Showcase Magazine March 2017

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR LIZZY LOU BOUTIQUE Sarah Rodden

MILLWORKS BAKERY Andrea Eggleston Amanda Earp Chris Griffith

VINTAGE DUCK BRAND CLOTHING Travis Tarpley PAGE 14

AFTER 70 YEARS,

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY ADDS LIGHTS PAGE 12

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL JENNIFER BOWLES PAGE 24

FEATURE S After 70 Years,

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY Adds Lights!

by Brooks Taylor

The Present and Future ENTREPRENEUR

by Paul Seiple

DEPARTM E N T S HE SAID SHE SAID

The Case of the Letter Opener

By Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL JENNIFER BOWLES

by Lee Vogler

NOT SO COMMON – COMMON SENSE!

A Perspective on Public Schools

by Stan Jones

ALSO IN S I D E FROM THE EDITOR

Photo by Mariah Blankenship Springs

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FUN AND GAMES

Crossword, Word Seach, & Sudoku

PAWS FOR THE CAUSE

By Paulette Dean

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Sometime around December 2012, I remember sitting at my computer, staring at the PUBLISH button on the Amazon author page. I’d written my first novel and was about to share it with the world. I can’t remember how long I sat before I published the novel, but every negative scenario I could think of raced through my mind. Even with all the doubt, I published it. Here’s the thing, you’ll never know unless you try. Shakespeare said, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

One of the biggest doubts (and fears) is failure. My book didn’t make a blip on Amazon’s charts. On the surface, it failed, and that’s all right. Hitting PUBLISH helped me to defeat doubt.

I wanted to sell a bunch of books.

Watching the charts and seeing little to no sales showed me failure was OK. I used failure as motivation to create something better the next time around. I was a published author. I was a brand, and I needed to understand failure was part of the process. Can you honestly know the value of success if you’ve never tasted failure?

Showcase

The same doubts and fears present themselves when you’re about to take the plunge and open a business. This month, we catch up with three local entrepreneurs to get an inside look at what motivated them to forge out on their own as well as where they see themselves in the future. We also visit with Jennifer Bowles, the youngest person to be elected to Martinsville’s city council, to talk about her future hopes.

MARCH 2017

STAFF

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks, scott@showcasemagazine.com President Larry Oldham, larry@showcasemagazine.com Editorial Director Paul Seiple, paul@showcasemagazine.com Graphic Designer Kim Demont, demontdesign@verizon.net Finance Manager Cindy Astin, cindy@showcasemagazine.com Chief Photographer Mariah Blankenship Springs ADVERTISING 1.877.638.8685 Larry Oldham, Director of Sales and Marketing larry@showcasemagazine.com, 434.728.3713

The underlying theme of this issue is The Future. Don’t let fear stop you from creating the future you want. Selfdoubt is a hurdle that blocks just about everyone at some point. Once you get the steam to leap over it and leave it in your dust, you’ll be a happier person.

Lee Vogler, Marketing Consultant lee@showcasemagazine.com, 434.548.5335

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3 | Danville, VA 24541 Phone 1.877.638.8685 | Fax 925.380.5404 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com

Enjoy the issue.

MARCH 2017 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paulette Dean | Dena Hill | Stan Jones Larry Oldham | Paul Seiple Brooks Taylor | Lee Vogler

Paul Seiple EDITOR

MARCH 2017 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Martinsville Speedway

Evince

to the ADVERTISERS who make this publication possible.

Please be generous in supporting our local businesses.

8 7 17 8 7

35 7

Averett Alumni & Friends Bankers Insurance Barkhouser Ford Lincoln Beacon Credit Union Boys & Girls Club of the Danville Area Centra Medical Group Commonwealth Home Health Care, Inc. 11 Danville Community College 17 Danville Gastroenterology Center, PC 5 Danville Regional

Foundation 2 Danville Regional

Medical Center

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36 Danville Toyota 34 DCC Educational Foundation 22 Demont Design 17 Excelen Performance 9 Goodwill Industries of

South Central Virginia, Inc. 31 Jarrod Brown, DDS DWS 17 KARE Pharmacy & Compounding 23 Larry Oldham 10 Martinsville Henry County 8 Michelle Dalton Photography 28 Middle Border Forward 10 PATHS

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32 Mariah Springs Photography 31 Piedmont Regional

Feeding & Oral

Motor Clinic, LLC 7 Piney Forest Health & Rehabilitation Center 16 River District Association 23 Shh... Intimacy

on a New Level 23 Southside Urology

& Nephrology 29 URW Community

Federal Credit Union 29 Wear God Apparel 33 Wilkins & Co. Realtors

Canadia Gibson n Finds in Danv Girl Connec tio ille

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HE SAID...

When you walked into the room holding a letter opener, an envelope, and a scowl on your face, I knew I was in trouble. Most of the time I know to apologize for everything that might be wrong or what I perceive you might suspect me of doing wrong. Usually, I’m not even on the same page and you discover my secrets I could have taken to my grave.

Last month, you came into the room with that “you’re busted” look, and I glanced up from the computer sheepishly saying “What?”

You told me I always open envelopes by tearing them with my teeth and leaving the edges shredded and uneven. “Oh, that,” I said, wiping my brow. I thought you had discovered my new Hot Wheels car or the newest book I purchased. You just wanted to remind me I should open the mail with a letter opener instead of opening it like I’m hunting for food. This sounds like fodder for an article in our column.

We never fuss. We never bicker. We never threaten. I mean we almost have the perfect marriage except for one thing… I have over one thousand fatal flaws. You talk about them all the time, and you constantly remind me of them in the column. In all our years together, it looks like you would have run out of my fumbles. Last month was finally a new one I could sink my teeth in, no pun intended.

By the way, I was just kidding about keeping secrets and or hiding purchases from you.

That was all a big joke. Pretty funny eh?

SHE SAID...

You’re no different from any other man. We are basically living as the Odd Couple. You are

Oscar and I am Felix. You bumble through almost everything you do. You are like a bull in a china shop. I walk behind you sometimes just waiting for you to spill something, knock something over, or tear something up. It’s not that I think you do these things intentionally. You just try too hard, or go too fast, or maybe you’re just plain clumsy. I can preach, teach, scold, reprimand, and you will still rip up the envelope.

When I confronted you last month, you did have a strange look on your face, making me wonder what you were up to. I didn’t say anything. I did ask you about tearing up the envelope and you started that thing you always do, trying to turn the conversation around. You said, “Well, you were going to throw it away so why does it matter?”

by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill PHOTO BY MICHELLE DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY

You just don’t get it. Is this another male thing?

It’s like you asking me every day, “Why are you making the bed, we’re just going to get in it and mess it up tonight anyway.” I don’t want to work all day, come home, fix dinner, clean, and then fall into an unmade bed. I want the sheets so tight I could bounce a coin off of them. I don’t want to climb into a bed that is all messy and try to figure out how to get the covers pulled up so I will be comfortable. You could sleep in the doghouse with Sophie and be as happy as a jay bird. I don’t even know if jay birds are happy or not, but I’m sure it wouldn’t bother you.

To clear this up, just use a letter opener to open the mail. It is a small thing for me to ask and a small thing for you to obey. Did I win this one?

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Feature

by Brooks Taylor photos provided by Martinsville Speedway

It took 70 years before permanent lights would be added at Martinsville Speedway.

For a track that has seen improvements from the day it opened in 1947, the biggest improvement came this year.

In October of last year, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. by his side, Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell announced the track would be installing lights. Not just any lights either, but a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that makes the track the first major motorsports facility in the United States to do so.

The only track remaining from NASCAR’s original schedule has thrived for 70 years by making bold decisions and investing back into the facility. When the late H. Clay Earles founded the track in 1947, he said that Martinsville Speedway was never going to be complete. It was a creed lived by until the

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day he died in 1999 and one he passed on to his grandson Clay Campbell who has served as the track president since 1988.

“My grandfather believed in two things,” Campbell said. “The first was Martinsville Speedway would never be complete, and the other was when a fan spends his dollars at Martinsville he’s going to get a real return on his investment.

“I think the two go hand-in-hand and it’s a philosophy that I’ve taken a lot of pride in continuing.”

The reinvestments into the race track started early. After seven years as a dirt track where cars raced on red clay, Earles decided in 1955 to pave the paperclip shaped oval. The decision was made at a time when most short tracks remained dirt.

There were other improvements throughout the years for both fans and drivers. Things like increasing payouts to the iconic grandfather clock trophy benefited drivers and improved grandstands and corporate suites were for the fans.

However, no matter what the latest improvement was, there was always one question that remained.

“When are you guys going to add lights?’

From fans to drivers to media members, that question would come up in nearly every conversation I’ve had about the race track,” Campbell said. “We made, along with our parent company International Speedway Corporation, the biggest single investment into Martinsville Speedway ever.”

The $5 million project started not long after the announcement was made

and is complete as the track celebrates 70 years of racing.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 70th anniversary than by having the lights go up,” Campbell said. “It’s fitting that on such a historic year, we are celebrating the past, but also showing that we are here for the long haul. This place was built on the future, and we’re continuing that with the addition of lights.”

The track has already scheduled its first night race, the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 on September 23. The race is NASCAR’s biggest, richest, and most prestigious Late Model Stock Car race.

“They will add so many possibilities for us, when it comes to events at the track. We’ve already scheduled the first night race and are exploring more options every day,” Campbell said. “It’s a really exciting time for Martinsville Speedway.”

To purchase tickets or for more information about Martinsville Speedway call 877.RACE.TIX or visit www.martinsvillespeedway.com.

Clay Campbell

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Feature Co-founder of Behance, Scott Belsky said, “It’s not about ideas, it’s about making ideas happen.” That mindset is at the core of the entrepreneur.

Three local entrepreneurs are making their ideas happen. We caught up with Sarah Rodden, Amanda Earp and Travis Tarpley to get insight into what it takes to create and maintain a business.

by Paul Seiple photos by Mariah Blankenship Springs

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After graduating from Virginia Tech with degrees in communications and apparel product development and merchandising management, Danville native, Sarah Rodden realized the dream of owning her own business.

“Lizzy Lou Boutique started as an online boutique I ran out of my home,” Rodden says. In the summer of 2014, she launched her website.

Rodden continues, “Shortly after, I did trunk shows at different locations in town, and my local customer base grew.” Rodden opened Lizzy Lou Boutique on Main Street in September 2015. “People always ask me where the name Lizzy Lou comes from. My middle name is Elizabeth, and my great grandpa, who I was

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very close to, called me Lizzy. My mom’s middle name is Louise, so that’s where Lou comes from.

And, the staple blue sofa in my store belonged to my grandpa. It’s quite the conversation piece.”

Lizzy Lou Boutique is a women’s apparel and accessories boutique that offers the latest styles at affordable prices. “My staff and I love to help our customers find the perfect outfit. We want them to have a fun experience while they are shopping at Lizzy Lou,” Rodden says. The boutique has unique pieces that cannot be found anywhere else in Danville.

Continued to Page 18

The people I meet through the store makes this job so much fun. I have the most amazing employees and customers, and I’m blessed to have this opportunity.

I cannot thank my family, friends, and community enough for supporting me.

I am so glad I took a chance a on opening my business in Danville.

- Sarah Rodden

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Getting from A to B with Lizzy Lou wasn’t as easy as it seems on paper. After graduation, Rodden became frustrated with searching for a job. “I tried to come up with a way I could work for myself. I revisited a boutique business plan I wrote for a small business class. I researched the clothing industry and decided to start small with an online store and very little overhead,” she says. Rodden worked a full-time job and operated the online boutique from home at night and on weekends. Any free time that she had, Rodden dedicated to Lizzy Lou. She worked in Danville’s River District and knew that was “the only place” she could envision opening a store.

The desire to start her own business spearheaded her journey, but it’s success that motivates Rodden. Being successful affords her the opportunity to work every day doing what she loves. Another perk to opening the boutique is the positivity that surrounds Rodden.

“The people I meet through the store makes this job so much fun. I have the most amazing employees and customers, and I’m blessed to have this opportunity. I cannot thank my family, friends, and community enough for supporting me. I am so glad I took a chance on opening my business in Danville,” she says.

Rodden sees the continuing evolution of downtown Danville as an exciting time to be a part of the River District. She hopes her business will continue to grow with the area.

Amanda Earp, Chris Griffith, Andrea Eggleston

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She has sound advice for anyone looking to open a business. “Have a business plan and have it evaluated by a professional. I had The Launch Place review my plan and discuss goals and projections with me. That helped me tremendously when I made the decision to open the physical store. I think everyone should follow their dreams, but make smart decisions.

There is a great deal of risk involved in opening a business. Also, make sure you are passionate about the business.

Lizzy Lou Boutique is at 310 Main Street in Danville and online at lizzylouboutique.com.

It’s estimated that nearly 18 million Americans have some form of gluten sensitivity. Mother and daughter, Andrea Eggleston and Amanda Earp, are a part of that group. Exhausted from the challenge of finding delicious gluten-free foods in our area, the pair decided to do something about it. “Instead of making a trek out of town, we wanted to provide goods for the Danville community locally that are creative, delicious, and gluten-free and ensure all natural needs are being met,” Earp says. With that specific goal in mind, Eggleston and Earp created Millworks Bakery.

“Millworks is a gluten-free artisan bakery offering small-batch baked and cold goods. Our products are natural, organic, and local (when available) and made in a dedicated glutenContinued to Page 20

- Amanda Earp

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natural selections without worry. We would like the community to see that gluten-free doesn’t mean taste free.” free environment. No artificial flavors or colors are ever used,” Earp says. The duo develops the recipes and does the baking. Chris Griffith helps with sales.

The minds behind Millworks Bakery, all Danville natives, are motivated by people who choose to be in Danville and are trying to make Southside a better place to live. “It is truly inspiring to see a community wanting to become more diverse like so many other communities of its size,” Earp says. She adds that positive feedback about the goods Millworks offers is a huge inspiration.

The primary goal for Millworks is to continue to offer gluten-free and all-natural tasty alternatives as well as to expand into a variety of locations and events, from restaurants to birthday parties. Earp adds, “We hope this gives the community, those with gluten allergies and those without, easier access to gluten-free and

Earp offers some advice for those looking to start their own business. “This may seem selfevident, but choose something you truly love.

The passion will help you persevere through the hard work and dedication required to create your business.”

Millworks Bakery partners with Midtown Market and Eggleston Chiropractic to offer limited items from its menu. All menu items found at millworksbakery.com are available for preorder with 48 hours’ notice.

Born and raised in Danville, Travis Tarpley was a three-sport athlete at George Washington High School. He moved on to Delaware State University on a full football scholarship. In 2012, Tarpley gained a bachelor’s degree in business management. He played professional football for one year before injuring his knee. “After getting hurt, I chose to return to Danville to serve the community that helped make me who I am,” Tarpley says.

Back in Danville, Tarpley teamed with Sean Woods and established Vintage Duck Brand Clothing which is represented by a Paisley duck icon. “Our brand stands behind the principles of adaptability, versatility, and progressiveness,” Tarpley says. Vintage Duck Brand offers a variety of women’s and men’s apparel. Tarpley continues, “We wanted to put out a brand built from quality and uniqueness. We take pride in high-quality materials and unique fashion.”

Looking to the future, Tarpley hopes to establish Vintage Duck Brand as a national clothing and apparel line. “We want to expand and open locations in other places. Another goal is to get our brand in stores,” Tarpley says.

After the life shift from football, Tarpley knew he wanted to become his own boss. It’s not easy and requires self-discipline and some sacrifice, but for those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Tarpley says, “If you have something you strongly believe in, and you think people will support, take the leap of faith and go for it.”

Vintage Duck Brand Clothing is at 620 Westover Drive in Danville and online at vintageduckbrand.com.

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- Travis Tarpley www.showcasemagazine.com

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“A young person in a hurry.” Sometimes this phrase is used in a derogatory manner towards a young person who is seen as doing “too much, too soon.” Jennifer Bowles could be viewed that way. It would be easy to dismiss her as just another ambitious millennial. But that would be a mistake. Jennifer Bowles is a young person in a hurry to do great things. And she is.

Born in 1989, the Martinsville native serves on the Martinsville City Council, after becoming the youngest person ever elected to the body in 2014. She followed that up by being chosen as Vice Mayor by her fellow council members starting in January 2015 and served in that capacity for two years.

Beyond her duties on the City Council, Bowles stays busy with numerous other activities. She is the community outreach coordinator at New Heights Community Support and the executive director of the New Heights Foundation. “As the outreach coordinator and executive director, I seek additional ways our organization can impact and serve the Martinsville/Henry County community,” says Bowles. The organization helps those with mental health issues. “I have a passion for giving back, and the first program focus for the New Heights Foundation will be with children. Shaping and impacting the lives of children is the greatest thing I can do for our community because they will be our future leaders. As Frederick Douglass stated, ‘It is easier to build strong children than broken men.’”

Bowles is also in the Rotary Club of Martinsville, and serves on the West Piedmont Planning District Commission board, the Virginia Museum of Natural History Board, as well being the Martinsville representative on Virginia First Cities, and the Virginia Municipal League Education & Human Development Committee. She is also a member of the Martinsville/Henry County NAACP and Piedmont Arts.

by Lee Vogler photo by Mariah Blankenship Springs

For many years in our region, we’ve had an exodus of young talent. Some leave for college and never come back. Others look elsewhere for opportunities. Bowles, a graduate of the University of Virginia, is an example of the latest generation that is deciding to return to their hometown looking to make a difference. “I truly love my hometown,” states Bowles. “It made me the person I am today, and I would not change it. We are a close-knit community, and I am blessed to live in a place where people are supportive. From my experience in comparison to other areas, we collaborate with limited resources to do the best we can for the betterment of everyone in the community.”

As far as the future of Martinsville, Bowles believes the potential is limitless. “My vision for Martinsville is to truly live up to our motto: A City Without Limits. We are a resilient community, and we will continue to rise and become the place we were once known for.” With young leaders like Jennifer Bowles, Martinsville’s future looks very promising. www.showcasemagazine.com

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ACROSS 1 Cry 4 College (abbr.)

8 Alliance 12 Time period 13 French Sudan 14 Weapon 16 Intellectual 18 Place of business 20 Sounds 21 Direction 23 Mommy 24 South southeast 25 Arbiter 26 List of meals 27 Computer memory unit 29 Middle East country near Turkey 32 Toilet 33 Soap Opera 34 Journals 38 Former Soviet state

40 Warm up lap (2 wds.)

41 Cue 42 Factor of ten 43 Central Intelligence Agency 44 Morning moisture 46 Dirt dweller 47 Conduit 50 Yang’s partner 51 Morse code dash 52 Tree 53 Capital of the Ukraine 55 Positive electrode 58 Data’s __ net 60 Qualifies to something 63 Auger 64 Pull in a fish 65 Elf 66 Opp. of yeses 67 Abide 68 Not pro

DOWN 1 Clique 2 Dunking cookies 3 To go out and perform 4 Wander 5 Automobile 6 Wing 7 Plight 8 Sisters sibs.

9 Swipe 10 Spoiled 11 Climate 15 Economics abrv.

17 Soothe 19 Flightless bird 22 Monkey 25 Exhort 26 Horse hair 27 Obscure 28 Join 29 Root beer brand (3 wds.)

30 Association 31 S.A. Indian 33 Cosine’s partner 35 Boozer 36 Den 37 Canned meat brand 39 Nearly horizontal entrance

40 Gofer 42 Golfers 45 Imbue 46 Miss 47 Newsman Rather 48 Old 49 Roil 51 Every 24 hours

53 Cabbage cousin 54 Evils 56 Display 57 Sports channel 59 Rio de Janeiro 61 Gain 62 British drink

NAME

HOW TO ENTER Email paul@showcasemagazine.com with the theme of this Word Search (MARCH 2017) for a chance to win a $25 Medo’s II gift certificate. Winner will be announced on Facebook (Showcase Magazine) on April 1, 2017.

WORTHDE SEARC H THEM E& $25 M gift ce edo’s II rtifica te

RATING: EASY

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PILLOW RELAXATION YAWN

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 31

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by Paulette Dean Executive Director Danville Humane Society

This two year-old girl has been with us for almost two years. She is sweet and has LOTS of energy. She would do well as an inside dog with lots of time in a fenced-in yard for exercise.

Every year we receive rabbits and ducks that had been given as surprises in Easter baskets. We once again emphasize, as we do every year, that live ducks, chicks, and rabbits are not the appropriate gifts to give children. It may be tempting to purchase an adorable little baby animal to put into an Easter basket; however, they quickly grow up.

Young children oftentimes do not understand how fragile these little creatures are. Children can injure or kill the delicate babies when attempting to play with them or give them affection. Also, many of these animals may carry parasites. Salmonella is a real danger to children, and can be transmitted from chicken or ducks to humans.

Baby animals are often acquired on impulse at Easter, without consideration of a lifelong commitment. Rabbits, chickens, and ducks have an average lifespan of 8-10 years. The longest recorded lifespan of a chicken was 34 years!

These animals have specific physical and behavioral needs that a caring, responsible owner would want to fulfill. A special diet and a carefully controlled environment are necessary for the well-being of the Easter pet.

Pet bunnies especially are being bred in increasing numbers by “rabbit mills” and breeders for the lucrative pet industry. They are marketed as easy, low-maintenance pets who will sit quietly on a child’s lap, when in reality they are complex animals with unique traits and needs.

The novelty of a pet can quickly wear off, when the cute fuzzy bunny becomes a full-grown rabbit, or when the baby chick grows up to be a crowing rooster. Animal shelters and humane organizations begin receiving these unwanted Easter surprises when people determine they are not willing to take on the responsibility of a full-grown pet. Worse, many of these animals are merely dumped in the woods and parks where they are easy prey for other animals and cruel people.

We urge everyone to help make Easter a humane holiday by buying only toy or candy animals! SM DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY www.showcasemagazine.com

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Tech After Hours – Drones Panelist from KSI Data Sciences, Danville Community College, and Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will discuss practical applications of the use of unmanned systems (drones), educational opportunities, and how innovative agencies are utilizing drone technology to advance research and Economic Development efforts. Event is free and open to the public. 4:30-6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. The Sledge Trail Run - Run the challenging mountain bike trails at Anglers Ridge. Choose a 5K, 10K, half and full- marathon race on the finest single track trail system in the southeast. Prizes will be awarded in age and gender categories in each race. Overall winners are eligible for additional age group awards. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Anglers Park. For more info call 434.799.5150.

Caribbean Beach Party – It’ll be a night to take you summertime and leave you with sand in your shoes, right here in Danville. This is a fundraiser for the Dan River Nonprofit

Pictured is the Step group participants during the January meeting.

Step by Step – A free peerto-peer group for learning ways to reduce the risk for cancer and live a healthy lifestyle,

For more information, contact the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia, 434.421.3060, or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu.

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Network. 7-11pm. Stratford Conference Center. $25. For more info call 434.792.3700 ext. 226.

St. Paddy’s on the Dan Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a costume contest, 50/50 raffle, and FLIPSIDE The Band. Food vendors on-site.

Cash bar with craft beer and Virginia wine. 9pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. $10 per ticket. 21 and over.

Honk, Jr – It’s the musical story of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling” Great theatre event for the entire family. Times vary. The Prizery, South Boston. 434.572.8339.

Piedmont Kite Festival - Build a kite or bring your own. Live music. Games. Crafts. 10am3pm. Jack Dalton Park, Martinsville.

Danville Historical Society Speakeasy Fundraiser - DJ Ben Wright will provide music including Jazz, Swing and Blues as well as contemporary dance music.

Food will be available and a silent auction will be held. Specialty drinks will be available at a cash bar. Guests are encouraged to

open to the community. Step will meet at the Danville Mall, in front of Karen’s Hallmark Shop between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. for a walk and then at 10:15, move to Nature’s Essentials, across from the Mall on Mt. Cross Road, to talk, learn and have a delicious, healthy snack. The focus for March continues to be Cleansing the Mind and Body. Our Step partner, Gingy Blakley, will discuss and prepare a delicious healthy salad focusing on foods that have an antiinflammatory effect. This includes pineapple, cherries, certain nuts, turmeric and ginger. Learning ways to nourish while cleansing the body and mind are the steps to good health and reducing cancer risk.

Dianne Whittle, the group’s founder and a Coordinator at the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia, an outreach arm of VCU Massey Cancer Center, will provide informational handouts.

Step meets monthly, the last Tuesday, between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., at the Danville Mall. It is for men and women and appropriate for all fitness levels.

dress in 1920s-1930s style attire, but are not required. All the proceeds will go toward future educational programs and to archiving the Historical Society’s collections. 7pm – 12am. Pepsi Building. $25. www. danvillehistory.org. 703.656.0025.

American Chamber Players - The crowd-pleasing ACP returns to Danville, this time as the DCA’s firstever artists-in-residence—several days of sharing the joys of great music—culminating in a delightful public performance, music-making as only these consummate artists can.

7:30 pm at the Frith Fine Arts Center, Averett University.

Kickin’ Chicken Wing-Ding - An evening of live music, chicken wings, beer, and fun.

Enjoy listening to The Pizazz Band play an array of soul, beach, rock, and country music. 5-10pm. Community Market. For ticket prices and more info call 434.791.0210.

Martinsville Half Marathon, 5K & Relay - All race participants receive great race swag. Awards are given for overall winners and in 5-year age group categories. 8-11am. For more info, visit www.MilesinMartinsville.com.

IdeaFest 2017 — Live Pitch Competition - Twenty entrepreneurs will take the stage to pitch an original business idea to a panel of business experts and an audience of other entrepreneurs, small business owners, potential investors, students, and business and community leaders.

1-5pm. Great Hall, IALR.

& APRIL 1, 2, 7-9

Legally Blonde The Musical JR – Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by glittery pink storm in this fun and upbeat adaptation of the hit fi lm and award-winning Broadway musical.

Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the smash hit motion picture, Legally Blonde The Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show’s instantly recognizable songs are filled with humor, wit and sass – leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

Performances are at the Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sundays. For more information, call 434.793.SHOW (7469) or visit www.TheNorthTheatre.com

Continued from Page 26

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Not So Common – Common Sense!

A Perspective on Public Schools – Reflections on Improving School Performance: What strategies Improve Student Achievement?

by Stan Jones, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools

In 2012-2013, all Danville Public Schools were Fully Accredited based on Virginia’s Accountability and Accreditation System.

School accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on SOL tests and other approved assessments in English, history/social science, mathematics and science. Elementary and middle schools are Fully Accredited if students achieve all of the following pass rates: English — 75 percent or higher; Mathematics — 70 percent or higher; Science — 70 percent or higher; and History — 70 percent or higher. High schools are Fully Accredited if students achieve pass rates of 75 percent or higher in English and 70 percent or higher in mathematics, science and history; and, attain a point value of 85 or greater based on the Graduation and Completion Index (GCI).

In practical terms, this means that Danville Public Schools were considered to be a high performing school district in comparison to other school divisions in Virginia. My interactions with many community members indicate that this fact is now well-known.

Presently, eight of our eleven schools are either Fully or Partially Accredited. Three schools have been Denied Accreditation despite having achieved the required pass rates for History/Social Science and Science for the past four years. My goal in sharing this information is twofold. First, it is critical that we set the record straight about our collective and historical performance. Second, it is important to provide context of how we are transforming our schools toward the goal of high performance. Ultimately, the investment in a school system is perhaps the most significant strategy a community can make toward economic vitality and productivity for a prosperous future.

The process of becoming a high performing school system requires certain foundational characteristics. The first of which is a safe and orderly environment. In layman’s terms, this simply means that our students, parents, staff, and community perceive our schools as a safe place for learning. It is clear from recent headlines and reports that these perceptions may have changed for the better from last year to this year. Much of this perception is driven by what receives attention. Unfortunately, much of the attention in Danville through both formal and informal media sources has been about student discipline. The truth is that in nearly every school and school system in our region and across the state less than 5% of all students have discipline infractions.

Given this fact, the perceptions of the level of student misbehavior in our schools may be skewed. The actual number of students who do not have discipline infractions is 95%. Perhaps we should spend more time focusing on the 95% of our students who do the right thing every day instead of the former.

framework that is supported and implemented by teachers, utilized with integrity, supported through job-embedded professional development, and monitored regularly as a means of evaluating effectiveness. The nature of this work is complex, slow-moving, continuous, and data driven.

Danville Public Schools is deeply engaged in this work for the purpose of creating optimal and highly effective learning experiences for our students. In practical terms, this simply means that high quality reading instructional practices for third graders in one school should closely resemble high quality reading instruction in another school regardless of the school’s location. Ultimately, our work is aimed at achieving this level of engagement across all schools and classrooms. In the next issue, I will address other steps and practices that will result in improved and optimal performance including the curricular practices, monitoring student progress, and student mastery.

A STRONG EDUCATION BUILDS A STRONGER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Wilkins & CO. supports education Danville Office • 428 Piney Forest Rd. • 434.797.4007 Chatham Office • 12413 US HWY 29 • 434.432.3009 Property Management • 434.797.4009 www.WilkinsAndCo.com

A second characteristic or strategy for improving school effectiveness (student achievement) is a high quality instructional www.showcasemagazine.com

| MARCH 2017 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33

This is what commitment looks like...

This is what commitment looks like...

Centra Danville Medical Center is now open!

Centra Danville Medical Center is now open!

Healthcare is more accessible and convenient than ever before. With a full range of health Healthcare more accessible and convenient than before. With a full range of health services andismedical and surgical specialties, we areever committed to you – our friends and services and medical and surgical welevel are in committed you – ourCare friends and neighbors – and are eager to show specialties, you the next providingtoExcellent for Life. neighbors – and are eager to show you the next level in providing Excellent Care for Life.

PRIMARY & URGENT CARE PRIMARY & URGENT CARE Danville practices* – PrimeCare main clinic on 130 Two of Centra Medical Group’s

Two of Centra Medical Group’s Danville practices*Street – PrimeCare main clinic onDanville 130 Enterprise Drive and Dominion on 110 Exchange – have relocated to the Enterprise Driveand andcome Dominion onto 110 Exchange – have to the Danville Medical Center together form a singleStreet primary andrelocated urgent care practice, Centra Medical Center come together to include: form a single primary and urgent care practice, Centra Group –and Danville.

Providers Medical Group – Danville. Providers include:

Gregory Alba, DO Gregory Alba, James Alig, PA DO

Vinit Jalandhara, MD Vinit Jalandhara, MD Rachel McGee, DO

Pradeep Pradhan, MD Pradeep Pradhan, Laurie Taylor, FNP MD

James PA Susan Alig, Dhivianathan, MD Susan Ibarra, Dhivianathan, MD Maria MD

Rachel McGee,MD DO James Milam, James Milam, MD

Laurie Taylor, FNP NP Charlotte Williams, Charlotte Williams, NP

Maria Ibarra, MD *Our PrimeCare east clinic at 404 Airport Road will remain at its current location. *Our PrimeCare east clinic at 404 Airport Road will remain at its current location.

MEDICAL & SURGICAL SPECIALTIES MEDICAL & SURGICAL SPECIALTIES Centra specialists can see patients and provide consultations at the new medical center.

Centra specialists Specialties include:can see patients and provide consultations at the new medical center.

Specialties include: CARDIOLOGY CARDIOLOGY Brent Carothers, MD

Brent Carothers, MD Stephen Davis, MD Stephen Davis, MD MD Matthew Huffman, Matthew Huffman, MD Sackett, MD Matthew Sackett, Peter O’Brien, MDMD Peter O’Brien,MD MD Evan Ownby, Evan Ownby, David Truitte, MD

MAMMOGRAPHY MAMMOGRAPHY PLASTIC SURGERY PLASTIC Timothy SURGERY Silvester, MD Timothy Silvester, MD SPORTS MEDICINE SPORTS Pieleck, MEDICINE Andrew DO Andrew Pieleck, DO

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY Kurtise Wilkes, PT, DPT Kurtise Wilkes, PT, DPT Varsha Jalandhara, PT, DPT Varsha Jalandhara, PT, DPT UROLOGY UROLOGY Dean Clower, MD Dean Clower, MD

David Truitte, MD MD Michael Valentine, Michael Valentine, MD

414 Park Avenue | Danville 414 Park Avenue | Danville

Danville Medical Center Danville Medical Center Urgent Care Hours Urgent Care Hours Open seven days a week Open 8 seven am –days 8 pma week 8 am – 8 pm

Primary Care Hours Primary Care8 Hours Monday – Friday, am – 5 pm Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Physical Therapy Hours Physical Therapy Hours Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 8 am –pm 5:30 pm Friday, 8 am – 12:30 Friday, 8 am – 12:30 pm

To learn more about Toour learn more about services, call our services, call 434.857.3600 434.857.3600 or visit

or visit CentraHealth.com CentraHealth.com