Showcase Magazine March 2010

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| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 3

THANK YOU to the ADVERTISERS who make this publication possible. Please be generous in supporting our local businesses.

20 14 Features Virginia Museum of Natural History 14 A Pictorial Essay PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE DALTON OF MICHELLE DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY

18 A Musical Tribute

To Support Our Brother’s and Sisters in Haiti

BY MARIE HARRIS

20 Hard Work Begets an Exciting Lifestyle A Profile of Musician Mike Meadows

BY MATT CHARLES

C ONTENTS

8 Cooking with Chef Paul 12 My Words 24 Seth Bradley 33 Building Your Life House Parmesan-Pecan Fried Catfish with Pickled Okra Salsa

Fit To Be Tied (In Knots)

Seth’s Rant Day

How Can You Love Me?

A LSO I NSIDE 6 10 25 26 27 28 34

Editor’s Letter He Said She Said Ponderings Fun & Games Paws for the Cause Area Events Guide Mystified

Cover Photo: Virginia Museum of Natural History Cover Photo by Michelle Dalton of Michelle Dalton Photography

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2 3 3 3 3 5 7 7 7 9 9 9

Schoolfield Lumber & Plywood, Inc. David D. Childress, DDS The Market Lavinder Group and Associates H2O Zone Pool & Spa Showcase Show Off Talent Competion R.C. Tate Woodworks OBGYN Associates of Danville, Inc. Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism Netwerkz Music Group The Ambidextrous Handyman Dan River Business Development Center 10 Riverside Insurance Agency, Inc. 10 UL Cellular 11 Fast Teks On-Site Computer Services 11 URW Community Federal Credit Union 11 Dave Gluhareff 11 Sounds Unlimited 13 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service 13 Mark B. Holland, PC 13 Stratford Rehabilitation Center 13 Danville ENT Hearing Center 19 Danville Home Expo 19 Satterfield Insurance Agency 19 Danville Urological Clinic 19 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. 23 Yates Home Sales 23 The Institute for Advanced Learning & Technology 23 Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival 25 Blackwell Dodge, Kia, Chrysler, Jeep 25 Danville Historical Society 27 Romar MedEquip 27 W.D. Rowe 35 Ross Electric 35 The Tabernacle Learning Center BK Zinc Total Salon

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F ROM

THE

SHOWCASE

E DITOR

– M A G A Z I N E –

I love the Olympics, even curling.

While I enjoyed watching Shaun White pull off the insanely ridiculous Double McTwist 1260 and Lindsey Vonn win the gold medal that had eluded her for so long, my real joy was watching the sportsmanship of the Olympics. Seeing fierce rivals such as the ice dancing teams of Virtue/Moir and Davis/White embrace on the medal podium after an intense competition made me feel good. The silver medal winners, Davis and White were genuinely happy for Virtue and Moir, who won the gold. For the Olympics, the entire world comes together and shares two weeks with each other. We cheer for each other, and we console each other when our athletes fall short of the goals. I find a comfort in the camaraderie, sort of like when you watch your favorite movie when you’re sick or eat your favorite food when you’re feeling down. Comfort cures many ills.

We work hard every month to bring the community an entertaining and informative magazine. My hope is that our readers find comfort in reading stories such as the “Sweethearts” story in last month’s issue. I also hope that you find inspiration from reading about the lives of some of the area’s most successful residents like Bill Fuller in last month’s issue. In this issue, Matt Charles has written an exceptional feature on Mike Meadows, who is on tour with country superstar Taylor Swift. Maybe this will inspire you to pursue your hidden talents.

Our dreams can become reality, especially if accompanied by a swift kick in the pants by inspiration.

One last thing before I leave you to the March issue. Many times I’ve heard that there is nothing to do in our area. This is not true. Sure, we may not have the abundance of options as bigger cities, but we have many attractions that rival those of bigger cities. In the past, we’ve uncovered some of our region’s most entertaining and educational hot spots through pictorial essays. This month we’ve included a pictorial of the Virginia Museum of Natural History. As you will see in the photos, the VMNH is a grand museum with state-of-the-art exhibits. If you’ve never been to the VMNH, you need to go, and if you’ve been, you need to go again. The museum is constantly adding new unearthed treasures from Virginia.

Three-time Olympic champion Gail Devers once said, “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard worked, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those believe.”

Everything starts as a dream. The VMNH started as a dream, and it has become one of our region’s proudest accomplishments.

Gold medals for Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn started as dreams. A career in music started as a dream for Mike Meadows. Maybe you’re sitting at home and the thought of winning the Spring Showcase Showoff is a dream. The above mentioned dreams turned to reality, which in turn creates inspiration. So, if you hear inspiration knocking on your door, answer it. You will not regret it.

Enjoy the issue.

Speaking of talent...the return of the Showcase Showoff talent show is just around the corner. The dates are still to be determined, but you can find registration forms on page 5. If you have any questions regarding the Spring 2010 Showcase Showoff feel free to email me at paul@showcasemagazine.com. Last year’s Showoff was a sight to behold. Our region truly does have its fair share of talented individuals. If you have that hidden talent that you’ve only shared with friends and family, this is you opportunity to take it to the big stage.

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P AUL S EIPLE Business Manager & Editor See the March issue of EVINCE magazine featuring Sonja Ingram— Shaping the Future; Preserving the Past.

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300 Ringgold Industrial Parkway Danville,Virginia 24540 Phone 1.877.638.8685 | Fax 434.483.4344 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Larry Oldham | Dena Hill | Misty Cook Paul Seiple | Torrey Blackwell Matt Charles | Paulette Dean | Marie Harris

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Samantha Schrader Michelle Dalton of Michelle Dalton Photography Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year

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C O O K I N G

W I T H

Chef Paul

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R o k en ch ermil hour. iles, d matoes w the butt g in ith d raine r P a c u s lse fir dis d gredient s in t 4 6 t x p e i roces and n sor 4 ngredients in eggs; e pecans h in s S b fi t t and h o m i ip o r 6 tim C in rem l. D alf king off e a ow bow s h ll a s a o o , i h e n s r r r a ing d until of tomato cover in ixtu m . n t a e i c e th c e e h a p ed to nd ch gs If refr mato oroughly s in food dredge in ange on a bakin ches i l l i . g e e Stor com rate s. S rr in minu excess. A a depth of 1 1⁄2 tes be d, let stan e in refrig erve imm bined.

2 1 r o o er t d e fore s oven Pour oil ervin at room t ator up to diately, n Dutch t to 350 o ir t g e s . a m 7 c perat d into a illet; hea s, 2 to 3 ure 1 ays. t iron sk e s h 5 a c c t a h b c in in d fish Fry fish, rown an ck over b n e ld degrees. o g wire ra or until ain on a r salsa. minutes D . k r o af led okra k h it ic p w s h e it flak rve w wels. Se paper to For a fun, informative talk on hospitality, at your next meeting or function, contact Chef Pau at 276.732.2089(C) or 276-957-3210(H).

The Origin Of:

The Phrase Rule of Thumb The first documented written use of the phrase rule of thumb dates back to 1692. The exact origins of the phrase are not known.

Rule of thumb has been associated with a variety of subjects including brewing. It’s been said that before the use of thermometers, the temperature of fermenting liquor was gauged by dipping the thumb into the liquor. Some

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have argued this wasn’t possible due to the minuscule range of “too cool” and “too warm” on the fermentation temperature scale and the slight sensitivity of the thumb.

A more sensible definition of rule of thumb is in terms of measurements where the rule is used as a “ruler.” In the good old days, the body was used to make measurements.

Some of these methods are still used today. If measuring tape isn’t handy, we measure the unit of foot by pacing out an area.

In regards to the thumb, the length of the first joint is roughly one inch.

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H E

S A I D ,

S H E

S A I D

He Said...

She Said...

The dreaded month of March is here again and I’m sitting here looking through this mountain of brochures on vacation destinations. Two possibilities for you to consider.... Myrtle Beach or New York.

We have this discussion every year about this time and you always want to go somewhere exotic. That in itself is not too bad. I can live with exotic. Hula girls with short grass skirts, slipping a lei around my neck, and maybe a peck on the cheek. Yes, I can probably live with that if I have to. That’s not the problem. The problem is the form of transportation getting there. You want to go by boat. I know the PC term is take a cruise but believe me, I am not buying into this idea. You are probably thinking it is all about the money because you know how cheap I am. Listen carefully: A cruise is a drop in the bucket compared to New York!

No , I just don’t like being out on the ocean, with no land in site. What if we hit an iceberg, or pirates attack the ship and I am caught in a precarious position?

You’ve told me about the food and believe me, that has almost been a persuasive factor. I do like to eat. But by the same token, I do not want to be on the shark’s menu when we crash or pirates make me walk the plank. I am thinking we should just cruise (control) on down to the beach and watch the luxury ships sail by our ocean front condo. I can still eat the food that I like. I can rent Elvis Goes To Hawaii and see the dancing girls and I don’t have to worry about the pirates. The biggest plus is that I don’t have to get all dressed up to eat at the Captain’s table and the only port I have to go to is the port Little John, if you know what I mean.

Sea of Love Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

Be sure to read She Said He Said in Evince the Voice for Women.

Well I knew when we got together that you were not a great traveler. You’re afraid to get out of your comfort zone. What I didn‘t know was that you’re terrified of a tiny bit of water.

Going on a cruise ship will give you a different perspective on life, give you something to write about, give you a great photo opportunity, and most importantly, you’ll make me happy. I know you have said I could go on a cruise with the girls and I have been tempted. But going on a cruise with the one you love is much more romantic, especially at night on the starboard side, gazing at the moon and whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ear. Yes, you have said you worry about me pushing you off the ship but as I told you before I would be the first one they would suspect, so if I ever want to get rid of you, I’ll call My Cousin Vinny in New Jersey... but I digress. You would Love the amenities on a cruise: all the food you can eat 24/7, movies, library, swimming pools (ok, that might not be one of your favorites), but you could sit by the pool and look at all the beautiful girls in their bathing suits. We would stop at certain ports and you could shop with many items being tax free.

Did I mention that the food was included? They have live entertainment, plays, game tables, etc. I know that once you’ve been on one cruise, you will be dying to go again. You just have to make that first step and face your fears. If you love me as much as you say you do, you would be booking the cruise. You do want to have a happy vacation, don’t you? You do want to spend our vacation together, don‘t you? You best be getting off your johnny potty and start booking our cruise..............Honey.

Send comments to: Larry@showcasemagazine.com | Visit the He Said She Said Blog at www.oldhamhill.blogspot.com

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M Y

W O R D S

A Journey Into the Randomness of My Mind games. But these are not the same games we had when we were young. These games are like vegetables for your kids.

They are actually good for them. But with the games you don’t have to worry about the dog getting an upset stomach from Little Timmy’s stash of peas.

I should have known this wasn’t going to work out smoothly after I became winded playing Tomb Raider on the Wii.

Fit To Be Tied (In Knots)

By Paul Seiple

Another year has passed and the aches and pains of being a year older have multiplied. I’m starting to think these pains are like Gremlins, pour water on them and watch them multiply. And therein lies the double-edged sword, a hot bath is the only thing that soothes the ache. Well maybe not...

Exercise is a formidable combatant for the woes of aging joints. Not only is it good for flexibility, it also helps to erase those ten or so extra pounds you’re carrying around. If your joints are anything like mine, they are behaving like rejected contestants at American Idol tryouts. My joints curse at me on a daily basis. They need etiquette training. It’s not fun to be sitting at a restaurant and have your ankle rebel, causing a sharp pain to radiate through your shin. This sets off an embarrassing chain of events that usually ends up with the entire restaurant staring at you. Not that this has happened to me.

But after a similar event involving a nasty cramp in a neglected muscle I figured it was time for me to get back on the exercise train while the conductor still knows how to steer. And what better way to get back into the swing of things than playing video games? Hear me out.

I realize that when I was growing up, the big argument was to get kids to become more active and play less video

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My philosophy over the last year has been to treat my energy the same as I do the household electricity and water, conserve, conserve, and conserve. Sure my girlfriend called me lazy countless times because I left laundry in the dryer.

But truthfully, I was conserving my energy.

It seems that all of the “energy conservation” wasn’t the best idea. It was more of a hibernation. This was evident after playing Tomb Raider and feeling like I had ran the New York City Marathon. Being someone that doesn’t back down from a challenge, I stared at EA Sports Active in what can only be described as an “old west showdown.”

EA Sports Active isn’t just a “workout” game; it’s a form of torture. Don’t let the packaging fool you. The smile on your virtual trainer’s face is masking their sadistic nature. Their goal is to have every muscle in your body hate you. Some may refer to this as tough love. I call it cruel and unusual punishment.

About half of the way through my first workout, sweat was pouring down my forehead and my thighs were burning like a thousand matches were being struck against them.

Did I mention this was halfway through the workout? By the end of the workout it was all that I could do to crawl to kitchen for water. All the while, the trainer just stared at me smiling, finally saying “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

Tomorrow? I thought I would be lucky to make it through the night.

I made it through the night. And since then, I’ve made it through several more workouts. The trainer is still ruthless and my muscles treat me like I am Jay Leno, but I am no longer “conserving energy” and it feels good.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to suit up for battle. My armor is a knee brace and my war paint is Icy Hot. That smirking trainer will not get the best of me. In the immortal words of Tom Petty, “I won’t back down.”

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A PICTORIAL FEATURE

Experience • Learn • Marvel Photography by Michelle Dalton of Michelle Dalton Photography 14 SHOWCASE Magazine |

MARCH 2010

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If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville.

The museum boasts a wide array of exhibits chronicling the history of Virginia. Take a trip back in time and walk beside dinosaurs in the Messages From the Mesozoic exhibit which runs until September 18. Unlock the mysteries of Virginia’s past in the Uncovering Virginia exhibit. With the openness of the paleontology and archeology labs, you can watch as scientists work to unearth fossils and other hidden treasures. If you would like to take a hands-on approach and play a part in discovering these hidden gems of our past, the VMNH welcomes volunteers.

Visit www.vmnh.net www.showcasemagazine.com

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Virginia Museum of Natural History 21 Starling Avenue Martinsville, VA. 24112 Phone: 276-634-4141 information@vmnh.virginia.gov Hours of Operation Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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as “When I Fall in Love,” “We Are The World” was sung Broadway numbers from West Side by acclaimed musicians more than Story, The Little Mermaid, Man of 20 years ago to help raise funds for La Mancha, Phantom of the Opera African aid. On March 13 from and an inspirational piece titled 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., local musicians “Make Them Hear”; a tribute to from Danville Community College Patsy Cline, solo tunes including and the DCC service region “Chain of Fools,” “Ooh Baby” and will take their cues from these “At Last”, plus two duets will be past actions to perform musical performed March 13. A quartet selections for the community in an of musicians will assist John Wilt effort to raise $10,000 for Haitian as he performs “Fly Me To The relief efforts.

Moon,” “I Left My Heart in San “A Musical Tribute to Support Francisco” and other “oldies.”

Our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti” Audience members will hear will feature ten musicians and nostalgic tunes at a reasonable performers presenting Broadway price while contributing to the and “oldies” selections at the Haitian relief effort.”

North Theater. All money from DCC Graphic Arts students ticket sales and donations will be under the direction of Graphic go to God’s Pit Crew for purchase Arts Professor Sheila Wright have of clothing and non-perishable produced posters and publicity art goods needed by Haitian residents for the event, while the Student who are suffering because of lack Government Association and the of food, water, medical supplies, Justice Club have undertaken clothing and housing as a result of sponsorship and oversight the January 12 earthquake which

By Marie Harris planning. DCC Counselors JoLane devastated a significant portion of Dunlap and Jim Lindley are the island nation. assisting with overall coordination John Wilt, Associate Professor of the March 13 fundraiser. Clubs from DCC will be providing of Administration of Justice at DCC, who proposed the evening concessions. of entertainment, explained, “Children are hurting and dying Tickets may be purchased at the DCC Bookstore, Student each day as a result of the catastrophe in Haiti. If we can make a Services Office, Division of Arts & Sciences, or obtained from any difference and reduce some of the suffering, then we must assist DCC student. For information call John Wilt at in any way that we can. We’re asking everyone who can do so to 434-797-8468, or e-mail sell tickets throughout the community.” Intermission will include jwilt@dcc.vccs.edu. a door prize drawing for a 37” Sanyo HDTV-LCD flat screen television, 1080 pixels. You do not have to be present to win the flat screen television. Admission to the March 13 musical tribute fundraiser is $10.

Among the performers and musicians are Lindsay BowmanPoteat, Brenda Bowman, Donna Redd, Melody Barrett, Michael Regan, Will Oakes and Judy Nolen.

Wilt added, “Selections Left: Brenda Bowman and Lindsay Bowman-Poteat. include love songs such Right: (L-R): Donna Redd, John Wilt, Melody Barrett, Michael Regan, Will Oakes.

A Musical Tribute to Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti

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F E B R U A R Y

F E A T U R E

Hard Work Begets an Exciting Lifestyle: A Profile of Musician Mike Meadows

By Matt Charles

Y

“Yeah man, great day. I had a very relaxing day,” exhales a very calm Mike Meadows via cellular phone from a London hotel room. After a day of exploring England’s capital, the Danville native kicks off his shoes around 2:30 AM on a late November night.

“I took advantage of a rare day off, so me and some of the band grabbed some fish and chips, toured a very cool local boutique named Topshop, and visited some very respectable pubs,” details Meadows.

Meadows, a recent addition to country music superstar Taylor Swift’s band, is in England to perform for the Children in Need benefit. Meadows explains, “This is similar to the Jerry Lewis Telethon on steroids. The Children’s Heart charities plan to raise around 24 million pounds [approximately 38 million U.S. dollars].

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MARCH 2010

“It’s high end talents. Annie Lennox is on the show and Paul McCartney, as well. I don’t have to tell you how stoked I am to be here.”

Not a bad itinerary for someone who consistently describes his job as being nothing close to work, but a labor of love that has evolved into a most successful career.

A DEDICATED DRIVE Since Meadows was a young child he has had a voracious appetite for mastering musical instruments. “As far back as I can remember, I was always strumming on something,” Mike laughs. “My sister was kind of the same way, but with the piano.”

Meadows sister, Katie, is a renowned concert pianist and instructor at The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Being a musician, of course Mike gives

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Photo by Samantha Shrader, 2008

the obligatory nod to two entertainment luminaries as his major influences – The Beatles and Rolling Stones. However, Meadows cites his biggest influence as Riverland Music co-owner and guitar instructor, Norm Aquilo.

“Norm was the older musician, who truly introduced my education to music and what it takes to become a professional,” Meadows remembers. “He’s kind of like a brother. I’m so proud of what he and his wife, Lauren, have done bringing a music store to Downtown Danville. It’s a place that welcomes kids like I was and cultivates their curiosity into talented performance.”

Other major players in Meadows’ development were Harrisonburg, Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. based bands he would study during his time at James

Madison University. “I learned a lot from Earth to Andy, Agents of Good Roots out of Richmond, and of course the Dave Matthews Band, who totally energized the now rich and diverse Charlottesville music scene,” says Meadows.

Following in the footsteps of the local bands he watched grow over the years, Meadows paid his dues with Small Town Workers at JMU until the band members went their separate ways in 2005.

From there Meadows promptly joined the band, MoneyPenny. “Being creatively involved between two bands was invaluable to me as I had the opportunity to work with two of the best pop songwriters I’ve worked with to date,” comments Meadows. “The songwriting experience and being on stage gets you ready for the competitive live music scene.”

“I loved my time with Small Town Workers and MoneyPenny,” Meadows goes on. “You work your butt off having all sorts of odd jobs like handing out fliers for shows, the group bought a van, and we worked as long as we could until it just didn’t make sense anymore. Nashville seemed like the next step.”

THE CRADLE OF COUNTRY MUSIC To all of you musicians, now is the time for a point of emphasis: Meadows next step in his career is not common; in fact it is completely atypical of how the music business works.

Mike laughs, “It’s kind of funny, but the first night I spent in Nashville was the same night I played for the first time at the Grand Ole Opry. It really is crazy. I got the gig while I was in Virginia when I met with Josh Gracin in Roanoke for an interview and audition. Luckily, I didn’t have to go through the initial cutthroat Broadway experience most did. Playing with Josh was great. We did lots of country rock and roll and U.S. touring.

He is definitely one of the best live acts I

“As far back as I can remember, I was always strumming on something” have worked with up until now that I’m playing with Taylor Swift.”

About two years ago an electric guitar position opened up with Swift’s band, but Mike didn’t land the job during the audition process. But as with most great opportunities, serendipity showed its beautiful face.

“A utility position opened and I got a call,” recounts Meadows. “Swift’s musical director, Al Wilson, was at a gig I played and he called me from Australia this past winter. He told me that Ben Clark was leaving and this was not an audition situation. I had two weeks until tour rehearsal started.”

Meadows was told this was technically a utility gig, where he would have to call upon the number of instruments he had learned to play over the years: the guitar, banjo, mandolin, keyboards, dobro, and cello. There was one caveat – the job would consist of at least one-half banjo play.

“Man, I practiced like crazy,” chuckles Mike. “My friend Tony leant me a banjo to rehearse with until I could get one on my own. I spent at least eight hours daily for that two-week stretch polishing up on Taylor Swift material. That’s 20 to 25 songs constantly swapping instruments.

When I showed up for my first day of rehearsal, I knew I was ready.” Meadows pauses, “I do remember that banjo boot camp period as being the most anti-social I have ever been in my life, locking myself in a room for 8 to 10 hours a day.”

As ready as he felt, Mike explains it’s always a bit awkward walking into the room and encountering for the first time a cohesive unit that has performed together for a while.

“Taylor cares about her band a lot and it was big deal that Ben Clark was leaving.”

Mike says, “He and his sister have a band that they are working on.”

“It could have be weird, but Taylor did not let that happen,” Meadows states.

“The first thing she did was give me a big hug like an old friend. She made me feel at home from the first minute. She really helped with the transition. That’s not something an average Nashville person would do, much less a 19-year-old like Taylor.”

Earlier in 2009, Swift evidenced her welcoming persona during this Tweet: “Unfortunately, you won’t see Ben playing banjo with us anymore. :( We’re gonna miss him so much, but he’s got dreams and wanted to pursue them. We’re all so close to him, we’ll never stop seeing him around. All the best. :) But there’s good news... We’ve got the insanely talented Mike Meadows playing banjo/mandolin/ guitar/keys/cello now (told you he was ridiculous. Count that list of instruments.

For those of you who would rather not do unnecessary math on a weekend, that’s five instruments.) Mike is hilarious and fits right in with us. He and Liz are part of the family now and I can’t wait for you to see what they can do. They’ve joined ‘The Agency’ (my band has referred to themselves as The Agency since they got to dress up in suits and sunglasses and ransack a house in the ‘Picture to Burn’ video. The scene of them walking across the yard in slow motion only encouraged this.) So now it’s Grant, Paul, Amos, Al, Caitlin, Liz, and Mike. I love it.”

Meadows continues, “The situation was also very unique in that when I started Continued to Page 22

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F E B R U A R Y

F E A T U R E

with the band, they had just really come into their own. They spent the last three years opening for Brad Paisley, George Strait, and Rascal Flatts. Here I come in and it’s their first headlining tour. I felt as if I missed out on the grunt work, but it is nice to walk into the sweet life and get the royal treatment instead of playing while people are finding their seats. It is very, very surreal, especially with my background going from gig to gig in a cramped van. Now we take advantage of private Pilates instructors while on tour.

I’m not going to lie, those sessions can be grueling.”

Illustrating Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise is that during this year’s Country Music

Award ceremony, Swift was nominated for Entertainer of the Year against some of the aforementioned artists for whom she opened. Meadows explains that not only is Swift a monumental talent and star, but she is just as great a person.

“When she won that award, she called all of us up on stage, the entire band, and recognized us by name,” Meadows says, “To my knowledge that kind of recognition of a band by the lead artist has never happened at an award show of this magnitude. To include us all in the acceptance, I would never have expected, nor would I ever expect, that to happen again. She has a million times more responsibilities daily than the rest of us, but she still includes us all. Dude, she is

simply a class act.”

READY FOR PRIME TIME Not only has Meadows played on numerous awards shows, he recently appeared on Saturday Night Live. “Playing on Saturday Night Live was very surreal,” smirks Meadows. “I have been a massive fan of the show since I was in seventh grade when I would video tape it in junior high school. When SNL performer Kenan Thompson introduced us, I couldn’t believe it.”

The Saturday Night Live experience turned out to be a chance for Meadows and the other band members to relax a bit. “It was the first time in a while we had to kick back and not have a ton to do,” says Meadows. “We [the band] had to be there about two days out from the performance. We did our sound check one day for about an hour and a half with rehearsals for the songs. The rehearsals with camera blocking to make sure where we needed to be on stage took about four hours. On the other hand, Taylor was slammed with pre-taping along with rehearsal and writing for the sketches.”

THE GOOD LIFE Life with his fiancée in Nashville is good, but Mike insists that he is still the same kid who was deathly afraid of the music from Peter and the Wolf. In fact, he still is. “Man, that music still haunts me. They used to play it in pre-school.

I would sit outside of First Presbyterian Church on Main Street when they played it. I’m not kidding. I was actually excused from class during the French Horn theme.”

As far as what the future holds, Meadows is in bliss as we speak, but realistic about what lies ahead. “My life is perfect now.

Of course, I would like to maintain this level of happiness and keep this job forever, but things come and go,” tells Mike. “Taylor will try to keep going as long as possible, but as long as I’m teaching or playing, I’ll be alright.”

Photo by Samantha Shrader, 2008

22 SHOWCASE Magazine

| MARCH 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

But for now, a tour of Australia, Europe, and the United States beckons.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23

Seth’s Rant Day There is not too much that gets under my skin, but sometimes when I am sitting around not doing too much, a few things come to mind and I start thinking maybe I should share them with the world. These are just things that irritate me to no end. I don’t like stoplights. I know they are a necessary evil, but think about it; they are sort of like a cattle call. You cows on the right go first. Now stop. Now you cows on the left can go. If we did not have stoplights, I am sure there would be many more wrecks and no one would know when to go or when to stop. I am just saying that I don’t care for them.

What is this deal about guys wearing their pants down below their knees so we can see their skivvies.? I for one do not want to see some guys underwear from last week. I really don’t want to see his underwear if he changed it today.

My next gripe is one that we all can share. Cell phones. They should come with a set of rules and if you break the rules we get to break your phone. People talking in line at the grocery store, concerts, plays, church, walking through the mall, driving in their cars, who is so important you need to talk to them 24/7? Texting .... Give me a break. I am sitting with people at lunchtime who are talking to me and texting someone else. Why? What is so important that you can let your food get cold, avoid talking to your neighbor, so you can text someone about something?

Drivers,,,, who taught these people how to drive? I mean they don’t merge, they don’t yield, they speed up when you get in the other lane, and it takes them days sometimes to make a right hand turn into a shop or their driveway. I might be getting older, less patient, less understanding, or just downright cantankerous, but I still feel young, just tired of the world changing into another world. I don’t want to change it as much as

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FEBRUARY 2010

understand it, and I am not doing too good.

My kids want me to buy a computer. Why do I need a computer at my age? To look up stuff they say. What stuff should I be looking up I ask? Don’t you want to know what is going on in the world, they ask?. No, I say, I just told you what is going on in the world. Haven’t you been reading what I am writing? Can I go on the computer and find out where I can straighten out all this crap that I think Is wrong in the world? Where do you look up baggy pants that won’t stay up?

Is there a computer answer for that? If it is then by all means I will buy a computer, find the answer to all my questions, make sure everyone does what I say, and live happily ever after. Does this sound like a fairy tale to you? Put that on your Twitter.

Facebook that if you want . Try to find some space for this news on Myspace.

I really feel like my Dad felt when he use to tell me the world was changing and it was not going to come to any good. By gosh if he were alive to see it today, what would he say? I can tell you he would not be a happy camper and I can tell you I am not too happy with it myself. But I am not a complainer and I just accept the world and the changes I see all around me, But you will never live to see my pants on the ground, and my shorts hanging on for dear life. No sir, not in my lifetime or your lifetime.

You will never see me walking around with a cell phone thing in my ear, or see me at the movies talking on the phone while John Wayne is kicking some cowboys butt...while the other cowboy is trying to pull up his jeans. I am so ticked off right now I could blow up my TV. But I won’t, I don’t want to miss Dancing with the Stars...or The Andy Griffith Show.

| www.showcasemagazine.com

On November 3, 2009 Shelley and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary by getting a babysitter and leaving Danville for a romantic getaway. I planned an overnight trip to Lynchburg. Shelley has a couple of antique booths at Lou’s Antiques in Danville and she loves going antiquing to find unique inventory. Downtown Lynchburg is strewn with antique shops, used furniture stores, several local restaurants, coffee shops and a really nice farmers’ market. We arrived late Friday afternoon in Lynchburg and headed to the Craddock Terry Hotel. This is the old Craddock Terry shoe factory that has been converted into a small boutique hotel. It’s amazing the vision that an entrepreneur must possess to create an elegant hotel from an old dilapidated building. Our room and stay were awesome! The preservation of the old flooring, huge windows and the massive wooden beams make this hotel a special place. The service was top notch and for a neat touch our continental breakfast arrived the next morning in a wooden shoe box. We finished our breakfast and headed up the street to the local farmers’ market. The market is in the heart of downtown and it has indoor and outdoor vending areas. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the air as we walked up and down the aisles of fresh fall vegetables, apples, jams and jellies. Just as I was admiring the local produce I noticed a few bumper stickers

on the back of the farmers’ trucks.

“Locally Lynchburg” in red letters on a white background. Wow! simple but it says a lot. A city only 45 miles from Danville had a great idea. They were marketing to customers to buy from local small businesses. If this campaign receives the support of the community, what a great economic effect it could have on the city of Lynchburg. I told Shelley that I thought that this would be a great idea for Danville.

Ponderings

“Deal Locally Danville”

Simply put, when you buy local, more money stays in the community. It’s

by Torrey Blackwel similar to blood—as long as it’s being “The Dealer for the People” spent locally it is flowing and moving around within the community. When Torrey Blackwell is a Christian businessman money is spent out of town it is like and consumer advocate. He has spent his life having a large wound and the blood is fighting the negative stigma that plagues car dealers around the world. He does this by pouring out. According to one study, fighting for the consumer as a car dealer twice the money stays in the community that advises people and helps them get the when food is bought from a local quality vehicle they want and deserve in merchant or farmer. These local small a positive and safe environment. businesses are the ones that contribute to local charities, sponsor sports teams, and buy ads in high school yearbooks.

These same small businesses are the ones that strive to buy locally themselves. I know that I have also been guilty of not buying local but I always make every effort not to buy online and give local merchants a chance to get products for my business or my personal use. I always tell my customers that I can find whatever they are looking for, just give me the opportunity.

The same goes for all our local businesses, and the farmers or vendors at our farmers’ market in Danville. Before you buy your produce at the big box store or pay too much somewhere, why not visit the local market or ask your local grocery merchant to special order an item that you would normally buy online or out of town? I bet to your surprise most of these merchants can have these items within a couple of days and at competitive prices.

In this age of technological gadgets, we can shop on our phones and purchase items from all over the world without thinking twice about the impact on our community. The next time you look to buy online or head out of town to purchase something, think about our community and let’s “Deal Locally Danville”! www.showcasemagazine.com

| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25

F U N

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G A M E S

53 Yea ACROSS 54 Distress call 1 Copied 56 Deceased 5 Gypsy 58 Hairdos 10 American state 63 Dictator 14 Sympathize 67 Song by the 15 Opposite of ally Village People 16 Ice cream holder 68 Strength 17 Capital of Western Samoa 70 Buckeye State 18 Wodden projection 71 View as 72 City 19 Pear shaped 73 Electrical instrument current unit 20 A finger 74 Tails 22 Maintaining 75 Vapor full force 76 Sight organs 24 Successor 26 Greenwich Time DOWN 27 Insult 1 Academy (abbr.)

30 Same 2 Dad 32 Topped 3 Little Mermaid’s 37 Business title love ending 4 Demise 38 Reddish brown 5 Mesh pattern 40 Loosen 6 Less than two 41 Flow in a stream 7 List of meals 43 Good grief!

8 Amid 44 Grow 9 Generator 45 Island 46 Pet __ (annoyance) 10 Ca. University 11 Brag 48 Spirits 12 Stake 49 Arranged 13 Mind 52 Berate

21 23 25 27 28 29 31 33 34 35 36 39 42 44 47 50 51 55 57 58 59 60 61 62 64 65 66 69

Bread leavening Energy unit Shred (2 wds.)

CDS Information Aqualung African country Thirst quencher __ farm Make available Thinks In the lead Newspaper Electrical device Divided Asian country Escudo Lacks confidence Sashay Swarm Dr. Jekyll’s “partner” Prayer ending Type of tea Professional football team Discount Sailors “hey” Egyptian river Children United States of America

S U D O K U

Basket

Eggs

Shamrock

Bunny

Grass

Spring Break

Chocolate

Green

St Patricks Day

Cross

Leprechaun

Wind

Easter

March

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 32.

by Paulette Dean Executive Director, Danville Humane Society In years past, my cat, Dusty, and dog, Katey, taught me wonderful lessons of life and love. They also taught me something, quite by accident, about the work of a public animal shelter. And, they did it because of a vacuum cleaner.

Dusty and Katey were terrified of any vacuum cleaner. When I took the vacuum from the closet, they would go on high alert.

As the vacuum was turned on and I proceeded to go through each room, they would run just in front of the machine, all the while looking back to make sure they were not about to be overrun.

I tried to persuade them to just seek refuge under the bed or couch, or to stay in another room. But, no, each time I used the vacuum, they ran in front of the machine, room by room. They avoided being run over, just because they kept themselves inches away from the vacuum.

I feel like Dusty and Katey during spring and summer at shelter. We usually receive 30-75 animals each day during these times, and we stay inches from being overrun.

Animal welfare organizations spend millions of dollars building larger facilities, transferring animals to other facilities, and supporting adoption programs. Public facilities spend millions more operating open admission shelters. In effect, we avoid the vacuum cleaner by inches.

What can be done to change the situation? There is only one thing that will solve the problem, and that is spaying and neutering. Research indicates that until 70% of a locality’s dogs and cats are sterilized, there will continue to be an overpopulation problem.

The Danville Area Humane Society has spent approximately $500,000 since 1993 helping residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County spay/neuter dogs and cats. Most animal groups have programs; it may be very helpful for you to contact your local group for information.

In the meantime, until more dog and cat owners act responsibly and have their animals spayed/neutered, we will continue our efforts to outrun the vacuum cleaner.

Alvin

This 9 month old black chihuahua has a broken leg, but he will be fine after the cast comes off. He has been neutered and all of his shots are up to date.

Alvin gets along well with other dogs and with children.

For more information, please contact Danville Humane Society, 434.799.0843 www.showcasemagazine.com

| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT | HELPING HANDS | HOBBIES/SPORTS | KIDS | LIFESTYLE/LECTURE

March ‘10

DON’T MISS...

Danville

26-May 2 – Year of the Woman Exhibit: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Opening Reception, 3/26, 5:30-7pm:

SOUTH BOSTON

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NORTH CAROLINA

AreaEVENTSGuide

Martinsville

8 – Richmond Ballet: Martinsville HS Auditorium: 7-9pm: $5/$10: Piedmont Arts: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

South Boston

DAANVILLE

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LYNCHBURG

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MARTINSVILLE

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12 – Regina Carter Quintet Concert: The Prizery: 7:30pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com.

DANVILLE Arts/Exhibits

Thru Sept. 6– Science Center Exhibits: Hatching the Past & Birds of the Riverwalk: Danville Science Center: Free/$6/$5: M-S 9:30am–5pm: Sun 1–5pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

6 – Bob Ross Painting Class: Ballou Park Annex Building: 10:30am-3:30pm: $60: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

18-April 17 – Averett Student Art Show: Student Center, Averett University: 434.791.5600: www.averett.edu.

22-April 13 – Painting Class with Judie: Ballou Park Annex: Mon or Tues/Times Vary: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

26-May 2 – Year of the Woman Exhibit: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: Opening Reception, 3/26, 5:30-7pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org.

31-May5 – Art with Flo: Weds.

Location/Times Vary: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

Kids/Family

1-31 - Pre-Teen XX Better Health: YWCA: M/W, 3:30-5pm: 434.792.1522.

2-30 - YWLP for Teenage Girls:YWCA: Tues 2:30-5pm: 434.792.1522.

2-30 - After School Archery: Coates Rec Center: Ages 8-14: Tue 3:30-5:30pm: 434.799.5215: ww.danville-va.gov.

2-31 – Koates Kids Pre-School Program: Coates Rec Center: Ages 3-5:

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Tues/Wed 9:30am-12:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

3,17 – Fetch! Lab: Danville Science Center: Ages 8–12: 3:45–4:45pm: $3/$6: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

4,11,18,25 – Curiosity Corner: Coates Rec Center: Ages 3-5: 9:30am-12:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

6 – Storytelling Festival: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: 10am-2pm: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org.

6 – Story Time with Mrs. Amy: LifeWay Christian Store, Coleman Center: Ages 1-10: 11-11:30am: 434.489.1456.

9,23 – Polliwogs & Science Stars: Danville Science Center: Polliwogs, 1–2pm; Science Stars, 3:45-4:45pm: $3/$6: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

9-April 13 – Little Ones on the Move: Glenwood Community Center: Walking-3: 10:30-11:15am: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

10-April 14 – Tumblin for Tiny Tots: Glenwood Community Center: Ages Walking-3: Wed, 10:30-11:15am: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

11-April 15 – Making A Mess Can Be Fun: Glenwood Community Center: Ages Walking-3: Thurs, 10:30-11:15am: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

13 – Nano Days Festival: Danville Science Center: 10:30am: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

13 – Pi Day: Danville Science Center: 12pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

13-April 3 - Sandlot Sluggers: Coates

| FEBRUARY 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

Rec Center: Ages 3-5: Sat. 10:30-11:15am: 434.797.8848: ww.danville-va.gov.

13-April 17 - Tumblin’ Tots: Coates Rec Center: Ages 2-3: Sat. 9:30-10:15am: 434.797.8848: ww.danville-va.gov.

13-April 17 - Pre-School Cheerleading: Coates Rec Center: Ages 3-5: Sat. 11:30am12:15pm: 434.797.8848: ww.danville-va.gov.

16-April 20 – One Block At A Time: Glenwood Community Center: Ages 2-4: Tue, 12:30-1:15pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

16-April 20 – Movement and Music: Glenwood Community Center: Ages 2-4: Tue, 1:30-2:15pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

18-April 1 – Lions,Tigers and Bears – Oh My!: Glenwood Community Center: Ages 3-5: Thurs, 11:30am-12:15pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

20 – Fancy Nancy Tea Party: Mt. Hermon Library: Girls ages 4-7: 11am-12:30pm: 434.835.0326.

Entertainment

3-27 – Live Bands & DJ Music: Back to Bogies: Wed-Sat. Times Vary: 434.791.3444.

4,11,18,25 – 57 Express Bluegrass Concert: Community Center, Chatham: 7pm: 434.432.3115: www.chathamcares.org.

6 - DPS All-City Chorus: 2pm: GW Auditorium: 434.791.4091.

6 – Blue Ribbon Capital Campaign Grand Finale Celebration & Auction: Sacred Heart School: 6pm: $50: 434.793.2656.

6 - Winter Classical Concert: Danville Symphony Orchestra: GWHS Auditorium: 8pm: 434.797.2666: www.danville symphony.org.

6,7 – Love is in the Air: Mt. Hermon Courtyard Conference Center: 6-9pm: 434.791.4091.

12,26 – Danville Shag Club Dance: Bronx Boy Bagels. 8-11pm: 434.797.3777.

13 – Antique Show: Community Center, Chatham: 9am-5pm: 434.432.3115: www.chathamcares.org.

19 – Chatham Arts Spring Fling Benefit Concert: Chatham Hall: 7pm: 434.432.8819.

19 – Soundcheck, Open Mic Night: Community Center, Chatham: 7-10pm: 434.432.3115: www.chathamcares.org.

20 - Imani Winds: Danville Concert Association: GWHS Auditorium: 7:30pm: 434.792.9242: www.danvilleconcert.org.

25,26,27,28 – Once Upon a Mattress: Averett University, Pritchett Auditorium: 7:30pm/2:30pm: 434.791.5712: www.averett.edu.

26 – Chatham Concert Series: Jazz & classical guitarist Justin Craig: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Chatham: 7pm: kzakresky@chathamhall.org.

29-April 1 - Celebration of the Arts: Danville Community College:Various Events/ Times: 434.797.8471: www.dcc.vccs.edu.

Lifestyle/Lectures

1 - Authors on Campus-Emyl Jenkins: Averett University, Blount Chapel: 7:30pm: 434.791.4993: www.averett.edu.

1-29 - Grief Support Group:YWCA: Mon, 11am: 434.792.1522.

1-30 – College Summer Internship Application Deadline: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research: 434.766.6709: www.ialr.org.

2 – The Story of a Holocaust Survivor: Sacred Heart School: 7pm: 434.429.5653.

2-30 - New Comers Club:YWCA: Tues 10am-12pm: 434.792.1522.

2-30 – RiverCity Toastmasters: National College of Business and Technology: 1pm: 434.793.6822 or 434.770.8370.

3 – Community Health Info Day: Pepsi Building: 12:30pm: 434.797.8848.

3 – Helpful Hints for a More Active Lifestyle. Wednesday Club. 3:45pm.

3 – Reiki/Energy Healing: The Center: 5:30-7pm: 434.822.0007.

3-31 – Lighten Up for Life: Ballou Rec. Center: Wed. 9–11am: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

4 – The Alzheimer’s Project: DRMC Hoover Theater: 6pm: 434.973.6122.

6 – Avant-garde Writers Meeting: Danville Public Library: 11am: 434.251.1062.

7 - Piedmont Savants: The Center: 4-6pm: 434.822.0007.

9 – Alzheimer’s Presentation: How the SAAA can help: 12–1pm: Melanie Vaughan – 434.792.3700 x30.

12 – Chicken Breast Dinner Dinner: American Legion Post 1097: 5:30pm: 434.822.5299.

13 – Korean Happy Warriors: Mary’s Diner: 8am: 434.792.3825.

16 – Alzheimer’s Presentation: Treatment of Dementia Beyond Medication: Abingdon Place: 2-3pm: Melanie Vaughan – 434.792.3700 x30.

16 – Creativity & Innovation Lecture: IALR: 7:30-9am. 434.836.6955.

16 – Hospice Volunteer Training: Ballou Rec. Center: 2-4pm: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

17,24,31,April 7 – Healthy Neck and Back Seminar: Pepsi Building: 3:30 pm: $20: 434.797.8848.

18 – Spring Lawn Care: Coates Rec Center: 6:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

19 – Just Everyday Women, Walking by Faith: Mary’s Diner: 11am–1pm: 434.793.8140.

20 - Spring Equinox-A Celebration of Wellness: Community Market: 10am-2pm: 434.791.4223.

20,21 – Danville Home Expo: Old Boscov Building: Times Vary: 434.792.1233 or 434.791.3244.

24 – Alzheimer’s Presentation: The 5 Wishes Directive: 12–1pm: Melanie Vaughan – 434.792.3700 x30.

24 – Guest Speaker Anna Sheffield.

Wednesday Club. 3:45pm.

Area EVENTS Guide 26,27,28 – History on the Lawn: Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History: 434.793.5644: www.danvillemuseum.org.

27 – Triumphant Living Series: Lively Stones Baptist Church: 9am-2pm: 434.791.2767.

27 – IALR Community Day Open House: Institute for Advanced Learning & Research: 10am-2pm: 434.766.6717.

31 – Authors on Campus Series: Timothy Tyson: Averett University, Pritchett Auditorium: 7:30pm: 434.791.5600: www.averett.edu.

Hobbies/Sports

1,3,16,17 – Bingo: Location/Times Vary: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

1-29 – Boogie Monday: Hustle I: Ballou Rec. Center: 7–8:30pm: $3/$15: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

1-31 - Aikido Martial Arts Class: YWCA: M/W, 6- 8pm: 434.792.1522.

1-April 5 – Belly Dance Classes: Pepsi Building: Mondays: Intermediate, 5:30pm: Beginning, 6:45pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

2-30 – Chicks w/ Sticks - Knitting & Crocheting Class: City Armory: T/Th 11:30am1pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

Wayback When March 1980 • On March 1, the Voyager 1 confirms the existence of the moon of Saturn, named Janus.

• Redd Foxx returns to NBC primetime in Sanford, a reboot of Sanford and Son. • The Tbilisi Rock Festival debuts in the Soviet Union.

It is the first rock festival in the Soviet Union and is credited as a turning point in Russian rock music.

• President Jimmy Carter announces that the United States will boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

• The Louisville Cardinals coached by Denny Crum defeat the UCLA Bruins coached by Larry Brown to win the national title in college basketball.

• On March 31, Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad operates its last train.

• “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen dominates the radio waves.

• Kramer vs. Kramer rules the box office. www.showcasemagazine.com

| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29

Area EVENTS Guide 2-30 - Belly Dancing Class:YWCA: Tues 5:30-6:30pm: 434.792.1522.

2-30 – African Dance Ensemble: Pepsi Building: 6-7:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

3,10,17,24,31 – Guitar Basics Class: City Auditorium:Youth/Teens-5pm, Adult-5:30pm: Free: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

4,11,18,25 – Aquacize:YWCA: 8:15am: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

4,11,18,25 – Zumba Revolution with Ruth: Pepsi Building: 5:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

4-April 8 – Latin Dance with Flori: Pepsi Building: 6:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

5,8,9,10,11 – Scholastic Going Green Book Fair: Sacred Heart School: 8:30am-3pm: 434.793.2656.

5-28 – Public Swim:YWCA: Fri, 5-7pm; Sun, 2-4pm: 434.792.1522.

8,11 – Chess Night: Ballou Rec. Center: 6–8pm: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

8,15,22,29 – Hand Sewn Quilts Class: City Auditorium: 6-8pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

9 – Birds and Photography: Danville Science Center: 6:30pm: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

9,16,23,30 – West African Dance & Drumming Class: City Auditorium: 4:306pm: Free: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

9,16,23,30 – Sewing w/ Kitty: Coates Rec. Center: 6:30-8:30pm: 434.797.8848: www.danville-va.gov.

10,17,24,31 – Finding Our Way: Ballou Nature Center: 3:30-5:30pm: 434.799.5215: www.danville-va.gov.

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MARTINSVILLE Arts/Exhbits

Thru Sept, 18 – Messages from the Mesozoic Exhibit:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 276.634.4141: www.vmnh.net.

1-29 – Oil Painting Class: Spencer-Penn Centre: Mon. 6:30–8:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

1-April 12 – Intro to Portrait and Figure Painting: Southern Virginia Artisan Center (SVAC): Mon 6–8:30pm: www.southernvirginia artisancenter.org.

2-April 13 – Intro to Ceramics: SVAC: Tues 6–8:30pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

3-31 – Floyd Figures Art Group: The Sun Music Hall: 1:30–4:30pm: 540.745.7880: www.thesunmusichall.com.

4-April 1 – Fine Woodworking Lab: SVAC: TH 6–9pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

4-April 24 – PAA Exhibits – ArtJam & Works by Daniel Robertson: Piedmont Arts: Reception and Artist Talk, 3/5, 5:30pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

5 – First Friday Art Walk: Studio 107: 5:307:30pm: 276.638.2107: www.piedmontarts.org.

6 – Try It Out-Pottery: SVAC: 9am-1pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

11 – Bob Ross Painting Workshop: Piedmont Arts: 10am-3:30pm: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

13 – Decorative Painting for the Home: SVAC: 9am-5pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

16,23,30 – Intro to Precious Metal Clay: SVAC: 6-9pm: www.southernvirginiaartisance nter.org.

18-April 7 – A Celebration of Local Quilters Exhibit: SVAC: 9am-5pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

Kids/Family

1-31– Family Aerobics: Spencer-Penn Centre: MW 6:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

3,17 – Doodle Bugs:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 3/3-Celebrate Seuss: 3/17St. Patrick’s Day: 10am & 3pm: Ages 3-5: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net.

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12-April 16 – Chair Yoga: Ballou Rec. Center: Fri, 9:30-10:30am: $42 or $8/Class: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

13 – Green Legs and Hamstrings Race: Anglers Park: 10am-1pm: 434.799.5215: www.danville-va.gov.

13 – Line Dance Workshop for Shaggers: Ballou Rec Center: 10am-1pm: $10: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

16-April 8 – Beginning Swimming Adventures:YMCA: TuTh 3:30-4:15 pm: 434.799.5215: www.danville-va.gov.

17-April 7 – Kayak Roll Class:YMCA: Wed/Th 7-9pm: 434.799.5215.

18 – Sky Watchers: Danville Science Center: Nightfall: 434.791.5160: www.dsc.smv.org.

20 – Shamrock 5K Walk/Run: Downtown Danville Association: Pepsi Building: 10:30am: 434.791.6813: www.downtown-danville.com.

20,21 – WERA Motorcycle Racing: Virginia International Raceway: 434.822.7700: www.virnow.com.

24 – Dan River Polo Club Organizational Meeting: Chatham Community Center: 7:30pm: 434.793.2987: www.chathamcares.org..

25-April 29 – Hoop Dancing: Ballou Rec. Center: Thurs, 5:45-6:45pm: 434.799.5216: www.danville-va.gov.

27 – Rummage Sale: Woodlawn Academy: 8-10pm.

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| MARCH 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

5,6,13,20,27 – Special Saturdays: Events/ Times/Ages Vary:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 276.634.4185: www.vmnh.net.

20,27 – Parent/Child-Pottery Exploration: SVAC: 10am-12pm: 276.632.0066: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

Entertainment

5,12,19,26 – Friday Night Jamboree: Floyd Country Store: 6:30pm: $3: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

6 – Regional History Symposium: J. D. Bassett HS Auditorium: 9:30am-4:30pm: $20/$25/$30: 276.629.9191.

7 – Jammin’ for Haiti Benefit Concert: Floyd Country Store: 2-5pm: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

8 – Richmond Ballet: Martinsville HS Auditorium: 7-9pm: $5/$10: Piedmont Arts: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

12 – Music Night: Spencer-Penn Centre: 5:30pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

14,21,28 – Traditional Bluegrass/ Mountain Music Jam: Floyd Country Store: 2-5pm: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

18 – Minds In Motion: Martinsville HS Auditorium: 7-9pm: Piedmont Arts: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

19 – Music & Wine Night: Binding Time Café: 5:30pm: 276.656.3800: www.binding-time.com.

20,27 – Parent/Child-Pottery Exploration: SVAC: 10am-12pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

25 – Cherish the Ladies Celtic Celebration: Martinsville HS Auditorium: $10/$15/$18/$28: Piedmont Arts: 276.632.3221: www.piedmontarts.org.

27 – Mollusk Madness:Virginia Museum of Natural History: 7pm-12am: 60/person: 276.634.4162: www.vmnh.net.

27 – Crooked Road Concert Event: Floyd Country Store: 7:30pm: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

Lectures/Lifestyle

3 – Fast Track 2010: Commonwealth Centre: 4-8 pm: www.Martinsville.com.

9 – The Plight of the Honeybee: Floyd Country Store: 7pm: 540.745.4563: www.floydcountrystore.com.

Hobbies/Sports

1-29– Chair Aerobics: Spencer-Penn Centre: M/Th 11:30am: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

4 – Photography Club Meeting: SpencerPenn Centre: 6:30pm: 276.632.4681: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

6 – Beginning Digital Photography: SVAC: 9 am-4 pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

9,16,23 – Intro to Computers and Keyboarding Class: Spencer-Penn Centre: 6–8pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

18 – Photography Class: Spencer-Penn Centre: 6–8pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

18,25, April 1 – Beginning Knitting: SVAC: TH 6-8:30pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

18-April 15 – Wearable Art Jacket or Vest: SVAC: TH 6-9pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

20 – Beginning Photoshop: SVAC: 9 am4pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

20 – Basket Making Class: Spencer-Penn Centre: 9:30am: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

20,27, April 3 – Intro to Picture Framing: SVAC: 10am-1pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

27 – Whittling a Ball in a Box: SVAC: 9am– 4pm: www.southernvirginiaartisancenter.org.

27 – GardenWise-Gardening Symposium: Spencer-Penn Centre: 9am-2pm: 276.957.5757: www.thecentreatspencerpenn.com.

LYNCHBURG Kids/Family

6 – Courageous Characters: Amazement Square: 10am–12pm: 434.845.1888: www.amazementsquare.org.

13 – Wheelchair Hockey Tournament: Amazement Square: Ages 14 & Under: 3-5pm: 434.845.1888: www.amazementsquare.org.

19 – Time Warp-Life in Colonial Times: Amazement Square: 10am–12pm: 434.845.1888: www.amazementsquare.org.

30-May 25 – Voice Lessons: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: Ages 11-12: Tue. 5-6:30pm: $140: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com.

31-May 26 – Teen Painting: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: Ages 11-15: Wed. 6:308:30pm: $140: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com.

31-May 26 – Irish Stepdance: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: Weds.: Ages 7-12, 4-5pm: 8-18, 5-6:30pm: 434.528.3256: www.academyfinearts.com.

Entertainment

6,7 – Let’s Fall in Love: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 7:30pm/2pm: 434.846.8499: www.academyfinearts.com.

12 – Dragonfly Concert: The Ellington: 5pm: $8: 434.845.2162: www.theellington.org.

12 – The Second City Touring Co.: Academy of Fine Arts Studio: 7 & 10pm: 434.846.8499: www.academyfinearts.com.

13 – The Lynchburg Pops: James River Conference Center: 8pm: 434.845.6604: www.lynchburgsymphony.com.

Area EVENTS Guide 19-27 – Cherish the Ladies: EC Glass Theatre: 8pm: 434.845.6604: www.lynchburgsymphony.com.

20 – Benefit Bash - The House Band: The Ellington: 6pm: $50: 434.845.2162: www.theellington.org.

26 – Electric Graffiti Concert: The Ellington: 5pm: $8: 434.845.2162: www.theellington.org.

26 – Dancing with Strings and Other Things: The Academy of Fine Arts: 434.845.6604: www.lynchburgsymphony.com.

SMITH MT. LAKE/ BEDFORD Entertainment

6 - Gospel Fest: Bower Center for the Arts: 6pm: 540.586.4235: www.bowercenter.org.

6 - Scott Ainslie Blues in Concert Concert: Bedford Public Library: 7:30pm: $10: 540.586.8911: www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.

10 - Sway Katz Concert: The Whole Note, Bedford: 7:30pm: 540.947.0208: www.thewholenote.org.

16 - Harlem Ambassadors: Liberty High School: 434.841.8593: www.harlemambassadors.com.

17 - Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration: Peaks of Otter Winer: 12-5pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com.

19-21,26-28 - Greater Tuna: Elks National Home Theatre, Bedford: 540.586.5881: www.littletownplayers.com.

20 - Al Petteway & Amy White Concert: Bedford Public Library: 7:30pm: $10: 540.586.8911: www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org.

20 - Fashion Show & Tasting Luncheon: Bedford Baptist Church: 11am-1pm: bpwva.org/fashionshow.html.

27,28 - Blossom to Bottle Open House: Peaks of Otter Winer: 12-5pm: 540.586.3707: www.peaksofotterwinery.com.

Lifestyle/Lecture

6 - Book Review-The Children’s Civil War: Booker T. Washington National Monument: 2pm: 540.721.2094: www.nps.gov/bowa.

7 - SML State Park Lecture SeriesWildlife Photography Experiences: Smith Mountain Lake State Park: 540.297.6066 .

13 - Women’s History Month Program: Booker T. Washington National Monument: 1-3pm: 540.721.2094: www.nps.gov/bowa.

21 - Inspired by Africa Series: Bower Center for the Arts: 3pm: 540.586.4235: www.bowercenter.org.

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| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 31

NORTH CAROLINA

Area EVENTS Guide

Kids/Family

ROANOKE

6 – Princess Tea Party: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 10-11:30am: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

4 – Art By Night: Downtown Art Walk: 5-9pm: Free: www.roanokeartbynight.com.

Entertainment

Arts/Exhibits

Entertainment

4 – Bela Fleck Concert: Jefferson Center: 7:30pm: 540.345.2550: www.jeffcenter.org.

4 – Harlem Globetrotters: Roanoke Civic Center: 540.853.5483: www. roanokeciviccenter.com.

5 – Toni Blackman Hip-hop Poetry Workshop: Jefferson Center: 8pm: 540.345.2550: www.jeffcenter.org.

11-21 – The Boxcar Children: Taubman Theater: Times/Dates Vary: Roanoke Children’s Theatre: 540.309.6802: www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org.

12 – Jerry Seinfeld Tour: Roanoke Civic Center: 7pm: 540.853.5483: www.roanokeciviccenter.com.

12 – Blue Highway Concert:Jefferson Center: 7:30pm: 540.345.2550: www.jeffcenter.org.

19 – Cabin Fever Series-The Holiday Band: Roanoke Civic Center: 6pm: 540.342.2640: www.cabinfeverseries.org.

22,23 – Mamma Mia: Roanoke Civic Center: 7:30pm: 540.853.5483: www. roanokeciviccenter.com.

24 – Los Lobos & Leo Kottke Concert: Jefferson Center: 7:30pm: 540.345.2550: www.jeffcenter.org.

Lifestyle/Lectures

26,27,28 – Better Living Expo: Salem Civic Center: Times Vary: 540.375.3004: www. salemciviccenter.com.

2 – Yesterday and Today: Kirby Theater Roxboro: 7:30pm: 336.597.1709: www.Kirbytheater.com.

2,9,16,23,30 – Bluegrass Jamboree: Downtown Reidsville Exhibit Center: 7–9pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

3-31 – Veronica Jones Music: Cafe 99: Reidsville: Wed & Fri, 12:15–1:15pm & 7-10pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

4,11,18,25 – Acoustic GuitarThursday Nights with Tony: Backstreet Buzz Coffee House: 6–8pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

5,19– Open Jam Night: Backstreet Buzz Coffee House: 7–9pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

5,12,19,26 – DownHome Place Country Music & Dance: Jefferson Penn Masonic Lodge, Reidsville: 7–10pm: www.downtownreidsvillenc.com.

19 – An Evening with Ronnie Milsap: Caswell County Civic Center,Yanceyville: 8pm: 336.694.4591: www.ccfta.org.

26 – Relay for Life Auction: Homestead Festival House,Timberlake: 6pm: 336.234.9437.

Entertainment

3 – Caswell Book Club:Yancey House Restaurant: 9:30am: 336.694.4225: www.yanceyvillage.com.

4 – Welcome Spring Garden Sign: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-8pm: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

6 – DRBA’s Annual Membership Celebration: Caswell County Courthouse: 9:30am: 336.349.5727: www.danriver.org.

FUN & GAMES SOLUTIONS

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6 – Wool Sheep Making Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 9:30am-12:30pm: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

11 – Hammered Metal Bracelet Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 6-8pm: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

13 – Block-a-Month Quilting: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 9:30-11:30am: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

20 – Clay Bird Feeder Class: Everyday Art Gallery, Reidsville: 10am-12pm: 336.347.7015: www.everydayartgallery.com.

SOUTH BOSTON Kids/Family

5,6 – Theatre Camp Sleepover: The Prizery: Ages 8-14: 6:30pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com..

27 – Kids’ Craft Time: South Boston-Halifax Co. Museum: Ages 5-11: Times Vary by Age: 434.572.9200.

Entertainment

12 – Regina Carter Quintet Concert: The Prizery: 7:30pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery. com.

18 – Massimiliano Valenti Concert: The Prizery: 7:30pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery. com.

21 – Rainier Piano Trio Concert: The Prizery: 7:30pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery. com.

27 – Gold Heart Concert: The Prizery: 6pm: 434.572.8339: www.prizery.com.

Hobbies/Sports

13,20 – Auto Racing: South Boston Speedway: 2 pm: 1.877.440.1540: www. southbostonspeedway.com 20 – Treasures from the Attic: Antique Appraisal Fair: South Boston-Halifax Co. Museum: 11am-3pm: $25/Item: 434.572.9200

B U I L D I N G

Y O U R

L I F E

H O U S E

How Can You Love Me?

by Larry Oldham A new friend of mine told me that she was separated from her boyfriend. I had noticed that her eyes were swollen from crying. She looked haggard and tired. She had been up all night having arguments with her boyfriend. I did not ask her the subject of the disagreement, but the gist of it was something about a mutual friend of theirs, more mutual toward him than her, I gathered. What came out of our discussion was this. He did not argue fairly and he dissed her and made fun of her, or he belittled her during the conflict. Many reasons that this type of argument exists is because the subject, while important, was not the reason for his taking the liberties that he did to make her feel badly. He was out of a job.

His self-esteem was at its lowest point.

To make himself feel better, he felt the

need to belittle her. For a few moments she got caught up in defending herself.

In the long run she hated the feeling that he put on her and she could not help but feel disdain for him the next day and the following day. Is love there?

That is between the two of them. True love should never permit you to take advantage of your spouse or loved one ever. Human nature takes over sometimes and leads us down roads we do not normally take. Sincere love and dedicated love should never have put them in this position. If he knew the girl would be a conflict, she should never have been in the picture. If he needs, wants, or desires the other girl more than the girl he professes his love for, maybe he should be with her. Don’t verbally abuse your

loved one. Verbal abuse can be just as detrimental as physical abuse because we as humans carry those memories long after physical bruises have disappeared.

The emotional scars last much longer.

Treat your spouse or loved one like you want to be treated. Think before you speak. Realize that words once spoken cannot be taken back just because you feel sorry. Keep communication open but friendly. It is so easy to sit down and write these words. It takes a very strong person with an attitude of trust, care, and desire to make another human being happy all the time. A lofty goal for sure, but a goal that is attainable and causes longevity in a relationship. Isn’t that what love is really all about in the long run? Isn’t this what we all desire in our life? To love and be loved.

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| FEBRUARY 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33

Some Things Are Easier To See In The Dark One windy and rainy evening the kids and I were discussing options for supper.

Corey was on the computer. Kendall was watching Spongebob. Spencer and Tucker were playing the XBOX, and Jason was playing his guitar.

OK, so I was discussing dinner with myself, hoping someone would chime in at any moment. No one was really concerned with eating as they were all so busy. So I figured chicken would be a neutral choice.

I set the oven on 350 and went back to fold the last of the towels when a terrible darkness came over us.

The power went out. I’m yelling from the washroom, in my calmest but loudest voice possible “It’s OK. It’s OK. I’m right here. Here I am!!”

I could feel the tension of the house tighten as four little kids scurried around to find me. They don’t like the darkness, especially unannounced darkness. Jason continued playing his electric guitar, pretending it didn’t sound like a banjo in a barrel with no amp to back it. Then finally, he gave in to the power failure and left his lair for a little family time; which hit him sort of like the darkness did the kids.

Since my cell phone battery was almost dead, I text messaged a few friends to let them know our power was out and that my phone was going into the car for a charge.

So much for the yummy baked chicken, green beans and boiled potatoes 34 SHOWCASE Magazine

I had planned. Luckily the chicken never made it out to the fridge.

In a huddle, we all headed to the utility closet. Way, way up high on the top shelf were many candles. We had a working production line to get them all on the kitchen table. I set them around the house so the kids would feel easy about moving around a bit.

This was starting to be great fun for everyone! Even for Jason, though I’m sure he would never admit to it.

Fortunately I only gave birth to one pyro (and I won’t call any names) and he quickly figured out different ways to get his hands on a candle as often as he could.

Then they were all thinking of reasons they had to move a candle. They would claim they had to go to the bathroom one by one in order to hold those candles. I quickly made handy the burn ointment, just in case.

After the excitement died down a tad, I realized we hadn’t eaten. The warm supper I had decided on turned into a candlelit picnic of peanut butter sandwiches, apples, chips, and cookies.

Everyone was really having fun now!

Hmm, supper’s over. What now?

Kendall kept trying the light switches and the TV. She just couldn’t believe nothing worked!

After supper we gathered all the coloring books and crayons we had in the house- which is a lot! We headed to my bedroom where everyone felt safe and cozy. Me, 5 kids, 18 candles, and 1 fire extinguisher. With hundreds of crayons and dozens of coloring books, we were ready for the night!

Jason was miserable. He hung out with us, but only because sitting is his dark room was less appealing. Each child was on the floor with a candle beside them. I wondered whose coloring book would catch fire first. When bedtime came, the heavy rain outside was causing

| MARCH 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com

waves inside. The kids were apprehensive about sleeping in their rooms so I let them sleep in my room. Jason then occupied himself elsewhere.

It was 8 pm.

The room was full of giggles. I blew out all the candles. The boredom and darkness quickly sent us all to sleep.

Jason came in sometime later and whispered to me in the most excited voice “The power’s back on!” He sounded like a six-year-old whispering, “Santa came!”

About four minutes later he came back to whisper, “It’s back off again.” (On the same level of disappointment as finding out that Santa didn’t leave him anything.)

The last update was that it was back on. I think this was about 11pm. It was a big relief too. I had wondered what would happen when someone woke up in the middle of the night with icicles hanging from their nose.

Even though I had no alarm, I woke up like clockwork the next day. The kids all woke up with smiles on their faces.

They said they hope the power goes out again that night.

They loved coloring by candlelight all night in my room. But I think I’d had enough.

As I got up and looked around, I felt sick.

There were crayons, potato chips, and candle wax EVERYWHERE! Little did I know that one evening without power would cause such a mess.

I vacuumed for an hour and a half and Jason and I scraped candle wax up for two days.

I knew it would be a real challenge getting through the evening with no electricity. But the kids learned the hard way that good ole fashion fun can still be had.

Once a month we turn everything off and pretend we have no power.

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| MARCH 2010 | SHOWCASE Magazine 35

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| MARCH 2010 | www.showcasemagazine.com