Showcase Magazine April 2015

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE See page 26

2016

Public Safety ISSUE

The New Neighborhood Watch See page 32

Under the Microscope Page 26 Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

ON THE the Under ope Microsc

Danville Police Chief, Phillip Broadfoot

e 26

See pag

The New od NeighborWhoatch

lic Pube y SaUfe t

2016

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

e 32

See pag

iss

FEA TURES BASSETT

Pioneering the Future Martinsville-Henry County Garden Day 2016

by Susan Morten

CRIME

Under the Microscope

by Paul Seiple

ARTICLES NEXTDOOR

ALSO INSIDE

DEPARTMENTS HE SAID SHE SAID

FROM THE EDITOR

Food Critic

By Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

FUN AND GAMES

Crossword, Word Seach, & Sudoku

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL Stacy Allocca

by Lee Vogler

PAWS FOR THE CAUSE

By Paulette Dean

BUSINESS MINDED

Ken Sloneker - Life Safe

AREA EVENTS GUIDE

by Paul Seiple

CAREER INSIDER Nancy Adams

by Paul Seiple

THE CREATIVE IMPULSE

The New Neighborhood Watch?

Michelle Dalton

by Paul Seiple

follow us @showcasable

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

NOT SO COMMON – COMMON SENSE!

like us Showcase Magazine

A Perspective on Public Schools

by Stan Jones

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we’d love to hear from you! info@showcasemagazine.com

Enjoy free admission to our garden and children’s activities as we celebrate the re-opening of the butterfly station for the season.

Learn about herbs, lifecycles, habitats, and more!

Saturday, April 16 10 am – 2 pm

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I think it was 2005 when someone broke into my car. “Broke into” may be pushing it a bit. I left my car unlock, so all the thief had to do was open the door. Nonetheless, it was a crime. I was mad. I felt violated.

At some point, the majority of people will experience those feelings. According to the 2013 Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, “U.S. residents age 12 or older experienced an estimated 6.1 million violent victimizations and 16.8 million property victimizations.”

Those figures are scary. It’s easy to see how crime can invoke the fight-or-flight response. The key is to band together as a community and fight. There are many ways to fight back against crime — forming neighborhood watches, using technology such as Nextdoor, being more cognizant of your surroundings, taking self-defense training, and simply looking out for each other. In Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience, Steve Maraboli wrote, “I am not a victim. No matter what I’ve been through I am still here. I have a history of victory.” It’s that mentality coupled with involvement that will

help those who protect and serve the community against crime.

Showcase APRIL 2016

STAFF

We are calling this the Public Safety issue. With statistics from the Danville Police Department, we break down the anatomy of crime. In Business Minded, Ken Sloneker introduces readers to Live Safe Defensive Training. In Career Insider, we visit with Nancy Adams who volunteers a good portion of her time to the community as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Those who protect, serve, and help when we are in need deserve to be recognized. There is no secret pill to eliminate crime. Blame and other negativity will not make things better. The solution is to work together to make the community safer. The Danville Police Department takes part in more than 80 community involved programs every year. We’ve listed some in this issue. I urge you to drop by a few, meet our police department, and get to know each other. Together, we can “have a history of victory.”

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks, scott@showcasemagazine.com President Larry Oldham, larry@showcasemagazine.com Editor Paul Seiple, paul@showcasemagazine.com Graphic Designer Kim Demont, demontdesign@verizon.net Finance Manager Cindy Astin, cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING 1.877.638.8685 Larry Oldham, Director of Sales and Marketing larry@showcasemagazine.com, 434.728.3713 Lee Vogler, Marketing Consultant lee@showcasemagazine.com, 434.548.5335 Misty Brooks, Marketing Consultant misty@showcasemagazine.com, 434.728.2905

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Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3 | Danville, VA 24541 Phone 1.877.638.8685 | Fax 925.380.5404 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com APRIL 2016 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paulette Dean | Dena Hill | Stan Jones | Susan Morten Larry Oldham | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler APRIL 2016 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alice Abbott Photography Michelle Dalton Photography | Kristen Gusler Von Wellington Photography

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HE SAID...

Let me just say up front that I think you are a great cook. More than being a great cook though, your dedication to cooking every meal and never complaining calls for me to compliment you in public. You have been doing this ever since we got together and I am sure you did this for your three children and ex-husband before me. I am also sure I remember the stories about how you cooked at home for your family even before you got married. So I shall call you “Saint Cook of the Immaculate Cookers.”

Now that we got that settled, let’s get to the real problem at hand — sweets. You see, I keep sending you all of these delicious looking recipes to your facebook account thinking you will take the hint and make some of them for me. All of your friends on facebook give you a big shout out and like the recipes and comment on how delicious they look, but you seem to ignore them.

Don’t you ever think, I wonder why he keeps putting all of these great-looking pictures of food on my page with the recipes attached? I don’t think you even take a second look. You see them and then scroll on down to the next one and then on to the next one. Not once have you mentioned to me that I sent them. When I tell you about a recipe you always say, “Yeah, I saw that on my page. Oh, did you send that to me?” I believe that you are trying to avoid me on the dessert issue. I know you are on a diet and I to have been working on keeping my weight down, but I think a strawberry/banana nut cake with whipped cream icing wouldn’t add that many pounds. What if I agree to just eat one piece?

SHE SAID...

The problem in a nutshell is your last sentence.

You don’t eat leftovers. You would eat one slice of cake and guess who would be left to finish it off — yours truly. I don’t mind making desserts when the children are coming home or we are entertaining other people or you want to do something special for your mom or the rest of your family. Making a dessert for just you and me will not work.

You wanted me to make a banana pudding.

You kept accusing me of not liking banana pudding and said that was the reason I would never make it for you. That was not the reason at all. I know you like your banana pudding warm. I knew you would eat one dish out of the oven, and then I would have to eat the rest or watch it disintegrate for two weeks in the refrigerator.

by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

I am not dumb. I see your posts on my facebook page and I don’t acknowledge them because I hate to turn you down or make excuses for you when I know you won’t eat it also I know that you don’t need it.

If I made every item you looked at in the cake and pie aisle at the store, or attempted to concoct every recipe you send me, you and I both would be as big as the side of a barn. I can tell you right now barn is not my look. You need to keep sending me your fantasy recipes and spending all your time at the cake aisle in the grocery store drooling over the photos of cakes and pies on the boxes and let that satisfy your need. I guarantee you that will keep us both in better shape and healthier. Now go cut us up some carrot sticks.

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Lifestyle

by

by Susan Susan Morten Morten

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

This is not your grandmother’s Garden Day tour.

The Martinsville-Henry County Garden Day Tour 2016, April 27, is as much about a town and a way of life as it is about houses and gardens.

The tour offers a panorama of life in Bassett, a little town that became an industrial giant during the 20th century. Fundamental economic shifts have since wrought profound changes, so work is underway to transform the town for the 21st century.

Garden Day in Bassett takes place as part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s signature Historic Garden Week. Historic Garden Week is the country’s oldest statewide house-and-garden tour event. Thirty tours will take place during an eight-day period, drawing more than 25,000 visitors to Virginia. Many come from around the state, others come from across the country, and some from other countries.

“Historic Garden Week has raised millions of dollars to keep Virginia beautiful,” said Jeanette Cadwallender, president of the Garden Club

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Bassett Garden Club • Courtesy of Bassett Historical Center Bassett Historical Center links its beginnings, along with those of Bassett Public Library, to efforts of the Bassett Garden Club. Mrs. Effie Noland gets credit for leading the way. Mrs. Noland is pictured in this photo. Bassett Garden Club members, from left, Mrs. D.L. Fleshman, Mrs. B.F. “Effie” Noland, Mrs. G.F. “Vera” Craig, Mrs. H.M. “Lou” Penn, Mrs. W.M. “Gladys” Bassett, Mrs. E.T. “Hattie Ramsey, Mrs. J.E. ”Ruby” Bassett, Sr., and Mrs. W.W. “Maggie” Smith.

of Virginia. The GCV uses tour proceeds to fund restoration of significant gardens and landscapes open to the public. Landscape restorations range from the grounds of Mount Vernon to the grounds of the Historic Henry County Courthouse. The GCV is also helping bring state-of-the-art interactive exhibits to state parks, including Fairy Stone just outside of Bassett.

“Historic Garden Week showcases not only history, gardens and architecturally significant buildings, but also the dynamic people who are growing opportunities for a 21st-century Bassett,” said Lizz Stanley, chairman of Martinsville-Henry County Garden Day 2016.

Opening doors in Bassett

To be sure, the Bassett Garden Day tour offers entrée into houses and gardens. It showcases the Haley home, a 1930-1938 Classical Revivalstyle house built by one of the founders of Bassett Furniture Co., Reed L. Stone. Surrounded by mature trees and gardens, the house sits on

Patrick Henry Community College culinary arts students under the tutelage of Chef Bob (Robert Koester) will whip up dishes adapted from the Bassett Garden Club’s 1950 and 1959 cookbooks.

Haley House • Courtesy of Lizz Stanley

nearly 3 acres overlooking the town. Unusual features in the house include a curving stair, six working fireplaces and fabric wallcovering with piping in the dining room. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The tour also offers access to a small brick factory home, one of those built during the early 20th century to house the workers on whose shoulders rested the fortunes and future of the furniture company and the area. During the late 1920s, the houses rented for sums of $6 or $7 a month, with rent and utilities deducted from workers’ pay.

The tour’s other stops reflect Bassett’s unique sense of place. It was home to what was once the largest manufacturer of wooden furniture in the world and its kindred companies, while remaining a small town with a sense of connection.

More tour sites:

• The Historic J.D. Bassett Event Center/EMI, a red-brick, Georgian Revival-style structure with interior gardens, a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built as a high school to educate the children of factory workers and executives alike. It has been adapted for reuse by its current owner, EMI, for its secure information management solutions business. EMI has also created the event center so the community can make use of the building’s capacious spaces, such as its auditorium and dining facilities. The center is where Garden Day luncheon will be served.

Bassett Post Office • Courtesy of Lizz Stanley

• The Bassett Post Office, a 1938 red-brick building typical of post office buildings of its era. What’s not so typical can be found inside. On the wall just above the door to the postmaster’s office is the fresco “Manufacture of Furniture.” A true fresco, it was painted in wet plaster by artist Walter Carnelli. His artwork has been exhibited in the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The fresco in Bassett has both artistic and historic significance. It was created on commission from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Section of Fine Arts, part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. The fresco is one of the roughly 1,200 artworks commissioned for use in public buildings around the country. A number have been lost due to changes made to the buildings or by having been painted over, perhaps the result of lack of awareness of a work’s value.

Bassett Historical Center • Courtesy of Lizz Stanley

• The Bassett Historical Center, which has been called the best little library in Virginia. Its roots reach back to a Garden Club tea at a time when ladies wore hats and white gloves.

The ladies decided to found a public library.

The papers and materials that later grew into the historical center’s collection were JD Basset tEvent Center/EMI • Courtesy of Lizz Stanley

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housed originally in a filing cabinet in the library basement. The center’s present-day trove comprises 10,000 family files, 3,000 local history files, and 16,000 genealogy books, plus nearly 1,000 files from a special collection. The collection includes artifacts, many of which are on display. The center has gotten inquiries, many concerning genealogy, from around the country and from 13 other countries. The center also honors the past outside its walls, with memorial trees.

listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The red gambrel-roofed barn, built

by Millard Mason, once housed the animals and machinery needed for the large garden that supplied produce for the dining table at Eltham, home of one of Bassett Furniture’s chairmen. These days, a significant portion of the barn has been repurposed as the vineyard’s tasting room. Before the vineyard on Eltham’s rolling hills, the present dayowners, the Hamlets, had ties to textiles and car racing, other industries considered iconic of the area history. Hamlet Vineyards’ Rosé won a silver medal last year in a Sonoma, California, competition. For an inside look at wine and the art of what goes into its making, viticulture expert John Ayers of Patrick Henry Community College will speak at 11 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m.

Bassett Furniture Design Studio Courtesy of Bassett Furniture Industries

• Bassett Furniture Design Studio, the “think tank” for Bassett Furniture, the company that put Bassett on the map. This site offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the company develops its signature look for display of its products. The center offers a blank canvas, so to speak. It has the same showroom lighting, flooring and wall color as its retail spaces. In this prototype showroom, designers create cohesive arrangements that marry Bassett’s wooden furniture, upholstered furniture and accents, from lamps to art. The result, which Bassett terms a pad, is a room setting, such as a living room or dining room setting. Every item used has the Bassett Furniture name on it. After tweaking a pad to get the look just right, photos are made so the pad can be replicated in Bassett’s retail store showrooms around the country. Photos also go into promotional material and onto the company’s website. And next door, tour-takers can visit the HGTV design studio, dedicated to the presentation and development of Bassett HGTV licensed products.

Fairy Stone State Park Fun • Courtesy Virginia State Parks

• Fairy Stone State Park, just outside Bassett on the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fairy Stone is the largest of the six original state parks, which opened in 1936. The park and its lake were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program that provided employment during the Great Depression while conserving public resources around the country. The Garden Club of Virginia championed founding of the Virginia State Parks. Today, the Garden Club of Virginia has joined forces with state parks and the Virginia Association for Parks to put state-of-the-art interactive exhibits in parks.

Bassett Train Depot • Courtesy of Lizz Stanley

Hamlet Vineyards • Courtesy of Hamlet Vineyards

• Hamlet Vineyards, where wine tastings will be offered in the old barn at Eltham Manor,

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• The Historic Bassett Train Depot, a 1923 Colonial Revival-style train station that now houses the Henry County Furniture Museum.

The depot was integral to creation of a true town of Bassett. It made it possible to ship

Bassett Town and Furniture Company Courtesy of Bassett Historical Center This photo, date unknown, shows Bassett as it was emerging as a town. The building just lower left of center says, “Bassett Furniture Company.” The depot stood, as did a hotel to serve those coming and going. Some buildings in the photo no longer exist, while many of those standing today had yet to be built.

furniture out to other states and, eventually, to ports for sale in other countries. Residents used the trains to travel back and forth to Martinsville and beyond. In 1952, a most notable passenger came through: then-Gen. and later-President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie, who waved to people from his campaign train.

Extra! Extra!

On Garden Day, the depot will take on a role as the tour’s exhibit and event space.

Author Beth Macy will sign copies from 3 to 5 p.m. of her bestseller, “Factory Man.” Called the book by some locals, “Factory Man” tells the tale of the area furniture industry and its people and, thus, tells something of Bassett’s story.

Area author Tom Perry, who has written 40 books about the wider area’s history, including a number about Bassett, will sign copies of his books from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at the Depot, then from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. during luncheon at the Historic J.D. Bassett Event Center/EMI. Perry’s Laurel Hill Publishing company has brought to print other works about local history by other area authors.

Former State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds will speak at 2 p.m. about the Bassett Furnituremakers, the town’s semi-pro baseball team where Phil Rizzuto

got his start. At 3 p.m. another former area legislator, former Del. Ward Armstrong, will speak about railroad history. One exhibit, Smith River Outfitters, will highlight the Smith River, with Brian Williams speaking at 11 a.m.

Visitors to the depot can also view art at the Artisan Trail Exhibit and buy plants, thanks to the green thumbs of Magna Vista High School’s horticultural students. Everything Outdoors will have for sale plants that bloom with a special flower, the flame creeper azalea, this year’s Historic Garden Week flower.

And to raise spirits, from 4 to 7 p.m., it’s Wine & ‘Shine. Tour-takers can sample area wines and moonshine. Although the Garden Day tour officially ends at 6 p.m., visitors can stay on to enjoy the tasting until 7 p.m.

The Bassett tour clearly has its roots in the past.

An exhibit at the depot, 15 Magical Miles, speaks to what residents and area leaders envision for its future.

Bassett, 21st century

The goal is to reinvigorate Bassett and three of its neighbors along the Smith River. The migration of many manufacturing jobs overseas to cheaper labor markets left towns like Bassett facing the task of reinventing themselves. Stakeholders in Continued to page 16 www.showcasemagazine.com

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the towns’ future participated in a collaborative process facilitated by the Harvest Foundation and supported by Community Development Block Grant funding, as well as by business and industry, the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce.

The result: the Smith River Small Towns Collaborative.

The plan for Bassett’s centerpiece: a landscaped town square with public space for meeting and relaxation. And the anchor for Bassett’s town square: the Historic Bassett Train Depot.

The collaborative’s plan focuses on the Smith, considered one of the top trout-fishing rivers in the country. The plan calls for enhancing area amenities and resources for those who come to fish its waters and/or to explore its environs.

Those who come to fish the waters of the Smith, to hike a growing network of trails along the riverbanks and in nearby hills, to partake of area cuisine and spirits, and to participate in cultural events including at a music venue, will be able to do so against a backdrop of history.

One goal will be to grow towns’ curb appeal.

The town center of Bassett will get a makeover during the first phase. Enhancements include creating architectural signage and adding

Questions or requests? Please contact Susan Morten, spmorten@gmail.com or 434.221.4660, or Lizz Stanley, martinsville@vagardenweek.org or 276-252-3009.

What: “Bassett, Pioneering the Future,” Martinsville-Henry County Garden Day 2016

Lynne Beeler, 276.638.1030, ldcb@comcast.net.

When: April 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Historic J.D. Bassett Event Center/EMI, tour headquarters, 3289 Riverside Drive Who: Garden Study Club and The Martinsville Garden Club, hosts

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streetlights, sidewalks, benches and banners. The plan calls for façade improvements to existing buildings.

Getting around: Park and catch a shuttle at Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church, 120 Bassett Heights Road. Although parking will be available at most sites, it will be limited. Two sites, Hamlet Vineyards and the Haley House, will be accessible only by shuttle. Shuttles will also go to Fairy Stone State Park.

Tickets: $20 per person. On tour day, buy at any site or at tour headquarters. Advance tickets at www.vagardenweek.org. Available locally March 30 – April 25 at Bassett Historical Center, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville-Henry County Visitor’s Center, Piedmont Arts Association and the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.

Ticketholders may enter Fairy Stone State Park free on tour day.

Sponsors/Supporters: American National Bank, Bassett Furniture Industries, Bassett Mirror Co., Stifel Nicolaus, Stanleytown Health & Rehabilitation Center, Kiwanis Club of Bassett, Everything Outdoors LLC, Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and Tacoma Inc., Ace Hardware/Dan and Beth Cahill, Clarke and Jim Beckner, Cunningham Tire of Bassett/ David Cunningham, Virginia Museum of Natural History, Norris Funeral Services Inc., Rives S. Brown/Beverly Coleman, and Kings Grant.

Lunch: Historic J.D. Bassett Event Center/EMI dining room, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $12 per person.

Reservations required by April 25. Contact Eliza Severt, 276.632.2447, ehsevert@aol.com, or

More info: Contact Lizz Stanley, tour chairman, 276.252.3009, or Cindy Edgerton, tour cochairman, 276.732.2784. Reach either by email at martinsville@vagardenweek.org

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by Lee Vogler photos by Von Wellington Photography

Driven. Dedicated. Determined. These are words that could be used to describe Stacy Allocca. The Danville native of 31 years has spent the past 13 practicing law and handling cases that deal with divorce, custody, visitation, child and spousal support. She is admitted to practice in New York and Virginia.

After spending several years with another local firm, Allocca decided to branch off on her own. “My grandfather was a business owner in New York and I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she says. Allocca wanted to forge her own destiny and provide the best service possible to her clients. “My job entails staying abreast of the current law, preparing cases for trial, including research, prepping my clients for trial, and preparing any necessary legal documents for my clients.”

These days, work keeps Allocca very busy, but she has been involved in many other organizations over the years. She is a past member of the Danville Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs as well as the former President of the Parish Counsel and taught Sunday school at Sacred Heart. She has also served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Danville Bar Association.

Allocca currently serves as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Allocca wasn’t born in Danville, but it has clearly become her home and a place she cherishes. “I consider Danville as my hometown, even though I was born in New York,” she says. “I cherish the smalltown values. Most of my family and friends live in the area.” She enjoys the strong community around her, saying “the legal community here is wonderful in that we work together for the betterment of our surrounding community and each other.”

Staying in Danville was something that seemed out of the question for Allocca when she was in high school, remarking that she, like many young people, couldn’t wait to leave. “Yet, I have found that it has been the most beneficial and fulfilling place to live,” she says. “I look forward to the continued improvements to our River District and the valuable contributions it will make to our City.”

Asked where she sees herself and her business in the future, Allocca mentioned that she would like to be a successful business owner who enjoys helping others, and hopes to be even more involved in the community. Ultimately, for her, it’s about helping people. “My goal for myself and my business is to continue to assist my clients in some of their most difficult and trying times.” www.showcasemagazine.com

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Ken Sloneker first learned defensive training while participating in a YMCA judo program when he was eight years old. Since then, defensive training has been part of his life. “My career path led to me to an engineering position that required frequent travel in the US and abroad.

During that time, I visited as many martial arts schools as I could to take a look at their attitudes and practices toward defensive training. Almost ten years ago I traveled to Korea to study Traditional Hapkido, a Korean Martial Art Form.

That inspired me to undertake a more serious study of defensive tactics. I still train every week in Hapkido and Hankido,” Sloneker says.

Sloneker decided to share his knowledge of defensive tactics when he started Live Safe Defensive Training which is a comprehensive approach to scenario-based training to improve personal safety. Sloneker adds, “We have created a team of experts in many disciplines from firearms to nutrition.” Live Safe also provides women’s college-bound self-protection programs, defensive shooting courses, and business defense programs, all in a modular form. “The Live Safe program offers a set of tools to help people practice awareness and decision-making techniques that promote early action to protect themselves. In many cases, taking early action to avoid or separate is far more effective than inaction that leads to a physical situation,” Sloneker says. Live Safe also has highly aggressive training designed to stop an immediate threat.

Sloneker saw the need to start Live Safe after visiting programs that lacked completeness.

“They focused on the physical altercation only and most were heavily influenced by their martial arts, police, or military training. These three groups simply have a different mission than the average person as they lead their daily life,” Sloneker adds. Community-based programs and government recommendations may have a broad societal impact but do little to equip someone with the tools to handle an attack on their personal safety. “You will see collegeawareness programs advocating “Bystander Intervention” initiatives as a way to deal with sexual assault. Those ideas may be helpful on some level, but they avoid confronting the real

problem. We should teach young women that it is their right to fight back with all tools that are available. Countless studies have proven that self-defense training and fighting back are more likely to result in avoidance. I feel very strongly that all young women and especially those preparing for college should have defensive training,” Sloneker says.

by Paul Seiple photos by Kristen Gusler

Live Safe’s courses are structured curriculumbased programs that use scenario-based training. Courses offered include Women’s SelfDefense, a College-Bound Women’s Student course, Defensive Shooting, and Men’s SelfDefense. Sloneker continues, “We also offer advanced Hapkido training to those with previous experience in defensive training. In July, we will begin offering employee background investigations and potential employee integrity interviews. It all fits with the concept of creating a ‘Live Safe’ environment.”

Sloneker offers some advice on the most important things to be aware of in terms of personal safety. “Training and preparation will always be the most important considerations.

Learn to trust your instincts and act upon them quickly. Early action is very important and considered one of the key components to thwarting an attack. Good decisions do not eliminate a potential threat, but bad decisions increase your odds of becoming a victim. Ditch the electronics when you’re in an unfamiliar place and before heading there make sure you take a few minutes to look at a map so that you have a mental imprint to help you navigate without the phone. Do keep that phone handy for an emergency or maybe as an improvised weapon.”

Arming yourself with training and preparedness in an ever-changing world is important in combating new sets of threats to personal safety. “There is no silver bullet for personal safety; learn, train, and stay committed to developing and maintaining a “Live Safe Lifestyle,” Sloneker says.

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by Paul Seiple photos by Von Wellington Photography

Nancy Adams doesn’t believe in the saying there are just not enough hours in a day. Adams works at First Citizen Investor Services and is the Cub Master for Pack 372 in Ringgold. On top of that, Adams volunteers as an EMT with the Danville Life Saving Crew and as an EMT/firefighter with the Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department.

And she’s the mother to two adult children.

“People say I stay too busy, but I can’t image giving up any of my positions. I enjoy participating in all of them,” Adams says.

Adams became interested in becoming an EMT when her daughter, Mary, was at Lynchburg College studying to become

a nurse. Adams adds, “Mary decided she would take an EMT class as she figured it would be a good base for nursing.” The EMT class was offered by the DLSC and it worked out good with Adams’ schedule, so she took it with her daughter. “I did not really know what I do with my certification, but figured it would be good knowledge to have in everyday life,” Adams continues.

Once she got more got more involved helping people, Adams decided she enjoyed the word and joined DLSC and RVFD. “I joined the Crew because you get more experience due to the number of calls the City has each day and for the training available. I also think it’s important to help in the area you live. I want to be able to help my neighbors in a time of need,” Adams says.

For those looking at becoming an EMT, Adams says it takes a lot of time and dedication. “Besides taking the initial class, you are constantly learning and you have to complete a certain number of continuing education hours depending on your certification level,” she adds. Adams cites the camaraderie and friendships made as a valuable takeaway from becoming an EMT. She continues, “It takes a special person to be able to drop what you are doing at a moment’s notice and go help others day or night. It is also important for your family to support what you do as well.”

A willingness and drive to help others fuels an EMT. Adams says, “When something happens you are the first person there to help. The patient is looking at you for answers and comfort. You have to remain professional and think clearly regardless of the scene. If it is a bad scene, you can break down later, but never while caring for a patient.”

Choosing a career in emergency medical service means you will face tragedy at its worst, but if you have a desire to help others and can handle tough situations, it is a rewarding career. Adams adds, “I cannot think of a better service to go into than EMS.” The Danville Area Training Center offers EMT classes each year. “The instructors are excellent and you can get college credit for your class which is an added bonus,” Adams says.

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FEATURE

by Paul Seiple photos by Michelle Dalton Photography

Danville Police Officer A.M. Kenyi and Police Chief, Phillip Broadfoot 26 SHOWCASE Magazine

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The phrase “high-crime rate” has many implications from fear of one’s safety to being a deciding factor in where someone choses to live. At face value, being labeled with a high crime rate is frightening, but dissecting the factors that determine rate helps to understand the classification. With the help of reports from the Danville Police Department we delve deeper into the ratings.

The Anatomy of a Crime Rate Crime rates are calculated based on a population of 100,000. If a city’s population is 50,000, total crimes are multiplied by two. If a city’s population is 200,000, total crimes are multiplied by 0.5.

No other factors go into determining rate.

For example, if a city with

a population of 50,000 records 4,865 crimes the number is multiplied by two and the rate is 9,730.

This method works in favor of cities with larger populations, but it’s misleading for smaller cities.

Crime rate is determined by 25 crimes. Of those, five are violent felony crimes—murder, kidnapping/ abduction, forcible sex, aggravated assault, and robbery. In Danville, these five crimes are only 4.5 percent of total crime.

Eleven crimes are put in the category of infrequent crimes. These include arson, motor vehicle theft, and embezzlement. Infrequent crimes are 3.5 percent of Danville’s total crime.

High frequency crimes such as simple assault, burglary, and larceny make up the majority of crimes reported in Danville.

Taking a Closer Look at Danville Violent felony crime strikes fear in the public. In 2014, Danville had 4,954 reported crime incidents.

Of those, 225 were felony violent crimes. Using the calculations based on a population of 100,000, Danville’s rate was 522.23 and ranked number three overall in violent crime. By the way, Radford was number one.

There were three murders in Danville in 2014. But remember, you have to factor in population and multiply by 100,000 to get the rate.

(3/42,975) x 100,000 = 6.98 Chesapeake, with a population of over 200,000, recorded 10 murders. Its rate was 4.24. This method of ranking is basically a guessing game. In 2012, the FBI warned against this ranking system in its Crime in the United States report, “These rankings, however, are merely a quick choice made by the data user; they provide no insight into the many variables that mold the crime in a particular town, city, county, state, region, or other jurisdiction. Consequently, these rankings lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses that often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting cities and counties, along with their residents.”

Infrequent crime accounted for 174 of the 4,954 reported crime incidents which ranked Danville second overall in crime. If there were no violent crimes or infrequent crimes in 2014, Danville would have moved from second to fourth using the current system. Remember, that’s eliminating all violent felony crime.

Several other factors figured into Danville’s ranking. The City saw its biggest declines in violent crimes which cover a smaller percentage of overall crime. Property crimes, which comprise the largest percentage of overall crime, held the biggest increases and smallest declines. Also, Danville reports all of its crime. There were only 85 aggravated assault incidents, but there were 108 victims. For example, there was one incident of shooting into dwelling with no injuries, but there were 8 people inside. That’s 8 victims. The documentation of all reported crime provides transparency which is something the Danville Police Department holds in high regard. It also is crucial to know exact figures in making strategic decisions.

Trending Down Fluctuations in crime trends are normal in year-toyear studies. Collecting data for a period of years is really the only way to make strategic decisions to fight crime. A Danville Police Department crime report studied a ten-year trend in crime in the city.

The results showed five violent crimes—murder, robbery, abduction, aggravated assault, and simple assault—are trending down. The only violent crime with an upward trend is forcible sex and the height of that was between 2010 and 2012.

The ten-year trend shows property crimes— burglary, larceny, vandalism, and weapon law—are trending down. Two types of property crimes—counterfeiting/fraud/embezzlement and drug/narcotic—are trending up.

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High-Frequency Crimes and Protecting Yourself In Danville, simple assault ranks highest in frequent crimes. There are few things to take into consideration with simple assault. These crimes are usually not committed between strangers. Many of these crimes are domestic assaults, and an arrest is mandatory.

Larceny ranks second in high-frequency crimes with shoplifting accounting for a good portion of the total. Theft from motor vehicle is another problem.

Most of the incidents could be avoided if owners double check to make sure their vehicles are locked.

In 2014, there were 391 burglaries reported.

According to a Danville Police report, the majority of burglaries are committed by young males and most stolen goods are sold back in the neighborhood. Citizen information is crucial in lessening these crimes. It’s important to report anything that seems out of the ordinary. You may save a neighbor or yourself from being a victim.

Communication is extremely important in preventing and decreasing crime. Reporting suspicious activity is one of several simple things you can do to protect yourself and your community.

Informing the police will ensure that a patrol car visits your neighborhood. That sight alone could deter crime. Getting to know your neighbors is another way to stay safe. It’s a good idea to share information such as work schedules and vacation time so you can watch after each other’s house.

Also, share contact numbers in case something is viewed as suspicious.

Be aware of your surroundings and the surrounding people. It’s called situational awareness and to paraphrase the U.S. Coast Guard’s definition it is

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“the ability to identify, process, and comprehend the critical elements of information about what is happening around you.” Situational awareness goes hand in hand with another method of protection—honing your observational skills.

Practice by studying those around you. Note their hair color, height, clothing, any distinguishing marks, what type (and color) of car they drive, and so on. Making this a habit will prepare you if the need ever arises to identify someone or something.

Is the Future Bleak?

Crime tends to come in waves. It’s easy to think it’s on the rise because it’s at the forefront on your mind. But looking into the trends tells another story.

In September 2015, the FBI released the 2014 crime statistics. There was a 0.2 percent decrease in the nation in the estimated number of violent crimes when compared to 2013. Property crimes saw a 4.3 percent decrease. This marked the twelfth straight year that these offenses declined. With the majority of violent felony crimes and property crimes trending down, Danville mirrors the national statistics.

Unfortunately, the threat of being a victim of crime is something we have to take seriously today. But that doesn’t mean we should shelter our lives due to fear. The Danville Police Department offers many prevention and awareness programs to the community. Danville Police Chief, Phillip Broadfoot says, “Annually, we respond to and participate in a variety of outreach venues designed to bring awareness and to engage citizens from all walks of life. Our current yearly average of program involvement is over 80. The topics cover a wide array and can even be tailored for specific target audiences by request.”

Here is a list of programs the Danville Police Department is involved with: • Neighborhood Watch • Observation and Awareness • Refuse to Be a Victim – Identity Theft Awareness and Prevention • Internet Safety • Robbery Prevention • Safety for Real Estate Professionals • Impairing Substances Awareness & Prevention • Retail Crime Prevention • Law Awareness for Youth • Motor Vehicle Safety (Seatbelts / Airbags / Child Safety Seats) • Responsible Firearm Ownership • Eddie Eagle Gun Safety for Children • First Offender Shoplifter Program • Prescription Medication Abuse Prevention & Awareness • Bullying • Community Helpers Recognition and Association • Bike Safety Programs • Child Fingerprinting & DNA collection for parents

ANNUAL EVENTS AND REGULAR INVOLVEMENTS • National Night Out • Prescription Drug Take Back Events • Bike & Pedestrian Safety events • Parents for Safe Teen Drivers • Health and information fairs • Career Day events at local schools • Employment fairs • Employee resource fairs • Make Danville Shine Campaign • Public document shredding events • Traffic Safety Events Seatbelt & Airbag use promotion • Child Safety Seat Check events • Weekly updated police activity reports (every 7 days) – Reported Incidents / Active Warrant List / Arrest information Report / Arrest Photos – posted to the web and Twitter, Facebook, and NextDoor • Public Safety Announcements for TV and Radio – As needed on a variety of topics www.showcasemagazine.com

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NextDoor is the app lets you choose addresses from a map. Once selected, NextDoor will send postcards to them for free.

According to its website, NextDoor “is the best way to stay in the know about what’s going on in your neighborhood—whether it’s finding a last-minute babysitter, learning about an upcoming block party, or hearing about a rash of car break-ins.”

Since joining NextDoor do you feel safer in your neighborhood?

Fortunately, I have never felt unsafe in my neighborhood. That being said, it provides a nice conduit for sharing information in the neighborhood.

The app is basically a social media network for neighborhoods. NextDoor offers something that similar apps and sites such as Yelp, Google, Facebook, and Yahoo Groups do not offer — increased privacy. It limits access of neighborhood posts to residents in that specific neighborhood.

One other huge benefit to being a member is that we have a police force that continuously sends out information about arrests, incidents, and things to be aware of going on in the city. I’m extremely thankful for the information the Danville Police Department provides on Nextdoor.

We asked Robert Fowlkes, who belongs to the Sherwood Forest NextDoor community, about getting set up with app and the advantages of joining.

Is there an instance where next door has helped you be aware of something happening in the neighborhood?

Yes, as a matter of fact, about a month ago there were a couple of nights that some halfdressed man was ringing doorbells and knocking on doors. Ranting and raving. Some of the neighbors shared this information in order for everyone else to be aware of the situation.

How easy is it to join NextDoor?

It’s a very simple process, just go to www. nextdoor.com and either create a new account or join with your existing Facebook account if you have one. Once you sign up, if there is an existing neighborhood that your address falls within, it will send the neighborhood leader a message letting him/her know that there is a new member requesting to join that neighborhood. If the address doesn’t fall within an existing neighborhood, the app gives you the option to create a new neighborhood community. (If you choose to create a new neighborhood, you will need to invite at least 9 other people to sign up and join that neighborhood for it to become permanent.)

It’s OK if you do not know your neighbors’ email addresses. One of the great things about

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Would you recommend NextDoor to people?

Yes, I would highly recommend joining. It’s completely free and very beneficial.

NextDoor is a valuable added sense of security.

It’s an easy way for neighbors to look out for each other. The app is available for iOs and Android. It offers a variety of categories for posting information such as Classifieds, Lost & Found, and Crime and Safety. There is also an option to hide the categories you are not interested in.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fact sheet for 2013, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related accidents and an estimated 66,000 were injured.

On average, a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in vehicle crashes in 2013. If you are a walker or jogger, there are several ways to keep safe and avoid becoming a statistic.

route. If sidewalks are not available walk on the widest shoulder and face traffic.

• Glow in the dark. If walking at night wear retroreflective clothing and carry a flashlight.

• Don’t run. You may think you can beat a car, don’t risk it. Wait.

• Don’t assume. Not all drivers know the rules when it comes to pedestrians. Stay cautious when crossing at crosswalks.

The first thing to do is be aware of risk factors.

Hippocrates said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” The benefits of walking are numerous. It helps to clear your head, eliminate stress, and serves as an excellent form of exercise. Following the rules and being aware of your surroundings can keep you walking for years to come.

Some other things pedestrians can do to stay safe are: • Pay attention. Facebook can wait. Limit distractions such as phones that steal your attention from the surroundings.

• Find crosswalks. If you have to cross streets do so at designated crosswalks or intersections.

• Sidewalk it. Utilizing sidewalks is the safest

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/Pedestrians.

• Cross at intersections.

• The NHTSA fact sheet states that pedestrians age 65 and older accounted for 19 percent of all pedestrian fatalities and 10 percent of all pedestrians injured in 2013.

• The NHTSA determined that male pedestrians are more likely to die or become injured in motor vehicle crashes than females.

• In 2013, one in every five children under the age of 14 who were killed in traffic accidents was a pedestrian.

• Alcohol plays a significant role in pedestrian deaths. The NHTSA fact sheet determined where alcohol was reported, 34 percent of fatal accidents involved a pedestrian killed who had a blood alcohol concentration of greater than or equal to .08 grams per deciliter.

• Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas, non-intersection locations, and at night.

Only cross mid-block if there is a marked crosswalk.

• Stop at intersections to make it clear to drivers that you are not going to walk out in front of them.

Also, listen for traffic. There is a possibility you won’t see a car, but you will hear it.

• Make eye contact with drivers. This simple gesture lets you know that drivers see you.

• Locate and use the pedestrian push button (when available) and only cross when the “Walk” sign is lit. www.showcasemagazine.com

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smile, “Dalton says. It’s no surprise that she enjoys shoots reminiscent of those greeting cards. Dalton adds,” I love sessions with families and seniors, but children are my favorite.”

by Paul Seiple photos by Michelle Dalton Photography

Photographers find inspiration in everything around them. A dropped ice cream cone on the sidewalk may just be an obstacle for the typical passerby, but it could be inspiration for a photographer. The key to good photography is to tell a story.

Michelle Dalton has been telling beautiful stories through her photographer for nine and half years full time. But, the love for photography has been with Dalton as far back as she can remember. “Before the Internet I would go to Karen’s Hallmark and get lost in the images on greeting cards. I loved images that portrayed a connection between a couple or a child with a big

Creating a great photo takes practice and experience. A big part of a photograph is to capture the moment, but there is much more involved in creative a stunning image.

Dalton constantly monitors trends and technology with regards to photography.

“I usually attend three to five classes a year because technique changes all the time,” Dalton says.

Dalton cites famed photographer Gerry Ghionis as a major influence. “He is one of the top five photographers in the world. I was fortunate enough to study with him in Atlanta,” Dalton adds.

For aspiring photographers, Dalton says, “Attend any every class that you can related to photography.” Anyone can take photos, but to truly create art, you need to understand art. Dalton continues, “Get educated and keep taking photos.”

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ACROSS 1 Sever 4 Tap in lightly 8 Bluff (2 wds.)

14 Environmental protection agency (abbr) 15 France & Germany river 16 Middle eastern peninsula 17 Pristine 18 Green Gables dweller 19 Quiet, plodding horse 20 Entrails 22 Flightless bird 23 Penury 24 Cried 27 “Remember the __” 31 Hindu goddess, consortvof Siva 33 Bolus 35 Dawdle 36 Wrath 38 Tiny

39 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 40 Nocturnal marsupial 44 Political speech type 46 Clean 47 Grain 49 Part of a min.

50 Bard’s before 51 Less than two 52 Skidded 55 Be annoyed 58 Water (Sp.) 61 Whim 63 French “yes” 65 Inclining 67 Ghost 70 Skit 71 Cooking fat 72 Genus Alauda 73 Pennsylvania (abbr.)

74 Ball holder 75 Where pigs live 76 Greek god of war 77 Supersonic transport

DOWN 1 Former Russian ruler 2 Unsealed 3 American Indian tribe member 4 Despot 5 Root beer brand (3 wds.)

6 Parsonage 7 Before (prefix) 8 Vanish 9 Odor 10 Capital of Afghanistan 11 Move away 12 Caesar’s three 13 Change color 21 Inform 25 Captured soldier 26 Journey 28 In addition 29 Spar 30 Giant

32 Internal Revenue Service 34 Honey makers 37 European monetary unit 39 Remove the clip from 40 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

41 Happy cat sound 42 Dunking cookies 43 Asian bird 45 Okay 48 Electroencephalograph (abbr.)

53 Fools 54 Refuses to grant 56 Blot (2 wds.)

57 Shoe leather

59 Direct 60 Isolated 62 Metal tip on the end of a lance 64 Asian nation 66 Has 67 Hat 68 Boxer Muhammad 69 Droop

NAME

HOW TO ENTER Email paul@showcasemagazine.com with the theme of this Word Search (April 2016) for a chance to win a $25 Medo’s II gift certificate. Winner will be announced on Facebook (Showcase Magazine) on May 1, 2016.

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GREEN

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 39

by Paulette Dean Executive Director Danville Humane Society

Sometimes when we receive an animal at the shelter, we just know that he or she must have merely wandered away from a loving home.

However, there is no way to identify an owner through a tag on a collar or through a microchip.

All we can do is hold the animal the required stray time and hope that an owner comes forward.

This handsome boy is about five months old. He has medium length hair, is a gray tabby, and is the ultimate cuddlebug!

Although both the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County require tags, sometimes they can be lost. There is a simple thing that owners can do to improve the chance that a lost dog or cat will be reunited with their owner. Microchipping has been popular for many years, and we are seeing an increase in the number of animals received with microchips.

The chip is about the size of a grain of uncooked rice; it is implanted under the loose skin between the shoulder blades.

The process is quick and no more painful than a vaccination.

(Well, at least that is what the microchip companies tell us. I have seen tiny Yorkies stand unflinching while they are being microchipped; however, I have also seen huge Golden Retrievers or Rottweilers being very dramatic. I had my dog microchipped while he was asleep for his neutering surgery.)

A simple procedure with a scanner alerts a shelter that a microchip has been inserted. The owner’s name and address can be registered on a national database.

If your dogs and cats have not been microchipped, please call your veterinary clinic and schedule to have one implanted. It is a very quick procedure, and you will have added another layer of protection for your lost pet. SM

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY www.showcasemagazine.com

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Danville Symphony Orchestra - The Orchestra provides an opportunity for dedicated, talented musicians throughout the region to express & advance their talents while providing quality live musical performances of classical & other worthy repertoire through their concerts. Don’t miss this amazing show. 7:30PM. Kirby Theater.

Roxboro. 336.599.8974. $20/$16/$10.

Ernie Haase Live in Concert - 7pm.

Halifax County High School. $20/$10.

Ace Frehley - Legendary KISS guitarist in concert. 7PM. Carrington Pavilion. www. yesweekly.com.

5th Annual Pig Cookin’ Contest - The only BBQ competition in the area that is sanctioned by the North Carolina Pork Association. The winners will use their points to qualify for the annual N.C. Barbeque Championship.

11AM-4PM. Spencer Penn Centre.

Martinsville. 276.957.5757.

Racin’ & Tastin’ - Beer and BBQ event. 5:30-10:30PM. Danville Community Market.

434.793.4636. $30 (Individual), $350 (Corporate Table) SCCA Spring Sprints Majors Tour - For 2016, the Sports Car Club

Smoking Cessation and Nicotine Psychopharmacology – Paul Cincirpini, Phd, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Department Chair, Department of Behavioral Science, Division of OVP, Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences will present: Smoking Cessation and Nicotine Psychopharmacology.

The next in the series Conversations with Health Researchers from the Cancer Prevention and Control Program, VCU Massey Cancer Center. 12–1 pm. Cancer Research and Resource Center (lower level) 103 South Main Street, Danville.

For more information, contact the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia, 434.421.3060, or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu.

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of America Eastern Conference has been divided into North and South Conferences. This premier Majors event for both the Northeast and Southeast Conferences is sure to demand your attention as some of the best amateur drivers in the country take the track. 8AM-6PM. VIR. 434.822.7700 ext. 116.

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Golf Tournament - Each year golfers from the Danville area play golf and raise money for the American Cancer Society. Sponsoring and conducting the tournament is the Whitmell United Methodist Church. The format for the tournament is a four person captain’s choice. Entry deadline is April 13 or when 50 teams are registered. 8AM shotgun start and 1PM shotgun start. Southern Hills Golf Course. 434.250.3993. $40 per player of $160 per team.

Legislative Effectiveness in the Unites States Congress: The Lawmakers – Craig Volden will share his work on the Legislative Effectiveness Project, a joint research project that seeks to understand why some members of the United States Congress are more effective at lawmaking than others. 6:30-8PM. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

Bye Bye Birdie (Little Theater) - Directed by Ray Pearce. This show tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. Times vary. Kirby Theater.

Roxboro. 336.599.8974. $20/$16/$10.

Shrek The Musical - Times vary. The Prizery. South Boston. 434.572.8339.

5th Annual Autism Awareness 5k - 5k Run & 5k Walk, Untimed Walk, 1k Fun Run - Benefiting the Autism Fund. 8:30AM-12PM. Anglers Park. www.danriverautism5k. org. $25 pre-registered by April 17, $30 after April 17.

Earth Day Festival – Get up, get out, and enjoy the outdoors. 10AM3PM. J. Frank Wilson Memorial Park, Church Street Extension. Martinsville.

Touch a Truck – This 4th Annual Junior Wednesday Club’s rain-orshine event is the perfect opportunity for children to learn, explore, and climb on more than 40 vehicles from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Averett

University’s North Campus on Mt. Cross Road. Includes a Kid Zone with balloon animals, face painting, bounce houses, a DJ, and a play construction area. New this year is a Teddy Bear Clinic where stuffed animals can be brought for checkups by hospital professionals. Tickets are $5 in advance and may be purchased from a Junior Wednesday Club member or at Danville Toyota, 125 Piedmont Place, or $6 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free. For more information, email danvilletouchatruck@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com at Touch a Truck-Danville.

Historic Garden Week Tour – Chatham - From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. the tour includes the Cherry Thompson Bower home, built around 1909; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, circa 1878, with its impressive Carpenter Gothic design and three stain glass windows attributed to Tiffany, and St. Mary’s Chapel and rectory on the Chatham Hall campus. Refreshments served on the rectory patio. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the tour. For more information and online tickets visit www.vagardenweek.org.

Historic Garden Tour of Danville - Four homes will be open for visitors. The homes include “Dan’s Hills”, at 44 Oak Lane, an 1833 home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, 37 Lake Heron Drive in Birnam Wood, and two English Cottage style cluster homes adjacent to the Dan River Country Club Inn. Also included in the $20 advance ticket ($25 on day of tour): are five “sites of interest” throughout Danville. 10AM-6PM (A Flower Arranging Workshop will be held at The Danville Golf Club Pool House, 1-2PM). www.vagardenweek.org.

Spring Book Fest - A book festival featuring local and regional authors. 10AM-2PM. Brewed Awakening, 610 Craghead Street. 434.483.2138.

Biscuitville 125 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/Champ Truck World Series - The NASCAR K&N Pro Series is NASCAR’s top developmental series before making the jump to the top three series. Come watch the next generation of NASCAR stars as they hone their racing skills on VIR’s legendary North Course, which is 2.25 miles long with 22 turns and 100 feet of elevation changes. CHAMPTRUCK This series is for gear-heads, big-rig truck road racing fans and people who love fast driving. 8AM-6PM. VIR. 434.822.7700 ext. 116.

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Not So Common – Common Sense!

A Perspective on Public Schools – When will Danville Schools Get Better?

by Stan Jones, Superintendent of Danville Public Schools In a recent conversation with several prominent citizens of Danville, I was asked, “When will Danville Public Schools get better?” Quite honestly, the question surprised me. At the time the question was posed, we were discussing the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2017 and I was not prepared to respond.

After the meeting, I stewed over the question mostly because of its accusatory tone. However, I have thought about the question seriously and to no one’s surprise, I have a response. The short answer is -Danville Public Schools are better already, at least qualitatively. The best examples of qualitative changes are the culture and climate in our schools. Most notably, are the changes at George Washington High School. Anticipated quantitative measures of improvements will include increases in graduation rates and accreditation measures.

Comparative data will not be available until August 2016.

To truly answer the question it is important to understand: how school performance is measured; what factors have contributed to the decline in performance; and, what the plan is for improving performance?

First, public schools in Virginia are evaluated formally by Virginia’s accountability system, known as the Standards of Learning (SOL) through annual statewide assessments of student achievement. Results from these tests are used by the commonwealth to inform parents and the public about the progress of schools through the awarding of annual accreditation ratings. Accredited ratings differentiate schools that are close to full accreditation, or that are making acceptable progress, from those that are not.Virginia Schools are also operating under a Federal Accountability System set forth by the US Congress which sets Annual Measurable Objectives for assessing student performance.

Schools are also evaluated in the court of public opinion. My view is that much of the “grapevine” view of our schools is due to a pervasive culture of low expectations that exists in the collective consciousness of many in our community. This view, in my opinion, is largely due to two factors: the negative views some hold toward the students we serve; and, because there are those who are content with our schools as long as “some” students are successful. These perceptions have been exacerbated by the impact the economy has had on funding resources for our schools.

Second, what factors have contributed to the decline in performance?

Since 2010, we have cut 189 positions in our schools most of which have been classroom teaching positions. The impact has resulted in larger schools and larger classrooms. Collectively, economic factors, reductions in staffing, and increasing class sizes coupled with significant changes in leadership at the classroom, school, and division level have led to an inconsistent and non-strategic approach to teaching and learning in all Danville Public Schools.

Third, what is the plan for improving performance? During the past tenth months, we have worked diligently to develop a systemic and strategic approach to improve teaching and learning across all of our schools. This approach simply requires that we use effective instructional strategies across all schools to deploy an evidenced-based system of teaching and learning. Danville Public Schools will get better when these strategies, systems, and practices are implemented consistently, continually, and with integrity for an extended period of time.

That time is now. The question of getting better depends on three simple factors: trust, patience, and support. Danville Public Schools will get better when the system has the trust, support, and patience of the community it serves - trust in leadership, support with staffing and resources, and patience for results both quantitative and qualitative.

For the record, I will not be pleased until all students in Danville are successful - not just some.

A STRONG EDUCATION BUILDS A STRONGER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Wilkins & CO. supports education Danville Office • 428 Piney Forest Rd. • 434.797.4007 Chatham Office • 12413 US HWY 29 • 434.432.3009 Property Management • 434.797.4009 www.WilkinsAndCo.com

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About 71 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers.

TIDBITS FROM THE APRIL 2016 ISSUE

Hankido is a martial art style created

by Myung Jae-nam that involves cirvular flowing movements and has roots in Jae-nam’s background in traditional Korean dance.

A study conducted by University of Oregon sociologist Jocelyn Hollander concluded that women who took a tenweek self-defense training course were “significantly less likely to experience unwanted sexual contact than those who didn’t.”

Hapkido is a form of selfdefense focusing on joint locks, grappling, and throwing techniques, as well as striking attacks.

In Virginia, the different stages of EMT training are: EMR (Emergency Medical Responder), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician), EMT-I (EMT-Intermediate/99), Paramedic, and CCP (Critical Care Paramedic).

Under the Microscope See page 26

Gael Greene, NYC restaurant critic for 46 years, is one of the most popular food critics on Twitter with nearly 220,000 followers.

2016

Public Safety issUe

Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito premiered in 1989 on PBS and is America’s longest running cooking show.

The National Banana Pudding Festival began in 2010. It’s a twoday event held in the first week of October in Tennessee.

42 SHOWCASE Magazine

Photo by Alice Abbott Photography

| APRIL 2016 | www.showcasemagazine.com

The New Neighborhood Watch See page 32

Microchips will last beyond the lifespan of pets. (Over 25 years)

The U.S. Fire Department Profile states there are an estimated 30,100 fire departments in the United States. Of those, 85 percent are mostly volunteer or all volunteer.

Photo by Alice Abbott Photography

Microchips aren’t used to track pets.

If chipped, an animal can be scanned when brought into a shelter.

A study of 7,700 stray pets concluded that microchipped dogs have a 51.2 percent chance of being reunited with their owners. That’s nearly a 30 percent increase over pets who aren’t chipped.

Bring it, Summer.

It’ll be HOT, HOT, HOT! It’s that time of year. Time to think about getting ready for strappy sundresses, cute shorts, tank tops and those oh-so-adorable bikinis. You’ve been dieting and exercising, but sometimes those things can only take your body so far. Why not consider a little help along the way?

At the Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center, you can take advantage of the latest cosmetic procedures. From Botox® and tummy tucks, to lifts and breast augmentation, we’ve got you covered. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons has more than 50 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Every woman has a unique self-image and sense of beauty. During your confidential consultation, your surgeon will discuss options to help achieve your personal goals.

CentraMedicalGroup.com/PlasticSurgery | 173 Executive Drive | Danville

Call today and schedule your confidential consultation, 434.797.1383