Showcase Magazine December 2019

Community Strong

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

Presented by

Happy Holidays and

A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

This holiday season reminds us that we are fortunate to be a part of this great community. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.

SovahHealth.com

2019:

THE SELF CARE ISSUE www.showcasemagazine.com

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A LOOK BACK IN COVERS

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Black Dog Restorations

Halifax Restaurant Week

Congratulations Class of 2019

Wish You Were Here The Day TrIPPING ISSue

The Issue of Progress

Local

Socials

How social media is making dreams come true

Let’s

TALK Senior Health about

Community Strong

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

DECEMBER 2019

THE COM M UNITY STRONG ISSUE Showcase Magazine

@showcaseDVA

showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com

FEATURES Community Strong

Recognizing those who volunteer their time and expertise to better the community.

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2019 RAVE Ballot

PG.

8

TEN Happenings December 2019 31

Fun Ahead in 2020 Martinsville – Henry County

25

32

He Said She Said Revisited

Work-inProgress

Almost Retired 28

Verbs 42

2019 Showcase Magazine

Community Strong People of the Year ALSO INSIDE

Editor’s Letter It Takes a Strong Team 6

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Pretzel Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Confessions of a 30 Something A Year in the Life 37

34

Nine Grams

Instagrams From Our Area 30 4 SHOWCASE Magazine |

Games

Crossword & Wordsearch 36 DECEMBER 2019

Paws for a Cause Each Little Act of Kindness 39

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PG.

32

THANK YOU DANVILLE! Thank you for voting YES to Pari-Mutuel!

YES to Danville!

PAID FOR BY DANVILLE WINS WITH PARI-MUTUEL www.showcasemagazine.com

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EDITOR’S LETTER

It Takes a Strong Team A community is a team, and our community has a lot to be proud of when looking back at 2019. It takes a group effort to move forward, but the advancement is fueled by likeminded individuals determined to make the community better than it was yesterday.

Famed football coach, Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort— that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Behind every success is a strong team.

Our local communities are building strong teams.

Community involvement is defined as “the process of engaging in dialogue and collaboration with community members.” But that doesn’t scratch the surface of the many ways getting involved can strengthen community bonds and enrich personal growth.

We can learn much from getting active in the community. A common ingredient in all communities is diversity. It’s this difference that can be monumental in building a healthy community and growing personally. We can all learn something from each other. We must learn to listen to each other and accept our differences. And most importantly, for positive change to occur, we must participate. It takes effort and hard work to build a better tomorrow.

This month we honor our selections for the 2019 Showcase Magazine Community Strong People of the Year. Community strong defines the sturdy foundation healthy communities are built on. These chosen individuals have dedicated time, energy, and ideas to the evolution of Danville into a better place to work, live, and play. Individual awards are collaborative efforts. Our community is loaded with individuals coming together to share their time, efforts, and ideas to build an unstoppable team. Many local businesses go above and beyond to show their dedication to community as well.

Showcase is proud to team with URW Community Federal Credit Union this year for Community Strong. URW has an impressive resume of community involvement through the years. URW supports Habitat for Humanity and God’s Pit Crew. It’s also sponsored events such as the Market Monster Mash at Halloween, Rising Stars Youth Football Camp, Imagine Children’s Festival, Touch-A-Truck, and the Bridge2Bridge 5k, and many more.

URW also sponsors a warm coat drive to see that those in need stay warm in the colder months. This month URW is sponsoring the Danville Concert Association’s Christmas with the Celts.

I’ll leave you this month with the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Have a Happy Holiday and enjoy the issue.

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showcase DECEMBER 2019

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 | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Sam Jackson | Marketing Consultant sam@showcasmagazine.com 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 Angie Barrett | Paulette Dean | Paul Seiple Lee Vogler | Visit Martinsville CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Angie Barrett | Captured Portraiture Michelle Dalton Photography Lee Vogler | Visit Martinsville COVER Silas Zeidler Photographed by Captured Portraiture

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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 MARK ARON

Mark Aron Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

I

f you’re a frequent facebooker, odds are you’ve seen

Mark Aron from River City TV on your newsfeed.

Aron is on the pulse of what’s happening in Danville.

He spends a good part of his time to keep citizens informed.

Aron was born and raised in Danville. He is married to his junior high school sweetheart, Kristen, and has two beautiful children, sixteen-year-old Dylan and elevenyear-old Madyson. Aron launched River City TV fourteen years ago after spending the early years of his broadcasting career with WFXB Fox-43 and ABC-13 News.

River City TV is a staple for local news. Aron has taken facebook viewers along for rides while monitoring winter-

weather road conditions. He kept the city in the know during the 2018 flooding. His dedication to Danville is paying off. In the past three years, River City TV has received many awards for its work on social media including the Virginia Municipal League’s Innovation Award for Communications, two Telly Awards, and a W3 Award for its Facebook Live reporting.

Showcase sat down with Mark to delve into his dedication to our community.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Mark Aron: I believe that in order for any community to thrive you need individuals to step up and champion a cause. No matter what that cause may be, you need to embody the passion to make a difference. If you are passionate about education, volunteer at a local school. If you are passionate about the future of our city, mentor a youth. One of my passions is making sure that everyone within the sound of my voice hears the positive stories of our community.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

MA: Knowing that you can make a difference in the lives of individuals makes volunteering so important to me. I lead a Christ-Centered life so volunteering in the Awana program at Westover Baptist Church brings me great joy.

Teaching the word of God to children and letting them know how His words can mold their lives is very special to me. I would like to leave this world better than I found it and volunteering my time in this community is just one small way I hope to make that possible.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

MA: It takes a village. In my profession, you are at the mercy of the next story breaking so it can create a tough balancing act. Family is, and always, will be a top priority in my life so spending quality time with them is vitally important. With the help of my wife Kristen and loving

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grandparents, we get the children to all their activities and participate in almost everything they have going on in their lives. Our children are only young once and being there for them in every step of their growth and development is paramount.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

MA: If you plan to succeed in life, no matter what you plan to do, give it 110 percent. Slacking does not lead to success. This advice can be applied to all aspects of your life and has served me well.

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

MA: I have a few real-life heroes. First are my parents, Winston and Loretta Aron. They molded me into the man I have become, and I am grateful for the love and support they have shown me over my lifetime. Their love for one another in their 54 years of marriage is one I try to emulate daily. Second, is my wife Kristen of 19 years.

We began dating at the age of 14 while attending Bonner Junior High School and she has been my rock ever since.

The roads of life have not always been smooth, but she has been the steady hand that has guided my path and I am forever grateful to her for that. How she accomplishes everything she does in a day is beyond comprehension.

She rises for work at 4am, gets off in time to pick the kids up from school, takes them to dance or practice and still finds time to cook the best food you will ever put in your mouth. She is the love of my life and my real-life hero!

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

MA: Danville is my HOMETOWN! • Where my educational foundation was laid–GLH Johnson Elementary School • Where I hit my first home run in Little League— Woodberry Ballfield • Where lifelong friendships were formed with games of war in the neighborhood—Shadowwood/Beverly Park • Where I meet my first crush—Danville YMCA Afterschool Care • Where I meet the love of my life—Bonner Junior High School Commons • Where my children were born—Danville Memorial Hospital My roots run deep in this community and this is just a small sample size of why Danville is so special to me.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

MA: Some of my favorite things to do in Danville center around the outdoors. This may include running a 5K

along the beautiful Riverwalk Trail or taking a ride around the city utilizing the Danville Rides bike share program.

I also enjoy the many outdoor festivals and concerts that Danville Parks and Recreation, Danville Harvest Jubilee, and many other organizations provide for the citizens of Danville.

SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

MA: I absolutely love spending time outdoors with my family. We run and bike on the Riverwalk Trail as much as possible and will travel to other hiking destinations in our region to unwind. I am also an avid sports fan so attending any live sporting event with my family is a great evening out.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

MA: Your happiness is created from within and I encourage everyone to look through the lens of life and see the glass half full. There will always be naysayers and those that say you can’t. Just greet them with a smile, maybe bit your bottom lip and create your own happiness.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

MA: As I mentioned earlier, I live a Christ-Centered life and my life verse is Matthew 6:34—“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

MA: In the fall of 2020, my son Dylan will become a high school senior. We will begin the process of touring colleges and finding where the next phase of his life will lead upon graduating in 2021. This will tough on mom and dad, but we are very excited about what the future holds for him.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

MA: I want to see Danville continue to grow on many fronts. I love the direction that Danville is heading when it comes to economic development. Job creation in Danville in priority number one for local leaders and recent announcements of new industries locating in our region is a positive. Quality of life is also vital to the growth of a community and I see many great things happenings on that front in the city, one being the creation of a Riverfront Park. The growth of the River District has been phenomenal with new restaurants and attractions continuing to open often. The future is bright for our city and I am so excited to have the opportunity to share our story! www.showcasemagazine.com

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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 SYLVIA BROOKS

Sylvia Brooks Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

S

ylvia Brooks grew up in Pelham, North Carolina.

She has served on the Danville Police Department for 24 years. Brooks is the youth engagement corporal. Brooks helps to create a positive relationship between the police department and the city’s youth through events in programs.

Brooks married her husband Curtis 22 years ago. The couple has three children, two daughters and a son who is a senior, and plays football, at the University of Cincinnati. Brooks’s children went to George Washington

High School. So, when the opportunity to be a part of the revival of the GW holiday basketball tournament (now known as the Harry Johnson Holiday Classic), Brooks couldn’t pass it up.

The tournament has always been a positive event for Danville and surrounding areas. It offers something for the youth in a safe, controlled environment. Brooks has dedicated valuable time and effort as part of the committee responsible for bringing the tournament back to the city.

Brooks took a few moments out of her day to tell Showcase why volunteering is such a big part of her life.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Sylvia Brooks: Community involvement is important to me because I can meet many types of people. It is also important because it builds special bonds with the people we serve.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

SB: I love people, and I really love children. I want to make a difference for as many people as possible.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

SB: I balance my home life, work, and community involvement by including my family into whatever I can allow them to be a part. For instance, my family helps me out whenever they can for different events like the Youth Engagement Talent Show, Fashion Show, and much more.

I am very blessed to have a supportive family, a great job, and a fantastic community.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

SB: Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you have a choice to be right or be kind, please choose kind every time.

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SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

SB: My real-life hero was and still is my mom Josephine Simpson. My mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2000 and the doctors gave her 4 weeks to live. My dad and my siblings were so upset about it, but not my mom because of her faith she in God she was not worried. My mom lived five years with that four-weeks diagnose. This taught me several things, but the biggest thing was trust God in all things.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

SB: When my children are happy that is my happiness.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? SB: Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you (this is hanging on my desk).

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

SB: My son graduating from college and my daughter graduating from high school.

SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

SB: I love to watch Hallmark Channel. Spend time with my family and sometimes exercise.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

SB: I see Danville reaching for the stars, more jobs, crimerate dropping, and a sport complex building for all the city to use.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? SB: Danville is special because of the people and the love we have for each other.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

SB: I love going to the YMCA.

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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 KELLY CUNNINGHAM

Kelly Cunningham Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

K

elly Cunningham was born and raised in Danville After attending Norfolk State University, Cunningham moved back to Danville in 2009.

She is the founder and CEO of The Fashion Haus which introduces the city’s youth to fashion design. The Fashion Haus just celebrated its fourth season of Danville Fashion Week. Cunningham has a passion for arts and culturethemed events.

“Be the Change.” I want to be a part of the change. You can’t be a part of the change by standing on the sidewalk.

Get into the streets and start doing the work. A volunteer wants to get to know the community and believing in the cause is an added motivation. I can use my current skills and learn more along the way. Many things can inspire one to volunteer but mine is simple. I enjoy being of service, assisting others, and learning new things.

Cunningham answered a few questions on why she gives back to the community.

SC: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

KC: It is important for me to write things down. Balancing life, work, and community involvement can be difficult.

The one thing I try not to forget is to take time for me.

My family does not allow me to become overwhelmed and sometimes “life” reminds me of my limits. I balance it all by attending church regularly and remembering that I cannot do everything and be everywhere (even though I still believe I can).

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Kelly Cunningham: Being active in the community allows team building, community relationship building, and introduces you to like-minded individuals.

Community involvement brings a positive, measurable change to the community and surrounding businesses. It allows you to gain life skills and knowledge and provide service to those who need it most.

SC: What inspires you to volunteer?

KC: Middle Border Forward has a motto 12 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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SC: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

KC: Iron sharpens iron, passion, divine gifts, and purpose work together. Humility and gratitude will solidify your blessings and thanking HIM for it all should never cease.—Monica Pounds-Edmunds SC: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

KC: My mother is my hero. She is strength. She is humility. She is growth. She is patience. She is charity. And she is my hope. She continues to teach with grace, and I am forever grateful. My sister and I are truly blessed to have Kathy Cunningham be our mother.

SC: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

KC: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”—Philippians 4:13 SC: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

KC: I recharge by being around family and friends. When I really need some ME time, I enjoy nature, and I dance.

Yes, I love to go into an open room (preferably a studio)

and dance. That is my happy place. I am free to feel, move, and express myself with no one watching.

SC: What is your idea of happiness?

KC: Happiness is a feeling that comes over you when you know life is good and you can’t help but smile. Happiness comes from within and it is a choice. You can create your own happiness. My idea of happiness is when I forget about everything, all tensions and start living life in the moment. Happiness is when I am genuinely satisfied with life. It is a steady sense of well-being and things being all right.

SC: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

KC: I enjoy walking the trail, meeting my friends at Crema and Vine for a mimosa, and enjoying the chicken quesadilla at Mucho’s. I also enjoy going to the concerts offered at Averett University.

SC: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

KC: Danville is HOME and there is no place like HOME. We make DANVILLE special. The people make Danville special. From the age of 17-21 I lived in Virginia Beach.

I left Virginia Beach, a city that was vibrant, social, had a

great nightlife, and I returned to Danville. Many people asked why, and my response was Danville is Home. I can see different possibilities. Most of all I see growth.

SC: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

KC: I am looking forward to the development of my nonprofit The Fashion Haus. I am looking forward to seeing more creatives spotlight their talents. There are a lot of quiet, talented individuals in our city and I’m just waiting to see them flourish. My sister is one of those people. I’m excited to see her journey along with others.

In the midst of that, I am looking forward to traveling more, producing more fashion shows outside of the city, and enjoying life. 2020 will be a great year.

SC: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

KC: I’d like to see Danville continue the growth in our downtown area and to watch it hopefully evolve into more communities. My vision is that we continue with community development by showing and believing in the unification of cultural diversity. I see Danville being a city where people want to travel to whether it’s for shopping, dinning or enjoying live entertainment.

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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 SHELBY IRVING

Shelby Irving Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

D

anville Fire Department Fire Marshall, Shelby Irving, the youngest of 7 children, was born and raised in Danville. After graduating from Ferrum College, she worked with Danville Parks and

Recreation. She became the first female firefighter in Danville after interviewing with the Danville Fire Department in 1987. Irving was honored with the “Outstanding Young Firefighter of the Year” in 1996. Ten years later, she was named “Firefighter of the Year” by American Legion Post 1097.

Irving has served on many boards throughout the community including Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services, God’s Storehouse, Danville Community College, and Averett University. For the past 26 years, she has held the position of treasurer and assistant finance secretary at Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

Irving has been recognized for her community presence

by Danville Community College as outstanding alumni.

In 2012, she received the Ruby Archie Excellence in Leadership Award by Evince Magazine. And in 2019, I am S.A.R.A.H. awarded Irving with the Ruby Archie Award.

Irving took a moment to speak with Showcase about what drives her to community involvement.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Shelby Irving: Being visible and approachable is so important in the Southside area; people want to know you care.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

SI: Public service is what I know. I like to give back to my community in any way I can, especially if it will help someone.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

SI: Sometimes it is a struggle. My faith carries me through. Service above self.

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SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

SII: To be honest and respect all people.

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

SI: My late mother Eliza Totten and former Fire Chief B.G. Lewis who retired in 2007.

My mother had a strong faith and taught me to treat others with respect and live by the “Golden Rule” and a good character will follow you. I work with a lot of heroes in the fire department, to name a few Captain James Harper and Captain Dave Gunnell, Ret. Battalion Chief Bryan Shields, and FF Steffen Scarce. They always try to find the good in all people. They are selfless, never meet a stranger, and have a love for humankind.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

SI: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”— James 1:17 KJV SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

SI: I head to my lake house in North Carolina. I love to relax on the dock fishing with my brothers.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

SI: Not being on call and no fires that harm people or animals.

I also enjoy attending all types of ball games.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

SI: My family, my church, and the people I serve. I have fond memories of growing up here.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

SI: Riding my pink bike on the trail, shopping, and visiting my Granny Saunders.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

SI: To continue working with exceptional leaders with forward thinking ideas, and an atmosphere where the people live and working together for the better good of our city.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

SI: Spending more time with family and friends and maybe retiring. www.showcasemagazine.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT THE ARC OF SOUTHSIDE

Where do you Belong?

B

elonging means to be accepted as a member or part…

such a simple word that means so much to the human

experience. Belonging brings a sense of value to a person, it means they are understood and welcomed. The concept of belonging is at the center of the inclusion movement.

Where do you belong? The Arc of Southside believes that you belong with us. We are a membership organization where numbers of members equal the power to influence public policy and public perceptions. We hope you will join us as we work to help everyone Belong in our community.

Inclusion is being a part of what everyone else is, and being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs. Practices in providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities have evolved over the years to a deeper understanding of what it means to have A Life Like Yours, and that effective supports for people are those that honor and recognize that people with developmental disabilities want the same things in life that we all do…. a home to call our own, a job or activities that fulfill us in our daily life and friends and family to share the successes and struggles of life. The Arc talks about A Life Like Yours when describing supports and services for people to remind us all of this sameness in the need to simply belong.

December is The Arc of Southside’s Annual

People with disabilities belong in our schools, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and everywhere we are in our communities…. they simply belong. The work of service providers is simply to provide support to people so that they can access the things already in the world. These supports can take any form, they are specifically designed for each person. And with the right supports, everyone regardless of level of ability, can take part in all that our world and communities have to offer. The Inclusion Movement is a matter of Civil Rights, we must afford the same opportunities for a full and meaningful life to everyone, regardless of ability.

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 today: Go to www.thearcofsouthside.org, Become A Member Section, Call us at 434.836.3272 OR Come by our office at 734 Main St., Danville, VA to pick up a membership form

Segregation and isolation of people with disabilities has shown us that institutions cannot begin to tap the potential of individuals to learn, participate and contribute to their communities. They isolate people from family, friends, and communities, creating higher risks for abuse and neglect.

The experience of the past few decades has shown that no one needs to be separated, and that everyone belongs.

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For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272.

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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 MIKE MONDUL

Mike Mondul Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

S

heriff Michael S. “Mike” Mondul was raised in a

military family and born in Newport, Rhode Island

while his father attended Naval War College.

He graduated from Herndon High School. After a 1 and half year stint in a department of defense school in Naples, Italy, Mondul attended Old Dominion University and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, he earned his Master of Criminal Justice degree from Boston University.

Before being elected in 2009, Mondul worked sixteen years with the Danville Police Department and served in many capacities. He is active in the community and serves on many boards including—Haven, Lions Club, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, House of Hope, Hoop Don’t Shoot, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services, and member of Riverview Rotary. He also volunteers with the GWHS varsity swim team.

Mondul lives in Danville with his wife Mary, and their four children; Mindy, Justin, Brooke, and Rose. He is also a proud grandparent of Holly and Christian.

Showcase sat down with Mondul to get a deeper look into his desire to make our community a better place.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Mike Mondul: A community is only as strong as the people who live there. I believe that being involved in the community you live in makes it stronger. It also develops a sense of pride and belonging when you are involved.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

MM: When you volunteer your time and effort, and you see that it impacts other people, it is rewarding beyond any description I can offer.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

MM: As the father of four children, two grandchildren, and a job which demands much of my time, my spare time is obviously limited. My calendar drives my focus in terms of what has to be done versus openings for service.

I do my best to leverage my spare time to make an impact.

I try to make time to do what needs to be done every day.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

MM: At the end of the day, if you can look at the guy in

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the mirror and be at ease with what you did and how you treated people that day, you have done the right thing and can rest easy.

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

MM: My parents—My mother is a social worker and my father was a career Navy officer. I remember my father being the captain of a ship and treating the sailors in the boiler room the same as the officers on the bridge. My mother used to nurse injured dogs, cats, and wildlife back to health. I’d like to think I am a balance of both of them, structured and caring, firm but fair.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

MM: I have many. “The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects the winds to change, the leader adjusts the sails.”—William Arthur Ward SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

MM: Spending time with my family is how I spend most of my spare time. I believe our families are our greatest investment. I know that my time with them is finite, so I try to spend as much time as I can with them. I also like to kayak and attend sporting events. My family knows that for 3 hours a week during football season, I will watch my favorite childhood team, the New England Patriots.

the general buzz about the activities in Danville. People who still say ‘there is nothing to do in Danville’ are not paying close enough attention to what is going on around them. I am looking forward to seeing what is next!

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

MM: We have come a long way as a community since I came here 26 years ago. Like all communities, we have our challenges. A recent initiative closing the gap in afterschool time will be a game changer for our youth and ultimately our city. If we work together to identify at-risk children, do something about it (direct them to existing or new resources), the landscape of our community will be much better and ultimately equate to less crime and reduced jail population. Also, working together with many agencies and entities to reduce the cycle of recidivism which will ultimately make people more productive members of our community. To realize these types of changes statistically, it often takes a decade or more.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

MM: Someone once told me to find something you love to do and get paid doing it. I consider myself the luckiest man alive. I have a job I love, great co-workers, my family is awesome, and I live in a wonderful community that seems to appreciate my efforts to make it better.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

MM: I have lived many places in my life including a few different countries. Danville is a unique mid-sized town with huge potential. It is exciting to see that potential being realized. The people here are down to earth and genuine. After graduating from college, I made Danville my home in 1993, and have raised my family here.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

MM: Anything Riverwalk Trail oriented, exploring the River District, and meeting new people who have come here.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

MM: I am excited about the new businesses, the jobs, and www.showcasemagazine.com

| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 19

COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 JENNIFER HOGE-WILLIAMS

Jennifer Hoge-Williams Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

J

ennifer Hoge-Williams moved to Danville in

1985 to start her higher education at Averett

College. In 1991, she began teaching in Pittsylvania County and taught in the county and Danville until May 2016.

Hoge-Williams married her husband, Scott, in 2000. She has a goal of visiting all 50 state capitals. She’s made it to 22 so far. Hoge-Williams enjoys mission trips domestic and abroad. She is an avid reader. Her mother, Barbara, who passed away in 2018, inspired Hoge-Williams to read and to give away books.

To date, she has given away 42,900 books through her Joy of Reading program. Hoge-Williams came up with the idea for Joy of Reading after a summer of tutoring children in the area. She noticed that the children wanted to keep the stories after reading them. Hoge-Williams began to leave books with the students while remembering how her mother read to her every day. She worked on getting books into the hands of anyone who may want to read them.

Showcase met with Jennifer to talk about her involvement in the community and how it impacts her life.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Jennifer Hoge-Williams: If a community does not work together, we cannot accomplish nearly as much. There are many things I am not very good at, but others I am. By being involved in my community, we can learn and grow together.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

JHW: I am a people person. I love to be with people, talk to people, and learn new ideas, as well as learn from those who have done things and know how. I volunteer to share my experience, to encourage and inspire others, and to learn all I can.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

JHW: I try to have some downtime between work and giving books. I also try to always have books with me I can leave places I pass that may enjoy them.

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SM: How do you recharge. What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

JHW: Visit new places and learn new things.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

JHW: Be a marigold. Marigolds are those little orange flowers that are super easy to grow. Well, turns out that while we just see them as little flowers, they repel bugs that might eat nearby flowers/vegetables. Everything near a marigold thrives because it’s there. A wise teacher in my first year of teaching told me to search for marigolds in life and be one. Achieve and raise others to achieve with you.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

JHW: Seeing others succeed or learn something new.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

JHW: There’s no elevator to success, you have to take the stairs. -unknown

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

JHW: My mother, who instilled many life lessons in me and endured many adversities and still made a positive impact on the world. My brother and sister, who give to their communities in impactful ways like I do.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

JHW: It reminds me of the town I grew up in—South Charleston, West Virginia.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

JHW: Visiting our 23rd capitol city: Phoenix AZ and the Grand Canyon! Giving away book 100,000.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

JHW: Eat at a hometown restaurant, movies, trail walking, and spending time with people who encourage me.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

JHW: A community that is more literate, and students who achieve more.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History proudly presents

January 12 - May 24, 2020 Opening Reception: January 12, 2020 2-4:30pm • Free, Open to the Public

For more information call: 434-793-5644, or email: C.B. Maddox: cb@danvillemuseum.org www.danvillemuseum.org www.showcasemagazine.com

| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21

COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 ROBBIE WOODALL

Robbie Woodall Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

R

obbie Woodall, a life-long resident of Danville

and Pittsylvania County, began volunteering

early in life. After graduating from Tunstall High School, Woodall joined the Danville Life Saving Crew.

For over 30 years, Woodall has been a key member of the organization. He considers himself blessed to have great mentors who have contributed to the success his had in life.

Woodall says the last 30 years have been challenging but rewarding. He has been married to his wife, Christy, for over 22 years and has a son who is a junior at Virginia Tech and a daughter who is a sophomore at Tunstall.

In 2013, after a brief illness, Woodall’s father Robert passed away. Woodall took the 26 years of mentoring under his father and assumed responsibility for the family business, Woodall Automotive.

Two years after joining the DLSC, Woodall began serving in leadership role in 1999. He was elected crew chief in 2007, a role he still serves. Woodall also serves on the board of the crew’s sister agency the Danville Area Training Center.

Woodall’s list of involvement in the community it long.

He is an active member of River View Rotary where he proudly earned his Paul Harris Fellow. He serves on the board of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. In 2018, Woodall was selected but the Danville Kiwanis Club as the Citizen of the Year.

Woodall spoke with Showcase about his role in the community and his efforts to give back.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Robbie Woodall: I truly believe you have to give back to the community. Danville has had a lot of challenges over the past decade. I look at the changes as opportunities to improve our quality of life.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

RW: That’s a great question that my wife asks me all the time. I don’t have any real hobbies just working and volunteering at the crew. Working with the crew has been a true blessing. People come up to you at a restaurant or store and thank you for helping them or someone in their family. That lets you know you’ve truly made a difference in someone’s life.

SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement?

RW: At times this can be a challenge at times. I have made

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many sacrifices with my family over the years to work a lot of hours and volunteer with the crew. Since my dad died suddenly and my wife had a heart attack, I have been better at prioritizing life.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

RW: To never give up, work hard, and plan for success.

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

RW: My grandfather Scearce helped raise me and taught me many of life’s lessons. He never met a stranger and was very much respected in our Westover community and in his business. My dad was the other person who played a big part in my life even though I did not live with him growing up. He was always their making sure we were taken care of, ensuring we had family time no matter how busy business kept him.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

RW: I have had the opportunity to travel the country and visit many places coast-to-coast. But when I see that sign that says “Welcome to Danville” I feel at home.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

RW: I hope the new year will give me and my family good health. Without that nothing else matters in life.

SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism?

RW: Actually, volunteering is my getaway. Sure, the day-to-day role of leading the company and the crew is stressful. But getting into the ambulance and running a call truly makes me feel good about helping people.

SM: What is your idea of happiness?

RW: Spending a day with my family.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

RW: I hope we can expand our workforce to attract new businesses. We have a great number of local businesses that have opportunities to expand. We need to focus on our youth and on ways to create a better quality of life.

As I say all the time, my whole life is in Danville. I want nothing but the best for our residents and community in the future.

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| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23

COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2019 SILAS ZEIDLER

Silas Zeidler Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

S

ilas Zeidler is an 11-year-old with a plan to help

as many in need as he can. Zeidler attends

Carlisle School in Martinsville and enjoys playing video games, sports, and collecting baseball cards. He is active in the youth at Elevation Church. Zeidler also enjoys volunteering at God’s Pit Crew.

The volunteering inspired Zeidler’s “Juicing for Jesus” lemonAID stand. Zeidler chose the name “lemonaid” to represent those in need. To date, he has held campaigns where the lemonaid stands have raised over $25,000 thanks to the supportive and caring Danville community.

We caught up with Zeidler to find out a little more about him and why he volunteers.

Showcase Magazine: Why is community involvement so important to you?

Silas Zeidler: I like to help people in need. It makes me feel like I’m part of making my community a better place to live.

SM: What inspires you to volunteer?

SZ: God’s Pit Crew has influenced me so much. They inspire me help any way I can.

SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?

SZ: “When you do something, do it with excellence.”—Tanya Hilliard (my mom).

SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why?

SZ: My mom, my dad, and my

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stepdad. They encourage me and are my mentors in life.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

SZ: This year was a good year for me, but I’m looking forward to making 2020 an even better year.

SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it?

SZ: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”—Philippians 4:13 SM: What is your idea of happiness?

SZ: Happiness to me is having a family that loves me, cares for me and encourages me.

SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you?

SZ: Being a small town, you get to know everyone who lives here.

SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville?

SZ: Going out to eat, going to the movies, and going to Grizzly’s Hatchet House.

SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

SZ: This year was a good year for me, but I’m looking forward to making 2020 an even better year.

SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville?

SZ: That all homeless have a home and all the needy get what they need to live. I want more people to volunteer for the good of the community.

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| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27

FEATURE HE SAID SHE SAID REVISITED

He Said She Said Revisited

Almost Retired

BY LARRY OLDHAM AND DENA HILL PHOTO BY MICHELLE DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY

HE SAID When we started dating in our early forties, I remember you saying to me, “I can’t wait until we retire so we can sit on our front porch in our rocking chairs, hold hands, and talk about the good old days.”

grandchildren, even to move to another state so we could be close to them.

Well, guess what? We’re retired now but only one of us is sitting on the front porch rocking.

I understand your enjoyment in teaching. I can appreciate your love of the children and helping them to read and grow educationally. All of that made perfectly good sense to me fifty years ago. But today that doesn’t work for me.

Retirement is a funny thing. We both made plans to travel, to spend time with our children and

A funny thing happened on the way to retirement. YOU GOT A JOB!

Hawaii, San Cabo, California, Australia, Virgin Islands, and England are just some places we were going to visit when we retired. I know your argument is going to be, “We’re still healthy; teaching keeps me young; you get to go shopping every day while I work, blah, blah, blah.”

All of that is true, but I wanted us to grow old together while we’re still healthy enough to enjoy each other. I wanted to sit on the porch, sipping tea, and talking about how much we contributed to the world.

You have this plan you’re going to live to the ripe old age of 100. I am happy to make it to 73.

Here is my philosophy—We only have so many breaths of air in our lifetime. You have used most of yours working out 3 hours a day. I, on the other hand, have conserved mine, so I will probably live to be 150.

I don’t want to be retired alone. I want you to be retired with me so I can continue to bring joy and laughter into your life.

SHE SAID The only joy and laughter I get is from watching The Big Bang Theory reruns on television when I get home from teaching school.

You on the other hand have been out eating, shopping, chatting with every stranger you meet, and exploring our new surroundings.

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I have been substituting at some schools to help them out. I love the freedom of just teaching and not having to attend meetings and do tons of paperwork under a deadline.

I remember in our early forties and before we got married you said, “I just want you to know that I love you and want to be married to you, but we are still individuals and I don’t want you to lose the freedom of being yourself.”

Even though we are retired, I am not ready to sit on the porch yet and rock myself to sleep, while you drone on about some driveling story I have heard a hundred times, but you still find it funny.

up in the morning talking, go throughout the day talking, and go to bed at night still talking even if I’m asleep or sometimes your talking even puts me to sleep.

If your theory is right about the number of breaths in life, the breath you use to talk would have taken you away many, many years ago.

As of July 2018, Dena and I retired to Salisbury, N.C., to be closer to our children and grandchildren. We have truly missed all of our friends in Danville and surrounding areas.

We wanted to share with you the “He Said She Said” version of retirement. We also want to wish you Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming year.

I would think that my absence would make you happy so you could have time to do what you have always enjoyed doing.

Love to you all, Larry and Dena Oldham

As far as the number of breaths I use on a daily basis, just let me say this about that. I love you dearly, but you get

You can reach us at larry.oldham0@gmail.com or dena.hill@gmail.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29

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DECEMBER 2019 TEN HAPPENINGS

December 2019

TEN Happenings DEC

07

2nd Annual Wendell Scott Foundation Legacy Gala

Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 7-11pm

DEC

08

Harlem Globetrotters at AU

Averett University Grant Center 1pm-4pm

DEC

07

South Boston Christmas Parade Downtown South Boston 5-7pm

DEC

12-25 Community Holiday Light Show Ballou Park

DEC

07

Light Up the Night 5K 21 Starling Avenue 5-7pm

DEC

DEC

08

Riverview Rotary Danville Christmas Parade

Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular

DEC

DEC

Downtown Danville, 3-4:30pm

DEC

15

15-16

George Washington High School, 7-9pm

The Prizery 15th 3pm & 16th 9pm

Christmas with the Celts

08

Christmas Concert

www.showcasemagazine.com

Martinsville High School 3pm

31

New Year’s Eve at Berry Hill Resort 6:30pm

| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 31

EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE

Fun in Store for 2020 WRITTEN BY VISIT MARTINSVILLE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VISIT MARTINSVILLE

Get ready to party like it’s 2020.

We are geared up and excited for another action-packed year of events and happenings in Martinsville – Henry County. With everything from spectator sports to hands on competitions, to live performances and celebrations, you can count on finding something fun to do in MHC all year long. It’s never too early to start planning your long weekends or daycations, so grab a pen and paper or your phones and jot these events down: JANUARY • Plan to bundle up and make your way to the Virginia Museum of Natural History on Saturday, January 25th for the Ice Age Festival, featuring mammoth-sized (literally) displays from the Ice Age. FEBRUARY • Daddies, get ready for a special evening with your princess at the Daddy Daughter Dance at Piedmont Arts on February 8th.

• Families are invited to attend the African American

Read-In & Family Day at Piedmont Arts on the 22nd to enjoy performances by storyteller Fred Motley that teach African-American history through classic folktales, songs and stories from around the world. Community members will also read excerpts from books, stories and poems by their favorite African American authors.

• Come out to the Smith River Sports Complex and watch the Ultimate action of the Commonwealth Cup Tournament on the 22nd & 23rd, featuring college teams from along the East Coast.

MARCH • Brass 5 returns to Piedmont Arts on the 5th to play a variety of music including renaissance, classical, Dixieland, jazz, rock and country.

• Catch a performance of the classic “Of Mice & Men” presented by TWCP on various dates & different times from the 19th to the 30th.

APRIL • Lace up those running (or walking) shoes and join the 10th annual Martinsville Half Marathon on the 4th.

• Dancing for the Arts on the 4th is a perfect show for anyone who loves, music, dancing, Piedmont Arts or the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars!”

• Sister Act by the PHCC Patriot Players, with various dates & showtimes 4/17 – 4/27, promises to be another comical performance.

• Garden Week: Martinsville on the 22nd will showcase some of the community’s finest homes and gardens.

MAY • Don’t miss the excitement as NASCAR returns for the Monster Energy Series Night Race at Martinsville Speedway on the 9th.

• The Super Run 5K & 8K on the 11th is a family favorite… because you are encouraged to dress as your favorite superhero.

• Kick off your summer at Rooster Walk from the 21st to the 24th and enjoy four days of music and arts.

JUNE • Enjoy the art garden, music, yard games and refreshments at Piedmont Arts’ Garden Party on the 1th.

• Shindig’s 2nd annual Pride Event will take place on the 13th and will include special events, vendors, specials and more.

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JULY • Celebration at Martinsville Speedway is the region’s largest fireworks shows and Independence Day celebrations. Stay tuned for the date TBD. • Relive the magic of Cinderella at a PHCC Patriot Players performance; various dates & times 7/31 -8/9 AUGUST • Celebrate all the outdoor recreation opportunities in MHC at the annual Smith River Fest on the 8th.

• Embrace foot racing and NASCAR while competing in the Martinsville Speedway Mile on the 17th SEPTEMBER • The annual craft beer and music festival, Brewster Walk is a fall must. Stay tuned for the date TBD. OCTOBER • The Harvest Moon Run & Dancing on Depot on the 2nd will offer exercise and entertainment.

• Oktoberfest in Uptown Martinsville is another favorite fall tradition. Stay tuned for the date TBD.

NOVEMBER • The NASCAR Monster Energy Series Race at Martinsville Speedway on the 1st is one of the final races in the chase and is sure to thrill.

• Test your running skills with the Nail the Rail 9 Miler on the 7th • Get your run on before you get your turkey on during the Turkey Day 5k & Family Fun Run on the 26th DECEMBER • Partake in the annual Light Up the Night 5K which has become a family favorite. (date TBD) • The Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops presented

by Piedmont Arts will return for this annual holiday tradition. (date TBD) Enjoy your holiday season and get ready to kick-off your 2020 with these, and other, fun events in Martinsville – Henry County. For more details, on these events and to find others, go to www.VisitMartinsville.com/upcoming-events.

You can also find information on local dining and lodging options as well as suggested itineraries on our website to help you with your plan your visit(s).

www.showcasemagazine.com

| DECEMBER 2019 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33

FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Pretzel Christmas Tree Cupcakes WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT

INGREDIENTS PRETZEL CHRISTMAS TREES • 24 Mini Pretzel Sticks • 12 ounces Green Candy Melts • Small Christmas Sprinkles • 24 Star Sprinkles (optional) CUPCAKES • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 box white cake mix • 1 cup flour • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 4 egg whites

• 1 1/3 cups water • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 cup sour cream (8oz container)

ICING • 1 cup butter, room temperature • 8 cups powdered sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla

• 8 ounces Cream cheese • 4 tablespoons heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS PRETZEL CHRISTMAS TREES • Lay mini pretzel sticks on a sheet of parchment paper or foil. Make sure they’re a few inches apart.

• Melt green candy melts according to package directions.

• Fill a piping bag or a sandwich bag with the melted chocolate.

• Snip the end of the bag and pipe green candy melts in a zigzag, starting at the top and working towards the bottom, making the “branches” bigger and longer as you work your way down the “tree.”

• While candy melts are wet, add sprinkles.

• Let trees sit until hard or pop them into the fridge to harden faster.

CUPCAKES • Preheat oven to 325F. • In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, flour, sugar, and salt.

• In the bowl of a mixer, mix together the egg whites, water, and vanilla. Mix on low for about 10 seconds.

• Slowly add the dry mix a little at a time. Mixing on low until everything is combined.

• Add sour cream and mix well.

• Line a muffin/cupcake tin with paper liners. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full of batter. Bake at 325F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

ICING • Cream butter in the bowl of a mixer.

• Add cream cheese and mix well.

• Slowly add powdered sugar while mixing. Add vanilla and heavy cream and mix until combined.

DECORATING • For my cupcake icing, I used a piping bag, fitted with a 2D Drop Flower Decorating Tip and swirled.

• Carefully remove trees and push the bottom pretzel “trunk” into the middle of each cupcake once frosted.

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EXTRA GAMES

Games

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Baby eating apparel 4 Pear type 8 Floating ice 12 Stray 13 Coupe 14 Maxim 16 Wilts (2 wds.)

18 Loaf 20 Joins together 21 Detail 23 Morse code “T” 24 Killed in action 25 Wing 26 Adult female 27 Actor Alda 29 Miniature scene 32 Small amount 33 K-__ 34 Pudding 38 Senator Clinton 40 Ecological food chain (2 wds.)

41 Had a dream 42 Engorge 43 Loose gown worn at mass

44 Male massager 46 Evils 47 Invitation abbreviaton 50 Shoshonean 51 Pain unit 52 Whiz 53 European Nomads 55 Repent 58 Pulpits 60 Erode (2 wds.)

63 Beep 64 Canal 65 Compass point 66 Baths 67 Sticky black substances 68 Pa DOWN 1 Prays 2 Cast metal 3 Frail 4 Type of wood 5 French “yes” 6 Short-term memory 7 Fliers aide

8 Baby 9 Student’s dread 10 Cheat 11 Orange cheese 15 Alcoholic beverage 17 Gyrate 19 Scriptural your 22 Sticky black substance 25 Light 26 Worship 27 Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (abbr.)

28 Den 29 Scoots 30 ‘love’ (Italian) 31 Deliberate 33 Ma 35 Gulped 36 Scalp 37 Tides 39 Light 40 Chimney 42 Bathes (2 wds.)

45 Star 46 Small particle

47 Really cool 48 Replace a striker 49 Brides’ headdresses 51 Braves

53 Zeus’ wife 54 Wields 56 Rocket builders 57 Looked

59 Drain 61 Time period 62 Sky

Word Search CANDLES

HOLIDAY

CHESTNUTS HOT CHOCOLATE

ORNAMENTS

WINTER

SLEIGH RIDE

WREATH

COOKIES

JOY

SNOWMAN

FAMILY

LIGHTS

STOCKINGS

This month’s Games Page is sponsored by Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Wendy Brim Page 8

Evince Magazine is a montlhly publication covering and distributed throughout the Dan River Region.

Yes, You Can Can for Value Page 11

Alexis Ehrhardt

Photo Finish

Finding Time for Family, Career, and the Holiday Tour See Page 5

Page 14

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DECEMBER 2019

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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING

Confessions of a 30 Something

A Year in the Life WRITTEN BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

How is 2019 already coming to a close? Better yet, how is this decade coming to a close? I know it’s a cliche, but the years really go by quicker as I get older.

This year has been an interesting one. I’ve dealt with some health issues. Thankfully nothing major, but more than any other time in my life. Another part of getting older, I suppose. But in many ways, this has been one of the best years of my life. I’ve been able to do and see so many things and share most of it with my family. I thought I’d share some of my favorite things from this year.

This year also brought many life changes for us as a family.

Kingston started kindergarten. Blair took a new position at work. We bought a new house. At times, this has made this year pretty stressful. But it’s also very exciting. And for that, I’m grateful.

When this decade started, I was in my early 20s, graduating from college, unmarried and moving back to my hometown. As the decade is coming to a close, I’m 32 years old, with a wonderful wife and two kids, and have the great honor to serve as vice mayor of that same hometown. It’s been quite the journey. I’m excited to see what comes next.

It was a good year for concerts. I saw shows from Bob Seger, KISS and Styx. I had seen Seger and KISS many times before, but this time I took Kingston to see KISS for the first time. Seeing his face light up when Paul Stanley spotted him in the crowd and gave him a thumbs up is something I’ll remember for a long time.

Like most years, we checked out new baseball stadiums and attended plenty of sporting events. A special highlight this year was Kingston and I being there when the Boston Bruins won the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Regular readers of this column know that we, as a family, love taking little day trips to nearby destinations. This year took us to zoos, caverns, extremely high bridges, walking trails and so many other cool spots. We also had a wonderful week-long vacation at Topsail Island, where we ate blue crabs, swam with dolphins, and spent plenty of quality family time away from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Blair and I were also able to sneak away for a (kid free) anniversary weekend trip, which was very nice. We love our kids, but sometimes we need a break!

One of my goals in life is to visit all 50 states, and this year I was able to check four more states off the list. www.showcasemagazine.com

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PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Paws for a Cause In 1966, we left Germany where we had lived for three years and moved to California for our Army father to serve as a National Guard adviser for two years. It was then that our parents thought it would be a good time to add a dog to the family and our beloved Walter came to live with us.

saved, and I found out later that the man was none other than a police officer, Jim Godfrey, who also plays Santa for our pet photos. Jim Godfrey is not the only police officer who rescues animals. I have found the police officers to be very compassionate as we have gone to many neglect and cruelty calls with them. Let’s concentrate on that turtle story, though.

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

On that first Christmas morning and for every Christmas until he died in 1978, Walter had wrapped presents under the tree. He knew exactly what he was to do with them and loved being a part of the family celebration.

That one act of kindness for the turtle did not solve world problems, nor did it stop a war. The little boy who put a handful of cat food in a sandwich bag to be given to a collection drive certainly did not stop the starvation of all animals. But each little act of kindness combines to make the world a better place, even if that means helping one tiny animal.

As I remember Walter with great love, I also contrast the Christmases (and every other day) I now know some animals will have; it truly is heartbreaking. However, I also love to think of the kindnesses that people perform for the animals.

One day a few years ago, I was driving towards the shelter. On busy River Street, I saw a turtle crossing the road. I quickly tried to turn around to get it. Before I could, a saw a man stop his car, jump out, quickly run over the turtle, and then put it gently on the grassy area. The turtle was

MEET PETEY This little guy is about eight years old. He was abandoned in a house and had to be completely shaved because of the matted, twisted hair. He is a sweetheart and would love to spend the holidays in a loving home.

During this Hanukkah and Christmas season, may we remember to do something kind for the animals? Honestly, the Walters and turtles of the world depend upon us to do just that.

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS

Work-in-Progress

Verbs

BY PAUL SEIPLE

W

hat is the answer you give one someone asks

you what you do? For most of my adult life

the answer has been a writer. I’ve written my share of stories. I’ve written my share of material for this magazine. That makes me a writer, doesn’t it?

But is the title “writer” holding me back from writing?

It’s a question I never thought to ask myself until I read Austin Kleon’s Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good and Bad Times. There is a chapter in Kleon’s book called “Forget the Noun, Do the Verb.” He says, “Lot’s of people want to be the noun without doing the verb. They want the job title without the work.”

My level of productivity is a bone of contention for me.

I’ve always felt since I identify as a writer I should write more. I’ve read articles. I’ve downloaded apps. I’ve tried just about everything to increase my daily word count and yet it seems to decrease. The act of writing has become an obstacle for me. Labeling myself a writer means I have to write, and that takes the fun out of it for me.

In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius says, “Just as nature takes every obstacle, every impediment, and works around it — turns it to its purposes, incorporates it into itself — so, too, a rational being can turn each setback into raw material and use it to achieve its goal.”

I’m using writing as an example because it’s something I am dealing with at the moment, but it could be anything in life. We spend so much time trying to avoid the obstacle instead of tackling it head on. As author, Ryan Holiday says, “The obstacle is the way.”

Earlier this year, and to a lesser degree still, I lost my ability to put words to paper. I didn’t catch a case of the dreaded writer’s block, which doesn’t exist for me. I have a folder in Uylsses chock-full of ideas. When it came time to write, I couldn’t. The ideas bounced around my head like an angry wasp trapped in a jar. I wanted to let them out.

I wanted to tap the keyboard and create. And yet, I spent my time staring at a blank page. It was almost as if the emptiness was mocking me.

I wanted to write, and I didn’t want to write. For me, the best part of being a creative person who writes is the ability to get lost in the words. If I feel I am being forced to write, I’m no longer allowed to get lost. I’m forced

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to prove that I am the title I gave myself. You can’t be a writer if you don’t write.

This goes for anything. You can’t be a chef if you don’t cook. You can’t be a volunteer if you don’t volunteer. You can’t be the noun if you don’t do the verb. Giving yourself a title is an added stress you don’t need. Like Kleon says, let others decide your title by the work you produce.

Earlier I said writer’s block doesn’t exist for me. I need to clarify; it doesn’t exist in the common definition of the term. There is definitely a blockage, but it has nothing to do with a lack of words. Do a quick search and you will find arguments against the existence of writer’s block as well a countless list of factors that lead people to the diagnosis.

The answer isn’t hard to find. I’m not writing regularly because I truly don’t want to at this moment. Finding the reason can be a little more murky. It could be something as simple as I’m being lazy or as difficult as discovering I just don’t like to write any longer. I use writing as an example because of the familiarity, but this could apply to any verb. Did you used to look forward to waking up in the morning and taking a run, but now the thought of feet heating pavement causes you to roll over and catch an extra thirty minutes of sleep?

Can you call yourself a runner if you don’t run? No. Can you enjoy running without labeling yourself a runner? Yes. And just like that, if you skip a day or two, you don’t feel like beating yourself up over it.

For me, it’s a slow process to fall back in love with writing.

It may never happen and that’s all right. If I don’t call myself a writer, I am free to not write without the fear of thinking of myself as a poser. Like Kleon says, titles limit who you are. He asks—what if you are a filmmaker who wants to sculpt art? You can make films and sculpt art too.

And if you don’t pigeonhole yourself to a title, you can get lost in anything you want to try.

No pressure.

I’m writing this column as therapy. I hope it is cathartic.

I’m doing the (verb). If someone asks, I’m calling myself a recovering writer who still writes.

The verb is much more important the noun.

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