Renew Wound Care Center provides evidence-based wound care, allowing patients suffering from wounds to receive treatment in a professional and supportive environment. Our comprehensive care plan is centered on patients with complex, non-healing, or slow-to-heal wounds. We provide advanced wound care and therapies aiming for faster healing times, lower infection rates, and reduced readmissions.
Weekly provider evaluation
PCR testing on wounds
Coordination of care, including advanced imaging and testing
Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. The passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits. At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.
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. For more about Rynn, even more recipes, decorating tips, and much more, visit thehouseofelynryn.com.
Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him. He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.
Contributors
Madalyn Edwards
Madalyn is from Mount Airy, NC, and is currently a junior at Appalachian State University. She is studying English with a concentration in professional writing and minoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. She writes for Surry Living and also works on the news desk for her university’s student news organization. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her two dogs.
Sheri, now happily retired, finds nothing more enjoyable than time spent with her husband of fifty years, her amazing daughter, and sweet elderly pup. She authored two novels, A Higher Voice and A Deeper Cut (which also ran as a serial feature in Surry Living Magazine). Her play, No Ordinary Wine, written in collaboration with a fine producer/director, was well received, and a second play, Improbable Grace, awaits discovery.
Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.
Carmen is a 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 through 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 easier.
Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine. She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin,
son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.
Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its citizens. In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author. His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise. Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.
Blake Johnson
Sheri Wren Haymore
Derina Pyles
Eddie Lowe
Rynn Hennings
Kevin Pyles
Carmen Long
Joanna Radford
Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna 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. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Josh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure.
An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.
Contributors
Veronica Green-Got
As a roving reporter, writer, and marketer, Veronica is a passionate storyteller. After starting her career in corporate marketing, she founded her own business, Golden Fleece Marketing, in 2019. Now she puts her skills to work as a reporter covering equestrian sports, offering marketing strategy for clients in a wide variety of industries, and providing writing and editing services for small businesses nationwide. She believes that everyone has a story to tell and that they’re all worthy of being told. In her free time, she events her ex-racehorse, LB.
Larry VanHoose
Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.
Dr. Sarah Southard, DVM
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, and son, Malachi, currently live in Statesville with Oliver the house rabbit, a few cats, Blossom the donkey, and a flock of Katahdin hair sheep.
Kage Pyles, a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete from Westfield, NC, is known for his powerful presence on the mats and his dedication to strength training. With a relentless work ethic and disciplined mindset, Kage brings intensity and precision to every match. Off the mats, he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Starting in May 2025, readers can catch his insights in each issue of Surry Living magazine.
Josh Snow Kage Pyles
Remembering Charlie Kirk: Faith, Truth & A Local Light
Some lives leave behind more than memories. They leave behind examples, legacies, and sparks of hope. Charlie Kirk’s life was one of those. He wanted, above all else, to be remembered for his faith. That faith shaped every word he spoke, every idea he defended, and every young person he encouraged. As we remember him now, we also see young hearts lighting up in his wake, especially here in Surry County.
A Portrait of a Man of Faith
Charlie Kirk’s number one desire, what he prayed people would remember most about him, was not his influence or his accomplishments. It was his faith. It was the firm foundation under everything else. He believed that truth comes alive through faith, and that love grounded in truth becomes a shaping force. As he often said, love without truth is not really love.
Respect, Openness, Truth & Grace
Charlie’s strength was his conviction, but even more, it was his heart. He gave everyone a chance to express their ideas, even those he disagreed with. He insisted that respect was non-negotiable, respect in disagreement and respect even when viewpoints diverged. He believed in grace, in kindness, in forgiveness, and in love. But always with truth. He held that truth does not restrict love. It enriches it.
Fighting for the Next Generation
To Charlie, young men were not just future voters or leaders. They were future husbands, fathers, and citizens. He fought for their hearts and souls, to grow them in character, integrity, faith, and courage. He saw their potential and believed in their responsibility to serve, to protect, and to love with accountability.
Lighting a Local Beacon: Madilyn’s Story
Here in Surry County, Charlie’s legacy is alive in young people. Meet Madilyn Kassen, age 14, whose inspiration came directly from Charlie Kirk. She is starting a Turning Point USA chapter right here.
Madilyn says:
“What inspired me to start a TPUSA is Charlie Kirk. He was such an amazing person and stood for many things and I want to carry out his legacy.”
She admired how he gave voices to young people:
“What I admired about Charlie Kirk was that he stood firmly in what he believed in. He gave many young people across America a voice and advocated for the truth!”
She hopes people will learn how to make America great again, progress with their beliefs, and grow closer to God.
Obstacles? There have been several. Getting peers to commit has been hard. Still she pushes forward. She holds onto a piece of advice from Kevin Pyles:
“I don’t doubt myself, I doubt my doubts.”
She admits: “I think everyone doubts themselves sometimes. I do a lot at times. So keep trying to make a difference because one day you will.”
Her goals for the coming year include gathering many teens, staying Christ-centered, serving the community daily, and making a difference that shows what faith, truth, and love can do.
Charlie Kirk’s life was a call to live faithfully, to love truly, and to speak boldly. As we reflect on his passing, there is grief, but also a clear path forward. In every conversation where truth is spoken with kindness, in every young man growing into goodness, and in every teen like Madilyn stepping up, his legacy lives.
A Hope That Endures
When we remember Charlie, let us remember:
• He held faith above acclaim.
• He believed love without truth is not really love.
• He respected people even when he disagreed.
• He fought for the next generation’s hearts and souls.
Here in Surry County, that legacy continues not just in memory, but in action. In Madilyn and in many more.
“Take action in your community even if you have 100 doubters. Still keep trying. Because one day, you will make a difference.” — Madilyn Kassen Charlie Kirk wanted to be remembered for his faith. It is that faith, and the truth and love that grew from it, that we carry forward together.
Carrying the Torch
with Kevin Pyles
Harnessing the Power of Intention: Your Secret Weapon for Success
In a world buzzing with distractions and endless todo lists, the idea of intention can seem like New Age fluff. Look closer and you will discover it is a powerful force that can shape your path to success. Intention is not wishful thinking; it is the deliberate focus of energy toward a desired outcome.
At its core, intention operates on the principle that thoughts influence reality. Psychologists note that setting clear intentions activates the brain’s reticular activating system (RAS), which filters opportunities aligned with our goals. That is why, after deciding to buy a red car, you suddenly notice them everywhere. The same mechanism highlights people, events, and choices that match your objectives.
Intention, however, is not magic. It is strategy. Successful leaders such as Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk credit their achievements to intentional living. Oprah begins each day with gratitude and clear vision. Musk’s audacious goals for SpaceX grow from unwavering intent. Research supports this: leaders who set specific intentions outperform others by significant margins.
So how do you weave intention into your own success story?
Start with clarity. Vague desires rarely work; precise statements do. Instead of “I want to be successful,” try “I intend to launch a profitable side business earning $5,000 a month by year’s end.” Writing down intentions strengthens commitment, a fact supported by studies in experimental psychology.
Next, visualize. Spend a few minutes each day imagining your goals in vivid detail, including the sights, sounds, and emotions. This primes your mind much like athletes who mentally rehearse victories. Vision boards or journals can keep your goals front and center.
Most importantly, act. Intention without effort is daydreaming. Align daily habits with your objectives. If your aim is career growth, network with purpose and pursue consistent skill development. Track progress weekly and refine your focus as you go.
Obstacles will arise. View them not as failures but as lessons. Intention builds resilience, keeping you centered when doubts surface. Affirmations such as “I am capable and deserving” reinforce your path. Gratitude also plays a vital role. Ending each day by noting small wins generates momentum and attracts more opportunities.
The power of intention lies in its simplicity: focus your mind, align your actions, and watch your goals become reality. Whether climbing the corporate ladder or pursuing personal passions, intentional living is more than effective; it is transformative. Start today and your future self will thank you.
Kevin Pyles
Natural Products & Education
The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit
October arrives with crisp air, colorful leaves, and shorter days that remind us the year is winding down. While many people take this season as a time to slow their pace, fall is the perfect time to push harder. Just as trees shed their leaves, we can shed excuses, stale routines, and anything that holds us back from becoming stronger versions of ourselves.
Fitness is not just about how much you can lift or how fast you can move. It is about showing up when it is easier to stay comfortable. The chill of October mornings can make the bed feel like a trap, but those who lace up their shoes and step into the gym understand that discipline creates warmth of its own. Momentum is built in moments when you feel like quitting, and fall provides plenty of those moments.
This month, I challenge you to focus on intentional change. Think of your workout as your own autumn transformation. Every rep is a leaf falling away from weakness. Every drop of sweat is a sign that you are preparing for a new season of resilience. Your body is not just responding to movement; it is adapting to your consistency.
Too often, people wait until January to make commitments. They promise that the new year will bring new habits. The truth is that waiting wastes valuable time. October is an overlooked starting point, but it can be one of the most powerful. By setting routines now, you enter the holiday season with strength and discipline already in motion, which makes it far easier to stay focused while others fall into distraction.
Nutrition also plays a role in the October mindset. Fuel your body with what the season naturally offers. Pumpkins, root vegetables, apples, and hearty greens can give your body the energy it needs to train hard. Choosing whole foods over
processed ones allows your body to recover better, sleep deeper, and perform at a higher level. Your diet is not just about fueling workouts; it is about preparing your body to resist the cold and the fatigue that comes with shorter days.
Mindset is equally important. When the days grow shorter and darker, it is easy to slip into the habit of skipping workouts or cutting corners. Fight against that urge. Remind yourself that every time you push through, you are building mental toughness. Fitness is as much about resilience as it is about strength. Setbacks will happen, but your response to them will determine your progress.
Consistency will always outperform perfection. No one has a flawless routine, but the people who succeed are the ones who refuse to give up. If you miss a workout, come back stronger the next day. If you feel sluggish, push through the warm-up and let momentum carry you forward. Every small decision in October builds into something larger.
October’s lesson is simple yet profound: change is not only natural, it is necessary. Nature shows us this truth every year as the leaves fall and the world prepares for renewal. Your body and mind can mirror that transformation if you are willing to let go of what no longer serves you. Whether it is laziness, doubt, or fear, now is the season to release it.
Fall into strength this October. Step into the gym, commit to your plan, fuel your body with purpose, and rage against the limits that try to hold you back. The season of change is here. Make it your own.
by Kage Pyles
SURRY SEEN
Dear Blake,
Blake’s Take
BLAKE JOHNSON
I am a 32-year-old graphic designer living in a big city. I pride myself on late-night creative chaos, but the convenience of greasy take-out, food trucks, and delivery apps has set me on a dark spiral. I try to start each day on a good note with a healthy smoothie, but by noon I am knee-deep in burgers and fries from the drive-through. In the evening, I numb the day’s guilt with television while consuming pizza and ice cream.
KEVIN PYLES, PT
While hiding in a bathroom and devouring a secret stash of chocolate from my purse at a family reunion last week, it hit me: I am addicted to junk food. Now I am desperate. I want to break free of these cravings and transfer my energy toward constructive activities like hiking and art classes. I have tried different approaches in the past, including meal prep apps and gym memberships, but the attempts were futile against the force that drives my weakness. How do I confront this addiction and end this dark spiral for good?
Sincerely,
Sugar Shackled (and desperate)
Dear Sugar Shackled (and Desperate),
Thank you for writing in, and I am so sorry about the struggle you are facing. Unfortunately, too many of us can relate. Easy access to junk food is one of the biggest challenges in our society. Where other countries line their streets with fresh markets filled with whole food, the “good ole U.S. of A.” builds fast-food joints, convenience stores, and food trucks loaded with unhealthy
options on every available corner. Even in grocery stores, the natural products are tucked away in a maze of manufactured and heavily processed goods. Most of these products are artificially flavored, artificially colored, and filled with additives no one can pronounce. It is hard not to be sugar shackled and desperate when these are the options that surround us.
Now that we recognize the monster, how do we defeat it? Convenience is the Pied Piper, and overcoming it takes effort. To prepare
for battle, each of us must acknowledge our weaknesses and build on them. Not everyone’s battle will be the same, so a tailor-made plan is necessary for lasting results. Fortunately, we have access to a wide range of strategies and routines through web searches, libraries, and social media. For some, a healthy meal plan and a local gym may be enough. Others may benefit from additional support through doctors, therapists, nutritionists, health coaches, or personal trainers.
In your case, you have already identified your weakness, you express a desire to overcome it, and you know you are not alone. You mentioned having tried everything, including meal prep apps and gym memberships, so you also know how to find helpful resources. These are terrific steps, but they will not make a difference without consistent follow-through and action. You start each day with discipline, but by lunch you admit to giving in. You have the desire, but it sounds like you need help with your commitment.
You can create new habits if you can repeat the same actions for about 21 days. Choose a meal plan and dedicate time on Sunday to prepare your meals for the week. Start with your healthy smoothie in the morning and keep
healthy options with you for the rest of the day. Make sure good choices are always accessible. The same is true for exercise. Plan to exercise for about 30 minutes at least four days a week. Go straight to the gym, or wherever you work out, before going home. Do not skip it. I have found that exercise and meal planning work together in building the discipline needed to stay committed to better eating. If you can make it just four weeks without deviation, it will become habit and much easier to sustain.
Since you describe your struggle as an addiction and you have already tried many approaches, I strongly recommend getting professional help. A coach, nutritionist, or therapist can provide not only guidance but also accountability. Accountability adds support, and support helps you maintain a plan of action. The more people you allow to join you in your goals, the stronger your chances for success.
I believe you can overcome this, so let me be the first to hold you accountable. Get some help, make a plan, and most importantly, take action.
You’ve got this,
By Gosh! BY JOSH
Holcomb Hardware: A Main Street Legacy
Holcomb Hardware, located on historic Main Street in Mount Airy, has been a fixture in the community for nearly 80 years. Since its doors first opened in 1946, this iconic establishment has grown into much more than a hardware store. It has become a symbol of tradition, service, and community spirit.
The building itself tells an even older story. Constructed around 1891, it originally served as the Hale Dry Goods Store, a general store that provided essential goods and groceries to Mount Airy residents. For decades, the space bustled with activity as shoppers picked up everything from household supplies to dry goods.
In 1946, Holcomb Hardware moved into the historic structure and began its own chapter in the town’s story. With original hardwood floors, a nostalgic scent, and a sense of character that can only come from decades of service, the store quickly became a local favorite.
The charm of the building enhances the experience of visiting, offering a glimpse into Mount Airy’s past while meeting the needs of the present.
Over the years, Holcomb Hardware has expanded its offerings and evolved into a one-stop resource for both locals and visitors.
Customers can find tools, keys and locks, gardening supplies, and seasonal items, along with the friendly guidance of knowledgeable staff. The store’s reputation for personal service has made it more than just a place to shop; it is a place to find advice, encouragement, and a familiar smile.
Holcomb Hardware is also a landmark of Mount Airy’s architectural heritage. The building features rusticated granite on the second floor and cast-iron pilasters that highlight the craftsmanship of the late 19th century. Recognized for its historical significance, it has been included in the Mount Airy Historic District, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Even as the town has grown and changed, Holcomb Hardware has remained a constant presence, bridging past and present. Its longevity is a testament to the importance of preserving history while continuing to serve the community.
The next time you find yourself in Mount Airy, take a stroll down Main Street and step inside Holcomb Hardware. You will not only discover a well-stocked store but also a piece of history that continues to thrive.
Quote of the Month:
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
— L.M. Montgomery
by Eddie Lowe
harvest time
October is a month when many people in our county find themselves looking back to a simpler time. Some remember when the family farm came first above everything else. Mothers and fathers stepped right out the door and into the fields, working from late summer sun into the cool of fall, all leading to harvest time.
For many, harvest was a season when the entire family was involved. There was even a time in our county when the schools adjusted their schedules around the needs of farming families. In a recent survey I conducted, many residents recalled shorter school days, or in some cases school being canceled altogether, so that children could help bring in the crops.
It is difficult today to grasp the impact that tobacco once had on farming families in our region. My own family lived it in the early to mid-twentieth century. My father’s family were tobacco farmers, working under what was known as sharecropping. A portion of the crop and labor went toward paying for the land they farmed. My dad later explained that no one got rich from sharecropping, but they “got by.”
He also told stories of how farm responsibilities shaped his life. His brother Bill was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, which meant my father’s school days were cut short. He was needed in the fields. He recalled learning to drive a tractor, struggling with locking the brake and turning at the end of the rows. The field edges, he said with a laugh, bore the marks of his inexperience. I smile even now, remembering his story, because I later discovered for myself just how tricky it can be to turn a tractor in a tight space.
Many of those fields now lie quiet, and the old log tobacco barns lean at the edges of unused farmland. These structures once held nights filled with tying tobacco or long vigils tending the fires that cured the leaves. By my time, factories had replaced many farm jobs, offering steady work and benefits that made life seem more secure. The era in which one grew up often determines whether farm life is remembered with longing or simply as hard labor.
For those who grew up in it, the very mention of “priming tobacco” brings back vivid memories of both sweat and laughter shared with cousins, aunts, and uncles. Some of the most
unique stories came from those days. One family story tells of childcare improvised in the fields. My father-in-law wore a small bell attached to an ankle bracelet when he was a toddler. He was tethered to a chair in the shade, and each adult was expected to glance at him when they came to the end of a row. The bell made sure he could be found if he wandered. Another common practice was to place babies in a crate or on a pallet of blankets in the shade, checked on as the rows were turned. It may sound shocking to us today, but families did what they had to do, and great care was taken to balance both work and family.
My grandfather Lowe once told me that he carried his tobacco to market only to find the price so low that he hauled it back home and used it as fertilizer for the next year’s plant beds. Stories like his remind us how dependent families were on the success of their crop.
The close of harvest was often marked by joy. Our county fair was once one of the most anticipated events of the year. Families looked forward to going to town, sometimes only once a year, to sell the crop and buy supplies. Those trips might also mean a piece of candy for the children or a new set of clothes.
Harvest time may feel foreign to us now, but its importance is still etched in the memories of those who lived it. We tend to think that our lives today overshadow those of earlier generations, but listening to their stories reveals something different. The “good old days” may, in fact, have truly been good.
Hometown Heroes
Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.
Fall is the perfect time for popcorn. Ballgames and sporting events, whether you are watching at home or cheering on your favorite team in person, often include this crunchy snack. If popcorn is one of your favorites, you are not alone. Each man, woman, and child in the United States consumes about 43 quarts every year.
October is National Popcorn Popping Month, which makes it the ideal time to celebrate this wholesome whole grain. While your corn is popping, test your knowledge with these fun facts from the National Popcorn Board. For more recipes and information, visit www.popcorn.org
Making fresh popcorn on the stovetop is both simple and delicious. All you need is a large pan or pot with a lid and a handful of kernels. Homemade popcorn can even be prepared in advance so you always have a quick snack on hand.
This recipe comes from North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Med Instead of Meds curriculum, which encourages tasty, healthier eating.
Simple Stovetop Popcorn
Serves: 4
Serving Size: about 1 cup
Cook Time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
• 2 tablespoons popcorn kernels (enough to cover the bottom of the pan in a single layer)
• Herbs and spices to taste (try one of these combinations):
• Paprika, black pepper, and salt
• Oregano, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt
• Shredded parmesan and black pepper
• Cinnamon and nutmeg
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a medium sauce pot on high heat. Coat the bottom with a thin layer of oil. Add three popcorn kernels and cover with a lid.
2. Once one or more kernels pop, add the remaining kernels in a single layer and replace the lid.
3. Gently shake the pot over the heat to prevent burning. Continue shaking until most kernels have popped.
4. Turn off the heat and shake for a few more seconds to catch any final pops.
5. To season, drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil over the warm popcorn, toss, add your chosen herbs and spices, then toss again.
6. Med Tip: Season while the popcorn is still warm so the flavors stick better.
Nutrition Information per Serving (Using ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper)
• Calories: 131
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
Corny Facts
Popcorn is a whole grain. Whole grains provide fiber, an essential part of a daily diet. Popcorn is naturally sugar-free and contains no artificial additives or preservatives. It is gluten-free. Popcorn does not contain wheat, rye, or barley gluten, which are the types most associated with gluten disorders. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can usually enjoy plain popcorn. (Note: Some ready-to-eat or microwave popcorn may include added ingredients that contain gluten, so check labels if you are concerned.)
It is unique among corn varieties. Popcorn has a thicker hull that allows pressure from heated water to build until the kernel bursts. The starch inside becomes gelatinous, and when it cools, it forms the fluffy shape we all recognize.
by CARMEN LONG
farm,
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
“Hay-Woman!”
Aw, my sweet boy missed me. He walked up to me and dropped his head to nuzzle my arm.
“No, hay-woman, I’m hungry and you’re late with my breakfast.”
“I’m sorry, Traveler, it’s been a stressful morning.”
“What is going on? Can I help?” he asked. “If I can help you avoid a potential catastrophe of being late with my hay, I’ll do anything necessary. Even if that means bustin’ out of this stall to make it happen.”
I chuckled. “You’ve always got my back when it comes to feeding your bottomless pit.”
“I’ve got your back and you ride on mine. I think I’m getting a bad deal here.”
“Do you want the hay or not?” I asked, teasing him.
“Yes, but why are you late?”
I saw the concern in his big soft-brown eyes. “Traveler, I have some huge decisions to make. Decisions that affect not only me, and our family, but the people that work for me and all their families.”
“Whoa! You’ve made plenty of decisions like that before. Why is this one different?”
I lowered my head and wrapped my arms around his strong neck, burying my face in his mane, which smelled minty from his recent bath. Good ole Traveler. Nothing comforts instantly like a horsey hug. “It’s not different. I’ve made plenty of decisions like this one.”
“Well ... come out with it, hay-woman.”
Good ole Traveler, he never beats around the bush either. I stammered, “I … I … I’ve lost my confidence.”
Traveler stared at me for a few seconds, and I saw a look of gentleness sweep over his long grey face.
“Remember when I was a young colt, and you were training me to navigate obstacles? How frightened I was? Especially of the teeter-totter bridge?”
I added, “And pretty much every obstacle, in my recollection.”
He bobbed his head and rolled his eyes (as much as horses can roll their eyes). “I ran backward, around you,
pulling and dragging you everywhere to avoid the obstacle I feared. What did you do?”
“I stayed calm and didn’t rush you. I reassured you by moving you all around that bridge. I got you comfortable being near it. Then I showed you it would not harm you before I asked you to cross it.”
“Right! You helped me build my confidence and look at me now.” He puffed his chest out proudly. “I’m a professional obstacle horse.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. You haven’t competed or anything,” I mumbled.
“Details hay-woman, details.”
“I do remember,” I said, lovingly thinking back to that time. “It was amazing to see your confidence grow more every day. You were scared at times but didn’t quit.”
“It was hard work! As a young horse, my first reaction was to run away—we are prey animals as you very well know. I was sure that bridge was going to swallow me up like a great white shark!” We laughed at the thought.
“In all seriousness, you are a professional obstacle horse in my eyes, and that training helped you become the confident trail horse you are today. Thank you, my friend, you reminded me of a great Bible verse, ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence which has great recompense for reward’ (Hebrews 10:35 KJV).”
“That is a great verse,” Traveler agreed. “Now, get yourself together and make those decisions with the confidence I know is in you.” He nudged me toward the stall door.
“And don’t forget my hay, woman!”
by DERINA PYLES
Garden Home, &
by JOANNA RADFORD
Pansies and Snapdragons: A Garden That Won’t Quit
Colorful pansies bring cheer to gardens during the coldest months, brightening beds, containers, and borders when most plants are dormant. Their ability to bloom whenever temperatures rise above freezing makes them a favorite for North Carolina gardeners looking to add winter interest. With a little ongoing care, they can stay lush, compact, and vibrant all season long.
Many gardeners notice that fall-planted pansies start strong—full, compact, and covered in blooms—but as winter progresses, they can become tall, leggy, and sparse in flowers. This stretching often results from warm nights or lack of fertilizer. To bring them back into shape, prune pansies by about one-third, leaving enough foliage for regrowth. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, also helps maintain vigorous growth. Always follow label directions for safe application.
Consistent moisture is another key to success. Water in the morning so foliage dries quickly and disease risk is reduced. Avoid late-day watering, and if weekly rainfall is less than one inch, add irrigation. Planting in well-drained soil prevents root rot during cool, wet weather, while mulch helps conserve water and control weeds.
Deadheading—removing spent flowers—is essential for continuous blooms. Follow the stem down to where it meets the leaves and snip it off. This prevents the plant from
putting energy into seed production and encourages new buds. With proper pruning, feeding, and watering, pansies can provide cheerful color until mid-April, when warmer temperatures signal it is time to switch to summer annuals.
While pansies steal the show in winter, they don’t have to be your only option for seasonal color. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are another excellent choice for cool-season gardens. Their tall, spiky blooms in shades from soft pastels to bold reds, oranges, and yellows add striking vertical interest to beds and containers. Snapdragons are also remarkably cold-tolerant, often surviving light frosts and even brief freezes with little damage.
Like pansies, snapdragons thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They do best in full sun and cooler temperatures, making them ideal companions in mixed plantings. Regular watering keeps them healthy, though soggy conditions should be avoided. Deadhead faded blooms to prolong the show, and stake taller varieties if your garden is windy. Dwarf varieties stay compact and look lovely at the front of borders or in containers.
Snapdragons can be planted in fall for winter and early spring blooms or in early spring for late-spring color before summer heat sets in. Paired with pansies, they create a layered, textured display that keeps your garden colorful from autumn through spring with very little downtime.
By combining the low-growing cheer of pansies with the dramatic spikes of snapdragons, you can create a winter and early spring garden that is both vibrant and resilient. With attentive care—pruning, fertilizing, and watering—these cool-season favorites will keep your garden lively long after summer flowers have faded.
Quick Pansy Care Tips
• Height/Spread: About 12 inches tall and wide at maturity
• Fertilizer: Balanced 10-10-10, applied per label directions
• Water: 1 inch per week, mornings only
• Pruning: Cut back by one-third if plants become leggy
• Bloom Boost: Deadhead often for continuous flowers
Snapdragons at a Glance
• Cold Tolerance: Survives light frosts and brief freezes
• Sun: Full sun for best blooms
• Varieties: Tall for borders, dwarf for containers
• Care: Well-drained soil, regular watering, deadhead to extend flowering
• Bloom Season: Fall through late spring
Autumn Along the blue Ridge
Exploring Alleghany County, NC
There are certain sounds you never forget. One of them is the wail of a fire truck siren when it is heading toward something precious—someone’s home, someone’s loved one, someone’s life.
I was a teenager when my family lost our home completely in a fire. Everything we owned—every memory, every piece of furniture, every photograph—was gone. Years later, while living in Tempe, Arizona, in the mid-1990s, fire found me again. An attic fire forced me out of my home for six months during repairs. But this time, thanks to the heroic work of the fire department, the damage was contained. Firefighters not only battled the flames but went room to room, carrying out my furniture and personal belongings to save what they could. I will never forget watching them work, realizing that those men and women were risking their lives to preserve mine.
That is why I care so deeply about supporting our local volunteer fire departments, and why I hope you will too.
In communities like Sparta, Fries, Galax, and Pilot Mountain, our fire departments are made up of neighbors, friends, and volunteers who respond to emergencies with courage, commitment, and heart. But these departments do not operate on magic. They run on training, equipment, fuel, and community support.
This summer and fall, you have several opportunities to show up for them in a big way.
In Sparta, North Carolina, the Sparta Alleghany Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year: a demolition derby and figure eight race on Saturday, August 9, at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds. It is loud, it is exciting, and it helps raise critical funds to keep their trucks running and their gear up to date.
Just across the line in Fries, Virginia (pronounced “Freeze”), the Fries VFD will hold its popular draw down dinner on Saturday, August 23. It is a night of food, fun, and a little bit of raffle suspense, and it goes a long way toward funding their firehouse operations.
Then in mid-September, the Glade Creek Volunteer Fire Department brings the excitement back to Sparta with an extreme bull riding competition on Friday and Saturday, September 12 and 13. This two-night rodeo-style event draws big crowds and even bigger support for one of our hardworking local departments.
Do not forget the brave volunteers of the Galax VFD, serving not just the city of Galax but parts of Carroll and Grayson Counties. From their carnivals, duck races, and equipment fundraisers, they are a backbone of regional emergency response. Likewise, the Pilot Knob VFD in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, supports its community through everything from barbecues to open houses, raising funds and awareness for the role they play in keeping us safe.
You might attend these events for the thrills, the food, or the fellowship, but when you buy a ticket, you are doing something much more important. You are investing in the safety of your neighbors and your own family. You are helping replace aging gear, pay for fuel, upgrade outdated equipment, and keep our emergency responders trained and ready.
And if you are lucky enough to never need their services, count that as a blessing. But know that for someone in your community, today or tomorrow, that fire engine might be racing to their home, their barn, their business, or their attic.
So I am asking personally that you show up. Come out to these events. Cheer from the stands. Sit down for a community meal. Shake a firefighter’s hand. And if you can, give a little extra.
Because when it matters most, they will be there for you. Let us be there for them.
by Larry VanHoose
OCTOBER EVENTS
MOUNT AIRY
Sonker Festival
Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Edwards Franklin House
4132 Haystack Road, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Pickle for a Purpose
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8:30 am
Riverside Park
350 Riverside Drive, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Autumn Leaves Festival
Friday, October 10, 2025 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Downtown Mount Airy
Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Bluegrass Jam (Community Session)
Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Andy Griffith Museum
218 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise In
Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Corner of Oak Street & North Main Street
Downtown Mount Airy, NC 27030
ELKIN
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival
Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Elkin Municipal Park
399 Highway 268 West, Elkin, NC 28621
Milltown Get Down Music Festival
Friday, October 10, 2025 thru Saturday, October 11, 2025
Downtown Elkin
Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621
Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Run & 1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 8:00 am
Elkin Municipal Park
399 Highway 268 West, Elkin, NC 28621
Old Time Jam at The Reeves Theater
Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Reeves Theater
129 W Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621
22 18 4
DOBSON
Rock the Block Fall Kickoff
Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Dobson Square Park
110 S. Crutchfield Street, Dobson, NC 27017
Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
Saturday, October 4, 2025 (afternoon & evening)
Shelton Vineyards 1073 Abram Penn Highway, Dobson, NC 27017
Glow in the Park 5K & Concert
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Fisher River Park 251 County Home Road, Dobson, NC 27017
GALAX
Becky Buller at Rex Theater
Friday, October 3, 2025 at 7:00 pm
The Rex Theater 113 East Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
Autumn Days 5K & Kids Race
Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 9:00 am
Felts Park 601 South Main Street, Galax, VA 24333
Free Movie Wednesday
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:00 pm
The Rex Theater 113 East Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
Galax Downtown Halloween Bash
Friday, October 31, 2025 from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Downtown Galax 110 E Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
