Hickory Living June 2024

mac@oasisluxuryhomes.com (484) 769-7445

Sharon

677-9159

June Issue Welcome to the

By Kathy Wheeler

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th. At Hickory Living, we want to take this opportunity to thank those men who are so important to our community and future. The mentorship of fathers is priceless to the next generation of adults. Fathers teach their children to respect others and skills they will use throughout their lives. Your father may have taught you how to change a tire or the oil in your car and the importance of taking care of what you own. They may have taken you fishing or camping and taught you how to safely build a fire. I bet they also taught you to respect nature. As a result they help create confident and productive adults. Fathers set standards and encourage their children to reach them, then celebrate those accomplishments. They teach, protect, and support their families and set a good example for their children. They listen, show up, and are fair when it comes to discipline.

Celebrate the fathers in your life who daily sacrifice for their family.

Summer is in full swing and filled with activities, celebrations, and recognitions. Juneteenth is the 19th and celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. You will find some celebrations on page 20 along with other concerts and activities to enjoy in our area.

June 2nd is National I Love My Dentist Day! In recognition of those in oral healthcare, we have featured McKinneyGraham Dental Arts on page 15 and Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery on page 16.

On the cover this month, we are featuring Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. This is a family-owned business offering in-house and outpatient rehabilitation as well as long-term care

and skilled nursing. Many people may not know this, but when you have an injury or illness that requires rehabilitation, you can choose where you go for rehabilitation. Conover Nursing’s staff of therapists and nurses is dedicated to your recovery and safe transition back home. The facility has a rehab wing with a central gym and indoor track and just improved a courtyard for their long-term care patients who have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a very fitting cover story for this issue since June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Their article begins on page 10.

We hope you have a fun and safe summer! Remember to protect your skin— apply sunscreen often, drink plenty of fluids, and wear protective clothing.

Thank you for reading the June issue of Hickory Living. Happy Father’s Day and make the most of the season!

on the cover

A Family-Owned Facility with Family-Style Care

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

The first thing that stood out to me when I spoke with Todd Roper at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was Todd’s positive, caring attitude and commitment to the center’s residents and environment. He sent me some beautiful pictures of the most recent improvements at the Center: the Town Square Project that was completed in December of last year.

Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC) is the only family-owned skilled nursing facility in Catawba County and the personal touch really shows. CNRC opened in 2002, and they have been a 5-star facility every year since 2014. In addition, their facility surveys have been deficiency-free for the past two years in a row. How common is this? The

average facility in North Carolina has over 7 deficiencies, and nationally, skilled nursing facilities have nearly 9 deficiencies, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

When a skilled nursing facility treats residents like family, everyone benefits, from residents to their families as well as the community.

Town Square Project Enriches Resident Life

Although overall, Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center had nice courtyards and facilities, they had one inner courtyard that they’d wanted to improve for a long time. Last summer, CNRC closed the courtyard and Todd began work-

ing with contractors to create a new vision. He pictured recreating a city sidewalk with a bistro and a bus stop for residents. Recreating familiar scenery helps people with memory problems to redirect their activities and engage with their surroundings.

Before the Town Square Project and improvements, residents used to look out into an undecorated courtyard. Now, the Town Square has a bistro view that lights up at night. They can enjoy a bus stop, bistro seating, and awnings that provide shade and protection from the weather. In nice weather, residents can and do eat outside in the Town Square courtyard.

A Family Success Story

Todd and I discussed the different services that CNRC provides. Some residents live there for memory and nursing care, while others access the rehabilitation services.

To help me to understand how CNRC helps patients to recover, I was privileged to be able to speak with Cathy Travis, whose husband Terry suffered a serious stroke last fall while they were vacationing in Myrtle Beach. When Terry left the hospital to go to CNRC, he wasn’t talking or walking.

“They became our family at CNRC,” Cathy said. Terry had only 60% mobility when he was admitted. She visited Terry every day throughout his rehabilitation and after three months, he was able to return home walking and able to speak. Cathy mentioned how close she became to everyone at CNRC, and said, “I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done.”

In more evidence that CNRC is family-owned, and provides a family-style environment, Cathy said she brought their Westie terrier Izzy to visit nearly every day, and became close friends with all the staff who helped Terry to recover.

Family-Owned and Operated Skilled Nursing Facilities

Todd and I discussed the challenges that families face when looking for safe, reliable skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. Most of us are familiar with challenges in health care, especially services that help older adults to stay safe and healthy. “My own father has been at CNRC the past two-and-a-half years,” he said.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over twothirds of skilled nursing facilities in the U.S. are owned by large corporations or healthcare consortia. As the only family-owned facility of its type in Catawba County, the personal touch at CNRC is invaluable.

Photos:

On the cover–Nicole Roper, therapy director; Todd Roper, administrator; Jennifer Haynes, director of nursing Opposite page–Conover Nursing and Rehab staff including four with over 20 years of service. Front row–Nancy Reinhardt, laundry services (green shirt), Angie Travis, staffing coordinator (light pink shirt) Second row–Shirley Sigmon, med aide (light pink shirt) Back row, center–Shirley Baker, CNA (light pink shirt)

Pictured above:

• Resident Larry Hatley, CNRC Postmaster

• CNRC In-house Therapy Team and Travis Family Front row–Katlyn Matheson, SLP; Cathy Travis, Terry Travis Back row–Raquel Barcelon, PT; Jaimie Cansler, COTA; Nicole Roper, director; Lydia Beach, PTA; Kimberly Rolyson, OT

• Resident Crystal Mack and Natalie Auton, dietary director, in the Healing Garden

Not only has CNRC taken advantage of different grant programs to pay for improvements to the facility’s ability to care for patients, an extremely challenging task for an individually owned and operated skilled nursing facility, they continue to provide daily opportunities for care, enrichment, and socialization.

“Every month there’s something different,” Todd said. Some residents had just taken a fishing trip, while other outings can be holiday-oriented like visits to see holiday lighting displays or to local markets.

Services Offered

CNRC offers rehabilitation services and skilled nursing care. For rehabilitation following an illness or an injury, CNRC has a rehab wing that is designed to promote healing and recovery. They offer state-of-the-art rehab equipment and other therapy that can improve the healing process and speed recovery time. With a rehab gym and indoor track, patients who are receiving recovery services will have an individualized program that can help them to get better and return home safely and as quickly as possible.

CNRC provides rehabilitation services for cardiac health and hip and knee replacements. They offer exercise designed for specific patient needs, and monitoring by health professionals. They have a certificate in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation, and patients who’ve had a stroke, like Terry Travis, can expect to receive top-notch rehabilitation and care.

With longer life expectancy comes a greater need for skilled nursing services. People who need sub-acute care, including daily monitoring and care from registered nurses, can need skilled nursing care. Whether people need restorative nursing, or families require respite care, CNRC can provide these services. They also offer care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Anthony Badeaux, transportation and supply coordinator, taking resident Mary Frye for a ride.

• Resident Brenda Huffman and Amber Case, activity director, baking delicious cookies.

• CNRC Nursing Leadership Team

Front row: Angie Travis, staffing coordinator; Jessica McCain, infection preventionist; Suzette Ward, MDS coordinator

Back row: Jonathan Underwood, SDC; Jennifer Haynes, director; Alyssa Caudill, clinical coordinator

These are just some reasons why I was so glad to talk with Todd Roper about CNRC’s new Town Square Project and the other good news the Center has experienced during the past year. People with memory problems can benefit from being in familiar, safe, and pleasant surroundings. A family-owned and operated facility operated by people whose own families live there is a dream come true. We all want the best for our loved ones who need rehabilitation or need long-term skilled nursing care. As the only familyowned skilled nursing facility in Catawba County, Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a perfect fit.

Photos: Pictured above:

Dr. Bryan D. Graham, DDS

Dr. Kyle M. McKinney, DDS

221 13th Ave. PL NW • Hickory 828.328.5581 mckinneygraham.com

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-the-art 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.

Bryan Neuwirth, DDS, MD

Riley Hicks, DDS

Christopher Brown, BS Dent, DDS

Josh Munson, DDS, MD

Legacy Oral & Facial Surgery

Formerly Brown & Neuwirth Oral & Cosmetic Surgery Center

2 Medical Park Dr, STE 900 • ASHEVILLE

261 18th St Circle SE • HICKORY

110 Juniper St, STE 400 • MORGANTON

1431 Fern Creek Dr • STATESVILLE

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

Oral surgery involves surgical procedures performed on the mouth, jaw, and face including wisdom teeth and 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, Hicks, Munson, 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.

©iStockphoto.com | Onradio

HICKORY

June 7, 14, 21, 28

Sails Original Music Series

JUNE EVENTS Enjoy!

Football Club at hickoryfc.com

NEWTON

June 13

Support these original artists under the Sails on the Square in Downtown Hickory. Bring a lawn chair. Performances begin at 7PM.

June 7: David Childers & The Serpents

June 14: Miss Tess

June 21: Taylor Ashton

June 28: Empire Strikes Brass www.facebook.com/sailsmusic

June 7–29, Thurs–Sun

Hickory Community Theatre

30 3rd St. NW, Hickory

June 7–29 • Sundays 2:30PM

Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30PM

Featuring: In the Heights

To purchase tickets, visit: www.hickorytheatre.org/boxoffice

June 6, 13, 20, 27

Heritage Music Series

Featuring original artists at Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Rd, Vale • 6PM • Bring a lawn chair • Food, beer, and wine will be for sale.

June 6: Viv and Riley

June 13: E’Lon JD

June 20: Buffalo Nichols

June 27: Missy Raines & Allegheny

To purchase tickets ($15), visit: www.hartsquare.com/events/

Also check out schedules for Hickory Crawdads at www.milb.com/ hickory/schedule and Hickory

Music on Main–Juneteenth Celebration

Frank & Sue Jones Amphitheatre in Downtown Newton • Food trucks open at 5PM, music at 6PM. Bring a lounge chair and sunglasses.

June 13: Carolina Soul Band www.downtownnewton.org

June 14–23, Fri–Sun

Greene Room Community Theatre 10 South Main Avenue, Newton

June 14–23 • Sundays 3PM Fridays & Saturdays 7:30PM

Featuring: Honky Tonk Hissy Fit

To purchase tickets, visit: www.thegreenroomtheatre.org

CONOVER

June 7

Juneteenth Celebration

City Park - Conover, 361 5th Avenue SE, Conover • 5-10PM • Vendors, cornhole tournament, entertainment, & children activities. June 7: N-Spire Band and GMRV southwestcommunitywatch. godaddysites.com/juneteenth-2024

VALDESE

June 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. June 7: Chasing Phoenix

June 14: Little Johnny Trailer Trash

June 21: Night Move Band

June 28: Independence Day

Celebration on Main Street featuring Ryan Perry, followed by fireworks. townofvaldese.com

MORGANTON

June 7, 14, 21, 28

TGIF Summer Concerts

Amphitheater Stage at the Courthouse Square - Bring a lawn chair. Food and beverage vendors open at 6PM. Music starts at 7–10PM.

June 7: Petty Rewind

June 14: Cane & Cancino

June 21: Al G and Friends

June 28: Sidecar Honey morgantonfest.org

BLOWING ROCK

June 7, 14, 21, 28

Music On The Lawn

The Inn at Ragged Gardens

203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock Bring a lawn chair, no coolers, no pets. 5:30PM–8:30PM

June 7: Shelby Rae

June 14: Continental Divide

June 21: Soul Benefactor

June 28: Will Easter www.ragged-gardens.com

For more musical entertainment, visit: Newton Performing Arts Center at ncauditorium.com/events, The Hum at thehum.live/calendar, or The Premier at hickorypremier.com