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Sabrina L. Baker
Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. A passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits. At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.
Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him. He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.
Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its citizens.
In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author. His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise. Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.
Contributors
Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.
Carmen is a NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge. Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school through college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job easier.
Kage Pyles
Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine. She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin, son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.
Kage Pyles, a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete from Westfield, NC, is known for his powerful presence on the mats and his dedication to strength training. With a relentless work ethic and disciplined mindset, Kage brings intensity and precision to every match. Off the mats, he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Starting in May 2025, readers can catch his insights in each issue of Surry Living magazine.
Blake Johnson
Derina Pyles
Eddie Lowe
Kevin Pyles
Carmen Long
Contributors
Joanna Radford Larry VanHoose
Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Josh Snow
Josh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure. An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.
Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.
More Than a Meat Market
In a time when many shopping experiences have become rushed, automated, and impersonal, Mt. Airy Meat Center continues to offer something that many people feel has become increasingly rare: genuine customer service, trusted quality, and a welcoming environment built around faith, family, and community.
For owner Gray, the business was never simply about selling meat. After spending 20 years working for a large corporation, he felt called to build something different. He wanted to create a business where customers felt valued, where quality still mattered, and where family remained a priority.
“It was important to me to be able to provide for my family, put GOD first, and have Sundays off so we could attend church together,” Gray shared.
That commitment to faith and family continues to shape the culture of Mt. Airy Meat Center today.
Over the years, the business has steadily grown into far more than a traditional meat market. While the store has become well known throughout the area for its meats and customer service, it has also expanded its wholesale services to restaurants and added a wider variety of products for customers looking for convenience and quality in one location.
What many first time visitors may not realize is just how much Mt. Airy Meat Center offers beyond the meat counter. Customers can find fresh fish delivered weekly, frozen foods, specialty products, desserts, and a variety of hard to find items that many larger grocery stores may not carry.
The market has become especially known for favorites like bacon, hotdogs, chili, fresh ground chuck, and filets. Their popular frozen school pizzas have also developed a loyal following among local families.
For customers searching for something unique, the team can often special-order products such as Wagyu beef or help locate cuts that may not typically be available in standard grocery stores. Still, what truly separates Mt. Airy Meat Center from larger chain stores is not simply the products themselves. It is the experience customers receive each time they walk through the doors.
The atmosphere inside the store feels personal and welcoming. Customers are greeted by familiar faces, conversations happen naturally, and the staff takes time to genuinely help people rather than simply rushing them through a checkout line.
That personal interaction is something Gray believes still matters deeply in today’s world.
The team works hard to ensure customers leave not only with quality products, but with an experience they will remember and want to share with others. Whether someone is preparing meals for their family, planning a holiday gathering, or trying a new recipe for the first time, the knowledgeable staff takes pride in helping guide customers toward the right products for their needs.
Many customers come in with questions about cuts of meat, cooking methods, or preparation ideas, and the experienced staff enjoys helping them find the best options.
That level of knowledge and customer care is one of the reasons so many people continue returning year after year.
In an industry where quality can vary greatly, Mt. Airy Meat Center also places a strong emphasis on consistency and freshness. Gray and his team are extremely selective about the products they purchase, and fresh meat is ground daily to help ensure customers receive the highest quality possible.
The business also operates with a federal inspector on site five days a week, providing customers with an additional level of confidence and oversight.
Another thing customers appreciate is the willingness of the team to go above and beyond whenever possible. If shoppers do not see exactly what they are looking for in the display case, the staff will often work to provide custom cuts or help special order products whenever they can.
That extra level of effort has helped build lasting relationships throughout the community over the years.
For Gray, those relationships have become one of the most meaningful parts of the business.
“Our customers are the absolute best. We are family,” he said. “Being away for the past two and a half years made me realize how important each and every one of them are to me and my family.”
That sense of connection is something that can still be felt throughout the store today. In many ways, Mt. Airy Meat Center represents the kind of local business that people hope never disappears. It is a place where quality still matters, where customers are treated with respect, and where relationships are built over time.
Gray hopes every person who walks through the doors feels welcomed into a friendly, family-oriented environment and leaves with products they are excited to take home and share around their table.
For anyone who has never visited before, he wants them to know there is much more waiting inside than they may expect.
“If you do not see what you want or need, we can probably get it for you,” Gray said.
That willingness to serve customers however possible has helped make Mt. Airy Meat Center more than simply a place to shop. For many throughout the community, it has become a trusted local staple built on faith, hard work, quality products, and genuine care for the people it serves.
by Sabrina Lee Baker
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with Kevin Pyles
What Happens When You Listen
There is something about this time of year that changes the pace of life in a way that feels natural.
The days stretch a little longer, the evenings settle in a little slower, and people find themselves spending more time outside. Without really planning it, conversations start happening more often. Not just quick exchanges, but real conversations that linger a little longer than usual.
I have always believed that stories are one of the most powerful things we have. Not because they entertain us, but because they connect us. Every person you meet is carrying a story, shaped by experiences, challenges, wins, and everything in between. Most of the time, we only see a small part of that. It is not until we slow down enough to listen that we begin to understand what someone has actually been through.
In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next goal, the next step, or the next level, it is easy to overlook what is right in front of us. Growth is important, and moving forward matters, but not at the expense of missing the moments that give life meaning. Some of the most important interactions are not planned. They happen in everyday situations, in passing conversations that turn into something deeper without warning.
Those moments often become the stories we carry with us. A simple conversation on a front porch, a shared laugh over a meal, or a quick exchange that leaves a lasting impression can shape how we see things moving forward. These are the moments that stay with us, not because they were extraordinary, but because they were real.
If you really want to understand someone, you do not need to know everything about them. You just need to hear a piece of their story. That alone will tell you more than titles, accomplishments, or surface-level impressions ever could. At the same time, your story matters just as much. Not just the highlights, but the everyday experiences that have shaped who you are.
Too often, people feel like their story has to be perfect before it is worth sharing. The truth is, the most meaningful stories are the ones that are honest. They include the setbacks, the uncertainty, and the moments when things did not go according to plan. Those are the parts people connect with, because they see themselves in them.
This time of year naturally creates space for that kind of connection. It brings people together in a way that feels unforced. It gives us opportunities to slow down just enough to notice what is happening around us and who we are sharing it with.
So take a little extra time to be present. Pay attention to the people around you. Be willing to listen a little longer than usual. You may hear something that shifts your perspective or reminds you of something you needed to hear.
The light around us has a way of bringing things into view, but it is the conversations we have that give those moments meaning. And when you combine the two, you end up with something that lasts far beyond the moment itself.
EMERGENCY STROKE CARE
S t o r e H o u r s
M o n - F r i : 8 a m - 5 : 3 0 p m
S a t u r d a y : 8 a m - 4 p m
Quote of the Month:
“Consistency creates the kind of change that lasts.”
— Unknown
Hometown Heroes
Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.
As a Christian, I am not ashamed of the gospel, but sometimes I catch myself hesitating or becoming shy when I want to bring it up or defend it in conversation. I am not sure if it is just me or if culture has made it such a polarizing topic. How do I move past the shyness and become more confident in sharing my faith?
KEVIN PYLES, PT
Thanks, Shy but Why
Dear Shy but Why,
Great question. Thank you for writing and opening the dialogue on such a tough topic. I think we all struggle with sharing our beliefs at times. The truth is we live in a melting pot of culture, and it can be difficult to always know who our audience is. Although that should not matter, society has somehow convinced us that sharing one’s beliefs is taboo, and it seems even more so lately, especially for Christians.
To answer the first part of your question, I do believe that a diverse culture in this country makes Christianity more controversial. With that said, Christianity has been a polarizing topic since its inception. In the beginning, if everyone had accepted Christ, there would have been no sacrifice,
and without His sacrifice there would be no pardon for sin. If you think about it that way, defiance made Christianity and salvation possible. Even with evidence of Christ and His sacrifice at the time, some remained defiant, and that defiance continues today. It may feel more prevalent now because Christianity in the United States is declining. It is estimated to have dropped from 90 to 62 percent since the 1990s. As the number of other religious affiliations grows, including those who identify as agnostic, opposition grows as well. In addition, in the presence of such bold opposition, many Christians are becoming timid.
If we, as Christians, want to reverse that decline and grow within the country, we must be willing to speak up. Christians are the disciples of Jesus, and He tells His disciples in
Matthew, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). We may face opposition, but it is important to use the opportunities we are given. When the apostles faced resistance, Jesus told them, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet” (Matt. 10:14). We cannot control the response, but we can have the satisfaction of knowing we did our part. The fact is we never know how we may impact others or the difference a few kind, compelling words can make. It is certain that if we do not plant seeds, we will never yield fruit. Our predecessors shared the gospel. If it stops with us, the future of the church is uncertain at best.
To move past shyness and become bold, I recommend reflecting on those you wish to emulate. I often think of Peter in these situations. Peter denied his friend Jesus three times as they led Jesus to the high priest. Immediately after Peter’s third denial, the rooster crowed and Jesus turned and looked at him. Peter then went
out and wept bitterly (Luke 22:54–62). I can only imagine the shame and heartbreak he felt for denying his friend. Instead of giving up, he became emboldened and more motivated than ever to speak about Jesus. Peter and the apostles went on to share the gospel despite persecution, beatings, imprisonment, and the threat of death. Like Peter, you can use moments of hesitation as motivation moving forward. The Bible tells us to “be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). Take some time to prepare an answer. If you struggle, you can begin with John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” When the opportunity arises, you will be ready with a starting point.
Religious conversation can be delicate, but when approached with humility and sincerity, it has the potential to bear fruit. Fortunately, we live in a country where religion and speech are still free. Use that privilege to share your hope. I hope and pray this helps you develop the confidence you need.
God bless,
By Gosh! BY JOSH
The Legend of Pilot Mountain
Part 3 of a 4-Part Series: The Rise of Local Legends
By gosh, did you know there is something about Pilot Mountain that naturally invites storytelling? Maybe it is the way the mountain suddenly rises above the surrounding countryside. Maybe it is the shadow cast by the towering Big Pinnacle at sunset. Or perhaps it is the simple fact that places with deep history tend to gather legends over time.
By the early 1800s, settlers had become increasingly familiar with the region surrounding the mountain. As described in Faces of Pilot Mountain by J. P. McKelvey, the arrival of communities like the Moravians helped shape the growing frontier. Roads slowly replaced trails, farms appeared in forest clearings, and families began building lives in the shadow of the mountain.
But even as civilization spread, the mystery of Pilot Mountain never disappeared.
The dense woods surrounding the mountain created the perfect setting for folklore. In the days before electric lights and paved roads, the area could feel isolated and untamed. Fog drifting across the rocky cliffs, strange animal calls echoing through the trees, and moonlight reflecting off the pinnacle all added to the mountain’s eerie reputation.
It did not take long for stories to emerge.
Locals began telling tales of hidden caves tucked somewhere within the mountain. Some believed these caves were once used by Native Americans for shelter or ceremony. Others claimed outlaws and runaway fugitives hid there during dangerous times. Whether these stories were true or simply passed along through generations, they became part of the identity of the mountain itself.
One of the most enduring legends involved lost treasure. According to local folklore, travelers and settlers occasionally buried valuables in remote areas near the mountain during times of conflict or uncertainty. Over the years, stories spread about hidden caches of gold or silver waiting to be discovered somewhere among the rocky slopes and wooded hollows.
Treasure hunters occasionally searched the area, convinced the stories held truth. Most found nothing more than loose stone and thick underbrush, but the legends continued to grow.
There were also stories of mysterious lights seen around the mountain at night. Some described glowing, lantern-like flickers moving silently through the woods. Others claimed unexplained shadows appeared near the cliffs during heavy fog. In isolated mountain communities, stories like these often spread quickly, especially during long evenings gathered around fireplaces or campfires.
McKelvey’s work captures how these stories became woven into daily life around Pilot Mountain. The mountain was not simply scenery to the people living nearby. It was a presence. It shaped travel, weather, farming, and local culture. Naturally, it also shaped imagination.
Even today, visitors still speak of the mountain with a certain reverence. Hikers often describe how different the atmosphere feels once they enter the park trails. The sounds of traffic fade away, replaced by rustling leaves, birdsong, and the wind moving through the trees. Standing beneath the massive cliffs of the Big Pinnacle can feel humbling, even unsettling in the quietest moments.
Part of the mountain’s lasting appeal is that it still feels wild despite being accessible. Modern visitors can drive to overlooks, hike maintained trails, and explore the park safely, yet the mountain still holds an ancient quality that resists full explanation.
That tension between history and mystery is what keeps the legends alive.
Some stories are almost certainly exaggerated over time. Others may contain pieces of forgotten truth. But that is often how folklore works. Legends survive not because every detail is proven, but because they connect people to a place in a meaningful way.
At Pilot Mountain, those stories continue to echo through the forests, cliffs, and valleys surrounding the mountain.
And for many who visit, the real magic is not whether the legends are true. It is the feeling that they could be.
by Josh Snow
The
Built in the Heat
Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Be smart about recovery. Adjust intensity when needed, but do not stop showing up.
Consistency matters more than comfort.
There is something different about training this time of year.
The heat shows up. The workouts feel heavier. The air is thicker. What used to feel manageable suddenly feels uncomfortable. For a lot of people, that is where the excuses start. It is too hot. It is too much. It can wait.
But this is exactly where progress begins.
Anyone can train when conditions are perfect. It is easy to stay consistent when the weather is cool, energy is high, and everything feels comfortable. The real test happens when things are not ideal. When the environment pushes back. When your body wants to slow down. When your mind starts looking for a way out.
That is where you decide who you are.
Training in the heat is not just physical. It forces you to develop mental discipline. Every rep requires more focus. Every round demands more effort. You have to control your breathing, stay present, and push through discomfort without losing form or intention.
That carries over into everything.
If you can stay composed when your body is tired and your environment is working against you, you build something deeper than strength. You build resilience. And resilience is what separates people who make progress from those who stay stuck.
This does not mean you train recklessly. It does not mean ignoring your body or pushing past real limits. It means learning how to adapt while still moving forward. Hydrate more.
A lot of people wait for the right time to get serious about their fitness. They wait for cooler weather, a better schedule, or more motivation. The problem is that waiting becomes a habit. And habits are hard to break.
The truth is, the conditions are never perfect.
There will always be something that makes it harder than you want it to be. The people who make real progress are the ones who stop waiting and start working with what they have.
Right now.
When you train through the heat, you start to understand something important. You realize that discomfort is not something to avoid. It is something to work through. It becomes part of the process instead of something that holds you back.
That shift changes everything.
Because once you stop avoiding discomfort, you stop avoiding growth.
And when the conditions do become easier, when the weather cools off and your energy feels higher, you are not starting from scratch. You are operating at a different level. What once felt difficult now feels manageable. What once felt impossible now feels within reach.
That is how progress works.
It is built in the moments most people choose to skip.
So do not back off just because it gets harder. Lean into it. Be smart, stay consistent, and keep showing up.
Because the work you put in now will show up later in ways you cannot fake.
by Kage Pyles
by Eddie Lowe
80’s Summer Nights
As you follow Highway 268, you come to the town of Elkin. Many of the same buildings still stand. The main one that comes to mind is the blanket factory. This massive building’s parking lot borders one of the most memorable strips of asphalt everyone in the 80s called “the strip.”
Even today, as I pass through that area, my mind drifts back to summertime in the late 80s. Anyone from Surry County who was raised in the 80s probably “cruised” that stretch of road late into the hot June nights. There were other places, such as Galax, Stratford Road in Winston, or even 601 in my hometown of Mount Airy, but few places bring such nostalgia to me as the strip in Elkin.
It was where our cars and trucks would be bumper to bumper, and with each passing car, we boys would muster up the courage to say, “Meet us at the car wash.” The car wash was a pull-off spot on the back stretch of the strip where people would meet. As crazy as it seems now, we would get into each other’s cars to ride the next lap. The goal was to get a phone number and hopefully a first date.
To give a little context, teens in the 70s would go to West Lebanon Street in Mount Airy. Even earlier, they would cruise around the Derby Restaurant in Flat Rock. My dad told me he remembered when downtown Mount Airy was a two-way street, and they would sit on the hood of their cars and watch people go by. The summers may have different dates, but the memories are much the same.
All day Saturday, we boys would wash and wax our cars and make mixtapes to play while cruising. If someone had a really nice car, everyone would pile in, which made it even more fun. It was a carefree time where the music was loud and the mullets were on point. Time was not a factor, and the nights seemed endless.
One “skill” that came out of those nights was the ability to communicate. After all, the best part of the night was getting to know new people.
To further date myself, one Saturday a friend came up with a complex plan to make us stand out. Keep in mind, the only “mobile phone” we knew of was on television, and even those had cords. First, a phone receiver and cord were unplugged from his parents’ house. Next, a cassette tape recording was made of a house phone ringing. Finally, the end of the cord was crammed into the console for authenticity.
The stage was set, and the girls were going to be impressed.
As we got halfway into town, he pressed play with the stereo volume all the way up. He let it ring a few times, then “answered” it.
Impressed? I’m sure you are. Cheesy? Absolutely. Memorable? I still laugh about it to this day.
It feels like a lifetime ago, and in many ways it is. But sometimes, when I am over that way, I will pull into the old car wash parking lot. Now, with an actual phone, I sit in silence. With a full heart and memories of days gone by, I reflect on what it meant to be a teenager in the 80s.
Dairy-licious
Calling all milk lovers. It is time to celebrate. June is Dairy Month. I know some of you might not really love milk, but as the saying goes, “Milk, it does a body good,” and it really does. We know milk helps us have stronger bones, but according to the National Dairy Council, nutrient-dense dairy foods provide a variety of health benefits.
An affordable source of 13 essential nutrients, three servings of dairy foods per day is the goal recommended in the 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dairy foods help sustain energy, provide hydration, and are a good source of protein. Protein helps curb hunger and can help you feel satisfied longer. There are many ways we can increase our dairy intake, even if we are not milk lovers.
• Make fruit yogurt smoothies in the blender.
• Use milk instead of water to prepare hot chocolate, oatmeal, and hot cereals.
• Enjoy a delicious bowl of potato, broccoli, or another cream soup made with milk.
• Top your soup, salad, or casserole with low-fat shredded cheese.
• Try one of the many flavors of low-fat yogurt or lowfat Greek yogurt. Individual servings are portable and convenient.
Substitute plain yogurt in place of sour cream in recipes like dips.
by CARMEN LONG
What counts as a serving of dairy? One cup of milk, one cup of yogurt, or one cup of frozen yogurt equals one serving. One slice of hard cheese (1 1/2 ounces) is equal to 1/2 cup of milk. One slice of processed cheese is equivalent to 1/3 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of cottage cheese is equal to 1/4 cup of milk.
Although ice cream is a summer dairy favorite, it is not the healthiest way to consume our daily dairy goal of three cups per day. You would have to eat 4 1/2 cups of ice cream to equal three cups of milk, which, depending on the variety and flavor, could result in over 1,000 calories and more than 50 grams of fat.
A helpful hint for enjoying a scoop of your favorite ice cream is to make a small, not heaping, cone, or better yet, switch to frozen yogurt. Try an upside-down sundae for a delicious treat. Eat a bowl of fruit topped with a small amount of ice cream rather than a larger bowl of ice cream topped with a small amount of fruit.
To make milk more exciting for children, try “magic milk.” A small drop of food coloring can make their milk any color they desire. When my children were young, they made “magic milk” in their favorite school colors and sports team colors. Smurf milk with a drop of blue, Barney milk with some purple, pink princess milk, the possibilities are endless. Just let their imaginations go to work. If children choose milk when they are young, they are more likely to be milk drinkers as adults. That is a wonderful goal to work toward.
Celebrate June Dairy Month and enjoy some delicious dairy products. Your body will be celebrating, too. No-Bake Key Lime Yogurt Pie is a great make-ahead summertime treat that will not heat up your kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 reduced-fat ready-made graham cracker pie crust
• 1 small (3-ounce) package sugar-free lime gelatin
1. Dissolve gelatin in boiling water using a wire whisk.
2. Stir in yogurt until well blended.
3. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Pour into pie crust.
5. Refrigerate until firm.
You may substitute different combinations of gelatin and yogurt to create a variety of flavors. For example, use peach yogurt and peach gelatin for a peach pie, and garnish with sliced peaches and fresh berries.
Key Lime Yogurt Pie
Garden Home, &
farm,
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
“I’m not doing it. Not doing it, Hay-Woman. Don’t ask me again, my answer will be the same. I am not going to that kids’ camp this summer!”
“Ah, come on Traveler, please! You know it’s for a good cause. The kids there absolutely love you.”
“Love me?” I could always tell when he was about to blow up because he would start pacing and snorting. Standing still was out of the question.
“Okay, okay, calm down.” I put my hand on his long furry neck. “Let’s start by taking a couple of cleansing, deep breaths. Breathe in for 6, hold, and out for a 10 count. Close your eyes, and think of those deep blue skies…”
“You hold your breath, and keep holding it,” he said sharply. That meditation stuff you’re learning isn’t going to work with me today Hay-Woman.”
Shocked, I raised my head, and we locked eyes. Then, simultaneously, we busted out laughing.
“I’m sorry for that,” he said, as we both regained our composure.
“Can we at least talk about it for a few minutes before you make a final decision?”
Traveler nodded his big grey head in agreement.
“The lady running the horse camp called and asked for you specifically. You’re practically a celebrity with them.” I was trying my best to pump up his ego so he would agree to go. His ears perked forward proudly at this statement.
Then, he let out a big sigh. “Do you know what it’s like there?” He asked, as if he were describing a maximum-security jail. “Children all day bouncing in the saddle, all over my back, pulling on my mouth with the reins, leading me here, leading me there, the endless circling, and don’t even get me started on the painting. I mean, what do I look like, a piece of canvas? Last year it took me a week to get all that paint out of my fur and off my rump.”
I giggled at the memory of him last year — paint everywhere you can possibly imagine — but quickly sobered up to avoid starting another outburst.
“I remember you getting brushed and rubbed most of the day, not to mention all the constant petting and scratching. I also remember how you helped many of those kids overcome fears, gave them confidence, and fostered a love for horsemanship they may not have had. Many of the kids went from being beginners to advanced riders because of you. That one little boy had never seen a horse before you, and by the end of the camp he was galloping around the ring. He sent you a Christmas card, remember?”
“I guess there were some good lessons that came out of it,” he relented. After thinking intently, he quoted, “Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
“Yes! That’s right Traveler, the kids at that camp are like your children.”
“Well, what are you waiting for then Hay-Woman? Call her and tell her of course I will be happy to come and help her this year. Why wouldn’t I? Besides, I’m like a celebrity to everyone there.” “Calling her now.” My dear friend was one in a million.
by DERINA PYLES
by JOANNA RADFORD
Big, Red Tomatoes in the Home Garden
In backyard gardens across Surry County, North Carolina, tomatoes are more than just a summer crop. They are a tradition. Whether tucked into raised beds, sprawling beside a fence row, or trellised in a traditional garden, healthy tomato plants reward gardeners with baskets of fresh fruit. Two simple practices, staking and pruning, can make the difference between a tangled jungle and a productive, manageable harvest.
Tomatoes are naturally sprawling plants. Left unsupported, they tend to grow along the ground, where fruit and foliage are more vulnerable to pests, rot, and disease. Staking keeps plants upright, improves air circulation, and reduces contact with soil-borne diseases.
Pruning works hand in hand with staking. By removing excess growth, gardeners can direct the plant’s energy toward fruit production while improving airflow and sunlight penetration, two key factors in disease prevention. Before you prune or stake, it is important to know what you are growing. Tomatoes fall into two main categories: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate varieties are bushier and produce most of their fruit in a short window, requiring less aggressive pruning and lighter support. Indeterminate types, on the other hand, grow continuously throughout the season and need sturdy staking systems and more regular pruning to manage their vigorous vines. For many Surry County gardeners, popular heirlooms and cherry tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning a little extra attention pays off with a longer harvest stretching well into late summer.
There is no single “right” way to stake tomatoes, but several proven methods fit different garden styles. The simplest is the single-stake system: a sturdy stake placed close to the plant and tied loosely as it grows. Stakes should be driven 6 to 12 inches into the soil and tied every 8 inches along the stem for support.
Cages are another common option, especially for determinate varieties. While lightweight cages are widely available, they may not support larger plants well. Many experienced gardeners build their own cages or use livestock fencing for durability.
For rows of tomatoes, the Florida weave method is a favorite among both home gardeners and small-scale growers. By weaving twine between stakes, this system creates a supportive corridor that holds plants upright as they grow.
Pruning should begin early, right at planting time. Remove any lower leaves or stems that will touch the soil, reducing the risk of disease transmission. As plants grow, continue removing drooping branches near the ground.
One of the most important pruning tasks is managing suckers, the small shoots that form between the main stem and branches. Removing suckers reduces potential yields but increases airflow. A balanced approach works best: leave the sucker just below the first flower cluster, remove all other suckers below that one, and allow all suckers above the first flower cluster to grow. This method maintains good air circulation while still supporting strong fruit production.
Selective pruning also includes removing diseased or damaged leaves and thinning dense growth to allow sunlight into the canopy. However, moderation is key. Over-pruning can expose fruit to sunscald, a common issue during hot North Carolina summers. Gardeners aiming for larger tomatoes can even thin fruit clusters, leaving one tomato per cluster so the plant concentrates its resources.
The best tomato care is consistent but simple. Check plants weekly, tie new growth to stakes, pinch small suckers, and remove any yellowing leaves. Clean pruning tools between plants to avoid spreading disease, and always remove clippings from the garden area.
From backyard plots to community gardens across the county, tomatoes thrive when given structure and attention. Staking keeps plants upright and accessible, while thoughtful pruning channels growth into healthy, productive vines. With these techniques, and a little Surry County sunshine, gardeners can enjoy not just bigger harvests, but better quality tomatoes all season long.
Florida weave system used to support determinate tomatoes. Image credit: UNH Extension Diagram credit: UNH Extension
Inside of Today
I used to think strength looked like staying ahead, in control, strong, fast, and capable.
Staying busy. Staying productive. Staying in motion so nothing could catch up to me: stress, fear, failure, or that version of myself I did not want to become. So I ran. Literally. Five, six, sometimes seven days a week. It was my reset button. My therapy. My way of staying in control.
Until my knees had a different opinion.
The first injury, I ignored. The second one, I got frustrated. The third one, that is when reality showed up and sat me down, whether I liked it or not.
Running stopped.
And for a while, so did I.
I did not replace it with something impressive. No big comeback story. I just started walking. Slow, quiet walks through the woods with no earbuds, no pace to hit, no step count, and no finish line. Just me, my dogs, my thoughts, and whatever God might say to me.
At first, it felt a lot like losing.
But somewhere along those pine-needle paths and tree lines, I started noticing things I had been running past for years. The way the light breaks through the trees in the morning. The stillness before the day gets loud. The quiet nudge that maybe I did not have to force everything to work.
Maybe I did not have to stay ahead. Maybe I just had to stay present.
Jesus said it in a way that almost sounds too simple:
“Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, NIV).
Not next week’s bread. Not enough to cover every worst-case scenario. Just what you need for today. That is harder than it sounds.
Most of us do not fall apart in big, dramatic moments. We get worn down in the ordinary ones. The middle of the week. The long afternoon. The quiet pressure of trying to stay on top of everything: work, family, expectations, and the version of life we thought we would have by now.
So we start reaching ahead. Planning, worrying, and carrying things that have not even happened yet. And somewhere along the way, we miss what is right in front of us.
So let me ask you this: Are you living ahead of today or inside it?
Because there is a difference.
Living ahead of today means you are always chasing something just out of reach, always trying to get in front of the next problem, the next responsibility, or the next version of yourself you think you are supposed to be.
But living inside today is different.
It is waking up and taking the day as it comes. Not lazy. Not checked out. Just grounded. Willing to do what is in front of you without trying to carry everything at once.
It is trusting that what God gives you today is enough for today.
I have learned that most of life is not built in big, defining moments. It is built in small ones. Repeated ones. The kind nobody applauds. The kind that does not feel like progress at the time.
The kind that looks a lot like walking instead of running.
And if I am honest, that is where most of us struggle. We want transformation, but we look for it in big changes. A quick fix, a clear path, or instant results. Meanwhile, God is working in the daily, shaping us through ordinary moments, quiet discipline, and sometimes even forced stillness.
The truth is, some of the strongest seasons of my life did not come when I was running full speed. Sometimes they came when I was barely moving at all.
They came when I slowed down long enough to realize I was never in control to begin with.
That is not weakness.
That is learning to live inside the day you have been given.
Growth
Where are you getting pulled out of today, and what would it look like to fully step back into it?
Grace
You do not need to have it all figured out. You just need enough for today, and God has already provided that.
Father’s Day is this month, and here is a great gift for the men in your life. Forged: 52 Weeks of Grit, Growth, and Grace for Men Who Don’t Like to Read by Larry VanHoose is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other online bookstores, as well as local bookstores by special order. Step into the fire. Do not settle for a forgery (Matthew 3:11).
by Larry Van Hoose
5 4
JUNE EVENTS
MOUNT AIRY
NC Trail Days Festival
Thursday, June 4, 2026 through Sunday, June 7, 2026
Various locations (Downtown & trails)
Mount Airy, NC
Historic Downtown Ghost Tours
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
54th Annual Mount Airy Bluegrass & Old-Time
Fiddlers Convention
Friday, June 5, 2026 at 7:00
Saturday, June 6, 2026 (all day)
Veterans Memorial Park
691 W Lebanon St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Konnection Band (Summer Concert Series)
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Critter Camp (Ages 6-9)
Monday, June 8, 2026 through Friday, June 12, 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Bracelet Making & Semi-Precious Stone Class
Friday, June 12, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Blackwater Band Live Concert
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Earth Explorers Camp (Ages 10-13)
Monday, June 22, 2026 through Friday, June 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
The Catalinas (Summer Concert Series)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Blackmon Amphitheatre
231 Spring St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
DOBSON
Central Surry Senior Center Programs
Monday through Friday in June 2026 at 9:00 am
Central Surry Senior Center
200 W Kapp St, Dobson, NC 27017
Surry County Farmers Market
Saturday’s in June, 2026 at 8:00 am
Surry County Service Center
915 E Atkins St, Dobson, NC 27017
Surry Community College: Summer Session Events
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Surry Community College
630 S Main St, Dobson, NC 27017
ELKIN
Live Music at Angry Troll Brewing
Friday’s in June 2026 at 7:00 pm
Angry Troll Brewing
222 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
Blue Ridge Music Trails Concerts
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Elkin Municipal Park
399 CC Camp Rd, Elkin, NC 28621
Elkin Farmers Market
Saturday’s in June 2026 at 9:00 am
Elkin Municipal Park
399 CC Camp Rd, Elkin, NC 28621
Elkin Public Library Summer Programs
Tuesday’s in June 2026 at 10:00 am
Elkin Public Library
148 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
Elkin Public Library Summer Programs
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 10:00 am
Elkin Public Library
148 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621
Foothills Outdoor Adventure Race Series
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 8:00 am
Elkin Municipal Park
399 CC Camp Rd, Elkin, NC 28621
Yadkin Valley Wine Festival
Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Elkin Municipal Park
399 CC Camp Rd, Elkin, NC 28621
Galax Farmers Market
Friday’s in June 2026 at 3:00 pm
Galax Farmers Market
206 N Main St, Galax, VA 24333
Rex Theater Live Music
Friday’s in June 2026 at 7:00 pm
Rex Theater
113 E Grayson St, Galax, VA 24333
Blue Ridge Music Center – Midday Mountain Music
Saturday’s and Sunday’s in June 2026 at 12:00 pm
Blue Ridge Music Center
700 Foothills Rd, Galax, VA 24333
Blue Ridge Music Center: Evening Concert Series
Saturday’s in June 2026 at 7:00 pm
Blue Ridge Music Center
700 Foothills Rd, Galax, VA 24333
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts: Summer Classes and Events
Multiple dates throughout June 2026
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts
100 N Main St, Galax, VA 24333
PILOT MOUNTAIN
Pilot Mountain State Park Ranger Programs
Saturday’s in June 2026 at 10:00 am
Pilot Mountain State Park 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Pilot Mountain State Park Guided Hikes
Sunday’s in June 2026 at 2:00 pm
Pilot Mountain State Park 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Pilot Mountain Parks and Recreation Summer Programs
Tuesday’s and Thursday’s in June 2026 at 6:00 pm Armfield Civic Center 873 W Main St, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
Pilot Mountain Public Library Summer Reading Program
Wednesday’s in June 2026 at 10:00 am
Pilot Mountain Public Library
204 W Main St, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
Downtown Pilot Mountain Cruise-In Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Downtown Pilot Mountain Main St, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
