Showcase Magazine February 2023

FEBRUARY 2023 showcase

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paulette Dean | Barry Koplen

Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Barry Koplen | George Perdue

Jessica South Perdue | Al Tesoro | Lee Vogler

COVER

George “Peanut” Perdue and Jessica South Perdue. Photo by At My Lens: Al Tesoro Photos & Films.

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“I got married on the cobblestone street outside my shop. The transformation, and positive change is exciting to watch, and I look forward to seeing it expand around.”

- Jessica South Perdue

Never a Dull Moment

BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JESSICA SOUTH PERDUE

Jessica South Perdue was born in New York and lived in Pennsylvania and West Virginia before settling in Danville after he mother took a job with Corning Glass. You’ve probably seen her artwork around Danville without even knowing it. She has been a tattoo artist for 25 years. Along with her husband, “Peanut,” a fellow small business owner, Perdue lives with six dogs and two cats. “There is never a dull moment,” she said.

“From the time I could hold a crayon, I was constantly drawing something,” Perdue said. She was introduced to tattoos at an early age as well. “As a small girl I would trace over my grandpa’s tattoos, he had gotten while in the military, with my finger.”

Being a tattoo artist requires a steady hand and a creative mind. At the root of creativity is inspiration. The beauty of nature and other artists’ work inspire Perdue. “I love everything from Van Gogh to Ed Roth. The more unusual, the better,” she added.

Perdue’s journey to career of inking skin began with a roommate who was a tattoo artist. “I would drive him to and from work.” She started apprenticing at the shop. “One day, we came to Danville so that Red Turpin could tattoo him. While he did that, I was drawing. Red saw my drawings and said I should be tattooing.” Perdue’s roommate, Kenny, agreed. She wasn’t immediately convinced, but still pursued the art.

Today, Perdue owns Blue Moon Tattoo & Body Piercing.

Owning a small business has its advantages. For Perdue, one is being able to offer a safe, quality of service to her clients. “I feel like we may bring some people to the River District who, otherwise, may not experience what’s available.”

Helping her apprentices develop skills is another perk and something Perdue values in high regard. “These things can change their lives for the

better and help to provide for their families,” she added.

Perdue must be at the shop so her apprentices can work. This creates a conflict with scheduling other things, but their gaining experience is invaluable to Perdue. “Sometimes, it is also challenging to set a positive attitude during difficulties,” she said. But Perdue knows doing that is the sign of a good leader.

There is a different customer service that comes with something permanent, like a tattoo. “When putting something on your body that lasts a lifetime, we want you to be happy with the finished result. We go to great lengths to make sure clients are happy with the design, having them approve it before we begin,” Perdue said. Aftercare is another aspect of tattooing and body piercing that is important. “How you care for your tattoo or piercing is crucial to the result.”

Quality of service is always at the forefront of Perdue’s mind. She said, “We use the best products available, and products and tools are ever evolving in this industry. We encourage clients to contact us with questions as soon as they arise so we may help them.”

Perdue is looking at the changing climate in Danville through a positive lens. “I feel like there will be a growing list of small businesses in the area. We have already seen a lot downtown with more being developed. Spaces don’t stay empty long.” She is in love with the downtown area. “I got married on the cobblestone street outside my shop. The transformation, and positive change is exciting to watch, and I look forward to seeing it expand around,” Perdue said.

In the future, Perdue hopes to expand her business as well. “I hope we can have a larger space allowing for more artists and services, possibly open seven days a week at some point.”

Positive Choices Effort, Discipline, Faith, and

BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GEORGE “PEANUT” PERDUE

Most people know him as “Peanut.” “I had the nickname before a real name,” George Perdue said. After being born in Germany, he has lived in Danville for the last fifty years. Perdue retired from Lowes after thirty years of service. Recently, he married his best friend, Jessi, on Bridge Street in Danville. “We

love riding motorcycles, and we are pet lovers. My wife and I are both small business owners which keeps us busy. We are blessed to have the life we have together.”

Retirement allowed him to pursue a passion for a healthier lifestyle. “I am also a sober alcoholic. I

don’t believe life is as much about being perfect as perseverance. After having a total knee replacement, shoulder surgery, and other health concerns, my quality of life was becoming less and less.”

Perdue turned to a friend for help who introduced him to holistic healing. “Soon after I retired, my mother was on hospice care and a friend of many years came into town to visit her. As we were catching up, she shared she was a holistic health practitioner.” Perdue explained to his friend some of his health concerns and the many medications he was taking just to get by. “She worked with me on supplementation, as well as making better diet choices, and hydration. As I saw positive results, my interest grew,” Perdue added.

Not long after the first conversation, the concept for Revitalization Station came to Perdue. “In my quest to better help our clients, I enrolled in courses to become a certified natural health professional, followed by a certified holistic health practitioner,” he said. As Perdue continued his studies, he was introduced to the processes of Emotional Code and Body Code, which help to heal issues through energy. “Certification in and broadening my experience with these modalities has been a major focus over the last 3 years. This has been a life-changer for not only me, but many clients as well.”

Perdue’s philosophy is a good quality of life isn’t a given. He added, “It takes effort, discipline, faith, and positive choices to make the most of our health. Setting our mind, body, and spirit up for success instead of waiting on something to break, and then masking the symptoms.” Perdue follows the “one step at a time” approach to better health. Even the smallest change is something to build on. “So many people approach becoming healthy as all or nothing. My experience has been we won’t reach perfection but can celebrate the victories along the way and build on them.”

While sharing a guide to better health with others was his motivation to open Revitalization Station, Perdue enjoys the flexibility to do things from the heart that comes from owning a small business. “After over 30 years in retail at a large company, I saw many changes, and often the growth seemed to come at the expense of service,” he said. Being able to see the impact he makes on people’s lives is another plus. “I am a people person and often my sessions run long because my work is as much about the relationships as the processes.”

Perdue also holds his employees in high regard. “I’ve had the privilege of being able to employ great people. Hopefully, they feel appreciated for the work they do as well as how they do it.”

The experience of interactions with employees is the biggest imprint on customer service. “People are our business. The products and services we offer are there to take care of people,” Perdue said. In any business, problems are a given. The way issues are handled is crucial to a positive customer experience. “Mistakes will eventually happen. We take responsibility, seek to correct the situation, and learn from it.” Perdue and the store’s manager, Amy, have personal relationships with most of their customers. “Amy often knows the products clients want before they ask. In a world where convenience is replacing the personal touch, we hope people look forward to coming to see us.”

Owning a small business comes with challenges and misconceptions. Perdue noted time management as an ongoing challenge. For him, small-business ownership means juggling clients, bookkeeping, and continuing education. A common misconception is owning a business equates to wealth. “If a small business isn’t making money, the owner must find a way to make up the difference. And if it is making money, you are reinvesting in the company’s future.” Perdue urges aspiring entrepreneurs to have realistic expectations of yourself and the business. “If you have a dream, realistic expectations, and the drive to take a chance, owning a business can be highly rewarding.”

With developments surging Danville forward, there is a positive buzz about the economic climate. “The influx of people and growth have the potential to really boost small business opportunity,” Perdue said. But he warns against today’s shopping conveniences. “Society is becoming comfortable trading service and quality for convenience. If this continues, we may look around in a few years and find fewer brick-and-mortar options for shopping.” Perdue still has a positive outlook about the future. “I hope we can continue to build on the community spirit of small business in Danville, encouraging and supporting each other.”

As for his future, Perdue said, “Many things that are core parts of my life today were not on my radar at all 5 years ago. I hope I can just try to keep doing the next right thing with the best possible motives.”

RAVE FAVORITES

2023 FAVORITE PLACES TO GO

AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER

Building Blocks Center for Children for Autism

AUTO GLASS CENTER

A-1 Economy Glass, Inc.

AUTO RECYCLING CENTER

AMA Recycling

AUTO REPAIR CENTER

Woodall Auto Collision Center

AUTO WINDOW

TINTING BUSINESS

A1-Custom Window Tinting, Inc.

BANK

American National Bank

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE

Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service

BRAKE SHOP

Ballou Park Tire

CHURCH

White Oak Worship Center

COMMUNITY MENTAL

HEALTH AGENCY

Epic Health Partners, LLC

CREDIT UNION

URW Community

Federal Credit Union

DANCE STUDIO

Jodie Carroll Dance Company

DAY CARE/PRESCHOOL

Westover Christian Academy

DENTIST OFFICE

Dr. Donna Helton

EVENT LOCATION

Berry Hill Resort

FAMILY FUN SPOT

Danville Otterbots

FUNERAL HOME

Townes Funeral Home

GAS STATION

Woodson Marathon

GROCERY STORE

Piggly Wiggly

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

SOVAH Health

HOME HEALTH NURSING CARE

Hallmark Home Health Care

HOTEL

The Bee

INSURANCE AGENCY

Bankers Insurance

LAW OFFICE

Haymore Law

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

Arc of the Southside

MUSEUM/ ART GALLERY

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

OIL CHANGE SERVICE CENTER

Woodson Marathon

ORTHODONTIST OFFICE

Spurrier Orthodontics

PEDIATRIC HEALTH CENTER

Center for Pediatric Therapies

PERFORMANCE THEATER

Smokestack Theatre Co

PHARMACY

Commonwealth Pharmacy of the River City

PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

Spectrum Medical

PRIVATE SCHOOL

First Presbyterian School

REGIONAL RACE TRACK

Virginia International Raceway

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Kings Grant

SPA

Blush & Bashful

SPEECH THERAPIST OFFICE

Danville Speech & Hearing Center

TAX PREPARATION SERVICE

Harris, Harvey, Neal & CO.

TOW SERVICE

JJ Hogan Towing

WALK IN MEDICAL CLINIC PATHS

WEB DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN OFFICE

KG Graphics

WINERY

The Homeplace Vineyards

WOMEN’S CENTER

OB-GYN Associates of Danville

WORKOUT SPOT

Danville Family YMCA

YOGA & MEDIATION CENTER

Danville Yoga & Meditation Center

2022 FAVORITE THINGS TO BUY

ALTERATIONS SHOP

X-S Alterations

ANTIQUE STORE

B & H Market on the Dan

APPLIANCE STORE

Danville Appliance Sales & Service

ART, FRAMING, HOBBY STORE

Awards & Trophy Shop

BOUTIQUE (WOMEN’S CLOTHING)

The Boutique Uptown

CLOTHING STORE (MEN’S)

Leggett Town and Country

CONSIGNMENT SHOP

Your Stuff

CUSTOM T-SHIRT BUSINESS

KG Graphics

DOMESTIC NEW CAR DEALER

Robert Woodall Chevrolet, Buick, GM, Cadillac

EVENT RENTALS

Caswell Bounce House

EYEWEAR STORE

Family Eyecare Center

FABRIC STORE

Barbee Fabrics of Danville

FARM AND LAWN STORE

Southern States

FLOWER SHOP

M & W Flower Shop

FUEL COMPANY (LOCAL)

Hardy Petroleum

Continued to Page 24

2023 FAVORITE THINGS TO BUY Continued

FURNITURE STORE

Furniture Depot

HARDWARE STORE

Riverside True Value Hardware

HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE

Revitalization Station

IMPORT NEW CAR DEALER

Danville Toyota

INTERNET PROVIDER

Riverstreet Networks

JANITORIAL SERVICES

FCS, Inc.

JEWELRY STORE

Commonwealth Silver & Goldsmiths

MEN’S FORMALWEAR STORE

Wood’s Menswear

MOTORCYCLE DEALER

Triangle Cycles

NAIL SALON

Paradise Nails & Spa

OFFICE SUPPLIES STORE

Office Plus Business Centre

PARTY SUPPLY STORE

Karen’s Hallmark

PAWN SHOP

Riverside Pawn

PRINT & COPIER EQUIPMENT OFFICE EQUIPMENT SALES

River City Printing Solutions

SHOE STORE

Rippe’s

SPORTING GOODS & ATHLETIC STORE

The Brick

STATIONARY STORE

Karen’s Hallmark

THRIFT STORE

Habitat ReStore

TIRE & WHEEL STORE

Smith Davis Tire

USED CAR DEALER

Scott Bisbee Honda

WINE STORE

Southern Plenty Café

2023 FAVORITE PEOPLE TO SEE

ARTIST

Harry Aron- Harry’s Tattoo Shop

ATTORNEY

Colby Warren - Warren Shelton Law

AUDIOLOGIST

Nancy Bradsher- Audiology Hearing Aid Associates, Inc.

BANKER

David Hawker - First National Bank

BARTENDER

Tessa MooreGrizzly’s Hatchet House

BOXING & MARTIAL ARTS

INSTRUCTOR

Joey Cusumano

CATERER

Angela Blakenship-

Angela’s Creative Catering

CHIROPRACTOR

Dr. Brian Robbins - Core Med X

COUNSELOR

Camilla McCoy - Family of Hands

CPA

Howard Bolton

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Katie Pruitt - Meredith Gravely School of Dance

DENTIST

Andrew Hessler

DERMATOLOGIST

Keith RobinsonComplexions Dermatology

ELECTRICIAN

GEI Electrical Service

ESTHETICIAN

Rhonda Johnson Esthetics

EVENT PLANNER

Ashley Simpkins - Aisling Vacations

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Scott Waller - Truist Wealth

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim Demont - Demont Design

HAIR STYLIST

Abby Lynch - River City Hair Salon

INSURANCE AGENT

David Satterfield - Satterfield

Insurance State Farm

LOCAL BAND OR ENTERTAINER

Old 97

LOCAL CHEF

Chris King - King Cropp

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Missy Jefferson - Hands to Heart Massage Therapy

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Movement Mortgage

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER

Rejenna Nelson -

Alcova Mortgage

NAIL TECHNICIAN

Hanna Le - Paradise Nails & Spa

NEW BUSINESS

River District Golf & Social

NEWS REPORTER

Grace Mamon - Cardinal News

OPTOMETRIST

Theresa BechtelMartinsville Eyecare Center

PASTOR

Jeff Lynch - Compassion Church

PERSONAL TRAINER

Lacey Spencer

PET BOARDING FACILITY

Animal Medical Center

PET GROOMER

Danielle GatesSophisticated Pet Spa

PHARMACIST

Vance Kiser - Piedmont Pharmacy

PHOTOGRAPHER

Lisa Carter

PHYSICIAN

Dr. David Hungarland

RADIO PERSONALITY

Matt Doss - 104.5 the Dan

RADIO STATION

WBTM 102.5

REALTOR

Kim Fowlkes

REALTY COMPANY

Elizabeth Ware Realtors

TATTOO ARTIST

Jessica South - Blue Moon

Tattoo & Body Piercing

TV STATION

River City TV

VETERINARIAN

Kay Geyer - Cherrystone

Veterinary Hospital

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Josh Lucia - Lucia Video

WASTE REMOVAL SERVICE

First Piedmont Corporation

WORSHIP LEADER

Eddie McDonald - The Tabernacle

YOGA INSTRUCTOR

Cyndi Reames - Danville Yoga and Mediation Center

2023 FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT

BAKERY

Ma’s Cakes

BAR & GRILL

Buffalo Wild Wings

BARBECUE RESTAURANT

Checkered Pig

BREAKFAST PLACE

Crema & Vine

BREWERY

Factory Street Brewing

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Long River

COFFEE HOUSE

Link’s

DELICATESSEN

Chuck’s Meats & Deli

FRIED CHICKEN

Mary’s Diner

HOME COOKING

Chuck’s Roadside Diner

ICE CREAM SHOPPE

Dungeons ‘N Dining

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Frank’s Italian Restaurant

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Tokyo Grill

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

La G

OVERALL RESTAURANT

La Nostra Cucina

PIZZA PLACE

Dell’Anno’s

SPECIALTY RESTAURANT

King Cropp

STEAK HOUSE

Old Country Club Steak House

2023 FAVORITE HOME IMPROVEMENT

BUILDING MATERIALS

BUSINESS

Business

J.W. Squire Co.

CABINET BUSINESS

JS Collins Woodworks

CARPET BUSINESS

Newcomb Carpet & Florring

FLOORING COMPANY

J.W. Squire Co.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Mike Pruitt

GLASS COMPANY

Clearview Glass & Tinting

HEATING BUSINESS

Superior Heating & Air

HOME FURNISHINGS STORE

The Ginger Bread House

HOME SECURITY DEALER

Security Alliance

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Rose Shields Interiors

LANDSCAPING BUSINESS

Owens Landscaping

PAINTING BUSINESS

Danville Paint & Supply

PEST CONTROL BUSINESS

Four Seasons Pest Control

PLANT NURSERY

Harris Nursery

PLUMBING BUSINESS

Ron Doss

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

BUSINESS

Moss Home Improvement

SEPTIC SERVICE

Hodnett Septic

Don’t Be Afraid to

Try Different Things

BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS COURTESY OF KYLE FOSTER

Caswell County, North Carolina native Kyle Foster, discovered a love for the guitar at 15 years of age. In 2007, while a junior, Foster performed for the first time at a high school talent show. “I started performing at open mics soon after, and I’ve been doing it ever since,” he added.

After following the lead of several of his friends who played guitar, Foster picked up the bass.

Foster is the bassist for local favorites, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen. He also writes music and performs solo. Foster, a lifelong wrestling and motor sports fan, was drawn to music naturally. “My dad plays guitar, so I grew up with him playing around the house or performing in church and stuff,” he said. “I was into the same music as my dad was — like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.”

When preparing to take the stage, Foster doesn’t have any set pre-show rituals. He added, “I just make sure I get there early to set up and give myself time for any lastminute preparations.”

He finds inspiration in many genres of music, “from rock to country to hip-hop.” Foster cited The Beatles and Nirvana as his favorite bands growing up. “In terms of songwriting, I love Chris Knight and Donovan Woods. I draw inspiration through a lot of things — friendships, relationships, experiences, life in a small town, and even movies and television,” he said.

While inspiration is all around Foster, creativity isn’t something that flows easily with him. He looks to listening to his favorite artist, or at times, something new to stay creative. “Sometimes, if I’m really in a rut, I’ll look up ‘songwriting challenges’ online and try to complete them.”

Writing with Donovan Woods is a dream collaboration for Foster. “Sitting down for a songwriting session with him would be awesome.” Choosing a favorite record is an impossible task, but he recommends Ozzy Osbourne’s 2022 album Patient Number 9 “for anyone into his kind of music.”

Woody Allen once said, “80 percent of success in life is just showing up.” It’s a quote that Foster believes in. “I’ve always found that to be true — as long as you’re working on your craft every day and putting in the effort, good things will come.”

Foster suggested that aspiring musicians learn music theory and collaborate with others early and often. “Those two skills are what’s going to give the biggest advantage. Also, there’s so many things you can do in music, especially today. Do your research and don’t be afraid to try different things,” he added.

Foster aspires to record and release an album of original songs. “Other local artists like Jason Springs and Matt Crowder have put out their own releases with great success. I hope to follow in their footsteps. Outside of that, I just hope to continue building my name and career. I’m more excited about the future than I’ve ever been,” he concluded.

If he wasn’t playing music, Foster could see himself as an accountant. “I’ve always had a knack for numbers. I’d be a lot more well off, but life wouldn’t be anywhere near as fun or interesting!”

Feeling SAD

BY PAUL SEIPLE

Some of my favorite childhood memories include snow. I always thought I was friends with winter. The break-up was sneaky at first. Since I had always looked forward to colder temperatures during sweltering summer months, I never expected winter to give me the cold shoulder.

And then winter 2021 hit.

I spent more time in bed. If I wasn’t at work, I was usually wrapped under a blanket, attempting to warm the feelings of dread that were taking me over. I had heard of the “Winter Blues.” This wasn’t that. It was worse. This was depression. I was sad.

And I was suffering from SAD.

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year, typically in the fall and winter months. As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, people with SAD

may experience symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and a lack of interest in activities they normally enjoy.

That was me. One of my creative outlets is writing. Winter hit me hard and left me with many questions. I didn’t write one word of fiction in 2022. I spent the year learning how to get better. I also realized that 2021 wasn’t the first year that I had felt that way. But it was the first time it hampered my quality of life. It’s still a mystery why it hit hard that year. But I’m on my way to solving it.

The exact cause of SAD is not known, but Bevin Lovelace, Epic Health’s Chief Operating Office, said, “Less sunlight can cause a biological shift in one’s circadian rhythm which can lead to a disruption in sleep patterns.” Disrupting the body’s internal clock can affect the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and melatonin. “Anyone can experience ‘winter blues.’ However, if symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal daily functioning and last for

several months, then one most likely is suffering from SAD (or depression with seasonal pattern),” Lovelace continued.

SAD is more dominating in winter but can be present throughout the year. Lovelace added, “Although it is rare, it can affect people in other seasons, like spring or summer. It is also more prevalent in women.”

While SAD is a serious condition, there are effective treatment options available. One of the most common treatments is light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a special light box for a certain amount of time each day. Lovelace added, “Using daylight or bright-white light bulbs in lamps can be effective. Some studies have shown that blue light can be helpful. Also, keeping curtains/window treatments open during the day can be beneficial.”

I became more aware of the feelings and lack of energy after learning about SAD. Getting more active and paying attention to my diet has helped tremendously. I still have moments of lethargy, but this winter hasn’t been bad. The key, for me, is awareness. When I feel down, I seek a little sunshine and fresh air. “Some doctors prescribe Vitamin D to assist with lessening the symptoms,”

Lovelace said. Other medical options include antidepressant medications, talk therapy, psychotherapy, or a combination of those. Lovelace suggested engaging in social activities and spending time outside by going for walks or wrapping up under a blanket and reading a book as other ways to cope with SAD.

It is important to remember that SAD is a treatable condition. Lovelace said, “One should seek professional help when the symptoms are overwhelming and/or are affecting daily functioning — if you’re unable to get out of bed, struggling to complete daily tasks, find it hard to go to work, extreme lack of energy or motivation, to name a few.” A professional can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and help you manage your symptoms effectively.

We go the extra mile to nourish our physical health. It’s important not to starve our mental health. A quote that I revisit often is from Marcus Aurelius. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

The key to self-care is the self. Get to know your body, your mind, and your thoughts. Your future self will thank you.

In the beginning...

Imay know what you’re thinking. At least I think I do. As a couple just visiting Danville, VA, what does this title mean, and what does it have to do with you?

Am I assuming you are Civil War buffs? Absolutely not.

Do I think you’re looking for a place that has a lot to offer for very little money? Maybe.

But the real question is, what makes this place a magnet for people who have seen a world of places that seem to have so much more to offer? That’s where the answer is.

Is there a difference between what you thought you wanted and what you found in a city you’d chosen?

Come, take a seat on a bench near the fountain on the plaza and join me there. You may want to walk a few steps to the restaurant just behind us for an appetizer or a cold beer first. I’ll wait.

There’s a sense of time here, Zen time, I call it, when one’s soul is open to essential repair. If that makes you think about yoga, the city has that, too.

But that’s not what I mean.

What I’m trying to convey is a picture of a different flow, a stream of conscious awareness of time as being more directly involved with an active inner peace.

From where we’re sitting, you can see cobblestone streets where cars are scarce and sidewalks wide. Entertaining you is the idea that such a sleepy-looking place hides a buzz of activity.

At rest now, the day’s work has restored and revived a number of historical buildings that make you wonder not only what the visionaries have in store but also what busy contractors may have accomplished that day.

Word Search

Confessions of a 30 Something My Forever Valentine

BY LEE VOGLER

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and affection, and for me, that means celebrating my wife, Blair.

I first met Blair at a party back in the fall of 2006. I was living the full life of a 19-year-old: taking classes at DCC, working at Davis Storage downtown in warehouses that are now breweries and apartments, playing baseball in the afternoon, fronting a punk rock band in the evening, and then having friends over at the apartment I shared with my friend, Josh Soffriti. If this sounds like a lot, it was. A doctor would later tell me I was suffering from what he called clinical exhaustion.

One fall evening, Josh and I went to a party at a house far off the beaten path, but a regular hangout for kids. Then walked in the girl that would change the rest of my life. Blair was the sister of a girl I was taking classes with at DCC, so naturally, I wanted an

introduction. Blair’s sister introduced me as someone who “sounds just like that guy from Green Day.” The rest, as they say, is history.

For the last 16 years and counting, Blair and I have shared a life together.

Through the good and the bad, we’ve always known we can count on each other. I’d like to tell you that, like a light switch, I instantly became this great person, but that wasn’t the case. Like most people, I’ve been a work in progress. I’m always trying to be better in different facets of my life.

Being married to Blair has made me a better person. She challenges me to be my best self and pushes me to be a more patient, understanding, and loving husband. I’m very grateful for that and hopefully, I have helped push her to achieve things she didn’t think were possible, as well.

Valentine’s Day is a special day, but for me, every day is a day to celebrate the love I have for Blair. I am so lucky to have her in my life and I look forward to many more Valentine’s Days, and many more years, together.

https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

It's never too late to start talking with your teen about the risks of underage drinking and other substance use.

Paws for a Cause

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

Every year on Valentine’s Day (or around that date, if his Army duties took him to field maneuvers on the 14th), our daddy would bring home three boxes of candy. The largest one would be for Mother. Susan and I would get our own smaller ones.

On Valentine’s Day in 1962, we lived in Manhattan, Kansas, when Daddy was stationed at Fort Riley. He brought home a huge candy box that did not have the top completely secure. In the box was a puppy. Times were different then, and he told us he bought the puppy from a man who said she was a coyote mix. We named her Taffy because she was the color of soft, cream taffy.

The snows of Kansas taught us that having a puppy is not always easy. Wrapped in warm coats and scarves, we took turns walking Taffy on a leash.

Taffy did not live long. One night, only a few weeks after she came to live with us, she started having seizures. I remember being shielded from the sight of most of them, but what I saw I cannot forget.

After taking my sister and me to school the next morning, Mother took Taffy to the veterinary clinic at Kansas State University. She was diagnosed with distemper, a disease that was common then. The veterinarian told Mother that

MEET GINGER MEET GINGER

even if Taffy survived this, she would always have the effects of the disease. He said that he would not want to subject young daughters to seeing a beloved pet

suffer horribly throughout life. Mother opted for euthanasia.

I remember Mother picking me up from school that day and telling me Taffy died. It was not until years later I find out she had been euthanized.

This story speaks to me of love. The sweet memories of Daddy showing his love on Valentine’s Day with boxes of candy, and then one year, a box with a puppy in it, warmed a little girl’s heart. Taffy was my first dog, and I loved her.

Decades later, though, this story is also a story of parental love. Our parents did not want to expose us to the harsh reality of seeing a dog suffer through horrible seizures. It also becomes a story of the ultimate kindness and final act of love that pet guardians can offer — a humane release from pain and suffering.

Although Valentine’s Day has become a very commercial, expensive holiday, dreaded by single people (me), because I experienced the Valentine’s Day of 1962, it also reminds me of the many facets of loving an animal and the sheer joy of loving them. Losing them to death is very sad, but oh, the joy of sharing our lives with them can become warm memories.

This two year-old girl was adopted and returned because she has a lot of energy and requires long walks. Her heart is as big as her smile!

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

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