January 2009
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Table of Contents DRBA to Hike along 2 Geologic Wonder
DRBA to Hike Along Geologic Wonder by T Butler
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It’s Not Your Typical Fish Market by Joyce Wilburn
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Cover Story Advice for a Wedding Planner by Joyce Wilburn
Two Exhibits Open at the DMFAH by Lynne Bjarnesen
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Believe by Liz Sater
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Outdoor Art Galleries Transform Towns by Joyce Wilburn
Stay Married Forever by Dr. Joey Faucette
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Second Thoughts We Interrupt This Program by Kim Clifton
8-9 Ideas for the
Wedding Planner
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Calendar of EVINCE An Outdoor Holiday Story by Jason Bookheimer
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An Interview with Senator Hurt by Larry Aaron
Nano in Your Life Nanotechnology More Than Hype by Carey Tanner
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Overweight? Maybe You're Just on the Wrong Planet by Nancy Tait
Around the Table Get a Fresh Start! by Annelle Williams
Mural Celebrates 55 Years of History by Donna Comper
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Relecting Forward Never Again! by Linda Lemery A Snapshot of Virginia by Grete Hopkins
Winter Weather Got You Down? Take a Peek at This by Linda Aagaard
Publisher
Scottie Brooks, Publisher Contributing Writers Linda Aagaard, Larry Aaron, Jason Bookheimer, T Butler, Lynne Bjarnesen, Kim Clifton, Donna Comper, Joey Faucette, Grete Hopkins, Linda Lemery, Rosalee Maxwell, Deborah Morehead, Liz Sater, Nancy Tait, Carey Tanner, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams
Special Wedding Feature
Editor Joyce Wilburn joyce@evincemagazine.com (434.799.3160)
On the Cover:
Associate Editor Larry G. Aaron
Photo by Alan Dalton Photography of Jennifer Atkinson and Jamie Younger leaving Mt. Hermon Church. See story on page 4.
These same geologic forces caused some buried logs to become petrified as minerals replaced the organic matter while retaining the original structure of the wood. Small chunks of petrified wood can be found along Tanyard Creek.
Directions from Danville: Travel south on US 29 into North Carolina. Exit onto NC 700 at the NC Welcome Center and travel west toward Eden for 10 miles. Meet at 10 a.m. at Happy Home Congregational Christian, which is on the right. For more information, call 336547-1903 or willtruslow@hotmail.com.
For subscriptions, call 434.799.3160.
Deadline for submission of February stories, EVINCE Magazine articles, ads, and calendar items is 5 p.m. on 300 Ringgold Industrial Pkwy • Danville, VA 24540 Wednesday, January 21. Submit stories and articles © 2009 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole to: joyce@evincemagazine.com. Submit calendar or in part in any medium without written permission of the items to: kim@evincemagazine.com. For ad publisher is strictly prohibited. information contact a sales associate listed below.
Blending Education, Fun and Opportunity at IALR by Beborah Morehead
Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Rosalee Maxwell
Lines of dark gray rounded boulders, known as igneous dikes, stretch through the woodland along the path to the creek. These dikes were formed when molten rock was forced through underground fissures where it cooled slowly into dense, finegrained stone that was exposed when the surrounding material eroded away. Paddlers on the Dan River might see igneous dikes and conglomerate formations in the river at such places as Wide Mouth and Tanyard shoals. Both of these shoals are traversed by navigation sluices constructed in the 19th century to enable commercial bateaux, long, narrow, flat-bottomed wooden boats, to pass safely through the rapids. Participants in the outing should bring drinks and lunch, wear hiking boots and layers of water-shedding artificial fabric or wool, and be prepared for rain or wind. Because of the uneven surfaces in the streambed and a short steep ascent out of the gorge, hiking poles are advisable.
by T Butler
The Dan River Basin Association’s First Saturday Outing on January 3 will be a two-mile hike on a farm in Ruffin, North Carolina, to explore Tanyard Creek. DRBA President and Trip Coordinator, Will Truslow, explains, “This is an easy hike to see a unique cascading waterfall. To call it a waterfall is a little misleading, as the amount of water will likely be a trickle.” The reason for the hike is not the water, however, but the unusual streambed and surrounding geology. Named for the tannery owned by the family of 19th century Governor John Motley Morehead (1796 -- 1866), Tanyard Creek creates a gorge as it cuts through Triassic rock on its way to the nearby Dan River. The “puddingstone” conglomerate formation and petrified wood in the streambed have earned the area’s listing as a North Carolina Natural Heritage site. In the Triassic Era, some 200 million years ago, this section of northern North Carolina and southern Virginia was a deep lake. As rivers flowed into the lake, the slowing water dropped its load of sediment—first the large rocks, then smaller pebbles, then sand and silt. Over the eons, geologic pressures fused the surrounding clay particles, enclosing the rounded rocks and pebbles in a concrete-like mass.
January 2009
Sales Associates Laura Kondas (434.836.2796) lkondas317@mac.com Sales Associate & Distribution Kim Demont (434.836.1247) kim@evincemagazine.com Art & Production Director Vaden & Associates (Dan Vaden) Graphic Designer Kim Demont Printer McCain Printing Company, Inc. Editorial Policies:
EVINCE is a monthly news magazine covering the arts, entertainment, education, economic development, and lifestyle in Danville and the surrounding areas. We print and distribute EVINCE free of charge due entirely to the generosity of our advertisers. In our pages appear views from across the social spectrum. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. We reserve the right to accept, reject, and edit all submissions and advertisements.
We now accept Visa, MC, and Discover for ad payments
EVINCE is a member of the Virginia Press Association, first place winner of the prestiguous PIVA award in its category for five straight years, and winner of Virginia Press Association awards for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and Virginia Press Women’s Competition Awards for 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.
evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW MISSION STATEMENT EVINCE is a monthly publication, which focuses on arts & entertainment in the surrounding area through an array of features, articles, columns, and photographic essays. Its primary objective is to inform and educate the community of opportunities, organizations, and events in all areas of the arts. In addition, it is the vision of EVINCE to enrich the cultural awareness and develop support for the arts in the entire community.
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It’s Not Your Typical Fish Market by Joyce Wilburn
When new customers walk through the front doors of Fish Bones, the seafood market and gourmet shop on Sandy Court, owner Trish Boyle usually hears the same surprised comment, “It doesn’t smell like fish!” That’s because Trish is as meticulous about cleaning the fish display case as she is about every other detail in the five-year-old business. “The fish case has 10 trays in the bottom of it with 6 inches of ice on the top. Every Saturday night, the ice is removed, the entire case is washed, and it dries for two days,” she explains adding that most fish markets just add ice and don’t wash the bottom of the case. ”It’s clean, and therefore, it doesn’t smell,” she emphasizes with a nononsense attitude. Displayed on top of the ice in the case is the largest selection of seafood in the city: whiting, catfish, red snapper, perch, and about 10 other varieties of fish along with Danville’s favorites: salmon, tilapia,
photo by Joyce Wilburn flounder, shrimp, and scallops. During the winter months, Kellum Oysters from Weems, Virginia, are in high demand. But don’t let the fish fool you. “When people see the name Fish Bones, they think it’s just a seafood market. When they walk through the door, I usually hear, ‘Wow, you have so much more.’ It’s not like any other fish market,” says Trish, her brown eyes sparkling with pride.
That desire to be unique has led Trish to expand the number of products and services offered every year since opening in February 2004. “We started cooking lunches the second year; the third year we added a take-out dinner menu, and the fourth year we began selling gluten-free products,” says Trish who continues to work on a website and a newsletter, this year’s projects, which will help her stay connected to her shoppers.
Customer service always determines her agenda. “My customers tell me their needs and I find the products they want. For example, we have gluten-free and wheat-free foods along with 100 other specialty gourmet items,” she notes pointing to the delicious-looking pies, mixes, cereals, gravies, sauces, and other goods needed for cooking. If you don’t want to cook, how about a clambake without the work? Trish has a ready-to-go clambake-in-a-pot. It’s a mixture of seafood, smoked sausage, fresh vegetables and seasonings in a special pot ready to be steamed at home or the nearest beach. Can’t go to the beach? Then go to Fish Bones. The sail boat on the red wall, the thatched roof above the cash register, the swinging hammock over the front door, the fake seagulls flying overhead, and the sound of waves crashing through the palm trees will make you think you’re close enough for a swim. The only thing missing is the smell of the fish. Fish Bones of Danville, 111 Sandy Court (off Piedmont Drive behind Rex), is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 7pm. For more information on the store’s products, gift certificates, or custom-designed gift baskets, visit www.fishbonesdanville.com or call 434.799.9699.
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Advice for a Wedding Planner
stories, but Alan’s most emotional experience happened recently. A bride, whom he photographed 35 years ago, brought her daughter from Raleigh to meet Alan and requested his services at the daughter’s wedding. “We are beginning to book quite a few second-generation weddings,” comments Alan modestly while Kristen smiles. Maybe she’s pondering a third and fourth generation of wedding pictures to be taken by Alan Dalton Photography. After all, when Alan and Pat’s grandchildren stop by the studio every day after school, it’s very likely that one of them will catch the Dalton shutter-bug fever.
by Joyce Wilburn
Planning a wedding? Worrying about staying within a budget? Not a problem, if you listen to the advice of Kristen Dalton of Alan Dalton Photography. With a soothsayer’s confidence, Kristen can predict the top three budget items—food, flowers, and photography. But which one should have top priority in your financial plan? Displaying a wisdom beyond her 25 years, Kristen puts everything into focus with one simple question, “Which one will last the longest?” The obvious answer, of course, is photography. Ironically, longevity is one of many positive words associated with Alan Dalton Photography, a 76-year-old business, which traces its origin to the former Hitchcock Studio on Main Street. Before his years with Hitchcock, Alan worked with another local photographer. “I went to work for R.M. Compson, Jr. right out of high school to help pay my way through college,” remembers Alan, a 1976 Virginia Tech business degree graduate. A year after graduation, opportunity knocked when Raymond Hitchcock retired and Alan purchased his studio. The next year, he and Pat Perkins were married and Leslie, the first of three children, was born in 1979 followed by Kristen and Patrick. When not taking care of house and family, Pat managed the business and was soon joined
Two Exhibits Open at the DMFAH The One-Eared Cow Glass Story by Lynne Bjarnesen Just like a bull and a china shop aren’t a good combination, it could be safely assumed that a cow and a glass studio don’t mix well either. However, a new exhibit opening this month at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History will prove that statement to be incorrect. The cow in question is actually an antique, hand-carved wooden cow’s head that was found by three University of South Carolina art graduates while building their first studio in 1992. They decided that the wooden sculpture was an omen and named their new hand-blown glass business in
January 2009
Alan Dalton Photography is located at 2165 Franklin Turnpike. For more information visit www.alandaltonphotography or call 434.836.3886.
Alan Dalton stands beside his mother, Rachel, and behind his wife, Pat, and daughter, Kristen.
in the late 70s by Alan’s mother, Rachel, who kept the books. “We are the epitome of a small family business,” says the silver-haired Dalton with a look of satisfaction in his blue eyes. Although her siblings have helped on occasion, Kristen has made photography her passion and career. “She was raised around photography and has studied at the East Coast Photography School since she was 16, which gives her the best of both worlds,” Alan explains referring to the combination of traditional photo skills she learned from him with up-to-the-
minute technology learned at school. Alan admits that he is now learning from his daughter, “That’s why we work so well together—we respect each other’s talents and abilities.” Holding onto tradition but accepting the influx of new ideas brings new and returning customers to the modest brick studio on Franklin Turnpike built in 1990, which was christened Alan Dalton Photography in 1996 after the death of Raymond Hitchcock. Looking back over a career that has spanned several decades, there are many memorable
Bishopville, One Eared Cow Glass, Inc. The gallery/studio has since relocated to Columbia, South Carolina, where two of the founding partners, Tom Lockart and Mark Woodham, continue to create hand-blown vases, bowls, paperweights, bird feeders, flowers, lamps, and perfume bottles. Works from the studio of Tom Lockart and Mark Woodham will be on display in the DMFAH’s Jennings and Schoolfield Galleries, 975 Main Street, through March 8.
will be on display this month in the DMFAH’s Boatwright Gallery. Often described as an expressionist, Fitzgerald saw art as “a means for self-discovery, perhaps self-knowledge.” The process Fitzgerald used to create a painting and the resulting piece of art were answers to her self-posed question, “Who am I?” Was she someone loud and vibrant like bright, strong colors or someone more subtle and delicate like pastels and muted tones? The exhibit demonstrates that she was both, because her work expresses both the animated and quiet parts of her personality.
The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, January 9, from 5:30pm to 7pm. For more information call 434.793.5644 or visit www.oneearedcow.com. Who Am I? – Discovering Harriet Fitzgerald (1904-1984) A collection of Danville native Harriet Fitzgerald’s oils
The opening reception for Who Am I? – Discovering Harriet Fitzgerald will be on Friday, January 9, from 5:30pm to 7 pm at the DMFAH, 975 Main Street. For more information call 434.793.5644.
Wedding Planning Tips Hire a professional photographer. Owning a camera doesn’t make a person a professional. Communicate your ideas. The bride, groom, and photographer should meet a few weeks before the wedding and discuss plans. Hire a professional wedding director and photographer who can work together. Schedule the day. A director will guarantee that everything is done in a timely manner. Add ambient lighting to a candlelight wedding. Weddings held in total candlelight don’t photograph well. Book early. A year in advance is not too soon.
Untiltled Vase by One Eared Cow Glass
January 2009
As a brand new year begins to unfold before us, like one final exciting holiday gift yet to be unwrapped, we look forward to many exciting announcements for Downtown Danville. The midJanuary opening of The Invitation Destination, 411 Main Street, will start 2009 off with a bang. Owner Melissa Charles began the stationery boutique by creating invitation designs for herself and gradually expanded the offerings to family and friends. It wasn’t long before a true web business was launched. Now with a brick- and-mortar storefront, she will offer invitations, stationery and gifts for life’s special events. The new space will also allow her to present such custom amenities as on-site foil napkin, ribbon and bag printing. But that is just the beginning of the wonderful things the Danville native and her husband, Matt, will bring to the downtown location. Both seasoned performers, they have worked in many facets of the entertainment industry in New York and Los Angeles. One of their dreams upon returning to their hometown is to share their passion for the performing arts with the area’s youth. “We see the direction that downtown is taking,” Melissa
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Believe...
In the redevelopment of Danville’s Historic Downtown and the Tobacco Warehouse Districts by Liz Sater, Re-Development Coordinator
explains, “and know that we could be a part of the revitalization by making that artistic connection. It is a very special part of what drew us back to this region.” By joining forces with the City of Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Melissa is developing several opportunities for young people to learn the ropes of musical theater, television hosting and commercial appearances.
The Junior Broadway Adventure planned for mid-January will give pre-teens and teens the chance to learn about musical theater and perform for the public in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr. being coproduced by and performed at the North Theatre. Be On TV: Host Your Own TV Show will be held every morning during the week of spring break in April. This workshop is designed to give
Page 5 youngsters instruction on how to be in front of the camera, how to market themselves, and how to obtain an agent. At the end of the camp, participants will host on Danville’s TV Channel 20. For those adorable tikes whom everyone says should be in a TV commercial, an afternoon session, also Monday through Friday during spring break week, will cover the commercial auditioning process, on-camera interviews, cue card work, tips on marketing, and finding an agent. The development of arts and cultural opportunities is critical to the success of our downtown redevelopment project, because the heart of the city reflects the true character of a place. Research has shown that if young people are exposed to the arts early in their development, creativity is fostered and the capacity to learn basic skills increases. So it is for many reasons we welcome Matt and Melissa Charles and The Invitation Destination to Main Street. For more information call DPRT 434.799.5200 or The Invitation Destination at 434.791.4091 or visit www.TheInvitationDestination.com.
Happy New Year!
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January 2009
Outdoor Art Galleries Transform Towns by Joyce Wilburn
Although some believe You Can’t Go Home Again, I have the opposite problem. I can never leave Danville! Even when my body is thousands of miles away on another continent, my thoughts stay rooted in my beloved hometown. Such was the case on a recent trip to the highlands of northern Scotland. While flipping through the pages of a tour book, an ad about a free outdoor art gallery caught my eye. Just 26 miles north of my Inverness hotel, a group of dedicated volunteers had formed the Off the Wall community initiative in 2002 to create an attraction that would draw tourists to their town, rejuvenate its economy, and bring new life into its historic heart. Sound familiar? Tourists were brought by cruise ships to Invergordon’s port, but potential shoppers jumped on buses and headed to see the Loch Ness monster and other famous attractions nearby without a
How to Plan a Wedding
by Dr. Joey Faucette,Marriage Coach I’ve often said that if a couple can endure the stress and confusion of planning a wedding, they stand a good chance of staying married forever. Who would have thought that such a simple, common worship service spanning in most cases
glance at the little town through which they were riding. After months of planning, Invergordon’s Off the Wall group was able to stop tourists in their tracks by creating a free outdoor art gallery of murals depicting the town’s history. Each of their 11 murals was created by a community group, such as the golf club, a school, and the fire brigade, who declared ownership of the mural and worked with the chosen artist to decide its style and content. The volunteers of Invergordon, Scotland, had been inspired by the success of Chemainus, British Columbia, Canada, a blue-collar town that lost its major employer in the 1980s and had the idea of creating skillfully executed murals to attract tourists. Twenty years later, the town has evolved from having no tourist industry to having 400,000 to 500,000 visitors per year who view their three dozen murals and take part in a six-week long festival of arts. A performing
less than 30 minutes could transform into an extravaganza rivaling Cirque du Soleil and require more planning than some of our country’s more recent military operations? An entire industry has grown up around weddings with everything from websites, magazines, and Dummy books to bridal entourages resembling those of a rock star. With that in mind, I plead with all wedding planners to do one thing: invest as much time, energy, and money in preparing to Stay Married Forever as you do in the service and reception. You see, your wedding day is just that— one day. Your marriage has the potential of lasting a lifetime. Plan accordingly. Sure, choose your preferred colors, the desired menu and
arts theatre has been built and employment has increased due to the opening of 200 new businesses. More importantly, morale has soared and pride in their town has dramatically increased. Impressive results wouldn’t you say? Having a free outdoor art gallery could transform Danville, Virginia, just like it has small towns around the world. Now it’s your turn to let your mind take a trip to see these places. To view the outdoor art in Invergordon, Scotland, visit www.invergordonoffthewall.co.uk. To see the murals of Chemainus, British Columbia, Canada visit www.northcowichan.bc.ca and click on Visitors. To see Danville’s murals, go to the intersection of Main Street and Memorial Drive (The Old 97) or the west-facing wall of 121-125 North Union Street (Transportation) or visit www.danville-va.gov. and click on Living in Danville and then Murals.
cake, your much loved music, dresses and tuxes, your beloved friends and family, your choice invitation and flowers, and the perfect location. But above all else, choose your favorite person to marry—your friend, your confidante, your lover. And choose to learn as much about that person as you can before you are married—the conflict management styles, personality types, communication preferences, and family of origin. With this investment in your marriage, you are more likely to beat the odds of becoming stressed out and confused while planning your wedding… and will stay married forever. For more information, visit www.staymarriedforever.org.
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We Interrupt This Program What’s wrong with this picture...I pay good money to put a little box in my house that exists for the sole purpose of driving me insane. We call this thing a TV. But with all the problems it causes, I’ve decided the letters should stand for Trouble Vision. As if the writers striking last year wasn’t enough to drive me crazy. You can only take so much reality TV before your mind takes a turn. I got so frustrated that I considered hiring Dog the Bounty Hunter to catch whoever was responsible for all that mess. Even after the strike ended, my problem wasn’t what to watch but where to watch it. Ever since cable made Channel 7 the new Channel 6 and Channel 13 became Channel 12...I quit using a TV Guide. I’ve learned that if I see a weather forecast on the screen, a few clicks forward gets me The Food Channel and a few clicks backward takes me to Lifetime. I have a love-hate relationship with this little appliance, although I do watch more TV than I care to admit. It’s the scary stuff I try to avoid, like CNN or Fox...or any of those stations which have made an industry out of causing me unnecessary anxiety.
© 2009
Breaking news is right. When those words show up on the screen, I break out in hives. Still, I think the thing that frightens me the most are the tests of the emergency broadcast system. When the horn sounds and the red screen comes on, it feels like aliens have taken over the planet. I miss the days when the announcer would gently assure me that this was a test. That this was only a test...as if to pat my head and tell me to run along and play. The voice they use now must have been inspired by The War of the Worlds. The computer generated squawk-talk makes me wonder why they didn’t hand the mike to a real person. Either they’re too cheap to pay somebody or everyone in the station has already headed for the hills. But it’s not the writers or emergency tests that will soon interrupt our programs. Next month, it’s the Federal Communications Commission.
That’s when everything goes from analog to digital, whatever that means. Here’s what I know. When it happens, your roof antenna alone won’t lasso programs out of the airwaves. And you may as well give those ears back to the rabbit if you aren’t going to buy a special converter box to go with them. Otherwise on February 17, your TV will have more snow on it than a diving board in Michigan. What’s worse is that you have no choice in the matter. Either buy a new TV, get a box or go back to listening to radio shows. To soften the blow, the government is spreading the digital wealth in the form of vouchers. I don’t know the eligibility requirements, but I sure hope the Nielsen families get first dibs. It’s nice that our nation is helping out financially, but a part of me wonders if my tax dollars are best spent just so we can see Nancy Grace’s pores.
This digital TV stuff is alphabet soup. There’s DTV, which stands for Digital Television. There’s SDTV which means Standard Definition Television. There’s EDTV for Enhanced Definition Television and there’s HDTV or High Definition Television. Too bad these “definitions” don’t really explain all the fuss this causes so I can still watch Seinfeld. The changeover all comes down to dollars, not sense. And sometimes a little bit of pride. The last thing you want is for someone to walk into your den and see that your TV is a square. They’ll think you are, too. One of the biggest benefits of this switch isn’t so we can see single blades of grass at Augusta, but to improve communication between the police, fire and rescue workers. What a relief. I’d hate to think my 911 call got scrambled just so we could watch What Not to Wear. The irony of all of this is that I bought a TV to relax, not to cause me trouble. This conversion is really a crossroads. Either I can give in to the madness or I could take the time to read a book instead…maybe even visit a friend. Funny that it would take this FCC change to get me to see the big picture.
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January 2009
We’re
on Danville! Janet Laura Holley • Lewis Owner/Broker Owner/Broker
HOLLEY & LEWIS REALTY COMPANY
339 Piney Forest Rd., Danville, VA 24540
Office: (434) 791-2400 Fax: (434) 791-2122 Visit our website at
www.eraholleyandlewis.com WE’RE SELLING HOUSESSM
January 2009
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Bridal Show THE
OF DANVILLE VIRGINIA
Sunday, January 11, 2009 • 2 - 5 pm Snow Date January 18th
See the latest trends in gowns, tuxs, cakes, jewelry, photography, wedding floral designs, invitations and more!! Refreshments and Door Prizes • Grand Prize: $500 2nd Place Prize: Wedding Cake by Brenda’s Cake Palace 3rd Place: Cruise to Bahamas
Mt. Hermon Courtyard Conference Center
Visit our websites: www.danvillebridal.com • www.courtyardconferencecenters.com Phone: (434) 836-5009 Fax: (434) 836-4993 • MtHermon@CourtyardConferenceCenters.com
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• calendar of evince • Support the Tank Museum 434.836.5323 www.aaftankmuseum.com
January Through January 4
Danville Science Center Exhibits – Football: The Exhibit & Get the Message. 434.791.5160. Holiday & Candlelight Tour Chinqua Penn Plantation – 336.349.4576.
January 2
Averett Men’s Basketball vs. Carnegie Mellon University. 7 pm. AU – 434.791.5621.
January 3
DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – See pg.2 Bob Ross Painting Class – Hatteras at Sunset. 10:30 am–3:30 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848. Averett Men’s Basketball vs. Lynchburg College. 4 pm. AU – 434.791.5621.
January 5
Senior Doubles Bowling. 1 pm. Sportlanes, Martinsville. 276.634.4644. Photography Club – 7 pm. Henry County Photo Club – 276.634.4640.
January 5 (thru 26)
Pilates Class – Mon & Wed 9:30 am; Wed 7 pm. YMCA – 434.792.0621. Boogie Monday – Country Waltz. Mondays 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.
January 5 (thru March 3)
Painting w/Judie – Learn how to paint with oil or watercolor. Mon or Tues 6-8 pm or 10 am-12 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.
January 6
The Science of Winemaking – Learn the process from growing the grapes to fermentation, aging and bottling of a fine wine. 7 pm. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160. Averett Women’s Basketball vs. Peace College. 7 pm. AU– 434.791.5621.
January 6 & 8
Losin’ Those Holiday Pounds – Focus on ways to make permanent changes in your diet. 1/6-5:30 pm, 1/8-11 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848.
January 6 (thru 27)
African Dance Ensemble – Learn the beautiful art of African Dance. Tues, from 6-7:30 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Sewing Class – Suitable for beginners and experienced students. Tues 6:30-8:30pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.8848. Fitness for Older Adults, Ladies & ABSolute Fitness. Tues/Thur, 9–11 am; Ladies 10 am–12 pm; ABSolute Fitness 10:30-11:30 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848.
January 6 (thru 29)
Preschool Swim Lessons. Tues/Thurs 9:1510 am. YMCA–434.792.0621. Koates Kids Pre-School Program. Ages 3-5. Tues/Weds 9:30 am–12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848. Chicks w/ Sticks - Knitting & Crocheting. Tues/Thur, 11:30 am–1 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.
January 7, 2009
Senior Bowling Tournament. 10 am– 12 pm. Riverside Lanes – 434.791.2695. Bob Ross Technique Workshop - Hatteras Sunset. 10 am–3:30 pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221. Alzheimer’s Presentation – Smart Financial Choices in Retirement. 12–1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 x30.
Fetch! Lab - Learn ways animals survive focusing on adaptations, camouflage, predators and prey. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.
January 10 (thru 31)
Create Oil Masterpieces. Wed or Thurs – Ballou Annex 6-9pm or Glenwood 9:30am12:30pm. 434.797.8848.
Bridal Show of Danville. Mt. Hermon Courtyard. See ad page 9.
January 7 (thru Feb. 12)
January 7 (thru 28)
Guitar for Youth & Teens Class – Ages 5-17. Wed 5 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Toddler Storytime - Monkey Around. Ages 18 month – 3 years. Weds 10:15 am. Mt. Hermon Library – 434.835.0326.
January 8
Averett Women’s Basketball vs. Meredith College. 7 pm. AU – 434.791.5621.
January 8 (Thru 29)
Thursday Jammers– Enjoy listening to or playing acoustical instruments. 3–5 pm. Ballou Center. 434.797.8848. Guitar Basics Class. Thurs. 5 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.
January 9
Senior Scrapbooking Class – 12:30–2:30 pm. Henry County – 276.634.4644. Scrapbooking – Trade materials, socialize and work on your own book. 6–8 pm. Glenwood Community Center – 434.799.6469. Pork Loin Dinner Fundraiser. 5:30–8 pm.The American Legion Post 1097. egor1@comcast.net.
January 9 (Thru Feb. 21)
PAA Exhibits – Crowns, Legacy for the Generations & Works by Brian Counihan. Opening Reception 1/9, 5:30 pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.
January 9 (thru March 8)
Danville Museum Exhibits – See page 4.
January 10
Try It Out Art Classes – Pottery, Fine Woodworking, Jewelry Making or Woodturning. 9 am–1 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066. Anglers Ridge Trail Hike –9 am–4 pm. Anglers Park. 434.799.5215. Dino Day Family Festival – Exhibits, music, games, food and fun activities. 10 am–4 pm. Virginia Museum of Natural History – 276.634.4185.
West African Dance & Drumming Class. Sat 10:30 am-12 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.
January 11 January 12
Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 434.792.0601. See ad below. Clay Bead Making Class. 4:00-5:15 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Clay Meditation Pottery Class 6–8:30 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 12 (thru March)
Musical Theatre Class – Culminating in the performance of Alice in Wonderland, Jr. Mon 5:30-7:30 pm, Ballou Rec Center. Sat 8:30– 11:30 am, City Auditorium. 434.799.5214. See story page 5.
January 12 (thru March 30)
Stain Glass Class –Mon 9 am-12 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.
January 13
January 2009
January 2009 S M
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Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 14, 2009
Toddler Storytime 10:15 am Ages 18 month to 3 years. Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike 434-835-0326 Yappy Hour – Pet education class; Choosing the Right Breed. 6-7 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.
January 14 (thru April 22)
Lighten Up for Live V. 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays, 9-11 am. Ballou Center. 434.799.5216.
January 15
Tween Night @ Mt. Hermon Library 6pm Make paper snowflakes 3-D. Age 10-12. Registration required.434-835-0326 Sky Watchers – Observe Orion & Canis Major. Nightfall. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160.
January 15 (thru Feb. 5)
Intermediate Oil Painting Class – Thursdays 10 am–12 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 15 (thru Feb. 19)
Alzheimer’s Presentation – Hospice & Palliative Care - What Does It Mean? 12–1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 Polliwogs & Science Stars - Polliwogs experiment with bubbles. Stars learn the planets in our solar system. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–7 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Averett Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs. Ferrum College. Women 5:30 p.m. Men 7:30 pm. AU – 434.791.5621. Photography Club. 6:30-7:45 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.
SVAC Classes – Intro to Hand-Building Pottery, 6–9 pm; Furniture Design, 6–8:30 pm. Thursdays. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
Outdoor Cooking Series. 1/13 – Snacks for Your Pack; 1/20 – Hot & Cold Breakfast; 1/27 – Lunch That Packs a Punch. 6:30-8 pm. Ballou Center. 434.799.5215.
January 16 (thru March 20)
January 13 (thru 27)
January 13 (thru Feb. 3)
SVAC Classes – Weave Your Own Scarf, 6–9 pm; Beginning Wheel Thrown Pottery, 6:30–8:30 pm. Tues. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 13 (thru Feb. 10)
Creating Fused Glass Jewelry Class – Tues, 6–8:30 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center,
January 16
Senior Bowling Appreciation Day – For seniors 50+. 9 am–12 pm. Sportlanes, Martinsville. 276.634.4644. Classic Movie Night – 6 pm. Glenwood Community Center – 434.799.6469. Corks & Forks – Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, live music and a silent auction. 6-10 pm. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160. See ad pg.5. Swim Lessons. 6:30-7:15 pm & 7:20-8:05 pm. YMCA–434.792.0621.
January 17
Fun with Folktales - Family story time activities; 11am The Monkey and the Crocodile. Mt. Hermon Library 434-835-0326 Instant Piano For Hopelessly Busy People – Learn enough in a 1/2 day to give you years of musical enjoyment. 9 am-12 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.
January 19
Admissions Open House. 8:45 am. Averett University – 434.791.4996.
January 20
Home Improvements Class – Update Your Kitchen and Bath. 10 am. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.
January 20 (thru Feb. 19)
Life Guarding Lessons. Tues/Thurs. YMCA – 434.792.0621.
January 20 (thru Feb. 24)
Rhyme Time & Treats Too – Focus each week will be on a different nursery rhyme, creating a craft and eating a snack related to the theme. Ages 2-4. 9:30-10:45 am. Glenwood. 434.797.8848.
January 21, 2009
Toddler Story Time. 10:15 am . Ages 18 month to 3 years. Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike 434-835-0326
January 2009 Alzheimer’s Presentation – Overview of Alzheimer’s. 12–1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 x30. Fetch! Lab - Make invisible ink and decipher secret messages. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160. Averett Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs. Methodist University. Women 5:30 pm. Men 7:30 pm. AU – 434.791.5621.
January 22
Joseph Di Piazza, Pianist Concert. 7:30 pm. Pritchett Auditorium. AU – 434.791.5600.
January 22 (thru 29)
Winter Sweatshirt Appliqué Class 6–9 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 22 (Thru Feb. 12)
Adult Archery Class – Thurs 6-7:30 pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.799.5215.
January 22 (thru Feb. 26)
Tumblin for Tiny Tots – Introduction to tumbling, stretching, flexibility and other basic movement skills. 9:30-10:15 am. Glenwood. 434.797.8848. Ooey, Gooey, Muddy, Messy Adventures – Fun, messy, yet creative activities. 10:30– 11:15 am. Glenwood. 434.797.8848. Beginning Ballroom Dancing – Waltz, Swing, Two-Step & Rumba and Cha-Cha. Thurs 5 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.
January 23
Cephas & Wiggins. 7:30 pm. The Prizery, South Boston – 434.572.8339.
January 24
Ice Cup Disc Golf Tournament. 11 am-3 pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.
January 24 (thru 31)
Create a Snowbird in Clay 10am– 12 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 24 (thru Feb. 28)
Tumblin Tots – Tumbling, stretching, flexibility and other basic movements. 9:30-10:15 am. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.8848. Itty Bitty Basketball – Basic skills of basketball, using smaller balls and lowered goals. 10:30-11:15 am. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.8848. Preschool Cheerleading – 11:30 am12:15 pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.797.8848.
January 24 (thru May 25)
Amazing Butterflies Exhibit: Learn the surprising challenges butterflies face every day while exploring the relationships between caterpillars, butterflies and their natural surroundings. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160.
January 26
Clay Meditation Pottery Class (See 1/12) Bike Lanes Meeting – Find out where bike routes are and how accessible they are to your own home. 6:30-8 pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5215.
January 26 (thru Feb. 16)
Cake Decorating Made Easy – Discover the basics of cake decorating. Mon 6-8 pm. Glenwood. 434.797.8848.
January 26 (thru March 2)
Olympic Tae Kwon Do Exploratory Program – Teaching children respect, responsibility, discipline, and promoting good sportsmanship. Ages 8-14. 4:30 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Women’s Self-Defense Program 5:30 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Belly Dance Class – Mon 5:30 or 6:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.
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Getting Organized Class – 6-7 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Intro to Fine Woodworking Mondays, 6–9 pm. Southern Virginia Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.0066.
January 27
The Jungle Book. Grades K-5. 10 am & 12:30 pm. Caswell County Civic Center – 336.694.4591. Polliwogs & Science Stars - Learn about the science behind music and make musical maracas to play and enjoy. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–7 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.
January 28
Toddler Storytime. 10:15 a.m. Ages 18 month – 3 years, Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike. 434-835-0326 Alzheimer’s Presentation – Stress Management for Caregivers. 12–1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 x30. Yappy Hour. Pet education class – Potty training your puppy. 6-7pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.
January 28 (thru March 4)
Basic Bookkeeping Class. Wed 5:306:30 pm. 434.797.8848.
January 29
Coffee House – Enjoy fresh baked cookies & fresh brewed coffee. 4–5 pm. Ballou Center. 434.797.8848. Averett Women’s & Men’s Basketball vs. NC Wesleyan College. Women 5:30 p.m. Men 7:30 pm. AU– 434.791.5621. Building Skills Training for Professionals. 10 am-3 pm. Stratford House. 434.792.3700 x30.
January 29 (thru Feb. 19)
Stone Carving & Sculpting Class – Students will use traditional hammer and chisels to create forms in limestone. Thurs 6-8 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History – 434.793.5644. Fun with Folktales, family storytime activities. Stories about Stories. 11 am. Mt. Hermon Librar. 2725 Franklin Turnpike. Registration is requested. 434-835-0326
January 30
Friday Night Campfire – Enjoy s’mores, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and fireside stories. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.
January 31
Super Saturday Southside – Learn how to pay for college with this financial aid event. 9:30 am-2 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6725.
Upcoming Events February 2 Rave On. Arts in Person County. See ad page 16.
February 3
Bye, Bye, Birdie. Arts & Humanities. See ad page 16.
February 7 North Carolina Symphony. Danville Concert Association. See ad page 14.
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An Outdoor Holiday Story
by Jason Bookheimer - Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Outdoor Recreation I hope that you didn’t miss this year’s annual Luminary Trail Walk sponsored by Danville Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Close to 1,000 participants came to the Riverwalk Trail on the first Friday night in December, which far exceeded our expectations. In case you weren’t there, here is my version of what happened (with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore). ‘Twas the night before the Lighting Festival when all along the trail, hundreds of luminary candles were unveiled. The weather was cold; the wind was quiet, but families and children approached like a riot. Carolers sang happy, bright melodies, and all wanted something warm for their bellies. Around the corner when orange flames rose higher and higher, it was easy to see marshmallows roasting by the fire. A little bit further, what could this be? but a long line of people behind and in front of me. As walkers with cups and cookies passed, we were one step closer when we moved to the grass. At last we were greeted with joy and laughter; we filled our cups with cocoa, and wished it could flow faster! We turned around and to our surprise, hundreds had gathered before our eyes. We warmed by the fire and talked to a friend, then made our way around the trail that we hoped had no end. With warm thoughts, we departed through the trail of lights and shouted, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.” The 2009 Luminary Trail Walk will be held on December 4. Also, Check out the upcoming activities offered by the DPRT Outdoor Recreation: an outdoor cooking series, hikes, adult archery, disc golf tournaments and a class on Danville’s bike lanes. For more information call 434.799-5215.
Page 12 Robert Hurt’s paper-strewn desk says it all. He’s a busy man. Hurt’s not just an attorney; he’s also our district’s state senator. Representing the people of Southside is nothing new to Hurt, though. He had already served in the Virginia House of Delegates for 6 years before running for the Senate. So, what’s it like to be one of 40 senators in the esteemed upper chamber of the Legislature, rather than one of a hundred in the House of Delegates, I wondered. That’s the question I put to Senator Hurt. I could not have asked for a better or more moving lesson concerning the General Assembly in action. It was a civics lesson everyone should hear, so here goes. Did you know, for instance, that the Speaker of the House of Delegates is easily the most powerful politician in the State? Governors only serve for four years, but the Speaker can serve for many years. In addition, the Speaker of the House appoints the members to every committee. This is unlike the U.S. Congress where the minority party in the House of Representatives assigns its allotted members to committees. The Speaker in the Virginia House also controls what bills go to what committees. And since he is elected by the majority, meaning his party, the Speaker has majority support for the laws he wants passed. If he stacks the committees in his favor, he is assured that bills he sends them will find a favorable reception. On the other hand, the Virginia State Senate is totally different. The Senate has no Speaker position. It is the Lt. Governor who monitors the proceedings on the Senate floor, makes parliamentary rulings, and votes in a tie, yet he does not have any other power in the State Senate. Bills are assigned to committees based on their purpose by the Senate Clerk, a non-political, totally ministerial position held by someone who is not a member of the Senate. Further, in the upper chamber, a Senate Rules Committee appoints the members to all the other committees and deference is given to members already on a particular committee, regardless of their political affiliation. Another difference between the Senate and House is the terms the members of each body serve. The 40 members of the Virginia Senate are elected every four years, while the 100 members of the House of Delegates are elected every two years. Each senator represents more people than House members represent and thus senators have a lot more power. Hurt says that the advantage to the smaller number of senators is that “There are fewer people to deal with so it is easier to get to know people and easier to get things done.” Because the House members represent a smaller population,
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January 2009 He is a legislator and policy maker, not a historian; yet, he is in the business of making history every day. Hurt represents the 19th Senatorial District which includes Pittsylvania County, Franklin County, Danville City and part of Campbell County. The 2009 Legislative Session will convene Wednesday, January 14. To contact Senator Hurt, phone 804.698.7519 or 434.432.4600 or district19@sov.state. va.us. When contacting by email, please include full name, address, and phone number. For more information visit www.virginia.gov.
Nano in your life: a bimonthly column that explains how nanotechnology affects your life
Nanotechnology: More Than Hype by Carey Tanner, Research Scientist Luna nanoWorks, Danville, VA
An Interview with Senator Hurt by Larry G. Aaron
the tendency is toward more partisanship and more hotheadedness accompanied by intense debates. Hurt pointed out, “The Senate is not as fired up—not on the same level of passion as the House.” That doesn’t mean senators are less responsive to the people, but rather, they serve a broader constituency and are more insulated from the partisanship that engulfs the House. Hurt believes the organization of the Senate, how it operates, the length of terms and the fact each senator represents more people not only contrasts sharply with the House of Delegates but fulfills a purpose. Hurt believes, “Our Founders designed the State Senate to be a more independent body.” Hurt also noted that Senate members are generally older than House members and since he is one of the youngest senators, he’s not high on the seniority list—yet. That does not mean that his influence isn’t felt or that his votes don’t count. He says, “Seniority is important. If you’re not at the table when decisions are being made, it makes a difference.” Robert Hurt has a justifiable pride in representing our district in the State Senate, just as he did as a member of the House. “Relatively few senators have served in both bodies and this gives you
a great perspective and also great admiration for our founders in conceiving this bicameral system,” he notes. “When bills come up from the House to the Senate you see the difference in view between the two. There is always a normal tension and competition between the two bodies. If that makes it harder for legislation to get passed, maybe that’s the way it should be. If a bill gets passed into law, then it’s really been through the wringer,” explains Hurt. When talking about his opportunity to serve his community in both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly, Hurt exudes enthusiasm. Yet his humility about being a member of the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere shows through. “It is huge. It’s mind-boggling,” he exclaims. “Virginians are so lucky to have that heritage.” Perhaps that’s why, after our conversation, as I walked down Chatham’s Main Street to my car, I took a look around and thought of the town’s history, as well as that of the region. Robert Hurt is the critical nexus between the aspirations of our Founding Fathers—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Patrick Henry, and others—and the present generation.
I think I first heard the word “nanotechnology” when I was in high school. Like most things in the 1990s, this new terminology was hyped to the extreme. At the time it was claimed that within two years, nanotechnology would give your refrigerator the ability to detect sour milk and order fresh milk directly from your grocery store. While we are still waiting for that invention, we have made many accomplishments in the field, including several here in Danville. Nanotechnology is engineering at the molecular scale. An atom, the basic unit of matter -- such as a carbon, hydrogen or oxygen atom -- is unfathomably tiny. About 5 million atoms would fit on the head of a pin. Obviously you cannot see an individual atom with your eyes or touch an atom with your hands. However, scientists have successfully advanced technology so that they can now see an image that represents a single atom using a special microscope. This advancement is critical because once scientists know how the atoms are arranged, they can learn how to control them to make a better, faster, stronger widget, as Luna’s nanoWorks division is currently doing. In the last few years, Luna has learned how to manipulate atoms to make new molecule families with varying properties that may provide solutions to challenges in the health and energy fields. These technological advances may enhance Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and make the procedure safer. Luna has also developed molecules with the potential to regenerate hair follicles as well as encourage existing
January 2009 hair follicles to grow faster. This breakthrough may lead to a new technology that aids or treats hair loss. In addition, manipulating Luna’s exclusive carbon nanomaterial provides the potential ability to make solar panels cheaper and more efficient, which may offer an alternative energy solution. Through nanotechnology, we now have the tools to affect tangible positive changes in many areas of society. Luna Innovations is located at 509 Bridge Street in Danville. Keep up with developments at Luna’s nanoWorks division at www.lunananoworks.com.
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world puzzle. Then, you can have a planetary picnic and see how much a soft drink container would weigh on different planets. It’s all entertaining and educational. Oh, and if you want to weigh less, avoid Jupiter, because your pounds will more than double there. Mars, however, could be your new best friend. Space Travels is created by the Science Museum of Virginia. DSC admission is $6 for adults, $5 for youth 4 to 12 years old and seniors 60+. For more information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org . The Danville Science Center, a division of the Science Museum of Virginia, is located at 677 Craghead Street.
Around the Table
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16 oz. sliced mushrooms (all the same, or a variety) 6 eggs 1 cup whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 1 T Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. salt 2 T chopped fresh parsley 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups shredded mozzarella Preheat oven to 350º. Combine melted butter, garlic salt and dried Italian herbs. Pour butter mixture over bread cubes and toss to coat evenly. Place bread cubes on sheet pan and place in oven for 20-30 minutes until firm and crisp. Remove from oven and cool. Add one tablespoon olive oil to large sauté pan. Add sausage and
stir until sausage is thoroughly cooked. Remove sausage from pan to large bowl and cool. Add remaining olive oil to pan, if needed; add onions and mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Add onions and mushrooms to sausage and cool. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream and mustard. When combined, add Parmesan cheese, pepper, salt, parsley and garlic. Combine bread cubes and sausage mixture. Fill a buttered 9 x 13 inch casserole with half the bread and sausage mixture. Top with mozzarella, and then the remaining bread and sausage mix. Pour egg mixture over casserole. Bake for one hour or until center is firm.
by Annelle Williams
Get a Fresh Start!
Overweight? Maybe You’re Just on the Wrong Planet by Nancy Tait Is losing weight one of your New Year’s resolutions? Be reassured that somewhere in the universe, there is a planet where you’ll weigh the desired number of pounds without any changes to your diet. To find that planet, visit the Danville Science Center and participate in Space Travels, a 53-foot self-contained space environment filled with interactive exhibits for space enthusiasts. After your weigh-in, view a solar system movie and feel as if you’re flying through the canyons on Mars and around the outer moons of Jupiter. Also, discover what makes stars shine or launch a balloon rocket sled and see how far it coasts. Create a path to the moon and back in the gravity well or compare the views from a space shuttle window with the views from home in an out-of-this-
We’re all ready for a fresh start and the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to shed the old and make way for our new best efforts. At our house, getting back to basics is the first step, and for me that begins in the kitchen. I will be focusing on the economy and healthy choices, which means more meals at home. However, quality and flavor won’t be sacrificed in the effort. Less can really be more with thoughtful planning and a little extra time. Our friends and family love homemade entertaining. It’s so much easier when everyone pitches in. For a small gathering, have a “group cook”, or for larger parties, pick a theme and send recipes to your guests. You can pair recipes and guests according to their abilities and desires— after all, someone has to bring the drinks! My first thought for entertaining is usually rustic Italian. Just like our grandmothers, the Tuscan Italians cook without waste, always seasonal, and with wonderful flavor and texture. It’s worked for them for centuries, and for good reason, so why mess with something that’s tried and true? Think about what works best for you and your family and make a fresh start in 2009 with good choices, not only in the kitchen, but all through your life. Savory Italian Bread Pudding 2 loaves of rustic Italian bread, cubed (Remove any heavy crust.) 1 stick butter, melted 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 T mixed dried Italian herbs 2 T extra virgin olive oil 1 lb. Italian sausage 1 large sweet white onion, thinly sliced
photo by Joyce Wilburn
Mural Celebrates 55 Years of History by Donna Comper
Sacred Heart School was so inspired by the Downtown Danville murals that they created one of their own. Local artist and school parent, Amy Whichard, painted the mural to show a little of the school’s history and to recognize a recent accomplishment, the 2006 No Child Left Behind Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award. The large painting can be viewed from the school’s back parking lot, which has an entrance on Cleveland Street. The woman on the right dressed in the 1953 habit of the Sisters of Mercy symbolizes the founders of Danville’s oldest non-public school. The 2006 NCLB Blue Ribbon Seal on the left recognizes the school’s national award based on high standards and accountability.
Although SHS has been at 540 Central Boulevard since 1966, the original school was located in a Victorian house at 334 West Main Street, the current location of Averett University’s Mary Blount Library. In the last 38 years, it has experienced three expansions, many renovations, and the relocation of the church to the campus. The most recent improvement was the creation of the Daly Athletic Field. For more information about SHS call 434.793.2656 or visit www.sheartschool. com. SHS will celebrate Catholic Schools’ Week January 25-30. All are invited to attend an Ecumenical Prayer Service on Tuesday, January 27, at 9:30 a.m. The school will be open to the public on Thursday, January 29, at 6:15 p.m. for tours followed by a fine arts program at 7:00 p.m.
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Blending Education, Fun and Opportunity at IALR by Deborah Morehead Nearly 200 area students from the Church-Based Tutorial Program participated in sessions held in late December at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). Two after-school sessions offered elementary through high school students the opportunity to learn in a fun environment. Funded with a grant from the Community Foundation of the Danville Region, the gatherings focused on academics, nutrition, and health. Groups of students rotated through a variety of “stations” where they participated in activities such as the engineering-focused Hidden Alarm led by Danville Science Center’s Adam Goebel. Students also learned about nutrition from Gateway Health Alliance’s Director of Medical Management, Betty Starr, and Registered Nurse Megan Burch and participated in a Dance Dance Revolution game Exercise Can Be Fun. As a special treat, they were given pedometers to take home as encouragement to exercise.
January 2009 In addition, the youngsters could enroll in a computerbased, self-directed math tutoring program available on any internet-connected computer. Faith Stamps, IALR Manager of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Initiatives notes, “Access to the PLATO math tutoring program offers these students an opportunity to sharpen their math skills from home, the library, or anywhere they can go online. It is a tremendous learning tool that these kids can use at their own pace, free-of-charge.” Kenny Lewis, Sr., Director of the Church-Based Tutorial Program, comments, “This program allowed the kids to be exposed to some of the resources available in the community through the Institute and the Science Center and helped reinforce the idea that learning can be fun. We are extremely grateful to the Community Foundation for the grant money to do these programs and to the partners who participated.” Participants in the local Church-Based Tutorial Program visit neighborhood churches for homework assistance. For more information, call 434-766-6717 or email at deborah.morehead@ialr.org.
To encourage exceptional customer service, the Dan River Hospitality and Travel Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and EVINCE would like to recognize those who give it. When you experience exceptional customer service, tell us about it in 300 words or less. Include your name and phone number. Email your story to joyce@ evincemagazine.com. A mystery customer will visit your nominee’s place of business for verification. We’ll publish the best entry received. The chosen honoree will receive a small gift and a framed copy of the published story citing his/her exceptional service.
Season 56! Saturday, February 7 • GWHS Auditorium • 7:30 pm
A shimmering Mozart piano concerto, an exotic Russian tone poem and more, as the acclaimed NC Symphony returns—by popular demand.
Call for tickets 434.792.9242 • www.danvilleconcerts.org
Dr. David Hungerland at by Rosalee Maxwell Piedmont Health & Wellness is the true epitome of the by Joyce Wilburn my daughter. She concerns hometown doctor from decades moved to Washington, D.C. and past. This man and his staff was having trouble finding a go above and beyond what is physician. When I shared this expected. My 80+ year-old mom information with Dr. Hungerland, was very sick and needed an he again agreed to come in on a injection to facilitate a faster Saturday to see her. Once more, healing time. Dr. Hungerland the office followed up a few days came to work on a Saturday and later to make sure all was well. met us at the car so she wouldn’t Good customer service comes have to struggle out of the car from the top at Piedmont Health and into the office. & Wellness. This is one entire His continued thoughtfulness office that deserves a big “hats never ceases to amaze me. His off to you!” staff has made numerous followup phone calls to make sure that Piedmont Health & Wellness is she is healing. located at 4545 Riverside Drive, Another example of his Suite A. For more information, call exceptional customer service 434.799.5800.
January 2009
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Page 15
Reflecting Forward Never Again! by Linda D. Lemery
I recently heard from a dear friend who’d been responsible for planning an extremely successful conference. I sent a congratulatory note. She responded that though she was thrilled with the conference’s success, it was a lot of work and she said, “Never again!” I’ve used the NA phrase too, but somehow I always end up committing to something even nuttier the next time. Why? Because of amnesia. We forget what it’s like in the middle of a hurricane and that’s why we saddle up and ride blindly into the next escalating tropical storm. We get caught up in the
spirit of making things better for others and we say, “yes, of course” we’ll take on that tiny commitment in the distant future, an undertaking that eventually balloons into something gargantuan. Some commitments linger on and on. I remember wanting to do something nice for the personnel at our older son’s school during an Education Week in the fall and Teacher Appreciation Week in the spring. I ended up co-chairing two, week-long celebrations which were so successful that I’m still serving as the primary co-chair years later. They’re letting me ease out of it since our younger son will graduate from that same school in June.
The photo of Mabry Mill by Bobby Carlsen is on the December page of A Snapshot of Virginia..
A Snapshot of Virginia by Grete Hopkins
It’s a feast for the eyes and the belly. The Jr. Wednesday Club has put together A Snapshot of Southside Virginia, a 2009 desktop calendar with photos by ten local artists and recipes from 12 great Danville chefs. In a unique presentation, each calendar page is a work of art when displayed in a stand-alone holder that comes with every purchase. Flip the calendar pages over and you’ll find recipes for Brown Sugar Pie from the Danview Restaurant, Island Cookies from
Bronx Boy Bagels, Peach Granita from Joe & Mimma’s Italian Eatery and nine other local favorites… one for each month. Proceeds benefit those in the community who are in need. Calendars are $10 and can be purchased at Awards & Trophy Shop & Custom Framing, 761 Piney Forest Road, or by calling 434-250-0829 for more information. .
What about the time the kids wanted a soccer team at their school? What started as two parents working together and my bringing a cooler of water to practice--because I was driving kids there anyway--escalated into us organizing ad infinitum. I’m still working with the organizational piece years later. So what if we had an option on “do-overs?” What if we could go back in time and just say no? What would happen? Well, my son’s school might not have week-long celebrations in fall and spring. Maybe others would step in to organize and improve these celebrations, but what if they didn’t? In that case, I’m glad I volunteered. I think school personnel who feel appreciated
in a tangible way on a daily basis for two weeks per year make the school at least temporarily a better place for everybody. What’s so great about a soccer team? I don’t even play soccer. Why give up a zillion hours to help a bunch of kids do something that half of them may not ever have done before and might not do at all if the opportunity weren’t made readily available right in front of them? Maybe the answers to all these questions relate to something as simple as building community. Small individual efforts build on themselves to make a huge cumulative impact on a region. Maybe the NA slogan is incomplete. Maybe the real slogan should be NA-UNT: Never Again ... Until Next Time. Linda Lemery. llemery@gamewood.net, practices NA-UNT at Mary B. Blount Library at Averett University.
“God gave us memories that we may have roses in December” J.M. Barrie from the December page of The Gardens of Chatham.
Winter Weather Got You Down? Take a Peek at This by Linda Aagaard
If the weather outside is frightful, inside can still be so delightful….if you have a Seasons of Color and Beauty—The Gardens of Chatham 2009 Calendar. To create this professionallooking calendar, Chatham First volunteers tiptoed around and through their neighborhoods to find the town’s 12 most beautiful bits of Eden at their full-color peak and captured them with their cameras. Each month of the 8 1/2x 11 inch calendar contains the
usual datebook information and an inspirational quote relating to gardens or those who work in them. This is the third calendar is a successful series following the 2007 Doors of Chatham and the 2008 Churches of Chatham. To see a copy, visit Chatham businesses or Dixie Bags & More in Danville on Ridge Street or call 434.836.1094. Cost is $12. All proceeds will benefit the beautification of Chatham.
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