7 minute read
Gingerhorse Studio
MAUI — A BAND
FOR ALL AGES! Have you ever wanted to learn to play an instrument—but thought you were too old? It is never too late, and George Smith, instructor and conductor of the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI), shares that members of the MAUI classes have ranged in age from five to eighty-five! Several retiree-aged members say that learning to play the ukulele and playing in the jams help to keep their minds exercised.
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MAUI is a family affair for me—George (who happens to be my husband) teaches, I add the creative touch, and our son, Dorian, hands out candy at the practices. Member Jody Crawford, who has been in the group since its inception, says, “Playing ukulele is fun because it is a very accessible instrument; it’s inexpensive, small enough to finger and strum easily, and has a happy sound because of the way it is tuned. But what makes it really fun? MAUI led by George Smith. George is always encouraging and positive. The MAUI group is comprised of all ages. George makes sure there is a role for everyone, whether beginner or advanced. shy or outgoing, young or old.” And member Candace Burchum adds, “We are a very diverse group of people of many ages, walks of life, and lifestyles. We all get along famously! The ability to have fun, enjoy each other’s company, and learn music is the trifecta of fun!” MAUI often bridges the generation gap. I’ve seen some of the most awesome friendships form between the young and old. The beautiful thing is that you might see a younger member teaching an older adult student how to play—and vice versa. I’d like to share about one special relationship in the MAUI orchestra—that of teen Lacy Griffith and her grandmother Penny Moseley (called Yaya by Lacy.) Lacy shares, “My mom died unexpectedly with a brain aneurysm in 2014 and my Yaya is almost all the family I have. I started MAUI a year later and I haven't missed a session since, even through a pandemic. I have a family! I want to
make a career of music. MAUI is a great starting place. I get to perform and sing on stages all over with audiences as big as 200 people and as small as 20 or 30 nursing home residents. I have gained a lot of self-confidence. I love George, Gin, and Dorian.” And from Yaya Penny: “MAUI has given my granddaughter, Lacy, and me a bond that I never thought could be achieved. I drove her to Mount Airy twice a week for almost three years for lessons while I sat on a couch and waited. I didn’t think I could ever play an instrument. Much to my surprise, with MAUI and George’s encouragement, I can (I’ll never play a solo.) and have been playing for almost two years. The best and most heartfelt bonding occurred when Lacy and I stood together with MAUI, on a stage, playing and head-banging to hard rock tunes as backup for the George Smith Band. We laughed all the way home; three generations apart and we can have that kind of fun together!" This ukulele orchestra began in 2013 with 17 players and averaged 50 in each class in 2019. Covid restrictions have pushed MAUI classes to online, so now aspiring to accomplished musicians can join in worldwide. Currently the eight-week classes cost $100, and scholarships may be available. Choose from three options a week for attending: Tuesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30, Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00, and Saturday mornings from 10:30-noon. You can find MAUI online at www.themusicofgeorgesmith.com or on Facebook.
lifestyle photography GIN DENTON
336-710-4506 gingerhorsestudio.com
Choose Well. Choose Northern.
Brittney Preslar, certified Nurse Practitioner in Family Medicine, has joined the clinical care team of Northern Family Medicine – a department of Northern Regional Hospital.
Preslar, a native of Mount Airy, is pleased to be taking care of patients in her hometown community. “I was born and raised in Mount Airy,” she says proudly, “and it’s always a pleasant ‘reunion’ when my patients know me because we grew up together or because they know my parents. If they’re friends with my parents, they usually tell me stories about myself when I was a little girl,” she laughs.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Preslar is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing and treating patients with a wide variety of common and chronic physical ailments, including hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and others. “I try to be holistic with my patients because I want to find the root of the problem and not just prescribe medications,” she says. “I carefully review their records to see where they’ve been clinically, where they are now, and where they want to be.”
Preslar spends time educating her patients about their conditions, as well as recommending lifestyle alternatives to further improve their health. She says she also provides hugs, as needed – especially for those who may be experiencing bouts of anxiety or depression. According to mental health experts, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increased incidence of mental health problems.
Preslar is a member of the American Nurses Association; and holds certifications in a number of clinical areas including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS), and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) international certification.
These days, Preslar feels pleased and privileged to be giving back to her community. “I’m treating ‘my people’ because this is my community,” she says.
When not helping her patients, Preslar enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Jason, a furniture salesman; and Finn, their energetic five-year-old son who, she says, “just started kindergarten … and loves it!” Her son also loves the newest additions to their family – cows! “My husband just got some cows,” she laughs, “and Finn enjoys being outside with them and his dad.” When not cow-gazing, father and son go on frequent fishing trips. All three come together, however, to dine out with family and friends – especially when the selected restaurant is 13 Bones, where Preslar spent time waitressing in between school semesters.
Preslar is committed to participating in the American Cancer Society’s annual “Relay for Life” fundraising walk as a way to honor her mother, a cancer survivor, and all other cancer survivors. While this year’s local event may be suspended due to COVID-19, she is hopeful that the fundraising effort will be resumed as soon as safely possible.
To schedule an appointment with Brittney Preslar, FNP-C, please call Northern Family Medicine at 336-786-4133. The practice is located at 280 North Pointe Boulevard, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030, just inside the Northern Wellness and Fitness Center.
For more information visit www.choosenorthern.org
SURRY COUNTY SCHOOLS' BUS DRIVER OF THE YEAR
We are grateful to recognize Andrew Draughn as Surry County Schools’ 2020 Bus Driver of The Year. In 1980 he began a forty-year career with the Mount Airy City Schools' Child Nutrition Department and in 1989 became CDL-certified and began thirty-one blessed years as a respected school bus driver. Draughn stated, “Being Andrew Draughn responsible for the safety of getting our children to and from school is a high calling. I’m proud of the opportunity to serve the system, community, families, and students, and working with the most dedicated team of colleagues is an immeasurable gift. My peers are welltrained professionals who exceed expectations and maintain high standards and protocol. We achieve to give parents peace of mind. My supervisor John Doss takes great pride in our performance and reputation, and starting and ending a safe day for our system is a blessing and sense of achievement.” Mr. Doss stated, “Andrew is the epitome of dedication and reliability. He’s a tried and true hero who lets his life speak and is a selfless servant who lives to protect the lives of our precious youngsters.” After years of monumental success, Andrew will retire in December. For the past 56 years he has dedicated his weekends to serving God as Pastor at the Wabun Revival Center in Salem, Virginia. His late dad, Elliott, first took him there in 1964. Surry County Schools operates 104 buses (including Mount Airy’s 13) and delivers 4,300 students. Approximately 6,000 miles are traveled daily. All buses are equipped with cameras,
Andrew Draughn and Rebecca Smith, Bus Health Monitor GPS, and air conditioning; twenty-three are seat belt equipped; and their efficiency rating is 98.95%. Bus health monitors check passenger temperatures and ask Covidmandated safety questions. Entry level drivers are required to have 48 hours training and veteran drivers have annual continuing education hours. Drivers are subject to extensive background investigations prior to employment. For employment opportunities call Rodney B. Hardy, Director of Transportation at 336-386-8762. Public school bus drivers are dedicated kind souls. Wayne Edmonds drove at Copeland Elementary School and said, “Driving was the most wonderful experience of my life. I still get calls from my students. We are like family; the kids
