THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 August 2021
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THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 www.WIFMRadio.com August 2021 MerleFest Set For Sept. 16-19 Center in Yadkinville from when it was conceived in the 1990s, through the opening of the first building One of the world’s most unique, respected and in 2003 when the Yadkin Center was designed as a revered family-friendly music festivals, MerleFest, is secondary Surry Community College campus, and set for Sept. 16-19 on the campus of Wilkes Com- until his passing while Dr. Matthews served as the munity College in Wilkesboro, N.C. First staged in first Director of the Yadkin Center. 1988 and traditionally held on April’s last weekend, In his honor, the Dr. Wayne C. Matthews Con- it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. tinuing Education Scholarship was established Doc Watson, Bill Young and “B” Townes orga- under the leadership of the Shallow Ford Communi- nized the first MerleFest to raise money to build a ty Foundation. A selection committee chose Yadkin “garden of the senses” on the college campus. The Early College graduate, Jonesville resident, Lowe’s name honors Doc’s late son, Merle. Attendance has employee and Surry Community College student grown from 2,000 to nearly 80,000. More than 80 Tyler Church as the $2,500 grant’s first recipient. A groups will perform on 13 stages. large crowd of grateful community advocates gath- ered at Lake Hampton to recognize and applaud Its longevity is attributed to high-quality enter- Tyler and his family (his parents are Jamie and tainment; being family-friendly, alcohol-free and LeAnn Ashley). He remarked, “I’m thankful and ex- guest-driven; and capitalizing on a unique mix of cited about this opportunity. This scholarship is not musical genres. Executive Director Ted Hagaman only going towards my education, it is going toward said, “We have unlimited potential, rich traditions, a my future goals. The scholarship is a blessing.” He homecoming for artists, volunteers and nonprofits, expects to complete a degree in Electrical Systems and pride for all involved. Because of the reputation Technology. of the event, artists all know to say, ‘We have to be The scholarship award ceremony was titled on top of our game when we perform at Merlefest.’” “Welcome Back Yadkin” and coincided with the first Quality and safety underlay this rich tradition. meeting of the Yadkin County Chamber of Com- Hagaman said more than 4,000 folks serve the merce since 2020. The Chamber’s legacy, its Inves- event behind the scenes. Many people volunteer for tors Luncheon on the fourth Tuesday of the month half-day shifts and receive a half-day’s free admis- at the Yadkin Valley Agricultural and Educational sion for each shift. G&B Energy is a major partner Building’s Banquet Hall on the Surry-Yadkin Cam- and provides propane for all food services. The pus, is alive and well. Executive Directors Bobby festival’s features include free parking, convenient Todd and Jamie Johnston welcomed us. We are access from the campground and a free stage for pleased by the Yadkin Chamber’s Board of Directors pickers’ performances. Children under 12 are ad- for its astute guidance and outreach. mitted free with a paying adult. Nonprofit groups Shallow Ford Foundation was represented by will collect over $500,000 in revenues to support Executive Director Sandi Scannelli, Program Officer their annual outreach and build teamwork. Greg Keener and members of its Board of Direc- Ted Hagaman and his team annually stage 235 tors. Formerly known as the Clemmons Community events on Wilkes Community College’s campus. His Foundation, the nonprofit organization changed its people also are guiding the leaders of an annual name effective July 1. The new name is inspired by Faithfest. Go to MerleFest.com for more details. a historically renowned shallow section of the Yad- kin River that was used as a crossing point between Tyler Church Forsyth and Yadkin counties. Officials said the new name better reflects the broader geography served Dr. Wayne Matthews suddenly passed on June by the foundation, honors the area’s heritage, and 23, 2020. In the words of renowned country singer reflects the foundation’s mission of connecting Donna Fargo, “He left way too soon.” Dr. Matthews community and local philanthropy to achieve lasting was the face of Surry Community College’s Yadkin outcomes. Judge Oliver Memorial Celebration We deeply regret the passing on July 12 of the For as long as I can remember, local citizens most Honorable Chief District Court Judge Otis have gathered on Memorial Day at the Centenni- “Bud” Oliver. In his life, goodness was abundant. al War Memorial on the corner of South Main and He was married to his Mount Airy High School Rockford streets in Mount Airy to honor our veter- sweetheart, Barbara, for 61 years. He also is sur- ans. At this year’s ceremony the Mount Airy City vived by a son, Marty Oliver of Pulaski, Va. He was Honor Guard presented the colors, raised the Amer- a graduate of University of North Carolina-Chapel ican Flag and placed the memorial wreath; Cassidy Hill and its School of Law, practiced law in Mount Mills, a student at Gentry Middle School, splendidly Airy for 27 years, was a Mount Airy City Commis- delivered the National Anthem; former Mayor Deb- sioner for 15 years and served as a District Court orah Cochran gave the invocation and Mayor Ron Judge for 17 years. He was the recipient of North Niland read the holiday proclamation; North Surry Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s High School AFROTC students conducted the flag highest civilian honor for community service, which ceremony; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial was presented to him by Gov. Mike Easley. He was Honor Guard from Mount Airy Post 2019 and Pilot a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Mount Mountain Post 9436 fired a rifle volley salute and Airy where he served in many capacities. played “Taps.” Arlis Thomas, the Honor Guard Com- At Bud’s going-home celebration July 14, Pastor mander and Post Chaplain, gave a speech that was Jay Meadows and former pastor Dr. Roger Gilbert relevant, spiritual, timely and encouraging. spoke of his devotion to faith, family, friends, and After receiving my follow-up note of commenda- community. His journey in life followed the teach- tion, Mr. Thomas called to thank me. Knowing that ings found in I Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter. I had photographed his VFW Honor Guard team in Judge Oliver was the consummate community the past, he invited me to the home of Jerry and servant. Pewmate Dr. Jon Cawley said to me, “Bud Susan Burcham, 2177 Caudle Road, on Friday, June was my role model and mentor during my years as 25, to take pictures of this year’s VFW Honor Guard. a Commissioner. He responded quickly to my needs We gathered in the Burchams’ front yard in front of for advice and always offered timely and pertinent their flag pole and a yard banner that read “Veteran counsel. His experience gave him sage insight and and Proud.” he enjoyed sharing with us aspirants.” Little did I know that Jerry Burcham, a U.S. Air I believe Bud attended more veterans’ honor Force veteran who served in Vietnam, had stage 4 celebrations than anyone else in the last 30 years. melanoma. He passed a week later and we cele- He and wife Barbara were mainstays who felt du- brated his going home at 11 a.m. Monday, July 5, ty-bound to honor those who served. at Blues Grove Baptist Church. He was honored for I’ll forever treasure photographs of his pleasant his military service and his patriotism, family values smile and deep sense of gratitude. We’ll also trea- and close walk with God. sure his devotion to the Democratic Party and his On the day of Mr. Burcham’s passing I received re-election for four more years on Nov. 3, 1998. He a note thanking me for taking the photographs was empathic. on the occasion of an Honor Guard gathering that Judge Oliver’s life and service is best revealed probably would be Jerry’s last opportunity to be by a poem he asked to have read at the memorial with his comrades. Farewell, Servant of God. Service of Celebration: Fallen Limb For What They Gave A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for Our memories of those who’ve gone on are me.” mostly about the goodness of their hearts. The late, Remember the best times, the laughter, the great David Morrison, along with devoted partner song, and wife Susan, served us at D-Rex Pharmacy in The good life I lived when I was strong. Jonesville and Yadkinville for 50 years. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. The incomparable D-Rex Brand rewarded us Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine with a devoted aspiring pharmacist intern program through. recognized statewide as the best ever. One of my My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, keepsake photos is of David and intern John Kindy Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. from Wingate University during John’s rotation at Continue tradition, no matter how small. D-Rex’s Jonesville location. David proudly embraced Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. D-Rex’s interns with counsel, advice and mentor- I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin ship.