Be a part of the discussion! How do we prepare for a different kind of future? How can we adapt to a rapidly changing world? Hickory, NC is always looking for ways to be on the leading edge in a changing world! Technology and Information is a vital part of our community! With high tech jobs and educational systems, Hickory NC is an excellent location to purchase real estate, raise a family, and retire! We are always looking to the future! So let’s get involved!! At monthly dialogue groups you can help select materials and topics to give us all a better understanding of the coming impact of future trends and weak signals affecting ourselves and Catawba County. Click here to learn more! 07/09/2009

  The Hickory Community Theatre is a volunteer based, nonprofit organization that creates quality live theatre.    Hickory NC is known for their active Arts community! Music, Live Performances, Theatre, and overall community atmosphere at these events create a very tight community! The Hickory Community Theatre has all kinds of great theatre productions that provide great entertainment for residents of all ages! In fact, our company, Realty Executives sponsored a production called “The Streets of Hickory” – it fun and successful event in which all of our clients, past clients, friends, family, and business partners attended on opening night! The Hickory Community Theatre provides lifelong learning opportunities, and fosters creative expression throughout the community – Thanks to all th... 07/09/2009

This post begins a series of “Best Kept Secrets” of Hickory, NC! During this series, we will explore some of the area’s best attractions and events that take place throughout the year that only longtime residents may know about! The Hickory Farmers Market The Downtown Hickory Farmers' Market is open every Saturday morning 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every Wednesday afternoon from 12:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., April 18, through November 25, 2009. They're located in the parking lot of the Hickory Train Station.   Meet local farmers, artisans and other neighbors from the Hickory area. With over 20 vendors you will find a wide selection of fresh, locally grown  produce, potted plants and herbs, cut flowers, honey, preserves, fresh baked goods, hand-made soaps,  and much more. North Carolina Fruit & ... 07/09/2009

The Keisler Real Estate Team at Realty Executives is proud to announce the creation of Hickory, NC’s FIRST Official Online Community BLOG! We began by creating Hickory, NC’s first Official Facebook page, and feel that Hickory needs an official online community presence! As Realtors, we feel an professional responsibility to be involved and informed about our community! We live, work, and play in Hickory, NC and love it! We want to share this wonderful community with the world – and what better way than through a blog! So stay tuned – get involved, and welcome to Hickory, NC! 07/09/2009

Snow Creek Elementary School is scheduled to open August 2009 features many environmentally green features. It will be the first official green school in North Carolina. The new criteria for schools has an increased emphasis on indoor environmental quality, better daylight, better acoustics and low-emitting materials, because young children are more susceptible to toxins, according to the U.S. Green Building Council. Students will also receive at least 10 hours of instruction each year using green aspects of the school as a teaching tool. The elementary school, the newest in the Catawba County Schools district, will open in August. It is taking the place of Sweetwater Elementary School, which closed its doors at the end of the 2009 school year.   GREEN FEATURES: Sediment pond to treat s... 07/08/2009

As Realtors, we hold an obligation and duty to our community to be active and involved with local community activities! As Facebook has become the new social hub for communities, we decided to begin a Hickory, NC Community Facebook Page! The page is growing fast - with over 100 members in less than a week! We have uploaded photos, and plan to expan with lots of valuable community information and events!   Visit our Hickory, NC Community Page on Facebook!   So here is the million dollar question: What do you think the Hickory community members want to see on this page? 07/08/2009

Yesterday, I had to go to the most wonderful of places, that hell-spawned inspired store called Wal-mart.  Yes, it's true that they have some great prices and almost everything you could ask for under one roof, but it's a place that I truly had going into.  There seems to ALWAYS be a crowd and I always get a strong negative vibe in there. Yesterday was no different.  While I was checking out what I was there for, a couple came down the aisle.  Almost immediately my hearing was attacked by "Son of a B***, you think I'm paying that >>>> price for that #### thing!  You're &&&& nuts!"  which was followed by a "You're just an A$$$, you won't ever do nothing, you f*&&$ing $$$$!" After I recovered from unwanted, and unneeded, sound intrusion, and managed to stop my ears from bleeding, I looked... 07/07/2009

PRICED TO SELL QUICKLY - GREAT HOUSE FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS . . . . PRICED AT ONLY $148,000  813 MAIN AVENUE SW HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA 28602  Historic Victorian home near downtown Hickory. The William H. Wilfong House was built in 1890. The current owners purchased and thoroughly renovated the house in 2002. This home won the Historic Preservation Award from the Hickory Landmark Society in 2003 for the impressive restoration. The home features a rocking chair front porch. The first floor has an office, living room, den, formal dining room, kitchen, laundry, butlers pantry, powder room, master bedroom and master bath. The second floor features three bedrooms, a full bath, and a walk in closet.            It is currently being used as residential and can continue to be residential, bu... 07/04/2009

 CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS "THE LITTLE STAR THAT COULD" Starting July 3, 2009   This family friendly digital feature tells the story of Little Star, an average yellow star searching for planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way, he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special and discovers that stars combine to form star clusters and galaxies. Show Schedule  July 3, 2009 - August 28, 2007 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 1:00 Saturdays 11:30  and  3:00  Sundays 2:30    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not a CSC member? For less than $6 a month ($65 for the entire year) families can join CSC and get free admission into exhibits, as well as discounts on programs like Science After Dark, planetarium and laser light shows.Individu... 07/02/2009

  BRADFORD SQUARE TOWNHOME  2240 15th Avenue NE, Unit 106, Hickory, NC 28601 MLS #9546646 ONLY $80,900 Wonderful one level easy access townhome in Bradford Square. This home features a super layout with a living room, gas log fireplace, large eat in kitchen, two large bedrooms with lots of closet space. It also has a nice deck with room for chairs and a grill. Make this one your new home today. Click Here to View a Flyer for 2240 15th Avenue NE Unit 106 Hickory NC 28601      >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> If you are interested in buying or selling a home in the Hickory area - visit my website at www.MikeKellyJr.com I am a REALTOR specializing in the Greater Hickory, NC Metro area. Included in that area is Hickory, Newton, Conover, Granite Falls, Mountain View, Hudson, Lenoir, Alexander C... 06/30/2009

  5054 WHITENER ROAD HICKORY, NC 28602 MLS # 9546673 Have you been looking for a real home with some acreage? Beautiful Home on Over 2 Acres This is the place for you. One level ranch with three bedrooms and three full baths. This home has hardwood floors, large open kitchen, living room and dining room, and a huge master bedroom with private bath.Situated on over two acres it also has a 720 sqft garage/workshop. Enjoy evenings on the rocking chair front porch, or back deck looking at the huge back yard. View Flyer for 5054 Whitener Road Hickory NC 28602     ******************************** I take great pride in marketing the beautiful home for sale.  For more information about the Hickory Real Estate - visit my website at www.MikeKellyJr.com I am a REALTOR specializing in the Greater H... 06/30/2009

On Tuesday afternoon, a local Hickory, NC couple spotted a black bear roaming around in their backyard.  The couples' children were playing in a neighbor's yard, but they, too, saw the bear and ran quickly into the house.  The bear wasn't threatening.  There was no damage and no one was injured. The couple lives in the area of McDonald Parkway and Springs Road.  There was another bear sighting later that evening in the Highland Avenue area off of McDonald Parkway, as well. While bear sightings are rare in Hickory, NC, it's still bear territory, and we get a sighting or 3 every year. However, you may want to carefully consider the tips below supplied by the Center for Wildlife Information: Remain calm and avoid sudden movements. (Yeah, Right!) Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to... 06/25/2009

WHO: Bisque 'n Beads WHAT: Kids Summer Camp WHERE: 223 Union Square - Downtown Hickory NC WHEN:  June 15 through August 14, 10am-noon Monday through Thursday   Check out the weekly themes below: Recycle - June 15-18. Kids will reduce, reuse & recycle in the name of art! They will be turning records, magazines, silverware, etc into unique, one of a kind art!Organic Inspirations- June 22-25. Kids will discover the natural nature of art this week, as they learn why it's important to care for our earth!Under the Sea - June 29-July 2. We will be teaching many different art techniques this week as your child learns about life underwater!Retro/70's - June 13-16. This throwback week is filled with bright colors and groovy projects!Hollywood - July 20-23. It's all about YOU this week, bling rin... 06/20/2009

115 31st Avenue Court NE Hickory, NC 28601    Three Bedrooms and Two and a Half Baths Only $209,900 MLS #9546819  Awesome location and beautiful home in NE Hickory just off 127 past Harris Teeter in Meadow Creek. The living and dining room are completely open and feature vaulted ceilings and custom plantation shutters. This house has a spacious kitchen with a new dishwasher and range and is open to the den which has a huge brick fireplace and gas logs.  The master bedroom also has a vaulted ceiling and spacious vanity and dressing area. This house has all new paint, ceramic tile, carpet and is move in ready.  The huge garage has a high ceiling and a freshly painted floor. There is a private deck with room for a hot tub. The back yard is low maintenance. You will simply love the conditio... 06/14/2009

CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS . . . . SWAMP AFTER DARK - JUNE 18 and JULY 16 2009 TOURS START AT 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 and last about 45 minutes Learn about the nocturnal habits of critters in the Catawba Science Center's Swamp Things Exhibit. Enjoy special guided tours with red filtered flashlights. Cost: $8 (members), $10 (nonmembers) Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not a CSC member? For less than $6 a month ($65 for the entire year) families can join CSC and get free admission into exhibits, as well as discounts on programs like Science After Dark, planetarium and laser light shows.Individuals can join CSC for just $4 a month - that's $50 for an entire year of savings on Science After Dark, laser shows, trips and ... 06/12/2009

WHAT: HICKORY ALIVE = MUSIC, FOOD, and, BEVERAGES WHO: HICKORY DOWNTOWN ASSOC. AND THE HICKORY JAYCEES WHERE: DOWNTOWN HICKORY - UNION SQUARE WHEN: FRIDAY'S IN JUNE AND JULY FROM 7pm - 11pm   Union Square will once again be filled with music, food, and beverages as Hickory Alive! prepares for another memorable season. The Hickory Jaycees and the Hickory Downtown Development Association are pleased to announce the Hickory Alive! line up for the 2009 season. The annual free event is held every Friday night in June and July in Union Square and features an array of local musical talent. A talent pre-show will begin at 7pm with the main act running from 8pm until 11pm.   PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE June 5th -          Diamon BackJune 12th -        Baby BlackJune 19th -        Throwdown JonesJune 2... 06/05/2009

WHO: Hickory Furniture Mart WHAT: Manufacturer's Clearance Sale WHERE: 2220 US Highway 70 SE, Hickory, North Carolina 28602 WHEN: June 5-7  - Friday & Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm This is the weekend to be in Hickory! The Mart is having its annual summer clearance sale. You'll find drastically reduced items throughout the Mart in order to make room for fall displays. Don't miss these incredible deals! Take your furniture with you this weekend or have it shipped at a later date through the Mart's convenient on-site consolidated shipping service.     ******************************* The Hickory Furniture Mart is a unique mix of over 100 factory outlets, stores, shops and galleries offering home furnishings, accessories, lighting, art, fine rugs, fabrics and much more. To learn more about... 06/04/2009

According to Jeremy Butterfield, the author of Damp Squid: The English Language Laid Bare, the following list is the 10 most over-used expressions within the English language "At the end of the day" "Fairly Unique" "I personally think" "At this moment in time" "With all due respect" "Absolutely" "It's a nightmare" "Shouldn't of" "24/7" "It's not rocket science" Well, I personally think that this list is a fairly unique list of over-used words.  At this moment in time, I'm sure that these terms are absolutely being used a lot.  But with all due respect to Mr. Butterfield, it's a nightmare to think that he probably worked on this list 24/7 until it was done.  He should not have worked that hard on it.  I mean, at the end of the day, it's still just words.  The English language is not rock... 06/03/2009

SOLD 1930 12th Street Lane NE Hickory NC 28601 Wonderful home on a culdesac in Huntington Forest. This home has three bedrooms,  two full baths and one half bath. It features a formal living and dining room. The large den with fireplace has been freshly painted. Large eat-in kitchen with newer appliances has also been freshly painted.  The upstairs has three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private bath and a large walk in closet. Laundry in located on the main. The two car garage has new doors and epoxy coated floor. The exterior of the home was painted in 2008. The interior of the home had wallpaper removed and was painted in 2008. Carpets were cleaned in 2009. The backyard has a private setting where you can sit on the patio and enjoy the beautiful landscape.  Schools: St.Stephens ... 06/02/2009

CATAWBA SCIENCE CENTER PRESESTS . . . . SCIENCE AFTER DARK IT'S SOCIAL . . . . IT'S SCIENCE . . . . IT'S IN HICKORY  MIXOLOGY - JUNE 2, 2009 AT 7PM Explore the science behind the cocktail and learn how specific gravity, temperature, and pH levels help concoct the perfect drink. Evening includes light hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and presentation by Olde Hickory Tao Room bartender Andy Thomason. Cost: $8 (members), $10 (nonmembers) Participants must be +21   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not a CSC member? For less than $6 a month ($65 for the entire year) families can join CSC and get free admission into exhibits, as well as discounts on programs like Science After Dark, planetarium and laser light shows.Individuals can join CSC for just $4 a month - that's $50 for an... 05/29/2009