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Are you pictured in Photo Finish on pages 30-31?

Jon Carter

Welcoming All to the Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm and Blues Page 3

November 2014

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

Page 2

Editor’s Note

You probably have a million things to do, so I appreciate your taking the time to read Evince. If part of your busy life is planning a holiday celebration and you want some help, read page 3, Welcoming All to the Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues. Jon Carter, who is pictured on the cover, wants you, your family and friends to enjoy delicious food and live music while he and his staff do all the work. That sounds like a great deal, doesn’t it? Feeling too down in the dumps for having fun? Carollyn Lee Peerman has a pep talk on page 15, Grateful People Do Happy Things. She thinks that maybe all you need is a little attitude adjustment and a change in focus. Celeste Lynn knows how hard that can be. Read How to Enjoy Thanksgiving in Difﬁcult Times on page 6 . In her list of tips for overcoming sadness, she suggests being appreciative for what you have instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Included in my list of things I am thankful for is everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to make Evince a reality every month and for the readers who tell me they enjoy it. I’m echoing the sentiments that Kim Clifton writes about in Second Thoughts –He Read Me Like a Book on page 11. Do you still think you are too busy to acknowledge your blessings and be appreciative? Not true. Remember, Sunday, November 2, is a 25-hour day instead of 24 hours. Now there are no excuses.

November Contents

OICE OF APPRECIATION

Editor’s Note

Jon Carter / Welcoming All to the Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues by Joyce Wilburn

She Said He Said Thanks for the Memories by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving in Difﬁcult Times by Celeste D. Lynn

Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com

The Voice of Readers

Making Time to Get Fit by Ciji Moore

Associate Editors Larry G. Aaron (434.792.8695) larry.aaron@gmail.com

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks President Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com

10 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Janet Leopold

Jeanette Taylor Contributing Writers

11 Second Thoughts / He Read Me Like a Book by Kim Clifton 13 Per Se / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg 14 Betting Hushpuppies That You’ll Like This Food by Larry Wilburn 15 Grateful People Do Happy Things by Carollyn Lee Peerman 16 Calendar Clips 18 Where Can I Find an Evince? 20 Calendar 22 Finding Calm in the Noise of a Pool/Computer Room by Mack Williams 24 Book Clubbing / Mr. Owita’s Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart a review by Diane Adkins 25 What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries 26 Reﬂecting Forward / Appreciating the Little Things by Linda Lemery 27 I Had Fun on the Range by Sarah Jones 29 Around the Table / Main Dish or Side Dish – Your Choice by Annelle Williams 30 Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Photo of Jon Carter by Michelle Dalton Photography Photo Finish by Von Wellington

Diane Adkins, Janet Aponte, Desiree Berrios, Cara Burton, Kim Clifton, John Carroll, Jerry Franklin, Mary Lou Hall, Mark Harrelson, Dena Hill, Sarah Jones, Steve Kimbrell, Telisha Moore Leigg, Janet Leopold, Celeste D. Lynn, Linda Lemery, Janet Leopold, Tabatha McEachin, Ciji Moore, Larry Oldham, Carollyn Lee Peerman, Janet Roberson, Hollis Stauber, Donna Strange, Jaci Whitﬁeld, Joyce Wilburn, Larry Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams

Business Manager Paul Seiple(1.877.638.8685) paul@evincemagazine.com

Don’t Forget to Pick Up the November Edition of Showcase Magazine

Meet Some of Our Contributors

Marketing Consultants Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont) evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW Deadline for submission of December stories, articles, ads, and calendar clips is Monday, November 16, at 5 p.m. Submit stories and articles to: joycewilburn@gmail.com. Submit calendar items by Wednesday November 12, at 5 p.m. to www.showcasemagazine.com for Evince and Showcase. For ad information contact a sales associate or sales manager above.

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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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Mary Lou Hall is a retired educator and an active member of Moseley Memorial UMC where she leads the Stained Glass Window Tour and teaches an adult class. She is a garden club member, a volunteer for community activities, a writer, a grandmother and a member of the Drama Committee of the Wednesday Club.

Donna Strange, is a member of Halifax County Historical Society, one of three organizations sponsoring the Prizery fund-raiser, Taste of the Holidays on November 23. See page 17.

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Evince Magazine

Jon Carter

Welcoming All to the Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Photos by Michelle Dalton Photography

by Joyce Wilburn

anville is more diverse than ever and Jon Carter, owner of Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Restaurant, wants to see that diversity reﬂected in the faces of the people who come to eat and dance at his establishment. “We’ve been well received by the community. People who come here have a fantastic time,” says the African American, who stresses that all races and nationalities are welcome to enjoy the live music and freshlymade food that he offers in a friendly, safe environment.

paid so little money, I realized I couldn’t support myself doing that and I needed a job,” he recalls. He quickly changed careers, accepted an offer from State Farm Insurance, and became an insurance adjuster in Danville for almost a decade. “Then I worked

at the hospital as the Operating Room Business Manager for about 15 years and at Danville Orthopedic Clinic from 2005 to 2012,” he says. During that time, he nurtured his passion for boxing by opening a gym on Union Street, Madison Square Boxing,

“We enforce security and have a very strict dress code,” he says while glancing at the welldressed couples dancing to the late night live music of Rebirth Band from Greensboro. Coats and ties or at least a collared shirt is required for the men and no baggy pants are allowed. “The women always dress well,” he remarks. “We have a high standard here and our motto is Where Class Meets Class.” Owning a classy eating establishment with a night club ambiance had been only one of Jon’s goals after graduating with a business degree from Western Carolina University in 1981. The Salisbury, North Carolina, native was a boxer at the age of 14 and wanted to box professionally. “My ﬁrst professional ﬁght

My favorite things about Ten Ten House of Blues are the sweet potato dishes. I love the casserole and love the cheesecake. These two things alone are worth a visit. Also some pretty yummy crab cakes and meat loaf, but I have a sweet tooth what can I say.

Donna Mehalko

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in downtown Danville. “At that point, I decided it was time to do something for me,” says the softspoken man. The something he had wanted to do for almost 25 years was to open a restaurant with live music at 1010 Piney Forest Road. He continues the story, “The timing wasn’t right in 1989 when I originally approached the owner of the building, but in October 2013, I was driving on Piney Forest Road and saw the For Lease sign on the building and thought maybe this is the right time. I have the energy, the capital and the time.” A contract was signed, renovations were made and Ten Ten opened on February 28, 2014. “We were packed,” he says with pride. Jon credits his staff of 10 for making things run smoothly and keeping customers happy. For example, Kevin Lea uses his 20 years of experience cooking in the kitchen at the nowclosed Libby Hill Restaurant to prepare unforgettable meals. His specialties include: lasagna, meatloaf, pasta with chicken and/or shrimp Alfredo sauce, crab cakes, salmon cakes, grilled or fried shrimp with grits, salads, and a selection of side dishes. Save room for dessert: sweet potato cheesecake, peach cobbler, banana pudding, or chocolate fudge cake. The sweet potato cheesecake made by Brittany Bennett is always a sellout. (See page 14.) Jon justiﬁably brags, “We have some of the best food in town.” Are you thirsty for an adult beverage? Bartender Shirley Nunnally keeps the bar well-stocked and ready for your order. Continued on page 14

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November 2014

SHE SAID

HE SAID

by Dena Hill

by Larry Oldham

Thanks for the Memories

A ﬂat tire at the drive-in? Running out of gas at the drive-in? What kind of guys did you date and why were they so cheap? Now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t remember paying admission for my date when we went to the drive-in. I always made her ride in the trunk. Then, I parked on the back row and let her out. That way we only had to pay for one. Ah, the memories of youth.

Can you believe our 50th high school reunion is less than a year away? It seems like only yesterday we were happy, carefree teenagers whose only problems were which movie to go to or who to date. Certainly, you couldn’t be bothered with homework, studying or turning in class work on time. The only reason you went to school was to aggravate your teachers. One positive thing about that is now you can explain to me why some of my students misbehave. They think and act the same way you did in school. I know. Great minds think alike.

You know I am just kidding you, right? Although there was one time at the drivein when the girl told me at intermission that if I weren’t going to kiss her during the second movie, I could take her home right then.

She said He Said

One of the great things about marrying a girl High school with whom I was a lot of fun. went to high Our best friends school is that now are the we share so ones we knew many good as teenagers memories. because we However, all grew up we have two together and inherent had the same problems with experiences. that statement. Good thing it One is that we happened before never shared the Internet, experiences social media, because you and cell phones. dated the older We had to be boys instead of accountable and me. Second, more than likely you had some got caught by Photo by classes with our parents if Michelle Dalton Photography. me and I have we were some to admit I had place where we behavioral shouldn’t be .... problems back then and you can talk like a drive-in. You haven’t lived until about them now, which is not good. you have a ﬂat tire or run out of gas at a drive-in. I am not one to live in the past, but we did have some fun times in the good old days. We need to think about next October We didn’t have modern electronics to keep when we see all of our old friends again us company; we had each other and the and we’ll be 50 years older, have gray neighborhood kids. We played under the hair (or hair colored from a bottle), be street lights until our parents called us in. pounds heavier, and will have had a lot Now our children’s memories consist of of experiences (some good and some their favorite iPad or PalmPilot. I wouldn’t not so good) that have added to the go back and live any other kind of life. wrinkles on our faces. I’d like to say that Well, maybe I would have behaved better I can hardly wait, but at this time in our in some classes. It’s nice that our friends lives, I don’t want to rush away a single have heard all of our tales and shared minute because there is still a boatload of some of our good and bad times and they memories yet to be made. still like us. Well, they like you anyway.

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

Evince Magazine

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November 2014

How To Enjoy Thanksgiving in Difficult Times by Celeste D. Lynn When I think of Thanksgiving, I as shopping, girls’ night out, picture a room ﬁlled with family, sleepovers and travel. Broadening laughter and my horizons joy and a table really helps give If you don’t full of my me a positive like something, favorite foods. outlook on I remember life and my change it. celebrating situation. If you can’t change it, Thanksgiving with my parents Here are some change your attitude. and extended tips on enjoying Maya Angelou family when I the holidays was younger. when times are Back then, it difﬁcult: was a tradition that our home was • Remain positive. Yes, the place to gather. My mother, circumstances are the same, but who was known for her excellent a positive mindset will allow you cooking skills, would prepare a to feel better and make better grand meal, welcoming those near decisions. and far. • Become creative. What is it that you love to do? What is your Sad to say, things changed passion? Surround yourself with drastically in 2002 after she lost people who have similar interests. her battle with cancer. The holiday • Stay away from negativity. cheer wasn’t the same; people Purge your mind of negative were cold and indifferent. Many thoughts and eliminate negative decided to go their various ways. people from your life. They will Experiencing my mother’s death dampen your spirit. was very painful, especially during • Remember that you are not the holidays. Not being able to alone. There are others who are enjoy her food and her presence having similar experiences. created a great void in my life. • Become appreciative. Don’t dwell on what you might be I decided to take measures into lacking. Instead, be thankful for my own hands. I understood that what you do have. It will really life is full of choices. Instead of boost your joy level. waiting for others to include me • Remember, when life brings in their celebrations, I became you a blow, it can make you creative. I now enjoy the traditional stronger and wiser, if you have turkey dinner but spice it up the right attitude. Life is a with different things to do, such journey, enjoy!

Evince Magazine

The Voice of Readers

Page 7

The difference between

To the editor: Please convey to your readership our apologies for not adequately advising them about the cancellation of the polo game between UVa and Va Tech students at Equs on Saturday, October 18th (Bob Jiranek Playing Polo in Danville October page 3) The scheduled arena polo game on the Chips Chester Arena Polo Field calls for a minimum of 12 trained polo ponies (quarter horses or thoroughbred) and an umpire’s horse to be on hand. At the last moment we did not have the promised mounts and it was necessary to postpone the game. The game between UVa and Virginia Tech students was to consist of 5 chukkers. Each chukker was to be of 7 1⁄2 minutes duration. The fast pace of the game means each player must change horses at the end of each chukker. The game will be rescheduled next spring when the Dan River Polo Club has 13 horses as part of our permanent club inventory. Again we apologize for the inconvenience to Evince readers and the community at large. I will be glad to furnish additional details if your readership will contact me at 434.250.3691 or jiranek3@gmail.com. Sincerely yours, Robert Jiranek The Dan River Polo Club EQUS Thanks for the explanation. I’ve heard that many attended the Open House that afternoon to tour the facility and met you. I’m sure that those who missed this opportunity will be in touch.

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MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE in Emporia, South Boston,and South Hill

I believe my ﬁnicky family, who, without fail, always eyes every new recipe with gustatory doubt, would like this scrumptious salad. Pass on thanks to Ms. Williams for a great recipe! I have included the salad ingredients on my shopping list and look forward to making this dish. Anne Cockrell, Danville, VA I agree with everything Anne has written. I made this salad for the Averett homecoming tailgate party and my family loved it. The leftovers were good the next day also.

Introducing the new Letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for space or style. Submission constitutes permission to use.

Tell us what you think. Email your comments to joycewilburn@gmail.com or send mail to Evince Editor, 753 Main Sreet, Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541. To read past issues of Evince, visit www.evincemagazine.com.

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November 2014

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Evince Magazine

n a world where we’re too busy to make time for any extras in the day, we often forget to make time for ourselves. When there is free time, it’s usually a question of what can I do and how quickly can I get it done. Often, that’s the response to being more active. If you think about how important exercise is in our lives (mind, body, and soul), you would appreciate it more. It’s easy to neglect our bodies by going an entire day and not giving it any exercise nor giving it the proper nutrients it needs from fruits, vegetables and water. I dare you to eat healthy foods and exercise every day for a month. I promise that if you do, you will feel like a new, energized person and along the way you will probably see a difference in your weight and blood pressure. Also, you will be combating those chronic diseases you are more prone to getting, if you are not taking care of your body. Appreciate your body by taking care of it. Set small goals and stick with them. Never start off with big hard-to-obtain goals.

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go to a Fit Stop. Meet us on November 4 at the Ballou Park pickleball courts for a fun game of pickleball. Follow Get Fit Dan River Region on Facebook and Twitter for updates and locations for Fit Stops each week. • November is National Runners Month. Anyone interested in becoming a runner should stop by The Brick, 410 Main Street, and take part in their running clinics every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:15p.m. There is no cost for participation. • Walk the Riverwalk Trail.

Making Time to Get Fit by Ciji Moore Education & Outreach Coordinator, Get Fit Dan River Region Remember, small changes lead to big successes. You can do it. We are all #teamgetﬁt and together we can be a healthier

community. Ways to stay active this month: • Every Wednesday at noon,

• Go cycling on the Riverwalk Trail. Visit the Spin Bike Shop, 404 Craghead Street, to rent a bike at an affordable price. • Dance, do jumping jacks, stretch, squat, lunge, push/ pull---do something in the privacy of your home. The choice is up to you. Choose to stay active!

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November 2014

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Evince and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce want to encourage and recognize exception customer service. When someone gives you exceptional service, please let us know. In 300 words or less, tell us what happened. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or visit www.dpchamber.org. Under Business Development, click Customer Service Nomination. It’s a nice way to show appreciation for a job well done. We look forward to hearing from you.

by Janet Leopold I’d like to nominate John Richardson, Member Service Specialist at the URW Community Federal Credit Union at 314 Lowes Drive, for the Exceptional Customer Service Award. Every time I walk into the URW Credit Union, John greets me with a smile. He always remembers my name and never seems to have a bad day. If he does, he leaves it at home and is pleasant at his job. If someone else is helping me, John will call my name and say, “How are you?” and when I leave, it’s “Have a great day, Mrs. Leopold!” I highly recommend John because of his great customer service. He is a wonderful asset to the URW and I hope they realize what they have in John.

Evince Magazine talk,” he said, making his way inside. “I’ve been thinking about something. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.” He sounded so serious that I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest if he didn’t get to the point. “You’ve spent your whole life cooped up writing stuff that you don’t let anyone read. It’s not just now...you did it when you were little, too. I can still see you on the couch with a pencil and notebook instead of outside playing with your friends. I’m here because there’s a box I found yesterday in the basement that was wrapped so thick with duct tape I could barely read “Kim’s Private Stuff” across the top.” He leaned into my face and continued, “You’ve had the same upbringing as your cousins. You love words as much as they do. If they can do it, then you can, too. I don’t mean moving to California or working for TV. I’m saying there’s a book in you. Find it.” With that directive, he left as quickly as he came. That was 20 years ago. They say in the South you aren’t a man until your father tells you that you are. I’d like to modify that to say you aren’t a writer until your daddy tells you, you are,

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even if you don’t believe it from him or from readers. I’m ﬂattered when people quote something that spoke to them or when they remember a column that I’d forgotten I’d written. It’s too embarrassing to look inside, so that box in my parents’ basement hasn’t been opened, but my life has been. The bad news is that every crazy adventure you’ve read is true. Every embarrassing moment is true. The good news, I guess, is that this keeps me from running out of topics. I still haven’t written the book that my father hoped I would and doubt I ever will. Books today are hidden in every Nook and Kindle, not stored on shelves. Even so, my mother faithfully makes his dream come true. Every month, she adds a clip to this leather-bound scrapbook marked for me to inherit. Eighteen years have passed so quickly, and I’m thankful that my father at least lived to see my name in print. Mostly, however, I thank you for allowing one woman to have so many Second Thoughts.

He Read Me Like a Book I wasted the better part of a day trying to remember another time my father dropped by unannounced. I never could. The reason wasn’t forgetfulness. The reason was that he never did. While my dad spent lots of time at my house, he never crossed my threshold without calling ﬁrst. I’m only bringing this up because you wouldn’t be reading this column or any of my pieces if he’d not rung my doorbell that Sunday afternoon. The November issue of Evince is the Voice of Appreciation. The theme is especially appropriate as Thanksgiving is upon us, and I have a lot of thanks to be giving, such as celebrating 18 years of contributions to this amazing magazine soon. Even though I’m regularly listed in the table of contents, I don’t consider myself a writer. I reserve that term for those authors who’ve published real novels or written/produced TV shows and movies.

It’s humbling to share a bloodline with the likes of Karen Hall Walker, who has among her writing accomplishments The Betty Ford Story, The Women of Brewster Place and M*A*S*H. That’s independent of her sister, Barbara Hall, who created the TV hits Madam Secretary, Joan of Arcadia, and Judging Amy. These Chatham natives are also published novelists and Emmy nominees. It’s never been a competition. Besides, I’ve got enough sense to know that my work is nothing like theirs. In my mind, they are Rembrandts while I paint by numbers. My father, being a father and my biggest fan, disagreed, which brings me back to his visit. It was around 5:30 p.m. and he’d just left the golf course. I knew he should have been at home changing clothes for evening church services instead of standing on my front porch. I panicked. I knew something bad must have happened. “Kimbo, we need to

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mother who I think should only hold me is letting her. It’s that I have never seen my mother receive a hug. I have never seen her with Mrs. Crandle, who is just the woman at the end of the hall who works the shelter’s night shift, who ﬁles paperwork about us poor and blighted, under minimal light in an ofﬁce with no window. I can’t beat into my skull that this place is a job for her as she moves along through her life before going home to her man, her kids, her regular and real. Here we get a bed in a room that you can’t put pictures up with a nail, sheets washed on rotation, rules, and nervous women who probably ran from angry men. And down the hall the panicked baby is crying again, and I want Kwon to be quiet even though it’s not, it’s not the baby, per se. I say...I think.....I mean I think I say this to my heart, that the world is like light through a room where you done pulled down the shade, like you done wrapped duct tape around the edges and it still don’t matter. Light going to come on in. That’s what I hope anyway, because at 14, that’s God to me, that’s goodness to me.

Per Se

ast night, I dreamed sad like the smell earth has as trumpets play a mourning song. I see my mama in my dream, plain as day, her spirit to my heart correctly drawn. And we are here in this place. There is no mistake. When you coming back home? Mama yells over sounds like Harley motorcycle engines revving. When you coming back home? Mama says moaning it, crying out, and beating her right hand up and down beseeching. And I say that where I been, Mama, where I been, where I been other than near you, other than in your arms? And she reaches for me. And I reach for her, her opened arms, her left hand, and open left palm as she drops petals that are dry and fading from her ﬁngers leaving trail. But she can’t reach me, my mama, in my dream. I wake up then. I cannot sleep any more then. And I still smell that smell, hear the hum of an engine far away outside a window, phantom ache for my mother’s arms. It’s not the dream per se... It’s that now it’s almost dawn, not quite light, sky purple-blue like, stars still dreaming, and Mama ain’t up; instead, she’s sweeping a tired right hand down her purple hoodie and jogging pants like she tried but just couldn’t make it. She’s folding back the shelter’s serviceable tan bedspread to expose the bleached sheets instead of pulling the covering up. Then, Mama—who never rests—is now sitting down, not getting up. The Mama I know

fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg goes to work at dawn to that momand-pop bakery down the street, faithful like, even though it’s only 20 hours of minimum wage. She knows how hard any job is to get when you got no real address, how she only got that job ‘cause Mrs. Crandle, the shelter’s caseworker, put in a good word. And the Mama I know usually doesn’t call this place, any place we stay nowadays, home, ‘cause when you got to move on again....well, ain’t no place really home. I tell myself it was just a dream, but I should tell you that I believe in dreams. “Go back to bed, baby,” Mama says, even though I got school. I lie down, but I can’t sleep. It’s just that in this night, almost dawn, I can hear Mean Keisha down the hall, I hear her pacing, juggling Kwon who is crying again. She just turned 18, four years older than me, but she got her own room and I’m jealous, despite that she got to share it with her baby. Mean Keisha will spit at you soon as look at you; she hogs the butter at the table and steals extra juice in her baby bag, and yet, she is scared, new to the shelter, terrified that she will lose her place here, and she ain’t got nowhere else. A month ago when she first came here, I heard her voice in Mrs. Crandle’s office down the hall sitting in the tan chair. I can’t go back home, I heard her say but jerk away when Mrs. Crandle reached out her arms to comfort her. “What you do that fo?” Mean Keisha say, mouth set like a

mule but trembling. Just coming up from her desk, Mrs. Crandle stops, holds both hands in peace; Keisha can’t see no peace. I ain’t going back there, Mean Keisha, says, bouncing and jerking and trying to hug Kwon too much. Mrs. Crandle stands up more to motion me to go on down the hall, that this is private, but Mean Keisha whose back is to me, is sensing she done wrong, but not knowing what, says, “I’ll hug you if you want,” like she hurt, wary and puzzled. Mean Keisha moves toward Mrs. Crandle, but she puts her baby down where she think he safe. Mrs. Crandle goes from shock to that smile, that sad smile at Mean Keisha like Mean Keisha some new type of kicked cat with too many broken bones trying to eat herself well. I remember my throat closing up in someone else’s pain. I move on down the hall. Can’t none of us go back, I was thinking and head back to Mama’s and my room. I think then it’s not Mean Keisha I’m really jealous of, but that baby. Like me, he too can hear it, the panic of Mean Keisha’s pacing, knows panic in the tasting of her milk. Because that baby already knows the real world outside is cold, close and not careful with us. When he dreams, he wakes crying. It’s that I know before I see Mama and Mrs. Crandle down the hall in the ofﬁce with the tan chair. I know I will have to sit down and that they will tell me the moon is grey. When I arrive, my mama is already there. Shhhhh.... Mrs. Crandle is holding my mother in her brown arms; my

“Fallon, can you come here?” Mrs. Crandle calls to me outside her office with Mama inside. I will not go though. I stay right here. And sometimes, if I am so lucky I get the feeling of a field of flowers by a dirt road and those flowers wild but not pulled offhand. In my memade dreams there are so many flowers that if I wanted I couldn’t hold them all in my arms. “Fallon,...your mother has something to tell you...” Mama turns in the other tan chair to me, her eyes into mine like she already going somewhere and she scared to go alone. I see her from the hallway. I can’t go to her. When you coming back home, Mama had asked? I slide down the wall in the hallway in front of Mrs. Crandle’s office, while Mean Keisha bursts in then back out with still crying Kwon who has swallowed a dime. It’s just that...those flowers, they’re not,...it’s just that that’s not the dream I dreamed. It’s not. The real one is what woke me last night. The real is Mrs. Crandle and that smile and Kwon screaming and the smell of earth and bad despair. I tell myself last night was just a dream. I tell you that I believe in dreams. Real is that Kwon has it understood. Mean Keisha sees me against the wall, senses the moment, tries to quiet his howls. But, I say let him cry. He got a right.

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November 2014

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography Chef Lea and Brittany Bennett prepare another delicious meal.

Betting Hushpuppies That You’ll Love This Food by Larry Wilburn

Ten Ten

Continued from page 3

On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best, the Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Restaurant at 1010 Piney Forest Road with a staff of 10 has no choice but to be the best. If you’re ready for good fun and food, call 434-tenten-0 (434.836.8360) to make a reservation. Jon is waiting to welcome you. • Ten Ten House of Jazz Rhythm & Blues is open for lunch Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Friday and Saturdays it opens for lunch at 11:00 a.m. and stays open for dinner and entertainment until 2:00 a.m. Sunday it is open from noon until 5:00 p.m. Customers, who bring a church bulletin, receive a 15% discount. There is an Open Mic from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. • On Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. the Spoken Word is presented for those who want to say something profound or recite poetry.

• Every Friday, there is either a DJ and/or live music starting at 9:00 p.m. Lemon Lyme from radio 97.1 comes on the fourth Friday. • Every Saturday, there is live music starting at 9:00 p.m. The lineup for this month is: November 1: Spectrum (old school R & B from WinstonSalem); November 7: Cufﬂinx; November 8: DJ LaToya McKenize; November 14: Blue Bands (blues & jazz) and DJ Precise; November 15: Soultriii; November 21: DJ Lemon Lyme • November 22: Lady of J.A.M. & DJ Precise; November 27 Thanksgiving evening: DJ Eric Whitehead “Mr. E”; November 28: Headlynerz; November 29: Tonya Ross & Varissa Ferguson. • Ten Ten is accepting reservations for holiday parties. Call 434.836.8360. • For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ 1010houseofjazz.

Ten Ten Jazz Club gives my wife and me just what we look for in a night out: Intimate atmosphere--truly professional musicians that you would otherwise have to travel to hear-and delicious food. Like us, you’ll be back. Did I mention the food?

Dave Corp

When we in the South speak of “Mamma’s cooking,” we evoke a memory of certain farm-totable foods prepared in a style that has genuine flavor, so much so that experiencing that food again takes us back to our younger days when life was good. Just as Proust’s narrator tasted the madeleine and a flood of childhood memories came rushing back, the food at Ten Ten House of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues brought to mind those halcyon days. I did not know what to expect when Chef Kevin Lea presented multiple dishes of aromatic vegetables, meats, poultry, fish and rolls. This smorgasbord was nothing short of a gustatory delight. While we waited for a Southernstyle sampler, server Brittany Bennett brought a slice of sweet potato cheesecake. My motherin-law liked to eat dessert first in case she was too full from the entrée to enjoy it later. Her advice suited us well. I wouldn’t usually think of this combination of ingredients but was struck by the delicious mélange of the creamy layers of sweet potato and cheese. How could this get any better? But it did. I realize the cliché here but the turnip greens were so like what my mother and grandmother cooked that I began to well up with the memory. They were

seasoned with spices and vinegar and were exquisite. Can I use that word with greens? Wow. I followed that with a taste of boiled paprika-spiced cabbage that was exceptionally good. The main dish was a serving of Pangasius fish, a mild, flaky white fish that I had never tasted before. I prefer fish broiled or grilled, not fried. It would have been a serious error in judgment, however, if I had not tasted this. Pardon me, I didn’t just taste it, I devoured it. The blend of the special ingredients of the batter and the almost sweet taste of the deep-fried fillet was so tasty I could hardly control myself. Other samples included chicken wings with multiple sauces, mac and cheese (very good), lasagna, and sweet potato casserole, all which tastefully completed this walk down food-memory lane. With a respectful nod to Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, I had no pangs of conscience at the end of this meal. There are many other dishes on the menu that are sure to please any palate. Kevin has had years of cooking experience at a seafood restaurant and the menu is replete with various fish platters. While I did not have a chance to taste the salmon cakes, I’ll bet a dollar to a hushpuppy they taste as good as my mama used to make. Get there as soon as you can.

Evince Magazine

Grateful People Do Happy Things by Carollyn Lee Peerman “No man has ever lived that had enough of children’s gratitude or woman’s love,” wrote the poet William Butler Yeats. Everyone likes to be thanked and appreciated. We all want to be valued for who we are. Each one of us is unique and one of a kind. There will never ever be another you. As Thanksgiving rolls around one more time, you have another opportunity to express your gratitude to God for His bountiful blessings of family, friends, good health, and the gift of life itself. If you don’t want to be grateful but would rather be miserable, then think about yourself, about what you want, what you like, what respect people ought to pay to you, and what people think of you. Thinking about your woes morning, noon, and night is a real prescription for misery. The poet Celia Thaxter wrote that in the grateful heart there is eternal summer. Blue skies shine on you when you know how to be thankful. Nothing but blue skies do you see. Don’t you realize that those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves? According to Rabbi Meir Leib, in the Hebrew language there are no fewer than 10 synonyms for

the word joy: Simha is a constant continuous joy while gila is a sudden spontaneous peak in joy. Rabbi Noah Weinberg said, “Joy is the very essence of serving God.” If you keep all of the commandments of God, but do not serve Him with wholehearted joy, then all is worthless. Without happiness and joy you are apt to fall into physical and mental disease, which originate from the sadness and depression that God hates. In a sad or depressed person, small problems grow and seem insurmountable. Truly important things seem insigniﬁcant. Perception is distorted. “If we believe that God is with us and that He does everything for our own good then sadness or depression are impossible,” says Rabbi Shimon Teicher in the October 20-26 issue of The International Jerusalem Post. “The evil inclination causes us to sin so that we experience the guilt and self disgust that lead to despair. Despair, in turn, leads to inaction which results in more guilt and depression,” adds Rabbi Teicher. It is when you doubt the goodness of God that you are susceptible to turning away from God in anger and sinning. Desperate people do desperate things. Happy, grateful people do happy things.

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November 2014

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 20.

Ongoing

Danville Museum SelfGuided Audio-Visual Tours

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, is offering visitors a new self-guided audiovisual tour on the history of the Sutherlin Mansion. The tour was made possible with grants from the Carrington Trust and Danville Regional Foundation. A DRF Dan Desiree B errios e River Year Agent, Desireé Berrios, new tou xplains the researched and re-created the r to doce nts. previous general audio tour. The new self-guided tour uses technology from Tour-Mate Systems. Local actors provided character voices throughout the tour detailing the history of the home and its role in the Civil War. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Desireé Berrios)

Saturday, November 1 – Saturday, January 3 Juried Art League Art Show

The Danville Art League, in partnership with the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, presents their annual art show, Color-Fall, at 975 Main Street during normal museum hours, Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. View works by very talented artists from Virginia and North Carolina showcasing a variety of artistic media: oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, photography, sculpture and other media. (submitted by Jerry Franklin)

Saturday, November 1 – Saturday, January 3

A New Mosaic: African American Art This exhibition features high-quality photographic reproductions of works by African American artists spanning nearly 200 years from the 19th century through today. The exhibition showcases the great diversity in style, media, and subject matter of African American art. The artworks were chosen from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts collection providing an opportunity to see art by regional artists that has been in the collection for decades along with more recently acquired pieces by internationally celebrated ﬁgures. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Saturday, November 8 – Sunday November 9 Two Spirited Events

In a national tour taking them from coast to coast, author/composer Jonathan Richard Cring and his musical partner of 17 years, Janet Clazzy, will appear at Trinity United Methodist Church, 409 Arnett Boulevard. At 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, the duo known as Spirited, will present 567: Go Tell It from the Mount--the Sermon on the Mount set to music, song and story in three acts. In 53 minutes, the heart of this revolutionary message which Jesus expressed in soundbites (what we call tweets) will be presented. On Sunday, at 11:00 a.m. The Gospel According to Common Sense will be presented. For more information, call 434.793.4196. (submitted by Steve Kimbrell)

Sunday, November 9 Veterans Parade

This annual parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets and end at Craghead Street. For more information, call 434.836.0745. (submitted by Janet Roberson, Commander)

Sunday, November 9 Harvest Festival

The public is invited to enjoy the warmth of community around campfires, shared stories, and a big ol’ pot of stew with First Baptist Church of Danville, 871 Main Street, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. There will be fire pits, s’mores and hot chocolate; storytelling with Fred Motley and music by the Averett Gospel Choir, games for kids and adults, a gratitude graffiti wall, and Brunswick stew. For more information, call 434.793.8331. (submitted by John Carroll)

Friday, November 14

After the Spill: Our Future

Regional legal and environmental experts will discuss the current and future issues related to the Dan River beginning at 10 a.m. at The Wednesday Club, 1002 Main Street. Laurie Moran of the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce will moderate a panel including Frank Holleman, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, Brian Williams, Dan River Basin Association Program manager, Barry Dunkley, Director of the Danville Water and Wastewater Department and Dr. Lucy Laﬁtte, natural resource educator. Regional conservation agencies and non-proﬁts will have information tables available during the coffee hour. This free program is sponsored by the Garden Club of Danville, Gabriella Garden Club and the Wednesday Club. For more information contact: hollisstauber2@gmail.com. (submitted by Hollis Stauber)

Friday, November 14Sunday, November 16 Friday, November 21 –Sunday, November 23

Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.

If you drive past the Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, you might hear the strains of a lonely violin or the joyous celebration of a traditional Jewish wedding. You are not being haunted by turn-of-the-century Russia. You are hearing the young cast of the North Star Theatre Project as they prepare to bring Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. to the stage. Under the direction of Mimi Johnson Grubb, the 39-member cast of 8-to-18-year olds will transform themselves into the traditional people of Anatevka, a fictional town in 1905 empirical Russia. This season’s production brings the return of Musical Director Cari Mahan and the choreography of Brad Bass to the stage. Bass has performed on Broadway in numerous productions and is Artist-in-Residence at Averett University. A vital element of this production is an understanding of the traditions and hardships of the Jewish people in empirical Russia. Historian and linguist Marcy Heffinger has joined the directors to help cast members fully understand the people this production celebrates. For ticket information and sales, call 434.793.SHOW or visit www.thenorththeatre.com. (submitted by Jaci Whitfield)

Saturday, November 15

Early-Bird Registration Deadline for Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium

The Danville Master Gardeners and Virginia Cooperative Extension will host this ﬁfth annual event at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2015. Gardeners of all experience levels will receive advice from three horticultural professionals. Bryce Lane will address the building of garden soils, for maximum gardening results and conserving and managing water use in gardens. Bryce is a distinguished professor and lecturer emeritus at NC State University, host and producer of UNC-TV’s Emmy award-

Evince Magazine winning In the Garden with Bryce Lane, and spokesperson for Waterwise Works with the NC Green Industry Council. Additional speakers include Clare Robertson, horticulturist, educator and business woman; and Lisa Sanderson, Extension Agent, VA Cooperative Extension, Henrico County. Early bird special is $40. For more information call 434-799-6558 or visit www.danvillemastergardeners.org (submitted by Janet Aponte)

Saturday, November 15 Breakfast with Santa

Santa and Mrs. Claus are arriving from the North Pole a little early this year to have breakfast with Danville area children and their families. God’s Storehouse, with the support of Pepsi Beverage Company and KickBack Jack’s, 140 Crown Drive, is hosting a pancake breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at KickBack Jack’s. Tickets are $10 per person and must be purchased in advance at God’s Storehouse, 750 Memorial Drive; Karen’s Hallmark in the Danville Mall; Woodforest National Bank located in Walmart, 515 Mt. Cross Road; and Betsy’s Place, 3000 Riverside Drive. All proceeds beneﬁt God’s Storehouse and the thousands of families served through this food pantry. For more information, call 434.793.3663 or email godsstorehouse@comcast. net. (submitted by Tabatha McEachin)

Wednesday, November 19

Voices from the Titanic

Poet, author, and actor Allan Wolf from Asheville. North Carolina, will perform at the Wednesday Club, 1001 Main Street, starting at 3:45 p.m. The public is invited to this free program. Wolf, an award-winning author and poet, has made it his mission to bring poetry to the people and now he writes and presents full time. After three years teaching at Virginia Tech, Wolf became the Education Director for Poetry Alive!, a national touring company that presents theatrical poetry shows for all ages. He is also a founding member of the Dead Poets, a unique band that transforms poetry into toe-tapping tunes. The author of eight books, Wolf’s writing has earned many awards including School Library Journal Best Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and an IRA Children’s Book Award Notables. For more information email wamalu@earthlink. (submitted by Mary Lou Hall)

Sunday, November 23

Taste of the Holidays at the Prizery

Usher in the holiday season with an evening of fun, food tastings and beverages (cash bar also available) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at The Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston. Sponsored by the Parsons-Bruce Art Association, South BostonHalifax Junior Woman’s Club, and Halifax County Historical Society, the event will also feature silent and live auctions. Among the auction items are a Banister River dinner cruise, a “safari” with dinner and African photography show, a garden party, beach and mountain weekends, a wine tasting at a historic venue and other outstanding items. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in South Boston at Electric Service Company, 508 North Main Street; and the South Boston-Halifax County Visitor Center, 1180 Bill Tuck Highway or mail a check payable to Halifax County Historical Society to Donna Strange, 1083 Blane’s Mill Lane, Alton, VA 24520-3189. Tickets will be held at the door or they can be mailed if time permits. Tickets include two free drinks (wine or beer), food tastings, drawings for door prizes and opportunities to bid silently or live for dozens of exciting, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. All proceeds beneﬁt The Prizery Community Arts Center Foundation, Inc. (submitted by Donna Strange)

Upcoming

Thursday, December 4 – Sunday, December 7

An 1864 Christmas: Vignettes & Songs from the Civil War Era

This Little Theatre of Danville presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. Songs of the era will be mixed with traditional Christmas melodies and vignettes reﬂecting the toll the war inﬂicted on participants and innocents. Admission $12 in advance $15 at the door. For more information, visit www.danvillelittletheatre.org. (submitted by Mark Harrelson)

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November 2014

Where Can I Find an Evince? Ten thousand copies of Evince are distributed each month at over 100 locations. Find your copy at:

Riverside Drive/Piedmont Drive/Marketplace Area: Buffalo Wild Wings Checkered Pig Danview Restaurant on Danview Drive El Vallarta on Westover Drive Goodwill on Westover Drive Hibachi Grill on Executive Court Joe & Mimma’s Karen’s Hallmark @ Piedmont Mall Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s The Highlander URW Credit Union Western Sizzlin

Main Street/Downtown/ Tobacco Warehouse Area

American National Bank Comcast on Patton Street Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Danville Public Library on Patton Street Danville Regional Medical Center on South Main Street Danville Science Center on Craghead Street Dell’ Anno’s Pizza Kitchen on Main Street Food Lion @ Ballou Park H. W. Brown Florist (they deliver an Evince with your order) Jake’s on Main Main Street Coffee Emporium Midtown Market on Chambers Street Rippe’s YMCA

Piney Forest Road Area

ERA Holley & Gibson Realty Co. Mary’s Diner Piedmont Credit Union

Memorial Drive Frank’s Pizza Gingerbread House

Franklin Turnpike Area Food Lion Medo’s PCP Library @ Mt. Hermon Ruben’s Too Village’s Pizza

Other

Danville Welcome Center at River Park Drive

In Chatham Area

Community Center Chatham Health Center ChathaMooCa Frank’s Pizza PCP Library on Military Drive

In South Boston, VA

Ernie’s Restaurant O Sol Mio on Bill Tuck Hwy. The Prizery 3 Women No Truck Bistro 1888 Southern Virginia Higher Education

In Gretna

American National Bank Carter Bank & Trust Crossroads Family Restaurant

In Martinsville

Elizabeth Pizza Checkered Pig China Buffett Walsh Chicken Martinsville Visitor Center The Paciﬁca Bay Restaurant El Ranchito

In Yanceyville, NC

Caswell County Civic Center Gunn Memorial Public Library The Drug Store

Evince Magazine

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November 2014

November Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row & Holbrook Street. 434.770.1974. www.danvillehistory.org. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audio-visual tours See page 16. Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater - Open for guests to fully explore the known universe as well as some fascinating phenomena right here on Earth. The immersive dome setting showcases the scientific wonders of space, engages visitors with live astronomers, and offers large format films. Danville Science Center (DSC). 434.791.5160. Estlow’s Trains Exhibit - John “Jack” Estlow, Jr. originally constructed this “N” Scale Train layout which was donated by his daughters and grandson so visitors can enjoy trains running in the train station. DSC. 434.791.5160. Virginia Grown Farmers’ Market – Features fresh products produced locally within Pittsylvania, Henry, Franklin, Bedford, Campbell, & Halifax counties throughout growing season. 7:30am-12pm. Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. 434.432.8026. Pittsylvania County Public Library Events. See page 25. Bingo – Bring a gift to exchange and have blood pressure and body index checked. Location/times vary. 434.799.5216. Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, flexibility and progress at your own pace. M 11:15am-12:15pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Intro to Social Networking Computer Class – Learn how social networking can be used in daily living. Ages 50+. M 11am1pm. Danville Public Library (DPL). 434.799.5195. Let’s Dance – Formerly Boogie Mondays. Learn new dances, make new friends and have loads of fun. 7-8:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Yoga Classes - Stress-relieving wellness class. M 11:30am12:30pm, DPL; 5:30pm, Ballou Rec Center. 434.797.8848. Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil or watercolor. M/TU - Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. Ladies, It’s Time to Work It Out. MW 8:30-10am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Kuumba African Dance – Live drumming and energetic dancing that helps raise cultural awareness, uplift and provides a great

workout. MW 6-7:30pm. Stonewall Youth Center. 434.797.8848. Prime Time Fitness - Low-impact aerobics workout with a mix of various fun dance steps. MTH 9:3011am or 5:30-7pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Get Moving with Chair Exercises – Low-impact class ideal for adults 50+. MTH 11:30am-12:30pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Basic Email Computer Class – Learn the basics of email and set up an account. Practice receiving and sending as well as composing and replying to emails. Ages 50+. W 11am-1pm. DPL. 434.799.5195. Basic Word 2010 Computer Class – Learn how to use the basic features of Microsoft Word. Prerequisite: Meet the Mouse/Keyboard or comparable knowledge of using the mouse and keyboard. Ages 50+. W 11am1pm. DPL. 434.799.5195. Zumba Classes - Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind interval training ﬁtness program with fun routines that tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. W 5:156pm Pepsi Building. TH 7-8pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:30-11:30am, Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. African Cardio Blast - A unique workout that includes dance movements from various regions of the African continent. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Cardio Step Class – Uptempo, high energy class. TTH 8:30-9:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Baby Boomer Style Work Out – Walking, cardio activity & weight training designed for older adults. TTH 9-10:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Senior Bingo. Ages 50+. 11am-12pm. DPL Auditorium. 434.799.5195. Ballou Jammers - Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or just listen. TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Ballou Book Swap - Take a book or two to read and leave a book or two to share. F 9am-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Friday Night Fun and Dance – Enjoy a night of dancing with live music by City Limits Band or

Country Pride Band. Ages 50+. F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

November 1

Artfelt Expressions of Bob Ross Ed Gowen, certified Bob Ross instructor, will help you complete a beautiful painting in just one day. Please bring a roll of paper towels and a 16x20 canvas. All other supplies are included. Adults 18+ 10:30am-3:30pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.799.5216. Generation to Generation... Keeping Traditions Alive - Works by Tabitha Jacobs and her student. 1-5 pm. Kirby Gallery. Roxboro, NC. Danville Historical Society Halloween Speakeasy – DEACC Building, 769 Main Street; 8pm to midnight; featuring a DJ, a silent auction, and delicious food. Costumes optional. www. danvillehistory.org. 434.799.2323. Dirty Dan Dash - A 3.7-mile race through Danville’s River District, Dan Daniel Memorial Park and along the Riverwalk trail. The course features various obstacles, challenges and one nasty mud pit. 1pm. The Crossing at the Dan. 434.799.5150. Hike-Appomattox National Park and Battlefields - Hike the historical grounds near the site where the official surrender of the American Civil War took place. Tour historic buildings. Ages 12+ 8:30am-4pm. Ballou Nature Center. 434.799.5215. Coates Annual Fall Yard Sale Bring all your oldies but goodies to sell at the Coates Annual Yard Sale.7am-12pm. Coates Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Bluegrass, Barbecue & Brew Festival - This festival combines a love of history with a love of music, barbecue and Virginia craft beer. 11am. South Boston. 434.376.2044

November 1 (thru 8)

Pulled, Pressed & Screened This exhibition of 50 American prints surveys the activities of artists who put designs on paper during an exciting 50-year period from the 1930s to the 1980s. Piedmont Arts. Martinsville. 276.632.3221. A 180 Turn: From Numbers to Art - work by Laurie Merritt and Betty Blessin, two trained accountants who turned to art as a second career. Merritt focuses on

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photography, while Blessin creates quilts, bowls and other ﬁber arts. Piedmont Arts. Martinsville. 276.632.3221.

November 1 (thru January 3)

DMFAH Juried Art League Art See page 16. A New Mosaic: African-American Art. See page 16.

November 2

Flamenco Vivo - Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana is one of the nation’s premier ﬂamenco and Spanish dance companies celebrating. The Prizery. South Boston. 434.572.8339.

November 3 (thru 30)

Yoga Movements and Relaxation - Yoga challenges mind and body, increases ﬂexibility and stamina, builds strength and improves balance and concentration. Bring a yoga mat and towel. Ages 18+ M 11:30am12:30am. Library Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

November 4

Deco Mesh Wreath Making learn to make a seasonal wreath. Materials included. 3-5pm and 6-8pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Polliwogs & Science Stars. Ages 3–4, 1–2pm. Ages 5–7, 3:30– 4:30pm. Danville Science Center 434.791.5160. November 4 & 6 Intro to Genealogy II – Learn basic methods of research. Ages 18+. 11am-1pm. Law Lab, DPL – 434.799.5195.

November 4 (thru 30)

Urban Style Line Dance Whether you are an experienced dancer or just a novice on the dance ﬂoor, this class is for you. Incorporating R&B music with basic steps and ﬁnishes with more advanced moves gives you a fun and great workout. T 6-7pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

November 5, 12 & 19

Christmas Ornaments - Learn a different popular ornament style each class to take home. Materials included. Ages 10+ 3-4pm and 6-7pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5215. Brock McGuire Band Concert – The traditional Irish band of the decade. Workshop-3pm-DCC Student Center. Concert-7pmDanville Community Market. 434.797.6422.

If you’d like to submit an item for the Evince calendar, visit www.showcasemagazine.com. The deadline for the December issue is Wednesday, November 12, at 5:00 p.m. Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages.

Evince Magazine November 5 (thru 30)

Yoga Movements and Relaxation - Yoga challenges mind and body, increases ﬂexibility and stamina, builds strength and improves balance and concentration. Bring a yoga mat and towel. Ages 18+. 5:30pm-6:30pm. W Coates Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

November 6

Roy Norton & Jay Shelton Duo - A blend of American roots, bluegrass, folk and old time country. A light lunch will be served.12-2pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Job Corps Information Session Learn a career, earn a high school diploma, and gain the real world skills needed to succeed. 10:30am12:30pm. Workforce Development Center. 434.455.2521. Concert of Slight of Hand Featuring celebrity Magician Wayne Alan in the balcony mini theatre. The Historic North Theatre. 8 pm 793.64799.

November 6, 13 & 20

Pajama Story Time – Dress in PJs and share stories and songs with a set theme. Ages 5-10. 6-7pm. DPL – 434.799.5195.

November 7

First Friday Art Walk- Enjoy art, food, music and fun along Martinsville’s historic streets. Over 20 galleries, restaurants and shops are open with live music and other events happening on select First Fridays. 5pm. Uptown Martinsville. ﬁrstfridaysmartinsville.com. First Fridays Painting + Pinot Explore your creative side in a casual studio environment, while instructor Pepper Martin guides you, step-by-step, through your own acrylic masterpiece. 6pm. Piedmont Arts. Martinsville. 276.632.3221 Comedy Night Show - An evening of laughs and clean fun with 3 different entertainers, an opening act followed by two comedians, a headliner and a feature. They have been seen on TV and at comedy clubs around the country. Doors open at 7:30. The Historic North Theatre. 8 pm 793.64799.

November 7, 14 & 21

Preschool Story Time – Share stories and songs with a set theme. Ages 3-5. 11-11:45am. DPL – 434.799.5195.

November 8

Pilot Club of Danville Bazaar Baked goods, Christmas items, crafts, paperbacks, white elephant table, handmade items, great gifts and stocking stuffers. 8am-12pm. Sacred Heart School. Bright Leaf Brew Fest - Choose from over 100 different beers, enjoy live music, browse great vendors and eat delicious food. Tickets may be purchased online and at the Danville Welcome Center, Vintages by the Dan and Virginia Caps & Corks. 3:308:30pm. Danville Community Market. 434.793.4636. Fashions, Fashions, Fashions Tour - Travel with us to a Winter

Extravaganza Fashion Show at the Caswell County Civic Center in Yanceyville, NC.3-10pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Third Annual Veteran’s Day Chili Cook-Off - Bring a pot of your favorite chili and enter this event from 10am until 11am. 10am-12pm. Town of Halifax Farmer’s Market. Halifax.

November 8 & 9

Two Spirited Events See page 16.

November 9

Veterans Parade See page 16. Harvest Festival See page 16.

November 9 & 10

Holiday Living Show - sponsored by the Business Women’s Association of Halifax County. Times vary. Halifax County High School. Halifax. 434.579.7941.

November 10

Mystery Trip Express - We never disclose where we are going. Be sure to wear your comfortable shoes. 11am-12:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

November 11

Veteran’s Day Luncheon – Veterans: Enjoy a complementary luncheon in honor of your service to our country. Additional guests are $5 each. 12-1:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

November 11 & 25

Toastmasters - Improve communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. 6-7pm. National University.

November 13

Senior Movie Day - Enjoy the movie Tyler Perry’s Single Moms Club with snacks. Ages 50+. 11am. DPL – 434.799.5195. Gallery on the Go - Join Lee Sandstead, Averett University’s Associate Professor of Art, for an exciting journey through the world of art history. Lee’s dynamic presentation will make art come alive! Refreshments will be served.11:30am-12:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Teen Movie Night – Popcorn and lemonade will be served while watching Captain America: Winter Soldier. Ages 13+. 4-6pm. DPL – 434.799.5195. Autism Workshop - Make and Take - Dr. Jill Hamlin, Director of the Autism Studies program at Averett University, will lead this workshop, which will give you the ability to apply evidence-based strategies in your family. Learn how to make a behavioral, educational, social, etc., visual support and be able to take these materials home to use immediately. All supplies are included.6-8pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5199. 2nd Thursday Science Talks Christina Byrd, VMNH Paleontology Technician. 6-7pm VMNH. Martinsville. 276.634.4141.

November 14 (thru 30)

Fiddler on the Roof Jr. See page 16.

November 14

Casino Royale - casino games, music, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, bar, black-tie optional. www.danvilleafterhoursrotary. com/casinoroyale. 7-11pm. The Institute.

November 15

Breakfast with Santa See page 17. Family Movie Matinee – Watch Maleﬁcent and enjoy popcorn and lemonade. 10:30am-12:30pm. DPL – 434.799.5195. Bullet Band Bash – dance, refreshments included.7-10pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. Handmade Holiday Market Meet local artists and purchase handmade crafts. 10am. The Artisan Center. Martinsville. 276.632.0066. Early-Bird Registration Deadline for Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium See page 16.

November 17

Herbal Vinegars and Oils Vinegars add ﬂavor to whatever you are cooking without adding a drop of added fat or sugar. Flavored oils are a culinary delight that add a whole new dimension to your palette. Poured into a pretty bottle, herbal vinegars and oils make attractive and ﬂavorful gifts. 5:30-8:30pm. The Artisan Center. 276.632.0066

November 18

Dr. Hill’s Advice for Healthy Living - Dr. Hill, of Hill’s Chiropractic Clinic, will present an informational series covering healthy eating, immunity, and tips for daily living. Seminar is free. A light lunch will be served. 121pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

November 19

Voices from the Titanic See page 17. Wees Story Time – Dance, sing, listen, make crafts and have fun. Ages up to 2. 10-11am. DPL – 434.799.5195. Doodle Bugs!- Life Sciences: Plants - VMNH offers children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to experience natural history ﬁrsthand. The hour-long programs include imaginative stories, fun activities, games and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity. 3-4pm. VMNH. Martinsville. 276.634.4141.

November 20

Tin Can Christmas Lanterns Create a beautiful Christmas decoration or handmade gift. Using a tin can and some simple hand tools, you will be able to make a one-of-a-kind lantern. Lanterns will be judged and the top three picks will receive special recognition. Participants are encouraged to display their lanterns during the Luminary Trail Walk in December. All materials supplied. Ages 12+ 6:30pm8:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5215.

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Sky Watchers. Nightfall. Danville Science Center – 434.791.5160.

November 21

Painting in a Day - All materials are included and light refreshments will be served. Artist Pepper Martin will guide your artistic talents. Ages 13+ 1-4pm and 6-9pm. Ballou Annex Building. 434.799.5216. Zip Line Night Flight - Become one of the few who have braved the night and ﬂown through the air while riding the zip line in the dark. Follow the candlelit trail to the launch site then leave the platform while shadowy images move swiftly by. Ages 8+ Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.1-2:30pm. Skate Park Shelter. 434.799.5215.

November 21 (thru 30)

Charlotte’s Web – All the enchanting characters from the classic tale are presented by Halifax County Little Theatre. Show times vary. The Prizery. South Boston. 434.572.8339.

November 22

Holiday Bazaar - See what Danville crafters, bakers, and artisans have to offer. 8am-2pm. Danville Community Market. 434.797.8961. Bow Wow/Meow Holiday Vendor and Craft Show - Many vendors, hot dogs, chips, drinks, baked goods and popcorn for sale. Door Prize Drawings - Bring a small bag of Dog or Cat Food/or treats and earn extra tickets for the Door prize drawings. Dogs and Cats available for Adoption On SITE. All proceeds go to the SPCA of Pittsylvania County. Donations welcome. 9 am-3 pm. Carter’s Mill, 1/4 mile on Dry Fork Road (beside J & J Truck Sales). 434.770.7764. Matvey and Katya Lapin Duo Amablie. Violin and piano. Danville Concert Association. See ad page 23.

November 22 (thru 25)

The Art of the Quilt - Over 40 quilt artists from across the Southeast will exhibit work in this biennial invitational exhibition, curated by master quilter Linda Fiedler. Piedmont Arts. Martinsville. 276.632.3221.

November 23

Taste of the Holidays at the Prizery. See page 17.

November 25

Elder Law Series - informational presentation.12-1:30pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216.

Upcoming December 4 (thru 7)

An 1864 Christmas: Vignettes & Songs from the Civil War Era. See story page 17

December 13 & 14

A Little Windows Christmas – With special guest Daithi Spronle, Irish, Scottish & Appalachian. 7:30pm/2:30pm. The Prizery. South Boston. 434.572.8339.

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November 2014

n this world where the computer sometimes replaces television and has already traded places with the encyclopedia, I am sometimes appreciative when my computer crashes (as long as the repair bill isn’t excessive). The reason? I return to the place where I often typed my Evince articles prior to purchasing my own computer--The Ballou Park Senior Center. Only a partition separates the computers from the pool room--not a place to take a dip, but where the game of billiards that Professor Harold Hill referred to in The Music Man is enjoyed. Hill said the playing of pool put one on the road to perdition. If these billiard players at Ballou Senior Center are on that downward path, then there is no hope for any of us, because they are true gentlemen. When I ﬁrst started typing my articles there, I was startled to the point of jumping when the cue ball would strike its intended target, but soon became used to it. Often, these men would become quite loud too, but I never heard a

curse word. My recollection of their words is made even more vivid by remembering their accents. Being an old North Carolina native, the Virginia pronunciation of the soft r and words such as hoose for house makes it unforgettable.

Finding Calm in the Noise of a Pool/Computer Room by Mack Williams

When a young lady teaching a computer class nearby had to ask the pool players to hold it down, their decibel level dropped immediately. When one of the ladies in the office gives them the fiveminute warning prior to the Center’s closing, a collective and respectful “Yes m’am” is heard, intoned the same way as I heard it in grade school back in the 1950s and 60s. These seasonedplayers sound like teenagers in their joshing back and forth about their respective pool prowess. They are probably an antioxidant for each other, maybe adding months, even years to their lives. You know, even though my home computer is working, I may return to that pool/ computer room and type my articles there again. I find the joyful noise there to be quite calming and conducive to my concentration.

CHX4U is a teen checking account that is

Simple, Connected... Yours. www.piedmontcu.org/chx4u Exclusivly at Piedmont Credit Union.

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November 2014

Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins

Mr. Owita’s Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart by Carol Wall

The first thing to understand is that this is not a guide to gardening, at least not in the traditional sense. Giles Owita is a gardener, and his client, Carol Wall, surely needs his help. What she receives from Mr. Owita, however, is far more important than guidance growing plants. Roanoke writer Carol Wall had never been interested in gardening. In fact, she disliked flowers and especially azaleas. However, she admired the tidiness and beauty of her neighbor’s yard, and thus came to be introduced to Giles Owita, a native of Kenya and her neighbor’s gifted gardener. “I thought that if that green space outside my window could be made beautiful, then maybe I could return to having hopes for a life where anything associated with me would effortlessly flourish, bloom, delight, and favorably impress.” It wasn’t just her yard that was untidy. Carol’s life had come unraveled with a breast cancer diagnosis. Her sense of self had been upended, for up to that time, she was the calm one, the one who took charge in a crisis, the one who patted hands and brought casseroles to the struggling. Now she was the one on the receiving end of care. It didn’t feel good to her. Wall lets us see it all, the craziness, the messiness, the somewhat unlovable character she had become. That lays the groundwork for what Giles Owita is able to bring her. The two discover that despite deep cultural differences, they are becoming friends. For Wall, that friendship is transformative. More things than she could have guessed about Mr. Owita are revealed throughout their friendship. For example, he is not simply a yard man; he has a Ph.D. in horticulture from Virginia Tech. Despite his underemployment—he also works as a bagger at a local grocery store—he is one of the happiest and wisest people Wall has ever met. The reason that such a Zen-like, grace-filled man cannot find a job in the field for which he is trained is just one of the mysteries that is subsequently uncloaked in this ultimately life-affirming book. By the end of this lovingly-written narrative, Owita’s life and his friendship help Carol Wall to see the beauty inherent in her yard and her life, if she can just prune away what is not necessary and focus on what is. Diane Adkins is the Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System. For more information, visit www.pcplib.org. Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

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What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries Special Events:

Nanowrimo: NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth Write your novel in 30 days. Kick-Off on Saturday, November 1, from noon to 2 p.m. Chatham Library. We provide coffee, tea, hot chocolate, a few nice incentives and an inviting space to work Friends of the Library Silent Auction: November 10-20, Brosville. Fine art and craft items made and donated by our Friends and patrons will be on display. Anyone may bid. Winning bidders will be notiﬁed on Friday, November 21. Proceeds help fund activities at the library. Book and Author Festival: Saturday, November 15, 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., History Research Center and Library, Chatham. Local authors will be in the History Center meeting room to talk about their books and their writing process. Becky Mushko, well-known Franklin County author, will speak at 1:00 p.m. on publishing books in the 21st century. She has published traditionally, self-published, and also distributed her work in e-book format.

Reading:

PRESCHOOL EARLY LITERACY PROGRAMS Mother Goose on the Loose—Mondays, 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Chatham, Fridays at 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon. We help lay the foundation for reading by using music, poems, nursery rhymes, and rhythm instruments. Open to children ages birth to 3 with their parents or caregivers. Wednesdays for Wees: Chatham, Gretna, Mt. Hermon and Brosville/ Cascade, 10:00 a.m. Wednesday mornings November 5, 12, 19, and 26; 10:00 a.m. Children ages newborn to 5. Our Wednesdays for Wees programs are presented in partnership with Smart Beginnings DanvillePittsylvania County. On November 5, there will be a health-theme presentation by special guests. SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN Read to Wrangell: Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. Wrangell, our listening dog, is back. Children are invited to practice their reading skills by reading a book to him. Family Story Time: Thursday, November 6, 13, and 20 at 4:00 p.m., Mt. Hermon. Homeschooler Get-Together: Paper Airplanes: Friday, November 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Brosville. BOOK DISCUSSIONS FOR ADULTS Second Thursday Book Discussion Group: November 13, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Chatham. Book Talk: November 14, noon, Brosville. Focus this month is humor and comedy.

Health Programs:

READ/PLAY/LIVE: HEALTH HAPPENS @ THE LIBRARY Zen Zone: noon, Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, Brosville. Come and lower your stress with us. Low-impact Exercise: Monday and Friday mornings, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Brosville. Uses the Go4Life routine from the National Institute on Aging as well as Tai Chi, Wii, yoga, and chair exercise routines. Group Fitness: Mondays and Thursdays, November 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20, 5:30 p.m., Gretna.

Computer Classes:

Individual Help: Wednesdays, November 5, 12, and 19, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Chatham. Bring your questions and get the one-on-one help you need with your computer or device. Low stress, lots of friendly help.

Arts and Craft Programs:

Knitting & Amigurumi Crochet Groups: Mondays, November 3 and 17, 6:30 pm, Mt. Hermon. All skill levels are welcome. Re-use It Tuesdays: November 4, 11, and 18, 5:30 p.m., Gretna. This month’s crafts include a Veterans Day thank-you card; pinecone and ribbon clusters; and fabric pumpkins. Call for a list of materials to bring, 434-656-2579. Make-and-Take Craft: Tuesday, November 4, all day, Chatham. Thanksgiving popcorn turkey. All ages. Needlework: Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10:00 a.m., Brosville. Knitting, embroidery, crochet. Mesh- Wreath-Making Workshop: Wednesday, November 5, 11:30-5:30 p.m., Brosville. $10 for materials. Call 434-685-1285 to register. Christmas Ornament Craft: Thursday, November 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Brosville. Make ornaments to go on the PCP Library tree at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research; then make a special ornament to take home.

Art Class: Tuesdays, November 11 and 18, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. America Recycles Day: Saturday, November 15, 11:00 a.m., Mt. Hermon. Recycling craft. Book Page Ornaments: Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 p.m., Mt. Hermon. Back by popular demand. Ages 12+.

Movies:

Movie Matinee: Tuesday, November 4, 12:00 noon, Brosville, The Sword in the Stone, followed by Muppets Most Wanted at 2:30 p.m. Family Movie: Saturday, November22, 10:30 a.m., Mt. Hermon. How to Train Your Dragon 2. Movie Night: Monday, November 17, 5:30 p.m., Chatham. Chicken Little.

Gaming Programs:

Picture Book Bingo: All month, Gretna. November is Picture Book Month. Stop by the Gretna branch to pick up your bingo card and learn more. Bingo: Thursday, November 6, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. Lego Fun Day: Thursday, November 20, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. Lego Club: Saturday, November 8, 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. Bring your creativity and build with your friends at the library. All ages welcome International Games Day: Friday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Gretna. All ages. Bring a friend and play some games. Lego Club: Thursday, November 20, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. All libraries close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26 for Thanksgiving and reopen Monday, December 1. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free. For more information, contact Gretna Library, 207 A Coffey Street, 434.656.2579; Mt. Hermon Library, 2725 Franklin Turnpike, 434.835.0326; PCP Main Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, 434.432.3271 or visit www.pcplib.org.

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November 2014

n this month of Thanksgiving, in addition to the big things, I need to give thanks for the little things. Here is a sampling. I’m grateful for our dog, Hershey. Pets give unconditional love and we give it back. We were gone for a few days recently and Hershey went to stay at the vet’s. I didn’t know what we’d come back to. The last time Hershey stayed there, she shredded her comforter and the pillow under it, ate the pillow feathers, got 48 hours worth of diarrhea from consuming the indigestible feathers, ran away when she was let outside without a leash, broke out of her kennel, had to be put into the hardened criminal dog version of an escape-proof jail, freaked out during storms, and bolted inside the house and Hoovered up all the other animals’ food, which gave her more GI distress. She turns into Psycho Dog when she’s not at home. I live in fear of Hershey being expelled by the vet. He’s a saint but he must have limits.

Reﬂecting Forward Appreciating the Little Things by Linda Lemery

When we came by to pick her up, the vet’s ﬁrst words were, “She shredded her bed again.” A report of mere bed-shredding -- unlike last time when all the

Photo left by David Lemery. Photo right by Dr. Michael Seepe

other issues being appended to the report had rolled off his tongue like an everlasting stream -- was an improvement. And she was so happy to see us, even though we’d gone off and left her. She loved us anyway. I’m so grateful for that. An old comforter is a small price to pay for that kind of devotion. Besides, the vet can still talk to us without gnashing his teeth. I’m grateful for that, too. Unconditionally. Another little thing I’m thankful for is dirt. It’s the stuff gardens are made of and is the reason, along with city water and free sunshine, that we still have tomatoes and peppers growing in pots. My husband tolerates the occasional tomato but hates green peppers, so he shows a certain posture of resistance when I drag him away from Television Sportsomania to help me wash and chop the bountiful crop of green peppers for freezing. They will be included in future meals cooked by moi that he probably won’t ever willingly eat. Speaking of food, anybody who knows us knows we love it and we usually eat at home. However, going out to dinner occasionally with friends means we don’t have to cook, which leads me to writing how thankful I am for the VFW’s monthly steak dinners and the American

Legion’s chicken dinners. These people really know how to cook, the food is to die for, and the dinners are open to non-veterans. The very reasonable price we pay funds scholarships, people in need, and other expenses. The surroundings remind us to be thankful for those who fought for our country. We really do have so much to be thankful for. Being thankful for these things year-round colors my outlook and actions with a brighter hue, despite the times when the weight of the world seems to press down on us like a heavy building sinking into an increasingly spongy marsh. The fact that your list of small things signiﬁcantly varies from mine is probably healthier and less hair-raising for you than if our lists matched. The most important thing to remember is to be thankful -- all the time -- for everything. I’m especially thankful for Evince readers who give me the chance to laugh at myself. Have an unconditionally wonderful Thanksgiving! About the Author: When she’s not scrounging up replacement dog comforters, immersing herself in dirt, or chopping up vegetables that her husband hates, Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu serves as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.

Evince Magazine one round, three rounds, or empty the magazine at a speed of 700 rounds a minute. He patiently took us through each setting, allowing each of us to experience what it was like to ﬁre the gun on fully automatic. When on that setting, the gun empties the 15-round magazine in about a second and we each spent an entire magazine.

Sarah Jones follows instructions given by Clayton Myers at VIR.

I Had Fun on the Range by Sarah Jones “Curl your toes. That’s your natural kickstand,” said Virginia International Raceway Club Director Clayton Myers during a range demonstration at VIR. Earlier, when other media personnel and I arrived for the range demonstration, I was under the impression that we’d be watching the professionals fire the guns. When I realized we would be participating, I was quite eager. As a teenager, I had learned how to shoot from a family member but haven’t been to a range in years. To start, Myers taught us safety tips like the one above. We also learned that when a gun kicks, it takes the path of least resistance, but the shooter can control the direction of the gun with the proper two-handed grip. We were shown how to activate the safety and were told to keep our trigger fingers straight until we were ready to fire.

Photos by Dan Vaden

There were roughly ten of us in line to shoot the guns on that sunny day in October. We all put in ear plugs and donned safety glasses. Then, Myers picked up a Glock 19 pistol and showed us individually how to hold the gun properly before giving each of us a chance to shoot it and try to hit a steel target. It was the ﬁrst time I’d ﬁred a handgun and was impressed at how much control I had when using the hand grip that had been demonstrated.

Those are just the academic details though and it doesn’t give any hint of how much fun the day was. Surrounded by knowledgeable instructors, our nerves calmed and we relaxed, making for a very enjoyable experience. Every person in the group was grinning when we ﬁnished shooting, regardless of how well we’d hit the targets. This demonstration, called the VIR Shooting Experience, is open to groups with a maximum of ten people at a time. The range masters were helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. My time at the VIR range was very safe and I had a fantastic day.

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If pistol and riﬂe range shooting isn’t for you, however, VIR has a lot of other opportunities to explore: skeet shooting, karting, autocross, and driving experiences or visitors can take a more laidback approach to fun at the Oak Tree Spa and/or the Oak Tree Tavern. I suggest you do it all. • VIR, 1245 Pine Tree Road in Alton, Virginia, is a multipurpose road course offering professional and amateur auto and motorcycle racing. It’s located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Danville. • While racing is the heart of VIR, the expansive 1,300-acre property located at the VirginiaNorth Carolina border is so much more. It’s a vacation destination with numerous amenities and a number of onsite hotel and lodging options. • For more information, visit www.virnow.com or call 434.822.7700.

Next, VIR Director of Security Tommy Webb showed us the M4 Rifle and VIR Range Master Todd Boycher showed us the M5 Suppressed Rifle. For the M5 Suppressed experience, we were allowed to remove our ear plugs in order to hear the sound the gun makes. “What’s going to set VIR apart is this gun here,” Boycher said, explaining that the M5 Suppressed Rifle has three settings and shooters can choose to fire

Clayton Myers, Tommy Webb and Todd Boycher load ammunition.

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November 2014

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Main Dish or Side Dish— Your Choice by Annelle Williams When the air becomes nippy and the calendar turns to November, the foodie in me can’t help but feel a little giddy. It’s the time of year when it’s OK for most of my thoughts to be about food and menus and special culinary treats. My family has a few food allergies and a vegetarian or two to feed during the holidays, so I’m always on the lookout for a good meatless side dish that is special enough to stand up to the turkey, but also compliments the rest of the menu. I think I’ve found the perfect one. Butternut squash is one of my favorite vegetables. It has a wonderful ﬂavor that lends itself to so many recipes. Butternut squash soup, risotto, and stuffed ravioli ﬁnd their way to our table more than once during the season. But I’ve never used this versatile vegetable in lasagna—especially not a rolled lasagna that looks so pretty and appears to be prepared as individual servings. I think you will love this recipe, whether you serve it as a side dish for your Thanksgiving meal or as a main course for one of those other holiday get-togethers. Let the foodie in you enjoy every dish this season.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll Ups (8 main course or 16 side dish servings - adapted from Proud Italian Cook)

Roll Ups 1 medium sized butternut squash that will yield 2 1/2 cups of cooked butternut squash for the entire recipe; 2 cups for ﬁlling mixture; 1/2 cup reserved for the sauce 1/4 cup frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and measured after it is well drained

1 cup ricotta 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/3 cup grated Asiago cheese 1 egg zest of 1 lemon 1 small garlic clove grated on a microplane salt and pepper to taste

8 no-boil lasagna noodles, boiled for 5 minutes in salted water and drained on paper towels or cloth. Don’t boil longer than 6 minutes or they will tear too easily. (Yes, I use no-boil noodles for this dish. They are more delicate than regular lasagna noodles and wide enough to make 2 servings each.)

Sauce 1/2 cup reserved cooked squash 2 shallots ﬁnely diced 1/2 stick salted butter 16 sage leaves

3/4 cup chicken broth 3/4 cup cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cut squash lengthwise, with skin still on, remove seeds. Roast squash, cut side down, at 350 degrees until tender and a knife goes through with ease, about an hour. Let it cool. Scoop out pulp.

Filling Mixture

Mash 2 cups of the squash pulp, making it easy for spreading. Add ricotta, spinach, egg, grated cheeses, garlic, zest, salt and pepper. Mix with fork. Sauté shallots in the butter with the sage leaves until shallots and butter are slightly golden. Remove sage leaves to paper towel. Deglaze pan with half the broth. Puree remaining squash pulp with remaining chicken broth until smooth. Stir into butter, shallot and broth mixture over low heat until wellcombined. Stir in cream and add grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Spread about 3 tablespoons of ﬁlling on each cooked lasagna noodle, then roll up and place seam side down on a shallow baking dish that has some of the sauce spooned onto the bottom. For side dish, cut each roll in half; for main course dish leave whole. Spoon sauce on top of each lasagna roll up, plus grate a little Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with a reserved sage leaf. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes, until sauce bubbles and top is slightly golden. Questions or comments? Email me: AnnelleWilliams@comcast.net I look forward to hearing from you!

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November 2014

Photo Finish The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Southside Show-Biz Trade Show, October 8-9, was an opportunity for over 70 exhibitors to showcase their products and services. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a fun, informative event open to the public. If you missed it this year, plan to attend in 2015.

Phyllis Matthews from Abercrombie Oil, Bobby Wilkerson of Wilkerson Farms, and Jeannie Thompson, Coordinator at Fleet Management, laugh at a good joke.

Amanda Powell, Sales & Marketing Assistant for Liberty Flames, talks to Joanie Adkins.

For more info about Von Wellington Photography, visit www.vonwellingtonphotography.com or call 434.770.3553. See more pictures on Facebook.

The superheroes of Commonwealth Home Health Care stand ready to help: Nick Clark, Kathy Kinsey, Robin Tomer, and Brandi Arrington. Johnny and Debra Doak from ERA Holley & Gibson Realty check out the mobile emergency room staffed by Danville Regional Medical Center nurse, Meredith Sutton, and Kelly Fitzgerald, DRMC Director of Marketing.

Bobby Marshall and Phyllis Marshall of Marshall Rentals and Construction pause in their walk around the trade show.

Thomas Messinger, Director of Admissions at Hargrave Military Academy, chats with Myra Lester, realtor at ERA Holley & Gibson, and Janet Pleasant from Sure Bette Design Team.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Danville Alumnae Chapter was well represented by Sharon Jones, Ruth Porter, Vickie Harris, Sonia Williams, and President Mary Gore.

Leon David and Mark David, Ben David Jewelers owners, look ravishing in their new hats!

Characters from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory made the Kare Pharmacy & Compounding booth an attention-grabber: Mikayla Walton, Heather Bass, Amanda Welch, Jay Suther, Liz Harris.

Evince Magazine

Patricia McTurie models a fur coat from Rippe’s for Cindy Jones (right) from Ashbrook Audiology. General Manager/Buyer at Rippes, Lisa Kerr (left) makes sure everything is perfect.

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Tashunna Bauldwin, owner of Prince Charles Home Care, and Brenda Pinchback from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, sample the delicious refreshments.

Centra was well represented by Marketing Specialists Chris Giannone and Jonathan Parker and Sales Manager Steven Evans.

Always having fun are the 103.7 staff: Account Manager Natalie Bell; morning show host/ Operations Manager Justin Lloyd; General Manager Barbara Seamster; and on-air talent and Host of the Hall of Fame Show Josh Marlowe. Physical Therapist Assistant and Massage Therapist, Heath Hylton, gives a chair massage to Nancy Combs. Heath is working in the HD Web Studio booth.

Ellen Bass, Conference Center Marketing & Sales Manager at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, sits at one of the tables displaying the Conference Center’s elegant holiday table settings that will be used for holiday parties.

Dixie Hayes shakes hands with Santa at the Carter Bank & Trust booth.

Laurie Moran’s grandson, Alex Bond, has no fear of meeting the giant Averett University cougar. Laurie is the President of the DPC Chamber of Commerce.