Showcase Magazine February 2024

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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

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Thank You!

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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

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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

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The Arc of Southside

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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26 SHOWCASE Magazine | FEBRUARY 2024 | www.showcasemagazine.com

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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