The year 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter for our publication. With new owners, our team was excited to release the October issue, featuring a new design with the same contributors you know and love. October 2023’s featured article, From Dream to Legacy (Jiu Jitsu) tells the passionate story of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Kevin Pyles and his journey which led him to where he is today, training and mentoring young athletes in our community. We explore the health benefits of physical exercise in Fit Living. In Just a Thought, we ponder what it means to “prune” in our own lives. We meet the new columnist behind Blake’s Take and welcome the new owners of Surry Living Magazine in This Little Light of Mine. We make trail mix for Pilot Mountain then grab Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup for dinner in our Southern Taste section. Lastly, we explore Blue Mountain Herbs and Supplements, prevent heartworm in your pets, and learn about the pesky plant, Kudzu in Home, Farm, and Garden. All this and more can be found inside the October 2023 Issue of Surry Living Magazine.
Browse Articles Below:
Featured
From Dream to Legacy
Sabrina L. Baker Author/Photographer Empowering Dreams: A Journey through the Visionary Path of Coach Kevin Pyles The world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu holds stories of dedication, triumphs, and transformative experiences. Although many have followed its path, one figure stands out as an example of inspiration and innovation—Coach Kevin Pyles. His commitment to the sport has rewritten…
Lifestyle
Life Goes On
Eddie Lowe Just A Thought The COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives forever. Now that the virus seems more under control, we no longer have a mask mandate, businesses are open again, and life goes on. But what happens next? How do we grow on a personal level now that life is back to normal? Let’s…
Meet the Columnist behind Blake’s Take
Madalyn EdwardsAuthor Blake Johnson, author of Surry Living’s “Blake’s Take” column, provides answers and insights on a variety of topics for readers who are facing difficult or conflicting situations. Johnson hopes to use his training and experiences to help others make informed decisions and to overcome adversity. Johnson was born and raised near Winston-Salem, NC.…
Improving Health with Exercise
Rachael Williams Fit Living Exercise helps us improve our mood, sleep more soundly, maintain a healthy weight, and have more energy. Regular exercise can also support our immune system as it fights viruses, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms known as pathogens. Our immune system is a sophisticated defense network against potential threats. The system consists…
Home, Farm, & Garden
Did You Really Know?
Larry VanHouse This Little Light of Mine In the spring of 2023, the final days in the life of Surry Living Magazine went by in a flurry of activity, concern, and regret. When we released the April 2023 “Music Festival” issue, our most popular issue each year for its extensive coverage of the upcoming local…
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
Derina Pyles Horse Sense “Hay-Woman!” Aw, my sweet boy missed me. He walked up to me and dropped his head to nuzzle my arm. “No, hay-woman, I’m hungry and you’re late with my breakfast.” “I’m sorry, Traveler, it’s been a stressful morning.” “What is going on? Can I help?” he asked. “If I can help…
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Remain Vigilant with Heartworm Prevention!
Sarah Southard, DVM Pets and Livestock October is here! Cooler temperatures, beautiful fall colors, and the seemingly loved-by-everyone-everywhere pumpkin spice everything items are back. (An aside: Don’t feel obligated to provide your pets with the latest marketing gimmick pumpkin spice pet products.) As the weather cools, it’s tempting to be lax in maintaining flea, tick,…
Blue Mountain Herbs and Supplements
Madalyn EdwardsAuthor Susie Candelaria, owner of Blue Mountain Herbs and Supplements, didn’t expect to change careers, but almost 25 years and a successful business later, she is helping the community by offering a wide variety of services related to natural medicines. Originally a graphic artist, Candelaria changed her career path after taking an interest in…
The Invasive Vine: Still Climbing
Joanna RadfordHome, Farm, & Garden Kudzu, that woody vine named Pueraria lobate, blankets parts of Surry County in green. You will find this vine along field edges, riparian areas, right-of-ways, and entrances into wooded areas. It spreads its prolific self along the ground and into the canopy of trees. Kudzu came into the United States…
Southern Taste
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup and Puff Pastry
Rynn Hennings The Sweet and Savory Life If you like chicken pie, you will love this chicken pot pie soup! It is quick and easy to make and uses rotisserie chicken to speed up the cooking time. A few notes before you begin: You can make this soup gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour such as…
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A Beloved Landmark for Centuries
Carmen LongSimply Delicious There is nothing quite like the view of Pilot Mountain towering in the distance when driving on Highway 52 or Highway 74 in Surry County. Our mountain has been a navigational landmark since the seventeenth century. The Native American Saura people had migrated into the area then. They named the mountain Jomeokee,…
Departments
Blake’s Take
Dear Blake, I am in my 40s and recently lost my job as a plant manager. I am trying to start my own business but sometimes feel like I will never be able to make it. My wife likes security and thinks a nine-to-five job makes sense. Please help. – Anonymous Blake JohnsonBlake’s Take Dear…
Ask the Expert
Reader Question: I have back pain every day, but only after sitting for extended periods. Any suggestions?- Thanks, Amy S. Kevin Pyles, PT Ask The Expert Hi Amy, In today’s sedentary lifestyle, folks often find themselves sitting for prolonged periods, whether it be at work, during commutes, or while relaxing at home. Unfortunately, this prolonged…
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
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
Pets who complete ouR Families 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
