Showcase Magazine August 2018 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

August 2018

The Social Media Issue @showcaseDVA

Showcase Magazine

showcasedanville @ info@showcasemagazine.com

Features

Also Inside

He Said She Said

From the Kitchen of

By Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad

Goodbye 9

Big Bear’s Wife

By Angie Barrett

The Sisters Behind Danville Toyota By Anna Brooks

A Foundation for Success By Anna Brooks

Facts on the Sly By Sly Strader Milam

Nine Grams

Instagrams From The Area 32

PG.

The Sisters Behind

Danville Toyota Also Inside Editor’s Letter The Social Media (r)Age 6

Staying Safe in a Social Media World

By Anna Brooks

Paws for a Cause

Being Prepared with Pets During Emergencies By Paulette Dean

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Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month

with a visit to MVB By Beth Stinnett & Heather Hoffman

PG.

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Editor’s Letter

The Social Media (r)Age Right now, a little over three billion people use social media. The average person has at least five social media accounts. It’s safe to say the age of social media isn’t going the way of the Jurassic Period any time soon.

showcase August 2018

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com Editorial Director Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

My first, true introduction to social media came around 1998 when I discovered a music forum dedicated to the heyday of eighties rock. It was a nice, little place to debate the importance of Warrant’s third, and brilliant, album Dog Eat Dog. I made a few friends there who I still talk to today. Social media was an upgrade from pen pals, and you didn’t have to fork over 32 cents for a stamp or wait a week or so for a reply. The reply came as fast as the dial-up modem could send it.

Graphic Designer Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

Around 2005, I discovered Myspace. There was no way I could update my status using my Nokia 5110, but it was nice to be able to post a song to my profile that fit my mood for that day. Myspace gave users the opportunity to interact with their favorite artist and musicians. It was a glimpse at what was possible with social media. And who could forget the Myspace Top 8?

Sly Strader Milam | Marketing Consultant sly@showcasemagazine.com

Shortly after that, social media exploded. Today, Myspace still has 15 million users. I couldn’t believe it either. Facebook has over 2 billion users, and Instagram has 800 million people posting photos of their adorable pets. Seriously, I’ve wasted a lot of time at #catsofinstagram. Speaking of Instagram, if you would like to be featured in NINE grams in an upcoming issue of Showcase just tag your photo with #showcasenine, we will see it. Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate. On one hand, it’s an excellent medium to keep up with long distance friendships. On the other hand, don’t post a cute giphy to your friend’s wall for her birthday. Go old school and give her a call. From a business standpoint, social media has given businesses additional ways to reach out to their customer base and vice versa. In this issue, you will notice the photos for our cover feature were shot with Snapchat. It’s a glimpse into the personalities of Teresa Wiseman and Tracie Wiseman-Scearce as well as some of the family at Danville Toyota. If you are a brand, social media is an excellent way to connect with customers on a personal level. It’s not all sunshine and rainbow filters. Social media is the lead character in many horror stories. With over three billion users, it’s impossible not to have trolls pop up. (See page 20 for a few social media safety tips.) And, if you’re not careful, it can be a major time waster. But with education and responsibility, social media is fun. Trolls will always be there. Take the advice of stoic philosopher Epictetus, “It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react to it that matters.” React to the negativity with a cute cat photo. Cute cat photos make everything better. Snap away and enjoy the issue.

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Finance Manager Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com Advertising Lee Vogler | Marketing Director lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335

S t a ff W r i t e r Anna Brooks C u st o m e r S e r v i c e Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com contriButinG Writers Anna Brooks | Paulette Dean | Donna Helton Heather Hoffman | Sly Strader Milam Paul Seiple | Beth Stinnett contriButinG PhotoGraPherS Angie Barrett | Brooke Klauss Danville Toyota Mountain Valley Brewing Cover Tracie Wiseman-Scearce and Teresa Wiseman of Danville Toyota photographed by Brooke Klauss Scan with your smart phone for

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He Said She Said

He Said... She Said... Goodbye

This will be our swan song for He Said She Said. We have been put out to greener pastures in North Carolina. Actually, we have both retired and felt we had many people to thank for our time in Danville and to Showcase Magazine and staff for giving us both the opportunity and adventure of bringing the story of our lives to a column, on paper, for all of you to judge or enjoy.

Written by Larry Oldham & Dena Hill Photo by Brooke Klauss

We will try to stay in touch with Paul and staff at Showcase and keep them up to date on our progress or demise. Maybe a better word would be when we slow down. She says we are going to live to be over one-hundred years of age. I told her I am afraid that is not so because she will run out of things to put on my honey-do list. We may both die of boredom before we reach the ripe old age of 100. At least she has a lofty goal for us even if it is longer than I had expected to live.

Hopefully, you enjoyed at least one of the columns and for some of you, most of the columns. We did embellish occasionally, one of us more than the other. Truthfully, most everything we wrote was in some way factual, or at least part of it was the truth. We always felt we were writing to our best friends about what happened in any given month. The only thing off limits was sex or our previous spouses. We did write about Sophie, who we lost a few months back, and sometimes wrote about our children incognito. Most of all, we had great fun. Having people stop us on the street and say the same thing happened to them that month reaffirmed the notion that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some ideas people suggested for topics always amazed us and sometimes challenged us to look more closely at our relationship and evaluate the state of our lives to see if their topic fit us. Sometimes it did and sometimes it didn’t. Someone complained to us that one of the spouses in their relationship would eat candy and when turning on a light switch leave fingerprints on the light switch. Since that never happened to us it was hard to make up six hundred words about sticky stuff and turning lights on or off. Most of our topics came from our real-life days each week. We would take any conflict or disagreement and turn it into a column. We knew every iniquity we suffered or felt, more than likely you and your significant other had experienced it also. In real life, we never argue. (Okay maybe occasionally) so we were really surprised to have people come up to us and say, “Are you guys getting a divorce?” because of something one of us said in the column. I also heard a woman tell a friend (she didn’t know me or couldn’t see me) that she never read our column because all we ever did was argue, and she could have that at home without reading it

and sitting on the front porch drinking tea and listening to the birdies sing since neither one of us can sing.

We do appreciate your support and comments over the years. We hope all of you are successful, wealthy, healthy, and marry the man or woman of your dreams. If you start to have troubles, talk to Paul about writing your own column. It was a great catharsis for us and might work for you too. We remain Larry Oldham (He Said) and Dena Hill (She Said). in a magazine. Oh well, her loss if she doesn’t appreciate a good ribbing sometimes. If any of you enjoyed the columns as much as you said you did or as much as the joy that we had writing them, then all of our work was not in vain. We wanted to help make you think, smile, or improve your life in some manner. We plan to continue writing. As you may remember we published a book called She Said He Said last year which continues to sell and can be picked up in town at Karen’s Hallmark. We are working on our next book which we called of course He Said She Said and will be a compilation of many of our columns written in Showcase Magazine over the past ten years. Our main goal this year has been to sell our two houses, buy another house, and retire while we are in good health so that we could travel and enjoy our grandchildren on our own free time instead of having to plan around a work schedule. We are working on some ideas for the column which includes national syndication in the United States. We are also working on a book about relationships. We will be babysitting and writing in our old age

She Said... I have to get in one last “She Said.” It’s about this retirement thing. Why is that you constantly call me when I’m out of the room, and I’m the one who has to get up and go to you to see what you want? Or if you happen to be on your feet, you continue to talk to me while you are walking into another room, and then tell me I’m going deaf if I ask you to repeat yourself? And by now you should have had enough iced tea sitting on the porch watching me tangle with the lawn mower. Probably the only reason you have packed your treasures for the move is that they are way more valuable than mine, right? I will admit you have offered to order pizza a few times, so I can spend less time in the kitchen. And you’ve been pretty good about getting up at 6:00 AM to go walking with me. So, I guess retirement will work out pretty well once we get settled in North Carolina. Never mind, it’s only 9 pm, and you’re already asleep!

he Said... Women always have to have the last word, and as usual it is some kind of complaint.

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Feature The Sisters Behind Danville Toyota

The Sisters Behind

Danville Toyota by Anna Brooks Photos by Brooke Klauss and Danville Toyota

“T

hat Toyota new car smell—it is as if there is an actual angel riding along with you,” says Vice President of Danville Toyota, Teresa Wiseman. Teresa, alongside her sister and co-worker, Tracie Wiseman-Scearce, are among the most passionate and hard-working of women Danville has to offer, specifically when it comes to advocating for the prestigious motor corporation, Toyota. To be raised in the car dealership business is to be raised in a specific culture that only those who have experienced it will ever understand. It is a culture that seeped into the blood of the Wiseman sisters and was never able to be drawn out. The two, together, have taken on the responsibility of successfully carrying on the business their father, Darrell Wiseman, built in 1985. Teresa and Tracie strive to maintain a business of excellence and customer satisfaction the Danville community has come to know over the years regarding Danville Toyota. The sisters find inspiration in Darrell’s unwavering dedication to the business. “He is eightyyears old, and if he comes into town, he is coming to the dealership to make sure everything is running to par. We still have meetings with him to discuss business. We never want him to leave. We value his experience and wisdom abundantly,” says Tracie. Adding to her sister’s confession, Teresa laughs while saying, “As far as we are concerned, he does not have the option for retirement.” Showcase sat down with the Wiseman sisters to discuss their insights and perspectives into running a successful business. SM: What is the best aspect of working beside your sister day in and day out? Tracie: The two of us work superbly together, that being said, the best aspect of working together is physically being able to see how much more we accomplish together, rather than separately. The end product, of most of our projects, is always rewarding. Not to mention, we have the advantage of using two-womanly brains, not one, but two,

against any problem we may face, that allows us to get A LOT accomplished. Teresa: We are like the ultimate tag team. We hold each other up, we balance one another, we bounce ideas off of one another. The work zone is a safe one because we can vent to one another when need be. SM: When did you decide this was the career path you wanted to take? Tracie: We started working for our father at the dealership very young, not even realizing what we were getting into at the time. We attained degrees in fields that we did not think would ever relate to the dealership. However, we got pulled back in, the family aspect of this business is the most drawing. Being able to work for our family, with our family, and to continue the business our father built is magnetic. People always question our success with working alongside bloodline, but we cannot relate to that because it has been such a smooth success. Teresa: Having grown up around the dealership, the option and opportunity has always been there. The business always seemed to draw us back in, regardless of how hard we tried to lead different paths in very different directions. Once it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood. SM: What university did you attend, and what were your fields of study? Tracie: I attended Averett University with a major in psychology. We also both completed the NADA program, which is a program specifically designed for sons or daughters of dealership owners to polish their skills in preparation of being an asset to the business. Teresa: I attended Virginia Commonwealth University for undergraduate school and graduated with a bachelor’s Continued to Page 12 www.showcasemagazine.com

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Feature The Sisters Behind Danville Toyota

Continued from Page 11

in fine arts and a minor in art history and fashion merchandising. I later went to Averett University and attained my MBA.

Teresa: We have that competitive nature instilled within us. However, it’s very ironic that outside of the dealership neither one of us are really all that competitive.

SM: Do you have hobbies outside of the dealership?

SM: Speaking of cars, what kind of vehicle do you drive?

Tracie: My kids are my hobby. I do not have time for anything else. My son plays travel basketball, and my daughter is a competitive equestrian. We are constantly busy with that, my life revolves around sports, horse shows, and work. My hobby is literally being a mom. My sister is much more interesting. Teresa: I paint whenever I have the time. I also have three dogs who I love spending time with. I am greatly involved within the community. I am on the board for the Danville Fine Arts and History museum. I love travel, I find myself doing a lot more of that lately.

Tracie: I drive a 4-Runner. I love a 4-Runner. Teresa: I drive the 2018 Camry. I also have a 2009 Rav4, and that is my dog’s vehicle. He is an English Mastiff. He is huge. It would be impossible to fit him in my Camry, so the Rav4 belongs to him. SM: What are two other words you would use to describe yourselves, besides “competitive” in the workplace? Tracie: Determined and quick-witted

Tracie: My sister is an excellent artist. Teresa: Creative and passionate SM: The car business is a very competitive, would you describe yourselves as competitive people? Tracie: Yes. Absolutely. Being in a mostly male-dominant business we, as women, have to be even more competitive in order to prove ourselves to be just as successful and, in a way, to mark our territory.

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SM: What would you say is the foundation for Danville Toyota’s success and longevity? Tracie: Our wonderful staff, and our family mentality. Continued to Page 14

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Feature The Sisters Behind Danville Toyota

Continued from Page 12

Teresa: No matter the circumstances, no matter what phase we are in, we always have a strong work force. Everyone here, employees and customers, are treated as part of the family and because of that our dealership is very effective. We try our hardest to make everyone comfortable at this dealership. The moment you step foot onto our lot, you are considered family. SM: When you were younger, did you ever think, one day, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll run the dealership with my sister? Tracie: Subconsciously, I think we always knew we would eventually take the business over. After graduating from college, it became our reality that we would be a part of this business, and that we would be leading it forward. Now, looking back, I cannot imagine our careers going any other way. Teresa: No one would have ever predicted this is the way the cards would fall, but we would not have it any other way. SM: Is there a time that stands out in your mind about working at Danville Toyota? Tracie: There are so many great times at this dealership that stick out to me. I cannot even pick one. Our employees make every day stand out.

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Teresa: Most recently, we were able to increase our sales efficiency by considerable amounts. I consider that a highlight in our career because it means everyone was really working together with that family mentality we always try to project. It means so much when you see your employees working seamlessly for the greater good of a business that means so much to you and your immediate family. SM: What was your first job at Danville Toyota? Did you ever sell cars? Tracie: I started off answering calls and filing papers every day after high school. After college, I came in as manager of customer relations, actually putting my major in psychology to use in a way. I never walked the lot or received a commission for selling cars. However, being in this business, I help sell cars every day in some way. For example, if a friend of mine is potentially going to buy a car, they expect for me to sell them the car, no one else. Teresa: Tracie and I had the same job in high school, just alternating. One day, I would come after school to answer the phone, work in the accounting office, file papers, and the next it was her job title. When I graduated from college, I followed the pathway back to the dealership, Continued to Page 16

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Feature The Sisters Behind Danville Toyota

Continued from Page 14

and I actually was a car salesman on the lot. It was my second position here at the dealership. SM: What are the strengths someone should have if they want to sell cars?

should push them towards a more spacious car like a Toyota Avalon. Our car sales team is expected to look out for our customers’ best interest, even if it means they may not sell the Supra or the Avalon. Our customers’ needs are always a priority.

Tracie: It is essential that they have great personalities. To work here you have to be fun, it soothes customers when they are having to take part in one of the most seemingly infamous parts of life—buying a car. Buying a car should, in fact, be fun. Our car sales people must also have an abundance of knowledge regarding our product.

SM: Toyota says, “Let’s Go Places.” Where is the best place your Toyota has ever taken you?

Teresa: They must be honest. Here is a scenario: if someone comes in wanting a Toyota Supra, yet they have three kids, we want our sales team to be honest. He or she should ask if the potential customer has another car that will fit their entire family. If they do not, the sales person

Teresa: The airport. My Toyota has taken me everywhere from the first day I could drive, but my favorite place it has ever taken me would have to be the airport when I flew to Paris. It’s going to be taking me to the airport to fly to Jamaica soon.

Tracie: For me, the best place a Toyota, specifically a Land Cruiser, has ever taken me is to New Orleans. It was a great, smooth drive and a memorable trip.

SM: Danville Toyota invests and sponsors a great deal within the Danville community. How has it been witnessing Danville’s growth, knowing your dealership has played a part in its reimagining? Tracie: First off, I have to give props to Teresa for all of our sponsorships and community involvement. She is very passionate about its growth. Being here for twenty years, we can vouch for Danville’s growth. I think back to my first visit to the Piedmont Mall, and the only stores I can recall are Paul Harris and Belk Leggett, which neither reside there anymore. I mean we have a Target now, talk about growth. When we moved here from Florida, Danville was bare. Teresa: The culture and the art Danville has brought to the River District area recently is huge. Danville has grown, now it’s just about redevelopment. We love supporting the movement to improve Danville, all the while watching it continue to build itself from the ground up. SM: What is something that you would like to tell the Danville community? Tracie: We want the community to know that going to buy a car or have your car serviced should not be a scary thing, it should be enjoyable. We want everyone to see that this business was not created to scam its customers. We do not want people to have the mentality that there is an evil dealer behind a curtain here. We strive for excellence and for everyone to have fun here at Danville Toyota. This is a trustworthy place to be. Teresa: When you walk into our dealership you should feel like a part of our family, you should feel relaxed and comfortable. 16 Showcase Magazine |

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F A Foundation for

A Foundation for Success by Anna Brooks Photos by Danville Toyota

racie Wiseman-Scearce and Teresa Wiseman give much credit for Danville Toyota’s success to their five dedicated Department Managers—Jennifer Strader, Randy Gatewood, John Fulcher, Yenni Gluhareff, and Shane Bagbey. Each brings a different asset to the Toyota family, making the dealership full of dynamic and determination.

Tracie and Teresa praise these managers for their dedication to the family that they have genuinely joined. Showcase asked the five managers a few questions so readers could get to know the faces of Danville Toyota better.

Jennifer Strader Sales Manager

Randy Gatewood Parts Manager

John Fulcher Service Manager

SM: How long have you been with Danville Toyota? Jennifer: A year and a half

SM: How long have you been with Danville Toyota? Randy: Eleven years

SM: How long have you been at Danville Toyota? John: One year

SM: What does your job at the dealership entail? Jennifer: As Sales Manager, I get to assist people in making one of the most important purchases they will make in their life.

SM: What does your job at the dealership entail? Randy: How long can my answer be? Basically, I oversee the entire department of parts. I also take part in many other tasks, dealing with services, customers, and sales.

SM: What does your job at the dealership entail? John: I oversee the day-to-day operations of the service and detail department.

SM: What was your dream job when you were younger? Did you think you would be in the field you are now? Jennifer: I always dreamed of working in the medical field. I have always loved helping others. I get inspired when I know that I have made a difference in someone’s life. I may not be in the exact job that I dreamed of as a child; however, as sales manager, I get to help my customers and my employees, and that brings me great joy.

SM: What do you like to do when you’re not working? Randy: I enjoy Hokies football and basketball, and my family. (Not necessarily in that order.)

SM: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? John: I enjoy riding motorcycles, specifically Harley Davidson. I like working around my house as well. I currently have a few DIY projects I am working on.

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Feature A Foundation for Success Continued from Page 17

SM: How long have you been with Danville Toyota? Yenni: I am very, very new to Danville Toyota, but the staff has brought me in with open arms, and I feel as if I have been here for years. SM: What does your job at the dealership entail? Yenni: As Customer Relations Manager, I resolve any customer concerns. I am responsible for answering follow-up calls, texts, emails, and surveys. I greet all customers as they enter the dealership. It is my job to make sure to see to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and comforts as they wait for their vehicles.

Yenni Gluharref, Customer Relations Manager

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SM: Outside of work, where is your favorite place to spend time in Danville? Yenni: The Riverwalk Trail, Dan Daniel Park, and Downtown Danville area. I love spending time with my two boys, Dylan and Matthew, and my Dog, Oso. Those three places allow for us to do so, whether it be kicking a soccer ball, walking, or having dinner.

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Feature Staying Safe in a Social Media World

Staying Safe

in a Social Media World by Anna Brooks

aturally, everything in life has pros and cons, even chocolate milkshakes, even puppies, and even social media: the god of insomnia, the messenger of all things new in the world, a main supplement to the air that most humans breathe. All forms of social media are somewhat hypnotizing, as they bring some of the most beautiful, most comical, most interesting entertainment to today’s world. Everyone’s feed is bulging at the seams with life-changing news that, ironically, quickly fades into the abyss of prior seemingly life-changing events. Due to social media, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. insight to other’s personal lives is at our fingertips. We are receiving information and perceptions about others faster than ever before. This is one of the most threatening cons of social media. Social media, when used improperly, is one of a human’s biggest invasions of privacy. However, the dangers of social media can be avoided if these five simple precautions are implemented when using media.

Make your account private As important as it may seem to have 1.2 million followers, the reality is it is not important at all. The importance lies in the safety of one’s existence. It’s appealing to believe all of your followers are honest people who simply care about you enough to see what is happening in your day-to-day life. But, that is not true. There are always going to be identity thieves, stalkers, and predators on the Internet. The safest way to avoid such people, is to make your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and all other social media profiles private. Once private, no one is capable of seeing your personal information unless you allow them to do so. This is the best way to keep you follower list to those you trust with your latest Instagram story.

Stop telling everyone your location Quite recently, the newest trend is to implement one’s location in the top left corner of an Instagram picture, to share your current location on Snapchat at all times, or to post your location on your Facebook status. This may as well be an open invitation addressed to someone with harmful intentions to find you without obstacle, or for a thief to make himself at home in your living room. This 20 Showcase Magazine |

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rule does go hand-in-hand with rule one. If an account is private, then the likelihood of an approved follower using the accessibility of one’s location to do harm is very low. However, if one’s account is not private, then anyone, anywhere in the world can tell where said person is at that time. The implementation of one’s location is a predator or thief’s payday. Adding a location adds no value to a post, it only heightens the potential loss of value. Stay safe by keeping your location a mystery on social media.

Insta Façade So many make the mistake of believing that social media is a Halloween costume. At some point one has to take off the mask of overbearing filters and filthy comments. Too many media patrons of Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, dwell in comment sections, making them a place to take out their anger and solve their turmoil. Social media was created with the purpose to be used for healthy social interaction and expression of the true self. Sadly, it has evolved into a place where others pretend to be some extraterrestrial being who does nothing short of perfection, or where bullies create their safe havens. Stop pretending that your lips always look perfectly glossed, or that your family never fights, or that you never get tired, or that you actually like getting up at 6 am to workout, or that you enjoy that kale smoothie with not an ounce of sugar and use social media to show the world who you truly are. Stop using the dislike button, or the comment section in order to belittle others. The life you portray on social media may become your identity, so make it an honest one.

Would you show your mama that picture? The downfall of many who use social media is they view their profiles as locked safes. Too often the line that stands between appropriate and inappropriate is blurred when it comes to making a post. So many reputations and respects have been ruined and lost for those who put too much information regarding their lives on their profile. Jobs have been lost due to employees portraying themselves unprofessionally. A plethora of teenagers ache with the desire to retract the post that got them grounded for a month. There is too much at stake in life to ruin your

future over showing a little too much skin, or a bottle that is deemed inappropriate for a job title, or age. Before you hit that share button, ask yourself, would I willingly show this to my mother? If not, opt for the discard button, and your experience on social media will remain as a clean, safe slate.

Nothing in life is free Have you ever walked into a store and had an employee encourage you to go to the rack, pick out something beautiful, and leave the store with your find bagged and free of cost? Absolutely not. So why is it that we humans believe so strongly that when we are presented a 24 hour offer of a free bikini, no charge, that it is without a doubt authentic? Just as we like to believe all followers are good, we like to believe anything benefitting us is no scam. However, when scrolling through your news feed, do not be deceived by the countless ads making jaw- dropping offers, as they are more than likely a scam,

or a way to convince you to visit their website. As cynical as it may sound, do not trust all you see, or all you hear. Avoid ads asking for your credit card information while simultaneously claiming that your bank account will not feel a thing. Pretty soon you may find yourself on the phone with your banker, a pair of scissors in one hand and your credit card in the other. Look for signs of false, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;too good to be trueâ&#x20AC;? advertisements and signs of genuine advertisements. If this is done, you and your check book will stay safe while on social media. If you are a part of social media, know that you are a part of something bigger than itself, something that has the potential to present you with endless opportunities and friendships. However, also know that in order for social media to be a positive experience, one must stay cautious, and avoid things ranging from as seemingly small as ad scams, to as large as identity theft. Stay safe and stay yourself.

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Sponsored Content The ARc of Southside

There is more to life than work!

e have all had the Monday morning chat by the proverbial water cooler, “How was your weekend?”, “What did you do?” we ask our friends and co-workers. Shared stories of soccer games, dinners out with friends, or the occasional concert, permeate the conversations, while pleasantries and stories of lively weekends, are exchanged. But, often is the case for people with developmental disabilities, when asked the aforementioned questions, the stories don’t come. The reason is simple. Often, people with disabilities are separated, isolated and marginalized in society; and with that marginalization, the stories of nights out with friends, the new movie we just saw, or the restaurant we finally got to try, don’t come. But gone are the days of creating alternate environments and events that isolate people with disabilities, as if they can’t be in the world with the rest of us. While people with disabilities may need a little extra support to do the things they want to do, they shouldn’t be isolated from the world they live in. While The Arc of Southside has begun supporting people with developmental disabilities to obtain and maintain employment in the community, we haven’t forgotten that there is more to life than work! How we spend our time outside of work varies for all of us. Some of us revel in the chance to hear the music of our favorite band, others jump at the chance to attend an old movie marathon at our local theatre, and others may feel the call of the outdoors for sports and athletic events. This natural desire to live a full life is why we developed a new service called Community Engagement. Simply put, Community Engagement means helping people to access and enjoy the things they love, the things that bring them closer to their friends and the things that they value.

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The program is offered seven days a week, providing staffing support for people to do the things they choose, when they choose. This may mean providing transportation, exploring new experiences, helping to build connections and relationships with others who enjoy the same things, or any other need. Leisure activities and interests vary widely from swimming, playing basketball at the YMCA, volunteering at God’s Storehouse, going to movies, museums, science centers, baseball games, art classes, concerts, and fairs and festivals. Whatever the interest, staff are available to help people to do the things they enjoy. The Arc of Southside’s Community Engagement program provides the support for people to go out and live their lives, to live “A Life Like Yours”, and to create their own stories to share around the water cooler.

For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272.

Paws for a Cause

Paws for a Cause The lessons of Hurricane Katrina in August of 2015 taught us that companion animals must be included in emergency plans, or the results will be disastrous.

Written by Paulette Dean Executive Director Danville Humane Society

Through the years, we have taught that animals should be evacuated with you and a 72-hour emergency kit for each companion animal would be wise. Included in the kit should be food, bottled water, veterinary records, and first aid supplies (including any medicines required). There are other tips that could prove to be lifesaving measures for your animals: 1. Make sure dogs and cats have current identification attached to the collars; however, a microchip will not be lost or pulled off. Please consider calling your veterinary clinic today and asking for their microchip services. 2. Always keeps a current photo of your pets. During a widespread disaster, a picture could be proof that the lost pet is yours. 3. Keep veterinary records, including proof of the current rabies vaccination, in the 72- hour kit. However, also keep a copy of the rabies certificate in other areas. It would be wise

Meet Jessie This little retriever/shepherd mix is waiting for a call from Hollywood! She had a starring role in the Danville Police Department lip sync video! She is about two months old and came to us as a stray.

to have a complete set of the records in a family member’s home in another area. After a disaster, more wild animals are going to be in populated areas. Local, state, and federal authorities may ask for proof of protection against rabies. 4. When the forecasters first issue warnings, bring your pets inside. Animals have an uncanny ability to sense weather changes, and their behavior may change. They may run or hide in fear. 5. During times of emergency, animals will be under stress. Feed them familiar foods, but also keep a supply of moist food available. They may be more likely to eat it, and the moisture content of the canned food will help in preserving water supplies. 6. Keep a supply of newspapers on hand for sanitation purposes. Planning in advance for emergencies is always a prudent thing for pet owners to do. Danville Humane Society

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Feature Big Bear’s Wife

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife

Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad - No Mayonnaise Written by Angie Barrett of BigBearsWife.com Photo by Angie Barrett

Looking for the perfect pasta salad to take to that family cookout or neighborhood block party? This Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad would be perfect! Plus, it’s made without mayo, so it’s safe to set out for a bit! Prep Time: 15M; Cook Time: 12M; Total Time: 4H Yield: 12 cups pasta salad

to drizzle over the pasta salad right before I serve it. • Put pasta salad into the fridge for a few hours or until cold before serving. I like it better once it has set overnight, it always tastes better the next day but may need more dressing drizzled over it after it has been in the fridge overnight.

INGREDIENTS 12 ounces rotini pasta Salt 8 oz block of cheddar cheese 8 oz cubed or sliced ham 12 ounces Italian dressing (Plus an extra bottle to pour over before serving)

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by Sly Strader Milam

on the Sly

Facts

INSTRUCTIONS • Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove top. • Liberally salt the water after it starts to boil. (It’s said that you should make pasta water like the ocean before cooking pasta). • Add in dry pasta and cook for 12 minutes. • Drain cooked pasta and set aside. • While pasta is cooking, cubed cheese into tiny pieces and dice ham into bite-sized pieces. • When pasta is done cooking and drained, stir in the ham, but let the pasta cool slightly before adding in the cheese as you don’t want to melt it. • Stir in 1 bottle of Italian dressing and make sure to stir until all is coated. I like to have an extra bottle on hand

• August was the 55th most common name given to a baby boy in Sweden in 2014. birthstones for August are the peridot and the sardonyx and the • The flowers are the gladiolus and poppy. • The average fox weighs 14 pounds. • There is an average of 50,000 spiders per acre in green areas. ‘57’ on the Heinz ketchup bottle represents the number of • The pickle types the company once had.

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Explore Martinsville

Cheers to Virginia’s

Craft Beer Month and Mountain Valley Brewing Written by Beth Stinnett & Heather Hoffman Photos Provided By Mountain Valley Brewing

Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with a visit to Mountain Valley Brewing (MVB) in Axton, VA. MVB, which opened in May 2017, is Martinsville-Henry County’s first and only craft brewery. According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, “Virginia is truly for craft beer lovers, travelers and craft breweries nationwide are taking notice. In the last decade, the Virginia craft beer scene has exploded, creating social spots in cities across the state where travelers can soak in some local flavor.” Overlooking a valley and a 450-acre farm, Mountain Valley Brewing offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the only

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hand-crafted beer in Henry County while strolling through the hopyard, touring the small brewery, chatting in the cozy taproom, listening to live music outside under the pavilion, or playing yard games while enjoying the beautiful views. The story of Mountain Valley Brewing naturally began with a farm. It all started when a job change moved owners Peggy Donivan and Herb Atwell from a comfortable suburban neighborhood outside of Richmond to rural Henry County. They found themselves settled in a quaint home on ten acres of land just as the craft beer industry began to boom in Virginia. MVB came to life when they

realized there were few choices for those wanting to head out after work or on the weekend and drink a good craft beer. There were no breweries in Henry County and just one in nearby Danville. As they continued to brew and become more involved with the Train Wreck Homebrew Club, it became clear they could brew up some mighty tasty beer that people really enjoyed. After starting their own hopyard in 2014, Peggy and Herb asked themselves why not start a little farm brewery? Add in their supply of untreated natural well water and a love for great beer and everything else fell into place. Fresh hops are rarely found in craft beer except for the seasonal brews in the fall, and those are still fairly difficult to find in Virginia. With their own hop farm, the Atwells can keep fresh hops year-round. When they say they “grow beer,” they mean it. Walk into any grocery store and you’ll usually find a decent selection of craft beer. What won’t you find? MVB beer. That’s because MVB doesn’t distribute, bottle or can. Instead, it focus its efforts on providing unique, delicious beer you can’t get anywhere else. MVB uses fresh hops

and turns to local farmers for raw ingredients like honey, fruit, grain and barley for fresh varieties of brews. MVB is considered a limited farm brewery, producing around 100 barrels per year in its 1.5-barrel homemade brewing system. Though you must visit the taproom to try the beer, MVB would love to let you fill up a growler to take a Mountain Valley brew with you wherever you go. Peggy and Herb hope to continue “growing craft” for years to come. Mountain Valley Brewing tries to offer a variety of styles so that even those that don’t like craft beer will find something to sip on. The brewery has several beers now that are customer favorites, with nine beers on tap. The Vulture Roost pale ale is MVB’s go-to beer as an introduction to those more accustomed to domestic favorites. Peggy says, “We really enjoy letting folks try the various beers and getting their immediate feedback. I tell people it’s okay to make a face if you don’t like a certain style of beer, we understand. At least you tried it. I think the biggest compliment we hear is when a customer gets a Continued to Page 30

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Explore Martinsville

Continued from Page 29

flight of six beers and can’t decide which one they like best, so they order another flight of the same beers.” Mountain Valley Brewing is kid and dog friendly, and its goal is to be the brewery where you feel comfortable bringing grandma, the new baby, and Fido with you to enjoy the views and relax. The brewery has become a meeting place for locals. The friendly atmosphere ensures that strangers don’t stay strangers long. MVB is also available as a special event venue for gatherings and activities of all kinds. Want to get married on the hop farm? They’ve done it. Call Peggy and Herb to see what they can do to help you plan your big day. Weekends are usually filled with live music by local, regional and even national artists. As a bonus, dinner is often offered from local and regional food trucks. If there isn’t a live performance scheduled on Fridays or

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Saturdays, there will still be entertainment including events like the popular “Sip ‘N Spin Vinyl Night.” Bring your favorite vinyl albums and sip and spin the evening away with great music, beer and food. 2018 has been and will continue to be a big year for the brewery. Mountain Valley Brewing is working with 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company to supply the beer for the annual Smith River Fest being held on August 11th at the Smith River Sports Complex, and MVB is working with Piedmont Arts and the United Way of Martinsville-Henry County for several other special events. Mountain Valley Brewing is passionate about supporting other small businesses in the area as well as local clubs, charities, and non-profits. Follow Mountain Valley Brewing on Facebook for more upcoming events and to learn more about the beers on tap.

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Instagrams from our area

@betinali

@mthermonlibrary

mlivingston06

@frederickmeder

@danvillepubliclibrary

@playdanvilleva

@danvillevapolice

@mrsjessicacole

nstc_buck

If you would like to Be featured in a future issue, follow@showcasedanville and tag your photos witH #showcasenine. 32 Showcase Magazine |

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COOL YOUR HOME WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT

Take advantage of the Danville Home$ave program rebates on cooling equipment. High-Efficiency Central AC $145 or $250 rebate

High-Efficiency Air-Source Heat Pump $350 or $500 rebate

High-Efficiency Mini-Split Heat Pump $50 or $100 per half ton

High-Efficiency Central AC with Natural Gas Furnace (Replacing Central AC with Strip Heat) $1,250 or $1,400 rebate

Looking for more ways to save?

Visit our website for qualifying rebates and additional tips to help save on energy bills. www.danvillehomesave.com | 888.599.0450 www.showcasemagazine.com

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The Final Word He Said She Said Photo by Brooke Klauss

We do appreciate your support and comments over the years. We hope all of you are successful, wealthy, healthy, and marry the man or woman of your dreams. Larry Oldham and Dena Hill 34 Showcase Magazine |

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Every heartbeat, every moment It’s because of the special moments you have along the way that we take your care so seriously. It’s for remembering how much it warmed your heart to hear your son’s excitement to play his first soccer game and how he would score a hundred goals. No matter what life may bring, our cardiovascular team puts their heart and soul into caring for you and your family so that many more special moments can be cherished. Their dedication, expertise, and remarkable care led Centra Lynchburg General Hospital to be named – for the seventh time – one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health.

Learn more about the Centra Stroobants Heart Center and our expert cardiologists, surgeons, and nurses 434.200.5252

But we’re not in it for the recognition. We’re here for every heartbeat, every moment, every step of the way. 100 Top Hospitals® is a registered trademark of IBM Watson Health™