Surry Living Magazine - April 2020

IT'S FREE!

April 2020

A lifestyle magazine highlighting Surry County and the surrounding area

MUSIC FESTIVALS special annual EDITION

BONUS: Calendar guides to the area’s special events for Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and our nearby communities

TOP 1% in the Nation for Patient Safety!

For the fourth consecutive year, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital has been recognized as one of the safest hospitals in the nation. It takes an entire team to deliver exceptionally safe, high quality care, and we could not be more proud of our physicians, staff and volunteers who are dedicated to your good health – each and every day.

Comfort and Convenience, durability and performance.

Its everything you want in a zero-turn mower.

KubotaUSA.com

Optional equipment may be shown.

Advertiser Index a publication of vivid graphics SURRY LIVING MAGAZINE PO Box 6548 Mount Airy, NC 27030 surryliving.com • info@surryliving.com for editorial content submissions send to larry@surryliving.com

CREATIVE

LARRY VANHOOSE executive editor

TRINA VANHOOSE

VIE STALLINGS HERLOCKER associate editor

SALES

OLIVIA MCMILLAN

ADVERTISE WITH US:

• Reach more than 30,000 potential customers each month.

• Complimentary monthly magazine distributed in hundreds of prime locations throughout Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, Pilot Mountain, Jonesville, Yadkinville, and the surrounding areas including grocery stores, restaurants, medical offices, hotels, gift shops, and more.

• Current and previous issues available for viewing and download at www.surryliving.com/ • Business Spotlight and Advertorial articles available.

• Enhance your business image with our high-quality, four-color, heavy-gloss publication.

• 30 days of advertising per month gives potential customers the chance to see your ad multiple times.

• Multiple-insertion–discounted rates available!

Surry Living Magazine’s Monthly Editorial Calendar is available on request by contacting our Sales Department at sales@surryliving.com FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION AND RATES, CONTACT US TODAY at (336) 648-3555 or by email at sales@surryliving.com • surryliving.com

www.facebook.com/SurryLiving Surry Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Surry Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

4 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

Our advertisers make it possible to provide Surry Living FREE of charge. Please join us in thanking and supporting these outstanding merchants in our area:

13 Bones, Page 21 American Healthcare Services, Page 13 Anderson Audiology, Page 21 Candelfirth, Page 16 Charis Christian Book Store, Page 7 Cook Insurance Group, Page 9 Countryside RV, Page 7 Elizabeth Reynolds, Berkshire Hathaway, Page 27 Farmers Mulch & Rock, Page 9 Friendly Heating & Cooling, Inc., Page 5 Galax City Tourism Office, Page 5 Gingerhorse Studio, Page 18 Haymore Construction, Page 12 Hilda's Place, Page 29 Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, Pages 2, 14 Lesia Cockerham, KellerWilliams Realty, Page 28 Mount Airy Equipment, Page 3 Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, Page 24 Mullins Pawn Shop & Jewelers, Page 26 NC Cooperative Extension, Pages 22 & 28 North Carolina Weight & Wellness, Page 10 Northern Hospital of Surry County, Pages 17, 32 Plaza Del Sol Mexican Cuisine, Page 4 Ridgecrest Retirement, Page 31 Roy’s Diamond Center, Page 9 Royster & Royster Attorneys at Law, Page 21 Schuyler Cook, Page 28 Southwest Farm Supply, Page 29 Surry Communications, Page 25 The Cabins at White Sulphur Springs, Page 21 The Derby, Page 19 The Nest & Hive, Page 8 Westwood Medical, Page 7 WIFM Radio, Page 30 Yadkin Valley Quilts, Page 15 Zen Massage & Bodywork, Page 27

FEATURED SECTIONS

Friendly Heating & Cooling, Inc. SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESS!

Galax

HOME, FARM, & GARDEN page 8 OUT & ABOUT page 16 SIMPLY DELICIOUS page 20 ALL THE REST page 23 8 The Vintage Southern

Homemaker: Gloria Brown shares memories and helpful tips 11 This Little Light of Mine:

Don’t Let a Monster Drive 12 Joanna Radford: Spring Pruning 15 Sarah Southard, DVM:

Every Day is Tag Day 16 Gin Denton:

The World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music!

Spring is the best time to get your AC units ready for summer’s heat!

virginia

Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention Since 1935!

336-789-6453 Friendly Insulation, LLC. Adding EFFICIENCY to Your Home

Music Festivals 2020

“WorldCapital of OldTimeMountainMusic�

 � � � �

� � � � � �  ­ €

19 Gary York: Surry 250 20 The Sweet & Savory Life with

Rynn Hennings: Beignets with Strawberries 22 Carmen Long: Egg-cellant Hints

Houstonfest � ‚ ƒ � � �„ …„†„ ‚ � †­ � �

Â?

‡ �

Â?

ˆ

‚ ‰ Š � �

& Tips 23 A Deeper Cut: A Novel,

Continues 26 Area Event Schedules: Calendar

guides to events for Mount Airy, Elkin, Pilot Mountain, Dobson, and nearby communities NOTE: Area calendars and schedules

are provided by local municipalities and subject to change without prior notice. Events may be postponed or canceled due to the current health crisis - please be sure to check with the venues directly to verify events.

Free Estimates for Existing Structures and New Construction

336-648-8453

 � � � �

888-217-8823 or 276-238-8130 www.VisitGalax.com SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 5

CONTRIBUTORS

Gloria Brown

Gin Denton

Sheri Wren Haymore

Rynn Hennings

Gloria is co-owner of The Nest & Hive Shoppe, a home décor business in Fancy Gap, VA, as well as the former host of The Vintage Southern Homemaker television show. Her musings on life growing up and living in the South have appeared in publications and on TV throughout the region. She is an expert antiques collector who grew up in the business and worked many years as a dealer in the Yadkin Valley area, where she currently resides.

Gin is the owner of Ginger Horse Studio. Her focus is lifestyle photography, covering horse shows, weddings, concerts, and doing on location portraits. Gin graduated from the University of Findlay with an Equine Business Management degree, where she also studied music and photography. She is a member of the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI) and the Granite City Rock Orchestra (GRO).

Gin resides in Lowgap, NC with her family on their small horse farm.

Sheri grew up in Mt. Airy, NC, and lives thereabouts with her husband. Together they run a couple of small businesses and plan their next vacation. A graduate of High Point University, her first job was as a writer at a marketing firm—and she’s been scribbling ever since. Sheri has several suspense novels in publication and Surry Living is proud to include sequential excerpts from one of her books in each issue.

Rynn is a writer and designer based in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina. She loves to share her ideas for adding simple beauty into hectic lifestyles. More than mere recipes, her mission is to offer practical shortcuts for food preparation along with visual tips for presentation. Rynn began her career in Aiken, SC, as a newspaper reporter writing feature articles about food, living, and the arts.

Carmen Long

Joanna Radford

Sarah Southard

Larry VanHoose

Carmen is an NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge.

Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school thru college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity.

Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job a bit easier.

Joanna Radford is the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. She began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. In 2012, she assumed the role of Horticulture Agent for Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Sarah grew up at Crooked Oak in the Pine Ridge community of Surry County. Raised in the agriculture world, she went on to earn degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine from North Carolina State University. She and her husband, Adam, currently live in Statesville with Oliver the house rabbit, a few cats, Blossom the donkey, and a flock of Katahdin hair sheep.

Larry is the Executive Editor of Surry Living Magazine and Creative Director at Vivid Graphics in Galax, VA. He has 30+ years experience as a writer, graphic designer, and commercial photographer.

Larry and wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children, one awesome grandchild, and they live just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.

6 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

ALL BIBLES & CHRISTIAN BOOKS

WESTWOOD MEDICAL

20% OFF

Great Selection of KJV and other Versions Including Journals & Devotionals

Your Bible Specialist • The Best Gift You Can Give!

 � � ����   �  �  ­€   �  ‚ ƒ  „ … †

 ‡ ˆ ‰‰ Š ‹ ‰‰ ‡ Œ … Ž Š Ž

Gary York Gary resides in Pilot Mountain with wife, Charlotte, at Vintage Rose Wedding Estate.

A 1965 graduate of Guilford College, he received his MBA from Bucknell in ’68.

His early career included service at York Oil Company and Neighbors Stores.

Gary's passion for celebrating community servants led him to produce People Doing Good For Others on WPAQ, which in-turn fueled his interest in broadcasting and ultimately his purchase of 100.9 WIFM in 2004. He’s a member of the Surry County Educational Foundation and Board Member of the Elkin Rescue Squad.

Edward McDowell PA-C

• Primary Care • Sports Medicine • Adolescent & Adult Medicine • Sports Physicals • Primary Care Orthopedics • Primary Evaluation and Treatment of Spine Disorders • Wellness Medicine • Treatment of Minor Injuries

Specializing in Primary Care and Sports Medicine

AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE

• DOT Physicals Call us for all your healthcare needs at 336-648-8154 1201 W Lebanon Street • Mount Airy, NC • westwoodmed.com

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Saturday, 9:00 – 2:00

North Carolina’s #1 Low-cost RV Dealer

NC’s Premier Park Model & RV Superstore!

Surveyor Legend Models in stock!

Our Parts Store and Service Center is OPEN all-year!

Surveyor Luxury Models in stock!

2048 Hinshaw Road • Yadkinville, NC

336-468-6774

Find us on FACEBOOK

To view all inventory including new & preowned travel trailers & pop-ups, visit www.countrysidervcenter.com SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 7

home, farm, & garden

Even that Gang of Dogs Settled Down

For all the talent my family has, there are two things not a soul in the crowd can do, and that is sing or play a musical instrument. Not a lick of musical talent in the lot of us, but we love good music and singing. Let us get around someone who can play an instrument and we are awestruck. We can sit and listen for hours.

When I was little, I remember two old men who lived way out in the woods, in a little clearing off the Shacktown Road, near my greatgrandmother Sprinkle. Their names were Will and Bynum. They made money by telling fortunes and playing music. They were akin to each other, but I don’t remember how. By the time I knew of them, they were on up in years.

I remember going down there a few times when I was little. You went down a dirt road barely wide enough for a car, and when you came into the clearing you were greeted by the biggest pack of old dogs you’d ever seen. Those dogs were inside and outside. They were laying around and running around. Yep, the first thing I noticed were all the dogs.

The next thing to take in was how Will and Bynum lived. It was a primitive setup. There was no electricity. They had an outhouse and a well where they got their water. There were two, old, one-room cabins with a shelter running between them. I was told that the shelter was a dog trot. For many years I thought they called it that because the men had so many dogs.

I recollect one Sunday afternoon in particular, a crowd of us went down there for a visit. The old men came out of their little cabins to meet us under the oak trees.

After a little small talk someone asked if Bynum would favor us with a few songs on his autoharp. He said he would, but he had to go back in for his ’baccer and ’harp. As he opened the door, I peeked in to see an open fireplace with a low fire, just barely going.

His iron bedstead had an old quilt thrown across it, with a dog curled up on top. There was a table with a kerosene lamp and a couple of chairs. I took in all I could before he came back out and settled into a straight-back chair.

He balanced his autoharp on his lap and piled his jaw full of tobacco. When he seemed satisfied with his tuning, he cradled that ’harp and began to play. He sang some, but mostly played. It was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. Sometimes he played a lively tune – I couldn’t get over how fast his fingers moved – and then he’d play a sweet, slow, almost mournful tune. I’m telling you this, Mother Maybelle and June Carter could’ve taken lessons from him. When he played, even that gang of dogs settled down.

Those woods have since been cleared and the cabins are long gone. One of the chimneys stood for a long time, but it’s been done away with too. The only traces of Will and Bynum are in the hearts and memories of people who went to see them. I suspect a lot of folks went just to help them out with a little money by asking for their fortune to be told or best of all – to be favored with a song or two.

8 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

home, farm, & garden We Deliver!

Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

FARMER’S MULCH & ROCK Inc.

FREE Bibles, Coffee, & Bottled Water

Large Selection of Hardware and over 60 Choices of Decorative Stone & Gravel Feed • Seed • Fertilizer • Mulch • Pine Needles • Propane Swimming Pool Water Delivery

Antiques & Collectibles, Farm Toys, Gift Certificates, Outdoor Fireplace Kits & Firepits 7802 NC 268, DOBSON, NC 27017 • www.farmersmulchandrock.com • 336.386.0883

 ­ € ‚ ƒ

276-236-4137

108 S. Main St. Galax, VA Mon. - Sat. 9 AM – 5:30 PM

A Family Owned & Operated Full-Service Jewelry Store Established in 1977

Together we can...

Believe in Our Community Be Kind • Treat People Right Do Great Things.

Timothy Cook Cook Insurance Group LLC 119 Valley Dr Jonesville, NC 28642-2620 Fax: 336-526-2664 336-526-2665 Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Co., Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Co., Flagship City Insurance Co. and Erie Family Life Insurance Co. (Erie, PA) or Erie Insurance Co. of New York (Rochester, NY).

Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and product details. CMS149_comun1 2/18

roysdiamond.com SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 9

home, farm, & garden

DON’T LET A MONSTER DRIVE THE BUS

by Larry VanHoose

This month’s SLM is about our upcoming 2020 local area Music Festivals. If you’ve been in the area more than 30 minutes, then you have probably discovered the rich musical heritage of Surry County and the surrounding area. Each year hundreds of thousands of people, not just from the area but from all over the globe, visit our communities to hear, enjoy, and even play along with the delightful variety of musical maestros this area has to offer. This annual musical pilgrimage invariably includes the joyful and wonderful experience of reuniting with young and old, friends and family alike.

Which brings me to the challenge we are all facing as of this writing – that of being wise regarding the pandemic caused by the outbreak of the now infamous Coronavirus. I’m writing this article weeks before you will probably read it and the cautionary comments I make here will more than likely be outdated – either proven to be too little, or too much – by the time this music festival issue finds its way into your hands. But I can’t let that stop me from at least stating my current thoughts. Not that my opinion counts for a hill of beans, but I believe we may have released a monster of our own making. And I, for one, will not be ruled by that monster.

The monster I’m talking about is fear. Let’s look at fear using a familiar illustration.

At a certain age, we apply for the coveted driver’s license. But not before preparation: we study the rules of the road and practice behind the wheel. We make sure our vehicle is in good working order and has enough gas for the road test. This license also demands responsibility beyond passing the exams. We’re operating a piece of heavy machinery capable of killing and maiming. We can’t take that responsibility lightly or frivolously.

A responsible license-holder then drives with confidence. Even with the proper training, caution, and watchfulness, if fear exists in place of confidence, there is an increased chance that there will be an accident. Fear leads to panic, and panic can overwhelm and lead to bad spur-of-the-moment decisions. Yes, we do need to understand the risks in driving a motor vehicle, and we should always be cautious. But even though we need to be cautious and watchful, we should never, ever give in to fear. Fear paralyzes, fear destroys, fear can rule us.

During this festival season, let’s not give in to fear and the corresponding paralysis. Certainly, we should be responsible, and we should take the proper precautions when we or someone in our family is sick or has a weakened immune system. But as with all health risks, if we use good judgment, utilize proper sanitation methods (i.e. wash those hands and don’t touch your face), and so on, we should all be able to enjoy another year of fun, friendship, and (musical) frolic. And above all, we should pray that all of us are able to make good, smart decisions, unhampered and unhindered by the monster we call fear.

Second Timothy 1:7 NLT reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and selfdiscipline,” and Psalm 23:4 ESV assures us, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

KAITLYNEDMONDS! Thisbeautiful sunrisephotowastakenat SiloamBridgeontheborder of SurryandYadkinCounties.

the Surry Living Magazine Area monthly LANDSCAPE Photo Contest!

Our APRIL 2020 PHOTO CONTEST Winner is ...

Photo © 2020 Kaitlyn Edmonds

Each month, our Design Team chooses from all current entries and the winner will receive a $50 GIFTCERTIFICATE TO 13 BONES in Mount Airy. Plus, their photo will be featured in an upcoming issue of SLM. To enter, simply email your digital photo or photos to us at photocontest@ surryliving.com and your submission will be considered.

IMPORTANT: ALLPHOTOSmust be of the Surry County area, not haverecognizablepeopleinthephoto, must beat least 500kb in size, and must indicate where in the county the photowas taken. All entries automatically grant permission toSurry LivingMagazinetoreproduceandreusetheimage indefinitely as needed in print and/or online. Submissions by mail will beconsideredbut will NOTbereturnedwithout a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We want to extend a special thankyoutoour photocontest sponsor, 13Bones!

SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 11

home, farm, & garden

by Joanna Radford

Spring Pruning Winter is ending and spring is in the air. People are beginning to stir in their yards. While it is a great time of year to begin the lawn regimen, it is also a time to prune. When it comes to pruning, many gardeners are apprehensive about making any cuts on their trees or shrubs. But pruning is important for maintaining the health and beauty of many plants.

So, the biggest question I am asked is, “When is a good time to prune?” The answer is simple but can be confusing. Winter is a good time to prune many plants in the landscape, but it is not the only time one should think about pruning. Plants that flower early in the spring, such as azalea, forsythia, dogwood, loropetalum,

are disinfected. If pruning is complete for the day, dry pruners before storing them to avoid rusting.

The recommended pruning method is to cut the branch back to just above a node. This is the area where the leaves or other buds are present on the branch. Instead of cutting flush with the trunk, remove the branch just outside the swollen area where it emerges from the “Headingcut” Photocredit: KyleDaniel, PurdueExtension trunk (branch collar).

Branches pruned to just above the branch collar will heal naturally. There is no need to paint or spray with a sealant.

Larger branches should be removed using multiple cuts, to avoid stripping the bark from the tree trunk. With very large branches, call a professional for assistance. Two pruning cuts are helpful to know. First, a heading cut can be used to decrease plant size.

This removes actively growing shoots and can stimulate growth at the remaining nodes on the plant. The second is a thinning cut. It is used to control the shape of the plant. Thinning cuts are important for removing branches that may be growing in undesirable directions. Thinning the canopy of trees and shrubs allows light and air to enter. It can also improve growth and reduce pest pressure.

For more pruning tips and details, call your local NC Cooperative Extension or visit https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/pdf/generalpruning-techniques/2014-09-29/general-pruning-techniques.pdf

FloweringForsythiainspringtime

spirea, and cherry trees, can be pruned after they have bloomed.

For many homeowners, the time to prune is now or very close to it.

Spring flowering plants are pruned after bloom because they form buds in the fall. If you wait until winter, when they are dormant, you will cut off the flower buds and lose their spring flowers. If you have plants that bloom later in the season, such as crape myrtles, hydrangea, hibiscus, they should be pruned in the winter. These plants form flower buds on new growth which happens in the spring. So, wait to prune these plants.

When you start to prune, do not remove more than one third of the plant material. Removing too much of the plant and foliage can add stress on to the plant and it may have difficulty recovering.

Begin your pruning activity by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. I also like to prune out any branches that are crossing or touching other branches. You will know dead wood as it will be dry and dark in color on the inside when you cut it.

If you see a light green color on the inside of the bark, the plant tissue is alive. If the plant shows any sign of disease, prune out the infected branches to help prevent spread of the disease. After making cuts on the diseased plant, disinfect the pruners with a 9:1 solution of water to bleach. Pruning may continue once pruners 12 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

T�� A�e�’� Bes� Ch�i�� f�� I�-h��� Ai�!

915 Rockford Street Mount Airy, NC

336-789-2273

American Healthcare Services offers up to 24-hour care, 7 days a week.

American Healthcare Services, Inc. offers sitting and companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and personal care. We sit with our clients privately in hospitals and nursing facilities. All caregivers provide socialization, a safe environment, and support.

• • • •

Private Pay Longterm Care Insurance Medicaid Programs Home Community Care Block Grant Worker’s Comp Respite Care EPSDT Voucher Bonded & Insured

• • • • • americanhealthcare-services.com

SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 13

It’s better to know.

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital provides our community with the latest in mammography technology for early breast cancer detection. 3D mammography provides better, earlier detection with a reduced chance of callbacks, less compression time and reduced radiation exposure.

Evening appointments available.

Call 336-527-7477.

HughChatham.org 180 Parkwood Drive | Elkin, NC | 336-527-7000

home, farm, & garden

by Sarah Southard, DVM

Every Day is Tag Day

The American Humane Society reports that approximately 10 million pets get lost every year, with a large percentage of them ending up in shelters. Those with tags or microchips are very likely to be returned to their homes. But for those without some form of identification, the future is harder to predict. Only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats without identification in shelters are returned to their owners. You probably have had an instance or know someone who has had that panic moment of realizing their dear friend was missing. It is gut-wrenching.

April 4, 2020 is “Every Day is Tag Day.” This day was created

by American Humane (americanhumane.org) and is meant to encourage animal owners (and future owners) to take the identification of their pets seriously, and to ensure that in the event a pet goes missing, the odds of reuniting the pet with its humans are as high as possible.

A first line of defense, so to speak, in reuniting lost pets and families is ensuring that all pets are wearing a collar with tags, including indoor pets. The animal that lives outside may know its way around the neighborhood and be able to wander back home. But the indoor pet is typically lost as soon as it gets past the fence. A collar with ID tags attached and/or a

microchip may be the only way home for an escaped house pet.

Identification information should be up to date. If you have moved or changed phone numbers, ensure that your pet’s tag is updated. Each tag should have a phone number, address, and the name of the owner. Having the name of the pet on the tag can be useful as well to assist someone in comforting your pet.

Microchips are a very useful method of identifying a lost pet and its owners, however it is best not to rely on them as the only type of ID for your pet. When an animal gets lost, the first person it encounters will most likely be someone who does not have the ability to scan the animal, such as a neighbor. However, if the collar or tags were to fall off after a delightful dig under the fence, a microchip may be the only way to secondarily identify the pet. Most animal shelters and veterinarians will have a handheld scanner to read the chip. However, this will only be helpful if the chip information has been properly registered by the owners after the chip was placed. Registration is easy to delay or to forget entirely, but it is a critically important one to complete.

Without registration, the microchip is essentially useless.

Take a few minutes this month to review all of your pet's identification methods and contact information. Make any necessary changes to phone numbers or addresses. Has a tag become scratched and hard to read? Order a new one to replace it. You will be glad that you spent a little time maintaining these simple things if your four-legged friend were to ever go missing!

Make us part of your summer plans!

MID CAROLINA RUN SHOP HOP June 13– 20, 2020

Learn to use a new Creative Grids tool each month!

Register Online for Classes, Including: Breakfast Club • Learn to Quilt Make & Take Projects • Bags and more!

Offering In-Shop Longarm Quilting Services Powered by Innova

Passports available in shop!

May 22 – August 31

formerly Row by Row Experience

TRUE BLUE

Specializing in Custom Quilts, Memory and T-Shirt Quilts, as well as Custom Embroidery

Let’s be Social!

109 W. Main Street • Elkin, NC 28621

336-258-8383 Mon–Tues–Thurs–Fri: 10 am to 5 pm Sat: 10 am to 3 pm • Closed Sunday & Wednesday

Shop Online at www.YadkinValleyQuilts.com

SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 15

out & about JUNE

by Gin Denton

Music Festivals

2020

Grab your camping chair, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for a local music vacation. Day trippin’ or weekend camping adventures at local music festivals await you this summer and into the fall in these hills!

There are big festivals for those who like national bands, with a sprinkle of local, and small festivals for those who like regional and local bands. The music ranges from folk and traditional to rock and singer-songwriter. Here is the roll call as we have it now. Check their websites for up-to-the-minute information!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: As of press time we were notified that two of these outstanding events have been postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have indicated those we know of next to their listing, but others may follow.

APRIL SURRY OLD TIME FIDDLERS Dobson, NC, April 3-4 POSTPONED!

CONVENTION

This event is held at Surry Community College and features workshops, dancing, and competitions. Bring your instrument or your band and participate. For info: surryoldtime.com MERLEFEST Wilkesboro, NC, April 23-26 CANCELED!

Located on the grounds of Wilkesboro Community College, Merlefest was founded in 1988 by Grammy winner Doc Watson in memory of his son Eddie Merle Watson. MerleFest hosts a diverse group of performers with something for everyone from Americana, rock, and singer-songwriter to traditional veins of music. There are performances on different stages throughout the day. Like to dance? Head to the dance tent. Want to learn more about music? Seminars are held in the college lecture halls during the festival. Want to play? Join in on the many jam sessions! There's even a kids’ stage and kids’ play area. This fest is jam-packed with artists and trade vendors. For more information: Merlefest.org

MAY BUDBREAK WINE & CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Mount Airy, May 2

Downtown Mount Airy is where you’ll find wineries and breweries from across NC presenting their wines and beers for tastings and purchase. “No Tasting” tickets can be purchased as well. Besides the beverages, come enjoy food from 13 Bones, or visit one of the many downtown restaurants. Entertainment will feature local favorites DJ B-Dazzle and the Tim Elliot Band. For more information: budbreakfestival.com 16 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

49TH MOUNT AIRY BLUEGRASS & OLD TIME FIDDLERS CONVENTION June 5-6

This festival, held at Veterans Park, is sponsored by the Surry Arts Council. Prior to and during the competition, June 3-6, tuition workshops with Andy Edmonds, Chester McMillian, Kirk Sutphin, Kevin Fore, and others are offered. Register early to ensure you get a seat. Bring a camping chair for the day or choose to camp for the duration. For more info on the workshops and the convention: Surryartscouncil.org BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL Stuart, VA, June 11-13

Promoted by the Stuart Rotary Club, this festival combines a weekend of camping and beach music for a fun time. The unique part of this event is the giant sand dance floor in front of the stage. Last years’ lineup included the Band of Oz, a beach music band hailing from Greenville NC, that frequents the Mount Airy area. For information: Beachfestival.com HOUSTONFEST Galax, VA, June 12-13

This festival will host music by the Dan Tyminski Band, Jukebox Rehab, Lonesome River Boys, and Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. This 10th annual festival was created in memory of Houston Caldwell, who passed away on April 30, 2010, at age 18. Houston was an extremely talented musician and volunteered with the local fire department. Festival benefits the local volunteer fire department and makes donations to local youth music projects. For info: HoustonFestofGalax.com 6TH ANNUAL BACKWOODS BEAT MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL Sparta, NC, June 26-27

Backwoods Beat Festival is a weekend of music and arts in beautiful Sparta, North Carolina honoring and memorializing the late T.J. Worthington, a local artist, writer, and music supporter. For info: alleghanyartscouncil.org

JULY 20TH ANNUAL FLOYDFEST Floyd, VA, July 22-26

This year’s theme is Visionquest. For five days, a farm transforms into a “city,” providing a unique experience including music, art, and cooking workshops – as well as hiking, disc golf, and Continued on page 18

Randel Candelaria

Susan Firth Candelaria

336.403.9028

336.401.6739

Celtic, Traditional, Native American, & Original Music

Private lessons Available

CandelFirth explores music through unique instrumentation, rhythms and expression. Available for all types of events from weddings to wineries, from background music to formal occasions, and from PowWows to outdoor festivals.

Listen at: soundcloud.com

facebook.com/CandelFirth

NORTHERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL Installs Advanced MRI Scanner New MRI Has Enhanced Imaging Technology & Patient-Focused Features

Northern Regional Hospital operationalized the hospital’s brand new GE Signa™ Artist 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. The new GE MRI scanner system is now the most sophisticated 1.5T MRI scanner in the immediate multi-county region.

Commitment to Patient Care “Northern Regional Hospital’s new MRI scanner system represents our ongoing commitment to provide high-quality, safe care to patients, as well as enable our physicians to access the most sophisticated diagnostic technology available today,” said Chris A. Lumsden, President & Chief Executive Officer of Northern Regional Hospital. “We are pleased to offer patients in our service area the convenience and comfort of obtaining top-quality MRI scans. We also look forward to continuing to push the envelope in terms of providing patients with the best medical and technological advances in healthcare today.”

Northern Regional’s new MRI scanner system, a $2 million capital investment, took nearly a year to morph from initial research to final project completion. Last spring technical leaders within Northern Imaging Services began looking into the purchase of a new scanner. After gaining valuable input from the hospital’s specialty physicians, key administrators, MRI technologists, and from the highly specialized radiologists that interpret those scans, it was clear that image quality, patient comfort, and safety were the priority considerations.

“The scanner we selected produces diagnostic images a bit quicker than most other scanners using this magnet– that results in slightly reduced scan times for patients as well as top-quality images,” said Dennis M. Clemens, MD, Radiology Medical Director for Imaging Services at Northern.

Future MRI Studies for Prostate Cancer Urologist David Werle, MD, with Northern Urology, is looking forward to the use of the new MRI to perform prostate imaging, including the detection and diagnosis of cancer of the prostate. “Prostate MRI is an important new tool we

This is a paid advertorial for Northern Regional Hospital, Mount Airy, NC.

use in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Werle. “Going forward, our patients will have the comfort and convenience of being able to have their MRI performed locally.”

Training and Growth Due to the sophistication of the new MRI scanner’s software and related hardware components, its manufacturer provided in-depth training for users – including, most notably, the specialty-trained technologists who oversee and conduct the actual scanning exams. To that end, all of Northern Regional’s fully-certified technologists (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT) received intensive classroom instruction, followed by one-on-one on-site training in the best use of the scanner and its patient-friendly features – which promote enhanced patient comfort with top-end quality scans. “Because of the wider and more spacious opening inside the new MRI scanner, some tests – which previously required that patients be slowly positioned head-first into the bore, or center, of the machine -- now permit patients to be positioned feet-first,” explained Jason Edsall, MD, Chief of Medical Officer at Northern. “That kind of positional change helps patients feel less claustrophobic, thereby improving the patient experience.”

With its new, more-powerful MRI scanner, Northern Regional Hospital expects to increase overall annual volume of diagnostic MRI studies – thereby providing improved diagnosis and treatment plans for more patients. “Our top priority is, and always will be, the delivery of high-quality care,” emphasizes Northern’s President & CEO Chris Lumsden. “With this stateof-the-art MRI scanner system, we will be able to significantly expand our outreach and effectiveness in providing the most advanced care to patients.”

Choose Well. Choose Northern.

For more information visit www.choosenorthern.org

out & about zip lining. The music lineup is grand! Included are Grace Potter, Keller Williams, the Broadcast, and Big Daddy Love.

Many nonprofits share their work and mission with you. One of my favorite parts about the festival is their dedication to our planet. They encourage reusable bottles and recycling and they have a massive compost operation at the venue. Info at: Floydfest.com REEVESTOCK Elkin, NC, July 31-August 1

The festival, held in Elkin’s “hidden a m p h i t h e a t e r,” was started to help fund the revitalization of the old Reeves Theater building. Now privately owned, Reeves Theater in turn supports Reevestock. Festival proceeds also provide scholarships for local students. Reevestock has hosted many regional up and coming bands like Akita of Charlotte, NC, and The Broadcast of Asheville, NC. You can also find favorite Elkin local bands, like Time Sawyer, who perform annually at this event. The cabana is the stage for the performances, so bring a camping chair or blanket and enjoy local food trucks, beer, wine, and liquor all day. For more info: Reevestock.com

AUGUST

for the weekend and mingle with the crowds. Proceeds assist the Patrick County food bank and the Caring Hearts Health Clinic. Last year’s lineup included two of my favorites, Dr. Bacon, and Pilot Mountain’s Candlefirth. For more info: frontporchfest.com

OCTOBER GRANITE CITY ROOTS Mount Airy, October 3

This festival takes place this year at White Sulphur Springs in Mount Airy. It brings regional acts as well as local bands. The event features beer from several local breweries. Last year the event raised funds for the United Fund of Surry. For more information: GraniteCityRoots.com 41ST ANNUAL SONKER FESTIVAL Lowgap, NC, October 3

This festival is presented each year by the Surry County Historical Society. It is held at the Edwards-Franklin House west of Mount Airy in Lowgap. So what’s a sonker? It’s a cobbler-like dessert special to our area. The desserts are made from a variety of family recipes passed down through the generations. No admission, and only nominal charge for sonkers and beverages. Old Time and Bluegrass music is featured during this day festival. For more information: sonkertrail.org

THE 85TH OLD FIDDLER’S CONVENTION Galax, VA, August 3-8

This is the world’s oldest and largest fiddler’s convention.

Fans can camp, jam, and dance the night away to traditional music. This folk festival holds competitions from music to dancing. Come see outstanding musicians and dancers compete. Competitors come from all over the world, with winners hailing from as far as Norway and Washington state.

You will of course see many locals winning as well. Musicians and dancers compete for prizes of ribbons and cash. If you want to compete, it is pertinent to preregister. For more info: Oldfiddlersconvention.com CAROLINA SKY MUSIC FEST Round Peak Vineyards, Mount Airy, August 22

lifestyle photography

GIN DENTON

Carolina Sky is a pet project by local singer-songwriter, Jerry Chapman. He gathers local songwriters to perform at the beautiful Round Peak Vineyards in Mount Airy, NC. The festival raises money for the Shepard’s House of Mount Airy.

You will find loved local musicians like Surry Line, George Smith, and Gypsy Laurel. The vineyard has added camping as an option. For more info: carolinaskymusicfest.com

SEPTEMBER 12TH ANNUAL FRONT PORCH FEST Stuart, VA, September 3-6

This festival offers the unique ability to get close with performers. The stages are low and often the musicians stay 18 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

336-710-4506

gingerhorsestudio.com

out & about

Surry 250 The County of Surry will hold a kickoff Sestercentennial Celebration in recognition of its 250th anniversary on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse at 114 W. Atkins Street in Dobson.

Guests will enjoy food trucks, Surry County sonkers, children’s activities, and historical exhibits including tradesmen demonstrating their crafts from Wake Forest University and Horne Creek Farm – a Revolutionary War 18th Century living history exhibit.

Live music will include the Nunn Brothers, Slate Mountain Ramblers, Melva Houston, Anna Mertson, and Mickey Galyean and Cullen’s Bridge. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the Historical Courthouse lawns, where concerts and special events have been held for decades.

Surry County Commissioner Chairman Larry Johnson said, “Surry County has a deep, rich history of music, and our local musicians will put on a great performance for our citizens. We’ll showcase a wonderful mixture of Surry County history and heritage. We invite everyone to come celebrate our 250th anniversary.”

Surry County, originally the northern part of Rowan County, was proposed in 1770 and chartered in 1771. Portions to the east and south became Stokes (1789) and Yadkin (1850) counties, respectively. Surry’s county seat moved from Rockford to Dobson in 1853. Surry County borders Wilkes and Alleghany counties to the west and the Virginia line to its north. Its population in 2017 was 72,224. Dobson is home to county government agencies, Surry County Schools, Surry Community College, the Surry County Farmers’ Market at 903 E Atkins Street, Fisher River Park off Prison Camp Road, and Shelton Vineyards, North Carolina’s largest winery.

Our Historic Courthouse was built on the Square in 19161918 at a cost of $100,000 (today $17,000,000). A set of original architectural drawings, in excellent condition, are archived in our Register of Deeds Office. In 1973 two wings,

to the west and east, were added. On its northwest corner is an 18”x36”x40” granite cornerstone weighing over 1,000 pounds.

Etched on its northern fascia is “Commissioner J.B. Sparger, Chairman, W.L. Chilton, J.W. Hicks.” On its westward fascia is “Erected MCMXVI” (1916). County officials are aware of a time capsule enclosed in the granite stone. During the May 2 celebration the capsule will be extracted from the stone and its contents shared. Known content is a list of attorneys serving the Historic Courthouse in 1918.

In 2016, our Surry County Commissioners unanimously chose to preserve, rehabilitate, and renovate our Historic Courthouse.

Chairman Larry Johnson, Vice Chairman Mark Marion, and Commissioners Van Tucker, Bill Goins, and Eddie Harris are significant stewards and visionaries of the assets and future of our county. L-RisViceChairmanMarkMarion, Bill Goins, Chairman LarryJohnson, VanTucker, andEddieHarrison. $1,500,000 was allocated to restore 30,000 square feet of usable space for 50 percent of the cost of new construction. With insight and advice from County Manager Chris Knopf and Facilities Manager Don Mitchell, we remedied water challenges and foundation issues, rebuilt the south and north entrances, and added or replaced sidewalks and handrails. A Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial has been placed at the Square’s northeast corner.

Future events, including lectures and bus tours, sponsored by our Surry County Commissioners, will follow in 2020 and 2021 and a schedule including speakers, locations, dates, and times will be posted at www.co.surry.nc.us. 100.9 WIFM will timely update Surry 250 May 2 enhancements and future events on our web site, www.wifmradio.com, and our social media accounts.

The following community servants contributed their experience, knowledge, and hope to this article: Marion Venable, Chris Knopf, Nathan Walls, Don Mitchell, Sandra Snow, Carolyn Comer, and Commissioner Eddie Harris. Please call 336-835-2511 or send questions to gyork@wifmradio. com. Surry’s Clerk to the Board, Nathan Walls, is available at 336-401-8211 and wallsn@co.surry.nc.us.

“Celebrating 83 YEARS OF SERVICE in the Area!”

www.thederbyrestaurant.com

1901 S. Main St • Mt. Airy • (336) 786-7082 SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 19

simply delicious

The Sweet

with Rynn Hennings

O

& Life SAVORY

www.thehouseofelynryn.com

n a hot, humid night, I sat outside hoping for a breeze to materialize. I could hear jazzy music — an iconic, expected song played by a lone man with a bucket full of tips. He finished a set and stopped, yet other music wafted from far away, riding a small breeze that had finally arrived. This was New Orleans and the music never seemed to stop, which was just fine with me. I huddled around a small table at Café Du Monde watching eager hands quickly scoop up the yeasty square doughnuts called beignets. Fried in hot grease and sprinkled heavily with powdered sugar, these famous treats are served in orders of three. They are always hot, freshly made, delicious, and remind me of the blues and jazz music of New Orleans.

My version of French beignets includes the famous yeast doughnut but is garnished with strawberries, a strawberry Chambord sauce, and whipped cream.

BEIGNETS WITH STRAWBERRIES Servings: Approximately 24 beignets Prep Time: 30 minutes Passive Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients for Beignets • ¾ cup warm water (105 to 110 degrees) • 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • ½ cup evaporated milk (or whole milk), room temperature • 1 egg, lightly beaten and room temperature • ¾ teaspoon salt • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, melted • Canola or peanut oil for frying • Powdered sugar for dusting 20 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

Ingredients for Strawberry Chambord Sauce • 8 ounces fresh strawberries, sliced • 1/3 cup Chambord liqueur • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon cornstarch • 1 teaspoon water • Extra strawberries to garnish the beignets • Whipped cream Directions for Beignets 1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and granulated sugar in the warm water. Let the yeast mixture sit for 15 minutes. It will be become foamy.

2. Add the milk, egg, and salt. Stir to mix. Then add half of the flour and use a dough hook attachment to mix in the flour.

3. Add the shortening and the remaining flour and mix just until the dough is smooth.

4. Place the dough into an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Place in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 2 hours.

It will double in size.

5. After dough has risen, generously flour a work surface and roll out the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.

6. Pour 3-4 inches of oil into a Dutch oven or equivalent pan.

Heat oil to 340-350 degrees F. Drop 2 or 3 beignets into the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds. Flip over the beignets and cook for another 30 seconds. Continue cooking and rotating the beignets until they are deep golden brown.

Remove from oil and sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar.

7. Add sliced strawberries, the strawberry Chambord sauce, and whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Directions for Strawberry Chambord Sauce 1. While the dough is rising, make the Chambord sauce.

2. In a saucepan bring to a boil the strawberries, sugar, and liqueur.

Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes and break up the strawberries with a fork as the sauce cooks.

3. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and then whisk it into the strawberry sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.

Savory Tips Need a warm place to place rising dough? Preheat oven to 170 degrees and then turn it off. Test with your hand to see if the oven feels warm but not hot. Place the dough bowl covered with plastic wrap into the warm oven and close the door.

For additional information and photos, go to Houseofelynryn.com

simply delicious

r &r

Representing Clients for Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation claims

royster & royster

13 Bones is ideal when you want your event to be delicious, memorable, and stress-free.

Formal or Family Style

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

13 Bones Is Your Caterer Of Choice

EST. AUGUST 1979

www.roysterlaw.com 851 Marshall Street Mount Airy, NC 336-789-5127

110 S. Davis Street Pilot Mountain, NC 336-368-4455

Pick Up, Delivery, or Full Service...We’re Here for You! Whatever the occasion, choose 13 Bones Catering for your next event. Our catering is designed to fit your needs, at your convenience and within your budget.

- At Our Location or Yours Enjoy the delicious taste of 13 Bones wherever you are: home, office or church.

336-786-1313 • www.eat13bones.com 502 S Andy Griffith Pkwy., Mount Airy, NC

Introducing the 13 BONES

ANDERSON AUDIOLOGY

Wedding Venue

Hearing Aid Sales & Service, Inc. Locally Owned and Operated Since 1963

CABIN RENTALS Get Away to the Simpler Life All Cabins Feature: Fireplace, private deck, bathroom with separate vanity, living area with queen sofa bed, pillow-top king-sized beds with premier sateen cotton linens and soft blankets, wireless internet, 42” flat screen TV, kitchenette with china and flatware for four, coffee maker, toaster oven and microwave.

Hear Better

Live Better

Open Monday thru Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 8052 Carrollton Pike, Galax, VA Four offices to serve you including Christiansburg, Dublin, and Wytheville

230 White Sulphur Springs Rd. Mount Airy, NC 27030 Call or Visit Us on the Web for Availability and Reservations

Tina M. Proffit Au.D.

Kecia Furrow H.I.S.

276-236-0778 • anderson-audiolog y.com

whitesulphurspringsnc.com 336-786-6769 or 866-901-1910 SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 21

simply delicious

EGG-CELLANT HINTS & TIPS Are eggs part of your Easter celebration? If so, you aren’t alone. In 2019, the demand for eggs at Easter reached one of its highest levels in history. According to the American Egg Board, during the three weeks before, and the week after Easter, Americans ate more than 2.9 billion eggs and purchased more than 242 million dozen.

Decorating eggs is a holiday tradition that our whole family enjoys. There are so many fun ways to decorate eggs, but hard boiling prior to decorating is the step all techniques have in common. I find steaming eggs works well for easy peeling and is quicker than regular hard-boiling.

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat 1/2 to 1-inch of water in a large saucepan on high heat.

2. Carefully add eggs to the steamer insert.

3. Place steamer into pan over boiling water.

4. Cook 12 minutes for large eggs (13 minutes for extra large eggs).

AVOCADO EGG SALAD SANDWICHES

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

½ ripe avocado ½ teaspoon lemon juice 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ¼ cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk) 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives ⅛ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper 2 leaves lettuce 4 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, toasted

Directions Scoop the flesh from the avocado half into a medium bowl.

Add lemon juice and mash until mostly smooth. Add chopped eggs, celery, chives, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Divide the mixture between two slices of toast. Top each with a piece of lettuce and another slice of toast.

For more information, recipe ideas, and inspiration visit www.IncredibleEgg.org

5. Drain immediately and serve warm. or, cool completely under cold running water or in a bowl of ice water, then refrigerate.

Use these tips to make sure your Easter Egg Hunt is safe.

2020 DIABETES & YOU

•

Wash your hands between all the steps of cooking, cooling, dyeing, and decorating.

•

Be sure that all the decorating materials you use are food safe.

Friends!

•

Keep the eggs refrigerated as much as possible. Put them back into the refrigerator whenever you're not working with them.

FUN!

•

If you hide the decorated eggs, put them where they won't come into contact with pets, other animals, birds, or lawn chemicals.

Better Health!

•

After you've found all the hidden eggs, throw out any that are cracked or have been out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Come join us as we try new recipes and learn more about diabetes

While you are boiling eggs to decorate, boil some extra to eat. Our new Cooperative Extension Med Instead of Meds curriculum says it is ok to enjoy seven eggs per week. A whole food and an excellent source of protein (6 grams), eggs only have one ingredient listed on their nutrition facts label. Hard boiled eggs are a quick and easy food to eat by themselves or turn them into delicious egg salad sandwiches. Try this recipe for a healthy twist on an old favorite.

Cooking Demos!

Recipe Sampling!

Educational Grocery Store Tour FREE for You and Your Family!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 12 noon – 1:00 pm FOOD LION IN DOBSON, NC LOCATION: 600 E Atkins Street, Dobson Meet at the Food Lion– Produce Section

Reserve Your Spot!

Call 336-401-8025 Sponsored By: 336-401-8025

Diabetes Education Program Surry County Health & Nutrition Center

336-401-8419

If you are a person with a disability or desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in thi s activity, please call 401-8025 during the business hours of 8:15 AM—5:00 PM at least two weeks before the event to request accommodations.

22 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

all the rest Find out how a harmless prank entangles two college kids with a serial killer in the next installment of A DEEPER CUT, a novel of suspense and forgiveness by Mt. Airy author Sheri Wren Haymore.

Hunter spoke into the phone, feeling foolish, maybe a little clandestine. “Uh, this message is for Rob Kittrell. From his son. Hunter.”

The voice on the other end instructed him to wait for the tone. Two more seconds to think about hanging up.

“Uh, Dad, whatever you do, don’t come to Beaufort. The place is crawling with cops, and they’re all looking for you. Granny Jen— your mom—is a little better right now.”

He breathed through a long silence and nearly hung up. “By the way, I know you don’t care, but I’m going to be an architect. A damn good one.” Click. *** Ice. Parties reminded him of ice. You could leave for an hour and return, and the people would be frozen in the same positions.

Same conversations. Same laughter. Same ice clinking in glasses.

Icy courtesy.

And nobody really knew you had gone. That was the funny part.

People got on an ego high, each on his own stage, posing for the same spotlight, and nobody contemplated your absence. Oh, someone might come looking for you and soon give up, assuming you were in another room, with another group, outside, in the bathroom.

Somewhere. When you walked back into the room, smiling, they would know for sure. Of course, you had been somewhere.

In this case, Jack had been in a private room with Miki and Bob Schneider. Bob had been watching Miki all evening, drooling. At just the right hour, Jack had introduced them, had found a private room for conversation.

Bob had a nice little import business. He moved items into the country from all over the world. Most of these items wound up on people’s curio shelves and mantels. Souvenirs, bric-a-brac. Sometimes his merchandise went up people’s noses.

This particular yacht club set would have been truly shocked to know that about Bob. Jack wasn’t. And Jack knew something else about Bob. Bob was a big fan of Vanessa Singer.

Miki enjoyed being Vanessa for Bob. She didn’t mind when Jack leaned over and whispered, “I’ve got to talk with a guy before he leaves. I’ll be back.” She was just beginning to tire of the act when Jack returned, smiling approvingly. Jack and Miki rejoined the party.

Charming couple.

Very late, on their deck, Jack touched her cheek. “You were great tonight.”

“It was fun. I get a kick out of doing that sometimes.”

“Have you always wanted to act?” asked Jack, lighting a cigarette.

His eyes studied her intently.

“I always have acted, Jack,” she said wearily, reaching for his drink.

“In what way?” he asked. She looked away and sipped the drink. His voice was insistent. “Tell me, Miki. I want to know.”

Her voice was bitter. “I acted like my mother wasn’t a slut; I acted

as if I didn’t care my father never showed up for my dance recitals; I acted like life was more than just something to get through.” She stopped abruptly and looked away, biting her lip.

“Shh. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He leaned over and kissed her arm. “Look at yourself now, Miki. You’ve got it all. You’ve put that girl behind you, and you’ve learned how to be a woman.” He touched her face and made her look at him. “When you’re Vanessa Singer now, it’s more than just a role for kicks. You are beautiful and exciting and desirable,” he whispered. “To become that which you imitate is acting to its highest degree. I was very proud of you tonight.”

An irritated expression crossed her face. “Is there something you want, Jack?” she asked.

He laughed a pleased, self-satisfied laugh. “My Miki. You know me so well.” He kissed her on the lips. “Yes, there is something. It involves Bob Schneider.”

She looked at him suspiciously.

“First, tell me what Bob said tonight about his business.”

“Like what?”

“Anything I might be interested in knowing.”

She cursed. “You think that little guy’s a drug dealer?”

“His business may allow him the opportunity to trade certain products without actually getting his hands dirty.”

“What, you’re trying to catch him at it?”

“We know these products come and go from his warehouse. That’s enough to put him in prison. What we lack is concrete evidence that Bob himself orders and distributes those goods.”

“Does it make a difference?”

“Not to Bob. He’ll still go to prison, even if he claims he knows nothing of the goods, even if we subpoena his records and find no trace of illegal activity. We’ll move in early tomorrow, and I’m confident we’ll have the evidence we need to charge him with possession.”

“So it doesn’t matter.”

“In the big picture it does. If we have some proof, no matter how little, that old Bob knows exactly what illegal goods he’s moving, we can push his buttons a little harder to reveal his sources, his distributors. You see, it’s more difficult to do that when the person you have in custody keeps saying, ‘Duh, I don’t know how that cocaine got into that shipment of glassware. I’m just an honest businessman. I’m the victim here.’”

Miki laughed at his imitation. “You should have told me you wanted me to ask questions. I wondered why you wanted me to entertain him of all people.”

“No, no, I didn’t want you to ask questions. Just gain his confidence.

Even though he’s new in the harbor, he may very well know who I am. And he thinks he knows who you are, my dear.”

“You think I pulled off being Vanessa?”

“He saw what he wanted to see. Other people tonight may have noticed the resemblance, the way you wore your hair, the way you walked. But they knew they were looking at Miki Stone. That’s why I got you alone with him, where you could be Vanessa Singer without someone walking up and saying, ‘Good evening, Miss Stone.’”

“So?” SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 23

all the rest “So he’s coming over in a few minutes for a nightcap.”

“A nightcap? The sun will be up soon.” Miki looked out at the harbor and sipped her drink. The dark water swirled heavily on the rising tide, blurring the reflected lights from nearby yachts. “Can’t we do this another time?”

“He’ll be in jail by noon. Weren’t you listening?” Jack leaned toward her, his voice impatient. “I have only this one chance to trap him into implicating himself.”

Miki sighed and closed her eyes. Perhaps Hunter was right. Jack had wanted to use her from the start. What difference did it make? She had used Jack herself. And she did owe him for keeping her out of trouble the night Gus was killed. In a soft voice she asked, “What do you want me to do?”

“I want Vanessa Singer to ask him where she can get her hands on cocaine.”

“What?”

“The harbor is swarming with narcs. Say you’re cut off from your sources in Hollywood. Your local source was iced.”

Miki winced.

“Don’t imply he has any on him. Just ask if he knows a source.” Jack looked at her appraisingly, anticipating her response. “He’s the new guy in town. Innocently ask if he has connections no one else in the harbor does.”

Fear replaced the composure in her eyes. “Jack, I never went to Gus for cocaine, I swear. Just pot and pills.”

“Shh. I know that. You’d be in jail yourself if you had.” He smiled, satisfied with himself.

“You asshole.”

“No. I’m a damn good agent.” He reached for her, the pressure of his hand insistent on her neck. “Help me be a better one tonight.”

She looked at him icily.

“Please, Miki.”

“Won’t he think it’s strange that Vanessa Singer would live with a narcotics agent if she did coke?”

“Not if she was as fooled by him for two months as everyone else was.” He smiled at her, charming her. “Tell him that. Let that be part of your story.”

“You’ve got it all figured out.” Her voice was brisk.

“Possibly. Do this for me, Miki.” He took her hand, a beseeching gesture. “I could use a break this summer. These murders are giving the agency a bad name.”

“What if I fail?”

“Fail in what way?”

“Choke up,” she said, her eyes bright as she anticipated her role. “Or don’t get him to tell me anything.”

“No harm done. We’ll still have him on possession. The only way you can fail is if you push him too hard, make him nervous, or make him run.”

“I won’t, Jack. I promise.” Miki put her hand on his arm.

“You love this, Miki; admit it. You love the excitement and glamour of being part of my life.”

She smiled coolly and admitted nothing.

24 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

He disappeared for a minute and returned with a digital voice recorder.

“I’m putting this in the bottom compartment of the humidor. When I leave for a walk, get the box and offer him a cigar. Whether he takes one or not, he won’t think it’s unusual that you leave the humidor on deck for a few minutes while you talk. I’ll return very shortly and put the humidor up, as any cigar aficionado would.”

“How much time will I have?”

“About six minutes,” he said, his voice businesslike. “It’s okay if you act urgent. Tell him I walk the boardwalk every night before turning in and will be back very soon.”

“Okay, James Bond. Do I get a kinky name like in the movies?” She was smiling as she said this.

“Sure, Miss Galore. But if I were James Bond, you would have a video recorder that fits on the end of your hairpin right there.” He kissed her.

“If I pull this off, will this make up for—you know—the other night?

When I messed up your bust?” she asked.

“All will be forgiven and forgotten. Grayson Tucker thinks something strange went down that night, but he’ll never know what.”

“Then let’s do it.”

A smile cut across his handsome face, and his eyes held hers a long moment before he kissed her once more.

Sheri Wren Haymore lives near Mt. Airy with her husband, Clyde, and has been scribbling her entire life. A DEEPER CUT is her second novel. To read the next installment in the book, pick up the latest issue of Surry Living Magazine. You can find A DEEPER CUT at Pages in Mt. Airy, Chapters in Galax or at your favorite online bookseller.

SO MUCH MORE than just Mayberry...

CE3 N SI 99 1

301 North Main St. Mount Airy, NC 27030 Open Daily: 10:00am-5:00pm (seasonal hours may vary) Admission is charged Telephone: (336) 786-4478 www.northcarolinamuseum.org

Off $1 Coupon

SL

ARE DEVICES MULTIPLYING LIKE RABBITS IN YOUR HOME? www.surry.net www.surry.net 336.374.5021 336.374.5021

Cornerstone Cornerstone Group Group © 2020 © 2020

TIME TIME TO TO HOP HOP UP UP TO TO HIGHER HIGHER INTERNET INTERNET SPEEDS! SPEEDS!

area calendars & info

MOUNT AIRY

MOUNT AIRY EVENTS

For more information on Mount Airy, visit www.yadkinvalleync.com/mount-airy NOTICE: MANY OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS MAY BE POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO THE CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS - CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE VENUES TO VERIFY AS NECESSARY APR 4: KUBOTA FIELD EVENT 8:00 am – 2:00 pm at Mt. Airy Equipment, 1431 West Pine Street.

Giveaways, food, ride & drive, special discounts available.

APR 4: LIVE MUSIC AT WHITE ELEPHANT 8:00 pm, White Elephant Beer Company, Mount Airy, NC, welcomes The Ryan Greer Band on Saturday Apr 4th! Showtime is 8!

APR 4: EASTER EGG HUNT 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Veterans Memorial Park, American Legion Post 123 is excited to host an Easter Egg Hunt this year! Admission is FREE! Fun, games and prizes awarded for all ages! Live music by Debbie Bennett. (Rain Date: Saturday, Apr 11th) APR 8: COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT 6:00 pm, Mount Airy Wesleyan Church (2063 South Main St, Mount Airy). Egg hunts will take place in the gymnasium. Hunts for preschoolers and elementary kids. Snacks and inflatables! PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN EGG BASKETS! APR 9-10: GEORGE VAN HOOK WORKSHOP The Vermeer Bed & Breakfast, Mt. Airy. EG Shubert Studio is hosting an art workshop led by George Van Hook. This two-day event is for intermediate to advanced level with one day instruction/plein air painting on location in the beautiful foothills of NC. $295. Reserve YOUR space today - visit www.thevermeerbedandbreakfast.com APR 10: 90’S NIGHT AT THE ELEPHANT 8:00 pm, White Elephant Beer Company. 90's theme party! Trivia! Best Dressed Competition! Come and party with us 90's style! Wear your best 90's get up and come ready to throw it back 90's Style. Mr. Belding will totally approve.

APR 11: LIVE MUSIC AT THIRSTY SOULS 7:00 pm, Thirsty Souls Community Brewing. Music by Bradley Steele. Enjoy craft beer, wine, and award winning pizza while you listen.

APR 11: EASTER COOKIE & CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS 12:00 pm, Liv For Sweets. $50/ participant. Spaces limited! Must pay in advance. Non-refundable.

APR 18: SPRING FLING AT ROUND PEAK 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Free samples of new release wines, live music and a food truck. Sure to be a great day!

APR 24: OPENING DAY OF THE MOUNT AIRY FARMER’S MARKET 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Downtown next to Mount Airy Post Office. Every Friday from 10am until 1pm.

APR 25: THE ISAACS 7:30 pm, Historic Earle Theatre. Tickets: $55/$45/$35. For info or purchase tickets, visit www.surryarts.org or call (336)786-7998.

APR 25: 8TH ANNUAL MAD DASH 5K & FUN RUN 8:00 am - noon, Surry Central High School. MADDash5K.itsyourrace.com APR 26: MAYBERRY FOOD TRUCK FEST noon - 6:00 pm, Downtown Enjoy music

by DJ B. Dazzle, shopping, and fun with friends in Mayberry for the day!

APR 30: THE EMBERS FEATURING CRAIG WOOLARD 7:30pm, Blackmon Amphitheatre. Tickets are $15 per person.

For info and tickets, visit http://surryarts.org or call (336)786-7998.

26 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

ELKIN EVENTS For more area info, visit www.elkinnc.org NOTICE: MANY OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS MAY BE POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO THE CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS - CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE VENUES TO VERIFY AS NECESSARY APR 2: LIVE AT FIVE AT THE REEVES 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater FREE LIVE MUSIC in the lobby! Live music by James Vincent Carroll. Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, and Food available for purchase!

APR 3: ANYA HINKLE & TELLICO 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater. Tickets $16-$20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.reevestheater.com APR 5: LIVE MUSIC AT SKULL CAMP 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Skull Camp Smokehouse.

Live music by Americana/Folk style duo Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs.

APR 10: WESTERN CENTURIES AT THE REEVES 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater. Seattle-based roots band Western Centuries believes that the way forward is better together. Tickets $15-$20. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.reevestheater.com APR 11: I DRAW SLOW AT THE REEVES 8:00 pm, Reeves Theater. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.reevestheater.com APR 12: LIVE MUSIC AT SKULL CAMP 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Skull Camp Smokehouse.

Live music by acoustic duo, Easy Money.

APR 25: TROOPER SAMUEL BULLARD 5K 8am, Elkin Municipal Park – Run. Walk. Jog. Strollers welcomed. Proceeds donated to the NC Troopers Association Caisson Unit.

To register, visit www.raceentry.com/races/trooper-samuel-bullard-5k/2020/register APR 25: OPENING DAY OF THE ELKIN FARMER’S MARKET 9:00 am - noon, Elkin Farmer’s Market. Opening day! Every Saturday at the Market from 9:00 am - noon.

The key to finding the right is finding

home

ELKIN

area calendars & info

Calling All Newly-Licensed Massage Therapists and Estheticians!

the right

Realtor.

®

Elizabeth Reynolds

Broker/REALTOR® 919.539.5788 | ElizabethReynolds.bhhscarolinas.com

Do you need affordable rental space to build your clientele and business in Mount Airy?

Zen Massage and Bodywork is offering a unique opportunity with no long-term commitment. This space offers: • Private or co-share a room • Long term or daily/weekly/monthly options available • Optional furnishings to include table, chair, and music

• Sheets, lotions, oils, esthetician tools/supplies not provided Call or e-mail to discuss details on starting your new endeavor!

Nicole Wimbish, LMBT, Zen Massage & Bodywork a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

336-783-7652 • zenmassage.bodywork@yahoo.com

SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 27

area calendars & info

DOBSON EVENTS

For more information on Dobson, NC, visit www.yadkinvalleync.com/dobson NOTICE: MANY OF THE FOLLOWING EVENTS MAY BE POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO THE CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS - CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE VENUES TO VERIFY AS NECESSARY APR 17 & 18: DOBSON SPRING FOLLY, Dobson

N.C. Department of Insurance • Mike Causey, Commissioner 855-408-1212 (toll free) • www.ncdoi.com

APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

Square Park. Unlimited ride wristbands are $10 daily. Ages 3 and under are $5.

Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States.

APR 18: HAZE GRAY GRAND OPENING 10:00 am -

Alcohol addiction and excessive alcohol misuse affects people of all ages, gender and ethnicities.

6:00 pm, Haze Gray Vineyards. Celebrate with delicious wine, food and music!

APR 19: 4TH ANNUAL SPRING WEDDING EXPO 1:00

pm - 5:00 pm, The Barn at Heritage Farm Free!

APR 25: SPRING FLING 11:00 am - 6:00 pm,

Shelton Vineyards. 9th annual Spring Festival.

FREE Admission. Half-price tours and tastings all day long. Artisans & antique vintage vendors.

Live music at the amphitheater. Food vendors.

If you or someone you know and love is a Medicare beneficiary, help is available.

Medicare covers an annual screening for all beneficiaries.

For those that screen positive, Medicare covers up to four counseling interventions per year.

Ask a SHIIP counselor for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: NC COOPERATIVE EXT, SURRY CO @ 336-401-8025

NEARBY NEARBY EVENTS THE REX THEATER (GALAX) 113 E Grayson St, Galax, VA, www.rextheatergalax.com EVERY FRIDAY IN APRIL - BLUE RIDGE BACKROADS LIVE Shows at 7:00, Admission $5.00 APRIL 11 (HAMPTONVILLE) ALPHA & OMEGA EASTER EGG HELICOPTER DROP 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 1129 Cheek Road, Hamptonville, NC. Visit alphaomegacornmaze.com or call 336.466.5402

Schuyler C k

Specializing in the latest Hair Styles and Coloring Techniques Airbrush and Freehand Makeup Artistry

HAIR: Balayage/Color, Styling & More MAKEUP: Airbrush and Freehand Techniques

28 • SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue

Call me for all of your real estate needs!

Serving Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin, Alleghany and Ashe counties

Lesia Cockerham REALTOR® NC Broker

336-999-4496 cell 336-372-4774 office lesiac@kw.com

Prom & Wedding Appointments Available

Hours: Tuesday - Friday by Appointment Only Saturday: Special event services includes option of traveling to venue in lieu of in-salon Mention this ad Located in Elkin, NC for �10 off first color service Phone: (336) 469-5096

162 Brinkley Lane, Pilot Mountain, NC Price: $234,500 • MLS# 967083

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY Licensed Cosmetologist-NC

15 N. Main St Sparta, NC 28675 soldbylesia.kw.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

area calendars & info

PILOT MOUNTAIN

PILOT MOUNTAIN EVENTS

Pilot Mountain Tourism, 124 West Main Street, visit www.pilotmountainnc.org

NOTICE: THE FOLLOWING EVENTS MAY BE POSTPONED OR CANCELED DUE TO THE CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS - CHECK WITH THE VENUES TO VERIFY Apr 18: Spring Pilot View Vintage Market 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Downtown

“A near-perfect fusion of music, theater, art, casual dining, and fun!�

Hilda's Place Calendar of Events www.livingyourart.com APR 8: BRENAN SIMMONS 6:30 pm APR 11: CAFE TAKEOVER: A TASTE OF GERMANY 4:00 - 9:00 pm APR 15: KARAOKE NIGHT 7:00 pm APR 18: MYSTERY THEATRE W/ THE NONESUCH PLAYERS 7:00 pm Cost $10 APR 24: LIVIA LIVENGOOD 7:00 pm APR 25: GYPSY SOUL 8:00 pm Cost $10 APR 29: KARAOKE NIGHT 7:00 pm

• We're More Than A Feed Store •

(336)444-4359 • LIVINGYOURART.COM 215 E MAIN ST, PILOT MOUNTAIN, NC

Southwest Farm Supply now offers Kymco Equipment at both locations!

675 Meadow Street • Galax, Virginia • 276-236-3721 33 Floyd Pike, Corner of 58 & 221 • Hillsville, VA • 276-266-3399 SURRY LIVING April 2020 Issue • 29

Jukebox Saturday Night Music That Never Goes Out of Style Saturdays 8 – 10 pm Streaming live @ www.wifmradio.com

Schedule Your Tour Today I (336) 443-6953

Independent I Assisted Living Mt. Airy’s Premier Retirement Community

1000 Ridgecrest Lane I Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (336) 443-6953 I Ridge-Crest.com

We are proud to be a Five Star rated* and Top 100 Hospital Only 9 percent of hospitals receive this designation nationwide. Thanks to leading technology and our extraordinary staff’s unwavering commitment to quality care and service excellence, your local hospital is one of them.

choosenorthern.org

Choose Well. Choose Northern. *Ratings awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).