In recording deeds, the state of North Carolina does not require that the amount paid for a parcel be stated on the deed. However a tax stamp at the rate of $2 for every $1,000 in value is affixed to each deed.

Recent real estate transfers recorded in the Surry County Register of Deed’s office include:

– Robert T. Lapointe and Margaret Lapointe to Michael A. Russo; 0.34 acres; $140.

– Kerstin Lemke to Latrella Kay Roberts, Jamie Lee Roberts and Colby Ronald Roberts; 0.111 acres Mount Airy; $0.

– Jerry Lee Stanley and Freddie Jean Stanley to Maria Del Carmen Martinez Gonzalez; tract one 1.441 acres and tract two 0.827 acres PB 34 2 Dobson; $370.

– Jose Guadalupe Juarez and Mireya Gonzalez Martinez to Jose Manuel Juarez and Alexis Martin Juarez Acevedo; tract Bryan; $140.

– Estate of Mary Ann Gore , Marie G. Hawks, Raymond Patrick Hawks, Mary Ann Gore, Sherry L. Gore, Jeffrey Mears, Janet Childress, Trent H. Childress, Kathy A. Sechrist and Jonathan D. Sechrist to David B. Holt; 5.359 acres PB 40 195 Old Buck Shoals Road Mount Airy estate of Mary Ann Gore 22 E 172; $100.

– Estate of Laura Darleen Reidsema, Christina Farah and Laura Darleen Reidsema to James B. Lambert and Shawna Lambert; 0.469 acres Stewarts Creek estate of Laura Darleen Reidsema 17 E 10; $51.

– Ramona E. Hundley to Alexander Phillip Norman and Chastiney Rena; tract one 1 acre tract two tract Eldora; $6.

– Evaristo O. Alles and Myrna L. Alles to Timothy McCrohan and Karen McCrohan; lots 7-8 section II Mountainview subdivision PB 9 128 Franklin; $20.

– Slate Rental, Peggy Sue Joyce and Wanda Fay Turney to Dorothy E. Eads; 0.229 acres tract two PB 40 138 Siloam; $0.

– Timothy A. Mellon and Leona Kathryn Turner to Bryce R. Mahoney and Charissa L.M. Mahoney; 3.704 acres tract one PB 37 90 Shoals; $74.

– Audrey Kirkman Riggs, Howard Ronald Riggs, Linda Moore Kirkman, Christal Kirkman, Jonathan G. Kirkman and Renee Kirkman to John C. Kirkman; tract Mount Airy; $8.

– Estate of Roger James Mosley Sr., Cheryl Cope, Darrell Cope, Dennis Mosley, Stephanie Mosley and Roger James Mosley Sr. to Elizabeth Dawn Epperson; lot 58 section 3 Greenfield PB 8 16 Mount Airy estate of Roger James Mosley Sr. E 109; $326.

– Suzette S. Marion and Tony G. Marion to Wesley Blake Marion; 4.313 acres PB 40 165 Shoals; $0.

– Wanda Jean Hauser and William Andrew Hauser to Anthony Dale Marion and Rhonda Moore Marion; 0.2177 acres PB 40 165 Shoals; $0.

– Maurice W. Kemp Jr. and Judy A. Kemp to Charles Brian Moss and Freda Steffey Smith; tract three 2.968 acres Millers View development PB 12 83 Marsh; $550.

– Speedway, LLC and Wilcohess, LLC to Group 4 Investments, LLC; 2.124 acres; $332.

– Gary Robert Golding and April Brooke Golding to Sam and Mildred Smith Living Trust, Sam Smith and Mildred Smith; 22.65 acres Franklin; $50.

– Cecelia A. Pritchard to David V. Tomicki and Claudia M. Tomicki; 17.957 acres PB 38 167 Westfield; $280.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.124 acres tract one and 0.351 acres tract two PB 32 3 Mount Airy; $250.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.71 acres tract two PB 19 135 Mount Airy; $50.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.70 acres Mount Airy; $150.

– Aleicia Robyn Wyrick and Kevin Preston Wyrick to Jacob Brian Cook; six tracts 148 Vine Street Mount Airy; $380.

– Hiatt Development, Inc., to Thomas P. Ellis and Cassandra L. Ellis; tract Mount Airy; $480.

– Mee Yang Lo to Nhia Por Lo; 0.52 acres Mount Airy; $0.

– Jefferson Joseph Hill and Felicia Hill to Bryan Gedney and Danielle Gedney; 4.726 acres Marion Road Elkin; $84.

– The Alan Ross Wagner and Janet T. Wagner Revocable Living Trust, Alan Ross Wagner and Janet T. Wagner to David Kim and Molly Brown; 0.724 acres Elkin; $706.

– Estate of Nada Ethel Crouse, Estate of Nada Ethel Meadows Crouse, Joyce Norman, Nada Ethel Crouse, Nada Ethel Meadows Crouse, Dwight Crouse, David Crouse, Debra Crouse, Russell Crouse, Katherine Crouse, William Crouse, Linda Crouse, Kyra Lynn Hernandez Ramey and Javier Hernandez to Timothy Earl Adams; 1 acre 8807 W. Pine Street Lowgap Franklin estate of Nada Ethel Crouse; $260.

– Faye S. Burton to Danny Gray Burton; 1.99 acres Dobson; $3.

– Faye S. Burton to Danny Gray Burton; 1.99 acres Dobson; $1.

– Estate of John Lee Mittman, Fredrick G. Johnson, John Lee Mittman and Amy Mittman White to J&E Properties of NC, LLC; commisioners deed tract file 21 SP 183 estate of John Lee Mittman; $93.

– Elaine Holland Royster to Chet William Lord and Jessica Martinez Lord; lot 66 and portion of 65 section 3 Hollyview Forest subdivision PB 7 2 Mount Airy; $760.

– Lisa H. Overly, Jesse J. Overly, Michele Hart Holmes, Ted Holmes, Noah Edwin Hart II, Dovie Hart, Matthew Lee Hart and Amanda C. Hart to Jesse J. Overly and Lisa H. Overly; 1.78 acres PB 27 29 Stewarts Creek; $434.

– Jack Douglas Koehn to Cody Austin Mabe; 2 tracts lots 27-28 Mount Airy; $306.

– Richard M. Chapell to Ashley Edmonds and Sterling Edmonds; 0.462 acres Mount Airy; $312.

– Estate of Betty McMillian Tate, Darrell Gray Tate and Betty McMillian Tate to Amanda L. Stough and Judy L. Ivie; lots 1-6 section E PB 3 70 Mount Airy estate of Betty McMillian Tate file 21 E 1121; $260.

– Robert J. Lovill III, Elizabeth J. Lovill and Allen J. Lovill to Lonnie W. Bledsoe Jr.; lot 5 section D Cross Creek Country Club Inc. residential development phase I PB 8 29-30 Mount Airy; $50.

– Timothy Chad Stanley, Erin B. Stanley, Adam D. Stanley and Katherine Agatha Tsamis to Edward M. Lewis; 0.060 acres Stewarts Creek; $0.

– James Keith Gibson, Rebecca Anne Gibson, Alvis Dale Gibson, Mattie Gibson and Charlotte Gale Watson to Jaclyn Banks; tract Eldora; $313.

– Christopher W. Groner and Deborah B. Carson to Historic Reeves, LLC; tract three tract Elkin; $0.

– Richard J. Golden and Luann Golden to Stephen Darrell Lowe and Stephen Adam Lowe; 30.341 acres PB 40 187; $607.

– Cooks Farm Partners, LLP and Donald R. George to Andrew H. Berman and Sherry P. Berman; 4.854 acres tract eight PB 14 93 and PB 13 187 and PB 18 42 and PB 209 South Westfield; $73.

– Balogh Properties, LLC to Moises Pineda; lot 3 section 4 Knollwood subdivision PB 12 186 Stewarts Creek; $500.

– Matthew L. Morton and Brittany M. Morton to Brancey Lynn Johnson; 1.411 acres lot 11 PB 14 101 Eldora; $466.

– H2CN Holdings, LLC and John Sanders to Wilton Thornburg II; 0.223 acres M&B Mount Airy; $270.

– Wallace Stanfield and Maria Elisa Lane to Anthony Scott Kimmel and Stephanie Semones Kimmel; lots 4-5 Stonegate PB 21 52; $70.

– Melba Paige Smith Hull and Michael Steve Hull to Howard William Hull Jr. and Cathy Hull; tracts 2-3 PB 36 74 Mount Airy; $260.

– Sharon G. Young and Douglas John Young to Austin S. Utt and Emily B. Wilber; lot 13 Noonkester Woods subdivision PB 6 219 Mount Airy; $543.

– Lamar Arthur Short and Katherine Snook to Lisa Boni; .4632 acres lot 14 Gwynwood PB 6 198 Mount Airy; $364.

– Wesley Jordan to Hannah Green and Hannah Madison Wing; quitclaim deed portions of lots 91-92 Sunset Park PB 1 76 Elkin; $0.

– Hannah Green, Hannah Madison Wing and Eric Green to Amanda L. Sipes and Christopher M. Sipes; portions of lots 91-92 Sunset Park PB 1 76 Elkin; $253.

– Terence Michael Warren and Deborah Maiden Warren to William D. Hutchings; tract one lot 15 and tract two 14,553.87 sq ft portion of lot 16 Windsor Park section 1 PB 11 21 Dobson; $750.

– Myra Lynn Wills and Brian Richard Wills to Mary Alice Webb Summers; lot 43 Cedar Gate subdivision section 3 PB 17 9 Stewarts Creek; $8.

While war raged in Korea

Fiddlers convention holding more workshops than ever

Mount Airy High School graduate Clay Mounce (class of 2016) helped Heroes Den Bosch capture the Dutch National Championship on May 29.

Heroes competes in the BNXT League, which combines the first tier leagues of the Netherlands and Belgium and is part of FIBA Europe. By winning the 2022 National Championship, Heroes ends a seven-year title drought and captures its 17th championship overall.

Mounce helped his team defeat Zorg & Zekerheid Leiden 3-2 in the best-of-5 championship series. Heroes won game one of the series, but fell to a 2-1 deficit with consecutive losses. The series was tied 2-2 with a 61-52 win on May 27.

After combining for just five points in games 3 and 4, including a scoreless game 4, Mounce exploded for a team-high 23 points – the most of his international career – in the decisive game 5. His 23 points came on 66.7% shooting, going 8-for-12 overall and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Mounce also finished with four rebounds, one assist and one block in game 5.

The 24-year-old completes his first season of international play averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks.

Mounce previously played Division-I college basketball for the Furman University Paladins, where he was a three-year starter. After a redshirt year in 2016-17, Mounce played in 30 games for the Paladins as a sophomore and averaged 5.0 points.

He started 85 of a possible 90 games over the next three years. Mounce averaged 10.7 points as a redshirt sophomore, then jumped to 13.2 points as a junior and 13.8 points as a senior. He also averaged at least 5.6 rebounds in his final three season of college.

Mounce played for coach Levi Goins at Mount Airy High School. As a senior, Mounce averaged 25.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 steals and was named Player of the Year in both the Northwest 1A Conference and N.C. District 11.

Surry Central High School hosted the largest Golden Eagles Football Camp ever on May 31-June 1.

The two-day camp saw more than 100 children come out and take part in drills. Campers received instruction from Surry Central’s varsity coaching staff, as well as past and current members of the Eagles’ football team.

For the first time, the camp allowed children between kindergarten and second grade to attend. Depending on the day there were up to 35 K-2 campers in attendance.

Campers were also able to meet with coaches of the Dobson Eagles youth football organization to find out more about the league.

Mount Airy Middle School recognized two student-athletes as part of the school’s 2021-22 year-end awards.

Award winners were selected based on their success in the classroom as well as athletics.

The winner of the John Hamilton Award was Taeshon Martin. Martin, the son of Helena Shuff, was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.

The winner of the Mary Alice Hayes Award was Audrey Brown. Brown, the daughter of Greg and Lynn Brown, was a two-sport athlete in tennis and softball.

Surry County has the honor of having been selected as the pilot for a new program that is designed to support communities in furthering an understanding of how public systems and structures influence adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This understanding is meant to help identify ways to strengthen systems and build community resilience to prevent such experiences.

Strengthening Systems for North Carolina Children (SYNC) is a training opportunity that is being coordinated by the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center and the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Injury and Violence Prevention Branch.

The idea was to bring into the same room people from around the area who would not traditionally be working on issues such as these. NCDHHS and UNC are facilitating along with stakeholders from Surry County to find ways to change outcomes in lives of children and families.

There were three main categories under which adverse childhood experiences fell abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. SYNC team members are trying to find ways to intervene in repeating cycles like substance abuse, financial insecurity, and incarceration that can have long term negative impact on children.

The pilot team representing Surry County is made up of a mixture of health professionals, county employees, representatives from local organizations with a vested interest in like Surry Friends of Youth or Shepherd’s House and members of the community at large.

Community teams participated in workshops during which they learned how to use a tool called causal loop diagramming to create a map of systems that may influence ACEs in their community. The causal loop looks at the relationship between reinforcing patters versus ones that try to bring balance to systems.

They used this map to begin identifying key points of the system they will target to build resistance to and mitigation of ACEs. The purpose of this diagram is to help think through ways to strengthen systems that contribute to protective factors against these childhood experiences and disrupt systems that contribute to risk factors for experiencing such trauma.

The map can help guide questions like: what are the common factors that continue to drive people to substance abuse? Are there flaws in the systems that perpetuate the repeating of outcomes across generations? The systems model would look at the justice system and whether there needs to be a new approach like drug courts and juvenile courts to lower the population in the jails, for example.

After completion of the workshops, teams will have the skills needed to update their map and keep their prevention work moving forward. Teams will also receive one year of technical assistance after completion of the workshops so that when the training session is over, the action plan is not lost into the wind.

One of the main goals is to create a shared language for this community to approach ACEs and their mitigation. By using the “systems lens” to see how dynamic and complex systems like criminal justice or education can impact childhood experiences, SYNC participants will be able to identify common root causes in Surry County. Furthermore, those root causes will then need to be prioritized to see where the most impact can be made.

The Surry County group chose a variety of root causes with the most votes going to substance abuse, access to healthcare (including mental health), and economic factors. Knowing what the root cause was may allow them to find weak spots, places where a little effort from a third party could alter someone’s trajectory.

Food insecurity, for example, may be one of the root causes leading to Shelly not doing well in school. Her empty stomach makes paying attention in class hard and her grades have now suffered. Her grades were so poor, she got held back a year which led to frustration, and she dropped out.

If there had been in intervention along the way, if a third-party community group, church group or county agency had given her family some food assistance, she would have paid better attention, stayed in school, and from there she would be on a new path.

Groups with higher risk for the adverse childhood experiences include multi-racial, Black and Hispanic; those with less than a high school education; or who are below the poverty line; are unemployed; and those who identify as LGBT.

SYNC cites a Harvard study that “toxic stress weakens the architecture of the developing brain leading to long term consequences for learning, behavior, and both physical and mental health.”

“The consequences of ACEs can be passed down from one generation to the next if children don’t have protective buffers like positive childhood experiences or a caring adult in their lives,” a CDC report concurred.

The CDC also said preventing ACEs can help children and adults thrive and potentially lower conditions like depression while improving education and future job potential. They also point to a lowering in risky behaviors like smoking and drinking, all of which in turn may reduce the risk of passing behaviors on to the next generation.

In their 2019 Vital Signs report, the CDC went on to say that a significant potential reduction in negative outcomes in a broad swath of health area can be see including diabetes, cancer, asthma, and stroke.

Identifying who may be at risk and what common risk factors are will be helpful in finding novel ways to reduce adverse childhood experiences and improve the long-term prospect for children’s’ mental and physical wellbeing.

East Surry High School senior Maegan Banks officially signed her NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue her academic and softball careers at Surry Community College.

“Playing college ball is a dream come true for me,” Banks said. “I’m excited to start on this journey.”

Banks joins a Surry Community team that is coming off one its best seasons ever. The 2022 Lady Knights won a program record 35 games, finished second in Region 10 play and ranked as high as No. 18 in the National Junior College Athletic Association DII National Poll.

In addition to their team success, Surry Community’s coaching staff of Blaine Bullington, Joel Jones and Gary Stone was named the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

“Surry is close to home and offers a great start toward my degree and career path,” Banks said. “I really like the coaches, and felt a connection with them from the start. I have already been taking classes at SCC while in high school, so it feels like home.”

Banks was a four-year varsity starter with the Lady Cards softball program. She was an All-Conference selection her junior year, and helped East Surry win the Northwest 1A Conference Championship that same season.

Maegan played pitcher and outfield during her time at East. Banks’ reliability and willingness to do whatever the needed made her a vital piece of the Cardinals’ team.

“The best way to describe Maegan is consistent and confident,” said Cardinal coach Randy Marion. “I have always known that – as a coach – I could count on Maegan to give her best, and that the moment wasn’t going to be too big for her.”

Playing college softball has always been Banks’ goal, she said. She began playing at age 8 in East Surry Little League, then went on to play recreation, travel and high school softball.

“Travel ball has been the biggest factor in preparing me for being a college athlete,” Banks said. “I’ve worked hard, putting in countless hours and days, as well as overcame a couple of injuries to get here.”

She carried this work ethic into East Surry and became a leader for the Lady Cards.

“One of the great things about Maegan is she leads by example. She doesn’t mind putting in the extra work and her teammates see that,” Marion said. “She has worked extremely hard toward getting physically stronger over the course of her high school career, and it definitely paid off the last couple of years for her out in the field and at the plate.”

Banks extended gratitude toward multiple people for helping her get to this point:

“I’d like to thank God for leading and directing me through life in every way. I’d also like to thank my parents for taking care of me, driving me to countless practices, pitching lessons and tournaments and for always supporting me. They’ve always cheered me on no matter what.

“Thank you to all of my coaches through the years, for the good and tough times, for the support, instruction and encouragement, which has helped me become the softball player I am today.”

Ahead of Monday night’s meeting of the Surry County Board of County Commissioners, the county manager’s office released the following statement Friday:

Anyone in a wheelchair or with mobility issues wanting to speak at the June 6 Surry Board of County Commissioners meeting during the open forum or public hearings should report to the Surry County Service Center, 915 E. Atkins Street, Dobson, prior to 6 p.m., where they can make comments during the meeting virtually.

The elevator in the Historic Courthouse is unavailable due to a maintenance project.

Flat Rock Elementary School has chosen 14 students at the school as Students of the Month for May.

The school selects a different character trait each month to emphasize, then rewards students who have best exemplified the trait. May’s trait was being communicative.

“We want to recognize our Dragons for being good listeners and being able to communicate well with their teachers and peers,” school leaders said.

Chloe Snow, an associate in arts major from Mount Airy, is the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award recipient for Surry Community College.

SCC President Dr. David Shockley recognized Snow at an SCC Board of Trustees meeting where she was given a commemorative gold medal and a letter of congratulations from the North Carolina Community College System’s president, Thomas A. Stith III. Snow has a 4.0 college GPA.

Snow is graduating from SCC and Surry Early College High School this spring. She explained that in her four years of taking college courses through her high school career, she was able to gain a clear view of her future.

Snow credits Dr. Darin Cozzens, division chair of English, Communication & Humanities, along with other English faculty for guiding her toward her career goals.

“From my instructor Mr. Heitschmidt’s English-teaching methods, encouraging words and patience, I learned how to write. From there, I took more English classes at Surry, knowing that one day, I wanted to be a writer. During my junior year, I took Dr. Cozzens’ English Literature course. From that class, I decided by the next fall that I would apply to a university in hopes of being accepted to obtain a degree in journalism,” Snow said.

Snow is a writing tutor at Surry Community College and works in the Academic Support Center’s Writing Lab. At Surry Early College High School, she serves as president of the Fellowship of Christian Students club.

In the community, Snow participates in volunteer work with a local ministry, as well as for an after-school program that helps children with reading and writing. She also participates in the youth group at her church.

Snow has been accepted into Salem College to major in professional writing and English. Upon finishing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in library science. Her parents are Jeff and Wendy Snow of Surry County.

Every spring, one student from each of the 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System is recognized for excellence in academics. According to the system’s website, selection of the academic excellence award recipient is based on a single selection from each college. The recipient must be enrolled and have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25. Colleges may use additional scholarship criteria beyond these minimum requirements.

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Monday will see the beginning of something old and something kind of new at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

The museum will be starting one of its four summer history camps, a long-time tradition at the museum. This year, however, the newness of the camp will be that the gatherings will be the first full-sized camps since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Last year we were limited to five children per camp,” said Cassandra Johnson, program and education director at the museum. This year, each of the four camps will have 15 slots for interested youth, and Johnson is hoping the sessions fill up fast — one already has 11 youth signed up.

Johnson, who describes herself as the new person on the museum staff, comes to the museum, and to planning the camps, with a science-heavy background. She has a degree in environmental studies paired with a minor in biology. That, she said, allows her to put together programs based on both science and history.

“There’s not a lot of connection between science and history in the classroom,” she said, and Johnson hopes to bridge that gap a little bit this summer, letting youth learn how important science was throughout local history.

That begins on Monday, with the STEM Jr. Camp from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“We’ll do a lot of hands-on work for the kids there,” she said. Johnson said those attending will have a whole bevy of experiments awaiting them — making phones, making and launching rockets, even building test circuitry “at the appropriate age level for these kids,” along with building a bubble-blowing machine, learning about planets, along with having a park ranger come in and talk to them.

“It will be very experiment- and craft-focused…learning through play.” As they learn, she said she and her volunteers will be showing how those experiments and the science behind them have been important to the world, and specifically to the Surry County area, over the years.

The next session will be the Explorers Camp June 20-June 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day, for ages 8 to 13.

“If your child is more about being outside and hands-on, this is really the camp that I recommend,” she said. “We’ll have a butterfly display, a butterfly release, we’ll go down to Riverside Park one day, we’ll be learning basic things about bird watching, local plants, bees…making a compass…a sun dial, a little about star charting and navigating,” all skills settlers to the region and earlier residents would have used and needed.

Next will be the Passport Camp, for ages 4 to 7, July 11-July 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.

“We’ll be learning about different cultures and art,” she said. “It’s for the kids, maybe science and engineering isn’t their strong suit, they are more arts and craft focused.”

She said the work that week will be more culture-focused, learning about the historic significance of people from various cultures settling in the region and then mixing with those already living here.

The final week of camp will be July 25-July 29, with Science Chef Camp for those age 8-13. Johnson cautions there are only four spots left for this camp.

“This has become my most beloved camp,” she said. “It’s got a lot of historical recipes; we’ll be looking at the science of cooking. We’ll mix a little learning, a lot of cake decorating, and a baking competition. We’ll create a solar oven and make a pizza in it.”

The camp also will include a field trip to one of the Main Street businesses, where the campers will get to see a larger commercial kitchen in action.

While the camps might sound like pure fun, Johnson said she’s worked hard with area educators to design a program that will reinforce and add to what the campers are learning in school, along with the fun.

“I have been talking to teachers, as well as homeschool parents, to learn what the kids are interested in, where they are in their school studies, what might be missing, then putting connections between history and science over the topics.”

While the first camp is set to begin Monday at 9 a.m., she said parents can still enroll their kids in any of the sessions, including the one beginning Monday. She said the museum has even had kids come in after missing the first day, starting their camp on Tuesday, although she said she cannot offer any price discounts for children who start late.

The cost of the camps for the general public is $100, with additional children in a family getting a $10 discount for the week. For museum members, she said the cost is discounted $20, so one child would cost $80, additional children from the same family would cost $70.

Johnson said a full-year family membership is $55. In addition to the camp discounts, that also gets members discounts on additional workshops and classes throughout the year, free admission to the museum, and discounts on some items in the gift shop.

As for the individual camp sessions, Johnson said she asks parents to pack a snack for their child, because there is a brief snack period each day. For more information about the camps, or the museum, call 336-786-4478 or visit the website at https://www.northcarolinamuseum.org/.

East Surry High School is set to host youth basketball camps during the first and second full weeks of June.

The Lady Cardinals Girls Basketball Camp is set for June 6-8. The camp will be held daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon and is open to rising third through rising ninth graders.

The East Surry Boys Basketball Camp will take place the following week from June 14-16, and will also run daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon. The boys camp is open to rising third through rising eighth graders.

Each camp features individual instruction and drills from experienced coaching staffs led by varsity girls coach Jay Boaz and varsity boys coach Chad Motsinger. Daily activities include individual skills development and competitions, shooting competitions and the potential to compete against camp counselors. Campers will also take part in team games with emphasis on teamwork, communication and movement without the ball.

The coaching staffs will encourage and teach fundamental basketball with an emphasis on maintaining the campers’ enthusiasm and having lots of fun. Campers will receive instruction on ball handling, offensive movements, defense and agility. Additionally, players will develop valuable skills to further their game with a specific focus on position play.

Through guest speakers, these camps will also teach campers to learn essential leadership qualities, the importance of teamwork and the power of positivity.

Cost for each camp is $100 payable by cash or check on the first day of camp. A t-shirt is included in the price of registration. Registration forms can be found online at bit.ly/3N862Ls

With questions, contact Coach Boaz at jboaz410@gmail.com or Coach Motsinger at cwmotsinger@gmail.com

The Surry Arts Council has received a $50,000 grant from the Chorus America Music Education Partnerships Grants program.

Through a new funding opportunity, Chorus America’s inaugural Music Education Partnerships Grants program provides funding of more than $1 million to 22 community organizations across the United States and Canada working to increase access to choral music education and promote non-arts learning and cultural literacy. The projects funded in the 2022-2023 school year also uphold the principles of access, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Surry Arts Council is one of 22 grantees located across the program’s four regions – British Columbia/Northwest U.S., Central Appalachia, Southwest U.S., and Upper Midwest – that each received grants ranging from $25,000-$50,000.

The Surry Arts Council is partnering with the Mount Airy City Schools and the Surry County Schools to support a choral program for three elementary and middle schools. The students will be a part of a weekly after-school choral program taught by certified music educators in the school systems. The students will be immersed in choral music education and will also be taught different musical cultures by local guest musicians who will provide the students with authentic performance techniques and history relating to the music genre focus of each of the three schools. The students will be bused home following the after-school classes.

Participating students will also take part in monthly gatherings led by Surry Arts Council Artistic and Technical Director Tyler Matanick. These will be held at the Andy Griffith Playhouse and Historic Earle Theatre. These gatherings will promote cultural exchange among all the students in the participating schools.

For additional information, contact the Surry Arts Council at 336-786-7998 or email marianna@surryarts.org.

Citizens have a chance to weigh in on Mount Airy’s proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year during a public hearing today.

The hearing, required as part of the annual city budgeting process, will be held during a 6 p.m. meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners.

City Manager Stan Farmer released the preliminary spending plan on May 19 and it has been available for public review in the Municipal Building since.

Budget elements that tend to spark concern among local residents — projected increases in the property tax rate or water-sewer charges — are not forecast for the next fiscal year that begins on July 1.

The proposed budget calls for the tax rate to stay at 60 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, in addition to no utility hikes. That tax rate has been in place since 2018, when city property taxes were raised by 25%

No tax hike is proposed despite the 2022-23 spending plan, totaling $18,437,250, being about 24% higher than the budget adopted in June 2021 for the present fiscal year, $14.9 million. It also is 7% above the adjusted spending plan for this year, which totaled $17,232,929 as of late March.

Those figures pertain to Mount Airy’s general fund spending, with the city maintaining a separate water-sewer budget that is supported by user fees under an enterprise fund arrangement. It is put at $7,409,750 for 2022-23.

The reason for the much-higher general fund package is the inclusion of about $3.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated to Mount Airy as part of a nationwide COVID-relief package.

Most of that money is earmarked for a long list of projects to be undertaken during the next fiscal year mainly including major building and equipment needs at City Hall, Reeves Community Center and elsewhere.

These have a total price tag of nearly $3 million, part of total capital investment fund expenditures projected at $4.43 million. This will enable the city to make needed facility improvements while also providing non-profit appropriations “to maximize community offerings,” Farmer states in a budget message.

It is proposed that $128,500 be taken from Mount Airy’s fund balance, or savings, to help finance the American Rescue Plan Act-designated projects.

Personnel costs account for 55% of the proposed general fund budget, with full-time municipal employees recommended to receive a $1,500 raise for the next fiscal year.

One area of the preliminary budget that could generate some public hearing comments concerns special annual appropriations.

These are allocated to outside agencies that, while not part of city government, play vital roles in the community.

Last year this included $87,500 for the Surry Arts Council, $103,650 to the Mount Airy Public Library, $10,000 for Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, $7,500 to the Mount Airy Rescue Squad and $10,000 for Mount Airy-Surry County Airport, a total of $218,650.

For 2022-23, only the rescue squad ($7,500) and airport ($20,000) are listed for funding.

In lieu of a special appropriation, $206,996 is proposed for much-needed repairs to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, which houses the Surry Arts Council, and $197,322 for the library under the same scenario. Both buildings are owned by the municipality although the council and library operations are not under the municipal umbrella.

On the heels of the public hearing, the commissioners typically hold a special budget session later in June to discuss related issues and subsequently adopt the spending plan for the next fiscal year.

There’s been another school shooting, which Mr. Biden and the left will blame on guns. But America has always had lots of guns, mostly without school shootings, at least until about 2016. Since then they are increasingly frequent, but why? What’s changed?

One thing that’s changed is TV and video game violence. According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), TV violence has doubled in recent years, and correlates well with increasing firearm violence in the US. Most shooters have been adolescents, whose favorite dramas (CSI, NCIS, ‘How to Get Away With Murder’) became increasingly violent between 2000 and 2018. APPC concluded that ‘…just as entertainment media contributed to the uptake of cigarettes among vulnerable youth, our findings suggest that it may be doing the same for guns.’

So Hollywood’s dramas encourage violence, and the film industry may need to be censored, as Judge (Robert) Bork suggested. But Democrat politicians won’t tell you that, because (a) Hollywood gives them lots of money, and (b) like overcontrolling politicians elsewhere (Castro, Stalin, Hitler)leftist-Democrats prefer to blame violence on guns. They plan to repeal the Second Amendment and confiscate them.

A well-deserved and resounding “thank you” to the City of Mount Airy, including officials Mayor Ron Niland and City Manager Stan Farmer, and all participating organizations and individuals for this year’s finely orchestrated Memorial Day event held on Monday, May 30.

A town like Mount Airy has produced many American patriots who are serving, or have served, in the U.S. Armed Forces. Like most families, mine is rich with active-duty members or veterans, both living and deceased — including my father, father-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to count – who have served honorably to help maintain the many freedoms we take for granted, and which remain the envy of other countries not our own.

A special shout-out, as well, to the Mount Airy News for its comprehensive coverage of the Memorial Day event to honor all military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

After two years of pandemic-related shutdowns and delays, all spring sports state championships are back on schedule across the country, including some storied track and field meets.

More than two million students are involved in the traditional spring sports of track and field, baseball, softball and lacrosse, along with other sports and performing arts programs – the first opportunities for full-scale participation in some states since 2019.

Outdoor track and field is the top combined participatory sport at the high school level, with 605,354 boys and 488,267 girls involved in the sport rich in state championship history. Several state associations are into their second century of state meets in track and field, and competition – and attendance – is off to a great start.

In Iowa, where its first state high school track meet was held in 1906, a record three-day attendance of 39,415 was set last weekend in Des Moines as the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union staged another successful event.

In a state that has produced many record track performances since conducting its first boys state meet in 1911, the Texas University Interscholastic League completed another outstanding event May 12-14. Flower Mound High School took home top honors as the Class 6A girls champion, led by distance runner Natalie Cook who won both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Four states with even longer track and field histories are set to begin state meets in the coming days. This weekend, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) will stage its 102nd State Track Meet after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

In a meet that annually draws more than 20,000 spectators to Buchanan High School in Clovis, the CIF State Track Meet has produced a Who’s Who of competitors over the years, including Allyson Felix, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Misty May-Treanor, Bobby Bonds, Lynn Swann, Reggie Bush and many others.

In a meet that began in 1908, the Ohio High School Athletic Association will hold its 114th Boys State Track Meet, as well as its 47th Girls State Meet June 3-4 at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus.

However, the true granddaddies of high school track and field are Wisconsin and Illinois. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, after being shutout in 2020 and delayed to nearly July last year, will hold its 126th State Track Meet June 3-4 in La Crosse.

In Illinois, where the first state track meet was contested in 1893, the Illinois High School Association will conduct its three-day event later this week at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Beyond opportunities for participation in state meets, the spring sports of baseball and softball have provided one individual and one team a chance to overcome adversity and challenges.

Easton Arendt has not let his disability of only two fingers on his left hand keep him from succeeding in high school baseball. The sophomore pitcher at De Pere High School in Wisconsin recently led De Pere to a 4-0 shutout victory with 12 strikeouts. In an article on the WFRV-TV (Green Bay) website, Arendt had the following comments:

”Early on, I would think to myself having this disability, I wouldn’t be able to do the things other people can. Then I got the mindset of working twice as hard as everybody else on the field or in any sport that I’m playing. Early on in my grade school days, there were times that I didn’t fit in with the other guys or classmates that I had, but that made me want to work even harder and prove to them that I can do the things that I can do. I used to view it as a disability, but now that I’m at this level, I use it as just a hand. I want to make kids that may have the same effect or something a little bit different to know that they can succeed.”

More than 360,000 girls are involved in fast-pitch softball across the country, but no team has won fewer games and yet learned more life lessons than Pasadena (California) Marshall High School.

In an article by Bill Plaschke in the Los Angeles Times, this incredible team, which recently completed an 0-18 season and has won only one non-forfeited game in three years, has truly demonstrated that high school sports is indeed much more than the final score. It is much more than winning games and championships. No, high school sports is about “improving each day,” about “showing up every day,” about “forming bonds, creating friendships, growing together,” about “laughing together, sweating together, playing hard together,” as some of the players shared.

We salute high school coaches and athletic directors across the country who have been instrumental in making sure student-athletes are involved in spring sports and performing arts.

• A break-in at a local residence has resulted in the theft of a Nintendo PlayStation gaming console valued at $600, according to Mount Airy Police Department reports.

The crime was discovered last Friday at the home of Alice Aurieua Zimmerman and Luis Hose Jackson, who are both listed as victims. Entry was gained by unknown means.

• Injury to real property occurred at Food Lion on West Lebanon Street during a May 24 incident in which a known individual shoved electronic sliding doors open at the store, causing damage put at $300.

The case was still under investigation at last report.

• A vandalism was discovered at Mayberry Mall on May 21, which involved multiple windows being broken on a 1997 Honda Civic owned by Francis Allen, a resident of Glade Valley Road, by an unknown suspect.

This included two glass windshield panels and two windows on the driver’s side, damage totaling $350.

• A 2019 Honda Ruckus moped, valued at $2,800 and owned by Daniel Leonard Cox, was stolen on May 20 from his residence on Banner Street. It was bearing license tag number MA96227 and described as black in color.

• Jonas Garcia, 26, of 109 Mobile Way, was served with outstanding criminal summonses for charges of injury to personal property and simple assault on May 16, which had been issued in August 2020 through the Surry County Sheriff’s Office with Erick Anibal Sanchez, a homeless person, listed as the complainant.

Garcia was encountered by city officers during a domestic call in the 400 block of Worth Street, which led to the discovery of the unserved summonses. He is scheduled to appear in District Court on June 10.

• Billy Jackson Ledford III, 33, listed as a resident of Winston-Salem, was arrested at an Inglebrook Trail location on May 15 and charged with misuse of the 911 system and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ledford is alleged to have dialed 911 multiple times for no reason, police records state. He was held in the Surry County Jail under a $1,000 secured bond and slated for a June 13 appearance in District Court.

Surry Central High School senior Kade Norman officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Rockingham Community College.

“It is a great honor to be able to play baseball at the next level while also furthering my education,” Norman said. “This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was always a three-sport athlete, but my love for baseball was always at the top. It feels great to know that all the cage work and extra time spent on the field paid off.

“RCC just seems like a great fit for me. I am just excited to get to play and work with my new teammates and coaching staff to continue to grow in this game.”

Even before he became the Golden Eagles’ head coach in 2020, Jeff Edmonds saw the impact that Norman had on and off the baseball field. This impact increased as Norman gained more and more experience at the varsity level.

“Kade was the steadying leader of our team each year he was here,” Edmonds said. “He came in as a freshman and became the first baseman and cleanup hitter right away. As he grew, he encouraged our younger players to be more accountable in their roles as varsity players, much as he did as a younger player here. He’s been the right voice for bringing our group together through good periods and tough patches.”

Norman’s leadership set him apart in all three of his sports. Selflessness was his trademark as he did whatever was asked of him, whether that be diving head first into a dogpile to recover a fumble, putting his body on the line to draw a charge late in a basketball game, or nearly doing a complete split to make an out at first base.

This also meant Norman was willing to step up in high pressure situations.

“He wants to be the guy at the plate with runners in scoring position, and he always gives a solid at-bat,” Edmonds said.

Kade was one of the players primed for a breakout season in 2020 before it was cancelled. He came back the following season and looked like he hadn’t missed a game.

This is when Edmonds realized college ball was more than just a dream for Norman.

“During his junior year, I saw Kade begin to drive balls with power to the middle of the field and the opposite gap while still being able to get to pitches on the inner half of the plate,” Edmonds said. “He showed an ability to handle velocity. I think he has the skill to hit well at the next level, especially when he’s focused year-round on baseball and hitting in particular.”

Just as the Golden Eagles football and basketball teams did earlier in the year, Surry Central’s baseball team had its strongest season in a handful of years. The Eagles started the season 11-3, and made the team’s first appearance in the state playoffs since 2017.

“Surry Central baseball and Surry Central sports as a whole was an amazing experience for me,” Norman said. “I loved the guys I got to play with, and they will all hold a special place in my heart.”

“I’m really happy for Kade that he’s getting an opportunity to go to school and to play baseball,” Edmonds said. “He’s a great student, and he knows what he wants to do with his life once baseball ends for him. Hopefully the baseball will continue going a good bit.”

In addition to his friends and teammates, Norman extended thanks to his parents, coaches and God for helping him get to this point.

“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to be the best that I could be, and all of my coaches over the years; I would not have this opportunity if it wasn’t for these people,” Norman said. “A special thanks to Coach Edmonds and Coach [Hank] Whitaker for helping me get where I am, from contacting and talking to college coaches to helping me get into the cage when the weather was bad.

“And lastly, I would like to thank God for giving me the physical ability to play this game. I am truly blessed.”

Lacking any pronounced drama, the primary elections came and went in Surry County. The votes were tabulated and results for the evening were complete by 10 p.m.

Following the vote was a quick count and prompt posting of results; there have been no complaints from victors or their competitors of shenanigans. The primary followed a plan that was executed by professionals and volunteer poll workers who took their duties seriously, County elections chair Michella Huff said.

“I describe that as a successful election where much planning and many hours of preparing by our staff and our dedicated poll workers, together resulted in the desired outcome.”

As it was a midterm, participation rates were expected to be significantly lower than those in a presidential cycle. She reported 9,549 of 46,864 eligible voters cast a ballot in a Surry County election – signifying a 20.38% participation rate. This was an increase from the 18.48% of the 2018 primary.

By comparison, presidential election year turnouts are much higher numbers, even in the primary: in 2020 the primary turnout was 28.16% and 2016 it was a robust rate of 34.56%.

Of the higher primary turnout this year Huff explained, “We expected a slight increase in participation with Mount Airy municipal races being held at the same time as the statewide primary for the first time.”

“Also, the election calendar changed from March 8 to May 17. This would have been the second time for a March primary in Surry County since the Senate changed from May to March in June 2018 with Senate Bill 655.”

The election itself went smoothly, she reported. “Mount Airy’s one stop early voting location held the top spot in early voting participation, which is not atypical but again, that was to be expected because of the municipal offices of mayor and commissioners.”

Some of the atypical was taken into consideration and attempts were made to anticipate problems that could arise. “We had put some additional safety measures in place for our workers and equipment in case we had any unusual activity, everything went according to plans, and all arrived safely back to Dobson in a timely and efficient manner.”

“Elections are like any other big event; you work and prepare all year long and the big day consumes the lives of our staff for two months straight where we do our very best to make sure things are in line for a smooth election day and night.”

After the primary, the county board of elections must do its own canvassing of the results. Huff explained, “Election night results are unofficial until the day of canvass. During the 10-day canvass period each county BOE determines the votes have been counted and tabulated correctly which then results in the official election results.”

This period allows her office to conduct some poll site sampling to authenticate results. “We held a sample hand-to-eye hand count from two election sites. This was open to the public and was done by three bipartisan teams of poll workers. All voting methods are audited during the canvass period, absentee by mail, early voting, election day and provisional.”

Concerns in the many weeks leading up to the primary, and the reason for a special presentation to the commissioners on election integrity on primary eve, had to do with the security and sanctity of the vote.

Some questioned if people were manipulating the system whether it be locally, in Raleigh, in corporate headquarters of voting machine makers, or the tabulation services themselves to influence elections.

During recent discussions about the voting process and what may be wrong with it, the underlying message was a lack of trust in the process. Speakers at the board of commissioners’ meetings spoke of a growing disconnect between voters and the process.

In March was the much-discussed conversation between Huff, Republican party chair Keith Senter, and Dr. Douglas Frank, a known figure for largely unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. At that time there was a denied request to inspect voting machines, and other claims of irregularities in voting records and turnout numbers.

Huff advised what paths of recourse were available which were, and remain, to file a claim with the county board of elections of voter registration errors; or, to contact the state board of elections with claims of election fraud.

These challenge avenues were used, Huff said, “We had two challenge hearings scheduled for 9 a.m. on the day of canvass. One was a residence dispute, and one was to determine and edit results for two voters voting twice.” For those raising charges against the integrity of the process, three individual instances are indeed not zero, they do though represent 0.03% of all votes cast.

On primary day, there were issues and confusions which she explained are not out of the ordinary. “Primaries seem to always bring a bit of confusion for voters in that they cannot chose which ballot style they would like to vote if they are registered with a party.”

“In a partisan primary, voters affiliated with a political party may only vote their party’s ballot and may not vote in another party’s primary. Approximately half of our provisional voter’s reason were because of voting wrong party ballot.”

As the primaries are a dress rehearsal for the general election in the fall, the team at the board of elections knew the playbook and showed they were ready for prime time. With a lot of extra attention on them and the process, Huff said her team delivered.

“I will say that all staff and poll workers persevered in a most difficult time in the weeks leading up to and even through the night before the election because we believe in ensuring Surry County voters have safe, secure and transparent elections and we will continue to strive for that as it is our duty.”

While Livia Livengood is a career educator who can speak four languages, her multi-talented background established over the years did not include being an expert baker.

However, that changed in recent months with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been accompanied by the local resident spending much time around the oven in addition to her teaching job at Mount Airy High School.

Livenwood, who hails from Romania, was so touched by the plight of Ukrainian refugees that she began baking and selling bread from the kitchen of her home to help them financially. And at last report, that effort had generated more than $12,000 — including 142 loaves as of Monday afternoon.

“I just wanted to do something to help,” said Livengood, who has worked at the high school for 16 years, presently teaching Spanish.

Though her bread-making charity project coincided with the Russian attack on Ukraine, she was not exactly a novice in the baking department although it was a skill learned only relatively recently.

“I’m not (a baker by tradition),” Livengood said without hesitation, explaining that the embracing of that role stemmed from her own family’s needs as a result of the pandemic.

“You didn’t know if you were going to find bread in the store,” she explained.

So after the Ukrainian invasion, Livengood naturally turned to her newfound baking abilities as a way to aid the refugees, initially generating a tidy sum in one week via that method for a UNICEF program. “I was surprised to raise $400.”

Earlier, she and daughter Laura, 16, had baked bread together to provide agility components for a local dog park spearheaded by Rotary Club members.

Livengood’s Ukrainian assistance ratcheted up quite a bit after seeing refugees up close and personal rather than as just as random individuals on television.

This occurred due to some taking refuge in her native country Romania, located in the same part of the world as Ukraine, who struck a chord with the local woman upon witnessing them.

A German pastor of a church in Romania who was taking care of an initial 17 refugees, including a number of kids, posted a photo of the group. “He is putting them up in the German parochial church,” Livengood said.

“I saw the children and thought, ‘I need to do more for the children,”’ she added concerning the expanding of her Ukrainian aid efforts, while also mentioning that many worthwhile organizations are providing assistance.

“This pastor is the brother of one of my best friends from high school,” Livengood explained. “He did not even ask for help, he just posted the picture, and I was saddened by that — I just wanted to do something to help.”

Consumer prices are much higher in Romania than here, according to the Mount Airy High teacher.

“Everything is double there,” Livengood related, including an electric bill of $2,000 per month where the refugees have been housed. “I don’t know how people there survive and make it, it costs so much to live.”

Thousands of dollars were spent just to bring the refugees over from Ukraine.

Livia Livengood suddenly found herself juggling the teaching job at Mount Airy High School with a growing bread-making sideline, which certainly involved a marketable product, given her previous fundraising success for UNICEF and the dog park. “Everybody likes bread.”

This eventually would include baking four to six loaves per day in her kitchen at home. “It’s a yeast bread,” she said of the product involved. “It looks and tastes like sourdough.”

The process is not as easy as it might sound, with the bread dough having to be set up at the end of each day, Livengood advised. “And it rises during the night.” The dough also must be kneaded, with the baking done in the mornings before the teacher heads to school.

There was one occasion in which Livengood overtaxed her oven and almost set the house on fire. “That was a bad idea,” she admits, which also included burning all four loaves baking at the time.

Her family has been quite understanding about the undertaking, she indicated, which in addition to her daughter includes husband Rob and son Luca, 14.

Livia and Rob met in 2001 when he was overseas serving with the Peace Corps. She came to Mount Airy in 2004.

“I have been teaching at the high school for 16 years,” said Livengood, who along with now instructing Spanish also taught German for a couple of years. Overall, she speaks those two languages, plus English and Romanian.

After running at maximum production, the baking operation gradually has scaled down, going from four to two loaves daily and now about two every other day.

“Right now it’s very manageable,” Livengood said.

“The response was very overwhelming — in a very positive way,” Livengood said of the bread-making campaign. The order/sales process for loaves has been conducted through a Facebook page she maintains to aid the Ukrainians.

This was bolstered by the many followers she has amassed over the years, including former students and others. “I do have quite a following, which helps.”

A suggested charge, or donation, for each loaf is $20, with the option of paying more — due to the extra motivation of assisting a downtrodden people rather than just getting one’s full money’s worth.

“Some give $20 and some give $100 — it’s up to people what they want to give,” Livengood said. “A lot of people just wanted the bread.”

Besides its sales, contributions to assist the Ukrainians have come in other ways.

Livengood mentioned being at a charity event to promote their cause earlier this year at Miss Angel’s Farm. “A total stranger gave me $500.”

Central Methodist Church also donated $1,000.

Meanwhile, Donna Bailey has been baking cinnamon rolls in support of the fundraiser, and Harlan Stone has baked a couple of loaves of bread for the effort.

Some people have donated flour, including Chris Wishart, the chef at Old North State Winery, who gave a 60-pound bag. The Xi Alpha Pi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi of Mount Airy donated $500, with group members giving more individually.

Among other assistance, Pamela Hicks raised $1,000 by donating two of her paintings to the Ukrainian fundraiser, including setting up a silent auction online which saved Livengood time. She also expressed thanks to Mark Walker and Stanton Denman for getting the paintings, and an anonymous donor who contributed $400.

“People have been giving so much,” the teacher/baker observed. “The generosity of people has been amazing.”

All the money goes to the church in Romania.

Livengood pointed out that the refugees will continue to need rent and other assistance as they settle into new homes and she plans to maintain her bread-making endeavor indefinitely.

“As long as it can help.”

The NC Trail Days Festival is returning to Elkin Thursday through Sunday with a full schedule of events for lovers of the great outdoors.

The four-day festival is an ideal chance to spend the weekend in and around Elkin while enjoying guided and self-guided hikes, Yadkin River excursions, outdoor exhibitors, art, and live music.

“NC Trail Days is Elkin’s way of celebrating our beautiful Foothills region, our network of trails and our great community spirit. All trails lead to Elkin!” the festival website announces.

“From the Mountains-To-Sea Trail (MST), the Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Yadkin River State Paddle Trail to the Yadkin Valley Wine Trail, Downtown Elkin Mural Trail or even the Surry County sonker trail there is a trail for everyone,” organizers said.

The NC Trail Days welcome gathering is planned for 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Yadkin Valley Heritage and Trails Center. The gathering will feature live music and wine, beer and food available for purchase.

While the kickoff is in the evening, Thursday’s schedule starts early at 8 a.m. and includes Yadkin River excursions; hiking the MST in Stone Mountain State Park; a hike from Grassy Creek Vineyard to Carter Falls (with post hike glass of wine); stone painting and scavenger hunt for kids of all ages; a hike of historic downtown Elkin; an evening run along the Stone Mountain Loop Trail; and The Martha Bassett Show at Reeves Theater.

Friday has a quilt show; Pokémon GO guided hike in Elkin and the Overmountain Victory Trail; a hike of Widows Creek along the MST trail; a 10+ mile hike of the Basin Trail; a hike of moonshine stills along Garden Creek; Forest Bathing, or the immersion into nature to improve mental wellbeing; music from pianist Zach Groff; a Surry 250 lecture on the natural beauty and heritage of the area; Paul Thorn at Reeves Theater; and a Downtown Block Party & Low Country Boil.

Saturday events include the Yadkin River Run 5k/10k; Yadkin Valley Rotary Club’s pancake breakfast; the Carter Falls hike which will include a viewing of the future site of the Bridge of Dreams, a suspension bridge that is to take the MST across Elkin Creek; a hike of the E&A Rail Trail; and the 40 Mile Tour de Trail bike ride.

Other events include a farmer’s market; vendor village; guided tours of the Bluff Mountain Bike Trail; the “You Can Build a Teardrop Camper Too” workshop; a strenuous 3-mile hike of Wells Knob; and several live music acts throughout the day and scattered in eateries in the evenings part of the Downtown Music Trail.

Sunday wraps the festival with several of the previous day’s events being offered again and the Insane Terrain 5k; an outdoor multi-faith service; and traditional Celtic music from Fiddle Dee Dee with food from The Hot Dog Boy Food Truck.

It is a full schedule, and some elements may be subject to change. The full listing can be found at: https://www.nctraildays.com/2022schedule. The event is dog friendly; Elkin and Jonesville do require that dogs be on a leash in the town limits.

Parking may be found via on street parking in downtown Elkin and side streets as well as at several town parking lots. Drivers are advised to look for the purple signs with a “P” for parking. There is also downtown parking at the Heritage & Trails Visitor Center on Standard Street, Elkin Farmer’s Market at the corner of Business 21 and Market Street, at Municipal Park in Elkin and at Elkin High School on Elk Spur Street and at Elkin Elementary School on Church Street.

Organizers say, “Bring your bikes, boats, and boots and enjoy the weekend with trail lovers from all over on our many trails in and around Elkin.” With high temperatures Friday through Sunday forecast in the low 80s, follow any marked trail – or make one of you own – to Elkin this weekend for NC Trail Days 2022.

Central Middle School recently had a strong showing at the North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities Saint Mary’s School Art Showcase State Exhibition and Competition, claiming the most state champions and highest overall score of any middle school in the competition.

The showcase, held at the UNC Greensboro College of Visual and Performing Arts, challenges artists of different media from different schools in a judged competition that awards both individual and group prizes. Media categories include painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, collage, and more. Students create their artwork and enter the competition by submitting digital images of their work. Top students’ works from each category progress to the statewide competition and are evaluated by judges in-person.

Central Middle School received recognition for having the highest number of participants from their school and was awarded $1,000 for art supplies. Students placed in all of the categories, while Tania Hernandez received the Best In Show Distinction for her sculpture titled “A New Beginning.” Jackson Wilmoth won first place in the drawing category for his piece “Doc’s Day” and Annabella Needham won first place in painting for her piece “My Favorite Person.”

Teaghan Gillispie took home second place with her piece “First Flight,” and Kaya Galyean won second place in printmaking. Cameron Cruise, Alexander Villa Senor, and Phaolina Ortiz also took home second place recognitions in the mixed media, collage, and digital media categories.

“I am honored to have led such an amazingly talented group of young artists and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments,” said Wanda Bowman, visual arts teacher at Central Middle. “This was our first team competition and the experience was surreal for us. A special thank you goes out to each artist as it was an experience of a lifetime for us all.”

Gentry Middle School, North Surry High School, and Surry Central High School were also amongst the competition winners. Gentry Middle School placed third in the state for its overall score and student participation. North Surry and Surry Central High Schools both placed within the top ten state rankings for their scores and student participation.

Kindergarten students enjoyed “Doughnuts with Grown Ups” recently. Students were really excited to welcome in family members to have doughnuts and juice.

Surry Central High School art students had a number of their works on display at the Viticulture Center at Surry Community College earlier this month as part of the annual Superintendent’s Art Contest.

Among those who participated in the contest, and the category of their are, were:

3D Sculpture — Chesney Brady, Gracie Weaver, Haley Johnson, Hollie Culbertson, Natalie Branch, Lanie Fitzgerald, and Natalyna Torres;

Digital Media and Photography — Abigail Baker, Aylin Rodriguez, Fisher Freeman, Joy Tilley, Lanie Fitzgerald, McKenna Merritt, Natalyna Torres, Selena Ruiz-Sias;

Drawing — Amber McDevitt, Dayanna Flores Armenta, Gracie Weaver, Isaac Eller, Joy Tilley, Landon Wright, Rafael Hernandez;

Mixed Media — Alaina Smith, Amber McDevitt, Daniel Patricio-Maldonado, Emerie Elswick-Guden, Hannah Carter, Joshua Marion, Joy Tilley, Kayli Grizzell;

Painting — Dayanna Flores Armenta, Hannah Carter, Isaac Eller, Joshua Marion, Joy Tilley, Lanie Fitzgerald, Natalyna Torres, and Selena Ruiz-Sias.

A request to place a mural monument for The Easter Brothers musical group in downtown Mount Airy has sparked a wider discussion about the need for a policy regarding such memorial requests.

City officials who are exploring this regulation also say a way should be found to better direct visitors to murals and other attractions downtown in general.

The issue at hand was sparked by a request from Grant Welch to put a marker in Jack A. Loftis Plaza on North Main Street, a public rest area.

Welch is a local citizen who spearheaded an effort to have a large mural painted on a wall at the plaza of The Easter Brothers, a legendary local gospel bluegrass group, which was completed last year.

“People don’t know the mural is there,” Mayor Ron Niland said regarding the nature of the monument request during the last meeting of the city council on May 19.

“The purpose of this (the marker) is to direct them to the mural.” Downtown visitors might not be able to notice The Easter Brothers mural at all depending on their line of vision.

“Grant has a point, that when people are walking they don’t always see the mural,” Commissioner Jon Cawley said.

Based on a schematic design presented to city officials, the monument would rest at the edge of the plaza near the sidewalk and be about 3 feet tall and 24 inches wide. Plans call for it to contain the words “Easter Brothers mural” and an arrow pointing to the artwork.

It is proposed to be made of black granite with white lettering and a glossy finish.

While the mural plan might seem simple enough, the implications for its placement proved to be anything but during the council’s discussion.

One concern raised by Commissioner Steve Yokeley centers on the original purpose of the plaza that opened in 2011 — to honor a well-respected former mayor who has since died.

“If we do this,” Yokeley said of pursuing the Easter memorial, “I would like to get the approval of the Loftis family for anything else put there to honor somebody else.”

Yokeley added that there is a reason for the facility being named Jack A. Loftis Plaza. “I certainly think we need to continue to honor his name.”

The mayor said he has no problem highlighting the musical group itself. “The Easter Brothers were such a big part of our community,” Niland mentioned, adding that Welch has been “passionate” about the project.

Another revelation that arose during the recent meeting was that the city government lacks a comprehensive policy to handle requests such as that for the Easter monument involving memorial items placed on public property.

City Planning Director Andy Goodall confirmed that there there are no specific standards in place for codes enforcement of such markers.

“We don’t have a formal policy and that’s why the few (requests) that we’ve had have come before the board,” he said of the city commissioners.

Goodall said that previously two “monument-style benches” had been OK’d for a downtown alleyway containing a restored Coca-Cola mural.

Yokeley also recalled that a request for a memorial bench on the City Hall grounds was denied by officials.

Assistant City Manager Darren Lewis, former recreation director, said there is a program for naming items such as benches and picnic tables along the greenway and similar locations in memory or honor of someone. Lewis suggesting that this also could be applied downtown.

The matter of who would foot the bill for memorial markers also emerged as a consideration, with the mayor saying the municipality should do so when public spaces are involved— “rather than put that responsibility on private individuals.”

And city officials say that there should be a systematic way to guide downtown visitors to attractions not only including The Easter Brothers mural, but one honoring late singer Melva Houston, the Andy and Opie statue and a recently completed Andy Griffith mural.

Goodall suggested that publishing a brochure containing maps and other pertinent information distributed at Mount Airy Visitors Center might be a better way to do this than a marker.

“If a marker is only three feet tall, if a car is parked there people won’t see it anyway,” the planning director reasoned.

It was noted during the meeting that a downtown master plan update now underway contains a goal to provide more wayfinding signage in the downtown section which would address the issue raised about helping visitors find sites.

But in the meantime, city officials directed the Planning Department to work with local travel and tourism officials to come back with a temporary solution until the wayfinding program is fully established.

Meanwhile, City Manager Stan Farmer mentioned that a simple sign directing tourists and others toward the Easter mural could be placed in a flower bed at the Loftis plaza, a step that has since been implemented.

“I think this is a good start,” the mayor said of the preliminary plans.

Rhonda Baylor does not mean to sound boastful, but she is pretty content with life these days after some years of struggle. She remembers the version of herself that first arrived in Mount Airy 16 years ago and a lot has changed since those days for the better.

Boastful, no, but she is appreciative to be where she is now for it was not always this way. To honor those who aided her along the way and helped her to be on the solid footing where she finds herself now: she wants to give back to the homeless of Mount Airy.

On Saturday, June 4, Baylor will begin a new give back effort by offering a lunch and clothing giveaway for the homeless from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the parking lot of the 461 South Street North, #1, Mount Airy.

“We are going to have hot dogs, snacks and drinks,” she said. “Also, we are going to be giving away some clothing to those who need it.”

Baylor hopes to make this a regularly occurring event and said she would like to see it happening every month. She is grateful to the business for allowing her to hold the first event in their lot, but this is to be a onetime event at that location. “I want to find a more permanent place to do this,” she added.

At this time, she is not sure where the next location may be, access to the South Street parking lot is for this upcoming event only.

For now, she is placing her faith above knowing that the path forward will be revealed in due time. She said of her mission, “It has to be led by God, it’s all for the glory of God.”

Having a little faith has been a key for Baylor and she has already seen that faith come through when in 2011 the Baylor’s took ownership of their new Habitat for Humanity home. She said on that happy day, “I would like to thank each and every one who participated in helping us build this home, because without you, it wouldn’t be possible, so thank God for everything.”

It took the help of the community to get the Habitat home built and she is aware that she needs help from the community to grow her outreach into something that will last. By getting the word out now she hopes to be able to get more donations to make a bigger impact on a community in need going forward.

Alcoholism and homelessness clouded her outlook on life for many years and it was for that very reason that she made the journey in the first place. A recovery program that she had been working with found her housing in Mount Airy, and so she made the trek.

Armed with only three trash bags full of clothes, a beat up black and white TV, and a desire to improve herself – she arrived. Little did she did know that the journey was going to be a one-way trip. As is so often the case with people who move to Surry County, she fell in love with the area and chose never to leave.

With her situation improved and years of sober living in her rear-view mirror, her goal is to serve to the community and those who are in need. She said it clearly, “God put this on my heart. I am doing okay now, I have a house, two cars and got my associates in general education earlier this month. Things are going good for me — so I want to give back.”

“There is a great homeless problem in this area,” she observed noting the situation that she has seen in and around the county. She knows that the options for the homeless, especially men, are limited and it is here she sees an area to serve her fellow man and in turn her faith. In aiding in the carrying of another’s burdens she hopes she can be effective in changing outcomes and feels that will be its own reward.

With plans on the horizon for other groups to open transitional housing on Rawley Avenue and the ongoing goal to open a permanent Mount Airy Men’s Shelter, thankfully there are more options forthcoming. Baylor is happy to see other groups’ projects coming together — even if they are organizations she is not involved with — but knows those options will take time to come into service.

The Rawley Avenue transitional home needs to be converted from its current state of apartments into a mix of single residence apartments and dorm style multi-person units. Meanwhile, the men’s shelter is eyeing a vacant building in the area around Northern Regional Hospital after a previous plan to build on West Lebanon Street proved too costly.

Baylor seeks to be a stopgap that will help the homeless get from today to that day when a proposed permanent all-weather shelter opens its doors. For now, a simple offering of food or some fresh clothing is going to be the starting point for her efforts.

A common chorus that comes from these members of the community who feel driven to offer these meals, shelters against the elements, or clothing and toys to kids at the holidays is a desire to give back.

She is not alone as there are people around the community working diligently to improve the lives of others. Baylor needed an assist and getting that helping hand changed the trajectory of her life so now she feels compelled to do the same for someone else.

East Surry High School senior Joseph Grezmak officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and football careers at Louisburg College.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve always wanted to play college ball since I first started in little league,” Grezmak said.

Before becoming an intimidating force on East Surry’s defensive line as a senior, Grezmak stepped away from the sport for a few years and didn’t pick it back up until his sophomore year.

“Since then I’ve dedicated a lot of time and effort to making myself a better athlete to be able to play in college,” Grezmak said.

“Joseph is a great young man that has really grown and matured,” said East Surry coach Trent Lowman. “He began playing with us as a sophomore and started to figure the game out pretty quick. He came in last spring after the quarantine and time off and had lost around 50-60 pounds. He’d really improved his health, but changed how he played the game and almost had to start from scratch again.”

Spots opened up on East Surry’s defensive line after the team lost its six-leading tacklers from the 2020-21 season. The turnaround was faster than usual, though, as the season ended in May and started again in August.

Instead of taking an offseason, Grezmak lived in the weight room to prepare for his senior year. He was already an animal at 6-foot-5, but he became even scarier when he, “put some weight back on in all the right areas,” according to Lowman. He entered the 2021-22 season listed at 245 pounds.

Grezmak quickly found his niche with the Cardinals’ defense as he turned into an All-Conference player. East Surry held opponents to fewer than 10 points per game during the regular season and fewer than 15 ppg for the season.

Joseph finished the year with 77 total tackles, 14.0 tackles for a loss and 4.0 sacks. He also blocked a punt, forced a fumble and led the team with four fumble recoveries – two of which he took to the end zone.

“We knew he was very capable as a player and a person to be a solid member of the squad, but we were all pleasantly surprised at his growth on the field and especially in the locker room,” Lowman said. “He became a huge asset to our team in many capacities and will definitely be missed.”

East Surry finished the season 13-1 overall. The Cardinals won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship and were Regional Runners-up in the 2A West. East’s only loss of the year came against the eventual 2A State Champions.

“Coming through East Surry is the best experience someone could ask for,” Grezmak said. “There are great coaches that set high standards and that are going to help you through anything and always be there for you. And, there’s an amazing community that supports the football team every Friday night.”

Grezmak has progressed greatly each year since returning to football in 2019. He said he was attracted to Louisburg because it gives him an opportunity to continue growing, which would then allow him to transfer to a four-year school and continue his playing career.

“I’d like to thank every coach I’ve ever had, but especially Coach Lowman for helping me turn my dream into a reality,” Grezmak said. “Also, I’d like to thank my family and friends who have supported me in the long run.”

“One thing is for certain: there is only one Joseph Grezmak!” Lowman said. “I love him, and I’m glad I was blessed to teach and coach him.”

A crowd gathered under the hot sun Monday at the Mount Airy War Memorial only to be reminded of the harsher circumstances that have claimed lives of military personnel to preserve ideals of freedom that still live.

“Memorial Day is a time to remember and celebrate,” special speaker Stan Farmer said of its dual nature during an annual city program held in observance of that holiday attended by citizens reveling in the patriotism of the occasion.

“Though sadness touches our hearts, courage and bravery are two Memorial Day traditions that will carry on long after the sadness subsides and we ourselves are long gone,” added Farmer, a former Marine who became city manager in January.

“The meaning of memorial is ‘in memory,’” he told those assembled. They included veterans of the Korean, Vietnam and Middle East wars along with uniformed city Honor Guard personnel, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard units and Junior ROTC cadets — joined by city and county government officials.

“With this in mind, we know the true meaning of Memorial Day, to honor and remember all those American service members who died defending our freedom — our right to be free,” Farmer said.

“Reason for this day”

And it is not enough just to recognize the war dead, but to realize that their lives — and sacrifices — have that lasting meaning, reminded Mayor Ron Niland, who also spoke Monday. “I want us not to forget the reason for this day.”

Niland evoked words of two seemingly diverse sources Monday — Abraham Lincoln and The Statler Brothers country music group.

The mayor said he believed words Lincoln uttered during his Gettysburg Address best exemplify the meaning of Memorial Day in speaking after that battle about those killed when he said “that these dead shall not have died in vain.”

Rather, they ensured that a free government will exist forever, Lincoln stated.

Niland also referred to lyrics in a Statler Brothers song about a grieving mother approaching the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which contains the names of those lost in that war.

While recalling how much she loved and missed her son who was listed, the woman says while looking toward Heaven, “Lord could you tell him, he’s more than a name on a wall.”

In addition, Niland read a city government Memorial Day proclamation Monday. It states that while the special day was first observed in May 1868 after the Civil War, those willing to put their lives on the line for the country have hailed from every generation.

Pastor D.M. Dalton, president of the Mount Airy Ministerial Association, who delivered the invocation for Monday’s program and special remarks, said these military members have reflected the lessons of Scripture to take “the old paths” and “the good way.”

Those who’ve made the supreme sacrifice should be honored every day, the mayor said. “But we should honor them especially on Memorial Day.”

Farmer, who told those assembled Monday that he was stationed at Camp Lejeune 30 years ago this month while in the U.S. Marine Corps, said what they accomplished and service personnel continue to defend are the foundation of the life everyone enjoys today.

“It’s the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press,” Farmer said. “It’s the sailor, not the poet, who gave us the freedom of speech — it’s the Marines, not the politicians, who ensure us our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — it’s the airman, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by that flag.”

Farmer pointed out that many of those who died have been mere youths with their whole lives ahead of them.

“We know who they are, as we visit the cemeteries and note the deaths of their shortened lives on their headstones,” the former Marine said. “We know their loved ones, their fathers and mothers, their children and the friends who shall always miss them.”

Other highlights of Monday’s program included a raising of the American flag and wreath placement by the Mount Airy Honor Guard, local student Cassidy Mills’ singing of the national anthem, a group recital of the Pledge of Allegiance and a flag-folding ceremony by cadets with the North Surry High School Air Force Junior ROTC.

The event concluded with a rifle volley salute by members of two local Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Honor Guard units, from Mount Airy VFW Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436, and their playing of “Taps.”

“What a great day!” Mayor Niland said.

The Surry 250 bus tours rambled on Saturday, rolling out of the Surry County Service Center in Dobson on a tour of historic homes and sites. It was a full house after the county made the tours free leading to a quick sell out of this ride, and the remaining tours as well.

A group of more than 25 was treated to nice weather for the tour that is among activities for the county’s sestercentennial. Tour Guide Marion Venable has been a part of tours such as this for years; she was a good fit to lead the tour group and provide her own insights and expertise.

Before the tour could even depart, the history lessons had begun as the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History had a travelling walk through exhibit on hand. It was just a teasing taste of what can be found at the museum with a glimpse at some of Surry County’s rich history. There were artifacts from the farm, an old rifle, and a Proctor Silex toaster to remind of the manufacturing roots of the area — to name only a few.

Museum director Matt Edwards alerted that the ongoing renovations to the museum are nearing completion. He encouraged the public to be on the lookout for upcoming events at the museum as the work is to be completed by summer’s end.

After a drive to view historic homes in downtown Dobson, the tour group departed for the Bartholomew Hodges House where descendant Wayne Hodges showed the group around the home. Another Hodges descendant was overheard telling tour members, “My grandparents lived here until they just couldn’t anymore, so that was probably the early 1980s.”

Nathan Walls of the county manager’s office joked that the cabin could still be lived in today as it has running water. Already on that Saturday morning it was cooler inside the cabin with no air conditioning than it was outside in the sun and humidity.

To have Wayne Hodges there added an extra dimension to the tour, as he was able to relate what people were seeing to his own memories. In the cabin’s main room he said, “This room, as I remember it, there were actually three beds in here Harley and Dewey, my great-grandma, and that addition there was the master suite. It could be a tight fit.”

Everywhere one looks is a piece of history, in a gesture to the same master suite Hodges elaborated, “The planks on that little build out, built in 1900, are from the old White Dirt School, they recycled the planks.” His knowledge and excitement to share it showed through, and he was excited to tell the group that the Hodges House is in the process of launching a website to increase access. “We’re trying to get people engaged.”

“That’s what important about people getting involved, people have to know you’re interested in order to inspire them to be interested,” Venable added.

Other members of the Hodges family were milling about and speaking to the tour group, one explained who was in a photo and then pointed to hats hanging from the ceiling to show which belonged to whom.

Venable chimed in with her own memories of bringing tour groups to the Hodges home since the mid-1970s and being greeted by Lonzie Hodges, “He always came in his pickup and would come out to meet the bus and share the house and the history.”

She also said having partners in history such as the Hodges family make preserving and sharing their story so much easier. At Kapp’s Mill the tour met another pair of active partners in history, Joe and Christine Blydenburgh, who are operating the home as an Airbnb.

Marion said, “They are an example of someone who is willing to devote time, energy, and resources to save one of the most interesting historic properties in our area. Joe has found and redesigned parts of the millworks into wall hangings you’re going to love it when you have an opportunity to go in.”

From Kapp’s Mill the tour continued for a boxed lunch followed by additional stops at destinations including the Charlie and Ollie Tucker house and Isaac’s Mill before returning to Dobson. At each stop Venable gave credit to those who were working to save or restore the structures such as the mills. “We used to have so many, we’re lucky to have two on this tour.”

“You have to have people that will keep it going for the next generation,” Marion said of the active partners in preserving history the tour group was able to meet. If the goal was to share a glimpse of the county’s history in honor of its 250th birthday, then it would be fair to call this a mission accomplished.

The remaining Surry 250 bus tours are sold out, but those still in the sestercentennial spirit can enjoy the remaining lecture series events:

– Surry’s Natural Heritage – NC Trail Days, will be a presentation made in cooperation with the Elkin Valley Trails Association on Friday, June 3 at 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Elkin Public Library, 111 North Front Street, in Elkin, and is presented by Ken Bridle, ecologist/botanist with the Piedmont Land Conservancy.

– Next will be a lecture on Native Americans of the Yadkin Valley to be held on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. The Surry County Service Center, 915 East Atkins Street, Dobson will be the location for this lecture series event that is presented by professor Dr. Andrew Gurstelle of Wake Forest University.

– The 250th anniversary of the founding of the county will wind down on Friday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. with the last of the lecture series events. Rounding out the lecture series is a presentation by Paul Brown, a musician, producer, radio host, and retired NPR reporter entitled “Surry County’s Traditional Music Legacy” in cooperation with the Surry Arts Council.

Find more information at: http://www.surry250.com or https://www.facebook.com/surry250

Mount Airy High School is hosting two basketball camps during June.

The Northwest Basketball Academy is scheduled for June 13-16 and is open to rising third through ninth grade boys.

The camp runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and features individual instruction and drills from an experienced coaching staff led by varsity boys coach Bryan Hayes. Coach Hayes recently recorded his 100th career win as a head coach.

Daily activities include individual skills competitions, shooting competitions and the potential to compete against camp records. Campers will also take part in team Games with emphasis on teamwork, communication and selflessness.

The coaching staff will encourage and teach fundamental basketball with an emphasis on having fun. Campers will receive instruction on ball handling, offensive movements, defense and agility. Additionally, guards and posts will develop valuable skills to further their game with specific position work

This camp will also teach campers to learn essential leadership qualities, the importance of communication and life skills

Lunch will not be provided, so the instructors ask that campers be sent with lunch boxes or coolers. Drinks will be available for purchase daily in the concession stand. Parents/guardians may also bring their child lunch and are welcome to watch camp activities.

Cost of registration is $100, or $90 for second family members. All campers will receive a t-shirt.

The Mount Airy Lady Bears Basketball Camp is scheduled for June 27-30 is open to rising third through ninth grade girls.

The camp runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and features instruction from a two-time state championship coaching staff featuring: Angela Mayfield, a Mount Airy graduate that played basketball at Catawba College, and who just completed her sixth season as Lady Bears head coach in which she won her 100th game at the school; Abby Gallimore, who played basketball at North Surry and William Peace College and has coached basketball at the middle and high school levels for 21 years; Alica Henson, who played at North Surry and Montreat College.

Registration is $60 and includes a t-shirt. Contact Coach Mayfield for family discounts.

Forms for each camp can be found at bit.ly/3zf5wqC

Checks should be made out to Mount Airy High School. Registration forms, waiver & release forms and payments should be dropped off in the Mount Airy High School front office or mailed to 1011 N. South Street, Mount Airy NC 27030 addressed to either Coach Angela Mayfield or Coach Bryan Hayes.

The Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Society at Surry Community College is holding a fundraiser to help the children of Ukraine.

The PTK chapter established the fundraiser through Save the Children, a global organization devoted to serving children’s needs and securing their rights. They have set a $1,000 goal for the fundraiser.

“The Alpha Xi Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Surry Community College is gravely concerned for children in Ukraine who are caught in the middle of armed conflict,” said Surry Community College’s PTK Chapter Advisor Dr. Kathleen Fowler. “Their right to survival, protection and education is under immediate threat. Our chapter is raising funds to provide food, water, medical assistance, and education for the children in war-torn Ukraine.”

PTK’s local fundraising flyer stated, “Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society that strives to aid the local and global community by participating in a wide variety of service projects. Surry Community College’s chapter, Alpha Xi Tau, has decided to hold a fundraiser to help the children of Ukraine. By donating to this fundraiser, you’ll be helping provide life-saving care to children fighting for their lives in the Ukrainian conflict. If you’re able to, we ask that you please donate to the cause.”

Those interested in donating can go to bit.ly/PTKUkraine.All donations are tax-deductible, and nothing is kept by the PTK chapter. All proceeds will go directly to Save the Children of Ukraine.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa and their projects, contact PTK’s faculty co-advisors, Fowler at 336-386-3560 or fowlerk@surry.edu and Kayla Forrest at 336-386-3315 or forrestkm@surry.edu. Follow the local chapter on Facebook @surryPhiThetaKappa or go to www.ptk.org.

Fourteen students recently graduated from Surry Community College’s Truck Driver Training Program at the Yadkin Center.

The graduates include Kyle Dowell, Michael Jones, Emily Parker and Justin Smith of Mount Airy; Ardella Walsh of Pilot Mountain; Christopher Moore of Siloam; Marcie McKinney of Elkin; Osiel Burgos of Jonesville; Stacey Deel of Yadkinville; Jeff Lowe of Boonville; Tosha McCoy of Purlear; along with Travis Booth, Jay Murat and Michael Norrell of Winston-Salem.

Surry Community College will be offering another section of Truck Driver Training starting in the summer. The class will run from Monday, August 1 through Tuesday, Oct. 4, and will meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Median pay for truck drivers is $47,100 per year, according to the United States Department of Labor,” college officials said. “Drivers with experience can make more than $50,000. With a shortage of up to 12,000 truck drivers in North Carolina and as many as 200,000 nationally, CDL-certified drivers will easily be able to find jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor says the profession is expected to keep growing – by 6% during 2020-2030.”

“There are currently job openings for truck drivers locally and nationally. We developed this program as a direct response to the requests from local truck driving representatives who need skilled applicants to fill job vacancies,” said SCC President Dr. David Shockley.

The SCC Truck Driver Training Program teaches proper driving procedures, safe driver responsibility, commercial motor vehicle laws and regulations, and the basic principles and practices for operating commercial vehicles. The coursework includes motor vehicle laws and regulations, map reading, vehicle maintenance, safety procedures, daily logs, defensive driving, freight handling, security and fire protection.

Highway driving training exercises and classroom lectures are used to develop the students’ knowledge and skills. Graduates are qualified to take the Commercial Driver’s License Test and are employable by commercial trucking firms. They may also become owner-operators and work as private contract haulers.

Admission requirements include official driving record; physical examination; reading placement test score of 40 or higher; disclosure form; high school transcript; and drug testing.

For more information about SCC’s Truck Driver Training Program, contact the Yadkin Center at 336-386-3580. The tuition is $1,876, and some students qualify for a tuition scholarship. To check eligibility, visit www.surry.edu/funding.

Westfield Elementary School students recently had fun making seed balls.

The students molded clay into a small bowl and put soil inside. Then they poured a seed packet into their soil and added a small amount of water. They formed the clay into a ball, rolled it in some soil and then took them home to throw them wherever they wanted their their flowers to appear.

Once it rains and the sun shines their clay will explode and flowers.

Surry Community College is offering a certificate in bookkeeping that can be earned in two semesters. The program certificate also works as a pathway toward completing a diploma or degree. All the classes are offered online.

The new certificate is part of the Accounting and Finance program. It consists of four classes totaling 13 credit hours: ACC-120 Principles of Financial Accounting, CTS-130 Spreadsheet I, ACC-121 Principles of Managerial Accounting and ACC-150 Accounting Software Applications.

When a student completes the certificate, those credit hours can then go toward the completion of a diploma in Accounting and finance. Upon earning a diploma, these credit hours will count toward an associate degree.

Lead Instructor of Business Administration, Accounting and Management Information Systems, Dr. Dawn Hawks, said “Students enrolled in Accounting and finance will have the option to receive a new certificate, known as a Bookkeeping Certificate. This certificate will aid in strengthening marketability skills for students who desire employment in the accounting field. The certificate is also designed for working professionals who are seeking to add a credential to their current skill set. Classes for this certificate are offered fully online and face-to-face.”

Anyone with questions about the program may contact Hawks at 336-386-3363 or worleyc@surry.edu. For help with college application, class registration or financial aid, contact Student Services at 336-386-3264 or studentservices@surry.edu.

KING – A routine traffic stop turned deadly on Newsome Road just after midnight on Sunday morning.

Two King Police officers stopped a vehicle at around 12:40 a.m. Once the car pulled over, several suspects jumped out of the car and ran, according to King Police Chief Boyette.

Officers gave chase, and at some point one of the suspects began firing at them. One of the King officers was fit by the gunfire, and both he and his partner returned fire.

The officer who was shot — whose name is not being published for safety concerns while the case is still ongoing — underwent surgery in Winston-Salem and should recover. The second officer was not wounded.

One of the suspects in the confrontation is dead, but it is not yet clear at this time if the person died from officer fire. The suspect’s cause of death is under investigation, according to Chief Boyette.

The State Bureau of Investigation is in charge of all investigations when a police officer-shooting is involved.

The officer who was shot is a three-year veteran, having joined the King Police Department in May 2019.

Saturday night/Sunday morning was busy for local law enforcement, as there was a homicide in Germanton and a deadly roll-over accident on Highway 704 in the northeastern part of Stokes County. The suspect in the Germanton murder has been apprehended.

The 50th Annual Mount Airy Blue Grass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention, featured in a story on page 1A today, will feature more workshops than ever this year.

These will take place on Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day at the Grandstand at Veterans Park. It brings master musicians directly to attendees who want to learn from them and play with them. The workshops are another way to enhance the experience for those from across the nation attending the Fiddlers Convention.

Instructors include Wes Clifton, Darrius Flowers, Kevin Fore, Trish Fore, Chester McMillian, Michael Motley, Lucas Pasley, Aaron Ratcliffe, Bill Sluys, Nancy Sluys, Martha Spencer, Emily Spencer, Kirk Sutphin, Adam Lowe, Mecca Lowe, Tammy Sawyers, Jim Vipperman, and the Mustard Cutters Band.

The workshops begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m. There are multiple classes in fiddle, banjo, and guitar as well as dances, jams, workshops focusing on vocals and playing together.

During the first weekend of June, thousands of old-time musicians and enthusiasts from all over the country and the world congregate at Mount Airy’s Veterans Memorial Park for the annual Fiddlers Convention. This year, the celebration of the 50th Annual Convention is featuring extra opportunities funded by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and Come Hear NC. The Surry Arts Council received these funds that will be used to pay area musicians to host these free workshops.

The Tuesday through Thursday workshops are sponsored in part by a grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources along with Come Hear NC.

The Friday workshops are funded in part by a subgrant from the Surry Arts Council to Veterans Memorial Park Inc. with funding from a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The workshops are all free. There is no advance registration. Instructors will gather at the grandstand prior to each class. A complete schedule of workshops may be picked up at the Veterans Park gate. For additional information contact marianna@surryarts.org.

In recording deeds, the state of North Carolina does not require that the amount paid for a parcel be stated on the deed. However a tax stamp at the rate of $2 for every $1,000 in value is affixed to each deed.

Recent real estate transfers recorded in the Surry County Register of Deed’s office include:

– Robert T. Lapointe and Margaret Lapointe to Michael A. Russo; 0.34 acres; $140.

– Kerstin Lemke to Latrella Kay Roberts, Jamie Lee Roberts and Colby Ronald Roberts; 0.111 acres Mount Airy; $0.

– Jerry Lee Stanley and Freddie Jean Stanley to Maria Del Carmen Martinez Gonzalez; tract one 1.441 acres and tract two 0.827 acres PB 34 2 Dobson; $370.

– Jose Guadalupe Juarez and Mireya Gonzalez Martinez to Jose Manuel Juarez and Alexis Martin Juarez Acevedo; tract Bryan; $140.

– Estate of Mary Ann Gore , Marie G. Hawks, Raymond Patrick Hawks, Mary Ann Gore, Sherry L. Gore, Jeffrey Mears, Janet Childress, Trent H. Childress, Kathy A. Sechrist and Jonathan D. Sechrist to David B. Holt; 5.359 acres PB 40 195 Old Buck Shoals Road Mount Airy estate of Mary Ann Gore 22 E 172; $100.

– Estate of Laura Darleen Reidsema, Christina Farah and Laura Darleen Reidsema to James B. Lambert and Shawna Lambert; 0.469 acres Stewarts Creek estate of Laura Darleen Reidsema 17 E 10; $51.

– Ramona E. Hundley to Alexander Phillip Norman and Chastiney Rena; tract one 1 acre tract two tract Eldora; $6.

– Evaristo O. Alles and Myrna L. Alles to Timothy McCrohan and Karen McCrohan; lots 7-8 section II Mountainview subdivision PB 9 128 Franklin; $20.

– Slate Rental, Peggy Sue Joyce and Wanda Fay Turney to Dorothy E. Eads; 0.229 acres tract two PB 40 138 Siloam; $0.

– Timothy A. Mellon and Leona Kathryn Turner to Bryce R. Mahoney and Charissa L.M. Mahoney; 3.704 acres tract one PB 37 90 Shoals; $74.

– Audrey Kirkman Riggs, Howard Ronald Riggs, Linda Moore Kirkman, Christal Kirkman, Jonathan G. Kirkman and Renee Kirkman to John C. Kirkman; tract Mount Airy; $8.

– Estate of Roger James Mosley Sr., Cheryl Cope, Darrell Cope, Dennis Mosley, Stephanie Mosley and Roger James Mosley Sr. to Elizabeth Dawn Epperson; lot 58 section 3 Greenfield PB 8 16 Mount Airy estate of Roger James Mosley Sr. E 109; $326.

– Suzette S. Marion and Tony G. Marion to Wesley Blake Marion; 4.313 acres PB 40 165 Shoals; $0.

– Wanda Jean Hauser and William Andrew Hauser to Anthony Dale Marion and Rhonda Moore Marion; 0.2177 acres PB 40 165 Shoals; $0.

– Maurice W. Kemp Jr. and Judy A. Kemp to Charles Brian Moss and Freda Steffey Smith; tract three 2.968 acres Millers View development PB 12 83 Marsh; $550.

– Speedway, LLC and Wilcohess, LLC to Group 4 Investments, LLC; 2.124 acres; $332.

– Gary Robert Golding and April Brooke Golding to Sam and Mildred Smith Living Trust, Sam Smith and Mildred Smith; 22.65 acres Franklin; $50.

– Cecelia A. Pritchard to David V. Tomicki and Claudia M. Tomicki; 17.957 acres PB 38 167 Westfield; $280.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.124 acres tract one and 0.351 acres tract two PB 32 3 Mount Airy; $250.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.71 acres tract two PB 19 135 Mount Airy; $50.

– Angela Leonard Cagle and Bradley Robert Cagle to IDR, LLC; 0.70 acres Mount Airy; $150.

– Aleicia Robyn Wyrick and Kevin Preston Wyrick to Jacob Brian Cook; six tracts 148 Vine Street Mount Airy; $380.

– Hiatt Development, Inc., to Thomas P. Ellis and Cassandra L. Ellis; tract Mount Airy; $480.

– Mee Yang Lo to Nhia Por Lo; 0.52 acres Mount Airy; $0.

– Jefferson Joseph Hill and Felicia Hill to Bryan Gedney and Danielle Gedney; 4.726 acres Marion Road Elkin; $84.

– The Alan Ross Wagner and Janet T. Wagner Revocable Living Trust, Alan Ross Wagner and Janet T. Wagner to David Kim and Molly Brown; 0.724 acres Elkin; $706.

– Estate of Nada Ethel Crouse, Estate of Nada Ethel Meadows Crouse, Joyce Norman, Nada Ethel Crouse, Nada Ethel Meadows Crouse, Dwight Crouse, David Crouse, Debra Crouse, Russell Crouse, Katherine Crouse, William Crouse, Linda Crouse, Kyra Lynn Hernandez Ramey and Javier Hernandez to Timothy Earl Adams; 1 acre 8807 W. Pine Street Lowgap Franklin estate of Nada Ethel Crouse; $260.

– Faye S. Burton to Danny Gray Burton; 1.99 acres Dobson; $3.

– Faye S. Burton to Danny Gray Burton; 1.99 acres Dobson; $1.

– Estate of John Lee Mittman, Fredrick G. Johnson, John Lee Mittman and Amy Mittman White to J&E Properties of NC, LLC; commisioners deed tract file 21 SP 183 estate of John Lee Mittman; $93.

– Elaine Holland Royster to Chet William Lord and Jessica Martinez Lord; lot 66 and portion of 65 section 3 Hollyview Forest subdivision PB 7 2 Mount Airy; $760.

– Lisa H. Overly, Jesse J. Overly, Michele Hart Holmes, Ted Holmes, Noah Edwin Hart II, Dovie Hart, Matthew Lee Hart and Amanda C. Hart to Jesse J. Overly and Lisa H. Overly; 1.78 acres PB 27 29 Stewarts Creek; $434.

– Jack Douglas Koehn to Cody Austin Mabe; 2 tracts lots 27-28 Mount Airy; $306.

– Richard M. Chapell to Ashley Edmonds and Sterling Edmonds; 0.462 acres Mount Airy; $312.

– Estate of Betty McMillian Tate, Darrell Gray Tate and Betty McMillian Tate to Amanda L. Stough and Judy L. Ivie; lots 1-6 section E PB 3 70 Mount Airy estate of Betty McMillian Tate file 21 E 1121; $260.

– Robert J. Lovill III, Elizabeth J. Lovill and Allen J. Lovill to Lonnie W. Bledsoe Jr.; lot 5 section D Cross Creek Country Club Inc. residential development phase I PB 8 29-30 Mount Airy; $50.

– Timothy Chad Stanley, Erin B. Stanley, Adam D. Stanley and Katherine Agatha Tsamis to Edward M. Lewis; 0.060 acres Stewarts Creek; $0.

– James Keith Gibson, Rebecca Anne Gibson, Alvis Dale Gibson, Mattie Gibson and Charlotte Gale Watson to Jaclyn Banks; tract Eldora; $313.

– Christopher W. Groner and Deborah B. Carson to Historic Reeves, LLC; tract three tract Elkin; $0.

– Richard J. Golden and Luann Golden to Stephen Darrell Lowe and Stephen Adam Lowe; 30.341 acres PB 40 187; $607.

– Cooks Farm Partners, LLP and Donald R. George to Andrew H. Berman and Sherry P. Berman; 4.854 acres tract eight PB 14 93 and PB 13 187 and PB 18 42 and PB 209 South Westfield; $73.

– Balogh Properties, LLC to Moises Pineda; lot 3 section 4 Knollwood subdivision PB 12 186 Stewarts Creek; $500.

– Matthew L. Morton and Brittany M. Morton to Brancey Lynn Johnson; 1.411 acres lot 11 PB 14 101 Eldora; $466.

– H2CN Holdings, LLC and John Sanders to Wilton Thornburg II; 0.223 acres M&B Mount Airy; $270.

– Wallace Stanfield and Maria Elisa Lane to Anthony Scott Kimmel and Stephanie Semones Kimmel; lots 4-5 Stonegate PB 21 52; $70.

– Melba Paige Smith Hull and Michael Steve Hull to Howard William Hull Jr. and Cathy Hull; tracts 2-3 PB 36 74 Mount Airy; $260.

– Sharon G. Young and Douglas John Young to Austin S. Utt and Emily B. Wilber; lot 13 Noonkester Woods subdivision PB 6 219 Mount Airy; $543.

– Lamar Arthur Short and Katherine Snook to Lisa Boni; .4632 acres lot 14 Gwynwood PB 6 198 Mount Airy; $364.

– Wesley Jordan to Hannah Green and Hannah Madison Wing; quitclaim deed portions of lots 91-92 Sunset Park PB 1 76 Elkin; $0.

– Hannah Green, Hannah Madison Wing and Eric Green to Amanda L. Sipes and Christopher M. Sipes; portions of lots 91-92 Sunset Park PB 1 76 Elkin; $253.

– Terence Michael Warren and Deborah Maiden Warren to William D. Hutchings; tract one lot 15 and tract two 14,553.87 sq ft portion of lot 16 Windsor Park section 1 PB 11 21 Dobson; $750.

– Myra Lynn Wills and Brian Richard Wills to Mary Alice Webb Summers; lot 43 Cedar Gate subdivision section 3 PB 17 9 Stewarts Creek; $8.

On Memorial Day we remember those who have died in military service to this nation, its allies, and ideals. We think of rows of white marble crosses, cemeteries decorated with small fluttering flags. We think of the sacrifices made, our eyes welling with tears and our throats growing tight at the thought of the young men and women who pay the price for our collective freedoms.

They have made it possible for us to enjoy life in our hometowns. As they struggle in the hardships of the frontline, we move through a mundane world, complaining about price hikes, or how our favorite team lost the game. In America we are so insulated from the horrors of war it’s sometimes easy to forget the realities our service personnel deal with on a daily basis. We find out about their deaths days or weeks later.

The Korean War was a vicious conflict almost lost in a century of influential military actions and tremendous economic growth. But 70 years ago hundreds of young men and women from this region served in those unforgiving hills. Today we remember a few who never returned.

What began as a civil war between communist North Korea and the Democratic south soon boiled over into what many people saw as a proxy war between the USSR and the USA. The third major military engagement in 35 years, the Korean War raged in a land most knew little about.

All the while life continued on the home front. Here is a look at what was happening back home, here in Surry County, along with significant events related to the war.

June 25, 1950 – Soviet-backed North Korean soldiers invade the Western-allied Republic of Korea. The North Carolina congressional delegation unanimously supports President Harry Truman’s orders to deploy troops.

What began as a civil war between the Communist north and the Democratic south, soon boiled over into what many people saw as a proxy war between the USSR and the USA. The third major military engagement in 35 years, the Korean Conflict raged in a land most knew little about …. All the while, life continued on the home front.

August 1950 – The Central Telephone Company, based in Mount Airy, is granted permission to raise rates across the region from Mount Airy to Boonville, North Wilkesboro to Yadkinville.

The Bright Leaf Drive-In opens, dramatically changing the local teenage social scene.

A polio outbreak has shuttered Wythe County, Virginia, causing the town’s baseball team to withdraw from the Blue Ridge League. The Bassett, Virginia, team steps in as the deep-seeded rivalry between Mount Airy’s Graniteers and Elkin’s Blanketeers keeps fans riveted.

The Surry County Selective Service Board reopens its office in the courthouse. They ask all to “register immediately after their (18th) birthday” and those who are already registered to update their information if they have moved or married since.

The local National Guard heavy artillery unit, the 426th, is given a 30-notice for mobilization.

American is returning to the battlefield.

Surry County men were not part of the first call in the draft for the Korean conflict. There had been a delay in getting the office reactivated but would be expected to send draftees in the second call.

Some, however, were already there.

Sgt James Crouse, 21, Marine, killed Sept 26. – State Highway Patrolman JP Rhyne of Mount Airy knocked on Claude and Gladys Crouse’ door with news no parent wants to hear. The family home was just across the Alleghany County line in Ennice. He was the eldest of the Crouse’ four children, named for his grandfather, Jim Crouse, who lived at Fisher’s River near Lowgap on old Hwy 89. He’d already served three years in the Marines and reenlisted in November.

Crouse was the first Alleghany County soldier to die in Korea. More than 177,000 North Carolinians served in the war, with 784 killed and 201 listed as either prisoners of war or missing in action.

January 1951 – Mount Airy breaks ground for the Reeves Memorial Community Center.

The Surry County Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers is founded, an organization for mothers of soldiers killed in action. The Mount Airy News reported more than 50 county mothers were known to be eligible from World War II losses at the time.

Corp. Winfred Nelson Dawson, Jr., 18, Air Force, killed Jan. 1 – One of nine children born to Winfred and Nellie Dawson of Ararat, Virginia, he was part of the storied 335th Fighter Squadron.

August 1951 – Mount Airy’s First Baptist congregation launches a major building program.

Pvt. Samuel Carlise Hamlin, 21, Army, Killed Nov. 21 – Part of Gen. MacArthur’s 1st Cavalry, Hamlin was posthumously awarded the Silver Star “for gallantry in action” in the Chorwon region of Korea.

April 1953 – Surry authorities struggle to bring a rabies epidemic under control.

Pvt. Merlin Marshall, 21, Army Medic, Missing in Action April 18 – One of the region’s last casualties, Merlin was last seen attending his fallen comrades of the 7th Infantry Division. His remains were never recovered, and he was presumed dead the next year. The White Plains High School graduate is remembered in the National Memorial Cemetery in Honolulu where the names of nearly 30,000 military personnel Missing in Action or Lost at Sea are inscribed.

May 1, 1953 – Mount Airy’s Martin Memorial Hospital is destroyed by fire.

The war was fierce but stagnant much of the time as troops dug in to hold ground, often in brutally cold temperatures, sometimes as low as 25 degrees below zero. Hostilities dragged on until July 1953 when an armistice was signed, and an uneasy peace was reached.

Often called the Forgotten War, the war seems lost in history between the better-known WWII and Vietnam. It is time we remember. The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History has very little information about anything to do with the Korean War and those who served.

If you have photos, letters, mementos, or family stories about people who served in this war, consider contacting curator Amy Snyder. Such items can be scanned or recorded so future generations understand the price of freedom.

Kate Rauhauser-Smith is a volunteer for the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History with 22 years in journalism before joining the museum. She and her family moved to Mount Airy in 2005 from Pennsylvania where she was also involved with museums and history tours.

The following marriage licenses were issued in Surry County:

– Justin Daniel Nunn, 27, of Carroll County, Virginia, to Carrie Savannah Rose Holder, 26, of Surry County.

– Hoyt Eli Bullington, 20, of Surry County to Allison Celesete Bruner, 20, of Surry County.

– Gordon Howard Reeves, 59, of Surry County to Joan Hall, 50, of Washington County, Virginia.

– Ronald Thomas Dapp, 63, of Surry County to Kelly Suzanne Hensley, 53, of Surry County.

– Ronald Edwards Hawks, 57, of Surry County to Brenda Mae Surratt, 58, of Surry County.

– Joshua Wayne Jolly, 27, of Wilkes County to Katherine Elise Smith, 26, of Wilkes County.

– Robert Seth Watson, 27, of Surry County to Maegan Lee Sydnor, 29, of Surry County.

– Cory Trent Goad, 45, of Surry County to Jana Gwyn Puckett, 44, of Patrick County, Virginia.

– Alton David Mathis II, 44, of Surry County to Kimberley Combs, 42, of Surry County.

– Dustin Harry Snow, 47, to Grayson County, Virginia, to Heather Denise Leonard, 43, of Grayson County.

– Stephen Banner Paul Griffin, 23, to Surry County to Alisha Cheyenne Billings, 26, of Surry County.

– Christopher Scott Matthews, 22, of Lexington County, South Carolina to Kelly Lynn House, 23, of Gwinnett County, Georgia.

– Daniel McClung Kerr, 32, of Surry County to Cherie Miranda Anderson, 35, of Surry County.

The Surry 250 bus tours rambled on Saturday, rolling out of the Surry County Service Center in Dobson on a tour of historic homes and sites. It was a full house after the county made the tours free leading to a quick sell out of this ride, and the remaining tours as well.

A group of over twenty-five was treated to nice weather for the tour that is among activities for the county’s sestercentennial. Tour Guide Marion Venable was on hand to lead the group and provide her own expertise.

There are still lecture series events to be held including:

Surry’s Natural Heritage – NC Trail Days, will be a presentation made in cooperation with the Elkin Valley Trails Association on Friday, June 3 at 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Elkin Public Library, 111 North Front Street, in Elkin, and is presented by Ken Bridle, ecologist/botanist with the Piedmont Land Conservancy.

Next will be a lecture on Native Americans of the Yadkin Valley to be held on Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. The Surry County Service Center, 915 East Atkins Street, Dobson will be the location for this lecture series event that is presented by professor Dr. Andrew Gurstelle of Wake Forest University.

The 250th anniversary of the founding of the county will wind down on Friday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m. with the last of the lecture series events. Rounding out the lecture series is a presentation by Paul Brown, a musician, producer, radio host, and retired NPR reporter entitled “Surry County’s Traditional Music Legacy” in cooperation with the Surry Arts Council.

There will be additional coverage in Tuesday’s edition of the Mount Airy News.

Most varities of corn require a growing season of 90 days and should be planted early in June to assure a harvest by mid-August. You can choose from Golden Queen, Silver Queen, Kandy Corn, Early Sunglow, Butterfruit, How-Sweet-It-Is, Chief and Golden Bantam. Sow at least three rows for pollination from bees and wind. Make sure the three rows are the same variety. Sow seeds in furrows about four inches deep. Sow seed four per hill and 10 to 12 inches apart. Spread a layer of peat moss in the furrow and sow corn seed on top of the peat moss. Apply another layer of peat moss on top of the seed. Apply an application of Plant-Tone organic vegetable food and hill up soil on both sides of the furrow. Tamp down top of the row with the hoe blade for good contact with the soil. Allow enough room between rows to cultivate and control weeds and keep soil hilled up for support from the wind and storms. You will need room between rows over a 90-day period to control Japanese beetles and ear worms as the season progresses. Side dress the corn with Plant-Tone organic vegetable food every three weeks. When corn sprouts, thin to two plants per hill. Keep soil hilled up to the corn as it continues to grow week by week. Add some calcium carbonate (powdered lime) when corn gets a foot tall and hill soil over the lime.

Planting in June will keep garden in tune

All crops that love warm weather will thrive and survive in the warmth of the June garden plot soil. All vegetables will respond quickly to the warm days and nights. Set out tomato plants every week in small numbers for as long as plants are available and healthy. A four pack a week will extend the tomato harvest all summer long. Try as many different varities as you can find for a varied harvest. One of the best attributes of an abundant harvest of tomatoes is the opportunity to share their bounty with others.

Peppers are as tropical to the garden plot as vegetables can get. June is the absolute best time to set out pepper plants. Set out sweet bells such as California Wonder, Big Bertha, Keystone, Candy Apple, Great Stuff and Parks Whopper II, as well as Candy Bell, and least we forget, the famous Door Knob! Set the sweet bells out this week on a warm June day. Keep hot pepper varities a distance away from sweet bell peppers. Set peppers at least two feet apart. Stake and cage them for extra support and protection from thunderstorms and strong winds. Keep soiled hilled up around pepper plants for extra support and feed every three weeks with Garden-Tone or Plant-Tone organic vegetable food. Water every week when rain is not in the forecast. Apply calcium carbonate when peppers reach one foot tall.

Lima beans also need warm days and nights to produce a mid-summer harvest. You can choose from Fordhook 242, Henderson Bush, Thurogreen and Dixie Butterpea. Sow lima beans in a furrow about three or four inches deep. Place peat moss in bottom of the furrow and sow seeds on top of the peat moss. Place peat moss on top of the seed and apply an application of Plant-Tone organic vegetable food. Hill up soil on both sides of the furrow and tamp down soil on top of the hilled up soil for good contact with the soil. Feed the lima beans every three weeks with Plant-Tone organic vegetable food. Hill up the soil on both sides of the row after feeding with Plant-Tone. Water top of row each week if no rain is in the forecast.

Setting out a full row of tomato plants

The main harvest of tomato plants should be set out in the next few days for a bountiful harvest. There are so very many to choose from including Big Boy, Better Bow, Early Girl, Oregon Spring, Marglobe, Rutgers, Homestead, Beefy Boy, Beefsteak, Mortgage Lifter, Parks Whopper, Cherokee Purple, Mountain Pride, Roma, Yellow Jubilee. Plant tomato plants in a furrow five or six inches deep. Add a layer of peat moss and a handful of Black Kow composted cow manure to the furrow, and then mix in an application of Tomato-Tone organic tomato food. Set the tomato plant and add another handful of peat moss before hilling up soil all around the tomato plant. When tomato plants are well established in about three weeks, apply Vigaro tomato food with enriched calcium on each side of the tomato row and hill up the Vigaro on each side of the row to cover it up. Every three weeks apply a layer of Tomato-Tone organic tomato food. Hill up soil on each side of the row after applying Tomato-Tone. When the plants reach one foot tall, apply calcium carbonate on each side o the row and pull up soil up on each side of tomatoes to cover the lime. Water around the base of the tomato plants with water wand in spray mode when there is no rain.

Adjustable water wand-a good investment

With warmer days and nights and some days without any raindrops in the forecast, an adjustable water wand is a good investment. A wand will pay rich dividends and boost production in the garden plot. They cost around $12 to $14 and have adjustable settings of spray, shower, mist and an off and on switch. Never drag the hose with the wand attached because you could break the spring attachment on the wand.

End of May brings fireflies

There are a few flickers of yellow in the backyard and on the edge of the garden plot as we get close to the end of May. As June makes its way to the scene, a few more warm evenings will bring an abundance of them. We hope this will be a bright and productive year for them. To really appreciate the glow of fireflies, you have to drive down a Surry County country lane where there is not much traffic and no street light. Stop, turn off the lights, and enjoy an extra special light show.

Get Japanese beetle traps ready

The nights and days are warming up and soon June will be here with the start of a few humid days and perhaps the arrival of the dastardly Japanese beetles as they make their appearance on lawns, rose bushes, grapevines and foliage of flowers and vegetables. We hope there will not be many this year. Now is the time to clean and prepare the traps and purchase a few baits and lures. As soon as you see the first beetles, place a trap away from where you see them to draw them to the traps. One advantage of beetle trap is to draw beetles away from garden, roses, grapevines and foliage and into the traps. If we have a large infestation, spray lightly with liquid Sevin. Use a glass cleaner spray bottle mixed with water and Sevin to apply a light mist. Kill beetles in the traps by boiling a pot of water, pour it in a bucket and dip the trap of beetles into the bucket of boiling water. Pour hot water and the beetles on the driveway to avoid killing grass on the lawn. Birds will eat beetles. Invest in a durable two-piece plastic trap with a screw on plastic container to catch beetles. Unlike the plastic bag traps that blow all over the place, the durable traps will last for years and you don’t have to replace those fragile bags or dispose of them.

The roses put on a show all during May and as we get ready to enter June, its time to feed them as they get ready for another round of blooms for summer. Pinch off spent blooms and feed the roses with an application of Rose-Tone organic rose food that you can purchase in four-pound bags with a plastic zip lock bag and loaded with an organic boost of nutrients to boost foliage. A little goes a long way.

Organic food for summer annuals

A four pound plastic bag of Flower-Tone organic flower food will provide flowers of all types a boost of vital nutrients. Apply several tablespoons in each container of annuals or perennials and stir into the medium. It is finely textured and absorbs and gives quick response. The zip block bags makes the food easy to apply. Feed the flowers once a month all summer long.

Late cucumbers should be planted now

To extend the cucumber harvest later into summer, a late row or bed should be planted within the next week. Best hot weather varities are Marketmore 76, Poinsett 76, Ashley, Long Green and Straight Eight.

Cooling off hanging baskets, pots

The flowers in hanging baskets, pots and containers are responding to the May afternoons. They quickly dry out in their containers as the sun heats up their pots as well as the soil inside them. Water them each evening before sunset and water until the water runs out the hole in the bottom of baskets and containers.

“Back seat driving.” A man was driving the car with his wife in the back seat. The car stalled on the railroad track. An Amtrak train was roaring toward the vehicle. The man’s wife screamed, “Go on, speed it up!” Her husband replied, “You’ve been driving all day from the back seat. I’ve got my end over the track, see what you can do with your end!”

The weather for the first weekend in June possibly will be sunny and hot, but there’s a 100% chance of pleasant sounds during the 50th annual Mount Airy Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention.

In celebration of this milestone, a special concert is planned Thursday night to help kick off the convention that will feature competition both Friday and next Saturday when it concludes.

And free old-time and bluegrass workshops are offered from Tuesday to Friday, designed to perpetuate the area musical legacy for another 50 years or more through passing it on to younger generations.

The Mount Airy Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention is held on the grounds of Veterans Memorial Park at 691 W. Lebanon St.

Established in 1972, it is dedicated to the two musical genres, along with dance, and traditionally is held on the first weekend in June — although the coronavirus forced its cancellation in 2020.

The event resumed in 2021 and gradually is recapturing its pre-pandemic stature based on attendance by the public and participation of musicians vying for cash prizes, trophies and ribbons in various competition categories.

“We’re about halfway there, I guess, three-quarters, something like that,” Veterans Memorial Park President Doug Joyner said this week of the convention’s recovery from COVID, judging by last year’s event and interest in the one upcoming.

Based on everything that’s happened, this year’s golden anniversary has special significance, Joyner added.

“It’s been going on a half-century,” he said of the convention, “and we’re glad that the park can be putting it on every year (now).”

Joyner hopes fans will come out and help celebrate the occasion.

The convention officially starts Friday at 7 p.m. and will resume next Saturday at 9:30 a.m. for a day-long slate.

However, there are always early arrivals who set up shop in camping areas at the park and provide music throughout the week.

The competition categories at the convention are open to both youth and adults, including old-time and bluegrass band, bluegrass and old-time fiddle, bluegrass and old-time (clawhammer) banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, dobro, dulcimer, autoharp, folk song and dance.

In addition to the performances during the convention, many impromptu jam sessions typically can be found when circulating around the grounds — and one never knows who might be involved.

Members of the group Donna the Buffalo have been spotted over the years along with other notable musicians such as Dom Flemmons of The Carolina Chocolate Drops.

The special Thursday night concert to celebrate the convention’s 50th anniversary will feature The Junior Sisk Band on the main stage at the park.

It is scheduled for 7 p.m., with $20 wristband tickets for the performance to be sold at the gate.

The admission cost to the park to attend both Friday and Saturday sessions is a $10 wristband each day.

Joyner says interest is high among musicians, including many returning performers.

“These people, they like to pick and grin,” he said.

“They keep emailing about it,” Joyner related. “I got a phone call the other night from a guy in England.”

That individual wanted to attend the convention in June 2021, but was prevented from doing so by COVID travel restrictions.

Joyner said he also has been contacted by a band in Russia which might show up for the event.

While convention organizers don’t relish capitalizing on others’ misfortune, the Mount Airy gathering also stands to benefit from the apparent demise of an early spring event in Dobson, the Surry Old-Time Fiddlers Convention. It has been cancelled the last three years due to the coronavirus and other factors.

“I think it will help us,” Joyner said of that development, particularly among the old-time musicians the Dobson convention was geared toward who desire a performance outlet to fill the void.

Another highlight of the convention week will be the free workshops in both the old-time and bluegrass styles.

The sessions are scheduled Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the grandstand area at Veterans Memorial Park.

Workshops are to feature the fiddle, banjo, vocals, guitar, jams, dance and more, organizers say.

Participating instructors and bands will include Emily Spencer, Martha Spencer, Kirk Sutphin, Kevin Fore, Chester McMillian, Wes Clifton, Trish Fore, The Mustard Cutters Band, The Pilot Mountain Bobcats, Nancy and Bill Sluys, Darrius Flowers and others.

A number of award-winning performers from the Galax fiddlers convention and others are among their ranks.

The special week-long workshops are made possible by grants from the Grassroots Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, with additional funding provided by the state Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in honor of the convention’s 50th anniversary.

A complete schedule of workshops, jams and dances will be available at the park gate, according to organizers.

More information about the convention can be found at https://www.surryarts.org/mafiddlersconvention/index.html More information about the workshops can be found on page B12 of today’s paper.

The following divorces were granted in Surry County:

– Daniel Ray George and Catherine Leigh Luffman; granted on May 23.

– Thomas Wayne Mikels and Angela Weavil Mikels; granted on May 19.

– Robert Kevin Flippin and Sheila Kay Goins; granted on May 19.

– Christopher Gunter and Anna Hayes; granted on May 19.

– Douglas Lee Coble and Sherri Beth Coble; granted on May 19.

– Ronald Edward Hawks and Dawn Canipe Hawks; granted on May 19.

– Steven Woods and Nicole Woods; granted on May 19.

– Corrie McLain and Jessica P. McLain; granted on May 19.

– Samantha Jo Wall and Craig Junior Easter; granted on May 19.

– Kevin Ratermann and Jeannie Mae Raterman; granted on May 19.

– Sherry Burcham Southern and Rockie Lee Southern; granted on May 19.

– Susan Abbigail Endriga Cox and Garrett Leon Cox; granted on May 19.

– Ricky I. Holsclaw and Ashley L. Holsclaw; granted on May 19.

– Jose Luis Rodriguez Contreras and Lidia Antunez Grande; granted on May 19.

– Gavin Richard Hale and Kimberly Sue Hale; granted on May 19.

– Halston Levi Summers and Sarah Louise Summers; granted on May 19.

In remembrance of members of the armed forces who have fallen in service to the country, a grateful nation observes Memorial Day on the final Monday of May.

One Elkin resident and army veteran has taken extra steps to honor the fallen, having taken two Flights of Honor to Washington, D.C.

The Flights of Honor have been taking veterans on trips to see the memorials placed in their honor in the nation’s capitol since 2005. Originally the plan for Honor Flights was to get World War II veterans to the capital to see the new WWII memorial; now, that focus has expanded.

Elkin resident and retired Master Sergeant Paul Rusk, United States Air Force, was fortunate to go on two of the flights, first as a guardian and later as the honoree. The recent trip in April had roughly 90 people on it, totaling the veterans, guardians, and medical personnel.

A rainbow water cannon salute sent the flight on its way from Piedmont International Airport in Greensboro and welcomed the veterans at Reagan National upon their arrival. No strangers to a regimented schedule, veterans boarded four busses and barnstormed the memorials in short order.

The veterans’ caravan drove to visit the Iwo Jima memorial on route to the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. Its distinctive design rises from the area surrounding it and creates quite an impression for those approaching from either direction.

“As the aircraft goes up – that’s the bomb burst,” he educated. The steel arcs in the sky evoke the ‘bomb bust’ maneuver of the Air Force Thunderbirds. However only three arcs are show, the missing fourth arc symbolized the “missing man” formation used in Air Force flyovers, especially poignant on this weekend.

He was particularly impressed with their visit to the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. They watched the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard. “I found significance in the weapon being on the opposite side of the solider is to keep intruders away from the tomb.”

For him, the Old Guard signified much about service, Rusk said that their high code of personal conduct and exacting standards set them apart, not just that “you can shave in the shine of their shoes.”

“The guys and gals of the old guard, they are great,” he reflected. The changing face of the military now means that there have been five women to earn the Tomb Guard Identification Badge of nearly 700 earned.

“They have women, because there was a lady who was doing the changing.” More roles have opened for women in what had been traditionally restricted combat roles, the Old Guard are an active unit. To think the women are any less capable though is folly, as he warns, “We have lady rangers they are just tough – dynamite comes in small packages you know.”

Rusk found on the Vietnam Memorial Wall his late first wife’s brother. “I knew he had done it, and I had found his name on the travelling wall, so I knew it was there, I just had to find it here. One of the volunteers at the wall, since I could not get down and do the rubbing, she did it for me.”

“Those are true heroes, those that are on the wall, and on Memorial Day we remember those heroes.”

Of the confusion many Americans have over Veterans versus Memorial Day, he offered, “Veterans Day is for all vets, regardless of if they are breathing or not; and Memorial Day is for the true heroes who are at Arlington and the national cemeteries scattered around the nation, and in private cemeteries.”

To memorialize the brave fallen soldiers, the United States erected memorials on the National Mall, with World War II being the last to open in 2004. On his recent visit, the veterans approached the memorial from the Pacific side, whereas when Rusk was the guardian, his group approached on a cold rainy November day from the European side.

On that day, “We had brass pouring out of the Pentagon to come over and commingle with the vets, they had all sorts of braids on their uniforms and scrambled eggs,” he said using a colloquial for the embellished designs of officers’ caps.

To have officers of different branches come down to visit with the vets meant a lot to the visitors.“It was good to see it, we had enlisted ranks through admirals and generals.”

Honor Flights were meant for those World War II vets in the first place, to get them to Washington, D.C., to see the memorial to their brave sacrifice, and those who did not return from that great conflict – before it is too late.

Of the three veterans under his charge he said, “As nasty of that weather was, I did not hear one word of complaint out of none of them. I figure that was a piece of cake compared to what they went through in WWII. My dad was Normandy and Battle of the Bulge, but we could never get him to talk about it. The WWII vets just didn’t, they saw some horrific (stuff).”

No stranger to the horrors of conflict himself, Rusk said of his time in Southeast Asia that there was barbarism on both sides and things happened no one wants to repeat. “There was crap that went on in the jungles on both sides. We tried to fight a guerilla war like we fought WWII, you can’t do that.”

He is grateful that attitudes have change in recent years and the perception and reception of Vietnam era veterans has changed, “from baby killers to heroes.”

After a term of service of 22 years and 22 days, August 1957 – August 1979, Master Sergeant Rusk called it a career when one last assignment to Berlin conflicted with the best interests of his family.

He encourages young people to consider the military and offers that the Air Force and Navy offer the best skills training for a non-combat role post military. In Army, he noted, you drill for ground combat; on a ship, the daily maintenance of the vessel translates directly to electrical or technical savvy much more easily than marksmanship.

He added with a chuckle, “It’s true you can ‘Join the Navy, and see the world,” and get a GI Bill. It’s great, as long as people aren’t shooting at you.”

Saturday morning, the gym at Millennium Charter Academy in Mount Airy was filled with students, parents, and others sharing laughter, hugs, memories, and a few tears.

Nearly 400 people were gathered there for the MCA Commencement Exercises, marking graduation for 19 seniors who had completed their time at the school.

The graduates reminisced, were told to hold onto and treasure every second of every memory they had created with their classmates and friends at the school. They were also encouraged by keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Chris Lawson to go out into the world and become uncommon leaders by tethering themselves to truth, always doing what is right, and always acting with compassion.

This was the fifth graduating class from the charter academy, a group of friends who had grown close over their years at the school. Despite their relatively small number, it was evident the students had already touched a lot of lives — the bleachers along both sides of the auditorium were mostly full, as was a small section of chairs set up in front of the stage. Some of the students cried, all smiled and laughed, as they shared memories of their time at the school and encouraged one another to consider their graduation not an end, but the beginning of a new adventure.

The stage for the ceremony was set early on by graduating seniors Jada Adams and Sophia Gomez, who shared the Class Will of the members of the graduating seniors, some producing quiet chuckles from the audience, others sending peals of laughter rolling through the crowd. In the end, though, it was a combination of tears and smiles — especially from Jada — which had the audience cheering its support while she struggled to share her last message with her classmates.

“I love every single one of you,” she said before breaking to compose herself. “All of you hold a special place in my heart.”

Graduating seniors Zeke Harrison and Tristan Shockley shared some good-natured, tongue-in-cheek predictions for a few of their classmates — among them a forecast that Jada would someday sit on the Supreme Court and ban dress codes, while other predictions said one classmate would develop “digital crochet” courses, another would own dozens of cats, and two would go into politics with one winning the presidential election without actually claiming the popular vote while another would win the popular vote but fall short of the Oval Office.

Two students shared words of wisdom through honor addresses to the audience.

Max Oakley said recently walking through the classrooms of the school — from kindergarten and elementary wings of the facility to the high school, was “like walking backwards in time.” The memories inspired him to offer a bit of encouragement to his classmates: “Life can be hard, sometimes cruel, but I encourage you to cherish every day.”

“I cannot believe that today has finally come,” said senior Hartley DeVore. “It feels like yesterday when we were walking into the high school hallways for the first time.”

While joyful, he said “Those memories carry with them a heavy weight,” as looking back on them now shows just how fast time passes.

Focusing on the line “Come further up, come further in,” a line near the end of C.S. Lewis’ “The Last Battle,” the final book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, Oakley said the graduates were much like the characters in the book, having come to the end of their journey together.

But that line, he said, was not about endings, but about new beginnings, which is where he and his classmates find themselves — with a new beginning.

With voice cracking, DeVore ended his talk with a final line directed at his classmates: “I will miss you all.”

Rev. Dr. Chris Lawson, executive pastor of Reynolda Church in Winston-Salem, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

“When you leave here today, you will create great moments, or at least you will have opportunities to create great moments,” he told the 19 graduates. Those great moments, he said, will present opportunities for today’s graduates to shape the way the world thinks, the way the world cares for one another, the way the world behaves.

Saying he believes today’s youth will be required to be the most resilient in history, Lawson encouraged the graduates to become life-long learners, to never stop seeking more knowledge, and to “tether yourselves to truth.”

“The world is groaning for leaders,” he said. “Lead from your own unique gifts, lead from your integrity, lead from an insatiable desire to know more. “

Books available for check-out at the Mount Airy Public Library:

The Haunting of Leigh Harker – Darcy Coates

The Family Plot – Megan Collins

The Bookseller’s Secret – Michelle Gable

Labyrinth of Lies – Irene Hanon

Beneath a Starless Sky – Tessa Harris

The Vanished Days – Susanna Kearsley

Daughters of the Resistance – Lana Kortchik

A Little Christmas Spirit – Sheila Roberts

The Girl Behind the Wall – Mandy Robotham

The Secret of Snow – Viola Shipman

What Passes As Love – Trisha R. Thomas

The Attic on Queen Street – Karen White

What Happened to the Bennetts – Lisa Scottoline

The Pioneer Woman Cooks – Super Easy! – Ree Drummond

The Joy of Sweat – Sarah Everts

The Bomber Mafia – Malcolm Gladwell

The Quiet Zone – Stephen Kurczy

Until Proven Safe – Geoff Manaugh

The Secret of Life – Howard Markel

All Made Up – Ray Nudson

The Secret History of Food – Matt Siegal

The First 21 – How I Became Nikki Sixx – Nikki Sixx

Below the Edge of Darkness – Edith Widder

The summer programming is underway, lasting now through Aug. 8. Explore the theme of the week through stories, crafts, games and more. Spaces are limited for some events, call or come by to register to secure a spot. Call 336-789-5108. The schedule is:

• Monday at 6 p.m. – teens, ages 13-17;

• Tuesday at 2 p. m. – kids ages 8-12;

• Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. – Toddler Time for children ages 2 and 3;

• Thursday at 9:30 a.m. – Book Babies for children ages birth to 2 years old;

• Thursday at 11 a.m. – Preschool Storytime – ages 4-5;

• Friday at 9 a.m. – Adults, age 18 and older;

• Friday at 1 p.m. – Family Movie Series, popcorn and water will be available. Feel free to bring your own snacks.

• June 11 at 2 p.m. Author Meet and Greet – Come by and meet Sarah McCoy and listen as she talks about her new book Mustique Island.

• July 21 at 4:30 p.m. Brightstar Children’s Theatre Presents “Treasure Island.” Get a crash course on this Robert Louis Stevenson classic tale of treasure, pirates and ocean adventure. For all ages.

Surry Community College is offering a fun and free English as Second Language (ESL) class at the Mount Airy Public Library Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Anyone interested should contact Jennifer Pardue at 336-386-3674.

Hooked – Come join our crochet and knitting club, every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Bring your own yarn and make the group project or bring your own project to work on.

Tai Chi has returned to the library. Join us each Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. This class is beneficial for those with limited mobility.

The Community Book Club meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m.

It’s Yoga Y’all – Yoga with Ms. Heather will be the third Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise noted.

Pages and Petticoats Book Club — meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.

An Author Meet and Greet with Sarah McCoy, author of several novels, will take place on June 11 at 2 p.m. She will be talking about her new book, Mustique Island.

Keep up with all events on our FaceBook pages, https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmapl and https://www.facebook.com/mtapublibrary or our website https://nwrlibrary.org/mountairy/

Cruisin’ with Honor was held on Saturday at the National Guard Armory in Mount Airy, with a good number of autos and an even better crowd of spectators turning out for the event. Money raised during the cruise-in will be used to pay for providing a meal for area veterans after Veteran’s Day ceremonies later this year.

A vintage car show, food truck rodeo and flower festival are among the activities planned Sunday at Miss Angel’s Farm to aid Trinity Episcopal Food Bank in Mount Airy.

The rain-or-shine event is being held in conjunction with Memorial Day, according to Angela Shur of the farm. It is scheduled Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Miss Angel’s Farm is located at 252 Heart Lane (formerly Quarter Horse Lane), which is west of Mount Airy near Interstate 77, off N.C. 89.

Admission will be free to the public, but those attending are asked to bring a canned or non-perishable food item to donate for the Trinity Episcopal bank.

There will be costs for food, beverages and other items once on the farm grounds.

The gathering is slated to feature vintage cars and hot rods from across the state, a variety of food trucks and pick-your-own flowers from rose, poppy and wildflower fields for an extra fee.

“Elvis and Frank Sinatra will be rocking the pavilion, so bring your lawn chairs,” according to an announcement about the festival mentioning another attraction featuring individuals portraying those entertainers.

At last report, food trucks scheduled to have a presence at the farm are Town Fork Mobile Kitchen (Japanese/hibachi), Dog House Hot Dogs, one offering pub fare/soul food, T’s Treats (desserts), a kettle corn outlet, King Tut’s Hot Dog Palace and Oink ‘N’ Moo (barbecue).

Shur said Trinity Episcopal Food Bank has faced difficulty maintaining its supplies, as have similar facilities in the area, and urged support for that cause.

DOBSON — Fifty students were awarded scholarships by the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation College Scholarship Program during a ceremony that took place at the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture & Enology on the campus of Surry Community College in Dobson recently

These scholarships, over a four-year period, will be contributing $766,000 to the educational pursuits of the scholars.

SCC President Dr. David Shockley welcomed the scholarship recipients, their families and friends along with school administrators from local high schools. SCC Foundation Executive Director Sheila Franklin introduced guest speaker Jewel Parker, who was a 2015 Armfield Scholarship recipient.

Parker spoke about the importance of education and her time as a student at Surry Community College and receiving the Armfield Scholarship, which helped her transfer to Appalachian State University to major in history with a minor in women’s studies. Parker went on to earn a master’s degree in history and is pursuing a doctorate degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

“The Armfield Scholarship allowed me to transfer to a university with my associate degree. I completed my general education requirements at Surry Community College,” Parker said. “Now, my educational aspirations are perhaps unique in the sense that I determined as a first-year student at Surry Community College that I wanted to go to graduate school.

“I’d say that most people probably do not determine that attending graduate school is something that they want to do until much later in their college education, but if the Armfields had never donated money and if I had never received a scholarship, I wouldn’t have had that cushion of having had my undergraduate degree paid for, and it would have made entering and financing a master’s program that much more difficult.”

Bedford Cannon, nephew of Edward M. Armfield and founding board member of the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation, spoke on behalf of the Armfield Foundation Board of Directors. Mindy Oakley, executive director of the Armfield Foundation, announced a special award in honor of Bedford Cannon as he retires from the board.

The Bedford Cannon award is presented to the Armfield Scholar with the most outstanding scholarship application each year. It provides an additional $2,000 scholarship per academic year provided a 3.0 GPA is maintained. Kailey Myers of the Surry Early College High School was announced as the winner of the inaugural Bedford Cannon Award.

The 2022-2023 Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation College Scholars are:

Millennium Charter Academy: Max Oakely;

Mount Airy High School: Paxton Reece, Jessica Sawyers, Amelia Radford, Devyn Joyce, Saverio Lennon and Kylie Hollingsworth;

East Surry High School: Haley Chilton, Rose Craven, Megan Hutchens, Alyssa Johnson, Hannan Johnston, Citlali Martinez-Arellano and Samuel Whitt. Whitt also received the John C. McKenzie Award, which is named in honor of a respected employee of Mr. Armfield, is awarded to the top-ranked scholarship applicant from East Surry High School and includes an additional $1,000 scholarship per academic year;

North Surry High School: Callie Allen, Raegan Amos, Maleigha Brintle, Nydia Cabrera Cabrera, Madalyn Edwards, Ronald Hudson, Isabella Jones, Colby Mitchell and Jacey Ward;

Surry Central High School: Austin Cave, Brady Edmonds, Jacob Edmonds, Mia McMillen, Katelyn Patterson, Sebastian Sanchez Aguilar, Kennedy Smith, Jaylyn Templeton and Dante Watson;

Surry Early College High School of Design: Britza Chavez-Arellano, Nancy Garcia Villa, Abigail Garza, Jennifer Hernandez, Peyton Jones, Jacob Mills, Kailey Myers, Chloe Snow and Jonathan Williams;

Elkin High School: Addison Blackwelder, Laura Couch, Emerson Gonzalez, Luis Hernandez-Matul, Daniel Islas, Thomas McComb, Kayla Nguyen and James Owings;

Surry Community College: Jordyn Coe.

The Edward M. Armfield, Sr. Foundation has awarded $13.8 million in scholarships to students graduating from the public high schools in Surry County since 2005. Each year, scholarships are awarded for students at East Surry High School, North Surry High School, Surry Central High School, Mount Airy High School, Surry Early College High School, Elkin High School, and Millennium Charter Academy. Scholarships are given to students who will be attending four-year colleges and universities or Surry Community College, and to students at Surry Community College who will be transferring to a four-year school to complete their undergraduate degree.

Scholarships range in value from $3,600 per year for Surry Community College attendees to $12,500 per year for students attending higher-cost private colleges and universities. Scholarships are renewable for one additional year for Surry Community College students or students transferring from Surry Community College to a four-year institution, and for three additional years for students attending four-year schools immediately out of high school.

Fifty students were awarded scholarships by the Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation College Scholarship Program during a ceremony that took place at the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture & Enology on the campus of Surry Community College in Dobson recently. These scholarships, over a four-year period, will be contributing $766,000 to the educational pursuits of the scholars. The Edward M. Armfield Sr. Foundation has awarded $13.8 million in scholarships to students graduating from the public schools in Surry County since 2005.

Steve Driver died in April 2020, but his presence is still greatly felt in Mount Airy’s tight-knit running and cycling community, which was evident during an event this week at Riverside Park.

About 90 people gathered Wednesday afternoon at the park’s northern end near the starting point of the Granite City Greenway system there to dedicate an archway in Driver’s memory.

This was deemed an appropriate gesture to honor a man considered the best runner in Mount Airy history, who competed in about 40 marathons during his career — grueling long-distance races of 26.2 miles — including the 2019 Boston Marathon.

And Driver probably logged more miles on the local greenway system than anyone else, according to Assistant City Manager Darren Lewis, who also is the former director of Mount Airy Parks and Recreation and a longtime runner himself.

In addition, Driver was known as one of the best bicyclists in the community.

“He was probably one of the most-active individuals we have ever known,” Lewis said of Driver’s stature in local recreation circles. In a 2019 interview, Lewis had even gone so far as to refer to Driver as “a legend.”

His life that was so inspirational to many ended at age 71 on April 16, 2020, when Driver was fatally injured in a cycling accident. At the time, Kim Felts Ross, his niece, found some solace in the fact that her uncle had died doing something he loved.

Yet Driver’s spirit has continued to live on among his fellow runners and cyclists, friends and family members — many of whom ventured to Riverside Park Wednesday to witness the arch dedication.

And after the brief program attendees cycled, ran and walked the greenway in remembrance of Steve Driver.

“Some of the runners and cyclists had spoken to me about doing something in his memory,” Lewis said of efforts that led up to this week’s dedication of the arch.

Other options had been suggested, such as buying a metal park bench in tribute to Driver through an ongoing program in which donations can be made to name that and other fixtures such as picnic tables in honor or memory of someone.

“We felt like a bench would not do him justice,” Lewis said of what prompted the archway gesture ultimately decided upon by local recreation advocates, given Driver ‘s active life during which much of the sitting he did was aboard a bicycle.

“He was one of the least-sedentary people (around).”

Steve Driver was defined by more than just his individual sporting achievements, however.

He also was known for helping other people get started with their running careers, including a young lady present Wednesday, Teresa Grey, whom he had met while running on the greenway.

As he did with legions of others, Driver supplied Grey with tips about the sport and she later became a marathon runner herself.

“He helped so many of us,” Lewis recalled during Wednesday’s observance. “That was just the person that he was.”

Driver also played a key role in coordinating the quality running events held locally along with serving in a leadership capacity with Reeves Community Center and aiding a center foundation that provides scholarships for underprivileged students in the area.

“He had no idea how much he had affected other people,” Driver’s widow Judy said Wednesday when given the ceremonial honor of unveiling a plaque mounted on a brick support for the archway which bears his name.

“This arch is dedicated in memory of Steve W. Driver, Oct. 26, 1948-April 16, 2020,” its inscription states. “Forever in our hearts, always in our thoughts.”

“Steve would have been so surprised,” Judy Driver remarked while surveying the crowd gathered Wednesday afternoon to celebrate his life and continuing influence.

“He was an amazing man,” Lewis said.

© 2018 The Mount Airy News