Features

Russian composer Pyotyr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” is perhaps the best known ballet in the world.

Fraught, passionate, and dark by turns, it stands as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless love and a testament of the human spirit’s ability to elevate the mundane into the realm of art.

By SHAINA STOCKTON and SHANNON WATKINS, Staff

The Grayson County Friends of the Library celebrated Flag Day on June 14 with a flag raising ceremony at the Grayson County Public Library in Independence.

FRIES — Equestrian and rodeo enthusiast Jamie Hyatt was honored with a dedication at the Providence School’s horse arena in Fries on May 3.

Now named the “Jamie Hyatt Arena,” the spot has become a second home to riders, and a venue for horse shows and rodeos that have grown in popularity over the past two years. Proceeds from events go to the Fries Volunteer Fire Department, and offer a fun escape for families and fellow equestrians of all ages.

The Twin County Humane Society held its annual Brews for Rescues event at Creek Bottom Brews in Galax on May 30.

The group had lots of merchandise to sell, fun activities and plenty of animals present that were looking for “forever homes.” Creek Bottom offered a special brown ale named “Woof’n Down Brown” and gave $1 for every glass sold; George Smith provided live music and donated a portion of his CD sales to the Humane Society.

Generally, legends are made by acts of great heroism: beating back an enemy, rescuing the helpless, bringing justice to the oppressed.

Another component of heroism is simply in doing: committing acts and going forward.

Curious, then, that Joe Wilson, who died on May 17 at 77 years of age, is a legend in folklore, traditional arts and roots music when he was barely known to pick up a guitar.

WOODLAWN — The summer schedule for The Studio in Woodlawn will include a variety of classes and workshops, as well as a series of self-protection classes and concealed carry firearms classes.

Located across from the Midway Shell station on Carrollton Pike in Woodlawn, The Studio opened earlier this year with a hodgepodge of choices for clients, including yoga classes, children’s theater and venue rentals. But as business owner DeeDee Wright mapped out plans for her studio space, a new opportunity for promoting community safety was presented.

By DON RICHESON, Staff

INDEPENDENCE — About 300 danced the night away at Grayson County High School’s annual Junior-Senior Prom on April 25.

The prom’s theme this year was “If Only for One Night.” The event was coordinated by GCHS teacher Amanda Brewer, who was assisted by many volunteers.

HILLSVILLE — For Heather Ramirez, last year’s Second Chance Prom was her first real prom experience.

“The funny part for me was that I wasn’t able to attend my first prom, but I helped decorate for it in high school,” she told The Gazette. “But it worked out, because the first time actually going to the prom, I went with my husband.”

Nine months after Galax resident Penny Nixon’s cat, Rhudy, disappeared from her former home in Edinburg, she resigned herself to the belief that she would never see him again. But one night, a phone call out of the blue changed everything: her pet was alive and waiting for her in a veterinarian’s office in McLean… more than 90 miles from where he’d first disappeared.