2025
Welcome to the
November Issue
ith the arrival of November, I think it’s safe to say that the countdown to the holiday season has officially begun. It’s always been a toss-up for me as far as which holiday I look forward to the most – Thanksgiving or Christmas. To solve that conflict, I’ve decided to apply a well-worn rule. Just like you’re not supposed to pick favorites amongst your children (or relatives, or pets or whatever applies best), I’m not picking favorites this year. I love them both equally and plan to celebrate them both to the hilt. That means that I will do everything within my power, once again, to skate out of cooking the Thanksgiving bird (I’m on about a 25-year streak that I don’t want to ruin), and I will overdo the number of Christmas trees in my new house, now that I have a large front porch, an even larger back patio and one particular
By Lori Helms
corner in my living area just screaming for about a 20-footer.
While the mere thought of the approaching holidays always fills me with hope, the thought of gift giving, well, not so much. I’m terrible when it comes to that, mostly because I’m just not an avid shopper (that’s my husband’s job, and he completely revels in it). Fortunately for me, our “elves” on staff have come up with some great local holiday ideas to help make the season bright. Check them out on Page 14.
And I think we can all agree that the best gift of all – and not just at the holidays – is the gift of good health. When it comes to finding the right folks to help you along that path, there’s no need to look any further than the pharmacists, technicians and support staff at HealthSmart Pharmacy in Newton. On Page 10, we’ll introduce you to owner and pharmacist Melinda
Long Travis, as well as the team at her independent, community-focused pharmacy who have been providing medications and specialized services for their patients for 25 years. Providing everything from delivery services to medication synchronization to packaging multiple medications to help keep patients on track with what they’re taking, the focus of the HealthSmart team is on you.
Hoping this issue finds you getting into the holiday spirit as much as I am. I think we can all find something to be thankful for this year, and even more reasons to spread that thankfulness and joy through the rest of the year. I’m thankful for you as one of our readers, it’s why we do what we do. Enjoy this month’s read!
— LH
Lori Helms Editor lori@lncurrents.com
on the cover
Above: HealthSmart staff (from left) Megan Deese, Heather Hildebran, Kim Camp, Melinda Travis, Anita Aguirre and Ryan Lutz.
Right: Bailey Witherspoon waits on a customer at the drive-thru.
A legacy of community and personalized service
Contributed by Melinda Long Travis
Community pharmacies are part of the backbone of many cities and towns across the country. Independent pharmacies that are part of the HealthSmart Pharmacy group have been serving the local Catawba Valley and Mooresville area in one form or another for more than 50 years.
The HealthSmart in Newton is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. They opened their doors as Medicap Pharmacy on October 13, 2000. According to Melinda Long Travis, the
pharmacist and owner, lots of changes have come and gone in the past 25 years, but the one constant is the connection to the community.
“The best thing about working in a pharmacy is being able to help people with their health through all kinds of situations.” Travis says. “It is a privilege to have people trust you to take care of them and their families through the years and through health issues big and small.”
Photography by Shane Greene Photography
on the cover
As independent community pharmacies, they own and work at stores in the area they live in, so their patients are their friends and neighbors. The consistency of being in a location long term is knowing people when they come in, calling them by name, and being aware of their health history.
“My very first customer still gets her prescriptions filled here, so I know at least the past 25 years of her medical history. I know about her family and where she lives. I feel she is a friend as well as a patient. At HealthSmart, our goal is to get to know the people who visit our stores and to foster a relationship with them that extends beyond their medications. We are community-driven, and we strive to bring the best customer service to our patients, along with being a part of the place we live and work. We rely on our people, and our people rely on us,” says Travis.
HealthSmart provides many health services including vaccines with minimal wait time. They offer local delivery, which helps many of their patients who may not have transportation to the pharmacy. HealhSmart can package a patient’s medications into a weekly bubble pack with directions on how and when to
take the medications. This system allows patients who may be on multiple medications, or who need extra help with taking their medications, to ensure that they are getting the right medications at the right time. It makes it easier to take their medications, and in some cases to help them remember if they have already taken them as well.
The pharmacy also offers medication synchronization. This is a program where the pharmacy works to line up a patient’s prescriptions so they can pick up all their medications on a 30-day or 90-day cycle. This makes it convenient for the patients and helps them stay adherent to their medication regimen.
At the heart of what HealthSmart does is create and maintain that close connection to the patients and community. Both Travis and Andrea Busbee Ramsey, who runs the Claremont HealthSmart, have fathers who are pharmacists and have filled prescriptions for patients in the area for many years.
“We are so blessed to have the foundation of pharmacists who have paved the way for us to be successful,” says Travis.
A mini pharmacy historical collection contains interesting prescription bottles and local memorabilia.
In striving to provide the best service to their patients, they rely heavily on their dedicated and caring staff. One of the pharmacists, Adriana Rodriguez, started working as a pharmacy technician at HealthSmart about 16 years ago and decided she wanted to go to pharmacy school. She now has her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is working in Newton as a pharmacist. She is bilingual and is crucial in helping them provide for their Spanish-speaking population.
The other pharmacists are Susie Holder and Alma Rhyne. Holder’s father and brother are both pharmacists in the area. The hard-working technicians are Megan Deese, Ryan Lutz, Heather Hildebran, Kim Camp and Bailey Witherspoon. Anita Aguirre is a technician who has worked at several independent pharmacies in the area and has extensive experience managing pharmacies and works to “keep us all straight,” according to Travis.
With such personable and competent staff, it’s easy to see why HealthSmart Pharmacy has achieved such success over time. The services they offer are top-notch, but they are particularly proud of the individual connections they have made with their patients, both new and long-therm.
“I am always amazed when a patient who I filled medications for as a baby drives up to the drive-thru window to pick up their order as an adult,” says Travis. “I mean, wow! We can be there for our patients through lots of milestones — good times and tough times. In our pharmacy, we have all ages of patients, from 1 to 100. We even fill lots of prescriptions for pets. It is so cool, and such a privilege to be able to help the whole family. Hopefully we will be able to do this for many years to come!”
Certified technician Megan Deese administers a vaccine. Will Wallace and Melinda Long Travis R.Ph.
Pictured, top to bottom: The ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening celebration in October 2000.
Holidays In Hickory
UPCOMING EVENTS
Compiled By Shannon O’Donnell
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Miracle Pop Up at City Walk Brewing’s No Entry Lounge
November 18th – December 31st
Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit. Hours & more info: https://citywalkbrewing.com/miracle
Lowes Foods Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Friday, November 21st
The festivities begin at 5:45pm with the Fallen Soldiers kicking off the official parade at 6pm. Immediately following the parade through downtown, Santa will light the tree on Union Square. Enjoy holiday music, shopping specials, and more!
https://www.hickorync.gov/christmasparade
25th Annual Hickory Turkey Trot Saturday, November 22nd
The Hickory Foundation YMCA’s 2025 TURKEY TROT 5K, 10K, & Fun Run will be held on Saturday, November 22nd. *To be guaranteed a t-shirt in your size on race day, you must register by November 9th https://www.ymcacv.org/turkeytrot
Morganton Farmer’s Market – Holiday Market
Saturday, November 22nd
Hours are 9am-2pm – located at 111 North Green Street.
Christmas Comes to Conover
Saturday, November 22nd
Get ready to experience the magic of the
holiday season as Christmas comes alive in downtown Conover! Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, Winter Market, Yule Food Fest and more. This event is sponsored by Conover Community Partners, in collaboration with the Conover Farmers Market. 10am – 3pm
Winter Carnival – Morganton Saturday, November 22nd.
Held in Downtown Morganton at Courthouse Square from 2:30 to 6:30. Visit Santa, ice carving, lighting of downtown and more.
Santa Claus Visits Morganton
Starts Saturday, November 22nd
Visit Santa on the Historic Burke County Courthouse Square in Downtown Morganton. Santa will be working away in his workshop on the square, ready for visits.
November 22nd, 28th and 29th.
December 5th, 6th, 12th 13th, 19th and 20th
Downtown Morganton Carriage Rides
Starts Saturday, November 22nd
Downtown Morganton will host carriage rides for the 2025 holiday season. Located at Courthouse Square. 5:30-9pm. Cost $3-$5
November 22nd, 28th and 29th.
December 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th
Holidaypalooza
Saturday, November 22nd
The City of Hickory and HDDA present HOLIDAYPALOOZA on Union Square in Downtown Hickory from 11am-1pm.
Shop Small Saturday Saturday, November 29th.
Shop Small Saturday is the first Saturday
after Thanksgiving. Shop local and support our small businesses!
DECEMBER EVENTS
3rd Annual Hickory Christmas Show
December 5th – 7th
The 3rd Annual Hickory Christmas Show returns to the Hickory Metro Convention Center. With over 200 unique vendors, live stage performances, festive food, and special appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, this is a can’t-miss holiday event of the season. https://hickorychristmasshow.com
Santa at Killians Hardware Friday, December 5th
Santa returns to Killian’s Hardware on Friday, December 5th. Killians is located at 3790 Springs Rd NE. For more information: (828) 256-2147
Light Up The Town – Newton Friday, December 5th
Annual Light Up the Town event in Downtown Newton around 1924 Courthouse Square. Enjoy holiday music, maidens dancing, kettle corn, s’mores, and so much more.
Annual Downton Hickory Cookie Crawl
Saturday, December 6th
This year’s event will be from 2pm –4pm. Purchase a ticket and bring your receipt to the HDDA tent on Union Square to receive your Cookie Crawl Passport & Map. Then follow the crumbs to collect a different holiday inspired cookie from each participating business! It’s the perfect way to enjoy Downtown Hickory AND leave with a bag of treats.
Joan EverettKillianTeam
A team approach to personalized service
By Lori Helms
It’s not uncommon within this region’s ever-growing — and thankfully thriving — real estate industry to find real estate agents and brokers joining together to establish a team providing services to buyers and sellers alike. What is uncommon, however, is the type of team Joan Killian Everett has created and the team approach she has developed and fostered for years.
“I’ve been in business for 35 years now,” Everett says. “I began as a broker, and from the very beginning, I was busy and loved it. I’ve never looked back.” When asked what it was that she loved about real estate, Everett, a Hickory native, says at its foundation it was basically just helping people through their real estate journey and doing whatever her clients needed to be done. It’s a mission her team has taken to heart.
“Our service is really what sets us apart,” she says. “We offer full service –we work really hard to provide services for anything the buyer or seller would
need.” Realtor and team member Xan Pilgrim fully supports that mission and is proud of her team’s record.
“Joan has been the top producer in our area for over 33 years,” Pilgrim says.
“She’s done a phenomenal job,” as has the team Everett has assembled. Along with realtors and team members Pilgrim, Christy Shepard and Michelle MitchellImpagliazzo, Everett has developed a group of professionals who work together as a single unit, striving to do the very best they can to take care of their clients through the course of every real estate transaction.
“That’s not just opening a door and showing them a house,” says Pilgrim. “It’s also putting them in touch with excellent service providers all through the transaction.” That means it’s a team effort when advising their clients on finding the right lender, home inspector, contractor or closing professional – it’s all in an effort to provide as seamless and stress-free a transaction as possible.
“Our team dynamic is highly unusual, and it works seamlessly within our office as well as with our clients,” says Shepard. “Our main objective is to make sure our clients never feel like they are alone. If they need anything, we go above and beyond to make sure every need is met.” Everett’s fellow Hickory native and team member MitchellImpagliazzo echoes that customer service emphasis, as well as the team’s goal to recognize what they do is not just facilitate a transaction.
“I developed a heart for people and to always put my clients first,” she says, adding that she practices what her mother – a successful real estate professional in her own right – taught her years ago. “My mom always said, ‘We don’t sell houses, we find homes for people.’”
Joan Everett Killian Team 110 N. Center Street, Suite 202 Hickory, NC 28601
828.638.1666
www.joaneverett.com
From left, Xan Pilgrim, Christy Shepard, Joan Killian Everett and Michelle Mitchell Impagliazzo.
Photography courtesy The Joan Killian Everett Team
