October 19, 2018

Dr. Edward "Ed" Polhamus, Champion of Public Education and Devoted School Board Member, Passes Away On October 13, 2018

DPS is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Ed Polhamus, a devoted champion of public education in Danville, and a long-time DPS school board member.

Dr. Polhamus was initially appointed to the School Board in 2004 by City Council and then elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2016.

He served as Chairman of the School Board from 2013 through 2016. He was a retired mathematics professor and administrator at Danville Community College and a former Dean of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Polhamus entered DCC as a math instructor in 1972, always teaching, even during the years that he was the Division Chairman for Arts and Sciences, a position he held for nine years. Retiring in 2006, Polhamus continued to teach math part-time until 2012. He was inducted in Danville Community College’s Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame in May 2013.

He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. To view the obituary and funeral arrangements, please click here.

National School Bus Safety Week is October 22-26, 2018

Held during the third full week of October each year, National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators, and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. Designed to promote school bus safety, school districts throughout the country observe School Bus Safety Week.

National School Bus Safety Week is October 22-26, 2018, and the theme is "My Driver - My Safety Hero!" The theme of National School Bus Safety Week is derived from the Poster Contest the year before. The 2017 winning poster, depicted below, was drawn by Aumkar Patel, a 5th Grader at Henry County Schools in McDonough, GA.

Danville Hosts the 2018 Virginia Preservation Conference on October 18th and 19th!

Because of Danville's rich history and its dedication to historic preservation, the city was chosen to host the 2018 Virginia Preservation Conference on October 18th and 19th at the Danville Community Market. The annual conference provided programs, tours, and breakout sessions for anyone interested in the rich history of the Commonwealth and the role of preserving it. This is a big honor for our community! Click here or on the video below, courtesy of River City TV, for more info.

Project Imagine Designed to Get Teenagers Off the Streets and Out of Gangs!

The City of Danville recently launched "Project Imagine" an employment and training program for gang involved youth in our community. The initiative is being lead by Robert David, the City's Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator, in partnership with Workforce Services. Five youth will take part in the nine week program where they will be working in various City departments including Public Works and Danville Parks and Recreation. The goal of the program is to give these youth an opportunity to get back on their feet through mentoring and training in the workforce. Click here for an interview with Mark Aron and Robert David, the Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator for the City of Danville - video courtesy of River City TV. Click here for a WSLS (Channel 10) story, highlighting one of the teen participants who works for the Public Works Department.

GWHS Concert Choir Performs Random Act of Kindness

Last week, the GWHS Concert Choir planned and created a surprise treat for the custodians at GW. They decorated the lounge with table cloths, flowers, candy, and a banner which read, “We Appreciate all you Do!” The students brought in homemade cakes, brownies, and treats and invited the custodians in at the end of the day. When they arrived, the choir sang for them as they enjoyed their recognition. Nice touch, Eagles!

Danville Church Organizing to Help Clean Up Flooded Homes

According to WSET, St. Luke's United Methodist Church is fielding calls to assist those who were impacted by flood waters on the Southside. The Church is working on getting teams together to go out to areas that were impacted the hardest in Danville. Senior Pastor Susan Hannah says their church is offering a variety of disaster response services. The Church will be providing tarps for roof damage, and helping to remove trees and debris from people's property and flood-damaged basements. If you need assistance, please call St. Luke's United Methodist Church at 434-836-9345. Click here for full article.

Blue Knights VA XIII to Hold 19th Annual Toy Run

This event benefits the Danville Social Service Child Welfare Funds so that children in foster care will have a wonderful Christmas! See below flyer for additional information.

W.W. Moore's Annual Poinsettia Sale - Sponsored by the Green Thumb Nursery

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase beautiful poinsettias at a great price! See attached flyer for more information.