www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 1
2 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 3
CONTENTS
Showcase Magazine
FEBRUARY 2024
Showcase Magazine
@showcaseDVA
showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com
FEATURES Keep Improving Along the Way 10
2024 Showcase Magazine
Rave Awards 16
ALSO INSIDE Retrospective
Forest Hills Elementary 28
Confessions of a 30 Something Finding Snow 31
Level-Up Games Crossword & Wordsearch 30
Keep Improving Along the Way 4 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
PG.
10
Paws for a Cause Meet Milo 35
PG.
35
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 5
showcase FEBRUARY 2024
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
CONGRATULATIONS, WANDA HOLDER! RAVE AWARDS, FAVORITE BANKER
ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Emily Wilkerson | Executive Assistant emily@showcasemagazine.com 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 • Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com • www.showcasemagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paulette Dean | Arnold Hendrix Robin Marcato | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Danville Historical Society | Laura Mae Photography | Lee Vogler COVER Greg Wampler. Photo by Laura Mae Photography.
Scan with your smart phone for
EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT at showcasemagazine.com
6 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 7
Thank You!
Go with a good neighbor As your local State Farm agent, I'll be there whenever you need me with Good Neighbor service you can count on. Give me a call. ®
Satterfield Insurance Agcy Inc David Satterfield, Agent 534 Westover Drive Danville, VA 24541
Bus: 434-835-1300 www.satterfieldinsurance.com david@satterfieldinsurance.com
State Farm Bloomington, IL
WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE TRUST YOU’VE PLACED IN US THIS YEAR. YOUR LOYALTY AND SUPPORT DRIVE US TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE OUR SERVICES AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU WITH EXCELLENCE IN 2024. Chris Bishop and the entire Davis Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric Team
Find out why we won Showcase Magazine Readers’ Favorite Award
DAVISHEAT.COM 8 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 9
FEATURE KEEP IMPROVING ALONG THE WAY
Keep Improving Along the Way BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS BY LAURA MAE PHOTOGRAPHY
I
n the dimly lit corner of a bustling bar, where laughter and conversations meld into a harmonious sound as music provides a complementary backing track, there is a quiet observer and curator of life’s stories. Behind the polished wooden counter, the bartender stands as a silent confidant, a mixologist of spirits and emotions, serving up not just drinks, but a gateway to the many tales that unfold within these walls. Greg Wampler is one of these observers, ensuring the patrons have, to quote Bret Michaels, “Nothin’ but a
10 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
good time.” Wampler is the 2024 recipient of favorite bartender in Showcase’s annual RAVE awards. He grew up in Danville but spent years in the Hampton Roads area. Wampler found his way back to his hometown and has settled down with his wife of ten years, Shanna, and their “amazing” 4-year-old son, Miles. Wampler has been bartending to some extent for around twenty years. “A portion of that time was fulltime bartending, but for much of it, I was in restaurant
management. Even as a manager, I was always heavily involved in the bar,” he said. The love of bartending came from watching some of the best in the area. Wampler continued, “I had the pleasure of working with 2 legendary Danville bartenders in my early restaurant years—‘Buckee’ & Preston. The way they rocked out a packed bar while making it look fun & easy was a big inspiration for me.” Wampler puts a great deal of thought into every drink he makes. But making the perfect martini is his strong point. “I’m pretty skilled at making martinis. Straight up, dry, shaken, stirred, bruised, dirty, layered, garnishes— there are lots of elements that come into play.” Keeping up to date on spirits has been a key part of Wampler’s success in the hospitality field. “Throughout my restaurant career, I’ve almost always been in charge of ordering liquor, beer, and wine for my establishments,” he said. Extensive research has lent him thorough
knowledge in all three areas. “I enjoy whiskey and craft beer, so I’m probably most knowledgeable in those two facets.” To be a “favorite” bartender, preparation is essential. Being stocked and an organized set-up helps Wampler get ready for an incoming crowd. “I keep what I use most frequently near my service area. Always having bottles, juices, and mixers in the same location and same order creates a muscle memory type of flow, which helps with multitasking.” Even the smallest details matter for speed and efficiency. Wampler added, “Like having all pourspouts facing the same direction and every beer bottle turned label out.” Another important trait of a favorite bartender is keeping up with current cocktail trends and drink recipes. Wampler turns to social media to stay in the know. “When I see something useful or interesting, I’ll take Continued to Page 12
Thank you!
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering and extraordinary support from our local community. Every vote cast for us as your 'Favorite Local Nonprofit' highlights our work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
734 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-836-3272
Your support - whether through volunteering, donating, or promoting - empowers people to live their best lives: A Life Like Yours.
Let's work together to create a better, more inclusive community. arc.of.southside
The Arc of Southside
thearcofsouthside.org www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 11
FEATURE KEEP IMPROVING ALONG THE WAY
Continued from Page 11
a screenshot and put it in a special folder where I can come back to and hopefully implement it behind the bar.” Being able to multitask is crucial in order not to fall behind when the crowds are thirsty. “It helps to have a good memory, too,” Wampler added. “If the bar’s really busy, I’ll take someone’s order. While I’m making theirs, I’ll take 2 or 3 more orders and execute them in order. If you’re waiting at my bar for a drink and I don’t get your order within a few seconds, I will at least give you a nod or some kind of gesture to let you know I see you and I’ll be right with you.” Another form of multitasking— being ambidextrous—helps to keep the drinks coming.
12 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
When not bartending, Wampler goes on adventures with his family. He also is an avid disc golf fan. “I’ve even built a 9-hole course around my house that I’m constantly improving upon.” But his greatest passion is music. “I love going to concerts and music festivals.” He performs part-time, locally and regionally, as a one-man folk and reggae act called “Wamp Show.” Wampler knows he is fortunate to have two careers that he loves. “In the future, I hope I’m lucky enough to be doing the same thing, and to just keep improving along the way,” he said. Wampler can be found tending bar at Golden Leaf Bistro, this year’s favorite steak house.
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 13
14 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Where High Style & Historic Meet in the River District
Once a Doctors Office, Reimagined into a Modern Boutique Hotel
Features & Amenities: King, Queen, & Suite Style Rooms, all with Kitchenettes
Features & Amenities:
Offering special long-term stay rates
King, Queen, & Apartment Style Suites - Offering special long-term stay rates Pet Friendly | Fitness Center | Free WiFi | Rooftop Deck
Pet Friendly | Complimentary Parking On-Site | Free WiFi
420 Patton Street | Danville, Virginia 24541 (434)-234-9440 www.danvillebeehotel.com
990 Main Street | Danville, Virginia 24541 (434)-234-5040 www.theholbrookdanville.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 15
FEATURE 2023 RAVE AWARDS
2 0 2 4
RAVE FAVORITES 2024 FAVORITE PLACES TO GO AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER
BOOKKEEPING SERVICE
DANCE STUDIO
Hi-5 ABA
Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service
Jodie Carroll Dance Studio
AUTO GLASS CENTER A-1 Economy Glass, Inc.
AUTO RECYCLING CENTER AMA Recycling
AUTO REPAIR CENTER Fletcher’s Auto Repair
AUTO WINDOW TINTING BUSINESS A-1 Custom Window Tinting, Inc
BANK First Citizens Bank
BRAKE SHOP
DAY CARE/PRESCHOOL Westover Christian Academy
Riverside Exxon
CAR WASH
DENTIST OFFICE Donna F. Helton, DDS PC
David’s Auto Cleaning Service
CHURCH
EVENT LOCATION Cottontail Weddings & Events
Hope Church
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY Epic Health Partners
CREDIT UNION URW Community Federal Credit Union
16 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
FAMILY FUN SPOT Danville Otterbots
FUNERAL HOME Wrenn-Yeatts
GAS STATION Parkview Marathon
GROCERY STORE
ORTHODONTIST OFFICE
STORAGE COMPANY
Piggly Wiggly
Spurrier Orthodontics
U-Haul
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
PEDIATRIC HEALTH CENTER
TAX PREP SERVICE
PATHS
Center for Pediatric Therapies
Harris, Harvey, Neal & Co
HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER
PERFORMANCE THEATER
TOW SERVICE
River City Tans
Smokestack Theatre Co
JJ Hogan Towing
HOTEL
PHARMACY
WALK-IN MEDICAL CLINIC
The Bee
Piedmont Pharmacy
PATHS
INSURANCE AGENCY
PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER
Tricia Gammon-State Farm
Spectrum Medical
WEB DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN OFFICE
LAW OFFICE
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Petty Livingston Dawson & Richards, PC
Hargrave Military Academy
LOCAL NON-PROFIT
King’s Grant
Arc of Southside
MUSEUM/ART GALLERY Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History
OIL CHANGE SERVICE CENTER
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY SPA Blush & Glow
SPEECH THERAPIST OFFICE Center for Pediatric Therapies
KG Graphics
WINERY The Homeplace Vineyard
WOMEN’S CENTER OB-GYN Associates of Danville
WORKOUT SPOT Lakeside Fitness
YOGA & MEDITATION CENTER Danville Yoga & Meditation Center
Woodson Marathon
2024 FAVORITE THINGS TO BUY ALTERATIONS SHOP X-S Alterations
ANTIQUE STORE B&H Market On The Dan
APPLIANCE STORE Danville Appliance Service and Sales
ART, FRAMING, HOBBY STORE Awards & Trophy Shop and Custom Framing
BOUTIQUE (WOMEN’S CLOTHING)
CUSTOM T-SHIRT BUSINESS KG Graphics
Linden Rose Boutique
CLOTHING STORE (MEN’S)
DOMESTIC NEW CAR DEALER
Wood’s Menswear
Robert Woodall Chevrolet Buick GMC
COLLISION CENTER
EVENT RENTALS
Adkins Brothers
Occasions On The Go
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
EYEWEAR STORE
Your Stuff Consignment Boutique
Family Eyecare Center Continued to Page 18 www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 17
FEATURE 2024 RAVE AWARDS
2024 FAVORITE THINGS TO BUY Continued FABRIC STORE
INTERNET PROVIDER
PAWN SHOP
Barbee Fabrics of Danville
Riverstreet Networks
Lady Luck Pawn
FARM AND LAWN STORE
JANITORIAL SERVICES
SHOE STORE
Wilson Lawn & Garden
FCS, Inc.
Rippe’s
FLOWER SHOP
JEWELRY STORE
The Flower Girl
Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths
SPORTING GOODS & ATHLETIC STORE
FUEL COMPANY
MEN’S FORMALWEAR STORE
Hardy Petroleum
Wood’s Menswear
FURNITURE STORE
MOTORCYCLE DEALER
Furniture Depot
Thunder Road Harley Davidson
HARDWARE STORE
NAIL SALON
Riverside Hardware
Happy Nails
HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE
OFFICE SUPPLIES STORE
Nature’s Essentials
IMPORT NEW CAR DEALER
Office Plus
PARTY SUPPLY STORE Karen’s Hallmark
Danville Toyota
Moss Mountain Outfitters
STATIONARY STORE Karen’s Hallmark
THRIFT STORE Habitat ReStore
TIRE & WHEEL STORE Smith Davis Tire
USED CAR DEALER Bisbee Honda of Danville
WINE STORE Vintages by the Dan
2024 FAVORITE PEOPLE TO SEE ARTIST Harry Aron
ATTORNEY
BOXING & MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR CATERER
BANKER
Boards and Things, the Art of Food by Natalie
BARTENDER
Karen Cotta
Jeff McGregor
Katerina Holland-DMK Law Firm
Wanda Holder-First National Bank
COUNSELOR
CHIROPRACTOR Maggie Ashworth
Greg Wampler
18 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
CPA Howard Bolton
DANCE INSTRUCTOR Brittany Cody
DENTIST Donna F. Helton, DDS
DERMATOLOGIST
MORTGAGE COMPANY
Phyllis Scarce
Alcova Mortgage
ESTHETICIAN
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Rhonda Johnson Esthetics
Joy Wood-Movement Mortgage
EVENT PLANNER
NEW BUSINESS
Morgan Caldwell-Rae’s Heavenly Event Planning
Patrick Gibson Photography
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Grace Mamon-Cardinal News
Wayne Aaron-Aaron & Associates
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brianna Shelton-KG Graphics
HAIR STYLIST Christy Millner-River City Hair Salon
INSURANCE AGENT David Sattefield
LOCAL BAND Mama BriBri & The Stranger
LOCAL CHEF Alex Hattwick-The Cauldron at 2 Witches
MASSAGE THERAPIST Val-Rae Lindenau
NEWS REPORTER PASTOR Brian Edwards-Hope Church
PERSONAL TRAINER Lacy Spence
PET BOARDING FACILITY Hollywood Pets
PET GROOMER Sophisticuts Pet Spa
PHARMACIST Vance Kiser
PHOTOGRAPHER Patrick Gibson Photography
PHYSICIAN
RADIO PERSONALITY Matt Doss-104.5 The Dan
REALTOR David Totten
REALTY COMPANY Wilkins & Co
TATTOO ARTIST Jessica South Perdue
TV STATION River City TV
VETERINARIAN Kay Geyer-Cherrystone Veterinary Hospital
VIDEO PRODUCTION Josh Lucia-Lucia Video
WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE First Piedmont Corporation
WORSHIP LEADER Kelsey Bolton-Hope Church
YOGA INSTRUCTOR Taylor Santangelo
Dr. David Hungarland
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 19
FEATURE 2024 RAVE AWARDS
2024 FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT BAKERY
COFFEE HOUSE
OVERALL RESTAURANT
Ma’s Cakes
Links Coffee House Café
River District Social
BAR & GRILL
DELICATESSEN
PIZZA PLACE
Old 97 Tavern
Mount Hermon Fresh Meat Market
Frank’s Italian Restaurant
BARBECUE RESTAURANT
HOME COOKING
SPECIALTY RESTAURANT
Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs
Korner Kafe
BREAKFAST PLACE
ICE CREAM SHOPPE
Cheyna’s Waffle Spot by Nana Karen’s
Crema & VIne
Bubba’s Ice Cream
BREWERY
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co.
La Nostra Cucina
BURGER PLACE
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Me’s Burgers & Brews
Tokyo Grill
CHINESE RESTAURANT
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Pangea Asian Fusion
La Jaliciense Taqueria
STEAK HOUSE Golden Leaf Bistro
2024 FAVORITE HOME IMPROVEMENT BUILDING MATERIALS BUSINESS Lowe’s Home Improvement
CABINET BUSINESS Old Oak Wood & Stone
CARPET BUSINESS Newcomb Carpet & Flooring
FLOORING COMPANY Newcomb Carpet & Flooring
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Alderson Construction
GLASS COMPANY Clearview Glass & Tinting
HEATING BUSINESS
PEST CONTROL BUSINESS
Superior Heating & Air Conditioning
Four Seasons Pest Control
HOME FURNISHINGS STORE
PLANT NURSERY
Global Home Furnishings
Harris Nursery
HOME SECURITY DEALER
PLUMBING BUSINESS
Security Alliance
Davis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
INTERIOR DESIGNER Design to a T, LLC
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS BUSINESS
Owen’s Landscaping
Moss Home Improvement & Roofing Inc.
PAINTING BUSINESS
SEPTIC SERVICE
Lee Dalton Painting & Papering
Hodnett Septic Service
20 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21
22 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23
PAID CONTENT LIVE YOUR HEALTHIEST LIFE: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS FOR A STRONGER HEART
Know Your Numbers for a Stronger Heart
Live Your Healthiest Life
Y
our heart, a tireless workhorse within your body, is also under constant threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming one in four lives. Shockingly, a heart attack strikes someone every 40 seconds, with one in five being silent, occurring without any noticeable symptoms. This American Heart Month, take a moment to evaluate the health of your heart and empower yourself with the knowledge to safeguard this vital organ. Assessing Cholesterol Levels: Cholesterol, a circulating substance in your blood, comes in two types – LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, and HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Maintaining a balance is crucial, as too much LDL or insufficient HDL increases the risk of artery buildup, leading to heart attacks or strokes. Knowing your cholesterol numbers is a manageable way to gauge your heart health. While targets can vary by age and gender, adults generally aim for 125-200 mg/dL. Regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments can play a significant role in lowering this risk factor. Understanding Blood Pressure: Blood pressure measures the force of blood within your arteries. With two numbers, systolic (when the heart beats) and diastolic (when the heart rests), a normal reading is below 120/80. Elevated or high readings, especially hypertension (130/80 or
above), signal potential heart issues. Shockingly, nearly half of American adults are affected by high blood pressure, often without apparent symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks and subsequent management through lifestyle changes or medications can mitigate this silent threat. Waist Size and Heart Health: Surprisingly, waist size can be an indicator of heart health. A study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that men with a waist size over 40 inches and women exceeding 35 inches are at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The positive news is that adopting a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity can contribute to reducing and maintaining a healthy waist size, promoting overall heart health. Family History as a Warning Sign: Heart health risks, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, may run in families. Understanding your family’s heart health history provides valuable insights into potential risks you may face. While these markers are not the sole determinants of heart health, they play a vital role in assessing your current heart health and future risks. During your annual checkup, your primary care provider can evaluate these numbers and collaboratively create a plan, incorporating lifestyle changes or medications if necessary. Your heart deserves attention and care. By familiarizing yourself with key indicators such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, waist size, and family history, you empower yourself to make informed decisions about your heart health. Regular check-ups and proactive measures can keep your heart resilient, ensuring you stay on the path to a healthy, vibrant life. Know your numbers, know your heart, and pave the way for a robust cardiovascular future. At Sovah Health, our experienced cardiac team is committed to your heart health. We offer a broad spectrum of adult cardiac care, maintain high levels of training for all hospital personnel, offer consistent care for every patient in every department and continually seek to improve our processes and procedures, ensuring the most up-to-date, evidence-based care to help you live your healthiest life.
24 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Thank you, Danville, for your confidence in us! Now that SoVa Legal has merged with Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards, we have a larger number of practice areas and attorneys to support our community. The best is yet to come! - Steven Gould, PLDR Law Director 312 Main Street, Suite 200, Danville, VA 24541 • 434.792.2424 • www.pldrlaw.com PLDR Law provides comprehensive legal services to Central and Southern Virginia. Our practice areas include business and corporate law, employment law, estate planning and administration, civil litigation, family law, personal injury, criminal law, construction law, property development, and more. www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25
Thank you,
Pittsylvania County! 4
RAV
E AW
A
R S
2
2
D
0
Proud to be the sole provider specializing in pediatric therapy services
FAVORITE INTERNET PROVIDER
A full service rehabilitation clinic for children ages birth to 21, staffed with experienced professionals in the fields of: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy. ABA services available at Lynchburg and South Boston locations.
We offer services to address a variety of pediatric needs and services including but not limited to:
Thank you to everyone who voted RiverStreet Networks as their preferred Internet provider. We're grateful for the support and committed to delivering outstanding internet service to the community. Your trust and preference inspire us to continually strive for excellence in serving your connectivity needs.
• Gross motor skills • Fine motor skills
844.238.0131 myriverstreet.net
(fingers/hand control)
• Language delays • Feeding difficulties • Handwriting difficulties • Alternative communication methods • Poor visual skills • Auditory processing • Aquatic therapy • Sensory Integration therapy
Voted Best Pediatric Center and Best Speech Practice. Thank YOU for the Votes! www.centerforpediatrictherapies.com DANVILLE
SOUTH BOSTON
LYNCHBURG
LYNCHBURG
MARTINSVILLE
175 Deer Run Road 1110 Confroy Drive 2001 Enterprise Drive 305 Gristmill Drive 812 East Church Street Danville, VA 24540 South Boston, VA 24592 Forest, VA 24551 Forest, VA 24551 Martinsville, VA 24112 Phone: 434-797-5531 Phone 434-835-9007 Phone: 434-386-8983 Phone: 434-385-1074 Phone: 276-533-0099 Fax: 434-797-5529 Fax 434-323-3001 Fax: 434-319-5094 Fax: 434-385-1342 Fax: 276-226-2889
26 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27
RETROSPECTIVE FOREST HILLS ELEMENTARY
Forest Hills Elementary BY ROBIN MARCATO PHOTO COURTESY OF DANVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I
n the United States, there is one holiday that has been both loved and reviled since its inception: Valentine’s Day. Romantic, materialistic, surprising, or passionate; we will not weigh in on this debate. But for those who aren’t enamored, we want to point out a silver lining to this day. It is somewhat refreshing, in this digital age, to have one month during the year when children eagerly write handwritten cards. Hey, we’re a historical society. Handwritten letters are our stock in trade. At my daughter’s school, Forest Hills Elementary, I often ponder how many children have written and exchanged valentines in this school since 1935. I also wonder if Danvillians know how important the school was to the survival of our town. As the oldest continuously
used school in the public school system, it is arguably outdated, but still as beautiful as when it was first built. In the early 30s, depression gripped Danville and the rest of the nation. Despite our local mills, many depended on the construction industry, both in the building and in selling the raw materials used. With unemployment rising by the second, Danville received a lifeline through the Public Works Administration, a New Deal federal agency from 1933 to 1939. Danville applied for and received funding for two high schools. One was to be in the on Howeland Circle (later moved to Mountain View and changed to elementary), and one on Gay Street (this building became the original Langston school, which no longer stands.) Thousands of locals were hired, and the schools were a saving grace for local families because the construction took time, and time meant another paycheck. With Forest Hills, hundreds of construction workers laid brick, mixed concrete, and erected pillars. With every piece, it’s easy to imagine them installed with a certain amount of emotion. Gratitude for the paycheck, love for the family they could feed, relief and hope became part of the structure. You see, Forest Hills isn’t just a school, it’s a place that saved a community. And so having generations of children write all those valentines seems appropriate for a building that was created with so many emotions. Now if they could only write them in cursive. Change is inevitable, but it’s important to keep these visual reminders of our past. Knowledge of our history can help us to see our future through a different lens. The next time you pass by a seemingly ordinary street, take a moment to pause and ponder what really could have happened there, and if it changes the story of Danville as you know it.
28 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29
EXTRA LEVEL-UP GAMES
Level-Up
Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Break up wood 5 Heroic tale 9 Scads 13 Prevaricator 14 Trouble 15 Rampage 16 Big hairdo 17 Over 18 Parlay 19 Nancy (2 wds.) 21 “I’ve got __” 23 Destitute 24 Band instrument 25 Happened to 28 Religious men 31 Allege 32 Style of Greek column 34 Tinge 36 Thai 37 Couple 38 Deface 39 Rim 41 Boy 43 Super Man 44 Entrap
46 Accustomed 48 Male children 49 Southeast by south 50 Explosive device 53 Tulsa location 57 Helen of __ 58 Bitter 60 Iraq’s neighbor 61 Building lot 62 Legal claim 63 World organization 64 Stags 65 Back talk 66 Vale DOWN 1 Chowder ingredient 2 High fidelity sound system 3 Paddles 4 Expand 5 Sword 6 Declare 7 Governor 8 Sour tasting 9 Least colorful 10 Am not
11 All 12 Prow 14 1040 A.D. King of England 20 Pain unit 22 Garden tool 24 Constellation 25 Reduce 26 Sidestep 27 Fake 28 Lop 29 Kitchen timepiece 30 Trap 33 Aromas 35 Walked 40 Writer 41 Summer shoes 42 Relents 43 Softening sound 45 Neither’s partner 47 BB association 49 Hides 50 Posttraumatic stress disorder 51 Canal 52 Lug 53 Mined metals
54 Spoken 55 Spouse 56 After awhile
59 Central Intelligence Agency
Word Search AEROBICS
CIRCUIT
BARBELL
CRUNCHES
SAUNA
STRETCH
BENCH
DUMBBELL
SHOWERS
TREADMILL
BIKE
30 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
ELLIPTICAL
STEPPER
WEIGHTS
Answers on Page 38
CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Confessions of a 30 Something Finding Snow BY LEE VOGLER
“snowstorm” in Danville was clearly going to be a dud. The kids were dejected. My eyes were glazed over from staring at my laptop, trying to get work done from home while the kids were out of school. What to do?
We all love a good snow day, right? Well, you probably love it more as a kid than you do as an adult, but I digress. When you have kids, though, a snow day can bring its own set of challenges and rewards. If it was supposed to be a school day and then they’re out, you are likely scrambling to figure out childcare so you can go to work. If you’re able to spend the day with them as the snow falls, however, you will likely rekindle that magic you felt as a kid and join in the fun. But what do you do when a snow day has no snow? Full disclosure: I’m not a meteorologist, nor will I ever pretend to be. They have far more knowledge on weather-related issues than I could ever hope to, so please take my following comments in jest. So far this winter, we have been
I had seen on the radar that it looked like our neighbors in the northern part of Pittsylvania County were getting some snow. At least enough to look at and play a little bit in. So I took action. I rounded up the kids, took the drive up highway 29, and we ended up just across the county line in Altavista. Granted, it wasn’t a ton of snow, and we spent more time in the car than we did playing in the snow, but for about 30 minutes or so, my kids had a blast. Laughing, playing, and enjoying being outside and with each other. That made it all worth it.
predicted to have multiple snow events in Danville and not a single one has come to fruition. As I write this, we’ve had some brief flurries. We’ve had some ice. We’ve even had a little sleet. But good old-fashioned, pure white snow? Not a bit. Our latest round of this cycle of excitement and disappointment found me trying to find a solution. It was getting late in the afternoon. Our latest
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Or when life hands you no snow, find some.
ays to Resilience: w h t a P rcoming Trauma & Adver s
Ove
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 9:00am - 4:00pm
ity
Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA)
Trauma Survivor & Internationally Recognized Trauma Informed Care Expert
Founder & CEO of Integration Solutions, Inc.
Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer
Tonier Cain
ented by: Pres
Registration is Open!
Space is limited - lunch is provided
DBHDS Behavioral Health Wellness Consultant
Keith Cartwright
Please contact Bailey Wray: bwray@dpcs.org or 434.799.0456 x 3823 for more information www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 31
32 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Thank you for voting!
Favorite Dance Studio
IN SHOWCASE MAGAZINE’S RAVE AWARDS WWW.JODIECARROLLDANCECO.COM
TIME STOPS HERE (434) 429-7194 FB: Patrick Gibson Photography pg@iampgphotography.com
Shaping Character, One Step at a Time. www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33
34 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Paws for a Cause WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
means. They are sentient animals who have their own lives and needs and do not exist simply to provide support to you.”
Years ago, I investigated a complaint about a Doberman that was chained outside and appeared to be very thin. The complaint was absolutely correct. The dog was tethered to a very inadequate barrel and was simply skin over bones. When I spoke with the owner, she said, “I love my dog. She’s the kind of dog that gains weight under the skin so you don’t see it.”
In this month known for red and pink heart decorations, along with heart-shaped candy, perhaps we can find another way of expressing our deep feelings for animals. Perhaps rather than saying “I love them,” we can instead say, “I respect them for the wonderful creatures they are.”
Over and over again throughout the years, I have heard people declare loudly that they love their dog/ cat/ferret/bird/reptile/hamster, even as I am looking at their loved animal that is in peril of dying from neglect. A judge who was hearing a custody case in Juvenile and Domestic Court gave what I thought was a wonderful answer to a woman’s statement about her need to have a dog go shopping with her to give emotional support. I had seized a large number of dogs from her a few years before and that had become an issue during the child custody hearing; hence, I was subpoenaed. The judge said, “Ma’am, I’m not sure you know what ‘loving an animal’
Love for animals is so often misunderstood. The word “love” itself has many connotations and meanings. The word “respect” is a much simpler one and can actually be more beneficial to the animals.
MEET MILO This little three-month-old guy is a cuddler. Actually, he is the perfect blend of looks and personality!
Oh, and I seized the Doberman and found out that the weight she gained quickly was very obvious. She lived the rest of her life in a wonderful home that respected her. DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 35
410 Lynn Street, Danville VA www.rivercitytans.com
36 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Wellness Services
Tanning
-Cryotherapy -Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna -Halotherapy -RedLight Therapy
-5 Levels of State Of The Art UV Tanning -#1 Professionally Rated Norvell Sunless Tanning
www.showcasemagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2024 | SHOWCASE Magazine 37
DISCOVER Thank you for voting us Favorite Senior Living Community. An award-winning Life Plan Community, King’s Grant residents enjoy active and independent lifestyles knowing that access to other levels of living is available should the need arise. This means never having to leave the community they’ve grown to love. Schedule your personal tour today! Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing • Memory Support
350 King’s Way Road | Martinsville, VA 24112
276.634.1000 | 800.462.4649
Games Solutions Continued from Page 30
Crossword Puzzle
38 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Word Search
40 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com