Evince Magazine January 2021 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Page 4

The Wine Spot

What wine trends will we see in 2021? Page 5

Throw Out the Mess

and Organize the Rest Page 7

Felice McWilliams

Making Danville Smile See Page 5

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

Page 2 January 2021

Editor’s Note

The word of the year for 2020 according to MerriamWebster is pandemic. No surprise there. Because of the changes society has had to make to fight this unseen enemy, I’d like to propose three other notable words for 2020: adaptable, flexible, positive. For a picture to accompany these words, look at Felice McWilliams on the cover and read her story on page 3. Learn how this California native has fallen in love with Danville and then follow in her footsteps. Are changes needed in Evince? We will celebrate our 25th birthday this summer and want to hear if you think our content and appearance need to change. If you have suggestions for improvement, please email, call, snail mail, text, or stop one of the staff on the street and tell us— that’s why our pictures are on this page! We are ready to listen. We will re-launch the new Evince with the March issue.

January Contents

2 Editor’s Note

3 Felice McWilliams / Making Danville Smile by Joyce Wilburn

Why Danville? Part II by Felice McWilliams

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Janelle Gammon Reflecting Forward / The Voice of 2021 by Linda Lemery

5 The Wine Spot What wine trends will we see in 2021? by Dave Slayton 6 Calendar 7 Throw Out the Mess and Organize the Rest For Our Nurses – Especially One by Barry Koplen On the Cover: Photo of Felice McWilliams by Michelle Dalton Photography

THE

OICE OF 2021

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com Copy Editors Jeanette Taylor Larry Wilburn Contributing Writers

Janelle Gammon, Barry Koplen, Linda Lemery, Felice McWilliams, Dave Slayton, Joyce Wilburn

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont) Finance Manager Cindy Yeatts (1.434.709.7349) Marketing Consultants For ad information contact a marketing consultant listed below.

Lee Vogler Director of Sales and Marketing (434.548.5335) lee@evince magazine.com Kenny Thornton Jr Account Executive kenny@showcasemagazine.com

Kim Demont Graphic Design, Marketing (434.792.0612) demontdesign @verizon.net evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly; reveal syn see SHOW Deadline for submission of February stories, articles, and ads is Friday, January 21, at 5:00 p.m. Submit stories, articles, and calendar items to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Editorial Policies

Thanks for your continued support of Evince. We’re looking forward to a great 2021. Happy New Year! Sincerely,

Evince is a free monthly magazine with news about entertainment and lifestyle in Danville and the surrounding area. We reserve the right to accept, reject and edit all submissions and advertisements.

EVINCE MAGAZINE 753 Main St. Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541 www.evincemagazine.com For subscriptions to Evince, email info@evincemagazine.com. Cost is $24 a year.

joycewilburn@gmail.com

Credits: Amber Wilson: hair; Catherine Saunders: skin care and makeup; Genesis Day Spa & Salon, 695 Park Avenue, Danville. Janelle Gammon: nails; Salon One 11, 111 Sandy Court, Danville.

Evince Magazine Page 3

Felice McWilliams Making Danville Smile by Joyce Wilburn

uring a recent organization of twenty years of Evince magazines, a photo on the cover of the June 2016 edition caught my eye. The woman looking back at me was someone I recognized from the October 2020 issue. It is very unusual to be pictured on our cover twice! Who is this Felice McWilliams? After re-reading her first article about moving to Danville, I contacted the Los Angeles native and Danville resident to hear how the transition from West to East Coast was going. I was also curious to know how she managed to become so involved in the community in such a short time. We sat together on a chilly December afternoon and chatted for an hour. Here is what she said: “I’m just a busy body,” Felice begins her story and then laughs at herself while continuing, “I cannot not be doing something. I didn’t just sit and wait for someone to come knock on my door. I went looking to learn what my new city was about.” After a dramatic pause, she adds, “You’re going to think I’m just saying this, but honestly, the first thing I did when moving here was to read local papers and magazines like Evince. I also went to the Welcome Center and picked up pamphlets about different organizations in town.” Part of her learning about her new hometown was eating Southern dishes, resulting in a weight gain of almost 100 pounds! “My husband, Charles, also gained close to 100 pounds,” she recounts. The realization that something had to change became a motivating factor for eating healthier and walking. Being ever curious while strolling around the city, she’d stop and read the historical markers along the way and take pictures of each. “Danville is packed with history. I was so impressed,” she remembers. Walking was also an opportunity to spread a little positivity

in the form of leaving rocks decorated with art and the words, “Making Danville Smile” along with the invitation to post a picture of a found rock on Facebook. ”Carrying them… they’re heavy,” says the woman known affectionately by friends as the Rock Lady, “but I love it.” Thinking back over all that has happened since her arrival in Southern Virginia, Felice explains, “The more I do, the more I want to do.”

Felice poses in front of her art. Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.

Why Danville? Part II by Felice McWilliams Why did we move 3,000 miles to live in Danville? I thought it was just to be grandma to my grandchildren, but there’s more to the story. Living in Danville took a big turn when I went out of town for a family wedding. While in Seattle, I found a very special rock. On that particular day, the little rock had the power to change my bad mood into a good one; it even made me smile! Written on the rock were the words, “Keep or rehide!” and a picture of a ladybug. I chose to keep it. That ladybug rock inspired me. In April of 2017 I started creating rocks with the message Making Danville Smile, one rock at a time! It quickly became more than just my hiding cute rocks with words of affirmation and inspiration, I wanted others to do it with me. My husband and I started having classes once a month, free to the public, and invited others to paint rocks with us. We gained four partners and held classes all over town.

Later that year, I won a spot in the Middle Border Forward (MBF) Fellowship. That was a game changer. I completed the Fellowship, graduating in 2018. That opportunity led to a great network of alumni, leaders, change-makers and servants to the community. MBF also afforded me the opportunity to be a part of Leadership Southside with the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. My network of community friends and acquaintances grew even larger. My husband, Charles, also started the MBF Fellowship, where he was encouraged to run and eventually win a seat on the Danville Public School Board.

In 2019, I was a nominee for Volunteer of the Year, an annual award given by the Dan River Nonprofit Network. . Also, I was invited to sing at Crema and Vine’s Sofa Sessions that led to a monthly gig Felice and Friends. Recently, I was asked to join the Board of Directors for the Danville Art League and became their Director of Exhibitions and Social Media. I love working with the art world. There are so many local, talented artists in Danville and I am honored to be considered one of them. I was one of the first wave of artists to be invited to sell my art at Main Street Art Collective in the River District. I am a member of an awesome church and worship team at Union Church Danville and Caswell campuses. In early 2020, I was hired to be on staff at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. I was trained on Thursday, March 12. On Friday, March 13, I received an email stating the Museum had to close because of the pandemic. Now, I am so thankful to be back to work and active at church and in the community. If you asked me today, “Why Danville?” my answer would be the same as it was when we first moved here: It’s a wonderful place to live!

Page 4 January 2021

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Janelle Gammon A huge shout out to Tracey Motley at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store, 280 Lowes Drive, in Danville. Tracey works in the appliance department. She went above and beyond to find the new refrigerator that we wanted at the price we wanted to pay. Tracey was extremely helpful and friendly. Our transaction was done entirely over the phone. I made many phone calls and she never once made me feel as if I were a bother or annoying her. I received great customer service. For these reasons she deserves the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Award.

Evince wants to encourage and recognize exceptional 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.

Reflecting Forward The Voice of 2021 by Linda Lemery

ix-word memoirs are very short stories that sum up pivotal life experiences. Here are some 2021 topics, all categorized in six-word descriptions, all involving unity, that I feel passionate about: Protect others and ourselves from COVID. Let’s unite in our determination to wear masks and to social distance. Let’s lead the charge to stay well. We cannot help others if we’re not well. We’re all responsible for economic development. We have a responsibility to treat each other, stranger or guest, business colleague or friend, with civility, kindness, helpfulness, and welcoming words. Touring business people look for such behaviors. The positive impact we have when we treat people this way is astounding. Learning now gives us future success. We’re at a difficult crossroad in education with faceto-face and/or virtual instruction. Determination and persistence are keys to success. Parents, grandparents, friends, tutors, and others are more important than ever as sources of support, encouragement, and structure for students who might not see the value of full engagement in learning. Let’s help where we can. Many smaller efforts build bigger opportunities. Volunteering for nonprofits teaches skills and conveys hope to people who need help. Today’s small business: tomorrow’s community supporter. Buy local. Nurturing small businesses with our purchasing dollars will help them stay in business, which in turn gives them the chance to

influence our future by supporting our region. Too heavy, die young: let’s not! Be mindfully responsible for your health. Weigh yourself then weigh your options for eating less or better, exercising more, setting goals for weight loss, meditating, joining a support group, finding a coach. Be proactive about growing healthier. Keep your nest clean and unspoiled. Eliminate litter, reduce the way you pollute, and make more environmentally responsible purchasing and living choices. Aim to unify, not to divide. Express yourself in a way that leads to agreement and forward motion. Be the change we want to see in our world. Simplify your life, use more time. 2021 may well be the great clean-out year here at the Lemerys. I hope to free up time to be able to read again. Simplifying our lives will create more minutes for favorite pastimes. Dreams don’t work unless we do. That’s an adaptation of a picture that sits on my bookshelf. Let’s use 2021 to chase our dreams, because if we don’t chase them, we can’t use them to make the world a better place. Readers, what are your six words for 2021 about your pivotal experiences and goals for improving our world? Here’s my six-word closing: can’t wait to hear from you! About the Author: When she’s not trying to think of ways to contribute more to the world, Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She wishes readers the happiest new year.

Evince Magazine Page 5

hat wine trends will we see in 2021? Will sales be online or off-line? Some say that online wine purchases will continue to grow at a fast rate. I think that depends on the course of COVID-19. If the virus becomes less of a public health threat, online wine purchases will level off and perhaps even decrease, but online wine purchases will continue to be an option for wine consumers. Online wine purchases are a mixed bag. First, one must find an online retailer that has the wine you want. Second, the buyer must determine if the retailer will ship. Third, the buyer must verify that the retailer will ship to a particular state because regulations vary from state to state and are subject to change. Also, a retailer that ships today may cease shipping in the future and vice-versa. Shipping costs vary and can be a bit expensive. Someone who is at least twenty-one years old must sign for the shipment when it is delivered. How is the wine produced? According to many in the wine industry, sustainable and organic

The Wine Spot What wine trends will we see in 2021? by Dave Slayton

a member of the Master Court of Sommeliers

We’re

farming will continue to be a factor for many buyers as well as the amount of sugar, carb content and sulfites. These consumers may also want to know that wine makers are minimizing their carbon footprint while still making a wine that provides the taste they demand. Packaging will continue to see changes in 2021. The stigma of the screw cap will likely dissipate as consumers realize that the presence of the cap is not an indicator of poor quality. Boxed wine will probably continue to be a means of packaging but will not replace the glass bottle. Also, the convenience of wine in aluminum cans will possibly grow in 2021. Don’t be surprised to see them at campgrounds. Whatever the trends for 2021, here is my toast: May 2021 be a year of healing.

on Danville! Donna Gibson Owner

HOLLEY & GIBSON REALTY COMPANY

339 Piney Forest Rd., Danville, VA 24540

Office: (434) 791-2400 Fax: (434) 791-2122 Visit our website at

www.holleyandgibsonrealty.com

Cheers!

Page 6 January 2021

January Calendar Abbreviation Key

• AU=Averett University, 434.791.5600 www.averett.edu • DMFAH=Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St. 434.793.5644 www.danvillemuseum.org • DSC=Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead St. 434.791.5160 www.dsc.smv.org • PA=Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave, Martinsville 276.632.3221 www.PiedmontArts.org • The Prizery=700 Bruce St., South Boston, 434.572.8339, www.prizery.com

Ongoing

Danville Master Gardeners will answer inquiries about gardening, lawns and landscaping on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 434.799.6558 danvillemastergardeners@gmail.com. Guided Walking Tours: Millionaires Row, Holbrook Street and Tobacco Warehouse District. 434.770.1974 www.danvillehistory.org DMFAH: self-guided audio tours Camilla Williams Exhibit: Exhibit features her opera costumes including Madame Butterfly. DMFAH Danville Civil Rights Exhibition: The Movement on permanent display. DMFAH DSC: Learn about “Water”--its chemical makeup, the power it can generate, and the ecology of the Dan River. “Go!” highlights the intersection between the physics of machines and the biology of the human body. The J.T.-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust Creativity Lab is a makerspace offering hands-on access to craft and design tools.

January 5 (thru 26)

A Stitch in Time: yarn art class, knitting, crocheting; a part of the Yarn Bombing project. Tuesdays 10-11:30 $5 DMFAH

January 7 (thru 28)

A Stitch in Time: yarn art class, knitting, crocheting; a part of the Yarn Bombing project. Thursdays 10-11:30 $5 DMFAH

January 9 & 10

January 2021

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

on Mondays 6:30-9pm $95for DMFAH members/$105 for others. 434.792.5355 to register. DMFAH

January 16

Cars & Coffee: hosted by Dominion Classic Sports Car Club. See classic cars, sports cars, muscle cars, and more in the parking lot at Crema & Vine, 1009 Main St. Danville 9-10:30am 434.548.9862

January 21

Printmaking Workshop: 6:309pm $20/$25 Registration required. DMFAH

January 21, 22 & 23

VMFA on the Road-An Artmobile for the 21st Century: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ traveling art museum presents A View from Home: Landscapes of Virginia, featuring paintings,photographs, woodblock prints, and engravings from VMFA’s permanent collection. free PA

January 22

Opening Reception for PA Exhibits: See below. RSVP by January 21.

January 23 (thru February 27) Ansel Adams: Compositions in Nature: this free exhibit on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brings together over forty of his most beloved works and places them in context of the artist’s multifaceted career, in which he excelled as an artist, environmentalist, and musician. PA I Am: Jason Franklin exhibit narrates the human condition from an American perspective. He brings to life everyday situations and feelings, like love, family, faith, dreams, and friendship, in extraordinary ways. free PA

January 28

Life Drawing Class: 6:309pm $20/$25 DMFAH Registration required. info@danvillemuseum.org

January 30

DMFAH Attic Sale Drop-Off: davidc522@comcast.net

DMFAH Free Admission

Save the Date

Forms in Clay: pottery class

Storytelling Festival: TBA

January 11 (thru February 15)

February 6

The deadline for submitting information for the February calendar is Friday, January 21, at 5:00 p.m. Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Evince Magazine Page 7

Throw Out the Mess and Organize the Rest

For Our Nurses – Especially One by Barry Koplen

ne trait I certainly didn’t inherit from my mom was her ability to organize---almost anything. For Mom, everything had its place. Frequently, I was reminded which drawer was which. Thanks to Mom, our home was an orderly place except for my room. Frequently, she restored order to even that relatively small space I shared with my brother, our bedroom. To do that, Mom put anything that was out-of-place on shelves in our closet. My brother and I each had a few. Except for one hobby, I wasn’t a collector. Even if I’d wanted to be, whatever I collected would have had to fit on my shelf. Only one thing did-my stamp collection. For many years, it knew its place. When I finally left my parents’ house, I discovered that organizing anything was not my forte. Perhaps that’s why, when I rented an oversized apartment on the second floor of a Victorian house on Main Street, I painted one room black with white trim. Instead of a simple carpet, I bought stacks of old newspapers and covered the entire floor with at least four inches of Danville’s Register and Bee. That was but one of many experiments with living spaces in which I welcomed change and diversity. I never realized that I was grappling with my order/ disorder gene, probably as Mother had done prior to becoming a registered nurse. After she stopped being a nurse, that training and its demanding organizational skills influenced her when it came to every inch of our home.

Although I appreciated order enough to want some of it when my ex and I built a house, I made sure to have my space in the basement that was off limits to anything but my right-brained preference for change. Since I spent much of my time there while writing on my computer, I didn’t have to earmark space for my articles. My computer did that for me. Nothing could have been more convenient until that very dark day when my computer crashed. Had I been more organized, I would have had a backup. But I didn’t. Distraught due to the irretrievable loss of years of articles, I wrestled with despair. There would be no book, as planned, filled with my essays. Regret and sorrow overcame me. I had known it before when a fire burned through my previous home. That’s what I tried to explain to my mom when I visited her days later. Rather than try to console me, she said, “Wait a minute,” and left the kitchen table where we’d been sitting. Glum as I was, I sat like a smudge on her kitchen counter. Minutes later, she returned. Immediately, I understood why she had left me. In the years I’d been writing, long before Mom had her own computer, I had diligently delivered to her paper copies of each of the pieces I’d written. On the kitchen table, in front of me, she placed a stack of papers four inches high. Mom never told me that she had saved each one. To this day, I haven’t stopped being thankful for the marvel that was my mom.

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