IT'S FREE!
March 2020
A lifestyle magazine highlighting Surry County and the surrounding area
seeds of change
landscaping & garden issue
BONUS: Calendar guides to the area’s special events for Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and our nearby communities
TOP 1% in the Nation for Patient Safety!
For the fourth consecutive year, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the safest hospitals in the nation. It takes an entire team to deliver exceptionally safe, high quality care, and we could not be more proud of our physicians, staff and volunteers who are dedicated to your good health – each and every day.
Saturday April 4th 8am – 2pm
Mt. Airy Equipment Company, Inc. You’re invited to our private and biggest event of the season! We will have special discounts available, giveaways and test drives for everyone. Please join us on April 4th so you can test out the best!
April 4th 8AM-2PM
1431 West Pine Street, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 Giveaways Food Ride & Drive
Largest Inventory In the South East
Advertiser Index a publication of vivid graphics SURRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 6548 Mount Airy, NC 27030 surryliving.com • info@surryliving.com for editorial content submissions send to larry@surryliving.com
CREATIVE
LARRY VANHOOSE executive editor
TRINA VANHOOSE
VIE STALLINGS HERLOCKER associate editor
SALES
OLIVIA MCMILLAN
ADVERTISE WITH US:
• Reach more than 30,000 potential customers each month. • Complimentary monthly magazine distributed in hundreds of prime locations throughout Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, Pilot Mountain, Fancy Gap, and the surrounding areas including grocery stores, restaurants, medical offices, hotels, gift shops, and more. • Current and previous issues available for viewing and download at www.surryliving.com/ • Business Spotlight and Advertorial articles available. • Enhance your business image with our high-quality, four-color, heavy-gloss publication. • 30 days of advertising per month gives potential customers the chance to see your ad multiple times. • Multiple-insertion–discounted rates available! Surry Living Magazine’s Monthly Editorial Calendar is available on request by contacting our Sales Department at sales@surryliving.com FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION AND RATES, CONTACT US TODAY at (336) 648-3555 or by email at sales@surryliving.com • surryliving.com
www.facebook.com/SurryLiving Surry Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Surry Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. 4 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
Our advertisers make it possible to provide Surry Living FREE of charge. Please join us in thanking and supporting these outstanding merchants in our area:
13 Bones, Page 21 Alpha & Omega Easter Egg Drop, Page 25 American Healthcare Services, Page 13 Anderson Audiology, Page 21 Blue Mountain Herbs & Supplements, Page 28 Charis Christian Book Store, Page 15 Cook Insurance Group, Page 9 Countryside RV, Page 7 Elizabeth Reynolds, Berkshire Hathaway, Page 27 Farmers Mulch & Rock, Page 9 Friendly Heating & Cooling, Inc., Page 5 Gingerhorse Studio, Page 16 Haymore Construction, Page 18 Hilda's Place, Page 29 Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Pages 2, 14 Lesia Cockerham, KellerWilliams Realty, Page 28 Mount Airy Equipment, Page 3 Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers, Page 26 NC Cooperative Extension, Pages 22 & 28 North Carolina Weight & Wellness, Page 10 Northern Hospital of Surry County, Pages 17, 32 Plaza Del Sol Mexican Cuisine, Page 4 Ridgecrest Retirement, Page 31 RiverRun Film Festival, Page 24 Roy’s Diamond Center, Page 9 Royster & Royster Attorneys at Law, Page 15 Southwest Farm Supply, Page 29 Surry Communications, Page 19 Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Page 5 The Cabins at White Sulphur Springs, Page 21 The Derby, Page 7 The Nest & Hive, Page 8 Westwood Medical, Page 7 WIFM Radio, Page 30 Zen Massage & Bodywork, Page 27
FEATURED SECTIONS
Friendly Heating & Cooling, Inc. SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS!
Join us for the 11th Annual
SURRY OLD TIME
FIDDLERS CONVENTION
APRIL 3 & 4, 2020
SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HOME, FARM, & GARDEN page 8
OUT & ABOUT page 16
630 South Main Street Dobson, NC
SIMPLY DELICIOUS page 20 ALL THE REST page 23 8 The Vintage Southern
Homemaker: Gloria Brown shares memories and helpful tips 11 This Little Light of Mine:
A Beautiful Distraction 12 Joanna Radford: Gardening
Symposium on Earth Day 15 Sarah Southard, DVM:
From Farm to Every Home Every Day
Spring is the best time to get your AC units ready for summer’s heat!
$5,000 IN PRIZES!
336-789-6453
Event Schedule
Friendly Insulation, LLC. Adding EFFICIENCY to Your Home
16 Gin Denton:
Acoustic Harmonies
Friday, April 3, 2020
SQUARE DANCE: 7 – 10 PM
$5Admission Kids12&under arefree DanceledbytheNewBallards BranchBogtrottersandthe SlateMountainRamblers
18 Gary York: Clean - Abundant
Water
Saturday, April 4, 2020
20 The Sweet & Savory Life with
FIDDLERS CONVENTION
Rynn Hennings: Terrarium Chocolate Cupcakes
Free Estimates for Existing Structures and New Construction
10:00AM:Reg. Opens 11:00AM:YouthContestsBegin 3:00PM:Adult Ind. Contest Begin 7:00PM–until: Adult BandContest, Adult Dance, andAwards $5General Admission Freefor contestantsand Kids12&under
336-648-8453
www.surryoldtime.com
22 Carmen Long: Sowing Seeds
of Good Health 23 A Deeper Cut: A Novel,
Continues 26 Area Event Schedules: Calendar
guides to events for Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and nearby communities NOTE: Area calendars and schedules are provided by local municipalities and subject to change without prior notice.
SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 5
CONTRIBUTORS
Gloria Brown
Gin Denton
Sheri Wren Haymore
Rynn Hennings
Gloria is co-owner of The Nest & Hive Shoppe, a home décor business in Fancy Gap, VA, as well as the former host of The Vintage Southern Homemaker television show. Her musings on life growing up and living in the South have appeared in publications and on TV throughout the region. She is an expert antiques collector who grew up in the business and worked many years as a dealer in the Yadkin Valley area, where she currently resides.
Gin is the owner of Ginger Horse Studio. Her focus is lifestyle photography, covering horse shows, weddings, concerts, and doing on location portraits. Gin graduated from the University of Findlay with an Equine Business Management degree, where she also studied music and photography. She is a member of the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI) and the Granite City Rock Orchestra (GRO). Gin resides in Lowgap, NC with her family on their small horse farm.
Sheri grew up in Mt. Airy, NC, and lives thereabouts with her husband. Together they run a couple of small businesses and plan their next vacation. A graduate of High Point University, her first job was as a writer at a marketing firm—and she’s been scribbling ever since. Sheri has several suspense novels in publication and Surry Living is proud to include sequential excerpts from one of her books in each issue.
Rynn is a writer and designer based in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina. She loves to share her ideas for adding simple beauty into hectic lifestyles. More than mere recipes, her mission is to offer practical shortcuts for food preparation along with visual tips for presentation. Rynn began her career in Aiken, SC, as a newspaper reporter writing feature articles about food, living, and the arts.
Carmen Long
Joanna Radford
Sarah Southard
Larry VanHoose
Carmen is an NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge. Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school thru college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job a bit easier.
Joanna Radford is the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. She began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. In 2012, she assumed the role of Horticulture Agent for Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Sarah grew up at Crooked Oak in the Pine Ridge community of Surry County. Raised in the agriculture world, she went on to earn degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Adam, currently live in Statesville with Oliver the house rabbit, a few cats, Blossom the donkey, and a flock of Katahdin hair sheep.
Larry is the Executive Editor of Surry Living Magazine and Creative Director at Vivid Graphics in Galax, VA. He has 30+ years experience as a writer, graphic designer, and commercial photographer. Larry and wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children, one awesome grandchild, and they live just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.
6 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
“Celebrating 83 YEARS OF SERVICE in the Area!”
WESTWOOD MEDICAL
Edward McDowell PA-C
• Primary Care • Sports Medicine
www.thederbyrestaurant.com
1901 S. Main St • Mt. Airy • (336) 786-7082 Gary York Gary resides in Pilot Mountain with wife, Charlotte, at Vintage Rose Wedding Estate. A 1965 graduate of Guilford College, he received his MBA from Bucknell in ’68. His early career included service at York Oil Company and Neighbors Stores. Gary's passion for celebrating community servants led him to produce People Doing Good For Others on WPAQ, which in-turn fueled his interest in broadcasting and ultimately his purchase of 100.9 WIFM in 2004. He’s a member of the Surry County Educational Foundation and Board Member of the Elkin Rescue Squad.
• Adolescent & Adult Medicine • Sports Physicals • Primary Care Orthopedics • Primary Evaluation and Treatment of Spine Disorders • Wellness Medicine • Treatment of Minor Injuries
Specializing in Primary Care and Sports Medicine
AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
• DOT Physicals Call us for all your healthcare needs at 336-648-8154 1201 W Lebanon Street • Mount Airy, NC • westwoodmed.com
Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Saturday, 9:00 – 2:00
North Carolina’s #1 Low-cost RV Dealer
NC’s Premier Park Model & RV Superstore! Surveyor Legend Models in stock!
Our Parts Store and Service Center is OPEN all-year!
Surveyor Luxury Models in stock!
2048 Hinshaw Road • Yadkinville, NC
336-468-6774
Find us on FACEBOOK
To view all inventory including new & preowned travel trailers & pop-ups, visit www.countrysidervcenter.com SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 7
home, farm, & garden
You Gotta Let a Mower Mow
I can’t recall my family going all out over a perfectly manicured lawn. As I’ve told y’all before, Grandmother Brown loved her flowers, and we did work hard pulling weeds and stacking rocks. Great-Grandmother Macemore dearly loved planting flowers, and I remember a beautiful corner of the yard all in bloom from early spring on into late fall. But I wouldn’t say either yard was particularly well landscaped. I guess they spent more energy in the vegetable gardens and tobacco fields, and there just wasn’t much left to primp up the yards. While the landscaping might not have been pretty enough to stop cars in passing, I can tell you this with certainty, the whole crowd loved to mow. With all that mowing going on you know there is a story or two. Uncle Junior took pride in his mowing, and he was as faithful as an old dog about keeping his yard and Ma and Pa’s mowed. He'd mow for hours to ensure that the grass never got close to ankle high. Yep, he was a scalper mower. There again as I recollect, the whole family was. I don’t remember a single yard I played in as ever being anything more than dirt with grass nubs. I exaggerate, but not by much. Uncle Junior kept that lawnmower clean and blades sharpened. After all, he reckoned grass could spring up overnight. My cousin Marie will always be remembered as a trench mower. Now, how this scenario played out is movie worthy. She and her husband, Shorty, had just gotten a brand new, gas push mower. Nothing would do but for Marie to be first to take it for a spin. This put Shorty on the front porch watching. Marie’s plan of lawn attack was to mow in a square. She choked the clutch and gave the mower a good rip pull, and there she went. She mowed the outside edge of the yard all the way around, back to the starting point at the front steps. Lap one, she stopped and declared, “Shorty, this thing is pushing awful hard!” Shorty looked down to see three wheels on the mower. His eyes followed a fresh furrow around the perimeter of the yard. Then he spotted it. The wheel had run off there in turn one. Bless Marie’s heart, she is dead and gone now but the story lives on. We will end with Ma, the make-believe mower. To my recollection, Ma never mowed a single time. But she imagined she did. She even got a little sassy about it. In later life, she was stricken with dementia. It was pitiful to see her in such a state, but sometimes she would come up with something that made you chuckle. I visited one day and her leg was bleeding. As I doctored her up, I asked her what in the world scraped her shin so badly. She excitedly told me that she had been out in the yard mowing, and all of the sudden she ran over a stick – and it just flew right up and hit her leg. Yes sir, she was out there just a mowing and injured herself. The best thing to do was to go along with her, so I said, “Ma, you’re 92. You should not have been out there mowing.” She took offense and declared, “Well, if I was out there mowing, I had a cause and it might have been ’cause I wanted to mow.” Who’s to argue with that? You gotta let a mower mow, no matter what kind of mower they are.
8 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
home, farm, & garden We Deliver!
Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
FARMER’S MULCH & ROCK Inc.
FREE Bibles, Coffee, & Bottled Water
Large Selection of Hardware and over 60 Choices of Decorative Stone & Gravel Feed • Seed • Fertilizer • Mulch • Pine Needles • Propane Swimming Pool Water Delivery
Antiques & Collectibles, Farm Toys, Gift Certificates, Outdoor Fireplace Kits & Firepits 7802 NC 268, DOBSON, NC 27017 • www.farmersmulchandrock.com • 336.386.0883
276-236-4137
108 S. Main St. Galax, VA Mon. - Sat. 9 AM – 5:30 PM
A Family Owned & Operated Full-Service Jewelry Store Established in 1977
Together we can...
Believe in Our Community Be Kind • Treat People Right Do Great Things. Timothy Cook Cook Insurance Group LLC 119 Valley Dr Jonesville, NC 28642-2620 Fax: 336-526-2664 336-526-2665 Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Co., Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Co., Flagship City Insurance Co. and Erie Family Life Insurance Co. (Erie, PA) or Erie Insurance Co. of New York (Rochester, NY). Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and product details. CMS149_comun1 2/18
roysdiamond.com SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 9
home, farm, & garden
A BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION
by Larry VanHoose
My momma loved her garden. A home-grown vegetable was a very real treasure to her. Unfortunately, she seldom had time to work in our family’s garden. Long days on her feet as a nurse and then coming home to care for a trio of spoiled kids and their spoiled father didn’t leave her much energy for anything else. That’s where I came in. Without real intention, my annual gift to my momma was working the garden plot at the back of our small, suburban oasis. Each year I’d borrow the neighbor’s rototiller and begin the process. After tilling, I’d walk through the rows with a bow rake, busting the dirt clods till we had a good-looking, 12-foot by 20-foot soil bed. Then I’d mix in manure until the rich soil was begging for those tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, green beans, and my personal favorite, watermelons! We would even outline the garden with marigold flowers to discourage the rabbits from devouring our bounty. That garden was a lot of work for a young boy. But fascinated by the seed to fruition miracle, I usually tackled the job willingly. Usually. Baseball was my big distraction. Like my older brother, I was obsessed with a stitched white hardball. We played in streets, empty lots, nearby cow pastures, little league fields, and even in our small backyards. I watched games, listened to them on the radio, and collected those “priceless” baseball cards bearing the image and stats of favorite players. Those boys of summer, specifically those of the Big Red Machine of the ’70s from nearby Cincinnati, were my beautiful distraction. And what was the cost of my obsession with baseball? Well, actually, my momma’s garden paid that price. Enamored as I was with the planting and reaping of things, the vegetable growth process was a bit slow for this baseball-loving, energetic young boy from the Midwest. I loved my momma and each spring started with the best of intentions. But I guess it would have appeared to a bystander, that I just loved baseball a little bit more. After a strong start, our little garden invariably was weed-bound by mid-summer, yielding half or less of the potential rewards.
Those early, innocent years of youth spiraled wildly, and I went through many dark valleys before I finally found purpose once again – in a different kind of garden.
My baseball obsession thrived however, and for a while it looked like I might get a scholarship to play college ball – possibly even on a pro level one day. But a rare and terribly bad case of the shingles in my early teens, and the subsequent nerve damage, derailed that dream. My throwing/pitching shoulder never quite recovered, and all youthful enthusiasm squashed, I did not return to the ball field, nor did I return to momma’s garden. Those early, innocent years of youth spiraled wildly, and I went through many dark valleys before I finally found purpose once again – in a different kind of garden. Honestly, I still love the feel of a baseball in my hands. I’ll roll it around in my fingers, massaging it in my palms in what could almost be called a caress. My desk has few items on the surface, but a treasured baseball, autographed by Johnny Bench, holds the place of honor in the right front corner. As for a garden? Well, it’s been many years since I made the time for more than a small plot of melons, tomatoes, or maybe some cucumbers and squash. This winter though, the soil is beckoning me to put fruitless distractions aside, and to revel once again in watching seed become fruit, albeit ever so slowly, but ever so wonderfully. I know my momma will be smiling down on me just as before. “The miracle starts in the seed,” she’d say. “The miracle starts in the seed.” In Matthew 13: 3-9 (NLT), Jesus tells this story: A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up … Later in that same chapter, verses 18-23, Jesus explains the parable of the farmer: Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.
SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 11
home, farm, & garden
Plant Society, the Friends of Plant Conservation, and the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program.
by Joanna Radford
GARDENING SYMPOSIUM ON EARTH DAY
by Guest Columnist, Christina Connell, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Celebrate Earth Day 2020 with the Surry County Master Gardeners. Themed “Plant it Forward,” the Gardening Symposium offers the community exciting speakers, informative break-out sessions, specialized vendors, a catered lunch, and a silent auction of very special items. The focus will be on gardening ideas and techniques that work with nature to create sustainable landscapes, protect pollinators, and ensure a happy gardening future for all. The primary speakers will focus on two important decisions gardeners need to make: what to plant, and what to avoid planting. Participants will learn why invasive species are a problem and how native plants benefit Piedmont wildlife and environment. The two featured speakers are well-versed in the choices available to gardeners. Lisa Gould was raised in Winston-Salem and studied biology and zoology at UNC Greensboro and the University of Rhode Island, where she was involved in the establishment of the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society and the Rhode Island Invasive Species Council. Among other honors, Gould has been awarded the President’s Award for Service to the NC Native Plant Society and the Distinguished Naturalist Award of the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. Her topic for the Symposium is “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Tackling Invasives in Your Own Backyard.” Katherine Schlosser will speak on “Landscaping for Wildlife.” She is a native of Washington, D.C., but moved to North Carolina to attend college at UNC Greensboro. She has lived in NC throughout her career in research and education. Now retired, she has time to pursue her passionate interest in native plants and herbs. She has served on the boards of the North Carolina Native
Both speakers have written for a variety of publications. Gould is a co-author of Coastal Plants from Cape Cod to Cape Canaveral published by UNC Press; Schlosser writes a monthly column on native plants for the Greensboro News & Record. Breakout sessions will offer options for attendees. The three breakout topics will be “Gardening with Children,” “Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces,” and “Entomology 101, What’s Bugging You?” Margie and Bill Imus of Minglewood Farm & Nature Preserve will lead the session offering ideas to encourage children’s involvement in the garden. Jimmy Speas, current president of the WinstonSalem Rose Society, will discuss producing vegetables for your enjoyment even if space is limited (yes, he knows veggies as well as roses). And Joanna Radford, Surry County Extension Agent, isn’t afraid of bugs. She’ll explain which bugs are helpful, which cause problems in your garden, and how to cope with them. Proceeds from the symposium support educational outreach programs of the Surry County Master Gardeners Association (SCMGA). This year the association established a $500 scholarship for a student in the field of horticulture, which will be awarded in May to a graduate of a high school or homeschool program in Surry County. The 2020 Gardening Symposium will be held on Wednesday, April 22, at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry Center location at 915 East Atkins Street in Dobson, NC. For additional information and to register, visit the website (https://surry.ces.ncsu.edu/), Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/surrymastergardners/ ), or call the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Surry County Center at 336-401-8025.
the Surry Living Magazine Area monthly LANDSCAPE Photo Contest!
Our March 2020 PHOTO CONTEST Winner is ...
Photo © 2020 Sheri Haymore
12 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
SHERI HAYMORE! This gorgeous photo was taken at Simpson Mill Road(near WhitePlains). Lookcloselyandyoucanseethosetwin peaksover inAlleghanyCounty, aswell asGrandfather Mountainin thefar distance. Eachmonth, our DesignTeamchoosesfromall current entriesand thewinner will receivea$50GIFTCERTIFICATETO13BONESinMount Airy. Plus, theirphotowill befeaturedinanupcomingissueof SLM.To enter,simplyemailyourdigitalphotoorphotostousatphotocontest@ surryliving.com and your submission will be considered. IMPORTANT: ALLPHOTOSmust beof theSurryCountyarea, not have recognizablepeopleinthephoto, must beat least 500kbinsize, and must indicate where in the county the photo was taken. All entriesautomaticallygrant permissiontoSurryLivingMagazineto reproduceandreusetheimageindefinitelyasneededinprint and/ or online. Submissions by mail will beconsideredbut will NOTbe returnedwithout aself-addressed, stampedenvelope. Wewant to extendaspecial thankyoutoour photocontest sponsor, 13Bones! SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 12
T�� A�e�’� Bes� Ch�i�� f�� I�-h��� Ai�!
915 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC
336-789-2273
American Healthcare Services offers up to 24-hour care, 7 days a week.
American Healthcare Services, Inc. offers sitting and companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and personal care. We sit with our clients privately in hospitals and nursing facilities. All caregivers provide socialization, a safe environment, and support.
• • • •
Private Pay Longterm Care Insurance Medicaid Programs Home Community Care Block Grant Worker’s Comp Respite Care EPSDT Voucher Bonded & Insured
• • • • • americanhealthcare-services.com
SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 13
It’s better to know. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital provides our community with the latest in mammography technology for early breast cancer detection. 3D mammography provides better, earlier detection with a reduced chance of callbacks, less compression time and reduced radiation exposure.
Evening appointments available.
Call 336-527-7477.
HughChatham.org 180 Parkwood Drive | Elkin, NC | 336-527-7000
home, farm, & garden by Sarah Southard, DVM
From Farm to Every Home Every Day National Ag Day will be celebrated March 24, 2020 during National Agriculture Week (March 22-28, 2020.) The Agriculture Council of America instituted National Ag Day in 1973 to help educate the public about the many different segments of the agriculture industry that affect each one of us every single day. Thanks to American farmers, we can enjoy three hearty meals a day (and usually a few snacks in between.) Unless we purchase only items made 100 percent of synthetic fibers, we all wear clothing made from various agricultural products. Our pet foods are also available thanks to the hard work of American farmers. The American Agriculture council shares that “each American farmer feeds more than 165 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.”
9:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Saturday Closed Sundays
336.673.0688 128 N. Main St. Mount Airy, NC
Your Bible Specialist. No Better Gift than the Gift of the Word.
The next time you’re perusing the meat counter at the grocery store or snuggling in your warm wool socks, take a moment to realize and appreciate just what it takes to make those things possible. The animal that provided, the farmer who properly stewards those animals, the veterinarian who helps ensure the health and safety of both the live animals and the meat products offered. And many more folks at various steps along the way. Educate yourself about how the products you consume and use every day made it to you. Get to know your local farmers and their families. Ask them how they raise and process animals. Ask them how they grow grains and what it takes to get from the grain field to the cereal box. Ask them why they do what they do. Find ways to support your local farmers. More likely than not, you will find that they are your neighbors and friends. You can learn more about National Ag Day at the site www.agday.org/
r &r
Representing Clients for Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation claims
royster & royster ATTORNEYS AT LAW
EST. AUGUST 1979
www.roysterlaw.com We now have Honduras Gourmet Coffee — Whole bean or ground fresh in-house!
851 Marshall Street Mount Airy, NC 336-789-5127
110 S. Davis Street Pilot Mountain, NC 336-368-4455 SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 15
out & about by Gin Denton
Acoustic Harmonies
I met musician Myron Simmons years ago playing ukulele in the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion. In the past several months I have seen ads about Acoustic Harmonies, a band Myron is playing in currently. I hope to catch their full set at one of their upcoming shows, but I recently heard a short performance at the Reeves Theater’s weekly open mic. What a great treat!
Celtic band called Ashgrove. And Gary was in a Celtic and classic rock band and sang in a choir. Acoustic Harmonies mostly plays cover songs although they do have a few originals. They like tunes they can harmonize on like “Seven Bridges Road” and “Best of My Love” by the Eagles, and “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young. And they really love the works of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Acoustic Harmonies frequently plays at local venues such as Carolina Heritage Winery in Elkin and Hilda’s Place in Pilot Mountain. They have played at both Muddy Creek locations in Bethania and Sparta several times. Their next performance is at Hilda’s Place, 215 East Main Street in Pilot Mountain, NC, on Saturday, March 28, 1:005:00 p.m. You can follow them online at their Facebook Page under Acoustic Harmonies. Happy Trails!
Acoustic Harmonies plays a mix of classic rock, country, and Americana. The band features acoustic instruments, and as the name suggests, they all sing. Sometimes at the same time. Sometimes not. But oh, when they sing together, they paint a dynamic soundscape. As you can imagine, they love songs that allow them to highlight their harmony singing abilities and prefer tunes with multiple harmony parts. The band calls Mount Airy home, although bass and guitar player Cindy McPherson lives in Stuart, Virginia. Gary Chilton, from Mount Airy, plays the hammered dulcimer and harmonica. Myron Simmons, also from Mount Airy, plays guitar, ukulele, bass, and harmonica. The fourth member, Jerry Gauvin, originally from Massachusetts, is a Mount Airy transplant. Jerry plays 6- and 12-string guitars, as well as bass and harmonica.
lifestyle photography
GIN DENTON
These musicians are a part of our local community and economy. Jerry retired five years ago from the LS Starrett Company. Gary retired from James River Equipment and now drives one of Mount Airy’s treasures, a Mayberry squad car. Cindy works as a registered nurse in Stuart. Myron is retired from the United States Postal Service. Before Acoustic Harmonies became a band, each musician had been in other bands. Cindy and Jerry played in a bluegrass band together. Myron and Jerry were in a classic rock and 16 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
336-710-4506
gingerhorsestudio.com
NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL Earns National Five-Star Designation for Quality Care
Choose Well. Choose Northern. *Ratings awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).
Choose Well. Choose Northern.
Mount Airy, NC – Northern Regional Hospital has earned a five-star rating for quality care – the highest award possible -- in the most recently published ‘Hospital Compare’ report of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Northern Regional is one of only 13 hospitals in North Carolina to be so highly rated. “This five-star designation comes on the heels of our recent Top 100 hospital designation and is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality care and service excellence,” said Chris A. Lumsden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Regional Hospital. “As we grow, improve and expand clinical services and programs, we will uphold the superior standards that we have established in the delivery of high quality, safe care to patients and the communities we serve. Congratulations to the entire Northern team!” The independent ‘Hospital Compare’ report, released January 29, compared quality data from over 4,500 hospitals in the nation by looking at seven measurable indicators of quality performance, including the self-reported experiences of patients. Only 9% of hospitals received a five-star rating. The star ratings assigned by CMS are based across seven areas of quality performance. Hospitals are awarded between one and
This is a paid advertorial for Northern Regional Hospital, Mount Airy, NC.
five stars based on quality performance, with five stars being the highest achievement for excellence. According to Medicare.gov, Hospital Compare summaries a variety of measures across seven areas of quality into a single rating for each hospital. Those seven measures are mortality, safety of care, readmissions, patient experience, effectiveness of care, timeliness of care, and efficient use of medical imaging. The ‘Hospital Compare’ report is designed to help patients make decisions about where they seek health care, and encourage hospitals to continuously improve quality of care and patient safety. “Northern Regional Hospital’s five-star designation speaks to the dedication of each member of our healthcare team – including physicians, nurses, allied-health professionals, administrators, support staff, and volunteers – who are focused 24/7 on delivering top-quality care to patients,” said Robin H. Hodgin, Vice President for Patient Services & Chief Nursing Officer. “It also speaks to the cherished level of trust our patients have in us to provide them with high-quality care and heartfelt compassion.”
For more information visit www.choosenorthern.org
out & about
Clean Abundant Water Surry County and its municipalities – Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy, and Pilot Mountain – are blessed with an abundant supply of water. A most-unique feature is our intake from fresh streams – Mount Airy from Lovills and Stewarts Creeks, Dobson from the Fisher River, Pilot Mountain from Toms Creek, and Elkin from the Big Elkin Creek. Our supply is one of our state and nation’s cleanest since none of our supply has been consumed and processed. Combine that with plants manned by Surface Certified Operators like James Poe and Andy Utt (Mount Airy) and James Nance (Elkin) and we are blessed with water quality beyond compare.
James Poe, Andy Utt (Mt. Airy)
James Nance (Elkin)
Although the system is capable of producing 15 million gallons daily, it currently produces 5 million gallons daily. This significant excess capacity is the result of the loss of most of our textile industry in the 90s. In the last twenty years there have been monumental strides to bring municipal water to areas outside our town and city limits. In 1998, North Carolina citizens passed $850 million in clean water bonds. A group of elected officials – Fred O’Neal, Gary York, Dr. Swanson Richards, Frank Lowry (late) – along with Managers Matt Barnhardt and Dennis Thompson and Mount Airy City Engineer Jeff Boyles (now Public Works Director) and Engineer Consultant Kevin Heath worked together to apply for bond funds to extend water from the City of Mount Airy to the Surry County communities of Toast and White Plains. On February 1, 2001 we were granted $4,000,000 to extend the water lines. Mount Airy and Surry County each contributed $500,000 in matching funds. Today 700 households in Toast and 350 in White Plains have city water. In 2012 Dobson town leaders extended water lines along Old Highway 601 to connect to Mount Airy’s White Plains line near the intersection with Piney Grove Church Road. How important was this? This failsafe initiative ensures Wayne Farms, Surry Community College, Central Middle School, Surry Central High School, Dobson Elementary, Mountain Valley Hospice, Surry County Government Jeff Boyles 18 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
Center, Rockford Elementary, and 900 residential and business customers have guaranteed 24/7/365 access to clean water. Dobson has extended service along Zephyr Road to I-77 Exit 93 and to Cody Creek. Elkin’s service extends to Ronda. Mount Airy extensions include the Virginia/North Carolina I-77 Welcome Center, Highway 89 to I-77 Exit 100, the Mount Airy Airport, Flatrock, Bannertown, and Cana, Virginia. New storage tanks are at Pine Ridge, Turners Mountain, the airport, and Cana, Virginia. Water tanks, usually 100,000 gallon plus capacity, are required and placed in proximity to volume usage to meet emergency needs. Tanks also provide cost savings. Line pumps keep pressure on lines during peak usage periods. During off peak periods, line pumps are idled and tank storage pressure maintains pressure on the lines. Proposed extensions will connect Pilot Mountain to Mount Airy soon. Backup supply for Elkin and Jonesville is in place via a line under the Yadkin River. When Pilot Mountain connects to Mount Airy, all our municipalities will have supply backup. Surry County is blessed with attractive resources that include Interstates 74 and 77, two local airports, three great school systems (Elkin, Mount Airy, and Surry County), Millennium Charter Academy, a bountiful labor force, Surry Community College, and visionary, progressive local governments. We are forty minutes from Winston-Salem and one hour from Piedmont Triad International Airport. We’ve expanded, updated and connected virtually all water systems in our county and are ready for a wave of manufacturing, distribution, and retail enhancements and are poised for growth and countless new jobs.
Swimming Pools Sales, Service & Supplies
Put our 40+ years experience to work for you!
Cheers to 40 Years! Come Out and Celebrate a Hot Dog Lunch with us on Friday, April 17th 11-2 pm
OPEN SEASON SALE
15% OFF EVERYTHING IN-STORE Friday & Saturday, April 17, 9–6 and April 18, 9–Noon
Free in-store computerized water testing!
Ask us how ECOsmarte® eliminates the need for all sanitation and disinfectant chemicals, and is a product that has no equal at any price in the water purification industry HAYMORE CONSTRUCTION SWIMMING POOLS
282 Crossroads Church Rd • Dobson, NC 27017 336-366-2473 • haymorepools.com
Are you planning to stream all the basketball madness in March? Make sure your home’s internet connection has the speed you need for a winning viewing experience. Sign up for a new
or upgraded plan now and score free installation from our team.
CALL 336.374.5021 TO SIGN UP NOW!
Cornerstone Group © 2020
FASTER INTERNET IS A GAME CHANGER.
simply delicious
The Sweet
with Rynn Hennings
W
& Life SAVORY
www.thehouseofelynryn.com
ith spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to create an indoor terrarium “garden” with dark chocolate cupcakes, chocolate frosting, and plants of shaped fondant.
Ingredients for Chocolate Frosting • 2 cups chocolate chips • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup butter, softened • Pinch of salt • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • ¼ cup dark chocolate cocoa, sifted • 6-7 cups powdered sugar, sifted Ingredients for Cupcake Decorations • (1) 24-ounce box of white Wilton Decorator Fondant (or similar product) • Wilton Fern Designs Fondant and Gum Paste Mold • Green gel food coloring • Red gel food coloring • 6-8 Oreos, filling removed and cookies crushed • Plastic or latex gloves Directions for Chocolate Cupcakes 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place cupcake liners in a cupcake pan. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add the sour cream, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Whisk until well combined. Sift in the cake mix and cocoa. Add the chocolate chips and stir until combined. Do not overmix. 3. Divide evenly between 24 cupcake liners. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with crumbs. 4. Cool on a wire rack.
TERRARIUM CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES Servings: 24 cupcakes Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 15-17 minutes Fondant Shape Making Time: 1-2 hours Fondant Drying Time: 2 days
Ingredients for Chocolate Cupcakes • 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature • ¾ cup buttermilk, room temperature • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 tablespoon vanilla • 3 eggs plus 1 egg white, room temperature • 1 box dark chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces), sifted • ½ cup dark chocolate cocoa powder, sifted • ½ cup mini chocolate chips • 24 cupcake liners 20 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
Directions for Chocolate Frosting 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and cream and heat on high for 30 seconds. Stir. Heat for an additional 30 seconds and stir again until melted. Set aside. 2. In a mixing bowl, add the butter and beat until fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the melted chocolate mixture, salt, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Beat until well mixed. 3. Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat until smooth. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. 4. Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. 5. Sprinkle cookie crumbs onto the cupcakes. Directions for Fondant Decorations 1. Wearing gloves, pull off a large piece of fondant, and add a small amount of green gel coloring. Fold and work the fondant until the color is consistent throughout. 2. Divide the green fondant in half and place half in plastic wrap. Add more green gel to the other half and work the fondant until the color is well mixed. This gives you two green shades to mold. 3. Using the fondant mold, firmly press the darker-greencolored fondant into the desired mold shapes. Then take a metal spatula and scrape off all the excess fondant from the top of the mold shapes. To release the shaped fondant, pull
simply delicious
4. 5.
6.
7. 8.
on the mold and then turn the mold upside down and tap until shape releases. Continue making shapes with the two green colors until you have made enough for 24 cupcakes. Pull off a small piece of fondant. Add red gel coloring and work the fondant until the color is well mixed. Roll the red fondant into small balls and flatten them to make a top for the red mushrooms. Using the white fondant roll tiny balls, flatten, and scatter them onto the mushroom tops. Make mushroom bottoms out of the white fondant. Roll a small piece into a ball and then roll it into a ½-inch bar. Flatten one end so it stands. Place the mushroom cap on top of the bar and press the top down, so it curves down like a mushroom cap. Repeat to make several red mushrooms. Use white fondant to make small white mushrooms. Use the same technique as used for the red mushrooms, minus the dots on top. Create other shapes out of the fondant using your imagination. Let shapes dry and harden for 2 days. Then decorate the cupcakes.
Savory Tips Wash the gloves between the fondant colors so you don’t mix the colors in the fondant. For additional information and photos, go to my website, Houseofelynryn.com. Recipes are adapted from the book Cake Confidence.
ANDERSON AUDIOLOGY
13 Bones is ideal when you want your event to be delicious, memorable, and stress-free.
Formal or Family Style
13 Bones Is Your Caterer Of Choice
Pick Up, Delivery, or Full Service...We’re Here for You! Whatever the occasion, choose 13 Bones Catering for your next event. Our catering is designed to fit your needs, at your convenience and within your budget.
- At Our Location or Yours Enjoy the delicious taste of 13 Bones wherever you are: home, office or church. 336-786-1313 • www.eat13bones.com 502 S Andy Griffith Pkwy., Mount Airy, NC
Introducing the 13 BONES
Wedding Venue
Hearing Aid Sales & Service, Inc. Locally Owned and Operated Since 1963
CABIN RENTALS Get Away to the Simpler Life All Cabins Feature: Fireplace, private deck, bathroom with separate vanity, living area with queen sofa bed, pillow-top king-sized beds with premier sateen cotton linens and soft blankets, wireless internet, 42” flat screen TV, kitchenette with china and flatware for four, coffee maker, toaster oven and microwave.
Hear Better
Live Better
Open Monday thru Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 8052 Carrollton Pike, Galax, VA Four offices to serve you including Christiansburg, Dublin, and Wytheville
230 White Sulphur Springs Rd. Mount Airy, NC 27030 Call or Visit Us on the Web for Availability and Reservations
Tina M. Proffit Au.D.
Kecia Furrow H.I.S.
276-236-0778 • anderson-audiolog y.com
whitesulphurspringsnc.com 336-786-6769 or 866-901-1910 SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 21
simply delicious
SOWING SEEDS OF GOOD HEALTH Working to improve your health? The Mediterranean Diet has received a lot of publicity in 2020 after being ranked number one in Best Diets Overall by the U.S. News & World Report. Thirty-five diets were evaluated with input from a panel of health experts.
Directions 1. Place the grated fruit, oats, milk, and yogurt in a glass bowl. You can use any kind of yogurt you like. Plain yogurt will lighten the calories and sugar but will result in a tart finished product. Vanilla yogurt works well. 2. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. 3. Serve topped with seeds or nuts and sliced grapes or berries. Put into individual storage containers for future meals. Will keep in the refrigerator for several days.
The Mediterranean style eating incorporates the basics of healthy eating that are traditionally practiced in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Eating and exercising like those who live in this region has been shown to have the following benefits: • • • • • • •
Decrease the risk of some forms of cancer. More effective than a low-fat diet for weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. Protect against cognitive decline by protecting the small blood vessels in the brain. Lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by 40 percent. Possibly improve eye health, including decreasing the risk of macular degeneration. Decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. In one study, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was reduced by 52 percent when eating the Med way. Help manage blood pressure. Possibly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as much as 30–60 percent.
Eating more plant sources of protein is a great way to improve your health, and one key recommendation of eating Med is to replace some of the meat in your diet with a variety of seeds, nuts, and beans. The key is moderation. The recommendation is three small handfuls of seeds and nuts a week. Measure out your servings so you don’t get too much of a good thing. To enjoy seeds and nuts the Med way, add them to foods you already eat. Sprinkling a few on top of your food gives you the yummy flavor and nutritional benefits while staying within your calorie budget. Top salads, grains, and fruits with them. Coat fish or chicken in crushed sunflower seeds or nuts. Add them to stuffing mixes for a nutty flavor. Plan ahead and try Med Morning Muesli for an easy and delicious cold breakfast dish that is ready to eat when you are.
Nutrition Information per Serving: (Based on using low-fat vanilla yogurt), Serving Size: 2 cups / 1 cup, Vegetables: 0 cups / 0 cups, Fruits: 1 cup / ½ cup, Calories: 449 calories / 224 calories, Carbohydrates: 78.6 grams / 39.3 grams, Fiber: 10.8 grams / 5.4 grams, Protein: 16.6 grams / 8.3 grams, Fat: 10 grams / 5 grams, Sodium: 123 mg / 61.6 mg. Source: https://medinsteadofmeds.com/
2020 DIABETES & YOU Friends!
Cooking Demos!
FUN!
Recipe Sampling!
Better Health!
Eat Right, Bite by Bite Come join us as we try new recipes and learn more about diabetes
FREE for You and Your Family!
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 12 noon – 1:00 pm REEVES COMMUNITY CENTER
LOCATION: 113 South Renfro Street, Mount Airy Kids Klub Room (Lower Level)
MED MORNING MUESLI
Ingredients • 2 apples (or 1 apple and 1 pear), grated • 1 cup old fashioned oats • 1 cup skim milk • 2/3 cup yogurt • 4 Tablespoons nuts or seeds • Grapes or berries (optional) 22 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
Reserve Your Spot! Call 336-401-8025 Sponsored By: 336-401-8025
Diabetes Education Program Surry County Health & Nutrition Center
336-401-8419
If you are a person with a disability or desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in thi s activity, please call 401-8025 during the business hours of 8:15 AM—5:00 PM at least two weeks before the event to request accommodations.
all the rest “This is life and death. We’re talking asparagus for breakfast.” “A little greenery won’t hurt you, young man.” “Please, Eloise. All I can do is cook fish. Aunt Winnie will fire me in two days.” “Lord, what a smile. Sit yourself down here at my table first and eat some home cooking. Then I’ll tell you my secrets.” She moved easily through the crowd, enjoying the stares. Polished perfection. The She served him fried okra, crisp and peppery, butter beans, sweet and men who stared had wealth, influence. They creamy, and barbeque, the Down East kind. “It takes hot oil, corn may have wanted her, but they would never meal, and plenty of pepper to make this okra, Hunter,” Eloise told touch her. The women who stared envied her. Or hated her. him. “And cook your butter beans with real butter, a pod of okra, and a teaspoon of sugar. And no more than a spoonful of sugar in your Joining Jack at the bar, Miki put a smooth hand on his arm. His barbeque sauce. Use plenty of vinegar, black pepper, red pepper, and smile was approving. It gave her a rush, being with Jack in a crowd, hot sauce. You want it to bite you back.” being his woman when a roomful of attractive women sought his attention. Deep creases marked his cheeks instead of dimples, giving He laughed and nodded his head. his face a distinctly masculine, adventurous appearance. The lines “You just have to roll up your sleeves and try it, Hunter. The main around his eyes crinkled in amusement at the women with whom he thing is to clean up the mess you make or your Aunt Winnie will fire flirted. Man or woman, anyone who stepped into his space felt the you in one day.” crackle of excitement that emanated from his presence. He was dark, “Can I call you if I get stuck?” handsome, a man in his prime. She was beautiful, elegant, all any “I’ve cooked my daughter’s supper over the phone many a time.” man could desire. Together, they turned heads. He stood to leave. “Do you have a map to the grocery store?” Everyone on the waterfront now knew his occupation. So he wasn’t the wealthy owner of that sleek yacht in their midst. It didn’t matter. She swatted him lightly on the backside. “Get out of here.” He seemed even more exciting, dangerous. They all waited to see him Impulsively, he hugged her. “Take care, Eloise.” crack the case no one else could. She hugged him back, then tightened her grip. “Hunter, there’s In particular, one pair of eyes followed the couple’s every move, something I should give you. I think it’s time.” expectant. He stiffened and made his face impassive. * * * “You’re afraid of anything to do with your father, aren’t you?” Hunter knocked on the door of the brick ranch home that sat several “If only you knew.” blocks away from the waterfront. The door was opened by a woman, “I do know, more than you think.” She rummaged through a drawer. whose broad face broke into a wide smile when she saw him on her “Your Uncle Donald left this with me. It’s a phone number where doorstep. your dad can be reached.” “Well, hello, Hunter. How are you?” He stared at the paper without moving. “Okay, Eloise. I hate to barge in on you like this, but . . .” “Here, take it. I already called and told him his mother is failing. I “I’ve been expecting you.” Eloise sized him up wisely. “Is your Aunt don’t need it any longer.” Winnie getting the best of you?” “You—you talked to him?” “She thinks people actually eat codfish.” “No, no. It’s one of those fancy answering services.” She laughed a rich, melodious laugh and waved him inside. He laughed shortly. “I think he’s on the lam, Eloise.” “I’m sorry about her firing you.” “Maybe, maybe not. But Donald said he would always get the “Oh, she hasn’t fired me. I’m just taking a paid vacation.” In answer message, no matter where he is.” to his raised eyebrows, she added, “Jen and I had already discussed “Huh. Why are you giving me this now?” what we’d do when Winnie came in and put me out.” “It’s time. Maybe you’ll have sense enough not to throw it away.” “You can’t get much over on Granny Jen,” he said lightly, maybe too “Maybe.” He folded it carefully and pocketed it. “Don’t expect me to lightly. thank you.” “Not a thing.” She paused. “Your granny’s going to live until the Lord calls her home, Hunter. Don’t worry about her. She’s in good hands.” “Someday you will.” * * * He sighed and looked away. The Cat moved quickly. The time for restless waiting was past. The “So which of my famous recipes do you want?” night of reckoning had come. “All of them.” He entered the water without a splash, swimming effortlessly, his She laughed again, warm and low. Eloise had cooked and cleaned for motions smooth and efficient. Beaufort Harbor’s first underwater Granny Jen three mornings a week for many years. Her fried chicken drug deal. His mark was excited about it, he had been told. Excited. and roast beef were legendary. “You know I don’t tell my secrets to Yes, death was exciting. just anybody.”
Find out how a harmless prank entangles two college kids with a serial killer in the next installment of A DEEPER CUT, a novel of suspense and forgiveness by Mt. Airy author Sheri Wren Haymore.
SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 23
Moving away from the docks, he swam beneath several yachts toward the deep open water of the harbor. Bubbles rose in rhythmic bursts from his regulator. He had always found the sound mesmerizing. Inhale, exhale. Life and death in a simple breath. The water was inky, and he swam by compass, not illumination. For a week, he had practiced his approach, flippers moving efficiently, mapping the coordinates, counting the strokes. Surprise was all he had. Strength and quickness were not as certain in the water as they were on land. And his time was limited. He would deliver two executions tonight. Ahead, he caught the signal flash. Yes, his mark was in place, periodically flashing his light, watching in the opposite direction. The mark had been told to position himself at a depth of twenty feet, in the center of the channel directly in front of a certain restaurant, and to watch for his buyer to approach from the opposite bank. The Cat had approached instead from his right at a depth of thirty feet and was now directly behind him, rising slowly to match his depth. As he came nearer, The Cat adjusted his breathing, matching it to the bubbles he detected rising from the lone figure. Ten feet separated them. Eight. The mark was still facing the opposite direction. Knife in hand, The Cat approached carefully, and with one quick slice, the main hose from the air tank was nearly severed. But this man was quick. Even as he reached for his alternate regulator, he made a grab behind him, his hand closing over The Cat’s own air hose. One yank, and the regulator was torn from The Cat’s mouth. And this man was no fool. As he backed away, he shone his wrist light straight into The Cat’s eyes. The Cat smiled evilly at him, bubbles streaming from his mouth. Recognition. The man hesitated; The Cat did not. The knife flashed in the beam of light and made contact, but not fatally. Red spurted into the light. Another strike, and the man’s alternate hose was cut. Kicking madly, the man rose toward the surface, bubbles exploding from the severed air lines, blood spreading in the illuminated water around him. Calmly, The Cat replaced his regulator and followed. He let the man almost breathe air. Just within reach of the surface, he yanked the man’s leg, pulling him under. The man kicked, deliberate hits with his flipper against The Cat’s airline, ripping the main hose loose. No matter. The man’s strength was ebbing, the blood flowing, the last silent bubbles escaping from his open, horrified mouth. The Cat yanked him down once more and pinned him from behind with his legs and left arm. Hopelessly struggling, the man clawed with one free hand, fingers digging flesh. Lungs screaming for air, The Cat plunged his knife at last into the throat, a satisfying spurt of blood and air signaling the end. With one final slice of the knife, the man’s buoyancy vest was ripped, and the body sank to the depths of the harbor. Breathing at last, The Cat moved away, tasting his greatest high yet. He was eager for the next execution. Sheri Wren Haymore lives near Mt. Airy with her husband, Clyde, and has been scribbling her entire life. A DEEPER CUT is her second novel. To read the next installment in the book, pick up the latest issue of Surry Living Magazine. You can find A DEEPER CUT at Pages in Mt. Airy, Chapters in Galax or at your favorite online bookseller. 24 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
WINSTON-SALEM RIVERRUNFILM.COM
of recreation is educational for our kids, and we as parents often enjoy revisiting our own childhood memories vicariously through this farm. And, it is a great value when you consider the recreational aspect relative to other competing attractions, such as movies and malls."
An Easter Egg Helicopter Drop?!
Again the date is Saturday, April 11th. Gates open at 8 AM. The event is from 9 AM until 4 PM. There will be three drop times. 9am, 12pm & 3PM. Cost for the event is $9.00 online and $11.00 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free.
Alpha & Omega Corn maze will host their 5th annual Helicopter Easter Egg Drop. More than 20,000 plastic eggs will fall out of the sky on Saturday, April 11th in what will look like a shower of Skittles. The children will move through the grass like vacuum cleaners on legs. As the crowd of children descend on areas designated for individual age groups, their movements mimic an organized stampede.
Check out our Facebook page or our website @ alphaomegacornmaze.com for posts & updates on special events. Feel free to contact us at 336-466-5402.
Saturday, April 11 will mark the fifth year that Alpha & Omega Corn Maze has coordinated the effort as a way to reach out to the local community and provide a fun family event. Pastor Kenny Pardue with Union Baptist Church will share the Easter story of resurrection before the egg hunt begins. Hi tech helicopters will be offering helicopter rides between drop times for an additional fee. Our very own Thumper the Easter Bunny will join us for pictures with the children.
1129 Cheek Road Hamptonville, NC 27020
——
Alpha and Omega Corn Maze www.alphaomegacornmaze.com Phone: 336-466-5402
Explore this 20-acre agritourism complex with the farm consisting of: Helicopter Egg Hunt, ( 3 drop times for your convenience ), Corn Cob Express, Corn Box, Picnic Pavilion, See Saws, Tug of War, Animal Acres, Pipe World, Bounce Pillow, custom corn shaped bounce pad, corn hole, Hayride, & lots of Photo Opportunities. We have an on site restaurant serving a delicious breakfast & lunch menu. Breakfast items include our famous bunny pancakes, sausage biscuits, popcorn, soft drinks, coffee and hot chocolate. We will also be serving for lunch our famous burgers along with our traditional corn maze menu. Indoor restroom facilities are on site. Customer’s remark that they are drawn to farms like this as they search for a wholesome and unique outdoor activity for their whole family. “This type Notice: This is a paid advertisement for Alpha and Omega Corn Maze, Hamptonville, NC SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 25
area calendars & info
MOUNT AIRY
MOUNT AIRY EVENTS
For more information on Mount Airy, visit www.yadkinvalleync.com/mount-airy MAR 1: MOUNT AIRY UKULELE INVASION 3:00 pm, Andy Griffith Playhouse. Live in Concert! All ages; FREE Admission; Directed by George Smith MAR 7: BATIK EASTER EGG WORKSHOP 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. Learn the ancient method of decorating Easter eggs using a kistka (a primitive tool) to scribe intricate designs with beeswax. Class limited to 15 participants ages 10 and up. $15 for Museum members; $25 for non-members; includes all supplies. $20 pre-paid kits are available and must be ordered at time of registration. Call 336-786-4478 to reserve your spot. MAR 8: SOUPER SUNDAY 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, The Vermeer Bed & Breakfast – Celebrate daylight savings time and contribute to Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center in Tobaccoville (they serve Surry Co). Cost: $40. Includes soup bowl (you take home), hearty soup (all you can eat), and homemade bread. Limited seating. Contact to reserve. MAR 14: APPLE GRAFTING WORKSHOP AT MISS ANGELS FARM 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Learn about grafting techniques and more in our 65 acre peach and apple orchard. Take HOME your own grafted apple tree, plus a potted 1 year old finish grafted apple tree. Call/Text Randy Shur at (336)745-5166 to reserve your spot before they sell out. Limited to 20 students- no age limit. MAR 20: BETTY LYNN DAY 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Andy Griffith Museum – Betty Lynn, the actress who portrayed Barney Fife's one true love, Thelma Lou, is scheduled to visit the Andy Griffith Museum on the third Friday of the month from 1pm until 3pm. She will have autographed 8x10 photos available ($10, cash or check only) and would love to meet you! MAR 21: RHONDA VINCENT AND THE RAGE 7:30pm, Historic Earle Theatre. "A firecracker of talent that powers one of the HOTTEST shows in any genre of music!” Ticket are $55/$50/$35. For more info and tickets, visitsurryarts.org MAR 21: SPRING VINEYARD HIKE AND TASTING 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Round Peak Vineyards. Take a walk with Winemaker, Ken Gulaian to learn spring vineyard pruning and management. Tour followed by private tasting. RSVP at 336-352-5595. MAR 28: BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP WITH MASTER BLACKSMITH JOE ALLEN 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. Learn how to forge iron and make an S hook, leaf key chain and plant hanger (time permitting.) Tools and materials are provided. Preregistration required. $75 for Museum members; $100 for non-members. Contact the museum at 336-786-4478.
PAWN SHOP & JEWELERS
MAR 28, 29 & 30: BACK TO THE 80S Andy Griffith Playhouse. Surry Arts Players community theatre will be performing this high-energy musical with contemporary flair. Tickets are $20/$15. Sat. and Mon. show begins at 7:30pm. Sun. show begins at 3pm. For more info and tickets, visit www.surryarts.org or call (336)786-7998. APR 4: KUBOTA FIELD EVENT 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at Mt. Airy Equipment, 1431 West Pine Street. Giveaways, food, ride & drive, special discounts available. 26 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
Regular Store Hours: Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers Mon–Fri: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm 336-786-6417 • 336-789-7109 Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 1911 Caudle Dr, Mount Airy, NC
ELKIN EVENTS For more area info, visit www.elkinnc.org MAR 6: SOUTHERN SIRENS' SHOWCASE 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater & Café, 129 W Main St, Elkin, NC. Visit www.reevestheater.com MAR 7: THE MARTHA BASSETT SHOW - JILL ANDREWS & MORE! 7:30 pm, Reeves Theater & Café, 129 W Main St, Elkin, NC. Visit www.reevestheater.com MAR 13: DELLA MAE 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater & Café, 129 W Main St, Elkin, NC. Visit www.reevestheater.com MAR 14: TAYLOR VADEN WITH FULL BAND 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater & Café, 129 W Main St, Elkin, NC. Visit www.reevestheater.com MAR 15: LIVE MUSIC AT SKULL CAMP 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Skull Camp Smokehouse. Live music by James Vincent Carroll. Classic Rock hits from the 70's-90's by JVC on his acoustic guitar! James also mixes in lots of his original written songs that people continue to learn to love! Be a part of the loving atmosphere and sing along! MAR 15: BRIDAL EXPO 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Coley Hall at The Liberty – Engaged? Come and meet with industry experts to plan your wedding all in one place! Photographers, Bakeries, Dress Boutiques, Hair & Makeup Artists, Florists, Estheticians, Massage & more... View our historic venue and sample delicious cuisine prepared by The Liberty Catering Company while connecting with some of the top vendors in our area! Goodie Bags and Door Prizes will be given out during the event! Don't miss your chance to win. MAR 22: LIVE MUSIC AT SKULL CAMP 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Skull Camp Smokehouse. Live music by Dylan McCray.
The key to finding the right is finding
home
MASSAGE & BODYWORK SPACES FOR RENT Mount Airy, NC
Attention Newly-licensed Massage Therapists:
the right
Realtor.
ELKIN
area calendars & info
®
Elizabeth Reynolds
Broker/REALTOR® 919.539.5788 | ElizabethReynolds.bhhscarolinas.com
My name is Nicole Wimbish, owner & sole proprietor of Zen Massage & Bodywork. My business is located in Mount Airy, NC. I have a unique opportunity for newly-licensed therapists to build their own business/clientele, at an affordable rental-space rate. This space will be a co-sharing and co-op type of massage clinic. For those not looking for a long-term commitment, I am offering rental space for $30 /day or $60 /week. If you would rather commit for a longer, more affordable term, a monthly lease rate of $200 is possible. Currently we have only one room where space/time would be shared by me and the other therapists, but more rooms will be available very soon. This room will be furnished with a table, chair, music, etc.. You would need to provide your own sheets, lotions, and oils. If you prefer to use your own table, there is space and you are welcome to do so. If interested, please contact me by phone or email. I look forward to working with you on your new endeavor.
Nicole Wimbish, LMBT, Zen Massage & Bodywork
a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
336-783-7652 • zenmassage.bodywork@yahoo.com
SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 27
area calendars & info
DOBSON EVENTS
For more information on Dobson, NC, visit www.yadkinvalleync.com/dobson APRIL 3-4: 8TH ANNUAL SURRY OLD TIME FIDDLERS CONVENTION Surry Central High School, Dobson.
(See ad on Page 5) Friday, Square Dance: 7 – 10 PM, $5 Admission; Kids 12 & under are free Saturday, April 4, Fiddlers Convention (all day) $5 General Admission, Free for contestants and Kids 12 & under
NEARBY NEARBY EVENTS MAR 26 – APR 5: (WINSTON-SALEM): RIVERRUN INTL FILM FESTIVAL Visit www.riverrunfilm.com for Info
MAR 21: (PINNACLE) HERITAGE TREE SALE 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, Pinnacle. Come buy a very special tree (one of our heirloom apple trees) to plant at your house or in your community. Numerous varieties to choose from. $20 per tree. *Note: Last year was a sell out. Call the site at (336) 325-2298 to determine availability.
N.C. Department of Insurance • Mike Causey, Commissioner 855-408-1212 (toll free) • www.ncdoi.com
MARCH IS NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Colorectal cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It affects all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people ages 50 and older. Screening and early detection are vital. Medicare covers certain colorectal cancer screening services—ask a SHIIP counselor for more information. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable! FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: NC COOPERATIVE EXT, SURRY CO @ 336-401-8025
THE REX THEATER (GALAX) 113 E Grayson St, Galax, VA, www.rextheatergalax.com MAR 28: BEACH NITE BAND Show 7:00 pm, $10.00 EVERY FRIDAY IN MARCH - BLUE RIDGE BACKROADS LIVE Shows at 7:00, Admission $5.00 APRIL 11 (HAMPTONVILLE) ALPHA & OMEGA EASTER EGG HELICOPTER DROP 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 1129 Cheek Road, Hamptonville, NC. Visit www. alphaomegacornmaze.com or call 336.466.5402
Natural Products & Educatiо Herbs • SUPPLEMENTS • Essential Oils Homeopathy • NATURAL BODYCARE GROCERIES • Petcare • AND MORE
106 West Main Street PILOT MOUNTAIN, NC
(336) 368-5955 28 • SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue
STORE HOURS
Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 – 5 :00 Saturday, 10:00 – 4:00
Mail Order Available
70 Chelsea Ln, Sparta, NC Offered at $165,400 which includes furnishings (MLS # 220220)
Call me for all of your real estate needs! Serving Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin, Alleghany and Ashe counties
Lesia Cockerham REALTOR® NC Broker
336-999-4496 cell 336-372-4774 office lesiac@kw.com KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY 15 N. Main St Sparta, NC 28675 soldbylesia.kw.com
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
area calendars & info
PILOT MOUNTAIN
PILOT MOUNTAIN EVENTS
Pilot Mountain Tourism, 124 West Main Street, visit www.pilotmountainnc.org Hilda's Place Calendar of Events www.livingyourart.com MAR 1: Inspirational Artist :Jesslyn
McCutcheon In Concert 3:00 pm (Free)
MAR 7: I Didn't Cry: A Woman Show/w NY Actress Sergia Perez at 7:00 pm $15
“A near-perfect fusion of music, theater, art, casual dining, and fun!�
MAR 11: Brenan Simmons at 6:30 pm MAR 13: Open Mic Night at 7:00 pm MAR 14: Mad At Miles : Dramatic Perfor-
mance By NC Touring Theatre at 7 pm $15
MAR 15: Cafe Takeover - A Taste Of Germany catered by Ladies D Lux Open from 2-6 pm MAR 18: Easy Money Band 7:00 pm MAR 20: St. Patrick's Day Celebration with
a surprise band. 6-8 pm $10 at the door.
MAR 21: Back By Popular Demand : Vicki Genfan @ 7:00 pm $ 15 MAR 27: Open Mic 7-9 pm MAR 28: Acoustic Harmonies at 7:30 pm
• We're More Than A Feed Store •
(336)444-4359 • LIVINGYOURART.COM 215 E MAIN ST, PILOT MOUNTAIN, NC
This winter we are featuring our 16% protein cattle feed and 24% protein tubs. Our cattle feed is 16% protein with 3% fat and our tubs are Ultralyx 24% Hi-Mag Protein Tubs.
Winter – Spring – Summer – Fall See Us For Your Year-Round Mineral Needs 675 Meadow Street • Galax, Virginia • 276-236-3721 33 Floyd Pike, Corner of 58 & 221 • Hillsville, VA • 276-266-3399 SURRY LIVING Mar. 2020 Issue • 29
Unleash the power of radio advertising with a custom ad campaign on 100.9 WIFM
813 N. Bridge Street – Elkin, NC 336-835-2511 wifm@wifmradio.com Streaming online at www.wifmradio.com
Independent Living Assisted Living
CALL US TODAY
(336) 786 - 9100 Mt. Airy’s Premier Retirement Community
1000 Ridgecrest Lane Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (336) 786-9100 Ridge-Crest.com
We are proud to be a Five Star rated* and Top 100 Hospital Only 9 percent of hospitals receive this designation nationwide. Thanks to leading technology and our extraordinary staff’s unwavering commitment to quality care and service excellence, your local hospital is one of them.
choosenorthern.org
Choose Well. Choose Northern. *Ratings awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Choose Well. Choose Northern.