Showcase Magazine February 2019

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 1

CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

February 2019

The RAV E Awar ds Issue @showcaseDVA

Showcase Magazine

showcasedanville @ info@showcasemagazine.com

Features

Also Inside

Matt Crowder

Martinsville Running Scene Flourishes

The Music Man 12 2019 Showcase Magazine

Rave Awards 18

As Competitors Hit the Pavement for 9th Annual Martinsville Half Marathon & 5K

By Martinsville

Nine Grams Instagrams From The Area 42

Matt Crowder The Music Man

PG.

Also Inside Editor’s Letter

It’s All the Rave 8

12

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife M&M Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies

By Angie Barrett

32

2019 Showcase Magazine

Rave Awards 4 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

PG.

18

Paws for a Cause Meet Petey

By Paulette Dean

29

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Facts on the Sly

By Sly Strader Milam

32

PG.

38

Tourism

38

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 5

6 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 7

Editor’s Letter

It’s All the Rave This issue of Showcase marks the 12th anniversary of the Rave Awards. It’s become an honor to highlight individuals and businesses in our area that go above and beyond to provide excellent product, customer support, and services.

showcase February 2019

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com E d it o ria l Dir e c t o r Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

Each year, we offer a multitude of categories. The favorites possess a great deal of diversity, but all have one thing in common — putting their audience first. Believe me, your clients, customers, fans, etc. are your audience. They tune in to see what new products or services you’re offering or what new songs you’re playing at shows. It’s important to keep your audience happy. It’s crucial if you want to grow your audience. Studies have shown that it costs nearly five times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer. Having a positive reputation can help lower the cost of new acquisitions.

Potential clients will research before trusting you with their business. And the most important thing they will look for is the customer experience.

G rap h i c D e sig n e r Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

This year’s top vote-getter was Matt Crowder. He took to the time to answer a few questions about the music business and his career. If you haven’t checked Matt out live you’re missing out.

753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com

This month, we take a look at the running scene in Martinsville as the city is gearing up for the 9th annual Martinsville Half Marathon and 5K.

c o n tri B u ti n G Writ e rs Anna Brooks | Paulette Dean Martinsville-Henry County Tourism Sly Strader Milam

2019 is shaping up to be a good year, let’s keep this train rolling.

Enjoy the issue.

F i n a n c e M a n ag e r Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com A d v e rtisi n g Lee Vogler | Director of Sales & Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 C u st o m e r S e rvi c e Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year

c o n tri B u ti n G P h o t o G ra P h e r S Brooke Klauss Martinsville-Henry County Tourism Cover Matt Crowder photographed by Brooke Klauss

Scan with your smart phone for

E x c l u siv e online Content at showcasemagazine.com

8 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 9

10 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

THANK YOU for naming me your favorite financial advisor!

Community involvement and service are integral to your success and ours. Please let us know how we may help you.

M. Scott Waller Senior Vice President / Financial Advisor

554 Craghead Street, Suite 200, Danville, VA 24541 434-799-1000 n 800-476-0587 201 North Union Street, Suite 240, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-9755 n 888-250-7212 BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is a division of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. BB&T Securities, LLC is a wholly owned nonbank subsidiary of BB&T Corporation.

Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered or recommended by BB&T Scott & Stringfellow are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may lose value.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 11

Feature Matt Crowder

Matt Crowder The Music Man Photos by Brooke Klauss

W

e last spoke with Matt Crowder in November

2016. At the time, Crowder had just finished

playing on Jason Springs’s debut album, Blue Collar Bones and Busted Knuckles. Since then, he has continued to play the local scene, released a debut solo album, and is this year’s top vote-getter in the 2019 Rave Awards.

Crowder took a moment to fill us in on how his career is progressing.

12 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

SC: What have you been up to since the last time we spoke?

I’ve been busy writing, recording, and gigging. I’m coming up on my 4-year anniversary of becoming a full-time musician, and I have to say each year has been better than the last. 2018 was quite the year. I played over 250 shows and recorded my first solo album.

Continued to Page 14

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 13

Feature Matt Crowder

Continued from Page 12

SC: Has the music industry changed over the years?

And if so, how?

The music industry is constantly changing. Not always for the better cough disco cough. But, no, seriously, trends come and go. It’s all kinda cyclical in a way. I think, right now, thank God, people are more interested in good songwriting, and they want to hear the writer as the performer.

SC: What can you tell us a little about your record, Just Another 1-4-5.

It’s a live album containing 9 original songs written by yours truly. It’s fairly simple with minimal instrumentation. I really wanted the focus to be on the lyrical content. Regardless, the musicians did a wonderful job. Dan Emmett played fiddle, Josh Moss played bass, my dad Michael Crowder sang harmonies, and Jason Springs even made an appearance (on “Sweet Virginia”). The songs are honest, and I believe that comes through on the album. It’s been really great performing those songs over the past 6 months and seeing how the crowds react. It’s a bit overwhelming to see such strong emotional responses to something you created.

SC: How can people get a copy of Just Another 1-4-5?

It’s available on my website www.mattcrowdermusic. com as well as most streaming services. I also have physical copies with me at every show.

SC: Looking back on your career is there anything you like to change?

“No regrets” Haha! If I could change anything, I’d probably remove a lot of the doubt I allowed to get in the way of accomplishing certain goals. I got caught up in helping other people pursue their dreams and let my own sit on the back burner out of fear of failure. It can be hard navigating a career in which you’re constantly getting feedback on whether you’re good or not. It’s hard to say, really. Maybe, I needed to go through that in order to figure out who I am as an artist.

SC: What advice do you have aspiring musicians?

Go back to school and get a real job! That’s pretty good advice but, in all seriousness, if you want to pursue music, do it with passion. I think that’s true for just about any profession. If you don’t love it, what’s the point? If you’re not progressing, what’s the point? You have to eat, sleep, and breathe it. Study and absorb all that you can. Learn your craft.

SC: Where can people catch you playing?

I perform mostly in Virginia and North Carolina.

In addition to performing solo and with my own band, I play with Jason Springs and The Megan Doss Band. Show dates are listed on my website www.mattcrowdermusic.com and for booking inquiries, contact Linda Zimmermann at advantagemediasolutions@gmail.com

14 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 15

16 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 17

Feature 2019 Rave Awards

2 0 1 9

RAVE FAVORITES 2019 Favorite places to go Autism Treatment Center

Brake Shop

Dry Cleaners

Center for Pediatric Therapies

Woodson’s Marathon

Riverside Dry Cleaners

Auto Glass Center

Car Wash

Event Location

A1 Economy Glass

River District Auto Spa

Atkinson Farms

Auto Recycling Center

Church

Family Fun Spot

AMA Recycling

White Oak Worship Center

Family Fun Zone

Auto Repair Center

Credit Union

Funeral Home

Steve Padgett’s Danville Honda Service

URW Federal Credit Union

Townes Funeral Home

Auto Window Tinting

Dance Studio

Gas Station

Redeemed Christian Dance Studio

Woodson’s Marathon

Day Care/Preschool

Grocery Store Lidl

American National Bank & Trust Co.

Westover Christian Academy Preschool

Bookkeeping Service

Dentist Office

Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Serivce

VSP Dental

A1 Custome Window Tinting Co.

Bank

Hair Salon Cheveux Salon

Healthcare Provider PATHS 18 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Home Health Nursing Care

Oil Change Service Center

Staffing Agency

All Care Home Health

Woodson’s Marathon

Adecco

Hotel

Pediatric Health Center

Tax Preparation Service

Courtyard BY Marriott

Center for Pediatric Therapies

Harris, Harvey, Neal & Co

Insurance Agency

Performance Theater

Tow Service

Satterfield Insurance Agcy

Smokestack Theatre Company

JJ Hogan Towing

Law Office

Pharmacy

Walk in Medical Clinic

Haymore & Holland, P.C.

KARE Pharmacy

Velocity Urgent Care

Local Golf Course

Physical Therapy Center

Danville Golf Club

Spectrum Medical

Web Development and Design Office

Local Market

Spa

Midtown Market

Rejuvenation Salon & Spa

Local Non-Profit

Speech Therapist Office

Danville Area Humane Society

Piedmont Regional Feeding & Oral-Motor Clinic

Museum/ Art Gallery

KG Graphics

Workout Spot Curves

Yoga & Mediation Center Danville Yoga & Meditation Center

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

2019 Favorite Things to Eat Bakery

Coffee House

Overall Restaurant

Delite Donuts

Holy Grounds

Cotton at Riverside Mill

Bar & Grill

Delicatessen

Pizza Place

Mucho Taqueria

Chuck’s Meats & Deli

Village’s Pizza

Barbecue Restaurant

Fried Chicken

Seafood Restaurant

Checkered Pig

Mary’s Diner

Mayflower Seafood Restaurant

Breakfast Place

Home Cooking

Specialty Restaurant

Nikki’s Family Restaurant

Danview Restaurant

King Cropp Food Truck

Brewery

Ice Cream Shoppe

Steak House

Ballad Brewing

Lickin’ Lizard Ice Cream Food Truck

Steaks on the Square

Buffet

Italian Restaurant

Winery

Nikki’s Family Restaurant

La Nostra Cucina

2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co.

Burger Place

Japanese Restaurant

Me’s Burgers & Brews

Tokyo Grill

Chinese Restaurant

Mexican Restaurant

Long River Chinese Restaurant

El Vallarta www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 19

Feature 2019 Rave Awards

2019 Favorite Home Improvement Building Materials Business Builder’s Discount Center

Cabinet Business Old Oak Wood & Stone

Carpet Business J.W. Squire Co.

General Contractor Richard Holbrook, Holbrook Enterprises

Glass Company A1 Economy Glass

Heating Business Gibson Heating & Air

Home Furnishings Store A La Carte Home Decor

Home Security Dealer

Painting Business

Security Zone

C&K Painting

Hot Tub/ Swimming Pool Installer

Pest Control Business

H2O Zone

Interior Designer Chestnutt Lane

Landscaping Business Owens Landscaping

4 Seasons Pest Control

Plant Nursery Haymore Garden Center

Plumbing Business Walter Ware Plumbing

Lighting Store

Replacement Windows Business

Womack Electric Supply Co.

Dan River Window Company

Marble, Granite, Stone Installer

Roof Installation & Repair Business

Old Oak Wood & Stone

B&P Roofing

Modular Home Dealer

Tree Service

Yates Homes Sales

Danville Tree Care

2019 Favorite Things to Buy Alterations Shop Alterations Shop Alterations By Brenda

Boutique (Women’s Clothing) Clothing Store (Men’s)

Chestnutt Lane

Wood’s Menswear Ltd

Appliance Store

Collision Center

Danville Appliance Sales & Service

Steve Padgett’s Danville Honda Service

Awards & Trophy Shop & Custom Framing

Consignment Shop

Bicycle Shop

Custom T-Shirt Business

Bicycle Medic

KG Graphics

Your Stuff, Kids Stuff

Domestic New Car Dealer Barkhouser Ford 20 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Big Sky Rentals

Lizzy Lou Boutique

Antique Store

Art, Framing, Hobby Store

Event Rentals Eyewear Store Domion Eye Center

Fabric Store Barbee Fabrics

Farm and Lawn Store Leggett Town and Country

Flower Shop Giles-Flowerland

Fuel Company (Local) Hardy Petroleum

Furniture Store

Nail Salon

Shoe Store

Sherwood House Furniture

Elegant Nails

Rippe’s Apparel, Furs, Shoes, Lifestyle

Hardware Store

Office Supplies Store

Riverside Hardware

Office Plus

Sporting Goods & Athletic Store

Health and Nutrition Store

Party Supply Store

Natrure’s Essentials

Import New Car Dealer Danville Toyota

Internet Provider Gamewood Technology Group

Janitorial Services FCS, Inc

Jewelry Store Commonwealth Silver and Goldsmiths

Men’s Formal Wear Store Abe Koplen Clothing Co.

Motorcycle Dealer

Karen’s Hallmark

Pawn Shop C & D Pawn

Pet Store Pet Smart

Photography Studio Photography by Lisa

Pool, Spa Chemicals & Acc. H20 Zone

Print & Copier Equipment Office Equipment Sales DocuSystems Co.

RV/Trailer Dealer

The Brick

Stationary Store Karen’s Hallmark

Thrift Store Goodwill Industries of South Central Virginia Tire & Wheel Store Smith Davis Tire Company Tow Service JJ Hogan Towing

Used Car Dealer Woodall Auto Mall

Wine Store Vintages by the Dan

B & G Trailers

Thunder Road Harley Davidson

2019 Favorite People to See Artist

Beauty Consultant

Counselor

Brandon Lewis

Pam Pruitt

Lydia Smith, PATHS

Attorney Steven Gould

Audiologist Ashbrook Audiology

Banker Jessica Atkisson, First Citizens Bank

Bartender Susan Feeny, Me’s Burgers & Brews

Boxing & Martial Arts Instructor

CPA

Katherine McDaniel, HHN& CO

American Sport Karate Center

Car Salesperson Lamberth Powell, Danville Toyota

Caterer

Angela’s Catering

Dentist Dr. Donna Helton

Dermatologist Dr. Keith Robinson, Complexions Dermatology

Chiropractor

Electrician

Maggie Ashworth

GEI Electrical Service

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 21

Feature 2019 Rave Awards

2019 Favorite People to See Esthetician

Mortgage Loan Officer

Realtor

Kaylie Evans

Joy Wood, Movement Mortgage

Event Planner Cottontail Weddings and Events

Nail Technician

Debra Fugate

Financial Advisor

Scott Waller, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow

Graphic Designer

Kim Demont, Demont Design

Hair Stylist Staci McNichols ,Sure Bette

Insurance Agent Rachel Schoonover, Schoonover Insurance Agency

Local Band or Entertainer Matt Crowder

Local Chef Chris King, King Cropp

Locksmith O.F. Newman & Sons

Marketing Firm

Dara Pettiford, Perfections

New Business Firefly Yoga

Pastor Adam Cook, Union Church

Personal Trainer Trey Blecher

Pet Boarding Facility Danville Family Vet

Pet Groomer Mallory Betterton, Danville Family Vet Pharmacist Lisa Cotter, KARE Pharmacy

Photographer Lisa Carter, Photography by Lisa Physician Dr. Corliss Jones, PATHS

Advantage Media Solutions

Radio Personality

Massage Therapist

Matt Doss

Robin Lakey, Cheveux Salon

Radio Station

Mortgage Company

104.5 The Dan

Movement Mortgage

22 Showcase Magazine |

Continued

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Realty Company Wilkins and Co. Realtors

Tattoo Artist Harry Aron

Travel Agent Michael Gobble, Going Global with Gobble Travel TV Broadcaster Mark Aron, River City TV

TV Station River City TV

Veterinarian Laura Luffman, Mount Herman Animal Medical Center

Video Production Lucia Video

Waste Removal Service First Piedmont Corporation

Worship Leader Kristy Strange, Union Church

Yoga Instructor

Lauren Mathena, Firefly Yoga

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 23

24 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Thank you for voting

your favorite hotel in Danville, VA!

434-791-2661 marriott.com/gsodv

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 25

Physicians Pavilion 2nd Floor 2232 Wilborn Ave. Suite G South Boston, VA 24592

A happy gut is a

H E A LT H Y G U T !

SPECIALIZING IN • Colon Cancer Screening • Pancreatitis

• Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases • Hepatitis C

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

434-572-8196

Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Accepts most insurances

Or request appointment online at southerngassociates.com

26 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 27

28 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Paws for a Cause

Paws for a Cause Our dear, kind-hearted, brave Army sergeant Daddy never failed to buy three boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Our mother, of course, would get the largest box and my sister and I would get the smaller ones.

Written by Paulette Dean Executive Director Danville Humane Society

Decades later, I still remember Taffy every Valentine’s Day. I remember the love of a father who included his daughters in the holiday, the care of a loving mother who taught us how to take care of a puppy in the Kansas February cold, and the feeling of having a warm, cuddly puppy to hold. The experience of having Taffy was brief, but helped me on the path of realizing what a wonderful companion a dog can be.

One Valentine’s Day when we lived in Kansas, Daddy came in with a big box of candy, but the top was at an odd angle. He told us to close our eyes and then he held the box in front of us. In the box was a cute little puppy. She was creamcolored with tan markings and the soldier Daddy bought her from said she was a coyote mix. (Remember, this was a different time and we were in the Midwest.) We named her Taffy.

Taffy was a sweet little dog that we only had for a couple of weeks. She started having seizures and the veterinarians at Kansas State University diagnosed her with distemper. I was

in kindergarten, but I can still remember the sadness I felt when I was told of her death. We did not get another dog for six years.

Meet Petey This guy is a Lab/pit mix, about two years old.

He has a heart as big as the world.

I wish all children and all dogs could be loved and taken care of in that way.

Danville Humane Society

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 29

30 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

I Am Honored To Be Named Your Favorite Local Mortgage Loan Officer!

At Movement Mortgage we exist to love and value people by leading a movement of change in our industry, corporate culture and community. I hope I’ve been able to exemplify that mission by helping families experience the joy of home ownership. Your support empowers me to continue this mission going forward.

Thank you!

Joy Wood

BRANCH MANAGER NMLS: 962840 — direct: 434.548.2234 joy.wood@movement.com movement.com/joy.wood — 625 Piney Forest Rd, Suite 208 Danville, Virginia 24540 VA- MLO-25847VA, NC-I-166133 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by VA # MC-5112 and NC # L-142670. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Road, Indian Land, SC 29707. CPID 7320 | Exp 7/2019

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 31

Feature Big Bear’s Wife

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife

M&M Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies Written by Angie Barrett of BigBearsWife.com Photo by Angie Barrett

Oreo-stuffed brownies baked on top of chocolate chip cookie dough and topped with tons of M&MS candies.

Prep Time: 10M; Cook Time: 45M; Total Time: 55M Yield:12 Brownies INGREDIENTS • 1 box fudge brownie mix (18.30z) • 2 eggs • 1/4 cup water • 2/3 cup vegetable oil • 30 ounces roll refrigerated cookie dough • 16 Oreo sandwich cookies • 1 bag M&Ms (11.40z)

32 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

by Sly Strader Milam

on the Sly

Facts

INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat oven to 350F. • In a large bowl, mix together the brownie mix, eggs, water and oil. Mix well.

• Line a 8x8 pan with foil.

• Press the cookie dough into the bottom of the dish.

• Top the cookie dough with the Oreos.

• Pour the brownie batter over the Oreos.

• Sprinkle on half of the M&MS. • Bake for 30 minutes. At the 30-minute mark pour on the rest of the M&MS and put the brownies back into the oven for 15-30 more minutes or until done.

• Let cook for at least 1 hour (if you can wait that long)

• The birthstone for February is amethyst. The birth flower is the violet or iris.

• Winter cold kills more than twice as many Americans as summer heat does. winter, at least one septillion (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros) • Every snow crystals fall from the sky.

• Leonardo Da Vinci invented scissors.

• The cigarette lighter was invented before the match.

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 33

34 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 35

Thank you to our customers, employees and community for voting American National Bank & Trust

DANVILLE’S FAVORITE BANK Six locations in the Danville/Pittsylvania County area, serving Southern Virginia since 1909.

amnb.com

36 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

ANB_ThankYouAd_7-625x10-125_non-bleed_V2.indd 1

1/16/19 5:07 PM

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 37

Explore Martinsville

Martinsville Running Scene Flourishes as Competitors Hit the Pavement for the 9th Annual Martinsville Half Marathon & 5K Written by VisitMartinsville Photos Provided By VisitMartinsville

Martinsville is well known for racing. Cars and trucks that is.

A popular NASCAR venue since 1947, Martinsville Speedway draws thousands of fans several times a year to watch world famous drivers and race teams vie for the checkered flag.

The area is fast becoming known for another type of racing.

Runners gather throughout the year to compete in events conducted by Miles in Martinsville, the running arm of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA. The Miles in Martinsville Race Series includes competition at distances ranging from one mile up to the Half Marathon. The series features unique events like the Martinsville Half Marathon and 5K, the Super Run 5K & 8K, the Martinsville Speedway Mile, the Harvest Moon 5K & 10K, the Turkey Day 5K & Family Fun Run, and the Light up the Night 5K. The venues are likewise unique with locations varying from uptown streets, paved trails, and suburban lakes, to the Martinsville Speedway itself.

March 30, 2019 will mark the 9th annual running of the Martinsville Half Marathon & 5K. This event represents the capstone event of the Miles in Martinsville Race Series. This year’s event is presented by VisitMartinsville, the Tourism Division of the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

Both races start and finish at the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA in beautiful uptown Martinsville, Virginia.

Included in the start/finish festivities will be music, food, kid’s

38 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

activities and vendors featuring running gear, physical therapy, and associated goods and services.

Starting at the YMCA, the first two miles of the Half Marathon follow city streets through uptown Martinsville. Here, the course provides an excellent warmup to racers as they descend some 75 feet before connecting to the area’s paved trail system.

The majority of the Half Marathon is run on the scenic Dick & Willie Passage, a smooth paved rail trail which runs through Martinsville and Henry County. The USATF certified course is challenging but fair, negotiating rolling hills while following the rail bed of the former Danville & Western Railroad. Once runners enter the trail, they navigate 9 miles of great scenery, rolling hills and smooth paved running surface. They cruise by wooded glades, industrial sites, idyllic creeks and the iconic Dick & Willie Bridge to “Everywhere”. Then, the race returns to Uptown Martinsville for the final two miles as it makes its way to the finish line at the YMCA. The 5K along with the early miles of the Half Marathon is run on the streets of uptown Martinsville, taking participants past a number of community landmarks, including the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Uptown Farmers Market, the Baldwin Building and the historic Henry County Courthouse.

Dick Beardsley, nationally known author, motivational speaker and former elite marathoner spoke and competed at the 2016

& 2018 Martinsville events. When asked about his impression of the Martinsville Half Marathon, he responded, “If you are looking for a really fun well-organized half marathon you can’t go wrong with the Martinsville Half. It’s a beautiful course through the woods with great support from the many wonderful volunteers, in my book it’s a winner.”

Keeping with the Martinsville Half Marathon & 5K slogan, “Be Inspired – Be Inspiring”, the event features the unique “Inspiration Wall”. This program allows runners to dedicate their race to a person or cause which motivates them to compete. Participating runners are given the opportunity to sign an Inspiration Wall banner indicating the subject of their dedication. Participants often choose to honor a loved one, cite a charity or create awareness to a worthy cause.

Area attractions include the Martinsville Speedway, a major stop on the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series racing schedule. The Speedway is celebrating its 72nd Anniversary this year. Philpott Lake, Smith River and nearby Smith Mountain Lake are hubs for fishing and boating. The Virginia Museum of Natural History, Piedmont Arts and the other six area museums offer ample opportunities to browse and learn. Hotels and restaurants throughout Martinsville-Henry County add the finishing touches for a fine visitor experience.

Further information on dining, shopping and area tourism

can be found at the Martinsville-Henry Count Visitor Center located at 191 Fayette Street in Martinsville, or by visiting their website at www.visitmartinsville.com For event details and race registration, interested runners should visit the Miles in Martinsville website at www. milesinmartinsville.com.

MARTINSVILLE HALF MARATHON & 5K www.showcasemagazine.com

Use code FROST19 for a 25% discount when registering online at MilesinMartinsville.com *Valid until 2/15/19*

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 39

River District Artisans Hand-Crafted Items for Every Day Living

Public & private painting, pottery, craft and cheese making classes available!

Come discover who we are! River District Artisans is operated by the Arc of Southside and is located in the heart of the River District. In addition to our lovely patchwork quilts, several items are handmade by our own employees and sold in our beautiful retail establishment! We presently have more than 75 independent artists and artisans affiliated with us, providing gorgeous fine art, many items made from wood, metal and glass, along with candles, soaps, crochet, beeswax products, knives, basketry, jewelry, photography and much more! We also offer various classes, taught by our own artisans, and collectively, we create our own unique, working artisan center, offering many one-of-a-kind gifts and handcrafted items for everyday living! Please follow us on Facebook, and share with your family and friends, as we highlight the people, products and services that make us River District Artisans! .

River District Artisans

411 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-228-4125 Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Follow us for more!

40 Showcase Magazine |

February 2019

| www.showcasemagazine.com

www.showcasemagazine.com

| february 2019 | Showcase Magazine 41

Instagrams from our area

@m_aron23

@earparooski

@jratkins79

@averettfootball

@rtimmusica

@tburnette88

@danvillebychoice

@elizabethsrussell

@alex_always_reddy

If you would like to Be featured in a future issue, follow@showcasedanville and tag your photos witH #showcasenine.

42 Showcase Magazine |

February 2018

| www.showcasemagazine.com