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29
Days of Heart
Leap Year gives you an extra day. But a healthy heart can give you extra years. This February, we invite you to join us for 29 Days of Heart. Each day, we’ll post an informative article to help you take charge of your heart health. Learn a delicious new recipe Explore the signs of heart disease Challenge yourself with a new exercise Discover things you never knew This month, it’s all about you and your heart.
Join us online today at SovahHealth.com Like us on Facebook to follow all 29 Days of Heart
CONTENTS
Showcase Magazine
FEBRUARY 2020
THE RAVE ISSUE @showcaseDVA
showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com
FEATURES
ALSO INSIDE
Snack Sampler
Games
Q&A with League of Ordinary Gentlemen 12
Keeping Love in Your Relationship 30
LOVE is in Bloom
in Martinsville – Henry County 46
Snack Sampler
Hometown favorite, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen, is putting a unique touch on music. Editor’s Letter
A few of your FAVORITE things
PG.
Showcase Magazine
Crossword & Wordsearch 34
Confessions of a 30 Something Changes 37
Work-inProgress Control 50
12
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife Best Baked Mushrooms 42
2020 Showcase Magazine
Rave Awards 4 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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PG.
22
Paws for a Cause The rewards of being loved unconditionally 39
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Nine Grams
Instagrams From Our Area 44
PG.
46
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People first. Community first. Forever First. ®
firstcitizens.com Member FDIC
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EDITOR’S LETTER
A few of your FAVORITE things The RAVE Awards have been a staple of Showcase Magazine for over a decade. With the RAVE Awards, we honor the people and businesses in our area for going above and beyond to ensure their clients remain repeat customers. Each year, readers vote on their “favorites” and each year the voting turnout surpasses the last year. Make no bones about — great customer service is the key to longevity in business. There are a multitude of categories in the RAVE Awards. The brackets are favorite Places to Go, Places to Eat, Home Improvement, Things to Buy, and People to See. The favorites possess a great deal of diversity, but all have one thing in common — putting their audience first. Believe me, your clients, customers, fans, etc. are your audience. The key to growing your audience lies within your brand. Brand is the root to a successful business. Plants require water to grow. Your brand requires nurturing as well, and the easiest thing you can do is provide a positive customer service experience. Word of mouth doesn’t cost a dime, but negative experiences can bankrupt a business. Keeping your audience happy should be a top priority, and that includes acknowledging negative experiences and fixing the issues. Studies have shown that it costs nearly five times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain an existing customer. Having a positive reputation can help lower the cost of new acquisitions. Potential clients will research before trusting you with their business. The most important thing they will look for is the customer experience.
showcase FEBRUARY 2020
CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL INTERN Reid Brown GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Sam Jackson | Marketing Consultant sam@showcasmagazine.com | 434.709.3528 CUSTOMER SERVICE Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com
These chosen favorites understand their audience’s value to sustain a successful business.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Barrett | Ashley Crouch | Paulette Dean Larry Oldham | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler
Our cover feature is with this year’s “Favorite Local Band” The League of Ordinary Gentlemen. We sat down for a question-and-answer session to dig into how the band got started and what the future holds for TLoOG.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Angie Barrett | Captured Portraiture Lee Vogler | Visit Martinsville
Showcase favorite, Larry Oldham, returns this month to give readers some key pointers to sustaining a healthy relationship.
COVER The League of Ordinary Gentlemen Photographed by Captured Portraiture
One last thing before I go… we would like to thank our readers for making the RAVE Awards possible. This year’s voting turnout was the best in the history of the awards. Readers carve out a space of time to vote, either online or by printed ballot, and recognize the businesses and the people they chose to give their loyalty to.
Scan with your smart phone for
Thank you, readers, from Showcase and the 2020 RAVE favorites. Enjoy the issue.
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Thank you for voting
your favorite hotel in Danville, VA!
434-793-4000
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FEATURE THE LEAGUE OF ORDINARY GENTLEMEN
Snack Sampler Hometown favorite, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen, is putting a unique touch on music. PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
M
att Doss, Alex Brown, Travis Williams & Joseph “Sparky” Schmitt, or as they’re collectively known “The League of Ordinary Gentlemen,” are so much more than Danville’s hometown cover band. Primarily rooted in putting a dynamic spin on hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today while producing original works, these four have a passion for bringing music to Danville and the surrounding areas, and it shines through in their performances.
Matt Doss
It all started with a front porch and a dream (as most bands do). Travis’s front porch, to be precise. Having known each other for years, Matt, Alex & Travis were able to bring their unique talents together to form something they felt was very special. Upon meeting Joseph Schmitt, a.k.a “Sparky,” during a random, chance encounter, they discovered they were on to something more. Attending open mic at different venues around Danville, they found that people enjoyed their unique sound while being able to sing along to some favorites from “back in the day.” With Sparky on Harmonica, Travis on bass, Alex on guitar, and Matt on vocals, they became “The League of Ordinary Gentlemen,” even though this band is anything but ordinary. Showcase sat down with this year’s RAVE favorite local band, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen, to talk influences, aspirations, and the future. Showcase Magazine: Tell us a about yourselves. What or who are your individual influences each of you bring to the group? Matt Doss: I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, even before I could speak. My mother would sing to my sister and myself, whether it was at home, in Continued to Page 14 www.showcasemagazine.com
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FEATURE THE LEAGUE OF ORDINARY GENTLEMEN
Continued from Page 13
the car, or in the church choir. She would always sing the harmony to everything and it helped my sister and I develop an ear for that. However, the running joke in the family is that my dad gave me his singing voice because he can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I love him so much, but it’s bad. Also, I’m lucky to have friends who can play instruments because, if not, I’d be some weird guy
Alex Brown
singing along to the same four chords on the guitar over and over again. Alex Brown: I began an appreciation for music when I found out my father, Ethan Brown, was a bass player in an 80s cover band called “The Keep.” I thought it was the coolest thing to play and be in a band. It inspired me to join the band in the middle school and carry on through high school and even my freshman year at the University of Memphis where I performed in the school marching band. As far as guitar players that have influenced me, I have always admired blues guitar players like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Lang, Joe Bonamassa, and of course B.B. King. Their music inspired me to go beyond learning four chords and have a deeper appreciation for music theory in order to play like they do. Travis Williams: Music has always been a part of my life. Whether it was listening to records with my mom or singing in the car. My stepdad was a big influence when it came to my exposure to music. I would sit and listen to box sets of music. When I was around 14, I got my first guitar. Nirvana’s “Come as You Are” was the first song I learned how to play. I played songs by Metallica, Skynyrd, and STP. As I started getting into more acoustic guitar, Dave Matthews inspired me with his unique playing style. I play bass now and guitar when needed. Bass is just a fun instrument to play. Spark Schmitt: I’m a husband, father, artist, blues singer/harp player. My influences are basically everything… Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, Joe Strummer, David Lee Roth, John Lee Hooker… Anything to do with singing and performing. I’ve probably used some of it to build my style… show tunes, jazz, punk, classic rock… I’ve been fronting bands since I was 19, so it has been very cool, very interesting, to be part of a band like this in a different role. SM: What got you interested in music? MD: I was able to hone my craft and learn a great deal when I was a Theatre major at Averett University. I’ve encountered so many people throughout my life who are not only great musicians but have a passion for it as well. And that’s definitely the most important part. That’s what’s so inspiring. You’re not going to grow in anything if you don’t have the passion and the want to succeed. I’ve been very fortunate to watch and hear folks Continued to Page 16
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FEATURE THE LEAGUE OF ORDINARY GENTLEMEN
Continued from Page 14
like Matt Crowder, Cameron Owen, and Jason Springs for the past couple years. Not only have they been supportive of us as a band, but seeing what they’ve accomplished individually, and together, has a been a great metric to go by as far as what hard work and practice can accomplish. AB: As mentioned before, my father played music
Sparky Schmidt
when he was younger, and I thought it would be cool to follow in his footsteps. I joined the middle school band playing trumpet then eventually, over the course of a couple years, transitioning to the tuba. I also played all four years in the high school marching band and three years in the percussion ensemble. I got to take a break from the tuba in the percussion ensemble and picked up the bass guitar. I always wanted to challenge myself musically to either learn a new instrument or more difficult chord progressions, so I picked up the guitar. From then on, I knew I wanted to continue to play music even if it wasn’t for a career. Music gives us the ability to escape whatever is going on in life, but also helps us reflect upon the world and everyone living in it. SS: My folks had a great record collection, so I grew up on Chuck Berry, the Beatles, Louis Armstrong, everything Motown… In high school, I found friends who gave me a whole pile of new stuff to listen to, but soul and classic rock were always a constant which led me to being primarily a blues singer. My wife has turned me on to music I either hadn’t heard or just hadn’t gotten into before. The learning and growing process is still going on. SM: How did the band form? MD: Travis, Alex, and I would get together and hang out at 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. and it would always turn into a jam session at some point. We met our harmonica player, Sparky, through a random encounter at the Danville library. We were attending open mic night last spring at Ballad when they held the “Ballad of the Bands.” Because of the enormous support from our friends, family, and the community, we won and realized that maybe we were on to something. Since then, we’ve been putting a huge amount of work and focus into getting to the level we desire to be at. AB: Travis and Matt had played together before at open mic but the “Ballad of the Bands” open mic was when I joined them. After that first show we played at Ballad, I knew we had something unique and something I hope to be a part of for a long time. TW: Honestly as a joke. Alex and I would sit and jam around a campfire. Matt would sing as our friends threw request at us. Matt and I did a few open mics at Ballad, and then we had Alex join us.
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SS: They were already a group when I met Matt at the library; when he found out I played harmonica and sang, he invited me to a rehearsal… the “click” was pretty immediate. SM: Do you define with a certain genre or is the band more genre-crossing? MD: We pride ourselves on being an extremely genrecrossing band. We play everything from Steve Miller Band, The Beatles, and Rod Stewart to Maroon 5 and Eminem to Whitney Houston and Britney Spears. We sprinkle in a bit of everything. We try to have a diverse set list to give everyone who comes out to our shows something to sing along to. AB: The beautiful thing about the band is we don’t have a specific genre or label that can be attached to us. We play music from different decades and genres that people can relate to. We pick songs that we think we can put our own spin on and that shows off all of our strengths as musicians.
SS: I will contribute whatever I can, because I love the creation process. Finishing a new song is an amazing feeling. SM: If you could name a playlist after your favorite music, what would it be? MD: “Random!” Just like the music we perform; I love every type of music. I can’t think of a genre that I don’t like a least one song from it. AB: Mine would have to be called “Songs to Learn” because I am always searching for a new sound or new groove to share with the band to increase our everexpanding set list to make ourselves more rounded as a group. TW: “Snack Sampler.” I listen to everything, folk, bluegrass, country, rap, metal and rock. SS: “FunkyFunnyGroovyBluesy” Continued to Page 20
TW: Definitely genre-crossing we are like a buffet when it comes to the songs we play. There is something for everyone. We have even played “Let It Go” from Frozen at a show before. SS: The band goes anywhere it wants to, genre-wise. That’s the whole vibe right there; once we filter a song through the four of us, it’s a new version… We ARE a genre! SM: Have you recorded any original music? If yes, where can people pick it up? MD: We have a couple of originals on our Facebook page at the moment titled “Work in Progress” and “To All the Girls I’ve Loved.” We’re actually in the process of writing more right now. Alex will come up with some really nice chords and I’ll set the lyrics to whatever he provides. Then, Travis and Sparky will add the bass and the harmonica, respectively, and before we know it, we’ve got ourselves a new song. AB: Both songs are currently Matt on vocals and me on acoustic guitar. We have plans to re-record the tracks with the full band including hopefully a drum track from a drummer we are currently working with. We invite people to check it out and hopefully share it with the world! www.showcasemagazine.com
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Congratulations to our very own Randy McDaniel for being voted Favorite Banker! Thank you to our customers and community. We are proud to be your hometown bank. amnb.com
MEMBER FDIC
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FEATURE THE LEAGUE OF ORDINARY GENTLEMEN
Continued from Page 17
SM: Being a band, how do you handle creative differences? MD: We’re all very close, and we’ve known each other for a while. We believe in an open dialogue and discussing things with each other before we make any big decisions. We’re all like brothers, like a family. We’re always going to have disagreements at times, but we listen to each other and value each other’s feedback. It helps that we’re all passionate and easy-going individuals.
Travis Williams
AB: We may have our own influences and differences in opinion from time to time, but we all have a connection to one another which allows for an openness just like a family. We don’t move on a gig or song without everybody having a say in what we do. Communication creates a stronger band that will endure past any challenge presented to them. TW: The great thing is everyone is open to each other’s ideas. We will try it if it works great. If it doesn’t, we will workshop it or scrap it. SS: Good question. I don’t think we’ve had that issue so far… beer? SM: What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? MD: I’m a firm believer you get back what you put out. Be sincere and honest in everything you do, and it will come back to you, I promise. Always help others if the opportunity arises but never be afraid to accept help from others. Also, it takes a great deal of practice, patience, understanding, and hard work, but if you’re passionate about something and if you care enough, it’ll never truly feel like work. AB: My advice would be to avoid negative vibes and always challenge yourself to be better as a musician. If you ask all the great guitar players about how they know so much, they will tell you they are still learning and improving on their sound and musicianship. Also, be different. If we want music to continue, we all need to strive for that new sound or rhythm. TW: You have to put yourself out there. You never learn or get better sitting where you are. SS: PRACTICE. Listen to as much different music as you can. PRACTICE. Take yourself seriously but know when to get weird. PRACTICE. There are plenty of opportunities to catch The League of Ordinary Gentlemen live in the near future. The band will perform an intimate Valentine’s Day show at Crema & Vine on February 14. On February 21, TloOG will play its first show with new drummer, Seth Hawker at 2 Witches. On March 12, it has a set at the Danville Community Market for St. Waggy’s Day. And TloOG will be at Ballad Brewing on April 18. For all dates and information visit facebook.com/TLOOGDanville.
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FEATURE 2020 RAVE AWARDS
2 0 2 0
RAVE FAVORITES 2020 FAVORITE PLACES TO GO AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER
CAR WASH
DRY CLEANERS
The Madeline Centre
Lightning McClean
Riverside Dry Cleaning
AUTO GLASS CENTER
CHURCH
EVENT LOCATION
A-1 Economy Glass, Inc.
White Oak Worship Center
Cottontail Weddings and Events
AUTO RECYCLING CENTER
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY
FAMILY FUN SPOT
Don’s Auto Recycling, Inc.
AUTO REPAIR CENTER Woodall Auto Collision Center
AUTO WINDOW TINTING BUSINESS A1-Custom Window Tinting, Inc.
First Citizens Bank
BOOKKEEPING SERVICE Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service
BRAKE SHOP Ballou Park Tire FEBRUARY 2020
Grizzly’s Hatchet House/ River City Escapes
CREDIT UNION
FUNERAL HOME
URW Community Federal Credit Union
Townes Funeral Home
DANCE STUDIO
GAS STATION Woodson Marathon
Redeemed Christian Dance Studio
BANK
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DAY CARE/PRESCHOOL
GROCERY STORE (LOCAL) Lynn Street Market
Westover Christian Academy
DENTIST OFFICE
HAIR SALON Fusion Salon
Danville Dental Associates
HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PATHS
HOME HEALTH NURSING CARE
PERFORMANCE THEATER
TAX PREPARATION SERVICE
Roman Eagle Memorial Home
Smokestack Theatre Company
HOTEL
PHARMACY
Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service
Holiday Inn Express
Commonwealth Pharmacy of the River City
TOW SERVICE
PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER
WALK IN MEDICAL CLINIC
Spectrum Medical
PATHS
PRIVATE SCHOOL
WEB DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN OFFICE
INSURANCE AGENCY FarmPLUS Insurance Services
LAW OFFICE Haymore & Holland, PC
LOCAL GOLF COURSE Danville Golf Club
LOCAL NON-PROFIT God’s Pit Crew
MUSEUM/ ART GALLERY
Sacred Hearth Catholic School
REGIONAL RACE TRACK Virginia International Raceway
SPA Rhonda Johnon Esthetics
Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History
SPEECH THERAPIST OFFICE
OIL CHANGE SERVICE CENTER
STAFFING AGENCY
Woodson Marathon
Ameristaff, Inc.
Danville Speech & Hearing Center
JJ Hogan Towing
KG Graphics
WINERY 2 Witches Winery and Brewery
WOMEN’S CENTER Danville Women’s Care
WORKOUT SPOT Curves
YOGA & MEDIATION CENTER Firefly Yoga
PEDIATRIC HEALTH CENTER PATHS
2020 FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT BAKERY
CHINESE RESTAURANT
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Hall’s Pastry Shop
Long River Chinese Restaurant
Tokyo Grill
BAR & GRILL
COFFEE HOUSE
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Kickback Jack’s Sports Bar
Crema & Vine
Mucho Taqueria
BARBECUE RESTAURANT
DELICATESSEN
OVERALL RESTAURANT
Checkered Pig
Chuck’s Meats & Deli
Cotton at Riverside Mill
BREAKFAST PLACE
FRIED CHICKEN
PIZZA PLACE
Crema & Vine
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Dell’Anno’s Pizza Kitchen
BREWERY
HOME COOKING
SEAFOOD RESTAURANt
Ballad Brewing
Mary’s Diner
Mayflower Seafood Restaurant
BUFFET
ICE CREAM SHOPPE
SPECIALTY RESTAURANT
Lynn Street Market
Bubba’s Ice Cream
King Cropp
BURGER PLACE
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
STEAK HOUSE
Me’s Burgers & Brews
La Nostra Cucina
The Golden Leaf Bistro www.showcasemagazine.com
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FEATURE 2020 RAVE AWARDS
2020 FAVORITE HOME IMPROVEMENT BUILDING MATERIALS BUSINESS J.W. Squire Co.
CABINET BUSINESS Adam’s Cabinet Shop
CARPET BUSINESS Newcomb Carpet & Florring
FLOORING COMPANY J.W. Squire Co.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Stone & Associates Property Solutions
GLASS COMPANY Clearview Glass & Tinting
HEATING BUSINESS Gibson Heating & Air
HOME FURNISHINGS STORE
PAINTING BUSINESS
The Ginger Bread House
Ollie’s Painting
HOME SECURITY DEALER
PEST CONTROL BUSINESS
Security Alliance
Four Seasons Pest Control
HOT TUB/ SWIMMING POOL INSTALLER
PLANT NURSERY
Summertime Pool & Spa
INTERIOR DESIGNER Rose Shields Interiors
Haymore Garden Center
PLUMBING BUSINESS Poole’s Plumbing
LANDSCAPING BUSINESS
REPLACEMENT WINDOWS BUSINESS
Owens Landscaping
Moss Home Improvement
MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE INSTALLER
TREE SERVICE Tony Ray Cook Lawn & Tree Service
The Stone Shoppe
MODULAR HOME DEALER Yates Home Sales
2020 FAVORITE THINGS TO BUY ALTERATIONS SHOP X-S Alterations
ANTIQUE STORE
BOUTIQUE (WOMEN’S CLOTHING) Linden Rose Boutique
DOMESTIC NEW CAR DEALER Robert Woodall Chevrolet, Buick, GM, Cadillac
Chestnut Lane Antiques & Interiors
CLOTHING STORE (MEN’S)
EVENT RENTALS
APPLIANCE STORE
Woods’ Menswear
Cottontail Weddings & Events
Danville Appliance Sales & Service
ART, FRAMING, HOBBY STORE
COLLISION CENTER
EYEWEAR STORE
Adkins Brothers Inc.
Sterling Optical
Awards & Trophy Shop
CONSIGNMENT SHOP Your Stuff Consignment Boutique
Barbee Fabrics of Danville
O.F. Newman & Son Inc.
CUSTOM T-SHIRT BUSINESS
FARM AND LAWN STORE
KG Graphics
Leggett Town & Country
BICYCLE SHOP
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FABRIC STORE
FLOWER SHOP
MOTORCYCLE DEALER
RV/TRAILER DEALER
Giles Flowerland
Thunder Road Harley-Davidson
FUEL COMPANY (LOCAL)
NAIL SALON
RV Outlet USA
Hardy Petroleum
Paradise Nails & Spa
FURNITURE STORE
OFFICE SUPPLIES STORE
Turner Furniture Company
Office Plus Business Centre
SPORTING GOODS & ATHLETIC STORE
HARDWARE STORE
PARTY SUPPLY STORE
The Brick
Riverside True Value Hardware
Karen’s Hallmark
HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE
PAWN SHOP
Revitalization Station
IMPORT NEW CAR DEALER Danville Toyota
JANITORIAL SERVICES FCS, Inc.
JEWELRY STORE Eden Jewelry & Repair
SHOE STORE Rippe’s
STATIONERY STORE Karen’s Hallmark
Riverside Pawn
THRIFT STORE
PetSmart
TIRE & WHEEL STORE
PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
Smith Davis Tire Pros
Photography by Lisa
USED CAR DEALER Motley’s Auto World
Summertime Pool & Spa
WINE STORE
PET STORE
POOL, SPA CHEMICALS & ACC.
MEN’S FORMAL WEAR STORE
PRINT & COPIER EQUIPMENT OFFICE EQUIPMENT SALES
Abe Koplen Clothing
Southern Office Machines
Habitat ReStore
Vintages by the Dan
2020 FAVORITE PEOPLE TO SEE ARTIST Harry Aron- Harry’s Tattoo Shop
BOXING & MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR
ATTORNEY
Jeff McGregor - Jeff McGregor’s Amercan Karate
Stacy Allocca - Allocca Law
AUDIOLOGIST Nancy Bradsher- Audiology Hearing Aid Associates, Inc.
BANKER Randy McDaniel American National Bank
BARTENDER Harmony Lowery - Oak Tree Tavern
CATERER Angela BlakenshipAngela’s Creative Catering
CHIROPRACTOR
CPA Katherine McDaniel Harris, Harvey, Neal & CO
DANCE INSTRUCTOR Brittany Cody Danville Academy of Dance
DENTIST Donna Helton, DDS
Maggie Ashworth- Balanced Health Chiropractic
DERMATOLOGIST
COUNSELOR
Keith Robinson - Complexions Dermatology
Jessica Snead PATHS Community Medical Center
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FEATURE 2020 RAVE AWARDS
2020 FAVORITE PEOPLE TO SEE ELECTRICIAN
MORTGAGE COMPANY
RADIO PERSONALITY
GEI Electrical Service
Movement Mortgage
Matt Doss - 104.5 the Dan
ESTHETICIAN
MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
RADIO STATION
Rhonda Johnson Esthetics
Ellen McGregor - Movement Mortgage
WAKG 103.3
Cottontail Weddings & Events
NAIL TECHNICIAN
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Wanda Shields Best Friends Hair Salon
Kim Sturkie - Ramsey Yeatts & Associates, Realtors
Scott Waller BB&T Scott & Stringfellow
NEW BUSINESS
EVENT PLANNER
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lynn Street Market
REALTOR
REALTY COMPANY Wilkins & Co. Realtors
TATTOO ARTIST
Kim Demont - Demont Design
PASTOR
HAIR STYLIST
Roger Ewing White Oak Worship Center
TRAVEL AGENT
Krissi Gatewood Amburn & Co Salon
PERSONAL TRAINER
Michael Gobble - Going Global with Gobble Travel
INSURANCE AGENT
Dave Gluhareff- Train with David
David Satterfield - Satterfield Insurance State Farm
PET BOARDING FACILITY
LOCAL BAND OR ENTERTAINER
PET GROOMER
Danville Family Vet
Harry Aron - Harry’s Tattoo Shop
TV STATION River City TV
VETERINARIAN
Bonz N Bubbles
Kay Geyer - Cherrystone Veterinary Hospital
PHARMACIST
VIDEO PRODUCTION Josh Lucia - Lucia Video
Chris King - King Cropp
Jeff Rodden - Commonwealth Pharmacy of the River City
LOCKSMITH
PHOTOGRAPHER
First Piedmont Corporation
O.F. Newman & Son Inc.
Lisa Carter- Photography by Lisa
MARKETING FIRM
PHYSICIAN
BlueRally Marketing LLC
Corliss Jones - PATHS
Lee Ewing White Oak Worship Center
MASSAGE THERAPIST
PIANO TECHNICIAN
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Missy Jefferson - Hands to Heart Massage Therapy
Dan’s Piano
Cyndi Reames - Danville Yoga and Mediation Center
The League of Ordinary Gentlemen
LOCAL CHEF
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WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE WORSHIP LEADER
Thank You
to our readers for voting for your
favorites
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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Keeping Love in Your Relationship WRITTEN BY LARRY OLDHAM PHOTO BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
You have found the perfect mate. He or she is the one who you want to spend the rest of your life loving and sharing through thick and thin. You may ask yourself, “How do you sustain the love you felt the first week, month, or year?”
the time two people have to make an adjustment to make it work. This is the new relationship scenario. Now how do we solve this new beginning that we both want so badly to work?
The root of the question is to understand love is not easy. Loving someone is one of the most exhilarating feelings you will ever have in your life. To have someone you can always depend on, someone who always has your back, and someone who you can trust twenty-four-seven is truly a blessing. Making love last is a challenge above and beyond the daily problems, disagreements, and all the trials and tribulations we endure in our daily lives. What separates the successful relationships from the ill-fated ones are many things that most partners understand but don’t put forth in the effort to grow their love. We all know what it takes, but the successful partners work at it. Herein lies the secret of love—two people working together to make love last. As humans, we are instilled with a defense mechanism and a feeling of justice for the sake of our own survival. When we insert another human being into our life, the meaning of sharing and giving and sacrificing takes on a whole new life of its own. Suddenly everything is not yours. Your time, your material things, your feelings, the deep-rooted values you bring from your solitary life, and your upbringing, including your working environment are now being judged or at least shared with another person. That means two people, sometimes with different needs, backgrounds, and parental training are expected to just somehow fit together. Sometimes it works, but most of
I like to describe it as almost worshiping each other. It is not only honoring your partner but loving that person so much that you are willing to sacrifice your needs to make sure your partner’s needs are being met. How many people do you know who really want to do this? A foundation of true love supersedes the rules of society. True love demands forgiving, sacrificing, honoring, and giving attention to your partner every day. Our own needs can get in the way of making our partner happy. When you have deep feelings of love for someone it doesn’t hurt to give up your time for their time. Treating them with respect, agreeing to disagree, adjusting to their lifestyle makes a great relationship. This is true of the opposite partner too, giving and respecting one another. I have seen couples fight over who can make each other the happiest. This becomes a game they share while trying to please each other. Think about how much you love your parents, your siblings, or your children if you have them. It’s unconditional love. You do what you have to do to please them. Think of your partner in the same way. Love is a two-way street that leads to a life of joy, happiness, care, and understanding. Appreciate what you have in your partner. Remember what the Beatles said, “You have to give love in order to get love.”
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SPONSORED CONTENT THE ARC OF SOUTHSIDE
Advocacy
G
From Danville to D.C.
etting up each morning and going to our job is not something that we think about, it is just part of our routine and life. We get up, go to work, and earn an income so we can maintain our homes and lifestyle. Imagine for moment that you went to work and were told that you would not get paid the minimum wage but much less because your employer was allowed by law to do that. Most of us, would leave that job and look for another one that pays a living wage. Unfortunately, people with developmental disabilities are still working in sheltered workshops where they are paid far less than minimum wage. The Arc of Southside would like to see people with developmental disabilities working in the community making a competitive wage. We do not believe in creating environments for people with disabilities but rather we want to utilize what already exist in the community and let people decide where they want to work. The Arc of Southside began the Supported Employment program in 2012. This was part of our transition to community services. When we began the program, there were many people who told us it would never work in Danville but we were committed to showing them it could. Today we have had 115 job placements in Danville and Pittsylvania County and the Supported Program has become our fastest growing program.
Dell’Ano’s Pizza. Since they began working in the community, they both have been able to move into their own homes and live the life that they want. Eric and LaKisha joined a panel of people at the Congressional briefing. Virginia, along with Oregon, Iowa, and Maryland were represented at the briefing. Each panelist had the opportunity to discuss how working in the community has changed their lives positively. Stories were heard from individuals with developmental disabilities, parents who had children with disabilities, service providers, and advocates. All had a different story, however the message was the same. All people should have the opportunity to work in their community and make a competitive wage and all people can work and be successful with the right supports. LaKisha is going on her seventh year at Dell’Ano’s and looks forward to working towards getting her driver’s license. Eric has been asked to sit on the state advocacy committee and is looking forward to his next trip to the beach. They both look forward to more opportunities to share their story and show people that they are living the life they choose. For more information regarding our Supported Employment program, please contact David Gusler at 434.836.3272 ext. 102
Recently, two of the people that we support were asked to go to Washington D.C. to speak at a Congressional briefing that was put on by the Center for Public Representation, a public interest law firm. The Center for Public Representation advocates and promotes the integration and full community participation of people with disabilities. Eric Cottrell and LaKisha Logan who are in our Supported Employment program went to D.C. to talk about how having a job in the community has changed their lives. Eric Cottrell works at the Piedmont Regional Feeding Clinic and LaKisha Logan works at
For More Information on The Arc of Southside call 434.836.3272. www.showcasemagazine.com
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EXTRA GAMES
Games
Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Divan 5 Play 10 Miles per hour 13 S.A. Indian 14 Clothed 15 Persona 16 Suffer 17 Water retention 18 Smooth 19 School group 21 Razed (2 wds.) 23 South by east 26 Advertisements 28 Elite intellectuals’ society 29 Fruit juice in a bag (2 wds.) 32 Long 33 At sea 34 Leaf gatherer 36 Those people 37 What students do 38 Syrian bishop 42 Approximate date 43 Adolescent 44 Not there
46 Beaten 49 Inscribed stone 51 Beverage 52 Stress 53 Hurling 57 __ Lanka 59 Hind end 60 Senses 62 Meager 66 Canal 67 Set free 68 Plead 69 Pacific Time 70 Harnesses 71 Lucid
8 Note 9 Jewish calendar month 10 Jerks 11 Farmers’ need 12 Dye 15 Sits on a horse 20 Thai 22 Native ruler in Asia 23 Get out! 24 Hit 25 Dueling sword 27 More confident 30 Manta 31 Colored People’s association 32 Women’s partners 35 Sauerkraut, informally 37 Tell a tall tale 38 Dined 39 Hit 40 Drink 41 Raggedy Ann’s friend 42 Sailors 44 Anchorite 45 Marry secretly
DOWN 1 Bro. or sis. 2 Only 3 Farm credit administration (abbr.) 4 American Association of Retired Persons (abbr.) 5 Fears 6 Pole 7 To incite
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Word Search
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ACHIEVEMENT
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This month’s Games Page is sponsored by Admission Is Free Page 8
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You want a good job with a promising future. HVAC technicians are in-demand, and hands-on training is available. In less than a year, HVAC@SVHEC will give you the skills you need to be a certified HVAC technician.
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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Confessions of a 30 Something
Changes WRITTEN BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER
Will Smith is standing in an empty room, looking around the house he called home for so many years knowing it would be the last time. Many of us probably know that scene from the series finale of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, or if you don’t, you’ve likely seen the GIF of it. I recently had a moment like that. I have mentioned in previous columns that we bought a new house last year. Over the past several months, we’ve slowly been moving out of one house and into the other. On one day where I stopped by the old house to get a few things, I took a moment and looked around. As I was standing in the near empty living room, I couldn’t help but feel a little like Will Smith’s character from the show.
photographs and videos. And thankfully, I have plenty of those from our time in this house. Kingston and Ava both took their first steps in that house, along with so many other important moments. I’ll be able to show those to them when they’re older, and I’m thankful for that. And so as the previous decade, and that era of our lives, ends, I look forward to what comes next. Because your house is much more than a place to hang your head at night. It’s laughter, tears, and a lifetime of memories. It’s home.
Yes, I’m very excited about our new house and all the future memories that will be made there. However, I can’t help but feel a bit of sadness for leaving our old house behind. Blair and I spent ten years in that house. A lot of significant life moments happened while we lived there. Our two children were born. I was elected to city council and then became vice mayor. We’ve lost loved ones. We shared many memories of playing games, cooking out, and building snowmen. We adopted one of our two cats while living in that house. He was a neighborhood stray that we took in. And speaking of neighbors, we had the best that you could ask for. I’ll miss seeing them every day. For Kingston and Ava, our old house will become just a distant memory. Ava likely won’t remember it at all. I moved from the Outer Banks to Danville when I wasn’t much younger than she is, and I don’t have any memories of our house there, other than what I’ve seen in www.showcasemagazine.com
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Thank you for your vote of conndence! We are honored to serve our community!
PASTOR ROGER & GARNIE EWING
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PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Paws for a Cause WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
One Sunday, my dog, Wally, and I went to my sister’s house for dinner after church. An assortment of her adult children and grandchildren was there. As soon as I went into her house, I realized I had forgotten whatever my contribution for dinner was to be (something bought and not-homemade, probably!), so I left Wally there and went home to get it. When I returned, Wally was overjoyed. He whined and wagged his tail and raced around the room, always stopping in front of me. One of my nephews said something funny about how he felt that none of the rest of them had had such an enthusiastic response to seeing me.
some lessons of that day remain constant, and many of the lessons come from animals. The biggest lesson would be that we should not have to have a day set apart as the time we let our loved ones know they are our loved ones. Our companion animals let us know how they feel about us every time they wag their tail, follow us throughout the house, or look at us with adoring eyes.
MEET MARY
The fortunate humans who have been loved by an animal know that their love is really not based on physical appearance, age, wealth, or status. I have seen pets love people that other people would shun or speak ill of.
We can also learn from animals that true love is not selfish, but is selfless. Of course, we fill Even during Leap Year when February has This little girl was rescued from a bad situation where she our animals’ basic needs, and they appreciate 29 days, it is still the shortest month of the was at risk every day. She is quite sweet and will do well in a it. Animals, however, do not warn owners of year. Some people (probably most of them home with children or other cats. smoke in the house or bark when a stranger women!) love it because of Valentine’s Day that approaches because they expect a reward. They give us service out of is just about in the middle of the month. It used to be that one billion sheer love. Valentine’s Day cards were sent worldwide. With e-mails, social media, and e-cards nowadays, I wonder if that number has decreased. Although the manner of sending messages of love may have changed,
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
Games Solutions Continued from Page 34
Crossword Puzzle
Word Search
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THANK YOU for naming me your favorite financial advisor!
Community involvement and service are integral to your success and ours. Please let us know how we may help you.
M. Scott Waller Managing Director | Financial Advisor
554 Craghead Street, Suite 200, Danville, VA 24541 434-799-1000 n 800-476-0587 201 North Union Street, Suite 240, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-836-9755 n 888-250-7212 BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is a division of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. BB&T Securities, LLC, is a wholly owned nonbank subsidiary of Truist Financial Corporation. Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered or recommended by BB&T Scott & Stringfellow are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may lose value.
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ROBERT WOODALL AUTOMOTIVE Thanks the Community for voting us
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FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife The Best Baked Mushrooms WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT
These mushrooms are backed in a tasty seasoned cream sauce and they’re perfect as a party appetizer or as a side dish for lunch or dinner. They may be the BEST baked mushrooms I’ve ever had. Prep Time: 10M; Cook Time: 30M; Total Time: 40M Yield: about 4 cups INGREDIENTS • 2 pounds whole mushrooms • 3 tablespoons butter • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 teaspoon minced parsley • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS • Preheat the oven to 350F. • Remove stems from mushrooms and brush dirt off of mushrooms. • Arrange mushrooms, cavity side up in a 9x13 dish. • Dice the butter and spread the pieces of butter over the mushrooms. • Mix all of the spices into the heavy cream and pour over mushrooms. • Bake for 30 minutes.
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Thank you for voting WCA your favorite preschool!
www.westoverchristian.org To arrange a visit 434.822.0800
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EXPLORE MARTINSVILLE
#LOVE is in Bloom in MHC this Valentine’s Day WRITTEN BY ASHLEY CROUCH FOR VISITMARTINSVILLE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VISITMARTINSVILLE
Valentine’s Day is here and, for many ladies, so is the moment they have been waiting for. The VisitMartinsville team is here to help you from your proposal, to your wedding day. Valentine’s Day is a fun and loving day for many people and we want to take the work out of it for you. From the jeweler to the “I Do” venue, let us help you start those plans. It all starts with a ring. Martinsville—Henry County is home to two locally owned and operated jewelry stores that can help you pick the perfect engagement ring for your soulmate. Whether you prefer a modern style, a ring with a vintage flare, or you want to design your own, our local jewelers are ready to help. You can also shop for wedding bands and gifts for your wedding party. The Jeweler’s Edge offers more than 30 years of experience in jewelry sales and repairs. They are also a member of the Diamond Council of America and are certified in Diamonds and Gemstones. Stop by the store to browse their extensive collection, including estate pieces, or to have them create a one-of-a-kind piece for your future bride. You will also find an assortment of jewelry that will make perfect gifts for your groomsmen and bridal party. Mark’s Jewelers, located in Uptown Martinsville, is owned and operated by local goldsmith Mark Gillispie who has 32 years bench experience. Drop in and say hello and see what treasures are available. You bought the ring, she said yes, now it’s time to pick the perfect venue for your perfect day. What’s your wedding style? Elegant and chic? Charming and rustic? Outdoors and fun? Martinsville—Henry County is home to numerous venues that offer the perfect setting for your perfect day. Consider these venues:
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The Bassett Train Station Event Center is located in the renovated historic train station in Bassett, Virginia. The Event Center has a historic appeal with added modern amenities. The Heritage Conference & Event Center is located on the grounds of the former Bassett Country Club, which opened in 1926. The Lester Group has since modernized the former clubhouse and renamed it. The Historic Little Post Office is located on a spacious wooded lot in the heart of Martinsville’s Arts & Cultural District. The building and grounds are full of historic charm. The small, gable-front building is lushly detailed in the Queen Anne Style, with beautiful ironwork and an original stained glass door, providing a beautiful backdrop for exhibits and events. Mountain Valley Artisan Barn offers 7500 square feet of barn space and endless mountain views for the perfect country setting for your perfect day. Stoneleigh Estate is a 1926 Tudor mansion nestled in the Virginia foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking 56 acres of manicured lawns, forest, and recently refurbished formal gardens. It is crafted out of stone from the nearby Smith River. The interior décor is European chic with modern conveniences. Stoneleigh is listed on the National Historic Registry and once the home of former Virginia Governor Thomas B. Stanley. (Featured in the Weddings edition of Virginia Living Magazine in 2018.) Then comes the perfect reception venue. If you are looking for a venue for your reception, away from your wedding venue, consider these: • The Baldwin Building
• Forest Park Country Club • Grand Fiesta Event Venue • Historic John D. Bassett Special Events Center • Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center& Museum • Mountain Valley Brewing • Piedmont Arts • Spencer Penn Centre • The Uptown Ministry Center • Virginia Museum of Natural History Need lodging options for your out-of-town guests? Local options include a historic estate, elegant b & b’s, hotels and camping. Find information on the venues below, and others, at VisitMartinsville.com/stay. • Baymont Inn • One Starling • Comfort Inn • Quality-Dutch Inn • The Fishel Cottage • The Simmons House • Hampton Inn • Stoneleigh Contact the VisitMartinsville team for more information on local wedding venues and to find out how we can make your planning a little easier. Be sure to ask about obtaining welcome bags for your out-of-town guests by calling 276.632.8006 or visit us online at www.VisitMartinsville.com/event-planning.
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WORK-IN-PROGRESS
Work-in-Progress
Control BY PAUL SEIPLE
I
started a feud about six months ago. I stopped by a local restaurant after the gym to pick up dinner. One employee was having a bad night, or so I thought. I’ve since learned that this employee seems to have a bad night every time I’m in the restaurant. It’s either that or he just doesn’t like me. Our first interaction wasn’t good. It’s partly my fault. I guess I wasn’t having the greatest night either. Anyway, I laughed when he flung food into my to-go box. I’m not exaggerating, he flung food in the container. I suppose it caught me off guard. My laughter added to fuel to the fire. His next move was to forcibly slide my food across the counter like a bartender shooting a beer down the bar. This move led to a co-worker shouting, “Jason.” (That’s not his name.) His behavior didn’t go unnoticed. I laughed again and made a sarcastic comment about the service and left. The next day I took the survey on the receipt and went into great detail about how bad the experience was for me. I had decided to boycott this restaurant. The district manager sent me an email apologizing for the experience and assured me the information would be shared with the manager. I need to point out I think the first step is to discuss situations like this with the manager, but in this case, the manager was there and witnessed the whole thing. I wasn’t confident about the resolution, but I rethought the boycott and give it another chance. About a month or two later, I went back and faced my nemesis. I was determined the outcome would be different even if he remained the same. I failed. I laughed again when he slid the food to me like a Monica Abbott pitch. I’m positive, I wasn’t the only person to receive this poor service. And clearly, the restaurant didn’t care about the “customer experience.” I gave the boycott another thought, but I’m addicted to this place. So I went back a few weeks later and guess what? This guy still didn’t like me. But I went in with a different mindset. He eyed me and took a minute to put on his
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gloves. It felt like the moments before the opening bell of a boxing match. But this time, I would not spar. I smiled and politely waited for him to finish. The order went the same as the others. I knew it would. I didn’t react, and I made sure he saw that I left an over 100 percent tip. The interaction still left a bad taste in my mouth, but I felt better about my part in it. I haven’t been back to see if things are different. Honestly, I may never go back, but this experience taught me a valuable lesson on control. Roman emperor and stoic, Marcus Aurelius said, “Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself.” Digging deeper into stoicism, a basic principle is you can’t control the way others act. You can only control how you react to the situation. I made the mistake of laughing during the first visit. It set off a chain reaction, and I continued to react poorly. I let the situation bother me. My defensive mechanisms kicked in making it much worse. My example is no different from a driver who cuts you off in traffic or any other situation that causes a negative reaction. The key to keeping stress levels low and not making matters worse is to know the only thing in your control is the way you react to something. As much as I would love to have the superpower to delve inside Jason’s mind and change his attitude, I can’t. I can ignore his behavior and continue to go the restaurant. (This would be really hard for me though.) Or I can choose to not go to the restaurant. Again, it’s not the ideal situation, but it’s something I can control, and there are other restaurants. Life becomes easier when you accept the truth of the only thing you can control is how you react to something. You cannot control the driver who cuts you off, but your day will be so much better if you just let it go. Like Marcus Aurelius said, “It’s time you realized that you have something inside you more powerful and miraculous than the things that affect you and make you dance like a puppet.” Or in my case, laugh just before takeout is hurled at me like a speeding comet.
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