Got the walls painted, the new carpet down, and ready for your beautiful new furniture? Everything you need to furnish your home is at Shell Furniture Company.Since 1975 Cliff Daniel has been associated with Shell Furniture as owner or president and has been in the furniture business now for 54 years. His length of experience is un-matched in Roanoke Rapids and he puts that experience to work everyday helping long-time and new customers select just the right furniture for their home.Thirty-four years ago Cliff ’s son Greg Ed-wards joined him in the business and is now Vice President. Greg began working at Shell Furniture when he was 15 years old.Recliners are a big part of the business and the store is a dealer for La-Z-Boy with over 200 chairs in stock in 15 different styles and a variety of colors. “We’ve stuck with La-Z-Boy because of the quality they offer and the variety of styles and colors. The other manufacturers just do not compare,” says Cliff.Serta is another big name important to the store’s operation. Shell Furniture is an exclu-sive Serta dealer for bedding and mattresses. They offer and sell over 18 different styles of bedding.

Cliff is excited about the new line of iCom-fort sleep system by Serta®. It’s a smarter, cooler, better way to sleep. iComfort Sleep system, featuring our Cool Action™ Gel Memory Foam—the world’s first memory foam infused with the support and cooling touch of Serta’s Micro Support™ Gel. The rev-olutionary new memory foam in designed to deliver superior pressure relief and more targeted support while sleeping cooler than ordinary memory foam. Cliff invites you in to try out this remarkable new sleep system.The fact is, you can find everything you need to furnish a house in the way of furniture at Shell Furniture. Whether its bedroom suites, furnishings for the den, study, office or children’s room you will find it among the two spacious floors of showroom space with thousands of pieces on display.The children’s department features the largest selection in the Roanoke Valley of bedding, bedroom groups, futons, cribs and bunk beds.When it comes to accessories for the home, the showrooms feature hundreds of lamps and framed art. You will also find dozens of framed mirrors in various sizes.Shell Furniture carries some of the best known and trusted name brands in the

country.“What sets us apart is the fact that we are family owned and have developed a follow-ing of satisfied customers for 54 years or more. We believe in providing the best in service,” says Cliff.

108 years old and still going strongPictured: Greg Edwards, vice president; Connie Daniel, secretary/treasurer; and Cliff Daniel, president.

931 Roanoke AvenueRoanoke Rapids, NC

(252) 537-2528

Proud to be voted “Best Place to Buy Furniture in the Roanoke Valley”

for the past seven years.

www.shellfurniture.com

BEHIND THE SCENES916 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870P.O. Box 520, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870

Copyright 2012 Behind the ScenesNo portion of Behind the Scenes may be reprinted in any form orposted on the internet without the permission of the publisher.

PUBLISHER Titus L. Workmanpublisher@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 248

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Carol Crittendon ccrittendon@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 225EXECUTIVE EDITOR Stephen Hemeltshemelt@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 233

EDITOR Kris Smithksmith@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 238

CLASSIFIEDS Linda Fosterlindafoster@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 224

CIRCULATION Tammy Britttbritt@rrdailyherald.com (252) 537-2505 Ext. 251

AD EXECUTIVES Martha Neville: mneville@rrdailyherald.comRhonda Irby: rhondairby@thelakemagazine.biz Dawn Barmer: dbarmer@rrdailyherald.comLinda Foster: lindafoster@rrdailyherald.comPhyllis White: pwhite@rrdailyherald.com

DesignerHope Callahan

Contributing DesignerHeather Rhea Wade

Cover Design by:Hope Callahan

BEHINDSCENESTHE

A PHOTO ESSAY OF ROANOKE VALLEY

BUSINESSES

BEHIND THE CAMERA...Hope Callahan

Welcome to our most unique special edition we do, “Behind The Scenes.” What you’re reading was borne out of a desire to create a publication that featured the people behind the businesses and to make it affordable so just about any local business could participate. “Behind The Scenes” shows you some success-ful local businesses and the people behind them. It’s fun to look behind the front counter and learn who, how and why. Many businesses have shown a side of themselves seldom seen, making this a fun publication that you will enjoy reading as much as we enjoyed putting it together. People like to buy from people and our area is rich with local entrepreneurs and leaders who bring so much to our communities. As you read this publication, remember the importance of your local business investment. Shopping locally and using local services helps keep the communities in the Roanoke Valley strong. There is no denying that local businesses mean lo-cal jobs. They employ our families, friends and neighbors. Local businesses gener-ate sales tax revenue that provides much-needed financial support for our public schools and other local facilities. Shopping locally also encourages new businesses to start up or existing businesses to locate here. Our exceptional advertising and creative services staffs worked hard so we would have some of the best examples of local business as participants. We hope you enjoy learning about their businesses and consider them when making your next pur-chase or investment. Please let these businesses know that you enjoyed reading and learning more about them in “Behind The Scenes.” If there is a business you would like to have seen that is not included, please let them know. As always, I welcome your com-ments and suggestions and you can call me at (252) 537-2505 extension 248 or e-mail me at publisher@rrdailyherald.com.

Best regards,

Titus L. Workman

Publisher

P.S. We hope you like “Behind The Scenes” so much that you will hang on to it and read it all – more than once. If you have family, friends and neighbors who don’t subscribe to The Daily Herald, tell them what they missed. A limited quantity is available for sale in our office lobby.

4 | Behind The Scenes

White’s Shoes White’s Shoes is located at 212 E. Cloverleaf Drive, Empo-ria, Virginia. White’s is a family owned business since 1954 and is owned by three brothers and one sister. Danny White is the General Manager and runs the store. The White family father was a shoe buyer for Leggett’s Dept. Store and worked from Henderson to Emporia. In 1954 he decided to go into business for himself and opened White’s Family Shoes. White’s Shoes in Emporia, has always represented the name brands that were most wanted at the time, example: Bass and Aigner. White’s Shoes carries every

shoe style to fit toddlers to 90s and everything in between. J Renee is a fashionable line that draws women from as far as the Tidewater area and Raleigh and you can find them at White’s Shoes in Emporia. They carry branded foot-wear such as Dansko, Vaneli, Rainbow, Sanuk, Nike, Merrell, Clark, Sperry, Uggs, Stacy Ad-ams, Converse, Naot and Onex. White’s Shoes is open 7 days a week Monday-Thursday 10am-6:30pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm. White’s is located beside Food Lion and also has a loca-tion in Lawrenceville, Va.

An Amazing Selection in EmporiaSince 1954

212 E. Cloverleaf Dr.Emporia, VA434-634-6800

whitesshoesinc@aol.comWhite’s

Shoes

AFFORDABLEHeating & air Conditioning

508 W. 8th St. • Roanoke RapidsM-F 8am - 5pm

On Call Nights and WeekendsOwners: Tommy Baird and Rudy Draper

(252) 535-2665

Providing service to customers in a friendly, affordable manner led Rudy Draper and Tommy Baird to open Affordable Heat-ing and Air, a certified Trane distributor, in Roanoke Rapids in 1991. “I’m from Roanoke Rapids and I’ve been working in heat-ing and air since college,” said Baird. “Draper started work-ing for a heating and air com-pany while he was still in high school. We just wanted to treat customers as friends and make sure we treat their problems in an affordable manner.” Baird added his company stresses personal attention, and considers his customers to be his friends. Customer satisfac-

tion, he said, flows from his wife, Office Manager Joyce Baird, and touches every aspect of the business. “Joyce keeps us all in line,” Baird said. “Customer satisfac-tion comes first, her way.” With so many options available in heating and air, Baird said his company stands apart. “We are customer friendly,” Baird said. “We give good ser-vice, good installation, and look after each customer.” With customer service serving as a guiding principal, Baird said it’s easy to sum up what makes his business special. “Good people,” he said, “good service, good equipment, happy customers.”

Affordable Heating and Air

Behind The Scenes | 5

Northeast AcademyBuilding Better Citizens One by One

Northeast Academy believes in the importance of devel-oping each child in the area of mental, moral, social and physical endeavors. The belief is that it is the responsibil-ity of the school to provide adequate instruction, materials and environment which will develop to the fullest each child’s individual capabilities.The school offers Pre-Kinder-garten Program, Kindergarten through sixth grade and sev-enth through 12th grade, each designed around the students individual needs and progress.Northeast Academy offers a large Athletic Department for boys and girls which encour-ages their competitive spirit and teaches them good sports-manship for future life skills.

Their qualified hard work-ing teachers care about each student and sacrifice daily to help the child be all he or she can be.Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 school year.

Here are a few dates to remember:

April 27th: Pre-K & Kindergarten OrientationMay 7-11: CATMay 17: Athletic BanquetMay 20: Baccalaureate Ceremony 5pmMay 21: Kindergarten 9:30; Pre-School 10May 25: Graduation 8 pm at Northeast Gym

NORTHEAST ACADEMY210 Church Street • Lasker, NC

(252) 539-2461Russell Leake, Headmaster

107 Smith Church Rd • Roanoke Rapids, NC

252-537-7010Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm; Sat 8am-7:30pm;

Sun 12:30am-6pm

Drugco is owned and operated by Gene and Sybil Minton. The Mintons moved to the Roanoke Valley in 1977 and were fortu-nate to raise their two children in a fine community in a great school. Gene has served the com-munity as a City Councilman, Mayor, County Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Halifax Horizons and NC Board of Pharmacy. They opened Drugco in June of 1987 and since have been dedicated to providing a higher level of service to the citizens

of the Roanoke Valley and the locals that would rather spend their money with a locally owned establishment than an non per-sonal experience with the larger chain stores. At Drugco, we offer the best prescription, home healthcare, and other drug store merchandise in the world! We have a great staff of registered pharmacists, certified immunization provid-ers, certified medications and therapy advisors, and respiratory therapist to better assist you with your healthcare needs.

Pictured from left to right: Marty Jones, Angela Coggins, George Smiley and Drew Hudgins

Drugco Discount Pharmacies

6 | Behind The Scenes

Harding & Grizzard LLC, Inc.600 Julian Allsbrook Hwy.

Roanoke Rapids, NC(252) 537-4193

Harding & Grizzard LLC, Inc. boasts itself as the oldest locally owned auto parts store in the Roanoke Valley. It was founded in 1946, shortly after World War II ended. Severe shortages in auto parts were caused by the war. As a result, founders, George Harding and Berkeley Grizzard, decided to join the NAPA organization because both their supply position and quality lines were good. The business moved to its current location at 600 Julian Allsbrook Hwy. in January 1998. Previously, the company was located at 138 Roanoke Avenue and then 300 Roanoke Avenue.

Having worked for the company since he was 21, John Daniels currently owns and manages the store. He decided it was a good buy and a good business in which to invest. Daniels, who is married and has one child, has lived in Roanoke Rapids for 44 years. He is a baseball fan and likes to play golf. Harding & Grizzard LLC, Inc. has a work force with many years of experience within the automotive industry. They strive to provide extraordinary customer service to all their customers and appreciate the support of those that make their business the success that it is.

Harding & Grizzard LLC, Inc.

Pictured: Richard Hall, Johnny Daniels, Brad Wrenn, Stanley Rodwell, Houston Rackley, and Scott Fasion. Not Pictured: Teresa Edwards and Thelma Simmons

Roanoke Rapids Graded School DistrictRoanoke Rapids Graded School District was established in 1907. The education of our young people was a high priority back then and it still is today! Roanoke Rapids Graded School system has a strong program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Our school system offers a caring, nurturing atmosphere and provides a place that you and your child can grow, learn, and feel welcome. For our young learners we have a five-star pre-kindergarten at Clara Hearne and two elementary schools, Belmont and Manning. Our elementary schools serve students from kindergarten through 5th grade and build a strong foundation in core aca-demic subjects with many addi-tional enrichment opportunities. Chaloner Middle School offers

coursework and extra-curriculur activities to keep the minds and bodies of pre-teens and teenag-ers engaged and involved. Our system has a broad range of elec-tives that enable young people to develop skills and explore talents. Roanoke Rapids High School provides educational opportuni-ties for students who are plan-ning to head to college as well as those who will be entering the world of work. We offer advanced placement classes and virtual classes for college credits. For those students interested in entering the work force upon graduation, we offer certifications to enhance job readiness. Come and visit us to see what a great educational opportunity Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools can provide for your child.

Roanoke Rapids Graded School District536 Hamilton Street

Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Phone: 252-519-7100Web: www.rrgsd.org

Superintendent: Dr. Dennis J. Sawyer

“Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools where the art and science of educa-tion come together.”

Behind The Scenes | 7

ACE HARDWARE of Lake Gaston Shiner, vice president of marketing, says that “behind the scenes” at ACE Hardware of Lake Gaston is the same as exhibited on the sales floor every day. Our #1 goal at ACE is to take care of our custom-ers and our day-to-day operations reflect just that. Shiner relates that her job is to greet customers and just be there to enjoy the at-tention lavished on her by customers and employees. ACE Hardware of Lake Gaston was born out of a combination of Bill’s dream to own a hardware store and the need for such a store at the lake. Driving to South Hill or Roanoke Rapids in the midst of a weekend project resulted in too much time away from his goal of enjoying the lake. Since opening in Nov. 2007, the ACE’s cus-tomer base and loyalty have grown as we have kept our prices competitive and ap-

proach each customer with the idea that we are there to help the customer and get him or her out the door so that they, too, can enjoy life on the lake. Set up as a traditional hardware store, ACE has grown to accommodate the needs of the unique envi-ronment of a lake commu-nity. We have a vast selec-tion of bird feeding supplies as well as everything you need for grilling, camping or boating, including a great selection of water toys, fish-ing tackle and live bait. As Shiner says, “We are your summer fun headquarters.” In reality though, some of the best things about ACE are the things that weren’t necessarily planned but just happened. First, we have a great group of employees, many of whom have been with us since opening and some who joined us more recently but are equally as good. Second, we have the

best customers ever. And finally, there is Shiner, our queen. A stray living in the woods across from ACE during the winter of 2009, Shiner had her kittens in our pine straw trailer one night. She was immediately taken in, and she and her kittens found a home in Bill’s office. While her kittens, Smokey and Bandit, now live at home with Bill and Ter-ryn, Shiner is a cherished member of the ACE team. Rarely a day goes by that customers don’t come in just to see Shiner. Our goal is to make “ACE the place.” We hope to have what you need and help you “take back your weekend.” We welcome suggestions and hope you will stop by and check out the store. And don’t forget, Shiner loves a visit from all her fans.

144 Elams Road Littleton, NC

(Next to Food Lion Shopping Center)

252-586-0330Hours: Monday-Saturday 8-6; Sunday 9-5

Pictured: Shiner, Vice President of Marketing and Bill Owens, Store Owner

8 | Behind The Scenes

Marshal Collier is the founder of Collier Harley-Davidson. Mar-shal is involved in the business every day. His love for Harley-Davidson® is as strong now as it has ever been. He is dedicated to providing a premium buying experience and focused on second to none customer service. Marshal’s love of racing Harley-Davidsons® and his initial interest in having an inside hook-up to affordable parts inspired him to start the business. From there, the passion grew to what is now a 30,000 square foot state-of-

the-art facility. Collier Harley-Davidson is truly your one-stop shop for everything Harley-Davidson® from a decal for your car window, to the bike you have been drooling over for years! Not to mention t-shirts and clothing for men, women, and kids, boots, sunglasses, jewelry, parts, and so much more. Our friendly, helpful staff is always here to greet you with a smile! The Collier Harley-Da-vidson staff is like one big family. When you visit the store, you feel like “family”.

Collier Harley-Davidson

316 Premier Blvd • Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Hours: M-F 9-6,

Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4

(252)537-6493

www.collierhd.com

Collier’s staff members demonstrate how it feels to have the wind in your hair on a Harley.

1280 Julian R. Allsbrook HighwayRoanoke Rapids, NC

252-537-2764

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon;

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What is the Chiropractic ap-proach? Spinal degeneration is a barometer of spinal health. Yet we need not sit and passively await our spine’s destruction. Chiropractic spinal adjustments can decrease the rate of degenerative joint disease and improve the chances of the joints, nerves, discs, and other tis-sues remaining healthy and strong throughout our lifetime. Barfield Chiropractic Health Center was first opened in 1912, by Dr. Paul H. Barfield, Jr’s grandfa-ther. The current Dr. Barfield has been in practice since 1984 and is a member of the North Carolina Chi-ropractic Association, the Ameri-can Chiropractic Association, is a Diplomate in Acupuncture and is a Certified Nutritionist. He is a graduate of Roanoke Rapids High School, UNC Chapel Hill, and the National College of Chiropractic and is a lifelong resident of Halifax

County, NC. He is proud to say his practice is the oldest single family owned Chiropractic office in the world. He offers standard chiropractic treatments that include diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, stress, fatique, gastro-intestinal discomfort and other health related conditions. He also offers alterna-tive healthcare without drugs or surgery. One of these alternatives is Acupuncture also known as Merid-ian Therapy. If you are recovering from a seri-ous injury or from surgery, he can work with you through this reha-bilitation period to get you back to your best as soon as possible. Dr. Barfield’s main mission is to help restore his patients health and give them a better life. He will work with you to devise a manage-able plan to help you be your very best.

Barfield Chiropractic Health Center

Behind The Scenes | 9

GREEN CAP FINANCIAL Keeping financial services local to those in the Roa-noke Valley drives Mandy Grizzard, Group Manager for Green Cap Financial in Roanoke Rapids. “I have called the Roanoke valley home all my life,” Grizzard said. “I am a retired Navy-wife with busy chil-dren, and my immediate and extended family live here as well.” Grizzard’s staff, Assistant Manager Jennifer Jones and account manager Amy Pair, are locals as well. “I have lived in Roanoke Rapids most of my life,” Pair said. “My family moved here from West Virginia when I was a teenager. I’m married and raise our two children here” “I am a lifetime native of Roanoke Rapids,” Jones said. “I am married and raising my three beautiful children here in my home town.” The Green Cap branch on Premier Boulevard opened in November 2005, with li-censed credit insurance agents and notary publics providing consumer loans and auto financing to residents of the Roanoke Valley. “The consumer finance industry at its best is lo-cal people helping local people realize dreams come true,” Grizzard said. “This is exactly how Green Cap Financial conducts business and what makes my job so rewarding. The consumer finance industry is a vital part of the business community provid-ing an option for consumers to acquire the funds necessary to do business with local businesses such as car, motorcycle, and boat dealers, home improvement contractors, landscapers, dentists, veterinarians, event planners, the choices are endless and chances are someone has borrowed money

in order to accomplish their needs and dreams.” Tired of the never ending revolving debt cycle? Green Cap Financial offers installment loans at competitive rates, so stop by or give us call when you are in the market to borrow money! You will never feel like a number, we know our customers by name!

GREEN CAP FINANCIAL269 Premier Boulevard

Roanoke RapidsM-W 10-5 Thur 10-7 Fri 9-6

252-537-9990

Pictured left to right: Mandy Grizzard, Amy Pair, and Jennifer Jones

10 | Behind The Scenes

...news is history in its first and best form, its vivid and fascinat-ing form, and...history is the pale and tranquil reflection of it.- Mark Twain’s Autobiography

Each day, in print, online or on your smart phone, The Daily Herald strives to deliver the true and accurate first version of his-tory.

We take pride in serving as a re-cord of occurrences in our com-munity, every day. We celebrate our successes. We lament our failures.

We rally to bring hope to those who are hurting. We entertain, inform and educate. For 98 years, we’ve been a reflection of the people of the Roanoke Val-ley.

Every single day at The Daily Herald, you can find editors, photographers and reporters, sales executives, pressmen, in-serters, business office staff and managers busily working to bring you your local history in the form you like to read it best.

We work to create interest-ing magazines, like The Lake Magazine and Roanoke Valley Woman. We create special inter-est reader sections, focusing on topics like health and wellness, tourism and home improvement.

We have 37 employees, with 373 years of combined experience working at The Daily Herald.

Our tools consist of exotic equip-ment like presses and strappers, mundane equipment like post-

age meters and computers - tools of the trade that can be found at newspapers throughout the country. Proprietary software programs with names like Ba-seView, InDesign, Blox and Vision. Jargon like ROP, ROS, deadline, broadsheet and tab.

Often, creating a new product every day is chaotic. More often, creating a new product every day is rewarding, enriching and chal-lenging.

We are a mirror, reflecting your likes, your dislikes. We are a mi-croscope, examining justice and injustice. We are an entertainer, keeping your mind active. Most importantly, we are a cheerlead-er, rooting for the home team – YOU!

916 Roanoke AvenueRoanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Main Phone: 252-537-2505Circulation: 252-537-2508

Also check us out online

Pictured Left to Right - Front to Back: Titus Workman, Billy Miller, Roxanne Pitchford, Jonas Pope, Margaret Miles, Sherry Agie, Jonnie Miles, Tia Bedwell, Phyllis White, Kris Smith, Marshania Barnes, Carol Crittenden, Della Rose, Stephen Hemelt, Jessica Lynch, Rhonda Irby, Julie Mason, Tammy Britt, Clementine Webb, Linda Smith, Terry Cooper, Dave Hagar, Louise Harvey, Mark Mathews, Tanisha Simmons, Valarie Solomon, Dennis Carter, Jacqueline Hough (Not Pictured: Linda Foster, Roger, Bell, Dawn Barmer, Martha Neville, Randy Wrenn, Heather Rhea Wade, Hope Callahan, Christy Little, Roger Harris)

The Daily Herald

Behind The Scenes | 11

Mike Diacont has worked in the landscaping industry since he was 12 years old.He believed in the need for a garden center in Lake Gaston, and the last 18 years have not proved him wrong. After moving to Lake Gaston in 1993, he and wife Tammy, joined by his parents, opened Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center, Inc. Mike and Tammy have ran the operation as a duo for the past five years. Mike is a certi-fied landscape contractor with North Carolina. Located at 847 Lizard Creek Road in Henrico, the Nursery

& Garden Center offers a retail garden center, gift shop and seasonal Christmas items. It also provides landscaping services, installations, irriga-tion, lighting, stone patios, walkways and walls. Originally from the Rich-mond area, Mike and Tammy have been married for 28 years. They have two children. Mike enjoys fishing and helped start Lake Gaston Bass Holes. Tammy’s true passion is decorative painting, which will be found at Wildwood in the near future.

Wildwood Nursery & Garden Center Inc.

Pictured: Lisa Distefano, Lisa Bloodworth, Tracey Hoffler, Ginger Johnson, Brittany Sternbridge, Tammy Diacont, Shamera Williams and Max.

WILDWOODNursery & Garden

Center Inc.

47 Lizard Creek RdHenrico, NC.

252-586-3685Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday 10 am to 4pm

2012 Jackson Bypass RoadSeaboard, NC 27876

www.jonesfencecompany.com

252-534-1430

Jones Fence & Custom Vinyl is owned and operated by Rex and Marcia Jones and their son Travis. Rex and Marcia have always enjoyed working for themselves, being entrepre-neurs. When the opportunity arose to purchase a small local fence business, they bought it with the intentions of having a family- owned business that their two sons could take part in as well. They have worked together, grown the business, and now offer much more than just fenc-ing. The business was established

in April of 1998, and has now grown to offer all types of fenc-ing, custom built vinyl fence and porch rails, composite and wood decks, vinyl screened porch enclosures, porch addi-tions, carports, garages, vinyl siding, and replacement win-dows. Rex, Marcia and Travis all enjoy working with the cus-tomers to design their projects. They have built a reputation in the area and strive to give their customers quality work. They treat their customers the way they want to be treated and stand behind their work.

Jones Fence & Custom Vinyl

12 | Behind The Scenes

Lake Gaston Awning Crystal Cantrell and Kenny Cales own and operate Lake Gaston Awning. Kenny moved to the lake with his family about 30 years ago. He and his father had an upholstery business and when he moved to the lake he began doing marine upholstery and boat covers. Kenny and Crystal have been friends since childhood and when Crystal left her marketing position in Richmond about 10 years ago, they saw a need and opened Lake Gaston Awning. Crystal’s mother is a melanoma skin cancer survivor and the awning business gave her an opportunity to promote skin cancer prevention. In addition to Awnings and Canopies, Lake Gaston Awning makes Solar Shades and Screens and Enclosures like those at “The

Pointe” Restaurant at Lake Gaston. All products, with the exception of retractable awnings, are made in-house. Kenny has also made many props and costumes for various theatre groups in the area. If you can think it, they can make it. Lake Gaston Awning is a Member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. Lake Gaston Awning is also a 4 time winner of the International Achievement Award for excellence in the Specialty Fabrics Industry. Crystal is the Past President of the Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce and still actively participates on the board. They have a website at www.Lake GastonAwning.com.

Lake Gaston awninG“When Quality Counts...You’re Covered with us”

5965 Hwy 903, Bracey, VA 23919434-636-3848

www.LakeGastonAwning.comWe are available, by appointment, 7 days a week including holidays.

Since 1987, when the first Jameson Inn opened its doors in Winder, Georgia, through the ensuing years of growth and development, the chain has prospered as the familiar south-ern colonial design of its hotels became widely recognized in the Southeast by savvy travel-ers. Built on a solid foundation of superior personal service to each and every guest, Jame-son Inns quickly expanded to become one of the leading hotel chains in the Southeast. The Jameson Inn Roanoke Rapids is a great destination for all travelers to the Roanoke Val-ley and Lake Gaston. In every comfortable and spacious room

you will find a mini-refrigera-tor, a microwave, and personal gourmet coffee maker, not to mention the dreamy pillow-top beds and TV with premium movie channels! The hotel also boasts free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet, complimentary break-fast, fitness center and outdoor pool. General Manager, Tracey Jordan, is available to answer questions and help make your stay a most pleasant one. Keep us in mind as you are planning family events such as weddings and reunions! We make our guests feel right at home.

101 Old Farm Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870(252)533-0022 or

Toll Free Reservations 1-800-Jameson

Jameson Inn

Behind The Scenes | 13

Fred’s Boat Sales and Service started on June 14,1998 with the idea of providing a mobile boat repair on Lake Gaston and the Roanoke Rapids Lake. At that time, Fred purchased a 20’ boat and customized it to carry tools and parts to work on boats without the need for a shop. As things progressed he found that he needed a full-time shop for some repairs. This led Fred to hire three full-time mechanics and also venture into sales of new boats and motors. In 1979, Fred began work-ing on boats and motors in Littleton and progressing on through the years from mechanic to service manager to owner of his own business in 1998. Fred has attended most major marine schools and has been certified in Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser Sterndrives, Force, Johnson/Evinrude, OMC, Honda Outboards, Tohatsu/Nissan, as

well as ASE certified. Fred is a charter member of Amtec, As-sociation of Marine Technicions, National Marine Expo’s and Mercury University. Our staff includes three full-time factory trained and warranty authorized mechanics as well as a part-time mechanic. In 2012, Steve Evans joined the staff at Fred’s, bringing with him 17 years of knowledge of boat sales and service. We offer new and used boats for sale as well as having a well stocked boating accessory store. If we don’t have it in stock we can usually have it here in one to two business days. In April, 2012, we opened the “Ship Store”, which offers everything from life jackets and ski ropes, to tubes and towables! And as always, we still offer “on the water” service. Just give us a call at 252-308-6898, and we’ll come to you!

FRED’S BOAT SALES & SERVICE4110 Highway 158 • Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 (252)308-6898 • www.fredsboats.com

Fred’s Boat Sales & Servicepg.18

Starring... from A-Z

Ace Hardware of Lake Gaston 7Affordable Heating & Cooling 4Barfield Chiropratic 8Collier Harley Davidson 8Cornerston Christian School 16Drugco 5Fred’s Boat Sales 13Greencap Financial 9Halifax Smart Start 15Harding & Grizzard 6Jameson Inn 12Jones Fence 11Lake Gaston Awning 12North East Academy 5Roanoke Rapids City schools 6Roanoke Valley Woman 14Shell Furniture 2The Daily Herald 10The Lake Magazine 14White’s Shoes 4Wildwood Nursery 11

Thank you to all of the advertisers who allowed us to peek Behind the Scenes of their businesses for these

great stories and photos!

14 | Behind The Scenes

Our magazines are staffed with storytellers.

You’ve read them. The Lake Magazine and Roanoke Valley Woman. One is monthly, the other quarterly — both focus on different aspects of life that in-tertwine in the Roanoke Valley.

Who are the people who make these publications happen?

Editor Kris Smith, a four-year veteran of our staff, is the editor of both publications. Always search-ing for creative layouts, Kris’ fo-cus has been on telling compelling stories, verbally and visually. Her insightful story assignments bring to life the people of Lake Country and influential women of the Roa-noke Valley.

Staff writers Della Rose, Jac-queline Hough and Roger Bell are embedded in the community bringing to life in printed form the stories of lake residents, as well as connecting women in the Roanoke Valley. Each holds very dear pride in their work, while they continu-ally strive for execellence in their craft.

Account Executive Rhonda Irby is the advertising sales representa-tive who works with our dedicated and wonderful advertisers. A six-year veteran of our staff, she has been with both publications since their inception. She can often be found working with advertisers for ad copy, photos, layouts and other creative aspects. She finds a way to connect advertisers’ goods and services with reader needs.

Our design layouts are the result of Kris Smith and Graphic Artist Heather Rhea Wade, a four-year veteran. Wade is a very talented woman with a knack for color and a passion for creative layout. An artist in every sense of the word, her passion is behind the overall look and feel of the magazines.

Ads are designed by Heather Rhea Wade and Graphic Artist Hope Callahan. Together, they strive to tell an advertiser’s story and connect the reader with the products and services provided by each and every advertiser.

Without this amazing team, our magazines just wouldn’t be the same. We welcome your feedback and look forward to serving you for many more years!

The Lake Magazine

& Roanoke Valley Woman

Editorial Inquiriesksmith@rrdailyherald.com

252-537-2505 ext 238

Advertising Inquiriesrhondairby@thelakemagazine.biz

252-410-5253

Also visit us online atroanokevalleywoman.com

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR OUR CHILDREN Experiences during early child-hood literally shape the structure of the brain. Because today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, parents and workers, everyone has a stake in making sure that all children have the experiences they need to thrive. Smart Start brings together all the people involved in a young child’s life—families, teachers, doctors, care-givers, social workers, and many others—to ensure every child

has all they need for healthy growth and development. Child care, family support and health services for children ages 0-5 and their families are avail-able, so that all children enter school healthy and ready to suc-ceed. Together training and technical assistance are provided to child care programs to ensure quality education for our youngest chil-dren.

Need help finding child care?Call our Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Center:

1-888-285-0849

Halifax - Warren Smart StartPartnership for Children, Inc.

1139 Roanoke Avenue • PO Box 339Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Phone: (252) 537-5621Fax: (252) 537-9732

Email: smartstart@hwss.org