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Our perceptions about retirement have vastly changed over the years and the reality of our “Golden Years” has changed too.  If you reside in the NC mountain communities, you are fortunate to be living an enchanting new chapter, pursuing your interests and your hobbies in the perfect inspiring setting.  The beauty in the variety of things to do in Hickory NC, is you will never run out of lifelong learning options, and we all know how new adventures and journeys keep our hearts, minds and bodies young.

Living at The Coves, tucked into the NC mountain communities, and being close to Catawba Valley Community College, is just one of the many ways to stay connected socially while you continue to hone your crafts, pick up a new language for a trip abroad, or increase your knowledge and skills in a vast array of areas.

No matter the season, CVCC has courses that will stimulate your mind while enriching your life.   These are some of the courses available in your Hickory neighborhood for personal enrichment when you’re searching for things to do in Hickory NC:

• Crocheting and Knitting Workshop; introductory course for reading and following patterns, learning basic stitches, tips and techniques so you can create thoughtful gifts to keep your family and friends feeling loved and warm.  Best of all, needlework is a perfect way to relax while being creative.  First class March 14-May 9, 2017; Tuesdays; 1-3pm, Hickory Senior Citizens Center; instructor, Mary Ann Parkhurst.

• Needle Fun Workshop; for a variety of needle crafters at any skill level—crochet, knitting, or embroidery—the choice is yours. First class March 14-May 9, 2017; Tuesdays; 9-12pm, Newton Rec. Center; instructor, Mary Ann Parkhurst.

• Quilting Back to the Basics Workshop; whether you’re a beginning or intermediate quilter, choose the pattern and size quilt you want to create and sew to your heart’s content.  First class March 13-May 8, 2017; Mondays, 9-12pm; Newton Rec Center; instructor, Mary Ann Parkhurst.

• Sewing Beginning; learn to thread a sewing machine and be on your way to perfecting straight and curve seams from a simple pattern. Bring your own sewing machine or use one provided.  March 30-May 4, 2017; Thursdays; 6-9pm; CVCC EC, Rm. 975; instructor, Micki Earp.

• Multimedia Editing and Production; create video stories with photos, texts, sound, video and animation to share on YouTube, Vimeo or other social media outlets; learn to shoot, develop and edit your video before publishing—all the while staying current with friends and family; March 16-April 20, 2017; Thursdays; 6-8pm; CVCC, REP 124; instructor, Aaron Tallman.

• Beginning Flower Arranging; create gorgeous wreaths to welcome your visitors and arrangements to brighten every room; March 28- May 2, 2017; Tuesdays; 6-9pm; CVCC EC, Rm. 1209; instructor, Wanda Reep.  Be sure to look for Advanced Flower Arrangement in the months ahead.

• Soap Making—The Basics and Beyond; covers safety, tools, techniques, molds, cutting, and wrapping.  If you choose to participate, apron, kitchen gloves and safety glasses are required.  Good squeaky clean fun! March 20-April 2, 2017; Mondays; 6-9pm; CVCC EC, Rm. 1209; instructor, Ann Oswald.

• Stained Glass—Beginning Level II; the fundamentals of stain glass design from choosing the correct glass, to creating patterns, and cutting and grinding—culminates in a stunning lampshade.  Supply list is provided the first class; April 3-May 15, 2017; Mondays; 6:30-8:30pm; Newton Rec. Center, Newton; instructor, Melanie Zimmerman.

• Art and Craft Classes; art media of your choice whether you are beginner or advanced, sharpen your skills, confidence, and expression while you draw and paint; brush strokes, color combinations, preparations and composition.  March 14-May 9, 2017; Tuesdays; 8:30-11:30am; CVCC EC, Rm. 1209; instructor, Natalie McNeely.

• Get Your Brushes Wet; no matter if you are just beginning or you’ve been painting for decades—share your creative time with others using oils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels.  Learn composition, mixing, and general brush skills.  March 15-May 10, 2017; Wednesdays; 9am-12pm; CVCC EC, Rm. 1209; instructor, Pat Flachbart.

• Cake Decorating:  Flower and Cake Design Course #2; learn to create fancy borders, flowers, and basket weaving with royal icing.  Your beautiful cakes will make your parties the talk of the town. April 6-May 5, 2017; Thursdays; 6-8pm; CVCC EC; Rm. 1209; instructor, Glenda Peek.  Wilton Kit #2 is necessary for course.

• Cake Decorating: Fondant and Gum Paste Course #3; learn the art of fondant to create shapes, borders and flowers, as well as fondant icing; a final project will be designed with all the techniques you’ve learned.  May 11-June 1, 2017; Thursdays; 6-8pm; CVCC EC; Rm. 1209; instructor, Glenda Peek. Wilton Kit #3 is necessary for course.

• Embossed Fondant Cupcakes; hands-on fondant basics—handling, storing, tinting, rolling, embossing, embellishing,  and creating flowers and bows; April 24, 2017; Monday; 6-8pm; CVCC EC; Rm. 1209; instructor, Glenda Peek.  Pre-requisite:  Cake Decorating-Beginning Class.

• Candy Making; drip, drizzle and mold your sweet Wilton treats at any skill level.  Demo-style class with some hands-on instruction; May 15, 2017; Monday; 6-8pm; CVCC EC; Rm. 1209; instructor, Glenda Peek.

• Golf for Beginners; learn the proper golf techniques to hit the course with confidence; April 10-May 8, 2017; Tuesdays; 6-8pm; CVCC EC Golf Course; instructor, Jeff Toney.  Range ball fee is extra.

• Shag-Beginning; six-count method fundamental steps—shag, female turn, male turn, chase, cuddle, pivot, lead out.  Don’t forget to bring your partner!  March 14-April 11, 2017; Tuesdays; 7:30-8:30pm; Newton Rec Center, Newton; instructor, Judy Boston.

• Hand Gun-Gunsmithing Basics; beginners age 21 with and older with current permits learn the basics of equipment, safety, care, maintenance, and repair; March 20-May 1, 2017; Mondays; 6-9pm; CVCC EC; Rm. 1050; instructor, Steve Cox.

• Basic Pistol for Women; for beginners to learn the basics of pistol shooting; April 5, 2017; Wednesday; 6-9pm; CVCC EC; instructor, Tom McNeely.

• Pistol Defense for Women-Part II;  hand-on instruction for beginners to learn safety, storage, buying, stances, positions, sight, gun maintenance and the five fundamentals of shooting; March 23, 2017; Thursday; 6-9pm; CVCC EC; instructor Tom McNeely; April 12, 2017; Wednesday; 6-9pm; CVCC EC; instructor, Tom McNeely. Pre-requisite: Basic Pistol for Women class.

Catawba Valley Community College makes it simple to continue your lifelong learning since it’s conveniently located for those who live in The Coves and those who live in other neighboring NC mountain communities at 2550 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC.   Hickory is situated between Charlotte and Asheville, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  For those who reside in this traditional community, it’s clear that enriching your life and continuing your quest for lifelong learning at CVCC is just one of the many splendid aspects of our region.

Longing to discover more awesome things to do in Hickory NC? You won’t have to search long or hard. Hickory maintains its quaint appeal while offering plenty of culture and recreation. Folks won’t run out of culinary options, from Japanese to Italian, from American bistros to good old fashioned BBQ.  Hickory’s shopping rivals its cuisine for those of you who need a little retail therapy or want to get started on birthday and holiday gifts. 

From galleries, to boutiques, outlets and more, the only thing stopping you from shopping will be your tired feet.  When you and your family are ready for a little entertainment or recreation, this is the place to be—cinemas, arcades, museums, distilleries, wineries, parks and golf—there aren’t enough days in the year to do it all in Hickory.  And if you’re ready for a romantic date, there’s the symphony, the theater and plenty of live music to create the perfect mood. 

While you’re exploring homes at The Coves, catch a glimpse of all that Hickory offers throughout the year and see how easy it is to meet new friends.

For more information regarding CVCC call 828-327-7000 ext 4320.