THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 www.WIFMRadio.com www.VintageRoseWeddingEstate.com December 2018

Veterans Day Celebration is its standout senior forward, No. 14 Carson Long, an East Surry High School graduate and local hero. On a dreary, rainy day, Nov. 13, we gathered We also were encouraged to see Guilford start four at the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy to area players. They are Carson Long; Joah Logan praise our veterans. Under the leadership of Kelly from East Wilkes High School; Jordan Wallis, North Epperson of WBRF, WPAQ and WSYD fame, more Wilkes High School; and Kyler Gregory, Starmount than 100 crowded the sacred church. Groups and High School. individuals playing key roles were the North Sur- We’ll also remember how the game ended. With ry High School Greyhound Sound; the North Sur- Greensboro leading 73-72 and shooting one-and- ry JROTC led by Lt. Col. John Bowes and 1st Sgt. one foul shots with 1.7 seconds to go, the Greens- Ken Goetzke; Mount Airy Mayor David Rowe; local boro Pride called time-out. Guilford’s only hope was politician Deborah Cochran; Elizabeth Martin; Cadet for Greensboro to make both foul shots with no Weatherly Reeves; Cadets Quinn Walker, McCain time running off the clock, then for Guilford to make Griffith and Anahy Rincon; Mount Airy Commission- a court-long pass and make a three-pointer to tie. er Jim Armbrister; U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Casey Greensboro’s shooter purposefully missed the free Kerr; Mark Alderman representing the Elks Lodge; throw, the clock started, Greensboro rebounded and and Dale Badgett, U.S. Air Force (ret’d). we lost 73-72. Great strategy! Noted guests were Mickey and Alice Venable Head Coach Tom Palombo, in his 16th year as and their daughter Nicki Brame. Mickey heads the Guilford’s 14th head coach, is the all-time winnin- Eldora Ruritan Club that honored 120 veterans with gest leader in Guilford’s history. Coach Palombo’s dinner and a ceremony on Nov. 5 featuring noted teams in his 20 seasons as a head men’s basketball speakers Robert Holder and Surry Community Col- coach have won 372 games, lost 181 and finished lege President Dr. David Shockley. Alice joined the only one season with a sub-.500 record, according Eldora Ruritans in preparing the meal and serving to his biography on the Guilford.edu website. the honored veterans. She retired after more than 30 years as administrative assistant and secretary Oakwoods Grocery’s Team to the Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education. Daughter Nicki Brame is the Mount Airy City Clerk A group of dedicated givers gathers quarterly who provided administrative assistance to organize at Robert and Sue Rizoti’s Oakwoods Grocery, 1639 the Veterans Day ceremony and plays a key leader- Brushy Mountain Road in Wilkesboro, to cook and ship role in the city. prepare chopped barbecue on a fresh Merita bun Nicki is my “go-to” player, and she can fix any with cole slaw, a bag of chips and a 12-ounce soda challenge that occurs. Seeing her, Mickey and Alice in a paper bag. sitting together at the memorial ceremony was a The fundraising operation begins by cooking 13 grateful experience. Boston butt pork shoulders. The team forms an as- sembly line of meat choppers, sandwich preppers, Guilford College Men’s Basketball and two designated wrappers who meticulously wrap the sandwiches in wax paper. The operation Eddie Brown, Shoals farmer and sports enthu- produces 1,000 lunch bags that are delivered by siast, called to invite me to the Guilford College vs. noon in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro to pre- Greensboro College men’s basketball game Nov. 13 sold clients. The effort yields $2,000 for a most on the Guilford campus. Spending a couple of hours worthy cause. Oakwoods Grocery’s legacy and rich in deep conversation with Eddie is an honor and heritage benefits many worthy initiatives. great opportunity as he, wife Brenda and son Kevin Robert and Sue Rizoti met at a Wilkesboro NA- have achieved significant success in business, bank- SCAR race and were married 28 days later. They ing, farming, charity and community endeavors. bought the grocery in 1982. They enjoy a wonderful Part of our interest in Guilford College basketball marriage and devoted mutual love. Surry County Sports Hall Of Fame dimensionally designed to fall within the shape of a “golden triangle” when viewed from the side. This On Nov. 3 we celebrated the induction of the shape is most pleasing to the eye and has been 13th class of the Surry County Sports Hall of Fame used throughout history in classical buildings and and the Ring of Honor on the campus of Surry Com- monuments. munity College in Dobson. At 3 p.m., the inductees, families, admirers and staff gathered at Fisher River Coach Sam Moir Park north of Dobson to unveil the etched names of those so honored on our majestic N.C. Granite We deeply regret the passing of our dear friend, monument. Well-wishers are breathless when they mentor, inspirer, encourager and coach, Sam Moir. view the faces of the inductees after the black tarp He dedicated his life to being an exemplar of ad- is pulled to the ground and those so honored grasp mirable character, hope, opportunity, humility and the reality of seeing one’s name etched in stone undeniable faith. His selfless devotion to God, fam- for perpetuity. Fisher River Park, visited by over ily and friends endeared Coach to all he met and 250,000 people annually, is the most fitting home influenced. for our monument, just evidence of meritorious Born in Francisco, N.C., he was a graduate of achievement. Appalachian State University, a World War II veter- The 2018 Hall of Fame inductees are: an, professional baseball player, Christian and Sun- • James W. Blackburn, Elkin High School wres- day School teacher. He led men’s basketball teams tler. at Mount Airy High School and Catawba College, • Keri W. Campbell, Mount Airy High School and including the MAHS team that was State 3A Cham- Abilene (Texas) Christian University tennis. pion, going 25-0. He coached for 45 years before • Scott H. Hauser, North Surry High School and retiring in 1994 and his teams won 725 games. He Clemson University baseball. was inducted into six Sports Halls of Fame. • The late Harry O. Monday, Mount Airy High Coach Sam’s brother Charles also was a herald- School football. ed coach whose teams won 840 games. His 1972 • Sarah Parker Stroud, AAU women’s basketball. Roanoke College team won the national D-II cham- • Willard Swift, Mountain Park High and Appala- pionship. Coach Charles said, “We talked daily on chian State University baseball and basketball. the phone. I not only lost my brother, I also lost my The Ring of Honor inductees are: best friend.” The Moir brothers’ teams won 1,565 • Jim Hemric, East Wilkes High School and St. games, a national record. Louis Cardinals baseball and youth baseball coach. We shall treasure the memory of how Coach • Ann Hollar Garner, Surry County Special Olym- Sam’s former students, players and friends en- pics founder and leader, 1978-2003. joyed reunions and celebrations. Attendees were We praise each inductee for his or her oratory, drawn to Coach Sam’s magnetism, appreciation and humility and gratitude, and supporting families and leadership prowess. In 2017, 27 devotees gath- friends. ered at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy to We congratulate the Surry County commission- honor Coach’s 10 years leading the Granite Bears. ers, the Parks & Recreation staff (Daniel White, His mentees were drawn to his vivid memories of Crystal Whitt, Bradley Key and Audine Royall), the accomplishments, name recognition and specific Selection Committee, and Eddie Wilmoth and Don- recollection of wins. He was most generous with na Collins of the Recreation Advisory Committee. detailed compliments. Post-induction refreshments provided by the college These grateful followers from Mount Airy at- are prepared by Cheryl Largen, Amy Goins and Del- tended his funeral: Charles, Bobby and Page Moir; phra Wall. John Barber handled security. Johnny and Sonnie Sanders; Jim and Nancy Basty; ——— Ernie and Sandy Nester; Fred Goins; David Rowe; The Surry County Sports Hall of Fame Monu- Dick Foy; Ron Ellis; Ray Rodgers; Gary York; Mike ment is constructed of Mount Airy White Granite Cooke; Tom Childress; Gene Rees; and Jim Ses- mined and fabricated at N.C. Granite Corp. in Mount soms. Airy. The two solid granite cubes weigh approxi- These were several of his truths: mately 26,000 pounds. The larger cube measures • “The 1960 Granite Bears was my best team 5 feet square and the smaller 3 feet square on a and career highlight.” side. The upper, smaller cube has a 10-inch by 18- • “Our parents provided love, education, charac- inch bored and capped hole that serves as a time ter and opportunity.” capsule. It’s filled with sports-related items to be • “God gifted me countless blessings.” opened July 4th, 2056, fifty years from the pioneer • “Brother Charles was my favorite coach.” Hall of Fame inductees’ selection. The two cubes Coach Sam was a devout servant of God and and concrete platform on which they rest have been righteous friend to many. Farewell, Coach!

2 Lupe Chavez lenges. 3. Gene Everette and R.O. Lanier’s teamwork at Lupe Chavez and I met in 2010 at the Armfield Surry Central High School for 21 years. Recreation Center in Pilot Mountain. A resident of 4. Randy Rogers’ leadership at Surry Communi- Pilot Mountain, Lupe and his family own Chavez ty College. Interiors in Winston-Salem. He came to the United 5. The late Bobby Harold and Dr. David Martin’s States at the Texas border in 1986 as a 15-year- gifts to me after rehab in 1986. old teenager. He quickly became a vegetable picker 6. Dr. James Harrell’s good family name and to send money to his mother and father in Mexico. deeds. Lupe speaks to his mom Sarah, 93, and dad Se- 7. Willard Swift’s Surry County Sports Hall of bastian, 93, every day and visits them four times a Fame induction and Cross Ministry. year. They visit the Chavez family here yearly. 8. Bob Moody’s mastery of name recollection. On Nov. 7, Lupe stopped by my rowing ma- 9. Dennis Huggins’ skill at forming relationships chine and said he was leaving to visit his parents in and serving behind the scenes. Mexico and would miss us. I asked, “When will you 10. Mike Felts’ marrying his granddaughter Abby return?” He said, “I never know — whenever I think to Justin Heitz in Denver, Colo. Mom can handle it. We are so close. I’m the baby 11. Bryan Caves’ public-speaking acumen. child of seven. When I go, I buy a one-way ticket Note: Metered parking on Market Street near and come home when I can.” A&T’s campus is challenging. After my class end- Speaking of Lupe’s love for family, after working ed, I met James Yates of Stokesdale, N.C., who in Texas for six months in 1986 he went back home. aspires to earn his Professional Engineer designa- I asked, “Why did you go back?” Lupe said, “I was tion in 2023. As I approached my Chevy pickup to so homesick, I could hardly breathe. I grieved for start home, James positioned his dually diesel truck Mom.” in the lane beside and behind my parking space, Lupe received his U.S. citizenship in 2013 at the blocking any traffic coming up behind my vehicle. Homeland Security headquarters in Charlotte. A few His act of kindness created a space to load my days before the Sept. 29 ceremony, he invited me photo portfolio and camera bag, totally eliminating to see the event. His wife Yadira, daughter Natalie any possibility of being hit by aggressive, oncoming and I were the proudest family in attendance. In all, vehicles. The parallel parking space, 8 feet wide, 165 people from 38 countries were honored. We all needs to be 12! What an awesome gift from James were wearing our American flags. Yates. I was so moved by James’ sense of concern, Lupe is our poster-child for someone who lives I called his father, Bob, to share my impression of in the moment more than anyone we know. He his James. stays in the moment — never yesterday or tomor- There is a unique culture of community among row. His company is most successful. When he A&T leaders, professors and students. Walking to arrives, the music changes and the lights brighten. my classroom, there is a welcoming air of oppor- Our regulars at the Armfield Center include tunity, safety and hope. A special thanks to friend Lupe, Phillip Gordon, Mike Felts, Tim Childress, Ron Kenneth Tickle who also interns with our N.C. DOT. Moorefield and Jimmy Thomas. We enjoy a spiritual foundation and mutual admiration society. I’m the self-appointed, unofficial social director. Our gym Mr. Howard’s Blessings opens at 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 o’clock Sunday. Mr. Howard Reynolds is constantly on the road, We look forward to Lupe’s return. He brings so carrying blessings to all he meets. Every Tuesday much inspiration to our team. morning he is a mainstay at Tim Gurganus’ Bojan- gle’s on the Winston Road in Jonesville. He visits WIFM Radio every week and always brings us great Guest At N.C. A&T University cheer. He recently said, “Having great kids is the I receive a call each fall from North Carolina A&T greatest insurance policy one can have.” He also University’s Adjunct Professor Brent McKinney to fill brought a Mutual Savings & Loan business card with in for him at his transportation class. The class of a penny taped on it and, “Who says we don’t give 30 and I share “Measures of Success” and I enjoy it away samples? You can’t beat our daily interest rate immensely. I am grateful for the opportunity. at 5.13%. Deposit as little as $10.00. Open your We started with a meaningful introduction by Evergreen Passbook Account today,” dated Oct. 16, Civil Engineering student Kenneth Tickle from Win- 1988. ston-Salem. Several topics shared were: Mr. Reynolds has been a member of the Little 1. Eleanor Powell’s goal of making peers feel Elkin Creek Baptist Church for nearly 75 years. special. He served the Chatham Manufacturing Co. for 49 2. Brent McKinney’s ability to see through chal- years. He and Mrs. Ruby were married for 73 years. 3 Cousin Joan Retires 4. It has 200 miles of water lines, including extensions to Toast, White Plains, Flat Rock, Ban- Joan York Bowman, who loved her career of nertown, N.C. Highway 89, the Interstates, Dobson 22 years of devoted service to Surry Community and Cana, Va. Agreements to extend water to Pilot College, recently retired. A huge crowd of peers, Mountain are pending. colleagues, family, friends and college leaders gath- 5. Extensions to I-77-Zephyr Road from Dobson ered to honor her servant’s heart and dedication. are in place. On the second floor of the college’s A Building, in 6. Mount Airy also supplies water to the North the Finance Office, we gathered to say kind words, Carolina and Virginia Welcome Centers on I-77. share our hope for her future and share our grati- 7. New water tanks were built in Pine Ridge, tude for her tenure. White Plains and Zephyr. Tanks provide emergency Many hours have gone into meeting deadlines, capacity and gravity pressure on lines that elimi- developing budgets, monitoring expenditures, nates pumping stations. providing financial reports and paying bills timely. Under the leadership of Vice President of Finance An Act Of God Tony Martin are these associates: Lisa Davis Courtney Baity In early September one of our billboards on U.S. Melanie Weathers Betty Newman 52 Bypass near Lovills Creek and the PART parking Brenda Byrd Leigh Welch lot in Mount Airy was blown down during a heavy Angela Leonard Shane Fowler wind storm. We erected the board in December of Shannon Durham Dana Shelton 1983 to promote Neighbors #5 at Boone’s Hill and Shannon Haynes Joan Bowman U.S. 52. Mount Airy Toyota rents both sides of the On a personal note, teammates learn to develop board. We are in the process of restoring the struc- teams, be reliable and dependable, encourage and ture to its original size because an “act of God” had praise, console and grieve, overcome circumstanc- demolished the structure. es, be resilient and tolerant, accept change, learn Billboards are of significant value to businesses that synergy comes after cooperation, lift col- hoping to alert drivers to the location of services. leagues’ spirit and know tomorrow will bring grace Several jurisdictions control outdoor advertising and spiritual gifts. I’m grateful to have been invited in Surry County. North Carolina prohibits any bill- and asked to photograph many hugs, laughs and boarding on I-74, which is designated a scenic appreciation. byway. The City of Mount Airy controls all outdoor Joan has been blessed by a good husband, advertising in the city limits and its “ETJ” (extra-ter- Johnny. His support and love are beyond descrip- ritorial jurisdiction), usually within one mile outside tion. Together they are one and an inseparable the city limits. Surry County controls all county team. areas outside the ETJ areas surrounding Dobson, Elkin, Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain. Billboards are Precious Water permitted on I-77 in areas of county commercial zoning. New billboards in Pilot Mountain, Elkin and Drinking water, or potable water, is water that is Dobson are prohibited. Existing billboards were per- safe to drink or to use for food preparation. We ac- mitted under “grandfather” clauses. These descrip- cess it either from wells dug on properties or from tions are generalizations; many exceptions do exist, underground pipes connected to municipal sources. particularly in grandfather-clause areas. In Surry County there are four water systems: Dob- son, Elkin, Mount Airy and Pilot Mountain. State Treasurer Dale Folwell Mount Airy Public Works Director Jeff Boyles is a most knowledgeable source of facts and informa- In 2006, N.C. State Treasurer Dale Folwell took tion. During a recent interview, he shared: a motorcycle trip to raise funds to support organ- 1. Mount Airy takes in water from Stewarts and blood-donor efforts. He drove a Honda Gold Creek and Lovills Creek. Wing bike 32,978 miles in 30 days to 48 states. His 2. Its primary purification operation is the F.G. record-setting ride generated $300,000 for charity Doggett Water Plant by Stewarts Creek behind Folwell is the first Republican state treasurer in Gentry Middle School. Its backup operation is the 140 years. He was a four-term N.C. House member S.L. Spencer Water Treatment Plant by Lovills Creek in 2004-2012. His motto is, “Listen. Act. Fix.” He adjacent to Mount Airy High School. also led efforts to transform our state’s unemploy- 3. Mount Airy’s system is capable of producing ment security system by repaying a $2.7-billion 8.5 million gallons each day. It currently sells 1.5 federal loan, and brought about a surplus in 30 million gallons daily. Its excess capacity is 7 million months. Totally incredible. At that time he was a gallons daily. state Assistant Secretary of Commerce. 4 Fast 50 year our team, sponsored by D-Rex [Pharmacy, in Jonesville], wore beautifully monogrammed D-Rex Sela Building Corporation, 2024 CC Camp Road caps. We were the only team with matching golf in Elkin, N.C., recently was recognized as the sev- caps.” enth-fastest-growing company in the Piedmont Granddaughter Savannah Bohr is a valuable Triad at a celebration staged by the Triad Business member of our Goody Bags’ assembly team. Grama Journal at the Benton Convention Center in Win- Charlotte picks her up at Pilot Mountain Middle ston-Salem. It was attended by 500 grateful com- School and in two hours the team makes 265 bags, pany staff members, Triad Business Journal staff one for each player and one for each ERS volunteer. and invited guests. Each Fast 50 member’s compa- ny was recognized with a description of its history, Wilkes Child Nutrition key leaders and future goals. Special thanks to CEO Phillip Ratley for inviting WIFM to be an honored Marty Johnson is Wilkes County Child Nutrition guest. The Sela group included Phillip and Kara Director. He graduated from Wilkes Central High Ratley, James Mitchell, David and Susan Morrison, School and Western Carolina University. His early David Elliott, Debra Shultz and Corey and Larisa career includes years at Lowe’s and Wendy’s. McDonough. Now in his second year at Wilkes Child Nutrition, Sela Building enjoys a reputation for excellence. he has a staff of six, 21 school cafeteria managers Its proven building construction system facilitates and 122 lunchroom staff who serve 9,500 students. future return of investment and earlier revenue His supervisor is Superintendent Mark Byrd. generation. Customer service is its focused mission. Menus are on a four-week cycle. The most-nour- Recent clients are Kangaroo, Subway, McDonald’s, ishing meals are served on Monday and Friday to Hampton-Sydney College, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen benefit children who may not have enough food and Pizza Hut. Sela specializes in design-build turn- at home. The most-popular meals are breakfast key service. Sela’s phone number is 336-835-6700 served at lunch. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and its website is SelaBuilding.com. sets guidelines for menus. We are thankful for our Sela Building relation- Marty’s motto is, “Today is the day for a good ship. It hosts our weekly Friday-morning Bible day. We must make an impact every day.” study. The Ratleys attend Pleasant Hill Baptist The Child Nutrition system is constantly training, Church. Son Alex Ratley, recently married to Mary- and cleanliness inspections are daily. Food safety Gwyn Harris, is a Sela project engineer. Daughter is the No. 1 priority. Hot food must be 160 degrees Taylor attends Southeastern Seminary where she is and cold 40 degrees or less. Two-hour opening de- majoring in Global Studies. lays are a major challenge. Marty said his move to Wilkes County Schools was his best move ever, because he enjoys every Jack Gentry’s Presence day and he’s closer to home. He said, “To say I’m grateful is an understatement.” Sela Bible Study tablemate Jack Gentry always brings major moments to our tables. Last week, he shared grandson Austin’s move to the Second Suncrest Farm Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, to head its youth ministries. Austin is an ordained Baptist minister CEO Randy Gambill stopped at Oakwoods Gro- who graduated from Wake Forest University in Win- cery during one of its BBQ benefits and commented ston-Salem and Southeastern Theological Seminary that 25 work-release inmates were working at his in Wake Forest, N.C. Suncrest Farm, producers of the best cured ham in Jack has played in most of our Elkin Rescue the land. Being interested in Randy’s excitement, I Squad Charity Golf Tournaments, and always brings called to learn more. his huge smile and encouragement. He shared, “These men are in the prison unit over on High- “Gary, the ERS Tournament is the best-run I’ve way 115 and are model workers,” he said. “They ever played. It’s highest complement is its speed of must follow strict rules or they can’t work for us. registration. Charlotte (York) and Liz Tilley have the They arrive on a bus at 7 a.m. and are picked up at fastest way of moving us through the small lines. 4. They are paid our wage rate and they keep 10% They record our team, sell us mulligans and skins with the balance going into a fund to help them and send us on to Bojangle’s biscuits for break- get established when they are released. We’ve had fast. They recognize our team, and that familiarity great success with these men. They deserve a sec- makes us feel welcomed and included.” ond chance. And with the lack of available employ- “We are also grateful for the beyond-compare ees, these men are a true blessing.” Goody Bags,” Jack said. “My favorite gifts are the Good to know such programs exist. Way to go, ballpoint pens; they last me until next year. This Randy. 5 High Point University Warren & Jeri Bates

More than 1,000 people attended a Veterans Warren and Jeri Bates’ daughter Liz married Day celebration at the Millis Center on the campus Jonathan Brown in October. Warren recently shared of High Point University. A special thanks to dear his rehearsal dinner remarks: friend Chris Dudley, Senior Vice President of Devel- “We graciously welcome you tonight. The late opment, for extending an invitation. Wake Forest Coach Skip Prosser said, ‘Never delay Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast, fellowship gratitude.’ We want to thank the Browns, Todd and and an inspiring tribute to area military heroes. Sheila, for raising a terrific young man. Your pres- Notable presentations by the North Carolina Brass ence tonight is a blessing. Our Liz is an awesome Band, the university’s ROTC, High Point University planner, has tremendous resolve and worked three Chamber Singers, Ms. Ryan Manion and Dr. Nido or four jobs to gain experience to work at Duke. Qubein highlighted the monumental gathering. At Chapel Hill was the only college she considered. the conclusion, each veteran received a blanket “I close with this advice from Mother Teresa: depicting the American flag and the Stars & Stripes. “‘A. People are often unreasonable and self-cen- Many dignitaries including city officials, elect- tered. Forgive them anyway.’ ed leaders, university trustees, donors, staff and “‘B. If we are kind, people may accuse us of special guests were praised and honored. Being in ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.’ the midst of 1,000 grateful honorees was a day to “‘C. When we are honest, people may cheat us. remember. Be honest anyway.’ The university, under the leadership of Presi- “‘D. When we find happiness, people may be dent Qubein since 2005, has been transformed into jealous. Be happy anyway.’ one of America’s most heralded providers of higher “‘E. The good we do today may be forgotten education, community enhancements, hope and op- tomorrow. Do good anyway.’ portunity. All endeavors of the university generate “‘F. Give the world the best we have and it may incredible excitement and enthusiasm. I always ac- never be enough. Do our best anyway.’ cept every opportunity to see and hear Dr. Qubein “Coach Jimmy Valvano said each day we must who challenges his audience to reach higher and laugh, think and cry. A good speech has three ele- give and do more. He only says “when,” never “if.” ments: a good beginning, a good ending, with the More than $2 billion has been invested in university beginning and ending not too far apart. Enjoy the development during his spectacular presidency. He’s evening and please come by to say hello.” an exemplary visionary who brings monumental accomplishment. Coach Helton And James Reece

Our Legacies James Reece is a regular member of our Sela Builders Bible Study. On Nov. 16, before we started, Fellow church member Phillip Thacker’s James asked, “Gary, did you coach at Surry Central great-grandfather was in the U.S. Army in 1917. His High School in 1968?” I answered, “I did.” James dog tag, #2968548, has been passed down through added, “I played there from 1967-1970 with Coach several generations and Phillip is its keeper today. George Helton. To most he was known as ‘Podgey’ The soldier’s name was Phillip Marshall and he grew Helton. He was the most impactful influencer in my up in Mount Airy. When the United States entered life. I had a tendency to give up or quit early, but World War I in 1917, all soldiers were issued two he pushed us until we fought to the end. He was aluminum tags that were hand-stamped with the my mentor and role model. He knew the game, and soldier’s name, rank, serial number, unit and reli- insisted that we play hard and learn the game.” gion. The tags’ “dog” nickname comes down from Coach Helton’s close friend was Artie Davis of Thomas Jefferson who led an initiative to put wood- Dobson who shared, “Coach was a great coach and en tags on dogs that were killing his sheep. he always fielded a competitive team that played The first parsonage built for Mount Airy Friends hard — all were clean sports. Our opponents with Meeting’s preachers was built at the corner of talented teams had to play their best to beat us. South Main and Kerner streets in 1937. Seth and Our teams were well-prepared and played up to our Mary Edith Hinshaw were its first occupants. Small potential. Coach was also an outstanding Biology coal-burning heaters were inadequate in the win- and Physical Education teacher and his students ters, and during the record-breaking winter of were prepared for college should they aspire to 1935-36 the temperatures were below zero every attend.” night for a week. The only place in the house where Thanks, James. We are always looking for the Hinshaws could keep a glass of water from reminders of those who played key roles in our freezing at night was in the refrigerator. lives. 6 Things We Never Forgot ment a few weeks ago concluded with Coach Call saying, “My staff and I are grateful to have this Most of my growing-up years were spent in opportunity. We’ve improved steadily since Grand- rural White Plains in Surry County; Aiken, S.C.; and dad’s retirement and are peaking at playoff time. Mount Airy City Schools. There are many moments We inherited a rich, winning tradition and haven’t we never forget. All of us can recall the ups and changed much. A small tweak here and there, may- downs. A few are: be. We carry on our Green Wave legacy and expect 1. As a Little League catcher, I threw a ball past to win. Special thanks to Granddad and Mom.” the pitcher into centerfield, which allowed the win- ning runs to score to beat us 7-6. 2. My painting in a seventh-grade art contest Allen Jay, 1831-1910 won first place in my favorite teacher Mrs. Simp- Allen Jay was a renowned Quaker minister, ab- son’s class. olitionist, pacifist and advocate for education. Born 3. Our Boys Scouts troop won a skills contest in and raised in Ohio, he was called to North Carolina the summer of 1955 at Raven Knob Scout Camp. after the Civil War to aid Quakers in their recovery. One of the competition’s events was building a fire During eight years based in High Point, he helped to boil water in a tin can. establish 44 schools and 58 meeting houses. It was 4. While at the BSA camp, my Little League here that Jay’s reputation as “The Great Orator” team, which was undefeated, lost its only game began to grow. Jay spent his life living God’s word, in the season. I expected my Dad to come get me preaching the Word and carrying the Word nation- from the camp, but he didn’t. He said, “You made a wide. I recently read his autobiography, and am in- week’s commitment. You’ll keep your promises.” spired to to share ways his influences benefitted the 5. After my first football game at Mount Airy lives of so many. Several profound attributes are: High (1959) my parents asked me to follow them to 1. He went about continually doing good. an adjacent parking lot. As we arrived, Dad handed 2. His broad and intelligent sympathy made him me the keys to my first car: a black 1953 Mercu- the true and helpful friend of the church. ry two-door, straight drive with overdrive. It was 3. His wise counsel was with wisdom from 6 years old and had only 9,000 miles. It had new above. green custom seat covers. I quickly equipped it with 4. His open heart was touched from above. 1955 Oldsmobile “spinner” hub caps, dual exhaust 5. His spirit listened to the still, small voice. and fender skirts. The only radio stations it picked 6. His simplicity and humility were beautiful to up were WPAQ, WSYD and WAAA in Winston-Salem. see. 7. In him we lost a dear friend and encourager. Summerville’s Green Wave 8. He had those personal traits that beget love. 9. He understood the problems of all kinds of Coach John McKissick became Summerville people. (S.C) High School’s head football coach in 1952. In 10. People were drawn to him for counsel. 2012 he became the first American football coach in 11. He was a friend needed in their straits. history — high school, college and/or professional 12. Sympathy and sentiment did not dim his — to win 600 games. At his retirement in 2015, his sense of justice or right. teams had 612 victories and 10 S.C. State Champi- 13. He was unusually gifted in genuine onships and he was a three-time High School Coach sympathy. of the Year. His wife, Mrs. Joan, missed only five 14. He entered without reserve or restraint in games during John’s stellar career. the joy or sorrow of others. John and Joan are the grandparents of son Alan 15. His words brought feelings of comfort. York’s wife Kyle. I met the McKissicks at Alan and Kyle’s wedding where I invited myself to shadow Coach John during an upcoming game. Spending The Spirit Of Discernment 3 to 10 p.m. in his shadow is an honor I’ll cherish. 1. Realize potential, fulfill dreams, share hope. Imagine being with the winningest coach ever! He —Ramallah Friends School mission spends the last 30 minutes before taking the field 2. “At our bank, before making a loan, we want meditating alone in his private office. to know your character and what you do after Among his many all-time greats is wide receiver dark.” —Jim Smoak (1976) #18 A.J. Greene, All-Pro with the Cincinnati Ben- 3. Fall Creek Baptist Church’s new sanctuary gals. Alabama Coach Bear Bryant visited Summer- and classrooms in Jonesville cost nearly $3 million. ville several times. To accelerate its loan payoff time, the membership Coach McKissick’s grandson Joe Call took the makes four payments monthly. Its outreach has reins at Summerville. His 2018 team was 9-2 and aired on WIFM every Sunday morning for more than improving every week when my call of encourage- 30 years. 7 The Communicator PRESORTED STANDARD A Publication of: US POSTAGE PAID 100.9 WIFM MT. AIRY, NC Vintage Rose Wedding Estate PERMIT #6 Post Office Box 1038 Elkin, NC 28621

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