February Issue
By Lori Helms
ere we are, deep into winter and only weeks removed from the dreaded “Blizzard of 2025” in early January that, quite frankly, never really lived up to its billing. Some would say that was thankfully so, but for those of us long since removed from our upbringings in parts of the country other than the South (mostly New England for me), we were kind of looking forward to a few inches of the white, fluffy stuff to enjoy and remind us of times long gone by in other places.
I was pretty bummed to wake up that morning after the storm passed without a winter wonderland in my small town but was actually quite grateful to escape the road escapades that would have ensued on my regular commute. No one wants that, for sure. But it won’t stop me from holding out hope for another shot
at some snow before winter melts into spring on the calendar.
Melt away, it will, and in reality, it’s never too soon to start planning for spring’s arrival. To help you in that preparation, we spoke with the proprietors of Killians Hardware (the founder’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter) about the services and power equipment this familyowned business has provided folks in Hickory and its environs for more than 70 years. What started as a feed store in 1953 has grown into a full-service hardware store and power equipment dealership, specifically catering to its residential customers as well as the small, locally owned landscaping businesses that rely heavily on the equipment that Killians sells and services on-site. It’s never too soon to think about what you want to see in your landscaping this spring, and Killians stands ready to provide not just the tools and equipment, but the customer service and advice to make it all happen.
And while Valentine’s Day always gets the headlines in February, let’s not forget that it is also American Heart Month – a month designated to recognize that heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and to promote ways to prevent it. On Page 16, the professionals at Piedmont HealthCare Heart & Vascular have provided us with information about heart disease and recommendations for ways to keep it from being a part of your health history.
But not to be overlooked ... in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we hope you will love this month’s issue as much as our contributors and advertisers loved bringing it to you!
— LH Lori Helms Editor lori@lncurrents.com
$2,399
By Kathy Wheeler
Photos by Shane Greene Photography
Killians Hardware has been a landmark in Hickory for many years. It opened as a feed store in 1953 by Emory Killian. His son, Elmer, expanded the feed store into a hardware store in 1964. Now in its fourth generation, Elmer’s daughter Sharon and her daughter, Jennifer, own and run the Hardware.
Over the past 72 years, Killians Hardware has been through many changes, but the things that haven’t changed are what have secured their success. Their values, love of their community, and exceptional customer service and products have always been their focus. Sharon’s philosophy is you stay hungry,
humble, and smart. “You always remain open to learn something new,” Sharon said. That attitude will lead them well into the future.
What you get at Killians is rare to find now a days. They handpick the best brands, are knowledgeable about what they sell, and they service those products. “Our service department is the best it’s ever been,” says Sharon. “While Killians services all customer lawn equipment, priority is given to landscape and residential customers who have purchased their equipment from us.”
“We love our community and like to be involved,”
Once you become a customer, you become a part of the Killian family. Spend a little time there and you will hear Sharon and Jennifer speaking to customers saying things like, “How are your kids doing? How are the grandkids? Your family okay?” The sentiment is reciprocated by customers, who have watched the Killian family grow for decades, with Jennifer’s own daughters making appearances with their mom behind the register and showing up on the business’s social media accounts from time to time. It’s not something you get very often in retail where you develop relationships that, like Killians, last for generations.
What’s new at Killians Hardware?
Killians new slogan is “with purpose, commitment, and dedication, the best is yet to come.” “Every employee we hire, every brand we partner with, and every decision we make is to offer our customers the best and ensure that Killians becomes the best it’s ever been,” says Sharon.
Over the past few years the store has added new staff. If you are friends with Killians on Facebook, you may have noticed
some humorous and informative videos of the employees talking about products and services. This is the creative genius of one of those new employees, Ally Benge, social media marketing manager. Every new hire is handpicked for their knowledge and experience. “We are very blessed to have these new people who are not only exceptional at what they do for Killians, but are great people as well,” said Sharon. “In my opinion, we have the best team we’ve ever had,” Sharon continued.
From seasoned landscaping professionals to a homeowner purchasing their first lawn care equipment, the Hardware goes above and beyond to meet their needs. For first time buyers of lawn equipment, they offer you the ability to demo a model and show you how to use the equipment.
Products
In lawn equipment, both commercial and residential, Killians provides great brands like Toro, Ventrac, Cub Cadet, Stihl, Wright, and Echo. Whatever you need in lawn care, you will find the best equipment for the job at Killians. Seed, fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides are all available and in stock year
Killians Warehouse stacked full of mowers to sell
Below: Commercial Technician, Chris Houser
Right: James Westbrook, 2-cycle technician
Hardware Manager of more than 7 years, John Valencia
Killians Showroom
Parts Dept: Rigo Gasca, James Sigmon and Joseph Wakefield
round. In addition to lawn care, they have a full line of hardware with tools, plumbing, and electrical. They offer knowledgeable customer service help, to ensure you are purchasing the right items for your project. Killians is also the go-to place for parts, not only locally but also across the nation. With the largest parts inventory in the Southeast, they regularly ship parts across the country that are sold on their eBay store.
Service
Killians also services what they sell. If you need a repair on an item purchased from a big box store, good luck! You may end up dealing with an even larger company who manufactures the item. “With our service department, we prioritize our professional landscapers,” said Sharon. “Broken equipment costs them time and money, so we do our best to get them up and running as quickly as possible.”
Community
“We love our community and like to be involved,” said Jennifer. Killians Hardware works with professional landscapers from Catawba and six surrounding counties and homeowners to provide them with the best equipment and solutions. They support select non-profit organizations, local churches, and high schools with annual leases for Toro commercial mowers. You may have attended one of their annual customer appreciation events or visited Santa in December. Their future customers will remember that last one. Many long-time customers bring their children and tell stories of visiting Santa at Killians when they were kids. “Some of these traditions never get old,” said Sharon.
What Sets Killians Apart?
Relationships are a big part of how the Hardware does business. Not only is the relationship with customers important, but also relationships with vendors. “It makes it easier to stand behind what you sell, when you deal with great companies,” said Jennifer. By working with reputable brands who take pride in their products, and staying involved in the industry, the Hardware can offer great products, service, and pricing.
Visit Killians Hardware for a hometown experience, great customer service, and all of your lawn care and hardware needs. Have some popcorn while you’re there and get to know the team. They look forward to meeting you.
more
3790 Springs Rd NE, Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2147
Open: M-F 7:30 am – 5:00 pm www.killiansinc.com
Pictured, top to bottom: Jennifer Gott, Brandon Lynch and Jennifer Warren
Service Coordinator, Brady Hefner, and Service Manager, Marcus Benfield
Service Manager and lead commercial technicians
Expert Tips from PHC Cardiologists for American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, an important time to focus on the health of your heart. At Piedmont HealthCare Heart & Vascular, our cardiologists are here to provide expert guidance to help you protect your heart and live a healthier life.
Daily Preventative Steps for a Healthy Heart
Dr. Ray Georgeson
American Board Certified in Cardiology, Device
Implantation- Cardiac Pacemaker & Defibrillator
Preventative care is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. According to Dr. Georgeson, physical activity is one of the most impactful steps you can take. “Engaging in 15-20 minutes of light activity, four times a week, can have an incredible effect on your heart health,” he says. Simple changes, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help you stay active and build a strong heart.
In addition to regular movement, Dr. Georgeson emphasizes avoiding sugar and processed foods. These foods are linked to inflammation and weight gain, which increase your risk of heart disease.
Managing Stress for a Healthy Heart
Dr. Naveed Rajper
American Board Certified in Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology
Stress can take a serious toll on your heart health. “Chronic stress increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and other heart-related issues,” says Dr. Rajper. To manage stress effectively, he recommends:
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Staying physically active to release endorphins and lower stress levels.
• Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
“Taking time to care for your stress level is just as important as caring for your physical health,” he adds.
Symptoms to Watch For
Dr. Jips Zachariah
American Board Certified in Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, and Endovascular Medicine
Recognizing the signs of heart trouble early can save lives. Dr. Zachariah highlights key symptoms to watch for:
• Breathing Difficulties: Progressive shortness of breath, especially with exertion, may indicate a heart issue.
• Chest Discomfort: Pressure, tightness, or pain at rest or during activity should not be ignored.
• Palpitations: Sustained or irregular heartbeats, especially with dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, are cause for concern.
• Fainting Episodes: Passing out, particularly if it leads to injuries, could signal a serious problem.
• Family History: A history of premature coronary artery disease (under 55 for men, under 65 for women) increases your risk.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can make all the difference.
Women and Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, causing 1 in 3 deaths annually. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all cancers combined, yet much of it is preventable with early action and awareness.
Women often experience subtler heart attack symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or discomfort in the jaw or back, making them less likely to recognize the warning signs. Early prevention, including regular check-ups and adopting heart-healthy habits, is key to reducing risk.
Take Action This February
If you have a Piedmont HealthCare physician, take advantage of our $99 Heart Month Special on coronary calcium score. Check your lipids and lipoproteins, work toward your ideal body weight, and commit to quitting smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products. If your A1C is above 7, now is the time to take steps to lower it. Small changes today can lead to a lifetime of better heart health.
Chocolate and Berries and Sea Salt, Oh My!
By Kathy Dicken Photograph courtesy Kathy Dicken
Steal your Valentine’s heart with this decadent dark chocolate and raspberry tart. In this recipe, a silky chocolate and raspberry jam ganache tops a yummy chocolate Oreo crust. When sprinkled with sea salt and garnished with fresh berries, it is absolute heaven!
Dark chocolate and berries are a long-time favorite flavor combo for me. And I am crazy for anything sea salt and chocolate flavored. So, I thought why not mix the three together? The hardest part of this recipe is letting it set. The chocolate ganache needs to be set up overnight on the counter or refrigerated for 4-5 hours.
This Chocolate Raspberry Tart makes quite an elegant dessert, and it is the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day!
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Melt sliced butter in a heat-resistant measuring cup in your microwave at 30% power for 4 minutes. Place the Oreos, melted butter and salt in the food processor and blend until the mixture resembles a fine crumb.
Press cookie mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of the prepared tart pan. Use the bottom of a juice glass, a measuring cup with straight sides or your fingers to flatten the crust. Place the tart pan on a sheet pan, bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees then set aside on a cooling rack while you prepare the filling.
Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until tiny bubbles start forming around the pan’s edges (do not boil!). When bubbles appear, remove from the heat, pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, remove the plastic wrap and stir until all the cream is completely blended with the chocolate. Finally, stir in the raspberry jam until fully incorporated. Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to even out the mixture in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours or overnight.
Before slicing, carefully remove the sides of the tart pan. Place the tart on a flat plate and garnish with flaky sea salt and beautiful fresh berries. Tart can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Notes:
Add berries immediately before serving and make sure they aren’t wet. The moisture from the berries can discolor the ganache.
