Showcase Magazine January 2018

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

JANUARY 2018

THE NEW YEAR IS S U E @showcaseDVA

Showcase Magazine

showcasedanville @ info@showcasemagazine.com

FEATURES

ALSO INSIDE

Playing Fair

Philpott Lake

The New Jonny Fairplay

BY PAUL SEIPLE

10

65th Anniversary

BY BETH STINNETT

8

Entrepreneurism It Starts With An Idea 16

Nine Grams

Instagrams From The Area 26

PG.

10

Playing Fair

The New Jonny Fairplay

ALSO INSIDE

From the Kitchen of

Editor’s Letter

Homemade Pimento Cheese

Change is in the Air 6

Big Bear’s Wife

BY ANGIE BARRETT

22

Paws for a Cause Welcoming in 2018

BY PAULETTE DEAN

23

Not So Common – Common Sense!

What investments will transform public education?

BY STAN JONES

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PG.

16

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Change is in the Air John Waite was pretty negative when he sang, “Some things ain’t ever gonna change” in the infectious song aptly titled “Change” on the equally infectious Vision Quest soundtrack. Granted, he is obviously singing to a selfish person who probably thinks he or she doesn’t need to change…maybe I’m dissecting a pop song too much…my point is change is possible.

January is the month that “change” is a buzz word, usually in the form of “New Year Resolutions.” The failure rate of resolutions is astonishing. Failed resolutions have become the norm. It is expected. It is accepted.

Change is a funny thing. It’s easy to do, yet there are many factors that make it seem much harder. There is fear. For instance, in this issue’s cover feature Jonny Fairplay mentions he was worried he wouldn’t get as many event invites if he stopped drinking.

Spoiler alert, he stopped drinking and his invites didn’t dwindle. Another thing holding change back, and this is a doozy, is self-discipline. One of the easiest things is say, “I’ll start tomorrow.” Like Fairplay says, if you want to change, you have to be all in. You have to commit totally to what it is you want to change or else the desire will fade away like last year’s summer pop jam.

Greek philosopher, Epictetus, said, “First say to yourself what would you be; and then do what you have to do.” It’s as simple as that. Think about what you want to change or the person you want to be and then go all in. If you want to quit smoking, say to yourself, “I no longer want to be a smoker,” and then hold yourself accountable.

Here’s the thing about resolutions — if you’re only making them at the beginning of the year because it’s what people do, then you’re going to fail. There are no rules as to when you can change something about yourself. If you wait for a specific time to change something, then that change isn’t all that important to you. And if it’s not that important, you will not see it through.

A new year puts a spotlight on opportunities, but the truth is those opportunities are always there, you just have to be ready to put the effort into doing what it takes to change the things you want to change. You have to channel Epictetus, get over the fear, and hold yourself accountable through self-discipline.

If dropping a few pounds is the change you want to make, may I suggest listening to the Vision Quest soundtrack while working out and scoff at John Waite when he sings, “You ain’t gonna change.”

Enjoy the issue.

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showcase JANUARY 2018

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Marketing Director lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Sly Milam | Marketing Consultant sly@showcasemagazine.com CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Mariah Blankenship Springs CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 | Stan Jones Paul Seiple | Beth Stinnett | Lee Vogler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS The Launch Place Martinsville Henry County Department of Tourism Von Wellington Photography COVER Photo taken by Mariah Springs Johnny Fairplay - Playing Fair 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.

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EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE

Philpott Lake’s 65th Anniversary WRITTEN BY BETH STINNETT PHOTO COURTESY OF MARTINSVILLE HENRY COUNTY TOURISM

2018 marks the 65th anniversary of Philpott Lake, located in Virginia’s Henry, Patrick and Franklin counties. Philpott Dam was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1948 to 1953 to control flooding in the area and created beautiful Philpott Lake which is now a recreational hotspot for Southern Virginia and surrounding areas.

In 1944, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with planning and building a dam that would ease the flooding of the nearby low-lying communities of Bassett and Fieldale.

When the communities experience long bouts of rain, flash flooding easily turned day-to-day life into a struggle. It wasn’t unusual for property, including livestock, to be washed away as a result of the floods and homes to be filled to knee height with water. The construction of Philpott Dam started in 1948 and became fully operational in 1953.

Today, 65 years later, people seldom think about the reason Philpott Lake was created, but focus more on the abundance of recreational activity that is available.

Nestled among the rolling foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Philpott Lake is a scenic wonderland. The lake covers 3,000 acres with 100 miles of shoreline. The lake has eight campgrounds, six beach areas, and nine boat launches. Every year hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping and hiking at Philpott.

The lake offers pleasure boaters and paddlers a variety of places to explore including hidden waterfalls, scenic rock

outcrops and three islands. Deer Island, the largest of the three, offers nightly camp site rentals that are only accessible via boat. Talk about an escape!

Locals and visitors alike enjoy fishing the reservoir for walleye, smallmouth bass, carp and largemouth bass. Philpott Lake has played host to several regional and national fishing championships like the FLW College Fishing Tournament in 2012 and the Fishers of Men Tournament in 2016.

Throughout boating season, you can usually find a small group fishing tournament to join and take home the prize… bragging rights!

Philpott Lake is also home to one of the most gorgeous spots in Southern Virginia; the overlook at the Philpott Lake Visitor Center and recreation area. The overlook offers a stunning view of the lake and shoreline year-round and is especially beautiful in the fall. Travelers who visit the overlook to view the fall foliage, often comment that the view at Philpott Lake is more beautiful than any spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In the same recreational area, you will also find trails like the popular Fitness Interpretive Trail. The Philpott FIT trail is a 1.5-mile self-guided trail that is open year round and includes twenty exercise stations with workout options for advanced and beginner levels.

In 2014, Philpott Lake announced the opening of the highly anticipated, Philpott Marina. The marina changed things by giving boaters the convenience of not having to leave the lake to refuel or grab food and extra supplies. The forty-two slips have been rented since before the marina officially opened, but a waiting list is available for interested boat owners. Amenities offered at the marina include a fueling station with nonethanol fuel, public restrooms and a marina store with fishing supplies, food, ice cream, bagged ice, drinks and snacks.

Philpott Lake is a thing of beauty and pride for the surrounding counties of Henry, Patrick and Franklin. Southern Virginia invites you to rediscover its charm this year and be a part of the 65th anniversary fun. Celebrations and special events are being planned and will be announced soon! For those interested in learning more about the history of the lake, you may consider a trip to Philpott Lake’s Visitor Center and the Bassett Historical Center for insight on how Philpott Lake came to be and the story of the town of Fayerdale. Or stop by the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center for more information and to purchase a copy of “Philpott Stories” written by local author Nancy Bell.

Be sure to follow VisitMartinsville on Facebook for updates as they are announced.

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COVER FEATURE PLAYING FAIR

PLAYING

FAIR THE NEW JONNY FAIRPLAY

BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS BY MARIAH SPRINGS

J

onny Fairplay is no stranger to controversy. Since

appearing on Survivor: Pearl Islands and creating,

in host Jeff Probst’s words, “the greatest lie ever told on Survivor,” Fairplay has embraced the role of a heel, and in some instances literally wore the moniker across his chest like a badge of honor. But, the last year and a half has brought a change in one of the greatest villains of reality television.

After the 2016 Brightleaf Brewfest, he decided he wanted to become the “best Jonny Fairplay” he could be. Fairplay started with alcohol. “I drank for 32 years. I drank a lot. I don’t feel as though I was an alcoholic, but I don’t remember the last stretch of time that I didn’t drink one or two beers. I like craft beers. I’d drink one beer, open another, and find it three-quarters full the next morning,” Fairplay says. He decided to give it up for one week during the summer. “There was no pressure and no worries. I said, ‘Let’s do this.’” That week became a lifestyle change. Fairplay stopped drinking, stopped smoking, took up running, and goes to church every Sunday. He attended 10 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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First Baptist Church (FBC) on the recommendation of John Carroll, a friend who Fairplay says looks like the lovechild of The Flash and WWE’s Finn Bálor. “I gave it a shot and liked it. If you pay attention, there is a very good chance you will identify with something.” Fairplay also began seeing a faith-based psychologist. “I am not ashamed to admit that. Finding someone to share your thoughts with is an important part of having healthy mindfulness.” As far as having the answer for why he was able to change his lifestyle and stick to it, Fairplay says, “People ask me can I help them stop drinking or smoking, and I say no. I don’t have the secrets. I just dove in and went full throttle, and it worked for me. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t go all in. I don’t think I can have a beer once a week. I don’t ask myself, ‘Why can’t I have a cigarette?’ or ‘Why can’t I skip church?’

I went all in, and now I’m a happy guy.” But, there was a moment of hesitation. Fairplay continues, “I worried that people wouldn’t invite me to do stuff. I was afraid that if Continued to Page 12

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COVER FEATURE PLAYING FAIR Continued from Page 10

you don’t drink, you don’t get the invite, but my invites have stayed the same. Not one person has come up to me and said, ‘I miss the old Jonny Fairplay.’” He laughs.

The culmination of changes in his life, led Fairplay down an unfamiliar path of being “the good guy.” “No matter what I do, there is always going to be people who hate my guts, but doing positive things is important to me.”

Last December, he participated in the Red-Nosed Rudolph Run and brought Christmas presents for underprivileged children. Seeing life through a different outlook has led Fairplay to volunteerism. “Volunteering makes me a better person,” Fairplay adds. He has worked with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters and raised money for grass roots soccer.

Fairplay admits to having an addictive personality. Giving up alcohol and nicotine left him with a void he needed to fill. Fairplay chose to collect vinyl as his new and healthy, maybe not always on the wallet, addiction. “It’s cool to find a really rare record. I enjoy finding good records. I’ve 12 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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purchased 6 record collections and streamlined down from about 1000 records to 300, everything I own, I really like.” In the digital age, the aura of an album is lost.

“You lose a lot listening to music on your phone. Album artwork is cool. It’s a remembrance of my childhood.

When I play a record, I start with track one and don’t skip a track. Vinyl forces you to really listen to the music.”

Running is another addiction Fairplay has embraced. “I try to run 3 to 10 miles every day,” he adds. Being such a music lover, one would assume Fairplay has a special running playlist, but he listens to podcasts while running.

“I would be a much faster runner if I did listen to music.

Listening to Bruce Prichard go on about Ric Flair circa 1986 on Something to Wrestle isn’t making me a faster running runner,” Fairplay says with a laugh.

Speaking of podcasts, Fairplay recently started Survival of the Fairest with Conrad Thompson. The podcast is Continued to Page 14

Opens January 20 Explore the science of earthquakes, tectonic plates and tsunamis, and find out what earthquake engineers are doing to make our world safer.

dsc.smv.org

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COVER FEATURE PLAYING FAIR Continued from Page 12

a weekly recap and dissection of the latest episode of Survivor. “We get a lot of listeners on Wednesday nights around midnight. The number one rule is the episode cannot be longer than an episode of Survivor (right around 43 minutes),” Fairplay adds.

As to what the future holds for Fairplay, he says, “I’m just going to continue down this new path.” In 2018, he hopes to get involved with more fundraisers, find ways to help the schools, and spread the word of his church. “I want to encourage more people to visit FBC. I get angry when I see 60 people and the place will hold around a thousand.

It’s only one hour. I feel like when I leave I am a better person. I’m not trying to throw stones, but I imagine a lot people could be better people. I’ve had a bunch of friends come with me. They thought it wasn’t for them, but they left feeling differently about the experience.” Recently Fairplay was lay leader at FBC. “I don’t really get nervous

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doing appearances, but that got me a little nervous. In the end, it was good times and good news.”

Fairplay has bounced around from the West Coast to DC, but calls Danville his home. “As a realtor, I see how Danville is growing exponentially. I like that. I like being part of something on the ground floor.” And for the fastpaced lifestyle, Fairplay says, “I wouldn’t want to give up the memories, but I’m glad they are memories.”

He smiles when asked about the thing his most proud of in life. “My daughters, Piper (nine-years old) is cute and funny and one of the smartest kids in fourth grade. I have to check Madilyn (six-months old) for batteries. She goes to sleep at 8pm and wakes up an 6:30am.” Fairplay takes a moment and smiles again. “Despite telling the greatest lie in Survivor history, my greatest claim to fame is I make pretty babies.”

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FEATURE ENTREPRENEURISM: IT STARTS WITH AN IDEA

Entrepreneurism It Starts With An Idea PHOTOS BY THE LAUNCH PLACE AND VON WELLINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY

E

ntrepreneur. It is defined as a person who

identifies an innovative and scalable opportunity,

organizes the resources, and creates a successful enterprise. But at the heart of it, what is an entrepreneur, really? Likely, he or she is someone who started off with an idea. Many of us have ideas but aren’t sure where to go or what to do with them. That’s where The Launch Place comes in. The Launch Place strives to foster an environment for new and serial entrepreneurs to raise

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capital and garner the support system needed to take their products and/or solutions into the marketplace. Beyond this, the organization was looking for other ways to attract creative minds with good ideas. In 2014, the first IdeaFest was held. The event selected 25 entrepreneur teams to present an “elevator pitch” of their ideas to a panel of judges. Participants came from Danville, Pittsylvania County, Blacksburg, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville, as well as North Carolina regions, such as Caswell County,

Raleigh and Durham. One participant had even come from California.

In the years since, IdeaFest has only gotten bigger and better. Recently, we sat down with Eva Doss, President and CEO of The Launch Place, to discuss the history of IdeaFest and what we can expect this year and beyond.

Where did the concept for IdeaFest come from?

In 2013, as part of Danville Regional Foundation’s Middle Border Forward initiative, a group of six fellows choose “business” as part of a community development project.

The group reached out to various regional business resources including The Launch Place to do a community project with a focus on business. The Launch Place suggested to organize a pitch competition in Danville. The fellows took the lead on the suggestion and the concept of IdeaFest was born. The first IdeaFest in cooperation between the Middle Border Forward fellows and The Launch Place took place in March 2014.

What were some of the steps involved with putting the first event together?

The concept started as a pitch competition but turned into a full day event to foster entrepreneurship and raise awareness of business development resources in the region. We had the signature pitch event, but it also included start-up readiness workshop, round table discussions, and an Entrepreneurial Resource Fair to showcase resources in the region. Recalling the first event, it took about eight months or more to plan the event. There were many planning meetings and multiple brainstorming sessions among fellows to put together the events.

Focus of the Planning: How can we encourage local entrepreneurs to share their idea? How can we showcase the regions to competitors who will be visiting from other cities/towns? What do we want to name it? How to raise funds for the event and prizes?

Where to host the event? How to reach out to various universities and colleges to encourage students to share their ideas? Who will judge the competitions?

These were just some of the concerns that needed to be addressed. Under the leadership of The Launch Place, the fellows collaborated with multiple service providers in the region and sponsors in the area to put together the first event. The first event was challenging but feedback and responses from the community was encouraging to continue pursuing and improving the event in future.

In the past 4 years

• Received a total of 257 applications • Total number of companies that have pitched - 85 • Awarded a total of $35,500 to 16 companies

Dates for 2018 Competition: • January 4 – Applications Open • February 13 – Application Deadline • March 30 – IdeaFest Pitch Competition

What do you hope to achieve through these events?

We want to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship to continue to diversify the economy in the Dan River Region. As the lead entity for entrepreneurship development in the region, The Launch Place has strongly supported IdeaFest and has decided to continue to support the pitch competition. We feel it’s a great event to engage the local community as well as introduce people from other regions to the assets available for entrepreneurial growth here in the Dan River Region.

For entrepreneurs, it’s a forum for them to develop their ideas by pitching their venture to a panel of judges and allows the entrepreneur to receive constructive feedback that will help them grow their new venture. And the best part, the top competitors will walk away with cash prizes to use to grow the venture. Another key part of the event is networking. Entrepreneurs will be able to network with fellow entrepreneurs, future customers as well as investors such as The Launch Place. We follow the companies that pitch at IdeaFest and track their progress for possible future investment from the Pre-Seed or Seed Funds.

What changes do you see coming in future IdeaFests?

We are in the midst of planning IdeaFest 2018 and welcome all input and suggestions to make this year a success.

Who should participate in IdeaFest and why should those who aren’t involved in the contest come watch it?

IdeaFest is truly what it sounds like – “IDEAS” are pitched. Yes, it’s true that questions will need to be Continued to Page 18 www.showcasemagazine.com

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FEATURE ENTREPRENEURISM: IT STARTS WITH AN IDEA Continued from Page 17

answered focused on the business model around the idea, however, the venture can be very early without customers.

Eligibility includes the ideas and concepts pitched must be in the initial stages of development where funding to date is no more than $25,000. We want to ensure the ideas that have a solid business model can proceed onto market validation and the prize money awarded to the top competitors can enable the validation to be conducted whether through pilot customers or third party review.

Therefore, any entrepreneur that has a venture idea should apply to IdeaFest.

Audience members not pitching a venture, perhaps budding entrepreneurs not ready to launch, will also gain experience of how venture pitches should be structured and they will hear questions the judges will ask participants which gives them insight into how investors

are evaluating ventures for investment. Overall the event is educational and has great potential for networking with entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors.

A Quick Chat with David Hall Co-Founder and President of Park & Diamond, 2016 IdeaFest Winner What did you learn from the competition?

The competition was the perfect opportunity to distill the mission, vision, and progress of Park & Diamond into a quick presentation. It challenges you to concisely organize the progress while determining the next steps of the company. A successful pitch for IdeaFest requires the entrepreneurs to take a step back from the company in order to convey the big picture!

Continued to Page 20

Jordan Klein and David Hall, Park & Diamond

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FEATURE ENTREPRENEURISM: IT STARTS WITH AN IDEA Continued from Page 18

How was your experience pitching in the competition?

Nervous excitement. Two days prior to the event we participated in the VT KnowledgeWorks Global Entrepreneurs Semifinals where we won the grand prize. I am convinced that no matter how many presentations you give, you will always have that nervous excitement before the presentation.

What Recommendation do you have to the 2018 competitors?

IdeaFest has more to offer than just the grand prize.

The exposure, advice, and encouragement that you may receive can make the experience worthwhile. The networking could lead to a potential investor, partner, or a connection that could push your company to the next level.

What’s your favorite thing about Danville?

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We had an excellent experience in Danville and the facility was great!

What success has the company had and what are your plans for the future?

We participated in additional pitch competitions and were able to raise $180,000 in non-dilutive funding! These competitions included winning the Red Bull Launchpad competition and having a booth for 3 days at Tech Crunch Disrupt NY with Red Bull! They produced a Youtube video for us that reached over 2.5 million views and a combined 4 million views with ensuing media outlets. We have since went on to close our seed round of funding and are beginning sourcing and production in order to reach our goal of product launch in the Summer of 2018!

Do you have a favorite Book?

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

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GOOD EATS BIG BEAR’S WIFE

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Homemade Pimento Cheese WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT

Every good southern woman should have a homemade Pimento cheese recipe in her back pocket! With the recipe from my grandmother’s recipe box and a few tests in the kitchen, I made some of the best we’ve ever had!

INGREDIENTS 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard 4 ounces diced pimentos, drained

INSTRUCTIONS • With an electric mixer, mix the cheddar cheese and

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• • • •

cream cheese together. Mix for 2-3 minutes.

Add in the mayo and mix.

Add in the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder Mix in the pimentos.

Refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Paws for a Cause We hope that 2018 is a wonderful one for everyone. Admittedly, 2017 was one of those years that you do not mind saying good-bye to.

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

tirelessly to eradicate the disease from the shelter.

4. We resolve to continue our work with placement groups and sanctuaries. These groups must be 501 ( c ) 3 organizations, must submit copies of their adoption policies and procedures, and must be preapproved. We read too many horror stories of what happens when rescue groups become rescue hoarders.

5. We resolve to help as many animals as we can, in any way we can. You can resolve to be our eyes in the community, and call in complaints of animals that are not being taken care.

You can resolve to help educate your family and friends about issues that affect animals.

6. We resolve to never turn away an animal, no matter the circumstance, need, or chance of finding them a home. Our doors can never be closed to the weakest members of society.

We would like to share our goals for 2018 with you. They may sound very familiar.

1. We resolve to work even harder to spay and neuter every dog and cat in this area. There is no shelter big enough to be able to hold all the homeless animals or animals that must be saved from perilous situations. There is no adoption program that can successfully place all of the needy ones. Any program must include as the foundation an aggressive spay/neuter program, and since 1993, we have helped spay or neuter approximately 31,000 animals. We received $50,000 from the E. Stuart James Grant Charitable Trust for our 2018 programs for This handsome guy is about four months old and came to us as a residents of Danville and Pittsylvania stray. He’s the full package -- he is handsome, friendly, and has a County. sweet heart.

2. We resolve to be diligent in our efforts to find the shelter animals a home. We wish for all animals a home where they will be secure and safe from hunger, thirst, Finally, we face 2018 with gratitude and hope. The shelter is going to temperature extremes, and harsh treatment. be updated and renovated, and we know that the year will bring us 3. We resolve to help the shelter animals. That sounds simple, but many opportunities to serve the animals. What a blessing that is! when you consider that every shelter is one sick stray away from having a disease outbreak, the task is a monumental one. We will not give up. In January 2017, we still had some very sick cats DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY from a hoarding case in the fall of 2016. Staff members worked

MEET MEET FELIX FELIX

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SPONSORED WE ARE THE ARC…AND YOU BELONG WITH US

We are The Arc… and You Belong with Us

W

e are your friends and neighbors, and all we want is to

be included and accepted - the same thing everyone

wants. That is what The Arc of Southside is about, helping people who have often been left out, separated and marginalized, to get the services and support they need to simply live life and access the community they live in.

So whether it is helping a child attend their neighborhood school, along with their siblings and friends, helping a high school student learn the options in front of them for when they graduate, or helping an adult get a job or their first apartment . . . The Arc is there to help people live their life, day to day, as they choose.

A group of people who help The Arc to do this is our Membership.

Members join The Arc to show their belief in A Life Like Yours. We are a membership organization where numbers of members equal the power to influence public policy and perceptions. We hope you will join us as we work to help everyone Belong in our community.

As part of this year’s annual Membership Drive, we want to take a moment to THANK some of our long-standing, contributing

members. These dedicated supporters have faithfully given to the Mission for many years and we are grateful for their support!

As we continue to grow, we look forward to partnering with more community members, adding their names to the list.

Julie Brown David Cartwright David Clark Frank Fox Karen Hardy Dan Hayes Pat Honeycutt Abercrombie Physical Therapy Phoenix Lodge Number 62 PoQuoson Tribe 124 St. John’s United Methodist Church United Steelworkers Local 831

2018 Membership Drive Please consider becoming a Member to show your support for A Life Like Yours in a community where Everyone Belongs!

Membership costs as little as $25 per year!!

Easy Ways to Join: Go to www.thearcofsouthside.org OR

For more information about Community Engagement contact David Gusler at The Arc of Southside 434.836.3272 Ext. 102 24 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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NOT SO COMMON - COMMON SENSE

Based on my own observations there appears to be a general consensus that transforming Danville Public Schools to a high performing school system is a desired outcome and expectation. Much of the public discourse regarding transformation is directed at improving academic achievement, changing school climate and culture, and improving the quality of school facilities. Nearly all of the commentary suggests that there is a need for change.

While there appears to be at least some broad agreement that the public education system should change, most of the opinions are related to individual observations, experiences or perceptions. True and substantial change requires not only a strategic focus on planning, funding, and accountability but also key investments. More importantly, it is unreasonable to desire and expect a truly transformed, high performing public education system without the political and fiscal will to make the kind of investments that will yield extraordinary returns. Investments that are transformational are not only fiscal in nature but systemic, logistical, personal, and attitudinal.

Not So Common Common Sense!

What investments will transform public education in this community?

Systemic change rarely occurs without an effective governance system that has a clearly defined purpose and a strategic plan that collectively guide policies, procedures, processes, protocols, and investments. As a public entity, public schools are governed by the School Board, managed by the staff, service the needs of its students and families, and supported the entire community!

Schools are the community and the communities are our schools.

Transforming public education is an “all in” effort from all aspects of the community.

This effort, ideally, is driven by a welldefined, articulated, and monitored set of strategic priorities, beliefs, and behaviors.

As described in the December edition of Showcase, the School Board defined its priorities, beliefs, and behaviors about public education in Danville as “a community invested in education” and the statement – we are “all in” when it comes to education in our community.

A strategic plan, even as it is being developed, is less about how the system is being governed and more about what is being governed. What is being governed is the entire communities’ collective future. A future that is very different from the present.

by Stan Jones, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools

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

Transforming public education in Danville is already occurring. It is a phenomenon that is intentional, strategic, incremental, purposeful and will require significant investments. The investments that will transform public education in Danville include: 1. The implementation of high-quality learning in every classroom (what is taught, how it is taught, and how it is measured) such that it challenges and inspires every student optimally.

2. Continuous support in its employees and their professional development to maximize student success (including an attractive salary, benefits, and incentives (housing, loan forgiveness, and others).

3. Building and maintaining high quality, state-of-the-art facilities that are upheld with viable and sustainable infrastructure and operations essential for dynamic 21st Century learning.

4. Community support such that all of its members embrace their role in supporting a high performing public education system in all aspects.

5. Help from the larger community that addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of each child as they affect his or her educational achievement.

6. Exemplary public relations and customer service.

With regard to a return on investment, the formula for a transformation of public education in our community is rather simplistic. Extraordinary investments will yield extraordinary results. Perhaps we should be “all in” by investing in high-quality staff, high-quality facilities, and highquality learning. The best way to create the future we truly believe in is to invest in it. www.showcasemagazine.com

| JANUARY 2018 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25

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