753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 • Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com • www.showcasemagazine.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Paulette Dean | Danville Historical Society
Arnold Hendrix | Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler
CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHERS
City of Danville | Danville Area Humane Society
Danville Historical Society | Lee Vogler
COVER
Lashawn Farmer. Photo by Lee Vogler
But Volume Not Just a Voice,
BY PAUL SEIPLE
BY LEE VOGLER
Lashawn Farmer, the Programs & Services Director for Design & Expansion at the River District Association (RDA), has woven a tapestry of community service, leadership, and empowerment that spans over a decade. Her story is one of purpose, perseverance, and the profound impact that can be made when passion aligns with community needs.
Farmer’s journey began in 2008 when she made what she calls a “purpose-driven move,” leaving the security of manufacturing to pursue a part-time position as athletic director at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area (BGCDA). This leap of faith, trading financial stability for fulfillment, marked the beginning of a remarkable career dedicated to youth development and community growth.
“BGCDA’s mission and impact were in direct line with the things I was seeking in life professionally,” Farmer said. Over the years, she climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the Chief Operating Officer. Her time at BGCDA was transformative, allowing her to structure the organization, develop programs, and witness the profound impact on youth and staff alike.
In January 2023, Farmer’s focus shifted to broader community development when she joined the River
District Association as Director of Expansion and Design. This role has allowed Farmer to immerse herself in the redevelopment of North Main and Downtown Danville, building economic awareness and engaging in grassroots community work. “I am thrilled that every day I get to work with the community,” she said. “Seeing the community grow, redevelop, and be charged to be involved in the work.”
Perhaps Farmer’s most innovative contribution to date is the True North Series, a monthly livestream featuring local Black women who are making significant impacts in the region. The series was born from a desire to bring attention to North Main in a novel way, highlighting the economic opportunities, community development initiatives, and diverse talents that are driving the area’s revitalization.
Selecting the women for the True North Series is a process that Farmer approaches with careful consideration. “It was very difficult... because there are a lot of Black women out here doing the work,” she explained. By reaching out to community members and following the social media presence of potential candidates, Farmer curates a lineup that represents all elements of community development—from
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PHOTOS
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economics and health to youth development and housing.
The evolution of the True North Series mirrors the growth of its featured guests. What began as simple phone recordings has blossomed into a professionally filmed production, syndicated on local television. Each episode now features artwork from a Black female artist as its backdrop, further amplifying local talent.
Through the series, Farmer has learned valuable lessons about resilience, the often-unnoticed nature of hard work, and the importance of connecting people to resources. “You never know what people have endured to get where they are in life,” she mused, highlighting the depth of stories shared by the featured women.
The impact of the True North Series extends far beyond its viewing numbers. Farmer sees it as a bridge-building initiative, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. “This series is giving the community a voice. A voice that is often overlooked or goes unheard. And not just a voice but volume,” she stated passionately. By amplifying the viewpoints and visions of Black women, the series contributes to the overall success of the region.
Farmer’s approach to community engagement is deeply rooted in her personal philosophy. “I live my life in ‘purpose,’ and I stay in my lane,” she said. This ethos guides her advice to others looking to initiate similar projects: embrace diversity, provide resources
and grace, and allow people to learn and grow at their own pace.
Looking to the future, Farmer’s hopes for the True North Series are ambitious yet grounded in a deep understanding of her community’s needs. She envisions a platform that continues to showcase the impact of Black women in the community, providing access to resources and inspiring others to persevere through challenges.
“I hope people realize to never give up, take time for self, and find their light regardless of where you are in life,” Farmer said. Her words echo the sentiment that has guided her own journey and transformed not just her life, but the lives of countless others in her community.
Captured in a powerful quote, Farmer encapsulated the essence of her mission: “I am captivated by the mirror image of me. My purpose is my light, and I will use my voice, spirit, and the full essence of me to bring joy, change and power to my life, circle, community, and legacy.”
As Danville continues to evolve and grow, it does so with the bright light of leaders like Lashawn Farmer guiding the way, ensuring that every voice is heard, every talent is recognized, and every community member has the opportunity to thrive. Through her work, Farmer not only illuminates the path for others but also reflects the brilliant potential that lives within the heart of every community, waiting to be unleashed.
Your Monthly Navigator for July
Pulse
Ongoing
Danville Science Center. Thomas & Friends, Butterfly Station & Garden, Go!, Water, Cresent Crossing & Under the Arctic. 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 ScienceEgyptology, Get More from Google, Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Bam! Wow! Adventures in Graphic Novels, Artist’s Studio, Adventures in Chess, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Storytellers: Creative Writing 101, Little Explorers Storytime, Book Babies, Code Challengers, Pop Culture Geek Out Hour, Books & Beans Social Hour, Forest Findings, Books & Brews Social Hour, Ozobot Adventures, Firefly Circuit Art, LEGO Brick Engineers, Ancient Explorers, Life-Size Jumanji. 434.799.5195.
Through August 2
DMFAH Attic Sale Donations. Drop offs Tue-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 12-4pm, and Sun 2-4pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644.
Danville Farmers Market. Sat 7:30am-12pm. Community Market. 434.797.8961.
Summer Camps
July 1 (thru 26)
IALR Summer Camps. (7/1-3) STEM in the Movies. Grades K-4; (7/8-12) STEM in Space / Around the World; (7/15-19) STEM Studios / Young Authors Unite; (7/22-26) AI Adventures - Intro to Machine Learning/Code Quest. Grades 3-8. Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. 434.766.6700.
Writing with Fitzgerald Summer Camp. Campers will be writing and illustrating their very own book. Camp will close out with a special tea party. Ages 7-12. 12pm. The Dog-Eared Page. 434.857.5386.
July 15 (thru 19)
Summer Dance Camp. Ages 2-12. Redeemed Christian Dance Studio. 434.709.9458.
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.
July 2 or 3
Suds, Swine, Sippin” & Song. Enjoy BBQ, spirits & live music. Benefit for the DCC Educational Foundation. Motley’s Mill Waterfall Estate. See ad page 22.
Art with Louise. Wet-on-wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. Tuesdays 10am-12pm. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.
July 3
Diabetes Support Group. Learn tips and tricks to help better manage diabetes. Topics will vary. 11am-12pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.
July 3 (thru 31)
Danville Otterbots. 7/3 & 5 vs Burlington. 7/6 & 7 vs Johnson City. 7/16 & 17 vs Bluefield. 7/18 & 19 vs Tri-State. 7/21 vs. Greeneville. 7/ 29 & 31 vs. Burlington. 7pm. Legion Field, Dan Daniel Park. 434.554.4487. See page 15
July 4
DP&R 4th Celebration. Entertainment, activities, vendors, concessionaires and music by Seven Til Sunrise. 6-9pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.857.3384. 4th Celebration. Food trucks and loads of family fun with live music, bounce houses, balloon sculpting, face painting, fireworks and more. 6-10pm. Main Street, South Boston.
July 5
Schoolfield First Fridays - Free yoga on the lawn, DJ, bouncy house, food vendors, and plenty of free family fun. 5-8pm. Schoolfield Village.
July 6
Hometown Heroes Patriotic Celebration. Street festival, patriotic parade, fireworks and more. 3pm. Chatham.
July 6 (thru 27)
Live Music. 7/6 Virginia Electric; 7/12
Sleepless Denver; 7/13 Fescue; 7/19 Andy Burnett Trio; 7/20 Gypsy Soul; 7/26 The League of Ordinary Gentlemen; 7/27 Chris Hammack. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.
June 7 (thru 28)
Live Music. Hosted by Matt Crowder. Sundays 2-6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.
July 8
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 Revolutionists” by Lauren Gunderson. Ages 18+. Registration required. Ruby B. Archie Public Library. 434.799.5195.
July 9
Danville Town Talk Networking Topic will be The Power of Social Media and will include a 30-minute segment helping entrepreneurs and businesses reach and resonate with their ideal audience. Registration required. 6-8pm. Cottontail Weddings & Events.
July 9 & 11
Legal Aid Workshop. Questions and answers workshop. 7/9 Guardianships for Adults, 1-2pm; 7/11 Medicaid and Long-Term Care 5:30-6:30pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.
July 11 (thru 25)
Danville Dairy Daddies. 7/11 vs LEX. 7/12 vs BUR. 7/13 vs LEN. 7/25 vs BUR. 7pm. Legion Field, Dan Daniel Park. 434.554.4487. See ad page 15.
July 10 (thru 30)
Two Men and a Brush Exhibit Featuring Mike Hunter & Wayne Stanfield. Prizery. 434.572.8339.
July 11
Music at the Market Concert Series Supafly Five. Bring a chair, blanket, and picnic basket for a relaxing evening listening to music. 7-9pm. Community Market-Outdoor 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.
July 12
Flip Flop Friday. Music by Tobacco Road Band. 6-10pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.
July 13
Offroad Adventure. Benefit for the SPCA of Pttsylvania County. 10am-8pm. Red Oak Hollow ATV Trails. DAHS Adoption Event. Pet adoptions, reduced adoption fees, free microchipping & $5 Photos with Santa on the Farm. 11am-1pm. Danville Area Humane Society. 434.799.0843. Cruise In. Rain or shine. 4pm. Walker’s Roadside Grill. Cruise In. Food, music, 50/50. 4-8pm. Tickles Table. 434.250.1405 or 434.728.0617.
Racing. Boone Tractor Race NightLive model stock cars, limited sportsman, pure stock, Hornets. 7pm. South Boston Speedway - 434.572.4947. www.southbostonspeedway.com.
July 13 (thru 31)
MSAC Classes. 7/13 Jewelry Making, 2-5pm; 7/17 Kids Class Flower Pot Painting, 2-4pm; 7/26 Kids Class Beach Painting & Bracelet Making, 2-4pm; 7/31 Kids Class Mosaic Frame & Magnet Painting, 2-4pm. $. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017.
July 18 (thru 21)
Shrek Jr. The Musical. Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. 7/18-20 7pm; 7/21 3pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.
July 19
Franks + Dranks. Enjoy hot dogs and fixins, a cash bar and live music by Jake Earles. 6pm. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.
July 19, 20 & 21
SRO GT World Challenge. See a wide range of GT race cars; from a Toyota GR86 to a Ferrari and everything in between. $. Virginia International Raceway.
July 20
Danville Storytelling Festival Bridging the gap of storytelling from all genres, decades and walks of life. Featuring mixed media griot Katherine Guerrero Rivera. 10am-1pm. AU Student Center. www.danvillestorytelling.com
American Legion Post 29 Community Event. Food, live music, games, bookbag giveaway & more. 10am. Monroe Street. Shaggin’ on Fieldcrest. Music by Too Much Sylvia, food trucks, beer garden and more. 2-10pm. Main Street, Eden, NC.
Market Square Summer Concert Series. Music by Ace Party Band, food, fun. 7-9pm. Market Square, Reidsville.
July 23
Ladies Night Out. Door hanger painting, sipping on wines, and snacking. $. 6-8pm. The Gentry Farm. 434.483.0232.
July 25
VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society Presents: Bill Guerrant. Learn helpful tips and interesting stories related to genealogy. Registration required. 2-3pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.
Coates Lego Lab. Build a scene from your favorite movie. Ages 5-12. 5:30-6:15pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.799.5150.
July 25 (thru 28)
The Adventures of Captain Starblaster. Smokestack Theatre Co. 434.549.5445. See ad page 5.
July 26
VA Cantaloupe Festival. Live entertainment, non & alcoholic beverages, delicious roasted corn, cantaloupe and ice cream. 5-10pm. Berry Hill Resort. 434.572.3085.
Fourth Fridays on the Veranda Cash bar, food trucks, art, music, and community vibes. 5:30-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History434.793.5644.
July 26 & 27
Dino Festival. Life size-cast skeletons of some of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era, dinosaur fossils, dino-themed activities and crafts, animatronic dinosaurs, paleontologists, and food trucks. 10am-4pm. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville. See ad page 3.
July 27
Back to School Bash. Free school supplies & backpacks, food kid’s activities, water slide, bounce house, clothing giveaway, vaccinations, DJ & more. 10am-1pm. Right Touch Christian Church.
Community “Fun” Day. Bouncy house, obstacle course, dunking booth, Live vehicle extraction/EMS/Firefighter demos, face painting, food & more. 10am-3pm. Gretna Fire & Rescue. Chatham Cruise In. 4-8pm. Main Street, Chatham.
Music Therapy. Live music w/The “Lounge” of Ordinary Gentlemen. 5-8pm. Mucho Taqueria.
Upcoming
August 2
City vs County Basketball. 5pm. OT Bonner Middle School.
August 3
Pittsylvania County’s Back 2 School Festival. Free book bags, supplies & food. Also a dunking booth, splash pads, raffle drawings & more. Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham. August 3 (thru 6)
DMFAH Attic Sale. Times Vary. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644.
Danville Becomes a Three-Time
All-America City Award Winner
BY ARNOLD HENDRIX
As you drive along Danville streets, you soon will see updated signage being installed at strategic points in the median and along shoulder right-of-ways to mark the City of Danville’s new status as a three-time All-America City Award winner.
The latest honor was received on June 9, when Danville was among 10 cities nationwide receiving the All-America City designation from the National Civic League for having the most innovative and effective community engagement practices.
Danville and the other nine cities were chosen by a jury of nationally recognized civic leaders, which reviewed written entries and observed final presentations by teams from each city that traveled to Denver to compete in the 75th annual All-America City Award event.
For Danville’s winning entry, one juror wrote, “With a steadfast commitment to holistic community building,
Danville shines through its initiatives, fostering student engagement, nurturing police-resident partnerships, and enriching its parks for everyone’s delight. Together, they’re sculpting a brighter tomorrow for each and every resident! Let’s applaud their dedication to Community Development and inclusive progress!”
Mayor Alonzo Jones called the prestigious 2024 AllAmerica City designation an honor, saying, “Our city is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we are committed to ensuring that every citizen has a voice in shaping our future. This award is a testament to the collaborative spirit that propels us forward.”
City Manager Ken Larking agreed, saying, “Danville is in a time of change. As we move forward with trying to implement that change in a way that is as positive for us as it can be, engaging the community is extremely important.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF DANVILLE
For 2024, communities were invited to showcase their work specifically on strengthening local democracy by building the capacity of residents to actively participate in civic life and have a meaningful say in decisions.
This year’s competition was the first entry submitted by the City of Danville since it was selected as an AllAmerica City in 2020. Danville was also named an AllAmerica City in 1977.
In this year’s entry, the City of Danville highlighted its efforts to develop a new comprehensive plan — PLANDanville — using a process unlike any employed in the past. The process included a series of community events, workshops conducted in a storefront space secured for PLANDanville, and direct outreach into neighborhoods by a team of six community ambassadors — local individuals who had the trust and respect of other community members. In addition, PLANDanville made a sincere, sustained effort to engage schoolchildren in the planning effort, encouraging them to develop a sense of pride and ownership in their city and its future.
The All-America City application also highlighted the Police Department’s nearly 40 community engagement programs, the Parks and Recreation Department’s “Heart The Park” campaign, and the Danville School Board’s engagement of youths by adding four student representatives to the board.
For those efforts, Danville was named in March as one of the finalists for the awards.
A team of Danville representatives traveled to Denver on June 7-9 to make a final presentation to the jury.
In addition to Danville, nine other cities received the All-America City designation for 2024: Edinburg, TX; High Point, NC; La Marque, TX; Lexington, KY; Monrovia, CA; Newport News, VA; Roanoke, VA; Seattle, WA; and Watkinsville, GA.
For more information about Danville’s entry, visit www. danvilleva.gov/AAC.
For more information on the National Civic League, visit https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/
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Confessions of a 30 Something “Summertime and the living’s easy”
BY LEE VOGLER
When you read that, you might have heard it in Ella Fitzgerald’s silky smooth voice or if you grew up in the 1990s, like me, it might conjure up Sublime’s take on the song. Nonetheless, summer is in full swing and it has been a hot one so far.
We have been staying busy in the Vogler household, with Kingston and Ava wrapping up school and their respective baseball and tee ball seasons. Both kids have been involved in various summer camps, learning new things and having fun in the process. The first week after school finished, they did the kids’ theater camp with Smokestack Theatre Company, which they really enjoyed. Then Kingston was invited to participate in the regional Governor’s school, where he did a class on criminal justice. (He has since become our household lawyer, at age 9). Their third week of summer break involved both of them doing the Danville Public Schools summer camp, with
Ava choosing Art Camp and Kingston checking out the Career Camp. Ava is also about to start competition dance and Kingston has already begun football practices.
While June was a very busy start to the summer season, I’m looking forward to a little more of that “easy living” during July. We have our annual vacation to Topsail Beach coming up, which is always a special time for all of us. This year, we’re staying in a different house that is right on the beach itself, so I’m excited to be woken up by the sound of crashing waves.
If you’re a fan of baseball, or just a fun evening, you’ve probably seen us out at the Danville Otterbots or Danville Dairy Daddies games. At the time I’m writing this, I’ve been to every game this season except one, which I missed because I was in Durham… at another baseball game. If we’re not there, we might be at one of the new splash
No matter what you decide to do this summer, try to enjoy being there in the moment. As each year passes, I learn what our most valuable resource is: time. The time I get to spend with my family and close friends means more to me than anything. I intend to make the most of it.
parks in the city. What a fun way to cool down from the summer heat!
Laura Stack Founder & CEO Johnny's Ambassadors
Nash Wiley Public Affairs Associate Capital Results
Barbara Burke, LCSW Co-Founder Rams in Recovery, VCU
Paws for a Cause
In Salt Lake City today, a bronze monument to the sea gull reminds visitors of the miracle of the seagulls. Portions of the story come from President Gordon B. Hinckley’s account as found in Truth Restored.
On July 24, 1847, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) first entered the Salt Lake Valley. They had been driven out of their homes in Illinois and Missouri. Thousands moved west, either in covered wagons or walking.
WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
As soon as they entered the valley, they began preparing the soil for harvest the next year. Until harvest time, they lived off stored food or sego lily roots. Ute Indians living in the area helped them hunt for meat. After a long, freezing winter, they finally planted crops in the spring of 1848. That is when the miracle of the sea gulls took place.
With irrigation, the crops flourished;
MEET BELLA
however, large crickets began eating the grain.
The insects came by the hundreds of thousands, eating everything in their path. The pioneers fought them, with shovels, brooms, fire and water. Still the destructive crickets came. The
situation was desperate, yet the pioneers who had already been through so much knew they could not give up.
The Church president, Brigham Young, called on the settlers to put their faith to work. The pioneers throughout the valley prayed and fasted for help, pleading for their crops to be spared.
To their amazement, they saw huge flocks of whitewinged sea gulls fly from the Great Salt Lake to settle on their crops. They thought at first that another enemy had arrived, and their despair deepened.
However, the gulls began eating the crickets. They ate for hours, then flew away, disgorged, and came back for more. The crops of 1848 were saved by the sea gulls.
Those of you who love animals will not be surprised by humans being saved by seagulls. Animals help us in so many marvelous ways.
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
This little girl is camera shy! She is eight years old and will thrive in a quiet home.
241 Jefferson Avenue
BY DANVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For 32 years, the Queen Anne-style house at 241 Jefferson Avenue, one of several nearly identical late-Victorian houses surviving from a once greater row along Jefferson’s 200 block, was the residence of Robert Smith Phifer (1852-1910), his wife and children.
Over the last quarter of the 19th century, up to his death on Jefferson Avenue in 1910, Professor Phifer embodied all things musical. Beginning at age 16, this North Carolina native, received much of his early training in literature and music at the great conservatory in Leipzig, Germany, revered for nurturing both the genius of J.S. Bach (1685-1750) and his 19th-century champion, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), among many others musical prodigies.
In the mid 1870s, Phifer visited Danville on a short trip with his father to sell pianos at a music fair. Danville charmed the youthful Phifer, and he returned. Here he married Isabella Hunt McGehee, who grew up just downriver from Danville on the farm “Burleigh” in Semora, North Carolina. In 1878, the couple returned from Charlotte to Danville, when the school known today as Averett University (then Roanoke Female College) hired the young Leipzig graduate to teach music at the school and eventually become the founding head of Averett’s Music Department. And, it was Phifer who hired the aspiring but, at the time, itinerant British-born musician Frederick Delius in the mid-1880s. Delius (1862-1934) taught under Phifer’s watch between 1885-86. Upon Delius’ return to his native England, followed by his own stint at Leipzig, Delius came to be regarded as among Britain’s great composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Following Professor Phifer’s distinguished career of over 15 years at Averett, he taught for a short time in the mid-to-late 1890s at (what became) Stratford College. In 1897, Professor Phifer’s old friend and protégé Delius returned to Danville for a lively, somewhat humorous, concert appearance at the school. Delius and Phifer continued to correspond until the Professor’s death in 1910, just after the British composer had dedicated to his old mentor his revised 1909 score of Appalachia, a landmark choral symphony inspired in part by his time in Danville and the Virginia/North Carolina Piedmont. Professor Phifer’s Danville legacy extends well beyond his “brush” with Delius. Rather, it was the Professor’s profound effect on Danville’s musical life, writ large, and over many decades, that motivated appreciative former students, friends and colleagues in the community to erect in 1913 a small, but important, “monument” to him on the grounds of the Sutherlin Mansion. Although this garden ornament, a sundial, later was relocated to Phifer’s gravesite, it survives as evidence of area citizens’ heartfelt affection for Danville’s irreplaceable musical mentor and friend.
