

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contents

MacAdam Smith

JUNE 2021 FEATURES 12 • COVER STORY Southeast Pain & Spine Care Living Your Best Life

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

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

CREATING THE PERFECT SMILE

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27 • Foothills Oral Surgery 29 • Small & Piers Orthodontics 31 • Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center

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

IN THIS ISSUE 8 • Welcome To The June Issue 10 • June Events 16 • What’s Cooking?!

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers

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

18 • Celebrate Father’s Day! 20 • It’s Summer!

22 Hickory

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

www.HickoryLivingMagazine.com 4

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22 • Parks & Trails Close To Home...

Get Back To Nature

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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Fun in the Sun

can leave you dehydrated & sunburned!

V-Infusion offers Hydration Therapy for Your Health Whether you need vitamins, electrolytes or hydration, intravenous therapy is the quickest delivery to feeling better.

828.322.1498

74 8th Street SE, Suite 112 • Hickory V-Infusion-Hydration-Center

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HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

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

Helton, Cody

Blair E. Cody, III have Merged.

& Associates, PLLC

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

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 ••APRIL JUNE 2021

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Welcome to the

June Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

©iStockphoto.com | FamVeld

A

s we head into summer and the temperatures rise, our favorite place to be is close to water.

Whether you visit one of the many beautiful lakes in our area, the beach, or hang out at the pool, make sure you stay well hydrated and wear sunscreen.

Sunburn can cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water and sports drinks with electrolytes, reapply sunscreen often, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day or find some shaded protection.

lounge chair and comfortable shoes.

Help Hickory celebrate its 150th anniversary June 3rd–5th! See what Hickory has planned on our June Events page.

This year Father’s Day is June 20th, the first day of summer! Plan something fun for Dad, and let him know how much you love and appreciate him.

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of all the parks and trails in our area. On page 22 you will find places to explore in our county. Don’t forget summer camps for the kids. Catawba County has some fun camps for your children. Consider getting them involved in a volunteer project, giving back to their community. It may be a good project for the entire family!

With the COVID vaccine readily available, things are opening up. It is none too soon! Last year we lost all of our outdoor music concerts. This year, many are back! Check out page 10 for some fun events to attend in June. Most require a 8

HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

While you are out and about this month, visit one of the many local farmers markets. There is nothing tastier or better for your health than fresh produce. The farmers market in downtown Hickory offers live music while you shop, and you can visit some of the local shops on Union Square!

Our cover story this month features Southeast Pain and Spine Care. Dr. Cameron Cunningham and Dr. Martin Evans are specialists in pain management, offering help to those who suffer from chronic pain. If you are avoiding summer activities because of pain, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Find their article on page 12.

We have a special section this month called Creating the Perfect Smile! starting on page 25 where we feature several oral health professionals. Drs. Small and Piers offer the latest technology in orthodontics, Drs. Brown and Neuwirth discuss the services they offer, and Foothills Oral Surgery introduces their newest surgeon, Dr. Jesse Onekhena.

Welcome to our community Dr. O! Thank you for reading the June issue of Hickory Living. Enjoy all that our community offers this summer!

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JUNE EVENTS Enjoy!

HICKORY

June 6, 13, 20, 27

BLOWING ROCK

June 3–5

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.

June 7, 14, 21, 28

#REPEAT150: Celebrating Hickory’s 150th Anniversary June 3 @ 5:30PM Live music featuring musicians in non-traditional settings scattered throughout downtown Hickory.

Presented by the Western Piedmont Symphony June 4 @ 6:30PM Sails Original Music Series featuring Seth Walker The Sails on the Square Stay connected on Sails Original Music Series’ Facebook page June 5 @ 5:30 Rock the Block Bash L.P. Frans Stadium Free outdoor concert featuring The Extraordinaires from 6:30PM–9:30PM Sponsored by the SALT Block, Hickory Crawdads and the City of Hickory.

NEWTON June 11–13 & 18–20 Steel Magnolias The Green Room Community Theatre, McCreary Theatre 10 South Main Ave, Newton Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM Sundays at 3PM Visit website for ticket sales. thegreenroomtheatre.org (828) 464-6128 10

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June 5: Maureen Reniham June 13: Bourbon Arcade June 19: Centerpiece Jazz June 24: Shelby Rae Moore Band catawbafarms.com

VALDESE

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 June 4: Harris Brothers June 11: Shelby Rae Moore Band June 18: Continental Divide June 25: Soul Benefactor www.ragged-gardens.com

Visit Local Farmers Markets

Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts Held on the football field behind The Old Rock School • Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM.

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.

June 4: Shakedown Band June 11: Fracxured June 18: Whitewater Bluegrass Co June 25: Skate Rink Jukebox

Catawba County Public Health Farmers Market 3070 11th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory Thursdays: 10AM–1PM

July 2: Valdese Celebrates Independence Day Main Street Closes at 5PM 7PM Music from Southside Station Dusk–Fireworks, shot behind the Old Rock School townofvaldese.com

Conover Farmers Market 109 1st St. E, Conover Saturdays: 8AM–12 Noon

June 4, 11, 18, 25

Hildebran’s Farmers Market Albert Parkhurst Municipal Complex Parking Lot, 202 South Center Street, Hildebran Tuesdays: 8AM–1PM

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on the cover

Living Your Best Life

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene

“Living with pain is not something anyone wants to settle for, and we don’t have to,” Dr. Cameron Cunningham told me. If chronic pain is a problem you’re dealing with and you want to improve your quality of life and get back to doing things you love, you should consider Southeast Pain and Spine Care as your next step, not the last resort. Getting a thorough evaluation and developing an appropriate treatment plan might eliminate the need for surgery—it doesn’t have to be inevitable.

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The specialists of Southeast Pain and Spine Care offer alternatives to surgery that can benefit anyone who is suffering with chronic pain, especially those who cannot have surgery, are advanced in age, and have chronic illnesses. “We prioritize treatment options that are less invasive and less reliant on highrisk medications,” Dr. Cunningham said.

“We believe there’s been a shift over the last five years. We’ve learned how detrimental to individuals and society over-use and abuse of opioids can be—we’ve changed our approach.

Photos:

On the cover–Southeast Pain & Spine Care providers: Brandon Gregory, PA; Dr. Cameron Cunningham (standing); Dr. Martin Evans (seated); Amy Tillison, PA Above–CHS Blue Ridge Pain Management staff

We pay critical attention whenever we believe that pain medication would be the treatment of choice.”

With dual specialization in anesthesiology and pain management, Dr. Cameron Cunningham is an expert in treating pain from head to toe. He brings a unique skill set from his training at the University of Missouri and DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center and is the newest addition to Southeast Pain and Spine Care’s practices in Valdese and Hickory. At both locations, Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Martin Evans, along with physician assistants Amy Tillison and Brandon Gregory, see patients from the greater Hickory region who need to address pain that limits their lifestyle or career. Amy and Brandon are integral to the team and work together with the physicians to develop treatment plans and manage medications that provide patients with the best possible care.

“Raising our level of patient care and

customer service is important every day,” Dr. Evans said. “Some patients are younger, experiencing pain, and they have no idea what is causing it. We also see older patients who have suffered for years and may have tried several treatments with no relief. We listen to our patients and work closely with their primary care providers and our referral network to align each person’s treatment plan with their unique symptoms and level of pain.”

WHO NEEDS PAIN MANAGEMENT? Patients who are helped at Southeast Pain and Spine Care come for many different reasons: arthritis, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, cancer pain, diabetic neuropathy, failed back surgery, fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, and injuries.

“Our referrals come from primary care physicians, chiropractors, surgeons, and other providers, but patients don’t need a doctor’s referral to see us,” Dr. Evans explained. “We’ve seen patients improve

from needing a wheelchair or being bed bound to getting back into gardening or their golf game; they’ve started going back to church or work. When a patient tells me that they’ve gone fishing again—that’s the reason I do what I do.”

Dr. Evans explained pain management very simply: “Most people adjust their activities to correspond with their degree of pain, but a better goal is to improve your level of functioning so that you experience less pain. By addressing the cause of pain, we can treat and manage it. Even something simple, like playing with the grandkids again, can be quite an accomplishment.”

NON-INVASIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT The specialists’ goal in pain management is to use interventional, non-surgical procedures with minimal medication whenever possible. Each patient receives a full physical exam, medical history review, and thorough assessment

Photo:

Dr. Cunningham performing a lumbar procedure.

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of their condition. This might include x-rays or MRI. “We need to learn what treatments have (or have not) been used in the past, and what their pain situation is currently,” Dr. Cameron continued. “We want patients to understand all their options, starting with the least invasive, such as lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medications, before moving onto muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications, or neuro modulating medications. This allows patients to make informed decisions. If a patient’s pain level and degree of debilitation require taking their treatment to the next level, we offer joint injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation. We prescribe these treatments when appropriate, and we see very good results.”

“I’ve been doing more peripheral nerve stimulation, a less invasive treatment,” Dr. Cunningham explained, “and a new procedure called basivertebral nerve ablation for low back pain that hasn’t responded to other injections. During my training, I saw how impactful the results can be. I don’t know of anyone else in the region performing this procedure and only a handful in North Carolina.” Some treatments may take several visits, and all are performed in-house at the Southeast Pain and Spine Care’s Blue Ridge Valdese and Hickory offices.

In some cases, a particularly painful condition might require a combination of treatments including prescription medications. There should not be a stigma in taking medicine for relief of chronic pain—it can be a life saver. For that reason, it is critical to work with one of the specialists at Southeast Pain and Spine Care to find the best treatment combination.

Photo:

• Dr. Cunningham discussing treatment options with a patient.

• Dr. Evans performing a procedure with Donna Stevens, RN.

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WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS The Southeast Pain and Spine Care approach to pain management may include: • Interventional Techniques are specialized procedures that include spinal cord stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, epidural steroid injections, joint injections, percutaneous discectomies, and many others.

• Medication Management assures that the type and frequency of medication used prevent over-medication but also ensures that the medications prescribed are providing relief.

• Rehabilitation—If indicated, patients are referred to

our partner certified physical therapists to design a rehabilitation program specific to your needs.

• Referral—If surgery is indicated, both Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Evans will refer you to a specialist they recommend. “We want you to get the right care at the right time with the right doctor,” Dr. Cunningham explained. “We don’t want to jump over any important steps in getting you pain relief.”

AVOIDING PAIN Taking care of health issues before they get worse is important. Dr. Cunningham recommends a consultation so you can understand how to make lifestyle changes, like eating well, learning the right exercises and stretches to improve your range of motion, and maintaining a healthy weight. These types of changes can immediately begin improving your pain symptoms, because, as Dr. Cunningham reminded me, “If we don’t use it, we’ll lose it.” Seniors can join Medicare’s Silver Sneakers program for workout options and inspiration or take up walking, yoga, swimming, or a sport like golf.

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE “I know we give people hope,” Dr. Cunningham shared.

“Everyone experiences pain sometime in their life— chronic pain can impact your life so all you want is relief and a return to normal. We can help get you get back to normal so you can enjoy your family, your hobbies, your work— all those activities you love.”

At Southeast Pain and Spine Care, people’s lives are changed for the better. Patients receive exceptional care without the need to travel to get it. In every case, the goal is to help patients achieve a new level of comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life. If you or someone you love needs relief from pain, make a call today and learn more. The right care can be life changing.

866-247-5001 Appointments at www.sepainandspinecare.com contactus@sepainandspinecare.com

Photos:

• Dr. Cunningham consulting with Brandon Gregory, PA regarding a new patient.

• Dr. Evans discussing patient care with Amy Tillison, PA. • The Hickory location HICKORY LIVING •JUNE 2021

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What's Cooking?!

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers

Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers Serves 2

Pimento Remoulade: ½ 1½ 1 1

1

¼ ¼ ¼

1

3

cup mayonnaise tablespoons minced pimentos tablespoon Dijon mustard tablespoon minced bread and butter pickles pepperoncino (seeded and minced) teaspoon smoked paprika teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon freshly ground black pepper tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice dashes hot sauce Kosher salt, to taste

Directions:

Mix ingredients in a small bowl.

Fried Lobster Tails:

½ ½ ½

¼ ¼ 1 1 2 ¼

¹/³ 1

2 16

Vegetable oil, for frying cup all-purpose flour teaspoon kosher salt, divided teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon smoked paprika large egg tablespoon water dashes hot pepper sauce cup potato chips, finely blended in food processor cup panko breadcrumbs tablespoon minced flat leaf Italian parsley lobster tails (5 oz. each)

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Directions:

2 tablespoons unsalted

butter, at room temperature • Preheat grill to 400° F and add oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan about 1/2-inch 2 brioche buns deep.

2 slices yellow cheddar cheese • In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 tea- 3 leaves romaine lettuce, spoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, shredded garlic powder and smoked paprika until well incorporated. Set aside.

Directions • In separate medium bowl, whisk • Preheat grill to 450° F using direct egg, water and hot pepper sauce. heat. Form ground beef into two Set aside.

1/2 pound patties, each about • In third medium bowl, whisk potato 1/2-inch thick. Using thumb, chips, panko breadcrumbs and make dimple in center of each parsley until well incorporated. Set patty to help cook evenly. aside.

• Season both sides of burger with • Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, salt and pepper, to taste. remove meat from shell and season • Grill burgers 4-5 minutes per side with remaining kosher salt and black for medium doneness. pepper.

• Melt a slice cheddar cheese on • Toss halved lobster tails in flour mixeach burger, about 30 seconds. ture first, egg mixture second then • Spread butter on each cut side potato chip mixture third, coating of buns. Toast buns on grill, cut thoroughly. side down, for 20-30 seconds.

• Fry lobster tails 3-4 minutes on each • Assemble and serve. side until golden brown and cooked through. Close grill lid between flipping.

Recipe and photo courtesy

Cheeseburgers: 1

pound ground beef, salt and pepper to taste

of Omaha Steaks. Recipe by Executive Chef David Rose.

Visit OmahaSteaks.com for more summer meal inspiration.

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A FAMILY AFFAIR Father’s Day also reminds me that there are multiple players at this holiday. We can celebrate fathers, of course, the stepdads, and grandfathers, father-figures, and other men in our lives. Dads can celebrate their kids for giving them the honor of being their dad. And, of course, mothers are important…some tirelessly play the male and female role in parenting. I‘m guessing you probably fit somewhere on this family tree, and I encourage you to connect with the father or father-figure in your life. Could be just a text or photos sent, maybe a phone call or visit. Fathers of every persuasion like to know that you’re thinking about them, sending some love. Just spending some time together can fill the bill.

©iStockphoto.com | Creative Credit

GIFTS ANYONE? It’s hard to start thinking about gifts until you remember how fun (and important) it is to shop local. Visit the shops, garden centers, sporting goods stores, events and fun venues, restaurants, and gift shops that are nearby. Many of Hickory Living’s advertisers can help you find a gift that’s nearby and perfect. Take a look.

Celebrate Father’s Day!

By Kristie Darling

It comes around every year…a family celebration among many we’ve established so we’ll remember the important things in our lives. I’m grateful that my father was a wonderful guy who loved me.

He loved my mom; he loved having fun. It’s been 53 years since he died, and Father’s Day is when I reflect on the kind person he was, his words of encouragement, and the strength he had—I like to think some of that rubbed off on me. I understand, also, that not everyone has fond fatherly memories. If that’s you, use this day to dedicate yourself to becoming the best parent you, yourself, can be.

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It’s possible you’ve already thought about making a gift for Dad. If you have woodworking or artistic skills, that could be a fun project. Maybe Dad’s gift is to spend time with you in the shop helping you make it. Finishing up tasks Dad hasn’t completed can be the most appreciated gift you can give. If you’re helping your children with Father’s Day gifts, think about the gifts you made when you were a kid that Dad loved. You can help young ones make painted plaster hands molded in paper plates or a crayon masterpiece framed or made into a special card with a personal message. Kids love making something special.

UNUSUAL GIFTS FOR EXCEPTIONAL DADS In this category, you should really think about Dad’s loves and likes. Ideas are non-stop at Pinterest, Amazon, and your favorite shopping sites. A fancy ball cleaner for the man who’s given up golf…not so good. Unusual gifts are very specific to a person with that interest. A smoker wood chip set with cannonball hot sauces for the man who only orders out, maybe not.

You’ll have fun searching, comparing, and inquiring about gifts he might love, like a gardener’s tool seat, a tin of bourbon nuts, The New York Times’ Football Book, bulldog or bear socks, or a steak-of-the-month subscription. Don’t discount the gift of underwear…so many color and fabric options these days…not just for Christmas anymore!

Whichever gifting path you choose, let Father’s Day be a time of reflection and gratitude in your busy life and his. Invite others into your celebration, if you can, and call it a party. Happy Father’s Day, y’all!

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It’s Summer!

By Kristie Darling

“’Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is about”

~John Mayer I know some of us didn’t think summer would get here…but it did! Kids and summer go together like sunny days and Popsicles. This is the time of year when children can either complain of boredom or thank the high heavens there’s still more summer to come. It’s their time to have lots of fun, to be a kid, and to enjoy life. Did I say, “Have Fun?” In Catawba County we have so many summertime resources for children, it really is just a matter of finding them.

Kids have enough imagination and energy that they can usually think of something fun to do…open a lemonade stand, play in the creek, build something with all the Legos they have, camp out in the back yard, or get into a pick-up basketball game. They can take on the task of walking the dog, washing the dog, or playing Frisbee with the dog…they can start begging for a dog. If your kids run out of fun stuff to instigate at home, parents should think about the kid-friendly programs we 20

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have right here in Catawba County… let’s see what’s out there!

SUMMER FUN 2021 AT CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER With programs like SummerFun, SciFun, Sunrise Science, Afternoon Adventures, and pre-K programs like Little Dinos, Sticky Icky Science, Color My World, and Safety Patrol…among many…your kids will have a blast! And, you will know they are safe and getting extra value from summer vacation.

Kids are grouped by ages, and older kids delve into advanced programs, like astronomy, computers, engineering, oceanology, and more. All the details and registration forms are at catawbascience.org.

SUMMER ART CAMP 2021 If your kids are creative, Hickory Museum of Art may be the place for them this summer. Age-appropriate art projects are scheduled for children from 4–13! Check out their website at hickoryart.org/summer-2021 to see what is available.

©iStockphoto.com | lewkmiller

THE LIBRARY! Libraries are famous for summer fun. In our area, we have two library systems— the Catawba County and the City of Hickory Library. Both systems will offer Tails and Tales, a summer program that focuses on animals, exploring, and activities. Guest presenters from May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center teaching about helping injured animals; from Fort Fisher, sharing about turtles; and North Carolina State Parks with a program about owls, will present engaging stories and information. At Hickory Library, young children can pick up crafts kits, and tweens and teens can get STEM learning kits to work on at home. Kids are challenged to learn and read, and they can earn fun prizes for reaching their goals. For details, visit hickorync.gov/about-library and catawbacountync.gov/county-services/library.

SUMMER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE The City of Hickory’s call to youth during school vacation is called S.O.A.P. SOAP-ers will enjoy a fun-filled week of

scapes 2021; Youth Summer Art Camp AR Workshop Hickory; Sipe’s Orchard Home’s Huckleberry Summer Camp; and TreeTop Adventure Camp. Kids and teens can get involved as theatre-goers, participants, and volunteers at Hickory Community Theatre and the Green Room Community Theatre in Newton.

Check online for youth workshops, auditions, and theatre production opportunities that may be available.

ALL AROUND CATAWBA COUNTY Hickory Living’s advertisers are community oriented and family friendly. Take a look at more kids’ summer opportunities by searching Tabernacle Christian School’s Conquer Kids Summer Camp 2021; CVCC’s Blast Off Into Summer-

KIDS VOLUNTEERING One more important idea…kids get a lot out of volunteering in the community. Teens and college students benefit in many ways working on projects that make a difference. Contact Catawba County United Way to learn about

It’s easy to discover fun times online, just search: music and dance lessons, bike rides, summer youth sports, leagues, and teams—Calendars are updated often, so check often!

volunteering opportunities for you and your kids!

Volunteers take care of the plants at Hickory Soup Kitchen’s and Hickory Greenway Harvest’s gardens that help feed the hungry. Think about your child’s interests and look for volunteer possibilities at the places that resonate.

You’ll make Summer 2021 especially wonderful for your kids and their friends by searching out the most fun opportunities you can find…your children will always remember the good times you had this summer! ©iStockphoto.com | :Motortion

outdoor activities, June 14 – 18. If your 9 to13-year-olds would enjoy visiting the U.S. Whitewater Center, Emerald Hollow Mine, Lazy 5 Ranch, and Lake Norman State Park, look into Hickory’s summer camp—contact John Smith at 828-328-4890 or jsmith@hickorync.gov.

In partnership with First in Flight Skateshop, the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department will sponsor Stanford Park Skateboard Competition on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will consist of a Best Run competition and a game of SKATE. It’s open to skateboarders ages 10 and up. Register online https://hickory.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

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©iStockphoto.com | BartekSzewczyk

PARKS & TRAILS CLOSE TO HOME...

Get Back to Nature!

By Kristie Darling

Everyone’s wanting to spend some time outdoors to enjoy the start of summer.

More than ever, we’re ready to put on our walking shoes, breathe in some fresh air, and get some exercise while we’re at it. In our towns and throughout the surrounding countryside, summer recreation opportunities come in many sizes and flavors. If you’re a seasoned walker/hiker/biker/player or a newbie, these regional parks and trails might be just what you need to get your juices flowing. Take a look at these parks and trails close to home:

CATAWBA COUNTY PARKS Each of the county’s four parks has its own unique atmosphere and personality, so to speak. If you’re looking to climb a mountain, enjoy the water, take your dog out to boogie with other dogs, or stroll along peaceful trails for the view…you can find something to satisfy your nature itch close by.

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Riverbend Park Conover, NC The Catawba River is a cherished natural resource. 690-acre Riverbend Park is Catawba County’s northernmost park.

Featuring outlooks along the river, various terrains for hiking, running and mountain biking, upland forests, and freshwater wetlands, a day at Riverbend gives families lots to do and explore.

You can go canoeing and kayaking, fishing, have picnics, enjoy bird and wildlife watching, fun events, and a dog park. This is a great destination for a summer day.

Bakers Mountain Park SW Catawba County This is Catawba County’s highest park at 1780 feet. The 189-acre location boasts a mountain you can climb!

While hiking through the higher elevations’ mature chestnut oak forest and other natural vegetation, you’ll enjoy

spectacular, well-earned views of southwestern Catawba Valley. Hike the six miles of trails to discover native North Carolina mountain wildlife and plants.

The LITeracy Trail (literature, information, and technology) is an innovative way for kids to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. 18 LITeracy stations trace the storyline of different children’s books, along with opportunities for exercise and exploration.

St. Stephens Park NE Catawba County Right next door to northeast Hickory, St. Stephens Park is a nine-acre park naturally designed for visitors to enjoy a relaxing break from our busy lives.

St. Stephens’ playground and a .33-mile hiking trail bring the peaceful natural world closer to our cityscapes. The dog park—think playground for our best friends—is a great destination for families and kids.

Mountain Creek Park Sherrills Ford, NC

Opening Summer 2021!

This 606-acre park will feature an extensive 18-mile hiking, biking, and trail running network that will quickly become a regional mountain biking destination of choice, plus lots more. Check in at catawbacountync.gov/county-services/ parks/mountain-creek-park for opening updates in late summer/early fall.

THE CAROLINA THREAD TRAIL Heritage Trail Greenway Newton, NC This is a very pretty trail that follows Hildebrand Creek through the woods. Good for beginners, it’s partly paved, partly gravel, with gentle hills. Non-motorized commuters travel Heritage Trail Greenway between neighborhoods. Trail point ends are West 7th St (parking) and North Carolina 10W.

HICKORY CITY PARKS I invite you to use the City of Hickory’s interactive parks locator at hickorync.gov/city-parks to play the game of “Which parks are closest to me? Which are near my grandkids?” I counted 27 Hickory City Parks! Once you’re on the website, think about what kind of fun day you want at the park…then go exploring!

From playgrounds for little ones at Hickory Optimist Park and Cliff Teague Park, to tennis courts, covered event pavilions, hiking and biking at Hickory City Park; vegetable gardens at Civitan Park; to soccer, canoe launch, and Alpine Tower ropes course at Henry Fork River Park; to outdoor basketball courts, baseball fields with batting cages, the Charles D. Dixon Memorial Splash Pad, and the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground with its one-of-a-kind treehouse at Kiwanis Park; plus many more with different amenities, you will find exactly what you and your family need for play dates this summer. Crawdad’s Stadium is part of the City’s park system, as is Robinson Park’s 1820s log cabin, Shuford House and Gardens, and Rotary-Geitner Park’s bikeway, picnic tables with grills, and fishing pier on the Catawba River.

AND, THERE’S MORE! Needless to say, Catawba County and our cities and towns have created a treasure of outdoor recreation opportunities to sooth your yearnings for fun, action, relaxation, and learning. Take a moment to explore all our resources for adventure in the big outdoors AND HAVE SOME FUN!

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

Our goal is to get you back to those you love and the life you love living.

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 HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

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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

CREATING THE PERFEC T

Smile

A beautiful smile can be one of your best physical assets...lighting up the world around you.

When you are self-conscious about your smile, you hide your joy. It affects your confidence and your success. On the pages that follow, you will find oral health professionals who can help you achieve your perfect smile!

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What Is In A Smile?

A smile says so very much, from kindness, caring, laughter, and joy. “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”

(Phyllis Diller, comedian) As much as we wonder what is in a name, a smile is the visual presence of a person and one that makes the eyes glow and the heart warm.

It takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 muscles to smile. As experts tell us, with less muscles required to smile, why not turn that frown upside down?

Beyond the numbers, smiling is a simple act but has a profound impact on overall health. Whether you smile intentionally or not, your smile can act on your body to bring about positive effects to your health, your mood, and even the moods of those around you.

Among the numerous benefits, smiling is associated with longevity, stress re-

lease, lowered blood pressure, immune boosting, pain reduction, and so much more.

At Foothills Oral Surgery, we care deeply about our clients and we work diligently to create the perfect smile for every individual that we treat. For forty-five years, we have been serving the Valley and bringing the love of our craftsmanship to our patients. Whether you need an implant, wisdom teeth extraction, or corrective jaw surgery, we are here to assist.

This summer, we welcome our newest surgeon, Dr. Jesse Onekhena. Dr. “O” as we joyfully refer to him, joins Dr. David Darab and Dr. Paul Richardson along with an exceptional staff, to bring continued excellence and new smiles to our community.

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“We believe a smile is something that can open doors in the lives of our patients—to better opportunities, higher self-confidence, and even to the hearts of others,” says Dr. Christian Piers. “Our goal is to treat every patient like one of the family.”

David C. Small, DDS, MS, PA Christian G. Piers, DDS, MS, PLLC

Small & Piers Orthodontics

382 10th Avenue Drive, NE Hickory, NC 828-322-1250 110 Juniper Street, Suite 300 Morganton, NC 828-433-1242 www.smallandpiers.com

For both orthodontists at Small and Piers Orthodontics—David C. Small, DDS, MS and Christian G. Piers, DDS, MS—making patients feel at home while achieving healthy, beautiful new smiles has always been a top priority. The practice—started in 1967 and led by Dr. Small since 2000— has a long history of providing the highest quality of orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Hickory and Morganton, North Carolina.

“We’re unique because we bring the perspectives of two orthodontists to every treatment plan,” says Dr. Small. Between Dr. Small’s decades of experience generating fantastic orthodontic outcomes and Dr. Piers’ rigorous training in the latest orthodontic techniques, the practice’s approach brings a combination of deep clinical experience and cutting-edge technological expertise to every one of its patients.

“As orthodontic specialists we do everything from straightening crooked teeth to guiding the growth of the jaws to working with TMJ specialists to alleviate jaw pain,” says Dr. Piers. “We even work with dentists and oral surgeons to create proper alignment of the teeth before crowns, implants, and jaw surgery.”

Drs. Small and Piers enjoy providing a broad array of orthodontic care for their patients—from state-of-the-art, customized clear aligner treatments with Invisalign to traditional and clear braces. One of the practice’s mottos is to provide treatment plans as individual as its patients, and Drs. Small and Piers are passionate about custom-tailoring every treatment to each patient’s individual needs, wants and desires.

If you’re looking for exceptional orthodontic treatment for yourself or a member of your family, contact Small and Piers Orthodontics.

“We’re deeply serious about creating healthy, beautiful new smiles, and a space where our patients and teammates can share laughs that are as fantastic as our outcomes,” says Dr. Small.

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Photo by Shane Greene

Just thinking about oral surgery can make most people squeamish. But for Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center, with offices in Hickory and Morganton, patient comfort and surgical excellence are top priorities. Drs. Brown and Neuwirth are as committed to their patients as they are their profession.

Since opening in 1992, their services have focused on the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Common procedures include wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, and reconstructive surgery due to trauma.

Christopher Brown, BS Dent, DDS PA Bryan Neuwirth, DDS, MD, PA

Brown & Neuwirth

Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center Unifour Medical Commons 261 18th Street Circle SE Hickory, NC 828.327.7867 www.brownandneuwirth.com

Both surgeons completed specialized graduate and doctoral education in oral surgery, and they are also board certified – which means they keep current with additional training and education each year. When you visit their practice, “you’re getting highly trained surgeons who know the best procedures,” according to Dr. Brown.

Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center

“We’ll Wake You Up When It’s Over”

“With extractions, there are things we do now that cause less trauma,” says Brown.

“The less time we are in surgery, the fewer problems patients have afterwards.

We provide medications during surgery to keep swelling down and reduce postoperative pain. That’s the advantage of seeing an oral surgeon for these types of procedures.”

Drs. Brown and Neuwirth deliver results that shatter the misconceptions often associated with oral surgery. By combining experience with quality care, the practice provides the most advanced services and technologies available in the region.

One of the most performed procedures at the practice is wisdom tooth removal,

Brown & Neuwirth

which is recommended for most young adults around the age of sixteen. “Oral surgeons in general have the most hands-on experience with wisdom tooth extraction,” Neuwirth says. “The more you do something, the more efficient you become with fewer complications. Typically that equates to quicker recoveries and fewer problems.”

Written by Amy McCauley

Offering a wide range of services including, but not limited to: • Dental Implants • Removal of Wisdom Teeth • Routine Extractions • Dental & Facial Trauma • General Anesthesia & I.V. Sedation Complimentary Consultations for Dental Implants, Wisdom Tooth Removal, Extractions and Cosmetic Services

Cosmetic Services Include:

• Botox® • Restylane® • Chemical Peels • DiamondTome Microdermabrasion Find Us On: www.brownandneuwirth.com MORGANTON 110 Juniper Street Suite 400

828.433.4499

Christopher H. Brown BS Dent, DDS PA Bryan R. Neuwirth DDS, MD PA (Practicing As A Physician) Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

HICKORY Unifour Medical Commons 261 18th Street Circle SE

828.327.7867 HICKORY LIVING • JUNE 2021

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