Showcase Magazine September 2018

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

September 2018

The SoUth Boston Halifax County Issue @showcaseDVA

Showcase Magazine

showcasedanville @ info@showcasemagazine.com

Features South Boston On the Grow

By Tamyra Best

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Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital 14

PG.

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

18

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center 18

Rose Here or Chose Here

Halifax’s Charm

By Paul Seiple

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Also Inside Editor’s Letter Got Nothing Against A Big Town 6

Paws for a Cause

Tethering Laws

By Paulette Dean

35

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife

Easy Snickers Chalkboard Brownies

By Angie Barrett

Smith River Sports Complex

By Beth Stinnett

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Facts on the Sly

By Sly Strader Milam

Nine Grams

Instagrams From The Area 42

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Editor’s Letter

Got Nothing Against A Big Town That’s a line from John Cougar Mellencamp’s song “Small Town.” It’s a story of a man who is proud to be from a small town and continues to live in that same small town. People who chose to live the small-town life possess a fighting spirit that drives them to make the place they call home the absolute best it can be.

Local towns, South Boston and Halifax, take center-stage this month. You’ll witness that fighting spirit in the ways the towns are striving to improve quality of life for residents as well as to bring business opportunities to strengthen local economy. Downtown revitalizations and nature expansions are in place to do just that.

This issue is sponsored by the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) which is a valuable asset for Halifax County. The college offers programs in the fields of welding, IT, and Mechatronics that give students the experience needed to land a technical job after graduation.

The county is also home to Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital which has been named one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals in the United States for 2018. In Sentara’s sponsored section you’ll learn the reasons the hospital earned this honor for the last two years.

Small-town charm is a very real thing. Small-town evolution is real as well. Residents are the force behind the bettering of their communities. Finding a way to evolve without losing any charm is a tireless effort called small-town pride. As you’ll see, South Boston and Halifax are built on small-town pride.

Enjoy the issue.

showcase September 2018

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com E d i t o r i a l D i r e ct o r Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com Graphic Designer Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net Finance Manager Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com Advertising Lee Vogler | Marketing Director lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Sly Strader Milam | Marketing Consultant sly@showcasemagazine.com S ta f f W r i t e r Anna Brooks C ust o m e r S e r v i c e Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com c o n t r i B ut i n G W r i t e r s Tamyra Best | Paulette Dean | Sly Strader Milam Paul Seiple | Beth Stinnett c o n t r i B ut i n G P h o t o G r a P h e r S Angie Barrett | Sierra Franklin | Sentera Smith River Sports Complex Southern Virginia Higher Education Center Town of Halifax | Town of South Boston Cover Students at SVHEC photographed by Sierra Franklin Scan with your smart phone for

E x c l us i v e online Content at showcasemagazine.com

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Feature Souyh Boston On the Grow

South Boston

On the Grow

by Tamyra Best Photos Provided by the town of South Boston

E

xpansion and growth in downtown South Boston

are stronger than ever. A combination of public

and private investment—not any single person, business or project—has spurred a renaissance in downtown South Boston. The Town is showing signs of renewed vitality and has recently seen interest in new restaurants, specialty shops, and entertainment businesses.

In 2017, the Town hosted one of the most successful Community Business Launch’s in the state, with 25 entrepreneurs, 15 pitches, and 6 winners. One year later, there are six great success stories in downtown,

including a bakery, health food store/vegan cafe, expanded restaurant, personalized t-shirts and gifts store, clothing and accessories boutique, and a hybrid coffee shop/ children’s boutique, as well as two new spinoff businesses, a furniture store and heating & cooling business.

The Prizery continues to be a gem of vital artistic and cultural contributions in downtown and the Downtown South Boston Farmers Market is a great gathering spot this time of year for juicy cantaloupes, fresh garden vegetables, Continued to Page 12

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Feature South Boston On the Grow

Continued from Page 11

and some of the finest produce that local vendors have to offer, as well as meats and baked goods. A popular art project in downtown is a Fire Hydrant Walking Tour.

Each fire hydrant has become a whimsical piece of public art as you learn about some of South Boston’s history, and the people behind it.

natural beauty, show that South Boston is becoming, once again, a vibrant downtown, attracting regional tourists and retirees, as well as entrepreneurs and artisanal businesses.

Success is due to the hard work of Destination Downtown South Boston and its strong networks of regional and state collaborators, and to the Main Street Approach®.”

More and more people are living well in downtown South Boston. New Brick Historic Lofts offers market-rate housing and preserves a piece of architectural tobacco heritage that is unique and authentic to South Boston.

Destination Downtown South Boston was successful in saving and developing this structure. All 27 loft apartments stay full. Imperial Lofts, under construction, is set to open next month and will offer market-rate apartments, creative workspaces, and flexible storage options.

A high-end comeback in downtown has the Town making big, future plans for the region to become a destination.

A Preservation Virginia Economic Impact Study recently conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University states, “Downtown South Boston has set a clear course for the future, and it has already achieved significant success. Its higher education center, new apartments in renovated historic warehouses, excellent restaurants, community meeting facilities, historical interpretive center, and neweconomy companies nearby, nestled in a region of great

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Next on their agenda is the restoration of the John Randolph Hotel on Main Street. “We are in the design phase of the project”, says Tom Raab, South Boston’s Town Manager. Plans for the boutique hotel include 27 guest rooms, a rooftop bar and a restaurant. A boat ramp project is also on the horizon at the southern gateway to downtown as the Town starts to look at riverfront development.

The South Boston Harvest Festival takes place on Saturday, September 29 in the heart of downtown, when Main Street is home to thousands and fills with food, entertainment, fun and, more for all ages to enjoy.

So no matter whether you are living or visiting, South Boston is the place to be.

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Sponsored Content

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital Selected As

One of Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals in the US for 2018

Photos Provided by Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital

S

entara Halifax Regional Hospital was recently

named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community

Hospitals in the United States for 2018 by iVantage Health Analytics and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

This is the second consecutive year that the hospital has received this designation.

key role in providing a safety net to communities across America—and the INDEX measures them across eight pillars of hospital strength: Inpatient Share Ranking, Outpatient Share Ranking, Cost, Charge, Quality, Outcomes, Patient Perspectives, and Financial Stability.

“Receiving this designation is an honor for Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital and is a direct result of our daily commitment to providing the highest level of quality health care possible to our community, both in the hospital and on a practice level, as well,” said Jason Studley, President of Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital.

“We are incredibly proud that we have been selected two years in a row as one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals in the country,” said Vice President of Patient Care Services/CNE Torie Bashay, MSHRM, BSN, RN, NE-BC. “We work diligently every day to improve the quality of care provided and patient satisfaction. We believe this award showcases all of our efforts and how the excellence of rural nursing benefits our community.”

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital scored in the top 100 of rural and community hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX®. The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive rating of rural providers. It provides the data foundation for the annual Rural Relevance Study and its results are the basis for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards, advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives.

The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital is continuing to push forward at every level to ensure that quality, innovation, and patient satisfaction continues to evolve and improve in the coming months and years.

“Quality healthcare is the backbone of what we offer here at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital,” says Said Iskandar, M.D., FACC, Chief of the SHRH Medical Staff and member of the local Board of Directors. “We take infection control and patient satisfaction very seriously. Our quality indicators speak volumes about the kind of healthcare you will receive when you choose Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital.”

In addition to infection control and patient satisfaction, Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital is making strides in Emergency Room quality indicators, as well. The indicators continue to show outstanding performance in treating patients in the Emergency Room. Times to treat and discharge patients to home or to admit patients to the hospital are among the best in the industry. This improves both patient care and customer satisfaction at SHRH.

Jason Studley

“I would like to thank all the Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital employees and medical staff that make such an honor possible,” says Studley. “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate this outstanding award two years in a row with those who are working hard to improve the health of our community every day.”

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Sentara

Obstetrics and Gynecology Photo Provided by Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital

B

rittany Martin was thrilled to find out that she was

expecting. However, as she began to pursue prenatal

care, she was told that she may be considered a high-risk pregnancy due to several previous miscarriages.

For this reason, Brittany was unsure if she would be able to receive obstetrics care locally, or if she would have to endure the inconvenience of traveling out of town for prenatal care.

After debating on what to do, she decided to contact Sentara Halifax Obstetrics & Gynecology.

“I would recommend any expectant mother to contact Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology and make an appointment with either Dr. Rosche or Dr. Pottinger,” said Brittany. “Both physicians are very open, caring and consistently provide a very high level of patient care. I always felt like I was in good hands, and I knew no matter what, I had received the best care available. I am extremely grateful to all the staff at both Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology and Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital for showing such dedication to the health and well-being of both myself and my baby.”

“The nurse I spoke to on the phone was so understanding of my situation and she told me that she had the perfect doctor for me,” said Brittany. “From the very first appointment I felt like the staff understood me and treated me as though I was a family member rather than a patient. During my first appointment, Dr. Pottinger took the time to explain things to me and made me feel very comforted.”

The staff at Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology were always happy to help Brittany throughout her pregnancy, from answering questions to reassuring phone calls when unexpected things arose. The staff at Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology was always responsive and professional.

“I never felt rushed during my appointments and each visit the doctor was very warm and inviting,” said Brittany. “I always felt everyone had mine and my baby’s best interest in mind.”

During visits with Sentara Obstetrics and Gynecology, a staff member suggested that Brittany try attending the free breastfeeding and childbirth classes offered by Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital. During these classes, Brittany was excited and surprised to see Dr. Rosche in attendance, as this showed dedication to the support of the education of his patients.

“Wanda is a wonderful class instructor, and the classes were extremely informative,” said Brittany. “The classes offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it didn’t feel clinical at all. It was as if I was sitting and learning with an experienced family member. Having Dr. Rosche in attendance was also particularly comforting.”

Brittany’s obstetric care and birth experience with Sentara Obstetrics and Gynecology and Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital was one that she is extremely pleased with. www.showcasemagazine.com

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Sponsored Content

Collaborative Efforts Combat Opioid Epidemic in Southern Virginia

A

s the opioid epidemic escalates in southern

Virginia, Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital

is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating this crisis by augmenting and developing services in their emergency department, as well as their behavioral health services practice.

Janelle Slabach, RN, MSN who serves as the manager of the emergency department at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital explains their approach to limiting opioid access, while still providing quality care to those who need pain relief.

“In the ER, we do our best to address pain in the safest, most responsible manner,” said Slabach. “While narcotic pain control may be needed for acute injuries or illnesses, we do not treat chronic pain with narcotics because we feel that only a primary care provider or pain management specialist is able to safely treat with narcotic medications long term. We are aware that the use of opiates can lead to additional physical and psychological problems and this risk increases if prescriptions are obtained from a variety of sources,” Slabach continued. “Due to this, all emergency medicine providers have access to a state database that can pull prescriptions filled by a patient. This data shows who prescribed a medication, and the quantity provided to assist in determining what medication can and should be prescribed to a patient who presents to the ER with a complaint of pain.”

determined through an individualized treatment plan developed in collaboration between the participant and a licensed therapist. The goal of the program is to provide quality care in a structured but relaxed setting that acknowledges the individual’s dignity, motivation and ability to effectively manage his or her own life.”

To offer clients the best care possible, the program is staffed by mental health professionals including licensed therapists and a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Strict confidentiality is essential and no information about participants in the program, including their presence in treatment, can be released or obtained without written permission.

In addition to the intensive outpatient program, Collie and her staff have been dedicating their time to establishing a partial hospitalization program (PHP) that will allow for the treatment of more advanced addiction, without having to leave Southside Virginia to look for treatment.

“This is a more intensive program for patients who require additional treatment,” said Collie. “Program participants come to the hospital at 9 a.m. and return home at 3 p.m. each day. The number of days per week patients attend and the types of therapy they take part in vary, based on individual treatment plans.”

Even with these safeguards in place in the emergency department, Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital and its associated facilities are still very much aware of the crisis of chemical dependency that is growing in southern Virginia. As the problem has become larger and more prevalent, Sentara Halifax Behavioral Health Manager Mary Jane Collie has been working diligently to help bring the necessary treatment services to Halifax County and the surrounding areas, a part of Virginia that is in need of better, more accessible, behavioral health services and chemical dependency treatment options.

The program offers group therapy, educational workshops, stress management classes, psychiatric evaluations and medication management (as needed). Staff members have specific training in cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems, grief and loss issues, relaxation and stress management, relationship enhancement, health education, substance abuse/chemical dependency, nutrition counseling, mediation/conflict resolution, complementary health, and wellness and spirituality. Collie projects that the new PHP will accept its first patients during the final quarter of 2018.

“Sentara Halifax Behavioral Health offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to meet the needs of the opioid and other chemically dependent individuals beginning recovery,” said Collie. “This type of program, unlike traditional rehab, allows people to receive the help and therapy they need with minimal disruption to their lives. Participants in the program will develop the skills necessary to understand addiction/recovery and identify triggers that may lead to relapse,” continued Collie. “Typically, participants attend the program three hours a day, three days a week. The duration of the program is

“Although the opioid crisis is becoming more widespread in the areas that we serve, both Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital and Sentara Halifax Behavioral Health have made impressive strides in their ability to combat this problem with a comprehensive continuum of care,” says Jason Studley, president of Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital. “Now, more than ever, we are seeing the importance of stepping up to the plate with a plan in place as this epidemic becomes more prevalent. I am proud of the program that we have built and am confident that it is changing the lives of chemically dependent individuals in southern Virginia.”

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SVHEC 10-Bay Welding Lab

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center Photos Provided by Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

S

VHEC, HEC, the College… people refer to the

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center by a

number of names. For many though, it’s the “best kept secret in Halifax County.”

“Although we’ve been in operation since 1986, I still come across people who haven’t heard of us, or who aren’t aware of the services we provide,” said Dr. Betty H. Adams, SVHEC Executive Director.

Located in two re-purposed tobacco warehouses in downtown South Boston, the SVHEC provides affordable access to higher education and hands-on workforce training. Local community college partners, Danville Community College (DCC) and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), provide one-year certificates and two-year degrees in high demand areas including healthcare, business, human services, and college parallel. Four-year partners Old Dominion University and Longwood University provide access to a range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. “The SVHEC is the only higher education center not located on or near a community college campus. Our partnerships with two and four-year colleges to provide access to everything from a GED to a Ph.D. is part of what makes us so unique,” Adams said.

The SVHEC believes that supporting the region’s manufacturing sector is critical for advancing Southern Virginia’s economy. The SVHEC’s Research & Development Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Energy Efficiency (R&D CAMEE) serves as a unique resource for manufacturers and entrepreneurs, connecting them to training, production, proof-of-concept, and commercialization services. R&D CAMEE’s staff leverages their advanced capabilities in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and integrated Computer Aided Machining (CAM) to provide industries and individuals with services that are typically unavailable in rural communities.

“When people visit the SVHEC, they’re amazed that all of this sophisticated technology and varied opportunity exists under one roof. We’ve had people from large Continued to Page 20

Allen Fallen’s Completion Ceremony (l-r): Deputy Secretary of Education Fran Bradford, Welding@SVHEC Completer Allen Fallen, and SVHEC Executive Director Dr. Betty H. Adams

Recognizing the need for workers to have in-demand training and credentials, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center also offers a robust workforce training program. Short-term (less than one year), hands-on training in information technology (IT), mechatronics, welding, and Work Ready Foundations is available for adults who want to earn skills and certifications in high demand fields.

“Well-paying technical jobs are going unfilled in the region because of a lack of skilled workers. We help fill the skills gap by focusing on getting people enrolled, trained, and into the workforce in less than a year,” said Adams.

Additionally, all SVHEC workforce training programs can be customized to meet the specific needs of regional employers. www.showcasemagazine.com

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

Continued from Page 19

Since Welding@ SVHEC began in 2014, 47 individuals have successfully completed the program and become certified welders.

metropolitan areas tell us that even they don’t have the assets and resources we do. We’re so fortunate to be in Southern Virginia, and I look forward to us becoming the best told secret in Halifax County and beyond,” Adams concludes with a smile.

Welding@SVHEC The SVHEC’s welding program was launched in 2014 in response to employer requests for more certified welders. The 10-month program provides hands-on training in MIG, TIG, stick and pipe welding, and leads to certification through the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). NCCER is a portable, third party validated industry credential recognized by employers across the nation.

“Welding@SVHEC is designed to give our trainees the skills and knowledge needed to begin a successful career in the in-demand field of welding,” said Scarlett Brandon, Program/Marketing Coordinator.

Trainees attend class four hours a day, three days per week in the SVHEC’s 10-bay welding lab. Day and evening classes are offered, providing trainees with the flexibility to earn the skills they need while keeping up with family or work commitments. A key feature of the program is the 20 Showcase Magazine |

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hands-on instruction. Trainees spend 80% of their class time in the lab, learning by doing.

“We’ve had trainees with some informal training and some with absolutely no experience. Our trainers are skilled at working with both groups, and provide the instruction needed to ensure everyone can be successful,” Brandon stated.

“The most valuable aspect of the welding program was the experience of learning to weld when I didn’t have a clue of how to weld when I first signed up,” said Allen Fallen. Fallen successfully completed the Welding@ SVHEC program in April 2018, and was hired by Comfort Systems, USA in South Boston, VA. In June 2018, he passed Comfort Systems’ battery of tests to become a certified pipe welder.

As trainees near program completion, they receive job placement assistance including assistance with resume writing and interview skills. They also have an opportunity to participate in a mini-job fair. “Our job doesn’t end with training. Our ultimate goal is to see everyone successfully employed. We’re successful when our trainees are successful,” said Brandon.

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

ITA Repair Center Training Lab

Continued from Page 20

IT Academy Virginia is consistently ranked as one of the top five states for employing IT workers. Once upon a time IT jobs were concentrated in Richmond and Northern Virginia,

but today a growing number of these positions can be found in Southern Virginia. The Microsoft data center in Boydton, VA is just one example, having expanded five times and created more than 250 jobs since 2010. An increasing number of people employed as technicians in that data center are being trained just a few miles away at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center’s IT Academy.

Launched in 2015, the IT Academy (ITA) provides shortterm, hands-on training to prepare individuals to work as skilled IT technicians. The core curriculum, Foundations for IT Professionals, is a four month program providing training in essential skills including PC and Mac hardware repair, installation and configuration of operating systems, and server configuration.

ITA learning spaces include a hardware repair center and working datacenter lab. Hands-on lab activities are all designed to simulate the work environment. Before completing the program, trainees test for their thirdparty, industry recognized CompTIA A+ and Server+ certifications.

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

In addition to the core Foundations curriculum, the IT Academy offers advanced training in networking and cybersecurity. Courses are hands-on and lead to CompTIA Network + and Security+ certifications.

To date, ITA has 143 program completers who have earned more than 140 industry-recognized CompTIA certifications. One of those completers is Donna Conde who was unable to find work after moving from New Jersey to Halifax County in 2014. After nearly 18 months of unsuccessful job searches, she heard about the IT Academy and enrolled. Just one month after completing ITA’s Foundations curriculum, Conde was offered a position at the DXC/Perspecta datacenter in Clarksville, VA. Like Conde, Abdullah Bell also struggled to find employment before enrolling in the IT Academy. Just weeks after completing the program in May 2018, Bell was offered a position at the Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation. “With the information I learned from the IT Academy I now have multiple paths to kickstart a career in the IT industry,” he said.

Top: Abdullah Bell Right: ITA Data Center Training Lab

Mechatronics Mechatronics pronounced “Meck-A-Tronics” is a strange word that could easily be the name of a character in the Transformers movie series. Instead, it’s the name of an innovative program preparing trainees for in-demand jobs available throughout Southern Virginia.

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

Continued from Page 23

Mechatronics is defined as a combination of electrical, mechanical, fluid power, robotics and computer systems technology used to control a process. The SVHEC’s Mechatronics training program provides trainees with an understanding of the individual systems and how they work together. SVHEC trainers use a “systems-based approach” which looks at the integrated (or mechatronic) system as a whole instead of first focusing on the individual systems and later figuring out how it all fits together.

“For example, instead of showing you a motor, then a transmission, then the braking system and eventually saying ‘let’s talk about a car’ we start with the complete car, talk about how everything works together as one system, and then we start looking at the components that make up the system,” said SVHEC Mechatronics Program Leader Ricky Gordon.

The systems based approach was developed by multinational corporation Siemens, and has been used to produce technicians who can find efficiently troubleshoot problems resulting in less machine down time, more productivity, and increased profits.

Mechatronics

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For Eric Thomas, SVHEC Mechatronics Level 1 program completer, the benefits of pursuing mechatronics training were immediate. “I came into the program as a maintenance tech, and within two months I was the head maintenance tech on my shift. I hadn’t done much with PLCs (programmable logic controls), and the mechatronics program was a big help in becoming more familiar with PLCs and being able to better troubleshoot them,” he said.

“The program has helped me to see past the problem and be able to analyze and troubleshoot a lot quicker.

It’s helped me become a stronger employee,” said Sonya Wingate. Wingate is an employee at Danville manufacturer Essel Propack and completed a customized Mechatronics training the SVHEC developed specifically for Essel Propack maintenance technicians.

Although the SVHEC’s mechatronics program uses the Siemens systems-based approach, and offers the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification, training participants gain the skills needed to work in any industry and with any brand of equipment. Because of this, a growing number of regional industries are taking advantage of

Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

SVHEC’s customizable mechatronics training. Employers tell us what they need, and we listen. All the training is relevant so they start seeing results right away,” Gordon said.

SVHEC offers three levels of Mechatronics training, each leading to the internationally recognized Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification. Successful trainees are prepared to identify and correct malfunctions in manufacturing equipment, and are qualified for a wide range of careers including maintenance technician, electrical/electronics technician, and electrical assistant.

R&D Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Energy Efficiency The SVHEC’s R&D Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Energy Efficiency (R&D CAMEE) connects industry, small businesses and entrepreneurs with research and development, proof of concept, and limited production runs to support commercialization and economic development.

With more than $5M in software and equipment, the hi-tech facility serves as one of Southern Virginia’s only working prototype labs. Having a prototype lab means entrepreneurs and regional industries have access to the technology, expertise, and skills needed to advance an idea and bring new concepts to market. Just one example of this is R&D CAMEE’s work with Stewart Topp—owner of

Topp Line Incorporated and inventor of the Blind Stapler tool.

In 2017, Mr. Topp reached out to R&D CAMEE with a sketch for a unique stapling tool, the Blind Stapler, that could potentially revolutionize the cabinet making Continued to Page 28 Top: Trainee Completing Mechatronics Customized Training Bottom: Stewart Topp and R&D CAMEE Associate Director Kevin Chrystie discuss Topp’s Blind Stapler Tool

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Feature Southern Virginia Higher Education Center

Continued from Page 27

R&D CAMEE produces this custom trophy for Virginia International Raceway.

Producing custom pieces is one of R&D CAMEE’s specialties.

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industry. R&D CAMEE’s staff leveraged their expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD) to engineer a dynamic, 3-D model based on Topp’s initial primitive sketch.

From there, staff used their advanced capabilities in integrated Computer Aided Design/ Computer Aided Machining (CAD/ CAM) to produce a fully functioning prototype. Stewart Topp was able to use technical information derived from the prototype to apply for a patent from the U.S. Patent Office. “Without the R&D Center we couldn’t have built this tool,” Topp said.

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R&D CAMEE is also fortunate to count world-renowned piano craftsman Steinway & Sons as a client. Steinway & Sons engaged R&D CAMEE to program its new Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) routers to complete the post-foundry process machining on six of its grand piano frames and all its upright frames. Throughout 2018, R&D CAMEE staff worked closely with Steinway & Sons to design, test, and refine the required CNC programs. R&D CAMEE’s work has allowed Steinway & Sons to increase piano production, increase sales, and implement modern manufacturing techniques to better function within the world of digital manufacturing. “The CNC programming support that we received from SVHEC and R&D CAMEE Associate Director Kevin Chrystie was of high quality and reflected a keen understanding of our manufacturing requirements,” said Andy Horbachevsky, Vice-President of Manufacturing for Steinway & Sons.

R&D CAMEE’s expert staff leverages decades of industry experience, technical knowledge, and a combination of sophisticated hardware and software assets to connect regional industries and entrepreneurs with the resources needed to gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

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820 Bruce Street South Boston, VA 24592 www.svhec.org

Feature Halifax’s Charm

Rose Here or Chose Here:

Halifax’s Charm

by Paul Seiple Photos Provided by the town of Halifax

T

he town of Halifax is on the cusp of something

big. With revitalization firmly on its mind, Halifax

has a clear vision for the future of its downtown.

Plans are in motion for design and improvements to both the public infrastructure and the facades, parking and pedestrian access for businesses in the downtown area. Town Manager, Carl Espy, says, “The physical improvements within the downtown are intended to set the stage for reinvigorating existing businesses which are capable of adapting to change and for attracting new, dynamic businesses and private investment which offer needed services and create a destination environment for visitors and community residents alike. Like any worthwhile endeavor, these positive changes are incremental and ongoing, occurring over several years, but the cumulative benefit will produce a discernable ‘sense of place,’ a charming historic village setting which people want to be a part of and where they bring their commerce with them.” Espy is excited to see the Town share these enhancements. “The plan as a roadmap for the future, is never over, it is ongoing, and it evolves, allowing for modifications and new iterations along the way. The

positive outcomes it creates during that journey will continue as long as people are willing to work together and move forward.”

Part of the revitalization is aimed at the development and sustainment of small businesses. Espy says, “Small businesses have been and will continue to be the key economic driver for the town.” Small business owner Tom Sheppard (Peddler’s Shop) has been a citizen of Halifax since 1990. While Sheppard and his wife, or “his biggest supporter,” as he refers to her, appreciate the quiet, simple nature of Halifax, they are looking forward to what the future holds for the Town. “I want to see Halifax grow and prosper more than ever,” Sheppard says.

Halifax offers many options for the nature lover. “The area’s natural resources are a great draw to visitors and a favored pastime for residents with more boating, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and wildlife activities increasing at the Banister Lake Boat Landing and King’s Bridge Landing river access areas, now being marketed as part of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. The outdoor offerings at Staunton River State Park, (the 25th certified International Dark Sky Park in the world), nearby continue to attract people throughout the county and from overseas,” Espy says.

If you’re looking for something to do in Halifax, October and November will be busy. There will be a third annual 5K run/walk, a concert with the Appalachian Express band, and a “Small Shop Saturday” event. Halifax holds a wealth of potential for growth. “I hope to see the Town continue to grow and prosper into a vibrant downtown community, one in which investors want to invest in, one in which families will want to continue to live in, and new families will consider relocating to,” says Assistant TownManager, Denise Barksdale.

The town of Halifax possesses a charm that residents and visitors cannot resist. Like Tom Sheppard, once you’re here, you want to stick around to see the next big thing to hit. Espy sums it up, “This place is captivating to the eyes of the visitor and unshakable to the soul of the ‘native’ (who either rose here or chose here).”

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HALIFAX COUNTY

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H a l if axC ount y R e s t a ura nt We ek. com www.showcasemagazine.com

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Sponsored Content The ARc of Southside

Eric: A Life Like Yours

M

eet Eric. Eric is a fun-loving person who always has a smile on his face and loves to make others smile with his great sense of humor. Eric lives in his own apartment in Danville and is currently looking for a job. Eric is very independent and had at one time lived in a group home with several other men and women. That was not the life that Eric wanted so he only stayed for one month. Eric says, “I didn’t like living with a lot of other people so I moved out after a month.” Eric went back to live with family but always wanted a place to call his own.

In 2015, The Arc closed its group home and helped each person moving to build a life around their own hopes, desires, and dreams.

No longer required to choose from a limited list of disability-specific options, people now had true choice. The same choice as anyone . . . where and how to live. The Arc sat with each person to discover what they wanted in a home; did they want an apartment or a house, to live in the city or the county, did they want a roommate or to live alone, etc. These conversations were then paired with each person’s financial resources, in order to find the home they wanted and could afford.

though Universal Life Church Ministries. Eric is very proud of this accomplishment and he says he would like to own his own church one day. All dreams are possible and with the right supports, Eric is accomplishing goals and living A Life Like Yours.

Eric is a strong advocate for himself and was recently a presenter at The Arc of Virginia State Convention in Norfolk, VA. Eric talked about his experience living in his own home and choosing his staff to support him in his daily life. Eric engaged the audience with his enthusiasm and humor. Eric discussed his journey to living independent living and the process for choosing his staff.

Supporting people with disabilities to live their lives in the world that already exists, rather than creating alternate environments for them, is not only a more cost effective way to provide services, but is the moral imperative to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights as people without disabilities, giving them A Life Like Yours.

Eric moved into his apartment in November 2017. At that time, Eric was attending our day program and expressed his desire to live in his own apartment. He loves his home and he loves his staff. Kyle is one of the staff that works with Eric. Eric says that Kyle is more than his staff, he is his best friend and his brother. They have a very strong connection and are a natural fit for each other. They have built a friendship that expands far past his services with The Arc of Southside. This is what The Arc of Southside looks for with every person we support.

For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272.

Since Eric was 16 years old, he had a dream to become a reverend.

With help from Kyle, Eric was ordained into the Christian Ministry www.showcasemagazine.com

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Paws for a Cause

Paws for a Cause Written by Paulette Dean the ones who were hanged In 1992, shortly after I began working Executive Director jumping over fences, and the ones for the humane society, I received Danville Humane Society who had been attacked by other a call from a man who said he had dogs. That ordinance was passed, heard a dog barking in the woods enacted, and enforced. behind his house for several days, but he didn’t hear the barking anymore.

In July 2018, the ordinance was An animal control officer went to strengthened and now includes: the address, and found the body of • No companion animal can be a dog. The dog’s chain had become chained for more than 2 hours entangled in bushes, and he simply in a 24 hour period. starved to death. At that time, I was • If the temperature is 32 degrees more protected from such things, and or below, 85 degrees or greater, was haunted by that story. The officer or if there is severe weather (at that time, Animal Control officers advisory, no companion animal were police officers with that special can be chained. assignment) told me I should work • No companion animal under on making it illegal to keep dogs on the age of 4 months can be chains. The task seemed too great at chained at all. that time.

• No sick or injured companion A first step we took to help chained animal can be chained. dogs was about 20 years ago when the • No female companion animal in board changed the adoption guidelines heat can be chained. to not permit adopted dogs to be This little cutie is about two years old. She was found wondering • Companion animals cannot be kept on chains. We were criticized as a stray in Danville. She loves attention and needs to be closely chained to a fixed point during supervised at all times since she is an escape artist. for that in the past; however, that is a the 2 hours. mainstream adoption policy now. A • Violation of this ordinance is a Class 4 misdemeanor, with couple of years after that, City Council approved an ordinance subsequent violations a Class 2 misdemeanor. With subsequent that prohibits dogs from being chained at empty houses. violations, the animal is subject to seizure.

Invitation-only meetings were held with animal welfare

professionals and then a public meeting was held.

Never once have I witnessed a dog who was not happy to be freed from his chains. It is so beyond sad that the dog who brought this In 2009, City Councilman Adam Tomer introduced legislation all about suffered, but his suffering was not in vain. to prohibit tethering under certain conditions. We gave a PowerPoint presentation at a City Council working session, Danville showing horrible pictures of the dogs with embedded chains, the Humane Society skeletal ones, the ones who died from heatstroke or strangulation,

Meet Joanie

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| SeptembeR 2018 | Showcase Magazine 35

Feature Big Bear’s Wife

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Easy Snickers Chalkboard Brownies Written by Angie Barrett of BigBearsWife.com Photo by Angie Barrett

These fun and Easy Snickers Chalkboard Brownies are perfect for getting ready for school to start and for Back to School Lunches! These brownies are decorated to look just like little mini chalkboards!

Yield: 12 Chalkboard Brownies INGREDIENTS 1 box brownie mix - batter prepared with the

correct amount of oil, water and egg ratios

on back of the box 6 fun sized Snickers candy bars cut in half 1 cup chocolate frosting (1 can premade

or homemade recipe) Black Food Coloring White decorating icing Apple Icing decorations (homemade or store bought)

• When it’s time to frost them, it’s time to turn them into little brownie chalkboards.

• Mix the chocolate icing and a few drops of black food coloring together until the icing turns black.

• Fill a piping bag with the black icing and pipe a border before icing the brownie, then spread black icing over the center of the brownie until smooth.

• You can skip the piping step and just spread black icing over the center of the brownie until smooth if you want.

• Now, it’s time to decorate.

• Use white decorating icing to pipe ABC onto each brownie.

• Place a sugar apple onto the chalkboard and you’re done.

INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat oven to 350F. • Make brownie batter according to the box directions or recipe.

• Line 8x8 pan with foil or parchment paper.

• Pour the brownie batter into an 8x8 pan.

• Cut fun sized Snicker candy bars in half and press them into batter. One-half for each brownie.

• Bake for about 30-45 minutes at 350F or until done.

Take them out of the oven and let them cool.

• Remove cooled brownies from pan and slice into squares.

by Sly Strader Milam

on the Sly

Facts

has three birth flowers: the forget-me-not, the morning glory, and the • September aster. The birthstone for the month is the sapphire. prepare for winter migration during fall. One of the longest migrations • Many birds is the 11,000-mile journey by the Arctic Tern. typically use the word “fall,” the British use the word “autumn,” • While Americans though both terms date around the 16th century. Before these terms, the period was called “harvest.” plant thousands of new trees each year simply by forgetting where they • Squirrels put their acorns. cake got its name from its original recipe, which called for a pound each of • Pound butter, eggs, sugar, and flour.

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Explore Martinsville

Score Some Fun This Fall at Smith River Sports Complex Written by Beth Stinnett Photos Provided By Smith River Sports Complex

The Smith River Sports Complex in Axton, VA, is a 90acre multi-use sports facility that has drawn athletes and families from all over the country to Henry County, VA. The Complex hosts youth matches, high school and college tournaments, sports camps, recreation leagues, festivals, and a variety of other events to continue to fulfill its mission statement of providing diverse sports and tourism opportunities in Martinsville-Henry County. Field sports such as soccer, lacrosse, football, field hockey, Ultimate Frisbee, T-ball, and cross-country running are the main activities played at the facility throughout the year. In 2017, the outdoor sports facility hosted organized activity 300 out of the 365 days in the year.

Past tournaments include the 2015 NJCAA National D1 Soccer Championship, 2014 USA South Fall Festival Soccer Tournament, multiple Atlantic Coast Regional Ultimate Frisbee tournaments, the Cardinal Cup Lacrosse Tournament, the PCLA LaxFest and many, many more. The Complex also prides itself with a 100 percent return rate for annual tournaments.

Amenities that set the Smith River Sports Complex apart include: two Synthetic Field Turf championship fields with

Musco Sports Lighting, electronic scoreboards, and fixed seating for 500, three full-sized Bermuda grass fields with lights and a Cambridge Sand-Slit Drainage System that can drain water at up to 12 in. per hour, a full-sized Ryegrass field to provide optimal playing conditions in cooler months, two picnic pavilions, and a state-of-the-art playground on a synthetic play surface containing areas for tots and older children. The facility also features the Legacy Courtyard which houses restrooms and a meeting space, along with a concession building. SRSC is also very accessible with paved parking for 350 cars, plus 600 to 800 overflow spots and convenient access from Highway 58 Bypass.

Smith River Sports Complex is also home to a semi-pro football team, the Martinsville Mayhem, plus the Patrick Henry Community College Patriots, Carlisle Chiefs and Piedmont Youth Soccer League Hurricanes.

New in 2018: Battle Virginia Football Tournament October 20 & 21, the complex will host Battle Virginia presented by The Flag Football World Championship Tour.

The Flag Football World Championship Tour hosts and travels to flag football tournaments all over the globe and this year, teams from all over the east coast will come out to Martinsville, Va. to compete for a chance to advance to the national championships in Orlando, plus be crowned the Virginia State Champions. The tournament is open invite, so anyone can enter a team and you do not have to qualify for this event.

Participants can choose their team size and make up across multiple 4v4, 5v5, 7v7 and 8v8 formats with divisions for all ages and skill levels for men, women and co-ed. All 4v4 and 5v5 divisions are 4 game guarantee and all 7v7 and 8v8 divisions are 3 game guarantee, with pool play + single elimination in which everyone makes the playoffs. All teams will use Sonic Flag-a-Tag flags for 4v4 & 5v5 divisions, while 7v7 and 8v8 divisions will use Triple Threat flags. Even if you are not competing in the event, make plans to head out to Smith River Sports Complex. This will be two fun-filled days of flag football that the whole family will enjoy.

Wine by The River Festival The Smith River Sport Complex is also home to a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year. One of 38 Showcase Magazine |

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the biggest is the upcoming 4th Annual Wine by The River Wine Festival that will be held on September 22, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex Festival Grounds.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of wines from local and regional wineries as well as local foods, live music, and artisan vendors. This year’s music will be performed by the band Wag the Dawg. Wag the Dawg, is 4 music veterans who perform a variety of classic rock, country and blues. From Allman Bros to ZZ Top, Wag the Dawg will be sure to have you dancing. The wine selection will also feature its best variety yet with two new wineries confirmed, plus the same award-winning wineries from 2017. Proceeds from this event will go to the Matthew Wayne Wade foundation, a local nonprofit organization that promotes heart health in individuals. This is a great day to experience the best Henry County has to offer, from the festival location by the Smith River to the wine, music, food and art. Purchase your tickets today by visiting www.SmithRiverSportsComplex.com.

So, whatever you are in to, keep Smith River Sports Complex in mind the next time you are planning an event, looking for something fun to do, or ready to get active.

Stay up to date on all the latest news and happenings by following Smith River Sports Complex on Facebook.

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Instagrams from our area

@earparooski

@mwfjones

@danvillevafire

@snaphappynana

@meka_bess

@logophilech1ck_

@joe_bobber

@500blockcraghead

@anndroidgirl

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

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Healthcare is more accessible and convenient than ever before.

With a full range of health services and medical and surgical specialties, we are committed to you – our friends and neighbors – and are eager to show you the next level in providing Excellent Care for Life.

PRIMARY & URGENT CARE

Urgent Care Hours

Open seven days a week 8 am – 8 pm

Centra Medical Group – Danville offers primary and urgent care. Providers include:

Gregory Alba, DO Susan Dhivianathan, MD Vinit Jalandhara, MD LaJauna Jordan, NP

David Lewis, MD Rachel McGee, DO James Milam, MD Pradeep Pradhan, MD

Surinder Singh, MD Michelle Proffitt, NP Laurie Taylor, NP Charlotte Williams, NP

Primary Care Hours

Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm

Physical Therapy Hours

MEDICAL & SURGICAL SPECIALTIES Centra specialists can see patients and provide consultations at the new medical center. Specialties include:

CARDIOLOGY Brent Carothers, MD Stephen Davis, MD Brinder Kanda, MD Peter O’Brien, MD Evan Ownby, MD Matthew Sackett, MD David Truitte, MD Michael Valentine, MD

Primary care also is available on the eastern side of Danville at:

MAMMOGRAPHY

Centra Medical Group – PrimeCare East

NEUROSURGERY Hugh Gill, MD

404 Airport Drive, Suite A, Danville Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 8 am–4:30 pm Wed, 8 am–7 pm, 434.791.2612

PHYSICAL THERAPY Kurtise Wilkes, PT, DPT UROLOGY Dean Clower, MD

Paul Settle, MD Diane Blair, NP April Giles, NP Tammy McKinney, NP

Centra Danville Medical Center | 414 Park Avenue | Danville

Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5:30 pm Friday 8 am – 12:00 pm To learn more about our services, call

434.857.3600 or visit

CentraHealth.com