Happy Holidays!
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with daughter Lauren Cunningham and granddaughter, Calleigh Cunningham
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Celebración de las Artes See Story Page 14
Happy Holidays!
On the Cover
Contents
Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography
See page 14
{ D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 } S H O W C A S E M AG A Z I N E
FEATURES
14 18 22 26
CELEBRACIÓN DE LAS ARTES
SECTIONS
9 HE SAID SHE SAID Christmas Traditions
By Larry Oldham and Dena Hill
TEDDY BEAR HUGS FOR HAVEN
10
WINTERIZE YOURSELF
12 CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
Tips to Surviving Winter Months
ENERGY TIPS
for Preparing for Cold Weather By Meagan K. Baker
A BETTER YOU
Healthy Christmas Goals by Dave Gluhareff
by Seth Bradley
17
NOT SO COMMON – COMMON SENSE!
| DECEMBER 2015 | www.showcasemagazine.com
28 29 33
by Stan Jones
34
FUN AND GAMES
Crossword, Word Seach, & Sudoku
AREA EVENTS GUIDE PAWS FOR THE CAUSE By Paulette Dean
A Perspective on Public Schools
like us Showcase Magazine
MYSTIFIED
Where Have All the Fun Times Gone? by Misty Brooks
4 SHOWCASE Magazine
ALSO INSIDE THE 6 FROM EDITOR
@
we’d love to hear from you! info@showcasemagazine.com
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| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 5
FRO M T H E E D I TO R T.S. Eliot once said, “ I read, much of the night, and go south in the winter.” His sentiment about winter is shared by many. Around 4,000 species of birds migrate south for winter. Swallows breed in Europe and spend winters in Africa. That’s quite the trek to escape the cold. I think I’m in the minority, but I enjoy winter. While countless “Winter is Coming” memes flood the Internet with dread, I’m pretty happy with cold weather. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around waiting by the window to catch sight of the first flakes of a snowstorm. There are a few memories marred by disappointment when the 100 percent of chance of snow didn’t pan out. How does that happen? Anyway, while I like winter, it isn’t like other seasons, you have to prepare for its harshness. In this issue, along with Danville Utilities, we offer tips to battle Jack Frost and his band of frozen allies. Piedmont Arts is putting the spotlight on Latin Arts with Celebración de las Artes. If you’re looking to take the chill off, this exhibition is a beautiful and informative option. I speak often about the importance of giving. It’s hard to truly understand how much you can help someone with a little generosity. This month we look at the Hugs for Haven project
SHOWCASE
started by the United Methodist Women (UMW). Haven of the Dan River Region, Inc. is a wonderful, nonprofit organization offering support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Hugs for Haven provides teddy bears to children living at Haven. It’s an amazing example of giving that warms the hearts of all involved. One winter memory that sticks with me is riding in the car with my parents taking my aunt to work on a snowy morning. We were listening to the radio waiting to hear an update on school. At the time, I think there may have been a two-hour delay. During the next update, I heard the words, “School is closed.” I was so elated that I ignored Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” which came on right after the announcement. Anyone who has heard the song knows it’s horrible. I’m sure most people switch the station by the first chorus. Whenever I hear it, I overlook the awfulness and turn the volume up. I can tolerate the Foreigner sellout song because it makes me think of that day. Thank you, winter, for making bad songs sound good.
– M A G A Z I N E – DECEMBER 2015
STAFF
CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks, scott@showcasemagazine.com President Larry Oldham, larry@showcasemagazine.com Editor Paul Seiple, paul@showcasemagazine.com Graphic Designer Kim Demont, demontdesign@verizon.net Finance Manager Cindy Astin, cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING 1.877.638.8685 Larry Oldham, Director of Sales and Marketing larry@showcasemagazine.com, 434.728.3713 Lee Vogler, Marketing Consultant lee@showcasemagazine.com, 434.548.5335 Misty Brooks, Marketing Consultant misty@showcasemagazine.com, 434.728.2905
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Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3 | Danville, VA 24541 Phone 1.877.638.8685 | Fax 925.380.5404 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com DECEMBER 2015 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Meagan K. Baker | Misty Brooks | Paulette Dean Dave Gluharef | Dena Hill | Larry Oldham | Paul Seiple DECEMBER 2015 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Michelle Dalton | Sarah Doss Piedmont Arts Association
Enjoy the issue.
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It’s Christmas 2015, and all the old Christmas traditions as we have known them through the years have dissipated. All five of our children have moved out and have started traditions of their own. I am happy for their growth and maturing so they can start their own traditions with their own families. However, I am feeling nostalgic so if you will permit me; I want to spend a few minutes reminiscing.
this year as we celebrate the birth of Christ and share the memories of Christmas in the good old days.
SHE SAID...
That was very touching, and I, too, have memories of previous Christmas times with my family. My favorite tradition was attending Christmas Eve services at church. The early service was centered on children and the Christmas story. The children were supposed to dress as one of the PHOTO BY MICHELLE DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY characters and as the minister read As a child when we woke up on Christmas morning, Santa about each character, they would come down the aisle to the had placed all our presents under the Christmas tree. We front of the church. Of course sometimes we ended up with were so excited to find all the new toys that we would be several Marys and Josephs and certainly more than three wise able to lose or destroy in the coming year. As we got older, men, but the meaning was always apparent. After candles were we started getting presents all wrapped up that didn’t fit lit and Away In A Manger was sung, we would take our tired but or weren’t quite what we wanted or expected. But that is excited children home. My children were allowed to open one how you feel as a child; you don’t appreciate the endeavors present before going to bed. They put cookies and milk out and sacrifices that went into choosing those gifts. for Santa, and then it was lights out. My one rule was that no matter how early they opened their eyes, they had to wake me Later on, after I was married, we still continued to go to before going downstairs. I didn’t want to miss those first magical my parents’ house early on Christmas morning for a large moments when they saw what was under the tree...camera country breakfast and to exchange presents. The best part ready, of course. was waiting for that big, old enormous Christmas dinner that my mother would prepare for us. Looking at special occasions through a child’s eyes is worth all the planning and preparation that it takes. Both sides of the After having children of my own, we stayed home and family were always invited to spend the holidays with us because shared the presents that Santa had brought, after which, I wanted my children to have Christmas in our home. Now that we traveled about sixty miles to visit my parents. We still they have children of their own, I understand when they want to opened presents and ate a huge meal as we did when I was make their own Christmas memories. I cherish recollections of a child, but it was somehow different. My dad did the same the holidays with my children, and I want the same for them. thing year after year. He would hide a reel-to-reel tape recorder and then later a cassette player under the couch Coming from divorced parents, my plans always included visiting to record our conversations throughout the day. Later in my father and his family in Virginia Beach. They understood how the afternoon he would pull it out and replay it for us. He complex relationships are when divorce is in the family, so we would just laugh and laugh because he always thought he always spent New Year’s Eve with them. was the only one who knew it was there. After 20 years of the same habit, we all knew but pretended to be amazed But you and I have still have each other and don’t forget we are and shocked that he fooled us again. the only parents that Sophie (our standard poodle) has to share Christmas with. It’s our responsibility to continue our traditions Yes, these are the forgotten habits of Christmas past, but with her. Merry Christmas from our family: Dena, Larry and the memories still linger. Merry Christmas, Dad in Heaven. Sophie, to your family. I hope you are being able to record or at least hear us
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he said...she said...
HE SAID...
by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 9
A Better You
health
so you can let loose a bit, chill out, and enjoy yourself.
Christmas is on its way bringing happiness, cheer, and ….calories! I love Christmas because it’s just a beautiful holiday that represents so much to me as a Christian. It also brings the end of a year, the ringing in of a New Year, and a fresh start for many. While meant to bring joy, the holidays can be filled with stress. Things like fear of overspending, fear of too many calories that will wreck your progress, and family drama make it easy to miss the true meaning of Christmas. When things don’t always go as planned, stress and worry can take over. Preparing for these things will help you weather the stress storm holidays bring and you will really be able to enjoy the most joyful time of the year with those you love.
Fitness shouldn’t be a stressor during the holidays. If you miss a few workouts and eat poorly for a couple days you will NOT balloon-up in weight and fall off the wagon. Immediately after Christmas when things settle down get right back on track picking up where you left off prior to the holidays. Quality time with family and friends is far more important than a couple days of workouts and a few healthy meals.
By Fitness Professional and Healthy Writer Dave Gluhareff
Von Wellington Photography
Dave Gluhareff In the late 1990s David Gluhareff lost over 100 pounds. Dave then became a certified personal trainer with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and began his career as a personal trainer. In June of 2009 David earned the elite status of Master of Fitness Sciences (MFS) by the ISSA, their highest level of personal training qualifications. As a personal trainer, Dave has been helping people take charge of their physiques to help them feel, look, and move better through life. Visit www. VirginiaBootcamp. com for more information.
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Healthy Christmas Goals
Here’s how to be proactive going into Christmas to cut down on stress: I take this approach myself: Make it a priority to exercise regularly, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest right up until the holidays. Keeping this routine will ease the stress of splurging a little on holiday delicacies. Be near perfect before Christmas by strength training 3-4 times a week, performing cardiovascular exercises 3-4 a week, getting plenty of rest, and maintaining a sensible, healthy nutrition plan.
A healthy and active lifestyle cuts down on the majority of stress in our lives. When we exercise, eat properly, and get plenty of rest it makes tackling stress easier. Handling stress the right way and going into challenging situations like holidays prepared can help our immune systems stay strong and our minds stay sharp. When we are on our “A” game we stay on track mentally and emotionally which means we also take care of ourselves physically. So, go out and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas — guilt free! SM
Combating laziness with exercise and an active lifestyle keeps the feel-good chemicals in our bodies flowing and we stay happier and more positive. Eating healthy foods instead of junky, sugary, and processed foods helps us to maintain more normal blood sugar levels which helps regulate food cravings and energy levels with less extreme highs and lows caused by sugar and sugar crashes. The goal is to be as good as possible up until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Visit www.TrainWithDave.com
and click on Nutrition Plan for Dave’s FREE nutrition plan!
| DECEMBER 2015 | www.showcasemagazine.com
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| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 11
Seth Bradley’s 2015
As I sit and enjoy a Coke, I can’t help wishing Santa was here to enjoy one with me. I would like to give the jolly guy my Christmas wish list in person. I’ll forgive him for not accepting my invite. He is is at the North Pole working on presents for all the good boys and girls, but I hope he takes a break to go over my list. I’ve been mostly good this year, and when I was bad, I don’t think anyone was watching. So, Santa, here’s my list: First, I want world peace. I don’t mean world peace for a few days during the holidays; I mean world peace all over the world every day. Second, I want Congress to come to a decision about our educational system. We are just chasing our tails when we teach our children nothing except how to take a test. Why can’t we teach them how to write a check, correctly spell a word, how to use a word in a sentence, and so on? We should have productive citizens as they come out of high school instead of people who cannot deduct 10 percent from a number without using a calculator. Third, I would like to eliminate crime. Why do we need to hurt or rob people? Where is the common sense values we had years ago? Kids are shooting each other over some trivial situation they deem “OK” because they saw the same thing on a show on television.
you will ever make this happen I have no idea, but I do know man has walked on the moon, so nothing is impossible. Sixth, hunger needs to be eradicated. I am not sure what one man at the North Pole can do about feeding the hungry, but if you can make that happen a lot of starving children around the world would be happy to have a full belly instead of a bunch of toys. I only held my list to six wishes this year Santa. I know there are many more things the world needs, however, I didn’t want to put so much on you that you felt overwhelmed. Just do what you can and if I only get one of these this year I promise you I will be happy and satisfied. Signed. Seth Bradley
Santa Arou the Wnod rld Co untry
Belgium
Brazil Chile
Name
Pere No e
Papai N
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oel Viejo Pa s (“Old Ma cuero China n Christm Fourth, I would like to have respect brought back into as”) Dun Ch e L our lives again. Respect for each other on a neighborly a o R en (“Christm Netherla as Old M level, treating each other like family, being loyal to our nds an”) Kerstma Finland employers, and having respect for our teachers and n Joulupuk leaders across the land. I understand the premise France ki of respecting ourselves first before we can learn to Pere No German el y respect others, but we are doing such a poor job of W e ih nach managing our own lives. We will have to rely on you (“Christm tsmann Hawaii to bring us respect in your bag of goodies. as Man” ) Kanakalo Hungary ka Fifth, the cell phone situation has gotten out of Mikulas Italy (St. Nich hand. Cell phones seemed like a good idea at first olas) Babbo N Ja p a n atale but now no one is talking to one another, just Hoteios texting, and we have all but forgotten how to ho p riest who (a god or Norway write a letter or pick up the phone and talk to bears gif ts) one another. Also I find it difficult to have dinner Julenisse Poland n (“Chris tmas gno with people who are eating and facebooking, Swiety M me”) Russia ikolaj (S so we need a good dose of no phones for a t. N ic h o las) Ded Mo Sweden while or the prevention of phone use while roz (“Gra n d fa th er Frost” Jultomte trying to eat or talk to another person. How United K ) n (“Chris ingdom tm a s b ro Father C wnie”) hristmas 12 SHOWCASE Magazine
| DECEMBER 2015 | www.showcasemagazine.com
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| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 13
Celebración de las Artes
feature
Photos courtesy of Piedmont Arts Association
Latin America art and culture is on display in Martinsville. Celebración de las Artes is a series of exhibits that include the life-size paintings of an Argentinian-born artist living in Florida, photographs of life in Cuba captured by an American artist, and the expressive paintings of a native Cuban artist whose first United States exhibition is at Piedmont Arts. Director of Exhibitions, Heidi Pinkston, says, “Highlighting the arts and cultures of Latin America is so important to many who live in our community. And it is equally important to us at Piedmont Arts. From the arts of historically significant civilizations to work being created by contemporary artists, the vibrant cultures of Latin America have a notable impact on American and world culture.” Kathy Rogers, Executive Director of Piedmont Arts, adds, “From the vibrant dance of the Latin Ballet of Virginia to the life-size portraits of Juan Francisco Adaro in his exhibit entitled Aura; from Ten Days in Havana by photographer David Spear to the music of Andes Manta of Ecuador; and two free family days focused on Latin American customs and traditions, Piedmont Arts hopes to inspire and engage our diverse community through Celebración de las Artes.”
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| DECEMBER 2015 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Aura: Juan Francisco Adaro
Featuring colorful, life-size portraits on extended canvases, Aura speaks not only to life in Adaro’s hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina, but also to life in his new home in Florida. Adaro was born in 1978 in Buenos Aires, where his passion for art began as soon as he was old enough to pick up a pencil. As a teenager, he painted in the streets of San Telmo and La Boca, with a mobile gallery on the back of his motorcycle so he could quickly escape when the police came around. His passion and drive were quickly recognized when he was asked to study art at the National University of Art in Buenos Aires, Prilidiano Puyrredon, and UINA. The creative influences and art internships with famed Argentine artists Susana Fedrano, Osvaldo Atila, Marcelo Carpita, Gerardo Cincilolo, and Enrique Morales led Adaro to become a muralist for political groups and activists in Buenos Aires during the financial collapse of 2001. His dramatic murals, focusing on social suffering, and his unique approach to portraiture, which captures the humanity of his subjects, drew the attention of curators at the BAC, CC Borges and the CCC-Buenos Aires where he was asked to produce works for several one-man shows and group exhibitions. In 2012, Adaro and his wife moved to her hometown of Niceville, Florida. It’s here that Adaro created his most signature style to date: extended canvases. His wife, a sommelier, had stacks of wooden wine boxes which were too nice to throw away, but took up space in their home. Adaro decided to incorporate the boxes into his canvases, creating portraits with an
added element of depth and interest. He has also recently began adding other found elements to his work further creating depth and a feeling of being a part of the painting itself. It’s these works that have brought recognition in galleries around the country, festival awards, 2014 South Walton Painter of the year, Artsquest Poster winner, and South Walton 2015 Artist of the Year. “I’ve been so lucky to know this area,” said Adaro. “The people here in the USA have embraced me and I am so thankful.”
Ten Days in Havana
David Spear’s work documents his time spent in Havana, Cuba through color iPhone photographs that capture intimate scenes from life in a shuddered country. Spears’ photographs are not scenes of tourists’ experiences. Many are portraits of the working class in their homes, at work or on the street, and provide a photographic account of the resourcefulness of the Cuban people. In 2013, Spear published the collection of photographs featured in Ten Days in Havana in a book by the same name. It is his third book of photographs and his first book in color. His previous books include: The Neugents: Close to Home and Visible Spirits, both of which were adapted into exhibitions and displayed at Piedmont Arts.
Felix Suarez Merlin
For the first time in the United States, Piedmont Arts exhibits five paintings by well-known Cuban artist, Felix Suarez Merlin. Due to the United States embargo against Cuba, it is extremely difficult for Cuban artists to show work in the States. These five works are on loan from the private collection of David Spear. In addition to Cuba, Felix’s work has also been exhibited in Brazil, Germany, and Slovenia. Through his friend and benefactor David Spear, Merlin sent the message: “I am totally elated to have my work shown in the U.S.”
Works by Angie N. Walker
Multimedia works by local artist Angie N. Walker will be on display in the Lynwood Artists Gallery. Walker believes that an appreciation for nature is key to a heightened sense of self. She says, “Limitations in life should not be viewed as an impending cliff, but rather, as a branch of a tree extending into another direction; leaning into the appreciation and understanding of natural things…this is where wisdom and self-reflection begin.” Rogers says, “ Through Celebración de las Artes, Piedmont Arts hopes to elevate the appreciation and understanding of Latin American arts and culture in our community.”
About his third show at Piedmont Arts, Spear said, “I’m just tickled to death. My latest book really transitions away from all photos to include more text. It was an experiment on my part to see how well I could write about what was going on with my subjects.”
The exhibitions will run through January 2, 2016.
Spear is a past recipient of a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and his work is in the collections of major museums.
Celebracion de las Artes is sponsored by Harvest Foundation, Eastman, Alcoa,Virginia Commission for the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts.
Piedmont Arts exhibits are always admission free. Museum hours are Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday: 10 am – 3 pm. For more information, visit PiedmontArts.org.
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| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 15
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| DECEMBER 2015 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Not So Common – Common Sense!
A Perspective on Public Schools – What is Student Engagement? by Stan Jones, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools
We are living in a time of exponential and rapid change. The extensive availability and overwhelming abundance of information has changed the very nature of how we use access, interpret, apply, and leverage information. These changes have directly impacted teaching and learning. I graduated from high school in 1979. I obtained most of my information about the world through my teachers, encyclopedias, television, radio, and print media. The world today is vastly different. We can find out about anything literally at the touch of a button. During my schooling, teachers shared knowledge and facts, helped students obtain the knowledge they needed to be literate and numerate. Fast forward to today. Teachers are no longer the main purveyors of knowledge and information because information is abundant and easily accessible. So while families and access to information has changed, the classroom in many instances has not – especially at the high school level. Often, we are teaching like we did twenty to thirty years ago to students who are “digital natives.” Many of our staff are “digital immigrants.” Like me, they were born long before the Internet existed. While I use, access, and rely on digital information heavily to manage my work, it is still second nature to me. It is not an innate skill, habit, or practice.
students react to their classwork, lessons, homework, testing, and the hands-on learning in a school environment. Social engagement contains any participatory activities that happen in school, such as friendships with other students, clubs, and activities, special events (e.g. dances, pep rallies), or sports. Emotional engagement refers to the personal relationships that students make with adults in their school community. Students will be engaged emotionally when they feel cared about, valued, listened to, and encouraged by teachers, counselors, coaches, principals, and any other school staff with whom they feel a connection. In summary, student engagement should occur ideally through all three of these channels, but reaching a student through just one of them may be the lifeline of support they need to thrive, achieve, and excel. True engagement will result in the elimination of any classroom disruption. Perhaps that is why some teachers have few, if any, disruptions and others do not.
A STRONG EDUCATION BUILDS A STRONGER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Today’s students have access to all kinds of information and quite candidly know more than we did at their age because of the availability of information. Because of this factor, collectively they are looking for relevance. Today’s students ponder how they might use what they have learned to help them resolve a real problem, apply a theory or concept to a practical solution, or deepen their understanding of an issue, problem, or idea. While the availability and abundance of information has changed, some of the reasons public schools exist have not changed. In addition to preparing students for life after high school as college students, members of the armed services, or to enter the workforce, schools have the responsibility for helping students be of good character. While schools are primarily learning organizations, much of the learning is not related exclusively to reading, writing, arithmetic, and science. If we are truly preparing students for the future we believe in, school must engage all students to be truly engaged in relevant meaning and challenging learning. To do otherwise, is not only a disservice, but a failure to truly to engage students. True engagement according the education.com results when teachers have cultivated a culture of achievement in the classroom where instruction is challenging, students feel comfortable asking questions, and students are expected to do their best. Additionally, academic engagement as described by Naviance refers to how
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| DECEMBER 2015 | SHOWCASE Magazine 17
Teddy Bear HUGS for HAVEN
feature
Photos courtesy of Sarah Doss
Teddy Bear
HUGS for HAVEN
HAVEN of the Dan River Region, Inc., is a newly formed, non-profit domestic violence/sexual assault facility serving Danville & Pittsylvania County. Its mission is to support the victims of and promote an end to domestic violence and sexual assault. HAVEN provides emergency housing and support services for persons that have been a victim of domestic violence &/or sexual assault. According to www.vahealth.org, nationally, a woman is sexually assaulted every two to three minutes. One out of every three women experiences some form of sexual assault in her lifetime and one child in four will be sexually assaulted before his or her 18th birthday. One out of three women will be abused in Virginia. Data collected from the Bureau of Justice Statistics states that domestic violence accounts for 21percent of all violent crime. The United States Department of Justice states, “Children, who grow up witnessing domestic violence, are among those seriously affected by this crime. Frequent exposure to violence in the home not only predisposes children to numerous social &
Lisa Caviness, executive director of the Haven, and Carol Garrett, president of the United Methodist Women of Moseley Memorial and Stokesland United Methodist Churches.
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physical problems, but also teaches them that violence is a normal way of life – therefore, increasing their risk of becoming society’s next generation of victims and abusers.” Carol Garrett, President of United Methodist Women, (UMW), became aware of HAVEN of the Dan River Region, Inc., and wanted to “give the children that come to HAVEN something to hug and to love and to let them know that someone is thinking of them”. She presented her Teddy Bear “HUGS FOR HAVEN” project to Haven’s Executive Director, Lisa Caviness, and to the UMW of Moseley Memorial and Stokesland United Methodist Churches. The Teddy Bear HUGS FOR HAVEN project was enthusiastically embraced by all. The UMW purchased over 30 bears which during a recent dedication service, Pastor Lisa Nordan, prayed that these bears “bring comfort” to the children residing at Haven. Ms. Garrett states, “We hope that the teddy bears will bring some measure of comfort and healing.” To send a charitable, tax deductible contribution Haven of the Dan River Region, Inc., or to learn more about how you can: Help, Advocate, Volunteer, Educate Nurture, please contact us. For more information contact Lisa Caviness or Mike Mondul at Haven of the Dan River Region, Inc. 401 Patton Street, 434.483.54823.
From L to R: Nell Hylton, Olga Floyd, Mary Lou Hall, Lisa Caviness (executive director of the Haven), Carol Garrett (UM Women president), Kitty Adkins, Eva Pyron, and Colleen Wright. www.showcasemagazine.com
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Winterize Yourself
feature
Winterize Yourself Tips to Surviving Winter Months There is a running joke about how much snowfall it takes to shut down life in Southern Virginia. If you’re not aware of the joke, the amount varies, but it’s really not that much. Winter takes it easy on Southern Virginia compared to the North and Midwest with regard to snowfall, but cold temperatures can still wreak havoc. Before getting knee-deep in the cold, it’s a good idea to prepare for what’s to come.
Staying Toasty Like a Roasted Marshmallow For many, winter means hibernation. But staying active helps fight Old Man Winter. Instead of sitting on the couch and watching The Walking Dead reruns while eating Doritos, get up and exercise. A few sit-ups or push-ups, a walk, or a little weight training will warm you up and help to keep off that extra ten pounds of weight you’re dreading. Use a routine to stay warm. If you have a programmable thermostat, energy.gov recommends setting the temperature to 68 degrees when you’re home and active. Switch it back to 56 degrees when you sleep or are away from home. Wrap up in comfy sweats and
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settle in for that Walking Dead marathon, but only after you’ve worked out. According to energy.gov, following this routine will save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent a year on your heating bill. If you’re going to be outside when the temperature dips below freezing, consider using a layered clothing system used by many hikers. The base layer should be thermal underwear or a synthetic wicking long-sleeved shirt. For insulation, use a fleece sweater as a mid-layer. Add a hard shell jacket and pants for protection against water and wind. If you’re staying active, this will keep you warm. If you’re planning on spending a lengthy period outdoors, adding a fourth layer consisting of a down jacket and pants should keep you feeling toasty.
Keeping Jack Frost Off the Guest List Preparing your home for winter can save you a lot of cold nights and wasted dollars. Before winter sets in, it’s a good idea to do a home inspection to locate any troublesome spots that worsen in cold weather. On the exterior, look for the following problems: • Check asphalt and concrete on walkways, driveways, and patios. Cracks, no matter how small, can let water seep in and freeze during winter. • Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris. • Inspect the roof. Look for loose or missing shingles or any sign of leakage. • If you have a chimney, give it a good cleaner before it’s needed. • Unhook hosepipes, make sure they are drained of excess water and shut off outside faucets if you do not have frost-proof faucets. • Divert water by adding extensions to downspouts, so water runs at least three to four feet away from the foundation. • Check for tree limbs that could do damage if they break during snow, ice storms, or wind. • If you have an irrigation system, drain it to avoid freezing and leaks. For the lawn: • Keeping the lawn clear in winter months is crucial in having healthy grass in the spring. Things such as toys and tree limbs can damage the lawn. Objects left on the lawn during the winter can lead to dead spots on the lawn.
• Prepare your mower for winter. Clean the mower of dirt, mud, and grass. Drain the gas. Sharpen the blade, replace oil, spark plugs, and air filters before storing the mower away. For the interior: • Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. • Have an HVAC technician inspect your furnace and heat pump to ensure maximum efficiency during the winter months. This is also a good time to check for carbon monoxide leaks. • Check for insulation issues that can cause air leaks and result in icicles or ice dams which can cause water to seep into your house when ice melts. This Old House had a complete printable checklist you can find at: img2.timeinc.net/toh/ static/pdf/TOH-Yearly-Inspection-Checklist.pdf ww.thisoldhouse.com Continued to Page 24
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Winterize Yourself Continued from page 23
Don’t Forget the Fur Babies The best place for pets is safely inside the warm house next to you. If that is absolutely not possible, the law requires that adequate shelter be provided. Executive Director of the Danville Area Humane Society, Paulette Dean adds, “That means a doghouse should be off the cold ground, must have a solid bottom, and must keep the animal free from the effects of temperature, wind, rain, and snow. Outside cats must also be provided shelter, and the requirements are the same for dogs and cats.” Doghouses use the animal’s body heat to provide warmth. To sustain as much heat as possible, a doghouse should be just large enough for the dog to enter, and then turn around. The door should not be large. If a pet must remain outdoors, be sure drinkable water is always provided and owners must diligently check to make sure the water isn’t frozen. “During cold temperatures, a high-quality food must be provided and must be in sufficient quantity to maintain the health of the animal,” Dean continues. Winter brings harsh elements other than weather and below freezing temperatures. Be on the lookout for antifreeze spills. If you spot any, be sure to clean up spills. Antifreeze
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has a sweet smell that could be attractive to animals. It’s also deadly. Salt and other icemelting chemicals can harm animals. Dean adds, “If you take your dog for a walk, be aware of the temperature on the ground or sidewalk. Any snow-melting chemicals must be wiped off paws before the dog or cat can lick their paws.” Outside cats, and other small wildlife, will seek shelter from the cold, and may hide in car engines. Tapping your car’s hood before starting it is a good habit to form. If you see animals left out in the cold and not being cared for, you must speak up for them. Call your local animal control agency. Dean says, “We urge people to be diligent in caring for all their pets during cold temperatures. It is the right thing to do, and it is the law!”
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Energy Tips
feature
Energy Tips for Preparing for Cold Weather Winter is quickly approaching and now is the time to prepare for the worst winter has to offer. Have no fear because Danville Utilities is here to help! By following the tips listed below, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool, while you save money. Some of the tips below are free and can be used on a daily basis to increase your savings. Others are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings throughout the winter months.
by Meagan K. Baker Danville Utilities
Winter Energy Saving Tips • Save around 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply turning the thermostat back by 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day. As an alternative, installing a programmable thermostat allows you to automatically set specific temperatures at different times of the day. • Set ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down. • Open drapes and blinds to allow the sun to warm rooms during the day. Close them at night. • Change heating-system air filters. Dirty air filters make heating systems work harder, which uses more energy. • Water heating can account for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F or lower). • Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. • Seal the air leaks around utility cutouts for pipes, gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
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Remember - If you’re looking into updating your appliances or weatherizing your home, be sure to check out Danville Utilities’ Home$ave Energy Efficiency Rebate Program where you can earn cash back for qualifying purchases. The current Home$ave program is being updated and the new version will be available starting January 1, 2016. Learn more at www.danvillehomesave.com.
Holiday Light Tips
• Limit the time lights are on! Wait until dark to turn on your Christmas lights and then, turn them off before you go to bed. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your lights on and off? Then, set a timer, and forget about it. Six hours or less of daily use is a good goal to aim for. Just ten strands lit for 13 hours a day can add more than $50 to a monthly energy bill. • Switch to LED holiday lights: LED lights are up to 90 percent more efficient than traditional holiday lights. They also last longer (up to 20 years) and produce almost no heat. They pay for themselves in as little as one season. • Turn off room lights when the tree is lit. The lights on your Christmas tree should provide more than enough lighting to navigate around the room. • Do not overload your electric sockets and extension cords. To avoid overloading electrical circuits, never plug in more than three sets of lights to one extension cord. Thoroughly inspect light strands and discard any damaged cords.
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games Fun &
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ARCH WORD SE E THEM
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o’s II $25 Medificate t r gift ce
ACROSS 1 Sport’s official 4 Bridge 8 Worry 12 Estimated time of arrival 13 European monetary unit 14 Made higher 16 Concise 18 Egged on 20 Layers 21 Identical sibling 23 Wing 24 Highest trump in some loo 25 Women’s undergarment 26 Furrow 27 Deer 29 A sedimentary rock 32 Canoe propeller 33 Unite 34 Peewee 38 Creative products 40 Woman’s hair product 41 Acts to impress 42 Vivacity 43 Seafood
44 Difficulty 46 Zero 47 Drift 50 Fairy 51 Headed 52 Grow older 53 Member of an Arizona Indian tribe 55 From Asia 58 Sulky 60 Fence of pales 63 Excuse 64 Leave now! 65 Ball holder 66 Connect 67 Spot 68 Abort
11 Litter 15 Restaurant 17 Cliff 19 Digital audio tape 22 Candle element 25 Lay in the sun 26 Lotion brand 27 Lather 28 Tropical edible root 29 Donkey 30 Muslim’s religion 31 Other __
33 Roman iv 35 Make bright 36 Feeling 37 Guilty or not 39 Bawled 40 Musical treble __ 42 Kind of circular shape 45 TV lawyer Matlock 46 Loch __ monster 47 Been 48 Water (Sp.)
49 Short for fellow 51 Common people 53 Asian humped ox 54 Piece 56 A cozy room (2 wds.) 57 Want 59 Liberal (abbr.) 61 American Cancer Society (abbr.) 62 Lick
DOWN 1 Repose 2 Decorative needle case 3 Eyes, ears, nose (2wds.) 4 Tremor 5 Play on words 6 Circle part 7 False (2 wds.) 8 Apple type 9 On 10 Hotel
HOW TO ENTER
Email paul@showcasemagazine.com with the theme of this Word Search (December 2015) for a chance to win a $25 Medo’s II gift certificate. Winner will be announced on Facebook (Showcase Magazine) on January 1, 2016.
RATING: EASY
ASSISTANCE COMMUNITY COMPASSION
DONATION
KINDNESS
GENEROUS
LEARNING
GIVING
PHILANTHROPY
DEDICATED
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ANSWERS ON PAGE 30
DON’T
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DECEMBER ‘15
| HELPING HANDS | H O B B I E S / S P O RT S | KIDS | LIFESTYLE/LECTURE
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Thru January 5 – Falling Back – The Danville Art League exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. 434.793.5644 or visit www. danvillemuseum.org. 1-31 – Donations for Dollars – Bring new, unopened donations of non-expired, nonperishable items to support House of Hope and the Danville Area Humane Society. Items accepted - toiletries, paper products, laundry detergent, pet treats, and pet food. Danville Public Library & Westover Branch Library. 434.799.5195. 2 – Christmas at Ballou – Get yourself in the holiday spirit by joining us at Ballou with our very own “Reminisce” with JC and Millie. A light lunch with punch will be served and you will receive a holiday gift. 122pm. Ballou Recreation Center.
434.799.5216. 4 – Casino Royale – Enjoy an exciting evening of casino games, photo ops, raffles, drawings, and dancing! Black-tie optional. Ticket includes $5,000 in complimentary chips. Hosted by Danville After Hours Rotary. Open to the public, age 21+ The Trees for the Cause fundraiser will be open during the event.711pm. Institute Conference Center. 5 – From These Hands: A Christmas Bazaar – Handcrafted/handmade fine arts and crafts event. Artisans from Virginia/NC areas will sell their goods. Many are awardwinning. Chili and other baked items will be sold during lunch time. 9am-3pm. Forest Lawn Baptist Church. 434.548.5544. 5 – Holiday Celebration DSO Concert – This year’s concert will feature the 60-member Danville Symphony Orchestra, the Danville Area Choral Arts Society (DACAS) with 30+ vocalists, and a 75-strong children’s chorus from Twin Springs Elementary School. 8pm. GW High School. 5 – Artfelt Expressions of Bob Ross – Here is your opportunity to learn to paint the Bob Ross way. Ed Gowen,
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The show is made up entirely of displays created by the community. Over 5,000 people attended in 2014 and this year’s event promises to be even better. It is open Monday through Thursday 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Cost is $7 per vehicle. The Children’s Village, which is included in the price of admission, will be open until 9:00 p.m. through December 23. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636.
Street Plaza. 434.799.5150. 12-27 – Community Holiday Light Show – The show is made up entirely of displays created by the community. Over 5,000 people attended in 2014 and this year’s event promises to be even better. Times vary. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636.
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Ongoing – How People Make Things. Danville Science Center. 434.791.5160. 5 – Christmas on the Plaza – Celebration of decorating and lighting. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy music of the season. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army and receive a commemorative tree ornament. 1-3pm. Main Street Plaza, intersection of Main and Craghead Streets. 434.709.3674. 10 – Christmas Wrapping Party – Bring boxed presents and wrapping paper to the library and share a little holiday cheer! Enjoy light refreshments while watching demonstrations on present-wrapping and creative bow-making skills. Each present you wrap will receive a handmade decoration. All ages welcome. 2-7pm. Danville Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195 ext. 3. 11 – Luminary Trail Walk – C elebrate the season with a candlelight walk along the Riverwalk while listening to beautiful holiday music. Warm festive refreshments will be served. This annual event is a favorite of all ages. 6-8pm. Main
December 12 - 27 Community Holiday Light Show
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certified Bob Ross instructor, will help you complete a beautiful painting in just one day. Please bring a roll of paper towels and a 16x20 canvas. All other supplies are included. Adults 18 and up.10:30am-3:30pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.799.5216. 6 – Christmas Concert in Chatham – Christmas Favorites, featuring soprano Leslie Mabe accompanied by the strings and keyboard of the Rainier Trio: violinist Kevin Matheson, violist Bryan Matheson, and pianist Brenda Wittwer. 3pm. Emmanuel Episcopal Church. kstrings1@hotmail.com. 10 – Danville History Spirits Tour – Enjoy an evening of local history education and spirits! A spirited social will kick off the evening with a tour of the Danville Museum followed by a guided historical trolley tour through Danville with local history lover Ina Dixon. 6:30-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. 434.799.5150. 11 – Christmas Ball – One of the holiday favorites, the Christmas Ball, is a great way to start your holiday party season. Be sure to put on your best holiday attire for the Ball! Light refreshments will be served.7:3010:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.
12,13 – Danville Holiday Tour of Home – There are 15 sites on this tour highlighting the residences and businesses in the River District that are above the ground floor, in addition to a mansion, churches and other residences on the ground level.1-5pm. www.danvillehistory.org. 18 – Painting with Pepper – After just three hours in this acrylic painting class, you will create a piece of art you can treasure. All materials are included and light refreshments will be served. Whether you have painted before or this is new to you, artist Pepper Martin will guide your artistic talents.1-4pm. Ballou Annew Building. 434.799.5216. 18-20 – What in the Dickens Happened to Scrooge? – The Little Theatre of Danville will present this hilarious adult Christmas comedy. 12/18-19 7:30pm; 12/20 2:30pm. The Schoolfield Museum and Cultural Center. www.danvillelittletheatre.org 20 – Harp Benefit Recital – Katherine Elizabeth Campbell, a UNC music student, will be presenting a harp recital to benefit the Danville Salvation Army. 4pm. Salvation Army, 123 Henry Street.
Lifestyle/Lectures
1 – Danville Toastmasters – Toastmasters members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. 6-7:15 pm. American National University. 434.793.1431. 1,3 – Introduction to Genealogical Research – Do you enjoy investigating family mysteries? This two-part class will introduce websites and databases that will aid in family history research. Seating is limited. Registration required. 12/1 part 1, 12/3 part 2. 11am-1pm. Computer Lab, Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195 ext.3. 1,3 – Job Corps Information Session – Job Corps helps young adults learn a career, earn a high school diploma, and gain the real world skills needed to succeed. Vocational training is available in rapidly growing career areas, such as certified nursing, carpentry, culinary arts, auto repair, electrical, welding and many more. 10:30am-12:30pm. Workforce Development Center. 434.455.2521. 4 – Yack & Snack Book Club – Christmas novels with our favorite authors! Have you read a good book lately? What do I read next? Talk about the books you are ready
fun & games solutions Continued from Page 28
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1-29 – Crochet Corner – Bring your hook and learn different crochet techniques and designs, or share your own skills. Join the creative fun as we work on individual and group
ROXBORO
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4 – Shana Tucker ChamberSoul: A Different Kind of Christmas – 7:30pm. Kirby Theater. 336.597.1709.
MARTINSVILLE
Lectures/Entertainment
1-31 – Exploring Virginia Featuring many specimens and artifacts from Virginia’s past and present, Exploring Virginia will be an exhibit you won’t want to miss.Virginia Museum of Natural History.276.634.4141. 4 – Christmas Tree Lighting - A children’s choir will sing carols as we light the Christmas tree. 5pm. Municipal Building. 5 – Christmas Open House Come out and get Christmas gift ideas. Refreshments and specials will be available throughout the day. 10am-5pm.Uptown Martinsville. 6 – Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops - Featuring over 200 musicians, the Symphony’s performance will include holiday classics, a carol singa-long and performances by Midwest Emmy®-winning soprano, Adrienne Danrich.7pm. Martinsville High School Auditorium. 10 – 2nd Thursday Science Talk – Dinosaurs and Life Thereafter -
Dinosaur extinction, what took their place, and what was the world like after dinosaurs? Dr. Alex Hastings, Assistant Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology hosts. 6-7pm.VMNH. 276.634.4141. 18 – TAC Christmas Ball – Piedmont Arts Teen Arts Council members and their guests are invited to celebrate the holidays at a semiformal Christmas dance with a DJ.710pm. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221. 18 – Art Walk – Enjoy art, food, music and fun along Martinsville’s historic streets. Over 20 galleries, restaurants and shops are open during this event. 5-7pm. Uptown Martinsville. 19 – Youth Curator Camp – 10am-3pm.VMNH. 276.634.4141. 31 – New Year’s Eve Party featuring Yarn – Our first ever New Year’s Eve Party is going to be flat-out AWESOME!! Martinsville’s favorite band,Yarn, will be throwing down. Plus we’ll fire up the Big Screen TV for coverage of Times Square and the ball dropping. Rives Theatre. 2763403.0872.
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projects. Light refreshments will be provided. Tues. 4-6pm. Genealogy Room, Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195 ext.3. 12 – Zip Line - Winter Express – Cold zip line rides followed by warm hot chocolate is a great way to get your Saturday going this December. Ages 8 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.1112:30pm. Skate Park. 434.799.5150. 17 – Zip Line - Reindeer Night Flight – Imagine that you are at the North Pole flying with the reindeer as you ride the zip line. Enjoy this night zip line adventure with lights to illuminate your way. Ages 8 and up. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.7-8:30pm. Skate Park. 434.799.5150.
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and enjoy the snacks. Ages 18 and up.11am-12pm. Genealogy Room, Danville Public Library. 434.799.5191 ext.3. 5 – Holiday Market – Everything you need to get ready for your holiday parties and gatherings. Handmade crafts, homemade food, locally grown Christmas trees, and more. 8am-2pm.Danville Community Market. 434.797.8961. 7-28 – African American Voices Book Club – Whether you are an avid reader and/or author, come share your thoughts on your favorite African American reads. M 4-5pm. Genealogy Room. Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195 ext. 3. 8,10 – Introduction to FindAGrave.com – Need help locating a family cemetery or a relative’s burial site? This two-part class will introduce FindAGrave.com, an online database with thousands of cemetery records. Seating is limited. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. 12/8 part 1, 12/10 part 2.11am1pm. Computer Lab. Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195 ext.3. 8-22 – Decorating the Trees for a Cause – Participants setup and decorate a tree in honor of a chosen non-profit organization. Community members vote for their favorite tree or charity by giving a monetary donation. Open House 12/8, 4:306:30pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. www.ialr.org. 15 – Utilizing Court Record to Guide Genealogical Research – This class will introduce you to databases and resources at the local office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. Learn how to obtain public records to guide research. Seating is limited. Registration required. Ages 18 and up. 11am-1pm. Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195. ext. 3.
SOUTH BOSTON Arts/Exhibits/ Entertainment
4-6, 11-13 – A Christmas Carol – Classic story by Charles Dickens. In partnership with Halifax County Little Theatre. Times vary. The Prizery. 434.572.8339. 5 – Afternoon Tea – Meet the characters from the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol while enjoying English delicacies of the season. Period music and clothes will round out this seasonal event that you don’t want to miss. Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts and History. 434.572.9200.
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by Paulette Dean Executive Director, Danville Humane Society
The Thanksgiving-Christmas/Hanukkah season is my favorite time of year. I begin buying Christmas gifts either in the spring or summer, simply because my sister has seven children and as they have married and had babies of their own, the gift list is significantly longer than it used to be. As soon as Hallmark announces when their Christmas movies start, I actually mark the date on my calendar. My favorite tree is the live one that my sister and brother-in-law have. I love the fragrance and the ornaments and the lights. I love, love, love going into their living room with its walls of windows to enjoy the tree. The day is over too quickly, and it always makes me a little sad to see the discarded trees and the shelves of poor, overlooked decorations in stores. However, that cannot compare to the sadness animals shelters face when, within weeks or sometimes even days, they begin receiving discarded pets that were given as gifts. In fact, in 1994, I adopted a dachshund mix that had been given as a gift the year before. By the time she came through our shelter doors, she had been physically and emotionally abused. She was an emotional mess and she never quite recovered. Katey, though, was one of the lucky ones because she did find a home with a human who absolutely adored her. The rest of her days were spent as my almost-constant companion. Many discarded pet gifts do not have such happy endings. Most animal welfare organizations urge people to not give an animal as a gift. You may give a gift certificate, promising a pet, but the recipient has the right to choose which animal they want. A boyfriend may think his girlfriend needs a dog, but she may be more inclined to want a cat. Grown children may think that a cat is just the companion for their elderly parents, but the parents may not want to be “tied down” to having a pet. The list goes on and on. Some shelters do allow holiday gift adoptions. We do only if parents want to surprise their children with a family pet, but we do not let the animal be presented on the noisiest, most confusing morning of the year. (Santa Claus sometimes bring pets the day before or the day after Christmas, just so they don’t have to endure a long sleigh ride completely around the world.) Companion animals require a commitment of time, money, and, yes, even sacrifice. Our goal is to make sure they do not get discarded as easily as torn wrapping paper and trees. SM
Stash
This little girl may be sporting a “mustache,” but she really is a little lady. She’s about two years old and has been with us for a long time. She has a bobtail, a sweet disposition, and gets along well with other cats. Danville Humane Society,
434.799.0843
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Where Have All the Fun Times Gone?
mystified Misty Brooks
Welcome to my world. Maybe you’ll find something entertaining, or maybe you’ll find something to relate to. Maybe you’ll find both. Sometimes this page won’t even make sense to you. Sometimes it won’t apply to you. And sometimes you’ll think I stalked you and wrote a story about what I saw. My world consists of five children, two dogs, two cats, and a husband. Jason is 23, Corey is 15, Spencer is 14, Tucker is 13, and Kendall is 12. Scott, my husband of four years, is still trying to figure us all out. Every day is a winding road.
Happy Birthday, Kendall • Dec. 8
I’m just sitting here thinking of something funny to say. I don’t really have anything at the moment. This column hasn’t been truly funny in some time now, so I’m trying to change that. Nothing really funny happens around here anymore. And that is so sad. I guess that’s what happens when your children get older. They turn into pre-teens and teens and are full of nothing but sarcasm and selfishness. This page used to be all about them — funny things they’d say and funny things they’d do. Now, it’s all about me. I write about arthritis, feeding chickens, and cleaning up. Not funny. I remember when life was funny. I’m missing it. While I still can’t think of anything humorous to say, I have lots to reflect on… • Tucker peeing in the koi pond on display at Lowe’s when he was four. • The year I had melasma on my top lip, and it looked like a
mustache. Hopefully this didn’t fool anyone who knows me, because anyone who knows me knows I wax my actual mustache! • The time the children and I were walking to the car and noticed a tiny baby squirrel in the yard. We all crouched down to admire the small, hairless creature. Just then, the mother came SCREAMING through the yard. I thought she was going to attack us. I screamed and tried to shelter everyone. She just wanted her baby. She balled it up, shoved it in her mouth, and ran up the tree. • We were all hiking one beautiful fall day and on the way back down the mountain Tucker let his pants drop to his knees. He was so tired of pulling them up all day that he just didn’t care anymore. I was laughing so hard that I didn’t see the log lying across the path. I tripped and sprained my ankle. No one came to my aid but Spencer. I fall down so often the rest really weren’t fazed. • I was watching the children play tag outside and Kendall was so afraid she was going to be “it,” she kept checking behind her and ran right into a tree.
It was like watching a cartoon! • Once, I ran over Kendall’s foot with my car. It wasn’t broken, but when I took her for an x-ray I couldn’t stop laughing about it. I’m surprised my children weren’t taken from me that day. • Spencer jumping off the 20 foot high deck and landing on the trampoline. • Once, I put Corey and Spencer in their room for naps and when all was quiet I was sure they were asleep. A few minutes later there was a ring at the door. It was Corey and Spencer. Three and four years old, they had gone out of their window, climbed onto the porch and wanted to come back in! I was mortified!! • I accidentally left Kendall at home one morning. I was still in sight of the house when I realized it. She was standing on the front porch sobbing her eyes out. She was three. Bless her heart. • One summer, during Kendall’s basketball game all the girls were lined up on the last day; all the parents were on the bleachers. Some were standing up taking pictures. I walked down the center aisle and took a few pictures. While still looking through my camera, I stepped down one more step, only I missed the step and fell off the bleachers and onto the floor in front of everyone. The way I landed, I couldn’t get up by myself. Two coaches had to walk over and help me up. Kendall and I still laugh about that. Laughter and fun have been absent for a while, I welcome them back into my life with open arms! Laughter conquers all - J.Whitney SM
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