THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 www.WIFMRadio.com www.VintageRoseWeddingEstate.com November 2019

Elkin Rescue Squad Charity Golf a true servant and steadfast mentor, treasures the honor to have served our co-op for 18 years. On Oct. 3 a congregation of Elkin Rescue Squad Several service highlights for the 64 dedicated members, community volunteers, golfers, sponsors, employees were supporting our March of Dimes, Cedarbrook Country Club professionals and God’s providing Christmas meals for five families, rais- grace staged our 14th Charity Golf Tournament to ing $35,000 in a golf tournament, hosting a blood benefit the Elkin Rescue Squad. We achieved ex- drive, trash pickup, supporting the American Can- ceptional synergy as 52 teams (208 players), 176 cer Society and providing grants for local teachers. sponsors, 50 volunteers and countless well-wishers Also during the year, linemen Tommy Brock and Eric came together for a premier event to celebrate a Sawyers traveled to Bolivia to bring electricity to a most-worthy cause. This year’s tournament netted rural community. the Elkin Rescue Squad $51,221.43. Our co-op is valued at $106,738,978. Members A seamless registration process, delicious Bo- of its Board of Directors are: jangle’s biscuits, souvenir Ortho Carolina Pro VI Earl Campbell Alvin Reid Jr. Balls, Cedarbrook’s magic touch, Robby Timmons’ Willard Swift David Pendry hope and smile, world-famous Goody Bags, the Karoline Overby Brenda Hardy Michelin Tire raffle and beverage-cart superstars. Toby Speaks Stephen Hutson Each individual’s personal memories will carry us to David Miller Stephen Joyce Oct. 1, 2020. We are already planning next year’s gala. We promise to bring the best in charity bene- Toby Speaks fit, exceptional enhancements and fellowship while supporting those who provide emergency services Toby Speaks, a most successful farmer and 24/7/365. poultry producer, is chairman of the Surry-Yadkin Since 1941, our community has risen to answer Electric Membership Corp. Board of Directors. He the callings to serve, to put others before self. A joined the Board in 1991 and became its chair- special note of praise to a member of the Board of man in 2008. We met at the electric co-op’s annual Directors over 15 years: Elkin Police Chief Monroe meeting in 2013, and truly enjoy our relationship. Wagoner. He was tireless and helpful. From start I really enjoy watching Toby embrace his mem- to finish, Monroe was non-stop. He’s been with the bers as they enjoy the annual meeting at Surry Police Department for 45 years. Central High School. Toby’s endearing talent is his intense listening skills. I’d see him, time and time SYEMC again, give his undivided attention and time to each and every member. In essence, he makes us feel Our Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corp., important and special. When he interacts, his con- founded in 1941, headquartered in Dobson, held stituents are encouraged and inspired. We see him its annual banquet at Surry Central High School on as a devoted listener. Oct. 5. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast, music by We deeply regret the passing of Toby’s wife, Travis Frye and the Blue Mountain Bluegrass Band, June Gilmore Speaks, on July 24. We attended her a warm welcome by Board of Directors President graveside service at Knobbs Baptist Church Cem- Toby Speaks and a most favorable operations report etery. Toby said, “From the day our eyes met at by Executive Vice President and General Manager Belk’s department store at Christmas of 1960, we Greg Puckett. We also compliment the Surry Central were dedicated to one another. We shared a won- nutrition staff for its wonderful food service. derful life. She was God’s gift and grace.” Toby Speaks said, “We take this opportunity to Granddaughters Ainslee and Sophia enjoy riding celebrate the cooperative’s values that make us with Granddad on his 1945 John Deere LA farm unique and relevant to the communities we are for- tractor and trailer in the Mountain Park Fourth of tunate to serve.” General Counsel Raymond Parker, July Parade. I Will Walk I met the Morrisons in 2007 while asking for contributions for our Elkin Rescue Squad. D-Rex Robby Timmons has been a valuable member sponsors two teams. Susan teaches Sunday School of our Elkin Rescue Squad’s Charity Golf Tourna- at Elkin Valley Baptist Church and leads charity ef- ment staff for eight years. At the start of each forts at The Toy Store at Christmas time. round, Robby meets and greets each player with a sleeve of Pro VI commemorative golf balls provid- ed this year by a new sponsor for our event, Ortho We Are Never Without Help Carolina. Robby arrives at 7 a.m. and stays until 1:30. He’s also the best-dressed volunteer with our One of our premier door prizes at the Elkin monogrammed white golf shirt, white slacks, neat Rescue Squad Charity Golf Tournament was a most name tag, Nike sneakers and the world’s best smile. popular lawn set donated by Marvin Miller’s Home In 1980, while working for our N.C. Department Acres Fine Furniture of Hamptonville, N.C. The two- of Transportation in summer between attending seat piece with bar and huge red umbrella was won college, his dump truck careened during a storm by Dr. John Orta of Tri-County Sports and Rehab at and Robby was paralyzed from the waist down. He 2015 N. Bridge St. in Elkin, N.C. shared that while lying in a dark room at the Baptist After the drawing, I promised to deliver the Hospital on the night of the accident, he promised beautiful prize the next morning. Arriving at Ce- to never give up on his journey to walk again. darbrook Country Club to load the piece, I quickly Robby at 58 is the most positive person we realized that I would need strong help to load and know. His infectious smile and cheerful words in- unload it for Dr. Orta. At Cedarbrook I was rescued spire all he meets. He drives, owns his own home, by Joel Blevins and Harold Osborne. When I arrived teaches weight training, travels extensively, is a at Tri-County my dilemma continued as I was asked devout Christian, is a college graduate, speaks to if we’d put the prize inside the therapy facility. support groups and is a treasure to our community. After a few stressful minutes, a light came on and His cap his year featured the Titleist and Clem- I realized I could find needed help at G&B Energy’s son logos and I asked, “Robby, are you a Clemson transportation garage a scant quarter-mile distance fan?” He replied, “I’m more of a Coach Dabo Swin- toward Elkin off North Bridge Street. ney fan, the head coach. He’s a friend and a true Arriving at the garage at 12:10 p.m., I found Christian.” That, dear friends, is vintage Robby Tim- Stephen Gentry, Justin Crouse and Barry Crossman mons. A sign on his pickup’s tailgate says, “Thank having lunch in the break room. Sharing my chal- you Jesus.” lenge, the able men accepted my plea, quickly fol- lowed me back to Tri-County and in three minutes deposited the furniture in its new home. Arona Boles Cedarbrook and G&B Energy have a most wor- David Morrison and D-Rex Pharmacy have been thy culture of answering calls of distress. Building steadfast supporters of our annual Elkin Rescue reciprocal relationships in neighborhoods are para- Squad Charity Golf Tournament. One of its count- mount to achievement. Good people thrive on lend- less gifts is 10 cases of Le Bleu Water with the ing a helping hand. Thanks, Cedarbrook and G&B. D-Rex custom logo. I stopped this year to get the water and deliver it to Cedarbrook Country Club. Client Rewards I walked to the checkout counter and stated my request to Arona Boles, a three-year veteran. She Many of our Elkin Rescue Squad Charity Golf said, “I’ve loaded it on a cart and I’ll roll it to your Tournament’s team sponsors use the opportunity to truck.” During our chat, Arona spoke of how much honor their clients. she loved being at D-Rex. She said she found her In 2010, I asked John Sanders of Sanders way there by following up on an invitation by phar- Electric in Mount Airy if he had a vendor who would macist Karen Sealy to join the D-Rex team. Mrs. sponsor a team. A few days later, John called to say Boles said, “I liked my job in the school system, but Mike McGee of Winston-Salem and State Electric I like it here even more. We have honorable owners would put in a team in 2011. State, with a branch and people who care about our customers. I look in Mount Airy, has been a perennial supporter. The forward to each and every day. Karen and I attend team includes Mike, John, Tyler Johnson of John- Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.” son’s Modern Electric in Yadkinville and Chris Ste- D-Rex, which opened in 1972, is owned by Da- phens of Siemens in Morganton, N.C. vid and Susan Morrison. They met while attending D-Rex Pharmacy, G&B Energy and Grandeur University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Susan grew Cycles of Jonesvile each entered two teams for five up in Elkin and David in Morehead City. D-Rex is an years. They see the strategy as a customer benefit. outstanding retailer and has a strong brand recog- David Morrison, Jeff Eidson and Steve Dudley ap- nized as being customer service and value driven. plaud the opportunity to reward their customers. 2 Ground Steak Sandwich ry Hennings’ parents Joe and Annette and Barry’s uncle and aunt, Alvia and Jane Hennings. A most rich tradition on Mount Airy’s second When family and friends gather to congratulate weekend in October during the Autumn Leaves the accomplishments of relatives, spiritual feelings Festival is the Flat Rock Ruritan Club’s legendary abound. A meaningful message of appreciation is ground steak sandwich. It was created in our area evident when we can be at celebrations to hold oth- at local eateries including The Dairy Center, the ers in the light. Canteen and Snappy Lunch. The Ruritan Club has manned its booth near the Wilkes County EMS corner of Main and Franklin streets since the festi- val’s beginning in 1966. The renowned ground steak Tim Pennington leads the outstanding Wilkes sandwich is made with a fresh hamburger bun, County Emergency Medical Service. He grew up slaw, onions and a huge mound of ground beef that in the Mountain View area of Wilkes County and is parboiled, seasoned with salt and pepper at the graduated from North Wilkes High School. He joined club’s kitchen, 1070 Linville Road, and commissar- the EMS in 1996 and became its Director in March ied to the Ruritans’ booth on Main Street. 2017. Calvin Wyatt and Bob Gentry were his men- The Ruritan Club was founded in 1956, its mem- tors. His EMS certification was earned at Wilkes bership totals 30, and its president is Mark King. Community College. He received his Registered The essence of the Autumn Leaves Festival — Nurse degree from Winston-Salem State in 2000. an initiative of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber During a discussion at his office in the EMS of Commerce, then-President Dr. Dale Simmons headquarters next to Wilkes Medical Center/Wake and the late Executive Director Jim Grimes — is Forest Baptist Health, I asked, “Please share the to provide fundraising opportunities for the area’s most-frequent emergency needs by our county resi- nonprofit organizations. The proceeds go to youth dents.” Tim replied, “Number one is injury from falls scholarships, community emergency welfare needs and number two is breathing issues. We offer, free (including and power and heating bills) and filling of charge, an inspection of homes to spot potential educational needs at local schools. hazards that can lead to falls and recommenda- The Flat Rock Ruritan Club provides a meeting tions to prevent them.” He also stated that the EMS facility for fellow nonprofits and for free meals for is fully staffed, the EMTs are required to have 36 the community’s needy. Ruritan National, headquar- hours of continued education annually, and the EMS tered in Pulaski, Va., was founded in 1928. It bene- averages 3.2 trips to Winston-Salem hospitals daily. fits untold needs in our tri-county rural areas. The Wilkes County EMS was founded in 1971.

Gentry Family Funeral Services Police Chief Joe Rankin

On Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m. we celebrated the North Wilkesboro is honored and blessed to opening of the third branch of the Gentry Family Fu- have Chief Joe Rankin leading its 26-member po- neral Services at 428 E. Main St. in East Bend, N.C. lice force. He grew up in Gastonia and honorably David Gentry and family founded the company by served the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for opening its first branch in 1994 at 4517 Little Moun- 30 years. Most of his Patrol service was in Wilkes tain Road in Jonesville, N.C. The second branch County, and for 20 years he was chief instructor at opened in 1997 at 5108 U.S. 601 in Yadkinville. the Patrol’s Trooper Driving School in Garner, N.C. The Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce led — a most coveted and prestigious assignment. He by Bobby Todd and Jamie Johnston conducted the also served an elite officers’ team that joined to official ribbon cutting as a large group of grate- counsel officers after tragedies such as the Virginia ful well-wishers enjoyed the gala. David Gentry’s Tech campus massacre on April 16, 2007. remarks included praise for his 19-member staff, Chief Rankin joined the North Wilkesboro police valued customer base, community leaders and unit in 2016. His wife, Sandra, is retired from the immediate family members: mother Barbara, wife Wilkes County Sheriff’s Department and serves the Melissa and sons Stuart, Jordan and Jackson. Window World Corp. David also praised general contractor Ome- Chief Rankin at age 5 was called to law enforce- ga Construction Co. of Winston-Salem who part- ment after sitting in an unmarked Highway Patrol nered with Gentry Family Funeral Services to cruiser parked at a relative’s home. While praising bring the East Bend community a most beautiful his department, Chief Rankin said his officers’ chief 12,500-square-foot facility. The builder was rep- attributes are loyalty, compassion, courage and resented by Barry Hennings, Steve Doub, Barrett trustworthiness. He added, “I loved every day of Hennings and Matt Pardue. Another heart-warming my Patrol career, and my second career is equally feature of the ceremony was the presence of Bar- rewarding.” 3 Helping Eyes Fellowshipping

Phillip and Marie Gordon were teaching in We insist that dear friend Howard Reynolds, 97, 1970 in Rocky Mount and attending the Method- visit WIFM Radio each week. He shared recently ist Church. The new pastor, Miles Smithson, was a that late wife Ruby was God’s greatest gift in his newcomer and blind. He quickly recruited Phillip to lifetime. They were married for 73 years. They met be his eyes. at Little Yadkin Baptist Church. He also speaks of Phillip was shy, timid, lacking in courage and how good Ruby’s parents were to him. He said, most fearful speaking before crowds. Phillip’s duties “They treated me like a son.” with the Rev. Smithson were to drive them to the Mr. Howard said, “We didn’t have a car when we hospital early on Sunday to visit member patients. were married and walked the five miles to down- Afterwards he read Scriptures to assist the pastor town Elkin each Saturday. We didn’t have enough during the 11 a.m. Sunday service. Phillip read money to spend. We were fellowshipping. I remem- Scriptures as Pastor Smithson preached. ber Elkin having five barbershops with showers. Phillip shared that after a few months of per- The streets of Elkin were packed, one could hardly forming his duties, his confidence began to improve walk.” and he started to look forward to sharing with the He loyally served Chatham Manufacturing Co. crowds and helping Reverend Miles. He observed for 49 years. He got his driver’s license at the that the minister’s other senses — hearing and feel- Chevy dealership for $2.50. He recalls walking to ing — had compensated for his loss of his eyesight. church and school. At the second meeting of any and all persons, Rev- Mr. Howard brings us great blessings. His great erend Miles, after a handshake and greeting, would memory and wealth of knowledge are amazing. In repeat every church member’s name. Phillip and the a unique way, he leaves me a better, wiser person. preacher, as a team, were formidable. He reminds us to go to church on Sunday, visit We never know when we’ll be blessed with a the sick, lend a helping hand and never forget the miracle. Phillip became the Rev. Smithson’s eyes values of family. Mr. Reynolds is our spiritual leader and his duties gave Phillip much-needed confidence and inspires us every day. to share with crowds and be a better classroom teacher. 28 Points

Jim Peles, Master Barber Chad Casstevens was a sports and academic star who graduated from Surry Central High School Jim Peles operates a traditional barbershop at in 2002. In late spring, in a conference basketball 125 Commerce St. in Elkin. While some people, game against arch rival Starmount High School, men and women, patronize a hairdresser’s shop with Chad’s Golden Eagles woefully behind, Chad by appointment, we go to Jim on a “Who’s next?” started to light up the gym. In the next eight min- basis. I’ve seen as many as five vehicles parked utes, he scored 28 points and his “3” at the buzzer at his shop, which means someone waited over an sealed a come-from-behind victory that fans, play- hour to get in the chair. In my last stop, Les McGee ers, students and coaches will never forget. from my Sela Bible Study was in the chair and Greg Chad was our state’s 1A Player of the Year in Runner, pastor of Jonesville’s Pentecostal Holiness 2002 and starred at Pfeiffer University. He also Church, followed me. earned a State Championship in track in 2002 and Jim must have 500 devoted clients, as most in cross-country in 2001 and 2002. He graduated men come monthly. I usually come tri-weekly. from college and enjoys a credible law practice in He has an endearing way of communicating. If I Dobson. He and mentor Hugh Mills share meals choose to talk, we talk. I appreciate Jim as there every week. is never any gossip, profanity or pontificating. Jim said, “There is usually good fellowshipping and har- Bring Some Cheer mony among our clients. I learned early on to never have any magazines with controversial faces on the Leaving the Armfield Recreation Center at Pilot cover. There is an Elkin Tribune and maybe a Grit Mountain around 6 a.m., I saw a middle-aged lady paper lying around.” sitting on a bench, clutching her iPhone, and as is Jim is a master at remembering names. After my custom I said, “Good morning,” to which she all, a person’s name is the dearest word ever spo- replied, without looking up, “Goooood Moooorning” ken. The barber shop is close to being at home. He with total cheer. ends his barbering service by saying, “Gary, would She put a huge blessing in her reply. It’s quite you like to see in the mirror?” I always say, “No. I amazing how a small effort can add so much to know you did your best.” one’s presence. She made my day. 4 Wilkes Central H.S. AFJROTC Chase Mills The leadership duo in the Junior Reserve Offi- Chase Mills and brother Dillon are regulars at cers Training Corps includes a retired service officer the Armfield Recreation Center in Pilot Mountain. and a retired enlisted officer. Allen Lyles is a retired Both are East Surry High School and N.C. State Uni- Air Force Master Sergeant with 25 years’ service versity graduates and engineers serving at Collins in the military police. He serves the Wilkes Central Aerospace in Winston-Salem. High School Air Force JROTC in the Wilkes County Formerly B/E Aerospace, the company was Schools. To qualify to host a Corps unit, at least sold to Rockwell Collins in 2013. During Chase’s 10% of the student body is enrolled. Both men and freshman year at N.C. State he was searching for women qualify. a summer internship when his mother Marcy, who Master Sgt. Lyles grew up in Elkin and entered careered at R.J. Reynolds, suggested Chase leave the U.S. Army a week after high school graduation. his resumé at B/E. Several weeks later, while chat- He said, “I wasn’t ready for college. Enlisting in the ting with Chase, she asked about his luck at B/E. military qualified me for college scholarships, too. When Chase said he had not heard from B/E, his I received my four-year degree in Louisiana and mom said, “I’ll call my friend who is in HR [human spent most of my career at an F-15 fighter jet base resources] at B/E.” In a few days, Chase was called in Oregon. My enlistment was a great fit.” to come to an interview and at the interview was Among his duties, Master Sgt. Lyles supervised offered an internship that led to his full-time posi- the staging of a Corps Military Ball and helped tion at Rockwell Collins. Today he loves his career, acquire 18 prom dresses for lady cadets to wear, has risen to project manager and helped brother saving them money to buy or rent a dress. Many of Dillon secure a career there too. the dresses were owned by his daughter, Alexa. Most of us, to make connections, use relation- His son, Riley, a Cadet at Elkin High School, ships to advance in life. I encourage youngsters to graduated in 2019 and immediately enlisted. As a meet everyone they can. In 2015, I met Dr. Don consequence of his three years in JROTC, he re- Martin at a Forsyth County school function and ceived a two-step pay increase. His pay grade at through him I’ve met Dr. Myra Cox, Superintendent enlistment was E-3, earning him an additional $500 of Elkin City Schools; Paul Fulton, philanthropist monthly allotment. and University of North Carolina leader; and N.C. The high school JROTC Creed states, “I am a State Treasurer Dale Folwell. Today he continues to Junior ROTC Cadet. I will always conduct myself to be a go-to person in countless arenas. He’s a Duke bring credit to my family, country, school and the University graduate, was Superintendent of Win- Corps.” The program prepares students for leader- ston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for 19 years, ship roles while making them aware of their rights, and is a Forsyth County Commissioner. Most peo- responsibilities and privileges as Americans. The ple in high places look for opportunities to connect mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to worthy people. be better citizens. JROTC teaches character, educa- tion, student achievement, wellness, leadership and Different Folks diversity. On Sunday mornings my routine includes some early writing, getting to church about 9:45 a.m., Seeking And Finding greeting my classmates, Bible Study from 10 a.m. After 14 years of supporting our Elkin Rescue to 10:30 and a quiet time from 10:30 to 11 o’clock, Squad, I must each day be working to improve on sitting alone in the Mount Airy Friends sanctuary. our success. One of those seekings is to recruit new On Oct. 13, a couple in vacation attire appeared. I four-man teams who pay $500 to honor our cause. introduced myself and our chat was, “Good morn- An excellent opportunity is recruiting teams at ing. Welcome to Mount Airy Friends.” The man Cedarbrook Country Club. On Oct. 10, I spotted replied, “We are staying at Lake Norman and decid- eight men sitting around two tables on the club’s ed to drive up this morning to visit Andy Griffith’s veranda. Approaching the group, I said, “Are you town. We’ll spend the day here.” guys from out of town?” The golfer nearest to me, They asked, “How old is the church?” I said, “It Dan Fawley, said, “We’re from Winston-Salem. We was established in 1896 and built with the North come up here quite often for golf and a great lunch. Carolina Granite mined a few miles east of here at Do you know Max Haynes?” I answered, “Max is the world’s largest open-face quarry.” a regular at our Sela Bible Study. I’ll see him to- The lady took a couple of photos on her iPhone morrow.” Dan said, “I married Max’s cousin.” Upon and after I offered them a church bulletin they seeing Max on Friday, I shared my story and he turned and walked out the door. promised to connect me to Dan and the opportunity I was thinking we had attracted a couple for our to recruit a new team. wonderful Sunday service. 5 Coach McKissick Stories Behind Photos When son Alan married Kyle McElveen in July Recalling the great moments of meeting people 2008, I learned that she is the granddaughter of with a story to tell, these motivators answered high John and Joan McKissick. John was the head coach callings: at Summerville High School in South Carolina and 1. Chad Tidd — area superstar who owns Chick- the winningest football coach in the history of the fil-A in Mount Airy. game. He retired in 2014 and grandson Joe Coll 2. Justin Sievers, Jeremy Branch, Steve Norman took the reins. Before he retired, Coach McKissick and Matt Scott — model citizens and American Le- welcomed my request to shadow him during several gion Baseball stars. games of his heralded Green Wave. Wife Joan has 3. The late Ronald Johnson — local radio sports been his partner, advisor and confidant every step celebrity. of their 621 wins. 4. Chad Casstevens — local attorney and Surry At 93, Coach still enjoys sharing his incredible Central High School sports and academic star who journey. For several weeks I had felt drawn to visit scored 28 points in one 8-minute quarter to defeat Coach and Joan at their home, 201 Country Club Starmount High School. Boulevard in Summerville. On Friday, Oct. 18, after 5. Pancho Villa and John McKissick — deputy leaving home at 5:30 a.m. for Bible Study in Elkin, sheriff and all-time winningest football coach and I left at 8 a.m. to see Coach. I arrived at 12:30 underdog champion. p.m. After a two-hour visit, I arrived back in Pilot 6. The late Griggs Hampton and Tanya Jones — Mountain at 7:30 p.m., having travelled 600 miles. dynamic duo in Mount Airy. Several heartwarming stories I’ll always cherish: 7. Ben Jackson — special-needs hero with par- 1. He started coaching at Clarkton in 1951. It ents Donna and the late John Jackson. was a 6-man football school. He came to Summer- 8. Dennis France — 1973 North Carolina State ville in 1952. A School Board member said he was Wrestling Champion with Coach Floyd Jones repre- hired after not asking the amount of the coaching senting Mount Airy High School. supplement. 9. Sarah Johnson and Doris Kearns Goodwin at 2. He and Mrs. Joan retired the loan for their Guilford College in 2001. home in eight years by paying $100.00 monthly. 10. Pete Kulynyck — Lowe’s Hardware’s most Joan enjoyed her life raising two daughters, sup- benevolent benefactor. porting Coach and serving 30 years as a rural mail 11. Tim Gurganus — legendary Bojangle’s man- carrier. ager, mentor and humanitarian. 3. The first of 12 State Championships was over 12. Richard Grissom — Elkin High School four- Saluda, 20-6, in 1955. time (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) State Football 1A 4. During the off-season, Coach met with his Champions. program’s players at 4 p.m. every Thursday. Being on time was late. Achievers Appreciate 5. Clemson University Head Coach Dabo Swin- ney invited Coach McKissick, at age 85, to address Achievers appreciate: 250 high school coaches’ clinic in 2011. A Tigers 1. A person who has a genuine interest in helmet is proudly displayed in Coach’s trophy room. people. 6. When coaches get their first Head Coach 2. A person who enjoys listening to the dreams jobs, they know so little. We learn as we go! of others. 3. A person who can transform complexity into simplicity. Elkin Valley Church Quilters 4. A person who longs to write and whose Sela Bible Study teammates Les McGee and writing brings people to action. Buddy Keys’s wives, Barb and Lola, are devoted 5. A person who has a creative spark and sees members of the Elkin Valley Church’s Prayer Quil- the good in others. ters Women. Their nine members meet each Thurs- 6. A person with a servant’s heart and who has day to make prayer quilts for those needing spiritu- an outward focus. al lifts. The quilters sew squares into quilts that are 7. A person who puts “we” before “me” and is gifted to worthy recipients. Much of the process is selfless and appreciative. completed at home and the members join to finish 8. A person who is prompt, prepared, poised, usually two quilts weekly. confident and self-effacing. The members are: 9. A person who enjoys the success of a good Barb McGee Bertha Salley Angie Talley friend and can rally around another’s victory. Helen Garris Lola Key Linda Carter 10. A person who is tireless in his/her pursuit of Sue Macy Sharon Golden Diana Chamber winning and can rally after a loss. 6 Beloved Puppies and elements of horticulture. Community advocates provide funding and materials, plus snacks. Parental Mrs. Bea Roughton was the grateful caregiver volunteers are paramount. for Sadie Mae, a Rat Terrier. Regrettably, Sadie Mae • A group from the Mount Airy High School Class passed with cancer on Sept. 28. She enjoyed go- of 1956 meets on Tuesdays at the Renfro Street ing to McDonald’s for her favorite Canadian bacon McDonald’s for breakfast and fellowship from 8:30 snack. Sadie Mae was 13 at her demise. Mrs. Bea to 11 a.m. Couples, widows and widowers attend. and Sadie had been best friends since the passing Judy Kirkman, a regular, says, “We love to meet of Charles Roughton on Jan. 2, 2013. Mrs. Bea re- and greet. We are closer than ever. Sharing fills our cently shared she’s thinking of another pup soon. souls with thanksgiving. It’s a weekly highlight!” Diane lost her best friend, 12-year-old Bella, a • Raffle sales pitch: “Every cent of this money purebred Shih-Tzu. They were coming home from goes to our Elkin Rescue Squad, and you may win a visit to the veterinarian in Mount Airy when Bella this $800 set of tires.” suddenly expired while in the back seat. Exercise buddy Jim Thomas recently bought Harper Grace, a Chihuahua-Maltese mix. She is the Pickleball sister of a same-litter female owned by Jim’s hair- Robert and Sue Rizoti play pickleball virtually dresser, Tanya Hiatt. At 5-1/2 months old, she loves every day in Winston-Salem and Clemmons. They to ride sitting in Jim’s lap and also enjoys sleeping play on inside courts and see the game as healthy in his bed. We recently had a photo op for Harper exercise and a way to meet and make new friends. Grace and she loved the posing shots while con- In a matter of days after joining a pickleball group, stantly wagging her tail. Owner Jim said he recently a new set of friends arrives. had her groomed, hoping I would call to take her First heard of America’s fastest-growing sport, pictures. You can see her on our Instagram account. pickleball, during a chat in 2014 with Senior Games’ pickleball aficionado Jackie Lewis, 72, who com- Containers At Savannah, Ga. petes statewide. The North Carolina State Finals were played Oct. 14-28 in Concord and we’ll report Trucking manager Buddy Tackett at our Armfield on our participants in our December issue. Recreation Center in Pilot Mountain recently stated Pickleball started in Seattle, Wash., and became he was in container trucking in his past. While trav- an official sport in 1965. It is played by both sin- eling on I-77 occasionally we see containers that gles and doubles on a 22-by-40-foot court. Players enter the United States from huge ships who bring swing a paddle to hit a wiffle ball over a tennis-type the boxes, usually from the Far East, China and net. The winner is the first to reach 11 points with a Vietnam, to the east and west coasts. 2-point edge over the opponent. An area 7 feet on On a recent trip on I-26 that runs from Savan- each side of the 36-inch net is called “the kitchen,” nah, Ga., to Columbia, S.C., I-26 with heavy traffic or non-volley area, that players can penetrate. 24/7 has become, along with railroads, a domi- The game was named by one of its inventors. nant East Coast destination for oceangoing tankers Joel Pritchard had a dog named Pickles who would transport shipping. Tractor trucks hauling ship con- chase errant balls. tainers dominate the traffic on I-26. Savannah has become America’s fastest-growing port with a 30% increase in volume. Thoughts To Value Our U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has dredged 1. No person for any considerable period can the Savannah River from a 42-foot depth to 47 wear one face to himself and another to the multi- feet. That permits the harbor to accommodate me- tude without finally getting bewildered as to which ga-tankers. Savannah is America’s third-largest and may be the true. —Nathaniel Hawthorne. the world’s 39th largest port. It creates 350,000 2. The best way out is always through. —Robert jobs and more than $66 billion in sales. It exports Frost. more than 30% of all U.S. poultry and its No. 2 4. Not what we say about our blessings, but import is furniture. Deeper port, larger tankers, and how we use them, is the true measure of our more containers both on rail and trucks. thanksgiving. —W.T. Purkiser. 5. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the An Overview way and shows the way. —John C. Maxwell. 6. People will forget what we said, will forget • Dr. Wanda Hutchinson, retired Associate what we did, but will never forget how we made Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, has them feel. —Maya Angelou. rehabilitated a 10-by-20-foot greenhouse at Traphill 9. Good friends are like stars. We don’t always Elementary School and has 24 students who meet see them, but we know they are always there. — at 4 p.m. each Tuesday to learn agricultural skills Christy Evans. 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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