Hickory Living November 2023

Complimentary November 2023 On the Cover

Shop Local for the holidays

A Local Company with Nationwide Coverage and Competitive Pricing

pages 20–23

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contents

NOVEMBER 2023 MacAdam Smith

FEATURES

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

10 • COVER STORY Carolina West Wireless A Local Company With Nationwide Coverage And Competitive Pricing

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16 • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Physician’s Plan Weight Loss+Wellness Celebrating Patients’ Success

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

SHOP LOCAL PAGES 15 • Trending Looks For Thanksgiving Dinner 22 • Preparing For The Holidays

IN THIS ISSUE

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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6 • Welcome To The November Issue 24 • What’s Cooking?!

Mushroom and White Bean Orzo

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.

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

contributors

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Amy Casil • Kathy Wheeler Kathy Dicken

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

By Shane Greene Photography

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NOVEMBER EVENTS HICKORY

By Kathy Wheeler

November Issue!

Shop Small Saturday Downtown Hickory • Saturday, November 25 Very Murray Christmas Festival Murray’s Mill, 1489 Murray’s Mill Rd, Catawba Saturday, November 25th 10AM - 5PM Parking $5 • Visit Murray’s Mill on Facebook Hickory Community Theatre Anastasia November 24–December16 Fri & Sat at 7:30PM, Sun at 2:30PM 30 3rd St NW, Hickory hickorytheatre.org

N

ovember ushers in the holiday season. Thanksgiving on the 23rd is an opportunity to gather with family and count your blessings. There are a lot of fun things to do this month to get you in the holiday spirit. The list of local events on the right is a good place to start.

It’s an exciting time of the year!

We are tallying the votes for Hickory Living’s Best of the Foothills Readers’ Choice Awards. The winners will be announced in our December issue! Local businesses support our community in so many ways and the holiday season is a good time to bolster our economy by buying local. Hickory Living advertisers are a good place to start and you can find gift ideas starting on page 20 in our Shop Local Pages.

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The November cover story features Carolina West Wireless.

If you have been considering switching carriers, they have some incredible deals, offer great service, and fabulous rates. Read their article starting on page 10.

NEWTON Green Room Community Theatre Elf The Musical November 17–December 3 Fri. & Sat 7:30PM, Sun 3PM 10 South Main Ave., Newton www.thegreenroomtheatre.org

Physician’s Plan Weight Loss+Wellness is our Business Spotlight this month. Their weight loss patients have been achieving excellent results, and Physician’s Plans offers a menu of medical spa services as well. Their article begins on page 16.

Small Business Saturday––Newton November 25 • 10AM–5PM Downtown Newton

At Hickory Living, we are blessed and thankful for our advertisers, and you—our readers. Thank you for supporting our magazine and for reading the November issue.

VALDESE

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Crawl November 10–11 • 10AM–6PM Downtown Newton www.downtownnewton.org

Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show November 10 from 4PM–8PM November 11 from 9AM–2PM Old Rock School 400 Main St W, Valdese www.visitvaldese.com

©iStockphoto.com | jenifoto

Welcome to the

Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Union Square Downtown Hickory Friday, November 17 at 5:45PM www.hickorync.gov

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on the cover

A Local Company with Nationwide Coverage and Competitive Pricing

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

When we think about wireless services, sometimes our minds go directly to large national carriers, probably because they advertise so heavily. Having a local company that cares and is committed to great service seems so much better than a faceless company where everyone is just a number and it’s difficult to find any customer service. That’s why I was so interested to speak with Todd Elledge at Carolina West Wireless. I learned that not only is it possible for a local company to provide excellent wireless connectivity and exceptional customer service, they can and do offer competitive prices.

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Director of marketing Todd Elledge told me that Carolina West Wireless not only offers all types of phones, tablets, and connective devices for the greater Catawba Valley area, they also provide several options in competitive wireless plans for individuals and families. The company has also successfully deployed 5G throughout the greater Catawba Valley, providing faster connectivity for customers. Their continuing commitment to customer service has enabled the business to win Best Cellular Service Provider awards from newspaper reader polls in the area for a number of years.

Photos:

On the cover–Andria Lycoff, retail store manager for the Hickory location and Barbara Proctor (right), director of consumer sales for Carolina West Wireless and Bark Mobile.

Opposite page–Carolina West Wireless Hickory location Pictured left–Andria Lycoff and her team are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and delivering the Carolina West Wireless and Bark Mobile promise of great value.

Support For Local Business Needs Carolina West Wireless also offers business-friendly plans that are especially tailored toward the needs of local businesses. Businesses can contact their Business Pro Representative Mariah Phillips and discuss the wireless plans that will give them the best value and efficiency.

Carolina West Wireless offers several options that can boost business efficiency, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. They offer the IoT Connect platform that helps businesses to quickly detect and respond to any equipment or infrastructure issues. A restaurant could use the IoT platform to notify them if they have a loss of refrigeration. Pharmacies and florists can use IoT sensors to maintain temperature for medications and floral stock. Other businesses can use IoT devices to track and monitor vehicles and inventory.

With so many uses, “Carolina West is on the cutting edge of IoT technology,” Todd Elledge said.

Clearstream Wireless Internet Carolina West Wireless is able to reach both rural and in-town customers through its Clearstream service. Jackie Mallory, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, explained that Clearstream offers wireless internet to in-town and in rural areas.

Currently, customers with basic connectivity needs can get Clearstream Lite service for only $15 a month for 12 months. Customers with higher connectivity needs can get regular Clearstream service for $20 a month for 12 months.

Holiday Deals and Specials If you’ve been thinking about switching wireless providers, Todd Elledge said that starting November 1, if you switch to Carolina West Wireless and trade in selected devices, you can get a free iPhone 15. Their Black Friday Deals which start November 1 also include getting a $100 gift card for each new line you establish up to $400.

Three Decades of Service After more than 30 years serving the community, Carolina West Wireless remains locally owned. “We’re a better alternative to the major carriers,” said Todd Elledge. He explained their mission and vision to me, sharing that they have a customized customer-centric strategic focus, and one-on-one customer service that the larger providers can’t compete with.

That’s not all: Todd shared that if you buy any iPhone, you will get an iPad and an Apple Watch for free. Think about this incredible Black Friday deal available in November when you’re looking for gifts, especially for family members.

Carolina West Wireless branches out to 11 counties in the area, and has continuously improved its services and offerings since its founding in 1991. In addition to Catawba, they also provide service to Allegheny, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Rutherford, Surry, Watauga, and Wilkes counties. They have approximately 30 retail locations and about 130 local employees. Some Carolina West locations are corporate stores, while others are independently owned.

I asked him how much that was worth. “It’s a value of over $6,700,” he said.

“There’s never been a better time to switch carriers,” Todd said. “A family of four can switch; get a new iPhone 15; a new iPad and an Apple watch, plus $400 in gift cards.”

If you’re considering switching wireless plans, Carolina West Wireless has another great special: if a customer has a device already, they can bring it and their number and save $585 on select unlimited plans. Todd also answered my question as an unsophisticated wireless customer: “Yes, you can keep your number if you switch companies.”

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Going Local With A Company That Cares Sometimes people prefer to shop locally and support local businesses that also support the community with the knowledge that they may pay a little extra. That’s not the case with Carolina West Wireless. Carolina West Wireless supports community organizations and teams throughout their service territory, including in Hickory. Their Communication For Education program will donate 3% of your bill to any school of your choice at no cost to you. You can sign up for this program via their website.

Along with offering their wireless services and products found in their easy-to-shop retail stores, Carolina West Wireless is a sponsor and supporter of the Chamber of Catawba County. They’re also the sponsors of and the official wireless provider for the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears and Hickory Crawdads.

Carolina West Wireless supports the community and also offers reasonably-priced services, including deals that reach customers with basic connectivity needs. Being local and serving the area may give people the idea that Carolina West only serves its 11 counties in North Carolina, but that’s not the case. They are a locally owned and operated company that provides national wireless coverage, and this year they are looking forward to launching international coverage.

“The personal support and service we provide are second to none,” said Jackie Mallory, chief marketing and sales officer.

With their convenient and well-maintained stores offering the latest in wireless devices, accessories, and products, Carolina West Wireless also offers expert, local customer service and support. If you’re not already a Carolina West Wireless customer, you can take advantage of their excellent specials during the month of November, including affordable deals for Clearstream wireless services, and amazing deals offering a new iPhone 15 along with a free iPad and Apple Watch.

Photos, top to bottom

• It’s not just about smartphones and tablets. Carolina West’s services for home/office phones are also available at a great deal and a perfect solution for a small business, farm, or anywhere voice connectivity is needed.

• Get the latest wearables like the Apple Watch 9−in stock and ready to go.

• Carolina West Wireless and Bark Mobile provide one-stop shopping for the accessories you want and need.

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Are you looking for a locally owned wireless company with great service, great prices, and local support? Carolina West Wireless and their staff offer it all and there is no better time to switch your wireless service than this holiday season.

www.carolinawest.com 1710 US Hwy 70 SE • Hickory, NC 28602 MON-SAT: 9AM - 6PM SUN: Closed

828 322-5770

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business spotlight

Photos:

Left–Physician’s Plan Weight Loss+Wellness loves celebrating patients’ success!

Below–Aestheticians offer free med-spa consultations for addressing patient concerns.

Heather Cody, medical aesthetician, performs one of her favorite treatments––RF Microneedling.

Medical aestheticians Britney Ayers and Heather Cody offer an array of medical grade skincare products.

Celebrating Patients’ Success!

By Kathy Wheeler | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

With fast-paced lifestyles, stress, and sometimes, a less-than-ideal diet, many people are concerned with losing weight and improving their health and appearance. When I talked with Shaffney Beaver, clinical director for Physician’s Plan, she shared news about medications making a big difference for many patients. GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, are changing the weight loss industry in a really positive way. Physician’s Plan offers weight loss, aesthetic and med spa services to help their patients reach their overall wellness goals.

Semaglutide––A Weight Loss Game Changer Exploring semaglutide as a weightloss option can be a significant step 16

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in your journey towards shedding unwanted pounds. Semaglutide, an obesity medication administered through injections, has shown promise when coupled with a balanced diet and regular exercise. In order to help you make informed decisions about its potential benefits for your weight-loss goals, they’ve answered seven questions their patients frequently ask: How often do I need to take semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a weekly injection. It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen. The dosing of the medication is adjusted based on your individual results and experience as determined by your medical provider.

Photos:

Left–Before and after photos of a Physician’s Plan weight loss patient. With their help, this patient achieved great results. He is down 67.2 pounds with semaglutide!

(Photos provided by Physician’s Plan)

What are the possible side effects of semaglutide?

Semaglutide can cause mild to moderate side effects, such as injection site reactions, nausea, constipation, and headaches. Our patients’ journey is closely monitored to ensure the best results with minimal side effects.

How long will it take to see results?

Results vary for each patient, but most begin to notice positive changes within the first week or two. It’s important to remember that semaglutide is not a quick fix and should be used with proper diet and exercise for the best results.

What other lifestyle changes should I make while taking semaglutide?

We help our patients make lifestyle changes like eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular physical activity to accelerate their weight loss journey.

Keeping a food journal helps our patients stay on top of their nutrition and helps us guide progress through positive feedback ensuring forward progress toward weight-loss goals.

The Physician’s Plan program supports patients throughout their weight loss journey by providing nutritional support, accountability, weekly checkins, weigh-ins, injections, nutritional product support and lifestyle coaching.

Shaffney says, “These changes don’t happen overnight, so having the support of the caring team at Physician’s Plan makes a big difference.”

What’s the difference between semaglutide and other medications for obesity?

Semaglutide is a newer medication for weight loss that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020. It acts as an appetite suppressant, which means it can help you feel fuller longer. Unlike some weight-loss medications, semaglutide is taken only once weekly and can help you achieve long-term weight loss.

New patients at Physician’s Plan walk through an individualized discovery session to build their plan uniquely for their specific needs. Understanding a patient’s goals, challenges, and strengths help us define the best road map to reach their goals.

“Many of our patients have seen excellent results,” Shaffney said. She mentioned patients who have been on the verge of being diabetic. Others may have needed to lose weight to relieve

back or knee pain. Some patients have reduced their blood pressure and been able to reduce or discontinue their blood pressure medication. Combined with nutritional counseling and lifestyle changes, people are not only losing weight, they are making long-term changes to benefit both their health and appearance.

Schedule Your Consultation “If people have never been in before,” Shaffney said, “now is a great time to see how we can help you.” Physician’s Plan offers free consultations for weight loss, aesthetic and med spa services.

With the holidays approaching fast, Shaffney said that November is a great time to schedule your appointment to get started. Visit www.physiciansplan. com for more information and to book your appointment. Our Physician’s Plan team is looking forward to helping you be your own success story.

Physician’s Plan Weight Loss + Wellness 1706 US Hwy 70 SE • Hickory, NC 828-485-2833 www.physiciansplan.com Follow Us On Instagram hickory_physiciansplan HICKORY LIVING • NOVEMBER 2023

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Shop Local for the holidays

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Unique Gifts For the Holidays

Photo at top of page–©iStockphoto.com | adogslifephoto

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©iStockphoto.com | gpointstudio

By Kathy Wheeler

This is the season for decorating for the holidays, giving gifts, and entertaining. Don’t let your to-do-list overwhelm you to the point that you forget the most important part— spending time with friends and family.

The key to enjoying the holidays is to be prepared, start early, and look for ways to share the experience with those you love.

Time is our most precious commodity, so use the time you spend preparing as an opportunity to get together with others. Maybe you can invite someone who normally doesn’t decorate or doesn’t have the room to decorate to 22

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help with your own festivities, or you could assist an older family member with getting their home holiday-ready.

They will enjoy the company. If you love the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, it’s even more fun with friends!

End the shopping trip with a lunch to discuss your finds. Holiday cookies, not only make great gifts, but baking them can be another shared opportunity. Whether you bake together, or have each person bake several batches for a cookie exchange, you can trade favorite recipes, learn new techniques, and receive a variety for gift giving!

You get the idea…everything is better when shared. Whatever you enjoy,

invite friends and family with similar interests along for the fun.

Look for new and different holiday events you haven’t attended before to enjoy with friends. The Hickory Landmarks Society and Hickory History Center offer different events throughout the season that you might enjoy. The next few months are full of possibilities!

Gift Ideas Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you get to experience instead of keep.

Season tickets or memberships to community theaters and other per-

Shop Local for the holidays

Unique Gifts For the Holidays

Shop Local!

forming arts support our active art scene and give families something fun to do. Performances presented by the Hickory Community Theatre, Green Room Community Theatre, Hickory Choral Society, and Western Piedmont Symphony and others can be an enjoyable evening for a family or a season filled with fun! Memberships to the Catawba Science Center are great for young families and checkout the classes, events, and exhibits offered by Hickory Museum of Art. You can also

find unique gifts handcrafted by local artists in HMA’s gift shop.

For someone who loves to shop, a gift cards from their favorite boutique is perfect. Spa gift certificates are always welcome to those who spend a lot of time taking care of others. It’s a chance for them to relax and take care of themselves. Those with special interests and hobbies might enjoy a favorite magazine subscription. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. For new-

lyweds, consider asking everyone attending the Thanksgiving meal to bring a treasured ornament to give to the couple, adding a bit of history to their collection.

A little thought about a person’s interests and needs can go a long way in choosing a gift they will love. However, the most valuable gift is creating memories with those you love.

Enjoy the holidays!

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What’s Cooking?

this skillet recipe is perfect for any vegetarian guests you might have coming to dinner over the holidays or anytime.

Mushroom and White Bean Orzo Servings: 4 • Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound mixed mushrooms - stems removed and roughly chopped 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large shallots, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock ¼ cup dry white wine 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped 1 (14 oz.) can cannellini beans - drained and rinsed ¼ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

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.

Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Orzo

On cool fall evenings, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of pasta for dinner. But instead of serving your family the ordinary bowl of spaghetti, you should try this simple, one-pot Mushroom and White Bean Orzo. It elevates the ordinary bowl of pasta to something special!

Sauteed mushrooms, shallots and spinach combine with orzo pasta and hearty cannellini beans to make a lovely entree or side dish. The mushrooms add meatiness and the beans add a creamy note without adding dairy. Simple but elegant, 24

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INSTRUCTIONS Heat olive oil in a large skillet over High heat. When oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and season with salt & pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. (Resist the urge to stir, as this allows mushrooms to brown.) Then reduce heat to Medium High, stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes more as mushrooms further caramelize.

Reduce the heat to Medium and stir in the butter, garlic, shallots, and thyme. Allow to cook for about 3 more minutes.

Next, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds while adding the white wine and scraping the tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add in orzo and the 2 cups of broth. Bring to a simmer over Medium Low heat, and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-11 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed, and the pasta is tender.

Add chopped spinach. Continue to cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the beans, cover the pan for another couple minutes, to warm the beans. Serve warm, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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