Showcase Magazine August 2022

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Kickoff 22-23

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

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FEATURES Bringing Good Music to Good Folks 8

Football Preview 12

A not so well-hidden treat (And it’s free) 28

Five BackTo-School Tips for Busy Moms 30

High School Football Kickoff 22-23

PG.

12

ALSO INSIDE Editor’s Letter

Games

1st and Ten

Crossword & Wordsearch

6

34

Paws for a Cause

Confessions of a 30 Something

Meet Doris

Football and Family

33

37

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EDITOR’S LETTER

1st and Ten “No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing, it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely.” Those words by Roman philosopher Seneca refer to adversity. The strengthening of roots relates to teamwork.

AUGUST 2022

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

To be a success at football requires a team that works together as seamlessly as possible.

It’s the time of year when football is nearing the first coin toss. Around the country, high school football is a Friday night tradition. From tailgating to cheering for your alma mater, football brings people together.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

None more so than the kids who step out onto the field.

ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335

High school football is an integral part of the lives of young athletes. In a 2017 article in USA Today, a former coach said, “Football and life mirror each other in many, many ways.

So many lessons can be learned by playing football that can help young men to become better fathers, husbands, bosses, and leaders.”

The article highlighted two lessons. One, standing together for a common goal. It goes back to Seneca’s mention of the tree. For the tree to survive, the roots need to be strong.

There is diversity in football. Kids come from different backgrounds and bring a variety of strengths and weaknesses to the field. They need to learn to work together and help each other achieve the goal of a winning season. This lesson is one that will help players through the rest of their lives.

Another lesson, dealing with adversity. For the tree, it’s the wind that presents adversity.

For a defense, adversity could present itself as a star receiver who torches it for four scores. For an offense, it could be a defensive end who sacks the quarterback five times.

The key to adversity is how we learn from it. A good coaching staff can teach young mean to handle adversity positively. It’s another lesson kids will take with them for the rest of their lives. Life is full of adversities. Learning early to handle them in positive ways is crucial.

This month, Davin Wilson gives us a preview of the upcoming seasons for our area teams.

No matter which team you cheer for, it’s time to come together and celebrate one of the greatest team sports.

Football season is here.

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FEATURE BRINGING GOOD MUSIC TO GOOD FOLKS

Bringing Good Music to Good Folks

BY SAM JACKSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF REIDSVILLE SHOWCASE Excerpt from the spring 2022 issue of Rockingham Magazine

T

he show must go on, and that’s exactly what’s happening at the Reidsville Showcase at the Rockingham Theater, thanks to the efforts of Dewey and Leslie Brown.

The Browns bought the historic theater in July 2021 and are preparing for another season of country and bluegrass music in Rockingham County.

First built in 1929, the historic venue has been through many changes in the past century. It was one of the first theaters in the country that was equipped for “talkies,” or movies with sound. Over the past 93 years, it’s seen more than its fair share of entertainment before going dormant in 2019. Now, the venue has been given new life by Dewey and Leslie Brown, a husband-and-wife team of musicians who want to bring Rockingham County the same gift of music that brought them together.

“Dewey and I met through music,” Leslie Brown said.

Dewey played the fiddle in bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley’s band for 13 years, and the pair’s shared love of bluegrass led to a lasting connection.

Leslie, who is originally from the mountain town of Grundy, Virginia, met Dewey at an event in tiny Saltville, Virginia, before they married and moved to North Carolina.

One day, the two were driving past the Liberty Showcase Theater in Liberty, North Carolina, when Dewey revealed a plan for a career after his days playing in Stanley’s band were over.

“He said ‘I used to play there, and I’m gonna own that theater one day,’” Leslie said. “I really just kind of followed his lead on that, and he had a vision. He loves old theaters, and I do, too.”

The Browns bought the Liberty Showcase in 2014, and—you guessed it - Ralph Stanley was the first act to perform.

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Leslie, who used to work as a nurse, quit her day job to run the theater. She can clog dance, and now plays a stand-up bass, sings, and writes songs with her husband.

“We love music, and it’s kind of the perfect career for us,” Leslie said.

With one successful theater already in the works, the Browns heard that the Reidsville Theater might become available, and they quickly expressed interest.

“It seemed like the perfect addition and the right time to add a second theater,” Leslie said. The couple officially bought the theater in July 2021.

Though work needed to be done, some things in the newly christened Reidsville Showcase at the Rockingham Theater were ready to go.

“It needed some work. I wouldn’t say major renovations, but medium renovations,” Leslie said. It needed roof work, and some seats needed to be replaced. “The stage was intact. We like to keep everything as original as possible,” she said. “We still have some renovations we want to do in the back dressing rooms for the artists.”

The original lighting fixtures, signs, and stained-glass windows have remained, with some maintenance on schedule to keep them looking pristine. “Things like that really give it a lot of character,” Leslie said.

The pair also bought the mural building next door to the Reidsville Showcase. The plan is to eventually tie the two in together. “There will be a bigger area for autograph signings, maybe a gift shop. We’ve tossed around several ideas,” Leslie said.

Shows began in September, and the Browns plotted a course similar to the Liberty theater.

“We planned to mirror the Liberty Showcase with live, intimate shows,” Leslie Brown said.

Though bringing the same artists to both venues would be ideal, space doesn’t allow for that. The Liberty Showcase seats 454 patrons. Reidsville can hold 325. So, while there could be some duplication of acts, “we’re just kind of feeling things out for now,” she added.

One of the first big success stories of the Reidsville Showcase was Terry Clark, who drew a near-sellout crowd. The roots music the Browns love thrives in Rockingham County. “Our bluegrass is doing well,” Leslie said. “Better than it does in Liberty.”

As a local musician herself, Leslie said they initially looked for more local artists to fill a playbill, but “we quickly found out we really needed to look at the more established names, and it took a very long time to get to the place we are with relationship-building with talent agencies and artists,” she said.

Though the Browns are early in their tenure of running the Reidsville Showcase, Leslie said the experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We were really blown away by the level of support from the community,” Leslie said. “We’re still building the crowds,” but she added that the Rockingham County Chamber of Commerce and other local officials “have been hugely supportive. I cannot say enough about the amount of support we’ve received from the community.”

No matter what type of music you like, it’s fair to say the Reidsville Theater is in excellent hands, and much more excellent entertainment is on the bill.

“We just want to bring good music to good folks.

Especially with the terrible times we’ve endured, it’s a breath of fresh air to get out and enjoy these things,” Leslie said.

“It’s not easy to book Terry Clark or the Oak Ridge Boys or Vince Gill. Thank goodness for Dewey’s connections.

It allowed us to get our foot in the door,” Leslie added.

However, the Browns try to book a local artist as an opening act.

As for going outside their comfort zone of country and bluegrass, it’s a possibility, but for now, the Browns are sticking to the proven formula.

“We are talking about branching out into other types of music, eventually. But we’re stepping out in faith because we know bluegrass really well.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be more diversity down the road, however. “I think there’s a market for beach music, and Motown and other types of music,” Leslie said.

Regardless of the genre being played, Leslie believes the entire experience of the Reidsville Showcase is what sets it apart from other local theaters.

“How we do things nostalgically… ushers with vests and bow ties,” she said. “Things like that really give people the entire experience.”

“Another thing we try to do is give them an intimate experience with the artists, where a musician may come out and meet the audience after a show for autographs and pictures. It’s very different from going to a coliseum and seeing an artist,” she added. “A lot of artists are very good about coming out and meeting people, and they take pictures and shake everybody’s hands.” www.showcasemagazine.com

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Bassett Bengals

Bassett High School Bassett football team has been on the come up over the past few years and head coach Brandon Johnson and the Bengals look to make 2022 their breakout season.

Here are five things you need to know about Bassett heading into the season.

Top-Gun Quarterback

Bassett fans have gotten used to hearing the name Ja’Ricous Hairston over the past three years. The senior quarterback has played a huge role in the Bengals’ renaissance over the past few years that’s seen them post a 1911 record, including a 12-6 mark in Piedmont District play, and qualify for three consecutive postseasons.

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has the strength to tuck the ball and run when needed. He possesses a high-game IQ, which allows him to be an effective decision maker.

His talents have garnered him interest from Navy, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

However, according to head coach Brandon Johnson, Hairston’s talent is a small piece of what makes him a leader.

“He’s an alpha on the field, a great communicator, he’s a great leader, leads by example, makes great decisions on the field, but what’s really getting his looks is his character off the field,” Johnson said. “Yes, he’s a talented football player, but when these coaches meet him, they see his character, and that’s what’s most important to us. When your team is led by high character young men, your team is going to be successful.”

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Filling a Hole in the Backfield

While Hairston’s return leaves the Bengals set under center, they will have to fill a big hole in the backfield after standout back Simeon Walker-Muse graduated this past spring.

Johnson mentioned several guys he believes can step up and fill Walker-Muse’s shoes rather nicely.

According to Johnson, junior Donald Patterson sits near the top of the list.

Patterson saw playing time in the playoffs last season after being called up from JV and impressed the Bengals’ coaching staff with not only his talent, but heart as well.

“He’s an explosive kid, very fast and very strong. We call him Simeon 2.0,” Johnson said, laughing. “He brings to the table everything Simeon brought. He’s not huge in

stature, but he plays with a big heart and is a great player on both sides of the ball.”

Senior Elijah Stokes and junior Salvador Coca-Lobo have also stood out so far in camp, according to Johnson.

Through the Air

Hairston will have quite a few targets to go to when the Bengals decide to take it to the air this season.

Along with being a threat in the backfield, Johnson expects Stokes to be a key part of the receiving corps in the slot. Bassett fans should expect returning senior Jacob Gilbert and returning junior Branson Leduc to have their number called quite a bit while junior Jaylen Lide will have an impact in the slot as well.

“I’m very excited with this group of young men, they’re awesome players on both sides of the ball,” Johnson said.

Like Hairston, their talent isn’t the only thing that makes them stand out.

“Yes, they’re going to make plays on Friday nights, but it’s what they do off the field and their character that sets them apart from the crowd and makes them tremendous leaders,” Johnson said.

Sleeper Status

It used to be each preseason Piedmont poll predicted the Bengals would finish no higher

than fourth or fifth and a lot of the times; the pollsters were right. However, that hasn’t been the case since Johnson took the reins at Bassett five years ago, as the Bengals have been on a steady climb ever since.

Expect Bassett to continue their ascent this year and more than likely make a run at its first regular-season Piedmont title.

“I’m honored to be called a sleeper because I know how hard my guys have worked, and I know what they’re capable of,” Johnson said. “Just a few years ago we were picked to be fifth or sixth in the district, and now we’re being talked about as possible district champions. It’s an awesome feeling.”

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Final Thoughts, the Message

Johnson served as the defensive backs coach at Magna Vista where he won two state titles. And while he was quick to talk about the excitement winning titles brings and his desire to win one at Bassett, he expressed a greater desire to build high character guys.

“I’ve won two state titles as an assistant coach and that’s nice, but at the end of the day I want my kids to win at life,” Johnson said. “And that’s going to be a common theme you hear from me because I want them to know if we’re winning at life, we’re winning all around. I want my guys to overcome their obstacles and win the struggles they have in their lives and be championship people.”

Floyd County Franklin County Liberty Christian Dan River Byrd Magna Vista Patrick County Tunstall George Washington Halifax County Martinsville

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Chatham Cavaliers

Chatham High School In 2022, Chatham football embarks on its first season under head coach Joe Fielder.

The Cavaliers finished an overall 4-6 last season with a 2-4 mark in Dogwood District play.

Here are five things you need to know about the ‘Cavs heading into the new season.

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Battled Tested

Whether a disappointing 2021 finish, a plethora of coaching changes, a global pandemic or playing three-to-four games a week because of said pandemic, Chatham has faced its share of adversity over the past four years.

According to first-year head coach Joe

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Fielder, it’s made the Cavaliers one of the most battle-tested squads in the region.

“These guys and this senior class have dealt with the most adversity that probably anybody in our region or district has had to deal with,” Fielder said. “I know everybody dealt with COVID, but they dealt with COVID, coaching changes, a shortened spring season, playing

games on nearly every day, so this is a tough senior class, and they get it. They work really hard and don’t make excuses. The one thing I can say with this group coming in is we haven’t had to worry about things from a mental toughness aspect, and it’s been refreshing.”

Wide receiver Kendell Sanders, running back Dermont Kyle, utility guy Vic Harris, defensive end Kenneth Evans, cornerback Colin Lester, utility player Ladarius Wilson, Canaan Sloan, linebacker Tyler Hoffman, Andre Meyers, Robert Riley and Matthew Stone comprise the ‘Cavs’ senior class.

New Quarterback

Chatham will have a new shot caller under center this year in the arm and face of junior quarterback Zander Cornell. Cornell is a true athlete as he starred for the Cavaliers at tight end and safety last season while also having a breakout season for the ‘Cavs’ baseball team.

“He’s a multi-sport athlete who came in ready to work, ready to learn,” Fielder said. “He’s got to work on a few things like not rushing throws and letting plays develop. He’s doing a great job working on the fundamental stuff. He gets better every day, but the most impressive thing about him right now is his decision making. He makes great decisions for someone with pretty much no experience at quarterback since middle school. He’s got great arm strength, can move a little bit, he

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two fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Fielder won’t be the only new coach on board this year as he was able to hire former Averett University football standouts Kirkland Brown and Delquan Bigelow to work with the offense this season. Brown will work mostly with the quarterbacks while Bigelow will oversee the Cavaliers’ running game.

“They’ve got experience. They understand we’re putting in new systems on both sides of the ball, but they’ve bought in and have developed very well in understanding them.

They want to be successful. They want to be great. They understand we’re coaches who have seen success, know what it looks like, and they’re trusting us with what we want them to do.”

According to Fielder, the combination of their collegiate experience and youth will make them invaluable members of the coaching staff.

On the offensive end, seniors Kendell Sanders and Dermont Kyle will look to anchor the Cavaliers’ passing and run games.

“They represent what I wanted,” Fielder said. “A younger staff, but an experienced staff. That’s not to take away from the older coaches. I need the older coaches to help me fix my mistakes and serve as a mentor to me and the kids and help us learn, but I like having KB and Biggie’s youth. It helps them relate to the kids.”

According to Fielder, the duo are using their game intelligence to help the rest of the offense adapt to the new system.

Pair of New Coaches

Returners Galore

While Cornell might be new to the position and naturally still has a few kinks to work out, Fielder has been impressed with his quarterback’s decision-making and athleticism.

Chatham Cavaliers 2022-23

has all the features you’d want in a tough high school quarterback.”

Chatham had its biggest offensive and defensive lines in recent memory last season and expect to see much of the same this year as the Cavaliers return several key pieces of both the offensive and defensive lines.

The ‘Cavs will look to seniors Andrew Myers and Ethan Riley along with junior Aidan Hodnett and sophomore Jack Reece to anchor both the offensive and defensive lines this season.

Chatham will also look to senior Tyler Hoffman to anchor the linebacker position. Hoffman finished third in Class 2 in tackles last season with 143 while recording four forced fumbles,

Prince Edward Co. Tunstall Patrick County Gretna Nelson County Martinsville William Campbell Appomattox County Dan River Altavista

Schedule subject to change.

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“It’s going to be a completely different system, but those guys are good enough and smart enough that I feel like they can fit into pretty much any system you throw at them,” Fielder said. “They study what we’re doing, they’ve bought into it and practice hard. Their improvement has been phenomenal. And it doesn’t hurt they’ve already been successful.

They have confidence, and confidence can go a long way.”

No Days Off, the Message

In years past, the Dogwood District has been dominated by Appomattox County, Dan River, and Gretna, but the scales have evened out a bit this year with not only Chatham, but Altavista, Nelson County, and William Campbell fielding improved teams as well.

While striving to show up and be determined and driven each Friday, Fielder said the even competition will lead the ‘Cavs to being extra vigilant each game.

“The whole district itself is pretty balanced,” Fielder said. “There’s not a Friday, not you can take off and take it easy. We don’t aspire to that, anyway. We’re trying to play every game to the best of our ability and realize you can’t have bad games in the district.”

Fielder concluded with a message to the Chatham football community.

“This is a tough senior class. They get it and want to be great,” Fielder said. “They deserve a good amount of support. I think we’re going to finally have a normal season. They’ll have a normal year of high school. I think they’ll be able to go out and compete in the district each game.”

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Dan River Wildcats Dan River High School The Wildcats will take the field under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Brian Womack. The ‘Cats have an overall 13-13 record, including a 10-5 mark in Dogwood District play, and two regional playoff appearances — including a spot in the 2020 Region 2C semifinal — under Womack’s tutelage.

Here are five things you need to know heading into the season.

Top-Gun Recruit

A few weeks ago, rising senior wide receiver/ safety Ty’Lyric Coleman took the 135-mile trip up US-29 North to visit the University of Virginia and field meetings with first-year UVA head coach Tony Elliott, associate head coach Marques Hagans, and defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Curome Cox.

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By the end of the weekend, he had an offer from the Cavaliers to play on either side of the ball.

The Cavaliers aren’t the only Division-I program showing interest, though, as James Madison, William & Mary, Elon, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and Old Dominion have all expressed interest in Coleman.

Any interest Coleman has garnered shouldn’t come as a surprise, given he recorded team-highs in receptions (36), receiving yards (699) and receiving touchdowns (7). The 6’3” safety also recorded a team-high seven interceptions and recovered a fumble for Dan River.

After starting last season as a wide receiver, Coleman moved over to safety where he became proficient in reading the quarterback and picking up on zone coverages on his way to leading the state in interceptions.

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Embarrassment of Experience

Womack commented on how the Wildcats started last season with only five starters from the previous season on both sides of the ball. He also remarked on the high number of true freshmen the ‘Cats featured, and the number of kids who had never played JV football because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things will be a bit different this year as Dan River returns all but two starters from last year’s team.

Stacked on Offense

Senior quarterback Shamar Ferguson returns this year after throwing for 674 yards and six touchdowns last season. Junior shot caller Jaidon Haynes is also back a year removed from throwing for 660 yards and five touchdowns.

The Wildcats will also get a huge shot in the arm from the return of Darvin Gregory who rushed for a team-high 660 yards and five touchdowns last season.

The ‘Cats’ receiving corps will also benefit from Coleman’s return along with senior Tilden Garland, who hauled in 12 catches for 250 yards and a pair of scores last year.

Defensive Returners

Senior Kasey Ferguson will anchor the defense after recording 95 tackles, five sacks, and four fumble recoveries last season.

Senior Jakari Thomas is back after finishing his junior season with 55 tackles and a teamhigh six sacks. Senior D’Andre Thomas will look to play a big role defensively. Thomas finished second on the team last season in tackles with 72.

“We have more matured kids this season, last year nearly 75 percent of the team had never played high school football,” Womack said.

“The COVID year only allowed our JV team to play one game, but we’re getting a lot more experience this year.”

Fast and Strong, the Message

The ‘Cats have experienced quite a bit of success over the past 14 years, posting an overall record of 88-58 and a district mark of 46-24 while qualifying for the playoffs 10 years in a row, including the 2011 Class 2

state quarterfinals.

The Wildcats didn’t experience the same success last year, finishing 3-7 (3-3 Dogwood) and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. It was lack of experience, not lack of talent, that led Dan River to that mark.

That won’t be a problem for the ‘Cats this year as they not only return an experienced team, but according to Womack, one of the strongest and fastest in recent years.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back who not

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only gained experienced last year but also got stronger and faster over the offseason.

We are going to be stronger and faster than we’ve been in a while this year,” Womack said.

Every preseason camp needs a theme and Dan River’s camp isn’t any different as Womack zeroed in on his team’s focus so far.

“Through this off-season we have developed more discipline and have bonded as a team with one goal, win,” Womack said.

Rustburg Tunstall Magna Vista Bassett Martinsville Appomattox County Altavista Gretna Nelson County Chatham William Campbell

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Schedule subject to change.

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GWHS Eagles

George Washington High School The George Washington football team will begin its quest for a third consecutive appearance in the Region 4D championship game when it begins its 2022 campaign with a non-district matchup against Heritage on August 12 at 6 p.m. in Lynchburg.

Here are five things you need to know about GW entering the season.

Patience is a virtue

Ninth-year head coach Nick Anderson went to an old adage when asked what message he wanted to deliver to GW fans entering the season.

“Be patient with us, just cheer us on,” Anderson said. “It’s a bit of a rebuilding year for us, but the kids are working extremely hard.”

Anderson isn’t bluffing. The Eagles lost 13 20 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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players, including linebacker Jalen Spratt, quarterback Jeb Byrnes, running back Jakobe Dixon, wide receiver/defensive back Donavan Howard, tight end/linebacker Will Daniel, defensive tackle Ahmad Poole, defensive lineman Shawn Reaves and linebacker Jacob Trainor.

However, GW has several players returning from last year’s squad that finished 9-2, won its fifth consecutive Piedmont District championship, and made its third consecutive appearance in the regional title game.

According to Anderson, his experienced returners are working hard not only on the field but also off, stepping into their new leadership roles.

“The kids are working extremely hard, we’re excited about where we’re at right now,” Anderson said. “We’re excited about how

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they’re progressing and taking on a lot of leadership roles as underclassmen. It’s good to see them mature and develop quicker because we need them to do that. They’re doing a great job.”

New Coaches

While the core of Anderson’s coaching staff returns this year, he will also have a few new faces.

Former Gretna coach Cole Simpson joins the Eagles’ staff where he will coach the tight ends and Jalen Chambers will also serve as a fresh face as the offensive line coach.

After leading GW’s middle school program to success last season, Antoine Morris will serve as defensive line coach and the Eagles’ JV coach.

Anderson had not only great things to say about his new coaches’ game knowledge, but

their energies and ages as well.

“Good coaches are good guys, bring a lot to the table, and are very energetic guys which I need because I’m getting old,” Anderson said, laughing.

New Quarterback

GW has had a bit of a tradition over the last few years in having a successful quarterback calling the offensive shots. Sha’Kobe Hairston and Carlos Poole proved to be stellar shot callers in their respective stints on the team before Byrnes stepped in over the past two years and continued that success.

The Eagles lost Byrnes this year to graduation, but GW has a solid replacement in sophomore Nehemiah Cabell. Cabell was constantly seen shadowing Byrnes last season, talking with his captain to learn as much as he could. Expect to see his initiative pay off this season.

“He’s doing a great job, taking control of our offense,” Anderson said. “He’s a great leader and learning it a lot faster than we thought he was going to progress. We’re excited about how he’s developed in the offseason.”

New Running Back

Whether David Wilson, Kuashaun Forest, Willie Edmunds or Jakobe Dixon, GW has a tradition of productive running backs. While this year’s headlining name has yet to be established, Anderson commented on the plethora of talent he and his staff have seen in the backfield so far in camp.

“Running back is by committee right now,” Anderson said. “We’ve got a lot of talent in the backfield, a lot of guys who are coming along and understanding the offense. It’ll be interesting to see.”

Senior Razavier Carter saw limited action in the backfield last season, scoring a touchdown in the Eagles’ blowout of Orange County in the Region 4D quarterfinals.

Anderson and staff have been impressed with Carter’s skill at linebacker and plan on using him there more right now.

Junior Darrell Mabin returns this year and has impressed Anderson and his staff. At 6-foot1, Mabin stands taller than most running backs and can use his height and size to his advantage in seeing over the line.

Anderson also commented on the impression senior Omarion Hairston has made on the staff. Hairston returns from last year’s team where he starred at wide receiver, hauling in 25 catches for 524 yards and eight

touchdowns, and linebacker. At 6-foot-2, Hairston will also provide some height for the Eagles in the backfield.

In Conclusion

GW will be young on the defensive line with a sizeable chunk of its feared D-line from the past few seasons gone because of graduation. However, Anderson has been impressed by junior Quayenurion Conway, senior Elijah Bass, and senior Iuante Barksdale — all returners from last year’s squad.

The Eagles will be young on the offensive line with four-fifths of their returners from last

GWHS Eagles 2022-23

• • • • • • • • • • • •

8.12 8.19 8.26 9.2 9.9 9.16 9.23 9.30 10.7 10.14 10.21 10.28

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

year gone after graduating.

“New all around, that’s the motto for this year,” Anderson said. “Four new offensive linemen lost a lot of big names on the D-line last year. In the trenches it’s going to be a rebuilding year, but the guys we have penciled into the spots are working extremely hard, worked extremely hard in the weight room because they knew it was going to be their time this season. We’ve got a lot of new players in key roles. We’ll be moving kids around at the beginning of the year to figure out where the best pieces of the puzzle will fit.”

Heritage Fleming Dinwiddie Amherst County Glass Nation Ford Patrick County Martinsville Tunstall Halifax County Bassett Magna Vista

Away (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Non-Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Away (Region) Away (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region)

Schedule subject to change. www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21

Gretna Hawks

Gretna Hawks 2022-23

Editor’s note: We were unable to gather a preview of Gretna before print deadline. We will attempt to add it at showcasemagazine.com.

• • • • • • • • • •

8/26 7:00pm 9/2 7:00pm 9/9 7:00pm 9/23 7:00pm 9/30 7:00pm 10/7 7:00pm 10/14 7:00pm 10/21 7:00pm 10/28 7:00pm 11/4 7:00pm

Jefferson Forest Glass Magna Vista Chatham William Campbell Appomattox County Dan River Altavista Tunstall Nelson County

Home (Non-Region) Home (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region) Away (Non-Region) Away (Region)

Schedule subject to change.

Halifax Comets Lessons Learned, Lessons Carried

Halifax High School Here are five things you need to know about the Comets this season.

Experienced Squad

Halifax returns 13 players from last year’s team that posted a 7-3 record and appeared in the Region 4D quarterfinals against Western Albemarle.

On the offensive end of things, the Comets return a healthy mix of skilled players and linemen. The return of rising senior quarterback Dakii Chandler might give Halifax the biggest shot to the arm while junior running back Josh Miller and junior wide receiver Atavion Mabins will provide the Comets with big playmaking abilities. The return of Kanya Caddle at wide receiver will give Halifax a big edge.

Seniors Drew Duffey, Ahmad Moon, and John Berneche will anchor the Comets’ offensive line.

Defensively, seniors Qualik Tucker, Jyquez Ferrell and Semaj Jeffreys will anchor Halifax on the corners at safety. The linebacker corps will be led by seniors Javion Gooden and Antarius Garrett while seniors Damien Wilborn and DJ Guthrie will anchor the defensive line.

The Comets are a team predicated on running a fast-paced, no-huddle offense and judging by their 7-3 finish last season, it would be safe to say they ran the system effectively.

Halifax learned a valuable lesson when it squared off against Western Albemarle in the Region 4D quarterfinals last season. The Comets learned while they are a talented, quick team, they needed to get bigger and stronger. It’s something Senseney has stressed to his guys over the past few months.

However, Senseney saw room for improvement and has been stressing to his guys the solution is extra work in the weight room — a message they have received.

“When our kids felt Western Albemarle, our kids knew they had to get stronger. We’ve improved a lot in the weight room, but we’ve still got a way to go.”

“We’re trying to get our kids to buy into the weightlifting culture so that’s part of our summer workouts, making sure our kids understand pushing themselves in the weight room. They’ve done a better job at that,” Senseney said. “Another emphasis is pace of practice. We are a fast-paced, no huddle team, so we want to practice that way and get our conditioning right.”

Let’s Get Physical

Weighty Culture

Halifax Comets 2022-23

Having such an experienced group back on both ends of the ball has been beneficial for head coach Rob Senseney and his staff.

“Any time you have returners who understand how you operate and how you practice, it makes life a lot easier,” he said. “Our kids know what to expect out of practices. They know the expectations.”

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• • • • • • • • • • •

8.19 8.26 9.9 9.15 9.23 9.30 10.7 10.14 10.21 10.28 11.4

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Whether it’s running the ball up the middle on offense or delivering block-rocking hits on defense, the Piedmont District is built on smash mouth football.

That theme will continue this year and the Comets will look to be at the top of that pile when they begin district play this season.

Buckingham Home (Non-Region) Person Away (Non-Region) Nottoway Home (Non-Region) Mecklenburg County Away (Non-Region) Martinsville Home (Region) Jefferson Forest Home (Non-Region) Magna Vista Home (Region) George Washington Home (Region) Patrick County Home (Region) Bassett Home (Region) Tunstall Away (Region)

Schedule subject to change.

“We’re going to try to be physical. We’re going to try to be fast-paced. We’re going to try to improve off what we did last year,” Senseney said. “That’s our kids’ main goal, and that’s our main goal. We’ve got to improve and put ourselves in a position to compete with the top teams in our district.

We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Secret Sauce

“It’s the same formula, be physical, cut down on mistakes, and play four-plus quarters of football,” Senseney said. “We don’t say four quarters. We say four quarters plus because one you have to always be ready for overtime, but two, we want that extra effort from our kids. We want our kids to leave the field with no regrets.”

With Bassett, Magna Vista, and Martinsville all expecting to have solid seasons and George Washington continuing its tradition of excellence, Halifax will face some strict competition in Piedmont play this season.

The Comets have a solid plan in place to match their opponents’ efforts every Friday night.

Magna Vista Warriors Here are five things you need to know about Magna Vista heading into the season.

Wet Behind the Ears

Entering his 15th season in Ridgeway, head coach Joe Favero has won two VHSL state championships, six Piedmont District championships, 113 games, and has led the Warriors through a pair of pandemic-altered seasons.

But Favero has never coached a team as young as the Warriors are this season.

Favero has been impressed with the leadership his nine returning upperclassmen have shown so far in preseason camp.

“This season we will have a very young roster with only nine seniors,” Favero said. “These seniors have done a great job leading us this offseason and have been great role models for the younger players.”

Look for seniors J’mere Hairston, Jontae Hairston, and Caleb Lynch to make a big impact while junior A’Mari Thomas will give Magna Vista a little more depth and experience as well.

Magna Vista High School No Cupcakes

Some high school coaches wade their teams into the water at the beginning of the season, testing the waters with matchups against cupcake opponents. Some coaches jump into the deep end from the start, making sure their teams feel a few waves rocking the boat.

Favero is the latter type of coach as the Warriors start the year with a benefit game against Salem before opening the season with a matchup against LCA.

Return to Numbers

Like a lot of local teams since the start of the pandemic, Magna Vista has been down in numbers over the past few years.

But don’t expect that to be a problem for the Warriors this year as Favero is expecting one of his biggest classes in recent memory.

“After having small rosters in the past seasons, our participation has improved, and we should have 75-plus players at Magna Vista this year,” Favero said.

The Spartans finished their 2021 campaign with a mark of 11-2, including a perfect 5-0 record in River Ridge play, and won the Region 4D championship for the third year in a row before falling in the Class 4 quarterfinals.

In Conclusion

While the Warriors lost several key pieces of last year’s team, including Carter, Johnson, and Martin, Magna Vista has a solid core of returners who can make a big difference.

On the other end, the Bulldogs went 13-1 last season, including a 6-0 stay in Seminole District play, won the regional championship, and played in the Class 3 championship game.

The Warriors will face new-and-improved competition in the Piedmont this year, but their early season schedule should ready them for district play.

Lifting in Bunches

In order to be competitive in the Piedmont District, teams must be big, fast, and physical.

Looking to meet those needs, the Warriors have been spending more time in the weight room this season.

“Everything for us starts in the weight room in the offseason. We have worked really hard,” Favero said. “The amount of players we have who have dedicated themselves to our offseason workouts has really paid off.

We have already seen a lot of improvement across the board with speed and strength.”

According to Favero, rising juniors JJ Spriggs and Ethan Stockton have really put in the work, helping them to rewrite the Warriors’ record books.

Magna Vista Warriors 2022-23

• • • • • • • • • • • •

8.12 8.19 8.26 9.2 9.9 9.16 9.23 9.30 10.7 10.14 10.28 11.4

6:00 pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Staunton River Salem Liberty Christian Dan River Gretna Franklin County Tunstall Bassett Halifax County Martinsville George Washington Patrick County

Away (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home(Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region)

Schedule subject to change. www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23

Vista on October 14. The Warriors handed Martinsville a 48-14 loss last season.

Dickerson threw for two touchdowns in the loss, hooking up with Jones for a 62-yarder and a 53-yard completion to Ja’Mere Eggleston-Smith.

Martinsville Bulldogs Martinsville High School Here’s a quick look at the Bulldogs’ 2022 schedule and how it squares up compared to last year.

After a season-opening loss to Glenvar to start the season, Martinsville bounced back against Morehead with a 34-18 victory. Rising senior Ray Dickerson played a huge role in the Bulldogs’ convincing win — their first since 2018 — scoring three times on the ground with his longest coming from 15 yards out.

Martinsville opens its season with an away matchup against Morehead.

The Bulldogs come home September 16, where they will open their home schedule with a non-district matchup against Dan River. Martinsville narrowly defeated the Wildcats, 31-28, on the road last season.

It was a back-and-forth contest last year sealed by a Bulldogs’ defensive stand on the ‘Cats’ last play of the game. Rising senior Jahmal Jones played a big role in the win, scoring a trio of rushing scores while Dickerson added the other touchdown for Martinsville.

last year. However, with a solid number of returners back, expect the Bulldogs to be a bit more competitive against GW when they square off against the Eagles on September 30.

Martinsville concludes its non-district slate with a matchup against Dogwood District foe Chatham on October 7. The Bulldogs defeated the Cavaliers 29-21 last season thanks to a last-minute pick-6 from rising senior Chavis Martin. Dickerson had a rushing score for Martinsville while Jones added a 70-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

From there, the Bulldogs return to Piedmont District action, where they will battle Magna

Martinsville Bulldogs 2022-23

The Bulldogs continue the home slate the following week with their Piedmont District opener against stalwart George Washington.

GW scored multiple times in the air and on the ground and forced a quartet of turnovers in the Eagles’ 39-0 blanking of Martinsville

• • • • • • • • • • •

8.19 9.2 9.9 9.16 9.23 9.30 10.7 10.14 10.21 10.28 11.4

6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Tunstall is next on the schedule for Martinsville, with the Trojans coming into the Dog Pound for a Piedmont matchup on October 21. Martinsville handed Tunstall a 28-8 loss last season in Dry Fork with Long recording a big second-half interception to help the Bulldogs seal it. Rising senior Cash Hairston added a 27-yard touchdown reception while Dickerson added a rushing touchdown to his tally.

The Bulldogs conclude their regularseason schedule at home against Bassett on November 4. The Bengals handed the Bulldogs a 47-3 loss last season.

With a large corps of returners with steady experience, expect Martinsville to be a resurgent team this year.

Carroll Count Glenvar Morehead Dan River Halifax County George Washington Chatham Magna Vista Tunstall Patrick County Bassett

Schedule subject to change.

Our team at Evince, Showcase and Demont Design wish the best of luck this season to all the local high school teams!

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Home (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Away (Non-Region) Home (Non-Region) Away (Region) Home (Region) Home (Non-Region) Away (Region) Home (Region) Away (Region) Home (Region)

www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25

Tunstall Trojans Tunstall High School PHOTOS BY AMBER BARBER

Tunstall will open its fourth season under head coach Randy Hunsicker. With all COVID-19 protocols behind the Trojans, Hunsicker is excited to see what his team can do with the return to normalcy.

Here’s five things you need to know about Tunstall heading into the season…

Return to Normalcy

The name of the hit movie and TV show might be “Friday Night Lights,” but if the series had taken place over the 2020 and 2021 seasons, then naming both would’ve proven harder.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic and its protocols, Tunstall not only played games on Friday, but Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and the occasional Saturday as well.

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The Trojans’ schedule will return to normal this season. According to Hunsicker, that will benefit his team greatly.

3 and looks forward to seeing what junior running backs Bricen Poole and Ryan Jones can do as well.

“One of the most important things about this season will be the ability to get back to normalcy,” Hunsicker said. “Our players are working to get tough. They are working to remain injury free and stay in games for the long haul. Last year, we played every day of the week except for Sunday and had six games on 24 calendar days. A normal season will allow us to find a rhythm that was missing over the last two years.”

“Along those same lines, our team will be able to be consistent in supporting and leading each other,” Hunsicker said. “Our quarterback went out because of an injury in the third game last year, but [Evan Burnette] is back and ready to lead the offense. With Bricen Poole and Ryan Jones in the backfield, they will be a force. Poole and Jones stepped up last year and pushed our offense each game.”

Hunsicker believes the return to the Friday schedule will also provide the Trojans with consistent leadership. He looks for senior quarterback Evan Burnette to continue the same direction he provided last year before going out with a season-ending injury in Week

Returning Offensive Numbers

| www.showcasemagazine.com

Burnette was on pace to have to a stellar season last year as he completed 21 of his 39 passes for 288 yards and a score before going down for the season in Week 3. He was

Hunsicker is also excited to see how returning seniors Trey Collins and Xavion Jaimies will perform after seeing time on both sides of the ball last season.

Special Teams

Coaches smile when they see a kicker who delivers in a soccer style. Luckily for Hunsicker and the Trojans, they have just that in junior Braeden Barber.

Barber is a two-year standout on Tunstall’s boys soccer team and Hunsicker is excited to see how he will perform and contribute this year.

“Special teams will be important to the success of the program. Braden Barber is returning to kick for us. He shows huge development each week,” Hunsicker said.

Coaching upgrade, the Message

Hunsicker also mentioned some adjustments he made to the coaching staff in the offseason, and how they will benefit the Trojans this season. especially solid in Tunstall’s season-opening win over Dan River where he finished 8-of-16 with 113 yards and a passing score.

team last year in tackles with 46, including a team-high four for a loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

Poole was a force to be reckoned with last season as well, leading the team in rushing yards (538), rushing scores (5), and carries (123). He also recorded a team-high 162 receiving yards on a team-high 13 carries and a receiving score.

Hammock turned in an impressive season on the defensive end as well, recording 23 tackles in nine appearances.

Jones finished with 186 rushing yards and four scores on 42 carries while hauling in nine passes for 50 receiving yards.

Junior Austin Hammock also had an impressive rookie season last year, hauling in 10 passes for 126 yards.

Expect all four to be offensive threats for the Trojans this season.

Lose Some, Gain Some

Tunstall lost seven players last year because of graduation. But Hunsicker was quick to mention the Trojans have six seniors with extensive experience returning and roughly two dozen players coming back who saw considerable playing time last season.

Hammock and Jones are two guys Hunsicker expects to have big impacts on both sides of the ball. To go along with his offensive numbers, Jones finished second on the

As far as the message he wanted to deliver to Trojans fans?

Hunsicker commented on how excited he is to have rising juniors Grant Saunders, Curtis Ingram, and Jacob Powell coming back, and how the Trojans plan to use all three in several positions on both sides of the ball.

Tunstall Trojans 2022-23

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8.12 8.19 8.26 9.2 9.16 9.23 9.30 10.7 10.14 10.21 10.28 11.4

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

“Our coaching staff is adjusting to the year as well,” Hunsicker said. “Charles Fulcher will come up to the varsity team full time and will lead the defense. Play development, new ideas, and openness will be keys as we develop this year’s plans for success.”

“We want the Tunstall community to know the Trojans are committed to victories and appreciate all their support,” he said.

Morehead Away (Non-Region) Hidden Valley Away (Non-Region) Dan River Away (Non-Region) Chatham Home (Non-Region) Staunton River Away (Non-Region) Magna Vista Away (Region) Patrick County Away (Region) George Washington Home (Region) Bassett Home (Region) Martinsville Away (Region) Gretna Home (Non-Region) Halifax County Home (Region)

Schedule subject to change. www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27

FEATURE A NOT SO WELL-HIDDEN TREAT (AND IT’S FREE)

A not so well-hidden treat (And it’s free)

BY BARRY KOPLEN PHOTOS BY BARRY KOPLEN

O

ne place that residents and visitors consider to be Danville’s leading attraction is Ballou Park.

Located only a short shuttle ride from the future casino site, Ballou Park was named after Captain Charles A. Ballou, the City Engineer who was also, the Superintendent of Public Works (1878) who envisioned the Park and, on its site, a water reservoir.

That naming was well-deserved; Ballou also engineered Danville’s functional sewer system that eliminated most of the City’s new typhoid cases.

As for the Park, three tracts of land, purchased by the city in 1886, 1887, and 1921, comprise the entire area as it is today.

Although Ballou Park is used for meetings and family gatherings, it also offers areas for many sports activities, including tennis courts, horseshoes, baseball, and frisbee events. Also, the Festival in the Park is an annual event that always draws large crowds. So, too, does the Christmas exhibits.

Located conveniently near the front and side entrance is a building that has long been referred to as the Nature Center. The two-story building provides spaces for meetings in addition to having a room for playing pool.

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Its front steps lead to a large room that has been used for decades as the site for playing competitive bridge tournaments at least two days a week. Often, that same large room is reserved for family events on weekends.

What makes that room especially appealing is its display of photographs. All feature pictures of nature in different seasons. Most were shot at Ballou Park.

All are museum quality images that add an interesting dimension to the room. One aspect that makes them especially attractive is that, like the park, they are free for visitors to see.

In so many ways, those photographs serve as a welcoming greeting to all who visit the Ballou Park, as intended by the photographer.

I’m absolutely sure of that because I am the photographer who took the pictures and who donated them as a thank you for all that the park has meant to my family and friends.

As intended, they’re easy to find. And you won’t need a ticket to see them.

I’m sure that Captain Ballou would heartily approve!

www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29

FEATURE FIVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS FOR BUSY MOMS

Five Back-To-School Tips for Busy Moms

BY BRANDIE KENDRICK PHOTO BY BRANDIE KENDRICK

W

help guys, we blinked and now summer is ending. I am not sure what happens faster—me losing my patience with my children or summer break. However, I know that school is just around the corner. Maybe you are ready to send your sweet, little innocent children back to school before you literally lose your mind. Or possibly you have thoroughly enjoyed all the summer laughs and memories; either way, it is all ending.

During this season, I have higher anxiety. I think my brain is preparing for the uphill battle that is getting back into the swing of school. Maybe my anxiety is so high because I know that inevitably there will be overly tired meltdowns during the first week of school. Or perhaps it is because I may need to take out a loan just to afford school supplies and new clothes for my quickly growing children.

I am about a decade into this mothering thing, and I still have no idea what I am doing. But I thought I could share a few things that may be helpful for us busy moms to prepare for the new school year.

1. First things first, prep work. You may ask yourself, what does that even mean? Well, basically it means anything and everything that can be done the night before school… do it. I wanted more than anything to have those wonderful movie-type breakfast moments with my children in the morning. You know, the kind where we all sit down to a hot meal in the morning with freshly squeezed orange juice? I was only fooling myself with that dream. So, I have learned the importance of prep work. This means that directly after the dinner dishes are done during the school year, I pack lunch for the next day. Sometimes I get super fancy and I pack all lunches for the upcoming week on Sunday. But realistically, that just isn’t something I can invest that much time into. I suggest

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finding a rhythm that works for you and roll with it.

Keep it simple and always do it the night before.

Prep work makes my life a thousand times better. I’ve even included my children in on the fun because I am so tired of handling all the chores. Many times, they pick out their clothes and breakfast the night before.

Sometimes (depending on the homework) they may even pack their own lunch. Trust me when I say prep work is a lifesaver.

2. Routine is essential. We strive off of a routine.

During the summer, we let things slide. Bedtimes are a little later. Screen time is often extended. Sometimes we don’t take a bath every night (Gasp, what kind of mother am I?) When school is in session, we tighten up that routine and attempt to stick to it as closely as possible. My children are early risers, so that means all throughout the summer when we let them stay up late… they still wake up with the sun. They also get crabby when they are tired. We try to go to bed about an hour earlier than our typical summer routine.

Typically, I try to start the school-type routine about two weeks before they start school. Since our children are home with my husband throughout the summer, I also have him hit the summer schoolwork a little harder during the early part of the day for those last two weeks. I think this helps to get those brains working. We are not drill sergeants. They still get to swim in the pool in the afternoon and go to the park.

Routine makes all the difference with children, and this is essential when preparing for back to school 3. Talk about it. If your children are anything like me and my children; we worry about transitions. Gong from spending the summer with friends or family to heading back into a classroom five days a week can be daunting. Also, this school year may look different for

your little one. Some children are transitioning from elementary to high school, private school to public school, or maybe just to a new classroom at the other end of the school. No matter what the situation may be, it is important to talk to your kiddo about it all.

Ask what they are most excited about and share some things you enjoyed about school. Ask what things they may be nervous about.

Remember, they are children with a quickly developing brain. This means sometimes they don’t quite understand their feelings. However, they may recognize the feelings are new and sometimes weird.

Just talk it out.

4. Kindness counts. It is a great idea to take time with your children to read about kindness. Take a trip to the wonderful Danville library and pick up some books about kindness and making friends. With a new school year comes the possibility of new friends.

Reading about showing kindness and making friends is a great way to help your child succeed socially.

Making and keeping friends as a grown human being is hard. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for our children. I suggest reading about showing kindness to all those around us, even the kids who don’t look and act like your child. Share about the importance of kindness towards their peers, towards their teachers, and towards themselves. Set them up for success socially by talking through those jitters and reading about kindness.

school, is essential. I am always willing to give my children extra cuddles and extra forgiveness when they are nervous about a new routine, yet I put more pressure on myself and barely give myself a break. So, I try to take at least a little time during the first week of school and I treat myself.

Sometimes I treat myself with an extra iced coffee, other times I get off work early and just walk around a store with no responsibilities. Either way, I learn that no matter what I do; I need to give myself a little grace during this chaotic life of raising children and you should too! Treat yourself, mama. You deserve it!

While this is not a comprehensive list of strategies to make life easier during the back-to-school season, I hope this was at least a little helpful to all my busy mom/parent friends.

Follow me at https://www.facebook.com/pickledproverbs for more sweet and sour moments in motherhood.

5. Treat yourself. Now that you have purchased the 17,000 school supplies, you have coordinated the perfect first day of school outfit, and made those Pinterest-worthy bento box style lunches….go treat yourself!

If you are a working mom, this means scheduling the morning off or planning to go in late. Drive yourself to your favorite coffee spot and sip that coffee. If you are a stay-at-home mom, go get your favorite coffee and go home and take a nap. Forget the laundry, go sleep! Heck, go get a massage or your toes painted.

All I am saying is that you did it. You got them to school safely and looking halfway human. This means you deserve a treat. So treat yourself. No, but seriously, if you are anything like me, I always put my kids first. I also put way too much pressure on myself. Learning to give myself an extra measure of grace when entering a new season, like back to www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 31

September 4

Once home to the city’s iconic Danville Register Bee newspaper building – reimagined for today’s traveler.

FEATURES & AMENITIES: Free high-speed WiFi | Mini-fridge and Microwave Keurig Coffee Maker | Premium Bath Amenities Iron and Ironing Board | Pet-friendly | Fitness Center Rooftop Deck (seasonal) | Free Parking Large Apartment Style Suites Available

420 Patton Street | Danville, Virginia 24541 T: 434-234-9440 www.danvillebeehotel.com

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PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Paws for a Cause WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

We have preached spaying and neutering since we started as an organization in 1975. Our funds were limited, but we had different programs to assist with the cost of the surgery.

Since 1993, the generosity of The E. Stuart James Grant Charitable Trust has enabled us to help with having 40,000 animals spayed or neutered.

Beginning July 1st and continuing until September, our rebate amount has been increased to $100 for residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County.

A rebate certificate must be picked up from the shelter at least the day before the animal is taken to the veterinary clinic for the surgery.

The general guidelines are: 1. The money is to be used for residents of Danville and Pittsylvania County. The pets must live with them.

2. No money can be used to facilitate the adoption of any animal from any other rescue group or shelter.

3. No money can be used for any animal being fostered for another group or for an animal that is going to be released to another group.

4. The money cannot be used for general trap/neuter/release programs. The exception would be if an individual will take legal responsibility of the feral cat’s lifetime care, including providing food, water, shelter, and veterinary

MEET DORIS

This young chihuahua mix needs to choose her human. She is timid and will take patience.

Once she feels comfortable, she will be your best friend forever.

care and the cats are released on the person’s personal property.

The real math is this: Every minute in the United States, 50 dogs, 50 cats, and 8 humans are born. That means that

a family of four must have 25 pets in order for there to be no homeless dogs and cats.

Spaying and neutering programs are the only answer to pet overpopulation.

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33

EXTRA GAMES

Games

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Above 5 BB player Kareem __ Jabar 10 Popular stadium 14 Flexible metal thread 15 Computer pointer 16 Execute 17 Twit 19 Ruin 20 Spanish “one” 21 Annoyances 23 Cavalry sword 26 Idiot 28 Lyric poem 31 Bullfight cheer 32 Bitty 33 Water closet 34 Clothing catalog (2 wds.)

37 Gods 39 Academy (abbr.)

40 Went into the water 42 Raccoon-like animal 45 Book foreword quotation 49 Flop 50 Unwrapped

53 54 55 56 58 60 61 63 69 70 71 72 73 74

South southeast Short-term memory Nominated Briny Distribute Silent Amiss Assume Rotate Heron Bird Lotion brand Act in opposition to Canal

DOWN 1 Hold 2 Caesar’s seven 3 Sea eagle 4 Go back 5 Bullets 6 Jazz 7 Twosome 8 Sports match 9 Biblical outcast 10 Closed 11 Chewbacca’s partner (2 wds.)

12 Tip 13 Past 18 Only 22 Undercover work 23 Sun’s name 24 Wing 25 TV lawyer Matlock 26 Babysit 27 Newly ___, Nearly Dead 29 Pain unit 30 Goddess 32 British drink 35 Digital audio tape 36 Plant shoots 38 Danish krone (abbr.)

40 Rushed 41 Succor 42 Discs 43 Away 44 Wooer 45 East northeast 46 Sign language 47 Pacific Standard Time 48 __ you! (attention getter) 51 Have-not 52 Show up

56 57 59 60

Eat Generous Monetary unit Domestic dog

61 62 64 65

__ of the covenant Bitsy Time period Part of a min.

66 Canoe propeller 67 __ Lanka 68 Stretch to make do

Word Search AMUSEMENT PARK

HIGHWAY

BEACH BILLBOARD GAS STATION

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MAP

REST AREA

INTERSTATE

MINIVAN

SCENERY

LANDMARK

MOUNTAINS

SINGING TRAFFIC

Answers on Page 38

KNEE PA I N ?

Sports Injuries Cartilage Restoration Ligament Reconstruction Outpatient Joint Replacement Partial & Total Knee Replacements

200 W. Wendover Avenue • Greensboro, NC 223 W. Ward St. • Suite B • Asheboro, NC 336.333.6443 • www.SMJRortho.com

STEVE LUCEY, M.D. www.showcasemagazine.com

| AUGUST 2022 | SHOWCASE Magazine 35

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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING

Confessions of a 30 Something Football and Family

BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved football. Some of the earliest pictures of me feature a ball in my hand. And though my slight frame led to my football career ending far sooner than I would have liked, my love for the game never faded. That love has passed on to my son Kingston as well.

will learn will impact them far beyond the field. I know they did for me.

Since Kingston was in a highchair, he has been throwing a football. He loves the game (and all sports, really). He loves playing it, but he also loves learning about it. And thankfully for him, he has more size than I ever did, so he’s able to withstand the hits better than I could. I’ve written before about how he was the quarterback for his youth league team that won the championship last year. As I write this, he’s preparing for the next season. If you’re a parent reading this, I’d highly recommend signing your child up for the Parks & Recreation youth football league. The lessons they

Shopping the What a bright idea!!

2805 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 24540 (434) 793-3630

Kingston and I also love going to football games together. On a Friday night in the fall, you’ll likely find us at one of the area high schools watching a game.

As a kid, I did the same thing with my dad. I can’t tell you how many games and schools we went to over the years. I enjoyed them all those years ago and now I enjoy them with my son, because it’s more than just football. It’s about creating memories with those you love.

Those games with my dad as a kid are snapshots of my life, as they will be for Kingston.

As much as I enjoy summer, I’m glad fall is on its way. It signals the arrival of many things: pumpkins, costumes, and the changing of the leaves. But without a doubt, it means football season is here. I can’t wait.

DONATE: Call the ReStore to schedule a free pickup of your gently used items.

VOLUNTEER: You can help to build homes alongside our Habitat Partner Families or assist in our ReStore.

SHOP: When you shop the ReStore for great buys on furniture, housewares, building materials, books, clothing, and more, you are helping to build safe, affordable homes for local families who need a decent place to live. www.danvillehabitat.org

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Games Solutions Continued from Page 34

Crossword Puzzle

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Word Search

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