Focus Group Discussed Area Needs for Recovery, Wellness, and Mental Health

From the Wellness & Community Engagement Team: "It truly means so much that community members took time out of their busy day to join this conversation. When people share their experiences and ideas, it helps foster behavioral health and wellness services that reflect both the strengths and needs of

Grayson County Parks & Rec Announces Adaptive Sports for Youth

"Where Every Ability matters and Every Athlete Belongs!" Grayson County Parks & Rec is excited to announce a new program designed for children with special needs. "Our goal is to promote confidence, physical activity, social skills, and FUN in a safe, supportive environment." The program is

Deadline Nearing for Outdoor Mural Designs

The City of Galax Public Art Committee announces “Mountainmade in Galax: Music Art & Outdoors” Mural Designs Call for Art. Press release supplied by Chestnut Creek School for the Arts This committee is made up of representatives from The City of Galax, Galax City Council, Chestnut Creek School of the

The Bridge Generation

The first time I remember hearing the phrase ‘Bridge Generation’ was from my occasional cohost on The Rural Route Review podcast, Sara-June from The Neighborly. When she said 'bridge generation', I finally found the right phrase for a feeling about being raised in a different time period than

Galax Welcomes New Director at The Rex Theater

The Neighborly had a chance to sit down with Ryan Hasler a couple weeks ago. We talked about his career in theater and what he's most excited about as he ushers in a new era at The Rex. Where are you from and what background do you bring

1940's Projection Room at The Rex is Time Capsule

The Neighborly had a chance to tour the Projection Room at The Rex Theater in Galax. Virtually the same as it was in 1940, this little corner of Galax contained some gems of movie theater history. The Rex's new director, Ryan Hasler, has a background in film technology

Behind the Scenes at The Rex Renovation

The Rex Theater in Galax is undergoing renovations while remaining open for a full-slate of shows in the 2026 season. The Neighborly had a chance to visit with The Rex's new director and learn more about the transformations unfolding here. Did I mention a new director at The

Carroll County High School Graduate Hosts Archive for Local Histories

Three years ago, two Carroll County High School students decided to start their own podcast. Ethan Edwards and Jeffrey "Luke" Watson called their podcast The Ridge Podcast and began interviewing folks across the Blue Ridge Mountains. As their program grew, celebrities and political leaders jumped on board. Beth

Dr. King, The Preacher

Martin Luther King Jr. is often remembered primarily as a leader of the Civil Rights movement. But Dr. King was a member of the clergy first. MLK was christened “Michael” when he was born in 1929. His parents came from sharecropping and country-church backgrounds in Georgia. In Atlanta, the Kings

Area Woodworkers - Part 2

Press Release from Chestnut Creek School of the Arts: Woodworkers Participate in Dedication Event Last October Harold Lambert “When I was in high school, I did some woodturning in shop class, making a nut bowl and a floor lamp; so when a son told me he had a friend with

Area Woodworkers - Part 1

Press Release from Chestnut Creek School of the Arts: Woodworking Studio dedicated to Morris Schlesinger (The Chestnut Creek School of the Arts celebrated the grand re-opening of their woodworking studio last October with a dedication to former wood carver.) “Morris launched our wood turning program in 2016. He was an

Scams to Watch Out For

Protect yourself against phone and internet scams Protecting ourselves from theft and crime on the internet is becoming increasingly difficult. Scams and theft can happen to any of us. 💡If you feel like you've been duped into giving up personal or financial information over the internet or phone,