Evince November 07

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November 2007

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Table of Contents

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Editorial There’s Nothing To Do by Joyce Wilburn

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Editorial There’s Nothing to Do by Joyce Wilburn Looking at the Big Picture by Kathryn Davis

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Believe by Liz Sater

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A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans by Martin Tucker One Person’s Perspective on a Thousand Words by Marilyn Huyck-Keuhn

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Second Thoughts A Class Act by Kim Clifton

When one of Hollywood’s greatest stars Elizabeth Taylor complained, “If you’re not in government, there’s nothing to do in Washington,” her sixth husband John Warner knew he had to quickly solve the problem-so he brought his larger-than-life celebrity wife to Danville! When Liz visited Danville almost 30 years ago, she left behind a social life in Georgetown that revolved around dinner parties in the picturesque 18th-century rowhouses of the District’s most elite neighborhood. The nation’s capital had not yet transitioned from home

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She Said He Said by Dena Hill and Larry Oldham DACAS Presents Thanksgiving Concert by Carolyn Smith

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Around the Table Holiday Delights by Annelle Williams Ben Rippe’s Fashion Statement by Lisa Kerr and Ben Rippe

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Putting Heart and Spirit into Danville’s Newest B&B by Joyce Wilburn It’s Virginia’s First Lady’s Special Child by Gordon Bendall

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Calendar of Evince

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Lori Strumpf Five Houses Featured on Eden’s 11th Annual Christmas Tour by Marianne Aiken

13 Nano in Your Life

by Bob Lenk Halifax County Little Theatre: Life Out Loud by Kirk Compton

14 The Institute for Advanced

Learning & Research by Deborah Morehead A Service of Honor by Heather Vipperman

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Tell YOUR Story by Val Tensen Float with River Historian by Forrest Altman The DMFAH Celebrates a Victorian Christmas by Lynne Bjarnesen Hal Crowther To Speak at The Wednesday Club by Niki Fallis Massimiliano Valenti to Perform in Chatham by Mary Lee Black Points North – Hats Off to a Fine Performance by Jim Booth

On the Cover:

On the Cover: Connie & Jake Echman pause during the renovation of the II Georges Inn to pose before the mantel in the front parlor. Photo by Bobby Carlsen. Visit www. bobbycarlsen.com. See story on page 8.

by Kathryn Davis I have a birthday coming up this month. Which one, you ask? Well, let's just say I'm well past 40. You know, the time when my once perfect 20-20 eyes now need the help of magnifying glasses to read up-close or fine print. And yes, the years when everything starts to droop, sag, or ache. But I'm still going to celebrate my upcoming birthday. I've met people who think that once you get past 40, it's childish to actually celebrate the passing of another year. After all, they say, that

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November 2007

entertainment to today’s vibrant cultural and entertainment mecca. OK. I know Liz and John’s trip to Danville was a campaign stop along the road to the U.S. Senate, but her remark struck a nerve. I still hear those words, “There’s nothing to do,” in reference to Danville. I wonder if those naysayers live in the same city that I do. Danville is going through the same change that DC did, and some citizens don’t realize that there is more to do here than time will allow. My challenge to everyone who thinks there is nothing to do? Look at Danville the way newcomers do—with a fresh eye. Read the cover story on page 8 about Jake and Connie Eckman who chose to live in Danville

and moved from New Jersey to open the newest B&B in town. He puts it succinctly when he says, “What Danville has is a gold mine.” Although he was referring to the city’s natural beauty and its historic architecture, it also applies to our leisure-time activities. Also read Believe on page 3 to learn about the fun a group of visitors from Callands had in Danville. This and every issue of EVINCE is packed with opportunities for education and entertainment. November is a great time to be thankful for what we have, to explore new possibilities, and to discover Danville’s numerous nuggets of mindexpanding experiences.

just means we're one year closer to our ultimate end. To which I say, “Hogwash!” We need to embrace every opportunity we find to celebrate, and what greater accomplishment could there be than the day you drew your first breath outside your mother's womb. When I was a child, my mother used to delight in arranging theme parties for me. One year I invited a few girlfriends over and my mom gave us each scissors, needles and thread, and lots of brightly colored scraps of fabric. We each made an outfit for one of our dolls. That was the year my Barbie doll got her first hula skirt! Another time, she gave me a cooking party. I was still in elementary school, but we had fun making "pigs in the blanket" and decorating our own cupcakes.

Mom was very creative when it came to birthdays, and creativity can be a great thing when it comes to celebrating life. At work, when a coworker has a birthday, we each write something witty on a funny birthday card. Then when the birthday person comes in to work that morning, they find a desk decorated with that card and dozens of candies and other goodies. Of course, the rest of us get to share in the candy, so we all look forward to birthdays. But no matter how you choose to celebrate your birthday, a quiet dinner with family or a lavish party or maybe a weekend getaway, life is to be cherished and enjoyed. After all, as someone once said: Life is a gift. That's why we call this the present.

November 2007 When Judy Reynolds, official “Hysterian” for the Callands Red Hat Travelers, read about the Downtown Trolley project in the September issue of Evince, she knew what the group’s next outing would be. Bright and early one Saturday morning, this fun-loving group of women donned their purple clothing and red hats to spend the day in Downtown Danville. They started their day tempted by the variety of crafts, baked goods, fresh vegetables, organically grown meats and cheeses at the Community Market. Why, even Santa Claus was there! After taking some pictures with tall, white-bearded Carl Burke and his wife, Ann, who never leave their Chatham home even in the heat of summer without some sort of North Pole inspired couture, the Red Hats boarded the trolley for the half-hour tour. Having seen the sights, the Red Hat ladies visited Bronx Boy Bagels for an energizing and delicious treat. Once fortified, they were off to Lou’s Antique Mall just across the street. Lou’s boasts 25,000 square feet of space bursting with vintage merchandise, but our intrepid visitors covered every nook. The old-fashioned elevator ride to the lower level reminded “Queen Mother” Lois Anderson of the days

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Believe...

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

when Thalhimer’s Department Store was downtown and the operator announced each floor. Next the ladies found their way to River City General Store where owner Steve Driskill set about finding the most esoteric items on their wish lists. Who knew you could still find replacement parts for your old pressure cooker in Downtown Danville? By then it was time for lunch at Yene’s Fusion Café, after which stops were made at Dixie Bags & More, Rippe’s, and Rippe’s Shoes where “Sergeant in Gloves” Janice Haywood found a pair of ruby red slippers. As she clicked her heels together she exclaimed, “There’s no place like Downtown Danville!” There was much more to see and do, but the Callands Red Hat Travelers were tired little ladies as they headed back home. “It

was so much fun,” Judy enthused. “It’s a great idea to park at the Market, then shop ‘til you drop downtown.” When they return to Downtown Danville, perhaps to visit the museums or for holiday shopping, there will be three new businesses. Sal’s II is now serving delicious Italian cuisine at 215 Main Street seven days a week. Call 434.799.5407 for more information. Brenda Smith has opened Drastic Designs and Graphics at 123 N. Union Street and can be reached at 434.793.0344. And architect Rick Morris has opened his new office at 525A Main Street. Best wishes to these entrepreneurs for many years of success in Downtown Danville.

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Based on the number of riders, the Saturday Shopper Shuttle eightweek trial program far surpassed the benchmark that was set for success. On an average, each week nearly 100 students, travelers and locals enjoyed the trip and the ambiance as the trolley rode through the streets of beautiful, historic Downtown Danville. Pending approval by the Transportation Committee, the program will be resumed for the holiday season starting November 17th, the date for the big Holiday Bazaar at the Community Market. The following week the trolley will run on “Black Friday” (the shopping day after Thanksgiving) and Saturday, then every Saturday through December 22nd. Go

to www.danville-va.gov and click on departments, then transportation for a schedule or call 434.799.5110.

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A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans by Martin Tucker Creator and Curator

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It started out as an idea to give my photography students something different to print in the darkroom. Post a few flyers asking Vietnam veterans to loan us any black-and-white negatives they might still have from their tours and my students would make enlargements from them. We’d give the veteran a nice print for participating, tack the prints on the bulletin board, and hopefully, the students would receive a history lesson in the bargain. That would be the end of it. A Vietnam-era vet myself, I contacted local veterans’ organizations. “If you have any negatives and could loan them to us, I promise you we’ll take good care of them,” I said, adding, “You can even come over and watch your photograph come up in the developing tray.” The word got out. In a few weeks the phone started ringing. The veterans didn’t have negatives, but they had photographs, small 3x5 color and black-and-white photographs. Faded, torn and dusty photographs that had been in closets and under beds for 30 years. As I started scheduling appointment times, I began to wonder if maybe this was more than just a class project. The first vet to offer a photograph was a businessman by day, an avid photographer on the weekends. He simply said he had a few photographs. The second vet to come in didn’t bring photos. What he brought was a strong curiosity and concern about why I wanted all these pictures. Three weeks later he came back with five prized photographs and a story of being pinned down in a firefight his first week in Vietnam. It left me drained. That was when I realized that I needed to keep a journal of my meetings with the vets. They didn’t want to just drop off the photos, they wanted to talk. Emotional stories poured out of them. All these years later their memories, and the strong feelings that come with them, were still just below the surface. Some details were a little fuzzy, but names and dates were always fresh. Everyone I talked to about the project knew someone who’d been in Vietnam. A maintenance man downtown had lost two brothers over there. A co-worker’s uncle had gone, but he never spoke about it after he came home. Soon I began to connect the dots from one vet to another. A Vietnam vet who was a firefighter said his barber had served in Vietnam. A small American flag and his honorable discharge certificate hung next to the mirror at his booth. “I took a lot of pictures while I was over there,” he said. And then he bent over and tapped his artificial leg, “But I was medivac’d out and left them all there.” Another vet, this one from Greensboro, who had been an Army Ranger in Vietnam came with his wife bringing three albums of photos. He had some very powerful images. When I asked if I could borrow the albums to make digital scans, he wanted to know how long I planned to keep them. When I said about a month he replied, “That’s OK. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll just hunt you down and kill you.” Seeing my shocked expression, his wife said, “Don’t mind him, he tells the UPS

guy the same thing.” He got his photos back in a timely manner. Day after day, stories rolled in. Vets have called from Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and as far away as Washington state. They all have photos and just want to make sure that their story is told fairly and accurately. No hype, no spin. “Just don’t make me out as some hero,” they say. How do you take 3,000 photographs, pick 60, and tell the soldier’s story of what it was like to serve in Vietnam? You tell the soldier’s story. Whenever I was stumped on whether to keep a photo for the exhibit, I’d ask myself, “Would a Vietnam vet be able to stand in front of that photograph and say, ‘That’s exactly the way it was, right there.’" If it passed that test, it stayed in. The majority of the vets who participated had never spoken about their experiences in Vietnam--not to their parents, their wives, nor their children. Now, for the first time, those vets have been able to stand before the photographs and proudly say, “That’s the way it was. I couldn’t say it, but those photographs say it for me.” These days, the exhibit has taken on a life of its own. People call, and I send it. It was viewed by 20,000-plus people at the Air Zoo Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In the first week, 1,000 people saw it in Waynesville, North Carolina. You can hear a pin drop when high school students see its PowerPoint presentation. And to think, it all started with that flyer that said Seeking Vietnam Veterans. Martin Tucker was formerly Photography and Computer Graphics Coordinator at the Sawtooth School for Visual Art in WinstonSalem, North Carolina.

This free exhibit runs through November 11th at The Kirby Gallery, 213 North Main Street, Roxboro, North Carolina, Tuesday through Friday 1- 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information call 336.597.1709 or visit www.artsinperson.com. From Danville, take Route 58 East, turn right onto the Milton Highway (NC 62). Go through Milton. The road becomes NC 57. Turn left onto North Main Street. Total distance approximately 28 miles.

One Person’s Perspective On A Thousand Words by Marilyn Huyck-Kuehn

Ask me how I found out about this exhibit, and I’d say I don’t really remember. But ask me how I feel about this exhibit, and I’d say it struck such a chord in my heart that I can’t get it out of my mind. Maybe being a child of the tumultuous ‘60s has something to do with it. America was a nation torn in half over the Vietnam War, the longest military conflict in U.S. history. Maybe it is the memory of sitting on the porch with my dad, listening to him tell stories about his experiences as a tail gunner in the 489th Bomb Group, 845th Bomb Squadron during World War II. Maybe it’s about the present and what lessons have we learned from our past? Everyone has a story and these pictures tell a story--a story few were able to share upon their return. It might not be a story you want to hear, much less tell, but these stories are real. When you see the pictures and then read their stories, you learn much about individual perspectives-hope, frustration, fear, wonder and, yes, joy. The pictures and their stories are heart-wrenching and heart-touching. Today, more than ever, I believe that regardless of your personal feelings about war or politics, you honor a soldier for doing his or her duty, for fighting for freedom, for defending our country and our principles. Every soldier could be your brother, your sister, your father, your mother, your uncle, your aunt, your husband, your wife or your child--those we love, we fear for, we respect, and we miss. Let us honor them. To do anything less is unacceptable.

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A Class Act I’ve done some pretty foolish things in my life, which, of course, won’t come as a newsflash to anyone who has read my column. Over the years it has showcased a boatload of stupidity. Things I can’t believe I did. Things I can’t believe I said. I don’t know what comes over me. I wish I could be like the late TV comic Flip Wilson’s legendary character, Geraldine. One good “The Devil made me do itâ€? would explain away anything. Unfortunately I don’t have that luxury. I really can’t blame my latest failure in judgment on the Devil. It’s more like insanity. Or amnesia. Or a combo of both served up like a psychotic sundae, with a big dollop of nostalgia dripping over the top. Whatever caused this lapse, I foolishly agreed to go to my 30th high school reunion‌less than one week from when I’m writing this column. (Watch as puzzled men shake their heads in confusion as they read. But listen to the audible gasps from the women sitting nearby.) Sane people don’t decide to go to a class reunion with no more prep time than this. I’m not talking about caterers, bands, decorations or invitations. I’m talking about important planning‌manicures, pedicures, hair coloring, and liposuction. Since I didn’t look amazing back then, it would take Divine Intervention to make me look amazing now. Granted the Lord made the world in six days, but He’d be hard-pressed to transform me in five. And I’m sure if He attempted it, He’d need more than one day for rest and recovery. Truth is, we all evolve over time. We all change over time. We all grow over time. Especially me. I’m twice the woman I was in high school and I’ve got the tight pants

to prove it. Thank goodness I had the wisdom to quit wearing Levi’s which advertised my size on the waistband. Considering we’ve been away from these people longer than we were ever with them, it’s a wonder anyone ever goes to these reunions. Except to maybe see a fat cheerleader or a baldheaded quarterback. Or to rekindle an old flame. I look forward to spending an evening with my high school sweetheart. I plan to be by his side the whole night. And if he plays his cards right, I might even bring him home. Especially since we’ve been married for 26 years. Now, don’t go getting all Richard Gere and Julia Roberts on me. There were no flowers, no chocolates and certainly no horse-drawn carriages when we first went out. Our love story would not make a good movie. In fact, it barely made a good date. The long and short of it is this‌my friend liked Robert’s friend, but she couldn’t go to the movies unless they doubled with another couple. “I guess we could go with them,â€? Robert reluctantly suggested one sultry August night. But the only thing steamy about that evening was the humidity. And hiking back to my house after being dropped off at the curb gave hot and bothered a whole new meaning.

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The funny thing is that my friend never dated that guy again‌and Robert and I got married. Which only proves that no good deed goes unpunished. Going to this reunion will be the most recent foolish thing I’ve done. Expecting old friends to know me now, based on knowing me then, is the silliest part of all. A lot has happened in 30 years. I’ve loved people. I’ve lost people. I’ve begun careers; I’ve changed careers. I’ve been places, I’ve seen things‌ and somewhere along the way, I’ve discovered what’s important‌none of which I learned in school. It honestly doesn’t matter if I have five days or five years to prepare for this gathering. No amount of carefully applied cosmetics, fancy new clothes or elective surgical procedures can really change me. The wrapping looks different, but the package inside is basically the same. So, whether it’s 1977 or 2007‌I am who I am. Back in the ‘70s, Geraldine would go to the Devil to explain herself. Not me. But I am going to use one of her other lines for this walk down memory lane: “What you see is what you get.â€?

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She Said

He Said

by Dena Hill

by Larry Oldham

Mars and Venus are alive and kicking in the Hill/Oldham relationship. Want proof? Check out the differences between men and women in “the world according to Dena.” Starting with the men— It’s a standing joke that men will drive up and down the same streets repeatedly all the while looking for the right house because the intended hostess said, “We’re in the directory” and Mr. Too-Proud-To-Ask-For directions decides to find it himself. And as for women— We reserve the right to take longer getting ready to go out than men do. But that’s because we have more details to attend to. A national survey showed that each 15 minutes it takes for a woman to get ready increases her chances of success by 6% (success at what wasn’t clarified, but when you’re my age, any success is welcomed!). Because many of us gals work away from home we have double duty at night when it's dinner time with dishes, laundry, homework, etc. While the women of the Baby Boomer Generation tried to do it all, the women of Generation X have learned from our mistake. They’re smarter than we are. They’re demanding more equality in sharing household responsibilities when they, too, are putting in a hard day on the job. Hats off to the men who willingly share household chores and why not? Contrary to popular belief, men, you won’t get a hernia from picking up your socks. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll make more time for togetherness as a couple, instead of singleness for pounding the remote control. Speaking of remotes, why do men like to surf channels while commercials are on? How are we supposed to know what new products are on the market if we don’t see them advertised? Men can single-handedly cause a collapse in free enterprise, if women don’t know what to buy! These are the same men who can channel surf and keep up with three programs at once, but who can’t follow a conversation with their significant other while the TV is on thanks to their one-track minds. How many times have I heard “Don’t talk to me while I’m watching TV!” Selective attentiveness. Now about the toilet seat and the age-old question: up or down? I really don’t care. It takes just as much effort to lower it as it does to raise it, so it really isn’t a big deal to me. But why not show a little consideration and take turns with it after each person has used it? 50-50 is a good compromise. However, 50-50 isn’t such a good compromise when it comes to driving on trips. That’s definitely a man’s job. Women should just be pleasant companions who add levity to a dreary trip and point out beautiful sights along the way. These little idiosyncrasies often end up with Mr. Mars pouting, so when your smiley face is turned upside down, why not just go back in your cave? If you’re good, you can come out with Punxsutawney Phil in February.

Miss Venus wants to talk about the differences between Men and Women. I’m game. Let me take them in order from the male perspective, or at least from this man’s perspective. Directions: In our case, usually Miss Venus has gotten the directions from her friends or family. Normally she has written the wrong street name, whether to turn left or right, or puts down 20 miles instead of 2 miles. If I stopped to ask someone, the directions might still be wrong. Let’s just say men can’t win either way. Getting ready: I say to Miss Venus how long before you will be ready? She answers, “not too long; maybe an hour.” I sit and wait patiently wondering why the shower is still running 30 minutes later. She must be the reason for our present drought! Two hours later when I go to check on her progress, she is standing in front of the TV watching the rest of some previous soap opera that she has recorded. If I don’t go in and check on her and she comes out in two hours, I ask her, “What took so long?” She answers, “Bad Hair Day.” Men can’t win either way. Household Duties: My mom and dad both worked everyday. They both also did the household duties. When I come in and ask if I can help, Miss Venus always says, “Oh no, you go read the paper; dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” It’s the same with mowing the yard. She says she would rather do it, because she cuts it a certain way. In both of these instances, it’s not that she doesn’t want my help. She just feels that I’m incapable of pleasing her the way she wants the job done. Men can’t win either way. The thing about the remote. (This was the best one yet.) I can’t remember the last time we went to a movie or watched TV when she did not fall asleep. I don’t have a choice now. She must pass my test. As soon as she falls asleep, I put my hand up over her eyes, about an inch from her face and hold it there for about a minute. When I remove my hand, turn to her and ask, “Are you sleeping”? her response is always the same. “I’m not sleeping.” So flipping channels, watching racing, or whatever really shouldn’t matter to her. She’ll be sleeping anyway and I’ll get chastised for channel surfing. Men can’t win either way. The toilet seat we agree on. Today I’m putting a chart on the wall in front of the toilet. When you raise the seat, put a check by your name. When I raise the seat, I’ll put a check by my name. We will each put $50 in the kitty and at the end of the month, whoever has the most check marks wins the kitty. To my knowledge no woman I have ever known has raised the toilet lid when finished, so maybe this time a man will finally come out on top.... And I thought that a man couldn’t win.

DACAS Presents Thanksgiving Concert

by Carolyn Smith Let every creature praise the Lord. Felix Mendelssohn based his sacred cantata Hymn of Praise on this Biblical passage. The work, which is part of Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2, was originally performed at the 1840 Gutenberg Festival in honor orf the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press, but it is equally appropriate at a Thanksgiving celebration. The Danville Area Choral Arts Society, directed by Robert Sutter, will perform this famous work on Sunday, November 18, at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Central Boulevard. Included in the cantata is the Lutheran chorale Nun Danket (Now Thank We All Our God) and the well-known soprano duet I Waited for the Lord which will be sung by Susanne Martin and Sherry Gott. Other soloists include Carolyn Smith singing Praise Thou The Lord with four-part women’s chorus, Joe Northen singing Sing Ye Praise, Russell Scruggs singing The Sorrows of Death, and Steve Barton singing the duet My Song Shall Be Alway Thy Mercy with Pat Nichols. This exciting, high-energy free concert will be performed in English and is less than an hour long. The accompaniment, which was originally scored for full orchestra, has been reduced to piano and will be played by Sylvia Curl, concert organist and pianist from Smith Mountain Lake. For more information call 434. 822.0977.

November 2007

Around the Table by Annelle Williams

Holiday Delights

November and Thanksgiving go together like turkey and dressing. You can’t have one without the other. While the feast is the first thing that comes to mind, it’s family and friends and the camaraderie we share around the table that really make the holiday so special. At our house the celebration lasts for more than one meal and though we’ve tried some variations on our turkey feast, we always come back to the old favorites: beautifully roasted turkey (and an extra breast for sandwiches later), cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, Mama’s congealed cranberry salad, baked sweet potatoes, mashed white potatoes, green beans, biscuits, pumpkin pie, and chocolate pecan pie. To really enjoy such bounty, I schedule the feast for early afternoon. It serves as two meals and provides leftovers later in the evening for those who need more sustenance. The day after Thanksgiving I serve a smorgasbord brunch. This, too, has turned into a tradition with us: sausage and egg casserole, baked cheese grits and mixed fruit compote. Later in the day I add a good soup to the leftovers from the day before. By day three, we’re all ready for something different. Lasagna with a nice green salad makes everyone happy.

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When you’re feeding a crowd for several days, preplanning, early shopping, and one- dish meals are the secrets to success. At the end of the day, though, it’s not what’s on the table, but who’s around it that is so important. Take this special time to be grateful for those you love, whether they literally share your table, or are there only in your hearts. Have a wonderful holiday!

Arugula Lasagna

12 lasagna noodles, prepared as directed on package 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese 1/4 cup milk 2/3 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan) 1 tsp. salt, or to taste 1 tsp. freshly grated pepper, or to taste 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 12 oz. arugula 2 T butter, plus extra butter to prepare baking dish 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup milk, plus more if lasagna begins to look too dry while cooking 1 cup grated Pecorino cheese (or Parmesan) 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts Fresh arugula leaves 2 shallots, sliced very thinly and sautéed in butter

Prepare 13 inch x 9 inch casserole dish with butter. Mix gorgonzola and 1/4 cup milk. Add ricotta, heavy cream, 1/2 cup Pecorino, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Chop the arugula thinly. (Reserve 12 arugula leaves for garnish.) Sauté arugula in 2 T butter just until wilted. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. Add arugula mixture to cheese mixture. Add 1/4 cup milk to buttered casserole dish. Cover bottom of casserole with 3 of the prepared lasagna noodles. Top with a quarter of the cheese and arugula mixture. Continue layers, finishing with cheese and arugula mixture. Top with remaining 1 cup of Pecorino, pine nuts, arugula leaves, and shallots. Cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes at 325º. Remove foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes. When you remove foil, if corners look dry, add a little milk to each corner. Let lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Ben Rippe’s Fashion Statement by Lisa Kerr and Ben Rippe

The “respectable cloth coat” as Richard Nixon once referred to his wife’s coat, is having a fashion renaissance. This season, “proper” wool and precious fiber coats are in abundance as cold-weather favorites. Stylish details like bodice pleats, cowl collars, balloon sleeves, plus reasonable values make this a great coat year. Here are some looks of the season: Beau Brummell men’s wear pattern influence The Modernist clean lines, simple shapes, angular cuts Medieval Romance leg o’ mutton sleeve empire and shirring Country Squire equestrian influences Lisa Kerr is buyer and merchandiser for Rippe’s. Ben Rippe is President of Rippe’s, Rippe’s Furs, and Rippe’s Shoes in Downtown Danville

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evince • Connie resorted to using dental tools to remove every speck of paint from its tiny crevices. Antique tiger oak furnishings matching the restored mantel add warmth to the room, and the adjoining bathroom with its large Victorian clawfoot tub/ shower, marble-top sink, and original 1905 gilt tiles is picture-perfect. After a night’s rest in their chosen luxurious bedroom, guests have yet another treat in store—a gourmet breakfast served on antique china in the dining room. Jake, the chef of the threecourse breakfast, prepares a fruit course, entrée, and delicate sweet course. “I hope people appreciate the time, effort, and money we put into this place to save it,” he says reflectively, adding that he is always amazed when people ask, “Why did you move to Danville?” The answer is obvious to the Eckmans. They recognize the value in living in a place that has a scenic river, a celebrated history, and beautiful architecture. “If it’s in your own backyard, sometimes you don’t recognize what you have,” Connie says wistfully. To which Jake quickly adds, “And they take it for granted.” R. L. Dibrell, a man noted for putting his heart and soul into his adopted town of Danville, must be very pleased that his elegant and fine home is no longer being taken for granted. How gratified he must be that, just as he did a century-plus ago, the Eckmans recognized Danville’s charm and its opportunities and have moved here.

Putting Heart and Spirit Into Danville's Newest B&B by Joyce Wilburn

I

t’s almost as if a friendly voice from 122 years ago was telling Connie Eckman she had done the right thing. Shortly after Connie and husband Jake purchased the R.L. Dibrell House at 124 Broad Street, but before they could begin transforming it into a premier gourmet bed and breakfast, Connie had to attend a business meeting on the West Coast. Needing something to occupy the time during the non-stop flight, she carried along Alexandria Ripley’s fictional account of a tobacco baron, From Fields of Gold. Recounting what happened next, Connie’s voice rises in excitement and disbelief. “I’m reading this book about Virginia and North Carolina tobacco and on page 101 Ripley writes: That was Dibrell who bought my leaves … Mr. Dibrell, he’s a lot choosier, ‘cause Liggett and Myers is the biggest and the best. Dibrell (is mentioned) throughout the book! I was so excited to read about him, the man who was the original owner of the house we had just bought.” Two hours later, when she called her husband and told him of the coincidence, "Jake told me we had to keep that house, " she says. After numerous trips from their home in New Jersey to Virginia and back, and 3½ years of hard labor, the Echmans have now opened The II Georges Inn, named after the Eckmans’ two fathers who are both named George. And although From Fields of Gold, written in 1996, is hardly an antique, it has a place of honor among the carefully selected Victorian antique furnishings, lighting, and accent pieces that fill the Queen Anne-style home. However, it is not the only reminder of Richard L. Dibrell, president of Dibrell

For more information about The II Georges Inn, visit www.TheTwoGeorgesInn.com or call 434.793.1119.

photo by Bobby Carlsen Brothers Tobacco, who built the house in 1885 after moving to Danville from Richmond in the 1870s. When the home was originally built, its massive four-foot-wide wooden and beveled glass front door swung wide to accommodate the hoop skirts of 19th century ladies. Today the door swings wide to welcome its guests for a taste of Southern hospitality at its best. On the first floor, Mr. Dibrell’s large personal office has been beautifully transformed into a guest room by Connie’s decorating talent and Jake’s woodworking skills. In addition to its walnut wainscoting and Eastlake furniture, the room is fitted with modern amenities travelers have come to expect—from well-hidden snacks and specialty coffees to wireless internet and TV. “We tried to think of every amenity that someone would want,” says Connie pointing out the customary, but Jake adds, “We were in Scotland last September and some of the B&Bs had a decanter of sherry and a couple of crystal goblets. We thought that was a nice touch and decided to offer it also.” Other thoughtful gestures include the naming of the other two guest rooms with private baths in honor of their mothers. Ruth’s Room, named for Jake’s mother, features her favorite colors of mauve and green. Period-style wall coverings and matching bed and window treatments give it a cozy feeling. Connie’s mother, June, is remembered in the airy, bright blue-and-yellow guest room on the second floor. “Ten layers of paint were on top of this,” Jake says, tapping the mantel and telling how

It’s Virginia’s First Lady’s Special Child…

“FOR KEEPS: Families for All Virginia Teens” by Gordon Bendall

Ruth Ann Cumbo at Danville Social Services knows how dear foster children are to the heart of Virginia’s First Lady, Anne Holton. “As a former juvenile and domestic court judge,” Cumbo explains, Governor Kaine’s wife, “…provides valuable insight into the problems facing young foster teenagers. By identifying the best programs and policies from across the nation, Anne Holton hopes to find solutions to help the State’s foster teen population become independent and productive members of society. Her commitment and energy to help foster children is highly commendable.” Cumbo should know. After years of service in the field, she has seen enough to agree with the experts who recommend getting kids out of the foster care system and into adoptive homes or with relatives as soon as possible. “A child’s job is to learn to trust and attach to adults,” Cumbo says. “They just can’t

November 2007 do that when they are moved from foster home to foster home, most often due to no fault of their own.” Statistics stand behind Cumbo’s statement. Tragically, almost half of all foster children who remain in the foster care system until age 18 or 21 will eventually become part of the homeless population. As young adults, many former foster children end up in prison because of the array of unsavory people who victimize them. Some are physically or sexually assaulted. But it doesn’t have to be so, she says. Just one caring adult in the life of a foster child can make a huge difference. “Imagine being on your own as an 18-year-old in this world without a soul to rely on for support, advice and guidance,” Cumbo laments. “You cannot get back those years of childhood. In an attempt to cure some of the system’s ills, the passage of the Federal Safe Families Act of 1997 helped to shorten stays in foster care; however, many children still languish too long in the system while their parents are allowed to go on with their own lives without them,” she says. It is this sort of passionate concern that caught Anne Holton’s attention. When the First Lady visited Danville last year she praised Cumbo and her staff at Danville’s Social Services for successfully recruiting and licensing 117 families interested in adoption and placing 103 adopted children since the year 2000. “We know children don’t do well in foster care,” explains Cumbo who is credited with much of the success for Danville’s excellent prevention program to try to keep children out of foster care. “So, we work hard to keep them out or return them safely to a relative. If the court determines that they will be adopted, we try to have a family prepared to adopt them.” Noting why children, from infants to teenagers, are separated from their parents, Cumbo sites many reasons— neglectful mothers and fathers, deceased parents, incarcerated parents or physically and sexually abusive parents or caregivers. “Many come into foster care because of truancy and need someone to care enough about them to help get them back on track,” she says. In Danville, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties, there is a need for both black and white families to foster and adopt. The median age of children free for adoption in Virginia is 8 to 12 with more African-American boys waiting to be adopted than others. An adoptive parent does not have to be rich, or own his or her home, but they have to demonstrate that they are able to take care of themselves. There are subsidy payments available for adoption and fostering, depending on the age and needs of the child. “The First Lady has seen firsthand what happens to these kids,” Cumbo says, “and we appreciate her efforts to change some things for the children in foster care.” In return, Virginia’s First Lady is very pleased that Danville has placed that many children in homes.

To learn more, contact Ruth Ann Cumbo at the Danville Department of Social Services. 434.799.6540.and visit Anne Holton’s website, http://www.firstlady.governor.virginia.gov/

November 2007

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

November Through November 15

Wreck of the Old 97 Exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History 434.793.5644.

Through January 2

Fly, Glide & Stride: Natural History Machines. Interactive sculptures combine with science, technology and imagination. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160.

November 1

Fall Foliage Excursion – Blue Ridge Parkway. 8:30 am-1:30 pm. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. Holiday Bow Making Class. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center – 434.799.5216.

November 1 (thru 29)

Junior Shag Dance Lessons – For ages 6-16. Tues. & Thurs. 7-8 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

November 2

Live Music - The Carolina Chocolate Drops. 7:30 pm. PHCC Artisan Center, Martinsville – 276.632.6107.

November 2 & 3

Reunion Concert Weekend – With Robyn and the Hoods. Enjoy a weekend of nonstop blues, driving rock and soul music. 11/2 – Hang out with band. 11/3 – Reunion Concert. 7:30 p.m. The Berry Hill Estate – 434.517.7001.

November 2 (thru 4)

Carolina Home Show – Fine Art and Craft Sale. Glass, pottery, jewelry, forged copper and steel, garden accents, paintings, photography, sculpture, original note cards, “Soap Du Jour”, textiles, home decor. Times Vary. Hawk Spirit Studio, Reidsville, N.C. – 336.349.8363.

November 2 (thru Dec 28)

PAA Exhibits – A Soldier’s Life: Selections from the Charles J. Brown Trust; Exclamation of Exploration: Works by Celeste Tsaklis; Lori Nix: Photographs. Opening Reception 11/2, 5:30 pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

November 3

Indoor Car Show. AAF Tank Museum – 434.836.5323. First Saturdays – Find that one-of-a-kind item. Trade Lot, Altavista. 434.944.5530 or 434.369.5001. Flashes For Foliage – Photo hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 9 am–5 pm. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – See page 15. Fall Stew Day – Hayride tours, folk concert, Brunswick stew, wine tasting and more. 10 am–5 pm. Chinqua Penn Plantation – 336.477.4453.

Bob Ross Painting Class - Radiant Ravine. 10:30 am–3:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex 434.797.8848. NC Region Charge of the Headlight Brigade. VIRginia International Raceway – 434.822.7700. Averett Football vs. Christopher Newport University. 1 pm. Averett U. – 434.791.5600. American Chamber Players. The North Theatre. 7:30 pm. Danville Concert Association.

November 3 (thru 27)

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

November 5

Art with Judie – Instruction on oil and watercolor painting. Times/days vary. Ballou Park Annex 434.797.8848.

November 5 (thru 26)

African Dance Ensemble – Learn the art of African Dance. Mondays 6-7:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Boogie Mondays – Learn to 2-Step. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

November 6 (thru 27)

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

November 7

Senior Bowling Tournament. 10 am–12 pm. Riverside Lanes. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Fetch! Lab - Build a tower just made out of cups. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Concert – The Legendary Johnny Winter. 7:30 pm. The North Theatre

November 8

Recipe Club – Share great recipes, learn different ways to cook. 11:30 am. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Bookmark Class. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216. Founders Lecture Series - Big Business Meets Web 2.0. 6:30 pm. Founders College South Boston – 434.517.7008

November 8 (thru 10)

Crimes of the Heart. 7:30 pm. Pritchett Auditorium. Averett U. – 434.791.5712.

November 9

Barbecue Dinner – Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. 5:30–8 pm. Dan River Post 1097. egor1@ comcast.net. The Danville Shag Club. 8–11 pm. Stratford Inn. www.danvilleshagclub.com.

November 10

Leaves on the Lake – Philpott Lake. 10 am–5 pm. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215.

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Veterans’ Memorial Dedication Service. See page 14. Positive Parenting Workshop – Tried-andtrue, practical & positive techniques for parents and guardians. 2:30-5 pm. Cedar Haven – 434.799.3318. Amazing Astronomy – Explore stars and planets. Ages 8–12. 6:30–8:30 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Veterans’ Memorial Dedication Dance. See page 14.

November 2007

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November 15 (thru Dec. 23)

Museum Exhibit – Christmas Cards by Carson Davenport and Lucille Walton. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History – 434.793.5644.

November 16

November 11

November 17

Veterans’ Day Parade. 2:30 pm. Broad Street to Craghead Street. 434.793.4636.

November 11 (thru Dec. 16)

Museum Exhibits – Adam Weatherford. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History – 434.793.5644. Museum Exhibits - Opening Reception for the Danville Art League Juried Exhibit. 11/11/ 4-6pm See ad page 7.

November 12

Danville Chess Club. 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center – 434.799.5216.

November 13

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Play a game, learn a poem, and make a craft where you use all your senses. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 p.m. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160. Instructional Rock Climbing – 6–8 pm. Coates Recreation Center. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. Photography Club. 6:30 pm. Ballou Park Annex 434.797.8848. Georgian State Dance Company. 7:30 pm. GWHS Auditorium. Arts & Humanities – 434.792.6965. See page 14. Taming of the Shrew - By Shenandoah Shakespeare. 7:30 pm. Pritchett Auditorium. Averett U.– 434.791.5600. Alzheimer’s Presentation – Maintain Your Brain. 7 - 8 pm. Stratford House. 434.792.3700 x30.

November 13 & 15

Excel – Spreadsheets for the Beginner. 6–9 pm. IALR – 434.766.6793.

November 15

Turkeys & Tots – Crafts, games and activities to get you and your child in the holiday spirit. 10–11:30 am. Outdoor Rec – 434.799.5215. Recipe Club (See 11/8) Alzheimer’s Presentation – Aging, Memory and Alzheimer’s. 12 - 1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. – 434.792.3700 ext. 30. Introduction to Positive Behavior Support – 2-4 pm. Cedar Haven – 434.799.3318. Founders Lecture Series - The History of The Scientific Method. 6:30 pm. Founders College South Boston – 434.517.7008.

Skywatchers – Observe the constellation Taurus, Perseus and the planet Mars. Nightfall. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160.

November 10 & 11

Holiday Living Show – Arts & crafts, good food. 9 am–5 pm. Halifax Co. High School, South Boston. 434.489.6407 or 434.476.6476.

T F S 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30

Wreath Class for the Holidays. 1-2:30 or 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Recreation Center – 434.799.5216. Indian Festival – Virginia Museum of Natural History – 276..666.8659. Indoor Radio Control Tank Battle. 10 am–5 pm. AAF Tank Museum – 434.836.5323 Averett Men’s Basketball vs. Maryville. 3 pm. Averett U. – 434.791.5600. Chatham Rotary Auction – Auction items range from exotic vacation getaways to donated items guaranteed to delight and surprise. 6–11 pm. Chatham Hall. www.chathamrotaryclub.com.

November 17 & 18

Line Dance Evolution Workshop & Dance. 11/17 Workshop 10 am–5 pm, Dance 7-10 pm; 11/18 Workshop 10 am–2 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

November 17

Holiday Bazaar – 8 am–3 pm. Danville Community Market – 434.797.8961.

November 18

DACAS Concert – See page 6. Christmas Open House – Downtown stores open for holiday shopping, pictures taken with Santa and a Cookie Cottage Workshop. 8 am. Downtown South Boston. 434.575.4209.

November 19

Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant 434.792.0601. Bear Necessities – Learn about the American black bear research and rescue work. 7 pm. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160.

November 20

Averett Men’s Basketball vs. Hampden Sydney. 7 pm. Averett U. – 434.791.5600.

November 23 (thru Dec. 30) Holiday and candlelight tours. Chinqua Penn. See ad page 12.

November 23

The Danville Shag Club (See 11/9)

November 26

Danville Chess Club (See 11/12)

November 2007 November 27

Polliwogs & Science Stars - Explore the different kinds of shelter people need depending on their locations and lifestyles. Ages 3–4 1–2 pm; Ages 5–6 3:45–4:45 pm. Danville Science Center - 434.791.5160. Julian and Elnora Light Memorial Concert – Pianist Gil Sullivan. 7:30 pm. Pritchett Auditorium. Averett U. – 434.791.5600

November 27 & 29

Excel II (advanced) – Using formulas, functions, charts, and workbooks. 6–9 pm. IALR – 434.766.6793.

November 28

Alzheimer’s Presentation – Caregiver’s stress management and related issues. 12 - 1 pm. United Way Meeting Room. – 434.792.3700 ext. 30.

November 30

Candlelight Tour – See page 11. Christmas with The King – Keith Henderson and Illusions of the King. 8 pm. Gretna Theatre. 434.656.3377.

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November 30 (thru Dec. 2)

A Christmas Carol – 11/30 & 12/1 – 7:30 pm; 12/2 – 3 pm. Kirby Theater, Roxboro, NC. 336.597.1709.

Upcoming Events December 1

Riverview Rotary’s Christmas Parade – Festival of Lights. 6 pm. Main Street from Ridge Street to Craghead Street, ending at the Community Market. 434.793.4636.

December 1 & 2

Emile Pandolfi. 12/1 - 7:30 pm; 12/2 – 2:30 pm. The North Theatre. Arts & Humanities – 434.792.6965.

December 7&8

Christmas in Chatham – Art exhibit, lantern lighting celebration, Christmas caroling festival, and Yule log celebration(12/7) Art exhibit, music, tours, carriage rides, holiday shopping, parade at 2:30 p.m. (12/8). See ad page 13.

December 8&9

Holiday Tour – See ad below.

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Page 12

• 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

>Ê} `ÊLi} } iÛiÀÊi `Ã 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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November 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. As Senior Associate of Strumpf Associates: Center for Strategic Change, I stay in hotels five or six nights a week. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s the finest hotel or the most humble inn, good customer service is often, well— elusive. by Lori Strumpf That is why I love the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Danville, Virginia. Occasionally when I am running late, I Their staff, from management on down, by Joyce likeWilburn to call a restaurant and have my meal seems focused on customer service and delivered to the hotel. I can always count exceeding their customers' expectations. on Mary to accept the delivery for me, even One person in particular who regularly if I haven’t checked in yet, and sometimes exceeds my expectations is Mary Ryerson. she even brings it to my room herself. Mary is often on duty at the front desk All in all, the staff at the Danville in the evenings when I check in. She Marriott Courtyard goes out of their way to remembers that I often ask for an extra be pleasant and customer-friendly. I know blanket, and now she doesn’t even ask, I feel more at home when Mary is there to she just makes sure that it is already in my take care of things. I wish all the hotels room. When I call to confirm a late arrival, had someone like Mary Ryerson working Mary recognizes my voice and calls me by for them. name, all the while assuring me that my accommodations will be ready for me.

Five Houses Featured On Eden’s 11th Annual Christmas Tour

by Marianne Aiken Two fabulous new houses and two very old ones will be outfitted in full seasonal attire to benefit the Eden Preservation Society during its 11th Annual Christmas Tour on Sunday, December 2, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the Eden Historical Museum at 656 Washington Street will be the location for the Celebrity Bake Sale and a Christmases Past exhibit. The 5-year-old house at 1986 River Chase in Indian Hills belonging to Ola Mae and Gerald Harris will showcase an exceptional collection of Oriental art objects—many of them antiques. The other new home on tour is the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Merritt at 2002 River Chase. Although only six years old, it is filled with history, including family portraits dating from the 1830s and other outstanding mementoes. In the spirit of the season, visitors to Pat and Melissa Whitten’s Queen Anne style home at 502 Boone Road will particularly enjoy the extensive grouping of decks, ingeniously planned to provide nooks for plants and seating –and Christmas decorations. Many items in the house are of German or Austrian origin, such as framed

The Superintendent’s House. “Berlin Work” embroideries, toys, Christmas decorations, and several pieces of furniture. Also on the tour is the 1916 home known as The Superintendent’s House. Perched majestically atop a green knoll at 141 Main Street in Draper, it is the residence of Chip and Toni Reynolds. Particularly interesting to visitors will be the set of unique tobacco-leaf motif chairs surrounding the long mahogany table. Other evidence of Mr. Reynolds’ link to the tobacco industry can be found around the house including an old photo of downtown Richmond, Virginia, with a flourishing field of tobacco in the foreground. Tickets are $5 each for the whole tour and are available at Price Tire Company on the traffic circle in Spray, the Eden Chamber of Commerce, or from any member of the Preservation Society. They will also be sold at each home on the day of the tour. For more information, call 336.623.3128.

November 2007

by Bob Lenk, President Luna nanoWorks, a division of Luna Innovations located on Bridge Street in Danville This bimonthly column will attempt to explain how nanotechnology could affect your life. The prefix “nano� means a billionth, in the same way “milli� means a thousandth, and “micro� means a millionth. So a nanometer is one billionth of a meter. Another way to appreciate the scale is to imagine shrinking ourselves down to the nanometer scale. Remember the movie, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? Imagine you were shrunk so small that you could see a ball the same size as a basketball, but it would be one nanometer wide. If you were shrunk down to this nanoscale, a human hair would be about 20 miles in diameter (about the same distance from Danville to Chatham). Thus, nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, with the ability to manufacture objects and structures literally atom by atom. So how will nanotechnology affect you? This series of columns will answer that question by reviewing current work in the scientific field. For example, researchers led by Laura Dugan in the Department of Medicine at the University of California in San Diego have been studying the antioxidant properties of a carbon nanosphere which has
been modified to make it useful in medicine. In its modified state, this
carbon nanosphere is such a potent antioxidant that it extends the lifespan of laboratory mice. 
Dugan’s team also found that as the treated mice aged, they were able to find their way through a maze almost as quickly as young mice.  But laboratory mice are not humans, and there is much work to be done 
before we will know whether this result will become useful in medicine. However, this research points to the possibility that one day, findings such as this one will lead to new nanoMedicines to help people live longer and healthier lives. In fact, new medicines based on nanospheres may someday help to treat conditions for which existing drugs are not effective. In addition, thanks to nanotechnology new tools are being developed that may eventually provide better diagnostics to help determine what causes an illness. NanoMedicine is just one example of an area where nanotechnology is doing remarkable things, and at Luna nanoWorks we are developing products to
improve the diagnosis, management, and treatment of human diseases. Nanotechnology will one day change your life for the better. That’s why Luna nanoWorks is harnessing the amazing properties of nanomaterials to develop products that will impact a number of 
industries.

•

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Halifax County Little Theatre: $)3*45."4 Life Out Loud by Kirk Compton */ )*4503*$ Are you ready to live “Life Out Loud�? $)"5)". Halifax County Little Theatre hopes

so, because that is the theme of their 2007-2008 season. The theatre group enters their 53rd season with 4 shows chosen for the sole purpose of bringing the joy of living right onto the local stage. The opening production, It’s A Wonderful Life, is a stage version of the popular Christmas classic film. The play, written by James Rodgers, allows the audience to be right in the center of George Bailey’s family as he learns the important lessons of how one man’s life can affect the people around him. From his childhood heroics in Bedford Falls, to his final realization that his life has real importance, the audience can live George’s life right along with him. The play, directed by Melissa Peacock, opens the season on November 16 and runs through December 1. Evening performances are at 8 p.m. on November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and December 1. Matinees are at 3:00 pm on November 18 and 25. Other shows in the season are David Hyde’s Lying in State, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s Smokey Joe’s CafÊ, and a musical version of the beloved children’s classic Winnie-The-Pooh. Season brochures are available at The Prizery box office at 700 Bruce Street in South Boston and the Halifax and South Boston public libraries. For more information visit www.hclt.org.

Page 13

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Veteran’s Day Weekend Danville Pittsylvania County Veteran’s Memorial

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Salute to Veterans Dance

with 58 West at the Community Market November 10, 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Haynes Iron & Metal, Budweiser, Pepsi, URW Community Federal Credit Union

Veteran’s Day Parade

Sunday, November 11 at 2:30 p.m. on Main street # ____ Dedication Tickets (Free Souvenir Ticket) # ____ Parking passes - Car pooling is encouraged. 1 Parking pass will be mailed for a minimum of 2 tickets. # ____ Check here if someone in your party needs handicapped accessible parking. # ____ Dance Tickets $5.00 Each # ____ Reserved Tables for 10 $55.00 Each Name:_________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ City_______________________________State___ Zip_________

Mail your ticket request to: VETERAN’S DAY WEEKEND - C/O Danville Welcome Center 3JWFS 1BSL %SJWF t %BOWJMMF 7" Tickets on line at www.visitdanville.com, call 793-4636, or FAX 434-773-8198.

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by Deborah Morehead Over 100 participants from across the country and around the world were in Danville for the annual meeting of the Road Profile User’s Group (RPUG), an organization of individuals interested in road profiles, road roughness, pavement smoothness, and transportation engineering. Held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and hosted by John Ferris, PhD, the 3-day meeting served as a forum for the exchange of information among end users, data collectors, vendors, construction and design engineers and researchers involved with road profiling. Ferris, a Virginia Tech mechanical engineering professor based at the Institute, noted that the conference “… provided yet another learning experience for the graduate students in the Vehicle Terrain Performance Laboratory (VPTL) to be engaged in discussions with State agencies from 26 states, Denmark, the U.K., Canada and Australia.” Attracting talented people to the area is part of the mission of the IALR, and the RPUG conference produced hotel and restaurant sales, which help to

A Service of Honor

by Heather F. Vipperman

Jimmy Stewart was someone I always admired. His on-stage presence and off-screen demeanor spoke highly of the gentleman he was. A few years ago, I jumped at the chance to visit Indiana, Pennsylvania, Jimmy Stewart’s hometown. Indiana is a small town in every sense of the word. It sits in the middle of a rural area of Pennsylvania. Home to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the city is lined with quaint homes and family businesses. There is no huge sign on the house where Jimmy Stewart was born, or his family’s next home. The Jimmy Stewart Museum is as humble as he was. Among his Hollywood treasures is an unassuming display of his military uniform and medals; a fitting tribute to his distinguished military career. “Main Street Indiana” is lined with family businesses, a library, a sandwich shop, and a war memorial. Yes, a war memorial. A downtown lot opens up to a majestic Wall of Honor for those native sons who lost their lives fighting for our country, all the way back to the Revolutionary War. The Main Street location speaks to the access the people of Indiana have to their memorial. My husband and I could only imagine what a memorial like this in Danville would look like. We will soon know. On November 10th, our community will dedicate such a memorial. A circular granite wall will rise at Dan Daniel Memorial Park to honor those from Danville and Pittsylvania

November 2007 boost the economy of the area. Among the attendees who were thrilled with the venue, Australian Richard Wix, commented, “It was quite a surprise to find a building like this in rural Virginia.” And Copenhagen, Denmark, resident Anders Sorensen, noted that the weather was delightful. “I talked with my family in Denmark and they were very jealous to find out how warm and beautiful it is here in the Fall of the year. We don’t get weather like this except on the best summer days,” he said. In addition to the conference agenda, which included numerous sessions on topics such as “Using Profile to Improve Ride” and “Friction, Noise, and Texture,” the group enjoyed an afternoon of carting and laps at the Virginia International Raceway, followed by dinner and entertainment. Vendors catering to the industry were also on hand to display their newest gadgets and road profiling vehicles, which were parked in front of the Institute throughout the event. IALR is the home of the Vehicle Terrain Performance Laboratory, one of the labs in the Institute’s motorsports research center. Dr. Ferris directs the lab, which currently boasts 4 graduate students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering in vehicle terrain performance. According to Ferris, such meetings provide the Vehicle Terrain Performance Laboratory “…with many research connections that are crucial to the well-being of our research program here at the IALR.”

County who died in service. The names on the wall will span from the American Revolution to the present. A circular brick walkway will honor and memorialize those who served their country from all areas of the globe. Plaques will teach the history lesson of each conflict. Benches along the walkway will “provide a place for rest, contemplation, reflection, and hope.” The location in a public park makes the memorial accessible to all who visit there. Children and adults who play in the park can satisfy their curiosity, explore the memorial, and learn the lessons of the past that we don’t want repeated. We can be proud of this grassroots effort led entirely by volunteers and built with only private money. The time, talents, and donations provided by veterans, businesses, and individuals are irreplaceable. Davis Newman has led this group through the conceptualization, design, and, implementation of the memorial. The Community Foundation handled donations and coordinated the engraving of memorial bricks in the walkway. Donations will continue to be used to add names to the walkway and provide for the upkeep of the memorial. Join us Veteran’s Day weekend for a series of celebratory events: Saturday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m. for the dedication service; Saturday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m., for a Salute to Veterans Dance at the Community Market; and Sunday, November 11, at 2:30 p.m., for the annual Veteran’s Day Parade down Main Street. For more information on any of these events, contact the Danville Welcome Center at 434-793-4636 or www.visitdanville.com.

November 2007

Tell YOUR Story by Val Tensen

Do you have an intriguing insight into Danville history? A colorful story to share? A first-person account of an event unique to the local culture? The Danville Science Center wants to hear from you! As part of a $148,449 grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences, the Danville Science Center is embarking on an ambitious mission to capture stories unique to the Southside Virginia region in a series of audio podcasts. Project partners include the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, American Armored Foundation Tank Museum, North Theatre, Langhorne House, Danville Community College, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, and local historical societies. “These podcasts will be sort of like audio tours,” explains Danville Science Center Director Jeff Liverman. “Users can download the files from the Internet or check them out from local sources – libraries for example – and listen to hometown storytellers share their first-hand knowledge of various topics unique to our region.” The project goal is to create a minimum of 60 two-to-four-minute audio pieces. Project producers will also capture video footage for archival files to ensure that a permanent visual record is available as well, possibly for future use. Topics range from local history stories, arts, culture, and science to local personalities. “As for story ideas, the sky’s the limit,” Liverman says. “We could record a piece on the wreck of the Old 97, for example, or cover some of the local festivals, or interview a World War II vet on what it was like to return to his farm after the war.” Key to the project, Liverman notes, is that the podcasts be created by local citizens, about local citizens, and for local citizens as well as visitors to the area. “We want stories that are entertaining, interesting, and also educational in some way,” Liverman says. “We want stories that convey the spirit and soul of our region.” Story ideas can be emailed to jliverman@ smv.org . Please include as much detail as possible (critical story facts, location, and also the name/s of people knowledgeable of story details or those who might be willing to tell the story first-hand on a podcast, if applicable). Deadline for submittal of ideas is November 30.

Float With River Historian by Forrest Altman

For years, Dr. Lindley S. Butler would take his Rockingham Community College students on field trips on the Dan River. Still an active boater, Butler will lead a group of “post-grads” and others on a 5.5 mile trip down the Dan on Saturday, November 3. Enjoying the Fall foliage will be entirely the boaters’ responsibility as Butler points out historical highlights along the way. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Wildlife Access on Bethlehem Church Road south of Eden. From there they and their boats will be shuttled upriver for a launch near the confluence of Whetstone Creek. On the river trip, the “students” will learn about old navigational structures in the river built in the 1800s that are now on the National Register of Historical Places. About two miles into the trip, boaters will pass the site of the Grief Wade Plantation where a narrow vein of coal was discovered as early as 1824. During the Civil War, the coal was shipped by boat to Danville to heat military prisons. Just beyond the confluence of Buffalo Island Creek, boaters will pass under the Harrington Highway Bridge, the site of former Hamlin’s (Menzies) Island. Islands appear and disappear as a result of water action during heavy storms and floods. Nearby is the graded right-of-way of the uncompleted North Carolina Midland

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Railroad. Also, one may see a fine stand of the river cane that was common when William Byrd surveyed the “Dividing Line” in 1728, but now is gradually disappearing throughout much of the river’s length. While lunching at Leaksville Landing, Dr. Butler and others will describe the crib structures in the river to which the 19th century bateaux were moored. After lunch, boaters will drift past Johnston’s Landing and on to the site of the former Leaksville Covered Bridge where a massive stone pier from the 1852 span survives, along with a 150-foot long sluice wall. One of the last points of interest on the trip will be the confluence of the Smith River with the Dan. Minimal experience is required for this essentially flat-water trip. Dressing in warm layers is recommended. To participate, bring a boat, life jacket, lunch, water, rain gear, and an eagerness to learn more about the fascinating history of the mighty, scenic, and historic Dan River. Meetings and First Saturday Outings of the Dan River Basin Association are free. For more information, call 336-349-5727 or 434-579-7599 or visit www.danriver.org.

The DMFAH Celebrates Aby Lynne Victorian Christmas Bjarnesen The Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History will celebrate Christmas for a full month this year. Beginning Tuesday, November 27, the historic mansion will be dressed in its holiday best, including seasonal greenery, a gingerbread house decorated to look like the Sutherlin Mansion by members of the Jr. Wednesday Club, and a Christmas tree adorned with Victorian ornaments. Be charmed as the Museum hosts A Special Candlelight Tour of the mansion and its finery on Friday, November 30, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. For the event the dining room table will be decorated for a traditional Christmas-morning breakfast including oysters. There will be punch, hot mulled cider and Christmas cookies for all to share. There is no charge. A Victorian Holiday celebration for children ages four to ten years old and accompanying adults will be held on Saturday, December 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will be holiday crafts to make, holiday stories to listen to told by storyteller Rebecca Dellinger, and punch and cookies to eat. The cost is $8.00 per child and $6.00 for each additional child in the immediate family. There is no cost for adults. Please do not drop off children unaccompanied. Call 434.793.5644 for reservations. The Museum is located at 975 Main Street. For more information visit www.danvillemuseum.org.

Hal Crowther To Speak at The Wednesday Club by Niki Fallis Prize-winning syndicated columnist and author Hal Crowther will speak at The Wednesday Club on November 7. Crowther, who has published essays on the Soviet Union and the collapse of the Soviet Empire, was cited by Kirkpatrick Sales as “the best essayist working in journalism today” after publishing his first collection of essays, Unarmed But Dangerous. In addition, his syndicated column won the highly coveted H. L. Mencken Writing Award and the American Association of Newsweeklies first prize for commentary. Cathedrals of Kudzu, which was published in 2000, has been one of the New South’s most honored and critically acclaimed works of nonfiction and Crowther’s most current collection of essays, Gather at The River, is a National Book Award nominee. In addition, he has screen credits for a number of film and television scripts.

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As a former columnist and film critic for the Buffalo News, staff writer for TIME, and media critic for Newsweek, he has filed his personal essays on culture, media, politics, natural history and unnatural humanity from every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Crowther, a Williams College and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism graduate, lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina, with his wife, novelist Lee Smith. The free presentation begins at 3:45 p.m. and is open to the public. The Club is located at 1002 Main Street. For more information call 434.793.2035.

Massimiliano Valenti To Perform in Chatham by Mary Lee Black Chatham Arts and Chatham First invite the public to attend a piano concert by Massimiliano Valenti on Friday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m. at Chatham Baptist Church. Valenti, praised as one of the most interesting pianists of his generation, has appeared in concerts in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, France, and Romania. Since 2006 he has collaborated with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Sibiu, and in 2008 will be appearing in a series of concerts in South Korea. A pianist of extraordinary talent, Valenti’s repertory spans from the Baroque to the avantgarde. His program on November 2 will open with Adagio in C major by Baldassarre Galuppi and close with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. He will also present Jean Philippe Rameau’s Suite in E minor, Oliver Messiaen’s First Communion of the Virgin, and Alberto Ginastera’s Sonata Op. 22 number 1. In addition, a special treat will be three of George Gershwin’s preludes. This free concert is the third in Chatham First’s series of First Friday musical events. Valenti is appearing through the support of the outreach program of Virginia Tech and the Virginia Commission of the Arts. Accompanying him will be David Ehrlich, a Virginia Tech

Outreach Fellow and President of the Renaissance Music Academy, the organization that was instrumental in the formation of the Chatham Arts School of Music. Chatham Baptist Church is located at 12 Court Place adjacent to the Chatham Town Hall. Parking is available behind the church. For more information call 434.432.7721.

Points North – Hats Off toby Jima Fine Performance Booth Jerry Meadors recently mounted a spirited production of Oscar Wilde’s classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, at the North Theatre. Wilde’s play, noted for its rapid repartee and sly wit, places a premium on intelligent line readings and the actors’ abilities to deliver dialogue written both to amuse and to provoke audiences with its attacks on conventional thinking about love and marriage. This North Theatre production did not disappoint—the acting was sharp and the wit well-played. Among the notable performers were Daniel Halden and Justin Tenson. Jana Allen was particularly amusing as the naïve ingénue. Rachel Neihesel and Barry Haulsee were suitably adoring and demanding by turns. John Fisher, Donna Redd, Robert Brooks, and Jeremy Flora brought purpose to their supporting roles. The costumes were sumptuous and the sets, though simple, cleverly evoked London and Hertfordshire. Meadors’ direction emphasized pacing and the play moved briskly. All in all, it was a delightful evening and audiences probably wished the play were a bit longer. The North Theatre’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is another triumph for Jerry Meadors’ fledgling company. May there be many more.

Now Accepting Applications for Management Positions FREE MEAL

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Purchase any regular priced menu entree and two beverages and receive a second entree of equal or lesser value FREE (max value $10)

Valid ANYTIME (exluding holidays) Offer Expires 11-30-07 Valid ONLY at 101 Teal Ct., Danville IHOP OPEN 24 HRS FRI & SAT

Please present coupon when ordering. One coupon per party per visit. Dine-In Only.

20% OFF (Regularly priced menu items only)

Entire Check

Not Valid With Gift Card Purchases * Offer Expires 11-30-07

Valid ONLY at 101 Teal Ct., Danville IHOP OPEN 24 HRS FRI & SAT

Please present coupon when ordering. One coupon per party per visit. Dine-In Only.

FREE MEAL

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Purchase any regular priced menu entree and two beverages and receive a second entree of equal or lesser value FREE (max value $10)

Valid ANYTIME (exluding holidays) Offer Expires 11-30-07 Valid ONLY at 101 Teal Ct., Danville IHOP OPEN 24 HRS FRI & SAT

Please present coupon when ordering. One coupon per party per visit. Dine-In Only.

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November 2007

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