Hickory Living June 2023_2

June ushers in the first day of summer! It’s time to hit the lake or your favorite swimming hole to cool off. Be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when out in the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that in the U.S., one in five people will develop nonmelanoma skin cancer by age 70, and more than 9,500 people are diagnosed every day.. UV rays from the sun are associated with 90% of these cancers. For more information visit, www.skincancer.org and wear your sunscreen!

Take special care of your pets this summer. Can you imagine wearing a fur coat in 80° weather? Give them plenty of clean water and shade, and choose early mornings or late evenings to walk your pets as the temperatures rise.

Sunday, June 18th is Father’s Day. If you are looking for gift ideas, we have

you covered! The article on page 14 will help in your quest to find a gift your dad will love. I imagine his favorite gift will be the time he gets to spend with his children.

June is Oral Health Month and the perfect time to feature a special section on dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons. It’s amazing what these health care professionals can do to improve your smile and keep it healthy. Creating the Perfect Smile starts on page 19.

Our June cover story features Healthy Living Spinal Care with Dr. Joey Miles and Dr. Autumn Olvera. Drs. Miles and Olvera work with patients to promote healthy living using a holistic approach. With cutting-edge technology, chiropractic spinal care, and education, they will have you feeling better and living a healthier life. Read their article starting on page 10!

By Kathy Wheeler

Sipe’s Orchard Home is celebrating their 80th anniversary this year and is this issue’s business spotlight. Over the last 80 years they have given so many at-risk children and youth a better start in life. Learn what programs they currently offer and how you can help this non-profit on page 16. I can’t think of a better way to serve our community than by helping our youth.

If you are a music lover, you will be interested in our events calendar on page 27. There are lots of free concerts to enjoy in June. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and meet up with family and friends for some music and fresh air.

Who knows, you may discover a new favorite band!

Thank you for reading the June issue of Hickory Living! We wish you a fun and safe summer enjoying all the activities the season brings.

Making Your Body a Better Place to Live

By Amy Casil |

Photos by Shane Greene Photography

As soon as you enter the offices of Healthy Living Spinal Care in Hickory, you will be welcomed by dedicated chiropractic professionals who care about your overall health and well-being, starting with—but not limited to—your cervical spine. Healthy Living Spinal Care has been voted the “The Best of Catawba Valley” each year since 2019 because of its dedication to patient care. The practice is led by Dr. Joey Miles, who shared that he is one only 60 doctors in the world to become a Diplomate in Chiropractic Cranio-cervical Junction Procedures (DCCJP), and the only practitioner with this skill in North Carolina.

Dr. Miles is joined in the practice by Dr. Autumn L. Olvera. Dr. Olvera is a second-generation chiropractor who graduated from innovative Sherman College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She is as passionate as Dr. Miles about the benefits of upper cervical spine care for healthy living, and she is also

an advocate for helping people to access their body’s own natural healing abilities.

Why is Spine and Neck Care Important?

Dr. Miles explained that when the spine’s supporting structures are injured and the head and neck relationship shifts off-center, problems can occur throughout the body. Our spine can shift into an abnormal position, leading to abnormal wear and tear, imbalances, and pressure on important physical structures at the base of the skull. These problems can disturb the autonomic nervous system, blood flow, and even cause pressure inside the skull.

Head and neck misalignment can also lead to muscular imbalances throughout the body, resulting in pain and other types of imbalances that can hinder healing mechanisms and disturb internal organ function.

In other words, a “pain in the neck” can cause many other types of pain in distant areas of the body as well as many other health challenges.

‘Many patients often say, ‘I wish I had known sooner.’ This statement brings both joy and frustration for us,” said Dr. Miles. “We’re happy that people find help and relief from suffering, but it’s frustrating that so many suffer without knowing we’re here to help.”

Solving the Healthy Living Puzzle

Chiropractic care and the philosophy of care that Dr. Miles and Dr. Olvera use are holistic and support many dimensions of healing and health. Dr. Miles shared the Healthy Living Puzzle with me, which is a system of combined “puzzle” pieces for healthy living. More than an academic idea on paper, the Healthy Living Puzzle helped Dr. Miles to recover from a health crisis of his own in 2016. Today, Healthy Living Spinal Care works with patients in six main areas of health. Together, they make up the Healthy Living Puzzle.

They are:

1. Healthy Living Mindset

2. Healthy Living Spinal Care

3. Healthy Living Habits

4. Healthy Living Nutrition

5. Healthy Living Movement

6. Healthy Living Detox

As soon as patients have a consultation with Dr. Miles or Dr. Olvera, they address the first piece of the puzzle, the Healthy Living Mindset. This helps the patient and the doctors to determine if they can benefit from the office’s care.

The second piece in the Healthy Living Puzzle is the spinal care provided by the practice. According to Dr. Miles, “Accidents and injuries happen to everyone, and while they may not seem problematic initially, they can impact our body’s structure and function.”

Dr. Miles shared that the relationship between critical structures between the head and neck plays a significant role in overall health and body function. This area is formally called the cranio-cervical junction (CCJ), and is the specific area in which Dr. Miles and Dr. Olvera are experts, in addition to their deep knowledge of healthy living habits, nutrition, movement, and detox: the other pieces in the healthy living puzzle.

Cutting-Edge Technology at Healthy Living Spinal Care

I asked Dr. Miles if there were any technologies he’d like to highlight that are new to the practice. He shared two technologies that are used to improve patient care and outcomes: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Each of these technologies provides different input to the doctors to assist in patient care.

Photos:

On the cover–Dr. Joey Miles and Dr. Autumn Olvera

Opposite page–Healthy Living Spinal Care Team: Left to right, Dr. Autumn Olvera, Addi Icenhour, Sarah Pensak, Dr. Joey Miles, and Amy Woodard

Above

• A comforting environment where patients share and the team creates a plan.

• Detailed analysis and co-management for all patients allow for the best patient care.

• Pre- and post-correction 3D imaging is used to improve patient outcomes and monitor progress.

Photos, top to bottom:

• Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for a three-dimensional view of the spine and more accurate diagnosis and calculations for spinal realignment

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Galvanic skin response are used to evaluate the autonomic nervous system’s function and measure patients’ stress levels and overall health.

• Spine related issues can occur at all ages. The practice customizes care for all stages of life.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides precision imaging that helps the doctors to calculate specific correction formulas for each patient. The gentle procedures are measured before and after correction, using pre- and post-imaging.

The doctors use Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and galvanic skin response to determine how the patient’s autonomic nervous system is functioning. These technologies also help to measure stress levels and overall health and well-being.

An Early Start In Chiropractic Care And Chiropractic Traditions

Dr. Miles told me that he decided to become a chiropractor when he was 15 years old. He suffered from persistent shoulder and digestive problems until he received upper cervical chiropractic care. So, at an early age, he became inspired to help other people with health problems who wanted a solution. After graduating from Logan University in St. Louis, Missouri, he completed postdoctoral work in the Upper Cervical Academy (UCA) program at Sherman College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Dr. Autumn Olvera also graduated with honors from Sherman College in Spartanburg, which is recognized for its innovation. She also became drawn to providing upper cervical spinal care because of its potential for positive, life-changing effects. She believes strongly in the body’s own natural ability to heal, and strives to promote healthy living.

Dr. Olvera has two daughters, and enjoys many outdoor activities with her husband and children. Dr. Miles is also married, and together with his wife, Amanda, and five children, enjoys outdoor activities. Healthy living habits are shared among the entire staff at Healthy Living Spinal Care, including chiropractic assistants Sarah Pensak, Amy Woodard, and Addi Icenhour.

Ways Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help

Dr. Miles shared with me that many people are suffering needlessly due to spinal injuries and that they can experience complex health impacts. The practice provides a comforting and supportive environment where the spine is cared for and aligned, and where other dimensions of the patient’s health are also cared for. Upper cervical chiropractic care also helps patients improve their mindset, health habits, nutrition, movement, and detox from toxins that we all experience as part of modern life. These dimensions fit together as part of the Healthy Living Puzzle. Improved health of the many satisfied patients at this 5-star-rated chiropractic practice in Hickory is the result.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas: A Guide to Wow Him This Year!

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th, and it’s time to start thinking about how you can make this year’s celebration extra special for the most important man in your life. With so many gift ideas out there, it can be challenging to find the perfect present that not only shows your love and appreciation but also surprises and delights your dad. That’s where this guide comes in! We’ve compiled a list of ideas that are sure to make your dad feel like the superhero he is. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Personalized Gifts

One of the best ways to make a gift truly special is by adding a personal touch. Custom photo books filled with cherished memories or a custom photo mug for his morning coffee are gifts that showcase your family’s love. Engraved cufflinks, watches, whiskey glasses, or pocketknives with his name, initials, or favorite quote offer a functional and sentimental gift in one, perfect package. A hand-painted family portrait, an illustration

of his favorite hobby, or a custom map showcasing a favorite travel destination makes a unique piece of art that considers your dad’s tastes and interests.

Tech Gadgets and Accessories

If your dad is a tech enthusiast, there’s no better way to surprise him than with the latest gadgets and accessories. There’s no shortage of smart home devices to make his life more convenient and enjoyable. Items like Amazon Echo or Google Home, smart thermostats, and security systems could be gifts to consider. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and other wearable tech devices are great for dads who like to stay active and connected. For a more budget-friendly option, consider tech accessories that will enhance his favorite devices like a high-quality pair of wireless earbuds, a versatile phone mount for his car, or a laptop case or accessory.

Outdoor Adventure Gear and Experiences

For the dad who loves spending time in the great outdoors, adventure gear and experiences are sure to be a hit. Help him tackle new challenges and create lasting memories with new camping and hiking gear. A great camping chair, a lightweight backpack, or a state-of-the-art camping stove can improve his outdoor adventure. Support his hobby with some new fishing and hunting equipment. An upgraded fishing rod, reel, tackle box, or a nice set of binoculars may give him better tools for success. Of course, you could always give him an outdoor experience like a guided fishing or hunting trip, a whitewater rafting excursion, or a weekend national park getaway to create a cherished memory.

Sports Memorabilia and Collectibles

If your dad is a die-hard sports fan, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to help him expand his collection of memorabilia and collectibles. Consider autographed items or vintage memorabilia from his favorite players, coaches, teams, or stadiums. You could even help him create the ultimate fan cave with sports-themed décor that showcases his team pride. These gifts will make his sports-loving heart race with excitement!

DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas

For a truly heartfelt and unforgettable Father’s Day gift, consider creating something by hand that your dad will cherish for years to come. A handwritten letter is rare in today’s digital age. Take the time to put pen to paper and express your love, gratitude, and respect for your dad. Surprise him with a homemade dish or favorite treat. Or, use your artistic talents to create a unique piece he will cherish.

Subscription Boxes and Services

Subscription boxes and services are a fantastic way to surprise your dad with a new and exciting gift each month. From gourmet food and beverages to hobby-related items,

there’s a subscription box out there he would like. Each month, curated gourmet treats, snacks, or wines are delivered to his door. A craft beer club will have him discovering new flavors. For the hobbyist, you can find woodworking, gardening, fishing, golf boxes and more with new tools, accessories, and inspiration to fuel his passions. A subscription to his favorite magazine or book club is a gift that keeps on giving. These monthly gifts are a great way to keep him engaged and entertained throughout the year.

Father’s Day Experiences to Share

Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that create lasting memories by spending quality time with Dad. Consider giving him a unique experience that you can share together. A trip to see his favorite sports team or a concert to hear his favorite band could be something he would enjoy. If he loves to cook, taking a cooking class together may help him learn new culinary skills, or consider planning a trip to a destination he has always wanted to visit. The memories you create together will be priceless and worth every penny!

Last-minute Gift Ideas

If you’ve left your Father’s Day shopping to the last minute, don’t worry! There are still plenty of thoughtful and memorable gift ideas that you can pull together in a pinch. Gift cards to his favorite store, restaurant, or online retailer give him the freedom to select what he wants. Digital e-book, movie, or music subscriptions make a great last-minute gift that fills his year with entertainment. Surprise him with a memorable experience by booking an activity for a later date. A golf game, wine tasting, or a hot air balloon ride are just a few that can be booked online or over the phone.

Show your dad how much he means to you this Father’s Day with a thoughtful and unforgettable gift. Use these ideas as inspiration to help you find the perfect present that will make him feel truly special. His gift to you was being an amazing dad and mentor. Show your appreciation to him by creating memories that last a lifetime and honor him with a gift he will love!

Happy Father’s Day!

| David Shao

©iStockphoto.com

| Cesare Ferrari

business spotlight

Photos,

Left to right–Back row: Brittany Grooms, transition specialist; Tonya Whisnant, food service manager/ summer camp director; Amanda Smith, program manager of Young Adults in Transition; Terri Hartness, financial assistant

Seated–Ken Bullard, human resource assistant; Jamie Brown, CEO/ program director; DeLane Bowman, COO/ director of early age education; Aaron Aldrich, transition specialist

Helping Children and Youth Pursue Their Best Futures for 80 Years!

By Kathy Wheeler | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Sipe’s Orchard Home is celebrating their 80th anniversary this year. Founded in 1943 by V.O. and Viola Sipe, the home started as a working farm to care for homeless and abused boys. Guided by a board of community leaders, the boys were taught skills and responsibility by feeding chickens, milking cows, and tending crops.

Over the years, Sipe’s Orchard Home programs have evolved to meet the needs of at-risk children, youth, and young adults, while still maintaining its roots. In 1993, Sipe’s started admitting the pre-adolescent sisters of its male residents to keep families together and opened Houston Cottage for girls in 1995.

The 2000s brought more change with Sipe’s first national accreditation in 2001 and the opening of the Tyndall Center for Early Age Education in 2002. Huckleberry Summer Day Camp opened in 2010 for children of working families, and the Transitional Living Program began in 2010 to serve youth who are homeless or aging out of the system.

Current Services and Programs

The Transitional Living Program gives at-risk youth aged 16 to 21 safe housing in an environment where they are taught independent living skills: budgeting, driving, job-searching, mental and physical health care, basic household responsibilities, etc. “The outcomes for

teens who are raised in the system are often homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty. Our Transitional Living Program can help end this vicious cycle and give youth the skills they need to become contributing members of society,” said Jamie Brown, CEO.

The Young Adults in Transition (YAIT) program acts as a safety net for those who complete the Transitional Living Program and other youth in the community who need additional support. For youth aged 16 to 24, YAIT transcends other services in North Carolina that youth may receive and is exclusive to Sipe’s Orchard Home.

The Tyndall Center for Early Age Education NC Pre-Kindergarten program provides education for at-risk four-year olds to ensure kindergarten readiness. They learn through play and are led by NC licensed teachers. The program is a statewide initiative funded through Smart Start and enrollment is awarded through the Catawba County Partnership for Children.

Photos, Top to bottom:

• Left to right–Back row Christy Dunbar, program manager of Transitional Living; Jamie Brown, CEO/program director

Seated–Dara Mussara, program manager of Transitional Living; Melissa Yarbro, facilitator/trainer; Kacie Hester, youth care worker

• The Tyndall Center for Early Age Education

• DeLane and Tonya in Sipe’s Orchard Home’s summer camp facility

The Huckleberry Summer Camp operates during the 8-to-10week summer break serving children 5-12 years old who have completed kindergarten. Nutritious daily meals are prepared on-site, fun field trips are scheduled weekly, and children are encouraged to rediscover their imaginations without electronics! “Our summer camp takes children back to nature: playing in the dirt, swinging from swings, fishing from a pond, and swimming,” said DeLane Bowman, COO.

“Sipe’s serves over 100 children and youth each year. We are their biggest cheerleaders and advocates! We see them not as they are, but as whom they can become—safe, secure, and equipped with the necessary skills to reach their full potential.” said DeLane.

How You Can Help

Sipe’s Orchard Home is an incorporated, non-profit organization run by a board of directors who always welcome your help. “Area individuals, churches, civic groups, foundations, and business have provided the support necessary to Sipe’s in order to serve children and youth for eight decades,” said Jamie. If you would like to make monetary contributions, supply items from the needs list, or volunteer your services, the board, staff, and children welcome your contribution. You will find a list of ways to give on their website. I can’t think of a better cause than to help our children and youth build a better future!

Sipe’s Orchard Home

4431 County Home Road, Conover, NC 28613 (828)-256-5056

www.sipesorchardhome.org

For information on Transitional Living and YAIT, contact: Jamie Brown, CEO

For NCPK and summer camp information, contact: DeLane Bowman, COO

Financial contact: DeLane Bowman, COO

CREATING THE PERFECT Smile

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

SMILE ALL THE WAY WITH HERRING ORTHODONTICS

Jason T. Herring, DDS, MS

Our orthodontic office has been helping patients from Hickory and the surrounding region “create the perfect smile” since 1982, when Dr. David Hamilton, Jr. opened his practice in the building that is now Chloe’s Salon & Spa near Lenoir-Rhyne University. Dr. Hamilton moved the practice to its current location near Hickory High School in 1988, and Dr. Jason Herring joined our team in 2006. We are proud to have been a part of the lives of generations of orthodontic patients over more than 40 years, and we remain as enthusiastic as ever about helping patients attain a smile they love and display with pride.

With Dr Hamilton’s retirement at the end of 2022, we are changing the name and branding imagery of our practice. Hamilton & Herring Orthodontics is becoming Herring Orthodontics. We have a new logo and a new tagline—“Smile all the way!” We like the tagline’s double meaning, simultaneously encouraging

us to smile as we go along through life and also to smile to our fullest, without reservation or embarrassment.

One thing that will remain the same as we move forward from this transition is our commitment to give our very best effort and attention to the care of our patients, both in the quality of the orthodontic treatment we provide and the friendly, personal way in which we provide it. We are constantly adding new technologies to our office to give our patients the best treatment experience. Recent additions include digital scanning and 3D printing for better-fitting orthodontic devices without messy impressions, new diagnostic radiographic equipment with 3D capabilities, and Stride custom braces that promise more efficient treatment times with fewer trips to the office for adjustment.

You can trust that your smile is in the best hands at Herring Orthodontics.

One of the things we believe sets us apart in the world of cosmetic dentistry is our approach to smile design. Here at McKinney-Graham Dental Arts, we take both traditional and state-of-theart technology techniques and bring them together to develop the best smile design game plan for you.

When you visit our Hickory office for cosmetic dentistry, we first discuss your goals and important questions such as,

“What do you see about your smile that you would like to transform?”

“What do you like and do not like?”

“What is the smile you’ve always dreamed of?”

What’s really cool about the smile design process is we take your vision for your dream smile, paired with what we know works well, and create a customized plan that works uniquely for you.

“So, how does the smile design process work at McKinney-Graham Dental Arts? What can I expect?”

First, we’ll start by taking some photos of your smile, then we use our CEREC® Primescan Technology to scan your teeth. The images from the scans are put on a computer, and we sit down together to design the smile you’ve always wanted.

We use the latest and the greatest dental technology here at McKinneyGraham which makes the process much easier and less time-consuming for you, allowing for your smile transformation to flow smoothly and seamlessly.

Our advanced, state-of-the-art design process will save you a ton of time, so you’ll spend more time showing off your gorgeous new smile and less time sitting in our dentist chair. Good news, right? We think so too.

Give us a call, we’d love to talk to you. We look forward to walking with you on your transformation journey.

Dr. Bryan D. Graham, DDS

Dr. Kyle M. McKinney, DDS

Bryan Neuwirth, DDS, MD

Christopher Brown, BS Dent, DDS

Josh L. Munson, DDS, MD

Legacy Oral & Facial Surgery

Formerly Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center

Unifour Medical Commons

261 18th Street Circle SE HICKORY

110 Juniper Street, Suite 400 MORGANTON

1431 Fern Creek Drive STATESVILLE

Just thinking about oral surgery can make most people squeamish. For Legacy Oral & Facial Surgery, with offices in Hickory, Morganton, and Statesville, patient comfort and surgical excellence are top priorities. Drs. Brown, Neuwirth, and Munson are as committed to their patients as they are their profession. All three surgeons completed specialized graduate and doctoral education in oral surgery, routinely attend continuing education courses, and embraces technology to provide exceptional care.

Oral surgery involves surgical procedures performed on the mouth, jaw, and face including wisdom teeth extractions, dental extractions, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma surgery, and more. Legacy oral surgeons are dental specialists who have completed additional training in surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face. Since opening in 1992, their services have focused on the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Types of Oral Surgery Procedures

Wisdom tooth removal is recommended

for most teens around the age of 16. These teeth are removed to avoid future infections, prevent crowding, and ensure that roots don’t form around nerves.

Dental extractions remove teeth that are decayed, damaged, or impacted.

Dental implants replace missing teeth by placing a small titanium post into the jaw. A dental crown is then attached to the implant, providing a natural-looking replacement tooth.

Oral surgery is essential to provide patients with the treatments they need to maintain healthy teeth and replace missing teeth. With new technological advancements, Legacy oral surgeons can provide patients with more precise and efficient care.

Drs. Brown, Neuwirth and Munson 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.

Dean Powell, DDS Jackson Hanigofsky, DMD

Dental Health Concepts

231 13th Avenue Place Northwest Hickory, NC 28601

(828) 322-2133

www.hickorydentist.com

Facebook/HickoryDentist

If you were to read Dr. Powell’s resume, you would see a person who is dedicated to excellence. He served as a medic in the Green Berets. He graduated with honors from UNC Dental School of Chapel Hill and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Powell has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years and yet he continues to study. With all of his experience and expertise, he serves on boards and participates in dental study clubs to further his knowledge and hone his skills to give his patients the very best treatment available. He and his team are dedicated to patient comfort and superior results combining knowledge, skill, cutting edge techniques and technology to create a beautiful smile.

The practice isn’t all about dentistry. It’s about people and helping them feel confident with their smile. Dr. Hanigofsky is a graduate of East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine and has been with the practice for three years. He connects with patients on a personal

level to understand their motivation and goals for visiting. “Trust goes a long way in relieving fears and anxiety about treatment,” said Dr. Hanigofsky. “Once we know their goals, our team creates a personalized plan of what can be done and the best treatment approach to reach a successful outcome.”

From general dentistry to full-mouth restoration or gum grafts using PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections to help patients heal faster, you can trust Dental Health Concepts to improve your smile and oral health. One of Dr. Powell’s patients said it best, “My family and I have been patients of Dr. Powell’s for almost 20 years. The dental care is outstanding and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Dr. Powell and his entire team treat us like part of their family. If you are looking for the highest quality of work and the best possible experience in dental care, choose the team at Dr. Powell’s practice.”

HICKORY

June 2, 9, 16

Sails Original Music Series

Performances begin at 7PM on the Square under the Sails

Bring a lawn chair. Pack a picnic or purchase food, beer, and wine at restaurants downtown.

June 2: Taylor Ashton (Americana)

June 9: Victoria Victoria with Charlie Hunter (Pop)

June 16: Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’

Blues (Blues)

NEWTON

June 15

Music On Main

Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre

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.

June 15: Chairman of the Board www.downtownnewton.org

JUNE EVENTS Enjoy!

VALDESE

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Valdese Family Friday Night

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

June 2: Skate Rink Jukebox (Variety)

June 9: The Night Move Band (Variety)

June 16: Shake Down Band (Variety)

June 23: LJTT (Classic Rock)

Independence Day Celebration Main Street closes at 5PM. Enjoy Classic and Antique Car Cruise-In, amusement rides for all ages, and food vendors. Band starts at 7PM and Fireworks at dusk.

June 30: The Tonez (Top 40 & More)

www.townofvaldese.com

MORGANTON

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

TGIF Summer Concerts

Amphitheater Stage at the Courthouse Square Bands start at 7PM to 10PM • Food and beverage vendors open at 6PM.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

June 2 Moose and Friends

June 9: Mac Arnold & Plate Full of Blues

June 16: Brandon Bethel

June 23: Radio Ready

June 30: Thomas Anthony & The Livehouse Band

www.downtownmorganton.com

BLOWING ROCK

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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 lawn menu available.

June 2: Shelby Rae

June 9: Continental Divide

June 16: Random Animals

June 23: Soul Benefactor

June 30: Harris Brothers

www.ragged-gardens.com

FOR THEATRE TICKETS, VISIT: www.hickorytheatre.org

www.thegreenroomtheatre.org

Small & Piers Orthodontics was voted Best Orthodontist by our readers in Hickory Living’s 2021 and 2022 Best of the Foothills. Owned by Dr. David Small and Dr. Christian Piers, the practice has offices in Hickory and Morganton and offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment with braces and Invisalign for adults, children, and teens.

The practice has a rich history in our area that dates back more than 50 years. Founded by Dr. John Shell in Morganton in 1967, the practice quickly expanded to Hickory and was operated by Dr. Small and his associate, Dr. Russell Martin, for 20 years as Small and Martin Orthodontics. Drs. Small and Martin eventually moved locations, built a state-of-the-art facility in Morganton in 2017, and purchased a second Hickory practice formerly owned by Dr. Richard Garlitz, a longtime pillar in the North Carolina orthodontic community. Dr. Christian Piers, a former national president of the American Student Dental Association, joined their team of providers before Dr. Martin’s retirement in 2019 and became a partner in the practice in 2020.

Visiting Small & Piers Orthodontics’ website and reading patient reviews, it’s easy to see why they were voted Best Orthodontist by our readers. According to online reviews, patients “love going to appointments,” find the providers and staff “friendly” and “knowledgeable,” and feel the care and results are “excellent.” One patient stated, “High level of quality in everything this practice does. Dr. Small, Dr. Piers, and staff are top notch…both caring and skilled. I feel very fortunate to have found such a caliber of care. Many thanks from a grateful patient.”

“The braces of today aren’t your grandparents’—or even your parents’—braces,” says Dr. Piers. “Today’s braces are bonded directly to the surfaces of your teeth and don’t

require metal bands. They are also less bulky than braces of the past, and there are several types to choose from—including clear and champagne-colored braces. More importantly, the majority of our patients can also now be treated with Invisalign, which is the fastest-growing part of our practice.” Dr. Piers goes on to say that digital scans have replaced goopy molds of the teeth, the braces and aligners are easier to clean and less likely to irritate your cheeks than those of the past, and the retainers are now made by an in-house lab, so you can leave with your clear retainers the same day your braces come off!

“We are proud to combine today’s cutting-edge technology with the timeless principles that have always defined our practice—honesty, integrity, excellence in orthodontic outcomes and caring about our patients like they are family members,” says Dr. Small. Add to that their own brand of fun—Dr. Small and Dr. Piers were both voted Senior Class Clown in high school—and you have the one-of-a-kind orthodontic experience that our community and our readers have come to expect.

Featuring one of our Best of the Foothills Winners

Small & Piers

Orthodontics voted 2022 Best Orthodontist

What’s Cooking?

Grilled corn is elevated to a new level when it’s mixed with this simple, zesty and slightly creamy sauce. Finish the dish off with a squeeze of lime, a handful of fresh cilantro and creamy feta or Cotija cheese crumbles. No grill? Not to worry, this dish is equally tasty with steamed or sauteed corn, too.

When you need a crowd-pleasing summer side dish, look no further than this bright and zesty Mexican Corn Salad. Trust me, this will become your go-to summer side dish that you’ll make again and again.

Mexican Corn Salad

Servings: 4 • Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 6 minutes

INGREDIENTS

4 ears fresh corn, husked

1 1/2 Tbsps. mayonnaise

1 clove minced garlic

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1/3 cup chopped green onions (about 4)

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, Cotija or goat cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or basil

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika or chili powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Kathy Dicken lives in 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.

A Perfect Summer Side

This Mexican Corn Salad is one of my all-time favorite summer recipes. It goes so well with everything from tacos to grilled chicken or seafood. It’s easy to make ahead and can be served warm or at room temperature; it’s the perfect summer side dish.

Cook the corn using your preferred method – brush corn with olive oil and grill over medium-high heat for 2 minutes each side, or steam corn by wrapping in wax paper and microwaving for 3 minutes per 2 ears of corn. You can opt to remove corn from the cob, and sauté over medium heat with a splash of olive oil for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest and lime juice. When cool enough to handle, remove corn kernels from the ears and add to the bowl, along with green onions. Next, add half of the cheese and cilantro, paprika, salt and pepper to the mixture. Stir to coat. Garnish with a final squeeze of lime and the remaining cheese and cilantro.

This dish is excellent served immediately or at room temperature.