Showcase Magazine June 2019 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

Wish You Were Here The Day Tripping Issue

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

June 2019

The Day Tri pping Issu e Showcase Magazine

@showcaseDVA

showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com

Features Trolling Pirates that Plunder

What Will You Discover?

What Not to Post on Facebook While on Vacation

PG.

Halifax County and South Boston

What Will You Discover? Halifax County and South Boston Also Inside Editor’s Letter Find Your Adventure 6

From the Kitchen of

Facts on the Sly By Sly Strader Milam

Big Bear’s Wife

Paws for a Cause

By Angie Barrett

By Paulette Dean

No Churn S’more Ice Cream

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We Need More True Daddies

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PG.

Confessions of a 30 Something Day Trip Adventures 18

50 Years of Love

in Martinsville— Henry County, VA 20

Nine Grams Instagrams From Our Area 26

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PG.

FIND YOUR

LUCK

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showcase

Editor’s Letter

Find Your Adventure Yowie wowie, how did I end up on the editor’s page? Much like the stories described in the subsequent pages of this issue, this edition of Showcase was an adventure. It’s a relatively small crew that pulls the levers and makes Showcase happen each month, and from time to time, each of us has to devote extra time to one of our other projects. Our Town is a yearly publication we produce that highlights all the positives of our region. The latest edition has just hit the streets. (I know I’m biased but I think it’s pretty awesome and you should definitely pick it up). And with this year’s edition comes a long list of cool things we’ll be unveiling in the weeks, and months ahead. That’s keeping Paul, our real editor, very busy. So this month, instead of Paul’s well-crafted recap of what’s inside of Showcase, you get the confessions of a 30 something... oh wait a minute, I already have a column for that. All joking aside, this issue dives deep into the notion that you don’t have to go far to have a lot of fun. Sometimes it’s just right outside your door. So get out there and find your own adventure. Life’s waiting to begin… Enjoy the issue.

C O - Ed i to r s Lee Vogler | Ashley Schultz Graphic Designer Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net Finance Manager Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com Adv e r t i s i n g Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Ashley Schultz | Marketing Consultant ashley@showcasemagazine.com C u stom 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 co n t r i B u t i n G W r i t e r s Angie Barrett | Paulette Dean | Sly Strader Milam LaTonya Sadler | Ashley Schultz Beth Stinnett | Lee Vogler

Lee Vogler

It was just about a year ago, 30-something city girl me was following her heart and packing her bags to move to Danville from the DC Metro area. Jobless, scared, and unsure of what exactly what the future held, I kept my head held high and saw it as a new adventure, conquering every obstacle in my way. When I first got here, it was a culture shock, going from being able to walk from my apartment to historical sites, museums, and restaurants in five minutes, to having to travel 20 minutes by car to get to the grocery store. I was wondering what kind of exciting things I could do in the area and now, after this issue, I have learned of many of the great experiences the Southern VA area has to offer. As Lee states in his article this month, I had to become an explorer, get out and find those secret charms of my new home. Although, I do miss the accessibility of all the sites and excursions in the DC area; the charm, the quaintness, and the unspoiled nature of much of the Southern VA area has truly captured my awe. As Amos Alcott said, “There is virtue in country houses, in gardens and orchards, in fields, streams, and groves, in rustic recreations and plain manners that neither cities nor universities enjoy.” Do not worry DC you are still my home; but Southern VA has taken my heart for now.

Ashley Schultz

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CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com

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co n t r i B u t i n G P h oto G r a P h e r S Angie Barrett | Halifax County Tourism Brooke Klauss | Martinsville Tourism | Lee Vogler C ov e r Brielle O’Donnell photographed by Brooke Klauss Masthead Images: Union Street Dam, Danville, VA Historic Alexander Dickson House, Hillsborough, NC Lake Lanier, Martinsville, VA War Memorial Park, Halifax, VA

Scan with your smart phone for

E x cl u s i v e online Content at showcasemagazine.com

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Feature Trolling Pirates that Plunder

Trolling Pirates that Plunder What Not to Post on Facebook While on Vacation By Ashley Schultz

e all love sharing those photos of us enjoying our vacations, making all those still sitting at their desk jealous of our current adventures. Yet, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it, and if you are not careful, you could come back from vacation to find your home emptied of all your valuables. Here are some tips to help you share your vacation experiences on Facebook without adding undue risk to you and your family’s personal safety. Don’t post pictures while on vacation: Want to share that breathtaking view of the sunset from the balcony of your hotel? Doing so may have just given away your present location in the GPS geotag information that is often embedded in the metadata of the picture when you took it. The geotag reveals where the picture was taken and could provide both friends and strangers with your current location, of course this all depends on your privacy settings. Don’t post upcoming travel plans: One of the worst things you can do is to post details of your upcoming travel plans and itineraries on social media. You will be giving potential thieves a big “OPEN” sign of when you will be gone and when you will be back. You are also revealing where you will be and even when- and criminals could be there waiting for you. Your family and employer should be the only people who need to know specifics about your travel plans. Don’t tag other vacationers while they’re still on vacation: Vacationing with friends or family? You should probably not tag them in pictures or status updates while you are still on vacation, because doing

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so will reveal their current location as well as your own. They might not want this information about themselves broadcast for the same reason mentioned here. Wait until everyone is safely at home and then tag them later if they want to be tagged. You can help keep your own details from being broadcast by others, by enabling Facebook’s tag review. Which I suggest having on, even when not on vacation. If you haven’t seen the trend yet, let me yell it out for you…… DON’T POST STATUS UPDATES WHILE STILL ON VACATION! A thief trolling social media, or perhaps a friend of a friend with a not so honest brother who happens to see your vacation post, might decide that while you are away on your expensive vacation, your home will be his personal playground to outplay his fantasy of being a plundering pirate! Putting current updates out there, that place you far away, gives the thief or thieves ample time to plan and then execute robbery of your house. After all, you won’t be back anytime soon. Never assume that your status post is going out to only your friends, even if your Facebook privacy settings only allow friends to view your posts. Your friend may be reading your post at a coffee shop unaware as a stranger gawks at the same thing over his shoulder. Or your friend may have left a Facebook account logged in on a computer at the local library (yes they still exist), allowing the next guy to sit down at it to view your status posts and more. In conclusion, oversharing on Facebook can be risky. If you wouldn’t give out your vacation plans to a room full of strangers, don’t share them on Facebook until you have safely returned home.

The Berry Hill Resort & Conference Center, Virginia’s premier wedding venue, resort and conference center, is nestled amongst a treelined forest covering 650 acres in the heart of historic South Boston, Virginia.

So much to do! • • • •

Hiking Trails Indoor Pool Biking Lawn Games

• Old Boxwood Maze • Historic Tours and Ruins

Casual dining with a Southern influence. Please visit our website for menu and hours of operation.

European quality spa offering massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and packages for a fully relaxing experience. Please visit our website for menu and hours of operation.

An intimate dining experience in the historic mansion. Please visit our website for menu and hours of operation. 3105 River Road South Boston, Virginia 24592 www.berryhillresort.com

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What will you DISCOVER? gohalifaxva.com 10 Showcase Magazine |

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Feature Halifax County and South Boston

What Will You Discover? Halifax County and South Boston By Ashley Schultz & Latonya Sadler Photos provided by Halifax County Tourism

alifax County and South Boston, Virginia lie just north of the Carolina border where stunning scenic byways and classic country roads will lead you through beautiful countryside and into quaint downtowns and various attractions, including vineyards, historical landmarks, two state parks, a world-class equestrian ranch, and a craft distillery. Come, venture our way for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay, you will not be disappointed. Outdoor enthusiasts will love that we are part of Southern Virginia’s Wild Blueway and Virginia’s largest lake, Buggs Island. Grab your canoe, kayak, or SUP board and head to the rivers and lakes of the Southern Virginia. Imagine

a paddling experience unlike any other. Experience over 100 miles of navigable river, leading to 1,200 miles of a beautiful lake shoreline. Explore unspoiled wilderness and abundant fish and wildlife, all just a short drive from major cities. Set up a waterfront camp with no crowds; just minutes from great restaurants, hotels, and outfitters. This is the promise of the Southern Virginia Wild Blueway. Amazing scenery and miles of pure paddling adventure await you. After your day full of hiking, canoeing, and enjoying the beautiful landscape of Halifax County, feed your hunger with some of our excellent restaurants. Gourmands will relish dining at the award-winning restaurants—Bistro Continued to Page 12

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Feature Halifax County and South Boston

Continued from Page 11

1888, serving brilliant dishes with fresh, local ingredients or Molasses Grill for inspired southern cuisine. Join us in September for a week-long celebration of culinary excellence during Restaurant Week (September 8-14). From diners to down-home cooking to the latest in culinary genius, there is something for every palate on the prix-fixe tasting menus. Have a history buff in the family? You can enjoy battlefields, museums, genealogy at the Courthouse, the historic Berry Hill Plantation, the Crossing of the Dan exhibit, and more. You do not have to just look at historic sites, though. You can follow our various trails to trace history: The Tobacco Heritage Trail, Civil Right in Heritage Trail, Wilson-Kautz Civil War Trail, and Lee’s Retreat Civil War Trail. When you are ready for a little speed, discover the raceways. Halifax County is home to two racetracks. A renowned international natural terrain road-racing track can be found at Virginia International Raceway (VIR). South Boston Speedway is one of the nation’s premiere short tracks. For more than 50 years, the track has been the training ground for many famous NASCAR drivers. We are also home to Staunton River State Park, a certified Dark Sky. What does that mean? The park has little to no light pollution allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky and its celestial objects. The park features two Star Gazing parties each year that are free and open to

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the public. Stargazers view the night sky through highpowered telescopes and learn from astronomers from across the globe. Halifax County and South Boston may seem small, yet the type of offerings we have are abundant. When you arrive, make sure to stop by our Visitor Center and say hi. We are conveniently located at the intersection of Highways 58 & 360 (1180 Bill Tuck Highway); you can pick up brochures, browse our rotating exhibits, and shop for unique gifts. We look forward to seeing you. For more information, find us on facebook or visit www.gohalifaxva.com.

Venture our way for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay, you will not be disappointed. Plan your trip at

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Feature Big Bear’s Wife

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife No Churn S’more Ice Cream Written by Angie Barrett of BigBearsWife.com Photo by Angie Barrett

Prep Time: 20M; Total Time: 8H 20M; Yield: 6 Cups Ice Cream (1 Loaf Pan)

• Finish with some marshmallow fluff, chocolate chunks and graham crackers on top. • Freeze for several hours or overnight until frozen.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups heavy cream 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk 7 ounces marshmallow fluff 3 -4 graham cracker rectangles, crushed 1 cup chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)

on the Sly

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by Sly Strader Milam

Facts

INSTRUCTIONS • In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla, mix on high with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. • Add in sweetened condensed milk and whisk until combined to make ice cream base. • Spoon some of ice cream base into a loaf pan. • Spoon a few spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff over ice cream base. • Sprinkle on some chocolate chunks and sprinkle with some crushed graham crackers. • Spoon on another layer of ice cream base, continuing to layer until loaf pan is full.

• June’s birthstone is the pearl, the Moonstone and the Alexandrite. • The June birth flower is the Rose (Rosa) and the Honeysuckle (Lonicera). • The sentence, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter in the English language. • “Rhythm” is the longest English word without a vowel. • There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball.

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Paws for a Cause

Paws for a Cause Our father died in January 1996, and we still think about him all the time and miss him terribly. Father’s Day has become an especially poignant day for us. Daddy was the provider and protector of our family. He was an Army sergeant who served his country and family with honor. Human society suffers when men abdicate their responsibilities as fathers.

that is watching over the sitting mate is usually the male. Later, when eggs hatch, he is watchful, and looks for any enemy or threat to his family. It is a foolish person who would attempt to approach a gosling when a father is nearby.

Written by Paulette Dean Executive Director Danville Humane Society

Penguin fathers are the ones who incubate the eggs, losing about one-third of their body weight as they faithfully discharge their duty of keeping the eggs warm in a frigid climate.

I love seeing posts on social media about honorable fathers taking care of their children. I wish all of society still respected fatherhood, and I wish all men took their responsibilities seriously. Generally in the animal kingdom, the males of the species do not help raise the young. There are some notable exceptions; for example, penguins, lions, seahorses, ostriches, beavers, some other species of birds, and even some insects. In most of these cases, the male’s role is one of protection; even some bullfrogs protect the tadpoles. If you spend time on the Riverwalk or if you drive on some Danville streets that are near the river, you have probably noticed pairs of Canada geese. One may have been sitting down or eating, with one standing nearby, watching. Canada geese mate for life, and during spring and early summer, they join most other species of animals in the desire to breed. The one Canada goose

Lion fathers keep a watchful eye over the cubs in the pride, even if they are not the father. Beavers join Canada geese and other animals in mating for life, and in teaching their young how to survive. I was so blessed to have a father who did all these things in his family—he kept a watchful eye, kept out the evil parts of society, took care of our physical and emotional needs, and was a true Daddy.

Meet Little Piggy

We need more true daddies in human society.

This little guy is about four months old, and he hasn’t stopped growing. He is used to being an inside/outside pig, has been neutered, and is trained to use puppy pads. He also loves belly rubs and Cheerios.

Danville Humane Society

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Confessions of a 30 something

Confessions of a 30 Something

Day Trip Adventures Written by Lee Vogler Photo By Lee Vogler

Day trips. Or as we call them in the Vogler household: adventures. Whatever you choose to call them, these excursions can be a great way to get out of the house (and your normal routine) for a day without breaking your bank account. Blair and I have always enjoyed these little getaways for as long as we’ve known each other, because they’re fun, and truthfully, neither of us particularly enjoy just being at home. We like to be in motion. When Kingston was born and Blair had gone back to work, I found myself on many weekends trying to figure out how to keep this energetic young boy occupied while it was just him and me at home. And then one day it just happened. I wish I could tell you that I had some grand epiphany that led me to this moment, but that would be fiction. The truth is, one day I was sitting at home with Kingston feeling very much like Jack Nicholson in front of the

typewriter in The Shining and realizing something had to break the monotony. So Kingston and I hopped in the car and I started driving. I didn’t know where we were going. “We’re going on an adventure,” I told him. And in a way, we were. I just went where the road took us and found interesting things along the way. As the months, and years, have gone on, our adventures have taken us to Galax, Hillsborough NC, Durham, Chapel Hill, Roanoke and numerous places in between. Sometimes our adventure is going to a science museum. Sometimes it’s visiting a new walking trail, like the Occoneechee Speedway trail in Hillsborough or even the Ringgold Rail Trail here at home. No matter where we go, we find a way to make it fun. Recently, we had a day trip to Farmville with my dad, Kingston, and my daughter, Ava. We were checking out the High Bridge State Park and trail. For those who haven’t been, I highly recommend it. After we had made it across the 2,400 foot long bridge that towers 160 feet over the Appomattox River, we peeled off to trek down one of the side trails. As we made our way through a heavily wooded area before finally ending up under the bridge itself, I heard Kingston tell my dad, “we’re explorers!” In that moment I realized something profound. Our society makes it so easy to just buy our way into happiness. More toys, more games, more stuff. And yet, some of the greatest times my kids have had over the last couple years have been these littleto-no-cost adventures. Walking along a river and looking at the wildlife. Trying to figure out what types of trees and birds we see. As Kingston said, being an explorer. What began as almost an act of desperation from a young parent, turned into months of wonderful memories between that parent and his kids. So if you’re feeling stressed and stuck, get out of the house. Go somewhere. Anywhere. And make your own adventure.

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It’s Just a Stone’s Throw Away. SHOPS & GALLERIES • FINE DINING • NATURE AREAS • HISTORIC SITES

visithillsboroughnc.com www.showcasemagazine.com

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Explore Martinsville

50 Years of Love

in Martinsville—Henry County, VA Written by Beth Stinnett Photos Provided by Martinsville Tourism

“Virginia is For Lovers” was created 50 years ago, and it’s become one of the most beloved and iconic slogans in the world. While it’s meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people over the years, one thing remains the same: LOVE.

Tourism Takeover Night at Mountain Valley Brewing Friday, July 26th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The brewery will be hosting one of their popular Vinyl nights and this one will feature 60s music records. The first 50 visitors will receive a souvenir 50 Years of Love pint glass.

In 2019, VisitMartinsville will be celebrating 50 Years of Love with the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) and we invite you to join us in celebrating all there is to love in Martinsville - Henry County, VA.

Theatre Thursdays at Rives Theatre featuring classic box office hits from 1969: • June 13th- The Italian Job • July 11th- True Grit • August 8th- Sweet Charity Movies begin at 7 p.m. and admission is only $5.

Mark your calendars for these special events: 50 Years of Love Art Camp at the Spencer Penn Centre on June 13th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Spencer Penn Centre will host a day camp featuring local artist, Genie Elgin of Genie’s Art. Children will paint rocks that will be marked with the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s 50 Years of Love hashtags. These rocks will be perfect for children to exchange with their out-of-town guests that will visit this summer. Tourism Takeover Wine Tasting at Hamlet Vineyards Sunday, June 30th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The vineyard will be decorated in 60s-themed decor and the first 100 visitors will receive a souvenir 50 Years of Love wine glass.

1960s Sock Hop at Spencer Penn Centre on August 18th from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. featuring top hits from the 60s played by DJ What?, refreshments, and fun 60s décor. Piedmont Arts has showcased the love of ART in Martinsville - Henry County for over 50 years. Join them for their annual Savory September event on September 27th. Guests are invited to celebrate the foods that Virginia made famous at Savory September. The event will feature Virginia-themed dishes by local chefs, creative cocktails and an open bar. Savory September is one more thing to love about the Old Dominion. Tickets are $40 and include admission, food and bar. You can also keep the celebration going with these happenings & such: Dippers Ice Cream is offering a special Tie Dye Love ice cream whose look will take you back to the 60s. Grape, Lemon and Green Vanilla are swirled together to make this awesome ice cream flavor. LOVE Truffles are available at Cocoa Trail Chocolates— Collinsville location - featuring a yummy cheesecake filling. NASCAR fans headed to the Martinsville Speedway for the First Data 500 this October can stop by the Martinsville Henry County Visitor Center for a limited edition giveaway. Since we are celebrating the year 1969 and Richard Petty won both of the races at the Martinsville Speedway that year, we have 50 Years of Love foam cowboy hats. Continued to Page 22

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POWER BILL GOT YOU

HEATED? Put your energy use on ice with these simple tips:

DITCH YOUR OLD, ENERGY HUNGRY APPLIANCES

• Upgrade to a smart thermostat • Close blinds or curtains during the day • Use a fan instead of air conditioning • Run large appliances at night • Set water heater to 120 degrees

TOP SAVINGS OPPORTUNITIES

Water Heater

Air Conditioner

Refrigerator

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO SAVE? Visit our website for tips on saving energy and rebates on energy efficient equipment. www.danvillehomesave.com | 888.599.0450

Explore Martinsville

Jewelry lovers can register to win a one-of-a-kind Amazonite, Ruby & Diamond ring from The Jewelers Edge & VisitMartinsville. All the stones were mined in Virginia and the ring is set in yellow gold; the traditional 50-year anniversary gift. Simply stop by the Jeweler’s Edge or the Martinsville - Henry County Visitor Center to register to win between June 21st and August 9th. The winner will be randomly chosen on Monday, August 12th. Look out for awesome #TBT photos, provided by the Bassett Historical Center from Martinsville - Henry County from the year 1969. These photos will be showcased on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the year.

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VisitMartinsville has partnered with Miles in Martinsville to offer a limited edition 50 Years of Love giveaway for race participants. These “brandanas” are specially designed, feature a nostalgic look and provide multiple uses. Quantities are limited and are available at a first come, first serve basis.

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Did you know that Martinsville-Henry County now has their own LOVE letters? We encourage you to take your picture at the LOVEwork at Smith River Sports Complex. When you do, be sure to post them to social media using the hashtags #LoveVA #50YEARSOFLOVE, #SHAREWHATYOULOVE and #VisitMartinsville. This year, more than ever, there are many reasons to spend some time in Martinsville—Henry County. We’d LOVE to see you here. Stay tuned for more events and details as they are added at www.VisitMartinsville.com/love.

For More Reasons to LOVE Martinsville-Henry County, please visit:

www.VisitMartinsville.com

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