In this issue...
For the Community:
Record a Holiday Greeting, Small Business Saturday and Holiday Gift Guide, HOME for the Holidays Celebration, Window Decorating Contest, Dream Launch Bootcamp Application, Danville Hosts TEDx Event, PATHS Virtual Ribbon Cutting, River District Events
For River District Merchants:
RDA Dream Launch, Comcast RISE Grants, Rebuild VA Grants, COVID 19 Restrictions
|
|
The River District Association Office will be closed December 24th and 25th, 2020 |
|
Record a Holiday Greeting |
|
Individuals, Families, Businesses, and Nonprofits in the Dan River Region
We want this event to bring the community together and see as many of you as possible. Read the GUIDELINES and tips for submissions and then get creative, get dressed up, decorate your background, and record a 5 second holiday video to submit by clicking right HERE.
We've extended the deadline, so when you get together with family for Thanksgiving you have a chance to record yours!
Don't live in the Dan River Region, but have family or friends here? You can submit videos too! The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2020 at 11:59pm.
|
|
River District Holiday Gift Guide |
|
|
|
Did you know that for every $1 you spend at a small local business $.68 stays in the local economy vs $.43 of every $1 spent at a chain store?
Support Your Local Merchants this Holiday Season!
|
|
|
This year our annual event "RDA Christmas on the Plaza" goes virtual. Join us for "HOME for the Holidays!" |
|
For the safety of our entire community, we will be presenting a pre-recorded event presented LIVE on the River District Association Facebook page, and on River City TV, Saturday, December, 5, 2020. While we can't be together in person this year for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Danville's River District we want friends and family to gather virtually on December 5 for this festive event including.
|
|
River District Window Decorating Contest |
|
2021 Dream Launch Boot Camp Applications Open! |
|
The RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is for entrepreneurs that wish to obtain education on how to open a business in the Dan River Region. It is also open to existing businesses that would like to hone their existing business knowledge. This will be the third year for the RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp and Pitch Competition that began in Spring 2019; since that time, over 150 individuals have participated in some or all of the Bootcamp classes, with 9 businesses awarded a total of $140,000 in grant funding over the course of the program.
Participants in the Bootcamp can have the opportunity to pitch their ideas at either the RDA Dream Launch Pitch (if located or wishing to locate in the River District), OR the Rev-Up Danville Pittsylvania Pitch (if wishing to located outside the River District, or in Pittsylvania County). Pitch participants have the opportunity of being awarded start-up or expansion funds for their business idea.
The program is 8 weeks, and begins in January 2021. Because of Covid-19 the 2021 Dream Launch Bootcamp will be virtual.
|
|
The River District New and Expanding Businesses |
|
PATHS Virtual Ribbon Cutting |
|
PATHS (Piedmont Access to Health Services) is excited to announce expansion of services in Danville.
Celebrate with PATHS by attending a Virtual Ribbon Cutting ceremony for both locations on Monday, December 14th.
-
The PATHS Community Pharmacy is now located at 133 S. Ridge Street. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30 PM.
-
The PATHS Community Dental Center is now at 501 Rison Street, Suite 110. Ribbon Cutting will be at 6:00 PM.
-
Watch via Facebook Live at either:
|
|
|
Shadows of Place by David Douglas at 536 Craghead Street
|
|
|
|
"Artist David Douglas has worked with photo, drawing and conceptual digital assemblage for over thirty-five years...His most recent work brings him to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. These large-scale works explore the unique beauty and haunting landscape of this region."
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you want to be a part of a thriving River District? RDA takes Board of Directors applications all year long. Fill out an interest form to be considered for the next board opening!
|
|
Shop Small Saturday
November 28th, 2020
|
Buy your holiday gifts locally and support small businesses in the River District, and the Dan River Region. |
|
|
Gift Card Deals
Waxing Packages
Gifts Sets
and more great specials!
|
|
|
Live music by the Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs
|
|
|
Register to reserve your family’s kit by clicking on the link to our website below and filling out the reservation form. You will be contacted when your kit is available for pick up at the library's 2nd floor service desk. Monthly kits will be available starting on the first business day of each month.
|
|
|
Create a special craft for the holiday with members of our staff and their family. Each week a different family member will share a craft they love making over the holidays. Ages 18 and up.
|
|
|
December 2nd, 2020 6-7 PM
|
Do you ever wonder about the history of Danville? Learn about our city from the founding fathers to the civil rights movement. You won’t be disappointed by the teachings of Genealogist Karice Luck. Programs will be in two parts on Zoom.
|
|
|
If you love writing, join us for inspiration, encouragement and feedback. We will start with a simple writing prompt and allow volunteers to read their writing to the group. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.
|
|
|
December 5th, 2020, 10:30-1:30 PM
|
Whether you have been playing for years or are trying it out for the first time, join us to meet others in the community and enjoy this creative roleplaying game. Ages 18 and up. Space is limited. Registration required.
|
|
|
This year our annual event "RDA Christmas on the Plaza" goes virtual! For the safety of our entire community, we will be presenting a pre-recorded event presented LIVE on Facebook and River City TV, Saturday, December, 5, 2020. While we can't be together in person this year for the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Danville's River District ,we want friends and family to gather virtually on December 5 for this festive event. |
|
|
Celebrate the season with a candlelit stroll along the Riverwalk this December at our Annual Luminaria Trail Walk! The walk will begin at the Main Street Plaza and will end at the Community Market trail head. All social distancing and CDC guidelines will be observed during this outdoor event and face coverings are strongly encouraged. Call (434) 793-4636 for more information! |
|
|
We play a variety of music from the 70's, 80's, beach, oldies, and country. Their guitarist, Steve Woodell, has played with Percy Sledge and Wilson Pickett to name a few.
|
|
|
It's back! We are so excited to have Trivia Night in the taproom again. It's free to play, and there will be prizes up for grabs for each round. There is plenty of space for social distancing. Local regulations will be observed. |
|
|
December 12, 7 PM - 10 PM
|
We're bringing the "Dave & Tim" duo back to the Golden Leaf Bistro!! Live and Live stream!
|
|
|
December 16, 12 PM- 1:30 PM
|
Mark Molitor is a leadership development consultant. He designs and instructs in leadership development programs, consults with leadership teams, and coaches leaders. In addition to his private consulting practice, Mark serves as the Director of Leadership Development for Leadership Triangle and as a core faculty member for the NC Rural Center’s Leadership Institute. |
|
|
Join us for a fun night at Golden Leaf Bistro! |
|
|
Library Scouts
December 29th, 2020 4:30-5 PM
|
Become a Library Scout! Join us for our monthly meeting to go over upcoming programs in the community, do explorer-themed activities and crafts and make new friends.
|
|
|
For The River District Merchant Community |
|
|
|
RDA Dream Launch Boot Camp is also for existing businesses. |
RDA Dream Launch Bootcamp is not just for start-up businesses. If you are an existing business you can hone your business skills and participate in the Dream Launch Pitch.
|
|
|
$10,000 Marketing and Technology Grant Available for BIPOC Small Businesses
Comcast RISE - Representation, Investment, Strength, Empowerment
Applications accepted starting November 24th, 2020
Comcast has committed to a multiyear plan to fight injustice and inequality. As part of this commitment from Chairman and CEO, Brian Roberts, Comcast is allocating substantial resources to help small businesses. Small businesses are core to who we are, and we know that businesses owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been impacted at a higher rate this year.
With that in mind, Comcast developed Comcast RISE – a program that stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. It is initially available for Black small business owners, and beginning November 28, 2020, all BIPOC small business owners will be eligible to apply. In addition, all small businesses are able to sign up for free marketing insights and resources. In the future, the program aims to expand to other small business owners.
Comcast RISE offers marketing and technology makeovers, which may include media placements, marketing consultations, commercial creative production services, or technology services such as computer equipment, internet, voice and cybersecurity from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and Comcast Business, Comcast’s cable provider to small and mid-size businesses. And, in the coming months, Comcast will be awarding grants of up to $10,000.
Please use this link for details on the selection criteria and to apply.
|
|
$10,000 Rebuild VA Grants Still Available
Rebuild VA Grant Fund (Rebuild VA) has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses and nonprofits to apply. Any small business or nonprofit with $10,000,000 or less in gross revenue OR 250 or fewer employees may now apply.
|
|
Virginia's Gov. Northam Announces New COVID 19 Restrictions |
|
The following measures will take effect at midnight on Sunday, Nov. 15th:
-
Reduction in public and private gatherings: All public and private in-person gatherings must be limited to 25 individuals, down from the current cap of 250 people. This includes outdoor and indoor settings.
-
Expansion of mask mandate: All Virginians aged five and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces. This expands the current mask mandate, which has been in place in Virginia since May 29 and requires all individuals aged 10 and over to wear face coverings in indoor public settings.
-
Strengthened enforcement within essential retail businesses: All essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning. While certain essential retail businesses have been required to adhere to these regulations as a best practice, violations will now be enforceable through the Virginia Department of Health as a Class One misdemeanor.
-
On-site alcohol curfew: The on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol is prohibited after 10:00 p.m. in any restaurant, dining establishment, food court, brewery, microbrewery, distillery, winery, or tasting room. All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms must close by midnight. Virginia law does not distinguish between restaurants and bars, however, under current restrictions, individuals that choose to consume alcohol prior to 10:00 p.m. must be served as in a restaurant and remain seated at tables six feet apart.
|
|
What is the River District Association? |
|
Mission:
RDA's mission is to ensure the long term viability of Danville's River District as a center of business and civic life, and a source of community pride.
Vision:
Danville's River District will be a vibrant place to live, work, and visit for the diverse population of Danville and the greater Dan River region.
Board of Directors:
William Crumpton
Caswell Family Medical Center
President
Kelvin Perry
CoD Economic Development
Vice President
Steven Osborne
Adams and Fisk, PLC
Secretary
Beth Bullins
First Citizens Bank
Treasurer
Rachel Covington
Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce
Past President
Robin Jones
Vintages by the Dan
Philip Hayes
Noblis
Christy Harper
Danielle DuCré
Chatham Hall
Varun Sadana
The Launch Place
Stuart Smith
FCS, Inc.
Hampton Wilkins
Wilkins and Co.
Andrew Herring
West Main Baptist Church
Emma Sellers
Averett University
Shani Gaylord
PATHS, Inc.
|
|
Who We Are
The River District Association (RDA) is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors which includes representatives from River District businesses and property owners, the City of Danville, and other community stakeholders.
What We Do
RDA follows the Main Street model to coordinate the public-private partnerships required to revive the River District. We work with the City of Danville, area businesses, and institutions to develop programs and events to get the community working together to market the area's unique assets, to get the district in top physical shape, and to attract and retain businesses.
Why We Do It
As our City Council and City Manager have publicly stated, the economic health of the city is impacted by the River District. A downtown with empty buildings and blight conveys a negative image. A prosperous downtown tells the world that the business sector can work well with the City to bring about positive change. With a number of development projects taking place, the River District has reclaimed its role as a vital, important and pleasant place to work, shop, and have fun.
When We Meet
The RDA Board of Directors meets the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 in the evening. For more information about these meetings, or to seek assistance with a matter, please call or email RDA's office or contact any Board member.
What You Can Do
We need YOU! Would like to play an active role in the revival of the River District? Do you have any special ideas or talents, or simply want to volunteer with a project, please contact us by phone at 434-791-0210 or by email. One of our dedicated volunteer board members will respond.
River District Association Staff
Diana Schwartz: Executive Director
Caitlin Howell: Operations Manager
Kirsten Aherron: Communication and Events Manager
|
|
River District Association | www.riverdistrictassociation.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
