Venus Williams
Following Her Own Advice Page 3
Peggy Parrish: Loving Her New Danville Home Page 7
December 2012
Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography
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Editor’s Note
I don’t have the patience to build a word ladder like Linda Lemery, who moves from belief to winner in 10 easy steps on page 19, but I would like to magically change every whiner into a winner this winter. (Maybe a reader can help create that ladder for me.) Inside these pages is advice on becoming a winner from people who have already reached the top of the success ladder. Read the story on page 3 about international tennis star, Venus Williams, written by Chatham Hall student, MaryMichael Robertson. Then turn to page 7 and read Peggy Parrish’s story. She knows how to accomplish goals and has now accepted the challenge of restoring a Virginia Historic Landmark in Danville while living in it. Kim Clifton likes a Cavalier approach to winning (as in UVA Cavalier). Her Second Thoughts story is on page 9. Be sure to attend what Mary Franklin describes as a gathering of champions in DSO: The Sound of Winners on page 21. Then spend some quiet time reading the book suggested by Diane Adkins on page 22, The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less. You have in your hands 24 pages of good reading and good advice, although you probably don’t need the advice. In my opinion, if you are reading Evince, you are already a winner. Sincerely,
Credits: Hair & Makeup: Katie Mosher; Skin Care: Catherine Adkins; Nails: Janelle Gammon; Genesis Day Spa & Salon, 695 Park Avenue, Danville
December Contents
2
Editor’s Note
3
Venus Williams / Following Her Own Advice by Mary-Michael Robertson
4
She Said He Said / The Upside of Growing Old by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham
5
The Voice of Readers
THE
OICE OF WINNERS
CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks President Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com
Performance Points by Kristina Barkhouser 7
Peggy Parrish / Loving Her New Danville Home by Joyce Wilburn
9
Second Thoughts / A Cavalier Approach by Kim Clifton
Associate Editors Larry G. Aaron (434.792.8695) larry.aaron@gmail.com Jeanette Taylor Contributing Writers
10 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Bill Leopold
Diane Adkins, Kristina Barkhouser, Kim Clifton, Patsi Compton, Dave Corp, Mary Franklin, Dave Gluhareff, Dena Hill, Chris Horne, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Bill Leopold, Jerry Meadors, Chris O’Boyle, Larry Oldham, Colette Polsky, Mary-Michael Robertson, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams
11 Mirrors of the Past Reflect the Present by Mack Williams 13 Drummer Boy / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg 14 Calendar Clips
Business Manager Paul Seiple(1.877.638.8685) paul@evincemagazine.com
16 Calendar 18 Where Can I Find an Evince?
Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com
19 Reflecting Forward / From Belief to Winner by Linda Lemery
Sales Associate Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net
20 Enjoying the Holidays More by Dave Gluhareff 21 DSO: The Sound of Winners by Mary Franklin 22 Book Clubbing / The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less a review by Diane Adkins 23 Around the Table / Christmas Brunch by Annelle Williams
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 January stories, articles, ads, and calendar items is on Sunday, December 16, at 5 p.m. Submit stories and articles to: joyce@evincemagazine.com. Submit calendar items to: calendar@evincemagazine.com. For ad information contact a sales associate or sales manager above.
On the Cover:
Photo of Venus Williams by Robert Ankrom. See story on page 3.
Editorial Policies:
Don’t Forget to Pick Up the December Issue of Showcase Magazine
Meet Some of Our Writers
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Mary-Michael Robertson is a sophomore at Chatham Hall, a Nilsen Scholar, president of the sophomore class, and the news and sports editor of The Columns, the school newspaper. Her work has been featured on the High School Journalism website’s National Edition.
Bill Leopold is the cook at Main Street Coffee Emporium.
Dave Corp is a retired librarian from Buffalo, NY. He enjoys working with the Danville Historical Society, volunteering at the Sutherlin Mansion and living with his wife in an old Danville home.
Jerry Meadors, former Vice President at Paramount Pictures, has authored, directed and produced films and stage plays and was the correspondent for Los Angeles to the NY entertainment magazine After Dark. He continues to write and develop projects for film and stage.
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Evince Magazine
Venus Williams Following Her Own Advice
by Mary-Michael Robertson
it real. It reminds you not only of what you want to achieve right now but also in the future.” She also encourages her young audience to identify their weaknesses and have the determination to overcome them: “Everybody has them. Once you identify them, you have to work on them. Learn from them. Make your weaknesses your strengths.” To explain the meaning of dedication, she stresses that achieving goals takes practice and repetition, “Focus on what you can achieve, not what you can’t.” Another guideline: avoid comparing yourself to others. “That’s one thing that could have definitely been a pitfall for Serena and me,” she says in reference to their being the most famous siblings in the world of sports. She credits her younger sister as a source of her own confidence and inspiration to succeed in tennis and life. They learn from each other, inspire each other and lift each other up.
Photos by Robert Ankrom
K
eep your eye on the ball, is one of Venus Williams’ best pieces of advice and a principle that guides her life both on and off the tennis court. Extremely goal oriented, the international tennis champion credits her parents’ drive and discipline for her success saying, “Sometimes, as women, we aren’t always taught to be strong growing up, but my mom was the strongest woman I have ever met and she wanted all of us to be strong. Strength is not only physical. It [is] strength of character as well.” Talking with Williams in the intimate setting of Chatham Hall’s historic tea room, I am struck by her confidence and kindness. She is unexpectedly soft-spoken for a champion of an often aggressive sport and thoughtfully chooses her words before responding to questions posed by students. She emphasizes the importance of actions over words and staying focused on personal goals—the metaphorical tennis ball. “Sometimes, you’re gonna fail, but that’s okay. Risk failure. You have to take risks to have opportunities and open doors. You have to try again or try something new; don’t let failure affect your confidence,” says the Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneur, fashion designer and best-selling author.
During her two-day visit to the campus, Williams encourages students to follow the “three Ds” for success that her tennischampion sister, Serena, taught her: discipline, determination and dedication. Discipline is the mental toughness needed to achieve goals. Her advice: “Keep a notebook of goals. That makes
During her keynote address, Williams leaves the audience with these words of wisdom: “Be strong, be confident, build each other up, build your own power, make a difference in your lives and make a commitment to make a difference in other people’s lives.” Judging from the audience’s cheers during her presentation, the side-splitting laughs emanating from small clusters of girls in conversation with her and my own feelings of warmth and admiration as I listen
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to her, she has followed her own advice. • Williams is the first African American to reach number one as a professional in either women’s or men’s tennis, won four Olympic gold medals, was named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, won ESPY awards for Best Female Athlete and Best Female Tennis Player, was named one of Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year and was included on both Forbes magazine’s Celebrity 100 List and CNN’s People in the News. • Williams once said, “Tennis doesn’t define me.” She is a fashion designer who launched EleVen, her own athletic clothing line, the owner of V Starr Interiors, an interior design company, and an activist for equality. She is the author of the bestselling book Come to Win. • Chatham Hall is a college preparatory, all-girls boarding school in Chatham, Virginia. • Chatham Hall’s Leader in Residence program is funded by the Polly Wheeler Guth Leaders in Residence Fund. Former Leaders in Residence include Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto; President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and feminist/ activist Gloria Steinem. • For more information, visit www.chathamhall.org.
Olympic gold medalist and international tennis star, Venus Williams, speaks to Chatham Hall students on a recent visit.
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December 2012
SHE SAID
redeeming feature of dealing with these young people is that they’ve probably made it possible for us to celebrate our second anniversary on December 24th. I love you, Gramps!
by Dena Hill
The Upside of Growing Old Here we go again...more lamentations from the nursing home. Why is it that every time I go to doctors, dentists, or ministers, they seem young enough to be my children? It’s not that I doubt their intelligence or question their educational degrees or professionalism, I just look at them wondering if they have eaten a good, hot breakfast or brushed their teeth before going to bed or even said their prayers. You know, all the things a mother is supposed to remind them to do. This situation is adding insult to injury after receiving my Medicare card last month.
HE SAID
by Larry Oldham
Just admit it. In spite of all your ranting about the young professionals and what they do and whether or not they brush their teeth or eat breakfast, the fact still remains that they are keeping us alive. I am at the age where I am ready to turn all my problems over to them. I can retire with the peace of mind knowing that they will pay the national debt; they will have to figure out who we go to war with or not; they will have to decide if So there I sit Social Security in a chair while is for them or these young not. I gladly adults (still turn over wet behind the world’s the ears) are problems to Photo by either coming Michelle Dalton Photography. them. at me with a scalpel, Why do you suction tube, or the Bible and I’m think I married you? I figured getting supposed to relax and do what they married would mean that I didn’t say. Relax? You can’t even get me to have to think for myself ever again. relax long enough to be sick. There I’d have a wife to tell me what to do, are too many things I want to finish to fix my breakfast and to make sure on my bucket list. These youthful that my tie matches my suit. I’d just professionals are stark reminders settle back, appreciate the fact that that I’m getting older when I listen your age is a positive factor and with to them provide information about that comes a tremendous amount of procedures that I used to confidently experience and knowledge that you participate in. can use to keep me out of trouble and on the right course. However, Because you’re older than I am, I I have been dealing with this youth guess that lets you off the hook about thing ever since we have known giving me advice. Even though you each other because you aren’t quite are opinionated about my business, as old as I am. Just another reason I’ve decided to keep on doing what to have you in my life. After all, I’ll I do best. I’ll listen to that little need someone to change my diapers voice in my head that says, “Do and push me around in a wheelchair your homework, research, question so I can continue shopping at the appropriate people and make your mall. Ah youth, I adore you, my little own decisions. Then live it.” One chickadee.
She said He Said
He Said / She Said can be found in Showcase Magazine.
Evince Magazine
The Voice of Readers NOTE: In the October Evince, The Voice of Involvement, readers were urged to become more active in the community and you did. Here is a note of appreciation to you from the person featured in the October cover story: Thank you, Danville. God’s Storehouse 25th Anniversary Celebration held on Oct 27th was a huge success. We collected over 36,000 pounds of food (food and monetary donations combined). This far exceeded our goal of 25,000 pounds. We are so grateful for this community and their support. We are very grateful for all the stores and businesses that were collection sites or held food drives for us and very appreciative of all the various organizations that volunteered to staff one of our 15 collection sites. We could not do what we do and serve those in need without the food and monetary support we receive. Karen Harris Executive Director God’s Storehouse
Tell us what you think. Email joyce@evincemagazine.com or send mail to Evince Editor, 753 Main Street, Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541. Letters might be edited for space or style. Submission constitutes permission to use.
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December 2012
Evince Magazine Peggy Parrish spotted the 136-year-old mansion on Main Street and knew she had found her next home. “Buying this house was an opportunity to do something different and something just for me,” says the self-described empty nester from Richmond.
that her parents came out of retirement in Florida to join them. While telling her life story, visitors can hear hammering in a back room indicating renovations are progressing in the 12-room Danville house. Living in a Virginia Historic Landmark that is on the National Register of Historic Places brought a few surprises. “The homeowners’ insurance was a shock,” laughs Peggy, explaining that the mansion had to be insured for its $3.5 million replacement value, not the current market value. Restoration has included hanging chandeliers, painting the walls and creating a kitchen on the first floor. “I’m not in a huge rush—what it’s supposed to be will show itself and going slowly gives me a chance to go to auctions,” she says and after a moment of reflection adds, “I’m happy to have this house.” And if houses could talk, this one would probably say it’s pleased to have such a loving owner.
Still searching for a career, Peggy enrolled in the master of business administration program with a concentration in accounting at the University of Pittsburg. That degree led to a career with the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond and later its Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., which oversees the 12 Federal Reserve Districts. “During that time, I
Photo by Lona Kokinda.
It was a serendipitous trip suggested by a friend that brought the Associate Campus Dean at Strayer University to the City by the Dan and Millionaires’ Row. A friend in Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood, where Peggy lived, frequently travelled to Danville and casually invited her to come along and “look at old houses for sale.” When Peggy arrived in August 2011 for a short visit, it felt like returning to her roots. She explains, “My mother used to shop here. My sister was born here and I had my tonsils taken out at the Danville hospital!” The daughter of a physician stationed in Honolulu, Peggy moved from the island state to Virginia, with her dad, mother and brother when she was eight months old. “My dad, G.A. Weimer, was the first doctor at the Ramsey Medical Center in Gretna,” she notes. Another move to Greenville meant Peggy would spend her teenage years in North Carolina. Eventually, the family relocated to Richmond. By this time. Peggy was a junior at Sweet Briar College earning a degree in English with honors. “After graduation, I was a volunteer with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America),” recounts Peggy, referring to the national group that was started by President Kennedy to fight poverty. “I worked with 14-18 year-old males who were incarcerated in South Carolina. I’m not real athletic, but I learned to referee baseball and basketball games and also helped write a student newspaper,” she says, describing her job responsibilities.
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Peggy Parrish
Loving Her New Danville Home by Joyce Wilburn decided to go to the George Mason Law School at night, while working full-time,” continues the ambitious woman, who also married during this period. “After graduating from law school and passing the Virginia Bar exam, I decided to be a mom for awhile, so we bought a 1918 house in Fredericksburg. It had been stripped of everything—no kitchens, no bathrooms—and of course, I fell in love with it,” she quips and then adds, “We lived in the guest house while the renovations were being done.” Peggy’s priorities changed after the birth of son Jay. “Strayer University in Fredericksburg advertised for an accounting professor, so I applied,” she recounts, noting that she could teach night classes and be at home during the day. When the second son, Alexander, arrived and Jay entered kindergarten, “I started teaching part-time and practicing law part-time,” she says.
In 1999, there was an opening at the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond and Peggy returned to the capital city. “We bought an 1861 house on Broad Street that needed renovation and it became a multi-generational household,” she says, noting
• Peggy Parrish’s house, 862 Main Street, is the featured home on Danville Historical Society’s 40th Annual Holiday Tour, Saturday and Sunday, December 8-9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are $20. See ad on page 12. For more information, visit www.danvillehistory.org or call 434.709.4869. • The historical designation of the dwelling is the Penn-Wyatt House. Like Peggy Parrish, the original owner, James Penn, worked in banking and was a lawyer.
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December 2012
Comprehensive Care for Our Region www.DRMCCares.com A
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Support the Chatham Project
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Go to www.DRMCCares.com
Evince Magazine sister in the back yard would do her share of hollering, too. Apparently it was disconcerting to have missiles flying by her head while she tried to catch a tan. My family didn’t get that each attempt was my chance to win the LPGA US Open. That’s how it was in my mind anyway. Anyone who’s played the game has sunk lots of putts to win The Masters. You’re lying if you say you haven’t. Sometimes being bad at something is good. Once my partner in a twoperson team could only stay for the front nine, leaving me to take on the entire field when we made the turn. Coming in dead last is not without its perks. I won a case of ice cold beer as a hard luck prize. Hopefully this explains the dusty can of Michelob which sits atop my bookcase alongside my other treasures. I also found out if you hand out free beer in July, everyone can also love a loser. Aside from that tournament, my experience with winning has largely been imaginary. I can’t peel a sticker from my Coke cup at Burger King to score free fries, much less pull a lever in Vegas to hit the jackpot.
Second Thoughts by Kim Clifton ©2012
A Cavalier Approach When Jake McGee stepped into the end zone with six seconds left to play, giving the Virginia Cavaliers a 41-40 win over the Miami Hurricanes, Scott Stadium practically shook. Whether you’re a ‘Hoo or a Hokie, you have to admit... that’s good football. It must be an amazing feeling to score the winning touchdown with thousands of people cheering. Athletes make it look so easy. The road Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams took to find tennis superstardom was not as smooth as the courts she played as a professional, but you’d never know it from her grace and style. PGA Pro Fred Couples moves the club so softly through the fairway that you’d think he was cutting through cotton candy and not wiry Bermuda. Baseball legend Babe Ruth simply pointed to the outfield before sending one over the fence. I love sports, but I stink at all of
them. The only thing I can skillfully dribble is coffee down the front of my blouse. The last time I bowled, I tripped over my bell-bottoms and I’ve never tried archery because the idea of me with a weapon doesn’t make good sense. Team sports are where I am especially pathetic. I don’t like balls spiraling toward me, especially those that I have to catch with a glove, smack with my hands, or hit with a bat. I also don’t run, except to chase my cat, who makes a break for it whenever we leave a door open. I do like golf. I guess it’s about control. I hit the ball when I’m good and ready and not a moment sooner. I’m terrible at the game, but that’s yet to discourage me. I may not have thousands screaming my name when I play, but I can count on a few shouting it. As a kid, I’d chip golf balls over the house into a green I’d fashioned from a garden hose. Even outdoors, I could hear my mother inside yelling for me to stop hitting her clean windows. My
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That’s why I’m so impressed by winners, especially ones who don’t act like it. I remember listening to the radio interview last month right after Jake’s big play. With one catch, he’d returned Bowl hopes to a university that hadn’t had such a winning season. Hoarse announcers were thrilled to hold the first interview with this guy who had it all. The guy who kept making miracle catches and winning touchdowns. The one with brains, looks and talent, but mostly, manners and humility. “Well, Rocco threw the ball. I went after it. Thank you, sir,” he said. That was it. No bragging. No embellishing. No drama. As I write this, it’s going to be awhile before this column goes to print. I have no way of knowing how the season will end. Even so, it won’t matter in weeks to come whether UVA wins or loses, Jake McGee. We loved how you played the game. Editor’s Note: Jake is the son of Danville native, Carol McGee and her husband, Matt. He is also the grandson of Ina Ingram and the late Judge James F. Ingram.
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December 2012 To encourage exceptional customer service, the Business Development Committee of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and Evince will recognize those who give it. When you experience exceptional customer service, tell us about it in 300 words or less. Include your name and phone number. Email your story to joycewilburn@gmail.com or visit www.dpchamber.org; click What’s New - Customer Service Award Nomination.
Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Bill Leopold
I would like to nominate Shevon Welch, Assistant Manager at Office Max, 153 Crown Drive, for the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Award. Because I am completely computer illiterate, I was not sure what I wanted or needed when I went to buy a computer. I left my home on a Sunday afternoon to begin my search. Looking at all the different computers with all their details only made me more confused. Then I met Shevon. I have never met a salesperson who was more interested in her customer than the sale and commission, until I met her. She spent an exceptional amount of time answering all my questions which were very basic I’m sure. When I still did not understand, she explained everything so I could. She was never in a hurry just to make the sale, but wanted me to be happy and completely satisfied with my purchase. Shevon is very knowledgeable about the products. When I have a question or need to make a purchase, I’ll look for Shevon. When I recommend a sales person or store to a friend, it will be Shevon Welch at Office Max. Shevon is a great asset to this store. Thank you Shevon for a great shopping experience.
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Evince Magazine
Mirrors of the Past Reflect the Present by Mack Williams Two years ago, I took Danville Historical Society’s Holiday Tour to bolster my credentials as a recent resident of Danville. Years earlier, I had settled into a duplex next to the Grove Street Cemetery. After becoming accustomed to the daily sight of where earlier Danvillians forever rest, I felt the need to see where some of them once lived. I visited a sacred space, the former Main Street United Methodist Church, with piano in play. Some sites were community oriented--the YWCA’s labyrinth and the meeting place of the Wednesday Club, where true ladies welcomed everyone graciously. One site was industry-oriented, the old White Mill, with its inner top-flared columns, not for decoration, but for meaningful support. Some places were for sale— the refurbished houses on Broad Street and one on Main-- in hopes of preventing the special concentrated space within them from becoming open, homogenous air again. In one home, I thumbed part way through some volumes in a bookcase (in which such thumbing wasn’t forbidden), volumes so crumbling that I halted my thumbing, substituting fingertipping. Through those yellowed pages my fingers did their walking very delicately.
Some Victorian homes were opened to the public by their current live-in owners. My favorite was the Trakas house on Holbrook Avenue. Inside, I felt like family, home for Christmas. Residents aren’t like other volunteer or paid docents who recite a script; they represent an on-going presence, a legacy not of relationship, but a descendancy based on being there, just as those before them were once there too. While at the Trakas home, I glanced at a gilded mirror from a similarly gilded age. Seeing my own reflection, along with the familiar reflections of friends and others unfamiliar, I thought about faces reflected there in the past. While I was in that thought, Bill and Kay Trakas passed by, casting their reflections with those of the rest of us. Their image of hospitality, moving among the images of present-day guests in that Victorian glass, proved to be the link connecting that home’s present givers and receivers of hospitality to hospitality’s past bestowers and recipients, once mirrored there as well. • The 40th Annual DHS Holiday Tour will be Saturday and Sunday, December 8 -9, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. See story on page 7.
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December 2012
Evince Magazine turned the volume up, her fingers shaky on the knob. Tyrion looked at his little sister and brother.
Drummer Boy
Kondra and Cameron were in the living room, eating the red, hard, candy apples more suited for Halloween but what Darla always made for Christmas. Cameron swallowed looking at Tyrion and Kondra suddenly started to cry. Tyrion made fists with his heart. Two days before Christmas, if he couldn’t have nothing then....
fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg
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aybe it wouldn’t stop. Two days before Christmas and Tyrion Wilston looked down his street at the haphazard Christmas lights, the bulbs big, non-matching, with gaps in the lights. And where there were no lights, he saw the small red wreaths on his neighbors’ doors mostly plastic or that rough felt material— both shiny from reuse. And where there were no wreaths--barren doors, the old women throwing out the dishwater, stiff clothes on their lines and men lying under old Buicks on tarps in the cold, fixing their cars. The young boys moved down the street with their hands in their puffy jackets marking time, anywhere better than home. This Christmas, Tyrion thought maybe there could be snow. Just maybe. As he sat on his weather-bleachedwooden back porch stoop, he wanted just something to stir into this unsweetened life. At 16, Tyrion knew better than to ask for much and knew better than to be like his mother, Darla, always thinking love and life were like some bowling alley, with the soft lanes of disaster cordoned off. He started to reach for the well-read and well-worn school permission slip in his back pocket but pulled back. Better not to get too far ahead of himself. So Tyrion just wished it would snow, but as he looked up all he saw was a darkening, cloudless sky. An hour later, when Tyrion slammed the back screen door and came into the hallway, the Temptations were wailing Silent Night on an old CD player Darla got from Goodwill two years ago. She had been all hyped because one of the CDs had Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie and some dude Tyrion had never heard of named Crosby. Candy apples lined the kitchen table and she had also bought eggnog in five quart cartons that no one but Tim was allowed to drink. She had baked a ham and done her hair with those foam rollers that always left a crease in the curl. She was in a good mood, so after two weeks of holding the permission slip, Tyrion finally handed it to her. “I need this when we get back from break. You sign this?” “I don’t know,” Darla chewed her bottom lip as she read and looked to Tim half-watching a rerun of The Jeffersons before turning to Tyrion again, still in indecision. “Drums? Why that? What stuff you need? And ain’t they going
on trips? I ain’t got money for all that, Ty. And where you gone get the money?” Tyrion felt heat crawling up his neck that she would ask in front of Tim, her newest lover, like Tyrion won’t a man on his own. And Tyrion felt like yelling at her that he would get money the same way he always got it, scrap metal to the junkyard and that errand or two for Fat Boy on Juniper Street. Tim looked up from his television program. Tyrion foolishly felt his lips tremble even as Joy to the World replaced Silent Night. “Don’t worry about it,” Tyrion said; he snatched the paper from her hand, started to turn away toward the back porch steps, where through a window, he could see those boys under the last streetlight; he could join them. They would let him. Tyrion thought that his mother was pretty near worthless and if he didn’t love her like a broke tooth needed fixin’, he would be out of here. Darla--he called her that to himself then--standing by the too-short Christmas tree set on top of an old sewing cabinet, didn’t meet his eyes. Angrily Tyrion told himself that she ran off every man she ever had and had about every man she ever thought she loved. But him she couldn’t love enough to let him have this. He didn’t even tell her that he wasn’t going to be playing in the band, just helping to load up and maybe, he could be a part of something. He always liked music, and more than just what they played on his favorite radio station. Besides, his French teacher said maybe he could be good at this, and how to tell his mama how bad he wanted to be good for (Tyrion corrected himself) good at something. He looked over to the couch and out the corner of his eye spied Tim, now deep in a television Christmas special about the Grinch. Tim was the best man Darla ever had, better than his own father (who left) or Cameron’s (who left ) or Kondra’s (who ran), but Tyrion always felt Tim was just borrowed, because Darla had ripped Tim from a good family, almost broke Tim for herself. And Tyrion knew Darla Wilston won’t no good woman. Always dreaming and losing hope, Darla let him down at just about every turn, but he couldn’t turn away. Really, she and his sister and brother were all he had and he knew it. But he couldn’t express that; who would he tell and how would he say it and still the CD played its tunes. Darla just moved over and
“Let me see that paper?” Tim said, and Tyrion looked at him, then handed it over. Tim didn’t talk to him much since his boy got killed, like Tyrion was a leper, some bedraggled boy not even good enough for replacement parts. But it was almost Christmas and the tree was up and the night soft and holding down the stars, and however hope happened, Tyrion would take what he could get. “What you gone play, boy?” Tyrion swallowed. “I don’t play nothing; they say they teach me...the drums. (cleared his throat) I’ma learn the drums.” Tim looked at him hard, then took the paper, went to the refrigerator door, signed where it said parent signature and gave it back to Tyrion. That’s when Tyrion felt the unseen moon pulling him into harbor, looked at his mother’s tremulous smile as she fussed over the smoked ham. That’s when Tyrion noticed the snow beginning to fall. Maybe it wouldn’t stop The author welcomes your reactions at telishamooreleigg@gmail.com.
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December 2012
Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.
For more activities, see the calendar on page 16-17.
Saturday, December 1 – Thursday, December 20 DMFAH Holiday Season
The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street, opens its holiday season with Essence, the Danville Art League Juried Show in the Jennings and Schoolfield Galleries. DOVE (Desegregation of Virginia Education) will continue through December 16 in Gallery IV. Anyone interested in recording a personal story on this historical topic should call 434.793.5644 to schedule an appointment. The candlelight tour of the Sutherlin Mansion at its most festive will be on Friday, December 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This annual event is free and open to the public. The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 5p.m. The Museum offers free admission the first weekend of each month; a small admission fee is required at other times. For more information, call 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Patsi Compton)
Friday, December 7
Luminary Trail Walk
The Riverwalk comes alive between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. with candlelight and music. Bring the family and friends to experience the Dan River under the stars near the Dan Daniel Memorial Park. Also enjoy holiday carols and festive refreshments around the bonfire.
Friday, December 7
Haints in the Holler Folk Music at the Union Street Theatre
This Folk, Americana, Indie musical ensemble from Richmond will perform at the Union Street Theatre as part of its ETC Series beginning at 8:00 p.m. Cover charge is $5.00. The group of three male and three female performers includes Pittslyvania County native, Adam Weatherford, who has entertained Danville audiences in a number of bands through the years including Double Helix, Rathskeller, and Adam & the Weatherfords. Haints will display its collective musical expertise on guitar, harp, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, violin, washboard, drums and vocals. The evening takes place in what was once known to local music fans as The Temple and will include a curtain warmer reading of a selection from notable poets by local Pittsylvania County resident actor/artist/performer Norman Summers. The evening will be particularly attractive to young adults and teenagers and music lovers of all ages are invited to attend. For more information, call 434.710.1820. (submitted by Jerry Meadors)
Saturday & Sunday, December 8-9 DHS Holiday Tour
This 40th annual event will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Tickets are $20 and include admission to 13 sites including the Penn-Wyatt House, 862 Main Street; Elm Court at 811 Main Street; the Averett/ Danville Regional Foundation offices on Bridge Street; the North Theatre on North Main Street; Shelton Memorial Presbyterian Church on North Main Street; Daniel, Medley, Kirby at 110 North Union Street; the Franklin Building at 212 North Union; Horizon Tech at 417 Bridge Street; Spin Bike/Virginia Boot Camp/Driver Ed. & Tanning at 404 Craghead;
Chartwell Homes/Lynn Street Lofts at 614 Lynn Street; the Langhorne House, Schoolfield Museum & Cultural Center and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour at most sites. For more information, call 434.709.4869 or visit www.danvillehistory.org. (submitted by Dave Corp)
Saturday, December 8
Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade
The theme of this annual parade is Christmas Toyland. Starting at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Broad Streets, the parade will end at Galileo High School on Ridge Street. See floats, cars, marching bands, marching units and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Call 434.793.4636 for more information.
Tuesday, December 11
Decorating Trees for a Cause
The Institute Conference Center will host a free open house to showcase decorated Christmas trees from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Local nonprofit organizations have decorated the trees in the lobby of the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue. Visitors vote for their favorite tree by donating money to the group that decorated it. The lobby is open for viewing the trees Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until December 21. (submitted by Chris Horne)
Saturday, December 15 Christmas Tree Lighting
The student choral groups from Schoolfield Elementary and Woodberry Hills Elementary will bring a smile to your face as they usher in the holiday season with song from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Treats will be delivered by Santa Claus, followed by the lighting of the tree in Ballou Park. Call 434.799.5215 for more information.
Saturday, December 15 A Christmas Carol
The Children’s Theatre of Danville presents this Charles Dickens Christmas favorite at the North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and children ages two and older. Tickets can be purchased at Karen’s Hallmark in Piedmont Mall or by mail. Send a check to Children’s Theatre of Danville, P.O. Box 2522, Danville, VA 24541. Tickets will be mailed. Remember to include your address and phone number on the request. For more information, call 434.489.8953. (submitted by Colette Polsky)
Thursday, December 27 Kwanzaa Celebration
Kwanzaa is a time of celebration, community gathering and reflection, a time of endings and beginnings. Learn the seven principles of Kwanzaa and spend an evening celebrating at this free event. All ages are welcomed at Ballou Recreation Center. Call 434.797.8848.
Upcoming
Friday, January 11 Corks & Forks
Enjoy tasting a variety of wines, specialty beers, heavy hors’ doeuvres and an exciting auction from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. All proceeds benefit the DSC educational programs. Attire is dressy casual. Tickets are $40 each. For more info and tickets, call 434.791.5160 ext. 205.
Thursday, January 17
Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium
The Danville Master Gardeners are holding this third annual event at the Stratford Courtyard Conference Center, 149 Piney Forest Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Speakers include: Bryce Lane from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina-TV’s In the Yard with Bryce Lane; Karen Neill, Urban Horticultural Agent from Guilford County NCCE and regular panelist on UNC-TV’s Almanac Gardener and Fox 8 Morning Show; Dr. Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor of Horticulture and Director of the Hahn Garden at Virginia Tech. Experience a fun day of learning about many aspects of gardening. For more information, call 434.799.6558 or visit www.danvillemastergardeners.org. (submitted by Chris O’Boyle)
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December 2012
December Calendar Ongoing
Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row, The Secrets Inside. 434.770.1974. www.danvillehistoricalsociety.org.
December 3
Rocks to Racing Exhibit – Life in the Ordovician. Virginia Museum of Natural History (VMNH) – 276.634.4185.
Thru December 19
Showcase & Carter Bank Toy Drive Collection. See ad page 22.
Thru December 20
Essence; DOVE Exhibit; Candle-light Tour. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History (DMFA&H). See story page 14. Santa Calling – Register child to receive a call from Santa from his workshop at the North Pole. Ages 3-8. Register by 12/17 @ 12pm. Santa calls 12/20, 5:30-8pm. 434.797.8848.
Through December 21
Decorating the Trees for a Cause. Open House 12/11. See story page 14.
Through January 12
PAA Exhibits – Works by Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild & The Art of the Quilt. Piedmont Arts Association (PAA), Martinsville – 276.632.3221.
Through January 27
Through the Eyes of the Eagle Exhibit – Inspired by the wisdom of traditional ways in tribal communities, these stories explore the benefits of being physically active and eating healthy foods. Danville Science Center (DSC) – 434.791.5160.
Thru May 5
Playing with Time Exhibit – Use time manipulating tools to explore nature from the growth and development of plants and animals to era-spanning geologic events. DSC – 434.791.5160.
Thru May 27
Nano mini exhibit – Interactive exhibit engages visitors in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Handson elements present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce real world applications and explore societal and ethical implications of this technology. DSC – 434.791.5160.
December 1
Holiday Market – Everything needed to get ready for holiday parties and gatherings. 8am-2pm. Breakfast with Santa 9-11am. Community Market. 434.797.8961. Uptown Holiday Open House – Breakfast & photos with Santa, shopping, dining and more. 8am-4pm. Uptown Martinsville - 276.632.5688. Pet Pictures with Santa - Bring the family and pets. Appointments must be made in advance. 9am-3pm. Martinsville Henry County SPCA 276.638.7297. DRBA’s First Saturday Outing – New Tobacco Heritage Trail, South Boston. 10am. 434.579.7599. www.danriver.org. Bob Ross Painting Class – Forest River. 10:30am–3:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.797.8848.
Getting Fit for the Holidays – Fitness sessions will be appropriate for those undergoing cancer treatment, levels suitable for the beginner and more experienced exerciser. With guest speaker Dave Gluhareff. 11am-1pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.766.6650. Downtown Danville Christmas Tree Lighting. 4:30pm. Main Street near the bridge. Christmas Parade. 5pm. Downtown South Boston. 434.575.4208. Miss Black Teen Virginia. North Theatre. See ad page 4. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – A musical adventure based on Mark Twain’s classic story. 7:30pm. Prizery – 434.572.8339.
December 1 (Thru 8)
Steel Magnolias – The story of a close knit circle of friends whose lives come together with humor and heartbreak. 7-9:30pm. The Black Box Theatre, Martinsville. 276.732.7570.
December 1 (thru 30)
Art Exhibit – Jubilation Extravaganza. Reception 12/6, 6-8pm. Kirby Gallery, Roxboro. 336.597.1709.
December 2
Milton Studio Art Gallery 5th Anniversary – 20% of all purchases donated to the Red Cross. 1-4pm. Broad Street, Milton, NC.
December 3 & 14
Tanglewood Festival of Lights Trip. 12/3 4-10pm; 12/14 5-11:30pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5215.
December 3 (thru 31)
Pure Core – Staff will instruct participants on exercises to isolate and work the upper, lower, transverse, and oblique abdominals as well as the lower back area. M-TH 10:30-11:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.
December 4
Senior Bowling Tournament. 10am12pm. Riverside Lanes. 434.791.2695.
December 4 (thru 27)
Baby Boomer Style Work Out – Incorporate walking, cardio activity and weight training into a fitness routine. TTH 9-10:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Ladies, It’s Time to Work It Out – Incorporate walking, cardio activity and weight training into fitness routines. 10am-12pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. 15/15/15 Fitness – 15 minutes of cardio, 15 minutes of weight training and 15 minutes of cardio- a simple concept designed for maximum results. 5:30-6:30pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.
December 4 (thru Feb. 26)
Cardio Step Class – Up-tempo, highenergy class. T-TH 8:15-9:15am, 12-1pm or 4-5pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.
December 5
Martinsville Enterprise Zone Workshop – Detailed information on the local EZ program and an overview of state EZ benefits. 9am. VMNH – 276.634.4185.
December 5 & 19
Homeschool Wednesdays – Earth Sciences. 12/5-Meteorology; 12/19Astronomy. Ages 6-9 & 10-15. 10-11:15am & 3-4pm. VMNH – 276.634.4185.
December 6
Surviving the Holidays – Program for anyone experiencing grief. 2pm. Memorial Hospital of Martinsville. Cancer Resource Center of Southern Virginia– 434.766.6650. Youth of the Year Dinner.Chatmoss Country Club. www.bgcbr.org. Jingle on Main – The season begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree. 6pm. Uptown Roxboro. 336.597.2689. SHS Fine Arts Christmas Program – Students in grades K-6 will participate in the program. The public is invited to attend. 7pm. Sacred Heart Church Sanctuary. 434.793.2656.
December 6 & 7
Painting Workshop – Evergreen and Old Ivy. 9am. PAA, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.
December 6 (thru 27)
Kuumba-West African Dance – Live drumming and energetic dancing. TH Kids, 6-6:30pm; Adults, 6:30-7:45pm. City Armory. 434.797.8848.
December 7
High Rise Act – Clay Campbell, Martinsville Speedway President, will ascend to the top of the entrance sign and will not come down until the $20,000 goal in donations to assist families and children in need during Christmas is met. 8am. Martinsville Speedway – 276.956.7232. Caroling with Carolers. 2:30pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216. First Friday Art Walk. 5-7pm. Studio 107, Martinsville – 276.638.2107. Candlelight Tour. 5:30-7pm. DMFA&H – 434.793.5644. See story page 14. Luminary Trail Walk. Riverwalk Trail. See story page 14. The Church Sisters. North Theatre. See ad page 4. Folk Music Concert – Haints in the Holler. See story page 14.
December 7, 8 & 9
Tarheel Carol – Musical about finding a suitable place to hold a community event sponsored by the town, schools and churches in a small mountain village. 7th & 8th@7:30; 9th@4:30pm. A community theatre’s fifth season celebration will be held on the 9th afterwards at the Gretna Center for the Arts. Gretna Movie Theatre. 434.228.1778.
December 8
Handmade Holiday Market – Meet the artists and purchase unique handcrafted gifts. 9am-2pm. The Artisan Center – 276.656.5461. Danville Area Humane Society Adoption Fair – Rabies and microchip clinic & pet photos with Santa. 12-4pm. Adoption Center. 434.799.0843. Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade. See ad page 10 and story page 14. Roanoke Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular – It’s a Wonderful Life. 7-9pm. Martinsville HS Auditorium. PAA, Martinsville – 276.632.3221.
December 2012 S
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2 9 16 23 30
3 10 17 24 31
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December 8 & 9
Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour. See story pages 7 & 14 and ad page 12.
December 8 (thru 29)
The Magic of Christmas Show. North Theatre. See ad page 4.
December 10 (thru 26)
Chrismon Tree Viewing. Times vary. Ascension Lutheran Church – 434.792.5795.
December 11
Garden of Lights - Norfolk, VA Trip. 11am-12am. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5215. 1859 Coffeehouse Lecture Series - Christmas Readings for Children. Ages 4-9. 7pm. Averett, Multipurpose Room. 434.791.7189.
December 12
Doodle Bugs – Earth Science-Weather. Ages 3-5. 10am & 3pm. VMNH – 276.634.4185. Polliwogs & Science Stars – Learn how water turns to snow and ice and then make a holiday ornament to take home. Ages 3–4, 1–2pm. Ages 5–7, 3:30–4:30pm. DSC - 434.791.5160. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. 7:30-9:30pm. GW Auditorium. Danville Concert Association – 434.792.9242. See ad page 17.
December 13 (thru 16)
Amahl and the Night Visitors – An opera about Amahl, a young peasant shepherd boy who can only walk with the aid of a staff. 7:30pm/3pm. The Prizery – 434.572.8339. See ad page 20.
December 14
Jingle Bell Jamboree – Featuring Doug and Telisha Williams. Great music for a great cause, SPCA of Martinsville & Henry Co. 8pm. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.632.3221.
December 14, 15 & 16
The Gospel According to Scrooge – A musical. 7pm/5:30pm. Free. Westover Baptist Church. 434.822.2302.
December 15
Ballou Park Tree Lighting. See story page 14. A Christmas Carol. North Theatre. See ad page 4 and story page 14. Bluegrass at the Rives - After Jack. 7pm. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.638.7095. Simply Sinatra Christmas – Steve Lippia and his 10-piece band perform the sounds of Sinatra. 7:30pm. Kirby Theater, Roxboro. 336.597.1709. Holiday Benefit Concert – Danville Symphony Orchestra. See story page 21.
December 17
Girl Scout Sign Up – Girls and young women, ages 5-17, are invited to learn more about what the wonderful world of scouting has to offer. Volunteer positions available. 5:15-7pm. Danville Public Library. woodmanwolff434@gmail.com.
December 18 (thru 20)
Holiday Basketball Camp. 10am-12pm. Squire Rec Center – 434.799.5214.
Evince Magazine
December 19
Create a Christmas Ornament. 3:30-4:30pm. Danville Public Library (DPL)-Westover – 434.799.5195.
December 20
Upcoming Events January 4
First Friday Art Walk. 5-7pm. Studio 107, Martinsville – 276.638.2107.
Christmas Party for Seniors. 11am1pm. DPL – 434.799.5195. Sky Watchers – Constellation Triangulum to the right of the Pleiades, constellation Cetus the Whale, the planet Jupiter and the first-quarter Moon. Nightfall. DSC – 434.791.5160.
January 8 (thru Feb. 5)
December 21
Artisan Classes – Repurposing Clothing & Other Fabrics & Intermediate Stained Glass. 5:30-8:30pm. The Artisan Center – 276.656.5461.
Just Everyday Women Walking by Faith. 11am-1pm. Mary’s Diner. A Hometown Christmas. Caswell County Civic Center. See ad page 23.
December 21 (thru Jan 2)
Winter Break Camp. 7:30am-6pm. Coates & Glenwood Rec Centers. 434.799.5150.
December 23
River-side Riot – 8 bands, who played at the Temple, the original club that was located at the current Union Street Theatre, will perform. 7pm. Highlander Restaurant. 434.710.1820.
December 26
January 9 (thru Feb. 6)
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January 10 (thru Feb. 7)
Woodturning Class. 5:30-8:30pm. The Artisan Center – 276.656.5461.
January 11
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Q: Dr. Judith, I have heart disease. Should I be concerned about my hearing?
Corks & Forks. See story page 14.
January 12 (thru Aug. 25) Dinosaurs Exhibit. VMNH. See ad page 15.
More and more studies reveal the A: Yes. strong connection between heart disease
and hearing loss. A Wisconsin University study showed that almost 80% of people who had heart disease also had hearing loss. The inner ear needs a good steady blood supply to function properly. If the blood flow is compromised by heart disease, cells in the inner ear that are responsible for hearing can die. This leads to permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Damage can also occur at the areas of the brain that are responsible for understanding speech (auditory processing). Over time, it will become difficult to hear and become even more difficult to understand. If you have heart disease it is important to have your hearing evaluated regularly. If you have known hearing loss it is also important to have a full physical yearly to discover or monitor any possible heart disease. In the event there is heart disease it is vital to work with your physician to develop a heart healthy lifestyle. You can lessen or even prevent decreased speech comprehension caused by hearing loss by getting fit with appropriate hearing instruments.
January 17
Spring to Green Horticultural Symposium. See story page 14.
January 19
December 27
January 25
December 28
January 27
Ice Skate and Snow Tube. 10:30pm-5:30pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5215.
ASK DR. JUDITH
Artisan Classes – Precious Metal Clay; Intro to Hand Building Pottery & Macro Photography. 5:30-8:30pm. The Artisan Center – 276.656.5461.
Concert at the Rives - Funk Punch. 9pm. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.638.7095. Kwanzaa Celebration. See story page 14.
Page 17
Harlem Quartet. See ad page 17. A Night at the Movies - Rainier Piano Trio. 7:30pm. The Prizery – 434.572.8339. See ad page 20. The Golden Triad Show Chorus - Little Theatre of Danville. See ad page 13.
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December 2012
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 Restauran on Danview Drive El Vallarta on Westover Drive Goodwill on Westover Drive H. W. Brown Florist (they deliver an Evince with your order) Hibachi Grill on Executive Court Joe & Mimma’s Karen’s Hallmark @ Piedmont Mall Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s Short Sugars Shorty’s Bakery @ Coleman Marketplace The Highlander Western Sizzlin
Main Street/Downtown/ Tobacco Warehouse Area
American National Bank Comcast on Patton Street Danville Public Library on Patton Street Danville Regional Medical Center on South Main Street Danville Science Center on Craghead Street Main Street Coffee Emporium Midtown Market on Chambers Street YMCA
Memorial Drive Frank’s Pizza Gingerbread House
Piney Forest Road Area Commonwealth Pharmacy Mary’s Diner Piedmont Credit Union
Franklin Turnpike Area Ruben’s Too Village’s Pizza
Other
Danville Welcome Center on River Park Drive URW Credit Union on Arnett Boulevard
In Chatham Area
Chatham Community Center Chatham Health Center Chathamooca Frank’s Pizza Pittsylvania County Public Library
In Yanceyville, NC
Caswell County Civic Center Gunn Memorial Public Library Steaks on the Square The Drug Store
In South Boston, VA
Berry Hill Resort Distinct Impressions Ernie’s Restaurant O Sol Mio on Bill Tuck Hwy. Prizery Southern Virginia Higher Education Toot’s Creek Antiques
Evince Magazine
Reflecting Forward From Belief to Winner by Linda Lemery Word ladders. Have you ever tried them? They’re written constructions: start with a beginning word and by changing one letter, make a different word and do that repeatedly until eventually arriving at a desired word destination that differs completely from the original. Some of the words encountered on the journey are a stretch of the imagination, but the evolving word construction gives context and the words themselves can have thought-provoking shades of meaning.
BELIEF BELIED BELTED BELLED BILLED BILLER MILLER MILDER WILDER WINDER WINNER
Similar to this construction, there’s a maturity ladder we climb as we grow and take on adult responsibilities. We climb this ladder like we do everything else: one rung at a time. If we look up, the climb seems endless; it’s easier to keep going when we pause on a rung to draw strength from those around us. It seems fair to say that as we climb these rungs, we try new things. Some, we’re good at; others, we’re not. We lean toward the things we’re good at and, in general, we try to take on tasks at which we can succeed or win. The opposite of winning is losing; no one wants to lose repeatedly at word play or at life endeavors. We want to think of ourselves as winners. Very few people win at everything, but we can all win at something -- the conditions just have to be right. Each person’s task in life is to become an increasingly better person. -- Leo Tolstoy So, what happens when we lose repeatedly? Do we get off the ladder? Do we quit? Do we stop trying? We all experience setbacks; what’s important is what we learn from the experiences. I think Tolstoy has it right. Part of our quest in life is to become better and better people within our circle of influence. That seems to mean that to succeed (win), one can never, ever quit. Previous issues of Evince throw a monthly spotlight on winners precisely because they never quit and that’s why they’re models for the rest of us. Want some examples?
Pick any issue and look at the person on the cover: Mandy Stowe, founder of the area’s Lego BuildOff or Leslie Dobbins, Director of the Conference Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. With each new undertaking, these people breathe life into the Tolstoy quote. They sweep obstacles out of the way; they believe in themselves; they believe in their causes; they’ve learned how to plan and how to involve other people and they persist.
Sometimes we have to learn some lessons before we can succeed. The folks mentioned in the paragraph above have probably learned that. We cannot let pride get in the way of acquiring the tools we need to evolve into the people we’re meant to be. This process also requires some personal reflection: quiet time during which small upwellings of understanding can occur. Finding quiet time for reflection during the holiday season is difficult, but finding it is just as important as finding time for friends, companionship, sleep, spirituality, giving, forgiving, asking forgiveness and growing. Truly, I think finding the time for these elements is a fundamental part of the stuff winners are made of. Furthermore, I think that we all can be winners; it just depends on how we frame our success. It’s the rare person who can immediately be successful at everything; we sometimes have to shift gears or change directions to find success. Ultimately, success (being a winner) flows out of belief in oneself, as it does by design in this column’s word ladder. My best wishes to all Evince readers for a happy, healthy, fulfilling, contributing, spiritual, illuminating, and successful holiday season. May you reconnect with your loved ones, your deity, and yourselves and may you serve the needs of others well before your own. Happy Holidays!
About the Author: Linda Lemery llemery@averett.edu is Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.
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Enjoying the Holidays More by Dave Gluhareff MFS,CFT-ISSA Christmas and New Year’s Eve are near and time with family and friends is increased. The holidays are the best times to reignite old friendships and strengthen family bonds. In order to enjoy them to the fullest and reap the love and benefits from all these relationships, we have to be positive and healthy and live life to the fullest. Life is precious. It’s our most special gift from God. However, life changes every second and we must anticipate and be ready to be molded by these changes and respond to them appropriately. It’s a fact. You will age. You will lose muscle mass and become weaker. You will lose bone density and become frail. If you lose muscle tone and bone density, gain fat, raise sugar and cholesterol levels and elevate blood pressure, you might become inactive and that leads to becoming disabled. Then you lose your independence. We notoriously fight these changes and pickle ourselves with modern medicine in the form of testosterone therapy, acid reflux meds, diabetes drugs, blood pressure/cholesterol drugs, pain killers and bone mass builders/strengtheners. Falls sometimes require surgeries,
more pain medicines, and physical therapy. Unfortunately, a lot of people do not continue with the exercises the physical therapists prescribe and revert back to old inactive ways and become weak again. We do the same old negative things and obtain the same negative results. Here is the solution: Stop the excuses; stop enabling bad behaviors; stop inactivity; stop laziness and stop poor nutrition. Take action now to reverse the negatives of aging. Decide to make life better and not merely exist with the consequences of unhealthy decisions. Life is short so why not immediately implement exercise, nutrition and rest to feel, look and move better? Add value to your life. Live life to the fullest and healthiest so you can enjoy more precious time with family and friends during these wonderful holidays.
Evince Magazine
Danville Symphony Orchestra
The Sound of Winners by Mary Franklin More than 1,000 winners in one night -- it is possible and happens during December. With the theme for Evince this month being the “Voice of Winners,” a particular event stands out in my mind. I like to think of it as the sound of winners. This gathering of winners happens when more than 60 instrumental musicians prepare for a concert for countless hours, 40 outstanding singers add their parts, hundreds of enthusiastic fans fill an auditorium to capacity and a local food bank receives a ton of food. It is a success and celebration for all. This winning event is the holiday benefit concert, Happy Holidays, presented by the Danville Symphony Orchestra and Danville Area Choral Arts Society. You are assured that the evening is filled with winners when you see the awe in the eyes of children enjoying their first concert presented by a “live” orchestra and the smiles of people of all ages as they take on the joyful mood of the music. The musicians sense the spirit of the crowd and play and sing with even greater exuberance. On December 15th, the audience might arrive in motor vehicles, but they will soon be swept away on three sleigh rides. Orchestra director Peter Perret describes the musical adventure in this way: “Everybody loves the exhilaration of a sleigh ride, so in this year of celebrating the 150th birthday of the famous British composer, Frederick Delius, who passed a couple of youthful years in Danville, we will play his take on
his first sleigh-ride in 1887 in Norway, as well as the musical description Mozart’s father, Leopold, gave to this exciting event. Naturally, we will end this episode with our own preferred version by Leroy Anderson.” Narrator Phil Watlington, the voice of the symphony, will guide the audience through the evening’s adventure. The orchestra will be playing some new excerpts of Tchaikovsky’s perennial favorite, The Nutcracker, plus the Waltz of the Flowers, an audience favorite from last year, with the muchacclaimed harpist, Katherine Campbell, playing the opening solo. The Danville Area Choral Arts Society (DACAS), under the direction of Robert Sutter, will sing carols from a new collection of the Many Moods of Christmas arranged by Robert Shaw with orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett. This work is divided into four suites and DACAS will present Suite Two. Other recurring favorites will include the Bugler’s Holiday by Leroy Anderson highlighting a trumpet trio and a sing-along with DACAS featuring some of our dearest Christmas carols. • The annual Christmas Benefit Concert, Happy Holidays, will begin at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, in the George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street. Admission is a donation of canned food to God’s Storehouse. • For more information, visit danvillesymphony.net.
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December 2012
Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan
If you Google the word winning, you will find that our world is obsessed with it. You’ll also notice that winning means different things to different people—from the outcome of sports events to “winning at the game of life.” But back in a simpler time, the definition of winning was reduced to the basics for Evelyn Ryan, mother of ten in a small town in northwest Ohio. It was the difference between homelessness and a place to live, hunger and something to eat for her and her family. For beneath the small-town, 1950’s Midwestern veneer, the truth of the matter was that Leo Ryan, her husband, was an alcoholic who preferred drink to meeting their growing family’s needs. It’s the genius of Evelyn Ryan that comes through every page of the book as she searches out contests to enter and enters every one of them dozens of times under variations of her name and her children’s names. The book is sprinkled with her submissions—some clever, some a bit corny--and all of them showcasing strong and inventive writing skills. From a $5 check from Golf Magazine to a Triumph TR3 sports car and a trip to New York City to appear on the Merv Griffin Show, Mrs. Ryan racked up enough wins to pay the family’s bills. And when her husband secretly takes out a $4000 second mortgage on the house and drinks it all away, she wins the biggest contest of all to save the day. The author’s love and admiration for what her mother accomplished shines through every page of this delightful and highly readable book. The most touching section relates the story of the time she drove her mom to meet members of a women’s club who all enter contests. En route, their car breaks down in Evelyn Ryan’s hometown, and while there, she talks about her early life. She was a high school valedictorian who parlayed a knack for words into a newspaper career and then left it all behind for marriage. What the author shows in this book, however, is that she hadn’t really left her career behind—she took it with her wherever she went in life. Relentlessly optimistic, Evelyn Ryan manages to infuse her children with the belief that “even when you are losing, you can be a winner.” Reading the list of the life accomplishments of her children at the end of this inspirational book, you know she was right. Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.
Evince Magazine
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Christmas Brunch by Annelle Williams
The wreaths are hung and the pantry is stocked. Now my job is to weave our holiday plans with the plans of family and friends hoping the result is a tapestry of tradition, surprise and special moments. Our children and their spouses plus the recent addition of a precious grandchild promise to make our holidays brighter than ever. We always have our Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is lazy—coffee, eggnog and a brunch of savory dishes that have been prepared earlier, refrigerated, and then baked while we’re opening gifts. Later in the day, leftovers are returned to the table and everyone revisits their favorite dish with the addition of a turkey sandwich on white bread with mayonnaise. I’ve made an egg-and-sausage casserole along with cheese grits and a fruit compote for years. So long, in fact, I think we could call them family traditions. I’m adding a new recipe to the mix this year. We were served this dish at a breakfast while traveling in California and liked it so much that I begged for the recipe. The owners had been asked so many times for the recipe that they had copies ready to share. It’s a combination of bread pudding and French toast and is prepared the day before and refrigerated overnight—exactly what I like for Christmas morning. I send you all warm holiday greetings and wishes for smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and orange zest coming from your kitchen!
Caramel French Toast (adapted from Trinchero, Napa Valley) 4 T corn syrup 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 2 cups brown sugar packed 12 small croissants (or equivalent amount of bread) 10 eggs
1 3⁄4 cup Half-and-Half 2 tsp. vanilla 1⁄2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon chopped pecans (optional)
Combine syrup, butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stir constantly until mixture is smooth and not too thick. Pour syrup into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Place the croissants on the syrup, filling the bottom of the dish. In a large bowl beat eggs, milk, vanilla, salt and cinnamon until well-mixed. Pour egg mixture over croissants. Cover with plastic wrap. Place two saucers on top of wrap to immerse the croissants in the egg mixture. Refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove from refrigerator while oven is preheating to 350°. Remove saucers and plastic wrap and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with pecans during the last five minutes of baking. Serves 12. For more pictures and recipes, visit my blog: http://aroundannellestable.blogspot.com.
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