Evince Magazine April 2010

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Evince Magazine

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April 2010

April Contents

2

Editor’s Note

photo by Jeanette Taylor

3 Holley & Lewis Building Relationships & Selling Houses by Joyce Wilburn

Editor’s Note

Front doors and garden gates are swinging wide to welcome warmer weather, longer days and new opportunities. If you like to visit beautifully decorated homes and well-manicured colorful gardens, plan to take the Danville and Chatham Garden Week tours described on page 6 and in the Calendar Clips on page 22. Better yet, maybe you’re in the market for a new house. If that’s the case, learn about two dedicated realtors/ brokers in our cover story, Holley & Lewis: Building Relationships Selling Homes. The “better homes and gardens” on tour or for sale are wonderful, but expecting perfection on a daily basis isn’t realistic. Linda Lemery does a great job of literally bringing us back to earth in Spring Has Sprung and So Has My (Weedy) Garden. After putting your own house and yard in order, be sure to attend the open house at Healing Touch Massage Therapy and learn how to soothe your aching muscles. Owner Doris Smith’s story is on page 21. If you like to relax with a good book, check out Joann Verostko’s review of The Happiness Project on page 15. It’s a reminder that now is the time to spring into action and enjoy life. If you don’t, you’ll have your own special day on April 1st. Sincerely,

4 Reflecting Forward Spring Has Sprung and So Has My (Weedy) Garden by Linda Lemery 5 She Said He Said / by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham 6 Men & Women Create Quilts for Biannual Show by Belinda Crews Front Doors & Garden Gates Open for Garden Week by Kate Stokely Powell 7 Second Thoughts / To the Victor, Go the Spoils by Kim Clifton 8 Moon / by Telisha Moore Leigg 9 Around the Table / A Taste of Spring by Annelle Williams 11 Stories and Plastic Musik End AU’s Arts Season by Emily Cropp

Averett Singers Prepare for Carnegie Hall by Sarah Rubenoff

April’s question: What businesses or services would you like that you can’t find in Danville? Email your answer to joyce@evincemagazine.com.

THE

OICE of home

Publisher

Andrew Scott Brooks

Editor Joyce Wilburn joyce@evincemagazine.com (434.799.3160) Associate Editor Larry G. Aaron larry.aaron@gmail.com (434.792.8695) Contributing Writers

Torrey Blackwell, Kim Clifton, Robert Clifton, Belinda Crews, Emily Cropp, Dena Hill, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Larry Oldham, Sarah Rubenoff, Kate Stokely Powell, Joann Verostko, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams

Business Manager Paul Seiple paul@evincemagazine.com (1.877.638.8685) Sales Manager Larry Oldham larry@evincemagazine.com (434.728.3713) Sales Associates Kim Demont (434.836.1247) kim@evincemagazine.com

14 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Robert Clifton

Robert Burns (1.877.638.8685) robert@evincemagazine.com

15 The Happiness Project: A Review by Joan Verostko

Art & Production Director Vaden & Associates (Dan Vaden)

Graphic Designer Kim Demont

Rate Your Favorite Digital Audio Tour

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1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW Editorial Policies:

16 March Calendar 18 Ponderings / by Torrey Blackwell 21 Doris Smith –Giver of Healing Touch Therapy by Joyce Wilburn 22 Calendar Clips

On the Cover: Photo of Janet Holley & Laura Lewis by by Michelle Dalton. See story on page 3.

eVince is a monthly news magazine covering the arts, entertainment, education, economic development, and lifestyle in Danville and the surrounding areas. We print and distribute eVince free of charge due entirely to the generosity of our advertisers. In our pages appear views from across the social spectrum. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. We reserve the right to accept, reject, and edit all submissions and advertisements.

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See the April issue of Showcase Magazine featuring the story of Kitti’s Kakes Building a Business One Layer at a Time.

300 Ringgold Industrial Pkwy Danville, VA 24540 www.evincemagazine.com © 2010 All rights reserved.

Meet Some of Our Writers March’s question: What do you want to buy that you can’t find in Danville? Our readers want lactose-free yogurt and cheese, more gluten-free products, specialty food items, vegetarian food, and organic food in their grocery stores. When it’s time to eat out, readers want to dine at a local Olive Garden.

Ve ince

Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any medium without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

For Subscriptions, call 1.877.638.8685 ext. 6. We now accept Visa, MC, and Discover for ad payments Robert Clifton believes a perfect day begins at VIR and ends at home with a good book, a glass of Shiraz, and Beatles’ classics playing in the background.

Telisha Moore Leigg’s fiction has been published in magazines and anthologized. She teaches Japanese and magazine journalism at George Washington High School. She is a wife and a mother of two-year-old twin boys.

Sara Rubenoff is a senior at Averett University where she is majoring in journalism with a minor in history. She is also a member of the Averett Singers and will be performing with the group at Carnegie Hall. Story on page 11 .

Belinda Crews has been a member of the White Oak Mountain Quilters Guild since 2005 and owns All Things Patchwork, a longarm quilting service.

Deadline for submission of May stories, articles, ads, and calendar items is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20. Submit stories and articles to: joyce@evincemagazine.com. Submit calendar items to: kim@evincemagazine.com. For ad information contact a sales associate or sales manager above.


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It would be a safe bet to say that owner/broker Janet Holley has never met a stranger, because strangers are just friends she hasn’t met yet. Another good bet would be that when she walks into a room full of people, at least 50% of the crowd will already know her and the other 50% will make her acquaintance before the evening ends. Why is this vivacious woman so well-known? After working days, nights, and weekends helping others buy and sell their houses, Janet spends her precious free time serving the community through active membership in 15 community organizations. “Everyone needs to support the community and be a positive influence,” says the Danville native who works in the city and lives in the county with her husband of 11 years, Dave Slayton, and their four-legged child, Muffin. “Otherwise, what kind of community would we have?” she asks rhetorically. Her commitment to public service combined with continuing professional education has led the local board of realtors to name her Realtor of the Year in 1989, 2005, and 2009. The Virginia Association of Realtors has included her in their Honor Society for the past 20 years—the only realtor in the state to receive that recognition. Although honors and awards are appreciated, receiving them is not what is most important to the co-owner of ERA Holley & Lewis Realty. “I want people who are coming into town to know that we have a lot to offer,” says the woman who is helping to create those attractions by being a member of six boards including the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, the Langhorne House and the Danville Science Center. The time and effort spent volunteering is equaled only to the time spent on building a career that started in 1984 when Janet returned to her hometown after living in Pennsylvania and several places in Virginia. “I had taken a real estate class in Pennsylvania, but interest rates for mortgages were at 20%, so it wasn’t a good time to go into the business,” she says understating the situation. A friend suggested she continue taking real estate classes in Danville and another friend advised her to talk to realtor, Lois Bowen, who could give her additional training. Janet followed their recommendations and within a year, she had the proper credentials and training to begin work. Her people-person personality had found its niche. “I’ll never do anything else,” she

photo by Michelle Dalton

Janet Holley

Laura (left) and Janet (right) relax on the porch of The II Georges Inn at 124 Broad Street in Danville, the home of George and Connie Eckman.

Holley & Lewis

Building Relationships & Selling Homes by Joyce Wilburn says, obviously pleased with her choice of careers. Working in the same office was another novice realtor, Laura Lewis, who was just as passionate about her new career.

Laura Lewis To say that Danville-born owner/ broker Laura Lewis exudes a comfortable confidence would be an understatement. It is a relaxed self-assurance instilled by her hard-working farm mother at an early age. “She always said I could do anything I wanted to do. Can’t and won’t weren’t in her vocabulary,” says Laura with an easy laugh and a quick smile adding, “My sister and I never had the opportunity to use those words.” Her mother’s lessons were the foundation for two very different careers and a solid relationship

with her husband, Danny. The two became sweethearts at Robert E. Lee Jr. High School and married as teenagers. “When friends ask how we have stayed together for so many years, I tell them I didn’t know I could do anything else but make it work,” she says referring to their 50+ years of marriage. While maintaining a home and raising four children, Laura continued her education by taking classes in medical technology at Danville Community College and microbiology at Averett. She also received on-the-job training in Dr. Louis Calisch’s office where EKGs, injections, laboratory testing, blood work, and urinalysis became part of her daily routine for 11 years. In 1979, she was hired by Piedmont Internal Medicine to work in the lab and assist the physicians.

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Ironically, those jobs in medicine were good preparation for her next career in real estate. When her youngest child was in high school, Laura experienced a mid-life need for a career change. After announcing that she was going back to school, Danny assumed it was for the RN degree, but Laura had other ideas. “I’ve always loved homes and decorating,” she admits. “I enjoy looking at a house and seeing its potential,” says the former president of the Danville Association of Realtors and Realtor of the Year award winner. In 1983, after reading an announcement about upcoming real estate classes, she was one of the first students to enroll in the Moseley Flint School of Real Estate at Averett. When she started working full-time at Lois Bowen Better Homes & Garden Realty in 1985, some of her first clients were people from the medical community. Six months after beginning the new career, Laura met a new coworker and her future business partner, Janet Holley.

ERA Holley & Lewis Realty Company During a casual office conversation between the two co-workers, Janet, who earned a broker’s license in 1990, halfheartedly suggested that they could start their own company. Laura immediately jumped at the idea and began working toward a broker’s license. In 1991, the two opened ERA Equity Solutions Holley & Lewis Realty on Piney Forest Road near Mary’s Diner. When asked why the business wasn’t named, Lewis & Holley, Laura laughs and explains it was a practical matter, “H comes before L in the phone book.” In 1994, the dynamic duo moved to the current location at the Piney Forest intersection near Coleman MarketPlace. Over the next 15 years, office space expanded, the staff of realtors increased to 15 and the numbers on financial reports rose. During a recent 6-week period, ERA Holley and Lewis Realty was responsible for 21% of all the money spent on real estate transactions in the area. After almost two decades of working together, the powerful team of Janet Holley and Laura Lewis have demonstrated through words and actions that they are “Sold on Danville” and the community has returned the favor.


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April 2010

Reflecting Forward Spring Has Sprung and So Has My (Weedy) Garden by Linda Lemery

Historic Garden Week is coming. I’m excited about seeing historic gardens. I’d like to bring my own garden along, but my garden isn’t ready. It needs a lot of work. Over the last few months, it’s been buried in snow. Now that I can see the garden again, I’m out of excuses, so I went outside to inspect the damages. “Gracious, it looks terrible,” I thought. But there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news is that my friend, Shelby, who has a horticulture certificate and who works at Morton Arboretum -- a 1,700 acre nature preserve and tree museum in Chicago -- is coming to help me whip my garden into shape. The bad news is that Shelby is not coming until late June, at which point my garden and its weeds will be in full, rampant, disorganized bloom. I’ve often thought the state of my garden reflects the state of my mind. My garden lacks organization. I’ve jammed things in hither and thither, without regard to planning or order. Unfortunately, in my enthusiasm to fill up the space, I’ve planted invasive species. They’ve spread like wildfire. Examples? A friend gave me some garlic chives several years ago. Now they’re everywhere. I did the same thing with mint decades ago and I’m still trying to get rid of that. Shelby is very organized. She tells me I must have my garden ready for her arrival. First, I must eliminate all garlic chives before she ever sets foot off the plane. To accomplish this, I’ll be digging with garden-gloved hands on blister-laden knees for every weekend in my immediate future. Second, I must make a list of all the plant species I want to keep and send it to her ASAP. How can I make a list if I have no idea what all those plants are? My sample list might include such flowers as the topside fuchsia cuties with fuzzy gray leaves, or the thistle-like flowers, except that they’re tall and not thistles. Not a very specific list, but Shelby should know by now that she’s dealing with maximum level garden impairment. I think I need the city horticulturalist to get me ready for the visit from Shelby the horticulturalist. In fact, wouldn’t it be wonderful if the horticulturalists could meet together to address the state of my garden and just leave me out of it? I could then escape back inside for primal scream gardening therapy. Other peoples’ historical gardens will be gorgeous. They’ll give garden gazers a sense of history and peace rather than my garden’s sense of confusion and mayhem. Gazing at gardens should engender feelings historical rather than feelings hysterical. Don’t you agree? About the Author: When Linda Lemery’s not digging a garden-related thorn out of her side, she works at Mary B. Blount Library at Averett University in Danville.


Evince Magazine

She Said by Dena Hill Ahhh...springtime! Time to clean out the cobwebs from lazy days of winter sitting by a fire, drinking hot chocolate, and reading. Oh, I forgot. We didn’t have a fire because I didn’t want soot all over freshly painted walls. Guess I’ll have to clean just for the sake of cleaning. I know you don’t like to throw anything away but just once, when you do make the effort, could you actually hit the trash can? I am constantly picking up paper, toothpicks, rubber bands, and other debris from around the paper baskets because you can’t seem to hit your target. Then you look around to see if I’m looking and if I’m not, you walk away. (I’ve seen that sheepish grin on your face, when you think you’ve gotten away with something.) I have small trash cans in all rooms for a reason--so they don’t become too full and overflowing. Why do you insist on cramming dry-cleaning bags, huge Sonic cups, and the Sunday paper into one little can for me to empty? Or even better, why don’t you empty it once in a while? You did return the big can from the street on garbage day once and when I asked you to set it closer to the fence, you replied, “Since I didn’t do it right, you can bring it back from now on.” You sounded like some of my students, when they’re asked to change their behavior. I’ll give you an E for effort because you told me that you had several full garbage bags at your house. Let’s see if they actually make it to the landfill without a little bit of you going with them.

all the things I have done wrong this week? Well, I am a much stronger person than that, so I won’t retaliate with my list of all the faults I find with you. I am too much of a gentlemen and I don’t have enough time or paper to write down every little indiscretion of yours. However, for fair judgment and to be honest I think you deserve an answer to your concerns. I would never intentionally “miss the garbage can” as you suggested so eloquently. If I accidentally missed the garbage can, it was probably because I wasn’t wearing my glasses. As for stuffing the garbage cans, I have never seen an Over Limit sign on any of your cans. If I start taking out the garbage or trying to distribute my garbage evenly in every room, it’s going to make you mad. Besides, I don’t want to take away your job or even worse, do it differently from the way you have always done it. Either way, I am going to get fussed at. There are many things that I have done for you over the years: mowing the grass, moving the car, sweeping the porch, walking the dog, cooking a meal, making the bed, helping you paint, taking out the garbage or bringing the garbage cans in. In all cases, I have been accused of not doing it right or at least not doing it the way you would do it. What I have found that works for me is to just let you do everything your way and then I am never to blame. Now that we have gotten that settled, what are you making for dinner and could you bring me the paper?

She said He said

he Said by Larry Oldham I believe someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Did you go around the house and make a list of

He Said / She Said can be seen in Showcase Magazine.

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April 2010

ASK DR. JUDITH

Judith A. Ostrowski, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Danville ENT Associates, Inc.

Q: How do I know if my baby can hear? are developmental milestones that an infant A: There goes through within the first year. Every child

develops differently so these milestones are based on typical development. From 0 to 3 months a child should react to loud sounds, like jump or blink. From 3 to 6 months the child should recognize parents’ or caregivers’ voice. From 6 to 9 months the child should begin to turn toward sounds and begin babbling. From 9 to 12 months the babbling becomes language and words have meaning. For example “mama” is used for mom and “dada” is used for dad. At this stage the child will also begin to respond to music. If you have any questions discuss them with your infant’s primary care provider and have the child’s hearing evaluated by an Audiologist. If there is a decrease in hearing the sooner it is addressed the better.

Q: Can Newborns be tested? Virginia and most other states, Newborn Hearing A: InScreening must done by the hospital before a

newborn is discharged. If a baby is not born in a hospital the screening should be done within one month of birth. The hearing will be screened using Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (EOAE) and/or the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR). Although the names may sound scary, the screening is quick and the baby doesn’t do anything. If the baby fails the screening in the hospital it does not necessarily mean that there is a hearing loss. It is essential that the baby be tested by an Audiologist, preferably an Au.D., within three months after failing the screening. If at this point the diagnostic test indicates decreased hearing, a plan of intervention services can be made. It is very important for a child’s development that this screening and followup is done. If the child has a medical issue it can be addressed. If the child has a hearing loss he/she can be fit with hearing instruments. If the child is Deaf a very important decision must be made by the parents. Will the child be brought up in the Deaf community or the hearing community?

To learn more about hearing developmental milestones or Newborn Hearing Screening visit: The America Academy of Audiology - www.audiology.org The American Speech Language Hearing Association - www.asha.org My Baby’s Hearing - www.mybabyhearing.org

Hearing Testing - Pediatric & Adult Hearing Aids & Aural Rehabilitation Assistive Listening Devices Custom-Made Swim Plugs Custom-Made Hearing Protection Race Car Driving Sets Payment Plan Available

159 Executive Dr. • Suite C • Danville, VA 24541 Fax 434.792.0468

434.792.0830 • 800.368.7183 www.denthc.com Hours 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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lthough quilting might be thought of as women’s work, there are several males who are challenging that idea and will display their work to prove it. Sandy Motley is an accomplished clothing and wedding-gown maker, who became interested in the art of quilting two years ago while working with quilter Jim Cline on some of his projects. Motley was bitten by the quilt bug and produced his first quilt in 2009 named First Time Try, which he will exhibit along with two other creations in the 9th Biannual White Oak Mountain Quilters’ Guild 2010 Quilt Show. Since becoming a member of the guild, Motley has served as secretary and has presented his work at the show-and-tell portion of guild meetings. One of his initial comments to the then all-female guild members was, “Inspire me.” Since that time, they have done so and by the same token, Motley’s creative artistry has inspired the female members. Another guild member, Jim Cline, began quilting after inheriting his mother’s quilt collection in 1987. Looking at it, he thought to himself, “I can do this.” In San Francisco, he met his mentor, who taught needle art on the college level. Cline began with making lap quilts for a hospice and later made larger quilts while exploring design, fabrics and use of color. His works have been exhibited at the San Mateo County Fair and San Francisco Quilt Guild Exposition. Joining Cline and Motley is Gary Crutchfield, who started quilting

photo by Jim Pendry

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Kim Matthews, Linda Crumpton, Jenny McDaniel prepare for show.

Men & Women Create Quilts for Biannual Show by Belinda Crews

in 1982 because he wanted a quilt and had been taught all his life that “if you want something done and could do it yourself, then do it.” He found quilting to be relaxing and worked on one from time to time until he retired in 2002, when he started quilting almost full-time. In 2006, he was asked to teach his first of many quilting classes. There are over 50 other diverse members of the guild that was founded 20 years ago by a handful of women dedicated to making quilts and sharing their knowledge and joy of quilting with others. This year’s show will contain over 130 new quilts, clothing

Front Doors & Garden Gates Open for Garden Week by Kate Stokely Powell

Spring has sprung and it’s time for the 77th Annual Historic Garden Week in Virginia tour. Known as America’s Largest Open House, the nation’s oldest and largest program of statewide tours stops in Danville on Thursday, April 22, from 10 am. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by The Garden Club of Danville and The Gabrielle Garden Club, the tour will feature four homes and gardens: 522 Bridge Street owned by Dorothy Hodges; 284 West Main Street, home of Brenda Brokaw; 215 Andover Place, residence of Jay Davis; and 854 Main Street, owned by Rae Bertellotti and Robert Rayner. As you admire the décor, architecture and landscaping, see if you can notice inspiration from the property in the flower arrangements -- be it the period of the building, a color, special piece

854 Main Street of art or furniture used by the owner, the size of the room or all of the above. A special flower arranging demonstration will be held near the Butterfly Garden at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Award-winning flower arrangers from both clubs will show attendees how to work simple stems and sticks into exquisite centerpieces. Bring a few dollars to purchase raffle tickets because the lovely finished

and accessories. In addition, photographs, quilts and other items made over the past 20 years will be featured. It will be a walk through time where visitors can compare the skill of a beginner 20 years ago with that of the accomplished quilt artist of today. The public is invited to see the beautiful work created by the hands of men and women at the show on Friday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3090 North Main Street. Donation is $3 per person. For more information visit: www.whiteoakmountainquilters.com.

products will be raffled off with proceeds funding local garden club projects. Also open will be Temple Beth Sholom, 129 Sutherlin Avenue; the Langhorne House, 117 Broad Street; the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue; the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street; and the Danville Science Center. Tour tickets are $20 and can be purchased on tour day at any of the houses. Light refreshments will be served from 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Danville Museum. All profits from the sale of tour tickets go to the restoration and preservation of historic gardens across Virginia including a project at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Whether your interest is architecture, interiors, horticulture, flower arranging, antiques, or just flapping those social butterfly wings, plan to enjoy Danville’s Open House. For more information, visit www.VAGardenweek.org or call 434.429-9004.


Evince Magazine

To the Victor, Go the Spoils Men just don’t get it. Mention shopping and watch them roll their eyes. But mention sports and their eyes light up like Christmas trees. Ordinarily, I don’t write about special events, but I couldn’t pass this one up. On May 8, the Chatham Rotary will hold its 5th Annual Fundraising Auction at the Community Center in downtown Chatham. Not only do the proceeds provide funds for community outreach and other humanitarian efforts, there’s more. It’s shopping that even men would like…because they have to compete and win to get what they want. As with any game, there are rules involved. For example, if it’s a silent auction, you can’t yell at the person who outbid you. If it’s a live auction, you’ll be called out for smacking your opponent with your paddle. If winning isn’t prize enough, these Rotarians have sweetened the pot. There’s also great food. Your ticket includes an amazing meal by Chef Tony Muncey of A Moveable Feast. But don’t let

Second T houghts by Kim Clifton ©2010

the name confuse you. Only Tony gets to move the chow, so food fights aren’t allowed regardless of how fierce the bidding becomes. As far as the evening goes, Duke Ellington said it best, “It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing.” Look forward to the sounds of Rotarian Laura Adcock and The Jeff Todd Group performing jazz and R&B selections. Which means you can cut a rug as well as bid on one. If the man in your life is like the couch potato in mine, he may say something like,“I’d give anything to not have to go.” No problem. Become a Donor and send an auction item. Even that’s got gamesmanship in it. Be one of the first and you’ll get a community support decal, showing that you really do care, even if you stayed home. Maybe you regret that the Rotary beat your

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WE CATER TO COWARDS

club to the punch with this terrific idea. Not to worry. Become a Partner and share in the proceeds. But more importantly, suppose you and your buddies want ringside seats over at the County Seat: become a Sponsor… which not only reserves a table, but also provides free advertisement for your group as well. You see now why I had to write about this. Great fun. Great music. Great food. Not to mention the charitable opportunities. Aside from watching a Maui sunset hand-in-hand with George Clooney, I can’t imagine a more perfect night out. Competitive shopping is fun, but this really isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about how you play this game: by attending,

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by becoming a donor, a partner or a sponsor. Join the Chatham Rotary for one enchanted evening…and may all your bids fare well. Editor’s Note: Tickets are $25. Attire is business casual. For more information and to view auction items, visit http://chathamrotaryclub.com.

Laura Adcock and The Jeff Todd Group


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April 2010

Fight Childhood Obesity! Healthy tips for parents and kids!

by Dave Gluhareff MFS,CFT-ISSA

Moon

by Telisha Moore Leigg

n Turn off the tv, internet, and video games and get your kids outside! n Practice moderation and allow a little bit of time for your kids to watch tv, play the computer, and video games, but only a small amount of time! Get them active! n Parents and kids should plan to eat 5-6 mini-meals/snacks each day consisting of lean proteins, healthy carbs, and water! n No more sodas, junk foods, or sugary juices in or around the house! n Plan a few times each week for you and your kids to have a few reward meals or bad snacks such as going out for ice cream! But still don’t go overboard, please practice moderation! n Involve your kids in some organized sports to learn about being a team player and getting healthy activity at the same time. n If your kids are in sports already, then practice and play with them at home or a local park! Be involved with your kids and their sports! n Aim to get your family on a structured sleep schedule where each of you can get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. n Get a family gym membership and/or hire a personal trainer for some sessions to learn proper workout form and safety in a gym or at-home. Learn about proper nutrition from your personal trainer too! n Parents—we need to lead by example! Visit Dave at www.TrainWithDave.com, email: trainwithdaveg@yahoo.com

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t 42, Clarisse Knox knew she was losing her mother, like a photo fading, like a new moon turning. Alzheimer’s at 74. Clarisse came to that sad realization in—of all places— the women’s section of J.C. Penney in the Clover Mall in Marston, Virginia, just before the drive to see her older sister, Regina. Clarisse’s hands shook because she wasn’t ready to let her mother go. Finally, in an underwear aisle, where the panties hung on neat little plastic hangers, she realized better days were not coming. She recalled the burnt cabinet over the stove; the incident in Wal-Mart last month when her mother wouldn’t let her touch her until she sang a lullaby; the birthday party for her youngest, when her mother kept calling him Kevin, her mother’s brother long dead. Incidents came like rain now, but Clarisse wouldn’t admit it. Denial is love too. “Ma’am,” the salesclerk—45 herself if a day, slim, stretched between a blond bob and Dr. Scholl’s shoes—said, “Do you know this lady? She says she knows you, but she doesn’t seem to.…” Clarisse didn’t even turn, didn’t want to see pity. She ducked her head and counted to five. Twice Clarisse put down and picked up the size 20 French-cut periwinkle underwear that no one would see but the cat, before finally nodding her head. “Mama, are you ready?” And Mama nodded slowly, gingerly moving toward a familiar face, smiling, holding a blue drapery panel and a black princess slip two sizes too small. They cost $75.43, the slip on sale, and Clarisse paid not out of embarrassment, but because she could and didn’t want to make her put it back like a child. No scenes. No whispers. Her mother slept on the way to Regina’s while Clarisse listened to the only clear station, country, on the way up 360.

Passing pine trees, a onelane bridge, an abandoned Trailways station, some stretch of road where all cell reception dies, Clarisse somehow managed to note the night sky, no moon, fog moving like a milky trail over stars. She wiped her eyes, pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, while Willie Nelson and Ray Charles crooned about seven Spanish angels. Clarisse thought that she had never been a woman to wait on anything that needed doing. She married young, 19, in a small Baptist church, in lively love with her childhood sweetheart, Timmy. She had his two children, Laurel and Matthew by 26. And by 31, she had finished her degree in English, a little late but done. Back then she power-walked on Saturdays with friends, washed clothes on Wednesdays, and was never late for her children’s games or recitals. She felt she knew herself and there was contentment in that and in her life. And she knew when she found the receipts for carpet that she never walked on with little notes and kiss marks that she would get a divorce. Even when Timmy had begged and called the children into the living room while he explained his mistake with the 24-yearold customer-care assistant at Carpet Dream, she would not relent. It wasn’t in her to forgive a fool she told him grabbing for her babies just out of reach in his arms. So, angry and hurt but trying to protect little ears, she said that love was not peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that you made with just anyone. The children (7 and 5) smelled the mood and cried. Their daddy cried, but Clarisse’s eyes were bone-dry. She could have kept him but not the contentment. And she loved the contentment, almost as much as him. She didn’t know how much being alone would hurt until




Evince Magazine Page 11

Stories and Plastic Musik End AU’s Arts Season by Emily Cropp

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away at a liberal arts university named Averett a storyteller named David Novak and a unique musical group called Plastic Musik came for a visit as part of the university’s Arts@Averett Series. Novak will visit the university at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 5, in Blount Chapel and Plastic Musik will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 12, in Pritchett Auditorium. Both events are free and open to the public. Storyteller David Novak has been described as “The Brothers Grimm and Carl Jung meet Monty Python” and “one of the most exciting storytelling talents seen in America.” He has a background in theatre arts, began storytelling in 1978 and has been a “platform teller” in the national storytelling revival since 1988. In 2002, he received the Circle of Excellence award from the National Storytelling Network. Novak appears at festivals around the country and has been at the North Charleston Arts Festival, Talking Island Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii, Washington Storytellers Theater and the National Storytelling Festival. Currently, he is an adjunct instructor for AB Tech College, UNC-Asheville and East Tennessee State University. A week later on April 12th, music like you’ve never heard before will rock Pritchett Auditorium as Plastic Musik takes the stage. The unique performance group uses traditional percussion techniques along with all-plastic instruments called Boomwhackers to produce familiar songs. The group performs a variety of genres from Mozart to ‘80s movie themes to Motown classics along with original compositions. The group was created in 2002 and originally had three drummers. Since then they have grown and now consist of multi-instrumentalists, a three- piece rock outfit and a DJ. For more information about these events call 434-791-5600.

Averett Singers Prepare for Carnegie Hall by Sarah Rubenoff

The words Carnegie Hall inspire the dreams of performers everywhere. The historical New York City landmark has hosted musical geniuses Luciano Pavarotti, Duke Ellington, Yo Yo Ma, and countless others. Now, Averett University’s Averett Singers are proud to return for their second performance on Saturday, April 17th. “It was an exceptional experience to stand on the stage of Carnegie Hall with its amazing history,” says AU’s Director of Counseling Services, Joan Kahwajy-Anderson, remembering their 2007 concert. Dr. Anne Lewis, Associate Professor of Music adds, “It is a humbling experience to sense the presence of artists who have stood there before.” Dr. Gail Allen, Chair of the Department of Music and Averett Singers Conductor, was invited to participate in this year’s Distinguished Concert Singers International by long-time friend and fellow conductor Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, one of the most respected conductors in America. Singing large-scale major choral literature is an opportunity that most small universities cannot provide, but an understanding of this caliber of music is crucial to an aspiring musician’s education. The AU Singers will sing with full orchestral accompaniment making this trip an unparalleled musical education opportunity. Most music students would feel lucky to sit in the audience of a Carnegie Hall production, but for the Averett Singers, the best seat in the house will be on stage. For more information or to help sponsor the trip, contact Gail Allen at 434.791.5715.


Page 10 12 March April 2010 Page 2010

Some of the Outstanding Teachers of Epiphany Episcopal School In this issue...

MRS. LYNN GARDNER

One of the most important administrative tasks in a school is selecting staff. At Epiphany Episcopal School our goal is to find staff members who are not only passionate about teaching but who have other interests and quests for learning in their personal lives. This provides models of life-long learning in each of our classrooms. One common passion that ALL of our staff members share is about books – we are all avid readers.

Mrs. Gardner has a B.A. in Music in piano performance, a Master of Music in harpsichord performance, and has done post-graduate work in organ performance. Before coming to Epiphany, she had taught music in middle and high school, and at the community college level. She plays in the Danville Symphony, the Camden Consort Renaissance and Baroque Ensemble, and raises aracauna chickens and Angus steers in her spare time! At Epiphany, Mrs. Gardner works with all the students in the music program and plays for daily Chapel services. She uses movement activities, Orff instruments, recorder instruction, and vocal activities to teach the children to read and sing music. Mrs. Gardner describes Epiphany as a “stimulating and enriching” environment. She identifies the main benefit at Epiphany as being “the specialized opportunities and the ability to give individual attention to students.”

—Suzanne Miller , Associate Headmaster

MR. SONNY MORTON

MRS. PEGGY CHARLES

MRS. ELAINE LEA

Prior to coming to Epiphany, Mrs. Charles had an extensive background in teaching Language Arts and Social Sciences and now works with 5th, 6th , 7th, and 8th graders. She is a certified teacher with a degree from Appalachian State University and has taken graduate level classes at Averett University and the University of Virginia. She is a trained Teacher Mentor, a Beginning Teacher Coach, and was selected as the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 2007. The strategies Mrs. Charles has designed and implemented help students learn organizational skills, and has becomean area of expertise. In the classroom Mrs. Charles includes current events, fascinating trivia, and research projects that bring life to the social studies curriculum. She especially enjoys using the social sciences to help students learn tolerance and acceptance, and at Epiphany she finds many opportunities to also instill and reinforce values. She enjoys working with students in service learning, especially mentoring the middle school students who are involved in tutoring younger students. Mrs. Charles loves the small class size and the flexible schedule that enable her to meet the students’ needs. She finds that assisting students to choose books to read has been positive in her classroom. Other highlights of her day include the daily Chapel time and watching the students enjoy their healthy snacks and wholesome lunches with generous portions. When asked what she likes best about teaching at Epiphany Episcopal School she states, “Other than the children, I love it that my opinion is considered and respected in regard to the curriculum!”

Throughout her career, Mrs. Lea has always worked with younger elementary children in either grades 1 or 2. She has an Early Childhood degree from Averett University and a M.Ed. with a Special Endorsement as a Reading Specialist. She has led teacher workshops, developed curriculum guides, served on textbook adoption committees, and served as a Teacher Mentor. In addition to quilting, gardening, teaching Sunday School, and reading, Mrs. Lea has learned to play the piano. She describes being an adult piano student as an humbling experience which has taught her much about the frustration children sometimes experience when learning to read! Mrs. Lea’s classroom is a busy place with children exploring and learning from each other. The small class size gives her the flexibility to provide the instruction and support each individual child needs. She has the opportunity to work closely with each student every day. In addition to her expertise in teaching reading, Mrs. Lea has always been an outstanding math teacher who involves the children in many hands-on activities that teach math concepts. At Epiphany she is especially delighted with the Singapore Math program and materials. Her students enjoy their classroom instruction as well as time in the computer lab, music, art, and physical education. Mrs. Lea also loves the daily Chapel time and the opportunities the school environment provides to build character and values. When asked what she likes best about teaching at Epiphany, Mrs. Lea states, “The students are wellbehaved and very eager to learn. We are like a big family. Having a small number of students in my class gives me the opportunity to give every child individual attention.”

Mr. Morton has a B.S. in Psychology and a M.Ed in Middle School Education and is one of Epiphany’s science teachers. He has taught at the elementary school level, middle school level, and has tutored at Danville Community College. He has also served as a technology specialist. Mr. Morton is an amateur radio operator, a videographer, an avid photographer, and enjoys biking and traveling in his spare time. His passion for science has led Mr. Morton to develop many hands-on labs for the students. He believes that reading and learning about scientific principles must be paired with interactive learning opportunities. He uses many community resources and field trips to support his program with the students. Recently he involved the students in a nanotechnology unit that, because of our small class size, included a field trip to LUNA! Mr. Morton describes the “well-rounded, educational experiences, small classes, and variety of experiences and activities at Epiphany” as being beneficial to the students and the staff. He especially enjoys working with the students and the closeness of the faculty.

If it has become clear to you that your child needs an immediate change to a different school and teachers... remember that we welcome mid-semester transfers to EES. We’ve had 6 transfers from other schools since January. Simply call us at 434.792.4334 and we will happily set up a visit for you without delay. We will do everything within our power to accommodate your needs.


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Great News...We’ve just been given over 11 acres for a school sports complex! As you may know Epiphany School is located in Epiphany Episcopal Church at Main and Jefferson Streets, right in the heart of Danville. While we have ample space for classes and for growth, we haven’t had the open land we need to establish a sports complex. Now only 7 minutes from school, we have ample land to build a full baseball/ diamond, a college regulation soccer field that can be divided to accommodate 2 simultaneous soccer games, 2 tennis courts and ample parking for parents and spectators. We even have a 3 acre forest for picnics and cross country jogging. We are thrilled to have this new sports complex site to develop over the next year. It will greatly add to the EES sports program in the future.

MRS. DAWN DAVIS Having not only taught in public, private, and military schools, Mrs. Davis also brings a level of creativity to our upper elementary students that was gained from her work in the business world. In addition to receiving her B.S. from Averett University, she is also pursuing graduate courses in teaching gifted students. She has a particular love of Virginia history, painting, cooking, golf, and watching the Danville Braves! She also has 3 years experience as an elementary school librarian and is a certified lay preacher for the United Methodist Church! Like other teachers at Epiphany, Mrs. Davis values the small classes and the individual attention and encouragement that is provided to each student. She also enjoys the opportunity the students are offered at each grade level by studying foreign languages. She enthusiastically talks about the school culture and community that result from the daily Chapel time and snack and lunch interactions which enable each of the teachers to get to know all students in the school. She states that “in addition to gaining a sound education, each student is respected as an individual and is encouraged to reach their full potential.”

MS. LOIS LEA Ms. Lea, who has a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a M.B.A from Averett University, works with older elementary students and middle school students in math and science. She also has prior experience teaching Life Science at the middle school level. Ms. Lea enjoys traveling, hiking, and is involved with the Mission Feeding Program at First Presbyterian Church. Ms. Lea finds it “exciting to be part of a school that is in its infancy, to be included in a team of talented teachers, and to have the opportunity to grow as a teacher.” Because the curriculum is challenging and diverse, Ms. Lea finds the students to be inquisitive about all things. She identifies the nurturing environment that encourages students to be critical thinkers and their exposure to foreign languages, art and music appreciation, in addition to general art and music activities, as having particular value. Ms. Lea is delighted with the positive learning environment she finds at Epiphany and with the low student to teacher ratio. She is quick to share that “the administration supports and cares about the faculty and students, which in turn fosters a positive environment for everyone!”

MRS. KELLY WALLER In addition to a paralegal degree, Mrs. Waller brings seven years of experience working with preschool and kindergarten students in child care, public, and private schools. Her face lights up as she describes her desire to teach kindergarten as a “calling.” She received a B.S. from UNC-Greensboro in Human Development and Family Studies with a birth to kindergarten licensure. Mrs. Waller also enjoys softball, church work, and her work as a volunteer for “Feed the Children.” She loves teaching children through hands-on, interactive learning. At Epiphany she is not only able to be creative in the classroom but identifies the effectiveness of being able to give each child valuable, individual time. This is essential in nurturing the talents and gifts of each child. She states, “I believe children realize their full potential in a loving and safe environment and they experience that daily at Epiphany.”

EES is opening a Preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds in September 2010. Our new preschool program is designed to be far more than day care. Every morning our preschoolers will be introduced to Spanish in our immersion program designed to teach them how to begin speaking Spanish. Why Spanish? Because by 2020 over 20% of the U. S. population will be Spanish speaking …by far the most spoken foreign language in the U. S. In the afternoon our preschoolers will be exposed to our Spanish and enrichment programs. Parents may choose from the three programs that fit their needs best. Three different schedules will be available for parents. Preschoolers can attend mornings from 8:00 a.m. through lunch, a longer program from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or an all day program from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so day care from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is available. We will start with one class of about 10 preschoolers in September. If this sounds like the type of preschool for which you’ve been searching, please call us at 434.792.4334 and let us schedule a meeting with you.

Two Open Houses for Prospective Students and their Parents Tuesday, April 13—6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 6—6:30-8:30 p.m. Mark your calendars now and come to one of our information sessions all about EES. This is a great way to meet our faculty and learn why EES is such a fine school! Feel free to bring your children if you would like. In the last two months, we have had over 25 families attend our open houses and many have already applied for admission next September.

115 Jefferson Avenue • Danville, Virginia • 434.792.4334 www.epiphanydanville.org This message is paid for by an enthusiatic friend of EES who wants everyone to know what a wonderful school Epiphany Episcopal Church and Suzanne Miller have created! If you know parents who you believe would prefer our school for their children, please give them this message. Perhaps they haven’t heard of EES.


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April 2010 To encourage exceptional customer service, the Dan River Hospitality and Travel Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and EVINCE would like to recognize those who give it. When you experience exceptional customer service, tell us about it in 300 words or less. Include your name and phone number. Email your story to joyce@evincemagazine.com. The chosen honoree will receive a small gift and a framed copy of the published story citing his/her exceptional service.

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Robert Clifton

Grocery store employees had a busy few months with all of the snows we saw this past winter. One forecast of bad weather and you could barely find a loaf of bread or a carton of milk on the shelves. Seems we need to stockpile for an emergency as if we’ll be hunkered down for weeks. Such was the case on Wednesday, February 3rd. The weatherman said another storm was on the way and with all the snow already on the ground, we had no reason to doubt him. In my family, however, the real emergency wasn’t due to the cold; it was due to something hot. That morning, while my dad was at the doctor’s office, someone broke into his house. As if stealing money and belongings of my mom who passed away years ago wasn’t bad enough, they set the house on fire. As soon as it was safe to go inside, we realized we needed boxes and bags so we went to the Old Dutch Supermarket on North Main Street. With every available cashier checking out customers standing in line almost back to the meat counter, Assistant Manager, Rick Powell, already had his hands full. But, he stopped what he was doing to make sure my wife, Kim, not only had the trash bags she needed, but also had as many boxes as she could take. He even ran with her to the car, but not before writing my family’s name on a pad to put on a prayer list at his church. Rick Powell had more than his share of work that morning…stocking shelves, bagging groceries and checking out customers. But he stopped everything and helped my family in a time of real emergency. We will never forget the kindness and compassion that was shown to us that day.


Evince Magazine Page 15

The Happiness Project by Joann Verostko Information Specialist in Reference, Danville Public Library Many people make New Year’s resolutions, but isn’t spring a better time to make changes in our lives? The warmth in the air and the sight of new green things growing can be inspiration for a fresh start. Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean my Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun is a great starting point for anyone who would like to be a little happier. The book is Rubin’s account of a year spent systematically trying to improve her happiness by choosing a different aspect of her life to focus on each month. She outlines specific ways in which to be happier. For example, in May she chooses to “be serious about play” by recognizing the importance of leisure. She vows to: “have more fun, take time to be silly, go off the beaten path” and “start a collection.” The chapter covers the different ways she goes about achieving these goals, the problems she encounters and the discoveries she makes about herself and the nature of happiness. Rubin’s method may seem like an imposition of an artificial structure onto something that should be spontaneous and natural or an attempt to evaluate and quantify things which cannot be measured, but her goal is to be more present in her own life. It is in the details of day-to-day life where Rubin seeks happiness. She points out, “When life was taking its ordinary course, it was hard to remember what really mattered.” By incorporating a search for happiness into her daily life, Rubin makes her life better, fuller, deeper, and happier. Many of her exercises involved being a better person, being kinder, and being more attentive to others. This is not a self-indulgent book but rather a thoughtful and well-researched exploration of the idea of happiness and how to go about achieving it or at least trying. I really enjoyed The Happiness Project. Rubin has done her homework, regularly citing experts in the field and including a lengthy bibliography for further reading. From the get-go she states that “your project would look different from mine” and it’s important to keep this in mind while reading the book. Rubin offers additional help in the form of her blog, The Happiness Project. It provides guidelines for starting a happiness project or a happiness project group. She offers commentary on her own happiness work and people can comment and contribute their own thoughts and experiences. The blog is a great corollary to the book and probably deserves its own review. If you don’t read the book, at least check out the blog. But if you want to read the book, you can check that out too at the Danville Public Library. And that’s one thing that makes me happy. The DPL , 511 Patton Street, is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 434.799.5195 or visit www.danvillelibrary.org.

Rate Your Favorite Digital Audio Tour Danville and Pittsylvania County are home to three great museums and a multitude of cultural opportunities. From historical landmarks to state-ofthe-art research laboratories, there is something for everyone to learn and experience in the region. You are invited to go online at http://visitdanville.ialr.org and listen to each of the stories in this digital audio tour of our region. Rate the stories you hear on the website or circle your favorite here and return this column to the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. The digital audio tour with the most responses will be announced at the kick-off party. See Calendar Clips on page 22.

Tobacco Pt. Two

Millionaires Row Pt. One

Langhorne House

Butterfly Station

Chatham 1813 County Clerk’s Office Home Tours

Storytelling Festival

Chrismons

Cotton Mill Blues

Freedom Movement

Evolution of the Tank

Riverwalk Trail

Millionaires Row Pt. Two

ISRR

Green Hill Cemetary

Flamethrower Owen Family Wreck of the Old 97 Song Old 97 Farm

VIPER

Last Capital Canoe & Kayak of The Dan River Confederacy

Tobacco Pt. One


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April 2010

April Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row, The Secrets Inside. www. danvillehistoricalsociety.org. 434.770.1974.

Thru April 17

Averett Student Art Show. Student Center – 434.791.5600

Thru April 24

PAA Exhibits - ArtJam-Six regional female artists showcase a varied array of media. Also paintings by Daniel Robertson. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

Thru May 2

Year of the Woman Exhibit. See page 22.

Thru June 15

ArtSmart Exhibit. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History – 434.793.5644.

Through September 6

Science Center Exhibits – Hatching the Past and Birds of the Riverwalk. M-S 9:30 am–5 pm: Sun 1–5 pm. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160.

Through September 18

Messages from the Mesozoic Exhibit. Virginia Museum of Natural History. 276.634.4141

April 1

Bob Ross Painting Workshop –Downstream View. 10 am–3:30 pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.

April 1 (thru 22)

All Media Studio Class – 9-11 am or 6-8 pm. Ballou Annex 434.797.8848.

April 1 (thru 29)

Aquacize – Aerobic workout that is easy on knees, ankles and other joints. Thursdays 8:15 am. YWCA. 434.797.8848. Fitness for Older Adults, Ladies & ABSolute Fitness. Tues/Thur, 9–11 am; Ladies 10 am–12 pm; ABSolute Fitness 10:30-11:30 am. City Armory. 434.797.8848. Curiosity Corner – Make crafts, play games. Ages 3-5. 9:30 am -12:30 pm. Coates Center. 434.799.6564. Chicks w/ Sticks – knitting & crocheting class. T/Th 11:30 am1 pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848. 57 Express Bluegrass Concert. Thursdays 7 pm. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115

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4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

W T 1 7 8 14 15 21 22 28 29

F S 2 3 9 10 16 17 23 24 30

April 1 (thru May 25)

April 5 (thru May 24)

Guitar Basics Class – Wednesdays. Youth 5-17, 5 pm. Adult, 5:30 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

April 1 (thru May 31)

April 6 (thru 8)

April 8

Art Classes – Days/times vary. Southern Virginia Artisan Center – 276.632.0066. Quilts Exhibit. The Prizery – 434.572.8339.

April 2

First Friday Art Walk – Visit art studios, meet the artists, see original works of art 5:30-7:30 pm. Studio 107, Martinsville. 276.638.2107

April 3

Goodyear Education 5K Run/ Walk. Goodyear Golf Course. 434.797.1909. DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – 7-mile section of the Dan River from Pine Hall to Madison, NC. 10 am. 336.627.6215. Bob Ross Painting Class – Downstream View. 10:30 am– 3:30 pm. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848. Story Time with Mrs. Amy – An interactive song-and-story time for children ages 1-10. 11-11:30 am. LifeWay Christian Store, Coleman Center – 434.797.3690. Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt – Snacks, prizes, crafts and meet the Spring Bunny. Ages 3-10. 11 am1 pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.797.8848. Mommy and Son Ball – An evening of music, games, food, fun and dancing. Ages 5-10. 6-8 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

April 3 (thru 24)

Special Saturdays – VMNH – 276.634.4185. Auto Racing. South Boston Speedway – 1.877.440.1540.

April 4

Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt. 10 am-3 pm. Berry Hill Resort – 434.517.7000.

April 5

Storyteller David Novak – See story page 11.

Triathlon Training – Mon-swimming, Wed-cycling. 7:30-8:30 pm. YMCA – 434.792.0621. Spring Break Outdoor Adventure Camp – rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, archery, creek hikes and more. 9 am-5 pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5215.

April 6 (thru 27)

African Dance Ensemble – Learn the art of African dance. Tues 6-7:30 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Sewing w/ Kitty. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm. Coates Center. 434.799.6564. YWCA Book Review – Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Practice by Lauren Artress; 12:30 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.792.1522.

April 6 (thru 28)

Koates Kids Pre-School Program – Ages 3-5. T/W 9:30 am–12:30 pm. Coates Center. 434.797.8848.

April 7 & 21

Doodle Bugs – 4/7-Seeing Spring All Around Us, 4/21-Easy Being Green. Ages 3-5. 10 am & 3 pm. VMNH – 276.634.4185. Fetch! Lab. 4/7 – Get a sneak peek into Chemistry 101. 4/21 – Pizza party, games and challenges. Ages 8–12. 3:45–4:45 pm. DSC 434.791.5160.

April 7 (thru 28)

Zumba Fitness – Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. Wed 6:30 pm/Sat 10 am. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Lighten Up for Life – Ladies only. fun fitness, nutritional programs, guest speakers, prizes. Wed, 9–11 am. Finale 4/28. Ballou Center. 434.799.5215. RiverCity Toastmasters - Conquer you fear of public speaking. Weds, 1 pm. NCBT 434.793.6822.

Vegetable Gardening –. 6:30 pm. Coates Center. 434.797.8848. New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players – A one-of-a-kind show that is fun, fresh and full-of-life. 7-9 pm. Martinsville HS Auditorium. Piedmont Arts, 276.632.3221.

April 9

High Road Concert – Southern gospel and classic country style. 8-11 pm. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115.

April 9 & 23

Danville Shag Club Dance – 8-11 pm. Bronx Boy Bagels. 434.797.3777.

April 10

Flights of Fun – Examine the history of kites, learn kite safety, and design and build a colorful, durable paper kite. Ages 6-11. 10 am12 pm. DSC – 434.791.5160. Checker’s Mutt Strutt and Charity Bike Ride – Walk, ride and celebrate our 4-legged friends. 10 am. Martinsville Speedway. 276.638.PAWS. Bowl for Kidsí Sake Riverside Lanes. Big Brothers Big Sisters – 434.792.3700. Canoe Trip – Abreu/Grogan Park to Islands. 3-5 pm. 434.799.5215. Tartan Day Dinner See story page 22. Jimi’s Wagon Concert – alternative rock. 7 pm. Community Center, Chatham – 434.432.3115. Bluegrass Concert. 7:30 pm. Kirby Theater Roxboro. 336.599.4039. 50s Dance Party –7:30-10:30 pm. Ballou Center. 434.799.5216.

April 10 & 11

Godspell Jr. See ad page 15.

April 10 (thru May 29)

Micro Soccer – Ages 3-5. Sat, 9-11 am. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

April 11

Paquito D’Rivera Concert. 7:30 pm. The Prizery – 434.572.8339.

April 12

Mariachi Band. 6:30-9:30 pm. Los Tres Magueyes Mexican Restaurant - 434.792.0601. Plastic Musik – See story page 11.

April 12 & 26

Chess Night. 6–8 pm. Ballou Center. 434.799.5216.

April 12 (thru 26)

Coffee & Networking – Learn more about opportunities, resources, and skills needed for today’s job market. 10:30 am-12 pm. First Baptist Church, Gretna. 434.836.6990. Boogie Monday – Hustle II. Mondays 7-8:30 pm. Ballou Center – 434.799.5216.

April 1 (thru 30)

Summer Camp Registration. YMCA – 434.792.0621. Live Bands & DJ Music. Wed-Sat. Back to Bogies – 434.791.3444. YMCA Classes – water aerobics, water rehab, Pilates, spin/group cycling, step aerobics, yoga, group fitness classes. Times/days vary. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

APRIL 2010

April 12 (thru May 12) Main Street downtown Danville, looking North from Floyd St. circa late 1950s.

Youth Swim Lessons – Ages 3-14. MW 6:30-7:15 pm. YMCA – 434.792.0621.


Evince Magazine Page 17 April 12 (thru May 13)

Parent/Tot Swim Classes – Ages 6 months-3 years. TTH, 6:156:45 pm. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

April 13

YWCA Book Review – Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. 12:30 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.792.1522. City Council Candidates Political Forum – Meet the candidates and express your concerns. 7 pm. American Legion Post 1097. 434.793.7531.

April 13 & 27

Polliwogs & Science Stars. 4/13 - Explore rainbows and experiment with color mixing. 4/27 – Using recycled materials, create fun crafts and learn ways to keep the Earth clean and healthy. Ages 3–4, 1–2 pm. DSC 434.791.5160.

April 17

Butterfly Thyme Herb Fair & Butterfly Hello See ad page 14. and story page 22. Cystic Fibrosis Walk. 10 am-3 pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park. 704.737.9099. Avant-Garde Writers Meeting – Open to speculative fiction-science fiction, fantasy writers. Bring copies of writings for review. 11 am. Danville Public Library. 434.251.1062. Cruise In. 5-8 pm. Uptown Martinsville, Church St. 276.632.5688. Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine – dinner and a “whodunit” comedy mystery. 6 pm. Sacred Heart School – 434.793.2656. Mama’s Pearls. The North Theatre. See ad page 10.

April 17 (thru 24)

April 23 (thru 30)

Suds the Rocking 60s – Halifax County Little Theatre. times vary. The Prizery – 434.572.8339.

April 23 (thru June 25)

Youth/Adult Swim Lessons – Fri., youth ages 3-14, 6:30-7:15 pm; adults, 7:20-8:05 pm. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

April 23 & 24

Healing Touch Therapy Open House See story page 21.

April 23 (thru 25)

Women’s Wellness Weekend See ad page 23.

April 24

Caswell Horticulture Club Spring Seminar See story page 22. Clash of the Carts – Drivers in home-made carts race against the clock down a hill in uptown Roxboro. Willow Oak Park, Roxboro. 336.599.0918. Beginners’ Line Dance Workshop – 11 am-2 pm. Ballou Center. 434.799.5216. Knights of Columbus Wine Festival See ad page 4.

April 14

Earth Week – Variety of activities including an outdoor movie, a 5K run, geocaching, guided hikes, and other special Earth-friendly programs. locations/times vary. VMNH – 276.634.4185.

April 14 (thru May 4)

Chatham Garden Clubís Historic Garden Week Tour See story page 22.

April 26th

April 15

Summer Sports Camp Registration. YMCA – 434.792.0621.

April 19 (thru May 10)

April 27

April 15 & 22

Painting Class with Judie – oil and watercolor painting. Mon or Tues/times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.797.8848.

April 15 (thru 29)

Belly Dance Classes –intermediate, 5:30 pm; beginning, 6:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

April 13 (thru 27)

West African Dance & Drumming Class –Tues 4:30-6 pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Alzheimer’s Presentation – Caregiver 101. 12-1 pm. – 434.792.3700 x30. Adult Strength & Conditioning Class. Wed, 5-6 pm. Ballou Center. 434.797.8848. Sky Watchers – Constellations Cancer, Leo the Lion and the planets Mars, Venus and Saturn. Nightfall. DSC – 434.791.5160. Trucks, Trains and Planes – using Legos and blocks to build. Ages 3-5. 11:30 am-12:15 pm. Glenwood Center. 434.797.8848. Zumba Revolution with Ruth – Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easyto-follow moves to create a oneof-a-kind interval training fitness program. 5:30 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

April 18

April 19

April 19 (thru May 23)

April 20

YWCA Book Review – The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood; 12:30 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.792.1522.

April 15 (thru May 11)

April 21

April 16 thru 17

April 22

Latin Dance with Flori –Thursdays, meringue-6:45 pm, salsa-7:45 pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Museum Guild Annual Attic Sale 5-7 pm museum members preview and sale; cash bar. Danville Museum Fine Arts & History 434-793-5644. 4/17 Open to the public 8am to 2pm.

April 16

Just Everyday Women, Walking by Faith. 11 am–1 pm. Mary’s Diner. 434.793.8140. Racin’ & Tastin’ See ad page 20. Enchanted Evenings in The Park – Bring chairs, blankets and enjoy the Small Town Orchestra. 6:30-8 pm. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636. Larry Keel & Natural Bridge Concert – Connecting traditional songs of yesterday with original and inventive sounds of today. 8-11 pm The Rives Theater. rivestheater@gmail.com.

April 16 (thru 18)

SCCA Double National Races. VIR 434.822.7700.

Alzheimer’s Presentation – When is it Time for a Care Change? 12–1 pm. Craghead Street. – 434.792.3700 x30. Danville Garden Club Tour See story page 6.

April 22 (thru 24)

Bluegrass Music Festival. Willow Oak Park, Roxboro. 336.229.9055.

April 23

The Waybacks – Sharp-witted and musically dazzling. 6:30 pm. Shining Star Farm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville – 276.632.3221. Rock & Roll Heaven See ad page 5.

April 23 & 24

White Oak Mountain Quilt Show See story page 6.

April 23 (thru 25)

Bosch Engineering 250 GrandAm Rolex Sports Car Series. VIR 434.822.7700. In Twenty Five Words­—or Death – Murder mystery presented by Gretna Little Theatre. Gretna Movie Theatre – 434.228.1778.

April 24 & 25

Providence Spring Fling – Entertainment, food, car show, crafts, kiddie rides Providence Vol. Fire Department. 434.548.4444. Danville Museum Guild Annual Meeting 11 a.m. 434-793-5644 YWCA Book Review The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. 12:30 pm. Danville Public Library. 434.792.1522. Sounds Around Virginia Kickoff Party See story page 22.

April 29

Alzheimer’s Presentation – Ask the Neurologist. 5:15-6:15 pm. Craghead Street.– 434.792.3700 x30. Project Literacy Jeopardbee A mix of Jeopardy and a spelling bee. 5:45 pm. YWCA. Project Literacy – 434.792.1522.

April 30

Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament. Goodyear Golf Club. 434.792.9146. Chicken Breast Dinner. 5:30 pm. American Legion Post 1097. 434.822.5299. TGIF - Paradox. 7-10:30 pm. Uptown Martinsville - 276.632.5688. Chatham Concert Series See story page 23.

April 30 (thru May 2)

Halifax Co. Heritage & Antique Machinery Festival See story page 23.

Upcoming Event May 1

Art on the Lawn See story page 23 and ad on page5. Derby Day – Be there to cheer as your sponsored horse competes to win. Danville Golf Club. Arts & Humanities - 434.792.6965.--

May 8

Community Auction & Dinner See ad page 17 and Second Thoughts on page 7 .


Page 18

April 2010

Ponderings by Torrey Blackwell

“Your Dealer For The People”

Take a step back in time to the hustle and bustle of a booming downtown Danville. Buses running every 15 minutes and traffic jams were normal on the weekends. Vendors on the streets, bankers, attorneys, and car dealers were located in the heart of the city. The retail hub was downtown. Who could forget the creak of the floor at the Belk’s parking garage or the elevator lady at Thalhimer’s? Jewelry shopping at Brown’s or Hodnett & Speer or shopping for back-to-school shoes at McCollum Ferrell? Every boy’s favorite store was Booth White Sporting Goods. My fondest memory is eating at Woolworth’s lunch counter with my father. I remember the Christmas lights downtown and the wonderful Christmas displays at Belk Leggett’s. I would sit outside those windows forever dreaming about when Santa would arrive. This was the place to be. Two years ago, the Main St. Cruise-In brought some night life back to our downtown. The Time Machines Car Club, The Downtown Danville Association, and my dealership helped Downtown Danville become the roaring place of yesteryear, if only for a few hours. The 2010 Main St Cruise-In schedule begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 3, and continues on the first Saturday of each month through September 4. Main Street from the MLK Bridge to Ridge Street will be blocked-off for three hours of engine rumbles, exhaust roars and paint sparkles in colors like lemon twist and vitamin C orange. Admission is canned food for God’s Store House. If you’ve never been to a cruise-in, give it a try. My wife, Shelley, although not a car buff, was pleasantly surprised. “It’s really a family event,” she said as we returned from our first night downtown. Come join me at the Main Street Cruise-In and we’ll take a stroll down memory lane together. Torrey Blackwell is a Christian businessman and consumer advocate. He has spent his life fighting the negative stigma that plagues car dealers around the world. He does this by fighting for the consumer as a car dealer who advises people and helps them get the quality vehicle they want and deserve in a positive and safe environment.


Evince Magazine Page 19

Where Can I Find an Evince? Ten thousand copies of Evince are distributed each month at over 100 locations in Danville, Martinsville, South Boston, Chatham, Gretna, Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, and in Yanceyville, Pelham, Roxboro, and Eden, North Carolina. Find your copy at: Danville Office Plus / 840 Memorial Drive Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History / 975 Main Street YMCA / 810 Main Street Averett U Student Center Woodland Avenue Danville Science Center 677 Craghead Street Chatham Area Shadetree Rare Books 26 South Main Street Chatham Public Library 24 Military Drive

South Boston Area Southern Va. Higher Ed Center 501 Bruce Street Distinct Impressions 309 Main Street Martinsville Area China Buffet 970 Memorial Boulevard Mi Ranchito 1212 Memorial Boulevard South Yanceyville The Drug Store / 106 Court Street Yanceyville Chamber of Commerce 15 Main Street East


Page 20

April 2010


Evince Magazine Page 21

Sitting in her office at Healing Touch Therapy on Piney Forest Road, Doris Smith breaks into a big smile and laughs joyously when asked how she became interested in a career as a massage therapist. “When I was four, my mom would come home from working in the factory, take a shower, and tell my younger sister and me to find the baby oil and lotion and massage her feet,” she remembers. When the siblings questioned their mother about which daughter was doing the better job, the wise woman would never give a straight answer. “She’d always say, ‘I don’t know, you have to massage a little longer.’” For Doris, that “little longer” spanned her mother’s lifetime and eventually grew into a fulfilling career. Each step of the way, she received encouragement. When Doris was a teenager, word spread throughout her church community that she had a healing touch when people were in pain. “When anyone said they needed help, I’d go help,” she states in a matter-of-fact way. As a young adult, she was employed at Corning, Holiday Inn, Dibrell’s, Goodyear, and at the adult home her mother

Doris Smith – Giver of Healing Touch Therapy by Joyce Wilburn

operated. “Wherever I worked, I’d notice when people were in pain and I’d massage their necks. It was just a natural thing for me to do,” adds the mother of three and grandmother of one. A turning point occurred in 1997. Doris was nearing her 40th birthday when she became re-acquainted with a former schoolmate who was working at a funeral service comforting families. When Doris remarked about her friend’s obvious job

YouPersonCanCountyDo• Roxboro, a Lot NCin -Person! That Is! Bluegrass at THE KIBRY

Community CampFires

Bands include: Avery County and Carolina Road. Tickets: $12 336.599.4039

Come and enjoy an old fashion campfire and a fun-filled night of music and storytelling with your family and friends. 336.597.7806 recreation.personcounty.net

April 10 • 7:30 pm

Bluegrass Music Festival April 22 - 24 Willow Oak Park

The tradition continues with the family friendly Bluegrass Music Festival. 336.229.9055 www.WillowOakPark.com

Clash of the Carts

April 24 • Uptown Roxboro A most unique event involving home-made carts that a driver races against the clock. 336.599.0918 www.historicroxboro.com

Shrimp Fest

May 6 • 5 pm All-You-Can EAT (on premises) SHRIMP FEST brought to you by the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce 336.599.8333 www.roxboronc.com

May 21 • 7-9 pm

Timberlake’s Annual Veteran’s Memorial Parade May 21

336.597.2689 www.www.visitroxboronc.com

2nd Annual Spring Garden Tour May 22 • 1-6 pm

This year’s garden tour features “Do-Able Gardens”, especially for the green thumb challenged! Tickets $10. 336.597.2884 www.visitroxboronc.com/heritage

Bluegrass at The Lake

May 29 • 6-9 pm Mayo Lake Amphitheater Many local bands performing at this spectacular facitility. Admission $5. 336.597.7806 recreation.personcounty.net

For more on these events and other exciting things in Person County, visit www.visitroxboronc.com or call 336.597.2689

satisfaction, the friend responded, “Honey, it’s my calling!” Doris admitted that she thought callings came in the form of biblical burning bushes, but the friend explained otherwise, “You need to pray and ask God what your calling is.” Doris followed that advice and two weeks later in the darkness of night, she heard an inner voice say, “Now it’s time for you to work in the capacity of your gift. You have the gift of healing touch.”

Things moved quickly after that. Doris continued working and became a student at Natural Touch Massage Therapy School in Danville graduating in July 1998. After 500 hours of school and 100 to 150 hours of student clinics and health fairs, she was certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing. Her business opened in September 1998 on Westover Drive and then moved when growth and additional staff dictated---first to the Rock Centre on Riverside Drive, then to North Ridge Street, and finally in January, 2010, to 511 Piney Forest Road above Dr. Louis Eliacin’s office. This month, Doris and a staff of five celebrate the 12th anniversary of Healing Touch Therapy. No doubt, Doris’ mother, who died in 1999, will be watching from above and sending her little girl more encouragement to massage “just a little longer.” Healing Touch Therapy is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. All are invited to the 12th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 24, from noon until 4 p.m. For information, call 434.822.1050 or visit www.healingtouch-therapy.com.


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April 2010

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

Here are a few highlights of activities you don’t want to miss this month. Cut out the ones that interest you; post it on your refrigerator as a reminder; enjoy a new experience. For more activities, see the calendar on page 16-17. Thursday, April 1, - Sunday, May 2 Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts.

This exhibit focuses on female artists who spotlight women in their art as subjects, consumers, and/or as audiences on a worldwide, national and local basis. Virginia Beach artist Rieneke Leenders’ collection of watercolor portraits of women whom she has met throughout her travels will share gallery space with the ceramic sculptures based on sea shell forms by Emory and Henry assistant professor of art ChweeKim Koek. Anna Sheffield is a nationally-known jeweler and textile designer who maintains a studio in New York City. For the local component, printmaker Linda Gourley, painter and batik artist Jeanne Lavinder, and fused-glass artist Nancy Gosney are exhibiting artwork that they feel speaks to women. Sharing space in the Jennings Gallery are Leenders and Koek. Leenders’ series of oversized, realistic watercolors portraits, Women of the World, explores the differences and similarities in status of women in a variety of cultures around the world. She traveled the world in a camper getting to know the subjects in her portraits on an intimate basis. The women were asked to give their interpretation of their status as women in their culture. Universal issues such as workload, education, health, abuse, and finances were addressed. In her exhibit, the combination of the statements and the portrait of each woman give a sense of direct communication. Koek’s low-fired ceramic sculptures are inspired by the beauty of the sea shell. She hand-builds her sculptures into abstract organic forms having no straight lines or edges; their undulating lines lead the viewer’s eyes throughout the pieces, evoking the emotions of quietness and peacefulness. Often, several of these pieces are grouped together. Koek states, “Although my personal concerns with the art that I create are mostly formal in nature, some pieces are symbolic of a personal protective shell, while others are like a jigsaw puzzle to piece my life together.” From darts and daggers on necklaces to ultra-polished gemstones inverted in a ring, Anna Sheffield minimizes, transforms and translates her handcrafted jewelry into petite asymmetries and incongruities denoting the notion of keepsakes. Sheffield’s jewelry has graced the bodies of female celebrities such as Nichole Kidman and Cameron Diaz. She has collaborated with renowned designers Marc Jacobs and Phillip Lim through both her Bing Bang and 88 fine jewelry lines that are sold at high-end department stores. Although she hails from New Mexico, Sheffield attended Danville’s GWHS and often visits her mother, Susan Stillwell, and grandmother, Louise Farmer. Her exhibit will include early graphic work as a high school student and work from her studies at San Francisco Art Institute, including sculpture, marionette series, and current lines of jewelry and accessories.

Saturday, April 10 Virginia-Carolina Scottish Society

The Society’s banquet at the Lawson-Overbey Inn, 782 Main Street, will feature vocalists singing Scottish songs, the music of the bagpipes, and a performance by the popular Camden Consort, a group of costumed musicians who play Medieval instruments. The banquet honors National Tartan Day, April 6, established by Senate and House Resolutions and by Presidential Proclamation to “celebrate the spirit and character of Scottish Americans and to recognize their many contributions to our culture and our way of life”. That date was chosen because the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was signed on April 6, 1320. This was one of the greatest and most important statements of human rights ever written and the Declaration of Independence was modeled on it. For more information, call 434.793.7432. Pictured are Society Piper Tim Carpenter, President Bill Smith, Vice President Charles Ellis, and member Paul Craig.

Saturday, April 17 Danville Science Center Butterfly Station

Bring your camera to snap some shots as this year’s first butterflies are released into their new home during Butterfly Hello from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Watch butterflies stretch their wings and sip nectar as you walk through a garden designed to meet their every need. “We have two butterfly releases at Butterfly Hello,” says Science Center Director Jeff Liverman. “Our sponsor, Centra Medical Group, is making it possible for us to do releases at noon and 2 p.m.” Arrive early and talk with herb experts and purchase herbs to plant in your yard at Butterfly Thyme from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The sale is underwritten by Prudential Manasco Realty and Susan Stilwell. Visitors can also view the photography exhibit Birds of the Riverwalk by local amateur photographer David Hoffman and make purchases from Roanoke soapmaker Lydia Webb, who will offer butterfly and herbal-inspired soap and other home products. Children can enjoy hands-on activities that combine art and science such as, building a paper caterpillar, creating a model butterfly egg, playing a caterpillar/

butterfly match game, examining different butterfly colors and patterns, and making a chromatography butterfly to take home. Butterfly Hello and Butterfly Thyme are free. Donations to the Butterfly Station and Garden are appreciated. DSC and Butterfly Station and Garden, 677 Craghead Street, are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. For information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org.

Sunday, April 18 Chatham Garden Club’s Historic Garden Week Tour

From 1:00 p.m. to 5:00, three homes will be open for the first time. The 2002 multi-gabled brick home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Grubb, 6011 Cobblestone Court, sets in a cul de sac near Tuscarora Golf Club. Its twostory foyer showcases one of two Palladian windows 6004 Cobblestone Court that accentuate an open floor plan. Items of Interest include Oriental paintings and carpet along with mementoes that depict this area’s agricultural heritage and family travels abroad. A bright color palette enhances Wedgewood china used for formal dining as well as complements cherished heirlooms. Nearby in the Bridgewood neighborhood at 6004 Cobblestone Court is the beigetoned brick home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Criswell built in 2004. A bay window and porches offer panoramic views of landscaping and a play yard. Handsome interior woodwork includes wainscoting, exposed beams and flooring accented by decorative iron banisters of a curving staircase. A stone fireplace and earth tones provide decorative accents. Mrs. Joann Atkinson 1976 brick home near White Oak Mountain at 7441 Dry Fork Road has extensive gardens accented by a serpentine wall. Among the seven fireplaces in this Williamsburg-styled residence are reclaimed bricks from Dan River Mills and river bed stones. Family artifacts used in decorating include a plantation bell in the scenic garden and a dulcimer in the study. The cascading water garden on the patio and swimming pool provide a relaxing outdoor atmosphere. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at any tour site. Refreshments will be served at the Atkinson residence. Profits benefit historic restoration in Virginia. For more information, visit www.VAGardenweek.org.

Saturday, April 24 Caswell Horticulture Club

Getting the Best from Your Garden Investment is the focus of the Club’s 3rd biennial Spring Seminar to be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Yancey House Pavilion, 699 Highway 158 West, Yanceyville, North Carolina. Presenters are Karen Neill, Guilford County Extension Agent, Water-Wise Gardening; Sybil Mays, former owner of Paradise Nursery in Virginia Beach, The Beautiful Edible Gardens; and Dr. Lucindy Willis, owner of the Yancey House, Heart-Healthy Herbs. A panel discussion will be led by Robert Neal, President of the Caswell Bee Keepers Association, and Kathryn Holmes, Extension Agent for Rockingham County. Cost is $35 and includes a breakfast snack and lunch. Plants and other gardening items will be for sale. For more information and to register call 336.234.9636 or email cathylong@mebtel.net.

Tuesday, April 27 Sounds Around Virginia. Kick-off Party

Partake of pretend corn squeezings straight from the non-pretend still and Mason jars of two Franklin County moonshiners (thespians Steve Petrick and Jane Reid). Behold the graciousness and charm of the Gibson Girl as portrayed by curator, Pat Maurakis. Listen to the thrilling tobacco chanting of auctioneer and sculptor, Bob Cage. Enjoy energetic interpretations of African heritage by professional multi-artist, Fred Motley, and hear the banjo pickin’ and singin’ of veteran Old Time String Musician and historian, Kinney Rorrer, as he performs The Cotton Mill Blues. Topping it off with a viewing of a master technician’s compilation of the best scenes from an exciting new audio and video series, Sounds Around Virginia. The innovative web-based offerings being launched are intended to guide viewers and listeners through Southern Virginia’s diverse educational, historic, and cultural resources. The web tours were created for visitors to the area, but also play an educational role for local residents, students, and teachers. There are approximately 20 presentations at http://visitdanville.ialr.org. Topics include Last Capital, Lady Astor, Gibson Girl, Millionaire’s Row, Freedom Movement, Historic Organs, Confederate Sites, Cotton Mill Blues (Textile Mills), Wreck of the Old ’97 and others. Go online and rate your favorite audio tour. Awards for the tours with the highest ratings will be given out at the event. All of these opportunities and more will be available at a free and open-to-thepublic kick-off party at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. This project was created through the cooperative efforts of about a dozen regional partnering organizations For more information, call 434. 791.5160.


Evince Magazine Page 23

Friday, April 30 Chatham Concert Series

A recital by soprano Liz Frazer and pianist Minjung Seo will begin at 7:00 p.m. Soprano Liz Frazer performs regularly in concerts and operas in Virginia and North Carolina. She is a student in the doctoral program at UNC Greensboro, where she most recently won the University’s concerto competition. Recent roles include Blanche in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and the title role in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanthe. Korean pianist Minjung Seo holds a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano from the Juilliard School and is currently in the DMA program at UNC Greensboro. She has been staff pianist at the Banff Centre in Canada and the Heifetz International Music Institute and a fellow at the Apsen Music Festival. The concert will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Main Street in Chatham. Admission is by donation. For further information, email kzakresky@chathamhall.org or visit www.kevinzakresky.com.

Friday, April 30 – Sunday, May 2 Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival

In addition to antique tractors and working farm machinery exhibits, tractor pulls and quarter-scale tractor pulls are planned throughout the day on Saturday, along with children’s games and gospel/ bluegrass music. Exhibitors will display antique tools, horse-drawn equipment, and cured tobacco. Craft vendors will sell birdhouses, hand-painted saws, jewelry, shirts, handbags, candles, needlecrafts, antique coins, linens, and more. Other vendors will sell antique furniture, flags, plants, jewelry, handmade toys, wood crafts, new tractor parts, and lawn equipment. The Convergence Art Guild of Halifax will paint an old farm machine creatively transforming a rusty, old tractor into a work of art. The Hot Car Burn Out is set for 6:00 p.m. Saturday. The car clubs will hold a cruise-in showcasing some of the areas finest restored classics and the Southside Horse Council plans an impressive ride-in Friday afternoon. The Ruritan Clubs of Halifax County will be cooking each day and homemade ice cream will be available all weekend. New features include an historical exhibit of local stock car racing and a showcase of unfinished projects. Anyone who is in the process of restoring an old car, truck, or tractor is encouraged to bring it to the show to exhibit – no matter what condition. The idea is to feature projects in progress. Another new addition is a Valve Cover Race, which is similar to a soap box derby race, except that the racers are converted valve covers. Festival times at the Halifax County Fairgrounds, Highway 360 East, are Friday, April 30, from noon until 9 p.m.; Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, May 2, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 per day. For more information visit www.halifaxcountyheritagefestival.org.

Saturday, May 1 Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History

Enjoy the 14th Annual Art on the Lawn from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the grounds of the historic Sutherlin Mansion. 975 Main Street. This juried art show will feature works by some of the region’s finest artists and crafts persons. Mediums displayed and for sale include painting, printmaking, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, photography, and mixed media. Then, try your hand on the popular community art canvas, where everyone can help create art on a nine-foot long community canvas. Bring the family for a picnic on the lawn. Sandwiches, beer, wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Rain date is Sunday, May 2, from noon until 5 p.m.


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April 2010


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