Showcase Magazine March 2024

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Paulette Dean | Robin Marcato | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler

Owen

I Do What I Know and Love and Hope It Translates Well

PHOTOS BY OWEN LANE, KINGSLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Showcase Magazine: What inspires you to create art? Is there a specific style or theme that draws you in?

Sydney Lane: I draw inspiration from my life and those around me. My friends and my time in high school at Chatham Hall inspired a lot of my work, involving women. We had leaders in residence every year that gave us an opportunity to learn from women who shape the world in various forms and fashions. For example, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, visited the campus. She was also the first woman to be elected to head a democratic government in a Muslimmajority country. Sadly, she was assassinated in 2007. Bhutto is featured on my Women of History print.

Another example is the cards I illustrate and write seem to always come from whatever season of life I am in. I had a heavy Valentine’s-themed collection come out the year I got engaged, go figure. I became a mom last year. And I find now a lot of my ideas on future art / inspiration are around motherhood.

SM: What mediums do you prefer? Do you have any techniques or tools that are unique to you?

SL: I mainly work digitally. My degree is in graphic design. So, I use Adobe Illustrator a lot, actually almost exclusively. In the future, I would love to do more mixed-media pieces, such as watercolors scanned digitally, incorporating photographs or dried florals,

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working with vintage quilts, etc. I think it is really cool to combine different types of art together to create something beautiful.

SM: How has your art developed over time? Have you experimented with different styles or subjects?

SL: My art has gotten more refined over the years. I started Lane Paper Works in September 2016. There are just a select few pieces I still offer today that I created almost 8 years ago. Once I found my niche of strong women, unique cards, possums (yep! possums!), etc., I rarely experiment. I do what I know and love and hope it translates well.

SM: What challenges do you face as an artist, and how do you overcome them?

SL: I think the biggest challenge I face is trying to constantly come up with the next best thing. Selling your art can be difficult in that you start to view it more from a business lens and less from a creative, fun lens. You can almost forget why you started creating in the first place if you aren’t careful. I try to overcome that by finding creative outlets that I

do not monetize. For example, I cross-stitch strictly for fun.

SM: What made you take the leap to sell your art?

SL: I could not find a job. I came home from an internship at Mama’s Sauce in Orlando, Florida to the realization I would have a really hard time finding a job in the design world locally. I had seen a ton of really good greetings cards and print that summer from companies such as Rifle Paper Company, and decided that I, too, could illustrate greeting cards. I spent about a month coming up with designs before launching my company.

SM: What have been some of the biggest challenges being a small business owner?

SL: I struggle with keeping up with everything. I have labeled myself the creative director. So, I create everything, have everything printed, package everything, ship everything, photograph everything, update my website and Etsy page, do all the email and social media marketing, sales tax and business fees, etc. It can be a lot. Sometimes I am on top of things more than other times.

SM: What role does your community play in your artistic journey? Do you find inspiration or support from others in Chatham?

SL: I find Chatham to be so charming. When I first started selling my work, Alisa, at Reid Street Gallery, which, sadly, is no more, let me sell my cards in her gallery. My City Illustration line was inspired by Chatham.

SM: Can you tell us about the mural you painted in Chatham? What was the inspiration behind it?

SL: The LOVE sign mural was inspired by the LOVE Works project across Virginia. It is actually a registered LOVE sign with the state. I wanted the mural to be black and white. The L says, “You are so loved here,” a statement I hope everyone feels who steps foot into our little, one stoplight town. The O has various landmarks in Chatham painted there, Chatham Hall, Hargrave, the Courthouse, etc. The V has the state of Virginia painted within it, with Chatham, Virginia written on the other side. Finally, the E is just stripes in white, gray, and black. It has been really fun to see everyone’s photos in front of it. I said that I would never do another, but who knows?

SM: What message or feeling did you hope to convey with the mural? How does it connect to the community?

SL: I wanted the mural to convey belonging. I think with the two boarding schools, there are so many people coming and going. Whether that be the students or their parents visiting. I always see prom dates taking their photos in front of it every year. I get tagged in various photos on Instagram and other social media. I’m glad it is a fun piece that seems to bring enjoyment to others.

SL: What was the process of creating the mural like? Did you face any unique challenges or unexpected moments?

SL: The mural was a collaboration with Deborah Haymes at Studio 29 and myself. I worked on design drafts and would present them to her. We went over doing it in color or black and white. Once the design was final, I had to project it on the wall, trace, and then paint. It was a lot harder to do than I thought it was going to be. I did not enjoy being so high in the air. I’m really glad it is something I’ve done. It is definitely something I am proud of, but it was a challenge at times.

SM: What has been the response to the mural from

the community? Are there any specific reactions or stories that stand out to you?

SL: We had a really big mural unveiling party when it was finished. It was a lot of fun! I think it has received mostly positive feedback. I have had people tell me that the L, “You are welcome here,” means the most to them. One girl told me t she felt such belonging in Chatham as soon as she moved here so she really connected with that letter the most.

SM: What are your future plans for your art? Do you have any upcoming projects in mind?

SL: I would love to design more greeting cards in the future. I find that creating and writing fun, little illustrations can connect with people at unique situations in their lives. Whether that be a wedding, welcoming a new child, or just a bad day. I have a cross-stitch-inspired line of cards coming out in honor of my grandmother who passed away recently, as well as a fun Mother’s Day collection. This year will be my second Mother’s Day as a mom, and I wanted to commemorate that in a fun way!

Editor’s Note: This interview was slightly edited for clarity.

Ongoing

Pulse Your Monthly Navigator for March

Danville Science Center. ExhibitsStream Into The V.O.I.D, Go!, Water, Various Dome Shows, Creativity Labs. www.dsc.smv.org.

Ruby B. Archie Public Library

Programs - Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Pop Culture

Geek Out Hour, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Get More from Google, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Knitters Unravelled, LEGO Brick Engineers, Little Explorers

Storytime, Little Learning Lab, Book Babies, Coding with Cubetto, March

Through the Stacks - Women’s History Month, Paint Pals, Lessons in 3D Printing, Maker Mondays, Tree House

Tuesday, Code Challengers, Random

Fandom - Pokemon.

Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! Exhibit. Solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles, such as completing a train track. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org.

DSC Dome: Dinosaurs. Come join Celeste on a time-traveling adventure to unveil the colossal creatures of yesteryears and witness the incredible transformations they experienced over millions of years. Dinosaurs of Antarctica. Journey into prehistoric Antarctica and discover a world of bizarre dinosaurs and gigantic amphibians. Danville Science Center Dome. www.dsc.smv.org.

Parks & Rec Children & Teens Programs: Families Unplugged, Homeschool Physical Education, S.T.E.A.M. Night, Crafty Creations: Pressed Flower Lanterns, Homeschool Youth & Teen Archery, Lego Lab. Coates Community Center. playdanvilleva.com. 434.799.5150.

Thru March 16

PAA Exhibit. The Gee’s Bend Experience, Antiquity Second Hand: Jonathan Lee & Life’s Journey: Works by Karen Despot. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

Thru March 30

Danville Farmers Winter Market

Sat 9am-1pm. Community Market. 434.797.8961.

March 1

Campfire Friday. Enjoy s’mores, campfire games, and fun stories. 5:30-6:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.99.5150.

March 1 & 2

Antique Tractor Pull. 9am-6pm. Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. 434.432.8026. www.theodac.com.

March 2

Southern Soul vs R&B Karaoke

Live performances, soul food & DJ. 6pm. Cottontail Weddings & Events. Danville Symphony Orchestra Concert - South of the Border. Paul Manz, Guest Conductor. 7:30pm. Historic North Theatre. 434.793.7469.

Live Music - Creekside. 7:30pm. Old 97 Tavern. 434.549.5912.

March 2 & 23

Karaoke. 3/2-Hip Hop Night; 3/23 Movie Night. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.

March 2 (thru 30)

Live Music. 3/2 On the Margins; 3/8 90 Weight; 3/9 Donovan Scott; 3/15 The LoOG Trio; 3/22 Andy Burnett Trio; 3/23Kyle Foster Moore; 3/29 Between 3; 3/30 The Poorhouse. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

March 3 (thru 22)

Live Music. The League of Ordinary Gentlemen performs. Various times & locations. www.TheLeagueOf OrdinaryGentlemen.com.

March 3 (thru 31)

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

March 5

Food and Beverage Workshop

Special Dream Launch class that is open to the public, and perfect for those who are thinking about opening

a food or beverage business in the region. Registration is required. 6-8pm. Zoom Meeting. River District Association.

March 5 (thru 21)

Parks & Rec Outdoors. Junior Naturalists 3/5 5:30-6:30pm; Tiny Explorers 3/6 10-10:45am; Junior Wall Warrions 3/7 & 21 5:30-7pm. Glenwood Community Center Programs. 434.799.5150.

March 6

Wednesday Club Program. The Danville-Roanoke Navigation Co. Canal: Past & Present. Presented by Travis Hackworth. 3:15pm. Wednesday Club. 434.792.7921. Sip & Paint with That Crafty Diva Luck of the Irish Door Hanger. 6-8pm. River District Golf & Social.

March 6 (thru 30)

MSAC Classes. 3/6 Puzzle Swap; 3/16 Paint a Hello Spring Door Hanger; 3/23 Clay Jewelry Making; 3/29 Kids Class; 3/30 • Barn Quilt Painting. $. Main Street Art Collective. (See ad page 12)

March 7 & 12

Legal Aid Workshop: Custody and child support. Questions and answers workshop. 3/7 5:30-6:30pm; 3/12 1-2pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

March 7

Live Music: Mama BriBri and The Stranger. 7:30-9:30pm. Old 97 Tavern.

March 7 (thru 10)

Picasso at the Lapin Agile. 7pm. www.thesmokestack.org. (See ad page 15)

March 8 & 9

Cinderella. Spring Musical. 3/8 6pm; 3/9 2pm & 6pm. Westover Christian Academy. 434.822.0800.

March 8 & 9

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.

March 9

Genealogy Day Resource Fair. Begin your family research journey - tour our collection, explore online resources, and meet community groups including VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society, Virginia-Carolina Scottish Society, and Danville Historical Society. 10am2pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

Dancing for the Arts. PAA fundraiser with local celebrities in a dance competition. 4pm. Martinsville High School Auditorium. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

Meet the Browns. Keith Johnson, Mr. Brown impersonator, will have you laughing with this audience participation show. Dinner will be served. Limited seats. Ages 50+. 6-7:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5216.

Cabin Fever Music Series. The Bogeys. Tickets at door. Danville Community Market. 7pm. 434.799.5200.

Big Dad Energy Tour. Featuring comedian Mike Goodwin. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

March 13

Sip & Paint with That Crafty Diva Easter Gnome Door Hanger. 6-8pm. The Golden Leaf Bistro.

March 14 (thru 17)

Danville Kennel Club Agility Trials 7am-6pm. 434.432.8026. Olde Dominion Agricultural Center.

March 15

Dance & Dine Traditional Irish Ceilidh Party. Enjoy some Irish foods, hear Irish stories, and learn beginning Irish folk dances. 7pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

March 15, 16 & 17

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. Live music kicks off Friday with Junkyard Jones out of Galax, Virginia, followed by Jake Earles on Saturday and the Bobby Frith duo with some Irish tunes to commemorate “the day”. Mountain Valley Brewing.

March 16

Youth Entrepreneur Expo. Youth entertainment, community resources, services and entrepreneurship. Food trucks. 12-4pm. Pepsi Building. 434.342.9704 or 434.250.4952.

Levi’s Memorial Car Show and Bike Run. Chatham Middle School. levismemorial@gmail.com.

St Patrick’s Day Celebration. Music by League of Ordinary Gentlemen, beer from 2 Witches Brewery and food trucks. 4pm. The Homeplace Vineyard. 434.944.3406.

St. Patty’s on the Dan Party. Music with Just Cauz bluegrass band & dance the night with DJ Stephen Edmunds. The green beer will be flowing. 4-11pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

March 20

Wednesday Club Program. The River City Players present The Reluctant Bride - one-act play taken from the Plaza Suite series by Neil Simon. 3:15pm. Wednesday Club. 434.792.7921.

March 22, 23 & 24

101 Dalmations Kids. Based on the classic animated film. 3/22 & 23 7:30pm; 3/24 3pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

March 23

The Green Monster Ultra-running Race. Approximately 2-mile course mixing gravel, wooded trail, and a touch of pavement for a 12-hour day. 8am-8pm. Anglers Park. 434.799.5150.

Spring Egg-stravaganza. Activities will include pictures with the Bunny, a take home egg hunt for the first 100 children, a cookie decorating station, crafts, and more. 10am-12pm. Lower level, Ballou Rec. Center. 434.857.3384.

Gentry’s Spring Fling. Artisan crafts, boutique clothing, vintages and antiques, spring home items, bakery treats, handcrafted goods, art pieces, gifts, food and drinks, face painting, livestock, and more. 10am3pm. Gentry Farm. 434.483.0232. thegentryfarm.com.

Live Music: Ray Martin. 7-10pm. Golden Leaf Bistro.

March 24

Cabin Fever Music Series. Matt Boswell & the Hillbilly Blues Band. Tickets at door. Danville Community Market. 7pm. 434.799.5200.

March 24 (thru April 15)

DMFAH Exhibit. Guides - A local Women’s History Exhibit and History Presentations. Opening Reception 3/24 2pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644. DMFAH.

March 25

Public Information Meeting - Rt. 41. Community meeting to provide input and receive info from VDOT regarding the “Project Pipeline” study of Rt. 41 / Franklin Turnpike. The study purpose is the identify potential solutions to safety issues. 5:30pm. Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Dept.

March 26

Paint Party. Paint either a Spring Bunny or Spring Duckling. 6:308:30pm. Jr’s Mexican Grill, Gretna.

March 27

Wine Down Wednesday. Evening of great food, games, drinks and live music featuring R&B & Soul Artist, QthePraise. Proceeds benefit the T.A. Byrd Youth Enrichment Program. 6-9pm. Cottontail Weddings & Events.

Smokestack Improv. Stand-Up Comedy and Improvisational Sketch Comedy. 7pm. www.thesmokestack. org. (See ad page 15)

March 29 (thru May 11)

PAA Exhibits. Salvador Dali: Le Chants de Maldoror on loan from Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Citizens and Soldiers: The Mostly World War II Paintings of Ken Smith; Lintspiration by Meritha Alderman. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

March 30

Southside Audible Egg Hunt. For children with visual impairments. 1-3pm. Smith River Sports Complex, Field 5, Axton. 276.252.3632.

Upcoming

April 5

Racin’ & Tastin’. A night of entertainment with music by Funky Bone, all-you-care-to-eat BBQ, and more. 5:30-10:30pm. Community Market. Eventbrite.

April 5, 6 & 7

SCCA Super Tour. Virginia International Raceway.

April 9

The Gifts in Our Genes. Andrew McKnight weaves music about, and by, his ancestors into an interactive, enlightening and highly entertaining program. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

2024-2025

Private School Directory

• Abundant Life Christian Academy 955 Mount Cross Rd. | Danville, VA.

• Carlisle School | 300 Carlisle Rd. | Axton, VA.

• Carolina Baptist Academy 116 South Franklin Street | Reidsville, NC.

• Chatham Hall | 800 Chatham Hall Circle | Chatham, VA.

• Community Baptist Schools 509 Triangle Road | Reidsville, NC.

• Faith Christian Academy | 361 Main Street | Hurt, VA.

• Halifax Christian School 3098 Halifax Road | South Boston, VA.

• Hargrave Military Academy 200 Military Drive | Chatham, VA.

• Heritage Academy | 1461 Dry Fork Road | Dry Fork, VA.

[Heritage Academy is a Christian day school that provides students in grades Pre-K-8 a strong educational environment with small class sizes with a 7:1 ratio. The mission of Heritage Academy is to partner with families in the education of their children, developing academic excellence, strong moral character, and a love for learning all within the framework of a nurturing Christian environment. Our academic program is challenging, traditional and structured to prepare students for their future.

Passionate Heritage Academy teachers are the strength of the school program. The Heritage teacher provides the ‘living curriculum’ that does not teach to a test. They are dedicated to helping their students achieve their greatest potential.

Heritage Academy is a strong community of parents and teachers working together to achieve a brighter future for all Heritage students. Give your child the outstanding Heritage educational experience that welcomes God in the classroom.]

• Roxboro Christian Academy

640 Weslayan Heights Road | Roxboro, NC.

• Sacred Heart Catholic School

540 Central Boulevard | Danville, VA.

• Westover Christian Academy

5665 Riverside Drive | Danville, VA.

[Westover Christian Academy located in Danville, Virginia, is a private Christian school that emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based framework. Founded in 1977 on the principles of Christian education, the school strives to cultivate a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for students from two-year-olds through 12th grade. The school’s curriculum integrates traditional subjects with Christian values, fostering the building of a Biblical worldview. Westover Christian Academy is committed to instilling moral values, character development, and a strong sense of community in its students. The school encourages active participation in extracurricular activities, including sports and arts, to promote a well-rounded educational experience. WCA’s mission is to serve families with a Christcentered educational environment that encourages each student to grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially.

With a focus on individualized attention and spiritual growth, Westover Christian Academy aims to prepare students for both academic success and a life guided by Christian principles.]

The Women

BY ROBIN MARCATO PHOTO COURTESY OF DANVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

At DHS, we are very proud of our extensive community cookbook collection. With more than 100 titles dating back to 1898, the books tell a fascinating story of our culture and region throughout the years. But cookbooks also tell another story: when women wanted to fund something for their church, school, or neighborhood, a local cookbook was often the answer. From Calf Head’s Soup to Haystacks to Pickled Watermelon, to every single Jello recipe known to exist, the books are a time capsule that celebrate local women.

Being that so many of these cookbooks helped restore buildings, beautify parks, and fund programs, and with Women’s History Month on our minds, we thought it was a great opportunity to focus on buildings saved by women. As it turns out, it was much of the city.

The best-known structure saved by a group of local women is the Sutherlin Mansion, now the Museum of Fine Arts and History. After the death of Mrs. Sutherlin in 1912, there were efforts to have the house demolished and its grounds developed. The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) spearheaded a campaign to raise the money for the down payment of the building, thereby saving it from being sold to a developer. The city later purchased the house from the UDC.

Decades later, the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) watched in horror as some of the most architecturally significant buildings in Danville were torn down post World War II. Armed with pens, petitions, and persuasive words, the DAR began a campaign that eventually saved most of the Old West End. Led by DAR member Mary Cahill and her Historic Preservation Committee, the ladies researched nearly every building in town. They cataloged areas, wrote up histories, and interviewed hundreds of people. They wrote impassioned letters to government officials, influenced zoning laws, organized community meetings, and rallied local support. Their dedication is why we have Millionaire’s Row and the Old West End. (And later the Danville Historical Society, which they founded in 1971.)

We continue to owe much to women today for their dedication to saving Danville’s historic structures and neighborhoods. Dr. Ina Dixon is the leading expert on Schoolfield and the main force behind its becoming an historic district. Karice Luck Brimmer is the preeminent historian and genealogist for African Americans in the region, and has been extensively involved with the protection of Almagro, Camp Grove, and Holbrook-Ross. Sonja Ingram, who has been a dominant force in educating the public on preserving historic cemeteries, barns, houses, and local Rosenwald Schools, now runs the Museum of Fine Arts & History. In the past five decades, though, one woman stands out for her passion and advocacy for preservation: Susan Stilwell. In the 1980s, Susan returned to Danville after living in the western US and was decades ahead when it came to ideas about city planning. Susan was advocating for historic preservation at a time when no one in Danville was even vaguely thinking about its benefits, and she dedicated her real estate career to finding buyers and saving many of Danville’s historic buildings. Susan also led by example. In addition to owning a historic house in the Old West End, Susan purchased and saved several historic warehouses including one on Craighead Street, which she turned into her residence. This at a time when no one else lived downtown and many viewed it as unsafe. Her brave and forward-thinking investment was a link between a crumbling former tobacco district and the vibrant commercial, retail, and residential area now known as the River District.

These local women, like those who saved Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia, Cape May in New Jersey, and countless other historic places across the country, may have worked quietly, but their legacy lives on in the parks we enjoy, the buildings we admire, and the stories that remind us from where we came. These are the stories that are represented even in the modest community cookbooks that so often raised the money to fund preservation campaigns.

Corned Beef and Gelatin anyone?

ACROSS

1 Poke

5 Adjoin

9 Swiss mathematician

14 In __ of (instead of)

15 Hit

16 Hit

17 After awhile

18 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

19 Cut of beef

20 Cincinnati sports team

22 Forever

24 Boxer Muhammad

25 Popular stadium

26 Folk dancing

28 That girl

29 Build up

32 Nation

33 River

35 Fawn’s mom

36 Large net

37 Moray

38 France’s “Sun King”

40 Fire remains

41 Left out of gear

43 Voids

44 Affirmative

45 Talk incessantly

46 Baseball gloves

47 Stair

49 Incorporated (abbr.)

50 Babies need many of these

53 Puffy

57 Remove from the box

58 Chilled

60 Bod

61 Capital of Ghana

62 What you are called

63 Clip

64 Stays the same

65 Chew

66 Withered DOWN

1 Slice

2 Prong

3 Billions of years

4 Cottage

5 Loss of ability to make

Level-Up Crossword Puzzle Word Search

6 Singing voice

7 Ship initials

8 Brink

9 Sugar-free brand

10 Shade

11 Diver

12 Gas burner

13 Stagger

21 Strong chemical base

23 Former

26 Analyze

27 City

28 Lamb

29 Grown-up

30 Churns

31 Dining hall

32 Wait

33 Backsliding

34 Annual storm causing current

39 Lepers

42 Tinter

46 Mold

47 Fun

48 Lone-Star State

50 Twofold

51 Ancient Indian

52 What children learn

53 Torah table

54 Ripped up

59 Soup container decisions

55 Native ruler

56 Madam

Confessions of a 30 Something Hope Springs Eternal

BY LEE VOGLER

As winter’s icy embrace loosens its hold, spring emerges like a vibrant tapestry, painting the world anew. The air, once cold and crisp, now carries the gentle warmth of the sun, and the sky is adorned with the soft brushstrokes of cotton-like clouds. It is a season of awakening, a time when nature stretches and yawns, shaking off the slumber of the long winter months. And while I’m sad we didn’t have any real snow this year (unless it comes in March), I am excited about Spring’s arrival.

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, a season of fresh beginnings. It is a time to shed the heavy cloak of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. People emerge from their winter cocoons, eager to savor the warmth of the sun on their faces and the gentle caress of the wind in their hair.

amidst nature’s beauty, and impromptu gatherings with friends and family become the order of the day. The air is filled with the laughter of children playing, the chatter of friends catching

Spring is a time to reflect and introspect, to contemplate the path one has taken and the direction one wishes to go. It is a time to let go of grudges and regrets, to forgive ourselves and others, and to embrace the present moment with open arms.

The magic of spring lies in its ability to awaken our spirits, to fill us with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. It is a time to embrace the beauty of life, to appreciate the simple pleasures, and to find joy in the everyday moments.

So, let us bask in the warmth of spring, allowing its gentle touch to heal our wounds and ignite our passions. Let us embrace the beauty of nature, the company of loved ones, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Spring is here, and it is a time to celebrate the greatest gift we have:

Gambling got you STRESSED?

National Helpline

1-800-GAMBLER

PAID CONTENT

DANVILLE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY

We are their voice and this is their story

Serving animals and humans in Danville and Pittsylvania County since 1975 through our programs: Spay/neuter assistance | Sheltering services for all animals | Adoption programs | Transfer partnerships | Rescue efforts Neglect and cruelty investigations | Humane education programs | Free sheltering for animal victims of domestic violence | Pet food bank

By January 1st of each year, each Virginia releasing agency (public animal shelter, private animal shelter, and homebased rescue group) must submit an annual summary of the animals received and what happened to them (returned to owner, adopted, transferred, died in shelter, euthanized, still in shelter) to the State Veterinarian. We were in favor of the bill that made this report into law about 20 years ago.

Beginning in 2006, the summary reports are required to be posted on the State Veterinarian’s website.

What no one could foresee was how those reports would become weapons to vilify the work of shelters, especially public shelters. There are some that would reduce the work of a shelter to one number – the “live release rate.” The simple numbers on a report can never be taken at face value because each number represents a voiceless animal who has an unknown story.

We are their voice and this is their story.

Under contract with the City, we operate the city public animal shelter. We remain one of

the few truly open admission shelters in the country. We could choose the easier path that other shelters have taken to become limited admission.

Some people will tell you that because of our euthanasia rate, we are among the lowest performing shelters in Virginia.

We disagree. We believe we are among the highest performing shelters in Virginia because:

• We never turn away an animal, no matter the behavioral issues, medical issues, age, adoptability, or locality.

• When considering a potential home for our animals, we do everything in our power to ensure that animal will never again be hungry, cold, thirsty, hot, stray, abandoned, or mistreated. We treat every animal as if he were our own beloved companion we can no longer take care of and must find a home for.

In the early 2000s, we attended an annual statewide conference. A woman conducting one of the workshops asked if we ever worried about an animal once we found a home for

OUR HOURS OF OPERATION

them. Almost everyone in the room raised a hand. The woman then said, “Don’t. It’s your job to get them out of the door. Forget about what happens to them in their new home.”

A couple of years later, again at an annual statewide conference, we were told that the only way to decrease euthanasia was to decrease the number of animals received. This would be achieved by not accepting unadoptable animals or animals from owners. Possible methods to discourage people from bringing an animal to a shelter included waiting lists, charging a fee, or simply not returning telephone calls.

We rejected both of those workshop presentations then and we reject them now.

We have seen the consequences of those actions. Our minds and eyes cannot erase the suffering. The animals, as always, are the victims. We cannot and will not turn them away. Animals will never be numbers to us.

We will explain our policies and programs and invite you to follow us on dahsinc.com or on Facebook Danville Area Humane Society Virginia or on Instagram dahsvirginia.

The shelter is open to the public from 12:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays. The adoption areas are closed on Wednesdays. The shelter telephone number is 434.799.0843.

Drop-off cages are available after-hours, but we request that you call the phone numbers on the cages. An employee will be dispatched to take the animal inside. The cages are supplied with blankets, food, and water for the animal’s temporary comfort.

For after-hour emergencies, please call 434.799.5111 for the City and 434.432.7937 for the County. Officers will be dispatched to help the injured animal.

Paws for a Cause

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

Buddy is probably the best-known bird in this area. He is our delightful, incorrigible Umbrella cockatoo who has ruled the front lobby for 16 years. Buddy has us all trained, and he is a wise fellow who is willing to share some simple rules he lives by.

1. Buddy’s first rule of life: Say “hello” to everyone. It is hard for anyone to sneak into the front lobby because on most days, Buddy will say a quiet “hello,” but will get louder if there is no answer. Buddy does not care about your gender, ethnicity, age, or income bracket. Everyone is the recipient of his salutation.

Late one Friday evening, I had to come back to the shelter. Buddy was asleep, but woke up when I opened the door. I must have startled him because he started yelling; it took him a couple of seconds to realize I was not a stranger coming through the door. I just said, “Buddy, it’s me.” He stopped yelling and said, “Oh, hello, Paulette,” in his sweet, sing-song voice. My heart melted.

2. Buddy’s second rule of life: Make sure the people you love know you love them. Buddy has been in love with April, the shelter manager, for almost as long as he has been here. There is no doubt about that at all. Buddy calls for her all the time, if he cannot see her. “April, April, April, April, April…..” You get the idea.

Years ago, when April was going to be gone for a week for the first time since we got Buddy, I had no idea how he would survive the week (or how we would survive his yelling). I took a picture of April, printed it on a sheet of paper, and taped it to his cage. The entire time she was gone, he sat by her picture.

Do your loved ones know that you love them? Be a Buddy and never hesitate to tell them.

3. Buddy’s third rule of life: Do what you need to do with energy and passion. Buddy plays with toys, squawks,

observes, and even dances with such joy. Now, to be transparent, what Buddy thinks needs to be done is not necessarily what we think needs to be done. We really did not think that the window frame needed to be destroyed in the couple of minutes someone put his cage too close to the window and then left the office. Buddy stays out of his cage all day, but we had been careful to make sure he was not close to the wood window frame. He certainly destroyed it with energy and passion.

Wouldn’t the world be happier if we all lived by Buddy’s rules?

MEET MARILYN

This three month old girl is beautiful and wants a home where she can blossom into being a diva.

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY