2020
Community Strong
PEOPLE OF THE YEAR
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CONTENTS
Showcase Magazine
DECEMBER 2020
THE COM M UNITY STRONG ISSUE Showcase Magazine
@showcaseDVA
showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com
FEATURES Community Strong
Recognizing those who volunteer their time and expertise to better the community. 8
Paws for a Cause Dear Santa 27
Holiday Shopping Guide
PG.
2020 Showcase Magazine
8
Community Strong People of the Year
in Martinsville— Henry County 28
In 2020, I Am Thankful For My Village 30
ALSO INSIDE Editor’s Letter
Come Together (But Still Stay Apart) 6
Games
Crossword & Wordsearch 24
Confessions of a 30 Something The Lost (Or Found) Year 25
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife
Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies 26
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PG.
28
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Come Together
(But Still Stay Apart) Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Teamwork is incredibly important in accomplishing goals. Do you remember the DC Comics superheroes, The Wonder Twins? Maybe not. But here’s a quick refresher. The Wonder Twins’ powers only worked if they could touch hands. The twins would fist bump and say, “Wonder Twins Powers Activate.” And then save the day. Fortunately, in the era of social distancing, physical contact isn’t required for teamwork. Like-minded people coupled with positive energy can move mountains. The communities we live in are our teams. Being part of a community comes with responsibility. Without individuals coming together to nurture a community, it becomes the house plant you forgot to water… again and again. Getting involved in the growth of a community should be high on everyone’s to-do list. In our communities, teamwork is a crucial ingredient of community involvement. One definition of Community Involvement is “the process of engaging in dialogue and collaboration with community members.” But that doesn’t scratch the surface of the many ways getting involved can strengthen community bonds and enrich personal growth. We can learn much from getting active in the community. A common ingredient in all communities is diversity. It’s this difference that can be monumental in building a healthy community and growing personally. We can all learn something from each other. We must learn to listen to each other and accept our differences. And most importantly, for positive change to occur, we must participate. It takes effort and hard work to build a better tomorrow. This issue of Showcase is our fifth annual Showcase Magazine Community Strong People of the Year. This year’s issue is sponsored by URW Federal Community Credit Union. URW takes great pride in teamwork by offering and sponsoring many communitystrengthening events throughout the year. Community Strong defines the sturdy foundation healthy communities are built on. 2020 has proven to be a continuous question mark and helping each other is needed more that ever. The eight individuals chosen as this year’s recipients have dedicated time, energy, and ideas to the evolution of Danville into a better place to work, live, and play. As I said early though, individual awards are really collaborative efforts. Our community is loaded with individuals coming together to share their time, efforts, and ideas to build a strong team. I’ll leave you this month with the words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” Stay safe and enjoy the issue.
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showcase DECEMBER 2020
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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 SCOTT BOOTH
Scott Booth Community Strong
PERSON OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
S
cott Booth moved to Danville in early 2018 to become the City’s chief of police. He grew up in Northumberland County, Virginia. After graduating high school, Booth spent six years in the Army, deploying overseas several times, including duties in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After the Army, Booth joined the Richmond Police Department, where he spent nearly two decades rising through the ranks, before taking a chief’s job in the Washington, DC area. After a short time working for the federal government, Booth returned to what he loves—serving a community and trying to make it better. His wife Julissa also enjoys serving and works for the Haven as a sexual assault advocate. Booth has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently finishing his doctorate in Criminal Justice.
Showcase caught up with Chief Booth to find out why community service is so important to him. Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Scott Booth: Community involvement is about getting engaged in the community. Not standing on the sidelines. If you want to see a change in the community—take action. Mobilize people to become engaged and make things better. SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? SB: People. It’s always about people. People make a community great, and I like to think that by working together we can make great things happen. SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement? SB: I try to make time for family and hobbies, but it’s tough. But I believe that you have to make a conscious effort to disconnect once in a while and just focus on yourself and family. Work and community involvement go hand-inhand with me, so I would like to think I can’t have one without the other. SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? SB: Don’t be something that you aren’t—be yourself. I believe that if you are authentic and have a relatively high level of self-awareness, you will be successful. SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? SB: Most of my heroes are chiefs that I
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have worked for and with. I have been lucky enough to work around some phenomenal leaders, leaders that truly cared about making their communities a better place. I would like to think that I have learned from their successes as well as their failures. SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? SB: Danville is special for many reasons. Although I’m not from here, I have found it to be a courageous community that steps up to the challenge time and time again. Danville might get knocked down, but it always gets back up again. It is resilient and truly is the “comeback city.” SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? SB: New opportunities for the city. An end to COVID. Building a new police department facility that the community can be proud of. SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? SB: Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress. Followed closely by, “action is always better than inaction.”
SM: What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? SB: Ride my motorcycle, read, and play with my two awesome dogs. SM: What is your idea of happiness? SB: Making things better. Confronting a challenge with a team and finding an innovative solution to solve a problem in the community. SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? SB: Danville has such a bright future. For the police department, I see us continuing to work with our community to reduce crime and effectively engage and problem-solve with residents in all of our neighborhoods. We are getting ready to start what we are calling “Neighborhood-Oriented Policing” in January 2021. It is basically a continuation of our community policing model, but holding ourselves even more accountable to the community that we serve. Expect more interaction from police officers and supervisors, and definitely more problem solving on neighborhood issues that affect the lives of our residents.
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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 ANGIENETTE DIXON
Angienette Dixon Community Strong
PERSON OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
A
ngienette Dixon says she is “first a servant of God.” She is also a loving wife, and a mother of four beautiful girls, two grandkids, and a devoted daughter. Dixon also created Hoop Don’t Shoot, a community program that provides constructive activities for area youth. Dixon discussed her dedication to the community with Showcase. Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Angienette Dixon: I feel it’s making a change in the young kids’ lives for the better and inspiring them that Christ is the way. SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? AD: Violence among our youth. I was at a young man’s funeral. He didn’t get the chance to graduate high school. It inspired me to go out and change the lives of the youth. SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement AD: I start the day off with praying, reading my Bible, and putting on the armor of God. Starting my day with God helps keep me on track. SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? AD: My mother told me to always put God first.
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SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? AD: Sandy Saunders. She is the former mayor’s wife and one of my closest friends. Her life, her ministry, and work are inspiring. My other hero is TD Jakes. I listen to him every morning. I record his services. He is one of my pastors. SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? AD: I have always been here. My family is here. I feel that our community really works together to make Danville stronger. SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? AD: I’m looking forward to going higher. I have hopes for a Hoop Don’t Shoot building of our own with more devoted volunteers. Most of all, I’m looking forward to changing young men’s lives. SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? AD: “I can do all things in Christ.” That strengthens me. SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? AD: I enjoy spending time with my family, my two loving grandchildren, and riding with my mother. SM: What is your idea of happiness? AD: When someone gets saved. SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville? AD: I enjoy spending time with the young men and women at Hoop Don’t Shoot. SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? AD: I’d like to see Danville get better as a community, and in a city to come together in love and not in hatred.
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A NEW ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON IN YOUR COMMUNITY
INTRODUCING: PHILIP HOLZKNECHT, M.D. Sentara Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Phillip Holzknecht to our care team in South Boston. Dr. Holzknecht specializes in the treatment of a variety of bone and soft-tissue injuries, including general orthopedics, arthroscopic surgery, total and partial joint replacement and hand surgery. He comes to us with over 25 years of expertise in trauma, sports medicine, pediatric injuries and total joint replacement.
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
To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 434-572-4074 or visit sentara.com/holzknecht. Sentara Southern Virginia Orthopedics 422 Hamilton Boulevard, South Boston, VA 24592 12 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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SPONSORED CONTENT SENTARA
Sentra Heros
W
e still may not know all there is to know about COVID-19, however one thing we do know is that the Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital team has the most compassionate, dedicated, and selfless group of people working tirelessly every day. Since March our team has been doing everything possible to provide the safest and most effective care to our patients during this challenging time. They show up with a positive attitude every day to care for their patients while leaving their own families at home. It takes an amazing team, who all show up to care for the community we love. The Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital leadership team is abundantly proud of our team for truly fulfilling our mission of “We Improve Health Every Day.” Here are a few words from some of our leaders: “As a medical staff member for the past 41 years, I can attest to the fact that the driving force of our healthcare facility here in South Boston are the front line nurses, technicians, and maintenance/environmental teams that provide the daily care for our patients. They are the real heroes of Sentara Halifax!” - Dr. James Priest, Vice President of Medical Affairs. “From our environmental services staff to our physicians I could not be more proud of the SHRH team, they are heroes in every sense of the word” says Brian K Zwoyer, DNP, RN, NE-BC, President. “In these times, when families can’t be with their loved ones, these staff find ways to communicate with us, provide updates, and allow us to say our goodbyes and let our loved ones know we’re with them to provide comfort and closure. I cannot thank ALL of the heroes at SHRH for going above and beyond each and every day to care for our community”! – Sherri Bee, Director “It has been a journey along the COVID continuum to find a food supply to service our patients and staff. However, the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Team has managed to continue to provide tasty and nourishing meals for our patients and personnel during this pandemic period.” - Dietary Management. “I have watched my team rise the occasion to care for COIVD-19 patients without any hesitation. They have gone above and beyond for our patients and each other everyday. My team’s dedication and professionalism during unprecedented times makes me proud to work with such and incredible group of people.” – Mary Jane Collie, Clinical Manager Often some of the COVID patients admitted to ICU will ultimately spend their last days there. That can be a very depressing thought. However, my staff has been taking this opportunity to go above and beyond to make those last days as special as possible for our patients and their families. The things they have done range from using their personal resources to purchase patients’ favorites (food, toiletries, etc.) to taking time to “dress them up” for video chats with their families.
One of my favorite stories is of a nurse that arranged a virtual “date” for a patient and his wife. She appointed a time when she would contact the wife via video chat. The husband would have his dinner ready and the wife would have her dinner ready at home. They each got “fixed up”. They were able to eat and talk together as if they were on a date. The most special thing that my staff has done is be there for patients during their final moments when there was no family present. I remember one situation where a patient’s family was on the way, but would not make it in time. Everyone on duty got dressed in full PPE and went in to be with the patient. They played music and held the patient’s hand while she took her last breaths. I could go on and on about the amazing stories that describe the Angels that they have been.” – Keisha Jackson, Nurse Manager “COVID-19 has changed life as we know it yet our team has come together to weather this storm of unchartered waters with compassion, empathy and dedication. Whether it is going the extra mile to explain the ins and outs of doing a virtual video visit to a patient or a provider personally walking a patient out to their car, we are making a difference in our patients’ lives.” - Cherie B. Madison, Director. “I would like to thank the Registration team for their endless efforts of sanitizing pagers, work stations, signature pads, chairs, etc. between each patient and continuing to offer exceptional service each and every day.” - Linda Conner, Manager “I’m proud of the work completed by the Support Services departments, the positive impact that they bring to SHRH on a daily basis. They work tirelessly in support of SHRH clinicians, staff, patients and families impacted by COVID-19 within our community.” Michael Thomas, Director “During a time of uncertainty, our staff never wavered when it came to providing the excellent care our patients deserve and expect when coming into our facilities. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication and support through the most trying of times.” Christy Newton, Manager “Our staff have adapted daily to changing situations, they have worked in other offices and helped out where ever they were needed.” Charlotte Davis, Manager “You will never regret doing the right thing and our staff do the right thing no matter how tired they may become.” Karlene Bloom, Nurse Manager “Material Management has kept the PPE and supplies coming to keep everyone safe. Environmental Services has sanitized, disinfected, cleaned, and done whatever else has been asked of them. Thank you to the whole team.” - Stephanie Clay, Manager We have all learned so much over the past several months. . . And, as we approach the winter season with COVID-19 there will be more to learn on the horizon. Today, we want to recognize our HEROES for all that they do for our community everyday! Thank you for your unwavering service. www.showcasemagazine.com
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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 FERRELL & COOKIE EDMUNDS
Ferrell & Cookie Edmunds Community Strong
PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER
F
errell and Felicia Veal Edmunds, better known as “Cookie” have been fixtures of positivity in our community for many years. They have been married for 26 years, have three sons in the NFL, and have been foster parents with Alliance Human Services for nearly 20 years. Ferrell played for the Miami Dolphins for five years and the Seattle Seahawks for two years. Cookie is a physical education teacher at GLH Johnson Elementary School and varsity football cheerleading coach at Dan River High School. Ferrell and Cookie took time from their busy schedules to talk a little about community service with Showcase.
carve out time specific to your personal life, work life, and community involvement life so that there is a clear balance. SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? FE: Hard work beats talent. You cannot rely on gifts and talent alone. You must put in the work. CE: Prepare yourself today for tomorrow. I believe what you do today shows how prepared you will be tomorrow. Sometimes people are lucky in terms of things happening to them or for them. But some people have prepared themselves, so when opportunity presents itself, they are ready.
Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Ferrell Edmunds: I think community involvement is all about giving back. If you are fortunate enough to do it where you grew up, it is even a greater reward. Cookie Edmunds: For me, community involvement is bringing about a change that is positive and helpful to those who work and live in the community.
SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? FE: I think your family should be your heroes. Someone you see daily. Someone who you have seen fighting through the struggles. Someone who started from the bottom and made it to the top. CE: My heroes are my parents, my children, and my husband. They have experienced and combated adversity at some point in their lives. They have displayed in some form or fashion characteristics such as courage, moral integrity, nobility, determination, dedication, and self- sacrifice.
SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? FE: I’m inspired to get involved when a community sees various types of new development to spark the energy and keep a constant flow of excitement in the air. CE: I’m inspired to get involved when events or projects matriculate into an encouragement for other community members to come together, volunteering and supporting those who are trying to bring positive awareness or change.
SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? FE: Well, since I grew up in Danville, I would say seeing the growth makes me proud to be a Danville native. It has been special to see people in the community work together to reach common goals. CE: The uniqueness of the culture. There are historical sites, historical buildings, an abundance of churches, and a plethora of restaurants of all sorts.
SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement? FE: You need to put a value on all three equally. One is not more important than the other one. You need to find balance and somehow make it work. CE: I think you need to prioritize your timeline daily and
SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? FE: Right now, I would like to see a vaccine for corona. So many people have lost their lives. It would be a blessing to see a cure. CE: I would like to see the continued evolvement of humanity and unity. I honestly believe we are trending in an
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upward direction for equality and justice for all mankind. Make no mistake, there is plenty of work still yet to do. However, if we keep pushing through the systemics within our country, keep fighting for all lives, keep showing mercy for those who intend to do harm to us, we will survive and rise above it.
It goes back to the Television theory. SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? FE and CE: Our vision of Danville is to see the economic growth within our community. To see the community be lifted up, to be strong, and to endure whatever comes this way knowing we will overcome it. God is good.
SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? FE: My favorite quote comes from the older generation, “Can to can’t.” You need to have the mentality of working as early as you can in the morning until you can’t anymore at night. That’s the recipe for success to me. CE: There are so many colloquialisms, jargons, and slang phrases I use in place of quotes. I’m going to go with. “It is what it is. Why? Because it just is.” SM: How do you recharge. What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? FE: I like to sit back and watch sports. I enjoy all kinds of sports. I feel relaxed until I become the invisible coach. I often just sit back and reflect on how I can continue to make a difference in certain areas and in certain people’s lives. CE: I really enjoy watching TV. Television reminds us and shows us that people are individualistic creatures, and we all think and live differently to some degree. Sometimes it’s good to see those differences, even if it is through the lens of television. By doing so, we can appreciate all people. SM: What is your idea of happiness? FE: Happiness is sharing what you have with someone you care about. Putting a smile on my wife’s face or my children’s face makes me happy. Spending time with my biological family, sisters and brothers, creating memories, hanging out with the guys, getting together for dinner and fellowship makes me happy. CE: I feel extremely happy when I’m sharing with others. We have been so blessed over the years, and I mean even before our boys became part of the National Football League. It makes me very happy to surprise people with complementary lunch or dinners or complementary quick trips or giving surprise personal treats for no reason. I really enjoy giving to those who least expect it. SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville? FE: Supporting sports in the hometown schools. I enjoy watching my niece and nephews participating in youth sports and reminiscing back to when my boys were that age. CE: I enjoy attending the Danville Stadium Movie theater. I’m pretty sure I should have some stock ownership in the theater as often as I go. I enjoy taking Ferrell’s nephews, the young people who stay with us, my goddaughter, my boys when they come home, my mom, my parents, my church family, and Ferrell when I can get him to go. I just like going to the movies. www.showcasemagazine.com
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COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 L.C. AND BERNICE MOORE
L.C. & Bernice Moore Community Strong
PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
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ernice and L.C. Moore have been married for 49 “wonderful” years. They have a son, Daniel, who along with his wife Zoe has given Bernice and L.C. two grandchildren, Ethan and Caitlin. Bernice enjoys walking with friends daily. She works at Danville Welcome Center and has worked for Parks and Recreation for 26 years. Bernice works with volunteers for a good majority of events in Danville. L.C. retired from Goodyear after 38 years. He has served on the Board of URW Community Federal Credit Union since 1970. L.C. has been the cross-country coach for Dan River High School since 1989. Showcase asked Bernice and L.C. about the importance of community involvement. Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Bernice Moore: Being willing to help promote any events that are part of the city. I volunteer and help in many events because I want Danville to be successful. I am on the board of Festival in the Park, on the planning committee for Racin’ & Tastin’, on the board of Bright Leaf Brew Fest. I am secretary of Danville Concert Association, on the planning committee for Blue Grass on the River (a fundraiser for Project Life Saver), I am on the Danville Bowling Association Board, and I help my husband with Danville Running and Fitness Club. L.C. Moore: By taking part in what goes on and not just complaining about things that are not going the way you like. SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? BM: I am a people person, and I enjoy meeting folks. Meeting people is a great way to find volunteers willing to help in the community. This is their way, and mine, to give back to keep Danville a better place to live. LM: Originally, running was my inspiration. When I first got into running races, I was always the first one to complain about the slow results, course not marked well, volunteers not doing their job, etc... After about
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5 years of this, a group of us decided we would start a running club (Danville Running & Fitness Club). I was elected President, and we put on a race of our own. It was a learning experience. I was on the receiving end of all those complaints. I found out how difficult covering all the details of an event was, recruiting volunteers, and how special good volunteers were. From then on, I volunteered for local races, and when I took part in a race and things didn’t go well, I would just say, “things happen” and enjoy the fellowship after the race. I got involved with events my wife was working with at Parks & Recreation. I used to say I was “voluntold.” That lead to me getting on the Board of Danville Harvest Jubilee, Festival in the Park, Playful City USA advisory committee (Danville was first recognized as Playful City USA in 2007), Runner Friendly Community committee (RRCA designated Danville as a runner friendly community in 2017), Blue Grass by the River, and others. SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement? BM: I try to exercise and stay healthy. I love walking on the trails. I help with events when time permits. I am a Christian, and I pray every day that God will let me always be a good example to the folks I encounter. I go visit my grandkids often. I love getting to spend time with them. LM: Since I retired and my son moved out and started his own family, I now wonder how I had time to be involved in the community then. Since up until the pandemic, I have always been behind on things I had volunteered for, even though I don’t have a job or as many family commitments that required my time. SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? BM: Try not to worry about things that you cannot do anything about and stay positive. LM: Make sure a successful event is in part because of you and not in spite of you. SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? BM: I admire all the nurses and doctors, and let’s not forget the teachers who try so hard to keep us healthy and focused. My husband is a hero because of his ability to run, his love of teaching kids with cross-country. He encourages
me in all things I take on to do. LM: My grandfather (Pa) who served in WWI, my dad who served in WWII and lived with the demons of war after the war was over, and my son Danny who served in Iraq. SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? BM: Danville is special because of the many friends I have made over the years. It is a great place to work, go out to eat, and exercise. I enjoy working in a small town where you get to know people personally. You feel you belong here. LM: I remember as a kid walking up Main Street shoulderto-shoulder with so many people shopping, eating in restaurants, getting haircuts, going to the movie theaters, or just hanging out on the corner talking. Then some years back I walked up Main Street, and it was like a ghost town. Now, I walk up Main Street and there are people on the sidewalk and cars on the street. I again feel like that kid who was excited to go to town with my parents on Saturday morning. I had my first job at the Advance Store (presently Vintages by the Dan) on Main, bought my wife’s diamond at Allen’s Jewelry, and stood in a long line at the Capital Theater to see Ben-Hur. SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? BM: I am looking forward to seeing all my volunteers again if we can start events. My volunteers are like family to me, and I miss them. LM: I guess it’s the same as everyone else, to get through this pandemic and start enjoying socializing again. SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? BM: Be real in what you do in life! LM: “From the moment you become a spectator, everything is downhill. It is a life that ends before the cheering and the shouting die.” - George Sheehan, Running & Being: The Total Experience.
SM: How do you recharge. What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? BM: I enjoy singing in choir at church, which I can’t do now but hope I can soon. I walk every day that I can. It really is good for health and the stress of everyday life. I love Hallmark movies with all the happy endings. LM: Short vacations, running, and hanging out with family and friends. SM: What is your idea of happiness? BM: Happiness is getting up every day positive that it is going to be a good day. Also, having good health and family. I love and enjoy my family. LM: Being married to the same woman for 49 years and enjoying it. SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville? BM: Walking in road races, meeting friends at restaurants, exercising with our group on the trails. I love to bowl, so maybe I can do that again soon if someone opens the bowling lanes. LM: Run on the Riverwalk, meet friends at a restaurant, go to Farmers Market, attend events I’m not volunteering for, and shopping at small businesses downtown. SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? BM: We will have more jobs and more events for people to enjoy. Hope to draw more young people back to our town so we can keep it growing. People working together as a community and help each other in all events Danville will offer. I hope that 2021 will be a great healing process for all of us. LM: I have mixed feelings about the future of Danville. I want to see it grow, but I don’t want it to lose that small town charm.
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 17
COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 TRAVIS TARPLEY
Travis Tarpley Community Strong
PERSON OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
T
avis Tarpley was born and raised in Danville. Tarpley attended Danville Public Schools where he played basketball, football, and ran track. He went to Delaware State University on a full football scholarship, broke three school records, and earned All-American honors. After attending Detroit Lions minicamp as an unstaffed free agent, Tarpley played professional arena football for a year. Ultimately, that’s where his football career ended because of a torn ACL injury. Tarpley came back to Danville, had surgery at Duke, and recovered fully. He began working at the Danville Family YMCA and serving the community through youth football camps and mentoring. Currently,
Tarpley is a personal trainer at Urban Fitness and owner of Duck Mentoring Service. Tarpley sat down with Showcase to discuss why it’s important for him to get involved in the community. Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Travis Tarpley: Community Involvement is being directly connected with fulfilling the needs of the community. SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? TT: I have a passion for helping the youth and providing them with opportunities to be successful. SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement? TT: Work and community involvement go hand-in-hand for me, so it’s natural to serve. I take personal time to enjoy life outside of work frequently. SM: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? TT: Always believe in yourself and to never give up! SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? TT: My mom is my real-life hero. I’ve watched her manage being a single mom, and she did it with no complaints. She went above and beyond what she had to do for me and made countless sacrifices to give me the best things and opportunities life had to offer.
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SM: What is it about Danville that makes it special to you? TT: Danville is special to me because of the love and support I received from sports growing up. The city supported the high-school games to capacity. Even when I went off to college, the support continued, so I feel obligated to give back.
shopping, and eating at different restaurants. I enjoy going to the beach, fishing, and attending NBA and NFL games.
SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? TT: In 2021, I’m most looking forward to just continuing to help my training clients reach their health and fitness goals. Also, excited about expanding my mentoring services.
SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville? TT: I like to support the local restaurants, go to the youth sports games and enjoy the scenes, and exercising on the Riverwalk trail.
SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? TT: “When it’s too tough for everyone else, it’s just right for me.” - Wendell Scott. SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? TT: I like to take trips to different cities to go hiking,
SM: What is your idea of happiness? TT: Happiness is when you’re confident in yourself and at extreme peace.
SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? TT: My visions for the future of Danville are seeing the city become a place where all cultures can get along and mix and mingle amongst each other. I’d like to see more mixed crowd events. I’d also like to see Danville adopt some nightlife for the different age groups. Downtown bars, hookah spots, rooftop restaurants or hang out spots, etc.
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 19
SENTARA OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
TRUST YOUR WOMEN’S CARE TO OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS The team at Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology in South Boston offer a wide range of services to keep women healthy in their adolescence, during pregnancy and through menopause. Our gynecologists and obstetricians utilize the latest medical practices and technology to provide high quality patient care with compassion. From contraceptive counseling to minimally-invasive outpatient surgery, we have what you need when you need it.
Joni Abbott, D.O.
Charles Rosche, M.D.
Maggie Bane, NP
Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology 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
Call 434-517-8627 to schedule an appointment.
Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology
2206 Wilborn Ave., Medical Office Building #1 South Boston, VA 24592
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Family Care, Specialty Care, Your Care – Where You Need It Most. Sentara is more than just a hospital – we are focused on your care, every day, right here in your hometown. With a wide array of specialty practices, and convenient family medicine locations, the road to your best health is right outside your front door. Schedule an appointment with one of our specialty or family medicine providers today and bring your health care home.
Family Medicine: • • • • •
Sentara Chase City Family Medicine Sentara Halifax Family Medicine Sentara Volens Family Medicine Sentara Clarksville Family Medicine Sentara Halifax Pediatrics
Specialty Care: • • • • • • •
Sentara Halifax General Surgery Sentara Southern Virginia Orthopedics Sentara Halifax Dental Clinic Sentara Obstetrics & Gynecology Sentara Behavioral Health Specialists Sentara Southside Hematology & Oncology Sentara Halifax Occupational Medicine
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
Find a provider easily online at sentara.com/halifax.
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 21
COMMUNITY STRONG PEOPLE OF THE YEAR 2020 ALISON WILLIAMSON
Alison Williamson Community Strong
PERSON OF THE YEAR 2020 PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
A
lison Williamson grew up in Lynchburg and is twice an alumnus of Liberty University. Williamson married her Danville-native husband in 2010. After seven years living in North and South Carolina, they moved to Danville in 2017. The couple has three young children who attend Westover Christian Academy, where Williamson is a high-school social studies teacher. She also serves as the Westover Honor Society sponsor. Williamson’s family is active members of Faith Memorial Baptist Church. During the pandemic, Williamson orchestrated a Community Day of Thanks to show support to our first responders. The event saw local businesses offering free food options to first responders. Williamson took time from her busy schedule to talk about community with Showcase.
Showcase Magazine: How do you define community involvement? Alison Williamson: Community involvement is being part of events and organizations that bring people together. It takes on a wide variety of appearances. It’s a way to worship collectively, connect people, meet a need, or simply have fun. SM: What inspires you to get involved in the community? AW: Apparently, I just enjoy planning events and having a full plate. Ha ha! As a Christian, I believe It’s important to look outside of ourselves and serve others. Whether it’s donating to the local food bank or organizing larger scale projects for the community, I enjoy serving people and want my children to grow up with an example of how to use their time and talents to help to others. SM: How do you balance life, work, and community involvement? AW: My husband is amazing and supportive. He is such a fantastic dad and advocate of my involvement in various groups, that he makes it easier to take on additional activities, but not lose focus on our marriage and family. He keeps me grounded. SM: Who are your real-life heroes and why? AW: Myself and my family are ardent supporters of police, military, and all first responders. These men and women willingly chose to be on the front lines of safety and take on challenges that most won’t. Their sacrificial love of people and community deserves our full support. SM: What are you most looking forward to in 2021? AW: Hopefully the second annual Community Day of Thanks for local first
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responders, as well as the possibility of normalcy after this pandemic. A new year always holds new possibilities, and that’s exciting. SM: Do you have a favorite quote, and if so, what is it? AW: My husband and I chose Ephesians 3:20-21 as our life verse. For us, we know it is the power of the Lord working to bring about anything good in us, and I want Him to receive all the glory for what is done. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” SM: How do you recharge? What do you like to do outside of work and volunteerism? AW: We love time away as a family exploring new and favorite places. There is always a weekend day trip or extended vacation booked on our calendar for us to look forward to and anticipate a time of relaxation, escape, and memories.
SM: What are your favorite things to do in Danville? AW: We always have a fun night seeing and judging the Christmas displays at Ballou Park. In summer, Saturdays at the community market are a place where we buy fresh produce, honey, and baked goods from locals. Additionally, I enjoy taking walks with my family along the Riverwalk trail. SM: What are your visions for the future of Danville? AW: I would like to see more options for recreation and entertainment, like a children’s theater, trampoline park, etc. Giving Danville families choices on where to spend time together and celebrate occasions helps our city to flourish and attract other visitors and businesses. Also, I hope to see Danville continue to grow in its community unity- which has come a long way since we moved here in 2017. There are a lot of initiatives to help unify the community and these are great, but I hope to see its citizens show up for each other individually.
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 23
EXTRA GAMES
Games
Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Baby eating apparel 4 Pear type 8 Floating ice 12 Stray 13 Coupe 14 Maxim 16 Wilts (2 wds.) 18 Loaf 20 Joins together 21 Detail 23 Morse code “T” 24 Killed in action 25 Wing 26 Adult female 27 Actor Alda 29 Miniature scene 32 Small amount 33 K-__ 34 Pudding 38 Senator Clinton 40 Ecological food chain (2 wds.) 41 Had a dream 42 Engorge 43 Loose gown worn at mass
44 Male massager 46 Evils 47 Invitation abbreviaton 50 Shoshonean 51 Pain unit 52 Whiz 53 European Nomads 55 Repent 58 Pulpits 60 Erode (2 wds.) 63 Beep 64 Canal 65 Compass point 66 Baths 67 Sticky black substances 68 Pa DOWN 1 Prays 2 Cast metal 3 Frail 4 Type of wood 5 French “yes” 6 Short-term memory 7 Fliers aide
8 Baby 9 Student’s dread 10 Cheat 11 Orange cheese 15 Alcoholic beverage 17 Gyrate 19 Scriptural your 22 Sticky black substance 25 Light 26 Worship 27 Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (abbr.) 28 Den 29 Scoots 30 ‘love’ (Italian) 31 Deliberate 33 Ma 35 Gulped 36 Scalp 37 Tides 39 Light 40 Chimney 42 Bathes (2 wds.) 45 Star 46 Small particle
47 Really cool 48 Replace a striker 49 Brides’ headdresses 51 Braves
53 Zeus’ wife 54 Wields 56 Rocket builders
57 Looked 59 Drain 61 Time
Word Search CANDLES
HOLIDAY
LIGHTS
SNOWMAN
CHESTNUTS
HOT CHOCOLATE
ORNAMENTS
STOCKINGS
COOKIES
JOY
SLEIGH RIDE
WINTER
FAMILY
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WREATH
Answers on Page 29
CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Confessions of a 30 Something
The Lost (or Found) Year BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER
Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of another year, and what a year it has been. As I was writing this, I went back to photos I had taken in the first couple months of 2020. It seems like another world and a lifetime ago. There are images of so many things we took for granted, like being able to go to the bowling alley with your family, or watching my son play youth basketball. These are simple things, of course, but once they have been gone for almost a year, one realizes how special those moments were.
reconnect) with our families, or those who matter most to us.
This year has certainly been challenging for everyone. For many people, their jobs were lost or severely cut back. For others, they’ve had to work longer hours, and in more dangerous conditions, than ever before. Families have struggled with how to keep their children educated during this era of virtual learning, and how to keep them active when most youth sports have been cancelled.
I probably spent more quality time with Blair and the kids in the first couple months of the pandemic than I had in a long time. We would go for walks on hiking trails, or the riverwalk. We would play games in the backyard. Again, these are simple things, but they were refreshing, because in the hustle and bustle of our “normal” life, these things often get pushed aside.
And yet, with so many things that have seemingly gone wrong this year, there seem to be many things that have gone right. For instance, in the early months of COVID-19, nearly everything was closed and events were cancelled. Obviously, that’s not a good thing. But through that negative experience, so many of us were able to step back and connect (or
We don’t know what the future holds. I think we all hope that this virus will be under control in the weeks ahead, but that is largely out of our control. What we can control is how we treat one another and how we spend our time. Let’s make the most of that, virus or not, in 2021.
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 25
FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT
Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies are so perfect for the holidays! This gingerbread cookie dough holds up perfectly for gingerbread cutout cookies or can be baked longer to create gingerbread men cookie ornaments for the Christmas Tree!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
PREP TIME: 10m; COOK TIME: 10m CHILL TIME: 1h; TOTAL TIME: 1h 20m; YIELDS: 22 Cookies
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375F. 2. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. 3. Mix in the eggs, molasses and vanilla. 4. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. 5. Slowly add sifted flour mixture to butter mixture and mix until combined into a dough. 6. Cover and place into fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) 7. Remove dough from fridge and lay on a clean flat surface. 8. Roll dough to about 1/4-inch-thick and cut out gingerbread men. 9. Dough scraps will need to be rolled and cut again to get all gingerbread men cut. 10.If dough is too cold to roll, work/knead small amount with your hands until it can be rolled. 11.Lay cut gingerbread men onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. 12.Move to cooling rack to cool completely.
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 cup white sugar • 1/2 cup molasses • 2 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 4 cups all-purpose flour
To Decorate gingerbread men - use royal icing or white store-bought cookie icing NOTES The Gingerbread Man Cookie cutter that I use is 4.25 Inches. To make ornaments, use a straw to poke a hole in the top of the cookie BEFORE baking. Bake 3-5 minutes longer to crisp cookie. 26 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Paws for a Cause Dear Santa: My name is Buddy and I am the Best Shelter Mascot in the World. I have been at the Danville Area Humane Society/City of Danville Animal Shelter for over 13 years. You surely remember me–I have been at the top of your Nice List for all of my life. I am very intelligent, handsome, funny, and people come from miles around to see me. This column, though, is not really about how wonderful I am (although I am). Does pride get you on the Naughty List? Asking for a friend. I digress. I have learned a few things here and there from the top of my cage and from wandering through the shelter office. I have reached the conclusion that most sad things that happen to companion animals are the result of humans. This year, Santa, I have only one wish to put in my usual letter to you. In the past, I have asked for and received food, toys, treats, blankets and
WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
a whole lot of other things for my animal friends. They are all needed and are all appreciated. My wish this year is for you to make human hearts kind. Can you do that? If so, thank you very much! I was a very lucky boy and was rescued from a very sad place. I know what being unloved feels like. If your Santa powers cannot make all hearts kind, just let me know and I will give you a list of animals that need to be put in your sleigh and taken to the North Pole.
MEET TOM THE GENTLE GIANT This big guy is about two years old and came to us as a stray. He has the markings of a Bernese Mountain dog mix.
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 27
EXPLORE HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE IN MARTINSVILLE - HENRY COUNTY
Holiday Shopping Guide in Martinsville—Henry County BY BETH STINNETT MARTINSVILLE-HENRY COUNTY TOURISM
With the holiday season upon us, are you left wondering where to get started or how to finish your shopping list? Don’t stress. You can get everyone crossed off your list with a shopping weekend in Martinsville–Henry County. And with the money you’ll save by shopping locally, you can pick up a little something for yourself. Let’s start with whom are you shopping for? For the book lover on your list, visit Books and Crannies for a large selection of fiction and nonfiction novels, including a wide range of children’s books. If you have a particular book in mind, that isn’t in stock, they will happily order a copy for you. Plus, the staff can offer recommendations for the next title for your bookworm. Experience the top-notch customer service that only a small town independent bookstore can offer. You can also shop a selection of used books. What about the kids on your list? When it comes to kids, we can all agree on one thing; They. Love. Dinosaurs. Right? So, stomp your way over to the Virginia Museum of Natural History and browse their gift shop for your dino-lover. You’ll find a variety of kid-approved items such as dinosaur toys, books, shirts and more. Or consider purchasing a family membership to the museum to spread the joys of gifting throughout the year. Remember, VMNH members get free admission to all festivals held during the year. For the art enthusiast on your list, Studio 107 and Piedmont Arts both offer unique pieces made by local and regional artists. Odds are you can find the perfect item from the vast collections of paintings, sketches, wood-turned pens, jewelry, and other mediums. Or, if you have a budding artist on your list, consider purchasing personal drawing, painting, or wood-turning lessons at the studio. Or for the crafty DIYer, consider Janice Cain Stationery & Gifts for items such as adult paint-by-number kits. 28 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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Then there are the wine and craft beer lovers to consider, and that’s easy because Martinsville-Henry County is home to Hamlet Vineyards and Mountain Valley Brewing. Grab a bottle (or two) of one of the award-winning wines of Hamlet Vineyards by either attending a tasting on a Sunday afternoon or by stopping by their gourmet to-go shop; Hamlet Kitchen. Your recipient won’t be disappointed. Hamlet Vineyard’s 2016 Eltham was included as 1 of 12 wines in the 2019 Governor’s Cup Case, and their 2016 Petit Verdot took home a silver medal. For the craft beer lover, fill a growler with one of Mountain Valley Brewing’s finest brews made from hops grown on site. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum may have options for the history lover on your list - especially if they are interested in regional history. The museum’s gift shop features items such as hand drawn sketches of historic sights and buildings in MHC, books on local history written by local authors, ornaments, and more. You can also purchase books on local history at the MHC Visitor Center and the Bassett Historical Center. And for the fashionistas you’re shopping for, might we suggest Pieces and Sparkle Me Pretty boutiques; both of which offer trendy and classic pieces for everyday and for special occasions. And for the fashionable men on your list, Draper & Ferrell Clothiers and Carter’s Fine Clothing have lots of options to compliment his style. If you have a jewelry lover on your list, head over to The Jewelers Edge where you can select from hundreds of unique pieces including estate and heirloom pieces. Keep in mind, for your next special occasion, that the talented jewelers can also help you design and create a custom piece. Finally, for the Virginia lover on your list, stop by the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center to check out our selection of Virginia is For Lovers merchandise, including shirts and hats in a variety of categories such as Virginia is For Outdoor Lovers, Virginia is For Music Lovers, Virginia is For Racing Lovers, and others. We also have Martinsville-Henry County t-shirts available for those who love, or miss, their hometown. Now, we hope that you’re ready to shop ‘til you drop, but if you need more shopping inspiration, check us out online at www. VisitMartinsville.com/shop.
Games Solutions Continued from Page 24
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search
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| DECEMBER 2020 | SHOWCASE Magazine 29
FEATURE IN 2020, I AM THANKFUL FOR MY VILLAGE
In 2020,
I Am Thankful For My Village BY BRANDIE KENDRICK PHOTO BY BRANDIE KENDRICK
A
ll my life, I have heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Before having children, I often thought this was a cliche thing to say. I knew many people at the time that were raising children without a “village.” I was dead set on being an independent woman that raised strong independent children. I had this “I am woman, hear me roar” kind of motto. While studying child development in college, I remember feeling the gravity of what it takes to raise a happy and well-rounded child. The studies are paramount. Children need deep and meaningful relationships with trusted adults. Children need community. So, I sat there, at age 18, reading about the importance of child development and thought to myself, I am going to need some help with this parenting gig. Fast forward to 2012 when I had my first daughter. It was then that I realized not only did my daughter need a village, but I, as her mother, needed a group of people to help me raise this tiny human. We all need a community of people that could step in, help out, and be there for us in our time of need. I slowly but surely realized raising small humans was also about building a community of people that love them. After my second daughter, this idea of needing a village became even more clear as I had complications with her delivery. Who would watch my oldest? How can I care for two children when I can barely walk without pain? How will I do this? These questions were quickly answered when my mother stepped in to wash my clothes. When my husband took the fussy baby on a car ride and when my mother-in-law picked up my rambunctious three-year-old just so I could sleep while the baby was sleeping. Again, here I was relying on my community to help. Once again this solidified my knowledge that we all need a village. The reality of needing others to help me raise my children became no more real than in 2019. In 2019, I lost a large part of my community. My village cracked a little and our family was left broken. In May 2019, my mother unexpectedly passed away. My rock, my strength, my “hold my hair back while I puke” part of my village was gone. There were
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moments when I was wondering how I would move forward. How do I raise my daughters and be a good mother when I no longer have a mother to turn to? Not only did I lose my friend and parent, but I lost a big part of my village. In fact, if my village were a building, the cornerstone was now missing. Six months later, my wonderful father-in-law passed away after three years of battling cancer. Again, another cornerstone of our village missing. Like a building missing its foundation, our family has been a bit unsteady. It’s like we are learning how to move forward without a large part of our community. But one thing is for sure, the rest of our village stepped up. I will never forget the first person to show up after my mom passed away. I will never forget my boss dropping everything and driving me to the hospital when I got the phone call. I will always remember my best friend showing up at the funeral with fruit snacks and juice boxes for my children for when they became restless. This was my village, a little broken but strong. I would be a little lost without these people. The year 2019 showed me that the community is needed in easy and hard times. Then 2020 rolled around and forced us to focus in, just like 20/20 vision, on the importance of community. If anything, 2020 has shown us all the importance of togetherness. For those of us with children, we have relied so much on our village and community during this time. One thing is for sure, our community has stepped up in a major way this past year. Even amid a pandemic, our community was present for our children. From our schools providing food to its students during lockdown to our local daycares staying open for the children of front-line employees; our community has personified the saying “it takes a village.” We’ve all been in this together navigating the unknown, and I am proud of our community. According to wonderful internet the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb from the Nigerian Igbo culture which means that it takes a community or a village to raise a child. Most parents can speak to this being a fundamental truth of parenting in 2020. We need a village. We need a community. We need those to love our children and help us navigate the chaos of raising children during a global pandemic. Let’s continue to build togetherness and express gratitude to our community, our village. Brandie Kendrick has a graduate degree in child development and holds a certification in human development studies. For more of her writing visit pickledproverbs.com.