Discover Southside

DISCOVER

IV ‘23

THE DANVILLE OTTERBOTS

A look into the Otterbots upcoming 2023 season

STAFF

PRESIDENT

Chad B. Harrison

EDITOR

Diana McFarland

GRAPHIC DESIGN | LAYOUT

Jess Ingram

GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING

Amanda Meadows, Jasmaine Motley, Susan Lambert, Mary Beth Wellborn

WRITERS

Drew Mumich

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Rachel Nanney

434-203-1058

advertising@chathamstartribune.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Louis Motley

To advertise in Discover Southside or any of our special publications, call Rachel Nanney at 434-203-1058

www.chathamstartribune.com

Cover Page: Attending an Otterbots game allows folks to enjoy America’s National Pastime.

Diana McFarland/Discover Southside

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FEATURED STORY: THE DANVILLE OTTERBOTTS

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OTTERBOTS: ON FIELD COACHES

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OTTERBOTS: AGREEMENT WITH PITTCO SCHOOLS

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OTTERBOTS: PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

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OTTERBOTS: GAME SCHEDULE

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TRUE GRIT RODEO, HIGH SCHOOL RODEO

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JUNIOR MISS PAGEANT

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RIVER DISTRICT WINS NATIONAL AWARD

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TELLING A STORY BEGINS WITH AN IDEA AND SOME INK

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DIRECTORY

Dr. Chris Payne

Dr. Albert Payne

Dr. Austin Moon Dr. Jeffrey Clifton

Dr. Andrew Hessler

Dr. David Jones Dr. Nicole DeShon

Dr. Thomas White Dr. Nikki Hartline

Dr. Afnan Yousef

Dr. Giuliana Silva

Pictured on opposite page at top, an aerial view of American Legion Post 325 Field at Dan Daniel Memorial Park as the National Anthem is sung prior to the opening pitch. Shown below, The 2022 Otterbots pump up the energy. Photos contributed by the Otterbots

THE DANVILLE OTTERBOTS

A bigger, better baseball season

STORY BY DREW MUMICH

It is the third season for the Otterbots, and they are leveling up the game of baseball in Danville. Like all sports, the Otterbots like to win, but they believe their fans come first.

To please the home crowd, the Otterbots have scheduled a full roster of not only top-notch college baseball standouts, but also events such as post-game fireworks at every Friday night home game, Thirsty Thursdays presented by KG Graphics, City of Danville Employee Night and Pride Night.

“The goal with competitive athletics, including baseball, is always to win. But the purpose of this league and the Danville Otterbots is to provide family-friendly, affordable, memorable entertainment for every member of our community,” said Austin Scher, General Manager for the Danville Otterbots.

Something for everyone includes the Otterbots’ third annual Pride Night and the special sensory room for those who want to enjoy an evening of baseball, but need a little extra care when it comes to the sights and sounds of a busy stadium.

The Otterbots dedication to Danville has resulted in steady growth — ticket sales were 40% higher last year than in 2021, and that number is set to increase, according to Scher.

“We already have more season ticket holders this year than in our past two seasons. And we’ve still got two months before opening night … by the time we get to opening night, it probably will be more than the last two years combined,” said Scher.

Every aisle seat behind home plate is sold to season ticket holders, families, couples, business owners and groups of friends who want to come on a weekly business to see the Otterbots play,

he said.

“It’s really exciting that many people in that many organizations don’t just want to come to one or two games. They do want to be here each and every night to see the different aspects of entertainment,” Scher said.

The Otterbots is part of the Appalachian League, a collegiate wooden bat league with 10 teams in four states — Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Filling out the roster are rising freshman and sophomore student athletes who use the summer off-season to hone their skills before heading back to school.

In addition to the Otterbots, the League includes the Bluefield Ridge Runners, Bristol State Liners, Burlington Sock Puppets, Elizabethton River Riders, Greeneville Flyboys, Johnson City Doughboys, Kingsport Axmen, Princeton WhistlePigs and Pulaski River Turtles.

The League is part of the Major League Baseball and USA Baseball’s prospect development pipeline.

There is one rivalry that exists between the Otterbots and another Appy League team that has a long history, and dates back to a geographic proximity between the former Danville Braves and Burlington Royals. Today, that rivalry lives on between the Otterbots and Burlington Sock Puppets.

There is a trophy that stays with the winning team between the two, and the Danville Otterbots have kept for the last two seasons. The rivalry is also celebrated in a promotional game called Sock it Ball, said Scher. Two children are chosen from the audience to throw balled up socks into a trashcan, he said.

“It’s basketball with socks, but more realistically, we are as RPA announcer states before every competition begins, showing the Sock Puppets exactly where they belong, which is in the trash,” said Scher.

Ultimately, the goal of the league is to provide a platform for college players to get on current draft boards. And are currently being scouted by major league teams to give them additional

Shown below, Otterbots player Grant Stephenson is greeted by teammates after a successful play.

at-bats, innings as pitchers so that they can have a further two months of proof of performance essentially for these Major League clubs,” Scher said.

Five players from the Otterbots have signed to different major league baseball teams, with 12 other players who will be eligible for the draft by the end of the season.

“You know, to see the guys on the field progress from where they start in June toward the end, you know, as they’re getting ready to head back to school at the end of the season, is truly amazing,” he said.

Overall, Scher and his team are excited to start this new season as they have many summer events planned for Southside residents.

“It took some time for both members of the community and then business leaders within the community to figure out who we were and what we’re all about. So, as we go into year three here, almost every piece of expansion directly reflects community support.” |

Shown above, the Otterbots mascot, Scotter the Otter, high fives kids running the bases. To the left, Otterbots Coordinator of Fun Wyattt Sutton in a patriotic display at the July 3, 2022 game.

OTTERBOTS ANNOUNCE ON FIELD COACHING STAFF

WithMLB Opening Day in the rear-view mirror, the Otterbots have kicked preparation for the 2023 Appalachian League season into hyperdrive. Today the club announced the return of all five members of the 2022 on-field coaching staff, led by third year manager Desi Relaford.

Joining Relaford in their third seasons with the Otterbots are pitching coach Clyde Keller, hitting coach Ed Fulton, and athletic trainer Angela McNeely. Returning for his second season with the club is bench coach Torrey Pettiford. This Otterbots coaching staff has developed talent that is currently represented in the Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees organizations.

Relaford began his coaching career in 2018 as the bench coach for the Daytona Tortugas, Advanced-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, where he helped guide the team to a 69-66 overall record and a Florida State League Championship Series berth. In his first two seasons at the helm in Danville, Relaford and the Otterbots produced five Appalachian League All-Stars, one All-Appalachian League player, two MLB Draft picks, and three MLB free agent signings.

Prior to the start of his coaching career, Relaford was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 4th round of the 1991 MLB Amateur Draft. His 11 seasons were spent with seven

Desi Relaford Manager

different Major League Baseball teams, including five years with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Throughout his career, Relaford hit .243 with 308 RBI and finished the 2001 season with a career-best .302 average, along with eight home runs and 36 RBI for the Mets. Though he excelled at the plate, Relaford was known for his versatility in the field. He played every defensive position except first base and catcher and accumulated a career .960 fielding percentage. In 2001 he pitched a three up, three down inning with one strikeout, and his career 0.00 ERA is tied for an all-time MLB record.

Clyde Keller Pitching Coach

With a background of success in both amateur and professional baseball, Clyde Keller returns to Danville as pitching coach for the Otterbots. Previously, he served as the pitching coach at Florida State in 2019 after three seasons as the volunteer assistant for the Seminoles. He also coached in the collegiate ranks form 19972000 as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Western Kentucky.

Keller then moved to the professional level as the pitching coach for the Single-A Auburn Doubledays in the Toronto Blue Jays organization for the 2001 campaign. His coaching career began in 1994 when he became the head coach at Berkeley Prep in Tampa. In four years at the helm he made three trips to the regionals and one appearance in the state championship. He later returned to the school as its pitching coach from 2011-14.

The Fair Oaks, Calif., native was a two-way player for FSU from 1988-89, earning AllMetro Conference first team honors both seasons. He was also a participant in the 1987

Pan American Games in Indianapolis as a member of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Selected in the 32nd round of the 1989 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, Keller spent five years in the minor leagues and was twice named the runner-up for the Rolaids Minor League Reliever of the Year Award (1991, 1992).

Keller is now the Owner of The Throwing Club, a velocity development center for pitchers in Tampa, Fla.

spent the majority of his rookie season with the Martinsville Phillies of the Appalachian League, and was later selected to the 1996 South Atlantic League (SAL) All Star Game.

collegiate career.

As a member of the 1986 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, Fulton hit .351 with six home runs and 35 RBI in 39 games.

Fulton is married to his wife, Christie. They have three children: Justin, Kenna, and Camden.

Angela McNeely Athletic Trainer

Torrey Pettiford Bench Coach

Pettiford returns to Danville for his second season as the Otterbots bench coach. Prior to his time in Danville, Pettiford spent seven years as an Associate Scout for the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles. Pettiford is well known and respected for his eye for talent, and ability to develop players. Prior to his coaching career, Pettiford was drafted out of UNC-Pembroke in the 13th round of the MLB Amateur Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. The Cedar Grove, N.C. native

Fulton Hitting Coach

Fulton, Danville native and longtime head coach at nearby Averett University, will resume his responsibilities as hitting coach for the 2023 Otterbots season. In 21 seasons at the helm of the Averett program, Fulton won 404 games, claimed the 2003 USA South Conference championship, and had three players chosen in the Major League Baseball Draft.

Before joining the Cougars coaching staff in 1997, he played nine seasons of Minor League Baseball, including one year in the Appalachian League with Johnson City and six at the Triple-A level. Fulton was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 16th round of the 1987 draft out of Florida State where he helped the Seminoles win 230 games and advance to the College World Series twice during his

McNeely, returning for her third season as the Otterbots athletic trainer, is currently an Adjunct Professor at Liberty University teaching athletic training classes. Born and raised in Danville, VA, McNeely earned Bachelors degrees in Kinesiology and Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Athletic Training, from Shenandoah University in Winchester. From 20142017 McNeely worked as the Assistant Athletic Trainer at Averett University, where she then taught in the Athletic Training and Sports Medicine programs from 2017-2022. McNeely is currently pursuing a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science though Liberty University, and working as an Outreach Athletic Trainer for Brookville Middle School in Campbell County.

Season tickets, corporate partnership opportunities, and group outings are currently available for the 2023 season. For more information, email austin@danvilleotterbots. com or call the front office at 434-554-4487. Appalachian League Opening Night will be hosted in Danville, as the Burlington Sock Puppets visit the Otterbots on Tuesday, June 6. •

Ed

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOLS

Danville Otterbots partner on educational initiatives

As the Danville Otterbots are set to begin its third season in the revamped Appalachian League, the club has formed a partnership with Pittsylvania County Schools (PCS) focused on educational initiatives for all K-12 students, faculty and staff.

Beginning in the spring 2023 semester, all PCS elementary and middle school students will be given the opportunity to participate in the BOTS Read Around the Bases Summer Reading Program. Otterbots Coordinator of Fun, Wyatt Sutton, and mascot, Scotter, will visit all participating schools during the spring semester to introduce the program to students and faculty, which is designed to deter summer learning loss and prepare students for the following academic year. Students will win prizes as they advance around the bases, including a free ticket to Reader Appreciation Night at the ballpark where students will be recognized during a pregame parade around the field.

Through the Otterbots partnership with MLB and USA Baseball, the club will also be introducing the Fun At Bat program in all PCS elementary Schools. Per USA Baseball, “Fun At Bat, a USA Baseball youth initiative supported by Major League Baseball, SHAPE America and Franklin Sports, is an introductory

level bat-and-ball program for kids with an emphasis on character development, functional movement, literacy, active play and fun.” The Otterbots will provide all PCS elementary PE teachers will all necessary equipment including bats, balls, bases, tees, instruction booklets, and eight curriculum overviews.

For high school students, the Otterbots will provide summer employment opportunities as early as the 2023 season. Otterbots staff members will attend all job/career days at PCS high schools and will utilize social media to engage with students looking for summer employment. All students ages 14 and up are encouraged to apply. The Otterbots will also send front office staff members to schools with sports marketing and sports management classes to provide career advice and encourage students to consider full immersion in a baseball front office through the club’s summer internship program.

“Pittsylvania County Schools appreciate when businesses and organizations within our community provide opportunities for our students,” said Cedric Hairston, supervisor of Title 1/Instructional Programs. “It is always a great investment for the future of our region.”

Additionally, the Otterbots will work

directly with school faculty to provide students of all ages the opportunity to sing the National Anthem, or provide pregame concourse entertainment during the Otterbots home season.

“As the son of a career educator and a citizen of Southern Virginia, I could not be more proud or excited to partner with Pittsylvania County Schools on these amazing initiatives,” said Otterbots General Manager, Austin Scher. “The “Bots” in Otterbots is there for a reason— we have recognized the STEM-based future of our region and strive to be much more than ‘just a baseball team.’ We want to be actively involved in preparing our students for future careers, and the Otterbots’ unique brand of entertainment and engagement will provide previously un-presented opportunities to students and their families.”

Season tickets, corporate partnership opportunities, and hospitality outings are currently available for the 2023 season. For more information, email austin@ danvilleotterbots.com or call the front office at 434-554-4487. Appalachian League Opening Night will be hosted in Danville, as the Burlington Sock Puppets visit the Otterbots on Tuesday, June 6. |

Shown on opposite page at top, Otterbots Coordinator of Fun Wyatt Sutton works the crowd. Pictured below is one of many 2022 between inning activities, such as eating as many Jesse Jones hot dogs as possible in a short amount of time.

OTTERBOTS ANNOUNCE SEASON’S PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

Thisyear’s Otterbots season features daily themes for all Tuesday-Sunday games, six firework shows, two bobblehead giveaways, five total giveaways, and two specialty jersey nights, the 2023 season promises to go down in club history as the most loaded promo slate yet. The Otterbots 2023 season is presented by Caesars Virginia.

Sources say the promo schedule is even more loaded than an order of BOTS fries: French fries crisped to perfection, topped with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and nacho cheese.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

Tuesdays, $2 Tuesday, presented by Jesse Jones

During each Tuesday home game, enjoy select $2 concessions items, including Jesse Jones hot dogs, popcorn, water, chips, candy and cotton candy.

Wednesdays, All Faiths Night, and Bark in the Park

Back from 2022, every Wednesday will be an All Faiths Night, with ticket specials in place for local houses of worship and religious organizations to enjoy mgames together. Gates open one hour early for all faith groups, with dedicated ballpark space for small group meetings or devotional time before gates open to the public. Bark in the Park is back for the third straight season—bring your four-legged family members to the ballpark.

Thursdays: Thirsty Thursday, presented by KG Graphics

Beers starting at $1, what more do you need to know? Back from 2022 is a free limited-edition koozie for the first 250 beers purchased every Thursday. New for 2023 is Karaoke in The Wreck, by KG Graphics. Snag a koozie and some dollar beers

and show why you’re the next Danvillian Idol.

Fridays, Friday Fireworks

Post game fireworks after every Friday home game.

Saturdays, Spectacular Giveaways

Every Saturday home game will feature an entry giveaway for the first 500 fans through the gates. Giveaway details can be found below.

Sundays, United Way Nonprofit Sunday presented by United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, Kids Run the Bases

Every Sunday, local nonprofits will be highlighted by the United Way of Danville Pittsylvania County at the ballpark. Each nonprofit will ask for donations and/or volunteer sign ups. Otterbots fans who register to volunteer or bring donations specific to featured organizations will receive $2 off their ticket. Detailed information on sought donations found below. Don’t forget: Kids run the bases after every Sunday game.

HIGHLIGHTED THEME NIGHTS

Tuesday, June 6: Opening Night, presented by Caesars Virginia Kick off the 2023 season with a bang — literally. Post-game fireworks will cap off the first game of the season, and don’t forget to grab your magnet schedule giveaway.

Saturday, June 10: Scotter bobblehead giveaway, presented by Hargrave Military Academy

The best mascot in the world, everyone’s favorite otter, the first bobblehead in Otterbots history: Scotter! Get to the

ballpark early—only the first 500 fans through the gates get a bobblehead.

Sunday, June 11: United Way Nonprofit Sunday, Scotter’s Birthday Party!

Come celebrate Scotter’s third birthday with mascots from all over the region, capped off with kids run the bases after the game. Featured nonprofits (and requested donations): Big Brothers Big Sisters (school notebooks, mechanical pencils); Habitat for Humanity (paint brushes, paint rollers, painting tape, 10 white light switch plates); Danville Church and Community Tutorial Program (headphones, 3rd-grade level books, Chik-Fil-A gift cards); Danville Speech and Hearing (donation of $5 or more); Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area (books, bottles of water).

Thursday, June 15: Thirsty Thursday presented by KG Graphics, City of Danville employee night

It’s the first Thirsty Thursday of the season, and the debut of Karaoke in The Wreck.

Friday, June 16: Post game fireworks And Teacher Appreciation Night!

Saturday, June 17: House of the Otter Night, Pennant Giveaway!

Pick up the Otterbots banner and carry it into battle as we look to take control over the 7 Kingdoms of the Appalachian League. The first 500 fans through the gates get a one-of-a-kind ‘House of the Otter’ sigil pennant as the ballpark transforms into a Medieval kingdom. Live music on the concourse, live jousting on the field, crazy concessions specials.

Sunday, June 18: United Way Nonprofit Sunday, Father’s Day, Juneteenth Celebration

Celebrate Father’s Day with pregame parent-child catch in the outfield, and post-game kids run the bases. Our 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration will highlight the history of the Danville All-Stars, tell the story of Danville’s place in the Civil Rights movement, and celebrate Freedom Day. Featured nonprofits (and requested donations): The Arc of the Southside (membership in The Arc); Haven of the Dan River Region (toothbrushes, soap, toothpaste, coloring books, children’s games); Pittsylvania County Schools Book Buddies (new or gently used first grade level books); Goodwill Industries (notebooks, pencils, backpacks); Virginia Legal Aid Society.

Thursday, June 29: Pride Night, Thirsty Thursday presented by KG Graphics

It’s the Otterbots’ third annual Pride Night in collaboration with Collidescope, and it is kicked it up a notch: the Otterbots will be taking the field in specialty jerseys. The ballpark is for everyone, and each member of our community deserves to feel invited and welcomed at Otterbots games. The Otterbots are proud to continue elevating its annual Pride celebrations. Gameworn jerseys to be auctioned off.

Friday, June 30: Post game fireworks

And Military Appreciation Night!

Monday, July 3: Stars & Stripes Spectacular Fireworks Baseball, hot dogs, and fireworks: what better way to celebrate America’s birthday? Kick off Independence Day with a night at the ballpark, featuring our largest fireworks show of the season.

Saturday, July 8: Lulu-Style Belt Bag Giveaway, presented by Chatham Hall

That’s right, the Otterbots know fashion when they see it. The first 500 fans through the gates will get a limited edition, Otterbots-branded lulustyle belt bag, thanks with Chatham Hall.

Sunday, July 9: United Way Nonprofit Sunday, Splash Sunday presented by Chatham Hall

Wear a bathing suit and bring a towel, there is going to a pool party. Celebrate summer while enjoying water slides and a foam pit on the concourse, thanks to Chatham Hall. Featured nonprofits (and requested donations): American Red Cross

Ryan Carr on his way to first base during the 2022 season. Photo by Glen Giles.

($5 donations to Red Cross); Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services-Healthy Families (diapers, baby wipes, formula, diaper cream); Southern Area Agency on Aging (large print word search puzzle books, non-skid adult socks); House of Hope (allpurpose spray cleaner, bottles of toilet bowl cleaner, one roll bus tokens); RASAP Youth Advisory Council.

Monday, July 10: Sensory Night, presented by The Hughes Center While Luca’s Place Ballpark Sensory Room is open during each and every home game, the Otterbots understand that the ballpark is an easy place for a sensory overload. For the 2nd annual Sensory Night, the volume of the speakers will be set to low, there will be minimal crowd chants started by the Otterbots Hype Team, and sensory kits will be available at Fan Services for any fan that requests one. In addition, this year’s Sensory Night will feature the Otterbots taking the field in specialty jerseys. Game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off.

Thursday, July 13: Thirsty Thursday, presented by KG Graphics

Friday, July 14: Post Game fireworks.

Wednesday, July 26: All-Faiths Night, Bark in the Park, Christmas in July

Celebrate Christmas in July by bringing an unwrapped gift to donate to Toys for Tots.

Thursday, July 27: Thirsty Thursday, presented by KG Graphics

Friday, July 28: Post game fireworks

Saturday, July 29: Fan Appreciation Night presented by Caesars Virginia, Joe Mantiply bobblehead giveaway

The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a local legend’s bobblehead. 2022 MLB All-Star Joe Mantiply was born in Danville, graduated from Tunstall High School, and pitched at Virginia Tech before beginning his professional career. Last season he represented the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Midsummer Classic. Now, he will forever be immortalized in bobblehead form. Fan Appreciation Night will feature concessions and merchandise specials, and surprise in-game giveaways, presented by Caesars Virginia. All those incredible promotions, and still not done. One more huge announcement will come in a shock-drop before Opening Night, so keep your eyes peeled. If you think you’re excited now, just you wait.

* Single game tickets on sale now.

**The 2023 Otterbots season is presented by Caesars Virginia. Season tickets, corporate partnership opportunities, and group outings are currently available for the 2023 season. For more information, email austin@danvilleotterbots.com or call the front office at 434-554-4487.

Appalachian League Opening Night will be hosted in Danville, as the Burlington Sock Puppets visit the Otterbots on Tuesday, June 6. |

Otterbots fans enjoy a summer evening watching their favorite home team at the plate. Photo courtesy of the Otterbots.

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TRUE GRIT RODEO, HIGH SCHOOL RODEO

A salute to America’s Western culture

STORY & PHOTOS BY DREW MUMICH

The bull rider wraps his gloved hand around a rope attached to a 1,600-pound bull in the chute. Other riders are there to cheer on the cowboy as he takes a deep breath, and the crowd fades away.

“You don’t hear anything, nothing at all. I can hear maybe one or two people talking to me or screaming something motivational,” said Austin Beaty, a professional bull ride with True Grit Rodeo.

The gate springs open; there is chaos as the bull and its rider erupt from the chute.

“It’s like tying your hand to a tornado and trying to stay on it,” said bullfighter Floyd Adams.

It was a month designed to salute America’s western culture as the Daniel Lanier True Grit Rodeo and the Virginia High School Rodeo Association trotted, barreled and galloped into Pittsylvania County at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in March.

The True Grit show consisted of bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting, with bull riders being the main event as the crowd cheered them on. Bull riders came out in full cowboy regalia with cowboy hats, collared shirts, blue jeans and boots.

“Tuck in your shirt. Look nice and be clean. I think it shows a level of professionalism. This is what we do; we might have rough hair and not trim our beards, but we’ll

iron our jeans,” Lanier said.

Meanwhile, the VHSRA hosted Battle on the Border, where students from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia fought hard to win.

Student cowboys and cowgirls competed in barrel racing, rough riding, pole dodging, goat tying, and bull riding. VHSRA is a nonprofit organization that provides families with the opportunity to participate in rodeo events and gives student-athletes a chance to compete in western sports.

VHSRA is fully run by volunteers, said Thomas Blackstone II, the organization’s president.

“We get here early and usually set it up the day of the rodeo. We get out here at six o’clock, seven o’clock in the morning and start setting up the arena,” said Blackstone.

More than 200 children and youth, from age five to high school seniors, were scheduled to compete.

Syndey Mason came to Chatham to compete, but she is also the Little Miss Maverick of Virginia High School Rodeo — title she got from all the help she does around the area.

“My favorite part probably is having fun and working hard to improve myself,” said Mason. “Sometimes I helped

Cowboys wait for their turn to compete during the bull riding event.

set up the barrels, but mostly, I’m riding my horses in the races and cheering on other riders and helping them with anything they need.”

She won first place in the peewee barrel racing with a time of 17.994 — as speed, as well as finesse at getting around the barrels without knocking them over, determine the final outcome for that event.

As bull riders and horse riders from both rodeos fought for trophies, both take immense work to pull it off.

Bull riders have to stay on for eight seconds to score. They are judged based on the difficulty of the bull and how long they can stay on, among other factors.

It is a very physical sport, according to Beaty. He practices on a stationary barrel that mimics the bucking of a bull and spends five days a week in the gym working out.

“So five days a week, I’m working out. I hire a trainer and I follow the prescription and trust the process, you

know, so my body can take what I throw at it,” Beaty said. However, sometimes it doesn’t go according to plan. Keagan Mayo is a rodeo clown whose job is to be in the ring cheering on the riders and making the audience laugh, but he didn’t start that way.

“I grew up in a rodeo family; my dad was in a rodeo. My parents met through a rodeo. My mom worked at rodeos,” Mayo said.

He was a bull rider throughout high school and was on his way to Las Vegas for the Junior World Finals Rodeo when he got caught beneath a practice bull.

“He stomped all over my legs, stepped on my back, destroyed my body from the knee down to my toes, all of my tissue destroyed,” Mayo said.

After a lengthy recovery, Mayo returned to the ring with Lanier’s group doing rope tricks before clowning. His act consisted of flaming robe tricks and 50-foot rope tricks,

Both rodeos began with a salute to the American flag on horseback, for the high school rodeo it was a gallop around the arena.

where he did line dances during the show’s halftime portion.

Meanwhile, the kids with the VHSRA work just as hard. Emily Harris, 13, worked to earn mastery of her horse to compete in various competitions. Harris spoke about competing in the goat tying competition where she had to ride a horse into the arena, dismount while the horse was in motion, and then catch a goat tied to a fence post and tie its legs together.

“There’s no other feeling — it makes you calm and happy and excited all at the same time,’ Harris said. “I just go in, and I keep my focus, and I make sure I run through the steps; Okay, I need to ride down; I need to get off my horse. I need to get that goat tied. I need to make sure my rope is super tight. I just have to keep a steady and calm mind.”

With more than 200 participants at the VRHSA, Michaela Stern, the Virginia High School Rodeo Association queen, had her hands full helping others find their path. She also competed during the rodeo doing poll dodging as she and her horse darted between six poles and back, competing for the fastest time.

“Rock them, don’t knock them is the motto; the fastest time wins,” said Stern.

Overall, Stern said rodeos like this breathe life into the world.

“I love it. Whether in the grand entryway to the crowd, smiling and carrying the flags or competing; the rodeo is my safe haven. I love being out there on my horse, and I love doing what I do,” said Stern

Those in rodeo would be hard-pressed to disagree. For Lanier, Pittsylvania County is home; True Grit was his hometown show.

“The crowd has a good time, we have a good time, and it feels good to be right here at home, man. It ain’t nothing any better,” Lanier said. |

In a classic tribute to the American flag, a cowboy rides around the area during the National Anthem during the True Grit rodeo.

Cowgirls competed in the barrel racing event, where speed and finesse count toward the final score. The fastest time — without knocking a barrel down — wins.

This cowboy, thrown off the bull, now tries to avoid being stomped by its hooves while a rodeo bullfighter tries to distract the animal during the True Grit Rodeo at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.

High school cowboys competed in bareback riding during the Virginia High School Rodeo Association Battle on the Border at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.

During the goat tying competition of the VHSRA Battle on the Border, this cowgirl successfully dismounted her horse, captured the goat and tied it quickly before letting go in a wide stance to let the judges know to stop the timer.

JUNIOR MISS PAGEANT

Builds friendships & confidence

STORY & PHOTOS BY

DREW MUMICH

The Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Pageant returned with its Comeback Tour after a threeyear hiatus due to the pandemic.

There was also a first for the 21-year old fundraising event, as Gabrielle Garrett-Hunter, 11, was the first African American girl to win a title at the pageant, as she was crowned pre-teen Jr. Miss Pittsylvania County.

Caroline Jones was crowned petite Junior Miss and Carey Dallas was crowned teen Jr. Miss Pittsylvania County. The pageant featured girls ages five to 18 performing in casual and formal wear contests.

Four teens competed in the talent section, where they showed their skills as singers, musicians and dancers for the crowd.

Overall, 25 girls performed on the stage at Chatham High School to nearly a full house.

The winning contestants will make appearances at local events like Christmas parades and National Night Out, as well as promote a service platform until next year.

The girls spent multiple nights before the pageant practicing their walks, preparing questions and getting ready for the pageant.

“We’re like literally so exhausted. And it’s the culmination of all the hard work that has gone into this. I am excited for the new girls and hopeful that everybody’s had an amazing experience,” said

pageant director Kimberly Dooley.

Reactions to the pageant experience were as varied as the girls themselves.

Garrett-Hunter said performing for the first time was a daunting experience.

Garrett-Hunter wore a school sports jacket with a red and black skirt and white and black boots for casual wear. For her formal wear, she wore an elegant yellow gown.

“It’s a new experience. So I’m learning a lot about how to walk,” said Garrett-Hunter. She explained that she had to learn to walk a certain way to look her best for the judges. “It was rough at the start, but I kept practicing and practicing, and now I have got it down.”

Elizabeth Grace Carter, 6, said that she enjoys playing with animals and walking on the beach.

“My favorite part of the pageant is wearing a gown,” Carter said.

Over the years, the pageant has become more focused on Pittsylvania County girls, according to Kate Clatterbuck, Miss Virginia volunteer, who hosted next to Kristin Harris. Clatterbuck began her pageant career in Pittsylvania County by competing in the Junior Miss Pittsylvania County.

“I walked out a first runner-up after my very first pageant, and I felt like I had the competence of just someone super accomplished. And from that

experience, I just really enjoyed the knowledge I gained about myself,” said Clatterbuck.

Clatterbuck would continue her career throughout high school and college. These pageants need to be more understood, said Dooley, adding that they provide the girls added confidence.

“To see the confidence boost and to see the girls have a blast and meet friends, some of these girls they met through Junior Miss, and they’re so close now,” said Dooley.

Alyssa McDaniel is the 2020 Junior Miss Pittsylvania County teen division winner. She had to relinquish the title on Saturday to Carey Dallas, who won the title. McDaniel started doing pageants in fourth grade and won the title in 2020, right before COVID-19 shut everything down.

“It’s extremely bittersweet because this is the last pageant I’ll probably ever be a part of,” McDaniel said. She, alongside her other pageant queens, Petite

Shown above: The pageant contestants finish a dance routine to kick off the 2023 Jr. Miss Pittsylvania County pageant. Pictured below: Former Jr. Miss and Miss Virginia Volunteer Kate Clatterbuck and Mistress of Ceremonies Kristin Dalton Harris address the audience.

winner Emaleigh Auther and Pre-teen winner Briana Purdy have held their titles for three years.

“Many people misunderstand pageants because they think you just walk on the stage, smile and get judged on what you look like. And that’s completely not the truth. You make friendships you didn’t even know you needed,” McDaniel said.

THE WINNERS OF THE PAGEANT WERE AS FOLLOWS:

Ad sales

Sydney Faith Prior

Congeniality

Mini: Saige Taylor

Petite: Delaney Moore

Pre-Teen: Gabrielle Garrett-Hunter

Teen: Tie with Francisca Popoca and Lillian Burke

Photogenic

Mini: Saige Taylor

Petite: Ani Doolin

Pre-Teen: Gabrielle Garrett-Hunter

Teen: Ava Graye Simpson

Overall photogenic winner: Ani Doolin

Mini Division

Mini Princess Court: Elizabeth Grace Carter, Paisley

Gail Piccolo and Adalyn Grace Thompson

2nd Runner Up: Stella Lillie Flora

1st Runner Up: Araya Skye McKinney

2023 Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Mini: Saige Tinsley

Petite Division

2nd Runner Up: Ani Lane Doolin,

1st Runner Up: Kinsley Grace Oakes

2023 Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Petite: Caroline Lucy Jones

Pre-Teen Division

2nd Runner Up: Madison Danielle Barker

1st Runner Up: Khloe Isabelle Sample

2023 Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Pre-Teen: Gabrielle Garrett-Hunter

Teen Division

Talent: Carey Lane Dallas

1st Runner Up: Ava Graye Simpson

2023 Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Teen: Carey Layne Dallas |

At left: Carey Dallas is crowned Junior Miss Pittsylvania County Teen by Alyssa McDaniel, the 2020 Junior Ms. Pittsylvania County teen division winner. Center: Gabrielle Garrett-Hunter, 11, is the first African-American girl to be crowned in the Jr. Miss Pittsylvania County pageant. Performing the honors is Alyssa McDaniel, the 2020 Jr. Miss teen division. At right: Stella Lillie Flora is crowned second runner up in the mini division by 2020 Jr. Miss Brianna Prudy.

Ava Simpson performs her talent using a lighted cape.

Carey Dallas performs a vocal piece as her talent in the teen division.

Dancer Victoria Weatherford performed at the end of the pageant.

Ani Doolin wears a pink gown as she wins the overall most photogenic category in the pageant.

DANVILLE’S RIVER DISTRICT

Wins national award

STORY BY DIANA MCFARLAND

ADanville organization on the forefront of the city’s revitalization recently received a prestigious national award.

The River District Association in March earned the Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. The 2023 GAMSA designations, sponsored by The Hartford, were presented at the opening plenary for the Main Street Now Conference in Boston, Mass.

Also awarded were Downtown Florence Main Street in Florence, S.C. and the Metuchen Downtown Alliance in Metuchen, N.J.

The three winners competed out of a total field of eight semi-finalists, which were announced last year.

Selected by a national jury of industry professionals and local leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, River District Association is being recognized for creating a fertile environment for economic vitality through exceptionally strong collaborative leadership and partnerships.

“River District Association demonstrates that a strong organizational foundation based on an ethos of collaboration and strategy leads to transformative change,” said Main Street America Interim President and CEO, Hannah White.

“Their tireless efforts to build meaningful relationships with local stakeholders to inform and realize a holistic economic development approach has created an

entrepreneurial ecosystem for the downtown and its surrounding region.”

Danville’s downtown is well known for its rich manufacturing heritage, which built large brick facilities along the town’s eponymous waterway. As these industries shrank during the 1980s-2000s, the downtown suffered economically. Today, the downtown is not only rebounding, but is thriving as an attractive place for residents and visitors to remember the area’s history while contributing to a vibrant future for all.

Revitalization work led by RDA began in 1999 with

a mission to coordinate efforts with the city agencies. While these early efforts resulted in some progress, meaningful change was hampered by the continued decline of the town’s mill industry. Strategically designed action plans in 2011 and 2017—which included the allocation of public dollars into the downtown and retooled RDA’s organizational structure based on the principles of the Main Street Approach—supported sustainable economic initiatives, multifunctional promotional activities, and property development.

The results: Danville’s vision of a vibrant downtown is coming to fruition. Since 2010, the River District

has

The River District Association team at the awards ceremony in Boston, Mass. Pictured from left to right: Christy Harper, RDA Board member; Rachel Covington, RDA, Board president; Diana Schwartz, RDA CEO; Kelvin Perry, RDA Board member; Alyssa Turner, RDA Staff; Kirsten Aherron, RDA staff; Corrie T. Bobe, director, Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism; Sandra Chinn Gilstrap - RDA Board member; John Gilstrap, Joel Kenniep, Shawn Farmer, RDA staff; and Billy Crumpton, RDA Board. Photo courtesy of River City TV.

leveraged $52 million in public investment to attract $310 million in private investment to facilitate the creation of more than 150 businesses and the addition of over 1,200 residential spaces.

“This is a tremendous honor for our community, and very important for our local residents who have been through so much economic turmoil over the decades,” said Diana Schwartz, CEO at River District Association. “This recognition will continue to drive home the understanding that Danville truly is a city once again on the rise. It is because of the resilience of the people in our community that Danville is a great place for those that choose to live, work, play, pray and invest in.”

The hope is that this award will help Danville’s citizens reengage with the pride of Danville, said Schwartz in a phone interview.

Danville City Manager Ken Larking called the award a “crown jewel” of national recognition.

When one thinks about the effort it took to position Danville for this award, the more than 10 years of effort through revitalizing buildings, incentivizing businesses, streetscaping and other improvements, it has created the critical mass necessary for a successful downtown, said Larking.

“We have a lot of momentum, and we still have work to do, but it’s just great that an organization like this took a look at what we could accomplish and provide us with this fantastic recognition,” said Larking.

Schwartz said this wasn’t intended to bring attention to the River District Association, but to help the community understand that Danville is truly a special place.

RDA credits a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, as well as intentional efforts to increase the strength, collaboration, trustworthiness, and reputation of the organization as their keys to success. Notable accomplishments include investing in the professional development of board members, establishing rock-solid relationships with stakeholders, and implementing thoughtfully constructed, yet ambitious strategic plans.

Their Dream Launch series is credited as its most impactful programming. Consisting of four distinct, yet integrated programs, the program equips budding entrepreneurs and established businesses with education and financial tools. Since 2018, the program’s business bootcamp series has provided

free start-up training to over 465 participants (200 of which completed all 6 Dream Launch Bootcamp classes) and has distributed $375,000 in grants.

“Danville’s transformation is proof of the power of the Main Street Approach,” said Courtney Mailey, Virginia Main Street State Coordinator at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. “Leaders in every facet of the community are united in a common vision and plan for the future. And they stick to it. They understand the importance of downtown revitalization and entrepreneur support in creating a positive quality of life for the entire region.”

The organization’s Vote Your Main Street campaign resulted in securing a $150,000 preservation award that provided funds for the renovation of a historic property, an increase sense of community pride, and organizational sustainability for RDA as a part owner in the building. Their façade improvement program has provided nearly 40 property owners and tenants with grants, in-kind professional services, and technical assistance. From fresh coats of paint to new signs, these improvements are inspiring a positive multiplying effect on the community’s sense of pride and physical appearance.

“We are immensely proud of the city of Danville, the Danville River Association, and the residents for earning this coveted national award for their Main Street efforts,” said Bryan Horn, Director of DHCD. “Danville continues to exemplify the profound impacts that downtown revitalization can have on communities and regional economies, and we applaud them for their efforts to create a vibrant community to live, work and visit.”

Schwartz said Danville’s efforts has resulted in dozens and dozens of tours given to other communities and economic development groups as well as the federal government about what the city has accomplished since the loss of the textile and tobacco industries.

Larking believes awards such as will spark more interest in the city.

“People enjoy being part of a success story,” he said.

Schwartz said a reception in the plans after the team returns from Boston. |

MICHAEL

Tattoo artist Harry Aron puts a stencil on his customer, Blake Jones, and the ink is copied on his skin to be traced as the tattoo is filled in with color.

TATTOOS

Telling a story begins with an idea & some ink STORY & PHOTOS BY DREW MUMICH

The first thing customers notice is a black wall with large letters stating HARRY’S TATTOO as they walk into the small shop on Westover Drive in Danville. There are pictures and relics of the last 50 years; and if they look more closely, they can see through a small window that opens to a room with a dentist’s chair at the bottom.

Harry Aron, Danville’s leading tattoo artist, works his magic there. He sat with Blake Jones one morning, a South Boston resident who came up to finish his tattoo “sleeve” with memories of his grandmother and grandfather.

“It feels like getting a constant sunburn on your skin when he is working,” said Jones.

The Danville native has been tattooing for more than three decades, doing custom jobs for customers age 18 up to their 80s. He didn’t start his career wanting to do tattoos after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University School in Richmond.

“I didn’t want to become a tattoo artist ... After graduating college, I did commercial artwork and stuff on the side,” said Aron.

He left college and started doing

T-shirt designs down at a drag strip near Durham, N.C., where he would meet his first tattoo employer, who asked him to start doing custom tattoos. Aron kept refusing until this tattoo artist offered a deal he couldn’t resist.

“He wanted me to come work for him. Again, I told him I wasn’t interested. He said, well, I want you to draw custom tattoos because back then, artists weren’t doing custom stuff; it was all flash on walls.”

Flash is pre-drawn tattoos that artists can make quickly for walkin customers. This is different from custom tattoos that are Aron’s bread and butter.

Aron explained that he doesn’t have a style per se; he is adaptable to different tattoo styles, from portraits to neotraditional American styles. Customers like Roy Craft Jr., a Danville resident, have been going to Aron since 2002.

“I would describe Harry’s style as old school. He has a set way of doing things. He can take something on a piece of paper, and when he applies it to your body in a tattoo, to this day, it still is like, wow, that looks ten times better than I was even expecting it to

look,” said Craft.

However, Aron said his favorite style comes from murals he painted in Danville in the 80s, 90s and present day.

“I think that is morphed into how I draw, like all the custom stuff I do. My big pieces are more of a collage type, like several different ideas, and they all come together as one piece,” Aron.

He prefers to make all his tattoos original and have it tell a personal story.

“That’s what tattoos do. They start a conversation. Tattoos should have meanings,” said Aron. “I have this God-given talent as an artist. I’ve been an artist since I started drawing when I was five years old, so I take pride in the artwork that I put out there that’s my artwork. That’s my name.”

Aron’s first gig as a custom tattoo artist caused some friction. When he arrived, three of the six artists on staff walked out to start their own business. They

did not want to have reproduce his designs.

“They said they were gonna open their shop because they didn’t want a custom tattoo artist,” Aron said.

Aron learned how to do sterilization and other facets of the tattooing industry while on the job.

His first attempt at creating an actual tattoo on skin happened to be his boss’s leg.

“He brought me in this room one day, took his 45mm off, and laid it on the counter.

He said, ‘I want you to put ink in my leg,’ I was like, I’ve never touched that machine before. So I’m either going to do a good job, or I’m going to die today,” Aron said.

He didn’t die.

Thirty-one years later, Aron has opened different shops across the Danville area and has become a local legend.

The journey was challenging.

“Everybody said you’re going to be a piece of crap, said Aron about the comments he heard about his business venture.

Aron added small details to the stencil and checked to ensure everything was okay before beginning the procedure.

They told him he would lose everything and piss away his art education.

“I got it in my head — the more you tell me this, the more I will do it,” he said.

He started tattooing in Danville in 1994 and opened a place called Harry’s Tattoo Shop in 1995. He moved around and opened a tattoo shop on Riverside Drive for two years.

“So I went to Riverside Drive. I rented this huge freakin’ building down there. We did it all. We had the battle of the bands’ shows. Once a Friday, every Friday night, once a month; we were having tattoo competitions, all kinds of stuff,” Aron said.

After a few years, Aron decided to downsize, and about 20 years ago, he bought a small piece of property on the outskirts of Danville and named it Harry’s Tattoo Shop. His career has taken him on tour with Def Leppard, as he would tattoo fans and stagehands. He traveled across the county with the band.

Rick Savage, bass guitarist with Def Leppard paid $65 for his first tattoo with Aron.

“These are just regular people that got dealt a good hand. They live a good life. And they have a hell of a talent, but at the end of the day, they’re just regular people,” said Aron.

He has been booked up ever since.

“Def Leppard put that interview on their website,” said Aron. “It stayed on their website for three years, and that business exploded.”

Aron says two months are booked out right now, and he prefers it that way. In all his time working in the tattoo industry, he has only raised his rates once. He has a house rate of $50 to pay for the time to create the tattoo and an hourly rate of $100 when putting the tattoo on.

Overall, Aron continues to do what he does because, as he says, he is an artist with a God given gift. You can contact Harry at harrystat2shop1@gmail.com or 434-791-1073. |

Carefully, Jones traces the stencil and applies color to the tattoo with a needle. While there is some discomfort, Jones said it is not too bad.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Danville Art Trail

111 Main Street, Danville

Danville Concert Association

P.O. Box 11284, Danville 434-770-8400

danvilleconcert.org

danvilleconcert@gmail.com

Danville Little Theatre

P.O. Box 3523, Danville stagemanager@danvillelittletheatre.org

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

975 Main St., Danville 434-793-5644

www.danvillemuseum.org

Danville Symphony Orchestra

P.O. Box 11491, Danville 434-797-2666 macnet@wildblue.net

Downtown Danville Murals 434-791-0210

riverdistrictassociation@gmail.com

Gretna Little Theatre

101 Main St., Gretna gretnalittletheatre101@gmail.com

Main Street Art Collective

326 Main St., Unit 100, Danville 434-602-2017

www.mainstreetartcollective.com

The North Theatre 629 North Main St., Danville 434-793-SHOW (7469) wayne@waynealanmagic.com

River District Artisans

411 Main St., Danville 434-228-4125

sgusler@thearcofsouthside.org

River District Golf & Social 680 Lynn Street Suite C, Danville 434-228-4155

www.riverdistrictgolf.com

HISTORY

18th century Callands Clerk’s Office Sago Rd., Callands

American Armored Foundation Tank Museum  3401 U.S. Highway 29, Danville 434-836-5323

tankmuseum@gamewood.net aaftankmuseum.com

Birthplace of Lady Astor

117 Broad St., Danville 434-793-6472

langhornehouse.org

Cedar Forest Grist Mill

7929 Straightstone Rd., Long Island 434-432-2172

pco1767@gmail.com

Chatham Hall

800 Chatham Hall Cir., Chatham 434-432-2941

admission@chathamhall.org

Danville Welcome Center 434-793-4636

Crossing at the Dan 434-793-4636

Danville Historical Society P.O. Box 6, Danville danvillehistorical@gmail.com www.danvillehistory.org

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

975 Main St., Danville 434-793-5644

info@danvillemuseum.org

Danville Science Center

677 Craghead St., Danville 434-791-5160

dscgs@smv.org

Downtown Danville Murals 434-791-0210

riverdistrictassociation@gmail.com

Green Hill Cemetery 434-793-5644

info@danvillemuseum.org

Grove Street Cemetery 940 Grove St., Danville 434-793-5644

info@danvillemuseum.org

Hargrave Military Academy Historic Marker 200 Military Dr., Chatham 434-432-2481

admissions@hargrave.edu

Langhorne House 117 Broad St., Danville 434-793-6472

langhornehouse.org

Chair of the Board Wyona Witcher mountcrosslodge@gmail.com

Millionaires Row

434-770-1974

joycewilburn@gmail.com

Mount Airy Roller Mill

4425 Johnson Mill Rd., Gretna 434-432-2172

pco1767@gmail.com

The National Cemetery

721 Lee St., Danville 704-636-2661

info@danvillemuseum.org

The National Tobacco-Textile Museum

19783 U.S. Hwy. 29 S, Chatham 434-432-8026

Pittsylvania Court House Historic Marker

11 Bank St., Chatham 434-432-2041

pco1767@gmail.com

Pittsylvania County Historical Society 434-770-3258

pco1767@gmail.com

Pittsylvania County History Research Center & Library

340 Whitehead St., Chatham 434-432-8931

info@pcplib.org

The Secrets Inside - Guided Walking Tour 434-770-1974

joycewilburn@gmail.com

Simpson Funeral Museum

16 South Main St., Danville

Tales of Tobacco, Textiles & TrainsGuided Walking Tour 434-770-1974

joycewilburn@gmail.com

There’s A Story Here - Guided Walking Tour 434-770-1974

joycewilburn@gmail.com

Town of Chatham Walking Tour

16A Court Pl., Chatham

Veterans Memorial - Danville

302 River Park Dr., Danville

Yates Tavern US-29 BUS, Gretna

INDOOR RECREATION

Ballou Park Senior Center

760 West Main St., Danville 434-799-5216

bynumem@danvilleva.gov

Danville Stadium Cinemas 12

3601 Riverside Dr., Danville 434-792-9885

Danville Science Center & Virtual Dome

677 Craghead St., Danville 434-791-5160

dscgs@smv.org

Main Street Art Collective

326 Main St., Unit 100, Danville 434-602-2017

mainstreetartcollective.com

The North Theatre

629 North Main St., Danville 434-793-SHOW (7469) wayne@waynealanmagic.com

Skatetown of Danville

1049 Piney Forest Rd., Danville 434-835-0011

skatetown@verizon.net

Danville Family YMCA

215 Riverside Dr., Danville 434-792-0621

Impotters

406 Lynn St., Danville 434-448-4677

impottersclayworx@gmail.com

Grizzly’s Hatchet House

680 Lynn St., Suite J, Danville 434-425-1470

hello@grizzlyshatchet.com

River City Escapes

680 Lynn St., Suite I, Danville 434-425-1467

hello@rivercityescapes.com

Funky’s Arcade Bar

315 Lynn St., Suite B, Danville 434-483-2511

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Abreu-Grogan Park

2020 Memorial Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Anglers Park

350 Northside Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Anglers Ridge and Dan Daniel

Mountain Bike System

350 Northside Dr., Danville 302 River Park Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Ballou Park

760 West Main St., Danville 434-799-5215

OUTDOOR RECREATION (CONTINUED)

Birch Creek Motor Sports

12725 Kentuck Rd., Sutherlin

434-836-7629

carlsmail1@comcast.net

Brosville Walking Track

195 Bulldog Ln., Danville 434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

Cedar’s Country Club

1029 Anderson Mill Rd., Chatham 434-656-8036

Coates Bark Park

1727 Westover Dr., Danville 434-799-5150

Camilla Williams Park

700 Memorial Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Cavalier Park

11650 US Hwy 29 North, Chatham 434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

Dan Daniel Park

302 River Park Dr., Danville

434-799-5215

Danville Boat Rental

2020 Memorial Dr., Danville

434-799-5150

Danville Parks & Recreation

125 N Floyd St., Danville

434-799-5200

sgrinwo@danvilleva.gov

Danville Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds

2400 Cavalier Rd., Ringgold

434-822-6850

info@dpcfairgrounds.com

Doyle Thomas Park

827 Green St., Danville 434-799-5215

Elba Park

434-656-6572

townhall@townofgretna.org

Elkhorn Lake & Camp Grounds

2500 Elkhorn Rd., Java

434-432-9203

kennytinaelkhorn@yahoo.com

Franklin Junction Historic Railroad Park

Across from 105 Main St., Gretna 434-656-6572

townhall@townofgretna.org

Gretna Town Trail

Whitehorn Trail

Trailhead at the Centra Medical Building in Gretna Grove Park

100 Southland Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

H.B. Moorefield Park

Riverside Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Hawk Park

201 Coffey St., Gretna 434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

JTI Fountain

215 Main St., Danville

M.C. Martin Park

Memorial Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Martinsville Speedway 340 Speedway Rd., Ridgeway 276-956-7225

Paradise Lake & Campground 434-836-2620

1-866-836-2126

vaisforcampers@gmail.com

Phillip Wyatt Skate Park

302 River Park Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Pittsylvania County Parks & Recreation

18 Depot St., St. 508, Chatham 434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

Pumpkin Creek Park 315 Taylor Dr., Danville 434-799-5215

Richmond and Danville Rail Trail/ Ringgold Rail Trail

155 Ringgold Depot Rd., Ringgold 434-432-7736

Riverwalk Trail

111 Main St., Danville 434-799-5215

Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge 188 Locust Ln., Penhook 540-565-0222

Smith Mountain Farm & Stables

7661 Grassland Dr., Sandy Level 434-927-5199

steve@smithmountainstables.com

Smith Mountain Lake & Dam Visitor’s Center

2072 Ford Rd., Sandy Level

540-985-2587

South Boston Speedway

1188 James D. Hagood Hwy, South Boston 434-572-4947

info@southbostonspeedway.com

Southern Hills Golf Course

188 Stokesland Ave., Danville 434-793-2582

golfsouthernhills@gmail.com

Tiny Town Golf

643 Arnett Blvd., Danville 434-799-0142

Titan Park

1160 Tunstall High Rd., Dry Fork 434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

Virginia International Raceway

1245 Pine Tree Rd., Alton 434-822-7700

info@VIRnow.com

White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area

Chatham, VA 24531

804-367-1000

Wildcat Park

5875 Kentuck Rd., Ringgold

434-432-7736

recreation@pittgov.org

Zipline

302 River Park Dr., Danville

PITTSYLVANIA

WWW.PCS.K12.VA.US

Alternative School

434-432-8185

Brosville Elementary School

434-685-7787

Chatham Elementary School

434-432-5441

Chatham Middle School

434-432-2169

Chatham High School

434-432-8305

Dan River Middle School

434-822-6027

Dan River High School

434-822-7081

Gretna Elementary School

434-630-1808

Gretna Middle School

434-656-2217

Gretna High School

434-656-2246

John L. Hurt Elementary School

434-324-7231

Kentuck Elementary School

434-822-5944

Mt. Airy Elementary School

434-630-1816

Pittsylvania Career & Technical Cntr

434-432-9416

Southside Elementary School

434-836-0006

Stony Mill Elementary School

434-685-7545

Tunstall Middle School

434-724-7086

Tunstall High School

434-724-7111

Twin Springs Elementary School

434-724-2666

Union Hall Elementary School

434-724-7010

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Pittsylvania County Schools

P.O. Box 232, Chatham

*School Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the School Board office.

434-432-2761

888-440-6520

pcs.k12.va.us

Superintendent: Dr. Mark R. Jones

P.O. Box 232, Chatham

434-432-2761

Banister District: Willie Fitzgerald, Interim

473 Mill Creek Rd., Chatham

434-432-9418

Callands-Gretna District: Calvin D. Doss

P.O. Box 100, Gretna 434-656-3206

cdoss@pcs.k12.va.us

Chatham-Blairs District: Sam Burton

492 Tobacco Road, Dry Fork

434-724-4245

sburton@pcs.k12.va.us

COUNTY

Dan River District: Kelly H. Merricks

2795 Loop Rd., Keeling

434-793-0072

Staunton River District: Don C. Moon

3605 Level Run Rd., Hurt

434-324-4115

dmoon@pcs.k12.va.us

Tunstall District: George Henderson

568 F. C. Beverly Rd., Dry Fork

434-770-8933

ghenderson@pcs.k12.va.us

Westover District: Kevin Mills

2514 Franklin trnpk, Danville

434-836-6742

kmills@pcs.k12.va.us

DANVILLE WWW.DANVILLEPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG

Northside Preschool

434-773-8301

Forest Hills Elementary School

434-799-6430

G.L.H. Johnson Elementary School

434-799-6433

Park Avenue Elementary School

434-799-6452

Schoolfield Elementary School

434-799-6455

Woodberry Hills Elementary School

434-799-6466

Woodrow Wilson Intermediate School

434-773-8204

E.A. Gibson Elementary School

434-799-6426

O.T. Bonner Middle School

434-799-6446

Westwood Middle School

434-797-8860

Galileo High School

434-773-8186

George Washington High School

434-799-6410

Danville Alternative Program at J.M. Langston Campus

434-799-5249

Adult & Continuing Education Center

434-799-6471

W.W. Moore Jr. Education Program

434-773-8170

DANVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

*School Board meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Danville Room of the School Board Office, 341 Main Street, Danville, VA

Superintendent: Dr. Angela Hairston ahairston@mail.dps.k12.va.us

School Board: Keisha Averett kaverett@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Dr. Philip Campbell pcampbell@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Tyrell Payne tpayne1@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Charles McWilliams cmcwilliams@mail.dps.k12.va.us

TaKessa (Keisha) Walker twalker@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Ty’Quan Graves tgraves@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Dr. Keith Silverman ksilverman@mail.dps.k12.va.us

Crystal Cobbs ccobbs@@mail.dps.k12.va.us

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

BOARD OF SUPERVISERS

*Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Chatham Community Center art room (may change soon).

Banister District: Robert M. Tucker Jr. 434-306-2099

robert.tucker@pittgov.org

Chatham-Blairs District: Robert “Bob” Warren 434-770-7607

robert.warren@pittgov.org

Callands-Gretna District: Darrell Dalton 921 Terry Rd., Gretna 434-334-6377

darrell.dalton@pittgov.org

Dan River District: Tim Chesher 3101 Rocksprings Rd., Ringgold 434-334-6376

tim.chesher@pittgov.org

Staunton River District: Tim W. Dudley 434-770-3692

Tim.Dudley@pittgov.org

Tunstall District: William “Vic” Ingram

1301 Deercrest Ln., Danville 434-770-3921

Vic.Ingram@pittgov.org

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD (CONTINUED)

Westover District: Ronald Scearce 434-685-1843

ronald.scearce@pittgov.org

County Administrator: Stuart Turille

County Attorney: J. Vaden Hunt, Esq. 434-432-7720

vaden.hunt@pittgov.org

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

Circuit Court Clerk: Hon. Mark W. Scarce

P.O. Drawer 31, Chatham 434-432-7887

Commissioner of Revenue: Robin Coles-Gourd

P.O. Box 272, Chatham 434-432-7940

Sheriff: Michael W. Taylor

P.O. Box 407, Chatham 434-432-7800

Treasurer: Vincent Shorter

P.O. Box 230, Chatham 434-432-7960

Commonwealth’s Attorney: Robert “Bryan” Haskins

P.O. Box 1068, Chatham 434-432-7900

CHATHAM TOWN COUNCIL

Mayor: Alisa Davis

P.O. Box 432, Chatham 434-203-8062

alisabdavis@gmail.com

Town Council Members:

Janet B. Bishop

610 South Main St., Chatham 434-432-2714

jbishop@chatham-va.gov

William B. Black

338 North Main St., Chatham 434-432-7721

wblack@chatham-va.gov

Robert B. Thompson

P.O. Box 231, Chatham, VA 434-432-8763 - Home 434-432-6211 – Work

rthompson@chatham-va.gov

Town Council Members (continued):

Andrew D. Wall

P.O. Box 1127, Chatham 434-432-6122

awall@chatham-va.gov

Matt Bell mbell@chatham-va.gov

Irvin W. Perry

348 S. Main St., Chatham 941-740-0268

Interim Treasurer/Clerk: Kelly Hawker

Town Attorney: Adams & Fisk PLC 434-432-2531

Assistant Town Manager: Nick Morris

CITY OF DANVILLE

Circuit Court Clerk: Gerald A. Gibson

401 Patton St., Danville 434-799-5168

Commissioner of Revenue: James M. Gillie

311 Memorial Dr., Danville 434-799-5145

Sheriff: Michael Mondul

401 Patton St., Danville 434-799-5135

Treasurer: Sheila Williamson-Branch

311 Memorial Dr., Danville 434-799-5140

Commonwealth’s Attorney: Michael Newman 341 Main St., St. 200, Danville 434-797-1635

City Manager: Ken Larking

427 Patton St. 4th flr, Danville 434-799-5100

klarking@danvilleva.org

DANVILLE CITY COUNCIL

*Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall located at 427 Patton Street.

Mayor: Alonzo Jones

218 Rockford Plc., Danville 434-250-3231

alonzo.jones@danvilleva.gov

Danville City Council Members:

James Buckner

125 Eden Plc., Danville 434-688-1589

james.buckner@danvilleva.gov

Danville City Council Members (continued):

L.G. Campbell, Jr.

368 Mowbray Arch, Danville 434-793-9493

larry.campbell@danvilleva.gov

Gary P. Miller, MD

209 Updike Plc., Danville 434-799-0908

gary.miller@danvilleva.gov

Sherman Saunders

115 Druid Ln., Danville 434-799-8737

sherman.saunders@danvilleva.gov

Barry Mayo

1100 N. Main St., Apt. B, Danville 434-792-1041

barry.mayo@danvilleva.gov

J. Lee Vogler

118 Grove Park Cir., Danville 434-792-0937

lee.vogler@danvilleva.gov

Madison Whittle

143 Marshall Terr., Apt 6, Danville 434-251-0926

madison.whittle@danvilleva.gov

Bryant Hood

876 Stokes St., Danville (336) 933-1480

byrant.hood@danvilleva.gov

GRETNA TOWN COUNCIL

P.O. BOX 602, GRETNA • (434) 656-6572

Mayor: R. Keith Motley

P.O. Box 472, Gretna 434-656-6406

keith.motley@townofgretna.org

Vice Mayor: Dianne Jennings

P.O. Box 762, Gretna 434-656-6582

dianne.jennings@townofgretna.org

Town Council Members:

Michael L. Bond

P.O. Box 558, Gretna 434-656-3573

michael.bond@townofgretna.org

Mike Burnette

P.O. Box 1227, Gretna 434-656-8061

mike.burnette@townofgretna.org

Deborah Moran

P.O. Box 630, Gretna 434-656-6079

deborah.moran@townofgretna.org

|

Town Council Members:

James Gilbert P.O. Box 781, Gretna james.gilbert@townofgretna.org

Barbara Hubbard

212 Huffmond St., Gretna 434-238-1096

Interim Town Manager: Bill Gillespie

434-656-3989

Town Clerk/Treasurer: Crystal Grubbs

Crystal.Grubbs@townofgretna.org

Town Attorney: Michael Turner

434-656-3989

HURT TOWN COUNCIL

P.O. BOX 760, HURT •(434) 608-0554

*Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Hurt Town Hall.

Mayor: Gary K. Hodnett gary.hodnett@townofhurtva.gov

Vice Mayor: Bob Majure bob.majure@townofhurtva.gov

Town Council Members:

Jeremiah Knowles jeremiah.knowles@townofhurtva.gov

Kathy Haymore-Keesee kathy.keesee@townofhurtva.gov

Gary Poindexter gary.poindexter@townofhurtva.gov

Glen Mitchell glen.mitchell@townofhurt.gov

Clerk: Kelsie Sligh

Treasurer: Ellen Brumfield

Public Works Coordinator: Joseph Smith

UNITED STATES CONGRESS

Senators: The Honorable Mark R. Warner

459-A Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 202-224-2023

The Honorable Tim Kaine

388 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 202-224-4024

308 Craghead St., Ste. 102A, Danville 434-792-0976

House of Representatives: The Honorable Bob Good 1213 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 202-225-4711

20436 Lynchburg Hwy, Suite F, Lynchburg, VA 434-791-2596

STATE SENATE

Frank M. Ruff

Pocahontas Bldg., Room #E505, Senate of Virginia, P.O. Box 396, Richmond 804-698-7515

P.O. Box 332, Clarksville 434-374-5129

William M. Stanley district20@senate.virginia.gov

Pocahontas Bldg., Room #E504, Senate of Virginia, P.O. Box 396, Richmond 804-698-7520

P.O. Box 96, Glade Hill 540-721-6028

VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Les Adams

Member Since: 2014

R - Counties of Henry (part) and Pittsylvania (part), City of Martinsville

16th District

Capital Office - General Assembly Bldg

P.O. Box 406, Richmond

804-698-1016

delladams@house.virginia.gov

Room Number: 719

Legislative Assistant: Shani Shorter

Secretary During Session: Julia Bouck

District Office

P.O. Box K, Chatham 434-432-1600

Preferred Name: Danny

Member Since: 2002

R - Counties of Henry (part) and Pittsylvania (part); City of Danville

14th District

Capitol Office - General Assembly Bldg

P.O. Box 406, Richmond 804-698-1014

deldmarshall@house.virginia.gov

Room Number: 702

Legislative Assistant: Mary K. Franklin

Secretary During Session: Jackie Price

District Office

P.O. Box 439, Danville

434-797-5861

434-797-2642 (Fax)

CITY/COUNTY INFORMATION

Budget Department

434-733-8105

City Attorney

434-799-5122

City Manager

434-799-5100

Clerk of Circuit Court

434-799-5168

Commissioner of Revenue

434-799-5145

Community Development

434-799-5260

Danville Regional Airport

434-799-5110

Danville Public Schools

434-799-6400

Danville Utilities

434-799-5155

Economic Development

434-793-1753

Emergency Preparedness

434-799-6535

Finance Department

434-799-5185

Fire Department

434-799-5226

Health Department

434-766-9828

Human Resources

434-799-5241

Jail

434-799-5130

Parks and Recreation

434-799-5200

Public Works

434-799-5245

Registrar

434-799-6560

Social Services

434-799-6537

Transit System

434-799-5144

Treasurer’s Office

434-799-5140

W. Daniel Marshall III

POLICE

NON-EMEGENCY NUMBERS

Danville Police Department

434-799-5111

Danville Sheriff’s Office

434-799-5135

Pittsylvania County Sheriff

434-432-7800

Chatham Police Department

Mon-Fri 9a-5p

434-432-9515

24 Hours

434-432-2222

Gretna Police Department

434-656-6123

Hurt Police Department

434-608-0554

Virginia State Police

800-553-3144

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Community Center at Chatham

434-432-3115

Community Foundation of the Dan River Region

434-793-0884

Dan River Business Development Center

434-793-9100

Danville Community Market

434-797-8961

Danville Economic Development Office

434-793-1753

Danville Museum Fine Arts & History

434-793-5644

Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism

434-799-5200

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

434-836-6990

Danville Science Center

434-799-5160

Danville Welcome Center

434-793-4636

Downtown Danville Association

434-791-4470

Olde Dominion Agricultural Center

434-432-8026

Pittsylvania County Recreation Dept.

434-432-7736

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

Veterans Affairs

800-827-1000

Voter Registration Danville

434-799-6560

Voter Registration Pittsylvania County

434-432-7971

Libraries

Pittsylvania County Library

434-432-3271

Pittsylvania Library - Gretna

434-656-2579

Pittsylvania Library - Brosville-Cascade

434-685-1285

Pittsylvania Library – Mount Hermon

434-835-0326

Pittsylvania History Center & Library

434-432-8931

Danville Public Library

434-799-5195

Danville Library - Westover

434-799-5152

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY

GOVERNMENT TELEPHONE LISTINGS

Pittsylvania County All Departments

434-432-7700

Agricultural Development

434-432-7993

Animal Control

434-432-7937

Assistant County Administrator

434-432-7720

Building Inspections

434-432-7755

Central Accounting

434-432-7743

Commissioner of Revenue

434-432-7940

Community Policy/Management

434-432-8371

County Administrator

434-432-7710

Courts:

Adult Probation

434-432-7853

Circuit Court Clerk

434-432-7887

Commonwealth Attorney

434-432-7900

General District Court Clerk

434-432-7879

J & D Court Clerk

434-432-7861

J & D Court Services Unit

434-432-7864

Magistrate’s Office

434-432-7910

Crime Stoppers

800-791-0044

Dispatch

434-432-7931

Electoral Board

434-432-7798

Emergency Management & Communications:

Communications/Dispatchers

434-432-7931

Director

434-432-7920

Fire Marshall

434-432-7936

Farm Services Agency

434-432-7765

Health Department

Pitt./Danville Health District

434-799-5190

Child Development Clinic

434-797-1040

Environmental Health

434-432-7758

Water Programs

434-836-8416

Clinic-Chatham

434-432-7232

Clinic-Danville

434-799-5190

Health Department

Clinic-Gretna

434-656-1266

Jail

434-432-7831

Landfill

434-432-7980

Purchasing

434-432-7744

Recreation Dept

434-432-7736

Registrar

434-432-7971

School Board

434-432-2761

Sheriff’s Office

From Chatham/Danville

434-432-7800

From Gretna/Hurt

434-656-6211

From Whitmell

434-797-9550

Dispatch

434-432-7931

Social Services

Chatham

434-432-7281

Danville

434-799-6543

Gretna

434-656-8407

Soil Conservation

434-432-7768

Treasurer’s Office

434-432-7960

Victim/Witness Program

434-432-7854

Virginia Cooperative Extension

434-432-7770

Zoning Code Compliance

434-432-7750