Discover Southside: highlighting the beauty and diversity of Danville and Pittsylvania County
Summer
A publication of the STAR-TRIBUNE
J& J
TRUCK SALES, INC EQUIPMENT RENTALS, INC.
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109 N. Buncombe Rd Greer, SC 29651 864-662-5255
J&J Equipment Rentals, Inc. became a vision of the owners during the economic slowdown time. The mother and son ownership decided to broaden their base from J&J Truck Sales, Inc. by opening a rental company offering used heavy construction equipment as well as light to medium size equipment for the small business owner. This would be one way that they could fulfill the needs of the community as well as the construction industry.
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Contents
7 Leesville 13 Locally-owned Lake Campground hosts Frisbee Dog tournaments Concert 18 Danville Association offers access to
On July 4, the Rotary Club of Danville held their sixth annual closing ceremony for their Field of Honor in the form of a rotary meeting. Flags honoring first responders, healthcare workers, veterans and more wave in the field off of Memorial Drive from Flag Day to July 4. At the ceremony, attendees heard musical selections and speakers. Tim Carpenter played the bagpipes to close the ceremony.
discover southside
A special publication of the
STAR-TRIBUNE
Womack Publishing Company Inc. 28 N. Main St., Chatham, VA 24531 Phone: 434-432-2791, Fax 434-432-4033 To advertise in Discover Southside or any of our special publications, call Rachel Nanney at 434-432-2791.
www.chathamstartribune.com
STAFF Lanie Davis
Staff Writer
Jeremy Moser
Staff Writer
laniedavis@chathamstartribune.com jmoser@chathamstartribune.com
Elias Weiss
weiss@chathamstartribune.com Rachel Nanney
Digital Coordinator
Assistant Marketing Director
advertising@chathamstartribune.com
Dana Motley
Classifieds/Legals
legals@chathamstartribune.com
Lizbeth Nauta
Graphic Design
wpcgraphics@womackpublishing.com
Chad B. Harrison
c.harrison@womackpublishing.com
20
Family celebrates 50+ years of Gretna staple
music, arts and culture
Doggie Bag thrift store serves community from new location
23 24 History Indoor Recreation 25 26 Outdoor Recreation 28 Schools 29 Government County Information 33 34 City Information Growing buffalo wing 38 restaurant feels welcome in Attractions
Danville Summer Sizzle: Recipes
44 7 Reasons to shop farmers’ 46 markets
Publisher
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The Chatham Star-Tribune welcomes your stories and photos. Please submit them to Elias Weiss at weiss@chathamstartribune.com
4 — Discover Southside
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Photo submitted by Lizbeth Nauta
ucts
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Connect with what matters! Find time to play From our family at Danville Parks and Recreation to yours, we hope you will connect with us and then make time with each another in our parks, on our trails, or in our programs! Visit our website, sign up for our newsletter, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or download the PlayDanvilleVA app on iTunes and Google Play. www.PlayDanvilleVA.com | @PlayDanville | (434) 799-5200 | playdanvilleva@danvilleva.gov 6 — Discover southsiDe
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50+
Family celebrates
years
of Gretna staple By LANIE DAVIS
Star-Tribune Staff Writer
Submitted photo
Shirley and Jack Shelton are pictured in front of their first building on South Shelton Street in 1972, holding a large dollar bill.
Since 1967, Jack and Shirley Shelton have been serving up happiness to customers in the form of short order and restaurant food, with the help of their family members along the way. The couple have owned and operated Jack’s Quick Snack from its humble beginnings in a trailer to what it is known as today, a Gretna staple selling hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream. Jack and Shirley met as young children. The two grew up together, began dating in 1957 and got married on July 26, 1958. In 1959, the two began their family. By the time Jack decided to buy a Volkswagen van and a hot dog trailer, the couple was working at Klopman Mills and
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had three children. They were looking for something to make a little extra money to support their family. “We didn’t think about running a restaurant at that time,” Shirley said. “... but back then, we needed something else to bring in because we never felt safe or completely comfortable financially. We thought that everybody likes to eat, and there were very few things to eat in Gretna at the time.” With this in mind, they named their hot dog trailer “Jack’s Quick Snack: World’s Smallest Diner” and began to take it out on the road. The couple would take their trailer to auction sales and other events. Shirley remembers taking her sons with her up to a Smith Mountain Lake campground on the weekends, where they would sell food to the campers. “You wouldn’t believe the money we made with just the trailer,” Shirley said. As their side business picked up, the couple decided to create a permanent spot to sell their short order food and ice cream. They built a small 20x24 building on South Shelton Street, which is still used by the business today, to operate their business. “I saw that we could make a living on the restaurant, so I did that,” Jack said. “[The restaurant] was all in Jack’s mind,” Shirley added. “It was his dream that he watched happen, and he did a lot of it himself.” In 1979, the business expanded with the addition
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Submitted photo
Shirley and Jack Shelton received help from their family to run Jack’s Quick Snack, including their five children. Pictured on the front row is Rory Shelton. Pictured on the middle row from left to right are Stephanie Singleton and Shirley, Jack and Jackie Shelton. Pictured on the back row are Jeff and Ralph Shelton.
of a 200-person capacity steakhouse, which was run buffet-style from 1979 until 2000, when the family attempted to sell it. Shirley said that in those days, and still some today, it took everyone’s contribution to run the business. “It consumed our lives, but we were proud of ourselves, proud of our food,” she said. “We always put out the best food we could.” In fact, several family members have worked at the restaurant throughout the years, including all of the Shelton children, Jackie, Jeff, Ralph, Stephanie and Rory, five of their
oldest grandchildren, one great grandchild, Shirley’s sister and brother and his wife, and two of Jack’s sisters, as well as his sister-inlaw. “We begged, bought and stole help over the years, but they all enjoyed it,” Shirley said. The Sheltons’ son Jackie helped in the family business until just a few years ago, when he left the family business to pursue other opportunities. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” Shirley said. Looking back over the past 50+ years, Shirley said it is “mind boggling”
to think about how much work has gone into making the business successful. “It has been quite a life,” she said. “I think it’s interesting myself.” However, over the years, one thing that has remained the same has been the quality and care that goes into making food at Jack’s. The Sheltons said it is a priority to have the best ingredients and to make sure the prices stay affordable. Even during the pandemic, when hamburger prices more than tripled, their prices didn’t budge. “I know what it’s like to
feed a big family,” Shirley said. “That’s why we try to keep prices low.” Even after all these years, with the two still at least
Lanie Davis/Star-Tribune
Jack and Shirley stand in front of the same 20x24 building, where they started their restaurant business.
visiting the restaurant every day, Shirley states that she and Jack are just “two people that wanted to have something.” When they’re not tending to matters at the restaurant, the two are spending time with their 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The two celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July and Shirley will celebrate her 80th birthday this year.
Sunday - Saturday 11am - 10pm
Shelton St., Gretna • 434.656.6325
Town of Gretna Gretna is home to over 1300 people and encompasses 1.2 square miles. It has retained its charming small town atmosphere with one stoplight, restaurants known for their “home cooked” meals, and residents who are accommodating and friendly. The Town’s close proximity to the juncture of Routes 29 and Routes 40 offers potential economic growth for existing and future businesses and Industry. w w w.t o w n o f g r e t n a . o r g
107 S. Shelton St. P.O. Box 602 Phone (434) 656 - 6572 Gretna VA Fax (434) 656 - 6941 OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:30pm Discover Southside
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Happily serving the animals and citizens of Pittsylvania County and Danville since 1975 through: Spay/neuter services Sheltering services for all animals Adoption programs Transfer partnerships Rescue efforts Neglect and cruelty investigations Humane education programs Sheltering for animal victims of domestic violence
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Locally-owned Leesville Lake Campground hosts Frisbee Dog tournaments By JEREMY MOSER Star-Tribune Staff Writer
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Jeff Love, co-owner of the Leesville Lake Campground with his wife, Tracey, says the sequence of events that led to them purchasing the place all started when they got their first dog. The couple has been operating the campground, which sits right on the edge of Leesville Lake, since 2017. According to Jeff, it was parking their RV at so many campgrounds while traveling with their dogs that got them interested in purchasing their own campground. “Basically, our first dog got into Frisbee competitions, and one thing led to another and we ended up buying our first campground,” Jeff said. The couple’s first dog placing in the finals of many championship Frisbee competitions after they picked up the sport to keep their dog active, Jeff said. While traveling to and from those competitions, they ended up staying at some campgrounds, they had a passing thought that they could own their own campground. “It started a chain of events in motion where we thought, maybe we should buy a campground,” Jeff said. After searching for months to find just the right spot, they ended up purchasing the Leesville Lake Campground because of its proximity to the lake and the space available for hosting their own Frisbee dog competitions. The campground is only a five minute walk away from
Leesville Lake. Down the road from the camping area is a swimming area with a dock, as well as a boat ramp. “I like to tell people it’s a five minute walk down, but a ten minute walk back, because it’s kind of uphill when you’re coming back,” Tracey said. The hilly woods of the area, evidence of the man-made nature of the lake, have several trails for hiking, and the campground is “very pet friendly.” Tracey said they host Frisbee dog competitions at their campground during the year which their dogs participate in. She said their dogs are often a “favorite” of the guests. Tracey said that they’ve made several renovations to their property since they purchased the campground in 2017. These included adding new picnic tables to sites, Wi-Fi for guests and the building of the swimming pool and playground, which features a tether ball, which Love said is a favorite of the guests and gets used by campers of all ages. Jeff also said that they are in process of adding a new camping section to their 40-acre property, which should be open by next spring. According to Jeff, running the campground by themselves is a challenge, but it’s rewarding to be their own bosses.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
The dock at the recreational area of Leesville Lake Campground for fishing and swimming.
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“It’s hard work, but we’re the ones benefiting from that hard work,” Jeff said. Operating during the COVID-19 pandemic has required that they comply with health department regulations, such as requiring social distancing. It wasn’t until May when Virginia entered Phase One that they were able to take short-term guests. However, since moving into Phase Two, Jeff said they’ve been operating close to full capacity every weekend, even while implementing several measures to ensure safety. All 24 of the campground’s lots are spaced far enough apart that social distancing isn’t an issue, Jeff said.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
A recreational area at the lake a short walk from the campground, sporting a large pavilion and several picnic tables just a few feet from the water.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
Campers parked in the sites at Leesville Lake Campground. These sites all have sewer hookups for campers and RVs, and most have both electric and water supply.
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“Nobody has any reason for people not to be socially distanced here,” Jeff said. “Campers usually stay with their families and hang out at their own sites.” These sites also all have water and sewer hookups for campers and RVs to use so guests don’t have to use the campground’s bathroom facilities. The campground’s office and store are closed to guests, but Tracey said items from the store can be delivered to campsites. The check in and check out process is done curbside. “We tend to be a little overprotective of our guests and us, but it’s better than the opposite,” Jeff said. Primitive campers, who would be staying in tents instead of a camper or RV, are limited to two on the campground at a time, Love said, with one of their two bathrooms being assigned to one site. This is to save on using disinfectant, which Jeff says is in short supply.
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Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
One of the few trails that the campground at Leesville Lake sports. Marked trees line the trails, which extend through the hilly woods of the area.
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Danville Concert Association offers access to music, arts and culture By LANIE DAVIS
Star-Tribune Staff Writer
Since 1953, an organization in Danville has been bringing concert experiences to the area four times a year, with a goal of exposing the community, especially youth, to music. The Danville Concert Association (DCA) began as an organized effort to bring classical music to the city, while building and maintaining a permanent concert audience. Interim President Russell Scruggs said the association has diversified its offerings over the years to reach the community as a whole, organizing shows such as Christmas with the Celts, the American Spiritual Ensemble, and Tango Buenos Aires. “We are trying to find something that has a universal appeal [for the community],” Scruggs said. “For example, the Acrobats of Tianjin has a musical background, but that’s just a little different.” Each season, DCA organizes four events, usually musical or dance concerts, and hosts them at one of three venues around the city. The group makes an effort to hold them for an affordable price for the city and the surrounding community. “We have always tried to keep those costs down,” Scruggs said. In addition, DCA also sponsors workshops and performances in schools to educate youth about music, which is Scruggs’ personal passion. He works to get grants for DCA to be able to serve youth and the community. “Students learn and hopefully get inspired and encouraged,” Scruggs said. “I can name one or two that are majoring in music because of that.” Scruggs has been involved with DCA since the 1970s, helping to sell tickets, but became heavily involved in the
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1990s. He has been interim president for two years now. For the presentation selection process, Scruggs said there is a selection committee, which considers the recommendations of several board members. Many recommendations come from a contact that frequently travels to New York and has connections with Columbia Artists. Others may come from those board or community members that have personal contacts with groups. Since its inception, Scruggs said DCA events have evolved to become more accessible to the general public. At one time, attendees would show up in gowns and tuxedos. Now, he said they tend to be more relaxed, citing an October 2019 presentation with a folk group called the Kruger Brothers at Danville’s Community Market. In the 68th season beginning this October, a workshop was to be held with local high school band and orchestra students with Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. However, this has now been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Acrobats of Tianjin have also been postponed, as it was set for November of this year. With their fall events currently on hold, DCA hopes to be able to hold their January and February 2021 presentations, but Scruggs said those chances are slim at this point. In the future, in addition to continuing to provide education for youth, Scruggs said he hopes the organization always provides the community with diverse presentations at a low cost with “good music and good dance.” “An adult can get a season ticket to all four performances for what he or she might pay for one performance in New York City,” Scruggs said. “Thank goodness for the support of the foundations, individuals and businesses in our town or in our community to make this possible.” For more information, visit danvilleconcert.org.
Submitted photo
Earlier this year, the American Spiritual Ensemble performed as a part of the Danville Concert Association’s 2019/2020 season.
Submitted photo
In 2010, the Danville Concert Association hosted Trio con Brio at the North Theatre.
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The new Doggie Bag Thrift Store includes everything from pet items to furniture to exercise equipment.
Lanie Davis/Star-Tribune
Doggie Bag thrift store serves community from new location By LANIE DAVIS
Star-Tribune Staff Writer
The Doggie Bag Thrift Store held its grand opening of its new location at the Pittsylvania Pet Center in March, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Located towards the rear of the pet center, the store offers a wide variety of selections, including pet items, furniture, books, exercise equipment and more. The store is a partnership between the pet center and the SPCA of Pittsylvania County. The pet center provides the space and oversight for the store, while the SPCA offers volunteers to run the store. The two share the profits from the store. According to James McLaughlin, director of the pet center, the store made nearly $2,000 in its first two days open, which was exciting to him.
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“This is all stuff people wanted to get rid of,” McLaughlin said. All profits made from the thrift store go directly back to the organizations, according to McLaughlin. “Every penny is going right back to help the animals in this community,” McLaughlin said. Prior to the opening of Doggie Bag at the pet center, the county SPCA operated the store out of their location on Depot Street since 2014. The SPCA of Pittsylvania County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing every adoptable companion animal by taking the necessary means to place them into permanent homes. Now, the Depot Street location will just serve as a headquarters for the organization, according to board member Penny Dawson.
Lanie Davis/Star-Tribune
The Doggie Bag Thrift Store held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their grand opening at the Pittsylvania Pet Center on Saturday. Pictured from left to right are Mary Hicks Heitzler, Connie Baldwin, Tammy Shotwell, James McLaughlin, Penny Dawson, Cara Dalton, Tammy Bailey and Tonja Reynolds.
Dawson said that in the past, the organization has had massive yard sales to get rid of all the extra items donated to them, and now, they have space for it in their new facility. Dawson said people’s reactions upon walking in the store have been surprised, which is what they have hoped for. Right now, the thrift store is only open three days a week, but with more volunteers, Dawson said they would love to go to four or five days. “It’s a labor of love,” Dawson said. “We do it for the animals, and we love them.” After closing for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store reopened at the beginning. The Doggie Bag Thrift Store is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are at least three collection sheds for donations at Mt. Hermon, Mt. Cross and Callands trash collection sites. Donations to the store can also be dropped off directly at the Pittsylvania Pet Center, located on US Highway 29 in Chatham.
Lanie Davis/Star-Tribune
Gregory Doss and Sydney Vaughan take a look at the dogs during the Pittsylvania Pet Center’s open house.
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Flowers in Chatham
submitted by Lizbeth Nauta
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Attractions Pittsylvania County Danville Art Trail 111 Main Street Danville, VA 24541
Danville Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 11491 Danville, VA 24540 434-797-2666 macnet@wildblue.net
Danville Concert Association P.O. Box 11284 Danville, VA 24543 434-792-9242 danvilleconcert.org danvilleconcert@gmail.com
Downtown Danville Murals 434-791-0210 riverdistrictassociation@gmail.com
Danville Little Theatre P.O. Box 3523 Danville, VA 24543 stagemanager@danvillelittletheatre.org Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History 975 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-793-5644 cb@danvillemuseum.org or richard@ danvillemuseum.org
Gretna Little Theatre 101 Main St. Gretna, VA 24557 gretnalittletheatre101@gmail.com Gretna Theatre 107 N. Main St. Gretna, VA 24557 (434) 656-5377 thegretnatheatre.com
Main Street Art Collective 326 Main Street, Unit 100 Danville, VA 24541 434-802-2017 The North Theatre 629 North Main St. Danville, VA 24540 434-793-SHOW (7469) wayne@waynealanmagic.com Reid Street Gallery 24 Reid St. Chatham, VA 24531 434-203-8062 adavis@reidstreetgallery.com River District Artisans 411 Main St. Danville, VA 24541 434-228-4125 sgusler@thearcofsouthside.org
• S t ra te g i e s f o r u n i q u e we d d i n g s • C a p t i vat i n g sto r i e s • “ H ow- to ” g u i d e s • Lo c at i o n fe at u re s • N ewe s t t re n d s
We d d i n g B e l l e s o f fe r s va l u a b l e co n te n t fo r t h o s e p l a n n i n g a we d d i n g o f a ny s i ze. STA R -T R I B U N E 2 8 N O RT H M A I N ST R E E T C H AT H A M , VA 24 53 1
SOLD AT YOUR LOCAL DOLLAR GENERAL AND AT THE STAR-TRIBUNE or purchase online at womackpublishing.com F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N
CALL (434) 432-2791 Discover Southside
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History American Armored Foundation Tank Museum 3401 U.S. Highway 29 Danville, VA 24540 434-836-5323 tankmuseum@gamewood.net Birthplace of Lady Astor 117 Broad Street Danville, VA 24541 434-793-6472 langhornehouse.org Cedar Forest Grist Mill 7929 Straightstone Rd. Long Island, VA 24569 434-432-2172 pco1767@gmail.com Chatham Hall 800 Chatham Hall Circle Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2941 admission@chathamhall.org Danville Welcome Center 434-793-4636 Crossing at the Dan 434-793-4636 Danville Historical Society P.O. Box 6 Danville, VA historicalarchaeologist@yahoo.com Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History 975 Main St. Danville, VA 24541 434-793-5644 cb@danvillemuseum.org Danville Science Center 677 Craghead St. Danville, VA 24541 434-791-5160 dscgs@smv.org
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Downtown Danville Murals 434-791-0210 riverdistrictassociation@gmail.com Green Hill Cemetery 434-793-5644 cb@danvillemuseum.org Grove Street Cemetery 940 Grove Street Danville, VA 24541 434-793-5644 cb@danvillemuseum.org Hargrave Military Academy Historic Marker 200 Military Drive Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2481 admissions@hargrave.edu Langhorne House 117 Broad Street Danville, VA 24541 434-793-6472 patmaurakis@verizon.net Millionaires Row 975 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-793-5644 cb@danvillemuseum.org Mount Airy Roller Mill 4425 Johnson Mill Rd. Gretna, VA 24557 434-432-2172 pco1767@gmail.com The National Cemetery 721 Lee St. Danville, VA 24541 704-636-2661 cb@danvillemuseum.org The National Tobacco-Textile Museum 19783 U.S. Hwy. 29 S Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-8026
Pittsylvania Court House Historic Marker 11 Bank Street Chatham, VA 24531-0695 434-432-2041 pco1767@gmail.com Pittsylvania County Historical Society 434-770-3258 pco1767@gmail.com Pittsylvania County History Research Center and Library 340 Whitehead Street Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-8931 info@pcplib.org Schoolfield Museum and Cultural Center 917 West Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-792-6763 SchoolfieldPreservation@cox.net The Secrets Inside - Guided Walking Tour P.O. Box 6 Danville, VA 24543 434-770-1974 joycewilburn@gmail.com Simpson Funeral Museum 16 South Main Street Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-1085 info@simpsonfuneralmuseum.com or simpson@comcast.net Tales of Tobacco, Textiles, and Trains – Guided Walking Tour P.O. Box 6 Danville, VA 24543 434-770-1974 joycewilburn@gmail.com
History There’s a Story Here – Guided Walking Tour P.O. Box 6 Danville, VA 24543 434-770-1974 joycewilburn@gmail.com
Town of Chatham Walking Tour 16A Court Place Chatham, VA 24531 Veterans Memorial-Danville 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24543 434-793-0884 debra@cfdrr.org
Yates Tavern US-29 BUS Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-2958 pco1767@gmail.com
Indoor Recreation Ballou Park Senior Center 760 West Main St. Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5216 bynumem@danvilleva.gov
Main Street Art Collective 326 Main Street, Unit 100 Danville, VA 24541 434-602-2017 MainStreetArtCollective.com
Riverside Lanes 3215 Riverside Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-791-2695 riversidelanes@gmail.com
Danville Stadium Cinemas 12 3601 Riverside Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-792-9885
The Gretna Theatre 107 North Main Street Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-3377 thegretnatheatre@gmail.com
Skatetown of Danville 1049 Piney Forest Road Danville, VA 24540 434-835-0011 skatetown@verizon.net
The North Theatre 629 North Main Street Danville, VA 24540 434-793-SHOW (7469) wayne@waynealanmagic.com
Danville Family YMCA 215 Riverside Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-792-0621
Danville Science Center & Virtual Dome 677 Craghead St. Danville, VA 24541 434-791-5160 dscgs@smv.org
530 Patton Street Danville, VA 24541
434-791-4060
avt@gamewood.net 530 Patton Street Danville, VA 24541
434-791-4060
avt@gamewood.net
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Outdoor Recreation Abreu-Grogan Park 2020 Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 ragsdes@danvilleva.gov
434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org Cooper’s Radio Controlled Race Center 4000 Sago Rd. Callands, VA 24530 434-724-7342
Anglers Park 350 Northside Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-799-5215 Anglers Ridge and Dan Daniel Mountain Bike System 350 Northside Drive Danville, VA 24540 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-799-5215 ragsdes@danvilleva.gov Ballou Park 760 West Main St. Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Birch Creek Motorsports 12725 Kentuck Rd. Sutherlin, VA 24594 434-836-7629 carlsmail1@comcast.net Brosville Walking Track 195 Bulldog Lane Danville, VA 24541 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org Cedar’s Country Club 1029 Anderson Mill Rd Chatham, VA 24531 434-656-8036 Coates Bark Park 1727 Westover Dr. Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5150 Camilla Williams Park 700 Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Cavalier Park 11650 US Highway 29 North Chatham, VA 24531
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Dan Daniel Park 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-799-5215 Danville Boat Rental 2020 Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5150 autrekw@danvilleva.gov Danville Braves 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-797-3792 info@dbraves.com or david.cross@ braves.com Danville Parks & Recreation 125 N Floyd St. Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5200 sgrinwo@danvilleva.gov Danville Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds 2400 Cavalier Road Ringgold, VA 24586 434-822-6850 info@dpcfairgrounds.com Doyle Thomas Park 827 Green St. Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Elba Park 434-656-6572 townhall@townofgretna.org Elkhorn Lake & Camp Grounds 2500 Elkhorn Rd. Java, VA 24565 434-432-9203 kennytinaelkhorn@yahoo.com
Franklin Junction Historic Railroad Park Across from 105 Main St. Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-6572 townhall@townofgretna.org Grove Park (434) 799-5215 100 Southland Drive Danville, VA 24541 H.B. Moorefield Park Riverside Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Hawk Park 201 Coffey Street Gretna, VA 24557 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org JTI Fountain 215 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 M.C. Martin Park Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Martinsville Speedway 340 Speedway Rd. Ridgeway, VA 24148 276-956-7225 Paradise Lake & Campground 434-836-2620 1-866-836-2126 vaisforcampers@gmail.com Phillip Wyatt Skate Park 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 434-799-5215 Pittsylvania County Parks & Recreation 18 Depot St. Suite 508 Chatham, VA 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org
Outdoor Recreation Pumpkin Creek Park 315 Taylor Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 Richmond and Danville Rail Trail/ Ringgold Rail Trail 155 Ringgold Depot Rd. Ringgold, VA 24586 434-432-7736 Riverwalk Trail 111 Main Street Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5215 ragsdes@danvilleva.gov Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge 188 Locust Lane Penhook, VA 24137 540-565-0222
Smith Mountain Farm & Stables 7661 Grassland Dr. Sandy Level, VA 24161 434-927-5199 steve@smithmountainstables.com Smith Mountain Lake & Dam Visitor’s Center 2072 Ford Rd. Sandy Level, VA 24161 540-985-2587 South Boston Speedway 1188 James D. Hagood Hwy South Boston, VA 24592 434-572-4947 info@southbostonspeedway.com Southern Hills Golf Course 188 Stokesland Ave Ext Danville, VA 24541 434-793-2582 golfsouthernhills@gmail.com
Tiny Town Golf 643 Arnett Blvd. Danville, VA 434-799-0142 Titan Park 1160 Tunstall High Road Dry Fork, VA 24549 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Road Alton, VA 24520 434-822-7700 info@VIRnow.com White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area Chatham, VA 24531 (804) 367-1000 Wildcat Park 5875 Kentuck Road Ringgold, VA 24586 mark.moore@pittgov.org 434-432-7736 Zipline 302 River Park Drive Danville, VA 24540 (434) 799-5150 autrekw@danvilleva.gov Gretna Town Trail
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Schools Pittsylvania County
www.pcs.k12.va.us
Alternative School (434) 432-8185
Dan River High School (434) 822-7081
Brosville Elementary School (434) 685-7787
Gretna Elementary School (434) 630-1808
Chatham Elementary School (434) 432-5441
Gretna Middle School (434) 656-2217
Chatham Middle School (434) 432-2169 Chatham High School (434) 432-8305
Gretna High School (434) 656-2246 John L. Hurt Elementary School (434) 324-7231
Dan River Middle School (434) 822-6027
Kentuck Elementary School (434) 822-5944 Mt. Airy Elementary School (434) 630-1816 Pittsylvania Career & Technical Ctr (434) 432-9416 Southside Elementary School (434) 836-0006
Tunstall High School (434) 724-7111 Tunstall Middle School (434) 724-7086 Twin Springs Elementary School (434) 724-2666 Union Hall Elementary School (434) 724-7010
Stony Mill Elementary School (434) 685-7545
Pittsylvania County School Board Pittsylvania County Schools pcs.k12.va.us P.O. Box 232 Chatham, VA 24531 (434) 432-2761 (888) 440-6520 School Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the School Board office. Superintendent: Dr. Mark R. Jones P O Box 232 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2761 Banister District: Rev. Raymond Calvin Ramsey Sr. 7153 Halifax Rd. Chatham, VA 24531 434-251-7157 rramsey@pcs.k12.va.us
Callands-Gretna District: Calvin D. Doss P.O. Box 100 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-3206 cdoss@pcs.k12.va.us
Staunton River District: Don C. Moon 3605 Level Run Road Hurt, VA 24563 434-324-4115 dmoon@pcs.k12.va.us
Chatham-Blairs District: Sam Burton 492 Tobacco Road Dry Fork, VA 24549 434-724-4245 sburton@pcs.k12.va.us
Tunstall District: George Henderson 568 F. C. Beverly Road Dry Fork, VA 24549 434-770-8933 ghenderson@pcs.k12.va.us
Dan River District: Cassandra F. Crump PO Box 252 Ringgold, VA 24586 434-822-8866 cccrump@pcs.k12.va.us
Westover District: Kevin Mills 2514 Franklin Turnpike Danville, VA 434-836-6742 kmills@pcs.k12.va.us
Danville School Board Interim Superintendent: Dr. Catherine Magouyrk 434-799-6400 School Board: Renee Hughes rhughes@mail.dps.k12.va.us Dr. Philip Campbell pcampbell@mail.dps.k12.va.us
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Tyrell Payne tpayne1@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Ty’Quan Graves tgraves@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Charles McWilliams cmcwilliams@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Crystal Cobbs ccobbs@@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Brandon Atkins batkins@mail.dps.k12.va.us
School Board meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Danville Room of the School Board Office, 341 Main Street, Danville, VA
Schools Danville Grove Park Preschool (434) 799-6437
Woodberry Hills Elementary School (434) 799-6466
Northside Preschool (434) 773-8301
Woodrow Wilson Intermediate School (434) 773-8204
Forest Hills Elementary School (434) 799-6430
E.A. Gibson Elementary School (434) 799-6426
G.L.H. Johnson Elementary School (434) 799-6433 Park Avenue Elementary School (434) 799-6452 Schoolfield Elementary School (434) 799-6455
O.T. Bonner Middle School (434) 799-6446
George Washington High School (434) 799-6410 Danville Alternative Program at J.M. Langston Campus (434) 799-5249 Adult & Continuing Education Center (434) 799-6471 W.W. Moore Jr. Education Program (434) 773-8170
Westwood Middle School (434) 797-8860 Galileo High School (434) 773-8186
Government Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chatham-Blairs District: Chairman: Robert “Bob” Warren P.O. Box 11718 Danville, VA 24543 434-770-7607 robert.warren@pittgov.org Banister District: Dr. Charles H. Miller, Jr. 184 Friendship Road Chatham, VA 24531 434-489-8525 Callands-Gretna District: Ben L. Farmer 3855 West Gretna Road Gretna, VA 24557 434-770-8427 jerry.hagerman@pittgov.org
Dan River District: Joe Davis 2749 Kentuck Road Ringgold, VA 24586 434-770-7553 joe.davis@pittgov.org Staunton River District: Tim W. Dudley 434-713-0502 Tim.Dudley@pittgov.org Tunstall District: William “Vic” Ingram 434-713-1649 Vic.Ingram@pittgov.org Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the General District Courtroom in Chatham.
Westover District: Vice Chairman Ronald Scearce 2133 Stony Mill Road Danville, VA 24541 434-685-1843 ronald.scearce@pittgov.org County Administrator: David Smitherman P O Box 426/ 1 Center Street Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7710 david.smitherman@pittgov.org County Attorney: J. Vaden Hunt, Esq. 434-432-7720 vaden.hunt@pittgov.org
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Government Pittsylvania County | www.pittgov.org Circuit Court Clerk: Hon. Mark W. Scarce P O Drawer 31 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7887
Sheriff: Michael W. Taylor P O Box 407 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7800
Commissioner of Revenue: Robin Coles-Gourd P O Box 272 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7940
Treasurer: Vincent Shorter P O Box 230 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7960
Chatham Town Council
P.O. Box 370 • Chatham, VA 24531 • (434) 432-9515 • www.chatham-va.gov
Mayor: William Pace PO Box 212 Chatham, VA 24531 804-694-6143 chathamwap@gmail.com
Robert B. Thompson PO Box 231 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-8763 - Home 434-432-6211 – Work rthompson@chatham-va.gov
Town Council Members: Janet B. Bishop 610 South Main Street Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2714 jbishop@chatham-va.gov
Commonwealth’s Attorney: Robert “Bryan” Haskins P O Box 1068 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7900
Irvin W. Perry 348 S. Main St. Chatham, VA 24531 941-740-0268 Interim Treasurer/Clerk: Kelly Hawker
Andrew D. Wall PO Box 1127 Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-6122 awall@chatham-va.gov
Town Manager Richard Cocke Town Attorney: Adams & Fisk PLC 434-432-2531
Teresa D.Easley 108 Hedrick Dr. Chatham, VA 24531 434-489-1038 teresaeasley51@gmail.com
William B. Black 338 North Main Street Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-7721 wblack@chatham-va.gov
Pittsylvania County’s 250th Anniversary
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Pit sylvania County’s \|xiFAI Iy0 250kzU
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Government City of Danville | www.danville-va.gov Circuit Court Clerk: Gerald A. Gibson 401 Patton Street Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5168
Sheriff: Michael Mondul 401 Patton Street Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5135
Commonwealth’s Attorney: Michael Newman 341 Main Street Suite 200 Danville, VA 24541 434-797-1635
Commissioner of Revenue: James M. Gillie 311 Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5145
Treasurer: Sheila Williamson-Branch 311 Memorial Drive Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5140
City Manager: Ken Larking 427 Patton St. 4th floor Danville, VA 24541 434-799-5100 klarking@danvilleva.org
Danville City Council Mayor: Alonzo Jones 218 Rockford Place Danville, VA 24540 434-250-3231 alonzo.jones@danvilleva.gov Danville City Council Members: James Buckner 125 Eden Place Danville, VA 24540 434-688-1589 james.buckner@danvilleva.gov
L.G. Campbell, Jr. 368 Mowbray Arch Danville, VA 24541 434-793-9493 larry.campbell@danvilleva.gov
Gretna Town Council Mayor: R. Keith Motley PO Box 472 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-6406 keith.motley@townofgretna.org Town Council Members: Michael L. Bond PO Box 558 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-3573 michael.bond@townofgretna.org Dianne Jennings PO Box 762 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-6582 dianne.jennings@townofgretna.org
Gary P. Miller, MD 209 Updike Place Danville, VA 24541 434-799-0908 gary.miller@danvilleva.gov
Sherman Saunders 115 Druid Lane • Danville, VA 24541 434-799-8737 sherman.saunders@danvilleva.gov
Barry Mayo 1100 N. Main St., Apt. B Danville, VA 24540 434-792-1041 fbarry.mayo@danvilleva.gov
J. Lee Vogler 118 Grove Park Circle Danville, VA 24541 434-792-0937 lee.vogler@danvilleva.gov
Madison Whittle 143 Marshall Terrace, Apt 6 Danville, VA 24541 434-251-0926 madison.whittle@danvilleva.gov
Sam Kushner (interim) sam.kushner@danvilleva.gov
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall located at 427 Patton Street.
P.O. Box 602 • Gretna, VA 24557 • (434) 656-6572 • www.townofgretna.org Mike Burnette PO Box 1227 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-8061 mike.burnette@townofgretna.org Deborah Moran PO Box 630 Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-6079 deborah.moran@townofgretna.org James Gilbert PO Box 781 Gretna, VA 24557 james.gilbert@townofgretna.org
Jim Hunt 506 Henry Street Gretna, VA 24557 434-656-3653 flowershop@fairpoint.net Attention: Jim Hunt Town Manager: David A. Lilly Town Clerk/Treasurer: Patsy Thompson Budd Town Attorney: Michael Turner 434-656-3989
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Government Hurt Town Council
P.O. Box 760 • Hurt, VA 24563 • (434) 608-0554 Randy Doss randy.doss@townofhurtva.org
Mayor: Gary Hodnett mayor@townofhurtva.org
Lorraine L. “Rainy” Clay 204 Grove Street Hurt, VA 24563 434-324-7884 rainy.clay@townofhurtva.org
Vice Mayor: Shirley Barksdale-Hill shirley.barksdale-hill@ townofhurtva.org
Clerk/Treasurer: Susan Frazier
Steve Watson Steve.watson@townofhurtva.org
Town Council Members: E. Collin Adams Jr. 612 Spring Street Hurt, VA 24563 collin.adams@townofhurt.org
Kathy Keesee kathy.keesee@townofhurtva.gov
United States Congress Senators: The Honorable Mark R. Warner 459-A Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-4601 (202) 224-2023
Jeffery L. “Jeff” Bowling jeff.bowling@townofhurtva.gov
Public Works Director: Ed Hodges Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Hurt Town Hall.
The Honorable Tim Kaine 388 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510-4604 (202) 224-4024 308 Craghead Street, Suite 102A Danville, Va. 24541 (434) 792-0976
House of Representatives: The Honorable Denver Riggleman 1022 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-4711 308 Craghead Street, Suite 102D Danville, Va. 24541 (434) 791-2596
Virginia House of Delegates Les Adams Member Since: 2014 R - Counties of Henry (part) and Pittsylvania (part), City of Martinsville 16th District Capitol Office General Assembly Building P.O. Box 406 Richmond, Virginia 23218 Office: (804) 698-1016 Email: DelLAdams@house.virginia.gov Room Number: 719 Legislative Assistant: Shani Shorter Secretary During Session: Julia Bouck
District Office P.O. Box K Chatham, VA 24531 Office: (434) 432-1600 W. Daniel Marshall III Preferred Name: Danny Member Since: 2002 R - Counties of Henry (part) and Pittsylvania (part); City of Danville 14th District Capitol Office General Assembly Building P.O. Box 406
places to purchase Star-tribune
Food Lion CVS Walgreens Dollar General Wal Mart - Mt. Cross Charlie’s Stop n Shop Colonial Mart Shadowwood Mart The Other Place on 41 Ricky’s Convenience Market Mills’s Grocery Do Drop In EZ Stop #3
Pak Supermarket Old Dutch - West Main Charlies’ No. 2 Kwick Stop #9 Piggly Wiggly Midtown Market Blairs Mart Kentuck Grocery Carter’s Quick Stop Mt. Hill Mini Market Country Boy’s Lucky Market G&M Mini Mart
EZ Stop Blairs Mart Fas Mart - Blairs Fas Mart - S. Boston Hwy Fas Mart - Goodyear Blvd. Fas Mart - Gretna Apple Market - Blairs Apple Market - Hurt Apple Market - Altavista Apple Market - Gretna Gretna Drug One Stop Market Carter’s #2
www.ChathamStarTribune.com 32 — Discover Southside
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Blairs Store - Route 40West Carl’s Place Climax Mini Mart Elba Butcher Shop Hampton Inn The Village Store 57 Superette Mills Grocery Main St. Service Center in Chatham Commonwealth Pharmacy Chatham Tiger Mart
Richmond, Virginia 23218 Office: (804) 698-1014 Email: DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov Room Number: 702 Legislative Assistant: Mary K. Franklin Secretary During Session: Jackie Price District Office P.O. Box 439 Danville, VA 24543 Office: (434) 797-5861 Fax: (434) 797-2642
County Information Police (non-emergency) Numbers Danville Police Department....................................(434) 799-5111 Danville Sheriff’s Office..........................................(434) 799-5135 Pittsylvania County Sheriff....................................(434) 432-7800 Chatham Police Department.................... M-F 9-5(434) 432-9515
Chatham Police Department.................24 Hours (434) 432-2222 Gretna Police Department..................................... (434) 656-6123 Hurt Police Department............All Departments (434) 608-0554 Virginia State Police.............................................. (800) 553-3144
Useful Phone Numbers Community Center at Chatham............................. (434) 432-3115 Community Foundation of the Dan River Region............................................(434) 793-0884 Dan River Business Development Center............. (434) 793-9100 Danville Community Market..................................(434) 797-8961 Danville Economic Development Office................ (434) 793-1753 Danville Museum Fine Arts & History.................. (434) 793-5644 Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism..................(434) 799-5200 Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce..........................................(434) 836-6990 Danville Science Center......................................... (434) 799-5160 Danville Welcome Center...................................... (434) 793-4636 Downtown Danville Association............................(434) 791-4470 Olde Dominion Agricultural Center......................(434) 432-8026
Pittsylvania County Recreation Department........ (434) 432-7736 Social Security Administration..............................(800) 772-1213 Veterans Affairs.................................................... (800) 827-1000 Voter Registration Danville................................... (434) 799-6560 Voter Registration Pittsylvania County.................(434) 432-7971 Libraries Pittsylvania County Library...................................(434) 432-3271 Pittsylvania Library - Gretna................................. (434) 656-2579 Pittsylvania Library - Brosville-Cascade............... (434) 685-1285 Pittsylvania Library – Mount Hermon.................(434) 835-0326 Pittsylvania History Center & Library................... (434) 432-8931 Danville Public Library...........................................(434) 799-5195 Danville Library - Westover...................................(434) 799-5152
Pittsylvania County Government Telephone Listings Pittsylvania County All Departments .......................(434) 432-7700 Agricultural Development .........................................(434) 432-7993 Animal Control...........................................................(434) 432-7937 Assistant County Administrator.................................(434) 432-7720 Building Inspections...................................................(434) 432-7755 Central Accounting.....................................................(434) 432-7743 Commissioner of Revenue..........................................(434) 432-7940 Community Policy/Management...............................(434) 432-8371 County Administrator................................................(434) 432-7710 Courts: Adult Probation.....................................................(434) 432-7853 Circuit Court Clerk................................................(434) 432-7887 Commonwealth Attorney......................................(434) 432-7900 General District Court Clerk.................................(434) 432-7879 J & D Court Clerk.................................................(434) 432-7861 J & D Court Services Unit....................................(434) 432-7864 Magistrate’s Office................................................(434) 432-7910 Crime Stoppers ..........................................................(800) 791-0044 Dispatch......................................................................(434) 432-7931 Electoral Board...........................................................(434) 432-7798 Emergency Management and Communications: Communications/Dispatchers..............................(434) 432-7931 Director.................................................................(434) 432-7920 Fire Marshall........................................................(434) 432-7936 Farm Services Agency.................................................(434) 432-7765 Health Department Pitt./Danville Health District...............................(434) 799-5190
Child Development Clinic....................................(434) 797-1040 Environmental Health.........................................(434) 432-7758 Water Programs...................................................(434) 836-8416 Clinic-Danville......................................................(434) 799-5190 Clinic-Chatham....................................................(434) 432-7232 Clinic-Gretna........................................................(434) 656-1266 Jail...............................................................................(434) 432-7831 Landfill........................................................................(434) 432-7980 Purchasing..................................................................(434) 432-7744 Recreation Dept..........................................................(434) 432-7736 Registrar.....................................................................(434) 432-7971 School Board...............................................................(434) 432-2761 Sheriff’s Office From Chatham/Danville......................................(434) 432-7800 From Gretna/Hurt...............................................(434) 656-6211 From Whitmell.....................................................(434) 797-9550 Dispatch................................................................(434) 432-7931 Social Services Chatham...............................................................(434) 432-7281 Danville.................................................................(434) 799-6543 Gretna...................................................................(434) 656-8407 Soil Conservation........................................................(434) 432-7768 Treasurer’s Office........................................................(434) 432-7960 Victim/Witness Program...........................................(434) 432-7854 Virginia Cooperative Extension.................................(434) 432-7770 Zoning Code Compliance...........................................(434) 432-7750
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City Information Budget Department
(434) 733-8105
Finance Department
(434) 799-5185
City Manager
(434) 799-5100
Health Department
(434) 766-9828
City Attorney
(434) 799-5122
Clerk of Circuit Court
Commissioner of Revenue Community Development
Danville Regional Airport Danville Public Schools Danville Utilities
Economic Development
Emergency Preparedness
(434) 799-5168 (434) 799-5145 (434) 799-5260 (434) 799-5110
(434) 799-6400 (434) 799-5155 (434) 793-1753 (434) 799-6535
Fire Department
Human Resources Jail
Parks and Recreation Public Works Registrar
Social Services Transit System
Treasurer’s Office
(434) 799-5226 (434) 799-5241 (434) 799-5130 (434) 799-5200 (434) 799-5245 (434) 799-6560 (434) 799-6537 (434) 799-5144 (434) 799-5140
Turning 65?
Got Questions about Medicare?
INSURANCE SALES & SERVICES 2409 Franklin Tpk. Danville, VA Barbara C. Louhoff 434.836.1610
Brenda W. McMillian 434.836.2286
Medicare Part-D Drug Plans • Group Health Plans Dental • Vision • Life • Individual Health Plans (ACA) Danville skyline.
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Photo by Matt Bell
Colbert-Moran
Funeral Home, Inc. We serve up the best, fresh chicken, made-from-scratch biscuits and fixin’s money can buy. US Hwy 29 • Blairs, VA • 434-836-3500
Complete Funeral Service & Serving All Faiths Since 1914 S P:
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Main Street • Gretna, VA 434.656.2211
We Take the Scare Out of Vet Care
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On the cutting edge of Health Care... We look forward to meeting your individual rehab needs! Skilled Nursing Services (IV Management, Wound Care) Physical, Occupational, Speech & Respiratory Therapy Outpatient Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapy Specialization in Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Joint Replacement Recovery, Post Acute Cardiac & Stroke Therapy Post Surgical Recovery Private Rooms - Personalized to our residents with luxury amenities & fine dining services 24 Hour Nursing Care - Short Term, Long Term & Respite Care Quiet & Serene Environment located in a Charming Wooded Area Accepting Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance & Private Pay CONTACT HEATHER SMITH FOR MORE INFORMATION
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14390 US Highway 29 • Chatham, Virginia (434) 432-4410 • www.cherrystonevet.com
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Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation events • Open gym for walkers on Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. • Pickleball on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Football and Cheerleading season will begin August and run through October. • Karate on Tuesdays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. • Youth Basketball and Cheerleading online registration will run October 1-31. • Yoga Summer Classes will begin a six-week session on Monday, August 3 at 6pm at the Pittsylvania County Community Center. • Community Center has space open for rentals throughout the year. Spaces have been rented for birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions and wedding receptions. Facebook and Instagram - @pittgovrec Website: https://pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/213/Parks-Recreation
Daily Lunch Specials & New Dishes Available Starting at $4.25
El Cazador
Buy
15 S. Main St. • Chatham, VA • (434) 432-4288 405 N. Main • Gretna, (434) Furniture 656-2355 Buys, Sells & St. Trades NewVA&•Used
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Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday by Appointment 36 — Discover Southside
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Luxury & Limousine Service
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Quality Driving at Your Service W&W Luxury Limousine Service LLC is distinguishing itself from the rest of the Limousine Industry as a locally respected, customerdriven company. We provide private limo service to the airport,
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716
Growing buffalo wing restaurant feels welcome in Danville
By JEREMY MOSER
Star-Tribune Staff Writer
John Grothe, who back in January opened 716 Wings in Danville with his family, said that most people assume the “716” refers to the number of flavors they have for their signature sauces, but this is not the case. The real name refers both to the restaurant’s menu and its family’s origin, as “716” is the area code for Buffalo, New York. “It means ‘Buffalo wings,’” said Grothe, who met his wife, Kristina, in Buffalo, and sourced the secret recipe for their “716 Sauce” from the wing chef of a now-closed wing restaurant in Buffalo, Sully’s Tavern. “It’s different from any other wing sauce you will have,” Grothe said. Since opening in January of 2020, 716 Wings has garnered a good bit of regular clientele, Grothe said, but still sees new customers every day. “Danville has really welcomed us,” Grothe said. “We see a ton of repeat customers.” A primarily family-run business, 716 Wings has earned public recognition for its varieties of wings — the restaurant was awarded “Best Wings in Danville” by the readers of the Chatham Star-Tribune — but its menu also contains sandwiches, specialty-made fries and wraps. “We sell about as much of our sandwiches and specialty fries as we do wings,” Grothe said. This menu is set to expand soon, as the subdivision with-
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Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
Operating drive-thru only since the start of the pandemic, restaurant manager Kristina Grothe hands an order of wings to a regular customer, Joe Reynolds, who said, “They’re the best wings in Danville.”
in their building which they recently acquired is planned to be the home of new pizza ovens, which Grothe says will bake Buffalo style pizza, a style of pizza considerably different from the widely popular New York Style. “The best thing from Buffalo is the pizza, other than my wife of course,” Grothe said.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
The Grothe family opened their brick-and-mortar location of 716 Wings in January on Piney Forest Road in Danville.
The current indoor area will expand to include a “Bottle Shop” which Grothe intends in the future to stock with craft beers as well as bottles of the restaurant’s secret sauce. The new area will contain four separate seating areas for dining in, which Grothe believes customers will prefer as the coronavirus pandemic continues. COVID-19 hit only two months into 716’s operation in Danville, and Grothe said that they’ve been “blessed” to not have their restaurant be affected as harshly as others were. “After Corona, [our business] dropped to about half,” said Grothe, who explained that the drastic cut to their traffic led to them cutting back their operation hours. “However, we can keep [our employees] employed, we’re still paying our bills, so we can’t really complain. We’ve been really blessed.” While the Grothe’s opened their brick-and-mortar location in January, the 716 name and menu originated in a food truck which they purchased in October 2018.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
The family recently acquired the part of the building previously used by Manning Chiropractic and plans to expand their business into containing a dine-in area and specialty pizza ovens.
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Scott Grothe fixes an order of buffalo wings in the kitchen of 716 Wings.
Despite having lived in Roxboro for nearly two decades, the family shopped around for locations to sell their wings, as many other cities provide stiff competition. In addition to Danville providing them with less competition, Grothe said Danville provides an excellent location to operate their own delivery service. “We’re centrally located between the county and the state line,” Grothe said. “It’s a great location.” Their food truck, inspired by massive food truck “rodeos” they had intended, has since seen use at events, weddings and breweries, which aren’t permitted to have kitchens. However, their food truck was also part of a two-week long event in March where the restaurant provided free meals to children, as the pandemic had led to Gov. Ralph Northam closing schools statewide, causing concerns over food availability for children out of school. The Grothe’s, along with some volunteers, would park their food truck in places around Danville and Chatham and hand out free meals, which would also be available at the restaurant.
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Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
“We fed over 2,000 kids,” Grothe said. “I thought it was pretty good.” 716 Wings is located on Piney Forest Road in Danville and occupies a building which Grothe said previously housed a different wing restaurant years ago, a detail they only discovered after moving in.
Jeremy Moser/Star-Tribune
The wings at 716 Wings can come in a number of different sauces, including some made with a secret recipe obtained from a nowclosed wing restaurant in Buffalo, New York.
Turning 65?
Got Questions about Medicare?
INSURANCE SALES & SERVICES 2409 Franklin Tpk. Danville, VA Brenda W. McMillian 434.836.2286
Barbara C. Louhoff 434.836.1610
Medicare Part-D Drug Plans • Group Health Plans Dental • Vision • Life • Individual Health Plans (ACA)
Swimsuits have arrived! We offer a Large Selection of Regular, Plus Sizes and Mastectomy Swimsuits from 8 to 32W!
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VISIT HURT
A congenial, family-oriented town of approximately 1,300 citizens located at the from the northern end of Pittsylvania County. We are separated adjoining larger town of Altavista only by the Roanoke (Staunton) River. Come join our charming town, home to people of all ages with a considerable range of demographics and interests. 533 Pocket Rd. P (434) 608-0554 • F (434) 205-1177 PO Box 760 www.townofhurtva.gov • clerk@townofhurtva.org
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Hurt, VA
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Sunsets from Southside
42 — Discover Southside
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Photo submitted by Lizbeth Nauta
Several of the storms passing through our area produced spectacular colors in our sky.
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Summer sizzle
Recipes to get you through the summer heat
A cold concoction perfect for summer nights
Summer is synonymous with many things. Vacations, warm weather and al fresco dining are part and parcel of many people’s summertime routines. Another beloved routine is enjoying a cold beverage on a warm summer evening. As summer breezes invite scores of people outside to relax on their patios, decks or balconies, a cold beverage can be just what’s needed to take such relaxing nights one step further. The following recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is easily whipped up and can go a long way toward making summer evenings especially sweet.
Summer Cantaloupe Makes about 1 quart 1 4 1
fifth (31⁄4 cups) 80-100 proof vodka cups cantaloupe chunks cup Simple Syrup (see below) Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
1. Muddle the vodka, cantaloupe and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten everything. 2. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of melon, four to seven days. 3. Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid. 4. Stir in the Simple Syrup. 5. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.
Simple Syrup Makes 3 cups
21⁄4 cups water 21⁄4 cups granulated cane sugar Mix the water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar is all moistened. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved, then remove from the heat and let cool. Refrigerate for up to three months.
This recipe for “Summer Cantaloupe” from Andrew Schloss’ “Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits” (Storey Publishing) is easily whipped up and can go a long way toward making summer evenings especially sweet.
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Serve up homemade salsa
Much like St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people with no trace of Irish heritage, Cinco de Mayo has become a day of celebration for people who do not trace their ancestry to Mexico. In fact, History. com notes that Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, where the day commemorates a symbolic yet not significantly strategic win by a heavily outnumbered Mexican army over French forces sent by Napoleon III to establish an empire on Mexican land. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a day to commemorate Mexican culture, including its much-loved cuisine. Food is front and center at many Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Home cooks hosting friends or those who simply want to enjoy some homemade Mexican fare this Cinco de Mayo can try their hands at this recipe for “Fiery Corn Salsa” from Kelley Cleary Coffeen’s “200 Easy Mexican Recipes” (Robert Rose).
Fiery Corn Salsa Makes 2 cups 1⁄4 3 2 3 11⁄2 2
cup olive oil tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice teaspoons minced fresh cilantro tomatoes, seeded and diced cups corn kernels to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. In a large bowl, combine oil, lime juice and cilantro. Add tomatoes, corn and jalapeño to taste. Mix well until corn mixture is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Tip: In place of the corn kernels, you can used canned corn, drained; frozen corn, thawed; or corn from the cob, cooked on the stove top. For a smoky flavor, use corn grilled on the barbecue grill.
Grow your own ingredients, or explore your local Farmers’ Markets. Find their addresses on page 47. Discover Southside
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7 1 3
reasons to shop farmers’ markets
Enjoy fresh, seasonal foods. Foods at farmers’ markets tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, because humans ate seasonal produce for thousands of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how people received the majority of their foods. In addition, many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than the alternatives.
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A farmers’ market is likely coming to a field or open parking lot near you — if there isn’t already one operating nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of farmers’ markets doubled across the country. Farmers’ markets will continue to thrive and expand as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting local food providers. Buyers who are not yet familiar with farmer’s markets can examine the following seven reasons to break the ice.
2
Discover new foods. There’s always something new at a farmers’ market, and this can entice shoppers to expand their flavor palates. Explore interesting, locally grown items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or vegetables and their refreshing tastes.
Embrace organic and non-GMO offerings. Many farmers’ markets offer foods that are organically grown and are produced without GMOs. Farmers’ market retailers also tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come from and how they are grown or raised.
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Indulge in nutritious foods. The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers’ markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers’ markets adhere to careful farming methods to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible.
5
Learn secrets and recipes. In addition to fresh produce, farmers’ markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers often mingle with their customers, offering trade secrets and recipe ideas. Additionally, local farm families supported by farmers’ markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week after week.
6
Turn the trip into a social excursion. A farmers’ market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for families and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a one-stop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art.
Danville Farmers’ Market. Danville Community Market. 629 Craghead Street Danville ,VA 24541. 434-797-8961.
Virginia Grown Farmers’ Market. 19783 US Hwy 29 South, Chatham, VA 24531. 434-713-1932.
Chatham, Virginia A Better Place To Live & Grow
7
Save money. Farmers’ markets may sell organic produce at a cost comparable or even lower than other retailers. That’s because local farmers don’t have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places. Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers’ market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious.
www.chatham-va.gov Discover southsiDe
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