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Fall in Love with Bulbs: Plant Now for a Dazzling Spring
Handcrafted Blue Rdige
Our recent article in the August 2025 edition incorrectly placed the Rock House in Surry County. The site is in Stokes County, built in 1770 by John “Jack” Martin, and has been owned and preserved by the Stokes County Historical Society since 1975. The Rock House is not open to the public, as it is protected by fencing, and all preservation and tours are conducted solely by the Historical Society. We sincerely apologize for this misinformation.
Super Human Institute of Technology: Are you Optimizing? Or Aging?
Would you like your business on the
or back cover of Surry Living Magazine? It’s available! Contact us at: WeAddValue@SurryLiving.com
Sabrina L. Baker
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 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
Madalyn Edwards
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
Are You Aging—or Optimizing? SUPER HUMAN LONGEVITY IN SURRY COUNTY
For generations, aging has been seen as a slow decline: aches and pains, less energy, more sickness, and fewer good days than bad. But what if we have been looking at it all wrong? What if the choice is not simply between youth and old age, but between aging passively or actively optimizing for health, energy, and vitality at every stage of life?
Right here in Surry County, the Super Human Institute of Technology is challenging what it means to get older. With new-age therapies once reserved for professional athletes or major medical centers, the Institute gives our community a chance to step into the future of health. These are not far-off promises or experimental ideas. They are technologies available now, proven to enhance recovery, energy, immunity, and quality of life. To have access to them locally is extraordinary—and truly something we are lucky to claim.
Science Meets Everyday Life
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate the body at a cellular level. The result is reduced inflammation, faster recovery, and improved circulation. For someone with joint pain, that might mean less discomfort and greater mobility. For an athlete, it could mean bouncing back after a tough workout. For anyone simply trying to live with more ease, it can feel like regaining a piece of youth.
Red Light Therapy has a different effect. By exposing the skin and tissues to specific wavelengths of light, it encourages collagen production, reduces pain, and stimulates natural healing processes. People who use it often report that not only do they feel better, they look healthier too. Skin glows, muscles recover, and energy levels rise.
Cryotherapy takes another approach, harnessing the power of cold. In just minutes, the body responds to the icy temperatures by activating natural healing pathways. Circulation improves, inflammation drops, and the immune system is trained to become more resilient. Cryotherapy has become especially popular for its ability to refresh both body and mind, leaving people feeling sharper and more alert after a single session.
Then there is Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), a process that combines light physical activity with concentrated oxygen. The effects are powerful: greater stamina, improved lung efficiency, and enhanced brain function. For anyone struggling with fatigue or brain fog, this therapy can be life-changing. It is not just about exercising harder, but about exercising smarter—with oxygen as the key.
Beyond Longevity: Resilience and Immunity
These therapies do more than keep people active and energized. They build resilience, helping the body resist illness before it takes hold. The immune system becomes stronger and more responsive, which is particularly important in the face of seasonal sickness. Imagine walking into winter not with worry about colds and flu, but with confidence that your body is prepared to fight them off. That is the kind of everyday longevity the Institute promotes.
A Rare Opportunity in Surry County
What makes this remarkable is not just the technology itself, but its availability. Just a few years ago, these treatments would have required travel to large cities or specialized centers, often at great expense. Now they are here, in the heart of Surry County, accessible to anyone who wants to take control of their health.
This is more than convenience. It is an opportunity for our community to embrace the most advanced health technology of our time. Many people spend years searching for solutions to their health challenges, not realizing that the tools are already within reach. To miss out is to pass by one of the greatest opportunities to optimize health and longevity that our generation has been given.
The Choice Is Yours
The question, then, is not whether you are aging. Everyone is. The real question is how you will approach it. Will you let time take its toll, or will you actively optimize your life to stay stronger, sharper, and more vibrant for years to come?
At the Super Human Institute of Technology, the future of health is already here. With each therapy, you are not just treating today’s discomforts—you are investing in tomorrow’s vitality. To ignore these possibilities is to miss out on the chance to live fully, resiliently, and super human.
by Sabrina Lee Baker
Dr. Leah & Dr. Doug Yarboro DPT, CWS
Weekly provider evaluation
PCR testing on wounds
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.
Coordination of care, including advanced imaging and testing
Wound debridement/ advanced wound irrigation
Ultrasonic debridement
UltraMIST Therapy
V-254 UVC Lamp
Advanced wound dressings
Cellular/ tissue-based product application
Pressure off-loading devices
Negative pressure wound therapy
with Kevin Pyles
Harnessing the Power of Intention: Your Secret Weapon for Success
In a world buzzing with distractions and endless to-do lists, the concept of intention might sound like New Age fluff. But dig deeper and you’ll discover it is a potent force that can transform your path to success. Intention is not just wishful thinking—it is the deliberate focus of your energy toward a desired outcome. As Wayne Dyer famously put it in his book The Power of Intention, “Intention is a field of energy that you can access to begin co-creating your life.” This invisible power has roots in ancient philosophies and modern psychology, proving that what you intend shapes what you achieve. At its core, intention operates on the principle that thoughts influence reality. Quantum physics suggests that observation affects particles, hinting at how focused awareness might bend circumstances in our favor. Psychologically, setting intentions activates the reticular activating system (RAS) in your brain, a filter that highlights opportunities aligned with your goals. Ever notice how, after deciding to buy a red car, you spot them everywhere? That is the RAS at work, powered by intention. However, intention alone is not magic; it is a strategy. Successful entrepreneurs like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk swear by it. Oprah attributes her empire to intentional living, starting each day with gratitude and clear visions. Musk’s auda-
cious goals for SpaceX stem from unwavering intent to colonize Mars. Studies from Harvard Business Review support this: leaders who set specific intentions outperform those who do not by up to 42 percent in goal attainment.
So how do you weave intention into your success blueprint? Start with clarity. Vague desires like “I want to be rich” fall flat. Instead, craft precise statements such as, “I intend to launch a profitable side hustle earning $5,000 monthly by year’s end.” Write it down—journaling solidifies intent, as research in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows.
Next, visualize daily. Spend five to ten minutes imagining your success in vivid detail—the sights, sounds, and emotions. This primes your subconscious, much like athletes who mentally rehearse victories. Tools like vision boards amplify this. Pin images representing your goals to keep intentions front and center.
Action is crucial. Intention without effort is daydreaming. Align daily habits with your aims. If you intend to advance in your career, network with purpose or upskill consistently. Track your progress weekly to refine your focus.
Overcome obstacles by reframing setbacks as lessons. Intention builds resilience. When doubts creep in, affirmations such as “I am capable and deserving” reinforce your path.
Finally, cultivate gratitude. Ending each day by noting wins reinforces positive energy and attracts more success. As you practice, intention becomes second nature, turning ambitions into achievements.
In essence, the power of intention lies in its simplicity. Focus your mind, fuel your actions, and watch your strategy soar. Whether climbing corporate ladders or pursuing passions, intentional living is not just effective, it is transformative. Start today. Your future self will thank you.
Natural Products & Education
by Kage Pyles
The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Unlocking Strength: The Lifelong Benefits of Heavy Weightlifting for Everyone, Especially Women
In a fitness world buzzing with cardio crazes, heavy weightlifting often sits in the shadows—yet it’s a game-changer for all ages. Far from being just for bodybuilders, lifting heavy (weights that challenge you in 6–12 reps) builds resilience, slows aging, and elevates quality of life. This powerful practice benefits everyone: kids building strong foundations, adults boosting vitality, and seniors preserving independence.
Heavy lifting delivers a cascade of advantages across the board. It builds muscle mass, revving up metabolism to aid weight management and curb the risks of obesity and diabetes. Bones grow stronger under the stress of weights, reducing the chance of fractures for growing teens and aging adults alike. Mentally, it sharpens focus, lifts mood through endorphin release, and improves sleep quality. Even heart health gets a boost, with lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular function. Just 30 minutes a week can spark muscle growth, making it accessible for busy lives.
Women, in particular, unlock unique rewards from heavy lifting, shattering the myth that it leads to bulkiness. Instead, it sculpts lean muscle, trims body fat, and creates a toned physique. During menopause, lifting becomes a lifeline, countering muscle loss, strengthening bones to prevent fractures, and supporting metabolic health to reduce the risk of diabetes. It also reduces anxiety, boosts confidence, and fosters a sense of empowerment. Regular sessions can even turn back the clock,
shaving years off biological age. For reproductive health, it stabilizes joints and eases the physical strains of pregnancy.
Older adults—often steered toward light exercise—thrive with heavy weights when guided properly. Consistent training preserves leg strength, enhances mobility, and reduces fall risks, keeping independence intact. It rebuilds muscle lost to age, easing frailty and alleviating arthritis pain by strengthening joints. Cognitive benefits include sharper memory and a lower risk of dementia, making it a holistic tool for aging well.
For younger groups, heavy lifting sets a strong foundation. Teens gain an athletic edge and confidence, while middle-aged adults maintain energy amid demanding schedules. The key is consistency, not intensity—progressive overload, where weights gradually increase, ensures steady gains without injury.
Getting started is simple but requires care. Beginners should work with a trainer to learn proper form, starting with lighter weights and building up as strength grows. Even a modest commitment, like two sessions a week, yields results over time. Equipment isn’t always necessary; bodyweight exercises or gym machines can kick things off.
Heavy lifting isn’t about chasing extremes—it’s about empowerment. It builds stronger bodies, sharper minds, and more resilient lives. For women especially, it’s a path to owning their strength, defying stereotypes, and thriving at any age. Step into the gym, grab those weights, and unlock a healthier, more vibrant you. The benefits are waiting.
Dear Blake,
Blake’s Take
BLAKE JOHNSON
Ever since I can remember, I have struggled with stuttering. I feel like I managed okay through grade school because my teachers and friends knew me. Now, I am a freshman at a large university, and I’m worried my stutter will hold me back both socially and academically. I am very anxious about having to speak in class or participate in group projects. How do I build confidence and handle my stuttering at such a big school?
KEVIN PYLES, PT
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for writing and trusting me to help you with your struggle. I must admit I have no knowledge or experience in helping someone who stutters. Besides a few early schoolmates, I can only recall being around one other person who stuttered. Significantly, this person was very admirable and successful. In fact, after our first few encounters, I truly no longer noticed his stutter. His personality and distinguished manner completely overshadowed any difficulty he might have had speaking.
With so little experience, it’s hard for me to offer more encouragement for your struggle specifically. However, as someone who attended college with a disability, I can share some general experience and direction for finding resources and solutions.
To start with, I would recommend maximizing some skills you already possess. I would imagine that starting out in school,
moving up a grade each year, meeting new people, and getting through awkward moments over the years have helped you build some confidence. Spend some time reflecting on similar past experiences and how you were able to cope in those situations. Try to remember how you dealt with each transition, and list both your successful and unsuccessful strategies. Take those successful tactics and begin customizing a plan for future events. Next, I would suggest ongoing research. According to The Stuttering Foundation, there are 80 million people in the world who stutter. That means there are 80 million stories out there to be shared, and I’m sure there is something to be learned from each one. The foundation also provides free online resources, support, and services to people who stutter and their families. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website says stuttering can be treated through therapy,
drug therapy, electronic devices, and self-help groups. If you haven’t done so already, check into the different treatment options that may be available near you. At the very least, try to find a local or online support group. I have found that meeting people with similar challenges is one of the greatest assets in dealing with difficult circumstances—and it’s free.
Also, check for resources within your university. More than likely, there are support groups and tutors already equipped to help you with your situation. Don’t hesitate to ask and get involved. When I went back to school, I was blown away by the willingness to accommodate my needs. Professors, staff, and students were overwhelmingly supportive and happy to make my experience as close to normal as possible. Their acceptance and eagerness to help bridged the gap in confidence I needed to succeed. I honestly feel like you will have the same experience if you utilize the support available to you.
To summarize, I would put together a plan combining your current coping skills with what you learn from ongoing research and the support system within your university. From what I have read, stuttering can improve with concentration and practice. Keep working at it and take every opportunity you can to speak. Last—and most importantly—like the gentleman I mentioned earlier, let your presence outshine your impediment. If you are a good person with a great personality, no one will notice if you stutter.
Again, I’m sorry I don’t have more experience with stuttering specifically, but I hope this helps and that you find the confidence you need to speak out in college and beyond.
God bless,
Blake
Quote of the Month:
“Success is built in the quiet months when no one is watching. September is your time.”
— Unknown
By Gosh! BY JOSH
By Gosh, Dobson’s Courthouse Square Has Seen It All
By Gosh, did you know that the quiet courthouse square in Dobson, North Carolina, once stood at the turbulent crossroads of Southern identity, war, and civic transformation? Nestled in the heart of Surry County, the Dobson courthouse square tells a story far richer than its current tranquility suggests. More than just a seat of local government, the square has witnessed the unfolding drama of nineteenth-century rural life, Civil War allegiances, Reconstruction-era struggles, and the gradual shaping of modern Appalachian governance. This modest plaza, shaded by oaks and lined with brick and stone, remains a living artifact of the region’s enduring resilience.
Dobson became the county seat of Surry County in 1853 after the former seat in Rockford, located on the Yadkin River, proved too remote for many of the county’s citizens. The new site was chosen for its central location, facilitating access for residents across the growing county. The first courthouse built in Dobson was a two-story brick structure that symbolized a shift from river-centered commerce to land-based administration. This move reflected broader nineteenth-century trends in rural development as communities adapted to internal population shifts and transportation needs.
As tensions mounted nationally during the 1860s, the Dobson courthouse square became a focal point for heated discussions and local action related to the Civil War. Although North Carolina was the last state to secede from the Union in May 1861, Surry County, like much of the northwestern Piedmont, was deeply divided in its loyalties. The area was home to both staunch Confederates and a surprising number of Union sympathizers. These political fractures were often reflected in courthouse debates, public speeches, and the records of local militia musters.
Confederate troops recruited from the area drilled on the courthouse grounds, and the square became a center for enlistment and wartime organization. Yet just miles away, in the more isolated hollows of the Blue Ridge foothills, Unionist resistance quietly gathered strength. Stories persist of local men hiding in the nearby woods to avoid conscription, aided by family members who walked the square by day and smuggled food by night. The courthouse itself, though never directly damaged in the war, stood as a silent witness to a county at odds with itself.
In the war’s aftermath, the square became the stage for Reconstruction, a time as contentious locally as the war itself. With the Confederate defeat and federal mandates to reestablish order, new political and racial dynamics emerged. The courthouse handled countless land disputes, petitions from formerly enslaved people, and tense legal transitions as freedmen gained rights and former Confederates attempted to reclaim influence. The square also hosted fiery political rallies in the 1870s, where newly empowered voters clashed over the future of the South.
The original 1853 courthouse was replaced in 1916 with the neoclassical building that still stands today, a proud structure of limestone and red brick adorned with Doric columns and a clock tower that gazes over Main Street. It was more than an architectural upgrade; it was a testament to the aspirations of a recovering county seeking to project order, dignity, and modernity. Over the decades, the courthouse square became the center of civic life, hosting parades, protests, market days, and festivals.
Today, visitors to the Dobson courthouse square may be struck by its calm beauty and the air of small-town continuity. But beneath that surface lies a remarkable narrative of settlers and soldiers, of civil conflict and reconciliation, and of a community that weathered the storms of national trauma while continuing to evolve. This square is not just the geographic heart of Surry County; it is its moral and historical compass.
SURRY SEEN
SURRY SEEN AT THE DERBY!
by Eddie Lowe
Gone the Way of the Whippoor W ill
Have you ever enjoyed a place or a thing for a long period of time, only to look back one day and realize it was gone? The bird—and more so the song—of the whippoorwill used to be a favorite and familiar sound to me. These birds almost seemed magical, singing just before the break of dawn and again just after sunset. As I look back, maybe it wasn’t their song alone. Perhaps it was also a certain season in my life I warmly remember. Regardless, their songs and their presence disappeared, and somehow I didn’t even notice at first.
Another beautiful bird I miss hearing is the bobwhite quail. Both the whippoorwill and the bobwhite quail have one song— their own names, sung over and over. Another similarity is how hard they are to spot. The bobwhite hides in thick brush, and the whippoorwill sings in the dark. Sadly, I couldn’t tell you the last time I heard either one. A quick search reveals the reason: their habitats are nearly gone.
The thought behind this article is bigger than birds. We all can relate to things that once were, but are no more. They pass whether we realize it or not. My heart swells when I remember long summer days spent swimming in the river just off Riverside Drive in Mount Airy. AES now sits there, but I remember when it was a cow pasture. As young boys, we would run across that field for two reasons: first, it was a cow pasture, and second, we believed there was a bull in it!
The neighborhood I grew up in was a short bicycle ride away. We would stash our bikes, climb a barbed-wire fence just across Riverside Drive, and head straight to the water. Summers passed, years rolled on, and we all grew up, moving away with families and jobs. Life moved forward, but the memories remain—just like the song of the whippoorwill. If I pause and think back, I can still hear them both.
Today, when I ride past, I can hardly believe that parking lot used to be a cow pasture. In the back, hidden in the woods, was a great “swimming hole,” as we called it. As a boy, I also remember riding through the Beulah community with my dad. His stories rambled on and on. He would point out a field or a barn, and it was as if time rolled back. In his mind he saw poor farm boys pulling tobacco in the hot sun, pulling pranks, and drinking short, cold Cokes from Sparger’s store, where Mr. Sparger kept the drinks chilled in a cooler filled with cold water.
At one particular field, Dad always laughed when we passed. That was where he and his brother Doug hid their extra sodas. Their father, my Grandpa Lowe, would buy a carton of drinks, and there was always one extra. Dad and Doug slipped back to that field and tucked the extra bottles in a row. As fate would have it, one day Grandpa was plowing with a mule named Kate, and the plow jumped out of the row, turning up all the hidden bottles. Dad said they roared with laughter as each bottle popped up, one after another.
When I looked at that field years later, all I saw was a dilapidated barn and an overgrown, forgotten place. But when my dad looked, time rolled back, and youth rushed in, if only for a moment. For me, the sound of those bottles popping meant the same as standing in the dark grinning at the call of a whippoorwill, or hearing a quail sound off at the edge of my Grandpa Hiatt’s field in Cana, Virginia.
Our family has always passed down stories, and in my youth I put them to memory. A genealogy search won’t reveal wealth on either side of my family, but the stories handed down are treasures. I’m sure we all have memories we carry that may seem simple or even silly to others. But life has shown me this: memories remain, even when so many other things go away.
It is fair time! Growing up, the county fair was something we looked forward to each year. From the entertainment and animals to the exhibit building filled with home-canned products, giant vegetables, beautiful flowers, handmade quilts, paintings, and photography—fairs truly have something for everyone. They continue to highlight agriculture in the community and provide a stage to showcase livestock, produce, and handmade treasures.
My mom has fond memories of the county fair. She often tells stories about spending the week at the fair with her calves and pigs when she was a youth in 4-H. The pigs were auctioned at the end of the fair, and she was able to keep the money from the sale to buy her school clothes each year. To this day, we still enjoy her prize-winning apple crisp recipe, the one that won her a ribbon in the baking competition so many years ago.
The horse shows and children’s events were my husband’s favorites when he was young. When our children were little, they spent weeks gathering items to enter in the fair. One of their favorite categories at the Alleghany County Fair was mud pies, which continues to be a category for youth. They would
fill aluminum pie plates with mud and decorate them with leaves, rocks, sticks, and sometimes even a toy horse or two. It was always exciting for them to visit the fair to see which of their entries had won ribbons, and the prize money made the winning even more thrilling.
To enjoy the 78th annual Surry County Agricultural Fair, mark your calendar for September 16–20, 2025. Entries will be accepted September 8–12. This year’s fair will feature exhibits, rides, family games, the Magic of Shaun Jay, AIWF Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, cotton candy, funnel cakes, and more.
The Alleghany County Fair will be held September 18–21, 2025, with entries accepted September 16–17. The 2024 fair unfortunately fell during Hurricane Helene, so organizers are hopeful for calmer weather this year. Visitors can look forward to rides, exhibits, livestock shows, musical entertainment, a truck and tractor pull, and more. For details, contact the Alleghany Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 336-3725597.
And because no fair would be complete without delicious food, here are two blue-ribbon recipes perfect for fall.
by CARMEN LONG
Mom’s Apple Crisp
INGREDIENTS
• 6 apples
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS
1. Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices.
2. Place in a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
3. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
4. Cream together the butter and brown sugar, then mix in the flour.
5. Spread over the apples and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
By Beth Trgovic
INGREDIENTS
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup oil
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
2. Stir in zucchini.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
4. Add to zucchini mixture and stir until blended.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour into a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
7. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Zucchini Chocolate Loaf
farm, Garden Home, &
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
“Run, Seabiscuit! Run!” I yelled as I turned Traveler out into the pasture for the first time in a month. He had developed a nasty hoof abscess from the damp spring. Diligently treating it day after day is not the kind of glamorous life most people think comes with horse ownership. The vet finally cleared him for pasture time, and to say Traveler was excited was an understatement.
After a good five minutes of frolicking, bucking, snorting, and kicking up his heels, he came galloping back to the gate, barely putting on the brakes in time. “Whew, that felt amazing,” he huffed.
“I think you have what they call the zoomies.”
“Can you blame me? I’ve been cooped up in that stall for six months!”
“It’s been four weeks, Traveler,” I replied sarcastically. “Details, Hay-Woman, details! I’ve been suffering immensely … never seeing the outdoors, never smelling the sweet scent of the dewy grass in the morning, never gazing up at the crystal blue sky and fluffy cotton ball clouds, never rolling in the textured sand to scratch an itch, never galloping …”
“Okay, okay, I get it,” I interrupted. “No need for all the theatrics. I’m the one who’s been soaking, cleaning, and wrapping that hoof of yours every day. Not to mention putting up with all the attitude.”
Traveler’s eyes changed from large and wild to soft and gentle. He hung his head and walked slowly to me. “Have I been that bad?”
“It’s been tough,” I said honestly. “But I love you and would do anything possible to help when you need me. That’s what friends do.” I smiled as I scratched under his chin, one of his favorite “itchy” spots.
Traveler pondered a few moments and then stated, “Proverbs 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
I gleamed. “Traveler! That is a perfect verse for us today. I’m proud of you. You’ve been studying the Bible while injured.”
Now it was his turn to gleam, “I sure have.” Then, with shame, he said, “I’m sorry about my attitude. I am very grateful for everything you have done to help me heal. But there is one thing...”
“What now?”
He muttered, but loud enough for me to hear, “I’m never going back into that stall.”
I shrugged and said, “Fine with me.” Then I turned to go back out the pasture gate. “Well, I guess it’s about supper time.” Watching him out of the corner of my eye, I walked with intent toward the barn to begin feeding everyone their nightly grain.
“I’m right behind you Hay-Woman!” he yelled as he pranced back to his stall to wait for his food.
by DERINA PYLES
Fall in Love with Bulbs: Plant Now for a Dazzling Spring Surprise
There’s a certain thrill in the air when fall arrives—the crisp mornings, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and, for flower lovers, the irresistible call of the garden whispering, “Plant bulbs now for spring magic later!”
November through December is prime time for planting spring-blooming bulbs in our region. Best of all, it’s simple, rewarding, and almost guarantees a breathtaking burst of color when the world wakes from winter’s slumber.
But not all bulbs are created equal. Choosing the right varieties will ensure beauty that lasts well beyond a single season.
The Reliable Rockstars
Daffodils are the tried-and-true performers of the spring garden. Sunny and cheerful, they return year after year and often multiply on their own. For classic large yellow blooms, look to ‘Carlton’ or ‘St. Keverne.’ For earlier color, plant ‘February Gold’ or the petite but hardy ‘Jack Snipe,’ which may appear as early as February.
Fragrant jonquil-types are another excellent choice. Their clusters of small, sweet-smelling blossoms bring both charm and consistency. Wonderful varieties include ‘Sweetness,’ ‘Quail,’ ‘Minnow,’ ‘Geranium,’ ‘Baby Moon,’ and ‘Avalanche.’ Be sure to plant daffodils early—ideally in October—for the best results.
Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are another garden hero. Blooming in step with azaleas, their spikes of white, pink, or blue flowers return faithfully each year—and deer and rabbits usually leave them alone.
Two more reliable favorites are summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum), which thrives even in heavy, damp soil, and starflower (Ipheion uniflorum), a delicate, low-growing beauty with icy blue, star-shaped petals.
The Occasional Comebacks
Some bulbs will return for three to four years before fading, though with the right conditions they may last even longer. These include ornamental onions (Allium species), Dutch and grape hyacinths, anemones, Dutch iris, and Persian buttercups (Ranunculus). While not lifelong bloomers, they add several memorable seasons of color to the garden.
The One-Hit Wonders
A few bulbs dazzle for a single season, then disappear. Tulips, crocus, snowdrops (Galanthus), dwarf iris (Iris reticulata), and squills (including Scilla, Chionodoxa, and Puschkinia) fall into this category. Treat them as annuals, and if they return for another year or two, consider it an unexpected gift.
Planting for Impact
To create real drama, plant bulbs in clusters or bold swaths rather than scattering them here and there. Mass plantings deliver a true “wow” factor.
Tuck bulbs among perennials or around deciduous shrubs to brighten otherwise bare spots in early spring. Most bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations, especially under trees that shed leaves in winter. An exception is summer snowflake, which actually prefers heavier, moist soil.
When planting, remember this simple rule of thumb: plant bulbs two to three times as deep as their size. Smaller bulbs should be planted 3–4 inches deep, while larger bulbs such as daffodils need about 8 inches. A slow-release or organic fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time or applied in early spring when shoots begin to emerge. (Avoid bloodmeal if you have seen signs of voles—it may attract them.)
Finish by adding a layer of mulch to insulate the soil, discourage weeds, and protect your soon-to-be blooms.
Spring Starts Now
The joy of bulb planting lies in its promise. When you press bulbs into the earth on a cool fall day, you’re planting not just flowers, but hope, joy, and a touch of magic.
So grab your gloves, a trowel, and a bag of your favorite bulbs. Let the anticipation grow as you imagine the explosion of color to come. Your future spring self will thank you.
Happy planting!
by JOANNA RADFORD
by Larry VanHoose
HANDCRAFTED BLUE RIDGE:
Celebrating 30 Years of Mountain Tradition in Sparta, NC
There is no place quite like Sparta in the fall. Tucked into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town seems to glow as the leaves change and the air turns crisp. It is during this season that Sparta shines most brightly, and there is no better way to experience it than at the Blue Ridge Mountain Heritage Festival. This year marks a special milestone—thirty years of celebrating the music, craft, and community spirit that define this corner of North Carolina.
On Saturday, September 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the festival will fill Main Street with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Appalachian culture. This is not a flea market, but a true showcase of mountain heritage. Visitors will find handcrafted goods created by artisans who have honed their skills for generations. From handcarved wood pieces and pottery to quilts, woven baskets, and homemade jams, each item tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.
Throughout the day, live music will bring the festival to life. Local performers—many carrying on family traditions—will share the joyful rhythms of the mountains,
turning a walk through town into a celebration of sound. The music, as much as the scenery, reflects the enduring spirit of Alleghany County.
Food is always part of the experience, and this year will be no exception. A variety of food trucks will offer everything from smoky barbecue and crispy kettle corn to sweet treats and regional favorites. Visitors are encouraged to come hungry and leave with both a full plate and a happy memory.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Heritage Festival is more than an event. It is a cherished tradition where families gather, old friends reunite, and visitors are welcomed as neighbors. Admission and parking are free, and the mountain views alone are worth the trip.
While in Sparta, take time to enjoy more than the festival. Explore the shops downtown, or make the short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the nearby Doughton Park. Whether you stay for the day or make a weekend of it, Alleghany County offers a memorable fall experience.
For three decades, the Blue Ridge Mountain Heritage Festival has celebrated the best of mountain life—its crafts, its music, its food, and its people. This September, Sparta once again invites everyone to join in honoring a tradition that continues to shape and enrich the community.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
MOUNT AIRY
Surry County Farmers Market – Mount Airy
Fridays, September 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
232 W Independence Blvd
Mount Airy, NC 27030
Part Time Party Band Concert
Friday, September 5, 2025 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Extraordinaires Concert
Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot Concert
Friday, September 12, 2025 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Surry County Agricultural Fair
Tuesday, September 16 - Saturday, September 20, 2025
Veterans Memorial Park
691 W Lebanon St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Attractions Band Concert
Friday, September 19, 2025 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Phatt City Concert
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Mayberry Days Festival – Daily Events
Monday, September 22 - Sunday, September 28, 2025
Downtown Mount Airy
Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
ELKIN
MST Birthday Naturalist Hike – Isaac’s Trailhead
Friday, September 12, 2025 from 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Isaacs’ Trailhead Parking Lot, Carter Mill Road
400 E Carter Mill Road, Elkin, NC 28621
Elkin Hispanic Heritage Festival
Saturday, September 13, 2025 (time TBD)
Downtown Elkin
226 N. Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621
Elkin Farmers Market
Saturdays, September 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
226 North Bridge Street Elkin, NC 28621
Live Music @ The River Stage – The Dead of Winter (Grateful Dead Tribute)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center, River Stage
257 W. Standard Street, Elkin, NC 28621
Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Elkin Main Street
100–104 US 21 BUSINESS, Elkin, NC 28621
DOBSON
Surry County Farmers Market – Dobson
Fridays, September 2025 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
903 East Atkins Street Dobson, NC 27017
13 6 4 27
Rock the Block Block Party
Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Dobson Square Park
110 S. Crutchfield Street, Dobson, NC 27017
Movies in the Park – “A Minecraft Movie”
Friday, September 19, 2025 after dark
Dobson Square Park
110 S. Crutchfield Street, Dobson, NC
GALAX
In the Loop (Fiber Friends Meeting)
Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Galax Public Library
610 W. Stuart Drive, Galax, VA 24333
4th Annual Apple Cider Festival
Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Downtown Galax
403 North Main Street, Galax, VA 24333
Parker Barrow Concert
Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:00 pm
The Rex Theater
113 E Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
ANNUAL SEPTEMBER REVIVAL SERVICES
Solid Rock Bible Believing Baptist Church 140 Lyndsey Way, Dobson, NC 27017
Check for Revival Dates at www.facebook.com/SolidRockBibleBaptist
