Catawba Valley Medical Center recognized Robin Betts, Environmental Services Technician in the Environmental Services Department, as the February 2013 CARE Employee.

Following are remarks offered by officials in nominating Robin: “Robin always goes above and beyond her job responsibilities. She is a very hard worker and always gives 150 percent.

No matter the time of day or temperature outside, people of all ages and abilities are staying active in Hickory.

In the City’s recent study on identifying Hickory’s brand, “Life. Well Crafted.”, it was mentioned in the plan over and over the importance of activity in the community, from physical fitness to festivals, events and programs.

In response, Hickory kicked off a pilot project this year called “Active. Well Crafted.”

“Being active is anything from walking a few times a week to training for marathons and more, and we want to celebrate those in our community who are active, and hopefully encourage others to get active in 2013,” said City of Hickory Communications Director and Brand Manager Mandy Pitts.

One program event, Winter Wonderland, takes place Saturday, January 18 at Hickory Foundation YMCA, located at 701 1st Street, NW.

The event takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a Fitness Extravaganza from 8:15 a.m.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- Health officials say flu season is off to its earliest start in nearly 10 years - and it is already shaping up to be a bad one. The primary strain circulating is one that tends to cause more severe illness, especially in the elderly.

But officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the nation seems to be fairly well prepared. More than a third of Americans have been vaccinated, and the vaccine is well matched to the strains of flu so far.

Dr. Charles Bregier with Presbyterian Hospital's Urgent Care says his office is seeing 20 cases a day. Bregier also says the virus didn't start making the rounds until January during the last flu season.

Health officials stress the importance of getting a flu shot if you haven't already been vaccinated.

The last time a typical flu season started this early was the winter of 2003-04.