We kick off our January 2024 issue of Surry Living Magazine with a feature on Rachael Williams, a strength and conditioning coach, who’s transformative journey into the world of fitness led her to a fulfilling career as a personal trainer. We say “Happy Birthday!” to Mr. William Wagoner, a life-long resident of Surry County who turned 100 years young in 2024. We shift our New Year’s fitness goals to embracing movement rather than ridgid fitness goals in Fit Living. We take lessons from the life of one very Resilient dog. We consider a resolution that involves inward growth, rather than outward appearance in Just A Thought. Start your day off right with a “smart breakfast” in Simply Delicious. Make homemade suet for your Winter Bird Watching. We take a look at the overall health of our furry friends in Wellness: Considering The Whole Animal. Finally, we end our issue by remembering to trust God’s plan in Navigating Life.
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Featured
Rachael’s Fitness Journey: A Story of Transformation
Sabrina L. BakerAuthor/Photographer Rachael Williams, a strength and conditioning coach, began her career journey as a Radford University social science graduate with aspirations of becoming a high school history teacher. Little did she know a chance introduction to the gym would alter her course, leading her to become a dedicated fitness professional. Rachael’s initial career path…
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Lifestyle
Ready, Set, Move
Rachael Williams Fit Living As a personal trainer and mobility coach, I often hear New Year’s resolutions about weight loss, eating right, and exercising more. If that’s where your mind goes when it’s time to make a New Year’s Resolution, you’re not alone. Gyms become crowded with New Year’s “resolutionists,” and membership sign-ups reach their…
Resilience
Sheri Wren Haymore Author We have a little blind pup named Cercie (pronounced “Surcee,” from an old colloquialism meaning “a surprise gift”). She found us at our campground on the New River, an unkempt, flea-bitten, saucy scamp of a dog. It was late in September with nobody else around to claim her, so she came…
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Wagoner!
Madalyn EdwardsAuthor William Wagoner, a Mount Airy local, will be 100 years old on January 16. The centenarian was born and raised in Surry County and grew up on Durham Street. When he was a child, Wagoner played with homemade toys such as tom-walkers (stilts) or sacks filled with pinto beans. Money was tight during…
Personal Growth and the Woodshop
Eddie Lowe Just A Thought For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV Gyms fill up and whole food markets flourish in January as many New Year’s resolutions involve working on outward appearances. In 2024, why not consider…
Home, Farm, & Garden
Wellness: Considering the Whole Animal
Sarah Southard, DVM Pets and Livestock What is wellness? We often think of wellness in terms of lack of illness. “My animals are not sick, they are well.” But just as with humans, wellness for our animals encompasses much more than simply the lack of sickness. When we consider whole-animal wellness, we should consider all…
Winter Bird-Watching
Joanna RadfordHome, Farm, & Garden A sense of peace comes with listening to bird sounds and watching birds play, fly, and visit feeders. No doubt connecting with nature through bird-watching decreases stress levels. While millions of birds fly south for the winter to seek warmer temperatures, many tough it out and remain in North Carolina.…
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Derina Pyles Horse Sense I was concerned. Traveler had scarcely touched his alfalfa hay and sweet grain for two days. He had also refused to go out and exercise in the pasture, one of his favorite things to do. I had a suspicion about what was bothering him. Now it was time to have a…
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Southern Taste
Make Smart Breakfast Choices in 2024
Carmen LongSimply Delicious The new year is the perfect time to start new habits for improved health. Try making a “smart breakfast” part of your daily schedule. We have heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is true. Fueling your body with a delicious breakfast after a good night’s…
Roasted Broccoli with Pecans
Rynn Hennings The Sweet and Savory Life The benefits of eating broccoli are multifold: it is a good source of vitamins including K and C, it’s full of calcium, and it is anti-inflammatory to name a few. At one time in my life, even knowing these health benefits, I couldn’t bring myself to eat broccoli.…
Departments
Hometown Heroes
Heroes Don’t always wear capes. They come in all shapes and sizes. Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraph on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here. Email: Info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Hometown Hero
Ask the Expert
Reader Question:Hi Kevin. Would you mind elaborating on what you mean by bringing the mind and spirit into the healing process? – Thanks again, Helen Kevin Pyles, PT Ask The Expert Hi Helen. The human body is a marvel of nature, a complex system that can heal itself from injuries and illnesses. Can your mind…
Blake’s Take
Dear Blake, As a single working mom, I seem to stay stressed all the time. Whether I am at work, home, or anywhere I find myself struggling to find joy. Thanks for your time.- Anonymous Blake JohnsonBlake’s Take First, let me say I am sorry for your struggle and realize that single parent households are…
More to See
Love is in the Air
Submit a photo of the one you love and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Love is in the Air
“Fur”ever Friends
Thankful for our Pets Send us a photo of your pet and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Furever Friends
Surry Seen
Submit a selfie or photo of a friend holding up Surry Living Magazine and we may use it here. Email: info@surryliving.comSubject Line: Surry Seen
