Showcase Magazine October 2020

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TAKE CARE OF YOU.

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To schedule your mammogram, call

844.GO.SOVAH

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CONTENTS

Showcase Magazine

OCTOBER 2020

THE INFLUENTIAL WOMEN ISSUE Showcase Magazine

@showcaseDVA

showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com

FEATURES Think Pink

The Importance of Awareness 24

Paws for a Cause Meet Luna 33

Fishing Fever

PG. Corrie Teague Bobe

Kelly Cunningham

Creating New Opportunities to Improve Outcomes

Inside the Fashion Haus

9

15

9

Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap

Challenging Her All-Time Personal Best Each Day 21

in Martinsville— Henry County 34

If anxiety were a superpower 38

ALSO INSIDE Editor’s Letter

Here Me Roar

Confessions of a 30 Something

6

Inheritence 29

Games

From the Kitchen of

Crossword & Wordsearch 26

Big Bear’s Wife Halloween Eyeball Buckeyes 30

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PG.

34


“ We set out to create a different kind of collection company. One that strives for a culture of respect, collaboration and dignity towards our employees and our customers.�

Kevin Stevenson President & CEO

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Here Me Roar This morning I learned of the passing Helen Reddy. Growing up, I listened to Helen Reddy often. She was one of my mother’s favorite singers. I remember playing with toys, probably something Star Wars related, in our living room while Helen Reddy belted out tunes over our record player. I can’t say Reddy’s songs were my style, but hearing them today brings back fond memories. So, in a way, she was an important part of my childhood. Reddy’s known for one of the most iconic songs empowering women ever written, “I Am Woman.” As for the inspiration, Reddy turned to the strong women in her family. She said, “I remember lying in bed one night and the words, ‘I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman,’ kept going over and over in my head.” The next day, “I Am Woman” was born. It became the first Billboard number-one hit by an Australian-born artist. “I Am Woman” was also the first Australian-penned song to win a Grammy. Reddy has commented about women sending her mail to tell her that the song encouraged them to pursue their careers and to go after the life they wanted. Now, that’s influential. If this issue had a theme song it would be “I Am Woman.” This month we celebrate influential women in our community. Corrie Teague Bobe has been involved with the revitalization of Danville for the last 11 years. Earlier this year, Bobe was named Director of Economic Development for Danville. She gives readers her insights on the city’s future. We also meet Kelly Cunningham, who is using her love of the fashion industry to empower women and bring the community together with The Fashion Haus. Finally, we visit with Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap, who from an early knew she was destined to be an attorney. Chinn-Gilstrap recently was named in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. It’s her fifth consecutive year for the distinction. Also, this month, Lee turns his column over to his wife, Blair, who writes about the inspiring history of the women in her family. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Awareness is a necessity. Early detection is vital. Davin Wilson breaks down the risks and the best methods of prevention. As an honor to the memory of Helen Reddy and a nod to influential women, I’ll leave you with Reddy’s words, “I am woman, hear me roar. In numbers too big to ignore.”

showcase OCTOBER 2020

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com INTERN Carley Ford GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Davin Wilson | Marketing Consultant davin@showcasemagazine.com CUSTOMER SERVICE 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 Jeff Alderman | Angie Barrett | Paulette Dean Carley Ford | Brandie Kendrick Blair Vogler | Davin Wilson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Angie Barrett | Captured Portraiture | Lee Vogler Martinsville-Henry County Tourism COVER Sandra Chin-Gilstrap , Kelly Cunningham, and Corrie Teague Bobe Cover photo by Captured Portraiture Scan with your smart phone for

Enjoy the issue.

EXCLUSIVE ONLINE CONTENT at showcasemagazine.com

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The Ginger Bread House

Pasta Squash t u n r e t But

’Fall’ Eff

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Apple Cinnam on Ga lette 434-791-2700 | 1799 Memorial Dr, Danville, Va | thegingerbread.com

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FEATURE CORRIE TEAGUE BOBE

Corrie Teague Bobe Creating New Opportunities to Improve Outcomes BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

C

orrie Teague Bobe joined the Danville Office of Economic Development nearly 11 years ago. “Economic development is a challenging yet rewarding career path to pursue, especially in a community that is reinventing itself. Whether it was inventorying historic buildings as an intern or overseeing River District revitalization efforts as Assistant Director, each position that I’ve held within this office exposed me to a different facet of economic development. This comprehensive experience has laid the foundation for the leadership role that I have today,” Bobe said. She recently was named Director of Economic Development for the city of Danville. Bobe learned the resilience of our community early on in her career. The region had suffered the loss of major industries. Then the recession hit, creating a negative impact on the local economy. To this day, it still amazes Bobe at how the region responded during that period. “While a number of communities closed their doors as a means of self-preservation and businesses pushed pause on investment activities, our community decided to turn this negative situation into an opportunity for selfimprovement. During this period, our region invested in strategic areas such as workforce development, land and infrastructure improvements, and quality of life amenities,” she said. As the area weathered the storm, the economy recovered and business development activities resumed, Danville was ready to show its progress to the world. “This experience taught me that this city and our region as a whole are resilient. No matter the challenges, we persevere and create new opportunities to improve outcomes for our residents and businesses,” Bobe said. One of the first lessons in economic development is that change is inevitable. Bobe added, “We need to be nimble and adaptable to ensure the most positive outcomes for the communities we represent, no matter what is going on in the world around us. In good economic times, when businesses have access to capital and are in growth

mode, it is important that we are aggressive in pursuing opportunities to attract new jobs and investment. However, when there is a downturn, we need to identify where improvements can be made and focus our efforts on preparing for the next wave of good economic conditions.” The lesson of change is in play at the moment. With the emergence of COVID-19, the future holds an air of uncertainty. Local businesses, large and small, have felt the weight of the pandemic. Businesses have had to adjust operations to find safe ways to serve their clientele. These adjustments include adding temperature screenings and reducing the numbers of patrons allowed in businesses have come at a great cost. “As local residents, it is imperative that we continue to support these businesses to ensure they survive this challenging time. Our businesses help tell the story of who we are as a community. They highlight our technical strengths, showcase our artistic talents, and provide the character and personality that makes our community attractive to residents and visitors,” Bobe said. The pandemic has challenged to economic developers to incorporate more technology into the marketing and recruitment processes. Bobe added, “In addition, it has encouraged many to look at regional supply chain needs to ensure that access to raw materials and equipment are not limited should this happen again in the future.” Despite the pandemic and the current shift in the economic climate, our region is ripe with entrepreneurship. Danville has become an attractive launching ground for entrepreneurs. According to Census date, nearly 40 percent of all businesses within Danville are owned by women. “Organizations, such as The Entrepreneur Ecosystem of the Dan River Region, Continued to Page 10 www.showcasemagazine.com

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FEATURE CORRIE TEAGUE BOBE

Continued from Page 9

have been formed to help connect these entrepreneurs to information and resources. Women entrepreneurs are also able to access leadership development and networking opportunities through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce’s WE (Women Empowered) Lead and Leadership Southside programs. Technical and financial assistance can be provided through consulting the Longwood Small Business Development Center or The Launch Place, participating in the River District Association’s Dream Launch program, or accessing small business grant and loan programs through local economic development offices. In addition to these resources, I have found that community leaders have made themselves easily accessible. Should you need advice or direction, they have displayed a strong personal commitment to seeing our local business community succeed.” Economic progress requires many facets to be successful. Through the years, Bobe has learned that economic transformation is not reliant on one individual or organization. She added, “I have been fortunate to work alongside a number of regional partners to further economic development

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efforts over the past eleven years. It has taken open communication, a dedication to collaboration, and the spirit of innovation to achieve the progress that we have thus far. There is such momentum in our region, and I am excited to see what the future holds.” A huge part of progress is the continuation of economic revitalization. “As an economic development organization, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life of the city of Danville through the creation and retention of jobs, building of local wealth, and increasing the tax base. The success and prosperity of our community only happens when we create an environment that uplifts and enhances the well-being of all residents, and the key to this is education. As the saying goes, knowledge is power. With increased knowledge, our residents will have the power to break down the barriers that generational poverty has created; we will be able to improve the health outcomes of all neighborhoods within our community; and individuals will be able to attain living wage jobs to better support their families. Every citizen must do its part in working towards accomplishing this mission,” Bobe concluded.


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FEATURE KELLY CUNNINGHAM

Kelly Cunningham Inside the Fashion Haus BY CARLEY FORD PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

A

boss can be described in several ways. It is someone who takes charge and directs, someone who leads those around them, someone who is not afraid to take chances. When you think of a boss in those terms, look towards Kelly Cunningham, a local boss lady.

As season five approaches, be prepared for “Organized Chaos.” Danville Fashion Week takes place this November. While it may seem nearly impossible to put on a fashion show amidst a pandemic, Cunningham isn’t worried. “Our venue has multiple rooms that we are Continued to Page 16

A Danville native, Cunningham attended George Washington High School. She continued her education at Norfolk State University studying tourism, hospitality management, marketing and fine arts. While at NSU, Cunningham was a member of the Spartan Legion Marching Band where she was a part of the dance line “Hot Ice.” Cunningham says that is where it all started. Her time as a Spartan helped her gain confidence and molded her inato the CEO she is today. Cunningham is the founder and CEO of The Fashion Haus in Danville. Back in 2016, The Fashion Haus had its very first Danville Fashion Week. Here we are in 2020, and Cunningham is producing her fifth annual fashion week. “It feels unreal. I didn’t think we would get past the first season, but the City and surrounding area keep us alive,” she said. Fashion has always been a part in Cunningham’s life. “It’s in my family line. My grandmother sewed. My great aunt sews, and my aunt is where I get my fashion sense from.” In just four years as a CEO in the fashion industry, Cunningham has seen tremendous growth with her brand. Each year, the shows grow more elaborate. The first fashion week, “Colors of Fashion” debuted 19 models. By year two, Cunningham said she had 50 models come from all over the USA. Her strides in this industry have paved a way for future success. Under Cunningham’s leadership, Danville Fashion Week, DFW, was named the Official Fashion Week for the City of Danville proclaimed by former Mayor John Gilstrap. www.showcasemagazine.com

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FEATURE KELLY CUNNINGHAM

Continued from Page 15

using and luckily our space is a good amount to keep individuals separated within the six-foot guidelines.” When Cunningham returned home in 2009 from NSU, she saw a need for more appreciation of the visual arts. Since then, she’s learned a lot about herself through the years of creating a community event. “I can do anything as long as I trust and put forth the efforts. Connections matter, and a great support team is vital.” Danville Fashion Week means everything to her. “I don’t have children besides my niece, so this is my baby. This is what I want to do full time. Increase individual’s confidence using fashion and modeling, runway workshops, sewing class for our youth, a multipurpose art studio for creatives.” Not only is Cunningham branching out in the community, she helps all those involved in The

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Fashion Haus. From the first time her models take part in a practice, to walking down the runway Cunningham can see their individual growth. “Confidence is the biggest change. Once you start practice, and you continue, it makes a difference. But there is nothing like showcasing fabulous designs by a well-known fashion designer in front of hundreds of family friends and community support.” Cunningham has big expectations. “I hope to be in a location for a development firm. To provide my services and be able to reach more. DFW is one event I put on each year, but there are several workshops that lead to it. Hopefully, you will see a ‘The Fashion Haus’s’ sign going up soon in our downtown area.”


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A NEW OB/GYN IS IN YOUR COMMUNIT Y

INTRODUCING: JONI ABBOTT, D.O. Sentara Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Joni Abbott to our care team in South Boston. Dr. Abbott provides quality, comprehensive care to women of all ages. From preventative screenings to managing pregnancy and gynecological problems, she is passionate about the total health and wellness of her patients.

Sentara Is Taking Every Safety Precaution By: • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to caregivers & patients • Screening of providers & office staff • Ongoing cleaning & sanitizing of all areas • Pre-screening patients before arrival • Screening patients for fever & symptoms at the front door

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Abbott by calling 434 -517- 8627. Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology 2206 Wilborn Ave., Medical Office Building #1 South Boston, VA 24592 18 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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SPONSORED CONTENT SENTARA

5 facts to know about fibroids Could you have fibroids and not know it?

Y

es—these tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus may not produce symptoms. So while up to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by age 50, many never know they have them.

sex. Others have the constant feeling that they need to urinate, while others have a feeling of pressure in the bowel. Women may also experience bloating and constipation.

That’s just one thing to understand about fibroids. Here are five more facts every woman should know. 1. Fibroids are rarely cancerous. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 fibroids are malignant. What’s more, having fibroids doesn’t raise your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid. Nor does it raise your chance of getting other forms of cancer of the uterus. 2. Fibroids vary in size and number. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grape or golf ball. And some become big enough to enlarge a woman’s abdomen, making it appear as though she were pregnant. They can also grow as a single tumor. Or a woman may have many of them. 3. Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. Still, problems can arise. Fibroids do raise a woman’s risk of needing a cesarean section. They also increase the chance that a baby will be breech or born early or that labor will not progress. The good news: All obstetricians have experience dealing with fibroids and pregnancy. And most women who have fibroids and become pregnant don’t need to see a doctor with expertise in high-risk pregnancies. 4. Fibroids that cause symptoms can be hard to live with. Symptoms include heavy bleeding—sometimes enough to cause anemia—during menstrual periods. And periods may last longer than usual. Fibroids also may trigger pain or a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the lower pelvic area, the back or the legs. Some women also experience pain during

Up to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by age 50. But many never know they have them.

5. Several treatments are available for fibroids that cause symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines may ease painful periods and heavy bleeding, though they won’t cause a fibroid to shrink or go away. Surgical options for getting rid of fibroids include: MRI-guided ultrasound therapy. For this procedure, doctors use ultrasound waves to heat up and destroy fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization. Doctors inject tiny particles into arteries that feed fibroids. These particles cut off a fibroid’s blood supply, and over time the fibroid shrinks. Myomectomy. Rather than performing a hysterectomy—surgically removing the entire uterus—doctors remove only the actual fibroids. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Office on Women’s Health © Coffey Communications, Inc.

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FEATURE SANDRA CHINN-GILSTRAP

Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap Challenging Her All-Time Personal Best Each Day BY DAVIN WILSON PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE

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t takes some people a while to find their direction in life, finding it in their mid-30s, while others get zapped right away, discovering their path a bit earlier. Danville native and attorney with Clement Wheatley, Sandra Chinn-Gilstrap falls into the latter category. “I declared at the young age of five years old that I would become an attorney,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. Her reasoning showed the maturity and leadership she would develop at an early age. Chinn-Gilstrap’s half-brother was special needs, and she wanted to be the one that advocated for him. “I wanted to be able to talk to the judge and ask if my special needs half-brother could come live with me rather than only coming for the weekends for summer vacations,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. “It was difficult to understand as a child. From that age and with that purpose, my goal was to become an attorney.” Her wish came true as she graduated from the University of Virginia in 1992 and the University of Miami School of Law in 1995 before returning to Danville and dedicating herself to local law. For her efforts, Chinn-Gilstrap was recently named in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of family law. “For me, as both a layman and an attorney, it is among the most honorable of recognitions,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. Putting an extra bow on the award, it was the fifth consecutive year Gilstrap had earned the distinction. “I was honored and humbled to read in print in print that I had been recognized in the 27th Edition of The

Best Lawyers in America in the practice of family law, having been recognized since 2016,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. For Chinn-Gilstrap, the honor speaks more to her fellow lawyers’ commitment to the Danville-Pittsylvania County community. “It is a reflection of our shared philosophy and commitment,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. “I have been dedicated to my clients, the practice of law, and the community since 1995.” “Further, throughout Southside Virginia, fortunately, value is still placed in lasting relationships —  often generational and that is certainly a treasure for me.” Mental illness has always carried a stigma in the United States. People who suffer from depression, schizophrenia and anxiety, just to name a few, have often been looked down upon and separated from society. However, Chinn-Gilstrap has been on the front lines, advocating for those with mental illnesses, enough to know the tides are changing. “Mental health laws have transformed immensely since the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting and the 2013 tragedy suffered by our legislator Creigh Deeds, with his son’s suicide and attack on the legislator,” Chinn-Gilstrap. “As a society, Virginia recognized that it could no longer ignore the mentally ill.” Her own personal experiences along with her dedication to others have made her a fierce advocator for those suffering and one of the best in the business. It’s not always an easy line of work to be involved with, but her desire to serve others and advance the causes of those often overlooked, keeps her going. Continued to Page 22 www.showcasemagazine.com

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FEATURE SANDRA CHINN-GILSTRAP

Continued from Page 21

“Are there tragic stories and cases? You bet,” ChinnGilstrap said. “However, the evolution of mental health treatment and the legal system together with faces, testimony and stories of so many genuine and innocent personalities and the scholarly, kind mental health physicians/professionals keep me engaged and endeared.” “And it is my commitment to assisting this often marginalized and or forgotten population in society that keeps me going  —  a tribute to my special needs halfbrother.” While Chinn-Gilstrap has tirelessly dedicated herself to the Danville-Pittsylvania County region for the past quarter century, there was a time when she had her eyes set on a slightly different location. From the time she was a teenager until midway through law school, Chinn-Gilstrap wanted to practice law in the international arena. Helping solve a problem most are familiar with. “My plan during college and my first two years of law school was to practice law in South America,” she said.

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“The 90s were tragically unstable times in Colombia, South America. Medellin was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world and the drug capital for Pablo Escobar’s cartel.” During law school, Chinn-Gilstrap clerked as an intern at the Palace of Justice in Medellin while in law school. However, her hometown ended up winning her heart, and she moved back in the mid-90s, beginning her practice. “With the coaching of my deceased mentor, Lewis E. Red Goodman, Jr., the encouragement of Robert ‘Bobby’ Conner, former Halifax County Circuit Court Clerk and a summer internship in a Southside family law practice, I decided to come back to Southside Virginia and serve the people and businesses who make this area a rewarding place to live and raise a family,” Chinn-Gilstrap said. Chinn-Gilstrap practices primarily in the areas of civil litigation, family law, elder law, traffic law and personal injury.


She was honored in the 2017 edition of Best Lawyers in America, receiving Virginia recognition, and was further honored as one of the best lawyers in America in 2017 and was named the 2018 Roanoke lawyer of the year in family law. In 2017, Virginia Living listed her as one of the best women in law. She has also been named a 2017 super lawyer and 2016 super lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine and a legal elite from 2013 - 15 by Virginia Business Magazine. The secret behind her success? “My father was a collegiate All-American athlete, coach, and educator who raised me to challenge my all-time personal best each day,” Chinn-Gilstrap recalled. “He made sure I worked as hard as I could and reminded me that determination was the success maker. My old-world mother believed that we were brought to the world with unique talents to serve the needs of others beyond family and friends. Mother’s energy was contagious.” “From that combination, I have grown to awake each day with a commitment to serve and give my best.”

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FEATURE THINK PINK: THE IMPORTANCE OF AWARENESS

Think Pink The Importance of Awareness BY DAVIN WILSON

“You have breast cancer.”

I

t’s a phrase no woman hopes to hear. But it’s something that one in eight women in the United States will hear at some point in their lives. That’s 13 percent of women who will be affected by the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. New cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. this year, along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer

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— bringing the total to 325,010. In addition, 42,170 women in the U.S. are expected to die of breast cancer this year. With so many cases, it’s important that support lines are there for those fighting, caregiving and bereaving. The Danville-Pittsylvania County Cancer Association (DPCA) provides the River City region with such support. Organizing events such as the Bridge 2 Bridge Race, Colors for Cancer fashion show, and its annual dinner, Celebration of Life.


“It’s just a sense of family in a way that lets people fighting or caregivers know they’re not alone,” said DPCA Executive Director Nora McFaddin. “Whether you’re fighting, caregiving, advocating, surviving, it lets them know they’re not alone.” The association uses the monies raised to help clients cover everything from their chemotherapy and radiation treatments to mileage driven for treatments, anti-nausea medications to wigs once they start losing their hair to “restore a sense of normalcy,” McFaddin said. In short, DPCA offers its clients — they call them clients because according to McFaddin, “their patients everywhere else and nobody wants to be a patient forever” — both emotional and financial support. “We’re that step along the way whether it’s support financially or emotionally, we’re there. Whether you’re a survivor or going through treatments or a caregiver, we are an advocate. We do a bit of everything,” McFaddin said. “We’ve been serving cancer patients in Danville-Pittsylvania County since 1950 and we don’t discriminate on anything.” “You can have any type of cancer, income, insurance or no insurance, we’ll help you as long as you live in our community.” Each October, items from coffee cups to hats to t-shirts to profile pictures turn pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brands follow suit with pink-themed products and college and professional athletic teams don pink helmet decals and cleats. In honor of those fighting or who have lost their fight against the disease. October was established as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985 by a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries — a pharmaceutical company that produces drugs designed to fight breast cancer — to encourage women to have mammograms in order to detect, diagnose, and treat cancer. Looking at the numbers over the past 35 years, they were successful in their efforts. From 1989 to 2016, breast cancer death rates have declined by 40 percent among women. The progress can be attributed to improvements in early detection. In addition, death rates have dropped in women over 50 and the overall death rate has decreased by 1.3 percent each year from 2013 to 17. These decreases are also due

to the result of treatment advances and earlier detection through screening. One of the most telling facts concerning detection, is that 64 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside the breast), for which the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. “Prevention and early detection is a huge thing,” McFaddin said. “It’s about making that appointment and going to the doctor. It’s your body, you know when something is wrong with it, so it’s better to take care of yourself now rather than later. “ The following are guidelines for women at average risk for developing breast cancer: • Women between 40-44 have the option to screen with a mammogram every year • Women 45-54 should get mammograms every year • Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, so they can continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live at least 10 more years. McFaddin grew up knowing she wanted to see life beyond Danville after graduating from high school. She accomplished her goal as she, in her own words, “packed her life into a suitcase” and took a job as a flight attendant with American Airlines after graduating from Radford University with a bachelor’s in communications/ public relations. However, her hometown ended up calling her back three years ago, and she listened to the call. Moving back to the River City and taking a job with Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer. “I graduated from Radford and told myself I was never moving back to Danville and I didn’t for a while,” McFaddin said smiling. “I became a flight attendant and have seen so many places and so many things but to wind up back home so being able to help give back to the people that raised me is tremendous. It’s heartwarming.” “I get to help encourage them as they are tackling this enormous milestone in their life through their journeys. I’ve been back for three years and it’s been amazing. Home is home.” www.showcasemagazine.com

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EXTRA GAMES

Games

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Pop 5 Young boys Ragstoriches author 10 Homeless person 14 A wager (2 wds.) 15 Enclosure 16 Golf tournament 17 Filled crusts 18 Breaks the rules 19 Tug 20 Mother __ 22 Vestry 24 LSD 26 Second day of the wk. 27 Workplace 30 Colored part of eye 32 Eras 37 Wing 38 Japanese city 40 Two 41 Got out of bed 43 Zilch 44 Hullo 45 Of no value 46 Philippine dish with

marinated chicken or pork 48 Exceed 49 Opp. of awake 52 George Bernard __ 53 South southeast 54 Mayan language 56 Opposed 58 ________ Eggs (Easter treats) 63 Bean 67 Super Man 68 Trap 70 Head bug 71 Waterless 72 Willing 73 Mined metals 74 Twined fibers 75 Cooks 76 Chances of winning DOWN 1 Captain (abbr.) 2 Off-Broadway award 3 Eye 4 Afloat (2 wds.)

5 Things to be done 6 Constellation 7 African antelope 8 Widely known 9 Save 10 Shoshonean 11 Musical composition 12 Hit 13 Sole 21 Descendant 23 Representative 25 Artemis 27 Worm-like stage 28 Assumed name 29 Italian herb 31 Slips 33 Lyric poem 34 Religious systems 35 Angels’ head wear 36 Slant 39 Hawaiian ‘hello’ 42 Compass point 44 Instructional method (2 wds.) 47 Advertisements 50 Flightless bird

51 3.26 light-years 55 Asian bird 57 Eskimo home 58 Burn

59 Air (prefix) 60 Leaky faucet noise 61 Omen 62 Discerning

64 Belt up 65 Type of tea 66 Loch __ monster 69 Arbiter

Word Search AWARENESS

ENTREPRENEUR

HAPPINESS

CAREER

FASHION

HEALTHCARE

POWER

CONFIDENT

FITNESS

LIFESTYLE

STRENGTH

DIET

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MENTAL

WELLNESS

Answers on Page 33


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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING

Confessions of a 30 Something

Inheritance BY BLAIR VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER

“Hey honey. October is a women’s issue, so you should write my column, you know, about being a woman.” Being female doesn’t mean I represent all women, Lee! But my cynicism does have me thinking, I may not represent all women, but I am a representation of all the women who have molded, influenced, and inspired me. Of course, there are the obvious world changers like the suffragettes and Rosie the Riveters. My own individual favorite influencers and pioneers are Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, and Anne Sullivan, but I’m referring to those women who are a little more personal to me. My maternal grandmother. She never graduated school or drove a car. She grew up without running water or electricity and began working in the mill at the age of 16. She sang hymns while she cooked and cleaned, was lovingly devoted to a lessthan-perfect husband, and fervently prayed over her wayward children. She taught me simplicity, humility, loyalty, and unconditional love. My paternal grandmother. She cared for a brother with PTSD, lost a sister to domestic violence, and became a widow in her 40s. She worked multiple jobs in food service, textiles, and healthcare. She was opinionated but jovial and seemed to effortlessly care for the dozens of tiny humans who found themselves in and out of her home. She never forgot to send a single wedding or birth announcement to the paper. She taught me strength, self-reliance, caregiving, and thoughtfulness.

My mother. She is the youngest of 6 siblings, and the first to graduate high school. She cooked dinner every night when we were growing up, and regardless of what everyone else was having, always made me pasta the night before a cross country race or track meet. She attended every race, band competition, or play she possibly could. She used a little tough love to convince me to stay away at college when I called several times, crying, begging to come home. She taught me determination, nurturing, supportiveness, and patience. So, as I lay here typing, looking over at the sweet sleeping face of my 2-year-old little girl I think about how the art of being a woman has been passed down through the generations. I recognize that I can only speak from my individual experience. My challenges are unlike those of my predecessors, and very different than those of my sisters of color, as well as disparate to those of a transgender woman. I appreciate those who have been bold and brave and shaped me and the world we live in. I reflect on what I want to pass on to my daughter. Will I exemplify the best traits of each of these women for my little girl?

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| OCTOBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29


FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife Halloween Eyeball Buckeyes WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT

Simple and wickedly tasty peanut butter Halloween eyeball Buckeyes are watching you! I’ve got the recipe for you and 3 different ideas for decorating them.

YIELD: 20 INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) • 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter • 2 cups powdered sugar • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract • 16 ounces white melting chocolate candy coating • Gummy Eyeballs or candy eyeballs INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and peanut butter together over medium heat. 2. Once the butter and peanut butter mixture is melted pour it into another bowl. 3. Stir in the vanilla. 4. Stir in the powdered sugar until well combined. 5. Place into the fridge for 30 minutes. 6. Remove from the fridge and roll dough into tablespoon size balls and place on a flat surface. (Use foil or parchment paper as a liner to make it easier to lift off finished candies.) 7. Melt white chocolate candy coating according to package directions. 8. To make a peanut butter eyeball, use a toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate and tap off excess. 9. Place peanut butter ball on a prepared sheet and remove toothpick 10. Press a gummy eyeball into the top of the peanut butter ball before chocolate dries. 11. To make a buckeye, dip everything but the top of the peanut butter ball. 12. Use a little bit of the melted white candy coating to glue the gummy eyeballs to the top of the buckeye. 13. Let peanut butter balls or buckeyes sit until chocolate hardens.

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YOU ’ R E S A FE AT S E N TA R A

Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital Named As A Top 20 Best For America In 2020 Washington Monthly, and the Lown Institute, has named Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital one of the Top 20 Hospitals for America.

98.6°

You’re Safe at Sentara Here are the ways we are keeping you safe: • Limiting the number of visitors • Ongoing cleaning & sanitizing of all areas

We are dedicated to providing the best care to our residents and the surrounding area, and are proud to be recognized for our highest-quality patient care.

• Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to caregivers & patients • Screening patients, providers, and office staff for fever & symptoms

To learn more about Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital, please visit sentara.com/Halifax.

Download the Sentara App Today! Available in the App Store® and Google Play™ www.showcasemagazine.com

| OCTOBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 31


Compassionate Dedicated Selfless Here’s to our healthcare heroes, answering the call to serve in unprecedented times. Their enduring commitment is inspiring our community as we are all in this together.

#SENTARAHEROES We are forever grateful for your service on behalf of our patients and community.

Share your thanks, appreciation and encouragement for our Sentara Heroes at SentaraHeroes.com

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PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Paws for a Cause Since we began our sheltering contract with the City of Danville in 1984, we have received all kinds of companion animals. Dogs, cats, birds, pocket pets, reptiles, have all been welcomed. In fact, we have even received goldfish and other fish!

while shelters and rescue groups try to clean up the mess. The boards of shelters run by humane organizations decide they cannot stand the sadness, causing many to give up their contracts to operate the municipal shelters. The one topic openadmission shelters, limited-admission shelters and rescue groups agree on is the need for spaying/neutering dogs and cats and stopping the mass breeding of other animals.

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

We humans breed them and over-breed all species of animals for the pet industry. In fact, different breeds of dogs are now being bred to produce “designer dogs.� They are really mixed breed dogs, and shelters receive vast numbers of them each year. People buy pets and then realize that the responsibility is great. Pet ownership comes with financial, emotional, and physical responsibilities. Others lose their jobs, and with it the financial ability to take care of their animals. Marriages or other relationships break up, and in some cases, the animals become the victims. Because of all the breeding of every species,

MEET LUNA This 1 1/2-year husky is very sweet and came to us from the owner.

animal shelters are full. Rescue groups for every species of animals have been organized, simply because breeders continue to breed

In the midst of all this, breeders continue to breed. What is it going to take to truly help the animals? It is going to take more than a national discussion about euthanasia rates. It will require mandatory spay/neuter laws, but it will also require a raw look at how we view animals as commodities. The discussion will be a difficult one, but the animals will benefit. DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

Games Solutions Continued from Page 26

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| OCTOBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 33


EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE - HENRY COUNTY

Fishing Fever

in Martinsville—Henry County BY JEFF ALDERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY TOURISM

Do you have the fever? The fever to catch some 1st class fish? Virginia Is for Lovers, and Martinsville-Henry County is for Fishing Lovers. Whether you’re looking to hook some beautiful largemouth bass, or snag the daily limit of some gorgeous trophy brown and rainbow trout, Martinsville-Henry County has all the fresh water fishing needed to cure your fever. So, plan a weekend escape today because fall is the best time to fish the waters of MHC.

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Start your fishing weekend getaway by checking into one of the many campgrounds throughout MHC; several of which are near Philpott Lake and the Smith River, such as the Philpott Lake Group Campground, Indian Heritage RV Park or the (new) Lily Pad RV Park & Campground. Philpott Lake: The group campground at the overlook is located in a private setting overlooking Philpott Marina and has 10 RV spaces with extra room for tents. Each


space has water, electric and sewer hook-ups. The campground also features a picnic shelter, tables, fire rings and a bathhouse facility with restrooms and showers. This is the only group campground on Philpott Lake and can be rented nightly. Other campgrounds at Philpott Lake include: Goose Point Park, Deer Island, Horseshoe Point Park, and Jamison Mill Park. Philpott Marina’s amenities include a fueling station with non-ethanol fuel, a marina store with fishing supplies, food, ice cream, bagged ice, drinks and snacks, and public restrooms. Indian Heritage RV Park & Campground and Lily Pad RV Park both offer RV and tent camping right along the trout-filled Smith River. Indian Heritage RV Park & Campground is located off of 220 South in Martinsville and offers 29 full hook ups and 17 tent camping sites. Lily Pad RV Park, located off of T B Stanley Highway in Bassett, offers 122 full hookup sites and 10 tent camping sites.

Hit the Lake: After you’re all checked in and settled, it’s time to get ready for your fishing experience in MHC. If you’ve brought your bass boat, hit the waters of Philpott Lake via 1 of the 9 public boat access points located around the lake. Be sure to bring a variety of baits and lurers; fisherman can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye and catfish. Hit the River: If river fishing piques your interest more, visit the incredibly diverse and scenic Smith River in Martinsville-Henry County. The 44.5-mile section of the Smith River bisects Henry County as it travels from Philpott Lake Dam down to the North Carolina State line. This one water destination really has it all. Float fisherman can kayak or canoe the river during peak water generation from the dam, or enjoy a gentle flat-water paddle through MHC, while catching brown and rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass further downstream. Or wade into the water for Continued to Page 36

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EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE - HENRY COUNTY

Continued from Page 35

a little fly-fishing. If you want to get on the river, but need a little guidance, give the folks at Smith River Outfitters in Bassett a call. Smith River Outfitters will help you get on the river by providing boats, shuttle services, and/ or guided fishing trips. These guided trips allow you to spend a half day with an experienced, professional angler as you are guided down a premier trout stream.

Ranger Boats, Ranger Reata Pontoons, Triton Boats and Mako Center Console boats. They also welcome trade-ins. Once you fall in love with the Smith River, you may be interested in purchasing a waterproof Smith River Guide the state-certified Visitor Center in Uptown Martinsville.

*Be sure to call 276.629.2432 to check the water generation schedule.

Need your license? Go to www.dwr.virginia.gov/licenses to order it online or find a list of agents that sell licenses locally.

Specialty Shopping & Items for the Fisherman In the market for a new pole? Colonel’s Custom Rods offers handmade fishing reels, with some available for purchase at Philpott Marina. Check out the online store or call the marina to check availability.

For an even more memorable experience, plan your fishing trip in Martinsville-Henry County for the fall, and enjoy some of the prettiest showcases of foliage in Southern Virginia. Remember, MHC has a fishing hole, or two, that may become your new favorite.

Anglers Choice Bass Boat Super Store has a huge selection of new and used boats from top brands like

For more information on fishing, boating, and camping in MHC, check out www.VisitMartinsville.com.

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| OCTOBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 37


FEATURE IF ANXIETY WERE A SUPERPOWER

If Anxiety Were a Superpower BY BRANDIE KENDRICK

I

f anxiety were a superpower, I would have already solved the world’s problems before they even occurred. I would have already played out the mass contagion that is the coronavirus in my head years before it existed, and proper measures would’ve been in place to eliminate the spread of it. I would end world hunger after day one, that is... if anxiety were a superpower.

and coffee at the same time at 10PM on Friday evening. So, your drive through diaper depot would also have Tylenol (maybe mimosas... I ain’t judgey) and it would be open 24 hours. Grocery pickup would’ve been a thing long before the art of internet shopping, all because of the Petri dish that exists on your Walmart cart handle, if anxiety were a superpower.

If I had unlimited resources and superhero status, I would have already played out all the worse care scenario situations in my head like a spidey sense. From the first media outlet reporting Corona virus outbreak in China, like some cartoon hero you could’ve seen the lightning bolts coming from my brain while I meticulously thought out every possible end of the world zombie apocalypse situation. A plan (or a project, as I like to call it) would’ve been in place within 12-24 hours.

The world would be a kinder place if anxiety were to be considered a superpower. All the superhero’s would speak kinder to one another because they all secretly know that when anxiety mom and stress supergirl end their casual conversation, they will both go back to their superhero headquarters and replay the 5 minute conversation in their head for the following 4 hours and 37 minutes wondering if they said the right thing or if their laugh was a little too loud when the joke was told. The world would be a kinder place because anxiety and empathy sometimes collide like peanut butter and jelly so... all the feels would be felt... all the time. So, kindness would be the best option in battling the evil of this world.

If anxiety were a superpower, the world would be a much more efficient place. Drive through diaper depots with free espresso would for sure be a thing on every street corner, because why waste time on coffee and diapers? Your local superhero anxiety mom would’ve already considered that she might run out of diapers

If anxiety were a superpower, we would celebrate our “different” children a lot more than we would test them. We would allow for open-ended play and more hands-on learning. Standardized testing would be the kryptonite of the miniature superhero’s in training. It would be the one thing that steadily drains their power and sucks up their confidence like a blood sucking leach. Instead, we would celebrate their differences and allow knowledge to be expressed in ways other than with paper and pencil and fill in the bubble route testing. That is, only if anxiety was seen as a superpower.

If anxiety were a superpower, substance abuse would decrease. Instead of telling our adults with bad coping skills that they are dysfunctional, we would send anxiety mom, ocd woman and autism man to tackle a world project and next thing ya know HIV doesn’t exist and world hunger has diminished. Our superheroes would be marvels, not misfits. IF... Anxiety were a superpower! 38 SHOWCASE Magazine |

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