September 2026
FEATURING
What Are You Nurturing?
What you nurture today shapes the life you harvest tomorrow.
Don’t Wing It
A delicious recipe with safety in every bite.
Passing the Trowel
Help your landscape survive dry spells and flourish again.
1725 Link Rd Winston Salem, NC 27103
336-800-3303
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SPECIALS
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www.bobkingkia.com
“Celebrating 86 YEARS OF SERVICE in the Area!”
www.thederbyrestaurant.com
1901 S. Main St • Mt. Airy • (336) 786-7082
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday, 10am-4pm
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Furever Friends
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Surry Living Magazine
September 2026 Surry Living celebrates Surry County, its people, businesses, and attractions. Surry Living is a complimentary magazine published monthly and is available at many prime locations in Mount Airy, Elkin, Dobson, King, Pilot Mountain, Jonesville, Yadkinville and throughout the County.
Publisher: Kevin Pyles Executive Editor: Derina Pyles Director: Sabrina Lee Baker Associate Editor: Veronica Green-Gott Creative Director: Josh Snow Graphic Designer: Sabrina Lee Baker Contributors: Listed on Pages 4-5 Photographers: Sabrina Lee Baker, Natalie Snow & Sybil Slate Sales: weaddvalue@surryliving.com
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What Are You Nurturing?
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Don’t Wing It
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Contents
Passing the Trowel
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURE
SOUTHERN TASTE
6 What Are You Nurturing?
30 Don’t Wing It 32 Surry Eats
LIFESTYLE
HOME, FARM, & GARDEN
26 Fitness Rage with Kage
34 Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
28 When They Are Gone
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36 Passing the Trowel: Planting Seeds of Wonder 38 In Living Color
Surry Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Surry Living assumes no responsibility or liability for the information, services, products, claims, statements, accuracy, or intended or unintended results of any advertiser, editorial contributors, company, professional corporation, business or service provider herein this publication. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.
2 “Fur”ever Friends 9 Surry Seen 10 Between Rounds 11 Quote of the Month 17 Hometown Heroes 18 Blake’s Take 22 By Gosh! By Josh 24 Love is in the Air 40 Events
ON THE COVER This month’s cover is a reminder to invest our time and attention in the people, priorities, and moments that matter most. Would you like your business on the front or back cover of Surry Living Magazine? It’s available! Contact us at: WeAddValue@SurryLiving.com
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Contributors
Sabrina L. Baker
Blake Johnson
Carmen Long
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.
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.
Eddie Lowe
Derina Pyles
Kage Pyles
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.
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.
Kevin Pyles 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.
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Surry Living Magazine
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Contributors
Joanna Radford
Josh Snow
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 appreciates the simple things in life, though her adventurous foodie side is always ready to explore new restaurants and experiment with new flavors. Joanna and her husband have two daughters. One recently married and now lives on the family farm, while their other daughter is attending graduate school and is the proud owner of a dog named Cocoa.
J osh 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.
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FEATURE
What Are You Nurturing? September has a way of reminding us that every season produces something. Across Surry County, gardens are offering their final tomatoes, apple trees are heavy with fruit, and fields are beginning to show the results of months of careful work. What was planted in the spring has been watered, tended, and protected through the heat of summer. Now, at last, it is time for the harvest. Life works much the same way. Every day, we are planting something through our choices, habits, words, and relationships. A kind word can become encouragement that someone carries for years. Time spent with a child can grow into a treasured memory. A small act of generosity can inspire another person to do the same. The seeds may seem insignificant when they are planted, but given enough time, they can produce more than we ever imagined. A farmer does not plant corn and expect to harvest apples. The harvest reflects what was planted. That simple truth gives each of us something worth considering. What are we planting in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities? Are we planting patience or frustration? Gratitude or discontentment? Encouragement or criticism? Are we making time for the people we love, or are we allowing busy schedules to consume the moments that matter most?
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Surry Living Magazine
These are not always easy questions, but they are important ones. Our lives can become so full that we confuse activity with purpose. We move from one responsibility to the next, checking items off our lists while overlooking the people standing right in front of us. We work hard to build successful lives, but sometimes forget to enjoy the lives we are building. A meaningful harvest begins by deciding what is truly worth growing. Most worthwhile things do not grow overnight. Strong relationships are built through everyday conversations, forgiveness, trust, and showing up for one another again and again. Confident children are raised through encouragement, guidance, correction, and consistent love. Healthy communities grow when people support local businesses, check on their neighbors, volunteer their time, and offer help when someone needs it. Faith grows through prayer, trust, and holding on during seasons when we cannot yet see the results. None of these actions may feel extraordinary in the moment. Yet, over time, small acts of faithfulness can create an abundant harvest. We often celebrate the visible result while overlooking the quiet work that made it possible. Every beautiful garden has been weeded. Every successful business has experienced difficult days. Every strong family has faced challenges. Every person we admire has endured seasons when progress felt slow.
FEATURE
The harvest is not only the result of what we planted. It is also the result of what we continued to nurture when giving up would have been easier. Harvesting also requires letting go. A gardener removes weeds because they compete for the nourishment intended for something valuable. In our own lives, we may need to remove distractions, unhealthy habits, unnecessary commitments, or negative thinking that takes energy away from what matters most. Sometimes, making room for a better life does not mean adding something new. It means releasing something that no longer deserves our time or attention. Perhaps this season is an opportunity to put the phone down during dinner, reconnect with an old friend, forgive someone, return to church, volunteer in the community, or spend an afternoon with family without worrying about the next task. The moments that matter most are often simple. They happen around kitchen tables, on front porches, in church pews, at ball fields, and during ordinary drives home. They may not seem important while they are happening, but they often become the memories we treasure most. A good harvest was never meant to be kept entirely to ourselves.
When our lives produce kindness, wisdom, faith, joy, and generosity, we have something valuable to share. We can encourage someone who is struggling, guide someone who is younger, provide for someone in need, or simply remind another person that they are not alone. This September, as we enjoy the colors, flavors, and traditions of the approaching fall season, may we also pause to consider what we are growing in our own lives. Success has its place, but it cannot replace connection. Possessions can make life comfortable, but they cannot provide purpose. A full calendar may keep us busy, but it does not always mean our lives are full. In the end, the richest harvest is not measured by what we have collected. It is measured by the people we have loved, the lives we have touched, the faith we have strengthened, and the good we have planted along the way. Those are the things worth tending. Those are the things worth sharing. Those are the things that matter.
by Sabrina Lee Baker
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Surry Living Magazine
SURRY SEEN SUBMIT A SELFIE OR A PHOTO OF A FRIEND HOLDING UP SURRY LIVING MAGAZINE AND WE MAY USE IT HERE. EMAIL: INFO@SURRYLIVING.COM SUBJECT LINE: SURRY SEEN
SEPTEMBER 2026
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with Kevin Pyles
Staying Positive in a Negative World Negativity is everywhere. Turn on the television, and someone is upset. Open social media, and someone is arguing. Look at the news, and it can seem as though the entire world is falling apart. Then, add the challenges in our own lives, including work, bills, relationships, health concerns, family responsibilities, and circumstances that simply do not go as planned. If we are not careful, we can spend most of our day thinking about problems. Some of those problems are ours. Many of them are not. Think about how easily this happens. You can wake up in a comfortable bed. Your family is safe. There is food in the kitchen. The sun is shining, and everything in your immediate world is relatively good. Then, you pick up your phone. Fifteen minutes later, you are worried, frustrated, or angry about something that happened hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Nothing in your actual life changed. What changed was your focus. Guard Your Attention We pay close attention to what we put into our bodies, but how often do we consider what we are putting into our minds? Our minds are fed throughout the day by television, social media, news, conversations, podcasts, and the people around us. Eventually, what we continually consume begins to influence how we think and feel. Philippians 4:8 provides a remarkably practical filter. We are encouraged to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of 10 Surry Living Magazine praise.
That does not mean ignoring reality. It means recognizing that just because something is happening does not mean we have to give it unlimited access to our minds. Train Yourself to Notice the Good Research supports the value of intentionally focusing on the positive things in our lives. Psychologists Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough studied gratitude and found that people who regularly focused on their blessings experienced greater well-being across several measures. Try something simple tonight. Before going to bed, write down three good things that happened during your day. Maybe someone made you laugh. Perhaps you enjoyed a meal with your family, received an encouraging phone call, finished something you had been putting off, or simply arrived home safely after a long day. Then, take it one step further and thank God for those things. Gratitude does not mean pretending that nothing is wrong. It means refusing to allow what is wrong to blind us to everything that is still right. Invest in People The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest studies of adult life, offers another important lesson about happiness: Strong relationships matter tremendously. Maybe improving our happiness is not always about getting something else. Maybe it is about calling a friend, eating dinner with our family without our phones, helping a neighbor, going to church, forgiving someone, or simply sitting down and having a meaningful conversation. We cannot control everything happening in the world, and we cannot prevent every difficult circumstance from entering our lives. But we can guard our attention. We can practice gratitude. We can invest in people. We can choose what we dwell on. You may not get to choose everything that happens today, but you do get a say in what receives your attention.
Quote of the Month:
“The richest harvest is found in the love we share, the memories we make, and the people beside us.” —A Grateful Someone
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Surry Living Magazine
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©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2024. Your Kubota Limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other rights which vary from state to state. Kubota Tractor Corporation does not authorize any person to create for KTC any obligation or liability other than that stated in the limited warranty. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety and product and incentive offer information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the Owner’s Warranty Information Guide for the Kubota limited warranty on all products. Visit KubotaUSA.com/disclaimers for more information.
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Surry Living Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Surry Living Magazine
Hometown Heroes
HeroEs don’t always wear capes. they come in all shapes and sizes. 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.
Email: Info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Hometown Hero
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Blake’s Take BLAKE JOHNSON
As the dependable one in my family, I am the person everyone calls when they need help moving, fixing something, watching the kids, paying for something, or simply listening. I honestly do not mind helping, but I am beginning to feel tired and resentful. As soon as I recognize those feelings, they turn into guilt. I want to remain helpful without encouraging dependency, and I need to be able to get someKrest. E V I NIsP it Y Lselfish E S , P T to say no when I know I could help? Signed, Running on Empty
Dear Running on Empty,
Before establishing that balance, take some time to determine how much rest and Thank you for writing and sharing your personal time you need. If you tend to be a predicament. I encounter this situation people-pleaser, you must understand that often. It seems as though every family has setting aside time for yourself is not selfish. In a go-to person whom everyone depends fact, caring for yourself allows you to be more on for solutions. While that may feel like effective when you are available and willing to an honorable position, it can easily become help others. exhausting over time. Imagine how much more helpful you can What begins as genuine helpfulness be when you are rested and genuinely excited can gradually turn into enabling behavior. to support the people you love. Think of Eventually, loved ones may begin taking personal time as an opportunity to recharge advantage of that generosity without even for whatever comes next. Once you decide realizing it. This often happens because it how much time you need, make it part of your feels good to be needed and to know that you regular routine and protect it. can help. The challenge is finding a healthy Now, to answer your question, is it selfish balance between assisting someone and taking to say no when you could help? The simple responsibility for problems that are not yours answer is no. to solve.
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Surry Living Magazine
The difficulty lies in drawing a line where no boundaries currently exist. You have acknowledged that you are exhausted and that it is time to address your family’s dependency. Recognition is the first step. The next step is creating boundaries and consistently applying them to each concerning situation or family member. In every situation, decide how much you are comfortable contributing. Learn to assist without taking responsibility for the entire problem. For example, if you are willing to watch the children, clearly communicate the hours you are available and ask your family to make other arrangements for the remaining time. Once you protect the time you need for yourself, you will have a better understanding of how much time you can offer others. When it comes to paying for things, decide how much you can comfortably contribute and do not exceed that amount. If helping financially would place a strain on you, it is perfectly acceptable not to offer. Set boundaries with your money just as you would with your time. If someone asks you to help them move, explain when you are available and be clear about when you are not. If you cannot help or simply do not want to, remember that it is acceptable to say no. This can be difficult to learn, but it is necessary.
It is also difficult for loved ones to find their own way when someone else always provides the answers. Allowing them to develop their own solutions prepares them for times when you may not be available. Ideally, family members should help one another become more capable and independent. Think about how much stronger the family can become when everyone contributes. Like a great team, a family operates best when everyone works together. If you choose to remain the go to person, you can still delegate responsibilities instead of carrying every burden yourself. As others become more independent, you may even be able to pass the baton and serve as a source of support when truly needed. Your role is ultimately up to you. I hope you find these suggestions helpful. If you continue to struggle with guilt or setting boundaries, consider learning more about people pleasing or speaking with a qualified professional who can offer additional guidance. Warm regards,
Blake
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Surry Living Magazine
By Gosh! BY JOSH
Flat Rock: The Community Built on Stone By Gosh, did you know that just south of Mount Airy, tucked among the rolling hills of Surry County, lies the quiet community of Flat Rock? Thousands of motorists pass through the area each year without realizing they are traveling beside one of the most remarkable geological formations in the world. While nearby Mount Airy is famous as the hometown of Andy Griffith and the inspiration for Mayberry, the Flat Rock area has earned a different distinction. It is home to the world’s largest open-face granite quarry, where history has literally been carved from stone for more than a century. Long before granite became the area’s claim to fame, Flat Rock was a small farming community. During the late 1700s and early 1800s, families were drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources of northwestern North Carolina. Like many rural communities of the time, life revolved around agriculture, churches, schools, and neighbors helping neighbors. Few could have imagined that the massive granite formation beneath their feet would one day help shape buildings and memorials throughout America.
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Everything began to change in 1889, when the quarry entered large-scale production. What had once been a quiet agricultural community soon became a center of industry. The arrival of the railroad allowed enormous blocks of granite to be shipped throughout the country, creating new opportunities for growth. Before long, Mount Airy granite was being used in courthouses, government buildings, churches, bridges, monuments, and cemeteries from coast to coast. Unlike quarries that tunnel underground, the North Carolina Granite Quarry is an open-face operation that reveals an immense expanse of bright gray granite. The sheer scale of the quarry serves as a reminder that nature often creates wonders hidden in plain sight. Even after more than 135 years of operation, the quarry remains an extraordinary local landmark and an important part of the area’s economy. For generations, the quarry provided more than jobs. It provided identity. Parents passed down the skills required to work safely and precisely with one of nature’s hardest materials. Stonecutters, heavy equipment operators, mechanics, engineers, and craftspeople built careers that often spanned decades.
Their work required patience, precision, and respect for the stone. Many local families can trace their history through several generations of quarry employees, making it far more than a workplace. It became part of the heartbeat of the community. The granite itself has become part of America’s story. Stone from Mount Airy has been used in projects that honor military veterans, commemorate historic events, and create buildings designed to stand for centuries. It can be found in notable landmarks such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta. Every polished monument and carefully constructed building represents countless hours of skilled labor performed by workers from this small corner of Surry County. Although Mount Airy is internationally recognized for its connection to The Andy Griffith Show, the granite industry gave the region another reason to become known across the nation. Its success brought jobs and economic stability to the area while supporting local businesses, schools, churches, and families through changing times. It also helped earn Mount Airy the nickname “The Granite City,” a title that remains a source of pride today.
Visitors often come to the area searching for Mayberry nostalgia, but many leave fascinated by another chapter of local history. The quarry overlook offers an opportunity to appreciate the immense scale of the operation and the generations of hard-working men and women whose efforts helped build communities far beyond Surry County. It is a reminder that some of America’s most recognizable landmarks began as solid rock beneath North Carolina soil. Today, Flat Rock remains a close community where history and industry continue to exist side by side. The quarry is still in operation, continuing a tradition that began in the nineteenth century. At a time when many small communities have watched their defining industries disappear, the Flat Rock area stands as a remarkable exception. Its story is not one of flashy attractions or bustling city streets. Instead, it is a story of perseverance, craftsmanship, and pride. It reminds us that history is not always written in books. Sometimes, it is carved into stone, one block at a time. For the people of Flat Rock and Mount Airy, that legacy is more than local history. It is a foundation that continues to support the community, just as it has for generations.
by Josh Snow
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Is in the Air
Submit a photo of the one you love and we may use it here. Email: Info@surryliving.com Subject Line: Love is in the Air
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Surry Living Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2026
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The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit
Move Your Body, Change Your Mind Stress is part of life. Deadlines, finances, relationships, responsibilities, and the constant stream of information coming at us can keep our bodies and minds in a state of tension. We cannot eliminate every stressful situation, but we can become better prepared to handle them. One of the most powerful tools available to us is surprisingly simple. Move your body. Exercise is often discussed in terms of weight loss, muscle development, or cardiovascular health. Those benefits are important, but some of the greatest rewards of physical activity may be what it does for our mental well-being. When we experience stress, our bodies activate systems designed to help us respond to a challenge. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline play important roles in that process. Cortisol is not the enemy. We need it. In fact, a challenging workout can temporarily increase cortisol because exercise places controlled physical stress on the body. The benefit comes through adaptation. With regular exercise, our bodies can become better conditioned to respond to stress and recover afterward. Research suggests that physical activity can support the systems involved in regulating the body’s response to stress, including the processes that influence cortisol production. A recent review of 44 studies examined the effects of exercise on cortisol levels in adults experiencing psychological distress. Overall, exercise was associated with moderate reductions in cortisol, although the results varied depending on the type, duration, and intensity of the activity. You do not necessarily have to exercise for months before experiencing a mental benefit. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans report that even a single session of physical activity can reduce feelings of anxiety. Regular movement is also associated with improved mood, better sleep, and a higher quality of life.
That is worth remembering on the days when you do not feel like exercising. Sometimes, we wait until we feel motivated before we move. However, movement itself may help change how we feel. You do not have to run a marathon or spend two hours in a gym. Take a brisk walk. Lift weights. Ride a bicycle. Work in the yard. Hike. Swim. Dance. Find an activity you enjoy enough to continue doing. I like to think of exercise as giving the pressures of the day somewhere productive to go. Instead of sitting and replaying a frustrating situation over and over, get moving. Put down the phone, step away from the noise, and give your mind a break while your body works. Large population studies have found that people who participate in leisure-time physical activity tend to report better mental health and less psychological distress. Exercise is not a cure for every problem, and it should not replace professional care when that care is needed. However, it can be a valuable part of caring for both the body and mind. Fitness will not make life’s problems disappear. It can, however, help build a stronger body, improve sleep, support a healthier response to stress, and place us in a better mental position to face those problems. The next time you feel stressed, discouraged, or simply have a difficult day, remember this: Sometimes, one of the best things you can do for your mind is move your body.
by Kage Pyles
LIFESTYLE
SEPTEMBER 2026
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LIFESTYLE
by Eddie Lowe
When They Are Gone September has been a meaningful month for me for many years. On September 10, 2007, I lost my mom to cancer. Then, on September 29, 2015, I lost my dad. Both of my parents passed away on a September day. Please understand that I do not begrudge September when it comes around. Instead, I use the month to remember my mom and dad for who they were and for the influence they had on my life. After my dad passed, my sisters and I sat together in our parents’ home. Suddenly, it occurred to me that we were now orphans. Although we were adults, for the first time in our lives, we were without our parents. There would be no more phone calls checking on us. There would be no more Sunday evening drives to see the fall leaves changing. No more doctor visits. No more birthday wishes. The reality settled over us as we sat quietly in their home. I remember someone asking, “What do we do now?” Our response was the same. “I suppose we leave for the last time.” Even today, when I drive by and glance up at their old home on the hill, now occupied by new people, I cannot help but remember snowy days spent looking out the windows and long summer evenings on the porch. Sometimes, I am tempted to drive up and talk with the new residents. I would tell them my stories and share my memories. I might explain how the rosebushes were planted or tell them about the large poplar tree that once stood at the end of the driveway. Maybe they would find it interesting to know that I once dug up and planted a small maple sapling that now towers over the hill. The reality, however, is that Mom and Dad are no longer there. That house will now provide the setting for someone else’s memories. I will keep my own memories close to my heart and allow the new residents to create theirs.
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As time passes and the hillside changes, it is not up to me to decide what changes the new owners make. My memories are safely tucked away in my heart. My task now is to make new memories in another home. The truth is that no one can fully explain the feeling of becoming an adult orphan. Only those who have experienced it truly understand. It would be selfish of me to wish that my parents were still here if it meant they had to continue suffering. Time has a way of softening the most difficult memories, including the sickness, declining health, bodies made frail by age, steps that had grown slower, and, for some, minds that could no longer remember from one moment to the next. A friend once told me that God gives us only two parents because our hearts could not bear losing more than two. I tend to agree with him. How about you? Is there a home you remember? Is there a neighborhood that still holds a special place in your heart? Perhaps a particular flower, song, or season reminds you of parents or loved ones who have passed. I have learned a few things that I would like to pass along.
LIFESTYLE
Remember the good times. Keep the old photographs. Tell the stories just as they were told to you. The people who came before us will continue to live through the memories and stories we preserve. When we look at a tombstone, we see a birth date and a death date with a small line between them. That small line represents the dash, and the dash represents an entire life.
Let us make the most of our dash. Life is fleeting, and time is a thief. Let us appreciate our blessings and continue making memories that will live on and speak for us long after we are gone.
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LIFESTYLE southern
taste
by CARMEN LONG
What happens when National Chicken Month and Food Safety Education Month are celebrated at the same time each September? It creates the perfect opportunity to learn more about safe poultry handling and the Partnership for Food Safety Education’s “Don’t Wing It” campaign. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 48 million Americans experience a foodborne illness each year. That is roughly one in six people. Raw chicken and its juices can contain harmful germs, so proper handling is important from the grocery store to your plate.
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Do not rinse raw poultry. Washing chicken can spread contaminated juices around your sink, countertops, and kitchen. Cooking poultry to the proper temperature is the only reliable way to destroy harmful bacteria.
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Use a food thermometer to make sure poultry reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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Check the temperature shortly before the chicken is expected to be done. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone, fat, or gristle.
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Wash the food thermometer, utensils, and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw poultry using hot, soapy water. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken.
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Refrigerate cooked leftovers within two hours, or within one hour if the temperature is above 90°F. Eat refrigerated leftovers within three to four days or freeze them for longer storage.
Follow these tips to help keep your chicken safe: •
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Use a disinfecting wipe on the handle of your grocery cart. You never know who used the cart before you or what surfaces that person may have touched. Use one of the plastic bags provided in the meat department when selecting poultry. Place your hand inside the bag before picking up the package. With your other hand, pull the bag around the chicken without touching the package. You can also use two bags, one for your hand and another for the package. At home, keep raw poultry securely wrapped or in a sealed container. Place it on a plate or tray on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent leaks from contaminating other foods. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator, never on the kitchen counter. Chicken may also be thawed in cold water or in the microwave, but it should be cooked immediately afterward.
Surry Living Magazine
Try this delicious chicken recipe to celebrate National Chicken Month and enjoy it throughout the year. For additional food safety tips, visit [www.fightbac.org](http:// www.fightbac.org).
LIFESTYLE
Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
1.
• • •
2.
• • • • • •
1 medium onion, chopped 1 tablespoon margarine 1 ½ cups leftover chicken or turkey, cooked and shredded rotisserie works well 1 (13 ounce) jar salsa, divided 1 package (3 ounce) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, cubed 1 teaspoon ground cumin 8 whole-wheat flour or corn tortillas (6 inch) 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) extra-sharp, low-fat, cheddar cheese, shredded Non-stick cooking spray
3. 4. 5. 6.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (unless you choose to use the microwave). Lightly spray baking dish. Cook and stir the onion in margarine in large skillet until tender. Stir in chicken, ¼ cup salsa, cream cheese, and cumin. Cook until thoroughly heated. Spoon about 1/3 cup chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and roll up. Place seam-side down in 12-by-7-inch baking dish. Cover enchiladas with remaining salsa and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or microwave 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
Source: NCEFNEP
SEPTEMBER 2026
31
SOUTHERN TASTE
32
Surry Living Magazine
Join us in September as we celebrate the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains with all-day music and dancing, food trucks, handmade crafts, and the warm hospitality of mountain folks.
Enjoy every moment
From the opening line to the last curtain call…
September 19 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Main Street, Sparta, NC FREE ADMISSION 31 Years and counting!
featuring
Wayne Henderson & friends!
We’re waiting in the wings when you need us most. Timothy CookTimothy Cook Cook Insurance Cook Group Insurance LLC Group LLC 345 N Bridge St 345 N Bridge St Jonesville, NCJonesville, 28642-2223 NC 28642-2223 erie@cookinsurance.biz erie@cookinsurance.biz 336-526-2665336-526-2665 Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Co., Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Co., Flagship City Insurance Co. and Erie Family Life Insurance Co. (Erie, PA) or Erie Insurance Co. of New York (Rochester, NY). Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and product details. CMS149_arts2 2/18
blueridgemountainheritagefestival.com SEPTEMBER 2026
33
Home,
farm, & Garden
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Traveler and I had been invited to go on a beach trail ride by a new group of riders I had recently joined up with. Previous experience had made me apprehensive, to say the least. I had joined several groups in the past but hadn’t really connected with anyone enough to stay in touch. Typically, personalities didn’t match up, whether it was me or Traveler’s. But mainly it was all about the riding styles. As with any group, horse people can be wonderful, caring, and supportive with one another. On the flip side, horse people can also be know-it-alls and opinionated and gossipy. The verdict was still out on what kind of group this was, but I had a feeling I was getting ready to find out. “Can you please pull yourself together and walk in a straight line, Traveler?” “I’m really trying, Hay-Woman, but these waves coming in and out are making me dizzy. My eyes are crossing, and I feel a little queasy.” “I didn’t know a horses’ eyes could cross since they are on opposite sides of your head,” I barked, immediately regretting my harsh tone. My friend was struggling, and all I was worried about was how this group was going to view me as a rider. “I’m sorry, friend. Let’s take a break over here near these sand dunes.” I dismounted and led him slowly through the deep sand. “I should have prepared you more. I should have come down here yesterday and led you around before our ride today. I should have not been in such a hurry to ride with this group.” “Coulda, woulda, shoulda,” Traveler said matter-of-factly. “You didn’t know I was going to react this way. Stop being so hard on yourself. Let me rest here a minute, and I’m sure I’ll be fine.” He closed his eyes, but his body was still slightly swaying from the motion sickness. “Okay, I’ll shut up and let you rest.” As I stood quietly reflecting on my choices, both good and bad, up to this point in our ride, a couple of the group’s riders noticed I had stopped and approached us. A large fellow on a robust draft horse spoke first,
“What’s wrong with the little fella?” Traveler opened one glaring eye to see who had spoken. At 16 hands tall, he was not used to being called little. Even though, by this horse’s size, he was. “The waves coming in and out has made him a little seasick. This is our first time riding on the beach. You guys go catch up. As soon as he’s feeling better, I’ll be along. Don’t let me hold you up.” “Nonsense,” the other rider, a small older lady riding a Haflinger spoke up. “You’re new to the group. We’re not leaving you. Besides, everyone else here has ridden these beaches and trails and knows where to go. We don’t want you to get lost.” Her tone was firm but caring. “My horse, Charlie here.” She patted him on the neck. “He did the very same thing on our first ride on the beach.” Charlie looked at me with soft eyes. “It took him the whole weekend to get over it, but once he did, he’s been just fine ever since.” “Oh, that’s good to know. I figured I would give him a little longer to gather himself and then try again.” “That sounds like a plan,” the big guy said as he pulled a water bottle from his saddle bag. “I was getting thirsty anyway, and this will give me a chance to water me and my horse.” He chuckled. He dismounted and poured some water into his cupped hand, which his horse began to slurp up. “Shew, me too,” the older lady said, as she wiped her brow. “Every year I say this will be my last year coming here. I’m getting old and me and Charlie can’t keep up like we used to. This will give us a chance for a much-needed break.” Traveler looked up at me and, without saying a word, we both knew we had found new friends. by D E R I N A P Y L E S
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Surry Living Magazine
LIFESTYLE
Passing the Trowel: Planting Seeds of Wonder If you’ve lived in Surry County very long, you know summer weather can be unpredictable. One week, we’re dodging afternoon thunderstorms, and the next we’re watching the grass turn brown while hoping the next weather forecast finally includes some rain. Dry summers are nothing new around here, but extended periods without rainfall can quickly take a toll on lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens. While we cannot make it rain, there are several practical steps homeowners can take to reduce plant stress and help landscapes bounce back when the showers finally return. The first rule during a drought is simple: don’t ask your plants to do more than they have to. Fertilizing, heavy pruning, and planting new trees or shrubs all require additional water for plants to establish and grow. Instead, let plants conserve their energy until moisture conditions improve. Dead or damaged branches can still be removed, but save major pruning for cooler, wetter weather. Mulch is worth its weight in gold during a dry summer. A 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around flowers, shrubs, and trees helps keep the soil cooler, reduces evaporation, and limits weed growth. Around trees, spread mulch in a wide ring toward the drip line, but keep several inches between the mulch and the trunk to help prevent disease and decay. Weeds are some of the biggest water thieves in the garden. Every weed you pull leaves more moisture available for the plants you actually want to grow. When water becomes scarce, decide what is most important to save. Newly planted trees and shrubs, especially those planted within the past two years, should be your first priority because their root systems are still developing. Mature shade trees are also worth protecting since they represent years of growth and can be expensive to replace. Plants such as hydrangeas, Japanese maples, azaleas, and dogwoods are especially sensitive to drought and may need supplemental watering to prevent lasting damage. When you water, make every drop count. Deep, slow watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, making plants more resilient during future dry spells. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are excellent choices because they deliver water directly to the root zone while reducing evaporation and runoff. No irrigation system? No problem. A 5-gallon bucket with several small holes drilled in the bottom can slowly release water around trees and shrubs. Early morning remains the best time to water, when temperatures are cooler and less moisture is lost to evaporation. 36
Surry Living Magazine
Vegetable gardens need extra attention during dry weather, especially if you’re hoping for fresh tomatoes, peppers, or sweet corn. Most vegetables require about 1 inch of water each week to remain productive. Concentrate your watering on crops that are actively producing, and remove plants that are diseased, insect-damaged, or finished for the season. Adding compost to your garden improves the soil’s ability to hold moisture while still providing good drainage. If your lawn starts looking more straw-colored than green, don’t panic. Many turfgrasses naturally go dormant during drought as a way of protecting themselves. With adequate rainfall, most healthy lawns will green back up. Continue mowing at the highest recommended height for your grass type to shade the soil and protect developing roots, and wait to fertilize until growing conditions improve.
LIFESTYLE
One silver lining to a dry summer is that it tells you a lot about your landscape. Pay attention to the plants that handle the heat without much fuss. This summer, many drought-tolerant plants have continued to shine in Surry County landscapes. Once established, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), sedum, lavender, Russian sage, and ornamental grasses have held up remarkably well with little supplemental watering. Trees such as white oak, eastern redcedar, and serviceberry have also proven to be dependable choices for our area. If you’re planning landscape improvements this fall, these plants are worth considering for their beauty, pollinator value, and ability to handle North Carolina summers.
Around here, we know today’s drought can become tomorrow’s downpour. While we cannot control the weather, we can make smart decisions that help our landscapes weather both extremes. With a little planning, careful watering, and a few well-chosen plants, your yard can stay healthier through dry spells and be ready to flourish when those long-awaited summer rains finally roll across the Blue Ridge and into Surry County. by J O A N N A R A D F O R D
SEPTEMBER 2026
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LIFESTYLE
In Living Color (an excerpt from Forged) by Larry Van Hoose
Most mornings on our little farm in Grayson County, Virginia, begin the same way. Before the sun clears the ridge, I step outside with a cup of coffee and listen. No traffic. No television. No notifications demanding my attention. Just the breeze moving through the trees, the distant call of a bird, and two Australian Shepherds already convinced the day should start much earlier than I had planned. On mornings like that, it is easy to understand why people have always headed for the mountains when summer arrives. Of course, the obvious reason is the temperature. While much of the Southeast is wilting under August heat and humidity, the higher elevations of Alleghany County, North Carolina, and neighboring Grayson County often offer cooler mornings, comfortable evenings, and a welcome break from the sweltering days of late summer. It is one of the reasons generations of families have escaped to the Blue Ridge Mountains long before air conditioning became common. But I suspect there has always been more to it than that. The mountains have a way of slowing us down.
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Surry Living Magazine
Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will quickly understand. Pull over at one of the overlooks near Doughton Park and watch the layers of blue ridges stretch toward the horizon. Hike a trail through the cool forest. Sit on a bench and simply enjoy the view. For a little while, the world seems less rushed. The same thing happens on the New River. One of the oldest rivers in North America, the New winds quietly through both counties, offering countless ways to escape the summer heat. Anglers spend peaceful mornings casting for smallmouth bass. Paddlers explore gentle stretches of river framed by farmland, forests, and mountain views. But if you really want to embrace the slower pace of mountain life, grab a tube and let the river do the work. Tubing the New River may be one of the best ways I know to spend a hot summer afternoon. There is no hurry. No destination you need to reach by a certain time. The current carries you along while cool water keeps the August heat at bay. Along the way, you begin noticing things. A great blue heron lifting from the riverbank. Sunlight dancing across the water. Children laughing from another tube nearby. The steady rhythm of a river that has been flowing long before any of us arrived and will continue long after we are gone.
LIFESTYLE
It is hard to feel stressed when the river is setting the schedule. Just across the state line, Grayson Highlands offers another kind of mountain escape. Cooler temperatures, sweeping views, open balds, and the area’s famous wild ponies create an experience that feels a world away from crowded highways and busy calendars. Standing on one of those grassy ridges on a clear summer day, it is easy to see why so many people return year after year. The views are spectacular, but it is the feeling that stays with you. Perspective. The mountains have always been good at providing that. Living on a farm has taught me that not every task needs to be tackled this very minute. The grass will still need mowing tomorrow. The fence can wait another hour. Even my inbox, despite what it seems to believe, is rarely an emergency. The mountains teach the same lesson.
They remind us that it is okay to slow down. To take a walk. To sit by a river. To watch a sunset without feeling the need to photograph it, post it, or check our email while we are doing it. Perhaps that is why people have always been drawn to these hills. Yes, the air is cooler. The rivers are refreshing. The views are unforgettable. But somewhere between a Parkway overlook, a lazy float down the New River, and a quiet evening on the porch, the mountains offer something many of us did not realize we were missing. Peace. As the Psalmist wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” Maybe that is part of the reason we keep returning. Not simply to escape the heat, but to remember what matters most. And in a world that seems determined to keep us moving faster every year, that is a breath of fresh mountain air we could all use.
SEPTEMBER 2026
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS
MOUNT AIRY
4 Mount Airy Farmers Market
Fridays in September, 2026 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Mount Airy Farmers Market 232 W Independence Boulevard, Mount Airy, NC 27030
4 Historic Downtown Mount Airy Ghost Tours
Fridays and Saturdays in September, 2026 at 8:00 pm Mount Airy Museum of Regional History 301 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
12 Casino Royale 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm Thirsty Souls Community Brewing 238 Market Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
20 Mayberry Cool Cars & Rods Cruise-In
Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Downtown Mount Airy 200 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
21 Mayberry Days Festival
Monday, September 21–Sunday, September 27, 2026 Downtown Mount Airy Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030 DOBSON
12 Rock the Block
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm Dobson Square Park 110 South Crutchfield Street, Dobson, NC 27017 ELKIN
5 Live Music Featuring The Band Loula
Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery 964 Old Railroad Grade Road, Thurmond, NC 28683
27 Elkin Cruise-In
Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center 257 Standard Street, Elkin, NC 28621 GALAX
4 New Ballard’s Branch Bogtrotters
Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm The Rex Theatre 113 East Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
5 Midday Mountain Music
Daily throughout September, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Blue Ridge Music Center 700 Foothills Road, Galax, VA 24333
5 Chatham Rabbits and Holler Choir
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm Blue Ridge Music Center Amphitheater 700 Foothills Road, Galax, VA 24333
11 Galax 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
Friday, September 11, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the stair climb beginning at 6:30 pm Felts Park 601 South Main Street, Galax, VA 24333
12 Songs of the South: Alabama Tribute
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 8:00 pm The Rex Theatre 113 East Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333
25 Curtis Salgado
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 7:30 pm The Rex Theatre 113 East Grayson Street, Galax, VA 24333 PILOT MOUNTAIN
8 Elkin Farmers Market
Tuesdays from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Elkin Farmers Market 226 North Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621
19 Live Music Featuring Balsam Range
Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Jones von Drehle Vineyards & Winery 964 Old Railroad Grade Road, Thurmond, NC 28683
26 Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Historic Downtown Elkin Main Street and 257 Standard Street, Elkin, NC 28621
5 Pilot Mountain Farmers Market
Saturdays in September, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Pilot Mountain Farmers Market 300 South Key Street, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041
19 Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra & Relay Saturday, September 19, 2026 Pilot Mountain State Park 1792 Pilot Knob Park Road, Pinnacle, NC 27043
KING
SPARTA
4 Wobblers Story Time
5 Music on Main Featuring Della Mae
8 Preschool Story Time
15 Rise & Shine Band Contra Dance
10 LEGO Night
19 Blue Ridge Mountain Heritage Festival
Fridays in September, 2026 at 10:30 am King Public Library 101 Pilot View Drive, King, NC 27021 Tuesdays in September, 2026 at 10:30 am King Public Library 101 Pilot View Drive, King, NC 27021 Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm King Public Library 101 Pilot View Drive, King, NC 27021
Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Downtown Sparta Main Street, Sparta, NC 28675 Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 7:00 pm Alleghany Jubilee 562 North Sparta Parkway, Sparta, NC 28675 Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Downtown Sparta Main Street, Sparta, NC 28675
YADKINVILLE
3 The Battle of Shallow Ford: Opening Reception
Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Welborn Gallery at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center 226 East Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055
8 Yadkin Farmers Market
Tuesdays in September, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Yadkin Farmers Market 842 CBD Loop, Yadkinville, NC 27055
11 Daddy Long Legs
Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:30 pm Willingham Theater at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center 226 East Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055 BOONVILLE Live Music at the Tavern Featuring Allyn Rayne
5 Saturday, September 5, 2026
Muddy River Tavern 207 South Carolina Avenue, Boonville, NC 27011
6 Labor Day Weekend Live Music Featuring Darrell Hoots Sunday, September 6, 2026 Muddy River Tavern 207 South Carolina Avenue, Boonville, NC 27011
19 Live Music on the Pavilion Featuring Jerry Chapman
Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery 3200 Round Hill Road, Boonville, NC 27011
Submit your events to weaddvalue@surryliving.com to be included on our community calendar.
CHOOSE HUGH CHATHAM.