The Surrey County School Board of Education recently approved the transfer of multiple assistant principals.

Martha Arrington will transition to the position of Assistant Principal at Pilot Mountain Elementary and will continue to serve as Assistant Principal at Rockford Elementary School. In the last school year, Arlington was a split assistant principal, serving Dobson Elementary School and Rockford Elementary School.

Victoria Calhoun will succeed Arrington at Dobson Elementary School and continue to work at Cedar Ridge Elementary School. In the 2020-2021 school year, Calhoun was also a split assistant principal, serving Cedar Ridge Elementary School and Pilot Mountain Elementary School.

Danny Lyons will transition from the position of Assistant Principal at East Surry High School to Meadowview Magnet Middle School. He will succeed Matt Scott, who has been appointed as the principal of Mountain Park Elementary School. DJ Sheets is the current assistant principal of Surry Central High and will transition to the position of assistant principal of East Surry High School.

Through these decisions, the school district will welcome three new assistant principals. Amy Clement will be the assistant principal of Franklin Elementary School, Jonathan Carpenter will be the assistant principal of Surrey Central High School, and Nick Webber will be the assistant of Central High School.

Amy Clement stays at Franklin Elementary School in her new role. Her most recent position was Franklin's fifth grade teacher. Clement has 17 years of educational experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Basic Education from Lees-McRae College and a Master of Science in Reading from Appalachian State University. In 2020, she received a master's degree in school administration from Appalachian State University. Clement succeeded Lori Gammons, who is now the principal of White Plains Elementary School.

Surrey Central High School welcomes Jonathan Carpenter. Carpenter has nearly 20 years of educational experience. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2002 with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education, majoring in biology. Carpenter taught biology at East Surrey High School from 2004 to 2014, and then held positions outside the region.

Nick Webb graduated from Appalachian State University in 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education, majoring in biology, and then received a master of arts in administrative leadership studies from Gardner Webb University in May 2020 . Weber comes from a Surrey County School with more than 10 years of teaching experience.

"We are fortunate to hire these three outstanding people to lead our school," said Dr. Travis L. Reeves, the principal. "These people are excellent teachers, and they will do well as managers."

Job fair in Dobson on Thursday

National night is Tuesday

On Monday night, an unusually large crowd gathered to participate in the regular meetings of the Surrey County Committee. The committee’s agenda included a recognition event for emergency services in Surrey County, a speech by the Mayor of Mount Airy, Ron Niland, on the Spencer Mill project, and discussions on potential new historic facilities in the county .

The members of Surrey County Emergency Services, from paramedics to on-site training officials, were brought to the board of directors in recognition of their “high integrity and outstanding service” to the citizens of Surrey County in saving lives.

"When I talk about our paramedics, we are very proud of the paramedics in Surrey County," said Mark Marion, chairman of the board. "I said it before, and I will say it again, when you call 911 in Surrey County, you know the best is coming. You know they are on their way."

Those recognized for their efforts to save lives this year are:

Five saves: Scott Gambier, Katie Cooper, Mark Vogler, Chris Delane, Heather Poindexter, Ryan Bolato, Ted Radford, Zach Murphy, Casey Perkins, David Whitfield, Luke Stevens, Larkin Booker, Taylor Dolly and Austin Holloway.

Ten saves: William Wall, Justin Jarrell, Kastin Dixon, Corey Carson, Chandler Bodenhammer, Andrew Castvens and Lance Earley .

25 saves: Dale Harold and William Crigger.

In other committee news:

– The board of directors listened to the introduction of Foundations Forward: Charters of Freedom, introduced the proposed location of a new exhibition venue, and displayed the nation’s founding documents.

Ron Lewis first explained that a monument is to commemorate what we no longer have, and what Foundations Forward wants to do is to display the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the All the files that still exist in the Bill of Rights can be easily accessed by everyone.

Lewis asked the members of the board of directors who had been to the National Archives to view these documents and was pleased to see that the board had seen these documents. Based on his experience, he found that most Americans did not have the opportunity to see the founding documents.

Lewis said that access to these documents will increase citizens' natural curiosity about them. Future site visits and device-based guided conversations can provide more opportunities to increase the understanding and appreciation of the founder’s work.

The board of directors paid special attention to the fact that the foundation has funds to pay for the project with all private funds. In order for the project to land, the foundation will pay for installation costs in exchange for physical services. These devices have been installed in 25 of the 100 counties in North Carolina.

The board of directors unanimously voted to continue considering the Foundation Forward project.

– Mount Airy Mayor Ron Niland addressed the board of directors and introduced the latest developments of the Spencer's Mill project. Niland said he is "excited" about this project, and there will be more projects to be announced firmly at the beginning of next year. What he can tell the board now is that the new hotel has reached an agreement with a national hotel chain.

The design of the new project has been authorized for US$800,000, and Niland continues to say that as Spencer's Mill continues to advance, there is greater interest in more downtown development projects. Once upon a time, the potential financial benefits of hotels and related development projects were estimated to be approximately US$10-12 million, but Niland now believes that the potential "leveraged investment now totals close to US$40 million."

The Spencer's Mill project given by the mayor of Niland is expected to start in June 2022 and complete in December 2023. He said that the total investment in Mount Airy will exceed US$4.5 million.

– The Surrey County Department of Social Services requested and obtained a license to reallocate funds on hand to try out the new workflow management software. Daysheets are detailed timetables that describe how employees spend their time during the working day and help with the correct withdrawal of funds from the federal or state government based on the work done by the employees. The new software will simplify the process and increase the efficiency of the department in scheduling and maintenance.

Kristy Preston, Director of DSS, also briefed the board of directors on the latest status of the staffing level of the agency's child welfare program. She reported that several new employees were receiving training as required by the state and then followed up before being assigned workload. There are still four vacancies, and Preston encourages those who have MSW, BSW or a Bachelor of Science in Human Services to apply.

-The board of directors heard that there has been a re-division of constituencies in Surrey County recently. The atate area line in Surrey County did not match the area line on file locally, so a correction was made. Only 1,230 voters were affected, and there were approximately 600 different addresses due to the change in regional lines. These residents have been notified of this change by mail.

This re-division will correct the boundary problem seen by the state government, but it has nothing to do with the regional population imbalance that the board of directors has recently realized.

• According to the city police report, a car was found stolen in Mount Airy on Monday.

The 1996 Ford Explorer owned by Nathaniel Kyle Sawyers of McBride Road was taken from 2000 Woodland Drive (the location of the former Sagebrush Steakhouse). It is said that It was safe at the time. This $1,200 SUV is purple and bears the Virginia label number 2707XE.

• Last Wednesday, more counterfeit coins appeared in the town when a known suspect tried to pass a $100 counterfeit bill at the Tractor Supply Store on Rockford Street.

The incident is listed as still under investigation.

• Harold Lee Allison, 52, from Galax, Virginia, was charged with second-degree trespass after meeting a police officer at a residence in a Virginia Street public housing estate last Wednesday. In May 1997, Allison was barred from entering all the property of the City Housing Authority.

He is scheduled to appear in Surrey District Court next Monday.

• On Thursday, a 1981 Chevrolet Camaro with the license plate number TAK3119 owned by Debra Lynn Blizzard was found stolen. When the car was parked at Blizzard’s residence on East Lebanon Street, the tag was stolen.

• Misty Prim Hull, 46, from 223 Faye Trail in Siloam, was charged with driving under damage on November 5 in a traffic accident on West Pine Street near Franklin Road.

Hull received a written promise that he will appear in the District Court on November 29.

The Mount Airy Committee is preparing to allocate nearly $500,000 on Thursday night to improve the proposed hotel site for the former Spencer City industrial estate near Willow Street.

This was due to the recent bidding process, during which three companies submitted proposals for infrastructure work, and Mayor Ron Niland said on Tuesday that city officials were satisfied with the results.

"It's completely within the parameters," Niland said of how the initial cost estimates for Spencer's Phase 2 infrastructure project align with the minimum bid, which has been in the planning stage for several months.

"In fact, we were pleasantly surprised by these bids."

The lowest bid submitted by a local company, Greenfield Utility Construction, was $448,428, which was significantly lower than the bids of the other two contractors, Smith-Rowe of Mount Airy and CW Cauley and Son Inc. of Patrick Springs, Virginia.

The bids of these companies were US$817,898 and US$997,795 respectively.

City officials initially questioned the huge price difference between the highest and lowest proposals.

"We are a little worried about this," the mayor said, adding that the director of public works Mitch Williams is particularly worried about whether potential contract recipients can complete the master bid.

However, Niland stated that Greenfield Utility Construction provided a guarantee for this situation. Together with municipal staff, The Lane Group, an engineering company based in Galax, Virginia, recommended that the job be awarded to Greenfield.

At the next meeting at 6 pm on Thursday, the committee members will consider approving a related resolution.

The total budget is US$493,270, which includes a 10% emergency fund to cover unexpected work-related costs.

According to city government documents, its goal is to be part of Willow Street, extending from its intersection with Oak Street to Franklin Street, near the Sparger Building, which is located on the former Spencer textile factory property owned by the city government since 2014.

According to city government documents, the infrastructure improvements that Greenfield Utility Construction will perform include replacement of water supply lines, sewer lines and rainwater drainage works, as well as demolition/removal of asphalt and concrete on Willow Street.

Sunhouse Hospitality, a private group headquartered in Cary, is seeking the help of a historic tax credit to develop a boutique hotel in the towering Sparger building to protect the old factory facilities.

The hotel will contain 70 to 80 rooms and will be operated under a national brand. The statement stated that Sunhouse and the city government signed a redevelopment agreement in August, which was approved in August.

Sunhouse currently owns and manages the Hampton Inn by Hilton on Rockford Street, and also hopes to use another nearby former Spencer building, "The Cube", as part of an estimated total investment of US$10 million.

This involves plans for a conference-type market center, including meeting space in the old dyeing workshop part of the structure.

The second phase of Spencer's infrastructure project will also include hotels and public parking lots, which will be provided by taxpayers.

Niland stated that the parking element will later be the subject of a separate bidding process.

The Mount Airy Downtown Inc. group has agreed to bear an estimated cost of $150,000 for the development of a "pocket park" on Willow Street near the Sparger Building.

Officials estimate that the second phase of the infrastructure project will cost a total of approximately US$3 million, including an estimated US$1.63 million in parking facilities.

The county government has pledged $1.5 million for improvement projects, and both local government departments will benefit from future property tax revenues generated by the hotel and market center expansion project.

The first phase of infrastructure work was completed last year to help the new apartment building next door to the Sparger building.

Members of the Alpha Xi Tau chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of Surrey Community College recently met at the Bray Ford Public Pass to clean up the area. The clean up of local waterways is one of the services selected by PTK in the Carolinas this year.

Nine club members and five family members enjoyed the weather because they collected about eight bags of garbage. They collect rubbish from parking lots, trails and river banks.

Dr. Kathleen D. Fowler, PTK Chapter Advisor of Surrey Community College, said: "Our chapter officials decided to focus on cleaning a local river and chose the Breford Passage of the Fisher River because it is close to the college and easy to reach. We are very happy that we did. The park is beautiful and it is convenient to go fishing or canoeing on the Fisher River. Our results were very good, everyone had a good fellowship time and helped keep our waterways clean. "

Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of students from universities that award associate degrees and helps them grow into scholars and leaders. The association is composed of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters from 11 countries.

For more information about Phi Theta Kappa and its projects, please contact PTK's teacher advisor Fowler at 336-386-3560 or fowlerk@surry.edu, or visit www.ptk.org. Follow the local chapter on Facebook @surryPhiThetaKappa.

Shoals Elementry School chose the leader of the month in October. The school stated that it “showed excellent leadership in the classroom and throughout the school. Congratulations, good climbers along the way.”

At several ceremonies held 31 months ago, local county and school officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of much-needed renovation work for three district schools.

Franklin, Mountain Park and Dobson Elementary Schools were all targets of this work, and the subsequent ceremony marked the beginning of work for each facility.

Last week, many of the same local officials gathered to celebrate the end of work at one of the schools and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dobson Elementary School.

Many former students and staff attended the meeting, as well as Surrey County Commissioners Mark Marion and Larry Johnson, school board members Dr. Terri Mosley and Clark Gones, and Assistant County Governor Sandy Snow and the people who directly assisted in the renovation project. Officials from the North Carolina Department of Public Education were also present.

The Dobson Primary School Project lasted for several years, and most of the work started before the foundation stone was laid in 2019. In 2014, Bill Powell, LT Consulting, LCC. conducted a facility review to study the needs of all campuses in the Surrey County school system. After that, he worked with the Board of Education to determine the priority of work.

Powell ranked Franklin Elementary School, Mountain Park Elementary School, and Dobson Elementary School at the top of the list. Although the Franklin Elementary School and Mountain Park Elementary School projects were completed in the spring, the Dobson Elementary School Project was postponed until this fall.

In his speech, Superintendent Travis L. Reeves pointed out the patience of the school community. He said: "In the renovation and construction of Dobson, a lot of planning, arrangement, relocation, hard work and patient work have been carried out. Great. Part of the work took place during the global pandemic, so I would like to thank Principal Sharia Templeton for his leadership throughout the project and all the people who supported it during the project."

The ribbon-cutting event was attended by student council members Templeton, Marion, school board members Dr. Terri Mosley and Clark Goings, and performances by members of the Surrey Central High School Choir.

Templeton recounted her own history at Dobson Elementary School and mentioned how "special" this school is.

"I am proud to be a former student of Dobson and now the principal of such an excellent school. A school built on the concepts of learning, leadership, and collective effectiveness, long before these concepts became educational buzzwords. I Know how special we are in the community. I believe everyone here, especially the current and former students and staff of the school, also know this. As the principal now, I often say that I will always believe; nothing compares It’s better to be a Dobson Tiger,” said Templeton, who attended elementary school from 1983 to 1990.

Freebird McKinney, director of government and community relations legislation at the North Carolina Department of Public Education, was also among the speakers. Both he and Marion, chairman of the Surrey County Committee, celebrated the completion of the project in their speeches, indicating that the transformation is a victory for the children of Surrey County. Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects and Coram Construction were recognized with Surrey County Plant Operations Director Robert Draughn. Both the Surrey County Board of Education and Reeves reiterated the same point, "We could not have done this without you."

"I'm thinking about where we are from where we are now. I think about how lucky we are to live, study and work in Surrey County. I think how lucky we are, our county commissioners are willing to invest resources to support our school system because They believe our students and they will contribute to the future of the county," Superintendent Reeves said. "Our commissioners not only invested in the physical structure of the school, but most importantly invested in our students and their future. That's all for today. This is about cutting the ribbon, and it symbolizes a new beginning. ...For students, a new beginning now and in the future, and what these facilities mean for them and their learning opportunities."

Dobson-Eight teachers from the service area of ​​Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation received Bright Ideas Education Grants. In the first few weeks, Surry-Yadkin EMC employees unexpectedly visited the award-winning teachers.

Three review teams composed of retired educators in the Surry-Yadkin EMC service area conducted a blind review of the application in late September. These grants provide funding for innovative classroom projects, with a total of US$6,250 awarded.

Two teachers from Gentry Middle School in Mount Airy received grants for two independent projects. Jamie Mosley will use her $840 grant to "grow with water." The project will allow students to use the hydroponic planting system to grow products that are genetically identical to their parent plants. Stephanie Bode received a $704.50 bonus for "SWITCHing Up Learning". The project will include the purchase of Nintendo Switches and Nintendo LABO kits to provide a hands-on interactive experience.

Jamie Williams, a teacher at CB Eller Elementary School in eastern Wilkes County, will use her $650 grant to "light up our learning." The project will include buying a lamp stand for her classroom to improve her students' STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) skills.

In Mountain View Elementary School's first Bright Ideas grant, Katie Hodge will use her $999 grant to ensure that her students "grow together in science and literacy." This funding will enable the entire student body to create vertical gardens and combine science with literacy.

DeAnna Walker of Copeland Elementary School told her students, “UKE can do it!” when she won a $989.93 grant. This will enable her to purchase ukuleles for her music classes to expand students' musical skills and learn about multiple cultures.

Courtney Elementary School will also receive an ukulele for "successful playing" through a $898.50 grant from Keena Moxley, with a focus on learning to play musical instruments and raising cultural awareness.

At North Wilkes High School, Teresa Watkins' project "Pathogen Growth? Stop It!" received a grant of $963.56. Students will learn the five-step cleaning method used in food service and the importance of post-cleaning disinfection by combining test paper and microscope observation of bacteria.

Jennifer Jones of Mount Airy High School received a $204.50 prize for her project "Everything is peaceful and everything is bright". She will use the project to incorporate Calm Strips into high schools to help reduce restlessness, improve concentration and regulate anxious energy, while promoting the social and emotional health of the school's 400 students.

These eight projects will involve the lives of 1,925 students in Surry, Yadkin, Stokes, Wilkes, and Forsyth County's Surry-Yadkin EMC service area.

Since 1994, the North Carolina Electric Cooperative has provided more than $12.2 million in Bright Ideas funding for nearly 11,700 projects that support teachers and benefited more than 2.3 million students.

The library story time is open to anyone who wants to join us. Adults must wear masks. Bilingual story time for children at 4 pm on Monday-listening to English and Spanish stories); 10:30 am on Wednesday for children aged 2 and 3 years old; reservations for children born to 2 years old at 9:30 am on Thursday Babies; born in preschool at 11 o'clock on Thursday morning, preschool story time.

Surrey Community College offers fun and free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Mount Airy Public Library from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Anyone interested should contact Jennifer Pardue at 336-386-3674.

Hooked-Join our crochet club at 3pm every Wednesday. Bring your own yarn and make a group project or bring your own project to work.

Tai Chi returned to the library. Joining us every Friday at 10 am This course is beneficial for people with limited mobility.

This is Yoga You-Yoga with Ms. Heather will be held at 10:30 am on November 20th

The classic movie Monday returns on the last Monday of the month, starring Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotton and Shirley Temple in "I Will See You".

An adult craft class is held on the third Monday of every month at 3 pm, and craft materials will be provided. Registration is recommended.

The community book club meets at 1 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The November book is "The Ghost at the Table" by Suzanne Berne.

Lace-The Romance Readers Book Club will meet at 6pm this Tuesday. The book chosen in October is Minerva Spencer's "Notorious". There are photocopies on the desk.

Friends of the Library Annual Fall Book Fair – November 17 to November 22, starting at 5:30 pm on November 17. Come out and buy some books and movies, everyone has something.

Carol McDowell has donated the handmade quilt to the Northwest Territories Library System for use as a prize in the raffle. We and our sister library will sell a lottery ticket for $1 and a lottery ticket for $6 for $5. The proceeds will be used to purchase e-books in the region. Tickets are on sale now, you can go to the library to buy tickets to see pictures of quilts. The draw time is November 24th.

Learn about all events on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmapl and https://www.facebook.com/mtapublibrary or our website https://nwrlibrary.org/mountairy/

At a recent gathering in Camp Raven Knob in Surrey County, the fight against the drug problem rose to new heights—literally.

The Boy Scout camp near Lowgap hosted a drug prevention event called "Climb Up to Fall Back" earlier this month to emphasize the role that Boy Scouts can play in guiding youth away from drugs in the right direction .

Approximately 25 people attended the event, including members of the Airy Mountain Rotary Club and other supporters of Camp Raven Knob, a 3,200-acre reservation run by the Old Pecan Committee of the Boy Scouts of America.

In its facility, there is a new fire tower, and participants are invited to rappel to highlight the "back" part of the event name, which contains a "spring forward, back" reminder accompanying the recent end of daylight saving time.

When participants climbed the mountain of the same name in the Scout Complex led by Camp Raven Knob Scout leader Chris Lawson, the "climbing" element was realized.

Four brave souls accepted the challenge of descending from the tower, including Tonda Phillips, Doug Yarboro, Carol Burke and Leah Main.

"For me, downhill is exciting," Phillips responded to the experience. "You must believe in the rope."

Phillips, the chairman of the Rotary Club for the 2021-22 season, mentioned that Burke first "and did it easily", although Burke's summary was not so brave.

"I have never been so scared in my life," she admitted on Friday, "because it is so scary."

But everyone landed safely on the ground and thanked Paul "Mongo" Mencini for his guidance on the top of the tower. Paul "Mongo" Mencini was the certified rappelling chief coach at the camp.

"The whole exercise is designed to build confidence and help people overcome fear," Phillips observed, "it works."

Burke said that those who choose to "retire" do so to demonstrate their commitment to the drug fight and emphasize how the confidence required for such actions can provide a good example for young people. She said that they might become Eagle Scouts or make other great achievements as a result.

The organizer explained that one goal of abseiling/hiking is to show people action, not simply tell young people not to abuse or misuse drugs.

To further assist in this task, the Rotary Club recently allocated US$10,000 to respond to the local opioid crisis.

Camp Raven Knob is regarded as a key tool in combat and provides abundant resources in a complete reconnaissance plan every summer. In addition to high-adventure activities, these also include swimming, hiking, boating, shooting sports and leadership training.

The "Climb Up to Fall Back" anti-drug campaign also includes a hot dog dinner.

After two years of absence, the autumn book sales at the Mount Airy Public Library will return this week, starting Wednesday night, starting with preferred sales.

The auction held by Friends of the Library has been a biannual event for decades, with thousands of books for sale in spring and autumn events. As is the case with most public events, the pandemic prevented normal sales of the Old Friends Club last year and this spring.

Librarian Christi Stevens said: "We do have an August auction, which is a bit like a prequel to the autumn auction." "This is our first sale since the COVID outbreak. In fact, Our sales in August were very good. We are very excited about the sales in November, and we think it will go very smoothly."

Most of the books that will be provided are donated to the library by people in the community. Sometimes she said that people would buy books at special sales events, read them, and then donate them back to the library in order to sell them again.

"We will have almost everything you would normally see in one of our sales," Stevens said. "The best-selling hardcover novel, you can make your own reference books, biographies." Various children's books will be provided, as well as DVDs, audio materials and movies.

Sales will start from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, and Stevens called it the preferred part of the event. Business hours are 8:30 am to 8 pm on Thursday, 8:30 am to 5 pm on Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday, but Monday, November 22 Bag sales will start from 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Stevens explained that the prices of different parts of the sale will change. On Wednesday, when the best option is available, hardcover is $3, paperback is $2 for 3 books, 5 children's books are $3, and DVD, audio, and video are each $1.

From Thursday to Friday, hardcover is $2 and paperback is $1, while prices for children and DVDs, audio and video remain the same. On Saturday, hardback and paperback books were reduced to half price, while children’s books were changed to 10 books, priced at $1.50.

On Monday, the bag sales price of everything a person can put in a shopping bag is $2.

Book sales is the main fundraising activity of the Friends group, and all funds raised are used to meet the needs of the library.

"The proceeds are all used for library programming and books, no matter what their needs are, it is for their support," she said. "We are very excited about this auction. Now the library has a lot of things to do. Many new projects, many new employees. We are very excited about this.

"Book sales are a good source of income. Book sales have been going on for many years, more than 30 years. This is a household name. Many people look forward to it, and I look forward to it."

Stevens is her 12th year as the chairman of the Friends of the Association, and she said that the organization is always looking for more volunteers to help the organization fulfill its mission of supporting the library. The group meets at 9:30 am on the first Monday of each month, and does not meet in June and July.

Surrey County has issued the following marriage certificates:

– John Wesley Hunter II, 43, of Surrey County, to Elizabeth Ashley Poteat, 41, of Surrey County.

– Adam Paul Eldridge, 37, in Surrey County, and Rebecca Joeleen Surratt, 34, in Surrey County.

– Alexander Reed Bullins of Surrey County, 27, and Caitlyn Paige Macemore, Wilkes County, 23.

– Tucker Zane Mackie, 21, Surrey County, and Mary Joanne Lowe, 22, Surrey County.

– Victor Gustavo Santiago Gallardo, 26, Surrey County, to Lorena Gonzalez Diaz, 21, Surrey County.

– Donald Gray Fulton Jr., 25, Surrey County, and Brianna Faith Nichole Simmons, 26, Surrey County.

– Jaye Ward Cheek, 57, in Wake County, to Cynthia Loretta Wester, 60, in Wake County.

– David Aaron Worrell, 30, Surrey County, and Keisha Nicole Martinez, 25, Surrey County.

– Hector Omar Zuvietta, 24, Surrey County, to Julianna Cabrera Torres, 25, Surrey County.

– Joshua Keith Payne, 27, Patrick County, Virginia, and Ashley Alene Puckett, 31, Patrick County.

– Cory Todd Shelton, 33, in Surrey County, and Melissa Ann Newsome, 42, in Surrey County.

– 43-year-old John Gregory Stump Jr. (John Gregory Stump Jr.) from Roanoke County, Virginia, and 31-year-old Roanoke County Lindsay Alexandra Morse (Lindsey Alexandra Mowles).

– Garvie Roe Dixon IV, 24 years old, from Surrey County, 22 year old Myah Angelene Brown from Surrey County.

– Fermin Macedo Morales, 35 years old, Surrey County native, Felipa Xec Guonon, Surrey County 27 years old.

Similar to any competitive race, Saturday's Mayberry Half Marathon, Mount Airy's 10K and 5K produced a series of winners-but arguably the entire community won the biggest prize.

"This event is of great significance to our sports tourism work in Mount Airy," said Darren Lewis, director of city parks and entertainment, as he stood near the starting line of three games on North Street in the city center on Saturday morning.

In a few minutes, nearly 300 runners will seriously run to the sidewalk during the half-marathon (13.1 mile) part, as runners in the 10K (6.2 mile) and 5K (3.1 mile) races are waiting for their turn in a staggered fashion.

Lewis said that although the temperature was as high as 30 degrees at the start of the first race at 8 AM, more than 800 runners participated in the race. Their presence is not only beneficial to local parks and recreational facilities, but also to the entire city. .

This is a particularly welcome development for two aspects of the local economy that suffered losses during the pandemic, dining and lodging. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Mayberry event was not held in 2020, which exacerbated the situation.

"All restaurants are very busy," Lewis, who also serves as a temporary city manager, said of the extra Friday night traffic generated by the Mayberry half-marathon, 10K and 5K influx of participants.

They came from close and far away-"There are now twenty different states," he said as he continued to register.

In forwarding the report from Lenise Lynch, the general manager there, Lewis added that the hotel industry is also aware of this impact, including the Hampton Inn on Rockford Street.

"She said they were almost sold out," he said.

Standard entrance fees for runners range from US$25 to US$60, depending on a person’s age and the event involved. Mayberry half marathons, 10K and 5K generate more than US$20,000 in revenue, and the proceeds are usually used in local parks And entertainment.

With the economic victory of the community, Saturday's gathering provided an opportunity for local athletes to stand out.

Although the participants are from many states, the men and women champions of the half marathon are all close to home.

Eli Roberson, 29, of Stewart, Virginia, won the 13.1 mile championship in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 48 seconds, with a speed of 6 minutes and 10 seconds per mile.

"Well, we were fairly conservative at the beginning," Robertson said of the negotiation, which is usually described as a flat and fast route, which starts in the city center, goes to Riverside Park, then continues along the urban greenway system, and then back. garden.

"I think my lead is comfortable," he said of the distance between himself and the second player Chuck Inman, another Virginia player from Chesapeake.

But Robertson realized that Inman was approaching and "and really had to push it", he said that he entered the final kick to finish the game 11 seconds ahead of Inman.

This is the first time Robertson has participated in the Maybury Half Marathon.

The 41-year-old Megan Ballentine from Mount Airy participated in her first half-marathon in her history. On Saturday, her time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 55 seconds proved to be the number one in women's ranking.

This is a good thing for the 23rd overall ranking.

The 17-year-old Marshall Love from Concord won the 10K game in 35 minutes and 55 seconds.

Malah Pinyan, 33, from Salisbury, ranked fourth among women with a time of 39 minutes and 7 seconds.

The 5K winner was another local resident, 25-year-old Dobson City resident Kevin Parker, whose time was 17 minutes and 32 seconds.

Sharon White, 58, from Lenoir, Tennessee, ranked first among the female players with 23:57 and 22nd overall.

"Deputy" to participate

Perhaps the most striking example of the integration of sports and tourism on display on Saturday was the clothing chosen by Vanessa Martin of Charleston, West Virginia, for the half marathon.

Martin wears the off-hand uniform that Barney Fife might wear in "The Andy Griffith Show"-her outfit also includes a holster, badge and hat.

Although the continued popularity of TV series starring locals is often the reason why many people come to town, Martin chose to combine this with her participation in the half marathon.

"This is Andy Griffith-this is Maybury's game, baby," a longtime fan of the show said when explaining her choice of running clothing. "This is the first time I have participated in this kind of competition."

Lewis said that it was the first time someone was wearing a deputy uniform to participate in the game.

However, Martin, 48, who works for Konica Copiers, was not present on Saturday, just to provide a comedic effect-she is an experienced runner and has a long list of half marathons on her resume.

"This is my third time in five weeks," she said of Saturday's event.

On Saturday's Mayberry Half Marathon, 10K and 5K attracted almost as many total participants as the 12th annual event in 2019, which set a record number of 822.

Lewis said that after the cancellation of the game in 2020, it is challenging to resume the game.

He explained that this year's event has adopted additional marketing methods. Due to the continued existence of the pandemic, other competitions usually held in the spring were cancelled in early 2021, so the event also faced obstacles.

"So everyone reschedules their dates to this fall," Lewis said of the Maybury Half Marathon, 10K and 5K races from other regions.

However, the happy result was once again achieved in "Mayberry".

The Surrey County Health and Nutrition Center has started providing Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children in accordance with CDC guidelines. Currently, only Pfizer vaccines are approved for use in children between 5 and 11 years of age.

In Surrey County, 59% of the population over the age of 18 are vaccinated, but taking into account the total population, this figure drops to 49%. As the eligible vaccination pool adds a new age range, there is a renewed hope to increase the overall vaccination rate closer to the vaccination rate of 56% of the state's total population.

The newly approved two-dose vaccine for children is made of the same ingredients as the adolescent and adult versions. What has changed for children is the size of the dose, and a third of the adult version also requires a smaller needle.

As seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination is nearly 91% effective in preventing the virus in children between 5 and 11 years of age.

Peyton Thomas, Ph.D., a pediatrician at UNC Health, said that the side effects of smaller doses for children are expected to be similar to those in the elderly. However, there is evidence that, due to the smaller dose, fewer children experience side effects.

"This may be a lower dose," said Dr. Daniel Donner of Novant Health. "During the 2-3 days after the injection, they are unlikely to experience initial side effects-feeling tired, feverish, and just generally feeling unwell."

In clinical trials, the vaccine has mild side effects. The most common side effects are arm soreness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain. Doctors say these side effects are normal signs that the body is building protection.

However, some people are worried about their vaccinations, and this problem has caused the number of vaccinations to stagnate. These parties are more concerned about the impact of the lens on young people.

"Before we offered it to children aged 5 to 11, we tried it on half of humans," said Dr. David Wall of the University of North Carolina Health Center. "We provided it to half of the people on the planet: there is no better way to prove its safety and effectiveness. For me, it's really simple and the vaccine is safe."

The COVID vaccine has been and will continue to undergo rigorous testing and safety monitoring. For this reason, the effectiveness of Moderna vaccine for children and adolescents is still under investigation. US regulators are delaying Moderna's decision while studying the rare risk of heart inflammation. The US Food and Drug Administration told Moderna that its review may continue until January.

Vaccinating young people will help protect them from the virus, thereby reducing their risk of hospitalization or long-term COVID complications. Vaccinating children can also help reduce community transmission in schools, which in turn facilitates more face-to-face learning.

However, the upcoming holiday may attract more people's attention. "Thanksgiving this year may be tough. There are a lot of people who are tired of keeping their distance," said Wohl of UNC. Although caution is still recommended, children will soon be able to get the first of two doses of immunity in time during Christmas and New Year.

Fatigue when wearing a mask and keeping a distance is not the only danger North Carolina faces, and the lag in the number of vaccinations is also worrying. At a press conference last week, North Carolina State Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mindy Cohen, reported that the initial vaccination rate for the 5 to 11-year-old age group was approximately 24,000 in the first five days, which is less than 3. % Eligible people. She pointed out that her child has been vaccinated and hopes other families will follow suit.

Cohen also encourages North Carolina people who had received a single shot of Johnson & Johnson at least two months ago to step up now. Earlier this year, she received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and chose Moderna booster for additional protection.

Dr. Cohen said when discussing whether adults under 65 need to boost their vaccines before travelling on holidays: “I think people have the opportunity to assess their risks and understand whether they are at a higher risk of contracting COVID, and there is no booster. Suitable for them."

Airy Mountain City School recently hosted the Blue Bear Autumn Festival to celebrate the entire Children's Month.

Each school has representatives, the blue bear bus stops there, and there is also a performance stage. The children visited a table composed of crafts and fun activities. In these tables, I have Jones middle-level leaders on my table.

Leader in Me is an evidence-based comprehensive school improvement model that gives students the leadership and life skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. The process starts with a powerful paradigm: every child has unique strengths and talents that can be used to lead. This paradigm allows adults to encourage the development of the entire child.

Are Surrey County officials about to sell the former Jones School site in Mount Airy?

Although there is no official news, some similar activities are taking place regarding the county government’s declaration of surplus property on July 19th.

At the same time, in September, a sign for sale was posted outside the facility on Jones School Road, which was an all-black campus in the last century. It now has various community agencies, such as Head Start, which operates under the umbrella of the LH Jones Family Resource Center.

County officials decided to sell the former school in response to the increase in maintenance costs that often revolve around old buildings. Also surplus are Graham Field, a sports facility across the road from the Resource Center, and the former Westfield School property in NC 89, which has become a community center in recent years.

The surplus package does not include the Jones Alumni Auditorium, located near other former school facilities, which is owned by the JJ Jones High School Alumni Association.

Although the former campus did not bid to acquire the campus within a few weeks of its listing, a community source said on Friday that there were signs that the project had made some progress.

Among them was Bristol Mitchem, the manager of the LH Jones Family Resource Center, who was asked by county officials to "walk around" the facility next Monday, but was unidentified. The sale may force community agencies to relocate to other places.

Meanwhile, the former school is on the agenda of the Surrey Committee meeting held at the Dobson Historical Court on Monday, which will begin at 6 pm with the participation of county manager Chris Knopf.

County spokesman Nathan Walls said on Friday: "At the Monday night meeting, the manager will release the latest news about the Jones Resource Center."

However, no detailed information about what this will bring is released in advance, including the possibility of receiving an offer to purchase the old Jones School property.

"So we will provide any of this information by then," Walls added when talking about the meeting.

Commissioner Larry Johnson, representing the Mount Airy District, also provided a preview when the county committee last met on November 1.

"In our next meeting (Monday), we will spend a lot of time in this area," he said of the Jones School when addressing the audience who was monitoring the situation during the meeting.

According to community sources, the sign for sale on Friday is still rising. "The sign collapsed," the person added while discussing recent activities at the site, including the re-erected sign.

"People say someone knocked it down."

Walls said that when accepting an offer to purchase a property that was declared to be surplus, a price reduction process would be used, in which a potential buyer submits a proposal, then advertises and counter-offers. The bid must be a certain percentage higher than the previous one.

There is no official indication that any bids have been made.

Although the entire Old Jones campus is owned by the county government, it is still the pride of former students, including its addition to the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

It is named after John Jarvis Jones, a pioneer African-American educator who moved to Mount Airy in 1914.

Nancy Bowman Williams, chair of the JJ Jones High School Alumni Association, stated that members hope that those who purchase the property will respect its historical integrity in any new use.

Williams was a student who graduated from Jones High School in 1965. He graduated before the integration took place. He said that one question is whether the parking facilities of the resource center can be maintained in order to be adjacent to the association. The auditorium holds events.

This fall semester, Mount Airy High School’s internship program hit a record high, with 52 students working in 31 different companies throughout the community.

"This is the largest number of interns in our project," said Katie Ferguson, a career development coordinator at Mount Airy High School.

The Mount Airy High School Internship Program was officially launched in the 2009-2010 school year. As an honors course, internship opportunities are provided for students in the fall, spring and summer. Students start with two weeks of classroom participation. Ferguson began to understand students and their career interests.

"Once I understand the students and their career interests, I will try to match them with a mentor to give them the opportunity to learn more about the career," Ferguson said.

All internship sites are located in the community.

In the two-week class, students learned different skills, things they might be interested in, and different career paths. Students will also learn how to properly write emails, make resumes and cover letters, and learn workplace etiquette.

Ferguson said: "We believe that job opportunities are a critical first step in integrating work-based learning into student life, increasing classroom relevance, and helping students grasp their career paths."

Matthew Bagley is a senior at Mount Airy High School. He is at the Mount Airy Police Station with Sergeant Stacey Inman ( Stacey Inman) interned together.

"We are trying to get students interested in criminal justice to comply with our different duties in the police station," Inman said.

Bagley walked around the police department, observing different parts of the police department and being able to interact. He is currently with the patrol, but will soon go to the investigation department, where he will take on more serious responsibilities.

"I like it very much," Inman said. "He helped during the Autumn Leaves Festival, which was a life-saving straw for me. His ability to interact with our community really showed the softer side of the police department."

Bagley began to experience the feeling of working in the police force.

"I believe that our participation with young people is our future," Inman added.

Brooks Sizemore and Janson Dezern are the other two seniors at Mount Airy High School and they are internships at Shenandoah Furniture.

“Interns at Shenandoah Furniture help to provide new ideas for achieving goals and completing projects. This is a unique way to explore the different departments within our organization while building personal relationships with students in our community,” said their mentor Rocky Killon.

Killon has been an internship partner at Mount Airy High School for many years.

In Shenandoah, Setzmore and Dezeen were able to do it themselves. They pack different furniture and decorate many products.

The project organizer said that the high school students in the project learn responsibilities and gain experience of interaction in the work environment, which is an important part of preparing for life after high school.

The third annual Deborah Voigt Memorial Blood Drive event will be held on November 17th at the East Surrey High School Stadium from 7:45 am to 1:30 pm.

The event is sponsored by the East Surrey High School JROTC program.

"We invite our community to come out and support our school, while potentially saving lives," said Ronald Montgomery, First Sergeant (R), JROTC instructor in East Surrey.

Anyone who is 16 years old who wants to participate will need to obtain a parental consent form from high school or download a form from the American Red Cross website.

Anyone 17 years or older can use the sponsor code to register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org: East Surry High School. You can also make an appointment by dialing 1-800-RED-CROSS.

According to the organizers, efforts are being made to promote and increase appointments. As of now, only about half of the required appointment vacancies have been made. All those who come to donate blood will get a free T-shirt while stocks last.

Deborah Voigt died on June 8, 2019 after battling lung cancer. She graduated from East Surrey High School in 1981 and is a long-term teacher and coach of the school, as well as an avid supporter of the cardinal.

Her husband Byron Voigt said: “She will be remembered for this blood donation.” “She thinks of a lot of the children in the JROTC program and the program. We are very happy that they are doing this.”

Montgomery said: "Deborah Vogt is a staunch supporter of the American Red Cross and an excellent teacher, mentor, coach and role model for many in the community." "These efforts have enabled the community to honor Deborah and her. Family members make a very important and measurable contribution."

White Plains Elementary School recently hosted an annual science fair for students in grades three to five. Kindergarten to the second classroom showed a classroom science project at the exhibition.

Kylee Tate, a fourth-year student, won first place as the school's overall champion. Sophie Ray, a third-year student, ranked second, and third-year student Ada King ranked third.

As part of Surrey's first Lego League competition in 2021, many middle school students won honors, allowing teams from schools in Mount Airy, Surrey County, and Elgin to compete with each other.

The championship team is the PRIMEtime Players of Gentry Middle School. They have scored high scores in multiple categories around so-called STEM subjects or competitions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

This year's jury award went to Team Rotators from Pilot Mountain Middle School. The judges' awards are designed to recognize the teams that impressed the judges in the participant introduction section of the competition.

Top teams are now participating in regional qualifying tournaments held across the state. Events such as these tournaments help local teams qualify for the state tournament held at NC A&T State University in January.

Other awards awarded in the competition include:

Core Value Champion: Central Middle School CMS Fury;

Innovation project champion: Pilot Mountain Middle School Ice Cream Scoop;

Robot design champion: Kargo Kids of Mount Airy Middle School;

Robot Run high score champion: Cyber ​​Elks from Elkin Middle School.

The competition was held at Surrey Community College and was supported by local business partners. “They recognize the value of the LEGO FIRST Robotics Program to develop the professional skills that students engage in when participating in the program,” said the organizer of the event. "These skills help them better prepare for future entry into the labor market. Working with the Surrey Community College Advanced Manufacturing Program, you now have a local channel to transport students to the STEM workforce."

As part of the competition day, students participating in the competition have the opportunity to visit the college’s mechatronics laboratory

"The mechatronics lab at Surrey Community College is great," said Paul Clark, coach of Meadowview Magnet Middle School. "They demonstrated a combination of mechanical, electronic and robotics technology."

This year, sponsors include Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, North Carolina Foam Industries Polyurethanes, Insteel Industries Inc., Renfro Brands, Northern Regional Hospital, Surry Economic Development and SouthData, an OSG company. The organization thanks these sponsors for their support.

Every year FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, choose a theme and formulate a series of tasks. Participants must learn, research, solve problems and program through four competition areas: core values, innovative projects, robot design, and robot games Challenge.

"FIRST’s mission is to inspire young people to become technology leaders and innovators, to participate in exciting mentor-based programs, to develop scientific, engineering, and technical skills, to stimulate innovation, and to develop comprehensive life skills including self-confidence, communication and Leadership," the organization said.

Under the guidance of adult coaches, the FIRST LEGO League team of up to 10 members applies scientific, engineering and mathematical concepts and some imagination to develop solutions to real-world challenges. They also design, build and program LEGO SPIKEPrime-based robots to perform autonomous tasks on the sports field. In the process, they developed critical thinking, team building and presentation skills. This year's theme is Cargo Connect, which includes the transportation and carrying of goods.

The team accepted the task of identifying problems and designing solutions related to product transportation. Students are asked to share their thoughts on potential solutions with others to improve them. The team must then prepare a presentation about their solution to the selected problem. All team members must participate in the presentation and have 5 minutes to present their ideas to the judges.

The robot design mimics the "real world" engineering design review. In this case, the team must show their robot to the referee, and the referee decides how the team uses accessories, body design and programming to allow the robot they build to complete the tasks created for the robot challenge. Using Lego bricks, the team builds any attachments they think will help the robot complete the task.

The highlight and public part of the game took place in the afternoon, with the robot running. Here, the team must use their coding skills to program the robot to complete a series of tasks related to our Cargo Connect theme. The robot is programmed to operate levers, move boxes and transport materials on the playing field. Completing these tasks can earn points, and the team with the highest score for the robot will be named the winner.

Tyler H. Jenkins of DO has joined the medical staff of the Northern District Hospital as a resident in a nationally recognized 133-bed community hospital.

As a board-certified doctor, Dr. Jenkins previously served as a resident at Carilion Giles Community Hospital in Piersburg, Virginia; before that, he served as a doctor in the US Army for seven years.

"We are very happy to welcome Dr. Jenkins to our medical staff," said Jason W. Edsall, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the Northern District Hospital. "His extensive medical knowledge and leadership experience, as well as his commitment to providing quality care to patients, are a perfect fit for our hospital."

Over time, Dr. Jenkin's path to become a doctor and eventually a resident (resident nursing specialist) continued to evolve. "Some people have that shining moment; but my decision grew up in a slower process-eventually, in the late middle school, when I decided to become a doctor is what I had to do," he said. Part of the reason he chose his career was his love of science and chemistry-these disciplines were very helpful to him during his later medical school studies and throughout his advanced medical training.

The way Dr. Jenkins treats patients is to treat patients rather than actually diagnose them. “I approached them to solve their questions and answer their questions, thus focusing on the individual needs of each patient,” he said. "I understand and are very direct; patients appreciate that I have provided them with information about their condition and a range of possible treatment options. I find that most people prefer you to be straightforward, rather than avoiding problems."

"In general, I like to be a puzzle solver, by finding out what is happening, and then putting all the small parts together to improve the quality of life and outcome of the patient," he said.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the young graduate was admitted to the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical College in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a second lieutenant. He was awarded in 2010 After the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, the new doctor’s military status changed from reserve to active duty, was promoted to captain, and was assigned to the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, where He started a three-year medical residency program.

During the residency training, Jenkins became more acutely aware of the role of the residency through collaboration with the residency and one of his clinical professors, Dr. George Imuro. "Dr. Imuro is very supportive and helpful to me," he said. "His guidance and guidance helped me stay awake." Jenkins also found comfort and strength in the dual integration of medical training and military experience during his hospital stay. "The experience I want is not just a straight line education with my face buried in a book. It's exciting to be part of something greater than me; to connect with a larger group while building character and broadening your experience."

After completing his residency program, Dr. Jenkins assumed various increasingly responsible roles for the remainder of his military career, including the battalion surgeon and clinical director of the Brigade and Fort Bragg in Fort Bliss, Texas. Of surgeons and clinical supervisors. In these tasks, he is accountable to clinicians who report to him and is responsible for providing comprehensive medical services to 1,000 to 3,000 soldiers. He also completed actual combat training and served as chief medical officer in two international training exercises in Liberia and the Netherlands. "I may be the only doctor in the Netherlands who has treated cases of malaria," he said with a smile.

Dr. Jenkins is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine; and has served on the organization's Board of Education. While in the military, he was a lecturer in combat medical training courses; and was the permanent representative of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Committee of the Carilion Clinic Family Medicine Resident Program.

Dr. Jenkins looks forward to working with colleagues to use his medical knowledge and skills to help inpatients in the Northern District Hospital. "Everyone I met in the north was respectful and pleasant," he said. "All residents work together to help ensure the best patient care, and we have good access to complex resources."

As a fitness enthusiast, Dr. Jenkins likes to organize and participate in sports activities and educational outings with his family-including his graphic designer wife Holly and their two sons: seven-year-old Arthur and three-year-old Adam. "We like swimming, biking, walking and visiting science museums," Jenkins said. He is also ready to play an extended tabletop role-playing game with his friends. "This is a big hobby of mine," he said.

For more information about the Northern Region Hospital, please visit www.choosenorthern.org.

• According to the city police report, the Mount Airy man has been arrested as a fugitive and jailed with a secured bond of US$5,000.

Harold Lee Allison, 52, lives at 228 Virginia Street, was arrested by the police on November 6th in his home due to civil strife. After investigation, he was arrested in connection with an unspecified incident in Galax, Virginia.

Alison is scheduled to appear in Surrey District Court on Monday.

• A loss of nearly $1,000 was found in an apartment on the 200 block of Rockford St. on Wednesday. William Carrol Cail of Casstevens Road was listed as the victim.

After an unidentified suspect entered the apartment, the refrigerator, four plaster walls, a ceiling fan and a glass window screen changed.

• Police learned on Tuesday that a Samsung Galaxy A12 mobile phone owned by Willie Alton Benton, a resident of Pleasant Dr., was stolen from a Speedway convenience store on Rockford Street.

The phone is described as black with cracks and is worth $150.

• Gregory Lee Hatcher, 44, living in 611-C E. Haymore St., was arrested on October 15 for injuring personal property and assaulting women.

These allegations were sent through the Surrey County Sheriff’s Office on September 19, and Carrie Mae Rucker, the plaintiff’s neighbor in Hatcher's on Mor Street, East Sea, was listed as the complainant.

Hatcher is detained in Surrey County Jail with a deposit of $1,500 and will appear in the District Court on December 3.

The sound of cannons in the distance, the turbulent North Atlantic ocean, the constant mosquitoes in the jungle once hoped to be forgotten, or the light from the Kuwaiti oil fields at midnight-these can be found in the movie, or soon in Surrey County. .

The Surrey County Contract Registration Office will launch a new project in early 2022, as officials there will begin the process of collecting histories of local veterans. The project to preserve first-hand interviews and narratives was conducted in conjunction with the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the American Folklore Center collects, preserves, and provides personal accounts of American veterans so that future generations can directly listen to veterans and better understand the reality of war.

"Personal history is not what you call academic history," said Todd Harris of the Surrey County Deeds Registry. "We want to collect what they saw and heard, what they experienced, and how it affected them when they returned home."

The first-hand information of veterans will create the main source material needed for future research and scholarships. They will also help illustrate the humanity and sacrifices of those who helped shape the history of the country.

As a history student, Harris knew that the project had to have a sense of urgency to collect these stories before it was too late. "It's important to preserve history." As these veterans pass away, their stories keep passing by.

In order to produce a more complete picture, VHP also collected oral histories of members of the Venus family, which are defined as the parents, spouses, siblings, or children of members of the armed forces who died during the war.

"Everything we do here will be shared with VHP and the Library of Congress," Harris said. "However, this project is designed for Surrey County. Although the Library of Congress may only interview veterans who served in combat, we want the stories of all veterans."

Harris told a story that is too common today. One of his family members who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II moved westward, "I always said that I should talk to him and collect his stories, and then he died. Before I came to the deed registry to work for many years , This is the catalyst, this is the origin."

Locally, Harris mentioned that Stanley King "served on the USS Intrepid. He is now 96 years old, so he is really one of the people I want to interview the most." There will be other Stanleys there, this project The aim is to find them and bring them to tell about their experiences.

Harris encourages everyone to share information with veterans organizations, churches and other local groups to promote and increase the level of participation of veterans. Asking veterans to tell their stories and then archiving these stories may be a way for some families to get more closure or gain more understanding. The proceeds from the project will be worthwhile, but Harris pointed out that the project will not cost the county a penny.

The Deed Registry also sought help from writer and historian Tom Perry in this project. "Tom has done a great job in researching and preserving many local histories that can be traced back to the Civil War. He was naturally involved," Harris said.

Perry assisted in gathering oral history from Vietnam veterans in southern Virginia for use in a similar project, "It frustrated me. I interviewed each of these people, and everyone broke down at some point." He said. "I realized that no one had spoken to them."

Some veterans, especially those from the Vietnam era, found that they were seen as outcasts instead of the ticker parade and the iconic VJ Day kiss in Times Square. Many people don't want to tell their stories because they are afraid of judgment, or worse, they are afraid of memory. The danger of losing their collective knowledge is real and increases with the passage of time and every flag on the coffin.

In order to correct this oversight and add color to the country’s more complete story, the Surrey County Veterans History Project will be officially launched in early 2022. If more veterans want to participate, the project will continue throughout the year.

Harris also said that through the help of Dr. Palm Helston, veterans who need help during the project will be helped.

"The assistance is mainly technical, such as scanning documents or photos." Hellston added: "We will assist in writing and editing their stories. This should not prevent any veterans from becoming part of the project."

Harris, who has been put on hold due to COVID-19, wants to make sure that they tend to proceed with caution, as these veterans tend to belong to groups more susceptible to the virus. "We have to watch out for COVID, but if there are no other outbreaks, we will start in January."

This is the number of people who applied to find vacant city manager jobs in Mount Airy after Barbara Jones retired earlier this year.

It was previously reported that 17 applicants were received before the November 1 deadline, and the city hall also admitted that this number may increase.

The recent nationwide delay in mail delivery by the U.S. Postal Service is considered to be a possible factor for the delayed arrival of other applications/resumes that still carry the postmark on November 1 or earlier.

"Twenty-one are the finals received," Mayor Ron Nilan said on Thursday.

"And we are trying to figure out how many people we will interview," Nilan said of the city council members.

During the last meeting of the Mount Airy Committee on November 4, a private meeting was held to discuss the personnel issue.

"The general consensus is that we want to reduce it to five to seven," he said on Thursday of reducing the number of applicants.

One question concerns the far-reaching field represented by those interested in Mount Airy's work.

The mayor said that although most applicants live in North Carolina, others live in California, Texas, Ohio, Maine and Georgia, as well as neighboring Virginia.

This means that some preliminary interviews may be conducted over the phone.

Niland hopes that this process will actually begin in the next three weeks, and city officials hope to hire a new manager by mid-January.

According to the mayor, background checks and interviews take about a month, which also allows the selected person time to send sufficient notice to his or her current employer.

Jones has stated that she plans to retire from October 1st so that the next city manager can take office in time for the municipal budget season. It started at the beginning of the year and will reach its climax in June next year through the 2022-23 spending plan.

The last time Mount Airy looked for a city manager in the market was in 2010. 40 people applied for the position, and Jones-then assistant manager-was appointed by the board to fill it.

She has worked in the municipal government for 30 years.

Before hiring a new city manager, Mount Airy Park and Recreation Director Darren Lewis (Darren Lewis) will temporarily hold the position while also taking care of his day-to-day duties.

According to previous reports, it is said that Lewis has always been disinterested in the manager's work.

Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day. At an event held in Mount Airy on Thursday, a speaker suggested another name to commemorate the holiday of American soldiers:

"It should be called'Thanksgiving'," said Tim Watson, the district attorney in Surrey and Stokes counties, who explained that everyone in the United States owes service since the Revolutionary War began nearly 250 years ago. Of those people’s huge debts.

"Although we will never be able to repay this debt," Watson added when referring to the sacrifices made by many people, including the final sacrifice, "we can say'thank you'."

This is exactly what Watson and other members of the entire community did on Thursday, because Mount Ally held a full-scale Veterans Day commemoration after the pandemic reduced holiday activities last year.

The 2021 holiday begins with a downtown parade on Thursday morning and ends with a colorful and spectacular patriotic show at the Mount Airy War Memorial, which is estimated to be attended by more than 200 people.

It started at 11 am, marking the signing of the armistice agreement ending World War I on November 11, 1918.

On Thursday, many former service personnel were in the audience to recognize these people by raising their hands. Another highlight was the presence of local students who were unable to participate in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

They include North Surrey High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Team units and the Greyhound Voice Chorus. Large groups of Boy Scouts in uniform held flags in front of the war memorial and walked in the parade with Mount Airy and the marching band of North Surrey High School.

Although many parts of the community gathered for Thursday’s Veterans’ Day event, a common bond was obvious: the importance of patriotism embodied by the military.

On Thursday, another spokesperson, the chairman of the Surrey County Council, Mark Marion, said that it is because of their years of service that Americans can enjoy freedom and be proud of their identity. He believes this includes Admire the national flag.

"You carry this flag all over the world." Marion said to the veterans present. He added that everyone else should do this at will, and they should also make other patriotic gestures.

"We will sing the national anthem before all games," Marion said of one such practice in Surrey County. "Why? Because you veterans say we can."

District Attorney Watson is not a veteran, but on Thursday, wearing a uniform—the uniform of an adult boy scout leader—continued the theme when he stepped onto the podium immediately after Marion.

"We must never forget the importance of veterans to this country," he commented. "All the veterans here today, thank you for everything you have done for us."

Watson pointed out that this promise can be traced back to the mid-1970s, when farmers and other ordinary people in the British colonies took up arms as citizen soldiers to fight against the world's most powerful military force in order to fight for the independence of the United States.

Watson asserted that the love of freedom is what distinguishes the United States from the rest of the world, and the military has maintained its vitality in countless conflicts. "That war was fought many times," he said.

"Your service is very important, and it still is," Watson said in a comment on veterans-otherwise, "at least we might speak with a British accent and curtsey to the Queen."

"We are forever grateful for their brave love and sacrifice," Surrey County Sheriff Steve Hiatt said of the veterans in prayer for Thursday's service.

Another spokesperson for the plan, Joe Zalescik, a member of the Mount Airy Committee, cited census data as saying that there are 19 million veterans in the United States.

However, not all those who served in the service received the respect they deserve, Zalescik continued, noting in particular the Vietnam War veterans who were despised when they returned.

The city commissioner said that he was always grateful for the service of the soldiers, but took additional measures for those fighting in Vietnam. He welcomes them home because they did not receive such a greeting since they first came back.

Zalescik also stated that although it is important to express gratitude and hold an annual celebration, given the problems faced by many veterans, they also need more attention.

This includes dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), homelessness, high suicide rates and difficult access to health care services.

Zalescik said that veterans should be able to go to any medical institution and get the treatment they need, and his remarks won applause from the crowd.

"We really need to work harder," he said of doing more for former servicemen.

In addition to remembering the soldiers' own sacrifices, Thursday also mentioned the hardships facing their families.

Those who serve leave behind wives, fathers or mothers, and they must deal with trials and tribulations at home.

"So family, I also think you are veterans," Marion told viewers who fit this situation, and his comments also won applause.

"Sometimes I think their service is the hardest," Watson said in front of the microphone when it was his turn, referring to the memorial behind him with the names of war victims in Surrey County written on it.

"If you don't believe it, ask those who have lovers on that wall," he commented to those who gave everything.

"The greatest respect we can pay to them is to never forget their sacrifices," Watson said. "I hope and pray that we will never forget that freedom is not free."

The Mayor of Mount Airy, Ron Niland, read out a Veterans Day announcement on Thursday, mentioning the role of “outstanding people” who have kept the country’s freedom while advancing the cause of global freedom .

The announcement further cited their "willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good", and Niland (Niland's late father was in the army) provided personal notes.

"God bless our veterans-thank you so much for everything you have done for me and my family and families around the world."

The Surrey County Economic Development Foundation announced that it will accept applications for small business grants before the end of the year. These grants are part of Duke Energy Foundation grants to help companies with fewer than 50 employees receive small grants ranging from US$500 to US$2,500.

The Duke Foundation’s $25,000 grant was awarded to the Economic Development Foundation to provide grants to local small businesses in order to alleviate some of the financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Todd Tucker of the Surrey County Economic Development Foundation said: “The Duke Energy Hometown Revitalization Grant Program will help offset our business’s adjustments in daily operations to maintain business and provide urgent needs for our communities. Costs incurred in terms of services."

The press release states: “If your small business has to'transform' during this period to stay in business, maintain operations, or even grow, then this grant may be right for you.” A fulcrum might include adding enhanced services or business opportunities for the business To adapt to the impact of the pandemic.

Some companies need to add protective covers to cash registers, spend money to buy masks, or perform additional deep cleaning of their premises. Other modifications to the physical space, such as expanding outdoor dining, improving e-commerce sites for online sales, or expanding the ability to deliver goods and services, can all be considered eligible for the grant program.

The conditions that are not eligible for inclusion in the subsidy program are wages, rent, or utility bills. However, the plan details stated that a small business support award may also be awarded for store beautification projects, "but priority will be given to COVID-19 recovery projects."

The funding provided by the Duke Energy Foundation to the Surrey County Economic Development Foundation is part of a $750,000 grant to help local businesses in North Carolina adapt to the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.

"We were shocked by the number and quality of applications, so we decided to increase the foundation's commitment and help more downtown communities rejuvenate," said Duke Energy North Carolina President Stephen Demay, hometown grant funding An increase of 50% since last year.

Tucker said that applications for grants can be found on the Surrey Economic Development Foundation's website and their Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages.

Interested parties should download the application and answer some related questions. Applications must be returned to the Surrey County Economic Development Partnership by December 30th. If you have any questions, please contact the Partnership Office at 336-401-9900 or via email surryedp@surry.net.

Recently, a group of golden eagles "flyed" to gather in a place in Siloam-not for some kind of migration ceremony, but for the 50th reunion of Surrey Central High School classes in 1971.

It features yard parties and picnics at Hogan Creek Farm, hosted by Marion and Jerry Venable, one of the group of graduates.

Students from Copland, Dobson, and Mountain Park Elementary Schools united in the fall of 1967 to become the Golden Eagles—the mascot of Surrey Central High School—and eventually became a member of the 1971 class.

During the recent reunion to celebrate their 50th anniversary of graduating from Dobson School, the group returned to the past with the help of the memorabilia display and paid tribute to their late classmates.

Participants said that another highlight was enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner against the backdrop of the beautiful autumn night at 1893 Atkinson House.

At the same time, each class member will receive a booklet with updated contact information.

A classmate named Dana Haynes set off from St. Augustine, Florida, and took a 600-mile journey to participate in lively conversations and celebrations that everyone loves.

Special guests are Gene Everette, a former class counselor, Doug Cook, a former teacher and administrator, and his wife Bonnie.

The monitor, Sam Gentry, and another former classmate, Rev. Steve Johnson, greeted the attendees.

The members of the reunion committee include Marion Feezor Venable, Susan Hamlin Gentry, Paula Key Stanley, Teresa Shinault Haymore and Debbie Simmons Wilmoth.

Montanna Edwards, a Surrey County native and student of Surrey Online Magnet School, recently participated in the Prohound PKC World Youth Championship in Salem, Illinois, and ranked third in the national rankings.

Montana started hunting around the age of 5, when her father Michael Edwards and younger brother Sean Hawkes encouraged her to keep a dog of her own. She has been listening to them about their hunting experiences, and has become curious and eager to participate. She won her first game with her father's dog Jack at the age of 12.

Montana became obsessed with competition and has been at the top of the rankings ever since. In March, she and her walker hound Sandy won the 2021 PKC Virginia Youth Championship in Ellet, Virginia. From October 7th to 9th, she competed with her other favorite dog, Hard Time Smoke, a blue English Spaniel at the Youth World Championships and won third place among the Youth World Nationals.

Montana hunts for nearly six nights a week, starting her training and preparing for next year's game. As a sophomore in high school, she is very fortunate to apply for and be accepted as a student by Surry Online Magnet School. She said she wants to do online education so that she can pursue her dream and compete more at a higher level and in different places. The online school allows her to flexibly arrange the course time to match her training plan.

"This online content is more challenging, and it builds a sense of responsibility," she said. "I like that I can make my own schedule, and my teacher understands and is flexible, and is always there when I need help."

Montana's favorite exercise is to establish contact with her dogs and comment that they are her top priority. She competes with them six times a month on average, hoping to get the points needed to rank in order to participate in next year's state, national and world championships.

Their team includes craftsmen such as weavers, luthiers, and printmakers, but they all have one thing in common: they are selected to stop on a new Blue Ridge craft trail that passes through the area.

It has six artists and art organizations located in Mount Airy and Elgin in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina.

The list includes the Surrey Arts Council headquartered in Mount Airy and five locations in Elgin: Foothills Art Center, John Fuchs Gallery, November Hall, Yadkin Valley Fiber Center and Yadkin Valley Quilts.

Leslie Hartley of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area issued a statement saying that allowing these entities to walk on designated trails would encourage visitors to the area to meet famous artisans and discover uniqueness Of handicrafts and experience the charm of the town.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in Asheville was designated by Congress and the President in November 2003.

It aims to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical and cultural resources of western North Carolina to benefit present and future generations, while also inspiring economic opportunities in the region.

The route just launched in the area is part of the broader Blue Ridge Craft Trails initiative organized by Asheville to promote craftsmen, art organizations, and heritage tourism to increase such opportunities in 25 counties in western North Carolina .

"The long history of craftsmanship and creativity in Surrey County continues today," Angie Chandler, executive director of the Blue Ridge National Heritage District, said in a statement. "We are very happy to celebrate the Yad King Valley area as a vibrant center for handicrafts."

According to Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surrey Arts Committee, being placed on the new craft route is a goal that the Surrey Arts Committee has been working on for months.

This includes the weekly reception of various artisans in the art studio of the Andy Griffith Theater.

"We do have a different person every Saturday in the summer," Jones added on Monday. The Surrey Arts Council paid these people and allowed them to collect all the proceeds from the sale of their products. This arrangement lasted 12 to 15 weeks.

Jones explained: "This is our way of trying to benefit local artists affected by the pandemic."

She also praised the trail initiative in general, saying it is a way to benefit people throughout the region by encouraging tourists, "and let them know that our handicrafts are very important."

The suggested itinerary and a brief introduction to participating sites are on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com. There is a Blue Ridge Craft Trails sign on the window or door of each craft station to welcome visitors.

You can check the route online at https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/itineraries/surry-county-nc/

The project was funded by the Surrey County Tourism Development Authority, Appalachian Regional Council, North Carolina Western Community Foundation, Henderson County Community Foundation Perry Rudnick Foundation, North Carolina Arts Council, and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area provided.

North Surry High School recently held a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the renovation of Charles D. Atkins Stadium.

These improvements include a new scoreboard that will highlight the support of local businesses and a new customized news box. It is officially named Smith Crawford Press Box after two long-term faculty members and coaches.

Don Smith has coached in North Surrey for many years. Richard Crawford is a social studies teacher and sports announcer for the Greyhounds.

The Greyhounds also have a newly renovated power and fitness center at the Zack W. Blackmon Family Sports Center. The new area is equipped with Sorinex's most advanced equipment.

Two student athletes Jack Simmons and Ania Joyce delivered speeches at the ceremony. They expressed appreciation for the work done. Several members of the Surrey County School Board and members of the Greyhound Foundation spoke at the event.

The Greyhound Foundation was established in 2006 to support school funding needs for sports facilities and equipment. "The Greyhound Foundation thanks the school community for raising more than $50,000 to complete these projects in six weeks," the organization said in a statement.

Anyone interested in joining the Greyhound Foundation should contact Neil Atkins at 336-401-1883, or Robbie Gardner at 336-648-5009.

The National Association for Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter of Surrey Community College received recognition and recognition from the organization’s national office.

The SCC chapter was included in the presidential circle list for its commitment to meeting the requirements of all chapter pillars, making it one of the top chapters in the country. These pillars include participation in the organization’s leadership summit, a bi-weekly club leadership meeting, two community service activities in each planned year, and an annual induction ceremony. This recognition also provides a $1,400 credit for the club’s annual fee.

Club advisor Sabrina Terry, Dean of Student Services at SCC, praised the work done by members to meet these pillars.

“Despite all the challenges of COVID-19 and almost had to host all of our 11 events last year, our club won the organization’s recognition. Many of the executive committee members last year transferred to four-year universities after graduation, but I Will miss this opportunity to share all their hard work," Terry said.

The National Leadership and Success Association provides members with a step-by-step plan to develop their leadership skills through participation on campus and online. As part of society, students can use the skills they can use throughout their educational and professional endeavors.

Membership also provides students with lifelong benefits such as scholarships and awards, exclusive on-campus activities, recruitment of employers through online job search banks, and discounts on computers, textbooks, and graduate school preparatory courses.

The NSLS chapter of Surrey Community College was established in 2013 and has brought in more than 370 members since then.

Contact Sabrina Terry, the SCC chapter adviser, on Societyleadership.org or by email to 3360386-3530 or terrysj@surry.edu to learn more about the National Association for Leadership and Success.

On Thursday, a well-known local company reached a milestone.

The Hampton Inn at 2029 Rockford Street in Mount Airy will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

"We are very happy that we have done this for 25 years," said General Manager Lenise Lynch. "We will hold a small celebration at the hotel and thank our staff and guests for helping us achieve this milestone."

Lynch has been working at this hotel for 15 years-13 of them in his current position-said that local businessman Zack Blackmon Sr. has a lot of ideas about Mount Airy becoming a tourist center and how the hotel will develop. "This vision" may be a booming business in the city.

"He opened a 74-room hotel," she said. "Business is booming...they don't have enough space to accommodate all the guests passing by. I believe they sell out every night."

Eleven years later, in 2007, Blackmon continued to expand the facility, adding 51 rooms for a total of 125 rooms.

"At the time, we became one of the largest hotels in the area," Lynch said.

What Lynch and the staff there are particularly proud of is that she said that the local factory is ranked in the top 15% of the Hamptons chain every year-in some years, even in the top 5%.

She said that ranking is a measure of customer satisfaction, and also a measure of the hotel’s performance when inspected by Hampton officials and how each location fits into company-wide changes.

"Hampton hotel inspections used to be twice a year, now they are once a year."

She said the inspection measures the cleanliness of the property, whether employees have received proper training and meet customer needs, and whether changes have been made across the company. "Just make sure you are doing all the things you should do. The Hampton Inn (employees) in Mount Airy has always been alert and doing what they should do."

Lynch said that success comes from adhering to the highest standards of ownership, and then providing management and employees with the support and guidance needed to succeed.

"It all starts from the top and then it drops. If you have good ownership, good management, if you have good and loyal employees, you will succeed," she said. "When our guests come in, we will bend back to make sure they are satisfied. We are proud of our property...If there is something that needs to be repaired, we will fix it, we will not use band-aids.... …It’s taking care of your guests, and sometimes puts itself in their minds."

In 2015, the hotel changed hands and Srikanth and Shri Kamma purchased the facility. Lynch said that the standards remain unchanged, which helps lead the way for employees and allows the hotel to maintain its leading position in the chain.

The Hampton Inn currently has 32 employees-although Lynch said she hopes to hire up to 40 employees.

"It was a struggle, but again, we are strong, we have experienced a change of ownership, and when you think back to the 2007-2008 pandemic, we have experienced a recession, but we are still strong. We do have some work here We have long-term employees for more than 10 years, and they help us move on. Current ownership and long-term employees have played an important role in the success of this hotel.

"It is an honor to witness this moment and cheer for the 25-year-old. I believe Zac will be proud of his legacy. I just hope and pray that the next few years will bring more wealth and prosperity, and we can let us The current owner is proud, just like we created Zac."

To block or not to block. Republican or Democratic. Duke University or UNC.

The list of differences between the people of North Carolina and the whole country seems to be getting longer every day—and more and more acrimonious.

This is why a famous filmmaker, a country music star, and a public relations master decided to put together a project aimed at bringing people together, making each other more civilized, transcending differences and Respect common beliefs.

Or more specifically, let people share memories and thoughts about their hometown-Mount Airy is the forefront and center. There are two separate presentations on a national website dedicated to this cause.

Dan McGinn, CEO of McGinn and Company and one of the initiators of the Honor Your Hometown project, said: "You have to find a way to talk to people without arguing with them." "We just landed. We fall into this trap: we will only talk to people we agree with, and not anyone else, which is not good for this country."

McGinn, documentary director Ken Burns, and country music star Marty Stuart started discussing various ideas. They hope to find a way to promote civilization and encourage people to start talking to each other again without having to hold grudges, regardless of political, religious or social differences.

Then they thought of one thing that made people talk about what McGinn said most people have good memories-their hometown.

"If you talk to people about their hometown, they will start to smile, and they will open up and want to tell you stories about their memories," McKim said. "I am committed to my own hometown. I come from a small place called Nitro in West Virginia. I always think that no matter what success I have in life, it has a lot to do with my hometown."

The three decided to set up a website, https://www.honoryourhometown.com/, where people can share video stories of their hometown and help people connect.

"We went to General Colin Powell and he liked it," McGinn said. Powell, who died thereafter, served as President Ronald Reagan’s National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George HW Bush, and Secretary of State under President George W. Bush. "He made the first video for this."

Next came Dolly Parton, and Burns and Stewart produced, and the project began.

Mount Airy was there too-twice, for two reasons.

"If you want to talk about your hometown, you have to go to Mount Airy sooner or later? This is a typical hometown," McKin said.

Therefore, Mayor Ron Niland is the first group of mayors in the country to be invited to submit videos.

"I received an email request from this organization. It is a non-partisan person, people like Colin Powell, Ken Burns, Dolly Parton, just a group of national celebrities saying,'Hey, we National lunatics talking to each other are not what we are as Americans.'"

Nilan said the email was soliciting his and other mayors’ opinions about the qualities of Mount Airy and their respective towns, which are “that we celebrate as Americans. I think it’s a good idea.”

Niland's video on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qMrSDy4cSo is about two minutes long.

"I did it in front of the statues of Andy and Opi-this is Andy Griffith's hometown, we are also known as Maybury," he said. "I'm talking about the values, honesty, decency and fairness of the show-these are the Americans who really unite us. This is basically the message to be conveyed. When all this is said, we will be defined as America. Human decency and kindness."

Due to Stuart's friendship with Andy Griffith, Mount Airy entered the site again.

"Marty has worked with Andy Griffith... Marty previewed at Andy Griffith's family memorial service. They are personal friends," Gene said. Therefore, he said that Stuart asked the Surrey Arts Council to also speak for Mount Airy.

"That show, what it represents... is so powerful and so important for many Americans... We said we must let Ellishan represent," Gene said.

Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surrey Arts Council, also submitted a 3-1/2 minute video. While briefly introducing the town, Jones also talked about the county’s bluegrass, old times, and country music history, as well as the Bunker Twins, the original celebrity of Mount Airy. She talked about Griffith, and most of his shows are based on the time he grew up in his hometown and his influence on Mount Airy. Her video https://www.honoryourhometown.com/hometowntreasures/zbjk3ghsu6jbedp88gy33plxmnrwp9 was shot in front of the Andy Griffith poster at the Airy Mountain Theatre.

McGinn said that this work is entirely voluntary and has caught fire in recent days. It has been featured on the Today Show, CBS Morning News, NBC Evening News, USA Today, and many other national media.

He hopes that the project will continue to arouse people's interest—hundreds of towns and groups have submitted videos for display—and eventually become a national sport.

"There is no bureaucracy, no organization, we don't want money, we don't want anyone's money... this is non-partisan. We just picked up the phone, we started calling some people."

"We seem to have 1,500 days to honor everything. We have cat days, taco days, naming your nursing day, but not to commemorate your hometown day. We think this is wrong. We want to be a tribute to hometown and one National Day every year. We are likely to turn it into a national movement."

In the end, he believes that if it really becomes popular, maybe National Hometown Day can be the beginning of bringing people together again to celebrate their common ground rather than their differences.

A Mount Airy man was arrested and jailed for nearly 100 child sex crimes.

According to a statement by Surrey County Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt, 37-year-old Mark William Combs is located at 131 Noel Lane in Mount Airy , Was arrested by officials from the Surrey County Sheriff’s Office in a case involving local, state, and federal authorities.

Combs was charged with 65 counts of tertiary sexual exploitation of minors, 5 counts of statutory sexual offenses, 5 counts of indecent assault on minors, 5 counts of endangering nature, 1 count of first-degree kidnapping, and 1 count of statutory rape15 Children under the age of, and an allegation of incest with a child.

He went to jail with a secured bond of 3.9 million U.S. dollars.

"Mr. Combs' arrest is the direct result of a month-long investigation conducted by the Surrey County Sheriff’s Office, which originated from a network received by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin Prompt," the sheriff said.

He said that the Criminal Investigation Department of the Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant against residents of Combs on November 4, interviewed Combs, and protected his electronic equipment. He was arrested and imprisoned on charges.

The Sheriff’s Office said it was unable to release more information about the allegations at this time.

"This investigation is ongoing," Sergeant Hiat said. "These types of investigations are very emotional, time-consuming, and lengthy. Law enforcement agencies work together and communicate openly to completely eliminate the jurisdictional boundaries of criminals hiding. Thank you to all those involved in the investigation for helping this investigation approach the finish line."

Combs' appearance in court is set for November 17.

During the Korean War of 1952-53, Paul Madren was an air force member who used to monitor enemy activities in the air-now he is preparing for a very different kind of flight.

When the residents of Mount Airy and other veterans from the area flew to the country’s capital on a triad honour on Thursday, no hostilities were involved.

A total of 80 veterans have served the country in various wars. They will travel to Washington free of charge to thank them for their contributions, including visiting important sites commemorating this heritage.

Madlen, now 90, applied for the program a few years ago. "And they don't have flights," he said. It turns out that Thursday’s one will be the first in 10 years.

"I was selected," Madren said of the opportunity to become a member of High Point's non-profit Triad Honor Flight organization, "the last mission."

The plan is aided by fundraising events as well as corporate sponsors and other supporters. In Madren's case, Surry Sunrise Rotary Club sponsored the trip and the guardian's trip, and his son was also named Paul.

"Every veteran has a guardian to accompany them," Madron said of the chartered flight that will take off from Piedmont Triad International Airport early Thursday (appropriate Veterans Day) and return that night.

Of the 80 veterans planning to participate in the Triad Honor Flight, 7 served during World War II. "The oldest person in this group is 98 years old," said Madlen from Alamance County.

He formed another team with 16 veterans of the Korean War. "The rest are Vietnam, Desert Storm, etc.," Madlen said of the conflict to be represented.

His wartime activities included serving as an electronic radio engineer and expert in a reconnaissance squadron. Its main task is to drive a camera-equipped F-80 Sabre jet along the river that separates North Korea and South Korea and nearby roads, while recording the movement of troops and other activities.

"We fly every morning and evening," the Ai Lishan man recalled.

He thinks Triad Honor Flight is a rare opportunity to exchange war stories with a group of people who have in common while serving in different theaters.

"Most of us have never talked about these things," Madlen said of the obstacles faced in relating experiences to non-veterans who lack the same frame of reference-the "you must be there" situation. This often includes the closest family members, and it is expected that Thursday's flight will fill the gap in this regard.

"You can recall something that happened," Madlen said.

The opportunity to visit relevant major locations in the Washington area in a concentrated and well-organized manner is also one of the attractions of this trip.

Veterans plan to participate in Iwo Jima, Air Force, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Lincoln Memorial.

After returning to Piedmont Triad International Airport on Thursday night, veterans will participate in a welcome home party.

Paul Madron is very happy to have the opportunity to participate in this so-called "mission."

"I am proud to be invited to be a member of this group," he said. "I am more proud to be able to serve."

• According to a report from the Mount Airy Police Department, two people are facing court appearances after they were recently arrested for drug offences.

29-year-old Lindsay Kay Joyce and 51-year-old Arnold Washington Leftwich, both located at 128 Rawley Ave., No. 1, ran into Police Street in an unidentified business in the North Renfro 500 block late on October 19th.

Joyce was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a felony, and possession of only Schedule II controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, and was determined to be a syringe. Lifewich was accused of possessing drug paraphernalia and was classified as "multiple" needles.

He was detained at the Surrey County Jail without bail. Joyce was detained on a secured bail of $2,000. Both are scheduled to appear in the District Court on January 10.

• On October 28th, a theft occurred at the Hadley Street residence of Jacqueline Louise Noyola, involving the loss of a white Amana dryer worth 558 dollars.

• Mount Airy Tire and Automotive on Carter Street was the scene of the theft discovered on October 29. The target of the theft was owned by the company employee Andy Ray Ayers of Holly Springs Road Pioneer radio. This $150 radio was described as black with a 7-inch screen. It was taken out of Ayres’ 1999 Honda Accord and was not fixed at the time.

• Kobbie Jaheim Soini Wilson, 20, living at 158 ​​Wood Creek Avenue, was charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public official on October 25, when he was suspected of obstructing US Highway 52 traffic investigations and delaying officials’ performance Responsibilities. This was not specifically stated in the police record, which stated that the man was in jail with a $500 secured bond and was scheduled to appear in the Surrey District Court next Monday.

• Jesse Eugene Bates, 30, from the Glade Spring community in Alleghany County, was charged on October 25 with theft of the property of an unnamed business at 2151 Rockford Street.

The drill bit, flashlight, pocket knife, knitted hat and multi-tool wallet were recovered, but they were taken out of the package and damaged, so USD 130 was owed. Bates is scheduled to appear in Surrey District Court on Monday.

• Property damage was caused at Walmart on October 20, when someone tried to cut the lock and chain to enter the fenced area of ​​the place where the battery was stored. This resulted in damage to the chain for US$20, and police records showed that it also involved the loss of a battery worth US$80.

After introducing the master plan proposal for the central business district to city officials, significant changes in the downtown of Mount Airy-possibly including two-way traffic-may occur.

After raising concerns at the Mount Airy Committee meeting on October 21. It was then asked to allocate US$75,000 for the plan—actually an update of the plan before 2004—to be completed by the planning company Benchmark CMR, which is already working for the municipality.

Board members Jon Cawley and Tom Koch objected to the action, which is part of the consent agenda and usually includes routine items approved by rubber stamp votes without discussion.

Their worries led to a detailed discussion of the downtown master plan on October 21, but no funding action was taken. The committee members unanimously decided to shelve the matter until the Benchmark representative gave an in-depth introduction at the first meeting in November last Thursday.

Benchmark President Jason Epley explained how the company helped improve the urban area through a modern master plan, which once again led to no funding decision for the proposal.

Since 2011, the Charlotte-based company has provided Mount Airy with planning-related services due to privatization. The arrangement includes two Benchmark employees working inside the municipal building.

On October 21, Commissioner Cawley questioned the payment to Benchmark for the cost of the downtown project, and Benchmark has received $145,000 per year to provide services to the city government on a contract.

Then raised a related concern that the Benchmark staff will be responsible for the overall planning, that is, the two employees stationed here, their current activities may be affected in Cawley's view. He also wants to know whether this can be incorporated into the company's regular work here without having to pay tens of thousands of dollars more.

Eppley addressed one of these issues in a speech at a recent conference, saying that senior staff are ready to deal with the master planning task.

The project will be jointly managed by Epley and Dan Douglas, another city center planning team leader. Local employees, city planning director Andy Goodall (Andy Goodall) and Ben Barcroft (Ben Barcroft) are also listed as team members.

Proponents say that an updated master plan is needed to guide future public and private investment in the city center in a cost-effective manner, while identifying development opportunities; public parking solutions; and possible changes in traffic flow, such as the removal of traffic lights along North Avenue , Making it two-way instead of one-way.

Burying overhead power lines for aesthetic reasons is one of the other considerations.

Epley pointed out that based on his observations during lunch there, the downtown Mount Airy is already a vibrant place and overcrowded, but it is important to plan ahead and not be satisfied with the current achievements.

"I think now is a good time to develop a master plan," he said. According to the company’s president, although many improvements have taken place in the city centre over the years, some parts need to be refurbished.

Epley’s approximately 30-minute visual/oral presentation included photos of downtown areas in other cities that have been transformed through Benchmark efforts, such as Concord; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Suffolk, Virginia.

For example, Concord's situation includes streetscape planning, new residential development, parking lot and crosswalk upgrades, etc.

The images from that city include widened sidewalks and outdoor dining tables. This was an early idea for downtown Airy Mountain, but with little success.

Committee members including Joe Zalescik welcomed the introduction by Benchmark officials and suggested that one-way (currently implemented) and two-way traffic issues should be investigated for business owners in the city center.

Cowley also asked Epley if he thought there was enough space in the center of Mount Airy to widen the street.

"Are there specific areas that can be done? Of course," Epley replied, but others may not be suitable. Benchmark officials added that many factors must be considered.

The discussion then turned to the idea of ​​burying overhead wires in the city center and whether improvements there would make the project easier.

"Buying wires is never easy," Epley replied. However, the best time to pursue this goal is when there are major changes to the entire streetscape, he said. "In any case, you will tear things off."

Epley stated that the master plan update will involve the help of the "core city team" and the project steering committee, and include listening meetings with stakeholders. It is also envisaged that the final result of the panel discussion will be presented to the committee members.

"We think it will take nine months to complete," Epley said.

Although the discussion at the October meeting included an updated bid price of $67,000 for Benchmark, the meeting agreed to an amendment to the budget regulations on the agenda that listed the cost at $75,000.

There is no explanation for this difference.

Since no fund-raising action was taken last week, it is expected to be reviewed at a future meeting.

City Council members voted 3-2 on October 7 to approve a series of $295,000 municipal revenues allocated to the central business district for a total of $592,000. Mount Airy Downtown Inc. agreed to provide $297,000.

At the top of the list is the updated master plan.

Despite the vote to allocate city funds, no budget amendments were made to actually fund the various components.

Cawley and Koch were the two opponents in the October 7 vote. They stated that it is too early to commit to city funding because the exact source of the $295,000 is not yet known.

One possible source is the city’s anticipated federal U.S. Relief Program Act funding, and the city is awaiting guidance on the permitted uses of the funds. Another possible source is the municipal surplus fund.

The Surrey Arts Council will bring a new musical-"All Together Now!"-on stage this weekend, performing at the Andy Griffith Theater on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The performance will be held at the Andy Griffith Theater from Friday to Sunday from November 12th to 14th.

The performance on Friday night at 7:30 will be attended by regional adult performers. The performance on Saturday night at 7:30 will be attended by young performers, and the performance on Sunday at 3 pm will be attended by all actors.

Local actors in the show include Ashley Mills, Cassidy Mills, Aspen Jackson, Caitlin Gomez, Apple De La Cruz, Jordan Dover, Christine Waugh Na-Buch, Sean Murphy, Madeleine Matanick, Taylor Matanick, David Tim, Walker York, Regan Amos, Genevieve Quinn, Maddie Ull, Morgan Cook, Maggie Wallace, Lydia Baker, Corey Hawkes, Kingston Nichols, Candice Noah, and Reese Cork S. The show is directed by Shelby Coleman and choreographed by Lily Ruth Baker and Shelby Coleman.

This new musical includes a variety of songs, including "Rental", "Les Miserables", "Into the Forest", "Matilda", "Hairspray", "Disney's Beauty and the Beast", "On the Roof" The Violinist, "Once on This Island", "Horror Shop", "Mom" Mia! There are a lot more.

The show is part of an international effort, and the Arts Council has worked with more than 2,500 theater organizations from all 50 states and more than 40 countries to produce its own local production "All Together Now! Celebrating the global events of local theaters."

Music Theatre International (MTI), the drama licensor, created this satire for theaters around the world to be used as a local fundraiser on the same weekend from November 12th to 14th.

All together now! Includes songs from MTI’s favorite musical catalogue, including Anne, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Come From Away, Mary Poppins of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Fiddler on the Roof, Godspell, Guys and Dolls, Hairspra​ ​Y, Into the Woods, a miserable world, a horror shop, mommy! , Matilda, a pretty lady, once on this island, rent, waitress and more!

Tickets for the show range from $7 to $10 and can be purchased at www.surryarts.org/livetheatre or at the door 30 minutes before the show. For information, please contact shelby@surryarts.org or 336-648-8095.

Surrey Community College cooperates with Davidson-David Community College to provide the opportunity to study abroad in Bordeaux, France in the summer of 2022.

This trip will be held from June 11th to 25th. Students will take the HUM-180 course through Davidson-Davie to earn course or continuing education credits. This trip will be led by Suzanne LaVenture of Davidson-Davie.

Students from North Carolina will be paired with students from the University of Bordeaux to complete a two-part project. They will jointly manufacture mobile phone chargers and then bring the products to the market. This trip is open to students of various disciplines and does not require any technical skills. In foreign countries, students will live in apartments and have some free time on weekends.

Grants and grants from Surrey Community College provide a student with a scholarship of $1,500. The total remaining cost of the plan is $1,800 plus expenses. Students who are eligible for Pell Grants and Gilman Scholarships may be able to participate for free.

Bordeaux is located in southwestern France, close to the Atlantic coast of Europe. It is famous for its wines, vineyards and castles. Bordeaux is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history, culture and architectural beauty.

Students interested in applying should fill out the form at https://forms.gle/UzwKoMRhPYWUmn3u5. The application deadline is November 15th. For more information about the program, please contact Sarah Wright at 336-386-3439 or wrights@surry.edu.

Cedar Ridge Elementary School recently held a "Book-In" event.

This activity features the book character pumpkin created by each class in the school. Pumpkins are made based on a book that each class likes together. Each class visited the school and checked all the pumpkins, and at the same time noted down the books they might want to read as soon as possible.

New version from Mount Airy Public Library:

Santa Claus suit-Mary Kay Andrews

On my corpse-Jeffrey Archer

It's better to die-Lee Child and Andrew Child

State of Horror-Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny

Her dark lie-JT Ellison

List of judges-John Grisham

A Line to Kill – Anthony Horowitz

Sleigh Bells Ring – RaeAnne Thayne

The Loft on King Street-Karen White

Wanda Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Recipe – Wanda Brunstetter

The library story time is open to anyone who wants to join us. Adults must wear masks. Bilingual story time for children at 4 pm on Monday-listening to English and Spanish stories); 10:30 am on Wednesday for children aged 2 and 3 years old; reservations for children born to 2 years old at 9:30 am on Thursday Babies; born in preschool at 11 o'clock on Thursday morning, preschool story time.

Surrey Community College offers fun and free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at the Mount Airy Public Library from Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Anyone interested should contact Jennifer Pardue at 336-386-3674.

Hooked-Join our crochet club at 3pm every Wednesday. Bring your own yarn and make a group project or bring your own project to work.

Tai Chi returned to the library. Joining us every Friday at 10 am This course is beneficial for people with limited mobility.

This is Yoga You-Yoga with Ms. Heather will be held at 10:30 am on November 20th

The classic movie Monday returns on the last Monday of the month, starring Ginger Rogers, Joseph Cotton and Shirley Temple in "I Will See You".

An adult craft class is held on the third Monday of every month at 3 pm, and craft materials will be provided. Registration is recommended.

The community book club meets at 1 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The November book is "The Ghost at the Table" by Suzanne Berne.

Lace-The Romance Readers Book Club will meet at 6pm this Tuesday. The book chosen in October is Minerva Spencer's "Notorious". There are photocopies on the desk.

Friends of the Library Annual Fall Book Fair – November 17 to November 22, starting at 5:30 pm on November 17. Come out and buy some books and movies, everyone has something.

Carol McDowell has donated the handmade quilt to the Northwest Territories Library System for use as a prize in the raffle. We and our sister library will sell a lottery ticket for $1 and a lottery ticket for $6 for $5. The proceeds will be used to purchase e-books in the region. Tickets are on sale now, you can go to the library to buy tickets to see pictures of quilts. The draw time is November 24th.

Learn about all events on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmapl and https://www.facebook.com/mtapublibrary or our website https://nwrlibrary.org/mountairy/

After last year’s COVID-19 spurred downsizing of events, the annual Veterans’ Day commemorative event held on Thursday by Ai Lishan will return to normal.

This will include plans to take place at a familiar location, the Mount Airy War Memorial at the corner of South Main and Rockford streets, where 200 to 300 people usually gather.

But in 2020, when restrictions on large gatherings took effect, the event was moved to the indoor Veterans Memorial Park, attracting about 40 people who maintained social distancing and wearing masks.

Also last year, the traditional festival parade did not take place, but it will return on Thursday. The parade, including units that highlight military groups, is scheduled to depart from the Veterans Memorial Park at 9:30 a.m. and finally reach the city center.

As always, starting at 11 am, a Veterans’ Day celebration full of music, color and spectacular will begin at the War Memorial

Three special speakers will also appear, including Joe Zalescik, the newest member of the Mount Airy Committee; Mark Marion, Chairman of the Surrey County Committee; and Tim Watson, District Attorney of Surrey and Stokes County. ).

Due to the ban on school field trips related to COVID, the North Surrey High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Team and the Greyhound Voice Chorus will also participate because they did not participate in the 2020 Veterans Day event.

Marion said on Friday that his focus will be on the P word.

"Patriotism and what our veterans are fighting for and what certain people in this country are becoming," the county magistrate said in expressing concern about the recent attacks on this practice and the flag.

He also mentioned the existence of North Surrey students, including its JROTC task force.

"It's refreshing to see young people patriotic," said Marion, whose father served in the Navy during World War II and had other family members connected to the military.

Marion added that as long as he is the chairman of the county council, Old Glory will get the respect he deserves in Surrey.

• Thursday’s show will begin with an opening speech by the local radio station owner Kelly Epperson, who is the long-time host of the city’s Veterans Day event;

• Surrey County Sheriff Steve Hiatt will issue a call;

• The national anthem was then sung by the Greyhound Voice of North Surrey High School, and then the pledge of allegiance was pronounced by all those present.

• The next person on the show is the mayor of Mount Airy, Ron Niland, who will deliver a welcome speech and announce the city's Veterans Day declaration.

• Speakers Zalescik, Marion and Watson will give their speeches later;

• This resulted in a mix service song for North Surry High School Greyhound Sounds;

• Later, there will be a flag breaking ceremony for North Surrey Air Force JROTC students. The event will end with a speech by Epperson.

Unlike the severe weather in November that has been a factor in Veterans Day in some years, Thursday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny days and high temperatures in the mid-1960s.

Two recent high school graduates received honors at the Surry-Yadkin Works Apprenticeship signing ceremony. Through the apprenticeship program of Surry County Schools coordinated with Surry-Yadkin Works, students received paid practical training in the HVAC field.

Surrey County Schools hired East Surrey High School graduate Victor Hall and North Surrey High School graduate Wyatt Edwards in June 2021. They completed the ISC 112 industrial safety course at Surrey Community College this summer, and at the same time worked 20 hours a week in the HVAC department in Surrey County as a pre-apprenticeship in the occupational field. This opportunity is Hall's second work experience at Surry-Yadkin Works and Surry County Schools. In the spring semester of 2021, he worked as a guardianship intern at Dobson Elementary School.

This opportunity is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program and the state’s ApprenticeshipNC program, which combines work-based paid learning experiences with classroom scholars through the North Carolina Community College System Office to obtain national certification. After signing as apprentices, Hall and Edwards will continue their education at Surrey Community College. When they work part-time in schools in Surrey County, they will all get a free degree in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology (also known as HVAC).

"Surry-Yadkin Works has provided Surrey County Schools with two outstanding young people who are passionate about the work they do in our school system," said Dr. Travis Reeves, the Superintendent of Surrey County Schools. "For these two students, this apprenticeship can change their lives and their families. It will change the work they can accomplish and the trajectory of the leaders they will become. These students build relationships directly with our school community, and at the same time Gain important practical experience and learn trade skills in class. We are very proud of Victor and Wyatt and can’t wait to continue working with them as they grow into new roles."

Crystal Folger-Hawks, project director of Surry-Yadkin Works, added: “Surry-Yadkin Works is very happy to participate in this very important work. Employers need good employees, and our students want a career path. The program allows students to learn and earn money. The State ApprenticeshipNC program covers the tuition of students and allows them to gain practical experience in local companies. This is a victory for the company and a victory for the apprentices. We are a proud sponsor of the program, and we welcome companies to participate in this model to help fill their employee channels ."

Surry-Yadkin Works is North Carolina's first community-based internship program, covering two counties. This business and education plan has been implemented. In the spring semester of 2021, 50 students were arranged for internships, and in the fall semester of 2021, another 31 students were arranged for internships. The program is a collaborative effort of the four public school systems in Surry and Yadkin counties (including Elkin City Schools, Mount Airy City Schools, Surry County Schools, and Yadkin County Schools) and Surry Community College to create a regional internship program.

This funding is also an effort committed by the Commissioner of Surrey County and the Commissioner of Yadkin County. An anonymous donor donated US$100,000, which was driven by the introduction of the plan at an education summit. Surry-Yadkin Works officially started on January 1.

For more information about the program, please contact Folger-Hawks at 336-401-7820 or follower-hawksc@surry.edu, or visit www.surryyadkinworks.org. Follow Surry-Yadkin Works on Facebook and Instagram @surryyadkinworks and Twitter @SurYadWorks.

Surrey County has issued the following marriage certificates:

– Dylan Scott Hoagland, 30, in Alameda County, to Rebecca Lynn Burton, 29, in Alameda County.

– Shayne Crue Martin, 25, Surrey County, to Ivanna Lynne Riggans, 25, Surrey County.

– Austin Luke Milem, 21, in Camden County, to Hannah Ellen Forrest, 21, in Surrey County.

– Harold Venson Tolly Sr., 54 years old, in Surrey County, and Natalie Dawn Baker, 46 years old, in Surrey County.

– 57-year-old Mitchell Lane Surratt in Surrey County and Tamara Renee McGrady, 51-year-old in Surrey County.

– Colby Weston Haynes, 26, in Surrey County, to Cassidy Nicole Bonds, 21, in Surrey County.

– Jacob Kent Edwards, 27, in Surrey County, to Elizabeth Grace Branch, 24, in Surrey County.

– 24-year-old Matthew Johnson Spillman of Yadkin County and 23-year-old Madison Nicole Davis of Yadkin County.

– Daniel Frank Snow, 44, of Surrey County, and Patricia Hepler Hiatt, 56, of Surrey County.

This won't be the traditional Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving scene, with people crowding in the restaurant-but the community holiday dinner on November 25th will be sub-optimal.

Over the years, this popular event at Mount Airy First Baptist Church is planned to use a drive-through model, led by a local group called "Friends of the Bright Community" (FOBC).

"It will be a little different," admitted Darris Wilkins, who is also known as "Lady Turkey", and he is the main organizer of the free Thanksgiving feast that has existed for 25 years.

It is scheduled to be held in the parking lot behind the church from 11 am to 1 pm on Thanksgiving Day.

Although the drive-through arrangement reduces the social opportunities that are usually provided for dining in the fellowship hall of the church, it is important to remember that there is no annual community Thanksgiving dinner offered in 2020.

"Some of our volunteers are infected with COVID, so we think we just need to cancel it completely," Wilkins said.

As the coronavirus rages again this fall, organizers believe that the drive-through approach is cautious - and also reflects their desire to maintain the holiday tradition that was originally spearheaded by the famous local speaker Melva Houston who died last year.

The Friends of the Guangming Community represent various sects, races, and genders. They embody the spirit of gathering people from all walks of life—some people simply cannot afford a festive meal.

"I will feed the people under the bridge, and I will feed the people who own this bridge," Houston once said.

Wilkins said that in choosing the drive-through method, meal planners have used the expertise surrounding the system, which has been used in another First Baptist project.

“I’ve been discussing with some people at Friends Feeding Friends how they organize their friends because it’s a bit new to us,” she said. Wilkins has been involved since the holiday meal, and now is her seventh year leading the event.

"We have several teams that will help us," she added, adding that there needs to be enough personnel to deal with the logistical challenges of vehicles lining up to pick up meals in the parking lot.

"According to the way they set it up, it should be very fast."

Usually about 400 meals with all the ingredients are served.

Although the community Thanksgiving dinner is free to the public, donations are also accepted—whether in money or other ways.

"I absolutely need food donations," Wilkins said of the items trying to make dinner complete.

She specifically mentioned turkey, box stuffing, chicken soup, potato pearls and desserts. Those who wish to help can call 336-756-6778 or the church office, 336-786-5185.

However, the main course turkey is not expected to be short.

"We will have a lot," Wilkins assured. This should mean a lot, a lady from Turkey.

Local residents who visited the Airy Mountain Regional History Museum caught a glimpse of a custom that dates back more than half a century.

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festival that originated in southern Mexico and can be traced back to the Aztec Empire. This day actually happened from November 1 to November. 2. It is a festival to commemorate the death of relatives and friends.

On Saturday, the museum became the home of the local Dia de los Muertos, with music, traditional Mexican dancers, food and handicraft vendors, handicrafts for tourists, face painting and other activities. The core of the celebration is a community ofrenda, which is an altar or display area where people leave reminders of their deceased relatives.

“We want to showcase a lot of Hispanic communities and traditions,” said Angelica Jimenez, a volunteer at the event. "This is a beautiful tradition to celebrate their (departed relatives) coming to earth."

She said that people celebrate Dia de los Muertos by showing and participating in favorite events of the dead, which usually means dance, music and food.

The museum's executive director Matt Edwards stated that the museum started its annual commemorative activities in 2019.

"We have a good lineup," he said of the components of the celebration. In addition to music, dance and food, the museum also has the community ofrenda, which will be exhibited throughout the month. On Saturdays, the Museum of Forest Anthropology at Wake Forest University will also be exhibited in the local museum.

"We are here in 2019," said Sarah Cromwell, assistant director of the Wake Forest facility. She said that over the past 20 years or so, the region's interest in Spanish culture has grown, especially during festivals and commemorative events such as Dia de los Muertos.

Yanette Baker, who traveled to Mount Airy with her family from Winston Salem on Saturday to attend the event, said she was there to show her children the custom of celebrating the dead.

Edwards said that the first celebration was a great success, and the result on Saturday was even more gratifying. More than 60 people participated in the first hour. By noon, this number had climbed to 200. Dance and music, two activities that tend to attract more people, are still ahead.

"Ultimately, this plan is about the community," Edwards said a few days before the Saturday meeting. "This is about building bridges. This is an opportunity to help celebrate the important traditions of the fast-growing part of our community and introduce these traditions to others."

• According to a report by the Mount Airy Police Department, a theft that occurred on the Hadley Street residence of Jacqueline Louise Noyola on October 28 involved the loss of a white Amana clothes dryer worth $558.

• Mount Airy Tire and Automotive on Carter Street was the scene of the theft discovered on October 29. The target of the theft was owned by the company employee Andy Ray Ayers of Holly Springs Road Pioneer radio. This $150 radio was described as black with a 7-inch screen. It was taken out of Ayres’ 1999 Honda Accord and was not fixed at the time.

• Kobbie Jaheim Soini Wilson, 20, living at 158 ​​Wood Creek Avenue, was charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public official on October 25, when he was suspected of obstructing US Highway 52 traffic investigations and delaying officials’ performance Responsibilities. The man was sentenced to jail for a deposit of $500 and appeared in the Surrey District Court on Monday.

• Jesse Eugene Bates, 30, from the Glade Spring community in Alleghany County, was charged on October 25 with theft of the property of an unnamed business at 2151 Rockford Street.

The drill bit, flashlight, pocket knife, knitted hat and multi-tool wallet were recovered, but they were taken out of the package and damaged, so USD 130 was owed. Bates is scheduled to appear in Surrey District Court on Monday.

• Property damage was caused at Walmart on October 20, when someone tried to cut the lock and chain to enter the fenced area of ​​the place where the battery was stored. This resulted in damage to the chain for US$20, and police records showed that it also involved the loss of a battery worth US$80.

Cedar Ridge Elementary School recently participated in a schoolwide activity called "Rock Your School Pink".

This event is held to raise awareness and express support for those who are fighting breast cancer.

The school said in a statement this week: “This event also helped us express our love and support for Janet Badgett, who once again fought breast cancer and won, and now Fighting against cancer."

In the first half of the week, the students bought luminous bracelets and necklaces to wear on Thursday, and purchased pink ribbons to commemorate relatives they knew who had battled breast cancer. All funds raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Throughout the school day, all students, faculty and staff have participated in mindfulness sports activities to help them focus on self-care so that they can better lead themselves, lead others, and change the world. The activity ended in a memory walk on our campus.

After working for the Surrey County Board of Education for nearly 20 years, S. Earlie Coe has resigned from the County Board of Education, which has served as a full-time educator for 30 years.

Coe's resignation took effect on November 1.

"During his 19 years of service, Mr. Co has played an important role in developing many new initiatives aimed at improving the overall education and student life of the Surrey County school system," the school system said in a written statement on Friday. "His inspiring leadership and friendship will not only leave a lasting impression on those who work directly with him, but will also leave a lasting legacy in the community."

"Although his vision and enthusiasm for the children he serves will be deeply missed, we wish him the best of luck in his new endeavours," said Dr. Terri Mosley, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "I want to personally thank him for his excellent work and his great achievements."

As a Surrey County native, Ke graduated from Surrey Central High School and attended Appalachian State University. Soon after graduating, Ke accepted a teacher position at the Surrey County School in September 1970. This move started a career as an educator for nearly 50 years.

In December 1999, he officially retired from the county school system vocational educator. Less than three years later, in September of 2002, he was elected to the Board of Education.

Under the guidance of his chairmanship, the school system added two additional schools: Pilot Mountain Middle School and Rockford Elementary School.

"Mr. Coe has been promoting initiatives to improve school facilities and meet the educational needs of students," the school system said in a statement on Friday. "In 2014, he led a facility study with the goal of evaluating all schools in the area and estimating the overall cost of improvement. After the evaluation was completed, three primary schools in need began renovation work: Dobson Elementary School, Franklin Elementary School, and Mountain Park primary school."

Coe also assisted the area in securing properties connected to East Surry High School and Surry Central High School for high school expansion projects.

"Mr. Coe has always advocated innovative programs, such as computer science or virtual education platforms, and has worked hard to guide Surrey County schools with a progressive mindset," the school system statement said. "He is a champion of student one-to-one computer use and makes sure that every student in the area has access to computers. During Mr. Coe's board of directors, the school district achieved the highest graduation rate in Surry County Schools history in 2020. , Which is 93.8%."

"Please know that I am very grateful and enjoy the opportunity to serve students in Surrey County," Ke said. "I am proud of our collective achievement as a board of directors and look forward to seeing the great things this system will do in order to best meet the needs of our school community. I am fortunate to be with some of the best educators in the state be a volunteer."

“I and other board members are grateful to Mr. Coe for his dedication, enthusiasm, enthusiasm and motivation to our school system over the past 19 years,” said Dr. Travis Reeves, head of the school system. "He played an important role in implementing many programs that helped define the school district. We will miss him, but students, faculty, volunteers, and community members will also miss him very much. Mr. Coe is not only respected in Surrey County , And has a good reputation in Jeonju. We are excited for him because he will move on to the next chapter in his life."

When Coe's resignation was announced, the school system did not explain the reason for Coe's resignation. Calls to the school system and Coe for more information were not answered.

As part of this week's commemoration of Veterans Day, Mount Airy's sanitation plan has been adjusted.

This includes not collecting yard waste in the city on Monday. These will be restored on November 15.

The commercial waste route on Monday will be collected according to the usual schedule, as will the city industrial route on that day.

Industrial routes that are usually served on Thursdays on holiday days will be changed to be collected on Fridays.

However, Thursday’s residential and recycling routes will be collected as planned.

To commemorate Veterans Day, the city government office will be closed on Thursday.

Elizabeth ("Beth") Casstevens, a native of North Carolina ("Beth") Casstevens, FNP-C, has joined the clinical team of Northern Urgent Care, a fully staffed healthcare facility that provides services to patients without life-threatening diseases and injuries. As a family nurse practitioner, Casstevens will diagnose and treat a variety of non-emergency conditions for adults and children-from sinusitis and pneumonia to minor lacerations and fractures.

For the 36-year-old Casstevens, it is not new to be part of the northern hospital family-he has been providing nursing services in the hospital's emergency department for the past 10 years. Some of her other work experiences include positions in Surry Medical Extended Care (in urgent care settings) and Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital.

Cassteven's interest in healthcare began in her childhood-because she observed various healthcare professionals providing care for her immediate family members. "For many years, I watched my grandfather struggle with breathing problems until he finally died of a heart attack when I was 11 years old," she said.

Many years later, her father had a severe heart attack-and due to complications, he was hospitalized for three months. "His chance of survival was less than 10%," she recalled. "He went from lying on his back without communicating at all to now being able to do everything he wants-walking, talking, driving, hunting, etc."

"His recovery was beyond God's miracle," she added, "I know I want to help others-just like the doctors, nurses, and other experts who helped my father."

When she was a student at Central High School in Surrey and joined the Health Career Student Association of America (HOSA), her narrower interest in pursuing nursing was ignited, a club dedicated to students interested in a healthcare career. At that time, the registered nurse of Wendy Moser, a HOSA consultant and full-time health course teacher, encouraged the teenager to make nursing as her career of choice. "She had a great influence on me," Casstevens recalled, "and always encouraged and supported my decision to become a nurse."

Casstevens' 11-year educational journey to become a family nurse practitioner began in 2007, when she attended Surrey Community College and obtained a diploma in practicing nursing. After this achievement, three educational milestones have been successively achieved: an associate degree in nursing from Forsyth Technical Community College in 2009; a bachelor's degree in nursing from Winston-Salem State University in 2012; and finally , Three years ago, Southern University obtained a master's degree in nursing, majoring in family nurses.

While providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages for the past 13 years, Casstevens has discovered that she prefers the hustle and bustle of emergency and emergency care environments. "Either you like the fast-paced nature of these clinical environments, or you don't," she said. "I like to stay busy, and I work well under pressure," she said. "In many cases, you may be the first healthcare provider that a patient or family member sees, so your words and deeds will have a major impact on their lives."

"My approach to care is to treat each patient as a whole-so I take time to listen to their opinions so that I don't miss things that are important to them," she explained. "I strive to provide the most effective and compassionate care, while educating patients and their families on treatment options."

At Northern Urgent Care, Casstevens is excited about the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, because it sees a large number of patients with various clinical problems. The institution’s on-site diagnostic capabilities (including X-ray equipment and on-site laboratories) enhanced her ability to diagnose patient problems.

Casstevens' deep nursing knowledge and positive interactions with patients and colleagues have won her two special care awards: the Excellence in Nursing Award during the Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital; and in 2018 by her colleagues in the emergency department of the Northern District Hospital The highly regarded Nurse of the Year award.

She is a member of several professional organizations and associations, including the American Practicing Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Emergency Nurses Association.

In addition to volunteer work for the American Red Cross and some relief work, Casstevens put her nursing skills to good practice during the medical mission to Belize where she helped other nurses and medical professionals meet local villagers Health care needs.

"We live in a small wooden house with a larger dining room and bathroom," she said. "There is also a clinic, which we open from Monday to Friday, to treat people with many diseases-from children's check-ups to some adult chronic diseases."

When not working or as a volunteer, Casstevens likes to participate in outdoor activities with her husband Andrew, Andrew is a caregiver; they adopted two children (3-year-old Camden and 20-month-old Kelly); And three active Labrador retrievers (Drake, Ellie, and Gracie). She is still putting the finishing touches on the new house she and her husband built on the grandparents’ farm.

Northern Urgent Care is open 7 days a week/365 days a year; it can be contacted by calling 336-719-7200, visiting www.northernurgentcare.com online or visiting the clinic at Suite A, 119 Welch Road, Mount Airy.

© 2018 Airy Mountain News