Gin Denton

Zachary Groff

Zachary Groff’s a gifted pianist, composer, and music teacher. He started playing piano 34 years ago when he was eight years old, and at age ten, he composed his first solo piano piece. But Zachary’s talent goes even further. He is also a world class whistler.

In 2013, Zachary earned the title of World Champion Classical Style Whistler with his performance of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto number 2 at the International Whistler's Convention. He became a whistling legend and was asked to perform in Japan. He has also toured Europe playing piano and whistling. Zachary even had the honor of being featured at the drool-worthy Fringe Festival in Scotland. In 2014 he released an EP album featuring his compositions, whistling, and piano playing. “Drifting” is one of my favorite pieces on the album titled Pieces of Night. While his music led him around the world, Zachary has called Mount Airy home for two decades. Originally from Pennsylvania, he first came to North Carolina when he was accepted at the NC School of the Arts. There he studied classical piano with Clifton Matthews and composition with Kenneth Frazelle. As an entertainer, Zachary, has performed in several bands and in classical ensembles. He usually plays piano or harpsichord, a smaller piano-like instrument, typically used in baroque music. He is a member of a classical jazz trio, Stanley Standard, along with bassist Isaac Rives and drummer Brent Ferry. In addition to the classical arrangements, Stanley Standard performs original arrangements from a variety of musical forms. You can find them playing just up the Blue Ridge Parkway at Primland in Virginia, as well as local wineries. Zachary is a freelance composer, writing for himself and for others. He is senior arranger for Sheet Music Plus, a company known for their sheet music options. His compositions and variations of sheet music can be purchased for download at SheetMusicPlus.com. He also composes for another platform, Miles of Music. We are fortunate to have such a well-traveled and educated musician in our area, especially one who not only loves performance but also loves sharing his passion for music through teaching. You can find him teaching piano at Olde Mill Music in Mount Airy. Search for Zachary Groff on reverbnation.com to hear several of his tunes featuring whistling, including his “Theme and Variation on ‘Fishin Hole,’” from the Andy Griffin Show. Search his pseudonym, Whitworth, to sample his Electronic Dance Music. He can also be found on Spotify and iTunes. You can read more about his jazz trio at stanleystandard.com. Happy Trails to you!

Remembering Rockford

by Larry VanHoose

It seems odd to speak of remembering something that is still very much alive, but in the life of Rockford, as so with most of us, the past and the present are forever entwined by threads of both time and place. In a way the town is much like a vintage tapestry, woven over countless years to present a history that, because it collides with the present, is never quite finished. The truth is that today, young and old alike still shed their energy, sweat, and blood to keep this once active center of government, farm, and industry from disappearing into the unforgiving NC landscape. We think that you'll find that if Surry County is part of your family history, then Rockford is also.

When you visit Rockford, you may be surprised to see that much of its past is still very visible, not just through the broken window panes and rotting boards of buildings that once thrived with commerce and growth, but Rockford's faded glory can also be seen with a little urging of the imagination and with more than a little help from the wonderful folks who make up the Rockford Preservation Society (RPS). Having visited Rockford in the latter part of the last century, it was always my desire to go back and “dig through the past” so to speak and see what treasures might be found. When I finally did get around to a second and then a third visit while doing research for this article, I was surprised to see much had changed in the last couple of decades. Further research revealed the incredible labor of love bestowed on Rockford by many, past and present, to cause this transformation and renewal of sorts. Buildings currently owned and in various states of restoration by the RPS include the Rockford Methodist Church (1914), The Mark York Tavern (1830), The Rockford Post Office, which is now Rockford Visitor’s Center and Museum, (1900), Dudley Glass Store / Davenport Gallery (1850), Grant–Burrus Hotel Site / Rockford Park (1796), and the W.P. Dobson Store / Rockford Masonic Lodge (1810). I would mention that RPS president, Hannah Holyfield, was a wonderful and knowledgeable tour-guide and the source for much of the information in this article. Another valuable source of information I was fortunate to acquire was one of the last available copies of a book by a long-time resident and Rockford “historian,” Mrs. Lucy Hamlin Houck. The book is titled, The Story of Rockford, and the preservation society is currently looking at options for yet another reprinting of this informative and in-depth look at the “hidden treasure” that is Rockford, NC. An interesting piece of that history Mrs. Houck mentioned was that the original 53 acres of land which made up the town of Rockford was purchased in the late 1700s – for the sole intent to create a county seat for the new, and much smaller Surry County, NC, that was divided in half with the eastern portion becoming Stokes County. This gradual break-up of Surry County greatly reduced its size, “So that when Rockford was established near the banks of the Yadkin river, it was at the center of the county as it then existed.” The southern half of Surry eventually became Yadkin County, and a few other corners also went to other counties. Rockford would go on to be the seat of government for Surry County for sixty years.

During this time in North Carolina history, “methods of transportation were poor, the mail was slow, and newspapers were scarce, so people went to the county seat to get the news and to find out about the all-important trends.” The western part of the state was mostly wilderness, with so-called roads being little more than trails or trapper’s paths. Gradually wagon

Grant–Burrus Hotel Site / Rockford Park (1796) is the site of many community events and a great place for a picnic!

and stagecoach roads were established above the hills bordering the rivers, and Rockford was reached by roads that branched off from these. It was said, however, and the court records bear out the truth, that “all roads led to Rockford.” Visiting this hidden hamlet in our age of highways and interstates, it’s hard to fathom that this could have been so, but when you consider the proximity of the river, the ford, and eventually the railroad, it makes sense for that bygone era.

In her book, Lucy Houck made mention of many noted politicians and judicial and government officials that either had their roots in Rockford or spent some time there for one reason or another. One of the most famous, and rumored to be frequent visitor to Rockford, was a young law student by the name of Andrew Jackson who later became the seventh president of the United States. Jackson was very popular in Surry and many stories have been repeated about his early visits.

Another interesting story documents the need for effective transportation of goods and peoples during the early era of Surry. “From a paper written by a Mr. Rom Folger some time before his death in 1928, in which are recorded some of his memories of Rockford, we get the following story: ‘Rockford was located with an eye single to navigation of the Yadkin River. In due course of time the Yadkin Navigation Company was chartered by the General Assembly, stock was taken, the company organized, and they went to work, but the “white elephant” the company had to deal with was the “Bean Shoals” in the river near East Bend, around which they undertook to dig a canal, and it is said that some fine masonry was done in making the banks of the canal. The project proved to be too big and expensive, so the navigation soon because a dream of the past.’” We would be remiss if we failed to mention one amazing survivor that overlaps historic and present-day Rockford — a mainstay of the community that continues to be the ultimate destination for many who visit — the Rockford General Store. Stroll around this museum-like country store and take in the hundreds of photos, artifacts, and antiques from the early days of Rockford. This store has been in operation since 1890 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You can step back in time when you visit this old-timey venue that features snacks,

Rockford Visitor's Center and History Museum

Inside the Rockford Visitor's Center and History Museum The Dudley Glass Store / Davenport Gallery is now home to Sweet Paws Home Decor & Perlie Chic Boutique, 5150 Rockford Rd, Rockford, NC

“Celebrating 83 YEARS OF SERVICE in the Area!”

www.thederbyrestaurant.com 1901 S. Main St • Mt. Airy • (336) 786-7082

From 1890 through the early 1900s, Rockford had a resurgence of activity with the coming of the Northwestern NC Railroad. The railroad was the chief carrier of passengers, freight, and mail, and Rockford resurfaced as a commercial center. Around that time Rockford boasted three general stores and a tobacco factory. Look twice! Note the optical illusion on the tracks as they turn back towards the river.

The Rockford Inn – originally the Hamlin-Burrus-Holyfield House. This circa 1840 inn is run by members of the Holyfield family. Situated at the crest of 6+ rolling acres, this beautiful and historic home is open for lodging reservations with three distinctive guest rooms. The grounds boast century-old oaks that shade the knoll where Muscadine vines drape the meadow.

Rockford General Store – in operation since 1890 and a surefire "don't miss this!" stop whenever you visit Rockford

prepared foods, novelties, and over 200 kinds of candies along with old-fashioned candy jars and glass-bottled drinks. Stop by the store to pick up a treat to sustain you when you embark on a self-guided walking tour of the historic village. The store (hours subject to change) is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. Finally, like many frontier towns of old, churches make up an important part of past and present-day Rockford. According to Lucy Houck, “the organized church came late. The Baptist and Methodist churches at Rockford were organized about the same time, around 1847. … Mary York, gave land for the erection of a church for all denominations, except Mormons and Catholics, to worship in. It is said that Mr. York was not a church member, but his son was a Baptist, and the deed to the land was made to the Baptist Church. All the people of the community joined in, however, to erect the [first] one-room house of worship.” The present-day structure of the now decommissioned, Rockford Methodist Church, was built in 1914 and is one of several buildings owned and restored by the Rockford Preservation Society. Several local events, including the annual

Candlelight Christmas in Rockford, are held at the church. In 1989, the Preservation Society commissioned the Italiantrained artist, Tony Griffin, to paint the fresco, “Come Unto Me,” which was dedicated in a special ceremony as part of Rockford’s Bicentennial celebration. Visitors come from far and wide to view this special depiction of the Christ “with arms held wide” to all who would come. In much the same way, Rockford is a both another example of one of many historic treasures that make up Surry County, but it is also a testament to the values, tenacity, and love of those that are still willing to welcome friends as yet unknown, and who would have us all come to this little, just a bit outta the way, “rock ford.”

1914 Rockford Methodist Church In 1989, the Society commissioned artist Tony Griffin to paint the fresco “Come Unto Me” which was dedicated in a special ceremony as part of Rockford’s Bicentennial celebration.

We'd like to send out a special Thank You! to talented local artist, Patricia Hobson, for allowing us to use her wonderful painting of the Rockford Low Water Bridge on the cover of this month's issue of Surry Living Magazine.

Patricia has several remaining prints of "The Bridge" and she is offering them directly to our readers at a special, discounted price. To order, go to http://www.patriciahobson.com/ and click on the image to be taken to the order page for that painting. Mounting is also available. Visit the website, call or Text 336.341.8029, or Email patriciahobson@yahoo.com

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

with Rynn Hennings www.thehouseofelynryn.com

When I was young, I remember my family driving to Rockford from Yadkin County and waiting to cross the one-lane, low-water bridge−which seemed like an oxymoron to me until I realized that the water had to be low for cars to cross the low-built bridge. I was always excited and a little scared to cross the river on that little bridge with the low guardrails. But as soon as we crossed the river, we always stopped at the general store where my much-loved orange soda waited in the coolers. Nowadays, the low-water bridge has long been replaced by a modern high-rise bridge. It makes the drive to Rockford feel different, but once I drive across the old railroad tracks and see the quaint community up ahead, it feels like I’ve been transported back in time. The general store still stands among the historic buildings, selling home-cooked food, old-fashioned candy, and of course, cold soft drinks. As an adult, I have often pulled an orange soda from the cooler, when in another store on any other day, I would choose a bottle of water. But Rockford has a way of making you nostalgic for the days of your youth, orange drinks, and a low bridge that made you feel as though you were driving atop the waters of the Yadkin River.

ORANGE CREAMSICLE CUPCAKES

Servings: 20 | Prep Time: 35 mins | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for Cupcakes

• 4 large egg whites, room temperature • 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature • 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon orange liqueur • 1/2 teaspoon food-grade orange essential oil (see note below for substitution) • Orange gel coloring (optional) • 1/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 15-16-ounce box white cake mix (Duncan Hines Classic White used)

Ingredients for Buttercream

• 2 sticks salted butter, softened • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 teaspoon food-grade orange essential oil (see note below for substitution) • 1/4 cup whipping cream • 2 pinches salt • orange gel coloring (optional) • 5 cups confectioner’s sugar • 1 piping bag • 1 large star tip • Coordinating sprinkles (optional)

Directions for Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, orange liqueur, orange oil, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add a little orange food coloring to make the batter a pale peach color. Then sift in the cake mix and stir until smooth but not overmixed. Do not skip sifting the cake mix or the batter will be lumpy. 3. Place cupcake liners in a muffin pan. Using a cookie scoop, fill the liners 1/2 to 2/3 full. Recipe will fill about 20 liners. 4. Bake for 20 minutes or until cupcakes are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with crumbs. Do not overbake. After 5 minutes, move the cupcakes to a cooling rack. Cool before frosting.

Directions for Buttercream

1. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, vanilla, orange oil, and salt until creamy. 2. Add the whipping cream to the butter and beat until mixed. Then add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and beat between each addition. If the frosting is too stiff, add more cream. Add a little orange gel coloring and beat. The color should be a pale peach color. 3. Use a piping bag and large star tip to pipe frosting onto the cupcakes. Make a circle of frosting around the outside of the cupcake top and continue circling, moving in closer to the middle with each circle. This will make the frosting taller in the middle of the cupcake. Alternative: To use less frosting on each cupcake, start piping in the middle of the cupcake and then make circles moving to the outside with each circle. This method will make a "rose" shape on each cupcake. 4. Add sprinkles to each cupcake for decoration.

Sweet Tips

One-half (½) teaspoon of orange essential oil equals approximately 2 teaspoons of orange extract. For more photos and tips, go to houseofelynryn.com

You can Support your friends and neighbors WHILE finding great values on unique goods and services. It's time for all of us to ...

CHARIS CHRISTIAN BOOK AND GIFTS

128 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 336-673-0688 • Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:30-5:00

March Special: Lots of NEW Shirts! 20% ALL Books! Excellent 1/2 OFF Section!

BLUE MOUNTAIN HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS

106 W. Main St., Pilot Mountain, NC (336) 365-5955 • Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10-5:00, Saturday 10:00 - 4:00

Open for Curbside Service - Just call and we'll bring your order out to you!

HICKS WATER STOVES / HICKS MECHANICAL

2649 S. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 336-789-4977 • Hours: Monday thru Friday 7-4

March Special: Take 5% off any stove parts when mentioning this ad

MAIN STREET MARKET

140 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC 336-970-9122 • Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10-6

Shop our large selection of Antiques, Artisans, Comics, Collectibles, and one-of-a-kind "finds!" MANY items on SALE!

Natura Products & Educati

Herbs • SUPPLEMENTS • Essential Oils

Homeopathy • NATURAL BODYCARE GROCERIES • Petcare • AND MORE

106 West Main Street

PILOT MOUNTAIN, NC

STORE HOURS Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 – 5 :00 Saturday, 10:00 – 4:00 (336) 368-5955 Mail Order Available

Leather Britches

Our theme, “Remembering Rockford,” provided me the opportunity to do a little research on this local historical spot. I have been to Rockford several times and have heard our area historian, Marion Venable, tell some great stories about the Rockford community. After doing some reading about Rockford, I learned that one of its more famous visitors was Andrew Jackson. Besides both of us living in Tennessee, I discovered Andrew Jackson and I had another thing in common, green beans. We moved to Tennessee when I was in middle school. Our new house had a yard large enough to have our first garden which included rows and rows of green beans. Those homegrown green beans were delicious! So much better than the canned ones bought at the store. I ate so many beans my family said I was going to turn into one. I grew several inches about that time, so I was kind of long and skinny. My mom canned quarts of beans for us to enjoy after the growing season was over. But Andrew Jackson lived in a time before people canned. They preserved food by drying and that included green beans. Dried beans were known as leather britches, which according to history, Jackson loved. (That’s right, we are talking about dried beans not leather pants). The mature beans are strung on a line and hung to dry. Once dry, they will last for months. Start thinking now about what you would like to grow in your garden this year. Remember many plants can be grown in containers if you don’t have room or the desire for a traditional garden. Cooperative Extension has information on gardening as well as how to preserve what you grow. Canning, freezing, and drying are all good ways to enjoy the benefits of your garden for months. One of my favorite resources is the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Their website at nchfp.uga.edu/ provides a wealth of information.

Green beans are a low acid vegetable and always need to be canned with a pressure canner which reaches 240 degrees to ensure safety. We sometimes hear, “But I canned my beans in a boiling water bath for hours, wouldn’t that make them safe?” The answer is no. No matter how long you boil your beans, the temperature never gets higher than 212 degrees, the temperature water boils at sea level. Your food will be hot and well cooked, but 212 degrees isn’t hot enough to destroy all the spoilage and food poisoning organisms that may be in the food. At Cooperative Extension, we can check the accuracy of your dial gauge pressure canner. To schedule an appointment to get your canner checked, please call 336-401-8025. For a different way to prepare green beans, try this Med Instead of Meds recipe for Green Beans with Lemon Zest.

Green Beans with Lemon Zest Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt (additional to taste) • 1 pound fresh snap green beans with the vine end removed • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 tablespoon lemon zest • Salt to taste

Directions

1. Bring 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil. 2. Boil (blanch) the green beans for 5 minutes or until just a little soft, don’t overcook. 3. Drain the green beans well. If doing this in advance, shock in ice water. 4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or stir fry pan. 5. Add the green beans and cook for 1-2 minutes. 6. Add the lemon zest and stir well. 7. Adjust the salt to taste. NOTE: You can blanch the green beans ahead of time — just shock in ice water and refrigerate. You can also use frozen green beans. Thaw and start at step #4. Other variations: 1. Omit the lemon zest and add toasted slivered almonds. 2. Omit the lemon zest and add 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce such as sambal or sriracha. Source: Med Instead of Meds

EDITORS NOTE: The following events are subject to cancellation or postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic or other factors. While outside of our control, this information was current as of press time. MARCH 2, 6, & 16 (GALAX): CREEK BOTTOM BREWERY March 2nd & 16th: Bluegrass Night w/ The Creek Bottom Boys – starts at 7:00; March 6th: Matt Mullins and The Bringdowns: 6:30. Creek Bottom Brewery, 307 N Meadow Street, Galax, VA MARCH 5 (MOUNT AIRY): VIRTUAL STORYBOOK MUSEUM 11:00 am, Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, 301 N Main St. Join us for crafts and activities based on books! This FREE virtual program is intended for preschool-age children. MARCH 6, 12, 13 & 19 (MOUNT AIRY): Mayberry Spirits Whiskey Distillery Tours, Mayberry Spirits Distillery, 431 N. South St. Open Fridays & Saturdays from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Tours at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm. Reservations recommended. Making whiskey in the Appalachian tradition! $10 per person for an approximately 45-min. tour, which includes a souvenir shot glass and 5 tastings (3 whiskies plus two mixed versions). Gift shop open and on-site bottle purchases now allowed! Call 336-719-6860 for more information MARCH 6 - 7 (RONDA): FOOD TRUCK: HAPPY HIPPIE FOOD CO. 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Grace Road, Ronda, NC MARCH 6 & 20 (MOUNT AIRY): BATIK EASTER EGG WORKSHOP 1:00-4:00 pm, Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, 301 N Main St. Learn the ancient method of decorating Easter eggs using simple primitive tools to “write” intricate designs with beeswax. The Pysanka method of decorating the egg is traditionally used to make the much-admired Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Class size is limited to 9 participants and masks are required. $15 for Museum members; $25 for non-members includes all supplies. Call 336-786-4478 by February 26 to reserve your spot.

MARCH 7 (STATE ROAD): ORIGINAL SONGS & STORIES BY JAMES VINCENT CARROLL & BBQ FOOD TRUCK

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Grassy Creek Vineyard, 235 Chatham Cottage Lane, State Rd, NC MARCH 7 (PINNACLE): LIVE MUSIC WITH JOSH TENERY 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Pilot Mountain Vineyards, 1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle, NC MARCH 13 (MOUNT AIRY): LIVING RHYTHMS – DRUMMING WORKSHOP Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford Street. Three, hour-long classes are offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Classes are hosted by the Surry Arts Council. Advance registration is required by calling 336-786-7998 or emailing courtney@surryarts. org. Class sizes will be limited, and COVID-19 safety guidelines will be followed. Masks are required. MARCH 13 (PINNACLE): LINE AND WINE Dancing hourly at 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00, Pilot Mountain Vineyards, 1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle, NC MARCH 13 - 14 (RONDA): FOOD TRUCK: WRAPS AROUND THE WORLD 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Grace Road, Ronda, NC MARCH 19 (PINNACLE): CRAFT & SIP - CREATIVELEE YOURS 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Pilot Mountain Vineyards, 1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle, NC; Pre-registration is required, $22 for craft & glass of wine, Call 828-400-9533, Limited to 12 people MARCH 20 (RONDA): SALON TASTING WITH JAY RAFFALDINI- SANGIOVESE 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Grace Road, Ronda, NC MARCH 21 (STATE ROAD): SUNDAY MUSIC SERIES : LIVE ORIGINALS BY JERRY CHAPMAN 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Grassy Creek Vineyard, 235 Chatham Cottage Lane, State Rd, NC MARCH 21(MOUNT AIRY): JOSH TENERY LIVE MUSIC & SLIDERS FOOD TRUCK 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Music starts at 1:00 pm); Serre Vineyards, 364 Beast Trail, Mt Airy, NC. Call 336.525.9463 for more information. MARCH 27 (RONDA): FOOD TRUCK: SANDWICH EXPRESS 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Grace Road, Ronda, NC

MARCH 28 (PINNACLE): LIVE MUSIC - MOOD

SWINGZ 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm, Pilot Mountain Vineyards, 1162 Bradley Road, Pinnacle, NC; Enjoy the music of Bob & Elizabeth Spencer. Guitar, Sax, Harmonica, Bass and wonderful singers. Mix of 70s, 80s, 90s and Country

MARCH 28 (MOUNT AIRY): CASEY PERKINS MUSIC

& EL TACO VAQUERO - FOOD TRUCK 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm; Serre Vineyards, 364 Beast Trail, Mt Airy, NC. Call 336.525.9463 for more information.

APRIL 2 -3 (HAMPTONVILLE, NC): ALPHA & OMEGA

6TH ANNUAL HELICOPTER EASTER EGG DROP Alpha & Omega Corn maze will host their 6th annual Helicopter Easter Egg Drop. More than 20,000 plastic eggs will fall out of the sky on Friday, April 2nd and Saturday, April 3rd. Gates open at 8 AM. The event is from 9 am until 4 am both days. There will be four drop times each day. 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm. Cost for the event is $12.00. A Group Rate of 20 or more is $10 per person. Food is priced separately. Children 2 and under are free. Check out their Facebook page or website at alphaomegacornmaze.com for posts & updates on special events. See ad on page 10 for more info.

Camp & Retreat Center

Featuring 40 sports and offering the lowest camperto-staff ratio (3:2) of any sports camp in the world!

Dear Surry and Stokes Counties Parents, We are all aware of how the Covid-19 virus has changed many things all over the world and impacted families and livelihoods. Many have lost their jobs or businesses and the though of sending your children to summer camp might be the last item you are considering. Many are concerned about the future of travel and when we will be able to return to more normal activities. The trustees, the board and I have made a commitment to do all we can to safely resume camping in 2021. We are all in this together. There is a need to give our children hope, a return to some sort of “normalcy” and a chance to be a child— “childhood happens only once”. With this in mind we have decided to help any child, from any country and any background attend our camp in 2021. We will need the help and assistance of many people to do this but we are believing and have commitments from many already to work with us to enable the following. Here is what we are offering, on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis: 1. Our normal tuition is $1375/week, BUT we will accept whatever you can afford – as little as $500/week. 2. We will refund 100% of what we receive in deposits, tuition and fees if the camper is hindered or unable to attend this summer. 3. The program, food services, care and safety of your child will not be compromised. We will not operate the camp any less professionally than we would if every child were paying 100% of the tuition. We ask the following from parents that take advantage of this discount: • Please pay all you can and when your child returns home, consider a donation to our camp that represents your satisfaction with our camp. the experiences, and the memories your child will carry for a lifetime. • Extra fees for certain programs (Equitation, Golf, Water Skiing, Wilderness Adventure, Shooting, Weekend

Trips to Washington, DC/Carowinds) and airport pick up fees still apply as appropriate. • Please make your decision soon. We do expect to have a full camp because of this offer. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. This camp is a ministry and passion for many people and we want to ensure it is here for years to come. If you are in the position to assist with camper scholarships or any of the other areas of need to continue this ministry please let us know. We are always looking for volunteers to assist with camp preparation and also with the day to day running and activities during the summer. Whether you are looking to send your children or not, please pass along this message to anyone who might be interested as well as anyone (including yourselves) who is willing to pray for the Camp and the camp staff. May God bless us all and keep us safe and healthy. Warmly,

Founder/President The Vineyard Camp & Retreat Center