A Life Like Yours: The Mission of The Arc of Southside

In the Danville-Pittsylvania County area, a powerful movement is changing lives through a simple yet profound belief: everyone deserves “A Life Like Yours.” The Arc of Southside, led by dedicated advocates, works tirelessly to transform this belief into reality for over 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while representing thousands more throughout the... Read More

Local

March 7, 2025

Behind the Clouds: The Life of a Virginia Storm Chaser

When most people picture storm chasers, they imagine adrenaline junkies racing toward tornadoes in customized vehicles packed with high-tech gear. But for Chris White, a veteran Virginia-based storm chaser, the reality is far less glamorous and far more methodical. “Most of the time spent chasing involves driving, parking and waiting for storms to fire, and... Read More

Back Stage

March 5, 2025

The Art of Subtraction: Lee Farley’s Journey with Scratchboard

From a young child captivated by the patterns and rhythms in nature to an internationally recognized artist, Lee Farley has charted an unusual path in the art world. While many artists build their careers adding paint to canvas, Farley has made his name by taking away—scratching through dark surfaces to reveal intricate, luminous worlds beneath.... Read More

Cover Feature

February 12, 2025

Building Hope: Habitat for Humanity Transforms Lives in Danville

In Danville, a quiet revolution in affordable housing has been unfolding for over three decades. Since 1991, the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity has been transforming lives one nail, one board, and one home at a time. Its impact speaks volumes: 45 new homes built, 5 homes renovated, and over 200 residents provided with safe,... Read More

Local

February 7, 2025

Back Stage: Behind the Byline

John Crane isn’t just another reporter—he’s a storyteller who discovered his calling through an unconventional journey. Growing up in Pittsylvania County, Crane’s early love for newspapers began with baseball box scores and sports pages, a passion that would eventually transform into a career spanning decades. Unlike many journalists who chart a direct course, Crane’s route... Read More

Back Stage

February 5, 2025

Motley’s Mill Historic Waterfall Estate: Where History Comes Full Circle

When David and Diane Miller first encountered Motley’s Mill in 2016, opening an event venue wasn’t on their minds. With building contractor experience, the Millers were simply captivated by the property’s natural beauty—particularly the cascading waterfall that would become the heart of the transformation. “We began not with a plan to open a venue,” Diane... Read More

Cover Feature

January 10, 2025

Back Stage: Behind the Curtains of a Videographer

From scaling rooftops to diving underwater, Josh Lucia has filmed it all. But his journey into videography began in an unlikely place: a second-grade classroom where he channeled Jim Carrey’s character from The Mask to entertain his classmates. That early taste of performance, combined with a childhood spent practicing magic tricks and consuming films, laid... Read More

Back Stage

January 9, 2025

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area: A Cornerstone of Youth Development

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area (BGCDA) is the premier youth development organization in our region and plays a pivotal role in the lives of children and young adults in the Danville community. Serving a diverse group of youth, the organization is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where children... Read More

Community Strong

January 7, 2025

From Combat to Recovery: A Veteran’s Journey Through Loss and Redemption

In the wake of 9/11, like countless other young Americans, David Riggins, a high school senior found his patriotism ignited and answered the call to serve. But what began as an act of courage would set in motion a two-decade battle—not with foreign adversaries, but with an enemy that would prove far more insidious: opioid... Read More

Cover Feature

January 2, 2025

New Year, New Mindset: Small Steps, Big Care

As the clock strikes midnight and the new year begins, the world seems to echo with calls for transformation. Social media overflows with lofty resolutions, promises of total reinvention, and declarations that this will be the year everything changes. But for many of us, these grandiose plans can feel overwhelming—setting us up for stress, burnout,... Read More

Essays