Hickory Living May 2024

Welcome to the

May Issue

By Kathy Wheeler

May is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is warm enough to start planting our flower gardens. There are so many choices and beautiful blooms, it’s hard to choose! Plus, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12th, and Memorial Day is Monday, May 27th. As if that isn’t enough, add outdoor concerts and festivals—we have a list on page 8—and May is a month packed with events, celebration, and fun!

Mothers are amazing people. They do so much for their children, the community, and in many cases, are the glue that lovingly holds their family together. This Mother’s Day shower your mom with gifts, flowers, cards, and love. Show them that their love and care

hasn’t gone unnoticed. For gift ideas, visit page 30.

Memorial Day is so much more than an extended weekend. It’s a day where we remember and honor those men and women who died while serving our country in the military. We at Hickory Living are grateful to those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and to their families who continue to live a life of sacrifice without them.

The Hickory Farmer’s Market is in full swing. They are now open Wednesdays from 10AM to 2PM and Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM. Visit the Market downtown under the sails for produce, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood downtown!

This month, we are featuring Wendy Ward, CEO of Catawba Valley Staffing on our cover. Catawba Valley Staffing is a family-owned business, started 25 years ago by Wendy’s mother, Hope Ward. With four locations, they fulfill a great need in many communities matching qualified employees with businesses looking to fill a position. Their article begins on page 10.

We have a very special feature this month starting on page 17. Faces of the Foothills introduce our readers to professionals in our community. Read each short article on these amazing people to learn how they can help you!

Thank you for reading the May issue of Hickory Living. Enjoy May!

HICKORY

May 4, 11, 19, 26

City Walk Celebration

May 4, 4-8PM

Start your stroll in the Lowes City parking lot. Enjoy face painting, HMF String Band, downtown businesses, food, and craft vendors along the City Walk.

Hickory Hops Craft Beer & Music Festival •

May 11, 1-6PM

Over 50 craft breweries gather on the square in Downtown Hickory. Must be 21 or over. Credit/Debit card only event.Tickets sold online at hickoryhops.com

Singing Under the Sails

May 19, 6-7PM

Hickory Choral Society presents Timeless! This is a free outdoor concert under the Sails. hickorychoralsociety.org

MAY EVENTS Enjoy!

Swingin’ Under the Stars

May 26, 6:30-9:30PM

Hickory Music Factory’s annual event featuring the Hickory Jazz Orchestra performing big band arrangements.

NEWTON

May 11

Foothills Folk Art Festival Downtown Newton 10AM to 4PM

Showcasing local and regional folk artists, demos, live music, art activities for kids, food, beer gardens, and more!

www.foothillsfolkartfestival.com

VALDESE

May 17, 24, 31

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

May 17: Too Much Sylvia

May 24: The Shakedown Band

May 31: Skaterink Jukebox townofvaldese.com

MORGANTON

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

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.

Check their website for lineup and restrictions.

morgantonfest.org/tgif-concertseries/

BLOWING ROCK

May 10, 17, 24, 31

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

May 10: Shelby Rae

May 17: Joseph Hasty and Centerpiece

May 24: Harris Brothers

May 31: Lucky Strikes

www.ragged-gardens.com

Celebrating 25 Years

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

This spring marks 25 years since mother-daughter duo, Hope Lowman and Wendy Lowman Ward, founded Catawba Valley Staffing. With a decade of experience, their first location opened in Morganton in 1999. Wendy and Hope have expanded over the last 25 years and currently have additional locations in Hickory, Valdese, and Marion to serve communities in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell and surrounding counties. The philosophy behind their business is simple and timeless, treat people the way you want to be treated. Their application of the golden rule means they successfully match potential employees to career opportunities a few thousand times each year.

Most of the job connections they make are temp to hire, where an employee works for Catawba Valley Staffing for a short period of time before transitioning to a full hire position with the company where they are placed. Other placements can be as short as four hours or even directly placed with the company immediately. Some contracts are longer, and their most tenured employees have more than 20 years with the company, enjoying benefits like vacation and holiday pay, insurance, and 401(k) options. “Each opportunity and each person are unique, so taking the time to listen and learn to make the best connection is vital,” says Wendy about their approach to hiring.

When asked what makes a good employee, Wendy shared that The Three A’s – Attitude, Attendance, and Ability, words that are predominantly displayed as art on the walls of each of their offices, are fundamental requirements for every employee. “It requires all three of these components to be a good employee. Without any one of these, it doesn’t work,” she shared.

When describing the best companies to hire for, those that have a safe and healthy environment, treat their employees with respect, offer a living wage, and are easy to communicate with are at the top of the list. “When we visit a company for a collaborative meeting to solve one of their hiring challenges and they thank us for being a strategic partner, we know we are getting it right. It’s rewarding,” says Wendy.

Seeing successes over time has been motivating for Hope, Wendy, and their team of 20 staffing consultants and managers. They described hiring a temp-to-work in a warehouse as a laborer a few years ago. That former employee still works for the same company and was promoted to hiring manager. When Catawba Valley Staffing places a hiring manager, they get to work with them daily, successfully finding employees to fit their needs. After 25 years in business, some employees they originally placed with a company are retiring. Wendy says, “It’s so rewarding to know we helped a person find their forever work home and the company benefited from the placement for all that time. The only thing that tops that is knowing we have companies that started working with us during our first week in business who we still work with today.”

Supporting their local communities is a source of great pride for the duo. They appreciate the chance to engage with the people who are their neighbors by participating in career fairs, speaking at local schools, mentoring students through apprenticeships and internships, donating time and money to local causes, and memberships with Rotary International. They engage with their peers through membership in the American Staffing Association (ASA) and have served as members of the board of directors for the North Carolina Association of Staffing Professionals (NCASP), which recently merged with ASA to become the North Carolina Council. Wendy also currently serves on the ASA Safety Council.

Hope and Wendy credit their team for their success. Their resilience and willingness to rise to challenges and get the job done for our clients and people looking for work has allowed Catawba Valley Staffing, not only to survive,

Photos:

On the cover–Wendy Ward, CEO and co-owner of Catawba Valley Staffing

Opposite page–Kate Schmidlin, Leticia Trejo, Morgan Willis, Wendy Ward, and Anna Suddreth

Pictured above:

• Leticia Trejo, senior staffing consultant, meets with an employee. The 3 A’s – Attitude, Attendance, and Ability are fundamental for every employee.

• The Hickory team gathers for the morning meeting.

• Morgan Willis, area manager, spends time talking with a client.

but thrive during times like the great recession and recent pandemic. “A great part of our culture is to be personally available to the people we serve, whether through being on call 24/7, with a member of our team answering those calls, or handling our own payroll processing. Keeping our service in-house rather than outsourcing ensures a quality experience and in-the-moment solutions for our customers and employees,” said Wendy.

When asked who your target potential employee is, Wendy shared that it’s very diverse. She said their business is a fantastic fit for people in the middle of their career who are relocating or looking for a new job. In this case, Catawba Valley Staffing can act as an agent, allowing the potential employee to maximize their search with just one initial application and interview. They also work with many retirees who have decided to re-enter the work world. Those who are just finishing school and haven’t yet started in the workforce can gain direction by talking with a staffing consultant about their interests and learning about different jobs in the area. They can even try several jobs to find the right fit. “It’s a super way to get started down a career path,” said Wendy. When she entered the workforce, she took a lot of assignments herself. “It was a priceless experience for me in my career search to see how differently businesses operated and how similar the qualities of good work are.”

25 years ago, the decision to create the company was driven in part by Hope’s experience as a woman seeking career opportunities. Having worked in retail, education, finance, and insurance, she experienced the roadblocks of fewer chances for advancement, less pay, and the difficulties of balancing work and her desire to be a great mom to her children. She wanted a “sky is the limit” opportunity for her daughter and all the women looking for a career. Wendy says her mom is the reason the company exists today. Hope’s passion for people, learning, and excellence has inspired Wendy and many others to work well. Being woman-owned and having a “God first, family second, work third” philosophy has served them well and has allowed their staff to thrive at home and in their careers.

All in all, they both agree that with Catawba Valley Staffing, it’s all about helping people.

• Anna Suddreth, staffing consultant, reviews candidates for a new position available.

• Kate Schmidlin, staffing consultant, congratulates an employee. Building relationships is important every day.

Photos: Pictured above:

• Area manager Morgan Willis collaborates with CEO Wendy Ward.

FACES OF The Foothills

Business owners in our area touch our lives in so many ways. From the services and products they offer to their dedication to excellence, they make our area a better place to live. We are celebrating their contribution and proud to introduce you to these FACES of the Foothills. They are professionals you want to know!

FACES OF The Foothills

The Joan Killian Everett Team

Joan Killian Everett REALTOR®, BROKER, Owner

The Joan Killian Everett Team, comprised of Joan Killian Everett, Michelle MitchellImpagliazzo, Christy Shepard and Xan Pilgrim, is a full-service real estate brokerage team assisting buyers and sellers in all price ranges to obtain their real estate goals.

Joan became licensed in real estate in 1991 and has been the top-producing agent in our area for 30 years. She attributes her success to having a passion for our region, real estate, and helping people. With deep roots in Catawba Valley and the support of a vast network of family and friends, she and her team have accomplished over 600 million in career sales over the last three decades. “We love our area and all it has to offer,” says Joan.

The Joan Killian Everett Team utilizes the most current marketing trends and stays up-to-date on market statistics to be able to best serve their clients. Joan enjoys that each transaction is different. “I am always learning,” says Joan. “Each day provides new challenges and we take on a variety of tasks to get our clients to the closing table.”

The Joan Killian Everett Team’s mission is to provide exemplary client care throughout each unique buying and selling experience, all while building relationships for life.

The Joan Killian Everett Team Real Estate. Refined. 110 North Center Street, Suite 202 Hickory, NC 28601 • 828-638-1666

team@joaneverett.com

www.joaneverett.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Vitality Anti-Aging Center

V-Infusion

Aesthetic Consulting & Training (ACT)

Grace McLaurin, DMSc, PA-C

Grace McLaurin is a physician assistant with 24 years of experience and a doctor of medical science. She is owner and partner in Vitality Anti-Aging Center, V-Infusion Hydration Center, and owner of Aesthetic Consulting & Training.

Grace opened Vitality Anti-Aging in 2006 and offers integrative health and non-surgical aesthetics, such as Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, Coolsculpting, Cooltone, laser services, PRP, HydraFacial and SaltFacial as well as weight management, nutrition, skincare, and more. “Where Health and Beauty Meet,” is Vitality’s slogan, and Grace and her staff always put patient care, safety, and results as the main focus of the practice. She has a passion for helping her patients achieve a complete sense of well-being through both looking good and being well.

Grace has extensive experience in internal medicine, women’s health, bio-identical hormone replacement, thyroid disorders, and non-surgical aesthetics. She is a certified instructor for Allergan, the makers of Botox, Juvederm, Kybella, and SkinMedica. She is also a speaker/trainer for MedShift and a trainer for Galderma, the maker of Restylane, Dysport and more.

74 8th Street SE, Suite 101, Hickory 828-322-1498

FACES OF The Foothills

Killian’s Hardware

Jennifer Gott and Sharon Killian Radke Owners

Killian’s Hardware has served our community for more than 70 years. Sharon Killian Radke and daughter, Jennifer Gott, along with 23 Killian team members, work together to bring excellence to their customers. Unlike ordering online or walking a big-box-store looking for help, at Killians, you are greeted at the door. They offer exceptional products, service their products, and freely give expert guidance on how to use and care for your purchases.

“With a full line of hardware and the guidance of a professional, customers are more confident in tackling projects themselves,” said Sharon. “We offer electrical, plumbing, tools, grass seed, fertilizer, and more.”

Although they started as a hardware store, Killians has partnered with brands like Toro, Stihl, Echo, Cub Cadet, Peco, and Ventrac to offer the best commercial and residential mowers and lawn equipment available. They’re also a service dealer for most major small engine manufacturers. They carry a full line of Toro and select Echo batterypowered products and of course they service everything they sell.

Killians has kept the fun traditions that honor previous generations, embraced current technology, and created new traditions to better serve their customers. Stop by today!

828-256-2147

3790 Springs Road • Hickory killiansinc.com • www.toro.com

© Photo by Shane Greene Photography

FACES OF The Foothills

Swisher Skin & Laser Center and WAXmd

Dr. Jenette Swisher

Founder/Owner

Dr. Swisher is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and an entrepreneur. She was the founder and owner of Swisher Internal Medicine which is now UNC Hickory Medical Park.

She has always been interested in providing anti-aging services to people to improve their appearance and confidence. With 17 years of injection/aesthetic experience, the sale of her medical practice allows her to focus completely on her other businesses Swisher Skin & Laser Center and WAXmd.

Swisher Skin & Laser opened in 2020 and offers facials, dermaplaning and microdermabrasion, Hydrafacials, chemical peels, and microneedling. They are known for their natural results with injections of neurotoxins and dermal fillers and offer some of the latest in laser technologies for skin tightening, facial rejuvenation, scar revision, and more. Swisher Skin also offers other treatments such as scalp injections to restore hair, sclerotherapy for spider veins, body contouring, vaginal rejuvenation, and, of course, hair removal.

WAXmd is the area’s only dedicated waxing salon. It opened in 2017 and the second location in 2023.

Swisher Skin & Laser Center

“Beauty At Its Best”

20 13th Ave. NW, Hickory 828-838-1184 • swisherskin.com

WAXmd • waxmd123.com

2923 N Center St Ste C • 838-1441

2340 15th Ave SE • 838-1194

© Photo by Shane Greene Photography

FACES OF The Foothills

RE/MAX Legendary

Trae and Amanda Stokes Brokers/REALTORS®, Owners

Trae Stokes, Broker-in-charge of RE/MAX Legendary, received his real estate license in 2013 and worked in the field for five years as an agent. Having grown up in a family-owned furniture business, Trae’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a firm with his wife Amanda, who was already a multi-million dollar producer. Upon him entering real estate, Trae and Amanda became a team and established Stokes Real Estate Group, LLC. After he researched many firm options, he and Amanda purchased a RE/MAX franchise in 2018.

RE/MAX Legendary now has a team of 20 real estate professionals and have about 100 million in yearly sales. Trae currently enjoys the management side of the business, while Amanda continues to love helping buyers and sellers as she has since 2006.

Trae and Amanda Stokes are a real estate power house! Both grew up in Hickory and know this area well. It has always been their home. They consider it an honor to have helped so many people with their real estate goals and pride themselves on their relationships with clients… many are repeat customers. For professional real estate help from local REALTORS®, call RE/MAX Legendary.

828-855-1055

3244 Springs Rd NE, Hickory www.RemaxLegendary.com

© Photo by Shane Greene Photography

FACES OF The Foothills

Startown Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Brad Barlow

Senior Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Barlow joined Startown Veterinary Hospital in 2016. For as long as he can remember, he has always had pets and animals in his life. His love of animals influenced him greatly and was the inspiration for becoming a veterinarian. He began working in the field as a veterinary assistant in a mixed animal practice in Texas in the mid-80s.

Dr. Barlow enjoys the relationships with families and their beloved pets. He believes our pets are cherished family members and loves being able to provide the best medical care for them. “We veterinarians are known as the other family doctor,” said Dr. Barlow.

Startown Veterinary Hospital was established in 2011 by Dr. Matt and Beth Pennell, the current owners. It has grown over the past 13 years and now has four doctors with a team of over 20 support staff. They are proud to be the only Fear Free Practice in Catawba County. Fear Free is a modern practice concept that helps both patients and clients by making their visit to the hospital less stressful and a much more positive experience. In addition to providing comprehensive medical and surgical care, the Hospital has full service dentistry, laboratory, and pharmacy services.

828-464-3067

2360 W NC 10 Hwy, Newton, NC www.startownvet.com

FACES OF The Foothills

La Bella Donna Spa

Tracey Bare, RN

Founder/Owner

La Bella Donna opened its doors in 2006 providing a variety of laser treatments for the face and body and soon added dermal fillers and neurotoxins (Botox).

They were one of the first spas in Hickory to offer laser treatments and injectables. Tracey has been a nurse for 32 years, the last 19 specifically in esthetics. Her long term success is due to a combination of artistic ability as well as her knowledge and understanding of the products offered.

Medical esthetics has grown throughout the years and is forever changing. Even with the advent of new laser technology and products, Tracey’s philosophy has never changed. “Less is more.” She found her niche early on by focusing on the fact that one size does not fit all and the best results are those that look natural.

During the consultation, clients get a mirror and are asked to prioritize three things they would like to work on. From there, Tracey and the client design a treatment plan best suited to achieve their goals.

Tracey says to see a client smile or even tear up when they see their results is why she does this and she sincerely appreciates the loyalty and support the community has shown her since day one...all those years ago.

1208 North Center Street • Hickory

828-267-7263

belladonnalasers.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Mumy Financial Advisors, LLC

Andrew Rader, CFP®

President

Andrew is a Certified Financial Planner® and president of Mumy Financial Advisors, LLC. He earned a degree in finance and banking from Walker College of Business. His education and deep understanding of multi-generational wealth management, helps to equip clients with the tools and strategies needed to maximize their wealth and facilitate a seamless transition for their families and future generations.

Andrew enjoys empowering individuals to make better financial decisions with their investment dollars. “Throughout the years Mumy Financial has created an ecosystem which allows us to act as a client’s ‘quarterback’ helping to navigate the complexities of their financial lives and coordinating their financial planning, estate coordination, and investment management,” said Andrew. “We have in-house professionals and partner with others in the area to help manage every facet of someone’s financial lives. Our mission is to make financial planning and investment management attainable to everyone, regardless of their financial acumen by being their trusted advisor and partner throughout their financial journey.”

Andrew says that your financial plan and investments shouldn’t be on autopilot. Things change and your plan may change with it. Whether you need to review your plan or want help planning your financial future, give Andrew a call.

200 1st Ave NW Suite 303 • Hickory Office 828-855-9400

www.mumyfinancial.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

Gregory M. Swank, MD, FACS

Dr. Gregory Swank, a prominent plastic surgeon at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Hickory, North Carolina, brings decades of expertise and dedication to his practice. Born out of a passion for healing and innovation, Dr. Swank’s journey towards excellence began with his education at Rutgers College, where he earned his BA in 1987, followed by his MD from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1991.

His commitment to mastery led him through rigorous training, including a General Surgery Residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey from 1991 to 1997 and a Plastic Surgery Residency at Duke University Medical Center from 1997 to 2000. Dr. Swank’s pursuit of specialized knowledge also led him to become a Fellow of Hand & Microsurgery at the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery in 1998.

Dr. Swank’s dedication to research and education, showcased through prestigious conference presentations and contributions to medical literature, has earned him numerous honors and awards, such as being named among the Castle Connolly Top Doctors for the Hickory, NC region for six consecutive years. His expertise in plastic surgery, coupled with his compassion and dedication to patient care, makes him a respected figure in the Hickory community.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

315 19th St. SE, Building 100 Hickory, NC 28602

828-325-9849

www.ppsd.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

Rosiane A. Roeder, MD, MPH, FACS

Dr. Roeder, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, possesses exceptional training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Thriving on the challenge of diverse cases, she is known for her empathy, compassion, and skill in helping patients achieve their goals.

After completing her medical education at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in 2007 and her residencies at the University of Miami and Lahey Health, Dr. Roeder was drawn back to North Carolina, where her college years had sparked a love for the state. She has eagerly embraced the chance to contribute to the local community.

Since joining Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Hickory in 2017, Dr. Roeder has seamlessly integrated into the close-knit community. She enjoys seeing the growth of downtown Hickory and has forged deep connections with her patients and colleagues. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she exemplifies her commitment to providing inclusive and personalized care in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology

315 19th St. SE, Building 100 Hickory, NC 28602

828-325-9849

www.ppsd.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Sollinda Capital Management LLC

Anna H. Winger, JD, CFP®

Anna Winger has been a Certified Financial Planner® for 11 years and an attorney for 19 years. She has enjoyed a close relationship with Sollinda’s planning team for the past 13 years and now advises clients of Sollinda Family Office which officially launched January 1st of this year.

Anna has focused her career on complex estate planning and the critical need to align documents with each family’s financial circumstances to prevent common pitfalls. Unique in the industry, Sollinda Family Office blends legal experience with the financial acumen of a seasoned team under one hood.

Anna enjoys working with family elders and the younger generation to establish good practices and to secure a legacy of wellplanned wealth management. She works with families to plan for retirement and business transitions, with an aim to identify opportunities for asset protection and preservation. Her efforts are geared towards not only securing a family’s future but also enhancing their present, allowing them to access and enjoy their wealth without undue limitations.

Reflecting on her work, Anna shares, “I emphasize the importance of not only planning for the future but also cherishing the present. We are here to assist our clients in maximizing their assets with flexibility and foresight.”

If you need a review of your financial and legal plan, or need to design a plan, Anna is available to help. Reach out to her at Sollinda Family Office to review the direction of your planning.

828-855-9400

www.sollindafamilyoffice.com

FACES

OF The Foothills Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation

Caring Cremations

Ben

Jenkins and Carl Jenkins Owners, Funeral Directors

For 25 years, the Jenkins family has owned and operated Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Ben grew up in the industry and learned from his parents, Carl and Lori, the importance of helping people through the process and the comfort they can bring to grieving families. They offer affordable, personalized services with compassionate care as well as pre-planning options.

As cremation has gained in popularity through the years, more and more families are choosing cremation as their final disposition. Caring Cremations was established to meet this need and allow for families to customize their loved one’s service and even be a part of the cremation itself. Your loved one never leaves our care or yours in this state-of-the-art facility.

Family Pet Cremations offers separate cremation chambers for pets. It is located at Caring Cremations. The same services your loved ones receive, they offer to your pets. For more information contact:

Caring Cremations

609 Highland Ave SE, Hickory 828-855-3350

www.caringcremations.net

www.familypetcremations.net

Jenkins Funeral Home & Cremation

4081 Startown Rd, Newton 828-464-1555

www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the remarkable women in our lives who have nurtured, guided, and loved us unconditionally. While finding the ideal gift to express gratitude can be challenging, the sentiment behind the gesture often matters most. Here are some heartfelt Mother’s Day gift ideas to honor and cherish the special bond between you and your mom:

Spa Day: Treat your mom to a day of spa treatments. We have many spas in the area that feature specials and gift cards just for the occasion! There’s nothing that relaxes you more than a massage and/or facial. If you really want to make it an exceptional gift, plan on sharing the experience with her. It’s a win-win! A spa gift basket filled with bath salts, scented candles, face masks, and soothing lotions can remind her to unwind, take care of herself, and rejuvenate.

Personalized Jewelry: Jewelry holds sentimental value, and customizing it with initials, birthstones, or meaningful engravings adds a personal touch. A necklace, bracelet, or ring adorned with her initials or those of her children will remind her of the cherished moments shared together.

Handwritten Letter or Scrapbook: Express your love and appreciation through heartfelt words in a handwritten letter or by creating a scrapbook filled with cherished memories, photographs, and mementos. Share anecdotes, gratitude, and affirmations that highlight the profound impact she has had on your life.

Memories in a Jar: Have the children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren write memories on slips of paper.

Fold them and put them in a jar. Each day, your mom can read them and share funny memories with her friends.

Subscription Service: Gift your mom a subscription to her favorite magazine, streaming service, or monthly delivery box tailored to her interests. Whether its gourmet snacks, books, or beauty products, she’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and the ongoing reminder of your love.

Gardening Kit or Indoor Plants: If your mom has a green thumb or enjoys gardening, consider gifting her gardening tools, seeds, and accessories. Indoor plants or a flowering potted plant can also brighten her living space and bring a touch of nature indoors.

Workshop: Treat your mom to a virtual experience or workshop that aligns with her interests, whether it’s a wine tasting, art class, or mindfulness workshop. These experiences allow her to explore new passions or enhance existing ones.

Quality Time Together: Ultimately, the most precious gift you can give your mom is the gift of your time and presence. Plan a meaningful day filled with activities she enjoys, whether it’s a nature walk, picnic in the park, or simply spending quality time at home sharing stories and laughter.

This Mother’s Day, go beyond material gifts and focus on gestures that celebrate the unique bond between you and your mom. Whether it’s a personalized keepsake, heartfelt letter, or shared experience, the thoughtfulness and love behind the gesture will surely make her day memorable and special.

©iStockphoto.com | Prostock-Studio

Enjoy the Outdoors!

By Kathy Wheeler

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors before summer’s heat arrives. From our own backyard and local lakes, to the Blue Ridge Mountains or North Carolina’s coast, there’s abundant outdoor enjoyment to be had.

Creating an oasis at home can tide you over between expeditions. Using the elements of nature—air, water, earth, and fire—you can make any backyard a retreat with plants, a fountain or water feature, a fire pit or fireplace, and comfortable furniture. Potted plants and outdoor rugs add color and define functional areas. Simple water features can be crafted with planters and solar pumps. There are lots of options for bringing fire to your space, from simple self-contained fire pits, fireplaces, or chimeneas to more permanent solutions hardscaped into your yard and patio. Creating shade can be as simple as installing a retractable awning or shade sail, or building a pergola or covered structure. There are lots of solutions in every price point to make your outdoor space comfortable and a place you want to hang out.

Local waterways provide refreshing day trips. Lake Hickory, Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss, Wilson’s Creek,

Catawba River, and Linville River running through Linville Gorge, are all worth exploring. Local marinas like Rivers Edge Marina or Doc’s Marine can help you with rentals and state parks can offer non-motorized rentals. Catawba Riverkeeper’s website is a good place to start in looking for local waterway information. They also offer guided tours. Visit their website at www.catawbariverkeeper.org. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation at www.ncparks.cover/ state-parks/ has a wealth of information for exploring local state parks and waterways. The City of Hickory recently opened a portion of the Riverwalk Trail that showcases the Catawba River with an overwater bridge. It’s the longest inverted Fink truss bridge in North America. You can visit their website at www.hickorync.gov/riverwalk-information or www.hickorync. gov/city-parks for park information in our city. This is just a short list of the local attractions you can explore, but it’s a good place to start.

If you are looking for a scenic road trip, the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of natural splendor. The Parkway winds through six mountain chains and two states. From Virginia

into North Carolina, the majority of the Parkway follows the Blue Ridge Mountain range and ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC. Of course you don’t have to drive the whole thing to enjoy it. Within one and a half hours from Hickory you can be on the Parkway and drive until your heart is content! Visit www.blueridgeparkway.org for a list of waterfalls. Take a picnic and your camera. You will want to stop at overlooks often to get photos or find a grassy area for lunch.

If you prefer to head to the coast, North Carolina is known for its laidback beaches and historical sites. Cape Hatteras, on the Outer Banks, is home of the Wright brothers’ flight, wild horses running along the shores, and numerous lighthouses. Brunswick Island is a family-oriented, quiet place to enjoy the coast. Carolina Beach offers the best of both worlds with its proximity to Wilmington where you can visit the historic downtown, explore a battleship, or stroll the Riverwalk’s waterfront shops and cafes.

Embrace the outdoors this spring and summer. As you can see, you won’t run out of fun things to do!

©iStockphoto.com | Jason M. Hazard

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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.

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Spice up your grilled chicken game with this bang-up recipe – Grilled Bang Bang Chicken skewers are bathed in the most delicious sweet chili mayonnaise sauce before being tossed on the grill, and they’re done in less than 10 minutes. The Bang Bang sauce is key to creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet and spicy flavors.

Turns out that the yummy Bang Bang sauce that we all love in restaurants is super easy to make and takes grilled chicken

to another level. The key is sweet chili sauce. You can find it on the international aisle of most grocery stores, and it’s a great flavor booster to keep in the fridge. It has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor, similar to the flavor of Sweet & Sour Chicken.

If you are wondering about the title of this dish, the name is derived from the Chinese word for stick, or bàng (棒), referring to the baton or cudgel traditionally used to tenderize the meat. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are delicious served as an entrée, with a green salad or over rice. They would also be amazing at your next party, piled high on a platter.

Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Servings: 6 • Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 to 2 lbs. chicken breasts, cut into 1” bites

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

BANG BANG SAUCE:

3/4 cups mayonnaise

1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce

1 tsp. Sriracha sauce

1 Tbsp. honey

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare wooden skewers by soaking in water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add cubed chicken, olive oil and seasonings. Toss to coat. Thread 5-6 pieces of chicken on each skewer.

In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Use half of the sauce to brush over prepared chicken skewers before grilling.

Grill over direct heat for 5 minutes, then turn chicken and continue to grill for an additional 3 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°. Serve immediately, topped with additional sauce. Enjoy!