SEPTEMBER 2024
Welcome to the September Issue
By Kathy Wheeler
As the summer season winds down, the events amp up. Our area is filled with free concerts, Downtown Hickory Art Crawl, Footcandle Film Festival, and the Historic Morganton Festival. You will find the details on these fun, September events on pages eight of this issue.
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead and the holidays. We have a special Fix it up for Fall section with informational articles and advertisers who can help keep your home in tip-top shape starting on page 19.
Voting for The Best of the Foothills starts September 1st! This is Hickory Living’s readers’ choice awards. Let your favorite businesses know that you appreciate their services, products, and community involvement by voting for them. Details are on page 25.
Our September cover story features Strategic Wellness Center and owner, Diana Williams, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP. Diana has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and is certified as a functional medicine provider through the Institute of Functional Medicine. Strategic Wellness works with clients to find the root
cause of health conditions and offers other services. Read more about her practice starting on page 10.
If you haven’t been to Settlemyre Nursery, it should be on your to-do-list to visit! They offer beautiful landscaping plants and materials for both commercial landscapers and home owners alike. Need to add some fall color to your front porch? Settlemyre has beautiful mums! Read their article on page 16.
Thank you for reading the September issue of Hickory Living. We hope you enjoy the month!
©iStockphoto.com | Andrea Migliarini
LIVINGHickory
SEPTEMBER
EVENTS
HICKORY
SEPTEMBER
The Sails Original Music Series
Downtown Union Square, Hickory • Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concerts begin at 7PM
September 6: Certainly So
September 13: Damn the Banjos
September 21: Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues
September 27: Jacoozy www.hickorync.gov/sails-original-music-series
Jazz Legacy Concert Series with Rick Cline
Downtown Union Square, Hickory • Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concerts 2-4PM
September 1: Troy Conn, Mike Holstein, and Byron Hedgepeth
September 8: Maria Howell and Noel Friedline
September 15: Byron Bean Dixieland www.hickoryjazzsociety.com
Art Crawl – September 19, 5PM–8PM
Four walkable blocks in Downtown Hickory. Enjoy demos, music, and original pottery, paintings, woodworking, photography, and more! Kick-Off Party at 5PM at Full Circle Arts, 42B 3rd St. NW.
Footcandle Film Fesival – September 20th–28th
Visit the website for lineup and tickets: www.footcandlefilmfestival.com
MORGANTON
SEPTEMBER 6, 7
Historic Morganton Festival
Downtown Morganton • September 6 and 7, Friday, 12–11PM & Saturday, 9AM–10PM. Over a mile of craft vendors, three stages, kid’s zone, food vendors, rides, and games. Bring a lawn chair for music on the Courthouse Square Stage:
Friday, 7:30–9PM: Brandon Bethel
Friday, 9:30–11PM: Drake Milligan
Saturday, 7–8PM: Chris Taylor & The Rumor Saturday, 8:30–10PM: Boy Band Review morgantonfest.org
on the cover
Feel Good. Look Good. Do Good.
By Amy Casil
Imagine seeing a highly-qualified medical practitioner who would spend all the time necessary to learn what you needed. What if they could help you to feel and look your best and be in balance, physically, mentally, and spiritually?
You don’t have to imagine this. Welcome to the world of functional medicine and one of its most committed and outstanding practitioners, Diana Williams, founder of Strategic Wellness Center in Hickory.
“A pill for every ill is easy,” Diana said, summing up the differences between conventional medicine and functional
medicine. “But root causes require more complexity and attention to address.”
Diana’s Personal Journey
Looking at Diana today, serene and glowing with health and vitality, it’s hard to imagine that at only age 32, shortly after the birth of her second daughter, Diana had a chronic skin condition, anxiety, digestive issues, joint aches and pains, and several other related and challenging health issues. Seeking help through conventional medicine and a variety of specialists, Diana began to take prescribed medication after medication. At one time, she was on six different medica-
Photo by Stephanie Wiseman Photography
tions, yet her health wasn’t improving. Then Diana sought help through functional medicine, which addressed the “why” of her health challenges, not the “what.”
Diana received a personalized program of supplements, a specialized diet, and vitamins. Through functional medicine, she achieved hormonal balance, increased energy levels, and significant improvement in her skin condition.
This journey resulted in Diana’s commitment to functional medicine. Today, she has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duke University and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Western Carolina University and two Bachelors of Science (BSN) degrees in Nursing and Pre-Med from Lenoir Rhyne and North Greenville University. She is a certified Functional Medicine Provider through the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFMCP).
She founded Strategic Wellness Center in 2018 and today, it has grown to two locations and 12 practitioners. Strategic Wellness Center can assist any client with a chronic health condition, with particular expertise in hormonal imbalances. In addition to treating complex medical conditions like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmunity, and adrenal imbalances, Diana specializes in the brain-ovarian axis, which influences conditions like PMS and PCOS, as well as infertility and endometriosis.
How Does Functional Medicine Work at Strategic Wellness Center?
Today, many people are accustomed to seeing a medical practitioner for a few minutes at most and receiving a prescription... or more than one. Functional medicine focuses on addressing the root causes of health challenges rather than prescribing medication to treat symptoms.
“We see patients from menarche to end of life,” Diana said. The Center can see any patient which has a chronic condition, including not just hormonal disorders, but also diabetes, hypertension, and many other increasingly common health challenges. “Our clients are seeking a different approach, not just a medication to treat their symptoms. We help them find the root cause of why they became ill in the first place and help the body to heal”
Diana also mentioned that the Center conducts BIA (Body Impedence Analysis) which will analyze the body’s percentages of muscle vs. fat, and also how much visceral fat is present, along with other forms of lab testing. “We use very advanced lab testing,” Diana said, aiding in developing wellness programs and medically supervised weight loss that include nutrition coaching and frequent check-ins to ensure that everyone is feeling better.
Photos:
On the cover–Diana Williams, founder of Strategic Wellness Center (Photo by Stephanie Wiseman Photography)
Opposite page–Specializing in Functional Medicine, Strategic sells supplements and organic skin care
Pictured above:
• Diana prepping a patient for IV therapy
• The comfortable and relaxing waiting room at Strategic Wellness Center
Photo by Stephanie Wiseman Photography
Photo by Lisa Crates Photography
Photos:
Pictured above:
• Diana meeting with a client for testing
• A customer stopped in to purchase supplements and skincare at Strategic Wellness.
• Esthetician Meredith Isenhour performing a laser treatment.
A Transformation in Wellness and Patient Experiences
Diana explained that Strategic Wellness Center has transformed the office visit, offering patients hope, guidance, accountability and motivation. “We have seen over 90% improvement in symptoms among over 2,000 patients,” she said. This impressive result comes from the way that functional medicine works. The Center also addresses the patients look and their approach to life. “We are a faith-based company,” Diana said. “We focus on the mind, body and spirit.”
Strategic Wellness Center not only offers assistance with chronic health conditions, but also OptiFit Weight Loss management and functional aesthetics, including anti-aging services, injections, and skin texture and pigmentation treatments. They offer organic facials as well as laser treatments, RF microneedling, and a variety of other effective rejuvenation and skin protective services such as HydraFacials.
The staff at Strategic Wellness Center are a strong, patientfocused team who each focus on different areas of health and wellness, and that includes Katie Walsh, a board-certified physician assistant (PA) from Charlotte, NC, Registered Nurses Sarah Davis, Brittni Herman, and Meredith Isenhour, Esthetician. Life Coach Catherine Lundberg offers coaching that can help clients to achieve their best lives.
An Investment In Your Best Life
Diana talked with me about how people can become isolated and lack hope when struggling with chronic health conditions, and the Center seeks to help break down that isolation through coaching and support.
However, she added that functional medicine remains ineligible for many different insurance plans, and that patients should be aware that it’s an investment in their best lives. Strategic Wellness Center offers complimentary discovery calls. They can tell prospective patients the lab tests that can assist them and conditions they are able to treat. The complimentary discovery call will also inform patients of options for financing and costs for treatment.
Learning More, Looking Better, Feeling Better
Strategic Wellness Center 315 1st Ave NW Suite 102, Hickory (828) 838-1225 strategicwellnesscenter.com
“Changing people’s mindset starts with education,” Diana said. “We have the science to get into biohacking.” Strategic Wellness Center, a leader in functional medicine, can treat underlying health conditions as it builds wellness and help people live longer, better lives. The Center can improve external appearance through functional medicine and medical aesthetics, and ultimately, build spiritual strength and resilience through coaching, education, and support. As Diana said, “Our vision is to enhance how people feel and perform, enabling them to become better individuals, parents, spouses, and friends,”
Photo by Stephanie Wiseman Photography
Photo by Lisa Crates Photography
Photo by Lisa Photography
Photo by Lisa Crates Photography
business spotlight
Has All Your Fall Gardening Needs
By Amy Casil | Photos provided
The fall months are excellent times to plant, especially larger projects like total landscape renovations and privacy borders. When I spoke with Beth Lane, Settlemyre Nursery’s Sales Manager, she gave me some helpful tips about gardening in September and October. “Fall is a great time to focus on landscaping,” she said.
Owners Brandon Settlemyre and his wife Michelle are carrying on the family tradition started back in 1973 by Brandon’s grandfather and father. Flash-forward to 2024 and Settlemyre Nursery is the largest ornamental retail nursery in western North Carolina. With over 10 acres of growing fields and a four acre garden center, the nursery not only offers plants, trees, and shrubs, it is a full-service nursery that will help with anything from plant selection and seasonal garden-
themed gifts to landscaping design and installation.
Fall Themes and To-Dos in the Garden
If you love mums, now is the time to head to Settlemyre Nursery and pick out your favorite bright, cheerful fall colors. Fall also brings a chance to decorate your porch with other favorites like pumpkins, cornstalks and pansies. Browse their full catalog online.
Beth said, “Thousands of pumpkins and corn stalks will arrive in mid-September,” along with straw bales. Visit the nursery to stock up on your fall decorations. For the best selection of Heirloom pumpkins or Jack-O-Lanterns, visit by mid-October. Later in October, you’ll find a great selection of pansies for beds of colors or container plantings to give you Winter color.
Photos
: Left to right
• Visit Settlemyre Nursery for all of your fall landscaping and outside decor.
• A massive selection of mums and pansies
• They offer a huge selection of Fat Alberta Blue Spruce and shrubs for your landscape.
• About mid-September, Settlemyre Nursery will have thousands of pumkins, corn stalks, and straw bales.
The nursery is packed with a great selection of flowering shrubs, plants, and trees even in the cooler months. The sales staff is fully trained to help you with whatever project you have in mind, no matter how big or small. Visit Settlemyre Nursery today for an amazing experience.
Landscape Design and Services
Settlemyre Nursery offers professional landscape design services, from general, same-day sketches to more detailed offerings.
“Sketch-and-Go” is the most popular choice that includes a quick design for your landscape. You can take your new plants home the same day with this free and easy option. Call or click Landscape Design on their website for more details.
Scaled drawings are a more detailed birds-eye view, and they are drawn by the design team to
scale based on mature sizes of plants. The nursery also offers a premium level of digital computer design, which includes detailed renderings that will show exactly how your house and landscape will look after the new plants, shrubs and trees have grown and matured. You can have your plants, shrubs, and trees delivered or installed with each option, and you can also schedule on-site consultations at your home to ensure that your landscape
will look beautiful and thrive. On site consultations offer great value, where their experts will walk your property with you, discuss your landscape, develop ideas, and give advice.
The Settlemyre Nursery Value
For over 51 years, Settlemyre Nursery has been building relationships in Western North Carolina. They have added automations to their production facility, better improving their crops.
Their website allows clients to buy online and pick up at the nursery. “Our latest perk is our Rewards Program. Clients earn 5% back on all purchases and are able to use the rewards on future purchases,” said Beth. The team at Settlemyre Nursery is so excited to help you. Plan your visit now!
Settlemyre Nursery 828-874-0679
1387 Drexel Road, Valdese www.settlemyrenursery.com
LIVINGHickory
Fix It Up FALL
September ushers in the first day of fall! With milder temperatures on the horizon and the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the updates and repairs you want to make to your home. Soon, you will be spending more time indoors and entertaining for the holidays. How is your kitchen working for you? Does your home need to be more organized? If you plan on doing any remodeling, you will likely want that work completed before Thanksgiving.
There’s more to fall maintenance than raking leaves. Preparing your home for winter is essential, and ensuring all systems are in top shape can prevent issues during the colder months. Scheduling an HVAC and roof inspection now can help you avoid potential problems. If you plan to use your fireplace, be sure to take safety precautions: check your carbon monoxide and fire alarms, and consider having your chimney inspected.
Don’t overlook your outdoor spaces! With a few simple additions, you can enjoy your landscape yearround. Set up string lights, arrange comfortable seating, and add a fire feature to create a cozy outdoor retreat. Brighten the area with potted evergreens and pansies for privacy and color. Even if you don’t spend much time outside, it’s a refreshing change of scenery during the winter.
Regular maintenance is crucial not just for protecting your investment, but also for ensuring your comfort. In this section of Hickory Living, we have advice and professionals to help you get your home ready for winter.
Fall Home Maintenance
A leaky roof, frozen pipes, or a heating and air system failure is no fun to deal with, but especially troublesome in the middle of winter. Being an established customer with plumbers, HVAC professionals, and roofers help you during emergencies and with general maintenance issues. Protecting your home from the elements and keeping your systems in working order are one of the most important tasks you have as a homeowner.
Get a roof inspection
Snow sitting on your roof or heavy rain can reveal problem areas. Leaks left unchecked, can cause mold and mildew, damage to insulation, sheet rock, and the structure itself.
A roof inspection by a roofing contractor can provide early detection to prevent major damage to your home. They will inspect for missing, or damaged shingles, and flashing for rust, cracks, and separation. If you have asphalt shingles, granule loss happens over time and you may need new shingles.
Debris sitting on your roof captures moisture and could
cause damage. Contractors also inspect your roof for soft and low areas and your gutters for clogs and sagging.
If you are tired of climbing ladders to clean your gutters, consider installing guards for your gutters. Some of the advantages are you don’t have to clean them as often and they prevent birds and insects from building nests in your gutters. In general, they keep the water flowing freely away from your home and prolong the life of your gutters.
HVAC Inspection
Regular HVAC inspections are essential for maintaining energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. By scheduling inspections at least twice a year, you can avoid many common problems and ensure your system operates smoothly throughout the year.
Malfunctioning components can cause the system to work harder than necessary, increasing energy costs and reducing comfort levels. If you want to stay cozy this winter, call a heating and air specialist this fall to inspection and maintain your system.
Fall To-Do-List
Home
Clean gutters
Check roof for repairs
Caulk around windows
Check weather stripping
Clean chimney
Service heating and air system
Drain garden hoses and store away
Shut off valve to outdoor faucets and drain or insulate them
Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
Replace furnace filters
Clean humidifiers
Switch the direction of ceiling fans to clockwise
Launder all bedding and clean curtains
Clean carpets
Declutter
Store or cover grill, ourdoor furniture and umbrellas
Lawn
Trim trees
Rake leaves
Sow grass seed between mid-September and end of October depending on the weather.
Aerate your lawn
Apply pre-emergent if you aren’t sowing grass
Drain your irrigation system
Sharpen your yard tools and store them for winter
LIVINGHickory
LIVINGHickory
What’s Cooking?
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.
Air Fryer
Salmon Bite Bowls
Tender seasoned salmon bites served with fluffy rice, sliced avocado and steamed broccoli topped with a spicy Sriracha mayo compose this delicious salmon rice bowl that will be your new favorite air fryer dish. Simply chop salmon into bite sized cubes, toss in olive oil and a simple seasoning mixture and cook in the air fryer for 7 minutes. So easy!
The beauty of this salmon bowl is you can make it your own. Switch up or change any of the ingredients you would like. We
like to add steamed rice, broccoli and avocado to ours, but cucumber, shredded carrots and edamame make tasty additions, too.
Trust me, once you taste this salmon you’ll be hooked. It’s made with such simple ingredients but tastes like it came straight from your favorite sushi restaurant
Air Fryer Salmon Bite Bowls
Servings: 2 • Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. skinless salmon filet, cut in 1-inch cubes
2 tsps. olive oil
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 avocado
1 bag (8 oz.) microwave broccoli florets
1 bag (8.8 oz.) microwave jasmine rice
SRIRACHO MAYO
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Sriracha (more if you like it spicy!)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the air fryer to 400⁰. Pat salmon dry, remove skin and chop into 1 inch cubes. Make the seasoning mixture by combining the dry spices: paprika, cumin, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Drizzle salmon with the olive oil and toss the cubes in the seasoning mixture. Once preheated, cook salmon in the air fryer for 7 minutes. While that cooks, mix up the Sriracha Mayo and microwave your rice and broccoli. Serve the salmon over steamed rice with broccoli and sliced avocado and drizzled with Sriracha Mayo. But it’s equally tasty over salad or tucked into tacos or wraps. Enjoy!
NOTE
When I place my salmon in the preheated air fryer, I place it on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the air fryer. It makes cleanup a breeze.
