Showcase Magazine April 2018

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 1

Hello, Healthy Heart Maintaining a strong heart means getting to know your heart and staying on top of factors that play into its health, like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family history and exercise. And when you act early to check your heart health, we’re in a better position to catch any potential issues and work with you to keep you healthy for the long run.

Say hello to a healthy heart. Say hello to Sovah Health.

How healthy is your heart?

Visit SovahHeart.com to take our free heart health assessment and learn about any risk you may have for heart-related conditions.

To find a doctor to take care of your heart, call 844.GO.SOVAH

Showcase Magazine

April 2018

CONTENTS

thE citY iSSuE @showcaseDVA

showcasedanville @ info@showcasemagazine.com

FeATUreS

AlSo iNSiDe

The Camera’s Eye

Paws for a Cause

BY PAULETTE DEAN

Behind the Lens

Nine Grams

The Launch Place

MHC

A Plan For Our Region’s Future

BY LEE VOGLER

30

22

Behind the Lens

Getting to Know Mark Aron AlSo iNSiDe

Editor’s Letter

Living in the City 6

Facts on the Sly

BY SLY STRADER MILAM

36 From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife

Southern Church Peanut Butter Eggs

BY ANGIE BARRETT

The Final Word with Matt Bell 42

36 4 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

PG.

36

Need a Pet Rat?

A Q&A with Matt Bell 12

Getting to Know Mark Aron 22

PG.

Showcase Magazine

33

Instagrams From The Area 34

85th Historic Garden Week Tour in Martinsville

BY LYNN WARD

38

PG.

12

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | ShowcASe Magazine 5

6 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

4.18 coNTeNTS

Matt Bell the camera’s Eye PG.

12

Mark Aron

Behind the lens PG.

22

www.showcasemagazine.com | |APRIL April2018 2018| |SHOWCASE ShowcASe Magazine Magazine 7 7 www.showcasemagazine.com

showcase

Editor’s Letter

April 2018

Living in the City San Francisco journalist, Herb Caen had a pretty good definition of city life. “A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”

The April issue of Showcase is called “The City Issue.” We are fortunate enough to be able to feature two people, Mark Aron and Matt Bell, who are tapping into the pulse of our city every day. Mark, with River City TV, and Matt, with the Chatham StarTribune and his facebook group “Living in Danville and Pittsylvania County” provide a wealth of knowledge about the area to its residents. Outside of work hours, both continue to highlight and inform people of the positive things our community has to offer. Just a quick search through social media, and you’ll find many more people like Mark and Matt who dedicate time and energy to getting the positive vibes out about Danville.

Like Caen said, vision and dreams are going to help a city move forward. Danville and Pittyslvania County are lucky to have enthusiastic, intelligent, and giving residents who want to make the city a better place to live, and to make other (bigger) cities envious of our achievements. An example is the Max Gasparini showcase at Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History (which runs until May 20). Gasparini is an internationally acclaimed artist who doesn’t show in the United States often (This is only the second time). It’s a big deal for Danville to have his paintings to show. I can guarantee there is an art curator in a bigger city who is a bit jealous of Danville at this point. Broad vision and tall dreams.

A few nights ago, I was watching television and heard one of the most inspiring quotes in the unlikeliest of places — WWE Smackdown. Wrestler Daniel Bryan was sidelined a little over two years ago for injury and told he would never wrestle again. (Kayfabe moment, yes, I know wrestling isn’t real, but the injuries are.) Bryan didn’t accept that he wouldn’t wrestle again. His wife, Brie, told him to “fight for his dreams, and his dreams would fight for him.” Bryan never stopped fighting, and he’s now medically cleared to wrestle. The point of that is if you have a dream, do everything you can to make it happen. Look in the mirror and say, “Will I make this happen?,” and then say, “Yes, Yes, Yes!” Enjoy the issue.

8 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com Editorial Director Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com G r ap h i c Des i g n e r Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net F i n a n c e M a n age r Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com Advertising Lee Vogler | Marketing Director lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Sly Strader Milam | Marketing Consultant sly@showcasemagazine.com G r ap h i c Des i g n I n t e r n Brooke Klauss C h i ef P h o t o g r ap h e r Mariah Blankenship Springs C u s t o me r S e r v i c e Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com contriButinG Writers Paulette Dean | Donna Helton | Sly Strader Milam Paul Seiple| Lee Vogler | Lynn Ward contriButinG PhotoGraPherS Jameel Austin | Angie Barrett | Matt Bell Brooke Klauss | The Launch Place Martinsville Henry County Department of Tourism Cover Matt Bell and Mark Aron photographed by Jameel Austin Showcase Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Showcase Magazine standards. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned.

Showcase Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. c 2018 Showcase Magazine Inc.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 9

Reid Street Gallery is a great place to gather with friends!

Bring a group for a fun day of shopping or sign up for a cooking or art class!

Check online for calendar updates!

Follow us on Facebook and check out our website for more events and information... www.ReidStreetGallery.com

APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS Reid Street will be closed Monday, April 2

April 3 6.00 p.m. or April 4 11:00 a.m.

Lite and Easy with Clara Gutierrez- Buddha Bowls

April 5 7:00 p.m.

Monthly Chatham First meeting

Buddha Bowls are hearty, filling dishes made of various greens, raw or roasted veggies, beans and a healthy grain like quinoa or brown rice, and sometimes include toppings like nuts, seeds and dressings for added texture and flavor. Come assemble your own favorite creation, with a selection of fresh Spring greens and more delicious ingredients. $35 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

April 9, 16, Women in Art Series (Mondays in April) – Bring your lunch, and 23, and 30 enjoy learning about various women who have impacted the art world. noon See website for featured artists, and complete details.

April 13 Second Anniversary Reception – Celebrate with us as we 6:00 p.m. look back on our first two years in the Chatham community! We will have music from Define Jazz, and delicious refreshments. We will also award the winners in our Spring Art Show, and also have on display work from the Danville Throw Paint at Cancer artists.

Free and Open to the Public.

April 14, Wine Pairings Class with Clara Gutierrez - We will 6:00 p.m. explore some delicious wines, cheeses, and chocolates that go better together! $25 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

April 21, Fused Glass with Aleen Wilson – Celebrate Spring by 11:00 a.m. creating a beautiful fused glass sun catcher or bowl. $45, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

April 27, Passport Series: France – We will explore delicious French 6:00 p.m. cuisine, including Beef Bourguignon, and wines that make the dishes sing! This is a ‘don’t miss’ class! $45 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

PP

Featured Artist

Jane Carter

Jane started painting 30 years ago, while living in Connecticut, and being a stay-at-home mom. After three years, she got discouraged and turned to a career in interior design. Upon moving to South Carolina in 1989, she itched to paint again, and has been doing so sine 1989.

Watercolors were her primary medium until a few years ago, when she discovered the joy of oils. She now produces her oils and water media (watercolors, acrylics, and pastels) in her beautiful art barn in North Carolina.

She has become more and more enamored of abstracts and finds great joy in creating them. She also finds that painting on Yupo paper allows more creative freedom, and brings great success in national shows.

Jane is proud and excited to be a Signature Member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, and has recently been juried into the Southern Watercolor Society. She has been published in Watercolor Magic, and featured as a cover artist on several other magazines. Her paintings hang in homes across the country and in England, which is the utmost pleasure for Jane.

Jane has taught classes and workshops in South Carolina and England, and has had eight one-woman shows (as of this writing).

Several of Jane’s original works will be available unframed, during the month of April.

Our Gift Shop has Everying you Need!

Jewelry • Bags • Cards • Giftware • Cups Local Honey • Candies and Nuts...and More!

24 Reid Street • Chatham, VA • 434.433.2264 reidstreetgallery.com • FB Reid Street Gallery

10 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 11

12 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Feature The Camera’s Eye: A Q&A with Matt Bell

The Camera’s Eye A Q&A with Matt Bell Photos PROVIDED by Matt Bell

Y

ou’ve seen his work in the Register & Bee, on his

Living in Danville & Pittsylvania County facebook

group, and most recently as a reporter and photographer at the Chatham Star-Tribune. We sat down with photographer Matt Bell to discuss his introduction and inspirations into the world of photography.

Can you give the readers an introduction to Matt Bell?

I was born and raised in Danville. I graduated from GWHS in 2008 and was a member of the yearbook staff there as a photographer. I went to Liberty University and graduated in 2012 with a BS in Social Sciences. To Continued to Page 14

Photo Left: Osprey – This image was captured in September 2017 and is currently hanging in the Danville Science Center thanks to Adam Goebel, museum director. I love birds and was ecstatic to capture the city’s Osprey. It having the shad in its claws was just an added bonus.

Photo Bottom: 611 cab – On media day 2016, my friend Ray Reynolds captured me in the engineer’s chair of the cab of the 611. I was excited to blow the whistle too. www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 13

Feature The Camera’s Eye: A Q&A with Matt Bell Continued from Page 13

graduate I wrote a 60-page thesis on the history of Dan River Inc. instead of doing an internship.

How long have you been into photography?

I’ve been into photography ever since 2004 with my first point and shoot digital camera – a Kodak Easyshare that had a whopping 3 megapixels.

611 – The Norfolk & Western Class J 611 returned to service nearly 21 years after having her fire dumped for the final time in Dec. 1994. I’ve tried to chase it ever since.

Seen here passing through Hurt, VA.

14 Showcase Magazine |

How would you describe your style?

I approach photography with a journalistic style. Melanie Vaughn once told me, “I’ve never seen photography that I felt was so raw and real.” It’s very rare for me to capture a moment, and then alter the photo. I don’t enjoy altering a photo because then you’ve taken away what is real. The moment you’ve captured a photograph you’ve captured a moment, that’s history. It’s instantaneous. Nowhere in human history have events been able to be recorded as fast as they are on a camera.

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

What (or who) inspired you to become a photographer?

I was motivated to start photography as a hobby in 2013.

At the time, I was working part- time and aggressively seeking full-time employment. It just seemed like something fun to do to pass the time and get my mind off of things. My parents, David and Jeanette Bell, gave me a camera as a birthday/college graduation present.

I became a volunteer photographer for the Lynchburg Hillcats that summer, and while it didn’t pay, they did feed me which was the perfect tradeoff for a part-timer.

It was there that I met Lee Luther Jr. who took me under his wing and helped me better my photography. Lee is an award-winning photographer in Central Virginia who has been shooting since the 1970s.

I printed off my top 100 images as 4x6 prints and showed

them to him. He showed me ways to better my shots from there. Lee helped me with everything from framing to settings.

Suddenly a hobby morphed into thinking about a career move.

Finding work in the history field just wasn’t working out – especially when employers said that I didn’t have enough experience to qualify for employment.

Then in July of ’13, Lee let me use a Nikon D3s and a 70-200 f/2.8 at a game. There was a play at the plate with the ball going home and runner rounding third. I fired off frame after frame as the runner crashed into the catcher and was called out. While the spectators were astonished, I was quickly checking to see if I had gotten the shot.

I had it. And I was hooked.

For the rest of the season when he was freelancing, and even when he was just there to watch the games, Lee worked with me.

Then he took me along to Luray, VA to photograph Nelson County High School’s first football game of the season.

Thereafter for every Friday night football game I could, I was there and shot alongside him learning techniques and how to write the cutlines for the photos.

For the 2014 season, I was invited back to be the Lynchburg Hillcats official photographer. I did the photos for their trading cards that year as well as 2015.

Then in April 2015 after almost two years of freelancing and pushing my name to get freelance work to pay for gear, I was hired by the Register & Bee as their last fulltime photographer.

What’s the perfect shoot?

The perfect shoot is any event where you can feel the energy in a room or place like a stadium. There is no better place to shoot than Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech. To be on that field with camera in hand as “Enter Sandman” by Metallica starts is incredible. Virginia Tech just has an energy all on its own.

What are your most memorable shoots?

Anything that has a historical angle. When I was with the Register & Bee and out on assignment with Denice Thibodeau, we would take odd ways back to the office no matter who was driving just to see what was going on in the neighborhoods and business district. I can’t tell you how many buildings we got into over the years because someone was there going in or coming out, and we were snooping. Between the two of us there aren’t too many buildings and roofs left in the River District that we haven’t been in and on.

Burns McGill – The image that started it all. This is the scene I captured at the plate when using Lee Luther’s Nikon D3s.

Along the way, I developed a love for night photography.

Shots with just strictly ambient light present a challenge all on its own.

I love shooting trains in my spare time. That all started by mistake. I was downtown Lynchburg photographing the city and got a shot of a train as it passed me at a crossing.

Something about the engines hooked me. On that note, I love photographing the Norfolk & Western Class J 611.

One, because it was my grandfather’s favorite engine, and two, because it’s a steam engine that was out of service Continued to Page 16 www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 15

Feature The Camera’s Eye: A Q&A with Matt Bell Continued from Page 15

since 1994 and came back in 2015.

I’ve shot a major league baseball game which is a lot of fun. Fast paced, but I enjoy it.

Camden Yards – I was privileged to travel to Camden Yards in Baltimore and interview Carl Willis for a story. In my time there I went all over the stadium capturing whatever I could. It was a degree or two over 100 that day, but I was too excited to shoot a pro baseball game to notice.

16 Showcase Magazine |

But my absolute favorite shoot is high school football. I enjoy the friendships I’ve made over the years with the voice of the Eagles — Chuck Vipperman, Clark Whitfield, and Don Robertson in the Eagles press box at GW. I don’t always get the stats right or know all the little tidbits they like to share on radio. I can always call on these guys at any time and know they’ll help me. You can’t find better friends than that.

Whose photography has influenced you the most?

The photography of Lee Luther Jr. was a huge inspiration.

Another photographer who inspired me was O. Winston

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Link. He emphasized less about the photos and more about the subject matter. Link is known for his train photos and especially the end of steam for the Norfolk & Western Railway. While he knew the photos were good, he was more interested in capturing a moment that was disappearing from the American landscape.

The combined works of John Tate, Leon Townsend, Richard T. Davis, Tiny Setliff, and Julian Henderson also are inspirational to me. I used to study their photography for hours when I got into facebook’s “You Know You’re From Danville When…” group. I tried mimicking what they did and blended it with my own style. They had a record of excellence with the people in this area, and I want to continue that. Even though I am now with the Star-Tribune, I will still continue that.

Continued to Page 18

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 17

Feature The Camera’s Eye: A Q&A with Matt Bell Continued from Page16

Can you tell us a little about your “Living in Danville” facebook page and what inspired you to create it?

I was sitting at home sick one day in January 2017, and it began to snow. At the time I was living in Altavista. So, I got on facebook to see if it was snowing in Danville too. I didn’t see much, but a friend of mine in Lynchburg, Kipp Teague, has a group called “Living in Lynchburg” that was just overflowing with snow photos.

Hamlin victory lane – The longer I looked at this shot I got of him in the March 2015, the more I saw.

Look closely to see Coca-Cola swirling above his head.

18 Showcase Magazine |

The following week, I tinkered with facebook to see if there was anything like that group for Danville. There’s “You Know You’re From Danville When…” which is great for all things Danville’s past. Then there’s “Danville/ Pittsylvania County History,” which for historical purposes is an excellent source. But for Danville’s present I wasn’t finding much.

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Living in Danville & Pittsylvania County was born.

I established the group to feature the beauty of the area.

The community as a whole is all about positivity, and this is a good way to spread it. Nevertheless, it caught traction fast. Everything is featured there including, but definitely not limited to sunsets, sports pics, building shots, nature photos, Christmas morning madness, and anything else you can think of. All with the stipulation that it has to relate in some way to the area. You name it, there’s probably a photo for it in the group.

Do you have any advice for aspiring photographers?

Get ready to hear no a lot. From “No, I don’t want to pay.” to “No, we don’t need a photographer.” and everything in between.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 19

Sponsored Content A Bright Spot for change in southside Virginia

The Arc of Southside

A Bright Spot for Change in Southside Virginia

T

he Arc of Southside is a hidden gem in Southside Virgina, steadily changing, growing, and effecting change across the state.

In 2012, The Arc of Southside’s leadership, and board of directors, endeavored to find a better way. They committed to finding a better way to provide services to people with developmental disabilities, a better way to help people connect with each other, and a better way to help people to live the lives they chose to live. And this is what makes The Arc of Southside unique. Instead of programs, The Arc is building lives.

The process began by talking; talking to people who used our services, to people who partnered with The Arc in the community, and to families and parents of people with disabilities. It was clear that things needed to change; that the services of The Arc of Southside and its’ three programs: Hatcher Center, M.T. Sorrell, and White Oak School, had all been excellent programs, but they needed to evolve with the times and best practices happening across the country. The result of this in-depth analysis was a five-year strategic plan that would guide the work to transform the agency from programs in segregated settings to support services that simply exist to help people with developmental disabilities to live their lives in the world, alongside the rest of us, living . . . A Life Like Yours.

In A Life Like Yours, you aren’t separated from the community for school, work, or housing. You aren’t placed in a program, or setting, with people you didn’t choose to work or live with, based on some arbitrary measure of your skills and abilities.

And what started as an idea to help students with disabilities return to their neighborhood schools to learn alongside children who didn’t have a disability, became a commitment to close White Oak School in favor of Inclusive Education.

As The Arc of Southside began providing services to people based on their individual needs and desires, changes were also coming to Virginia as the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Justice which found Virginia in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act for a lack of services provided in the community that put people at risk of institutionalization. In response to this finding, the Commonwealth redesigned services to promote inclusive communitybased services, and as changes were happening across the State, Danville and Pittsylvania county stood out with a chapter of The Arc that was making change, not because it was required, but because it was right.

Soon the agency was asked to share how they had transformed their programs into individualized services through presentations at conferences and consultation with numerous agencies from different parts of the state. The Arc’s membership with statewide councils and committees, tasked with implementing service change across Virginia, has allowed an opportunity to share the vision and philosophy of this small chapter of The Arc. The team at The Arc of Southside is so grateful for the chance to share their belief that people are just people, and that to help them in their lives, the simple answer is treating their lives the exact way you would treat your own.

In A Life Like Yours, children attend school with the support they need to learn, grow, and flourish in their education. Teenagers think about and plan for life after high school, adults explore work and careers that will bring them independence and fulfillment, and adults decide where they want to live, who they want to live with, and how to spend their time, in order to build the life that they want.

When The Arc closed its group home and started serving people exclusively in their own homes, referrals sky rocketed as people realized they could have the life they wanted by working with an agency that would design services around them instead of asking them to fit into a program. Once The Arc started Supported Employment to help people get jobs in the community, one job, at former local restaurant 310 Cibo’s, grew to over 70 jobs, with local businesses today.

20 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 21

22 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Feature Behind the Lens: Getting to Know Mark Aron

Behind the Lens Getting to Know Mark Aron

by Paul Seiple Photos by Jameel Austin and Brooke Klauss

A

s the face of River City TV, Mark Aron keeps citizens in the know about the happenings in Danville.

Aron takes great pride in being a voice for our community. “Everybody has a story to tell. I’m fortunate enough to have a platform to share those positive stories. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference in this community. Being able to share the way people are changing the community makes my job exciting,” Aron says. “A good example is Constance Covington at the Cardinal Village Youth Center, and the work she is doing with

the city’s youth. Constance welcomed the Danville Police Department to do a walkthrough of the neighborhood for a meet-and-great and officers helped to tutor the kids.”

That’s just one of the many positive stories Aron has shared with the city through his work at River City TV. Aron has a long history with the city he calls home. He was born and raised in Danville and is a product of the Danville Continued to Page 26

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 23

.

Y G Y. T. R E E E N E ON LAN VE E M E P A S AV TH S E V A S

Visit our website for energy efficiency rebates available through the Danville Home$ave Program 24 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.danvillehomesave.com | 888.599.0450

Your therapy shouldn’t take the day off.

Call us for a tour and to discuss a plan of care to fit your individual needs.

®

We Offer 7 Days a Week of Rehab!

Piney Forest Health & Rehabilitation Center 450 Piney Forest Road • Danville, VA 24540 • 434-799-1565 PineyForestRehab.com www.showcasemagazine.com Piney Forest HRC Seven Day Rehab_quarter page ad.indd 1

| April 2018 | ShowcASe Magazine 25 10/11/2016 10:33:44 AM

Feature Behind the Lens: Getting to Know Mark Aron Continued from Page 23

Public School System. “I have many fond memories of my childhood in Danville — little league baseball, being picked up after school at GLH Johnson and taken to the old YMCA,” Aron says. One of his fondest memories is meeting his wife, Kristen, in junior high at Bonner. After graduating from George Washington High, Aron attended Virginia Tech while Kristen wasn’t far away at Radford.

Aron learned videography at VTTV while pursuing a mass communications degree. He dove into the world of news

media after graduation in May 2000. “I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer at a Fox affiliate in Myrtle Beach, SC. I was a news reporter and a videographer, kind of a one-man band.” After about a year, Aron was serving as the producer of the 10 o’clock news and as a sports anchor when he was informed the affiliate was no longer going to produce news.

“Here I was, the first job out of school and thinking oh my goodness what are we going to do?” He started with the place he interned at while in college.

Aron interned locally for two years at WSET under Jack Garrett who had taken time away from WBTM and WAKG to report the news for the Danville market. Garrett learned early on that Aron was a perfect fit in news media. “Mark’s a natural in front of and behind the camera. He went out solo, on his first day as an intern, and came back with footage and interviews from a house fire,” Garrett adds.

Aron called Brandon Pickett, who was anchoring the news at WSET and asked if there was anything available in Danville.

There was a position opening for a videographer. In May 2001, Aron and his wife came home. “I tell that story to the young people I talk to now. I do a lot with the Southern Virginia Youth Expo. Thousands of kids come through the River City TV booth, and I tell them internship is the way to go.”

Aron worked for ABC for four years. In 2004, his son, Dylan, was born. “Having a child changes your focus on things. It puts your priorities in perspective,” Aron says. The day-today of the news business can be exhausting. “I was working long hours. I would leave the house at 9am and wouldn’t know when I would be back home.”

In late summer of 2005, a job opened for a multimedia manager for the city of Danville. After encouraging words from his mother, Aron applied for the job. “At the time, Jerry Gwaltney was the city manager. He came from Alabama where he utilized a government access channel to keep citizens informed. Jerry saw the importance of having that conduit to the public for government access.” Aron started producing a local weekly show Gwaltney had that kept residents informed about the city. Not long after, Aron took over the show and began expanding the programming.

“This was before social media. Before River City TV. We were on TV20. Now, 13 years later, we are one of the most comprehensive government access channels in Virginia.” In 2017, The Virginia Municipal League recognized Danville with an Innovation Award in Communications for the work River City TV has accomplished through its facebook page and other social media channels.

River City TV’s success comes from Aron’s constant exploring

26 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

of creative ways to deliver content to the public, and social media plays a huge role in that. “I love the aspect of social media. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad, but I’ll say 95 percent of everything we post of social media is positively received.” One of the most effective ways to reach people is through video on facebook. “A few years ago, I saw more friends and families utilizing facebook. I read about the upward trend of video and began to implement them more on the network,” Aron says. Video alone will not increase viewership. There needs to be something exciting, something beneficial to keep followers engaged. Last winter, Aron began a ride-along program with public works during inclement weather to give live up-to-date road conditions. The videos were a hit with viewers. Post reads reached 110,000.

“Fly Over Friday” (overhead drone videos) was another creative way, Aron reached viewers. “It shows a side Danville not seen too often. People enjoy viewing the city from a different angle.” Aron also works with the police department and lifesaving crew to document accidents. “I go live for the main reason of asking people to avoid the area of the accident. The first responders need all the space they can get, especially with extractions. Letting people know areas to

avoid saves travelers time as well. It helps everyone.”

Aron tackles a lot of behind-the-scenes projects as the multimedia manager at River City TV that are valuable to the city. “Viewers don’t really see the ‘in-house’ things. I’ve worked with community development, creating videos on the permitting process—how to apply for a permit, etc.”

Aron also works with the police department to ramp up recruiting.

When he’s not covering all things Danville, Aron is enjoying the city’s link to nature. “I love the outdoors. Spending down time with my family is the top priority. We love the Riverwalk and the bike share program.” The Arons mapped a city bike ride which they dubbed the “Aron City Loop.” It spans about 12 miles and hits prime nature spots like Ballou Park. Aron also loves to coach baseball and is a dancing dad with his daughter, Madison, at the Meredith Gravely School of Dance.

Mark Aron is a valuable voice for the city he loves. Jack Garrett was spot-on when he said, “He’d be working in a major market if it weren’t for his family ties to the city.”

Danville is lucky to have him. www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 27

Sponsored Content Dental Health

Energy Drinks and Sport Drinks

Effects on Teeth

by Donna Helton, D.D.S., PC Photo by Brooke Klauss

W

ith spring sports and

outside activities, lots

of people are on the soccer field, the baseball diamond, running or biking. All of these require hydration and the choices of what you drink while competing or exercising affects not only your health but also your teeth.

Hydration is critical to staying healthy but numerous facts need to be considered in your beverage choice.

Energy Drinks vs Teeth Most people think of sugar causing cavities. That is conventional wisdom but another very important fact to consider is acid. Researchers have proven that there is a lot of citric acid in energy drinks. It serves as a preservative to enhance the flavor and lengthen the shelf life.

It is also very good at stripping the enamel from your teeth.

Most of us are aware of the damage sugar does to our body and our mouth, from obesity to diabetes to cavities. However, we are not as aware that acid does extensive damage too.

Losing enamel from your teeth is a critical situation because once it is gone, teeth are then more prone to cavities and to develop decay.

The amount of citric acid in a drink does not have to be declared on the labels of the drinks. Citric acid can also lead to loss of bone mass and kidney stones. This is also a big concern because people are drinking more of the energy drinks and less milk and water.

Sports Drinks Sports drinks contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes and flavorings. They are intended to replace water and electrolytes which are lost through sweating during exercise.

Sports drinks can be helpful for athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous activities. However, they do not have a place in school lunches or snacks.

28 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

There is an appropriate place for sports drinks, but many people drink them without consideration of the dental effects. Foods with any type of sugars contribute to tooth decay.

When teeth are not cleaned after eating, plaque bacteria in the mouth use the sugar to form acids that lead to decay. When teeth come into contact with sports drinks and beverages with sugar, the risk of decay increases.

How To Lessen The Effects On Your Teeth While it is best to stick with drinking water or at least sugarfree, non-acidic beverages, many people still enjoy an occasional energy or sports drink. If you drink them, here are some tips to help preserve your teeth.

• Drink the whole thing at once, preferably at meal times. Then the saliva in your mouth will be stimulated from chewing and will help your mouth regain its natural pH (acidity) level.

• If you sip energy drinks over a prolonged period it creates a constantly acidic environment for your teeth.

• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking an energy or sports drink to help wash away some of the acid and sugar.

• Wait about 30-60 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Then clean them thoroughly. Don’t brush immediately after drinking the energy or sports drink because that will just spread the acid around your mouth and on your teeth.

Waiting about 30 minutes gives the saliva in your mouth time to return to a neutral pH level and clear away some of the residue.

If you have questions about this information or other dental concerns, please email us at dheltondds@verizon.net. If you would like more information about our office or make an appointment, please give a call at 434.792.5416.

Butterfly Station Grand Opening!

Enjoy free admission to our garden and children’s activities as we celebrate the re-opening of the butterfly station for the season.

Learn about herbs, life-cycles, habitats, and more!

Saturday, April 14 10 am – 3 pm

facebook.com/danvillesciencecenter

dsc.smv.org

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | ShowcASe Magazine 29

Feature The Launch Place

A Plan

For Our Region’s Future

By Lee Vogler Photos by The Launch Place

“I

love it when a plan comes together.” That phrase

was made famous in the 1980s on the television

show, The A-Team. It’s also a great way to describe the latest major economic development project for the Danville-Pittsylvania County region: Panacea Biomatx, and how The Launch Place helped make it all happen.

Last month, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Panacea Biomatx, a manufacturer of personalized medicine and nutrition solutions, will invest $5.8 million to establish a research and development and high-tech manufacturing facility in the Cane Creek Centre Industrial Park in Pittsylvania County. The project will create 70 new jobs. The story behind the announcement is just as interesting as the news is exciting.

According to a 2013 study conducted by The Mayo Clinic, 20 percent of Americans take five or more medications

30 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

daily, a majority of these being senior citizens. With individuals who have cardiovascular or other severe medical conditions, doctors claim it is a challenge to get them to take all of their regulatory pills daily—which can be up to 20. This can lead to worsened health problems or even loss of life.

With this in mind, Edison Hudson and Staton Noel looked for a solution to the “one pill fits all” method that has circulated the industry for a number of years. In 2013, they started Panaceutics, a subsidiary of Panacea Biomatx, Inc. Pushing towards the future of pharma and nutraceuticals, Hudson and Noel combined years of experience in pharmaceuticals, robotics, and software innovations to develop a process to deliver personalized medicine that would not only meet the needs of an individual, but would also be easy to consume.

This is where The Launch Place comes in to the story.

Starting from scratch in a regulated, high dollar market proved to be a challenge. In 2015, Panaceutics received a $250,000 seed investment from The Launch Place, making them the fifth company to join The Launch Place’s portfolio. “The initial investment was made to enable Panaceutics to expand its robotic manufacturing technology in order to position the company at the front of the shifting pharmaceutical industry”, said Eva Doss, President and CEO of The Launch Place.

“Seed-stage funding typically entails a small investment aimed at financing the early development of a product.

Companies can apply for venture capital when a product is further along in development, which can lead to multimillion dollar deals with high returns”, Doss explained.

individual, reducing drug related side effects or adverse events.

Panaceutics’ expansion will create an estimated 70 jobs, adding millions to the annual revenue of the Dan River Region. This move goes well beyond the partnership requirements of The Launch Place, which states that a company must establish a minimum of five jobs in the Dan River Region in three years as part of their investment criteria.

This latest economic development announcement is not only great news for our citizens, but shows the investments that The Launch Place is making in their portfolio companies will pay significant dividends for the future of our region.

“For us, raising early capital was difficult,” says Noel.

“Really, The Launch Place was one of the only institutional investors interested in helping early stage companies, and they have a very good model for companies like us.”

But it didn’t stop there. During the last 3 years, The Launch Place has invested an additional $250,000 in Panaceutics.

Today, Panaceutics is reshaping pharma and nutraceuticals by delivering personalized monthly subscriptions of “pill free” portable nutritional pouches, combining up to 20 active ingredients that offer a convenient way to consume medications, vitamins, and supplements. Each pouch will deliver the right nutrients and correct dosage for each www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 31

32 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

paWs FOR A CAUSE

Paws for a Cause The law in Virginia is very specific about what someone must do when they find a stray animal. 3.2-6551 requires that anyone who finds a companion animal and confines it to keep it safe must, within 48 hours, notify the public shelter in the locality where the animal was found.

The person who has found the animal must also provide the same adequate care that is required by owners.

It may e tempting to keep a stray animal as your own, especially if the dog or cat is in good condition and is very cute. However, owners must be given the opportunity to find their lost pet. The finder is also not permitted to just give the animal to someone else. Both the keeping and the giving away of a stray animal could be considered theft, and dog theft is a felony in Virginia.

WRIttEn by PaulEttE DEan EXECutIVE DIRECtoR DanVIllE huManE soCIEty

has been found and is safely in the shelter. After the stray time is fulfilled, the animal becomes the property of the shelter and can be adopted. That way, even if an owner comes forward later, the adoption is still valid.

In 2017, 110 public shelters in Virginia received 139,429 animals. Of those, 24,230 were returned to the owners. Fifty private shelters during that same time received 47,544 animals and returned 584 to the owners.

There were 231 home-based rescue groups who filed a report; they received 45,753 animals and only returned 134 to the owners.

If anyone finds a lost pet, the best thing to do is to take the animal to the public shelter. The animal can receive the needed help; if We have twelve young friendly rats and the two rat mothers. Not convinced you need a pet rat? They are actually wonderful pets; the owner has been abusive, the If you find a lost animal, the best people are quite surprised to find out how intelligent they are. public shelter staff can also take thing to do is to take it to the local care of that issue legally. If an public shelter. That is where most owner does not come forward, a legal adoption can take place. owners searching for a lost pet would go to check for the beloved companion. The shelter will keep the animal the required DanVIllE stray time. During that stray period, the finder could still post huManE soCIEty pictures on social media to help spread the word that the animal

nEED a PET RAT?

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | ShowcASe Magazine 33

InstaGRaMs FRoM ouR aREa

@catbirdd

@somethingawesome21

@mollz2thewall

@chelsealavinder

@playdanvilleva

@carriereeves

@lesliebarksdale

@thebrickva

@michelle.larking

IF you WoulD lIkE to bE FEatuRED In a FutuRE IssuE, FolloW@shoWCasEDanVIllE anD taG youR Photos WIth #shoWCasEnInE. 34 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 35

Feature Big Bear’s Wife

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Southern Church Peanut Butter Eggs Written by Angie Barrett of BigBearsWife.com Photo by Angie Barrett

Cook Time: 10M • Total Time: 4H Yield: 16 Peanut Butter Eggs

24 ounces melting chocolate wafers 15 sugar flowers (optional)

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups smooth peanut butter 1 pound powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

•

•

• • • •

•

•

by Sly Strader Milam

on the Sly

Facts

•

• • • • • •

• April’s birth flower is the daisy and sweet pea.

The birthstone for April is the diamond which symbolizes innocence.

• During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools.

• Bananas are curved because they grow towards the sun.

• Cherophobia is a fear of fun.

• Movie Trailers where originally shown after the movies, which is why they were called “trailers”.

36 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter and peanut butter together over medium heat.

Once the butter and peanut butter mixture is melted pour it into another large bowl.

Stir in the vanilla.

Stir in the powdered sugar until well combined.

Place mixture into fridge for 30 minutes.

Remove mixture from fridge and roll dough into large egg shapes.

I normally get about 15-16 eggs.

Roll smaller eggs to get more.

Lay eggs on a tray that has been lined with paper towels. The paper towels will soak up some of the oils.

Place eggs on tray with paper towels and place into the fridge to 2-3 hours.

Remove peanut butter eggs from fridge.

Melt chocolate according to package directions.

Dip each egg into the chocolate and tap off excess.

Place eggs onto a tray lined with parchment paper.

Top each egg with a sugar flower.

Let chocolate eggs dry until chocolate hardens.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 37

EXpLorE MARTINSVILLE

85th Historic Garden Week Tour in Martinsville

WRIttEn by lynn WaRD Photos CouRtEsy oF MaRtInsVIllE hEnRy County touRIsM

When Dr. and Mrs. Donald Grayson were planning their 1998 wedding, Dr. Grayson’s partner and his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Donald Richman, offered to host the event in their Martinsville garden. The Richman garden had been featured three days earlier in the 65th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia. The grounds were filled with roses and the perfect setting for a spring wedding.

Twenty years later, the Richman garden will again be open on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. The garden’s emphasis has changed and visitors this year will see an array of 66 herbaceous and tree peonies. The MartinsvilleHenry County tour day is hosted by The Garden Study Club and the Martinsville Garden Club in celebration of the 85th annual event of the Garden Club of Virginia. Tour proceeds

38 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

from over 29 tours throughout the Commonwealth fund the restoration and preservation of more than 50 of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes, a research fellowship program and a centennial project with Virginia State Parks.

Three homes are also open to guests for the tour, all located within a few miles of each other in the MulberryForest Park area. The homes are unique representations of the tastes and lifestyles of the owners, yet each is welcoming and reflects a focus on family and friends.

Dr. and Mrs. Ruff Wheless are the third owners of the brick French provincial at 1011 Corn Tassel Trail built in 1960. Purchased in 2007, the home has undergone major modifications to the floor plan that include an open family room and renovated kitchen space, a master bedroom suite

addition with his and her baths and dressing rooms, and doorways added to the rear of the home allowing access to covered porches. A stone terrace surrounds the swimming pool and outdoor kitchen, bar and entertainment center.

Mrs. Wheless has experience and expertise in staging living spaces for sale or rent and has skillfully mixed classic items in her own home with tasteful pieces found in flea markets and discount stores during the family’s many travels Visitors to this home will pick up decorating ideas that can be duplicated in their homes, including dramatic uses of color and texture.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Stegall at 1511 Lakeview Trail was designed and built as a retirement dwelling that is conveniently all on one level yet features luxurious furnishings and finishes. The home sits high above street level affording views of Lake Lanier; in fact, the effect is reminiscent of being on a cruise ship in the most comfortable, spacious suite. Maple cabinets with coffee glaze dark granite counters create a warm atmosphere in the kitchen with views from the breakfast room enjoyed in every season. The French-inspired courtyard off the dining room is filled with roses, irises, rosemary and peonies, adding to the atmosphere. The dining room features Herend, Waterford and pink carnival glass collections. A carousel horse keeps watch out the master bedroom window.

Tickets will be available at the MHC Visitor Center and at each site on the day of the tour for $20. Additional information is available by email at martinsville@ vagardenweek.org.

Note: The Chatham Garden Club, The Garden Club of Danville and the Gabriella Garden Club are hosting their tour at Smith Mountain Lake on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Information is available at Danville-chatham@vagardenweek.org.

The home of Ms. Cecelia Johnson and Mr. Robert Davis at 1507 White Oak Court was remodeled to facilitate the flow of guests from the entry into the entertaining areas, while creating more privacy for the homeowners and overnight guests. Ms. Johnson has a number of family heirlooms on display including a set of antique lustres mounted on the wall in the dining room. Lustres are mantle decorations or pedestal vases with many hanging prisms. Other handcrafted antique furniture items are found throughout the home. The lower level is completely finished with bedrooms for all the couple’s children and grandchildren to visit and a workshop dedicated to floral arranging.

A buffet luncheon is available for $15 at Chatmoss Country Club, 550 Mt. Olivet Road, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Reservations are required and are available by contacting Lynne Beeler at ldcb@comcast.net or at (276) 732-7016.

Advance tickets are $15 and include tours of all four sites.

They are available online at www.vagardenweek.org on in person at the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Piedmont Arts, the Historic Henry County Courthouse, and the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | Showcase Magazine 39

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM ALL-U-CARE-TO-EAT-BBQ OPEN BAR (5:30 - 10 PM) $30 Individual · $350 Corporate Table ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY · MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO ATTEND FOR TICKETS OR INFORMATION, CALL 434.793.4636.

ENTERTAINMENT BY FUNKY BONE

COMMUNITY MARKET · DANVILLE, VIRGINIA

40 Showcase Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| April 2018 | ShowcASe Magazine 41

The Final Word with Matt Bell

if you could only name one thing that you love about living in this area what would it be? it’s home.

To quote ron Swanson from NBc’s parks & rec, “You’ll get lots of job offers in your life, but you’ll only have one hometown.”

42 ShowcASe Magazine |

April 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Complete Healthcare for Seniors Living at Home

Is PACE right for you or your loved one?

PACE provides an alternative to nursing facility care for frail older adults who want to live at home. We offer peace of mind for families that loved ones are cared for by a compassionate team of professionals.

A team member can come

Our services include but are not limited to: • Medical care

to your home to fully explain the program.

• Prescription medicines

Call us for

• Transportation to and from PACE and specialists • 24-hour on call physician services

more information or to schedule a tour: 434.656.4800

• Adult day center • Rehabilitation and therapy services • Vision, hearing and dental care • Meals and home care

Gretna PACE serves the Danville area. Additional PACE centers located in Farmville and Lynchburg.

• Social activities/outings PACE is a program of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Federal Government

1220 W. Gretna Road / Gretna, VA 24557 / CentraPACE.com