THE COMMUNICATOR Phone: (336) 835-2511 Fax: (336) 835-5248 Email: [email protected] Since January 1990 www.WIFMRadio.com May 2021

Jeff Atwell Is N.C. School Hero Mr. Atwell added, “I pleaded with Principal Rod- ney Graham to hire me as the TA position was my Teacher Assistant Jeff Atwell serves Central lifetime dream and calling in life. My attitude and Wilkes Middle School in the Exceptional Children joy each day is the fortunate opportunity to serve Severe & Profound program and also is a school bus Central’s EC class. I’m truly blessed.” driver. A native of Kannapolis, he graduated from The Education Lottery created the N.C. School Appalachian State University, worked at Lowe’s for Heroes program to showcase the positive impacts 20 years and joined the Wilkes County Schools in of teachers, principals and other school personnel August 2019. in public schools. The lottery raises more than $725 million a year for education, including $4.2 million He recently shared that his service with the EC in Wilkes County. students is “a calling in life” and he treasures the connections and relationships. He said, “It makes me a positive person 24/7 and brings me an abun- Finding Good Advice dance of joy.” For him the usual highlights of each day are the time students spend on computers Ken Noland, the outstanding Wilkesboro Town and daily visits to their specially equipped, handi- Manager, was asked how he decides to do projects cap-friendly playground opened in 2018 on Wilkes that have become major enhancements to his com- Central’s campus. The EC Severe & Profound Unit munity in Wilkes County. He said, “Oh, it’s simple. has six students and four staff members and is to- Our innovations come from two primary sources tally self-contained. and each group is one-two or two-one, equally as Not long after joining the school staff, Jeff was important. Our 65 associates are asked to be in- nominated by a student’s mother as a “North Car- novators and seek ways to reward our citizens and olina Education Lottery School Hero.” Kasey Byrd- save tax dollars. The next group is a citizen focus Smithey wrote in her nomination letter, “Mr. Atwell’s group. When we sense a need and seek directions, service comes naturally. He is very kind and loving we assemble a group of people, open the floor and and my son adores him because he is treated with ask how, when and where we should go. The best respect. When he’s taken from my arms each morn- solutions are already here. When people are re- ing, I’m 100% at ease and confident in the care of spected and asked to help, they will step up as they Mr. Atwell.” are honored to play key roles and advocacies.” This method for seeking and finding good advice Among nearly 5,000 entries, Jeff Atwell was one can be applied in business, too. A great idea sur- of 10 winners. At the award celebration and pre- faced at WIFM as a potential client had stated her sentation in March, pictures and a video were taken willingness to sponsor a “Please Volunteer” cam- and Mr. Atwell and his school both received checks paign. How do we capture key nuggets that could for $10,000. Jeff said he’ll use his award to move be vital parts of script copy or formulate a 30-sec- into a new house and pay off medical bills. ond radio spot? That’s simple, too. Ask volunteers Central Wilkes Principal Rodney Graham said the who give countless years of beneficial contributions. school will use some of its $10,000 to buy applianc- We are in the process of building the campaign es for the EC classroom. and those we’ll call are Rondale Ratcliff of Banner- Principal Graham said Atwell shows endless town Volunteer Fire Department; Ryan Bledsoe of patience and compassion at his job, giving parents the Arlington Fire & Rescue VFD; and Tim Darnell, of students in his class peace of mind. “Nothing you Lois Suddreth and Jeff Whitaker of the Elkin Res- ever do for children is wasted,” said Graham. “When cue Squad. Those who serve can testify and speak the children know that they are loved and cared for, to the values that encourage others to serve. The I think they can accomplish some pretty amazing rewards of being a volunteer come from the mouths things far beyond what we even thought.” of those who live to save lives and property. Exploring North Carolina Donna Fargo

Fans of UNC-TV’s popular program “Exploring In 1958, Yvonne Vaughn of Mount Airy asked North Carolina” haven’t seen a new episode since her father, Raney Vaughn, for permission to go to December 2019 — the pandemic interrupted its High Point College to further her education and be- production schedule in 2020 — but they can see come an English teacher. He readily supported her and hear host and co-producer Tom Earnhardt in a wish, but asked to give her parents four promises. recent episode of “People Doing Good For Others” They were to finish what you start, don’t get mar- produced by Wilkes Communication’s RiverStreet ried before you graduate, work hard, and be a good Productions and hosted by WIFM Radio’s Gary York. student. Tom Earnhardt grew up in Thomasville, grad- Yvonne Vaughn did graduate on time, majoring uated from Davidson College and the UNC-Chapel in English Education with a minor in Philosophy, Hill School of Law, and founded the public-television and went on to teach English in California. She also program “Exploring North Carolina” in 2003. He carried to California two demos of her singing that co-produced and hosted about 80 episodes over a were recorded by the late Ralph Epperson at WPAQ 15-year period. Now in reruns, the informative and in Mount Airy, N.C. She began performing in local educational series can be viewed on the PBS North clubs in Southern California, changed her name to Carolina Channel (PBS NC, formerly UNC-TV) on Donna Fargo in 1966 and met and married her pro- Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 1:30 a.m. and ducer and manager Stan Silver. Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and on PBS NC’s Explorer Donna Fargo had four consecutive No. 1 pop Channel throughout the week. (Check times and hits, performed at the Grand Ole Opry and Carne- listings at pbsnc.org/schedule/.) gie Hall, sang with Roy Clark, Bobby Vinton, Charlie “Exploring North Carolina” concentrates on Rich and Glen Campbell (with whom she went on a appreciation and protection of the environment and USO Tour) and won a Grammy Award in 1973 for North Carolina’s natural heritage. Its creation grew Best Female Country Vocal Performance with “The out of an idea by former UNC-TV CEO Tom Howe Happiest Girl in the Whole USA.” Recognized as one when he and Earnhardt served on the N.C. Museum of the leading country-music songwriters of the of Natural Sciences Advisory Commission. The first 1970s and 1980s, her songs have been recorded episode was an investigation of why the Long Leaf by artists including Tammy Wynette, Sonny James, Pine forests have seasonal fires that foster the can- Kitty Wells, Tanya Tucker, Jody Miller, Marty Robbins opy’s annual growth. The “Exploring North Carolina” and Dottie West. She has written several books in- production crew includes Tom as host and writer, cluding at least three collections of her poetry. camera operator and video editor Joe Albea, and We interviewed Donna Fargo for a two-part pro- content editor and co-producer Mark Crews. gram that was broadcast and live-streamed on April Tom as a lawyer pioneered environmental law 10 and 17 on WIFM 100.9 and at wifmradio.com. in North Carolina. In the mid-1970s he served Gov. Jim Holshauser by giving counsel on the pending New River Dam. One morning in Washington, D.C., How Things End he joined Sens. Jesse Helms and Sam Erwin and U.S. Reps. Ben Mizell and Pat Taylor during a strat- Oftentimes we share fallibles, never to put down egy session to stop the dam. They were successful however; to help us when we fall and to possibly and the New River was included in the National Wild teach valuable lessons and see around corners. We and Scenic Rivers System established in 1974. can always use the valuable influence of the wise At the conclusion of Tom’s UNC Law School and learned ones. When a dear friend, the late Dale degree he was called by the Dean to redirect his Nunn, after listening to a lofty plan would quip, “You career from corporate law to a professorship at the better think about that,” I knew right away that I N.C. Central Law School. Tom accepted the most should reconsider my intentions. high calling and worked his magic in the classroom In The Communicator in April I unfortunate- for 22 years. Tom shared, “Changing my career was ly wrote that friend Wade Loflen (since 1974) had the best thing for me, my family and N.C. Central passed. He in fact was and is alive. Law. It was a win, win, win!” After receiving several calls as to my shortcom- The “People Doing Good For Others” episode ings, I readily called Wade and humbly asked for featuring Gary’s York’s conversation with Tom Earn- forgiveness. Sensing meeting Wade face to face hardt is on the web at youtube.com/watch?v=RY- was in order, I drove to his home and was invited S8YF1nuwQ. Fans of “People Doing Good For Oth- in for counsel. He simply asked, “What happened?” ers” also can subscribe to RiverStreet Productions’ There being no explanation, all I could offer was, YouTube channel and find more information at “I’m sorry.” As we parted he thanked me for coming riverstreetproductions.net or wilkes.net. and said, “You are forgiven.”

2 Be Prepared Hubert Davis Since January 2016 when a team at Wilkes Hubert Davis on Monday, April 5, was named Communications included me as volunteer mod- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Head Men’s erator, we have recorded nearly 300 television Basketball Coach following the retirement of 18- episodes of “People Doing Good For Others.” The year leader Roy Williams. Davis is the first Black format is 30-minute interviews with guests who are head coach in the program’s history and only the making significant community contributions. We fourth in any sport in the University. As UNC’s first promise an uplifting experience that highlights the Black player, Charles Scott, said, “Carolina didn’t good which people are creating. Guests are mostly get him because he was the Best Black Guy they local, but some come from as far away as Raleigh. could get. He was the best coach for Carolina. We tape the shows on alternating Wednesdays That’s why he got the job.” at 9 and 10:15 a.m. As of April 10 we have com- Many former players said the late legendary mitments through June 9. However, we never know Head Coach Dean Smith would be smiling at the when emergencies concerning guests will occur. We thought of Davis becoming the Tar Heels’ head recently had a Tuesday-afternoon cancellation due coach. Davis was lightly recruited in high school to a COVID-19 exposure. Fortunately, Wilkes Cham- when Coach Smith decided late in the recruiting ber of Commerce Executive Director Linda Cheek process to sign Davis. Hubert is reported to have came to our rescue. Her willingness and capability said, “Coach, it’s not how good I am, it’s about how are amazing. good I’ll be.” He holds the UNC record for highest To eliminate future crises I’m compiling a list of three-point percentage in the school’s history. those who if called and not already committed will After graduating from UNC in 1992, he spent agree to come and fill in. Included are Ken Noland, 12 seasons in the NBA and earned a reputation as Dr. Keith Bentley, Wesley Triplett and Mark Byrd. an off-the-bench three-point ace shooter (Davis’s Our television producers are Adam Foster and 44.1% career three-point-shot percentage ranks Drew Cooper. A special thanks to Wilkes TV for the him second behind Steve Kerr). In 2008 he began opportunity to meet new friends and learn most working for ESPN as a college basketball analyst. interesting experiences. Roy Williams recruited Davis to become an as- sistant coach at UNC in 2012. Davis also served as What Was Saved head coach of UNC’s junior varsity basketball team, the only JV team in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Bob Etheridge and I met in 1994 when he was In his introductory press conference in Chapel North Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Instruc- Hill, Coach Davis said, “I got my start here, became tion, a statewide-elected office in which he served a Christian here, made my best friends here and from 1989 to 1997. His public service includes be- this is the dream of a lifetime.” My dear friend Mike ing a county commissioner, a member of the North Cooke, co-captain of his 1960 men’s basketball Carolina House of Representatives, State Superin- team at Mount Airy High School, said, “Anyone who tendent of Public Instruction and a U.S. Congress- saw the press conference should be a devoted Hu- man from 1997 to 2011. bert Davis fan. It was the best I’ve seen or heard. In 2010 he helped Shaw University avoid a Wow, was I ever impressed!” bank foreclosure by securing a U.S. Department of Education loan for $31 million. Having received a desperate call at 11 o’clock on a Friday, Bob turned Dr. Robert Peterson to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for emer- Dr. Robert Peterson is a most revered, admired gency assistance and the Department of Education and accomplished thoracic and general surgeon lawyers worked 24/7 to secure the rescue for Shaw. at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin, N.C. Congressman Etheridge had a personal relationship Since coming here in 1990, Dr. Peterson enjoys a with Mr. Duncan. reputation of being kind and empathetic. I learned of the yeoman feats of Bob Etheridge Recently I heard Tim Gurganus say, “Of all while seeing a PBS documentary titled “Shaw Ris- my experiences with surgery, Dr. Peterson is my ing.” Shaw University, founded in 1865, is the oldest top-rated professional. From pre- to post-operation Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in his manner gave me total confidence in his com- the South. Today, Shaw University in Raleigh is a petence. I highly recommend him to anyone facing private, liberal-arts institution. It is also the first surgery.” Black college to open its doors to women. Approxi- During a chat with Brandi at Dr. Lee’s dermatol- mately 1,100 students attend the university and its ogy practice, she said, “I worked at Dr. Peterson’s tuition is $16,480. Its setting is urban and the cam- for a number of years and he’s a cut above. I can pus size is 30 acres. Its top majors are Social Work, highly recommend his level of care and profession- Business Administration and Management. alism.” 3 Charles “Punk” Smith presentation to being at Augusta National Golf Club. There is never a litter issue in the parking lot and Charles “Punk” Smith and I were teammates on the grass is always freshly mowed. the Mount Airy Granite Bears Football Team while in David was co-owner of a lot to the right of the high school. He was a starter, a good student and D-Rex Pharmacy store in Jonesville. To alleviate already had an aspiration to being a volunteer fire- employees’ walking from the D-Rex parking lot to man. In his emergency-services career he became the dumpster and trampling the grass behind the an authority on containing propane and liquified-gas curb, carpenters built a set of pressure-treated fires, and he led efforts to secure the funding and steps from the pavement to the dumpster to pre- expertise to develop Surry Community College’s serve the beautiful grass. state-of-the-art Emergency Services Training Center I’d often see a Welborn’s Electric truck and crew on the Dobson campus. He became its first Director, checking for burned-out light bulbs at the phar- and also was a vital leader in forming the Banner- macy’s parking lot. More than ample lighting is town Volunteer Fire Department in 1961. the D-Rex way. The D-Rex Pharmacy store’s floors After retiring, Punk daily visited son David’s always gleam like diamonds. Diesel Repair business near Punk’s homeplace on One of my greatest honors was to be invited Reeves Mill Road in the Bannertown Community to join the Sela Bible Study meeting at 6:30 a.m. east of Mount Airy, N.C. Fridays in Sela Building Corp. at Elkin. Entering Charles passed on April 9 and leaves behind his through the basement door, regardless of my ar- devoted wife, Sarah; children Farah, David, Mary, rival time, David would be preparing our study. His Jeannine, Laura and Johanna; 13 grandchildren; always-attire was a beautiful, long-sleeved white and nine great-grandchildren. shirt; a tasteful, subtle tie; dark slacks; shined David and I have been friends for ages. We orthopedic shoes. We would be expected to partic- recall a road trip to Louisville to attend Muhammad ipate; however, he asked questions we could an- Ali’s funeral in June of 2016. swer. He led us to improve and grow. Special thanks to David for calling me the morn- ing after his dad passed. I drove to visit the family on Saturday afternoon, April 10, and after a time Mabelene Harris wife Sara walked toward me and said, “Gary, Punk We deeply regret the passing of the Harris was a gifted firefighter and the greatest husband family’s matriarch, Mabelene Harris, the designer and father who ever lived. He provided me the best and fabricator of the world’s most-admired Quarter life ever. He never gossiped or belittled people, he Horse saddles and tack. The Harris Brand, associat- was a perfect gentleman and a kind and loving hu- ed with top-rated clothing and attire for casual and man. We’ve been blessed!” dress, is proudly the choice of the most discriminat- ing, fashion-conscious aspirants. Never Wait The Harrises, Ralph, Mabelene, Phil and Eddie, moved to State Road, N.C., in 1973 and continu- The strength of our relationships hinges on how ation of a business odyssey transpired. Phil made we feel after one has passed. Did we take the time his first saddle in 1982. Eddie became a master to share our appreciation? silversmith in 1984. Ralph’s bridles and halters are This article is a holistic reflection on the life of incomparable. Phyllis’s scheduling, tracking and David Morrison, who joined Our Lord on Feb. 17, marketing and Mabelene’s financial acumen and 2021, at home at 198 Holly Hole Drive in Elkin, N.C. synergy driven leadership skills developed a success He battled pancreatic cancer for his last year with extravaganza. Those dedicated members of the his devoted wife and partner Susan. Please pause Harris mystique are members of a profound legacy. and enjoy David’s unique attributes. The Harris Way drew an SRO crowd at a local We first met at D-Rex Pharmacy when I stopped Chamber’s Business Before Hours breakfast and during Emergency Rescue Squad fundraising ef- seminar in 2018 at the Surry Community College forts. He was a willing and capable giver, becoming Elkin Center. Attendees sat in awe of the quality, the first sponsor to support two $500 teams. values and splendid essence of the Harris Way. We enjoyed lunch monthly and we likely would Behind the glory is Mabelene’s steadfast focus meet at Theo’s Italian & Family Restaurant in Jones- on quality control, promise fulfillment, attention to ville. David was a generous tipper, grateful for good detail, exceeding higher expectations, delegating service, spoke to many clients and customers, and authority, training and seeing that the Harris Exam- was a healthy eater. ple stays ahead of the fray. She led the Harris Way! David Morrison epitomized the role of steward in To have known her is to be in her circle; to have his domain. The landscaping at D-Rex Pharmacy is been inspired by her values is to have been blessed always well-manicured and I compare the azaleas’ and rewarded! 4 Ken Lowe T.V. Foster

Ken Lowe, son of the late Wayne and Barbara Phillip Gordon asked rhetorically one morning, Lowe, grew up in Westfield, graduated from East “Guess where Marie and I went over the weekend?” Surry High School and University of North Caroli- They went to Rocky Mount to visit a 100-year- na-Chapel Hill and was blessed with parents who old colleague and friend from their early days in inspired him to follow his dreams and instilled in public education — retired Principal Terence V. “T.V.” him their belief that he possessed the ability, tal- Foster, Jr. ent and skills to accomplish and achieve. Courage, Phillip continued, “In 1971 we decided to move poise and confidence were the foundation of his to wife Marie’s hometown, Rocky Mount, to further aspirations. our public-school teaching careers. We were hired In his teens, Ken and friends built a radio sta- on the spot and were assigned to an elementary tion in a storage building and sold advertising time school whose Principal was T.V. Foster, our first Afri- for pennies to local business owners. After gradu- can-American leader and career-best principal. ating from UNC-Chapel Hill he began his career in “He was born in Edgecombe County and his radio in 1969 and rose through various positions family relocated to Rocky Mount where his Dad was in broadcasting to become a radio executive with a railroad diesel mechanic and Baptist minister. T.V. The E.W. Scripps Company and subsequently CEO graduated with a teaching degree at Fayetteville and President of Scripps Networks Interactive. Ken State University and earned his Master’s in 1951 envisioned the concept of Home & Garden Televi- at Columbia University where his wife’s father was sion, a new and original cable channel, in 1990 and a professor. He spent his four-year U.S. Air Force co-founded it in Knoxville, Tenn. career in the Far East: Saipan, Guam and Okinawa.” Ken, during his striving years, had a cardboard In a recent chat, T.V., 100, shared that segre- box in his study identified as “My Idea Box.” Each gation and racism had not been a major issue in and every idea was recorded on a slip of paper and his career. He said when he met Phillip and Marie daily tossed in the box. Many of these were incor- Gordon nearly 50 years ago, “At our first meeting porated into developing the HGTV Channel. I knew they were quality people who were devot- Ken’s Scripps Network Interactive, including ed teachers. My unique skills as a principal are to HGTV, was sold to Discovery Communications Inc. learn a teacher’s strength and match them with our in 2018. Ken and his comrades gave 23 years to needs. Fortunately for the Gordons and Baskerville growing HGTV. Several of its driving values are Elementary School, we matched well. 1971 was the appealing to upscale women. Viewers were en- first year of integration as teachers worked together couraged to be interactive. Profanity and sexual a year before students were integrated. One of our exploitation were prohibited. Devoted viewers and first mixers was a splendid school-wide drama. It believers became advocates for the channel. Ken is a rich tradition as our staff worked together for said, “We attracted the most dedicated associates good. Our teachers chose to accept one another ever, and in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and we did just that.” ‘Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be Mr. T.V. on March 4, his 100th birthday, received what we know we could be.’” a plaque from Mayor Sandy Roberson designating The Lowe family lives to serve, give and care. Foster as a “Distinguished Citizen of Rocky Mount.” Ken has served on scores of business, community, The well-known and much-loved former Principal is and media-sector boards, but never forgotten his happy, healthy and hopeful. roots in northwest North Carolina. Just this past September he was in Westfield to help dedicate the Those Who Help newly renovated and expanded Westfield Volunteer Fire Department. In Ken’s words, paraphrasing Luke So fortunate that helpers far and wide are will- 12:28, “We believed to one who is given, much, ing and capable to lend a hand, usually with a mo- much more will be required.” Thanks, Ken. ment’s notice. Recently I saw a need to help Dr. Jon Cawley that involved securing a copy of a Malcolm Habitat Fundraiser Gladwell and Dr. Nibo Qubein DVD produced at High Point University. Gale Varner, who serves with Chris Phillip Gordon wears many nonprofits’ hats in Dudley in the Office for Institutional Advancement and around Stokes County. He recently shared a at High Point University, usually answers the phone Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. A local hardware and in the morning at 10:30 a.m. I asked her to store features a stock of 2x14x14 pressure-treated send a copy to Dr. Cawley. He received the DVD in lumber. For a $20 donation one can sign his or her the next day’s mail. For sure, I’ve learned to 100% name on it. The lumber will be used in building a trust any and all promises made by Gale Varner and new home. This is a hugely successful fundraiser. Chris Dudley. I have helpers in all the right places. 5 Enriched Lives decision-making skills. When Cindy is in my corner, my confidence is solid. She is the ultimate profes- We’ll be doing good, hopefully, each and every sional and practitioner. What a wonderful blessing day. In my study, photographs record my days, so to our team.” enjoy sharing my journey. In 2012, then Yadkin Valley General Store owner As I glance around I see David Smith and me Phillip Lyles suggested I contact Dr. Bill Blackley having breakfast at the Olympia Family Restaurant about a weekly report on the Elkin Trails’ success in Mount Airy. Regrettably, his father Charles “Punk” and said Salem Oral Surgery would enjoy being a Smith passed on April 9. sponsor. We’ll be forever grateful for the idea. The To my right is a head shot of Mike Felts entering Elkin Trails Reports by Dr. Bill Blackley airs on WIFM the Armfield Recreation Center in Pilot Mountain. He every Thursday at 2:05 p.m., sponsored by Dr. Jim always brings the sunshine. Walters’ Salem Oral Surgery. The late Gene Garland passed in November. We were bosom buddies for 51 years. Also featured photographically are the late Garrett Wildflower Farm Maggie Danley and her daughter Faye Hudson and Garrett Wildflower Farm on Cleveland Road in husband Oliver Hudson at the Copeland Seniors Smithfield, N.C., is owned by the Don and Laura monthly meeting in 2015. Lee family. It was started nearly 30 years ago, but A wonderful shot preserves two Pink Lady ap- the property has been in agricultural use for many ples at the Perry Lowe Orchard in Alexander Coun- decades. They are ninth-generation farmers. ty shortly before being picked for our Christmas Fifty-five varieties of wildflowers are grown in ministry. We gift these delicacies to compliment our various stages of development on 1,200 acres at friends in the Yadkin Valley. Garrett’s. Harvesting and planting equipment in- The late Dr. Jim Harrell Sr. models his beautiful cludes 17 modified combines. The staff, family and blue blazer with a sharply knotted yellow striped tie associates total 12. Former tobacco-curing barns and matching yellow pocket square. Shortly before are used for drying freshly harvested seed. his passing, he gifted me three Paul Fredrick shirts. We were connected to Garrett’s by our North Dr. Harrell’s counsel and mentorship made a mean- Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division II ingful impact. staff in North Wilkesboro. We bought 280 pounds Coach and teacher Eric Jessup, 45, stands with of a recommended variety. We were counseled to right hand over his heart during the National An- spread three tons of lime and 600 pounds of 5-10-5 them at North Surry High School before a wrestling fertilizer. We are planting on 3+ acres of cleared soil match. I know his Career Technology students are that had not been planted in ages. A small portion truly blessed to have his tutelage and advice. His of the acreage is wetland near a small stream. career as 18-year head wrestling coach has yielded Farm owners Don and Laura Lee have been nearly 400 wins and three State Championships. masterful in their willingness to guide us through Son James is No. 1 in his senior class. our rookie efforts. They are totally available and accessible. Don is an N.C. State University gradu- Dr. Jim Walter ate and retired in 2018 after serving the NCDOT. He said the farm’s most difficult challenge is hurri- Dr. Jim Walter is a most gifted oral surgeon. He canes. is a University of North Carolina Morehead Scholar A wildflower is any flowering plant that has not and has been ministering to the Yadkin Valley client been genetically manipulated or grown with in- base for 40 years. He lives in Winston-Salem with tentional human aid, and particularly those flora dedicated daughters Katherine and Elizabeth on flowering in the spring and summer in woodlands, Roslyn Drive. They are students at Salem Academy prairies and mountains. The absolute best season and Summit School. The girls know the value of for planting wildflowers is in the fall, with the spring work ethic, frugality, responsibility, moral character being the next-best favorite. and family values. Contact Don or Laura Lee at 919-818-4309 Dr. Walter’s Salem Oral Surgery is a long-time significant supporter of WIFM and Elkin Rescue Squad. Recently Dr. Jim restored our Joel Hooper Sister Anne to good health after a severe COVID reaction in his Sister Anne was the valedictorian of her 1971 lower jaw. class at North Surry High School. In the York home His staff enjoys our P-Nut Butter D-Lite and at 1143 Old Highway 601, straight A’s were the dropping off a bag I recently met Cindy Adams, rule. She did make a few B’s while majoring in his key 19-year veteran surgery assistant. Dr. Jim Mathematics and Music at Wake Forest. She con- says, “Cindy is unmatched in a crisis and in critical tinues to play piano at her church and helps her circumstances she has uncanny judgment and solid grandson, Davis, with piano lessons. 6 Mayor Allen Joines Yadkinville Elementary Winston-Salem since 2001 has been blessed Spending a morning learning the intricacies of with the honorable, astute and adroit leadership public school food distribution during the COVID-19 of Wilkes County native Allen Joines. A key role challenge, I was drawn to a bulletin-board display for mayors is to appear at celebrations of entities on Yadkinville Elementary’s cafeteria wall. There is a aspiring to showcase their visions and intentions. list of six student commitments. They are: Recently Mayor Joines blessed the Mountain Val- 1. I will be strong for the weak. ley Hospice’s new office on Trenwest Drive in Win- 2. A friend to the lonely and sad. ston-Salem. When he arrived, the atmosphere 3. A light to those in darkness. became electric and dynamic. His pleasing, hopeful 4. A shoulder to cry on. nature lifts spirits and inspires all attendees. 5. A helping hand to the helpless. Mayor Joines’ presence brings an air of confi- 6. A true friend is what I will be. dence and hope as he pulls us inside his sphere of I can remember in every school cafeteria I’ve influence. To say we feel included is a most inade- visited a lonely soul eating alone. Oh, how I wish I quate appraisal. When he arrived at Mountain Valley could revisit those days. I’d reach out and offer a Hospice, he quickly walked to greet CEO Tracey kind word. Daily I counseled our grandchildren to Dobson, Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital CEO Paul be aware of the weak, striving and lonely. Hammes and Northern Regional Hospital CEO Chris Lumsden. He masterfully worked the crowd, made How People Help a brief and gracious speech and made his exit with gratitude and professionalism. Mike Estes is a lifelong Mount Airy resident, star Although we’ll connect only every three or four football player at Mount Airy High School, devoted years, his warm smile, appropriate dress, firm family man and Christian, resident historian, nur- handshake and calling me by first and last name turer of countless friendships, a capable and willing is most endearing. Mayor Joynes agreed to share advocate and helper personified. In essence, “Mike the story of a major disruption: the rehabilitation keeps up with things.” He diligently peruses The of Business I-40 through downtown Winston-Salem Communicator as it arrives. beginning in 2019. The project scheduled to require It takes a community to write, edit, publish and three years’ work was completed in 20 months — a circulate a monthly newsletter. Please, dear friends, major miracle for affected businesses. We were to call to report errors and shortcomings. Painful but speak at 11 a.m. and I received a ring at 10:59:50. necessary! Special thanks to our North Franklin He was prepared, concise and most articulate. Road friends. Mayor Joines is the consummate dignitary and chief official. He fits the role with class and appro- priateness. Charlotte’s Shopping Charlotte York does all the shopping at our Cedar Ridge Elementary home and I’m amazed at how much goes into pur- In days gone by, young students who attended chasing food and staples. Store brands are often Lowgap and Beulah elementary schools in Surry a value compared to name brands. We buy lots of County were consolidated in Cedar Ridge Elementa- whole milk, mostly for the P-Nut Butter D-Lite, and ry School at 734 Flippin Road in the Stewart Creek she knew a gallon at CVS was $5 and a gallon at Township east of Lowgap. In 2016, Mrs. Allison York Lidl in Winston-Salem was $1.45. Charlotte is also a was the Surry County Schools Principal of the Year learned coupon saver at CVS. I’m to always remem- and I was among those who drove to Cedar Ridge ber her phone number used to get extra coupons. to honor Mrs. York. These celebrations bring great honor to the school, its honoree and family from Terry Darnell those offering congratulations. I remember a wall sign featured in the school’s Terry Darnell has been an Elkin leader and common area. The Carolina-blue sign, trimmed and mainstay for generations. He’s performed in the lettered in red, listed these Team Rules: Community Chorus since 1987. At the funeral of 1. When it comes our way, catch it. Larry Reynolds in Elkin’s First Baptist Church he 2. If we drop it, pick it up. sang solo “Amazing Grace” and “Sweet Beulah 3. When we’re tired, keep on going. Land” and it was remarkable. I’m sure one’s nerves 4. When we’re losing, keep trying. are tested with solo performances. 5. When the Coach speaks, pay attention. Terry and his sister Sharon owned Darnell’s Auto 6. When we lose, practice more and harder. Parts on North Bridge Street and he owns Darnell’s 7. When we win, be a good sport. Power Wash in North Elkin. 7 The Communicator PRESORTED STANDARD A Publication of: US POSTAGE PAID 100.9 WIFM MT. AIRY, NC Post Office Box 1038 PERMIT #6 Elkin, NC 28621

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