Evince September 07 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

September 2007

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September 2007

Table of Contents A Celebration of Rural America 2 A Celebration of Rural America by Lynne Bjarnesen

Believe by Liz Sater

Cover Story Art – A Life-Changing Experience by Lee Sandstead Linda Gourley Printmaking on Exhibit by Lynne Bjarnesen

Second Thoughts How Do You Like Them Apples by Kim Clifton

He Said She Said by Larry Oldham and Dena Hill

Around the Table Easy Outdoor Entertaining by Annelle Williams Wedding Planner and Author to Speak by Cathy Farley

A Home to Call Their Own… Protecting Area Bluebirds by Vickie Fuquay

Looking at the Big Picture by Kathryn Davis Adults Needed for Corks and Forks “Experiment” by Niki Fallis and Gayle Barts

10 11 12

Calendar of Evince Expressing Hope, Joy, and Comfort Through Music Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Laurie Moran Points North by Jerry Meadors

Wreck of the Old 97 to Be Remembered Averett Launches Authors on Campus Series by Susan Huckstep Great Gatsby Jazz Party and Stew Day by Lynn Umstead

Saying Goodbye to Fatima Tedeyeva by Deborah Morehead

Lasting Thoughts Why Historic Preservation? by Rob Nieweg and Emyl Jenkins

On the Cover:

Turkish Jar and Tomatoes (oil on canvas) by Linda Crawley was awarded Honorable Mention in Still Life in the Art Renewal Center’s prestigious International Salon competition in 2006 and in the same year was also accepted into the Oil Painters of America National Show in Chicago where it was purchased by a private collector.

by Lynne Bjarnesen

A collection of prints by American Regionalist artists will be on display at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History from September 9 until October 28. This exhibit, which represents over 20 artists who captured their new vision of rural America in prints, is important both historically and aesthetically . Shortly after the turn of the century, American artists sought to liberalize the art establishment from the grip of European studio painting. The movement exploded into public awareness in 1908 with the exhibition of The Eight, a group that was dubbed the Ash Can School because of their gritty subject matter, including New York street life, and the artists’ slapdash technique. More receptive critics, however, recognized their contribution to the American Scene movement. Working in vastly different styles, artists such as Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, and Grant Wood, left sophisticated New York and Paris to return to their roots to capture the sights of America’s rugged, rural hinterland. The current exhibition, A Celebration of Rural America, fully illustrates the fascinating history of the American Scene movement that developed into Regionalism in the full grip of the Depression

While the Sun Shines by John Stockton deMartelly

of the 1930s. Thus from the prints of Benton, Adolf Dehn, and Stow Wengenroth and others, we gain an appreciation of the vast patchwork quilt of eclectic cultures that forms the fabric of our nation. Come celebrate rural America through the eyes of these artists. In conjunction with this exhibit, the museum presents its 4th Annual Writing Gallery Competition from September 9 to October 16. Participants view artwork and use it as a stimulus for uniting their visual and verbal skills. Contestants will write an original poem or short story that is a personal response to one of the prints from the exhibit A Celebration of Rural America. Winners will receive cash

awards, a year’s membership to the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, and a "reading basket" from the Danville Public Library. Judges will be provided by the Danville Public Library. For more information, contact Sharon Hughes 434.793.5644 or visit the Museum at 975 Main Street.

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.

September 2007 Clang, clang, clang went the trolley when it made its debut in midAugust as a downtown shopper-andvisitor shuttle. It was a big day for downtown Danville. After weeks of sweltering weather, the inaugural day dawned cooler and less humid with a light breeze blowing. The community market was bustling with local farmers, craftsmen and eager shoppers. With easy and ample parking, it was the perfect place to start a “park and shop” project. The trolley pulled up on the back side of the market as it will do every Saturday through October 6--maybe even during the holiday season if there’s enough interest. Riders boarded for free, thanks to the combined support of the Downtown Danville Association, participating downtown merchants, and the City of Danville Transit Department. Traveling to lower Main Street, the trolley began its half-hour run at its ﬁrst stop: Lou’s Antique Mall, Bronx Boy Bagels, Carolyn’s House of Flowers and Antiques, Marie Farris Photography, In Good Taste Chocolate Café and Wood’s Menswear. Each stop is easily identiﬁed by a sign with a trolley icon. The next stop in front of Hotel Danville eliminated the dreaded chore of climbing up Main Street on foot to reach such stores as Rippe’s and Rippe’s Shoes, Main Street Coffee Emporium, Commonwealth Silver and Gold, Hile’s, and River City General Store.

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Believe...

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

As the trolley continued its route, taking a left turn onto Ridge Street, shoppers were given easy access to Dixie Bags and More Gift Shop and Gallery, Compson Studio and Biscuitville, plus a close-up view of some of the renovations that have been done to Jefferson Street properties. The next part of the trolley ride passed the beautiful mansions along Millionaires’ Row. One of the best things about riding through town instead of driving is the opportunity to watch the scenery instead of the trafﬁc. After a turn-around in front of historic Mt. Vernon Methodist Church, the next stop was the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Although the museum is not open on Saturday mornings, this stop was within easy walking distance to Midtown Market and Yene’s Fusion Café, and also accommodated those interested in taking the Victorian walking tour of the area. The last stop on the run, as the trolley returned to the community

Come on! Do the Locomotion! Danville’s Old 97 Rail Days Sept. 22–23 Model railroads travel through tiny towns. Saturday only, tour the Norfolk & Western caboose. Visit the Old 97 wreck site and other Danville-area museums (additional fee required).

Plus!

677 CRAGHEAD ST. DANVILLE, VA (434) 791-5160 dsc.smv.org

Opens Sept. 22 John Payne's interactive sculptures combine science, technology and imagination. Set largerthan-life mechanical animals into motion and explore the science behind their movements.

market, provided another pickup point near the intersection of Main and Craghead before turning onto Bridge Street for a view of the new developments in the Tobacco Warehouse District. Despite the trolley’s success, not every store and business could be included on the route due to time limitations and available space for it to stop. Yet many merchants, including Abe Koplen Clothing, Amburn and Co. Salon, and VC Restaurant, not included in the run, still support the trolley. That speaks volumes about their commitment to Downtown Danville and their willingness to contribute to the good of the entire district. For a nostalgic, fun-ﬁlled Saturday, hop on the trolley and experience the fun of it all. Do what Judy Garland did...go for a jolly tour on the trolley, feel your heart strings zing, and enjoy the best of Danville...old and new.

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September 2007

Free Art Classes with Celebrity Instructor at Academy of Art at Founders College

40 Years of Making Your Dreams Come True Nut Gatherers. by William Bouguereau

Art—A Life-Changing Experience by Lee Sandstead

“The Action People” 470 Piney Forest Road

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Toll Free 1-800-296-1049

Learn to Draw and Paint in the Old-Master Tradition Academy of Art at Founders College has brought the world-renowned ‘classical’ ﬁne art instruction program to South Boston, VA. With roots in the Renaissance and the great Academies of the 19th century, these ﬁne art programs offer a step-by-step, proven approach to traditional drawing and painting. Beginners and experienced artists may start at any time. No portfolio required! Everyone can succeed following this triedand-true system. Select from part-time, full-time, short workshops, or the BFA degree option. Call 434-228-3512 to sign up for one or more sessions now: Tues. 1:30 - 4:30; 6:30 - 9:30 Wed. 9:30 - 12:30; 1:30 - 4:30 Thurs. 9:30 - 12:30; 1:30 - 4:30 Sat. 9:00 - 12:00; 12:30 - 3:30 FREE classes Sept. 11 & 12 To see details and get the emailed art newsletter, visit: www.FoundersCollege.com/ Curriculum/FineArtPrograms.html

South Boston resident Jane Edmunds has been in love with art almost her entire life. She actually dabbled in painting until 1971 when the responsibilities of her dairy farm began consuming all of her time. Thirty-six years later Jane has returned to art by joining a group of students in a week-long, still-life intensive course at the Academy of Art of Founders College. Located on South Boston’s historic Main Street, the Academy is a new arts institution in the town’s growing arts scene and part of a larger movement designed to study and enjoy the works of classical masters such as Michelangelo and Leonardo. But why study and enjoy this type of art? In a word, it is can be lifechanging. I first discovered the complete transformative power of classical art in 1994. During a philosophy conference in Chicago, one speaker absolutely blew me away as he explained that not only can art inspire, it can help one achieve greater clarity, meaning, and value in the perceptual realm. In essence, classical art can further connect us to nature in deeply intimate and passionate terms. Want to get fired up over trees? Look at beautifully stylized landscapes. Want to get fired up for your girlfriend’s beauty? Look at beautifully stylized women. I neither grew up surrounded with art, nor did I have any appreciation for it when I went to college. After the Chicago conference, the first painting I fell in love with was William Bouguereau’s Nut Gatherers. The sheer benevolence and admiration of the older girl’s face blew me away. To this day I say that if my soul looks like this girl’s face when I am ninety-years-old, then I will have a lived an extremely successful life. Today, I serve as Chair of the Department of Art History at

Founders College. Our art history program will study such forgotten artists as William Bouguereau (1825-1907)—once the world’s “prince of painters”—and the Academy of Art will teach the techniques used by these masters. The art-history program, while offering a generalist degree, offers the first concentration in a type of art called Academic Art, which ruled the art world from 1860-1922. This is the era that produced the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and much of the art found on Richmond’s Monument Avenue. Interestingly, many of these artists were never studied but were entirely skipped in favor of the new avant-garde artists such as Picasso. That’s what makes this fine arts program exciting and unique--the classical artistic teaching methods are the result of 600 years of study, reflection, scientific study, and simple trial-and-error. The curriculum is the culmination of Michelanglo’s studies. Leonardo’s. Rembrandt’s. It is also about William Bouguereau and John Singer Sargent. Cindy MacMillan, the faculty instructor, is a contemporary realist painter who has worked and studied internationally, most recently graduating with a MFA degree from the New York Academy of Art. One of her greatest influences was her time spent under the master painter Michael John Angel in Toronto, Canada and Florence, Italy. Cindy and I both invite everyone to come and learn about art and to become an artist. As Ms. Edmunds says, “I’m signing up for classes. There has never been anything like this in the area before!”

Artist-instructor Fernando Freitas will open the new ﬁne art studio and degree programs September 11th and 12th at Academy of Art at Founders College in South Boston. Members of the community, artists, and students are all welcome to participate in free art classes on either or both days as part of Founders College Opening Week. Whether teaching at his home school (Academy of Realist Art, in Toronto, Canada) or on location in New York, Montreal, the Cayman Islands, or South Boston, Freitas is an award-winning, hands-on, personable educator who routinely inspires art students of all ages to master traditional drawing and painting, and to win prizes internationally. Speaking about a short-term workshop under Fernando, student Craig Berry says, “I learned more in those two weeks than I did in four years at art school.” To reserve a seat, call 434.228.3512 or email AcademyofArt@FoundersCollege.com.

Linda Gourley Printmaking on Exhibit by Lynne Bjarnesen Local artist Linda Gourley’s works will be on exhibit in the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History Boatwright Gallery until Friday, September 21. Gourley uses a variety of printmaking techniques, including hand-colored etching, collography, and chine colle, along with collaging textiles, ink colors, and handmade papers to create fantastic and whimsical prints. Inventing innocent and simple human and animal forms, Gourley’s works represent humorous and magical situations set in rainforests, gardens ﬁlled with spirituality, and imaginary fairytale kingdoms. The contrasting qualities of such elaborate artistic technique combined with Gourley’s naive and child-like characters, produce a vitality of expression that is unique in style and content. A Pittsylvania County native, Gourley, attended Arrowmont Art School in Tennessee, Penland Art School in North Carolina, and received a bachelor’s degree in art from Averett University. Gourley is a full-time professional artist and a part-time art teacher at Forest Hills and Schoolfield Elementary Schools, as well as a parttime instructor at the Danville Museum. She has won several awards from juried exhibitions at Centerfest Art Show in Durham, North Carolina, the Roanoke Art Show, and the Piedmont Park Invitational in Atlanta.

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How Do You Like Them Apples When hundreds camped out this summer to buy the new iPhone, call-waiting took on a whole new meaning. Only someone with the patience of Job could tolerate the mobs clamoring for ﬁrst shot to pick that Apple off the shelf. Mind you, this is no ordinary cell phone. You can take photos, make a movie, check your email, read a map, listen to music, and browse the newspaper, all in the palm of your hand. And as if that’s not enough…you can really call somebody. Provided you can actually get your hands on one, of course. Seems the more the Apple people persist in putting an “i” in front of their products, the more people want them, witness iPods and iMacs. This branding reminds me of McDonalds with all of its McThis and McThat. Once-goofy names like McNuggets and McMufﬁns seem routine to us now. So much so, that convincing my Aunt Flo awhile back to go into a McDonalds and order a box of animal cookies was pretty easy.

“Just ask for them. They’re called McCritters,” my cousin Barbara and I assured her as she shut the car door. And then we howled as we sat in the backseat, watching her inside ﬁrmly pointing to the menu while a confused McCashier scratched his head. Granted, it was a mean joke to pull, but some transgressions are worth a few extra days in purgatory. Macintosh folks get it. This is a “me” generation so putting “i” in front of products attracts kids today. In contrast, Bill Gates mistakenly thinks we’re thrilled to keep installing his replacement Windows. I’ve always been a PC person, so until now my primary experience with “i” was that it came before ‘e,’ except after ‘c.’ And that was about it.

Then again, I’m old school. My classroom notebook had a Blue Horse logo on the cover and offered redeemable coupons. The only thing blue about today’s electronic notebooks is the Bluetooth technology that connects them. Call me a geezer, but over the years, I’ve watched how fast the shiny can wear off something new. Companies are hard-pressed to be on the cutting edge…to be unique. Which probably explains the crazy logic behind using START to tell your computer that it’s time to stop. Even though I work in the technology ﬁeld, the real truth is that iStupid when it comes to this iStuff. Like text messaging…the shortcut communication I’ll never master. It’s perfect if you want to disguise the fact that you

can’t spell or make a complete sentence. But it’s problematic if you send one to people like me who struggle to decipher personalized license plates at stoplights. I’ll never forget my phone displaying a mysterious message that ended with TTYL. I didn’t know what to think, except maybe, “Vanna, I’d like to buy a vowel.” Truth is that as machines get smarter, we get dumber. What’s worse is that technology gets smaller as it gets bigger. I maintain that the complexity of the gadget is directly proportional to the size of its keypad. So while kids love these thingamajigs, I personally can’t see it. Not without direct sunlight and a good pair of reading glasses, that is. The iPhone is the most recent harvest for those who subscribe to an Apple a day. I guess that means that the rest of us can just go to Dell.

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He Said Friday, September 21 6 to 10 p.m. Danville Science Center Station 677 Craghead Street, Danville, VA

Enjoy tasting a variety of wines, specialty beers, heavy hors d'oeuvres and an exciting auction. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Danville Science Center. Questions? Call (434) 791-5160, Ext 204. Proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Danville Science Center.

She Said

by Larry Oldham

by Dena Hill

Do you remember back when you were 16? Just about time you began realizing how significant girls were in your life, you also realized that the girls at school were different from your sister—especially if you were going to ask one of them for a date. That got to be a major fear for some of us, not because we were shy, but because we were terrified of being rejected. But that was then. This is now and dating now that we are older brings on a whole new plethora of major troubles and fears. Don’t get me wrong. I love dating, but relationship rules have changed. The biggest problem at sixteen was what movie to see or what to wear to the prom. Now I’m older, the question is still which movie to see and what to wear to church. But these days my significant other also has an opinion— usually an opposite opinion. My fiancée says if I wear my brown suit, it will clash with her new black outfit. She wants to go to the movies, but it has to be between three and five, nothing scary, nothing with too much blood, and though she wants popcorn, “they cook it in saturated fat and they put too much salt on it”. Now I know this sounds trivial, but I am trying to stay away from the controversial issues when dating as you get older like, raising children differently, sharing expenses, household duties (hers and mine), visiting relatives, choosing which friends to pal around with, how long we stay visiting each mother’s house, where we go on vacation, and who ate the last doughnut? You know after thinking about it, dating at sixteen was probably a whole lot easier than I remember. There was less responsibility, accountability, and much less expensive. On the other hand, these days my fiancée cuts the grass, makes my supper, keeps the house spotless, buys the groceries, irons my shirts, and keeps me happy. Maybe dating as I get older isn’t so bad after all, plus—she is still just as beautiful as she was at sixteen.

Dating when you are older or dating when you are sixteen is basically all the same thing. You have to take care of a man. Don’t get me wrong. I like dating. Men just never grow up. I think they all have that mother complex. They want a girlfriend; they want a woman in their life; but they can’t tell the difference between a girlfriend, a wife, or a mother. Their mothers took care of them, fixed their meals, cleaned up after them, and helped them through their most difficult times...now that’s what they want from a girlfriend or a wife. I feel like now my children are grown and out of the house, I can sit down, relax, and maybe do something I want to do for myself. Instead, out of the blue, in the middle of the day, my fiancé decides that “we” want to go to a movie. Of course he wants to see a bang-bang, shoot’em up, car-wrecking, bloodsplattering epic that lasts for at least four hours. If I don’t go, he pouts. If I suggest something that I want to see, he whines “Oh, that got bad reviews...but if you want to see it...” Don’t get me started on clothes. Whatever is lying around the house that doesn’t walk by itself, he will wear. Truth is, he just needs to wake up and realize he is not sixteen anymore. He has a great mother—he doesn’t need two. He can fix his own sandwich, get his own soda, wash his own car, cut his own grass, and pick out what he wants to wear (as long as it matches my outfit). He also needs to remember that we are both older now and have our own individual ideas about life based on how we were raised. He needs to start thinking about how we can make our lives better by sharing ideas and being happy that we are together. Dating as an older couple isn’t hard, it’s just time consuming. I enjoy dating now, but give me some space and a little time for myself. As a matter of fact, if he went fishing with the guys more often, it would probably make dating much more fun. Oh, I forgot. He doesn’t fish or go out with the boys. I guess that means we’ll be together all the time, so maybe we should just go ahead and get married... but that is entirely another column. copyright 2007 Larry W.Oldham ( Questions or comments please forward to loldham@sitestar.net)

September 2007

Around theTable by Annelle Williams

Easy Outdoor Entertaining September marks the beginning of the school year, tailgating season, and the perfect time for outdoor parties and grilling. Give yourself a break and take your celebrations outside for easier, more relaxed entertaining now that the cooler evenings offer the best grilling weather since early spring. Whether packing that first lunchbox, readying yourself for another tailgating season, or just wanting to enjoy some outdoor cooking, these recipes will fit the bill. The Banana Chocolate Cupcakes with PB and J combine flavors that we’ve been enjoying since we were kids and are a great addition to your dessert repertoire, especially when you have a few bananas that have overstayed their welcome. The grilled tuna can be chilled or served warm directly after grilling. Add a salad with freshly grilled vegetables and you’ll have a full meal. Most of all, enjoy September and don’t miss an opportunity for some easy grilling!

Wedding Planner and Author toby Cathy SpeakS. atFarley Bridal Show There’s nothing like a wedding to catapult otherwise sane relatives onto high alert and bring a smorgasbord of emotions to the reception table. If you’re planning a wedding, or even if you’re just participating in one, you should attend the Second Annual Bridal Show at the Institute for Advanced Learning on Sunday, September 16, from 1-4 pm. The conference center at 150 Slayton Avenue will be transformed into a glittering one-stop wedding mall with over 30 vendors and wedding service providers to answer your every question. Dr. Joey Faucette will also speak at the Bridal Show, on How to Stay Married Forever, as will Doris Miller Nixon. A nationally known wedding planner and speaker, Nixon will clarify those hazy areas of wedding planning and sign copies of her new book, Excellence in Wedding Planning – The Preliminaries, The Wedding Proper, The Celebrations.

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Grilled Asian Tuna 4 tuna steaks 2 T Dijon mustard 3 T soy sauce 6 T extra virgin olive oil 1 large garlic clove, minced 1 T freshly ground black pepper pickled ginger slices wasabi paste Prepare grill for medium direct heat. Brush the grill with oil just before placing ﬁsh on it. Mix mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic. Spoon sauce over tuna steaks turning and coating both sides. Allow to marinate for a few minutes. Spread pepper on a large plate or a piece of parchment paper and roll outside edges of each piece of tuna in pepper before placing on the grill. Grill on each side for 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness, and desired doneness. Remove from grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Remember that the ﬁsh will continue to cook while resting, so don’t overcook on grill. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi paste.

Banana and Chocolate Cupcakes with PB and J 1 stick butter, room temperature ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas ¼ cup honey 2 large eggs ¾ tsp. baking soda ¾ tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups all purpose ﬂour

Nixon began her career working in a jewelry/bridal registry store. "I truly found my niche as I worked with brides,” she says. One thing led to another as she began to do china presentations and speak at seminars, all the while contacting "experts" in order to answer her clients’ needs. As her knowledge grew, so did her image as a registered bridal consultant. Also an ordained minister, Nixon’s reputation as a conciliatory voice in the midst of wedding plan chaos set her apart--ﬁnally leading to a job with the National Bridal Service that has taken her to 55 countries and 46 states. Her book, growing out of her love for her work and originally planned for those wanting to become professional wedding planners, is equally valuable for brides on a budget who choose to coordinate their own festivities. It covers Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, African-American, and military weddings, including history, ceremonies, music, proper dress, budget and background information for each and the receptions that follow. When asked the most important

1 cup dark chocolate chunks 1 cup grape jelly Peanut Butter Frosting* Preheat oven to 350º. Prepare muffin tin for 12 cupcakes (either spray with oil, or use muffin cups). Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl until well combined. Add bananas, honey, eggs, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat until smooth. Stir flour into batter, and when wellcombined, stir in the chocolate chunks. Divide batter equally between the 12 muffin cups. Bake for about 25 minutes, until cake tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool. With a straw, or something similar, make a hole in the center of each cupcake nearly to the bottom. Place jelly into a small Ziploc bag and clip a small piece from one corner. Insert that corner into the hole of a cupcake and squirt about one tablespoon into the cupcake. Repeat with remaining cupcakes. Ice cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and serve.

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Homemade Chicken Salad (hand-chopped, our 40-year recipe)

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information she would give a bride, Nixon emphasized the need for contracts. Citing a caterer who went up several thousand dollars on food, she noted that, for lack of a contract, the bride would have had to pay. Her next most important advice is that all vendors be insured. Though every bride wants a storybook day, business details can make or break the event. And the most important characteristic for both the wedding planner and the bride is diplomacy. "Good manners," she says, is "doing the kindest thing for the most number of people." For example, where do you seat the father of the groom now married to the mother of the bride? Her solution? The father of the groom stood as best man. So if a wedding is in your future, don’t miss the opportunity to sample hors-d’oeuvres and cakes while enjoying displays of must-have wedding accessories, bridal party gifts, transportation options from carriages to limousine services, décor items and more practical information than you could ever need under one roof.

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City Employees Joe Pannell and Wayne Henderson were a great help assisting Dianne McMahon in the installation of the boxes on the walking trail at Dan Daniel Memorial Park.

A Home to Call Their Own.. Protecting Area Bluebirds by Vickie Fuquay Pittsylvania County Coordinator for the Virginia Bluebird Society

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The bluebirds in our area have their own version of Habitat for Humanity thanks to the generosity of their human friends. In an effort to help the Eastern bluebird and to enhance their habitat along the Dan River, a new Adopt-ABox program has been started and 17 bluebird houses are being placed along the walking trail in Dan Daniel Memorial Park. Dianne McMahon, Adopt-A -Box Trail Coordinator, thought that adopting a bluebird box complete with mounting pole, predator guard, and a nesting cup would be a wonderful way to both involve the community and memorialize or honor an individual. On the front of each box is placed a plaque stating In Honor of or In Memory Of and the name. McMahon purchased the very ﬁrst box in memory of her mother, Elsie Durham, who died this past year. "My mom had always been interested in bluebirds because her father used to build bluebird boxes and mount them on the fence posts around their tobacco farm in the Mount Hermon area in the 1920s. Hearing her stories sparked my interest. I purchased my ﬁrst bluebird box in 1985 and have been housing bluebirds every since. I was thrilled to put up a box in memory of my mom who taught me to care for them," she says. Each box is monitored weekly throughout the nesting season of April to August with the results recorded on VBS monitor forms. By checking the boxes weekly, monitors are able to lend the bluebirds a helping hand as problems arise, giving them a much better success rate in their nesting attempts. All data recorded is turned into the Virginia Bluebird Society, which goes to the North American Bluebird Society and Cornell University to aide in research about all cavity-nesting birds. At Dan Daniel Memorial Park in addition to the many

bluebirds in need of nesting sites there are tree swallows, chickadees, titmice, wrens and nuthatches. The homes will remain up during the winter months to give bluebirds and other small birds shelter from the cold. As many as ﬁve bluebirds can huddle together on a cold night inside the box, allowing their body heat to build up inside the box to keep them warm. Bluebirds are cavity nesters but they have a soft beak, which makes it impossible for them to excavate their own nests. They depend on old woodpecker holes and old wooden fence posts to raise their young. As wooden fence posts have been replaced with metal, there is less open habitat for them to live and raise their young. The aggressive house sparrows and starlings, both non-native species, have multiplied greatly and are overwhelming bluebirds in their competition for nesting sites. Just 25 years ago Eastern bluebirds were rarely seen in the Danville area. Thanks to individuals heeding the call to "Bring back the bluebird" by providing nest boxes one backyard at a time, their numbers have soared from their dangerously low population. The bluebird is making a strong comeback largely due to conservation efforts by dedicated bluebird enthusiasts; however, the continuing loss of natural nesting sites and other problems facing bluebirds indicate these feathered friends will always need our help. For more information on bluebirds or membership in the Bluebird Society visit www.virginiabluebirds.org Bluebird boxes may be adopted at Raywood Landscape or by calling Dianne McMahon, Adopt-A-Box Coordinator, at 434.836.9118 or Vickie Fuquay VBS Pittsylvania County Coordinator at 434.822.0930.

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Adults Needed For Corks and Forks "Experiment" by Niki Fallis and Gayle Barts

by Kathryn Davis Birds. They really are fascinating creatures. But I didn’t realize how fascinating until we took our grandson to the beach. Elijah is 17 months old now. He’s walking, even running at times, and continues to be delightfully curious about the world around him. When Elijah saw the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, he wasn’t really frightened of it as long as he was safe in our arms. When I sat in the sand with him at the water’s edge, Elijah squealed with delight each time the waves splashed over our legs. It only took him a minute or two to figure out what to do with a shovel, although he did have a bit of a problem getting the wet sand off the spoon part and into the bucket. But it was the birds that truly captured Elijah’s attention. Each time a flock of pelicans flew overhead, he would watch them intently until they were out of sight. And whenever a sea gull or sandpiper would land nearby, he’d be on his feet chasing it before we

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even knew what was happening. I still smile every time I picture his little arms pumping in the breeze as if to power his short little legs to move faster. When we returned home from our trip, I remembered a small hummingbird feeder I had bought last summer. I fixed a small batch of sugar-water nectar and attached the feeder to the outside of the bay window in our den. Before the day was over, the tiny ruby-throated hummers were buzzing around it. Elijah was delighted, and so were we. Because of his amazement with the winged creatures of all shapes and sizes, I find myself taking a closer look at their feathers and flight patterns as though I, too, were seeing them for the first time. Once again I’m reminded of what a truly amazing world God has created for us. Maybe that’s why the Bible encourages us to have the heart of a child. Yes, birds, and one-year-olds, are truly amazing creatures.

Wanted: Adults 21 and older to participate in taste-bud science experiments at the Danville Science Center on Friday, September 21. No experience necessary. Requirements include a love of delicious food, and a willingness to compare a wide variety of wines from the Old Country, the United States, and the Southern Hemisphere. "It always amazes me how grapes are inﬂuenced by their place of growth, amount of rainfall, sunshine and soil type," says Jack Spainhour, Chairman of the Wine Committee. "A Chardonnay from France will taste entirely different than the same grape grown in California and both different from the same grape grown in Australia," he explains. "Cabernets, Syrah (Shiraz) and Pinot Noir have the same idiosyncrasies. More amazing is the distinct difference in an Alsatian and German wine although these two wine growing regions are merely miles apart," adds the wine enthusiast, mentioning some of the wines that will be available for tasting. Throughout the four-hour Corks and Forks fund-raising event, guests will have the opportunity to make numerous comparisons. Fortiﬁed wine, Ruby Port, Tawny

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Port and Madeira, will also be available. For the beer connoisseur, there will be specialty beers from Belgium and Germany. The organizers of this "experiment" haven’t forgotten that fine wine must be accompanied by equally good food. Roasted beef tenderloin, smoked turkey, numerous finger foods, vegetables, cheese, fruits and desserts will be served. Later in the evening at a live auction, gourmet dinners, vacation getaways, original art and vintage wines will be offered up for bid. "Bidding irresponsibly and drinking responsibly are both encouraged," says one organizer hinting at the fund-raising aspect of the evening. All profits from Corks and Forks including the auction and the sale of bottles or cases of wine for later use will benefit the Center’s education programs—which means for one evening in September you can be a scientist and a philanthropist too. Corks and Forks will be held outside at the Science Station under the shelter of the old train station on Friday, September 21, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available from the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. For more information, call 434.791.5160, ext. 204 or e-mail dscfoundation@smv.org. For more information about the Danville Science Center, visit www.dsc.smv.org.

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

September Through September 8

Amazing Sea Exhibit. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

Through September 21

Museum Exhibit – Works by Linda Gourley. See p. 4.

Through September 24

PHCC Exhibit – Disclosures: Paintings by John Wiercioch. Walker Fine Arts/Student Center, Patrick Henry Community College – 276.656.0259 .

Through December 20

A Documentary Exhibit - Mapping Local Knowledge, Danville, Va., 1945-1975. Featuring photographs by Tom Cogill & text by Emma Edmunds. Averett University Blount Library. 434.791.5600.

Through January 18

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

September 1

First Saturdays in Altavista – Find one-of-akind items. Trade Lot, Altavista. 434.944.5530 or 434.369.6665. DRBA’s First Saturday Outing. 6.5-mile ﬂoat on the Banister River. 10 am. 434.476.2343. Bob Ross Painting Class - Home For Christmas. 10:30 am–3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex - 434.797.8848. Auto Racing – South Boston Speedway – 877.440.1540.

September 1 & 2

Averett Volleyball – Cougar Classic. Averett University – 434.791.5600.

September 1 (thru 29)

Kuumba-West African Dance Company - Traditional West African dance and drumming classes. Times vary. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

September 1 (thru 30)

Tours: The Thomas Day House - 1–4 p.m. Broad Street in Milton NC. Every Saturday & Sunday 336.234.7215.

September 2

Jazz In The Courtyard - Juanita Williams and the Fred Hughes Trio. 7 pm. The Inn at Berry Hill, South Boston. 434.517.7000. Dan River Rugby Club Party and Dance. 9 pm. The North Theatre. See p. 12.

September 3

Blues & Brews Balloon Festival – Musical entertainment of soulful sounds against the sights of hot air balloons. 2 pm. The Inn at Berry Hill. 434.517.1551. Averett Women’s Soccer vs. Hollins. 4 pm. 434.791.5600.

September 4 (thru 27)

Fitness For Older Adults & Ladies. Tues/ Thur, 9–11 am; Ladies 10 am–12 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.

September 5

Senior Bowling Tournament. 10-12 Noon. Riverside Lanes. 434.799.5216. Fetch! Lab - Build some copters for ﬂight endurance. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

September 6

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

September 6 (thru Oct.11) Reiki I & II Certiﬁcation. Thurs, 6:308:30 pm. CedarHaven – 336.314.0503.

September 7

Friday’s at the Crossing – The Embers 6–9 pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.793.4636. Live Music Under the Stars – Deja Moo.

7–11 pm. Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern – 434.374.2866. Open Mic Night. 7:30 pm. Bronx Boy Bagels – 434.797.3777.

September 7 (thru Oct. 21) PAA Exhibit - Eric McGehearty & Shirley Cadmus - Piedmont Arts Association 276.632.3221.

September 8

River City 5K Run/Half Marathon. 8:30 am. Crossing at the Dan. 434.793.3409. Hiking Hiawatha – Part of the White Oak Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Ages 7+. 9 am– 12 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Fun “D” Fest. 9 am - Until. Owen Farm Tours. 434.822.2740 or 434.728.3410. Charity Softball Match – Danville Police Dept and Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. Dan Daniel Memorial Park. ggunnell@chatmosscable.com. Averett Men’s Soccer vs. Huntingdon. 1 pm. 434.791.5600. Historic Halifax Wine Festival – Music, food, crafts and area wineries. 2–6 pm. Main Street, Historic Halifax. 434.476.2196 or 434.222.4326 Preservation Summit – see page 15.

September 9

Averett Men’s Soccer vs. LaGrange. 2 pm. 434.791.5600. Singers of Hope Chorus – See p. 11. Opening Of Founders College – Meet faculty, students, and administration. Enjoy great food and entertainment by The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. 5:30 pm. The Berry Hill Estate – 434.517.7035.

September 9 (thru Oct. 16) 4th Annual Writing Gallery Competition See p. 2.

September 9 (thru Oct. 28) Museum Exhibits – A Celebration of Rural America. See p. 2.

September 10

Stained Glass Class – The Magic of Light Through Glass. 9 am–12 pm. 434.797.8848. Gasoline, Energy & Oil – Get the facts, not the politics. 7 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Danville Chess Club. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Danville Area Choral Arts Society Rehearsals. 7:15 pm. Moffett Memorial Baptist Church. 434.822.0977. Authors on Campus Series - See p. 13.

September 10 & 11

AARP Drivers Safety Classes. 9 am–1 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

September 10 (thru 24)

African Dance Ensemble – Learn the beautiful art of African dance. Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Boogie Mondays – Waltz classes. Mondays, 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. September 10 (thru October 15) Intermediate & Beginning Belly Dance Classes. 6:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

September 11

Averett Men’s Soccer vs. Greensboro. 4 pm. 434.791.5600. Photography Club. 6:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex. 434.797.8848.

September 11 (thru 15)

AU Theatre – The Guys – A play written in response to the events of 9/11. 7:30pm. Averett Student Center $8 adults $6 students/sr.citizens 434.791.5712

September 12

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Search for and explore the habitats of the many animals. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 p.m. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

September 12 (thru Oct. 18) Art With Flo – Wet on wet technique. Wednesdays or Thursdays 6–9 pm. Ballou Park Annex. 434.797.8848.

September 13

Lunch On The Lawn - Chat, eat a delicious lunch, activities for kids & listen to live music. 11 am–2 pm. Uptown Martinsville. 276.632.5688. Canoe/Kayak Trip- Schoolﬁeld Dam to islands. 6-8 pm. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215.

September 14

Barbecue Dinner – Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. 5:30–8 pm. Dan River Post 1097. egor1@comcast.net. Jazz on the Patio – Jazz by Small Town Orchestra, wines for tasting, beer, soft drinks and light refreshments. 5:30-8 pm. Main Street (old Nations Bank). Downtown Danville Association – 434.791.4470. Open Mic Night. 7:30 pm. Bronx Boy Bagels – 434.797.3777. Jazz In The Courtyard - Joe Robinson Quartet. 8 pm. The Inn at Berry Hill, South Boston. 434.517.7000.

September 14 & 15

Indian Festival. Virginia Museum of Natural History – 276.666.8659. Eden Riverfest – 2 stages of music, bateau rides on the Dan River, Kid’s Zone, historic exhibits, artisans, crafters, food vendors, Little Miss Riverfest Pageant. Times vary. www.edenspecialevents.com.

September 14 (thru 22)

September 2007

SEPTEMBER 2007 S M

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Danville/Pittsylvania County Fair. DPC Fairgrounds – 434.822.6850.

September 15

Preschool Fall Nature Series - Creative Hiking for preschoolers ages 3-5. 9:30– 11:30 am. Riverwalk Trail. 434.799.5215 or 434.797.8848. Averett Volleyball vs. Shenandoah University. 12 pm.; vs. Methodist University. 5 pm. 434.791.5600. Auto Racing – South Boston Speedway – 877.440.1540. Fundraiser – Brosville Fire and Rescue and Cascade Fire Department. 6 pm. Shiloh Baptist Church. 434.685.3829. Rock ‘N Roll Reunion – Dance to the 50s & 60s. 7-10 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

September 15 (thru Oct. 6)

Preschool Recreation – Tumblin’ Tots (ages 2-3), Just 4 Kicks soccer lessons (ages 3-5) & pre-school cheerleading (ages 3-5). Times are staggered. Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848. Four-Wheeling Tots – Little ones learn to skate. Fun skating session until 4 pm follows the class. 10:15–11 am. Skatetown USA. 434.797.8848.

September 16

Averett Women’s Soccer vs. Warren Wilson. 12:30 pm. 434.791.5600. Bridal Show – See p.

September 17 (thru Oct. 22) Museum Class – Art in Nature. Ages 10–12, 4–5 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

September 17 (thru Oct. 22) Museum Class – Forms in Clay. Adults, 6–9 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

September 17 (thru Nov. 5)

Spanish I , II – Learn basic vocabulary, pronunciation, sentence structure, basic grammar. Mons, 6–7 pm & 7–8 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6700.

September 18

Positive Behavior Support Workshop – For professional educators, service providers, case managers, counselors, & anyone providing services for challenging behaviors. 6:30-8:30 pm. CedarHaven – 434.799.3318.

September 18 (thru Oct. 23) Museum Class – Batik. Age–Teens, 5–6 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

September 19

Alzheimer’s Education – Partnering with Your Doctor. 12–1 pm. Loyalton of Danville. 434.792.3700 ext. 30. Fetch! Lab - Build tabletop seesaws and teach them some new tricks. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Averett Volleyball vs. Ferrum College. 7 pm. 434.791.5600.

September 19 (thru Oct. 24) Museum Class – Autumn Art. Ages 7–9, 4–5 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

September 20

Bow Making Class. 1-2 or 7-8 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Alzheimer’s Education – When Is It Time for a Care Change? 5:30–6:30 pm. United Way Meeting Room. 434.792.3700 ext. 30. Dedication Ceremony – Baby grand piano. 6 pm. Danville Public Library – 434.799.5195. Introductory Rock Climbing – To prepare for Natural Rock Site Climb in October. 6-8:30 pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.799.5215.

September 2007 Using Digital Cameras and Photo Editing Software –6–9 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6700. Founders Lecture Series – Liberal Arts and the Financial Markets. 6:30 pm. Founders College, South Boston – 434.517.7051. Skywatchers – Catch a glimpse of the trio of stars in the Summer Triangle, observe Pegasus and Cassiopeia. View the planet Jupiter. Nightfall. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

September 20 (thru Oct. 25)

Museum Class – Elements of Art. Ages 7–12, 4–5 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644. Shag Dance Lessons. Beginners 7–8 pm. Intermediate 8–9 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

September 21

Women Of Faith, Walking By Faith of Danville. 11 am–1 pm. The Colonade Room. Jennie 434.793.8140 or Catherine 434.836.2660. Corks and Forks – See p. 9. Live Music – North Theatre – See p. 12. Jazz In The Courtyard - Bluegrass phenoms Dixie Bee Liners. 8 p.m. Inn at Berry Hill, South Boston. 434.517.7000.

September 22

Fly, Glide & Stride: Natural History Machines – Monumental puppetry, mechanics, simple machines and biology are fused in this larger-than-life experience. 9 am. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160. Radio Control Tank Battles. 10 am–5 pm. AAF Tank Museum – 434.836.5323. Canoe Trip – Anglers Park to Milton, NC. 10 am–5 pm. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. Book Signing – The Race to the Dan by Larry G. Aaron. 2–4 pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644. Auto Racing – South Boston Speedway – 877.440.1540. Dixie Classic Marching Band Competition. 4 pm. GW High School, Danville. www.gwband.org or 434.489.2011.

September 22 & 23

Ride In The Heartland – Bicycle ride through the rolling countryside of Charlotte County. 8 am. 434.248.6407. CCS Motorcycle Road Racing. VIRginia International Raceway – 434.822.7700. Danville ’s Old 97 Rail Days. See p.13.

September 22 (thru Nov. 22) Wreck of the Old 97 Exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History 434.793.5644.

September 24

Mariachi Band. 6:30–9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes – 434.792.0601. Danville Chess Club. (See 9/10)

September 24 (thru 26)

Hunters Safety Education. 6:30–10 pm, Ballou Park Nature Center. – 434.799.5215.

September 25

Book Review – The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown. 12:30 pm. Danville Public Library – 434.799.5195. Averett Women’s Soccer vs. Southern Virginia. 5 pm. 434.791.5600.

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September 25 & 27

Computer Workshop – Excel I: Spreadsheets for the Beginner. Tues & Thurs. 6–9 pm. Institute for Advanced Learning and Research – 434.766.6700.

September 26

Lunch On The Lawn (See 9/13) Polliwogs & Science Stars - Learn about animal body coverings and how it helps protect and control body temperature. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 p.m. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

September 26 (thru Oct. 31)

Writing your Life Story. Weds, Part I – 2:30–3:30 pm.; Part II – 4–5 pm. Museum Auditorium. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History - 434.793.5644.

September 27

Coffee House with the Jammers. 5-6 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Alzheimer’s Education – Maintain Your Brain. 7–8 pm. Stratford House. 434.792.3700 ext. 30.

September 27 (thru 29)

AU Theatre – Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 7:30pm 9/27-28; 2pm 9/30 434.791.5712.

September 27 (thru 30)

SVRA Virginia Vintage Races. VIRginia International Raceway - 434.822.7700. September 28 TGIF Outdoor Concert Series - FATZ. 7-10:30 pm., Uptown Martinsville, Bridge Street. 276.638.4221. Open Mic Night. 7:30 pm. Bronx Boy Bagels – 434.797.3777. AU Theatre – Nick Tickle, Fairy Tale Detective 7:30pm 9/27-28; 2pm 9/30 434.791.5712. COA Country Western Dance. 7:3010:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center – 434.799.5216.

September 28 (thru 30)

Georgia on My Mind Trip. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. Deathtrap – Classic thriller combining suspense and humor. 9/28 & 29 – 7:30 pm; 9/30 – 2 pm. The North Theatre. Little Theatre of Danville – 434.792.5796. See p.12.

September 29

Tour de Habitat - Charity Bike Ride. 7:30 am. Danville-Pittsylvania Co. Habitat for Humanity – 434.793.3630. Sorghum Festival. Climax. 434.432.9679. Southern VA Harvest Festival – Entertainment, food, crafts, and fun.. 9 am–11 pm. Downtown South Boston – 434.572.2543. Great Gatsby Jazz Party and Stew Day – See p. 13 & 14. Averett Soccer – Men vs. Chris. Newport University – 1 pm; Women vs. Methodist – 2 pm. 434.791.5600. Dan River Follies – Great comedy - great atmosphere. 7:30–9:30 pm. Mt. Hermon Courtyard – 434.836.5009.

September 29 & 30

Bright Leaf Hoedown – Outdoor festival, kid’s country, food, crafts, entertainment & more. Times vary. Yanceyville. Caswell County Chamber – 336.694.6106. SVRA Virginia Vintage Races. VIRginia

Expressing Hope, Joy, and Comfort Through Music On Sunday, September 9, at 3:00 p.m., the Singers of Hope Chorus will open their season with a one-hour presentation at First Presbyterian Church, 937 Main Street, Danville. Featured in the concert will be Charlene Smith, soprano, and Leigh Latchum, Concert Mistress of the Danville Symphony, cellist Gayle Masarie, a Julliard School graduate, Michael Bolejack percussionist, and Yelena Eckemoff pianist. The program will include classical music by Mozart, Bach, and Mendelssohn sung in English, Latin, and German, in addition to instrumental pieces written by Eckemoff and performed by Masarie and Latchum. Other arrangements of traditional and gospel music and several Biblical psalms set to music by Eckemoff will also be presented. Director/Choirmaster Eckemoff, a concert pianist, band leader, and recording artist, has a master’s degree from Moscow State Conservatory in piano performing, conducting and teaching. She is the choir director/organist at Prospect United Methodist Church in North Carolina. For more information visit www.singersofhope.com and www.velenamusic.com.

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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

�� 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 for Fall registration. Lynn Dinkle 791-3868 email: lynndinkle@yahoo.com Classes held in Danville at West Main Baptist Church

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September 2007

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 managingeditor@ starmark.net. 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. I was certain that I had just crawled into bed when the grating blare of byJoyce Laurie Moran by Wilburn my alarm clock startled me into another day. This day, however, was different. This morning I was preparing I was at the Institute for Advanced for an appearance on Good Morning Virginia, Learning and Research where Theresa and hosting our first trade show, and Lewis always greets me with a warm smile attending a VIP reception. and a sincere willingness to help. Upon Living 30 miles from an event can be hearing my dilemma, without so much as challenging, but I’ve done this before hesitating, Theresa reached into her desk and know how to plan and prepare. Or drawer, extracted a new pair of black panty so I thought. hose, and provided the finishing touch for The day started well. The interview went my outfit. smoothly. The trade show was a smash. This wasn’t the first time Theresa had I even had 30 minutes to change clothes come to my rescue and it undoubtedly before the reception. It was only then won’t be the last. Exceptional customer that I realized my day outfit required one service is more than giving people what shade of panty hose and my evening outfit they expect. It’s about exceeding their required another. Frantically, I searched wildest expectations and creating a "wow" through my tote bag not wanting to admit experience. Thank you, Theresa. You the inevitable--my hose were in Gretna and wowed me! I was in Danville with no time to spare. While it was not a life or death crisis, The presentation to Theresa Lewis will be brown panty hose with a black dress made during the Chamber’s Business After can be a fashion faux pas that clouds Hours on Tuesday, September 18, at an otherwise perfect day. That’s when Marie Farris Photography, 411 Main Street. I learned the meaning of exceptional customer service.

POINTS NORTH "Views from the Hill" by Jerry Meadors

Get ready to dance and party with the Dan River Rugby Club in the café spaces at the North Theatre on Sunday, September 2, starting at 9 p.m. with live DJ. Tickets are $5.00. Call Brian Turner at 434.822.2003. 2ND Flyte will play the North Stage on Friday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. This past summer, this tribute band was at the Monterey Pops Festival Revival Concert where they played the original set for The Byrds (no longer performing). They performed in California along with Jefferson Starship, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother And The Holding Company, members of Moby Grape and the great Barry McGuire (New Christie Minstrels). This is an every-detail-inplace act, performing on vintage identical instruments and sound production equipment that is certain to take you back to the era. Tickets are $16.00 and can be purchased by calling 434.942.9903, or at the box ofﬁce one hour before show time. If that is not enough, the opening act that night will be a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, Electric Lady Land. Later in the month, the famous mystery-thriller Deathtrap will be presented by the Little Theatre of Danville under the

direction of Barry Haulsee on the weekend of September 28-30. This show is always an audience favorite. For tickets call 434.792.5796. Better get your tickets now to the opening night of Oscar Wilde’s famous comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Jerry Meadors, on Friday, October 26, at 8 p.m. with a cast of local and New York professional talent. Opening night tickets are $35.00 and include a champagne reception during intermission. Additional performances for $15.00 are on Saturday, October 27, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 28, at 3 p.m. For tickets call Barbara Dyer at 434.791.4264. Just across the street from The North Theatre, in the former location of The Muse, is a new venue, The Tesla, a cyber café, named after the esoteric genius inventor, Nikola Tesla. The Tesla, owned by young Pittsylvania County native entrepreneur Will Witcher, is open at night with computer stations a featured item. Patrons can eat, have tea, and get their work, research, and communication done all in one spot. Already, the place is packed with young people cheering live bands, watching video expositions, and enjoying the art. For information on hours and upcoming events call Will at 434.250.1059. For more information on the historic North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, call 434.792.2700

September 2007

Wreck of the Old 97 To Be Remembered Be a part of the 104th anniversary commemoration of the Wreck of the Old 97. The Old 97, a Southern Railway train officially known as the Fast Mail, was en route from Monroe, Virginia to Spencer, North Carolina when it left the track at Stillhouse Trestle in Danville on September 27, 1903, tumbled into history books, and became inspiration for numerous balladeers. On Saturday, September 22, visitors can take a guided trip through time while checking out a fully restored Norfolk and Western caboose, tap their toes while listening to old-time music performed behind the Science Station, and sign up for a narrated tour of the Old 97 wreck site. Also, they can view N-scale model trains as the railroad cars travel through detailed dioramas courtesy of Richmond, Lynchburg and Raleigh N-scale modelers. In addition to the train-related events, participants can visit the Butterﬂy Station and Garden, sneak a peek at the newest visiting exhibit, Fly, Glide and Stride: Natural History Machines, and pick up a trip pass to visit partnering museums, Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History and the AAF Tank Museum to have more history-related fun at discounted admission. A trip pass stamped at all three museums is eligible to win a special prize.

John Holt & Co. Chimney Sweeps Help Prevent Dangerous Carbon Monoxide Problems With Annual Chimney Inspections Other Services: • Caps Installed • • Dryer Vent Cleaning •

434-797-5211 781 Daisy Payne Lane Dry Fork, VA 24549

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On Sunday, September 23, the N-scale model layouts, the caboose tour, the Butterﬂy Station and Garden and the exhibit, Fly, Glide & Stride will be available. Events will be held at the Danville Science Center and Crossing at the Dan, 677 Craghead Street, on Saturday, September 22, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, September 23, 11am. to 2pm. For more information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org.

Averett Launches Authors on Campus Series by Susan Huckstep

Averett University hopes that with its new Authors on Campus series, “What are you reading?” will become a popular question on campus and in the Danville community. “We’re adding Authors on Campus events to foster a culture of reading both at Averett and in the Danville community,” says Dr. Larry Wilburn, Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences and Registrar. “We hope to bring at least two authors to campus each year. We will let the public know if the author recommends a particular book that is pertinent to the lecture so everyone will have a chance to read the book before the author arrives. This is one of a number of initiatives in Averett’s ﬁve-year Quality Enhancement Plan: Reading Critically for Success, “ he adds. The Authors on Campus series will kick off with a lecture by Dr. Bart

Ehrman, an author or editor of 19 books. Ehrman will discuss his New York Times bestseller Misquoting Jesus: The Story of Who Changed the Bible and Why. The Washington Post called Misquoting Jesus one of the unlikeliest bestsellers of 2006. As its popularity suggests, the book has intrigued both Christians and non-Christians who are interested in the Bible’s origins. Ehrman, a New Testament scholar and professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, suggests that modern day translations of the Bible are ﬂawed. Ehrman will speak on Monday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m. in Frith Hall’s Blount Chapel on Mountain View Avenue and at a convocation the next day at 11:15 a.m. in Pritchett Auditorium. Both appearances are free and open to the public. Copies of his book can be purchased from the Averett Bookstore by calling 434.791.5641. For more information call 434.791.5600 or visit www.averett.edu.

Great Gatsby Jazz Party and Stew Day by Lynn Umstead

Chinqua Penn Plantation has just made cleaning out grandma’s attic worth your time and energy. As part of their Great Gatsby Jazz Party and Stew Day on Saturday, September 29, guests are invited to ﬁnd, buy, or create a typical Roaring 20s outﬁt to wear for the Best Dressed Gatsby Couple

Page 13 Contest. The grand prize is an All That Jazz Weekend in Chicago sponsored by Navigant Vacations. If that doesn’t interest you, there’s art for sale, antique cars on display, and live music to check out while admiring everyone else’s Roaring 20s outﬁts. Beginning at noon, Four For One will play with Matt Kendrick on bass, Wally West on saxophone, Fred Pivetta playing the piano and John Wilson on drums. Three separate concerts will follow starting at 1p.m. with Melva Houston, Queen of Blues. Then Jon Metzger will perform on Vibes and Ken Kennedy will present a Frank Sinatra tribute. Throughout the event food vendors will be selling their specialties and Chinqua Penn wines will be sold. Brunswick stew will be prepared on site and sold by the bowl or the quart with proceeds beneﬁting the Disabled American Veterans. Live music, antique cars, wine, art, food, and a costume contest that could lead you to Chicago....enjoy all that and house tours too on the last Saturday in September at Chinqua Penn Plantation. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door and include party admission , entertainment, Chinqua Penn wine tasting, and a tour of the manor house from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Chinqua Penn Plantation is located at 2138 Wentworth Street in Reidsville, North Carolina. For more information, call 336. 477.4453 or email lynn@chinquapenn.com. For more information about the plantation, visit www.chinquapenn.com.

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Saying Goodbye to Fatima Tedeyeva by Deborah Morehead Fatima Tedeyeva will be missed by both her co-workers and Danville’s international community when she leaves her position at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to return to her native Russia later this month. As IALR’s Coordinator of Community and International Programs, Tedeyeva has been responsible for enhancing community awareness of the value of the Institute to area residents and promoting understanding of cultural diversity through community engagement. Since arriving at IALR in April, 2005, Tedeyeva has established the Lunch and Learn program, Operation Hometown Link, the International Speakers Bureau, International Classroom Journey, International Women’s Day, World Friendship Day and the International Festival. Eyes sparkling, Tedeyeva admits, “All of the programs and projects are special for me but I am especially proud of the 1st International Festival that Danville hosted in Ballou Park.” Co-sponsored by the Institute and Festival in the Park, the colorful and festive International Festival was launched with an International Gala featuring a keynote address by the Commonwealth’s Secretary of Technology, Aneesh Chopra. Tedeyeva has accomplished much during her 28-month stint in Danville.

She assisted Halifax County Schools in securing the Fulbright grant making it possible for a Brazilian delegation of school principals to visit South Boston and Danville, and served as an administrator for the Pearson VUE testing center. She also taught a Russian for Beginners class of 35 students. When Tedeyeva returns to her hometown of Vladikavkaz the Danville area will have lost a real asset. As she settles back into what must be a very different kind of life in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, we hope she will fondly remember the Dan River, the region’s rich, rolling farmland, and most of all, its people. We will certainly never forget her. For more information visit www.ialr.org or call 434.766.6793.

September 2007

Editor’s note:

This month’s two Lasting Thoughts are about the importance of historic preservation. These are brought about by the situation created by the demolition of the Long Mill property. The ﬁrst, by Rob Nieweg of the National Trust, is an open letter to the citizens of Danville. Nieweg has worked to preserve historic places and strengthen the grass-roots preservation movement in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, West Virginia, Maryland, New York City, the District of Columbia, and Virginia – his home state. It is from this widespread experience that he has written his thoughts about the importance of historic preservation. The second, I have written to appeal to our City leaders in hopes that they, too, will attend the Summit planned by the newly formed Danville Preservation League. The purpose of my article is to encourage our leaders to take a wider, long-term look at the role Danville’s historic properties play in our City’s future. The Long Mill situation simply brings the issue of historic preservation to the forefront. EVINCE fully recognizes there are many issues of private ownership, public governance, and the overall well-being of our region that are not easily resolved. However, we must begin this resolution in order to save Danville’s unique historic character and charm. We welcome comments from all interested parties on these ongoing issues, including the City.

An Open Letter to Danville’s Citizens

by Rob Nieweg Director and Regional Attorney, Southern Field Office National Trust for Historic Preservation There is no “good excuse” for unnecessarily losing an important historic building or for neglecting an historic neighborhood—not with the tools for historic preservation that are available today in Virginia. As thousands of visitors discover every year, Virginia is a beautiful place with unforgettable historic sites. Danville has its share of great historic areas—from the Tobacco Warehouse District and Millionaires’ Row to the embattled Dan River, Inc. Historic District—districts that symbolize civic pride, provide tools for business recruitment and retention, and that reflect the dignity and enterprise of the men and women who built Danville. From its preservation of everything from Colonial homes to entire downtown districts, Virginia has been a leader in the nation’s preservation movement. This is largely due to the Commonwealth’s exceptional financial incentives for private preservation projects, including its historic rehabilitation tax credit.* Through the Virginia Main Street Program (of which Danville is a member) 20 communities have used preservation as a tool for economic development and community revitalization. In fact, since 1985 Virginia Main Street communities have utilized preservation to generate $434 million in private reinvestment in their business districts, created 11,571 jobs, and rehabilitated 5,244 buildings. So just what is “historic preservation” and why is it important? It used to be that preservationists focused on protecting the irreplaceable historic buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes that tell America’s story. Some people interpreted this as “saving old buildings simply in order to save old buildings.” No longer. These days preservation has a broader and, frankly, more important purpose. In Virginia, preservation also is used to revitalize commercial districts, stabilize residential neighborhoods, attract tourism dollars, and create jobs.

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Lasting Thoughts Why Historic Preservation? The facts speak for themselves.

As a result of this aggressive program, property values in local historic districts appreciate significantly faster than the market as a whole in the vast majority of cases, and even in the worst case, the values appreciate at rates equivalent to the market. In addition, every $1 million spent on the rehabilitation of an historic building creates 15.6 construction jobs and 14.2 jobs elsewhere in the economy, and adds almost $800,000 to local household incomes. Historic preservation also brings money into the community through tourism. Eighty-one percent of U.S. adult travelers, or 118 million people, are considered “heritage tourists.” Heritage tourists spend more than other travelers ($623 versus $457, per trip). For more on heritage tourism, visit www.culturalheritagetourism.org. While it is important to understand what historic preservation is and its benefits are, it is also important to understand what historic preservation does not do. Too many people think historic preservation impedes a community’s development. Nothing could be further from the truth. Evidence that historic preservation leads to growth is visible in Danville’s very own Tobacco Warehouse District, Downtown Historic District, Danville Science Center (the former Danville Southern Railway Passenger Station), and the North Theatre. In fact, the Department of Historic Resources reports that 37 historic rehabilitation projects have been certified in Danville, representing a combined investment of $22 million. And, according to the Virginia Main Street Program, in 2006 the Danville’s generous façade grant program involved 13 properties, “leveraging more than $1.8 million in private reinvestment in downtown.” In those areas, historic preservation has added to Danville’s beauty, history, and sense of community. Yet local preservationists believe that too many of Danville’s historic sites—places like the Long Mill and the Schoolfield Recreation Center—are disappearing faster than we can help protect them. Thus in May, 2006, at the invitation of local preservationists, the APVA – Preservation Virginia, Department of Historic Resources, and National Trust opened a dialogue with City officials to consider ways to promote preservation, enhance quality of life, encourage sustainable economic development, and celebrate Danville’s heritage. In part because those talks were not productive, in May 2007, the entire City of Danville was designated one of Virginia’s most-endangered historic places. The alarm was raised, and now a group of Danville residents is working to ensure that local historic places are adequately protected for future generations. The National Trust urges Danville to think of its historic properties not as isolated objects, but as pieces of a larger whole. What is needed now is a citywide assessment of historic properties to identify critical needs, develop preservation priorities, and provide technical assistance and support to property owners. From coast to coast, historic preservation is a grassroots movement driven by the passion of local citizens. The National Trust strongly encourages your active involvement in the Danville Preservation League to help Danville realize its promise as a constructive voice for preservation in Virginia and America. * Expert help in this area is provided by both The

Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ expert staff and the Association for the Preservation for Virginia Antiquities (APVA).

Our Children’s Future Without a Past by Emyl Jenkins, Editor EVINCE Sometimes you have to wonder what it takes to get City Hall’s attention. Oh, the politicians are all ears around Election Day, but once that’s past…. For the past several months there’s been an increasing outcry by Danvillians who are concerned about what’s happening to their City’s past. But despite the hue and cry from everyone from business owners to the man on the street, the wrecking ball has swung, leaving piles of rubble where impressive and historic structures once stood. Even State and National agencies have spoken out in protest to the tearing down of several solid structures held dear to Danville’s heart and history, while crumbling slums and buildings are left standing. Yet it seems that our City’s current goal is to make Danville the home of mall and sprawl, to turn what was once a distinctive and lovely town into a place indistinguishable from other struggling communities across the country that are losing population and regretting their copycat decisions of recent decades. Stop and think. How can this happen in Danville, Virginia, a City in the State that has led our Nation as a model for historic preservation? It all started back in 1926 when the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, Rector of Bruton Parish Church, suggested to John D. Rockefeller that he visit Williamsburg. The rest, as they say, is history. Well actually, Virginia’s place as a leader in historic preservation was already secure in 1926. The Association for the Preservation of Virginia’s Antiquities (APVA) had been formed in 1889—some 60 years before America’s National Trust for Historic Preservation was founded in 1949. So how can it be that when the National Trust and APVA offer their assistance and support to Danville’s elected politicians, our local leaders ignore those very time-proven organizations whose advice and counsel are sought out by cities, counties, and states across the country? Leaders from the very communities that are calling the National Trust and APVA to ask for their guidance are visiting America’s towns and cities that have made historic preservation a focal point. Why? Because businesses and companies are moving into communities with character, heritage and charm. Why? Because employees have told Corporate America that there’s more to life than a twice-daily drive through sprawl and a weekly trip to the mall that has a life expectancy of approximately 20 to 30 years before it becomes outdated, unsafe, and is torn down. That’s why Corporate America and forward-looking communities have learned that historic preservation can bring about a win-win situation. Sadly, Danville is one of those towns losing population and jobs all the while it is building more malls. So isn’t it time for

Page 15 Danville’s elected leaders to take a long, hard look at what the people want and need? The City’s wrecking-ball policy has only created an outcry from people who genuinely care about Danville’s future and its permanence. Isn’t it time for our leaders to learn what other towns, cities, and people have already learned—that preservation is a positive goal that brings about good results, even an economic boon? What does it take to change our City’s thinking to become positive and constructive? Dwelling on destruction is so, well, destructive. The proof that historic preservation works began in the nineteenth century, and it is still working today. If our leaders’ minds can’t be opened to change and create a new policy, then our leadership should be changed. We urge you to attend the Preservation Summit. Listen to the experts that other communities have called upon for guidance and advice. Do this for your sake, your community’s well being, and your children’s future. Don’t let the wrecking ball destroy Danville.

Danville Preservation Summit September 8, 2007 Sacred Spaces 200 Jefferson Avenue, Danville, Virginia 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

This Preservation Summit has been convened in response to APVA Preservation Virginia’s listing of the entire City of Danville on their 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites in Virginia list. The morning session will feature educational talks by leaders of APVA Preservation Virginia, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. After a free boxed lunch, the afternoon session will include a variety of short seminars held by business leaders and experts from Southside Virginia. Task force workgroups will meet, designed to give local citizens an opportunity to become part of the efforts to help understand and overcome Danville’s unique challenges. The long-term goals of this and future Summits are to bring all of Danville’s citizens, business owners, private organizations and City government together to work together to create an economicallysound plan for preserving Danville’s architectural heritage and harness Danville’s history as an economic driver to improve the outlook of the City and the region. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of this process. Visit www.preservedanville. com for more details and on-line registration or call the Danville Preservation League at 434.793.7296

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