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

Pinnacle Garden Club tired group of local residents. To start sharing my curiosity, the store has three sets of scales that The nine members of the outstanding Pinnacle range from weighing 1/8th ounce to 250 pounds. Garden Club meet every second Monday at 10 a.m., On shelves behind the checkout counter are more usually at Pinnacle United Methodist Church. Mem- than 50 5- and 10-pound bags of seed. One can bers occasionally visit regional displays of interest. purchase any amount of seed, potting mix, lime They recently completed an annual competition and fertilizer. During September the top sellers are with 50 entries in the Stokes County Fair. Entries turnip, kale, mustard, cress, collard and onion sets included begonias, coleus, zinnias, african violets, and cabbage seed. Year-round offerings are chick- roses, Christmas cactus, ferns, geraniums, snake en, goat, rabbit, cow, horse and bird feed. plants, succulents, several herbs, watermelons, There is no competition for Sanders. Big-box vegetables and cut flowers. stores only offer pre-packaged items. At Sanders Several of the club’s on-going projects are main- one can buy from 1/8th ounce to a truck load. Jo taining a planter in front of the church and main- Ann said, “We have a lot of older customers who taining a park across Highway 52 in Pinnacle. Every only need small amounts to plant. We help them Valentine’s Day the club gifts community shut-ins a purchase all they need, no more and no less.” lovely red carnation. I also saw a huge inventory of fan belts, bins Mary Ann Spainhour, the club president, shared of bolts and screws, a big variety of grass seed that the club was organized in 2007 and is fortu- and lots of hardware. The store also rents out farm nate to have Ernestine Leonard and Mrs. Spainhour equipment. I guess if one needs it, Sanders McHone as State District Directors — highly unusual for a has it and in any quantity. They stock quality small club. Mitchell’s Nursery’s staff is a significant brands. On my next visit, I’ll be more observant resource of advice and counsel. and remember more items. The group sponsors a Smokey The Bear Poster Sanders opened in 1982. The Rook game starts Contest for first- through fifth-grade students at at 8 a.m. Pinnacle Elementary School. This year, 44 students participated, three were state winners and one was Fundraisers a regional winner. The program is in its 75th year. Most public school groups, to carry out their The students are recognized at a PTO meeting. mission, will be involved in fundraising. As far back The club earned more than $200 at the fair as I can remember, selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts competition, which is used to fund community is an easy and reliable way to raise quick funds. projects. We salute this most active organization Elkin JROTC recently conducted a campaign and exercise Friend Phillip Gordon who ferries the and WIFM quickly got on board. The group netted entries to and from the fair and who is an honorary $1,500 to be used for weekend drills and Raider member. I listed Phillip as a “helping hands” brand competitions. The Elkin JROTC’s top salespersons in this newsletter. were Wesley Nations, Hayden Hodgson and Isaiah Vangordan. We praise and congratulate the efforts Sanders McHone of those young men. Major Ray Ferguson (ret.) is its senior Army Sanders McHone Farm Service, located at 604 E. instructor. He often shares the attributes and en- Main St. in Pilot Mountain, is operated by Sanders, deavors of JROTC. The young men and women who 99, and daughter Jo Ann Manuel. In the words of commit to the rigors of JROTC will learn leadership, many seniors, “That store is a curiosity.” discipline, dress code, marching drills, time man- I attended Sanders’ birthday party after an agement, military history, financial planning, study invitation by Joe Pyle and marveled at the unique habits, patriotism, honesty, citizenship, hard work, inventory of things to see and buy. There is also duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, cour- an everyday Rook game played by a steady re- age, decision-making skills and sound judgment. Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation at Baptist Hospital with outside leader Pat Gibson. His group raises funds to provide med- On Labor Day morning close to 8 o’clock, on my ications for victims in need. A barbecue is planned way to WIFM, on I-74 West I saw the band Hootie & for Oct. 5 at the Farmers Market on Sandy Ridge the Blowfish’s equipment trailer parked on the east- Road off I-40 west of Greensboro. We’ll celebrate bound shoulder between exits 8 and 11 near Mount National Epilepsy Day. Purple T-shirts will accent the Airy. The band founded by Darius Rucker, Mark Bry- event. an, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld in Columbia, S.C., The Mitchells enjoy a wonderful reputation as in 1986 is a top-rated rock band with hits such as nursery and greenhouse owners. Jim also volun- “Let Her Cry,” “Only Want to Be With You” and “Hold teers with the Boy Scouts and is a tenor with the My Hand.” The band is a favorite on WIFM. Rucker Cliffnotes in King. Both Jim and Judy are horticul- has crossed over to country music and is a huge ture graduates from N.C. State University and enjoy success there also. a significant relationship with poinsettia breeders After passing the beautiful blue Volvo tractor who send developmental varieties for the Mitchells and its equipment trailer I turned around on Exit 8 to grow to maturity. They have more than 100 test (Red Brush Road) and drove back to see if I could varieties. Guests from more than 34 states and help the downed hauler. I met SET (Special Event Canada have visited Mitchell’s Nursery this year. Transportation) driver Curt waiting for a repair truck N.C. Department of Transportation signs on N.C. 52 to replace a blown rear tandem tire. The band had north and south lead guests to the nursery at 1088 performed at Hartford, Conn., on Sunday night and Dalton Road north of King. was returning its equipment to Winston-Salem. Way to go, Jim, Judy, son Jay and six staff On my way to WIFM I called on-air personality members. Danny Hall who acknowledged his fondness for Dar- ius Rucker and Hootie & the Blowfish. We posted a Haywood Jordan picture of the hauler on our Instagram account and it had 67 “likes” the first day, a record for our brief Brother Haywood Jordan always wears a smile social-media history. and is a constant day-brightener. He walks closely I plan to use the picture to speak to Darius with God and lends a helping hand. Although a bit Rucker. It’s at least worth a try. confined, he keeps us in his prayers. I recently re- The band’s Group Therapy Tour, which ended ceived these words of encouragement. He prays: Sept. 13, was a popular draw. Hootie & the Blow- 1. Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older. fish’s 1994 “Cracked Rear View” album from Atlantic 2. Keep me from becoming too talkative. Records is the 9th-best-selling album of all time in 3. Release me from trying to solve everyone’s the United States. problems. 4. Give me wings to get to the point. 5. Seal my lips when I an inclined to tell of my Mitchell’s Nursery aches and pains. 6. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasional- At the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Com- ly I may be wrong. merce’s annual Citizen of the Year Banquet in Jan- 7. Make me thoughtful but not nosey. uary 2018, Charlotte and I found seats at a table 8. Make me helpful but not bossy. where Jim and Judy Mitchell were sitting. What 9. Lord, I want a few friends at the end. a fortunate opportunity for us as we thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and made two new friends. Charlotte had been a regular customer at Mitchell’s Sela Bible Study Nursery & Greenhouse in King for several years. The Mitchells provided a beautiful cyclamen Every Friday at 6:30 a.m., 14 friends meet at centerpiece for each of the 50 guest tables, and Sela Builders to share our Lord’s blessings and a guest at each table won the right to take the counsel. David Morrison is our program leader. We centerpiece home after the gala. We learned that study messages from “Man In The Mirror” Ministry Mitchell’s is the vendor of choice to provide potted from Orlando, Fla. plants for Mount Airy’s downtown beautification pro- In a recent session we talked of the reasons we gram, which is America’s most exquisite showplace. distance ourselves from God’s Way. These negative The Mitchells and city horticulturist Michella Huff endeavors lead to despair: connected in 2004 at a garden show in Greensboro. 1. We forget to pray. During our evening, Jim shared that after an op- 2. We fail to lean on our friends. eration at Baptist Hospital in 1995, he is in recovery 3. We dwell on resentments and failure. from almost daily epileptic seizures that had chal- 4. We develop material excesses. lenged him since infancy. Jim serves the Epilepsy 5. We worry about our reputation. 2 N.C. State Troopers 2, 2017. He is a native of Durham and a military veteran. He holds degrees from Durham Technical North Carolina State Trooper Jeff Swagger, a 17- Community College, Mt. Olive College and Univer- year career veteran, was a recent guest on Wilkes sity of Virginia. Prior to his promotion to Colonel he Communications’ TV series, “People Doing Good For was Director of Training at a State Highway Patrol Others.” He shared the year-long application pro- Training Academy in Garner, N.C. He joined the cess, a stringent 27-week training program and the State Highway Patrol in 1993. He is a recipient of rigid character requirements for candidates. Trooper the N.C. Governor’s Award for Bravery and Hero- Swagger serves as Troop F District 5’s Traffic Safety ism. Information Officer whose duties include frequent appearances as a public speaker and TV and radio Wilkes Community College host. The age requirements for troopers are 21-39 years old. There are currently 1,600 troopers on During a recent visit to interview television duty. The elite status of our safety provider covets guest Kristen Macemore, Dean of the Business our community and public supports. Many troopers and Public Service Technologies Division at Wilkes volunteer as youth coaches and church leaders. Jeff Community College in Wilkesboro, I lost my way is the choir director at his church. in Thompson Hall. During a brief pause, bookstore I wrote the N.C. State Highway Patrol Colonel associate Ellie Elledge approached and I said, “Ex- Glenn McNeill this complimentary “thank you.” cuse me. Do you work here?” She replied, “I sure Dear Colonel, do.” Then I asked, “Please direct me to Dean Kris- Your Trooper Jeff Swagger, Traffic Safe- ten Macemore’s office.” Mrs. Elledge replied, “Follow ty Information, Troop F, District 5, was our me,” and quickly led me to the Dean’s office. guest on the T.V. series “People Doing Good What an example of a wonderful, caring culture. For Others.” in Wilkesboro on Sept. 4. He was Instead of pointing and explaining, she led me to confident, poised, prepared and thorough! the office. Please share our praise and celebrate I understand, after speaking to College Presi- Trooper Swagger’s professionalism. We salute dent Dr. Jeff Cox, that Mrs. Elledge’s willingness to the NCSHWP, America’s most respected and help is a college social-skills expectation. I also no- admired public safety provider! Your organi- ticed the building floors were shining and the men’s zation deserves our support. room spotless. We salute the leadership at Wilkes Sincerely, Community College and its culture. Gary York We immediately received this response from Mount Airy Friends Bulletin Col. McNeill: Dear Mr. York, Dedicated member Sarah Johnson compiles our Thank you for your kind words regarding Mount Airy Friends Meeting’s 11 a.m. Sunday ser- the outstanding level of professionalism vice’s bulletin that includes a timely quote each and and courtesy displayed by Trooper Jeffrey every week. Please enjoy these messages: S. Swagger when he was a guest on the 1. Never confuse a single defeat with losing the television series “People Doing Good for war. —F. Scott Fitzgerald. Others” in Wilkesboro on September 4, 2019. 2. Practice the pause. When in doubt, pause. I am pleased that our member’s actions When angry, pause. When tired, pause. When were of such a professional nature as to stressed, pause. And when you pause, pray. —Toby warrant your commendable letter. I am proud Mac of the professionalism and dedication to duty 3. If at first one doesn’t succeed, try doing it the displayed by members of our organization, way our mothers told us in the beginning. —adapt- and it is always pleasing to receive ed from Amanda Sobey complimentary feedback. A copy of your 4. The measure of our love is our willingness to correspondence will be placed in his personnel be inconvenienced. —Les Coombs file. 5. The phrase “do not be afraid” is written in the We appreciate your thoughtfulness for Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder from God taking the time to write on behalf of our to live every day being fearless. —Source unknown member. 6. Stand still in that which is pure. —George Fox Sincerely, 7. The key is to have our eyes wide open to our Glenn M. McNeill faults and partially closed to the faults of others, Colonel, Commanding not the other way around. —Neal A. Maxwell Col. McNeill was appointed to command of the 8. Be somebody who makes everybody feel like State Highway Patrol by Gov. Roy Cooper on Feb. somebody. —Attributed to Kid President

3 A Connected Locker Room Self-Help CDs

Guilford College Men’s Basketball Head Coach In the 1970s I spent hours while driving lis- Tom Palombo is a class leader. He’s led the Quakers tening to self-help advice on cassettes, eight- for 16 years and his teams have won 311 games track tapes and now CDs. Friend Ron Ellis recently and placed in the D-III Final Four! He was a head shared, “New Sales Simplified” by sales training coach at Virginia Wesleyan College in the first game guru Mike Weinberg. The following suggestions on he ever coached. He’s also our contact at Guilford CD No. 8, entitled “Rants, Raves and Reflections,” College who supports our Elkin Rescue Squad Tour- are invaluable: nament each and every year. He and Coach David 1. Manners matter. Be nice to the gatekeepers. Odom are close friends, role models and protegés, 2. Never park in our client’s front door. peers, confidants and counselors. 3. Be positive. Palombo’s 2019 team won the Old Dominion 4. Be on time with a smile. Athletic Conference Tournament and made the 5. Sales drive success. D-III quarterfinals. During our last chat I asked, 6. Wear nice shoes, well polished. “Can our 2020 team exceed our 2019 team?” He 7. Go the extra mile. answered, “We just never know. Two great players, 8. Wear black calf-length socks. Carson Long and Marcus Curry, graduated, and it all 9. Get to the office early and stay late. comes down to defense, injuries and a connected 10. First tackle priorities. locker room. Another important factor is how our 11. Learn client’s biography. non-starters play in the locker room. Most winning 12. Take real vacations. teams have several non-starters who keep morale 13. Ask for help from our team. high and push our starters to the limit. Intra-team 14. Always prospect for sales. competition is paramount. One bad actor can derail our best intentions. Great teams have great bench Let’s Check On Each Other players. Many top coaches were players who nev- er started, but were awesome cheerleaders. Gary, Several regulars meet before 7 a.m. for exercise keep your eyes on our bench. If we praise and en- every Saturday morning at the Armfield Recreation courage our top five, we can be really good.” Center in Pilot Mountain. They include Mrs. Bea, Championships are won with connected locker Mike and Vivian Varner, Phillip Gordon, Mike Felts room players. and me. I was recently approached by Mrs. Bea as I Role Playing walked to the front door. She said, “Are you OK? I saw you in your truck. I wanted to check on you. Most success follows the efforts of key owners When we pass 70 we need to be checked on. All of and associates who meticulously practice winning us need to be conscious of our friends and neigh- strategical plans before making sales proposals. bors. Five people in Pilot Mountain have had strokes Claude Faw, the nephew of my late mentor, Buck in the last week. I’m going to Stokesdale for a fam- Faw of Mount Airy, is the principal in the Faw Insur- ily reunion on Sunday. My pup Sadie Mae is staying ance Co. During a conversation with Claude at the here and I have two neighbors checking on her opening and ribbon-cutting of the Stone Culinary each two hours. She knows I’m going and is a bit Center at Wilkes Community College, I mentioned mad, but at least she’ll be checked on.” that a client in Yadkin County was praising the Thanks, Mrs. Bea, for your concern. presentation of Rusty Chrisman of CMS Insurance and Brian Pierce, a partner in the Faw Insurance Building Relationships Co. Claude responded by saying that a key element to Faw Insurance’s success is the role playing with Brian Lorish started his lawn service in 1995 sample questions and discussions that will usually and has been our provider at Vintage Rose Wedding surface during a proposal to new client firms. Estate in Pilot Mountain for 10 years. He came to Most great coaches say most games are won the back door recently as I was leaving for WIFM at on the practice field before the game. Players who 7:30 a.m. He had stopped to ask owner Charlotte practice hard play hard. Winners prepare to win. about his weekly service. He suggested not to mow The same goes for WIFM. We must have great because of extremely dry drought conditions. They stories about clients who believe in our message. agreed to postpone mowing until we get a much- Just last week, I heard Tim Gurganus expound on needed rain. the merits of WIFM and that we contribute to Bo- Being able to trust our lawn service leads to jangle’s record sales year after year. We help Tim long-standing relationships. Thanks to Lorish’s Lawn brand Bojangle’s in the Yadkin Valley Care in Ararat, N.C. 4 Warren Nichols Her eyes always sparkled as she shared her love for her devotion to her church and its music director, We deeply regret the passing of our iconic friend playing the piano, directing its youth groups, teach- Warren Nichols. We send our sympathies to Janet, ing Sunday School and having perfect attendance Charlie, Stuart and Leigh, family and friends. including Wednesday prayer meetings. The Rev. I first remember looking up to Warren when he Johnny Billings, her pastor for the last 18 years, was the White Plains Community’s best all-around. was hired by the pastor search committee of which There was always lots of energy, vitality and accom- she was a significant member. plishment around Warren. He had the nicest way of Her daughter Susan and husband David Morri- making his admirers feel important and needed. son own D-Rex Pharmacy. Their children are daugh- After graduating from Guilford College and doing ter Alice Tolin and husband Jay, daughter Sarah post-graduate work at Harvard University, War- Morrison, and son Dr. John Morrison and wife Dori, ren’s lifelong career was making our local textiles Mrs. Alice’s son Lanny and wife Sandi Johnson have manufacturing company, Renfro Corp., a worldwide a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jennifer. juggernaut. During his tenure as CEO, it became A most beautiful part of the church service was our world’s largest producer of hosiery with sales her five favorite hymns sung by the congregation. approaching $1 billion annually. They were: Over lunch one day, Warren mentioned acquir- 1. “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” ing brands such as Fruit Of The Loom as a signifi- 2. “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” cant strategy and growth impetus. I was so grateful 3. “Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine” to be in his company. The integrity of his counsel 4. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and sage advice gave one the inspiration to find 5. “Victory In Jesus” answers and follow our dreams. He loved Renfro, its Dr. John delivered the eulogy and shared values founders, legacy and haven of opportunity. He also he received from Mrs. Alice. They included: it’s OK loved his family and Surry County roots. to grieve and cry, keep hope alive and always for- The respectful souls that packed our Central give, live by Romans 6, be proud to be a Christian United Methodist Church for his celebration of life and walk closely with our Lord every day and every spoke to his vision, drive, empathy and hope. A way. He challenges us to walk in His footsteps. eulogist said, “One of Warren’s grandchildren said PaPa had ‘grace and grit.’” What a wonderful tribute and portrayal. He was inspiring, benevolent, com- Maggie Danley passionate and humble. Warren Nichols epitomized the good we can be, Mrs. Maggie Danley passed on Aug. 13 of an an- the great things we can achieve and the hills we eurysm. Her children are Faye Hudson, Ray, Russell can climb. Farewell, good and faithful servant. and Vickie Danley. She had six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchil- Mrs. Alice Johnson dren. We met in 2002 when I visited her Copeland Se- We regret the passing of Mrs. Alice Johnson on niors Club that met monthly at the Ruritan Club for Sept. 3 and truly celebrate her life and contribution vespers, speakers, fellowship and delicious lunch. to our lives. Hundreds gathered at her Elkin Valley I’ll forever be grateful to Geneva Mabe for her invi- Baptist Church to celebrate her selfless devotion to tation. One of my all-time-favorite photos is a shot serving God, family, friends and her church. of Faye, husband Oliver Hudson and Maggie during We met on my first visit to D-Rex Pharmacy in lunch at the Ruritan Club. Jonesville. Upon entering the store, I was met with Maggie was always impeccably dressed with her her great smile, kind “Hello” and beautiful appear- beautiful white hair always coiffured. People said ance. She was totally attired, especially her stylish Maggie was an angel on earth, and she was the blue smock with a stunning D-Rex logo embroidered most popular guest at every gathering. near her left lapel. I was stunned by her complete- A rich tradition in Mrs. Maggie’s life was planting ness. My questions about her role and the D-Rex and harvesting a bountiful garden. On her passing legacy and brand encouraged my interest and hope day, all day, she and daughters Vickie, Faye Danley to gain a donation to the Elkin Rescue Squad Char- and husband Oliver, sons Randy and Timmy and his ity Golf Tournament. To say she was D-Rex’s offi- sons Denny and Ethan Danley, Mrs Kayla Thorpe cial greeter is a gross understatement. She was its and son Russell and wife Linda “put up” — picked, driving force, face, legend, heart and soul. shucked and froze — 196 ears of sweet corn. Subsequent visits revealed her career at Elkin’s Daughter Vickie, a retired Surry County school Spainhour’s, train trips to New York as its head teacher, has been her mom’s caregiver for years. buyer, directing thousands of weddings and her 76- They were regular attendees at New Home Christian year membership at the Elkin Valley Baptist Church. Church. 5 Silver Star Years Of Knowledge Uncle Charles Barr was my dear friend and role 1. A dear friend shared this observation while model and I was honored to speak at his funeral in waiting in a doctor’s lobby: “I’m puny and as weak 2000. Charles always made us feel special and the as water.” most important person in the room. 2. All North Carolina State Highway Patrol cruis- I remember as a teenager seeing a citation ers have numbered license plates. They start with on the bookcase wall at his King, N.C., home. It SHP 1. The number designates the trooper’s senior- spoke to his gallantry in the Pacific Theater during ity. For instance, Col. Glenn McNeill’s plate is SHP 1. World War II. His answers to questions about the He was appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper in 2017. war were somewhat subdued and downplayed. We 3. Wonderful acquisitions to my study are copies sensed the story about his heroic service passed of Tom Haggai’s “Today,” a compilation of stories with him. His daughter and cousin Beth Orthel about how to face the day positively, and “Richard recently discovered copious records about the cir- Evans’ Quote Book” by Richard L. Evans, a Mor- cumstances surrounding his Silver Star, our nation’s mon leader, with 256 pages of words of advice and third-highest combat medal. counsel. Uncle Charles graduated from King High School 4. Special N.C. Superior Court Judge Richard and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After months of Doughton of Alleghany County and a brother and training, his unit invaded Bougainville in the South sister own a 500-acre farm on the New River that Pacific on Nov. 1, 1943, the same date noted on was bought by ancestor Joseph Doughton in 1790. his Silver Star citation that reads, “For conspicu- Today it is a working Angus cattle farm. Richard and ous gallantry and intrepidity in action.” According siblings are the sixth generation to farm the prop- to the Associated Press and the Greensboro News erty. The New River is believed to be 300 million & Record, “PFC Barr kept radio communication years old — one of the oldest rivers in the world open during the landing. In essence, his radio truck and possibly the oldest in North America. served as a mobile radio station. While under heavy 5. Elizabeth, an Armfield Recreation Center vet- machine-gun fire for 24 hours, he positioned his eran who opens the facility at 5 a.m. on alternating vehicle near the front lines and maintained a con- weekdays, has been homeschooling her family’s tinuous watch for 60 hours without relief.” children for 18 years. Her favorite subjects are En- The invasion of Bougainville took the lives of glish Literature and History. 732 Marines and 1,259 were injured. The Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously to three Marines involved in the assault. Go Ahead And Cry Charles Valentine Barr returned to Stokes Coun- ty and married Rachel Johnson of Surry County in At Mom’s funeral in May, in the moments before 1949. Daughter Beth married Frank Orthel. the service at White Plains Friends Meeting, Bob Moody was masterfully leading our family to a final prayer in a classroom behind the sanctuary. He qui- Stocking A Healthy Pantry etly put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Have While visiting a doctor’s office I read this in- you cried yet?” Before I could answer, he said, “Go teresting article in Health Monitor about eating a ahead and cry. Now is a good time. It helps you heart-friendly diet. Suggestions on certain food accept the pain and grief.” alternatives were: Bob is our most respected funeral director and Instead of... Try... knows more faces and names than anyone we Pasta Spaghetti squash know. He also knows the location of every church Sour cream Low-fat plain greek yogurt and cemetery in Surry County. He is a member Soft cheese Swiss cheese of the Mount Airy Sports Hall of Fame, a trustee Milk chocolate Dark chocolate of Northern Hospital of Surry County, a principal Canned beans Dried beans stockholder at Surrey Bank and Trust Co. and in Canned tuna Canned salmon 2018 was honored as the Greater Mount Airy Cham- Potato chips “Popped” chips ber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. His wife is Mayonnaise Avocado Kathy and their children are Nicole Harrison, Mere- Table salt Sea salt dith Moody and Wade. Croutons Roasted walnuts Bob is the third-generation owner of Moody Bread crumbs Old-fashioned oats Funeral Services with offices in Mount Airy; Stuart, Butter Olive oil Va.; and Dobson. Moody’s is a most honored brand. Remember to weigh daily, take our medicines, One only has to mention Moody’s and its story is check body swelling, eat low-salt foods, exercise told, the story of incomparable service and legend- daily, get plenty of rest and get annual physicals. ary gifts of sympathy and grace. 6 Jay Stanley Hiatt, 13; Luke Danby, 15; Chris Howe, 11; Arlene Crotts, 10; and Grant Metcalf, 1. We send our deepest regrets and sympathies Please acknowledge our appreciation for Mayor to the Jay Stanley family. His brothers are Michael, David Rowe and Commissioners Shirley Brinkley, Randel, Gary and Tim and sisters are Jenny Stanley Jim Armbrister, Steve Yokeley, Dean Brown and and Jane Newman. The funeral at Bessie’s Chapel Jon Cawley for their support and funding of this Baptist Church in the Jot-Um-Down community was initiative. We also recognize Mitchell’s Nursery for attended by more than 500 well-wishers. When I its role and partnership in Mount Airy’s exquisite got there at 2:30 p.m., the line extended more than appearance. We are truly blessed and honored. 150 feet out the front door. Friend Ricky White and I visited for an hour and he shared this awesome tribute to Jay. He said, “Jay Duke Energy and I have farmland that joins and I raise hay on We are blessed by the countless ways our Duke my 18 acres. Jay enjoyed a great reputation raising Energy associates serve our local communities. lots of grain, cattle, chickens and hay. Last year, I Jimmy Flythe, Director-West Region for Government had my first cutting of hay on a Friday and need- and Community Relations, recently appeared on our ed to get it baled on Saturday afternoon. All of a “People Doing Good For Others” TV series. A Clem- sudden, the skies darkened and for sure, a storm son University graduate with a degree in Electrical was looming. I was worried sick knowing my great Engineering, he is a 34-year veteran with Duke. hay crop would be ruined by a heavy rain. Out of He also serves on several Chamber of Commerce nowhere, Jay showed up with his huge Massey Fer- boards including Great Mount Airy, Yadkin County, guson with a baler and without pause baled until we Yadkin Valley and Wilkes County. He is a member finished, pulled out on the highway and was on his of the Forsyth Tech Board of Trustees. He assists way before the rains came. Gary, Jay’s act of kind- local nonprofits to attain significant grants and is an ness that afternoon was his legacy. His servant’s outstanding public speaker regarding Duke’s mis- heart is the reputation he leaves in our neighbor- sion and service acumen. An important trademark hood. Jay’s helping hand was his mantra.” for Duke is its Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award honoring a most worthy community leader. It Allen Edwards & Associates is presented during Chamber awards celebrations. In our region, Mr. Flythe presents the honor. The first opportunity to share my experience, Duke Energy’s 30,000 employees provide elec- hope and vision after alcoholism rehabilitation was tric service to 7.7 million customers and 1.6 million an invitation to address North Surry High School’s natural gas customers in North Carolina, South student body in the fall of 1988. Principal Allen Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. It is Edwards opened the door and I can remember headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. In our area, it has my anxiety and fear. There were more than 1,100 service and maintenance cpmplexes in Jonesville, students, teachers and staff in the gym. We always North Wilkesboro, Mount Airy and Rural Hall. treasure these moments when someone trust us to When we need able volunteers we can call stand before a student body and tell our story. on and expect immediate help from a Duke In the spring of 2019, Allen’s company was Energy contingent. Duke Energy is a tremendous mentioned by several staff members in the Wilkes community advocate and servant. County Schools as providing an invaluable security and background service regarding potential employ- Outstanding Brands ees. After retiring in 1997, Allen and wife Brenda started this admired and important service. After 1. Deb Zimmerman — grandparenting leaving our Wilkes County friends, I called Allen 2. Ken Noland — community enhancements to share his clients’ appreciation. Allen grew up in 3. D-Rex Pharmacy — Mrs. Alice Johnson Goldsboro and received degrees from East Carolina, 4. Sam Yount — middle school teacher UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke universities. 5. Larry Skipper — youth music teacher 6. Phillip Gordon — helping hands Mount Airy’s Beautification Team 7. Savannah Bohr — Grama’s Angel 8. Eleanor Powell — Modern Gardener Many of us proclaim Mount Airy as America’s 9. Tim Burton — School Bus #7 most beautiful city adorned with countless living 10. Petie Davis — he gets it and Old Friend and maintained flowers and plants. This effort 11. Jimmy Flythe — Duke Energy started with the employment of Michella Jones Huff 12. Warren Bates — backstage stalwart in 1994 by the City Manager Ron Niland. Our team 13. The late Van Whitaker — “I’ll fix it” and years of service include Mrs. Huff, 25; Thomas 14. Dale York — Bruce Nations’ best friend Creed, 5; Richard Sink, 23; Jeff Mitchell, 31; Earl 15. Bruce Nations — Dale York’s best friend 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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