Showcase Magazine December 2024

Page 1


2024

Community Strong

PERSON OF THE YEAR

Hall

Get ready for an action-packed summer! Join us for exciting camps on Chatham Hall’s stunning 365-acre campus, where you can sharpen your skills, make new friends, and have a blast! Each week offers a different sport led by top-notch coaches.

Summer Athletic Day Camps

AGES: 11-14

COST: $150 per week, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

June 9-12 | Volleyball

June 16-19 | Lacrosse

June 23-27 | Basketball

June 30 - July 3 | Soccer

Summer Overnight Camps

AGES: 11-14

COST: $2,000+ per week

June 8-13 | Fierce & Fearless: Ready for Anything

June 15-20 | InovatHers in Science

June 22-27 | Sports Camp

June 15-20 & June 22-27 | Riding Camps

June 29-July 2 | Show Like a Pro

CEO

DECEMBER 2024

Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

FINANCE MANAGER

Cindy Astin-Yeatts | cindy@showcasemagazine.com

ADVERTISING

Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335

Emily Wilkerson | Executive Assistant emily@showcasemagazine.com

753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 • Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com • www.showcasemagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paulette Dean | Arnold Hendrix | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danville Area Humane Society | City of Danville

Greg Saunders | Lee Vogler

COVER

Greg Saunders in front of the garage ran by his father. “This is where it all began with my community work.” – Greg (Gee) Saunders

Scan with your smart phone for

Photo by Lee Vogler

2024 COMMUNITY STRONG PERSON OF THE YEAR: GREG (GEE) SAUNDERS

The Beat of Compassion

Greg Saunders’ Legacy of Service

In Danville there’s a rhythm that pulses through the community—not just from the turntables of local DJ Greg (Gee) Saunders, but from the

countless acts of kindness he orchestrates behind the scenes. For decades, Saunders has been more than just the soundtrack to local celebrations; he’s been the quiet force uplifting his community one beat at a time.

“If you didn’t have and I had, I gave. If you needed, I’d get it for you,” Saunders said, simply, summarizing a philosophy that has guided his life of service.

From his teenage years, Saunders demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit that set him apart. As the first youth promoter in the area, he organized high school parties across multiple schools—GW, BY, Tunstall, Dan River, and Chatham—while employing his friends as staff. His vision extended beyond mere entertainment when he brought hip-hop legends like Brand Nubians, KRS-1, Ghostface Killah, Fat Joe, and Redman to the city auditorium, providing local youth with unprecedented cultural experiences.

But it’s his commitment to addressing community needs that truly defines his legacy. Understanding that hunger doesn’t follow a schedule, Saunders ensures his community events always include food—knowing that for many kids, it might be their only meal of the day. This compassionate awareness drives his monthly tradition of providing free pizza to community members. When asked about his Tuesday pizza giveaways, his simple response revealed volumes: “This is all some will have today.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG SAUNDERS

The Cardinal Village National Night Out events have become synonymous with Saunders’ presence, where his music and energy help maintain community engagement year after year. His partnership with DRHA’s youth program exemplifies his innovative approach to service—hosting events at Skatetown where admission “costs” only canned goods for local food banks or school supplies for students in need.

“You help because you never know when you will need help,” Saunders added. “That’s just how I was raised.”

Saunders’ impact extends beyond immediate assistance. Recognizing the negative portrayal of women in some music, he created the anthem “Beautiful Woman” with its empowering message: “Beautiful Woman, where you at? Keep Grinding, Keep Shining, Keep Smiling.” For four years, he’s produced tribute videos featuring women from all walks of life, promoting self-esteem and positive representation.

His commitment to youth development manifested in a comprehensive Stop The Violence Movement, which has become instrumental in the urban community. Through motivational speeches and mentorship, Saunders continues to influence young citizens, inspiring them to pursue positive paths. His influence has created a ripple effect, with mentees like Bryant Hood following in his footsteps of entertainment and community service.

The scope of Saunders’ generosity knows no bounds. He maintains cars for minimal fees, supports local businesses by creating promotional videos for their services, and assists elderly neighbors with lawn care, including his own mother. During holidays, he coordinates candy collections for Halloween events and partners with Bibleway’s Thanksgiving Feast, helping serve hundreds of local citizens.

“The more you help, the better you receive,” Saunders

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Continued from Page 9

said, though it’s clear he gives without expectation of return. Perhaps most remarkably, Saunders accomplishes all this while maintaining a successful career as a DJ and running a clothing line featuring his motivational message: “Keep Pushing til it’s time to Go!” Even during personal challenges, he continues to check on others in his circle, embodying the community spirit he promotes.

In an era where social media often amplifies acts of kindness for publicity, Saunders stands apart as someone who serves quietly, consistently, and without seeking recognition. His legacy isn’t built on grand gestures but on the accumulated impact of daily choices to serve others—proving that true community transformation often begins with one person deciding to make a difference, one beat at a time.

Sovah Health Earns High Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group

New Grade for fall 2024 is a national recognition for commitment to patient safety

Danville earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade and Sovah Health –Martinsville earned a “B” from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“We are honored to receive an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group on our Danville campus. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our clinicians and staff who work tirelessly to ensure patient safety and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care. Our Martinsville campus also shows continuous improvement climbing from a ‘C’ in previous reports. We are proud to serve our communities with this continued standard of excellence,” said Steve Heatherly, Market President – Sovah Health.

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is a significant accomplishment for Sovah Health,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It reflects enormous dedication to your patients and their families, and your whole community should be proud. I extend my congratulations to Sovah Health, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for their tireless efforts to put patients first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore Sovah Health’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

About Sovah Health

Sovah Health is a regional healthcare delivery system, serving the south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina region. It is comprised of two hospital campuses, one in Danville and the other in Martinsville.

The Danville campus is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina employing approximately 1000 people and with 175 physicians on the medical staff. Sovah Health - Danville is also a Leapfrog “A” Hospital, recognized for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. The Martinsville campus has been at the heart of the Martinsville and Henry County community and the surrounding area providing exceptional healthcare and services to the region since 1970. Sovah Health - Martinsville has more than 120 physicians on the medical staff and employs more than 800 people. Sovah Health is proud to be certified as a primary stroke center by The Joint Commission and named by the U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for Heart Failure, COPD, and Pneumonia. For more information about Sovah Health, please visit SovahHealth.com.

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps for patient safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, Leapfrog’s other main initiative, assigns letter grades to hospitals based on their record of patient safety, helping consumers protect themselves and their families from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. For more, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and sign up for their newsletter.

Your Monthly Navigator for December

Pulse

Ongoing

Danville Science Center. ExhibitsUnder the Arctic, Go!, Water, Cresent Crossing.Various Dome Shows, Creativity Labs, Stream Into The V.O.I.D. www.dsc.smv.org.

Ruby B. Archie Public Library Programs - Don’t miss the programs offered at the Library. Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Storytellers: Creative Writing 101, Murder Mystery Dinner, Hour of Code, Little Explorers Storytime, Little Learning Lab, Book Babies, Random Fandom, Maker Mondays, Code Challengers, Teen Takeover, Pop Culture Geek Out Hour, ACEC Information Sessions, 3D Printing for Adults, Get More from Google, The Loop Group, Books & Beans Social Hour, Girls Who Code, Books & Brews Social Hour, Winter Solstice Celebration, We Dig Science, LEGO Brick Engineers, Oh, Christmas Tree, Gingerbread Ornaments, Nutcracker Hot Cocoa Party. 434.799.5195.

Through January 11

PAA Exhibits. The Art of the Quilt: ex·per·i·ment and Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

December 1

Santa Meet & Greet. Free photos with Santa canned food drive. Bring one canned food item per child. 1-3pm. God’s Storehouse. 434.857.8832.

December 1 (thru 29)

Live Music. Hosted by Matt Crowder. Sundays 2-6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

December 3

Medicare Basics. Seminar to help make smarter choices as to the most cost effective and best Medicare

health plan. Registration required. 10am-12pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

December 4

Diabetes Support Group. Learn tips and tricks to help better manage diabetes. Topics will vary. 11am-12pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.

December 5

VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society. Learn helpful tips and hear interesting stories related to genealogy topics. Ages 18+. Registration required. 2-3pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

Sensory-Friendly Night. Guests with disabilities can enjoy a less crowded environment as they explore exhibitions, sensory-friendly activities and visit with Santa. 5-7pm. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org. Christmas with the Drifters 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

December 5 & 17

Legal Aid Workshop. Questions and answers workshop. 12/5 Wills and Advance Directives, 5:30-6:30pm; 12/17 How to File for Divorce, 1-2pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

December 6

North Pole Jingle in! Holidays at the Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony. 5-7pm. Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market. 276.632.6401.

Christmas on the Plaza. Carolers, children’s activities, visits with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Tree lighting. 5-8pm. Downtown Danville. Luminaria Trail Walk. Celebrate the season with a candlelit stroll along the Riverwalk while encountering various singers and groups along the way, or join along with the roving carolers. 5:30-8pm. 434.857.3384.

Christmas Movie Night. Featuring The Polar Express, festive treats,

cookie decorating, and photos with Santa.6pm. Windsor Heights Community Pool.

Breakfast with Santa and MGDC Crafts, bounce house, vendors, photos with Santa and pancakes. 6-9pm. Twin Springs Elementary School.

Christmas Movie Night The Muppets Christmas Carol, cookies, hot chocolate and Santa and Mrs. Claus. 6:30pm. Dan River Church.

December 6 & 7

True Grit Extreme Bull Bash. Bull riding, mini bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting. 7:30pm. Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. 434.432.8026. www.theodac.com.

December 6, 7 & 8

Christmas in Historic Chatham 12/6-Lantern lighting, carols, Yule log, cider & cookies, 7pm, Courthouse; 12/7-Christmas parade 6pm, Main Street; 12/8-Christmas First Concert Series: Christmas Joy, 3:30pm. Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

December 7

Holiday Market at the Penn House Artisans with handmade gifts are set up in this historic house. 9am-2pm. Reidsville. 336/349.1099.

Children’s Holiday House. Crafts, stories, toys from the past and holiday cookies. Ages 4-10 years and accompanying adults. 6-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH). 434.793.5644.

Santa’s Workshop. Gift wrapping service, Christmas spirited activities for the family, free kids activitiescookie decorating, letter to Santa, reindeer food, kid’s crafts, bounce house. 11am-3pm. Wilson Street. Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour - Beauty Revealed. A showcase of a delightful blend of homes, churches, and businesses, each with their own unique history and charm. 11am-5pm. Victorian Yuletide - Christmas at Avoca. Enjoy holiday decorations,

music, refreshment, silent auction and Santa’s Workshop. Bring a toy donation for a family photo with Santa. 11am-5pm. Avoca Museum & Historical Society. Altavista. It’s a Wonderful Life. Live play, telling the story of idealistic George Bailey, featuring an ensemble of local talent. 2:30pm. Smokestack Theatre Company. 434.549.5445. A Character Christmas Parade Movie & TV character themed floats, marching bands, dogs, horses, cars, and more. 5pm. Main Street, South Boston.

Dinner for Breakfast with Santa 5-8pm. Brosville Fire Department. Jazz Mingle & Jingle. Dress to impress, sit back and enjoy the holiday classics performed by Phase II. 6-8pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.

Live Music - Gabriel Van, The Americana/Jam Grass Band. 7pm. Ballad Brewing.

December 7 & 8

Christmas at the Cinema DSO Concert. Celebrate the season with the Polar Express, Frozen, A Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn (White Christmas) and much more. 12/7, 7:30pm, Bonner Middle School; 12/8, 5pm, The Prizery. dsova.org.

December 7 & 14

Holiday Market. Browse from over 100 vendors selling art, crafts, baked goods, unique gifts, flowers, seasonal produce and more. 8am-2pm. Danville Community Market. 434.799.5200.

December 7 (thru 28)

Live Music. 12/7 Stomping Ground; 12/13 Skyway 61; 12/14 Gary McCullough; 12/20 The League of Ordinary Gentlemen; 12/27Gypsy Soul; 12/28 On the Margins. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

December 8

Christmas at The Farm. Snuggle with & feed the alpacas, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. 1-4pm. Funky Fleece Farm, Gretna. 434.851.8103. Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular. 3pm. Martinsville HS Auditorium. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

Riverview Rotary Serving Others for Christmas Parade. Featuring the return of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T

University. 5pm. Main Street, Danville. The Danville Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert. 5pm. The Prizery. 434.572.8339.

December 9

Let’s Make a Scene! Reader’s Theatre Series. Join us, along with Smokestack Theatre Company, to read a role or just read along “A Christmas Story” by Philip Grecian. Ages 18+. Registration required. Ruby B. Archie Public Library. 434.799.5195.

December 11

Bark the Halls. Enjoy the annual Community Holiday Light Show as you and your pup take a walk through the beautiful light displays and end the evening with a holiday themed picture of you and your dog. 5:30-7:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.857.3384.

December 12 (thru 23)

Community Holiday Light Show Children’s Village features pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, a train model display, and various activities for the kids. Displays created by businesses and organizations in the community. Each display designates a non-profit to win a monetary donation if their display places in the “Best in Show” votes by the visitors to the show. Admission. 6-9pm. Ballou Park 434.857.3384.

President’s Reception. 5:30-9pm. DMFAH. 434.793.5644.

A Very Krampus Christmas Krampus crafts, games, light refreshments, and general merriment shall be had by all. Ages 18+. Registration required. 7:30pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

December 13, 14 & 15

A Very Vintage Christmas. Over 40 vendors, free admission, pet friendly, and Santa. White Barn Vintage, Hurt.

December 14

Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast, 50/50, and Santa. 8-11am. Pelham Community Center.

Community Cares Winterfest Healthy food boxes, hygiene kits, toys, face painting, music, prizes. 11am1pm. Changing Lives Community Center.

Pet Photos with Santa. Including a free microchip clinic. 11am-2pm. Danville Area Humane Society. 434.799.0843.

Enchanted Noel Charity Ball. Hors d’oeuvres, photo ops, DJ and music. 5:30-8pm. Presented by Collective Studio & Salvation Army. 525 Lynn St. RSVP 434.429.7194.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke Party. Bring your favorite holiday snacks and get ready to sing. 6pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.

December 14 & 21

MSAC Christmas Markets. 10am5pm. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017.

December 14 (thru Mar. 15)

DMFAH Exhibit. Art as an Act of Devotion - religious and spiritual art and artifacts. 6-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644.

December 17

The Great Christmas Bake-Off Drop off 9am. Judging 4-5pm. Tasting 5-6pm. Chatham Library. Calls from the North Pole. Danville children ages 3-10 will receive calls from 5-8pm. Registration required. 434.799.5150.

December 18

SOVAH ER Open House. Tours of the new ER, complimentary refreshments. Registration required by 12/2. 6-8pm. SOVAH Health. 434.799.2156.

December 20

Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke 7-10pm. Ballad Brewing.

December 22

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. Live music by The Poorhous, dancing, brews, wine, and food. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

December 27 & 28

Triangle Cycle Moonlight Indoor MX Motocross Series. Every Friday & Saturday. Olde Dominion Agricultural Center, 434.432.8026 or Lake Sugar Tree, 434.650.1158.

December 31

New Year Celebration. Dancing to Remedy. 8pm. The American Legion Memorial Post 325.

New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown. Ring in the New Year downtown with food trucks, beer garden, music by Rock Steady, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen and DJ Greg Ge. 9pm. (See ad page 23)

Level-Up Crossword Puzzle

Confessions of a 30 Something The Next Adventure

What a year this has been. Our family has had a lot of success this year. Kingston notched a couple of sports championships: winning titles in basketball and then baseball. His team came up just short in the championship game in football. Ava had great performances in her dance recital and fashion show.

Blair completed her Master’s Degree and continued to climb in her professional career. And last, I won my re-election campaign for City Council, receiving more votes than anyone in history for the position in Danville. We have been very blessed this year.

With all that being said, this year still hasn’t been without its challenges. We’ve had illnesses. We’ve had injuries. We’ve had squabbles and

We all have our ups and downs. We just hope that the ups outweigh those downs. Country singer Gary Allan had a song that I think sums it up pretty well. In the song, he says:

Life ain’t always beautiful You think you’re on your way

And the changes make you wise

And happiness has its own way of takin’ its sweet time

No, life ain’t always beautiful

Tears will fall sometimes

Life ain’t always beautiful, but it’s a beautiful ride

This year has challenged me a lot, personally. I’m a couple years shy of being 40 years old (which I suppose will cause me to change the name of this recurring column eventually) and I’ve been wrestling with that in some ways. I’ve lived an incredibly blessed life so far, but when you start to reach a certain age, you begin to wonder: what’s next? What are the

‘Sea-saw’ sails Into Danville

One artist’s journey to the Art Trail

As the sun rose over the Danville Science Center, sculptor Rob Craig carefully tightened bolts on his striking creation, “Sea-saw,” one of 10 new pieces added to the Danville Art Trail, which is a rotating outdoor public art display located throughout the River District, along the Riverwalk Trail, and at other sites.

Craig, a professor of sculpture at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has spent the past 35 years creating large-scale works that inspire and intrigue viewers across the United States.

“I do both commission work and studio pieces like this one for public art exhibitions in communities like Danville,” Craig said, stepping back to examine his work during its installation in early November. “This is my first piece for Danville. I found out about the Art Trail through a call for entries.”

Since its launch in 2015 with just seven sculptures, the Art Trail has grown significantly in size and scope.

This year, it welcomes 10 new sculptures, which will join four returning pieces from the previous round to create an eclectic collection of 14 outdoor masterpieces. These works will remain on display for 24 months, offering viewers ample time to explore their diverse styles and themes.

The story behind “Sea-saw”

“Sea-saw” is an abstract sculpture, fabricated from 12-gauge sheet steel and painted with industrial paint to withstand outdoor conditions. Its graceful curves and dynamic structure invite viewers to engage with its forms without dictating a single interpretation.

“The most important thing is how it activates other people’s imaginations rather than them trying to figure out what I was thinking when I made it,” Craig said. “The way that I develop the abstract form is through studying certain objects that I collect, and through drawing and model building.”

For “Sea-saw,” the process started with a hand-forged

Japanese saw called a whaleback and an antique sailor’s knife. Both are tied to water and maritime activities, so Craig said the name “Sea-saw” naturally came to mind.

Craig draws, models, and refines his concepts, often merging forms into something entirely new. While viewers may not immediately identify the inspiration, they might notice echoes of tools, ships, or rudders in the sculpture’s silhouette. Additionally, the color was chosen to connect it to the water.

However, Craig emphasized that he does not want to dictate what viewers should see, but instead open a door to their own thoughts. “It’s not important that they think of it as I’ve thought of it,” he said.

The piece took Craig about seven months to complete, working around his teaching schedule. He hopes that, like other works on the Danville Art Trail, it becomes a point of inspiration and connection for the community.

The other artists and their work

Public art is more than an aesthetic enhancement. It provides social, cultural, and economic value to cities. By transforming ordinary spaces into engaging destinations, the Danville Art Trail encourages community interaction, supports tourism, and makes the city more attractive to residents and businesses. It also reinforces Danville’s identity as a place where creativity thrives.

New pieces

• “Bealtaine” by Aisling Millar McDonald, Ruby B. Archie Public Library (downstairs).

• “Three Hand Reel” by Aisling Millar McDonald, Charles H. Harris Financial Service Center.

• “The Butterfly Enchanter” by Aldo Muzzarelli, Home plaza.

• “Split Atom” by Hanna Jubran, Community Market trailhead of the Riverwalk Trail.

• “Tasia” by Jessica Bradsher, Riverwalk Trail near the Robertson Bridge.

• “Spherica III” by Lawrence Feir, Union Street Overlook along the Riverwalk Trail.

• “Big Orange Stack” by Robert Coon, Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.

• “Three Little Birds” by Scott Harris, Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

• “Neptune” by Wayne Vaughn, near the Community Market on Craghead Street.

Returning pieces

• Triad by Scott Strader, Police Station.

• Fleur de Soleil by Tim Werrell, Court Street entrance of the Municipal Building.

• Moonshine by Richard Whitehill, City Auditorium.

The new sculptures bring an array of styles, from playful and whimsical to bold and thought-provoking. Aside from “Sea-saw,” here’s a look at what will be on display and their location when installation is complete:

• Dragonfly by Pamela Reithmeier, Ruby B. Archie Public Library (upstairs).

Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious passerby, the Danville Art Trail offers an opportunity to see the city through a new lens. With “Sea-saw” and other installations waiting to be discovered, it’s a journey that promises inspiration at every turn.

From the Kitchen of

Big Bear’s Wife

Upside-Down Gingerbread Man Reindeer Cookies

WRITTEN BY ANGIE

OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM

YIELD: 22 COOKIES

These adorable Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies are made using an upside-down gingerbread man cookie cutter, royal icing and a red chocolate candy for the nose!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 cups all purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons baking soda

• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 22 red chocolate candies

• white cookie icing

• black cookie icing

INSTRUCTIONS

To Make Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.

3. Mix in the eggs, molasses and vanilla.

7. Remove dough from the 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.

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)

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 an baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes.

13. Move to cooling rack to cool completely.

To Decorate:

1. Flip cookies upside down.

2. Use white cookie icing to draw eyebrows, antlers (legs of the gingerbread man), eyes, outline the ears (arms of the gingerbread man) and draw a mouth.

3. Use the black cookie icing to add eye details.

4. Use cookie icing to “glue” red candy to reindeer face for the nose.

5. Let icing harden before stacking.

NOTES

The Gingerbread Man Cookie cutter that I use is 4.25 Inches.

SPEED READS WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LOCAL LIBRARIES

December 2

What’s happening at the local libraries

Ruby B. Archie Public Library

Youth Dungeons and Dragons - All experience levels are welcome. First time participants receive a free set of dice. Snacks are provided. Grades 6-12, registration is required. 4p-6:30p in Auditorium

LEGO Brick Engineers – Make your own LEGO brick creation for this month’s creative challenge. Ages 5-17, registration is required. 4p-5p in Maker Space

December 3

ACEC Information Session: ESL Information –Representatives from the Adult & Career Education Center will be available to answer questions about their GED and ESL programs. This session will have information for non-Native English learners. Ages 18+, registration is required. 10:30a-11:30a in Auditorium

3D Printing for Adults: Holiday Ornaments

Painting – It’s time to decorate your 3D ornaments! Hang out, paint, and enjoy some holiday tunes. **Must have attended 3D Printing for Adults Program**. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:00p-6:00p in Maker Space

The Write Stuff – Bring what you are working on to share with the group or just come to discuss your craft. All genres and writing styles are welcome. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5p-6:30p in Auditorium

Little Explorers Storytime – Join for songs, stories, and activities that promote language development and pre-literacy skills. Ages 2-5, registration is required. 11a-12p in Maker Space

December 4

Code Challengers: Snowball Fight Game – Learn to make your own computer games, mobile apps, and more! No experience required. Ages 8-12, registration is required. 4:30p-5:30p in Computer Lab

December 5

VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society Presents: Patrick Henry Jolly – Helpful tips and interesting stories from the guest speaker. Topics relate to genealogy, family heritage, and local history. Ages 18+, registration is required. 2:00p-3:00p in Auditorium

Just Write – Bring your journal, laptop, or other device and join in on writing activities, prompts, and exercises. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-6:30p in Genealogy Room

Legal Aid Workshop: Wills and Advance Directives – Representatives from Virginia Legal Aid Society will present information. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-6:30p in Auditorium

Oh, Christmas Tree – Create your own mini tree. Supplies will be provided. All ages welcome, registration is required. 4:00p-5:00p in Maker Space

December 6

Murder Mystery Dinner – Use problem solving and deductive reasoning to figure out which dinner guest is the murderer. Ages 6-12, registration is required. 5:00p-7:00p in Maker Space

December 9

Let’s Make a Scene! Reader’s Theatre Series: “A Christmas Story” by Philip Grecian, based on the 1983 motion picture – Join Smokestack Theatre Company to read a role or just read along! Ages 18+, registration is required. 5p-7p in Auditorium

Gingerbread Ornaments – Make your own ginger salt dough ornaments and try to catch the gingerbread man! Ages 2-12, registration is required. 5:00p-6:00p in Maker Space

December 10

Page and Screen: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” movie viewing – Is the book always better? Share your thoughts on the strengths of each version as we look at popular movie adaptations of the books we love. This is a two-part program starting with a book discussion at Ballou Recreation Center, followed by a movie viewing at the library. Ages 18+, registration is required. 11a-2p in Auditorium

Pop Culture Geek Out Hour – So much media; so little time. Join to talk about the geeky things we love the most. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-6:30p in Auditorium

Storytellers: Creative Writing 101 – Are you a tween who’s creative and loves to write? Join to explore and foster your creative voice through writing prompts and exercises. Ages 11-17, registration is required. 5:00p-6:00p in Maker Space

Little Explorers Storytime – Join for songs, stories, and activities that promote language development and pre-literacy skills. Ages 2-5, registration is required. 11a-12p in Maker Space

December 11 Hour of Code – Celebrate the Hour of Code with

fun coding activities at the library! Bring your own device. Grades 6-12, registration is required. 5p-6p in Auditorium

We Dig Science: Chemistry – Ages 5-12, registration is required. 5p-6p in Maker Space

December 12

Computer for Beginners – Ages 18+, registration is required. 4:30p-5:30p in Computer Lab

Adult Arts & Crafts: DIY Gift Tages and Burlap Bows – Unwind from your day with a relaxing arts and crafts project. Bring friends and meet new ones. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:00p-6:00p in Auditorium

Little Learning Lab: Arctic Animals – Interactive STEAM based activities that will engage the mind and body as your child builds their fine motor skills and creativity while exploring scientific concepts. Ages 2-7, registration is required. 4:00p-5:00p in Maker Space

December 13

A Very Krampus Christmas! - After-hours celebration of the one whose list we REALLY don’t want to be on! Crafts, games, light refreshments, and general merriment shall be had by all... OR ELSE! Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-7:30p in Auditorium

Book Babies – Music and rhymes, stories, and fingerplays in a lapsit program for babies and their caregivers. Ages 0-18 months, registration is required. 10:30a-11:30a in Activity Room

December 14

Books & Beans Social Hour – Join other booklovers for a casual morning of coffee and conversation. Ages 18+, no registration required. 9a-10a at Links Coffee House Cafe

Youth Dungeons and Dragons – All experience levels are welcome. First time participants receive a free set of dice. Lunch is included. Grades 6-12, registration is required. 10:30a-1:30p in Maker Space

December 16

Unrequired Reading Classics Book Club: “The Color of Magic” by Terry Pratchett – Join the discussion for a fresh perspective on this enduring story. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-6:30p in Auditorium

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December 17

Legal Aid Workshop: How to File for Divorce –Representatives from Virginia Legal Aid Society will present information. Ages 18+, registration is required. 1:00p-2:00p in Auditorium

The Write Stuff – Bring what you are working on to share with the group or just come to discuss your craft. All genres are welcome. Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:00p-6:30p in Auditorium

Girls Who Code: Meeting 7 – Join peers and role models using computer science and coding to change the world. Grades 6-12, space is limited, and registration is required. 5p-6p in Computer Lab

December 18

Get More from Google: Google Drive – Learn about the many things you can do with the free apps included in your Google account. Ages 18+, registration is required. 4:30p-5:30p in Computer Lab

Books & Brews Social Hour – Join other booklovers for a casual evening of drinks and dialogue. Ages 21+, no registration required. 5:30p-6:30p at Ballad Brewing

Tween Craft Night: Memory Boxes – Crafts, music, and snacks. Bring your friends and make new ones. Ages 12-17, registration is required. 5:00p-6:00p in Maker Space

December 19

The Loop Group Open Needlecraft Hour – Ages 18+, registration is required. 5:30p-6:30p in Auditorium

Random Fandom: Disney/Pixar - Each month we will highlight a new fandom for you to create around, explore, and geek out about. Ages 7-17, registration is required. 4:30p-5:30p in Maker Space

December 20

Teen Advisory Board – A way for teens to have a voice at the library and help others in the community. Grades 6-12, registration is required. 4:30p-5:00p in Maker Space

Teen Takeover: Ugly Christmas Craft – Afterhours at the library for teens only! Grades 6-12, registration is required. 5:00p-7:00p in Teen Area

December 21

Winter Solstice Celebration – Celebrate the

shortest day of the year with yule-themed crafts and activities. Ages 13+, registration is required. 11a-12p in Auditorium

December 27

Book Babies – Music and rhymes, stories, and fingerplays in a lapsit program for babies and their caregivers. Ages 0-18 months, registration is required. 10:30a-11:30a in Activity Room

December 30

Girls Who Code: Meeting 8 - Join peers and role models using computer science and coding to change the world. Grades 6-12, registration is required. 5p-6p in Computer Lab

Maker Mondays: Disguise a Gingerbread Man – Build, explore, tinker, and create a fun handson project. Ages 7-12, registration is required. 4:30p-5:30p in Maker Space

December 31

Little Explorers Storytime – Songs, stories, and activities that promote language development and pre-literacy skills. Ages 2-5, registration is required. 11a-12p in Maker Space

Pittsylvania County Public Libraries

CHATHAM BRANCH LIBRARY

ALL MONTH

Tuesdays: December 3, 10, 17, 31

Bridge – Join us for a game of Bridge! No registration is required. 9:30 am

Wednesdays: December 4 & 11

Tot Time – Songs, rhymes, and activities that will get you moving! If your little one has graduated from crawling to confident walking, toddler story time is for you! 11:00a-11:30a

Thursdays: December 5 & 12

Little U – Preschool story time will focus on more complicated rhymes that play on this age group’s developing sense of humor and spend more time reading sillier and lengthier stories! 10:30a-11:00a

December 5

After School Games – Unwind and stay active after school with challenges, head-to-head games, and minute to win it contests. Ages 5+. 3:30p-4:30p

Friends of the Library Meeting, 4pm

December 7

Book Bingo, 11a

December 11

Art Challenge – A space for children to develop their creative skills through hands-on activities. See what you can create with the supplies provided! Ages 6+. 4p-5p

December 13

Friday Paws – Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a book with a trained therapy dog. Promotes kids’ confidence in their reading abilities as well as help with emotional and social skills. 3:00p-4:30p

December 14

Kids Christmas Pajama Jam – Love the idea of staying in your cozy pajamas all day? Well, we do too! That’s why this year’s holiday extravaganza is a Christmas Morning-themed Pajama Jam. Grab your festive PJs and join for stories, crafts, and a cozy morning filled with Christmas cheer. 10:30a

December 16

Take and Make Cricut Craft – While supplies last, take home a Cricut craft kit to make a Snow Globe Shaker Card!

December 17

Christmas Bake Off – Combining the timehonored tradition of Christmas baking with the ever-popular phenomenon of reality baking competitions. We’re thrilled to have you participate in this fun and delicious event. Good luck and happy baking! Drop off entries: 9a-3p, Judging: 4p5p, Tasting party and prize presentations: 5p-6p

LEGO Club – Build challenges, free play, and more! Ages 4+. 3:45p-4:45p

December 18

Take and Make Cricut Craft – While supplies last, take home a Cricut craft kit to make a Rustic Harvest Paper Sculpture.

Book Review – Hal Thorton will be reviewing at the History Center. 12p-1p

December 19

Book Club – The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose. 4p

Paws for a Cause

In 1966, we left Germany, where we had lived for three years and moved to California for our Army father to serve as a National Guard adviser for two years. It was then that our parents thought it would be a good time to add a dog to the family and our beloved Walter came to live with us.

On that first Christmas morning and for every Christmas until he died in 1978, Walter had wrapped presents under the tree. He knew exactly what he was to do with them and loved being a part of the family celebration.

As I remember Walter with great love, I also contrast the Christmases (and every other day) I now know some animals will have; it truly is heartbreaking. However, I also love to think of the kindnesses that people perform for the animals.

One day a few years ago, I was driving towards the shelter. On busy River Street, I saw a turtle crossing the road. I quickly tried to turn around to get it. Before I could, a saw a man stop his car, jump out, quickly run towards the turtle, and then put it gently on the grassy area. The turtle

was saved, and I found out later that the man was none other than a police officer, Jim Godfrey, who also plays Santa for our pet photos. Jim Godfrey is not the only police officer who rescues animals. I have found the police officers to be very compassionate as we have gone to many neglect and cruelty calls with them. Let’s concentrate on that turtle story, though.

That one act of kindness for the turtle did not solve world problems, nor did it stop a war. The little boy who put a handful of cat food in a sandwich bag to be given to a collection drive certainly did not stop the starvation of all animals. But each little act of kindness combines to make the world a better place, even if that means helping one tiny animal.

During this Hanukkah and Christmas season, may we remember to do something kind for the animals? Honestly, the Walters and turtles of the world depend upon us to do just that.

This well-behaved, handsome boy is a little over a year old. He will be happiest in a home with no other pets where he will get lots of attention.
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
MEET SIMBA MEET SIMBA

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