APRIL IS TAKE A BITE OUT OF HUNGER MONTH  Hunger Exists in Catawba County  In 2008, more than 14,000 USDA Emergency Food Bags were distributed by the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry at an estimated value of more than $800,000.  Families are in need and you can make a difference by donating food or money during the month of April. The following restaurants will donate 10% of the day's proceeds to the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry Emergency Food Pantry Program:  1859 Café Ltd. Atlanta Bread Company Bennett's Smokehouse and Saloon Bojangles on Springs Road, Lenoir Rhyne Blvd., North Center Street Café Gouda Center Street Eats Charolais Steakhouse Chick-fi-a  in South Hickory Circus Hall of Ice Cream in Longview DaVinci's Italian Restaurant Four Peas in a Pod... 04/22/2009

WHAT: Learn about the Science of Fear WHERE: Catawba Science Center's Science After Dark program WHEN: Tuesday April 21 at 7pm WHO:  Brain Hissom, MA, LPC, licensed professional counselor, will discuss fear and common phobias from a psychological standpoint. COST:  $8 for CSC members and $10 for nonmembers. Includes light hors d'oeuvres and an evening visit of Swamp Things: A Look at Life in a Southeastern Swamp (minus the kids). HOW: Purchase tickets in advance at (828) 322-8169. Participation is limited.  Fear is a powerful and primitive human emotion. It alerts us to the presence of danger and was critical in keeping our ancestors alive. Even today, hundreds of thousands count spiders and snakes top among their list of fears and phobias.Do humans posses an evolutionary disposition t... 04/21/2009

I just popped on AR to read a few posts and make a comment or two and noticed a new ad in the top right corner for a 'Virtual Staging Solution' to vacant homes (Hey AR guys!  You can tell them it works.  I clicked on it!).  If you're interested in the concept, just click on the ad in the top right corner. I've thought about this before but have never done it or seen a company offering it.  My question is do you think it's a great concept or a bad idea that will ultimately turn off potential buyers? Most agents will photoshop their photos to make them the best that they can be.  You'll lighten or darken, adjust sharpness or contrast.  For those with a little bit more photo editing experience, you may even add a bit more color here or there or edit out that errant toy in the middle of the... 04/21/2009

Calling all Realtors in Hickory, Statesville and Surrounding Area Nothing enlivens a home like a fresh coat of paint. Whether sprucing up a home to sell or moving into a new home, painting is a versatile and dramatic way to make it shine. And, you can rely on CertaPro Painters to deliver a paint job your clients will love. Call today for a FREE ESTIMATE. Agents for all referrals you will receive a $25 GIFT CARD that result in an ESTIMATE. PLUS an additional $50.00 GIFT CARD for all REFERRALS resulting in a PAINTING PROJECT. Visit our website at www.certapro.com Call 828-381-8601 828-381-3024 04/19/2009

Click Here for information about 2011 GROWING A GREEN FUTURE in Hickory NC WHAT: Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day Growing a Green Future WHEN: Saturday, April 25 between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. rain or shine WHERE: Grassy Area at the SALT Block at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, 375 3rd Street, NE Hickory    More than two dozen educational, environmental and environmental-orientated business booths will be set up in the grassy area across the front of  during the event.   Vendors will have giveaways, including free T-shirts to the first 500 people and 600 tree seedlings, and information about the importance of being green.  There will also be an environmental film series, food vendors and 60 free pizzas will be given out at the event.  Participants representing environmentally-oriented busi... 04/17/2009

HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA - HUNTINGTON FOREST ONLY $175,000 The sellers are continuing to update and improve this home for sale. Check out these before and after pictures.             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... 04/16/2009

April 18 - November 25FARMER'S 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. It is 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. For more information visit http://www.hickoryfarmersmarket.com/ For more information about Hickory, North Carolina visit my website at www.MikeKelyJr.com 04/14/2009

Saturday, April 18 - Union SquareHICKORY HOPS What could be better than enjoying a beer on a beautiful spring day? More than 40 microbrewers gather on Union Square to celebrate the 7th annual Hickory Hops brewfest in downtown Hickory. Hickory Hops will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Union Square. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the gate on the day of the event. Designated driver tickets are available for $10. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hickoryhops.com . The entrance fee includes a programs providing festival-goers with descriptions of the variety of flavors, a 5-oz. tasting glass, and an afternoon with friends and music and beer. Designated drivers receive complimentary soda and water along with the music.Hickory Hops is hosted by the... 04/13/2009

The new Village Inn Pizza location at 2467 Springs Road, NE, is planning to open in early May. The new location will be about 2,000 square feet and will have a dining room with seating for about 65 to 70 diners.  One of the best features of the new location is a 6-foot by 24-foot mural depicting the two Hickory VIP locations destroyed by arson in January. The Village Inn Pizza on 127, that burned on Jan. 25 will be repaired and restored. The goal is to have it open it for business within a year. Since the fires, the VIP locations in Bethlehem and Conover have been doing record business as Hickory residents travel a few extra miles to satisfy their cravings. There's even a group called "Rebuild Village Inn Pizza!!!" on the Facebook social networking Web site with 1,358 members.     04/11/2009

Saturday, April 11 - Downtown HickoryEASTER EGG CRAWL Join the Easter Bunny in downtown Hickory for the Easter Egg Crawl. Saturday, April 11, from 11am until noon. Participating businesses will place eggs in your Easter basket as you make your way around downtown. Eggs will be filled with candy, store coupons, and all kinds of goodies.Somewhere in the thousands of eggs will be the Golden Egg announcing the grand prize winner of the gigantic Easter Basket from WHKY, the event sponsor. Children's activities will be provided around Union Square in celebration of the day. The stores and restaurants will be open during and after the Egg Crawl.Thank you, WHKY, for being the voice of downtown Hickory. Happy Easter!   For more information about Hickory North Carolina - visit my website at www.... 04/07/2009

 Hickory Crawdads, South Atlantic League affiliate of the Texas Rangers begin their season this week and would like to invite you to come out and enjoy the festivities. Open, on-field workout on Tuesday, April 7 from 5 - 7 p.m Fans can get a sneak peak at this year's team two days before Opening Night on April 9. Complete 2009 Crawdads rosters will be available at the open workout, which is free to attend.   Opening Night  on Thursday, April 9 to see the team in action against the Bowling Green Hot Rods That game will feature the Crawdads Magnet Schedule Giveaway, sponsored by Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet and WHKY Talk Radio 1290, and will also be Dollar Beverage Night, kicking off a fun-filled opening weekend to start the 2009 campaign. Gates open at 6 p.m., first pitch is at 7 p.m. For mo... 04/06/2009

HICKORY - CATAWBA VALLEY 2009 PARADE OF HOME APRIL 25 & 26 and MAY 2 & 3   For over 39 years it has been a tradition in the Greater Hickory Metro area to put the finest new homes by the area's best builders on display. Again in 2009 the Home Builders Association of Hickory-Catawba Valley is proud to present these homes for your viewing in our annual Parade of Homes. This year's Parade will showcase homes to meet any size budget and suit a wide variety of lifestyles in the cities of Hickory, Newton, Conover, Bethlehem, Mountain View, and Taylorsville; in Alexander County and Catawba County; and even on Lake James and Lake Rhodhiss. While touring the homes, you will be able to experience the craftsmanship of our local trades people and see the latest products for the kitchen, bath, family... 04/04/2009

Sometime back, I wrote a post about Hickory Dickory Dock, located in Hickory, NC offering free birthday parties to kids Monday through Thursdays.  This is going on through the end of this year and it's free for up to 8 children and only $8.20 per child after that. Just wanted to post here to say that it's a TOTALLY AWESOME party!!!  We just had my son's birthday party there and I'd highly recommend it for anyone looking for something great to give your child, but save some $$$ in the process, too. With the party, the kids get pizza, drinks, chips and cake (ALL FREE).  The HDD workers serving the party were top-notched.  Of course, the big fun for the kids is that they get to ride bumper cars, play putt-putt, climb in the play area and play video games, too (again, limited but still free... 04/03/2009

The Catawba Science Center, located in the Viewmont area of Hickory, NC is now taking registrations for it's annual Summer Fun Science Camp, which will run June 15 through August 21. The Summer Fun classes will be held Mondays through Fridays from 10am to 12pm at the Science Center.  For an additional cost, CSC is also offering an early arrival starting at 7:30am and also an afternoon time that will run until 5:30p. Just some of the topics for this year are Space Explorers, Kooky Chemistry, and Looney Tunes Physics.  Summer Fun is usually open to Pre-K through to rising six graders, but new to this year are offerings to 7th through 9th grades. Catawba Science Center has some really cool and interesting stuff, even if you're not a science "geek."  I only wish they had a summer camp for a... 03/19/2009

   This website is the place to find Green homes listed for sale in the Catawba Valley of North Carolina, which includes Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander and Burke Counties in NC.  We also offer some great links to local resources that can help you add Green or energy efficient features to your existing home. Feel free to bookmark us for future reference and help us promote energy efficiency and conservation in the Hickory North Carolina area. Benefits of Owning a Green Home: Save money and resources through lower operating costs Durability and reduced maintenance Healthy and comfortable indoor environments Lesser impact on the environment In addition to the many benefits of living in a green home, there are other financial incentives that can help make green homeownership even more afforda... 03/11/2009

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2009 from 2-4pm HICKORY WOODS - 3716 26th Street Drive NE  We were snowed out last weekend - make sure you come by this weekend and take a look. Beautiful brick and vinyl home with three bedrooms and two baths in the Hickory Woods subdivison. This home features wood floors in the kitchen & foyer. The kitchen has great counter space and a large eat in area. The large living room has vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace. Master bedroom has a nice size closet and an adjoining master bath with double sinks. The wood deck is partially covered and screened in - great for entertaining or enjoying a beautiful spring day.Schools: Clyde Campbell Elementary School, Arndt Middle School, and St.Stephens High School.Directions: From Kool Park Rd NE, Turn Left on 36th AVE ... 03/03/2009

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2009 from 2-4pm HUNTINGTON FOREST - 1930 12th Street Lane NE Last week we were snowed out - come on out and visit this beautiful home this weekend. Beautifully landscaped and maintained three bedroom, two and a half bath home in established NE Hickory neighborhood. Home features a freshly painted interior and exterior, huge master bedroom with large walk in closet, and two car garage. Schools: St. Stephens Elementary, Arndt Middle School, St. Stephens High SchoolDirections: South on 16th ST NE (Sandy Ridge) which turns into 8th ST DR NE. Right on 19th AVE NE, Right on 12th ST LN NE.       For more information about this home visit my website at www.MikeKellyJr.com  03/03/2009

Baby Luke Sigmon, the 2 1/2 month old son of Lyndsi and Wesley Sigmon of Sherrills Ford, is doing well after his 2nd surgery to repair a heart condition.  The little guy is a real fighter and needs the love and support of everyone, as this is just the beginnig of a long recovery and his parents are now faced with large medical bills too. You can read more about little Luke on his own (and his parents) blog: Luke Sigmon and keep updated on his progress. Dana Andreasson, owner of Orange Cat Photography in Harris Arcade in downtown Hickory. has been kind enough to offer a mini-fundraiser for the family by holding a photo shoot for children tomorrow, Saturday Feb 28th from 10am to 4pm.  The cost is $75 and covers up to 2 children newborn to 13 years.  All proceeds go to the Sigmon family.  ... 02/27/2009

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY MARCH 1, 2009 from 2-4pm HUNTINGTON FOREST - 1930 12th Street Lane NE Beautifully landscaped and maintained three bedroom, two and a half bath home in established NE Hickory neighborhood. Home features a freshly painted interior and exterior, huge master bedroom with large walk in closet, and two car garage. Schools: St. Stephens Elementary, Arndt Middle School, St. Stephens High SchoolDirections: South on 16th ST NE (Sandy Ridge) which turns into 8th ST DR NE. Right on 19th AVE NE, Right on 12th ST LN NE.   For more information about this home visit my website at www.MikeKellyJr.com  02/24/2009

OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY MARCH 1, 2009 from 2-4pm HICKORY WOODS - 3716 26th Street Drive NE  Beautiful brick and vinyl home with three bedrooms and two baths in the Hickory Woods subdivison. This home features wood floors in the kitchen & foyer. The kitchen has great counter space and a large eat in area. The large living room has vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace. Master bedroom has a nice size closet and an adjoining master bath with double sinks. The wood deck is partially covered and screened in - great for entertaining or enjoying a beautiful spring day.Schools: Clyde Campbell Elementary School, Arndt Middle School, and St.Stephens High School.Directions: From Kool Park Rd NE, Turn Left on 36th AVE NE, Left into Hickory Woods on to 22nd ST NE, and keep following right to 24th ST PL N... 02/24/2009