Showcase Magazine May 2024

CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net

FINANCE MANAGER

Cindy Astin-Yeatts | cindy@showcasemagazine.com

ADVERTISING

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

Emily Wilkerson | Executive Assistant emily@showcasemagazine.com

info@showcasemagazine.com • www.showcasemagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paulette Dean | Arnold Hendrix

Robin Marcato | Lee Vogler

CONTRIBUTING

PHOTOGRAPHERS

City of Danville | Lee Vogler Danville Area Humane Society

Danville Pittsylvania Community Services A Safe Harbor in the Storm of Mental Health Crisis

BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS BY LEE VOGLER

Nestled in the heart of Danville, Virginia, the newly constructed Crisis Center stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services (DPCS) to supporting the mental health needs of the community. Opened in August 2023, this state-of-the-art facility provides a safe harbor for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Melanie Tosh, Director of Adult Clinical Services at DPCS, has been a driving force behind the center’s development. “Our goal is to create a safe, comfortable environment where people in a behavioral health crisis can receive the care they need,” Tosh explains. “By offering a range of services and focusing on personcentered care, we aim to empower individuals to recover and make their own choices about their wellbeing.”

The Crisis Center operates 24/7, staffed by a dedicated team of professionals. Clinicians, care coordinators, peer support specialists, nurses, law enforcement personnel, and administrative staff work together to ensure comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

One of the center’s most innovative features is the Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center (CITAC). This secure space provides a therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis who have encountered law enforcement. “CITAC offers clinical assessment, support from a care coordinator or peer support specialist, and a safe alternative to traditional custody procedures,” Tosh elaborates. “This

collaboration with local law enforcement agencies has been incredibly successful, with CITAC accepting 81% of referred individuals in 2023 alone.”

Understanding the power of empathy and lived experience, Sarah Shoemaker, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at DPCS, uses her own journey with addiction and recovery to connect with clients on a deeper level. “Having navigated the Emergency Custody Order (ECO) process personally, and with my mother, I am uniquely able to support, and be there for individuals during the difficult situations they face,” Shoemaker shares. “Seeing them light up when they realize someone finally understands them is rewarding beyond words. When I was struggling and searching for help, I wanted desperately for someone to understand me, so I know just how powerful that is.”

The Crisis Center’s commitment to person-centered care is clear in every aspect of its design. From the welcoming, inviting reception area to the comfortable, safe client spaces, the facility prioritizes the wellbeing and dignity of those it serves. “We offer basic necessities like showers, changes of clothes, meals, and laundry facilities,” Tosh notes. “These options can make a big difference in promoting comfort and a sense of safety during a difficult time.”

In addition to the Crisis Center, DPCS offers Rapid Access Services for individuals seeking mental health support outside of a crisis situation. Rapid Access

Continued to Page 10

Continued from Page 9

Clinicians provide comprehensive assessments on a first-come, first-served basis, connecting individuals with appropriate resources and services based on their individual needs. Rapid Access is open Monday— Thursday from 8:30am—3:00pm at DPCS’ main campus at 245 Hairston Street.

The impact of DPCS’s dedication to mental health is evident in the numbers. In 2019, Crisis Services assessed over 1,700 individuals, successfully diverting approximately 950 to less restrictive community resources instead of hospitalization. By 2023, the number of referrals for community-based support had grown to over 1,150, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.

Especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, the work of organizations like DPCS serves as a

powerful reminder of the importance of accessible, comprehensive mental health services. “We want people to know that they are not alone,” Tosh emphasizes. “Whether you’re experiencing a crisis or simply need support, our doors are always open.”

The Danville Pittsylvania Community Services’ Crisis Center stands as a safe harbor in the storm of a mental health crisis. Through its innovative programs, dedicated staff, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care, DPCS is making a lasting impact on the well-being of the Danville and Pittsylvania County communities, one person at a time.

An individual can access DPCS Crisis Services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on a walk-in basis at the Crisis Center at 366 Piney Forest Road, Danville, or by calling 434.793.4922 or Toll Free: 1.877.793.4922.

Why Mental Health First Aid?

On average, there are 132 suicides per day in the U.S.

From 2019-2020, 39 states in the U.S. saw a significant increase (12.7-55.1%) in the number of annual suicides. Nearly 50 million adults in the U.S. are living with Mental Illness.

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders as well as a mental health crisis. This full-day training is offered at no cost and will teach you the skills you need to reach out to and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. For Training Dates & To Register: Contact Bonnie Trammell btrammell@dpcs.org 434-799-0456 x

West Piedmont Trauma and Resiliency Community Network (WPTRCN)

Did you know the most significant determining factor for most mental health issues is childhood adversity?

West Piedmont Trauma and Resiliency Community Network (WPTRCN) is a network of organizations and individuals formed in 2020 that promote empathy, equity, and trauma-responsive approaches, serving as a resource to address inequities, encourage resiliency, and provide training and development opportunities. The

goal is to decrease trauma and increase resiliency in the community. WPTRCN aims to increase capacity in the community by promoting regular training opportunities. The network promotes Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training. This training is three hours long and informs attendees of the impact of adversity on things like their immune systems and childhood brain development. Participants trained will understand those who experience adversity are at a much greater risk of almost every type of physical health issue and every type of mental health issue, as well as numerous social issues. Other training courses the network offers include an Introduction to Trauma and Resiliency course that is 45 minutes long.

As part of our commitment to community learning, the network also offers engaging book studies throughout the year. These studies provide an excellent opportunity for community members to delve deeper into the topic of trauma and resiliency, fostering a sense of connection and shared learning. In 2023, book studies offered by the network included Help for Billy, The Body Keeps the Score, and What Happened to You. By participating, you’ll receive a free book and the chance to meet weekly with other interested community members to discuss the book. This is just one of the ways WPTRCN works with organizations and individuals to become more traumasensitive, equipping our community with the skills to respond appropriately and decrease the likelihood of retraumatizing those they encounter or work with daily.

On May 8th, WPTRCN is proud to host its first annual conference during Virginia’s Resilience Week at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research from 9 am until 4 pm. The conference, titled ‘Pathways to Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Trauma, ‘features an all-star lineup of speakers who are leaders in the field. The conference, a testament to the importance we place on community learning and growth, includes

Internationally renowned Tonier Cain, Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer, and Virginia’s Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Services’ Keith Cartwright. During lunch, we will hear from Angelique Caley, a local Certified EMDR Therapist and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor. The event will also have several local resource tables for networking and connecting with unique services offered in our area and across the state.

By increasing knowledge of the impact of trauma and adversity and learning how to properly deal with someone in a fight, flight, or freeze mode, we hope to become a more compassionate community, reducing harm. WPTRCN also strives to build a more resilient community through lessons of self-care while caring for others.

West Piedmont Trauma and Resiliency Community Network meets via Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 2:00 pm. Please email us at wptrcn@dpcs.org if you are interested in getting involved with the network or have any questions.

Your Monthly Navigator for May

Pulse

Ongoing

Danville Science Center. ExhibitsThomas & Friends, Butterfly Station & Garden, Go!, Water, Cresent Crossing. Various Dome Shows, Creativity Labs. www.dsc.smv.org.

Ruby B. Archie Public Library Programs - Don’t miss the programs offered at the Library. We Dig Science- Archaeology, Get More from Google, Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Why Historic Preservation?, Treehouse Tuesday, Ozobot Adventures, The Magic of Everyday Objects, Artist’s Studio, Evening Storytime at the Park, Books & Brews Social Hour, Dino Tea Party, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Storytellers: Creative Writing 101, Little Explorers Storytime, Little Learning Lab, Book Babies, Random Fandom, Maker Mondays, Code Challengers.

Butterfly Hello! Enjoy our family friendly butterfly activities and experience the delight of seeing lepidoptera from across North America. 10am-3pm. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org.

Through 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.

Through September Pittsylvania Co. Farmers Market. Sat 8am-12pm. Olde Dominion Ag Complex. 434.432.8026. www. theodac.com.

May 1 (thru 18)

MSAC Classes. 5/1 Puzzle Swap 11am; 5/4 Flower/Bumblebee Painting, 2-3:30pm; 5/18 Paint a Door Hanger 2pm. $. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017.

May 2

A Celebration of Greg Robinson Embark on an inspiring journey

through the cosmos with Danville native, sharecropper’s son and former director of NASA’s groundbreaking James Webb Space Telescope, Greg Robinson. Registration required. 7-8pm. Carrington Pavilion. dsc.smv. org.

May 2 & 14

Legal Aid Workshop. Questions and answers workshop. 5/2 Protective Orders, 5:30-6:30pm; 5/14 Wills and Advance Directives 1-2pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

May 3

Sacred Heart Catholic School Golf Tournament. Shotgun start 8am & 1pm. Danville Golf Club. labercrombie@sheartschool.com.

Kenan Wright Memorial Golf Tournament. 11:30am. Reception to follow play. Chatmoss Country Club, Martinsville. 276.632.7288 x231.

May 4

Danville Farmers Market Opening Day. Free tomato plants to first 500. Sat 7:30am-12pm. Community Market. 434.797.8961.

Make Danville Shine Home Expo Giveaways, home improvement exhibitors, free hot dogs, drinks and chips, community organizations. 8am-12pm. Community Market. 434.797.8961.

Spring Farm Day. See animals, play games, music, kids area, food trucks, local vendors. 10am-3pm. Baldwin Farms, Yanceyville.

Derby Day. Light hors d’oeuvres and dinner, derby drinks, beer & wine, live stream the race, live music, trophies for best hat, dapper dude, best dressed couple, and winners of the pony races. $. 4-8pm. Avoca Museum, Altavista. www.avocamuseum.org. Run for the Roses. Great food, live music, outrageous hats and outfits, premium bourbon, and wine & truffles. Chatham Rotary Club fundraiser gala. 5:30-8pm. Motley Mill Waterfall Estate.

Danville Town Talk Networking Topic will be Business Plan Fundamentals and will include a

30-minute segment dedicated to developing a strategic Business Plan for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Registration required. 6-8pm. Cottontail Weddings & Events.

May 4 (thru 31)

Live Music. 5/4 Jason Bunch; 5/10 On the Margins; 5/17 Jeremy Elder & John Spangler; 5/18 Andy Burnett Trio; 5/24 Mike Warren Duo; 5/25 Gary McCullough; 5/31 Sleepless Denver. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

May 5

Spring at the Tavern. Living History with 18th Century reenactors, food, period music, event for all the family. Childrens 18th century games. 10am4pm. Yates Tavern, Gretna.

May 5 (thru 26)

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

May 9

Music at the Market Concert Series. Wayne Euliss - Elvis Tribute. Bring a chair, blanket, and picnic basket for a relaxing evening listening to music. 7-9pm. Community MarketOutdoor Stage. 434.857.3384. Tossing at the Crossing - Cornhole Tournaments. Coincide with the Music at the Market concert series. Blind draw for partners, players can bring their own bags, prizes awarded. Registration required. 7-9:30pm. Community Market. 434.857.3384. Boots & Buckles Ball. Bootstompin’ dance party with music from DJ Greg Gee. Refreshments. Ages 50+. Registration required. 6-8pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216. playdanvilleva.com.

May 9 (thru 31)

Kimberly Ferguson Exhibit. In the Moment. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

May 10

Flip Flop Friday. Music by Boule. 6-10pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463. Movies at the Crossing - Elemental

Gates 7pm; Movie 8pm. Community Market. 434.857.3384.

Writing is a Crime. Featuring Diane Fanning who will journey through her inspiration, breakthrough and process of researching and writing true crime. $. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

May 11

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Leave non-perishable food items (no glass please) at your mailbox before your carrier arrives. Volunteers or Postal Workers will collect. Or donations may be dropped off at God’s Storehouse. 434.793.3663 x306.

Chatham High FFA Bass Tournament. 6am-3pm. Penhook Boat Ramp, SML. 434.770.1613. Run for Rotary 5K. A fundraiser hosted by Danville Riverview Rotary. Packet Pickup May 5, 2-6pm, The Brick. 8:30-11am. Woodall Nissan. 434.334.6699.

ODAC Spring Fling. Featuring local crafters, bakers and the kick off of the Farmers Market. 9am-4pm. Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. 434.432.8026. www.theodac.com.

Mother’s Day Vendor Market 10am-3pm. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017.

Family Fun Day. Bounce house, inflatables, cakewalk, cornhole, bingo, Kona Ice, free food, Danville Fire house, children’s games and crafts, and much more. Rain date 5/18. 11am-2 pm. Fairview Church. 434.792.3391. Gretna Strawberry & Wine Festival. Nosh on strawberries, and sip wine from eight of the region’s best wineries. Live entertainment. Ticket includes souvenir wine glass, and wine tasting. 12-6pm. Old Dominion Ag Complex. Gretnastrawberrywinefest. com.

2W Toasting 10 Years!! Anniversary. 2-11pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739. Cruise In. Rain or Shine. 4pm. Walker’s Roadside Grill.

May 12

Mothers Day Tea. Assorted teas and pastries Served. $. 1-4pm. Avoca Museum, Altavista. www. avocamuseum.org.

May 13

Let’s Make a Scene! Reader’s Theatre Series. Join us, along with Smokestack Theatre Company, to read a role or just read along “The

Mousetrap” by Agatha Christie. Ages 18+. Registration required. Ruby B. Archie Public Library. 434.799.5195.

May 15

Do You Believe in Ghosts? Prepare for an extraordinary live show hosted by paranormal expert and host of Ghost Hunters, Dustin Pari. The boundaries of reality and the supernatural blur. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339. The Fabulous Thunderbirds Concert. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

May 17

Bridgerton Tea Party. Classic tea party with special gif. Learn a regency dance. Costumes optional. $. 6pm. Dog-Eared Page Book Store.

May 17, 18 & 19

Festival in the Park. Bring your friends and family for a day full of music, entertainment, and good vibes. Friday night entertainment Chairmen of the Board and The Executives. Saturday entertainment Kuumba Dance Group, Mama BriBri & The Stranger, Supafly Five, Headliner Performance: Matt Boswell and the Hillbilly Blues Band. Sunday entertainment The Vance Street Mass Choir, The Shockoe Boyz, The Remnant Church Mass Choir, Headliner Performance: The Canton Spirituals. Ballou Park. 434.799.5150.

Dress to impress. Food, dancing, prizes, photo booth and more. 5-7pm. Community Way.

May 23 (thru 26)

The Foreigner. Smokestack Theatre Co. See ad page 13. Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival. Pops Farm, Martinsville, VA.

May 24

Shred Day. Pittsylvania Co. Sheriff’s Office & Crime Stoppers. 9am-1pm. Food Lion, Gretna and Food Lion, Franklin Tpke. 434.432.7800.

Upcoming

June 1 (thru 26)

Expressions 2024. Work by artists from southern Virginia and the surrounding regions. This showcase of regional talent features an eclectic mix of work from hundreds of artists working in watercolor, oil and acrylic, mixed media, drawing, photography and sculpture. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

HyperFest. Be immersed in one of the premier automotive lifestyle events. With activities taking place on asphalt, dirt, mud, grass, and even in the air. $. Virginia International Raceway.

May 18

Cars & Coffee. Third Saturday each month. 9am. Crema & Vine.

Homeplace Music Festival. Wine, beer, music, food trucks, and craft vendors. 12-7pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.

Mommy Son Dance

ADVENTURE ADVENTURE CAMP CAMP

Project Imagine Celebrates Milestone achievement

25th class graduates, nearly 150 teens complete program

BY ARNOLD HENDRIX

PROVIDED BY CITY OF DANVILLE

Project Imagine, a pioneering program dedicated to steering youths away from gang activity and community violence, recently celebrated a significant milestone as its 25th class graduated, bringing the total number of teenagers completing the program since its inception to nearly 150.

Led by Robert David, violence prevention manager for the City of Danville’s Project Imagine, the program focuses on pairing the teens with mentors and setting tangible goals for participants, including refraining from contact with law enforcement, improving academic performance, completing school, and gaining employment.

“We’re here to guide these young people and assist them in doing something better,” David says.

David and his staff of seven caseworkers have tagged the phrase “your new aunts and uncles,” meaning that they will serve as a support system for the youths for as long as the teens will allow them to be part of their life.

“We are going to hold you accountable as well, just like aunts and uncles would,” David tells the graduates. “If you do something wrong, we are going to make sure you know about it, but then we are going to move on. We don’t hold it over your head. We say, ‘how do we fix this situation.’ You are walking into an organization that cares. As an organization, our emphasis is to get you to imagine a life that maybe you could not imagine before.”

David explains that everyone probably has at one time in their life, while on a walk, encountered a dog in the yard.

PHOTO

“You knew that if you walked that way, that dog was going to chase you,” he says. “That’s how it is for these young people in the streets now. When they step out on these streets, they know they are going to have to make a decision. You can make the decision to walk down that path where you know the dog is at – where there is danger – or you can make a decision to avoid the dog.”

By choosing to participate in Project Imagine, the teens are making the decision to change direction to avoid the dog.

Through evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, the program empowers youths to envision a future free from gang involvement and crime. Participants undergo strength-based assessments utilizing the Casey Life Skills and Clifton Strengths tools, guiding them toward healthy and productive life paths. Additionally, each youth is paired with a dedicated outreach worker for a minimum of one year, ensuring ongoing guidance and mentorship.

The teens in Project Imagine are chosen from referrals

from the police department, the courts, schools, and parents.

David has received national recognition for his groundbreaking work, including the 2023 Youth Workforce Professional of the Year Award from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and the Frederic Milton Thrasher Award for his contributions to gang prevention and intervention.

The collaborative efforts of Project Imagine have also received accolades such as the President’s Award from the Virginia Municipal League, highlighting its significance in community development and youth empowerment.

Through its unwavering commitment to fostering positive change, Project Imagine continues to pave the way for a brighter, safer future for the next generation.

For more information about Project Imagine, please visit danvilleva.gov/ProjectImagine or contact David at robert. david@danvilleva.gov or 434.857.3354.

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Gadfly

Aleutian

Mislead lead on

Take

Baker’s need

Scorching

Bode

Moving the boat

Type of missile

Finish

Flying insect 30 Thus (3 wds.)

Crow

Swine 36 Surface to air missile

Lame

Wing

Railway

Least confined

Crimson

Small bird

Capital of the Philippines

American river

Newsman Rather

Alack’s partner

Island

Utter

Cur

Christmas song

Rock and Roll “King”

Famous cookies

Pig food

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Compass point 43 Off-Broadway award 44 Bakers needs 45 Loomed

1 Ribbon tie

Singing voice

Hamburger, for example

French “yes”

Cruelty

Inched forward

Rotate

Level-Up Crossword Puzzle Word Search

Roberto’s yes 8 Accountant

Jewish people

Masses

Jacob’s son

Adam’s garden

Chinese chime

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Omelette need 28 List of highly desired guests

Juliet’s boyfriend

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Eye 32 Sugar-free brand

Merits 35 Greek goddess of youth

Max 40 Furthermore

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Decrees 46 Arm parts

Moray 48 Friday (abbr.) 50 Puppy

Confessions of a 30 Something Life’s Detours

BY LEE VOGLER

“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.”

-John Lennon

I’ve been a ball of energy for most of my life. I love to talk. I get overly excited about small things that bring me joy in the moment. I’m quite sure my incessant talking drove my parents crazy when I was young. In fact, I know it to be true because my mini-me, also known as Ava, probably takes the crown from me and, at times, it drives me batty. (I still love you endlessly, Ava girl). The downside to all this creative energy is that, most of the time, it makes it difficult for me to stay focused on one thing, which makes it a struggle, at times, for me to be organized.

Despite this, when it comes to putting together a day trip or vacation, I tend to want to map out everything. The times. The places. Everything. Sometimes that is helpful but admittedly, sometimes it

takes away the fun.

Recently, our family had a great lesson in the benefit of getting “off the plan” and just letting life happen. We were on our way to the zoo in Asheboro, which we often do. When we arrived, the place was packed to an extent that they had closed down the entrance to the parking lot until more people left. (But we had a schedule!) So now what do we do? We

had at least 45 minutes to kill until they reopened the parking lot. We could have complained. But instead, we quickly searched for something nearby. We found this beautiful century old covered bridge that was less than 10 minutes from where we were. We decided to check it out.

We found not only this historic bridge, but a peaceful creek flowing underneath it. For the next 30 minutes, Blair and I took the kids on a little “adventure” climbing rocks and trees. It wasn’t what we originally planned for our day, but as Bob Ross would say, it was a happy little accident. We did eventually get to the zoo and had a nice time, as always, but I suspect the favorite part of the day for all of us was that 45 minute detour from the plan. As we all navigate our busy lives, let’s try to find some detours from the plan. You might find it to be the best part of your otherwise planned day.

Paws for a Cause

WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

This month marks the one-year anniversary of our mother’s death. She died one week before Mother’s Day. The very word “mother” brings to mind safety, warmth, care, and love. There are bad mothers, to be sure, but the vast majority offer unconditional love. In fact, all nature values mothers. There is a reason our planet is called Mother Earth.

Puppies and kittens adjust easily and quickly to shelter life if they come in with their mother. As long as they have her, all is right with their world.

People know to exercise caution approaching a mother animal that has her babies with her. Even some very trusting dogs and cats become nervous when a human picks up their young.

In the wild, most fights with a female are caused by a protective mother. Wild animal poachers and collectors know that in order to capture a baby or a young animal, the mother first has to be killed.

MEET

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There are many documented stories about the care animal mothers give. In 1988, several female elephants brought one of their babies to a park ranger’s office for help. When the baby was hurt, they walked two miles to the

ranger’s office, where help was offered. That is just amazing to me.

Cows are very maternal and, sadly, that leads to sorrow for them. Dairy calves are immediately taken from their mothers after birth and the cows look for the babies and try to get to them as they hear the calves’ cries.

Mother chickens can recognize their chicks’ peeps, and sheep and goat mothers make sure their offspring play with others in their own age group.

Even some species of insects are raised by their mothers!

How grateful the earth and its creatures should be for the institution of motherhood. I know I am grateful for my mother.

sweetheart was seized during a criminal investigation. She spent a week in a veterinary hospital, but is healthy now and ready for a new home.

DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

The Vault

BY ROBIN MARCATO

It is an undeniable fact that when we discuss historic restoration, we invariably ignore the bathroom. The very idea we would consider keeping any older version of one is not possible. Older bathrooms have rusty plumbing and squeaky pipes. Some have broken tiles and faded carpets. And every fixer-upper in HGTV history takes time to let a horrified homeowner bask in the glow of an all-pink tiled nightmare.

So, it’s pretty rare to see a beautifully renovated historic home with a bathroom that matches. We’ve seen lots of gorgeous bathrooms that appear to have historic fixtures and original sinks but really just have expensive replicas. Two-hundred-year-old chairs, Brazilian rosewood, and hand-painted ceiling tiles

can be the norm on the outside of the restroom, but generally not in it.

Although it is rare, there are a few historic bathrooms out there. One of our personal favorites is in Milton, NC in the Old State Bank, or the Milton Renaissance Foundation headquarters.

If you haven’t been to Milton, it is a very small town on the Dan River with about 160 people. It is one of the oldest towns in the region; it was incorporated the same year John Adams won the presidency. As a growing mill town, like many others in the area, it was perfectly situated on the Dan River and had a thriving tobacco business. One of America’s most celebrated cabinet makers, Thomas Day, was based there, as well as a cotton factory, taverns, hotels, and two banks.

The Old State Bank in Milton today is no longer a bank and hasn’t been for some time. In fact, for some of its life span, it operated as a post office. But either as a bank or a post office, it is a very unusual building. Originally built in 1860, the bank occupied most of the first floor of the two story structure. The rest of the building was a residence for the bank’s manager. Allowing them to live above the bank provided an extra level of security in addition to the vault. As a result, the building has many beautiful and ornate details, like the Gothic Revival door and the banister, attributed to Thomas Day.

The building now serves as a museum for Milton and is filled with exhibits and information. And if you need to use the restroom? Well, that’s in the vault, of course. The previous residents of the building, Ola and William Walker, had it installed around 1966. Along with an incredibly heavy, cast-iron door, they kept the original barrel ceilings, and added a shower, toilet, and sink. It’s ingenious, really. And we can’t think of another historic building with a toilet behind a cast-iron door.

And before you ask, the bathroom is pink. Pink tile, of course. Enjoy.

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES Training

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) are traumatic and stressful events that pose a significant threat to a child's development and can lead to a range of health issues throughout the course of their lifetime.

DPCS provides ACE Interface Training at no cost. The training will help you identify ACE and the effect it has on people's lives, what we can all do to dramatically improve health and resilience for this and future generations.

Trainings are offered regularly throughout the year. For groups of 10 or more, the ACE Interface Training can be brought to your organization.

To Register:

Contact Bonnie Trammell at btrammell@dpcs.org or 434-799-0456 Ext 3810 minimum of 15 participants needed