Evince July 07 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

July 2007

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Table of Contents Enjoy the Beach on 2

Enjoy the Beach on Craghead Street This Summer Celebrate July 4th at DSC by Nancy Tait

3 4 5

Believe by Liz Sater He Said She Said by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill Second Thoughts

Melting Pots

by Kim Clifton

The Sutherlin Mansion Goes Into Mourning by Lynne Bjarnesen Patio Dining Along Riverside at Los Tres Magueyes Restaurant by Gordon Bendall

Around the Table by Annelle Williams

Amy Boor Munn: A Danville Girl with a Danville Voice Being Heard by Many by Emyl Jenkins

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Calendar of Evince Mandy Matherly: Build It and They Will Enter by Linda Lemery

Looking at the Big Picture by Kathryn Davis

Work and Fun Blend at the IALR by Deborah Morehead Little Theatre Brings Tennessee Williams Classic to Life by J. B. Durham

Lasting Thoughts by Elizabeth Kostelny Calling All Citizens by Susan Dalton

On the Cover:

After President Washington’s death in 1799, the Virginia Assembly hoped Washington would be interred beneath a monumental statue on Richmond’s Capitol Square. Though Washington was buried at Mount Vernon, the cornerstone to the magniﬁcent bronze statue known as the George Washington Equestrian Monument was laid in 1850 and the statue was ﬁnally completed in 1869. Today, as then, the Monument exists as a symbol of America’s freedom and a reminder of Virginia’s contribution to our country’s heritage and democracy. Photograph by Robert Sexton.

Craghead Street This Summer

Even if you can’t go to the beach this summer, you can experience it close to home at the Danville Science Center’s visiting exhibition A-Mazing Sea. "This exhibit features a favorite summer destination from a completely different point of view," says Danville Science Center Director Jeff Liverman. "Bring the kids for an entertaining and challenging visit. The sounds of the ocean make you feel as if you’re underwater and the interactive exhibits teach you about seals, whales, sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and octopuses,” he adds. So, put on your best beach clothes and have some vicarious summer fun at the ocean. When you arrive, enter quietly and listen to whales talk, then prepare to climb through a turtle shell or reach into an octopus cave. Next, explore a maze presenting the sea and its creatures and current conservation issues. If there’s time, walk through a 12-foot coral reef. Also, ﬁnd hidden sea creatures in the Winding World of Walls and hide an octopus in Octopus Garden. Of course, you’ll want to discover what an octopus and a parrot have in common at Octopus Beak and crawl through a whale’s mouth to ﬁnd out what it is like to be a krill. Want to answer some brain teasers? There are questions about sea turtles and a shark quiz. For example: Which is bigger — a school bus or a whale? Peruse

Whales of the World for an answer. Solve riddles to identify the sea creatures. Answer correctly and your A-Mazing Sea passport is stamped. Even toddlers can enjoy this day at the beach in a play area for seathemed adventure. "The maze has 5 experience galleries," says Liverman. "Each is ﬁlled with interactive stations. Your entire journey is guided by how you answer questions along the way. Your answers send you around each turn. If you reach a dead end, you ﬁnd out why your answers were incorrect. Correct answers lead to more indepth information and experience galleries," he explains. After spending time in Danville’s A-Mazing Sea, Liverman can almost guarantee a change in the way you look at the ocean and its wonderful creatures. "Next time you visit the beach, you’ll see the ocean as more than a playground for humans," he says. And another nice thing about this beach on Craghead Street? Sunscreen is not necessary. A-Mazing Sea is a creation of Minotaur Maze Exhibits in collaboration with the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut. A-Mazing Sea is included with Science Center admission. Tickets are $4 for children ages 4-12 and seniors 60+ and $5 for adults. Members are free. The Danville Science Center is open Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.– 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. For more information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org. A-Mazing Sea will be at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street, until Monday, September 3.

July 2007

th Celebrate July 4 at DSC by Nancy Tait Celebrate July 4th at the Danville Science Center by making a water rocket and launching it! Customize your own rocket using a soda bottle, paper nose cones, and ribbons. Launches begin at noon and occur at the top of every hour until 4 p.m. After the rocket has been launched, visit the maze exhibit A-Mazing Sea (see accompanying article), walk through the Butterfly Station and Garden to learn which plants the butterflies and caterpillars favor, and check out different animals and minerals from around the world in the Womack Collection. Test your talents at Danville Science Center’s interactive gallery stations. At the end of the day, stay for the free patriotic concert and fireworks display at the Carrington Pavilion. The 10th Annual DSC Fourth of July Bash is included with Science Center admission. Tickets are $4 for children ages 4-12 and seniors 60+ and $5 for adults. Members are free.

FOR SUBSCRIPTION: Mail your name, address, phone number, and a check for $15 (12 issues) to EVINCE Managing Editor, Evince Subscription, P.O. Box 2396, Danville, VA 24541. Deadline for submission of August stories, articles, ads, and calendar items is 5pm on Thursday, Aug. 23.

July 2007 There are many works in progress in the downtown and tobacco warehouse district. Some are small, some are large, but all are huge for the local economy. Downtown Danville’s newest retail business is Lou’s Antique Mall, opening in the old Schewel’s building, 231 Main Street. Lou Ogden and husband Robert have three antique malls in Amherst County and over 27 years of experience. They are excited about playing a part in the resurgence of Danville’s downtown and tobacco warehouse district. Antique stores are a big draw for tourists. It is not unusual for antique lovers to drive an hour or more to shop on weekends. Lou’s Antique Mall, with up to 50 vendors and 25,000 square feet of vintage merchandise, is a destination that will attract shoppers from across the region. While in Danville, these visitors can continue shopping for specialty clothing, shoes, handmade handbags, local artwork, custom-made jewelry, gourmet chocolates and many other items, helping to increase customer traffic for other retailers. Lou’s will provide an opportunity for local food vendors to attract new customers, as antique-ing can build a healthy appetite when done correctly. Downtown restaurants have typically seen slower traffic on the weekends when banks and law offices are closed, so increased

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Believe...

In the redevelopment of Danville’s Historic Downtown and the Tobacco Warehouse Districts by Liz Sater, Re-Development Coordinator

activity on Saturday and, yes, even Sunday afternoons, will be a welcome change. The Ogdens are also giving locals a reason to discover the possibilities downtown. Local antique vendors can enjoy the visibility of being right at the Gateway where Highway 58 and Highway 29 meet. Lou offers vendor space at a reasonable rate for those who do not want the responsibility or overhead of owning their own shop, but still want to buy and sell nice antiques, glassware and collectibles. Lou and Robert are optimistic about the success of the Danville mall, which provides an important northern “anchor” for the downtown shopping district. Lou has introduced herself to the other merchants, becoming familiar with their stores so she can make recommendations and answer questions about the area. She plans to employ local staff while she tends to the Amherst properties,

but “Mr. Robert” has cast a twinkling blue eye towards the nearby loft condominiums that are being built. “Maybe we will just pick up and move the whole operation to Danville,” he quips with a smile. Another project getting off the ground this month is Bronx Boy Bagels bakery and delicatessen, 316 Main Street. Steve and Judy Salamon, transplanted three years ago from New York, had completed the renovations to their Victorian home when they decided that the peace and quiet was just, well, too quiet. They missed the freshly baked bagels and pastries that were customary in their old neighborhood. The solution? After several months of renovations inside and out, Bronx Boy Bagels will provide a mouthwatering taste of New York right here in River City, and that spells trouble for low-carb dieters in town. Even that shouldn’t keep you away – there are plenty of fresh deli

Page 3 meats, cheeses and salads to keep you slim and satisﬁed along with the traditional bagel and cheesecake fare. Dine in, take out or enjoy the attractive option of outdoor seating on the sidewalk or in the quaint patio area. Bronx Boy Bagels serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, and on Friday and Saturday nights—live music and your favorite beverages on their second ﬂoor. On Sundays, they even offer the New York Times as a side dish. These new businesses will impact our local economy by paying sales tax and property tax in our community. They will employ Danvillians who will spend their wages locally. And they will draw visitors and new money into our community, stimulating and strengthening our economy. Now, that is just huge.

Danville Receives City of the Future Award

In April, Foreign Direct Investment Magazine listed Danville as the 4th best Micro City (population under 100,000) for Economic Potential. FDI’s recognition of Danville is the third acknowledgement of economic development excellence in 2007. Site Selection magazine ranked Danville as one of the nation’s Top Metros (pop. between 50,000 and 200,000) and Trade & Industry Development highlighted the Swedwood project as a Top 15 Corporate Investment & Community Impact project.

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July 2007

He Said

DCA

She Said

by Larry Oldham

by Dena Hill

July must mean it is time to start making vacation plans. When the kids were young, this was a pretty simple task. Where are the most RIDES going to be? Now that the kids have escaped and are making their own vacations plans or having their own vacation woes, here we are! I, of course, like certain places to prop up my feet, get up and go to bed when I want to, get a soda on my own schedule with no one to answer to except my spouse, of course. If I can get her to agree to where I want to go and plan the vacation, she does pretty well. After all, she is a very eventempered person who only lives to make sure I am happy at all times; that is, after the children, the dog, the ﬁsh, people at work, people at church, the neighbors, our friends, the UPS man and whoever is delivering the mail this week. New York to me is exciting, especially Manhattan--the plays, the food, and the shopping choices which amount to hundreds of stores to peruse. Myrtle Beach is nice--good food, the roar and splendor of the ocean and that new mall is not bad either. Atlanta, Gatlinburg, Virginia Beach, Florida. All of these places I can go and relax and have a good time. Vacation to her is staying at home and getting all of those jobs done that WE (and I use that term lightly) can accomplish working together as a team. I call them projects. Blowing insulation into the attic, mulching around the house, painting all of the bedrooms does not constitute vacation time to me. Heck, I might as well be at work where I have it easier, plus I get paid for being there. Maybe I’ll tell her I can’t take vacation this year because I’m too busy. At the very least, I’ll get out of having to ﬁx gutters or what other ideas she puts into that job jar.

Teaching school all year and getting home at 4:00 or 5:00 every day does not leave me a lot of time to get my “projects” as you call them started or even close to being finished. What you call projects is what other families call keeping your house up. The house won’t fix itself. In the past when I mentioned vacation destinations, you would sort of turn up your nose and make a face or question why I would want to go to those places. I did notice your ears perk up when I told you that they had a Wal-Mart in Hawaii. You are the only man I know who can take two days to drive to Atlanta, which is normally a five-hour trip, because you have to stop at every mall, Wal-Mart, Kmart, produce stand, and hobby shop between here and Georgia. I have been to Myrtle Beach with you more than once and I don’t think in all of those times have I actually been on the beach. I am not sure if you even know there IS a beach at Myrtle Beach. However, I do know every store in the Outlet Mall, regular mall, and every fleabitten piece of memorabilia at the flea markets. I think visiting the cathedrals and museums in London or the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower in Paris would be exceptional vacations. But the problem for you would be no Wal-Mart, no mall--only exotic food that you don’t like, a foreign language that you don’t speak and a lot of walking, which you are allergic to. I imagine a vacation in Europe with you would be a week of all WHINE and no cheese. The best thing to do is stay home. I’ll do my projects. You sit on the porch drinking your tea and reading your books. I’ll be happy; you’ll be rested, and we’ll both save money. But I’m not cooking. Vacation week...you are buying dinner out every night. HAPPY VACATION.

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Melting Pots If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But, if Old Man Winter traps you indoors with only dried cheese and stale bread, invent fondue. Which is pretty much how it happened in 17th century Switzerland. Talk about simple. Rachael Ray could make this meal in less than 30 minutes…probably during the commercial break, in fact. In those days, all they did was toss the stiff cheese in a pot and melt it. Then, they chopped the loaves into cubes, stabbed the bread with a fork and swirled it in the goop. The Swiss hoped their guests wouldn’t realize that supper was recycled leftovers, sometimes even sweetening the pot with a little wine. So, even if they did notice, maybe they wouldn’t care. This concept of communal consumption has really evolved since then the 17th century. Fondue is no longer a survival ration; it’s an entertaining appetizer or a three-course dinner. Best of all, you can actually use a wedding gift...making it worth the trouble to pull out the pan,

matching skewers and a tiny Bunsen burner. It’s a campﬁre experience… without the tents and mosquitoes. Eating this way is like catching your supper from a pier… requiring steady hands and patience. Jerk back too fast and you’ll end up with an empty hook. If this happens, resist the temptation to rescue any drowning cubes. Poking inside the bubbling vat is not only considered in bad taste, but will get you kicked out the pool. While it’s been a big hit for centuries, fondue is really just social sopping…and makes about as much sense as eating popcorn with a spoon. Although it does make mealtime fun.

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Making mealtime fun is a secret ploy to get you to eat something that you’d rather not. Making mealtime fun starts in the highchair. One minute you’re opening the hangar for the plane

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to land…and the next minute, you’re swallowing strained peas. Make it fun and people will eat it. Stick a paper umbrella in it and people will drink it. Like the time our friends ordered a specialty cocktail at a birthday banquet, served in a Bundt pan. After we leaned forward to claim a straw bobbing in the canal, I took one swallow and decided that was enough. It reminded me of the days when my toddler nephews offered me sips from their cups…always with a ﬁlm of crackers ﬂoating on the surface. So, I didn’t stop drinking because the fruity concoction tasted bad. I stopped drinking because I was afraid of backwash. In the 1600s a desperate housewife took a dried chunk of old cheese and heated it in a pan. Combing her pantry for something to go with it, she only found stale bread. She chopped it into perfect cubes, grabbed some long forks and made hors d’oeuvres history. And all this time I thought the Swiss were only famous for army knives and bank accounts.

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Bartlett-Yancey High School Spanish teacher, Paloma Vega, and friends enjoy the food and ambience on the patio at Los Tres Megueyes.

Patio Dining Along Riverside at

Los Tres Magueyes Restaurant by Gordon Bendall

Ramon Fabian knows it takes a lot of hard work to realize the American Dream, and that it doesn’t come overnight. His loving wife, his three schoolage children, his successful restaurant business, and his cozy home in Danville, all make Fabian a very happy man. But he also sees that it’s going to take a lot more hard work to keep it that way. And that’s just ﬁne with him.

The Sutherlin Mansion Goes Into Mourning by Lynne Bjarnesen

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, housed in the historic Sutherlin Mansion at 975 Main Street, will follow 19th century funerary customs to commemorate the death of Major William T. Sutherlin on July 22, 1893. The mansion will be in mourning from July 22 through August 31. Sutherlin, who was born on April 7th, 1822, was one of the most inﬂuential men of 19th century Danville. His funeral memorial book notes that, “For more than 40 years Danville has been engaged in no public enterprise of which he (Sutherlin) was not the originator or an active promoter. Danville has known no educational, church or charitable enterprise to which he was not a liberal contributor of means, time and talent.” Prominently identiﬁed with the tobacco industry, at his death Sutherlin was head of the Sutherlin Meade Tobacco Company. Mayor and alderman for Danville and a member of Main Street Methodist Church, Sutherlin was a strong supporter of the railroad and was involved in developing higher education statewide.

“Ever since I started working, I’ve been in the restaurant business. The days can be long and hard but I enjoy it very much,” Fabian says. “My uncle opened Los Tres Magueyes fifteen years ago in Cary, North Carolina, and we opened here three years later. It was not easy at first. After the first two years, business was so slow we almost closed. But now, I think more people are ready to try Mexican food and we’re doing fine. If we can get folks to come here and try it, we can get them to come back.”

Though a somewhat reluctant signer of the Virginia Secession Ordinance and was Quartermaster of Danville during the Civil War, nonetheless Major and Mrs. Sutherlin opened their home to President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet during the last days of war. It was in the Sutherlin Mansion that Davis authored his last Proclamation to the Confederacy, thus ensuring the Sutherlin Mansion’s place in history. Major Sutherlin had built his Italianate mansion in 1859 as the grandest house in Danville and his widow continued to live in the mansion until her death in 1911. Sutherlin’s friends knew him as “a strong, sympathetic and helpful companion.” While known as a shrewd entrepreneur, he also was known as a “natural born diplomat,” and for his “never failing hospitality.” Sutherlin’s “cordial hospitality welcomed with equal warmth to his palatial home, the President of the Confederate States and the poorest visitor.” A gentle and urbane man, Sutherlin preferred the life and the pleasures of home and family. Sutherlin died unexpectedly of angina at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 1893, creating “a shock of sadness and surprise throughout the city.” All day Sunday mourners poured into the residence to pay their last respects and later crowds gathered on the mansion

July 2007 According to Fabian, one of the favorite dishes at “Los Tres,” as many regulars around town call the Riverside Drive restaurant, is the Chimichanga. Not only is the dish fun to pronounce, it’s delicious: tortillas ﬁlled with beef tips or chicken with refried beans on the side, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, nacho cheese and guacamole. Another favorite is the cheese dip appetizer. Of course, chips and salsa are served in abundance and some say their margaritas are the best in town. You be the judge. There’s excellent service and colorful ambience—the wait staff is costumed, the tables and chairs are artsy—and now a new feature, the incredible patio that holds up to 76 in addition to the space for 150 inside. Los Tres has entered a new era. “People love our patio,” Fabian says, “I never imagined it would be so popular.” The alfresco dining area is more than a patio. It is enclosed on all sides by sculptured walls and roof overhead. The space is protected yet free—like the air in Cancun. With a decade-and-a-half of satisﬁed customers and new ones arriving every day, Fabian has done more than build a successful business. He’s found a home. Which undoubtedly is why he told me, “You get to meet so many nice people in this business. It seems like everywhere I go, people say, ‘hello’. We really like it here. It’s a nice quiet town and a great place to raise kids.” The restaurant is open seven days a week with service until 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sunday Los Tres closes at 9 p.m.

grounds to follow the large cortege to Main Street Methodist for the funeral and to Green Hill Cemetery where he was buried with Masonic rites. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History will follow the Victorian traditions associated with death. Black wreaths and crepe will be placed on the front doors, a custom to prevent casual visitors from disturbing the grieving family. Mirrors will be covered with black crepe to prevent one from seeing one’s image, thus being the next to die. Black crepe will cover doors to prevent reﬂecting light. Anything shiny or with sparkles connoting richness and festivity, considered out of place while honoring the dead, will be removed. Shutters will be closed. The piano also will be closed as was the custom to discourage merriment. The parlor will have ﬂowers, which were used to keep down the odor of death. The length of time for keeping a house in mourning varied depending on the status of the deceased. In keeping with Major Sutherlin’s importance to Danville, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Museum will observe these customs from July 22 until August 31. There is no charge to visitors. For more information phone 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org.

July 2007

Around theTable by Annelle Williams

For a July Feast Make It Juicy Burgers & More Want to begin your July picnic with a bang? Try using this sureﬁre recipe for juicy burgers that will have your guests begging for the secret ingredients. Top them with slices of smoky cheddar cheese with chipotle peppers, lettuce, and beefsteak tomatoes for the ultimate burger. Add a piece or two of crispy bacon for one more ﬂavor layer that will make your burger absolutely irresistible. For all the healthy stuff, just one trip to the local farmers' market offers great choices for side dishes. Toss cut vegetables (peppers, onions, asparagus, okra, zucchini, for example) in a little extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper, and then place them in a grill basket to roast. Add grilled fresh corn on the cob dressed with savory herbed butter to round out a great summer meal. To make the herbed butter for corn, let salted butter soften and add your favorite chopped fresh

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herbs (parsley, dill, chives, thyme), and seasonings (lemon pepper, roasted garlic, sea salt) in your choice of combinations. Place the savory butter on a sheet of waxed paper and roll into a log. Refrigerate until ﬁrm. Slice into rounds and serve with the hot roasted corn. To make this a family affair, give the kids the dessert assignment. With a Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker it’s all play and no work, and the ﬁnished result is delicious ice cream. Put rock salt and ice in the outer part of the ball, ice cream ingredients in the inner cylinder, lots of rolling and tossing, and 20 to 30 minutes later you have a quart of homemade ice cream. Add fresh fruit and you have a dessert masterpiece.

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Juicy July Burgers 1 lb. ground sirloin 1 lb. ground chuck 1 lb. mild Italian sausage removed from the casings 1/3 cup barbeque sauce 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. pepper 2 tsp. roasted garlic and bell pepper seasoning 12 slices Cheddar cheese with chipotle peppers 12 soft hamburger buns Mix the meats together with your hands, or gently with a fork. Add the sauce, salt, pepper and seasoning and continue to mix until blended. Divide meat in half, then fourths. Make three patties out of each fourth. This will help you form twelve equally sized burgers. Form gently and don’t over compact to keep your burgers from being too dense. Brush grill rack with oil. Place burgers on grill over medium direct heat. Don’t press on burgers with the spatula. Cook for 4 minutes on one side. Turn and cook another 4 minutes or to desired doneness. Add cheese just a couple of minutes before removing from grill. Place burgers on buns and cover with foil until ready to serve.

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Amy Boor Munn: A Danville Girl with a Danville Voice Being Heard by Many

by Emyl Jenkins

While many of her 8 th grade classmates at John M. Langston Junior High School were struggling with “angry parents” and spouting “angry words,” Amy Boor was gathering images that would find their way into the stories she weaves in her adulthood. Those were hard years in Danville, especially for the students who left Robert E. Lee Junior High and were sent to the previously segregated black high school and those students previously at Langston who were transferred to George Washington High School. Remembering that era Amy says, “The words that we used for each other, the words that we used against each other, the excuses, the amends, the understanding and the humanity of that place and that time are the stories of my life.” To which now must be added, award-winning stories, for Amy Boor, now Amy Munn, has won the statewide 2006 Unpublished Manuscript Contest sponsored by James River Writers and Richmond Magazine. Though Amy didn’t realize it at the time, all the while she was growing up in Danville, she was following the ﬁrst rule of a writer’s life according to that great Southern writer, Eudora Welty. Listen. It was a lesson well-learned, for now Amy, speaking of her characters, says “there is a cadence and rhythm in the everyday life of most places. My characters speak Danville.” But while the adolescent Amy was listening to the voices around her, she was also observing and cataloguing her impressions of the places that still today make Danville a special place. “I played in a childhood friend’s Main Street Victorian home that was haunted,” she says, pausing to add an emphatic “honest” to her remark. And, she remembers playing pirates on the cannon on Marshall Terrace and baby-sitting in an old restored house next to Sacred Heart Catholic Church “where my brother came and rattled the windows as I shook with fear.” Some twenty-plus years later, the poised, but reserved, University of Virginia graduate’s eyes dance when she now admits that the boys she dated often “drove me through brown, spent cornﬁelds in Jeeps.” Making the greatest impression on Amy’s fertile mind thought was “an

July 2007 old woman who lived in a basement apartment of a tobacco baron’s mansion on Main Street.” Remembering the scene, Amy lapses into a reverie while mixing impression with imagination to describe this woman from her youth: “She was a hundred years old and had skin like aged parchment and black eyes made blue with age that seemed to be wisdom. She babysat the neighborhood children. Her name was Mariah, like the wind. Her stories are intertwined with mine like the wisteria that grew out the door to her small, unhappy apartment.” It is little wonder that though Amy’s novel is not about Danville, she still used the name Mariah in creating the title of her prize-winning manuscript, Mariah’s Daddy’s House. “I have not yet written a story about Danville,” Amy says, adding, “I think it’s because I am still deciphering all of these memories. But I was raised in Danville. I am a Danville girl. The stories that I write, the words that I hear, the people that I love, and the characters that have spoken to me often originate from Danville, my hometown, just as I have.” In the meanwhile, Amy Munn is pulling stories from other aspects of her life for the written page, and fine stories they are, for when the renown Southern author Lee Smith recently read the Danville native’s manuscript she lavished it with praise: “Here comes a great big and big-hearted novel, timely in its portrayal of a poverty-level family in crisis, timeless in its themes: how to trust, how to love again after enormous loss and pain. You’ll find yourself rooting for these fully realized characters (black and white alike; adults and especially the children). A sweet, gritty, utterly rewarding novel.” While Amy awaits further word from the publishing world about the future of her manuscript, she has begun her next novel and continues her busy life working at the Albemarle County Department of Social Services. She and her husband, blacksmith David Munn, have a combined family, one that she laughingly says is reminiscent of the Brady Bunch on steroids—her four children and David’s two. Her father, Andrew Boor, is a Danville CPA, and her mother, Anne Richards, works at Henry Hurt’s Chatham bookstore, Shadetree Rare Books, and substitute teaches at Hargrave Military Academy. But when, in the moments she manages to finds, for writing, Amy Boor Munn does more than just look around her, she reaches into her past for, as Eudora Welty also noted, writing stories is mostly hindsight.

The June 8th opening of Founders College’s Fine Arts Academy at 217 Main Street, South Boston attracted visitors to their Gallery from throughout the region. Shown here at the opening is Tamara K. Fuller, Co-Founder of the college and its Chairman and CEO, along with Lee Sandstead, Chair of the Department of Art History. EVINCE encourages art lovers to visit South Boston to see the ﬁne exhibit, gallery and studio spaces in this beautifully restored building. And while there, take in the delights of South Boston’s revitalized and burgeoning Main Street area.

July 2007

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• calendar of evince • Support the Tank Museum 434.836.5323 • www.aaftankmuseum.com

July

July 3 (thru 31)

Through July 24

Busy Bee Summer Camp -Different themes with activities, games, arts and crafts. Ages 3-5. Mons/Tues 9:30 am-12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

Through July 26

Summer Camp at the Hive -Different themes with emphasis on music, games and story time. Ages 3-5. Wed/Thurs 9:30 am-12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

Through July 27

Bumblebee Fridays -Spend the morning playing outside, show-and tell, etc. Ages 3-5. Fridays 9:30 am- 12 pm. City Armory Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

Through July 30

Forms in Clay - adult art class. 6-9 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644.

July 4

Community Celebration - Danville Choral Arts, Danville Symphony Orchestra, children’s area, food vendors & ﬁreworks. 5 pm - dark. The Crossing at the Dan - 434.797.2666.

July 5

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 5 (thru 28)

African Dance by Nguza Saba -Learn the beautiful art of African Dance. Thurs 4:30-6 pm; Sat 10:30 am-12 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

July 6

Through August 12

Exhibit - Artisans & Craftspersons In The Dan River Region Exhibit. The Prizery - 434.572.8339.

Through August 19

Danville and the Culture of Tobacco Exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

Through September 3

Amazing Sea Exhibit. See page 2.

Through January 18

Beyond Jamestown: Virginia Indians Yesterday and Today Exhibit. Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville - 276.666.8600.

Wynnes Falls Frolic -Relax and explore the inlets, coves, and river life along the amazingly scenic Dan River. Outdoor Recreation 434.799.5215. Fridays at the Crossing - The Groove Train, Disco Night. 6 - 9 pm. Carrington Pavilion -434.793.4636. Music Under the Stars -Meadows & Taylor (Classic Rock). Reservations recommended. 7 pm. Cooper’s Landing, Clarksville - 434.374.2866. Jazz in the Courtyard at The Berry Hill Estate trumpeter Rex Richardson 8pm $15 434.575.0575

July 6 & 7

ATVA Extreme Dirt Track ATV National. Birch Creek Motorsports -434.836.7629.

July 1 & 2

July 6 (thru 8)

Danville Braves vs. Princeton Devil Rays. 7/1 -4 pm; 7/2 -7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. (See 7/1)

July 7

July 2

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball. 7:20 pm. Hooker Field. Martinsville Mustangs 276.632.9913.

July 2 (thru 30)

African Dance by Nguza Saba -Learn the art of African Dance. Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Boogie Mondays - East Coast Swing. Mondays 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center 434.799.5216.

July 3

DRBA’s First Saturday Outing -6.5-mile ﬂoat on the Mayo River. 10 am. Anglin Mill Beach. - 336.349.5048. Bob Ross Painting Class - Lighthouse. 10:30 am-3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building - 434.797.8848. Danville Preservation League Meeting -A Board of Directors, Ofﬁcers, Chairpersons, etc will be formed in this budding preservation organization. 7:30 pm. Residence of Tom Belles and Carla Minosh on Main St.-703.282.5418.

July 9

Danville Chess Club. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216. Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

Auto Race - South Boston Speedway 1.877.440.1540.

July 3 & 4

Fitness For Older Adults. Tues/Thurs 9-11 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Ladies Fitness. Tues/Thurs 10 am-12 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Yoga -Tuesdays 5:30 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

Danville Braves vs. Kingsport Mets. 7/3 -7 pm; 7/4 -6 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park 434.797.3792.

July 9 (thru 12)

Instructional Course Through Longwood University -MATH 655: Functions & Algebra

“This summer, we’re under a tree reading; come join us!” Visit a Real Bookstore!

Chatham Books 10 N. Main St. • Chatham, VA 24531 www.ChathamBooks.us

434•432•2488

Books • Journals • Stationery Hours: M-F 10-5 • Sat 10-3

for K-8 Teachers. 9 am-3:30 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 434.766.6793.

July 9 (thru 13)

Summer Art Camp -Clay Creations II. Ages 7-9. 9 am-12 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644. Sutherlin Guard Civil War Camp. Ages 8-12. 9 am-12 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644. Today’s Technology Camp - Learn the latest in innovative computer programming. Grades 6-8. 9 am. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Glenwood Community Center -434.799.6469. Summer Science Day Camps -Oceans Alive! Ages 3-5, 9:30 am-12 pm; Ages 5-7, 1:30-4 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Summer Science Adventure Camps -The Science of Engineering. Ages 9-13. 9:30 am-12 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Kollege for Kids - Various activities from photography, cheerleading, gymnastics, and much more. Times/Ages Vary. Rockingham Community College -336.342.4261 X 2104. Summer Art Camp -Batik on Paper & Cloth. Ages 10-12. 1-4 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644.

July 10

Photography Club. 6:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex Building. 434.797.8848.

June 10 & 11

Kiddie Kraft Kamp. Ages 3-5. 10 am-12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

July 11

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 11 (thru 13)

Overnight Camping Adventure. Ages 9-12. Outdoor Recreation -434.799.5215.

July 11 (thru 14)

Danville Braves vs. Johnson City Cardinals (7/11 & 12). Braves vs. Greeneville Astros (7/13 & 14). 7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792.

July 12

Learn to Stencil. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216. Concerned Person Workshop -For family members, loved ones, and close friends of those with alcoholism and other addictions. 6:30-8:30 pm. Cedar Haven -434.799.3318.

July 13

Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2) Music Under the Stars -Cash & Coronas (Acoustic Rock). (See 7/6) Jazz in the Courtyard at The Berry Hill Estatevocal virtuoso Stephanie Nakasian and pianist Hod O’Brien 8pm $15 -434.575.0575

July 2007

JULY 2007 S 1 8 15 22 29

M 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

W T F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28

July 13 & 14

Celebration of the Lion King - The musical showcases talent of over 80 local children and teens from M-HC area. 7/13 - 7 pm; 7/14 -2 & 7 pm. Carlisle School Auditorium. 276.340.3533.

July 13 (thru 21)

Dixie Youth State Tournament. Freedom Park. Eden Parks & Recreation -336.623.2110.

July 14

Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail Excursions. 6 am-12 pm. Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve. Outdoor Recreation -434.799.5215. Auto Race - South Boston Speedway 1.877.440.1540. Family Movie Night in the Park -Yours, Mine & Ours. 9 pm. Ballou Park. Outdoor Recreation -434.799.5215.

July 15 & 16

Danville Braves vs. Elizabethton Twins. 7/15 - 4 pm; 7/16 -7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792.

July 16 (thru 19)

Instructional Course Through Longwood University (See 7/9-12)

July 16 (thru 20)

Summer Art Camp -Animal Art. Ages 4-6, 9-10 am; Ages 7-8, 10:30 am-12 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644. Summer Science Day Camps -Camp Creepy Crawly. Ages 3-5, 9:30 am- 12 pm; Ages 5-7, 1:304 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Violin Camp. 9-11 am, ages 5-7; 1:30-3:30 pm, ages 8-12. The Prizery - 434.572.8339. Kollege for Kids - Various activities from painting, environmental issues, desktop publishing and much more. times/ages vary. Rockingham Community College -336.342.4261 X 2104. Summer Art Camp -Art in Nature. Ages 10-12. 1-4 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644.

July 17 & 18

Kiddie Story Kamp. Ages 3-5. 10 am-12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

July 18

Summer Camp Fun Day -Crafts, games, water activities & a ventriloquist. 10 am-3 pm. Crossing at the Dan. 434.797.8848. Food-Based Business Workshop -Regulation and Licensure. 10 am-3 pm. Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (HEC), South Boston. IALR, 434.766.6793. Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 19

Stepping Stones Class. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

July 2007

•

Chamber Night at Martinsville Mustangs Ballgame. 7 pm. Hooker Field.

3-5. 10 am-12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

Women of Faith, Walking by Faith of Danville. 11 am-1 pm. The Colonade Room. 434.793.8140 Jazz in the Courtyard at The Berry Hill Estate stellar bassist Freeman Ledbetter with legendary pianist Yusuf Salim 8pm $15 -434.575.0575 Danville Braves vs. Martinsville Mustangs. exhibition game. 7:20 pm. Hooker Field. Martinsville Mustangs - 276.632.9913. Music Under the Stars -Tray Eppes (Solo Acoustic). (See 7/6)

Danville Braves vs. Burlington Royals. 7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792. Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 20

July 20 & 21

Truck & Tractor Pull. Fri. - 6 pm; Sat. - 5 pm. Danville-Pittsylvania County Fairgrounds -434.822.6850.

July 21

Moratock Lake Paddle Fest. 2-6 pm. Camilla Williams Park. Outdoor Recreation -434.799.5215. Harvest Jubilee Concert Series - Joe Nichols and Tracy Byrd. Gates Open 6 pm. Carrington Pavilion - 434.793.4636. Saturday Night Under the Lights -Super Motocross Series. Birch Creek Motorsports -434.836.7629. Auto Race - South Boston Speedway 1.877.440.1540. Danville Braves vs. Bristol White Sox. 7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792. Gospel Sing. 7 pm. Best Auditorium, Morehead High School, Eden NC. Dodson Ministries - 336.623.6190. Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 22

Pride in Virginia Day! -Chef of the month, live music, fresh foods & more. 8 am-12 pm. Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market. 276.638.4221. Danville Braves Doubleheader. Braves vs. Bristol White Sox - 1 pm; Braves vs. Burlington Royals. 7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792.

July 22 (thru August 31)

Sutherlin Mansion Goes Into Mourning. See page 6.

July 23

Danville Chess Club (See 7/9) Art Classes with Judie - Instruction on oil and watercolor painting. Mondays or Tuesdays. times vary. Ballou Park Annex Building. 434.797.8848. Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant - 434.792.0601. See page 6.

July 23 (thru 27)

Summer Art Camp -Recycled Art. Ages 7-9. 9 am-12 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644. Summer Science Day Camps -By Land, Sea or Air. Ages 3-5, 9:30 am- 12 pm; Ages 5-7, 1:30-4 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Radically Wild Adventure Camp -Kayaking, cave exploring, rock climbing, ﬁshing, and an overnight camping adventure. Outdoor Recreation -434.799.5215.

July 24 & 25

A Sip of Summertime Workshop. Ages

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July 25 & 26 July 26

Cross Stitch Class. 1-2 or 7-8 pm. Ballou Recreation Center - 434.799.5216.

July 26 (thru August 4)

Always ... Patsy Cline. 3 pm - 7/28; 8 pm -All other dates. The Prizery - 434.572.8339.

July 27

Cantaloupe Festival. Halifax County Fairgrounds - 434.572.3085. TGIF Outdoor Concert - Music by Men of Soul, food & beverages. 7-10:30 pm. Uptown Martinsville - 276.632.5688.

July 27 & 28

Danville Braves vs. Blueﬁeld Orioles. 7 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park - 434.797.3792.

July 27 (thru August 5)

Peter Pan - The story of a boy who never wanted to grow up. PHCC Walker Fine Arts Center. Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville - 276.632.3221.

July 28

Reptile Day. Virginia Museum of Natural History - 276.666.8659. Tomahawk Mill Winery’s Summer Festival. 1-6 pm. 434.432.1063.

July 29

Danville Braves vs. Martinsville Mustangs. exhibition game. 7:20 pm. Hooker Field. Martinsville Mustangs - 276.632.9913.

July 30 (thru August 3)

Summer Art Camp -Elements of Art. Ages 10-12. 9 am-12 pm. The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History -434.793.5644. Summer Science Day Camps -Camp H2O. Ages 3-6. 9:30 am-12 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Summer Science Adventure Camps-What’s the Matter? Ages 8-12. 9:30 am-12 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

July 31

Positive Parenting Workshop -Explore positive behavior support techniques that REALLY work! 6:30-8:30 pm. Cedar Haven -434.799.3318. Martinsville Mustangs Baseball (See 7/2)

July 31 & August 1

I Made It Myself Workshop. Ages 3-5. 10 am-12 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

July 31 (thru August 24)

PAA Exhibit. Transformed by Light. Piedmont Arts Association, Martinsville - 276.632.3221.

Upcoming Events August 3

Friday’s at the Crossing - Paradox. 6 - 9 pm. Carrington Pavilion -434.793.4636.

August 5

Musical Event -Darrell Scott, noted Americana Singer/Songwriter. 7:30 pm. Artisan Center, Martinsville -276.632.0066.

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What can you give your children for their 40th Birthday? Give them the gift of

Music...

the gift that lasts a lifetime Danville Community School of Music

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July 2007

Mandy Matherly: Build It and They Will Enter

The 2nd Annual Build-Off for Muscular Dystrophy by Linda Lemery

a good beginning never ends

A Music and Movement Program for Children ages Birth to 7 years • Play Musical Instruments • Singing • Movement & Dance • Musical Games • Listening • Creative Storytelling • Children’s Literature

“Music Makers: At the Keyboard” (a “Musikgarten” beginning piano course for children ages 7-9 yrs.)

Call now to register for Fall Classes. Make sure your child gets the class you prefer and get an Early Bird Discount too! Lynn Dinkle 791-3868 email: lynndinkle@yahoo.com Classes held in Danville at West Main Baptist Church

Mandy Matherly is a star, academically and personally. Right now Mandy is immersed in organizing the 2nd Annual LEGO® Build-Off as a charity fundraiser to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Danville resident Morgan Hall who has muscular dystrophy (MD). While that generous gesture is noteworthy in itself, Mandy sees her brainchild of the LEGO® building competition as offering something special to the area’s children. The event provides them the opportunity to use their minds and imaginations during the summer by designing and building, while, as she says, they are also learning “the true gift of giving.” Mandy’s excitement about this event is contagious when she shares some of the benefits she’s heard that have come from it. “I had one parent tell me that at dinner one night her children prayed that children with muscular dystrophy would get better,” Mandy says. The way the event works, anyone who loves building with LEGOs®, whether aged 4 or 100, can compete. Participants, working individually or in groups no larger than three, build their own unique masterpieces prior to the day of the event, even spending all summer on their pieces if they wish, but they have to register by August 2nd and only the first 100 entries will be accepted. On August 4th, participants will display their work at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. That day each member of the public will vote for a favorite by placing money in the jar set by each entry. The competitor with the most money wins. To help swell the kitty, local businesses can sponsor participants by matching the amount of money in that participant’s jar. Those wishing to add support for this worthy cause can send checks to Muscular Dystrophy Association, 220 Cedar Crest Lane, Danville, VA, 24540. Donations of goods and services as well as funds are also being accepted to help support the event which is now in its second year. At last year’s competition, which combines imagination and building skills, the entries included everything from models of a naval ship, a SpongeBob SquarePants, a fire station with emergency vehicles, to a computer with “MDA” written on the monitor. The winner was a big complex with a swimming pool and a robotic elevator.

Mandy Matherly and Morgan Hall

Beyond the fun received and reward of doing something to help someone else, every participant receives a prize, but, Mandy says proudly, “The top prizes are really awesome. For the first annual LEGO® Build-Off, the first, second, and third prizes were $100, $50, and $25 Wal-Mart gift cards. Rankings were for first through sixth for prizes and then two honorable mentions. Everyone else received gift certificates to Ham’s Restaurant.” But she promises that “the prizes this year will be even more awesome.” And speaking of prizes, since the real winner is Morgan Hall’s MD fund, Mandy reminds everyone that because there is no entrance fee she encourages members of the public and supporters of each entry to “bring money to support the event.” The money raised will stay in the Southside area and will help send people who suffer with MD to summer camps, help with general medical expenses, and support research for a cure. Now the rest of the story and how this local event came to be, for how

Mandy Matherly thought up this project is a story of its own. A sophomore at James Madison University majoring in biotechnology so she can help cure diseases like MD, Mandy graduated from the Galileo Magnet High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma in June 2006. But it was through many community service projects in high school that she learned she had a talent for fundraising and although away in school, Mandy saw a unique way to combine her education and her personal talents to help others in her own hometown. “Morgan Hall and I had gone to summer camp together,” Mandy explains. “He impressed me as a nice person, so I decided to use my skills to do something special for him. One of his passions is LEGOs®, so I focused the [first] MD event around LEGOs®. I have come to care a lot about Morgan and his family. I really want to see them happy.” That ﬁts perfectly into the big picture of a young woman whose personal goal in life is “to help as many people as I can before my time on earth is over. This is my way of helping right now.” Which is how this event came to be. To help children like Morgan and support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, register to enter the 2nd Annual LEGO® Build-Off by contacting Mandy Matherly at 434.334.8324. But there’s more… By supporting this event you and your family or business will also be setting an example of what a community can do to encourage young people with visions and dreams to help other. EVINCE salutes Mandy Matherly. We expect to hear more about this young woman in years to come. The money in the jars will be counted at 12:30 p.m. and prizes will be awarded around 12:45 p.m. Directions to IALR are posted at http://www.ialr.org/contact.html; scroll down to Driving Directions.

July 2007

by Kathryn Davis As much as I like to see the good in this world, I have to admit, there’s an awful lot of pain in it too. The other day I spoke with an elderly friend of mine, who told me about how he had spent his childhood being bounced from one foster home to another, never feeling truly loved or at home. The same morning, another friend told me how she had grown up with an alcoholic father, as had her mother before her. She said she had longed to hear her dad say, “I love you,” but those words never came. We also talked about two mothers she knew whose sons had recently graduated from high school and would soon be deployed to the life-threatening cities of Iraq. My elderly friend asked me, “Where’s the joy in life?” I thought about his question and then answered, “You ﬁnd it in the little things.” As we parted, I couldn’t help thinking about our conversation. Sure, there’s a lot of pain in life. The older we get, the more

•

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loved ones we’ll lose, the more hurts we’ll experience, both physical and mental, and the more disappointments we’ll encounter. But the good part about aging is that we can ﬁnally take the time to savor and appreciate all the sweet moments of life--the interesting person you meet by chance, the unexpected cool, breezy day in the middle of summer, the spontaneous smile of a child. Later that same afternoon, I received an e-mail from my sister in Montana, who loves to send me every feel-good message that she receives. The ﬁnal line was a real grabber: “What God leads you to, He’ll lead you through.” Life isn’t easy, but it is a gift from God that He wants us to enjoy. Yes, there is a lot of pain in this world, and if we live long enough, it will eventually touch us all. But instead of dwelling on the bad, wouldn’t it be a lot more fun to open our eyes to the little everyday things that bring us joy? I, for one, love looking through my “rose-colored glasses.” You know, the ones that help you see that everything will always turn out all right. I choose to look for the joy in every moment, and I don’t want to miss out on even the smallest possibility.

Page 13

Itʼs a Firecracker of a

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007

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July 21st

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The Danville Harvest Jubilee

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JOE S NICHOL Aug. 24th

2007 CONCERT SERIES

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: DANVILLE WELCOME CENTER �� 645 River Park Drive, Danville, VA (8 AM-5:30 PM, 7 Days A Week)

Gates for all concerts open at 6 PM Credit Card Purchases: No outside beverages or food allowed. (434)793-INFO(4636) Lawn chairs permitted on lawn. (Visa & Mastercard) Concessions & favorite beverages available on site. Online: www.visitdanville.com

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Greenville

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Work and Fun Blend at the IALR by Deborah Morehead College students Heather Terry and Josh Lewis believe summer internships are a very effective way to develop competent job skills while having fun. Both are enjoying their stint as interns this summer in the Information Technology Department at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville. They earned the internships as winners of the IALR’s technology scholarships awarded to area high school graduates as part of the Danville City and Pittsylvania County School’s Graduate of Distinction/Merit programs. The IT scholarships, which also include a cash prize, were awarded to Terry and Lewis because of their accomplishments in the IT curriculum at their high schools and their interest in pursuing an IT college degree. Terry is a 2006 Chatham High School graduate and Lewis graduated from Galileo Magnet High School. A Business Information Technology major at Virginia Tech, Terry says, “Every day there is something different. I’m loving it." In addition she is sure this experience will definitely help when she returns to school. "I’ll be ahead of the game,” she says referring to Java, a programming language course she will take in the fall. For Lewis, who will begin working at East Carolina University’s Information Technology and Computing Services as part-time computer lab technician this fall while pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Information and Computer Technology, "It is exciting to see how researchers apply and use various technology resources to assist in their research efforts.” He is learning a lot about Microsoft Server 2003 administration as well as Cisco IP telephony and has played an active role in its recent deployment at IALR. "I will be able to apply a lot of the things that I have learned, when preparing for Cisco Certified Network Professional exams as well as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer exams," he says. The IALR internship is not Lewis’ first IT internship. He worked on website design at the National Aeronautic and Space Association in 2003 and for the Danville Public Schools. His future plans include a PhD and work in research and information technology management. Nancy Franklin, IALR Senior Director of Planning and Academic Program Development, has high praise for this program, "Interns have, through their work at the Institute, had opportunities to learn about a range of cutting-edge technologies in a dynamic environment. Since 2003, these experiences have launched 10 students into local professional IT careers, as well as into graduate

July 2007 studies in technology-related ﬁelds." The IALR IT interns are two of 25 students placed with area companies and organizations as part of the IALR Summer Internship Program funded largely by a grant from the Tobacco Commission. The program is aimed at students interested in pursuing careers in STEM- (science, technology, engineering and math) related ﬁelds. For more information about internships at the Institute, contact Tijuana Harris (Manager, K-12 STEM Initiatives) at 434.766.6744 or tijuana.harris@ialr.org.

Little Theatre Brings Tennessee Williams Classic to Life by J.B. Durham

As any Danville resident can attest, July can be blazingly hot. This year that maxim promises to hold true once again, but nature will get a hand when The Little Theatre of Danville, brings the steamy, emotional Tennessee Williams classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to the North Theatre. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is one of Williams’ best-known plays and, like much of the late playwright’s works, uses the dark, often hidden underside of the Deep South as a backdrop for its action. The play portrays one evening in the lives of the Pollitts, a Mississippi family steeped in Southern traditions and lifestyle that is in swift decline. Set in the family’s mansion, the play follows the family members through one evening of turmoil and conﬂict. Central to the plot are Maggie “The Cat” and her husband, Brick. Maggie, having risen above her povertystricken childhood, married into the wealthy Pollitt family, but her union with Brick is less than ideal. He, an aging football hero, has taken to heavy drinking following the death of his best friend and all but ignores the frustrated Maggie, who loves Brick despite his neglect of her. The entire family lives in the shadow of patriarch “Big Daddy,” who built the family fortune and whose impending death will redistribute it. Drawn together for the ostensible purpose of celebrating Big Daddy’s birthday, the family members jockey for position to inherit Big Daddy’s wealth. Directed by Mavis Brantley-Lloyd, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will be presented at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, July 6-7, with a 2 pm matinee on Sunday, July 8, in the North Theatre, 629 North Main Street. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door. Advance tickets are available at Danville Arts & Humanities, 635 Main Street, at The Brown Bean, 1799 Memorial Drive, and at Foxglove, 1011 West Main Street. For more information, visit www.danvillelittletheatre.org .

July 2007

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Lasting Thoughts

A Tool For Creating Danville’s Future—Historic Preservation by Elizabeth Kostelny, Executive Director, Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities

EDITOR’S NOTE: On June 25th, representatives of the National Trust and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) visited Danville and the Long Mill. They were shocked and dismayed to find demolition already underway. When I spoke to Elizabeth Kostelny, APVA’s Executive Director, immediately after their tour of the Long Mill property, she said that the National and State representatives “were struck by the real value of the Long Mill property.” Further, she said that despite the claims to the contrary, they were amazed at “how well preserved the Long Mill is.” Because EVINCE is a monthly, not a daily, paper, as I write this we do not know what the status of the Long Mill will be the middle of July. But I do know that the wisdom expressed in Ms. Kostelny’s “Lasting Thoughts” has no expiration date. Hopefully, Danville’s citizens who have watched the methodical destruction of other Danville landmarks over the years will heed these words. For, as Ms. Kostelny writes, “preservation and adaptive reuse are the very tools that have helped other Virginia communities realize an economic renaissance.” Should every “old” building in Danville be preserved? No. Of course not. And to give credit where credit is due, several of our fine old structures have been saved. But stop and think…. Haven’t new businesses and industries moved in those sites? Hasn’t that been for the good of the community? Can’t we see that random and willful destruction of the best of our City’s assets is foolish? Ask yourselves, how are other communities able to take their “old” buildings and use them to improve their economic well being, but Danville tears her assets down? What happened when other communities called in National Trust and AVPA experts and listened to them? Success stories. Success for the communities and their citizens. Knowing the interest Danville’s citizens have shown in the preservation of the Long Mill and its long-term ramifications for the region, why haven’t public forums been held on this vital issue for Danville? Our local elected officials as well as the City of Danville officials must share considerable blame for the rapid decision to ignore the experts who have more experience with preservation and adaptive reuse than they have. Our leaders have chosen to ignore the experts’ advice, experience, and assistance, while other communities listened. It is not too late to let your voice be heard. As Virginians, we value our historic and natural resources. As a Commonwealth, our constitution says it is the Commonwealth’s obligation “to conserve, develop, and utilize its historical sites and

Incorporating preservation into a strategy for the future will allow Danville to remain true to its heritage as Danville remakes itself into a vibrant participant in the 21st century. buildings” for future generations. When you speak with people who are visiting or who have moved to Virginia from out of the state, one of their first compelling reasons was our wealth of historic and natural resources. These resources are Virginia’s distinction. Yet each year threats to these resources come from many sources. In 2005, APVA (Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities) Preservation Virginia began releasing Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Sites list. Like the larger, national inventory of sites supported by the National Trust, Virginia’s list is gathered from nominations offered by citizens, local governments, and other non-profits concerned about sites that are threatened by demolition or neglect. An objective committee of experts then review the nominations to consider the level of threat and the possible solutions that can turn back the threat and provide a successful outcome. Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Sites for 2007 includes sites in urban as well as rural communities. The threats are real, but so are the solutions. APVA Preservation Virginia believes that solutions begin when a light is shone on the threat. APVA Preservation Virginia has received at least one nomination from Danville each year. In 2005, it was the Worsham Street Bridge. Last year, it was the Schoolfield Mill District. Both remain in jeopardy. One Schoolfield building at the district’s gateway was demolished shortly after the designation to make way for the cookie-cutter design of an urban chain pharmacy. This year two more significant sites, Danville General Hospital and the Long Mill, were announced by APVA from the steps of a third threatened structure, the Main Street United Methodist Church Building. Given the continuing threat to a large number of Danville’s architectural treasures, APVA Preservation Virginia designated the entire City of Danville to the list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Sites. Local preservationists tell us the threat appears to originate with the

City of Danville itself. Danville has not recognized the need to endorse preservation and adaptive reuse not only in the Tobacco District and Downtown, but in all of its old neighborhoods. Yet preservation and adaptive reuse are the very tools that have helped other Virginia communities realize an economic renaissance. Yes, preservation is a tool for increasing heritage tourism. Yes, preserving these resources can recall earlier and often brighter days in a community’s history. Most important, however, preservation is an essential tool for using the real assets of a community for progress and growth. These elements make a community such as Danville appealing and distinguish it from other communities. Utilizing these assets has tangible advantages: creating jobs, making possible tax credits, and offering potential grant funding. You can learn more about how other communities have used these tools to enhance their economies by attending a Preservation Summit scheduled for September 8th. Look for more information to come in the weeks ahead. Incorporating preservation into a strategy for the future will allow Danville to remain true to its heritage as Danville remakes itself into a vibrant participant in the 21st century. Danville can and will become a place not only to visit and tour, but to live, work, and invest. Do not allow demolition and new construction to deny the character that makes Danville such a special place. Lend your voice and your support to preservation efforts not just to save the past, but also to create the future.

On September 8th, APVA will hold a summit in which they will demonstrate how other communities similar to Danville have gained success through rehab. Through “real world examples” they will show Danville how it, too, can push forward even in light of the City’s shifting economic base by using the City’s historic resources combined with State, Federal, and New Market tax credits to work for the good of the community. EVINCE will bring you more details of this exciting opportunity in the August issue.

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Calling All Citizens by Susan Dalton

A few years ago I would drive past Danville’s beautiful historic homes knowing that owning one was out of my grasp. When I began the process of buying a home I decided to look at the historic market even though I thought it was a waste of time. However, I learned that the incentives and benefits offered to people who renovate historic homes actually make it more affordable. My love of old buildings began with the log tobacco barns that were so plentiful when I was a kid. Sadly, the barns that are still around now are falling down and overgrown. I worry that Danville’s historic treasures will become extinct just like those old barns. I would hate to see them meet the same fate due to neglect and apathy. If nothing is done, one by one they will fall and soon we will find ourselves looking around wondering what happened. The legacy of Danville’s past should not be destroyed by the very people whom it can continue to serve and benefit. What if our city could bring in an industry that could make it a more inviting place to be? The tourism industry contributed more than $16 billion (yes, I said billion) to Virginia’s economy in 2005. Heritage tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry; heritage tourists stay longer and spend more money than other kinds of tourists. The growth of heritage tourism in Virginia provides Danville with an OBVIOUS way to create jobs and promote local business development. Historic preservation is the key to developing a successful heritage tourism industry in Danville. What if I told you that preservation has directly created more than 26,000 jobs in Virginia? Or how about the fact that preservation has produced $48 million more in household income in Virginia as compared to new construction! OK, you preservation naysayers… it makes more sense now, doesn’t it? Hopefully when you read this the Long Mill will still exist. At the time I am writing this I have learned that a demolition permit has been approved. Make no mistake there will be efforts to stop the destruction of this historic landmark. I was told by a city employee that the property belongs to private citizens and they can do what they want with it. Okay, then why did I have to apply with the Commission of Architectural Review to make changes to my private historic property? No wonder the APVA named the entire City of Danville one of the most endangered historic sites in Virginia. Please join the fight for historic preservation in Danville, whether it’s because your social conscious is urging you or because you can’t bear the lost revenue. I belong to the Danville Preservation League, if you would like more information about our group please email me at dalton.susan@comcast.net. Thanks for your support.

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July 2007