Evince Magazine Page  1
Living Without a Home Page 7
Rachel Timm
Making the World a Classroom Page 3
Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography
Page 2 September 2016
Editor’s Note
Evince applauds all Do-ItYourselfers like Rachel Timm pictured on the cover, who teaches her children at home (Making the World a Classroom page 3), and Fr. Jonathan Goertz, who found an uncommon way to gain firsthand knowledge about Danville’s homeless shelter (Living Without a Home page 11). Kristi Hall informs readers whether or not a DIY project is worth the time and work on page 13. To make her wine-cork wreath, you’ll need lots of corks. Before popping those corks from their bottles, read The Wine Spot on page 24 for tips on making a kit that enhances appreciation for different wines. Of course, Carla Minosh is the authority on DIY projects with 15+ years of renovating the same house. See page 7 for the sixth installment of Renovation Reality. Another reality check is given by Linda Lemery on page 26 in Reflecting Forward. Her humorous story might give readers the courage to try a new DIY project. On page 9, Kim Clifton writes about a unique use for duct tape, a DIY mainstay, in A Lot of Red Tape. Treasure this magazine all month and use it as a reference for what to do and how to become more connected to your community and nation. Read every page including Are You Ready to Vote? on page 22; Let the Seasons Begin on page 20; Calendar Clips on page 16 and the calendar on page 18. Then read Carollyn Peerman’s advice on page 23, 80% of Success Is Showing Up.
September Contents
2 Editor’s Note 3 Rachel Timm Making the World a Classroom by Joyce Wilburn 4 She Said He Said / Hair Today Gone Tomorrow by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham 7 Living Without a Home by Father Jonathan Goertz 8 Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Kathleen Harris 9 Second Thoughts / A Lot of Red Tape by Kim Clifton 10 Consignment / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg 11 Renovation Reality / Part 6 by Carla Minosh 12 Food for Thought / A Fowl Foul by Stephanie Ferrugia 13 DIY: Do or Don’t by Kristi Hall 15 Play the Hand You’re Dealt by Archer McIntire 16 Calendar Clips 18 Calendar 20 Let the Seasons Begin 21 Book Clubbing / Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld a review by Diane Adkins 22 Are You Ready to Vote? by Alexis Ehrhardt 23 80% of Success Is Showing Up by Carollyn Peerman 24 Wine Spot / Making Sense of Wine Scents by Dave Slayton 25 What’s Happening in the Public Libraries 26 Reflecting Forward Do It Yourself (accent on self) by Linda Lemery 28 They Came from 1967 by Mack Williams 30 Photo Finish
On the Cover:
Rachel Timm reads When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano at the Mt. Hermon Library on Franklin Turnpike. Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.
President Director of Sales & Marketing Larry Oldham (434.728.3713) larry@evincemagazine.com Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com Associate Editors Larry G. Aaron (434.792.8695) larry.aaron@gmail.com Jeanette Taylor Contributing Writers
Diane Adkins, Russell Carter, Kim Clifton, Cathy Cole, Ina Dixon, Alexis Ehrhardt, Stephanie Ferrugia, Adam Goebel, Fr. Jonathan Goertz, Rhonda Griffin, Kristi Hall, LeAnne Hardy, Kathleen Harris, Dena Hill, Sonja Ingram, Bryna Kramer, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, C. B. Maddox, Archer McIntire, Carla Minosh, Larry Oldham, Carolynn Lee Peerman, Dave Slayton, Jay Stephens, LisaTuite, James Turner, Melanie Vaughan, Joyce Wilburn, Jeanette Williams, Mack Williams
Business Manager Paul Seiple(1.877.638.8685) paul@evincemagazine.com 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 October stories, articles, calendar items and ads is Monday, September 19, at 5:00 p.m. Submit stories, articles, and calendar items to joycewilburn@gmail.com. For ad information contact a marketing consultant or the Director of Sales & Marketing listed above.
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Write to me about your DIY adventure. It might appear in next month’s Voice of Readers.
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Good Luck!
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.
James Turner is one of the organizers of the River Run. See page 17.
Evince wishes summer intern Bryna Kramer the best as she begins her senior year studying journalism at American University in Washington, D.C.
Fr. Jonathan Goertz is the pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a House of Hope Board Member. See page 11.
Mack Williams is the Natural History Educator at the Danville Science Center where he schedules lecturers, and works with groups touring the facility.
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Evince Magazine Page 3
M
ention to Rachel Timm that you want to meet where she teaches and you’ll quickly realize that’s not as easy as it sounds. “The world is my classroom,” quips the Danville resident who homeschools her three children when she’s not working as the Youth Services Coordinator for Pittsylvania County Public Libraries. The California native explains why she and husband Jeremy have chosen an alternative education for their children, Abe (age 14), Abby (13) and Anna (11). “I loved spending time with my kids and saw no reason to put them in formal schooling when they were younger. Also, when we became a military family moving every couple of years, I didn’t want them in and out of different schools so it became a lifestyle,” she says referring to the years Jeremy was in the U.S. Army from 2005 to 2010. Thinking about the early years, she continues, “In the beginning, we didn’t call it homeschooling, we called it playing--having fun and being creative. Sometimes people homeschool out of fear—fear of public schools, fear of other students or the government, but homeschooling out of fear doesn’t thrive. Children learn to be afraid of things they should be curious about.” Traditional schooling is always an option for the Timm family, but Rachel doesn’t see any changes in the near future. “We take it one year at a time and do what is working for our family. Now, the kids are at an age where they can handle independent studies so I work full-time,” she adds. Because work for Rachel means being a “community connector” at the public libraries in Pittsylvania County, her children have almost daily access to the resources provided. “It’s a win-win situation,” says the Life Pacific College graduate with a degree in ministry and leadership. Another resource for local homeschoolers is Artios Academy, a classroom setting directed by Jaci Whitfield. It materializes in the New Life Community Church building on Route 29 North every Monday morning during the academic year. Forty students in kindergarten through 12th grade socialize with their peers, learn classroom behavior, and study an integrated curriculum. Literature, music, art, history,
offered during the academic year. Frequently, that means lots of people crowd into a tiny space, especially at the Mt. Hermon Library on Route 41 in Danville. Rachel continues, “It can be chaotic. People want to participate in our programs, but when it’s crowded that is difficult. We’ve had requests for on-site book clubs, more specialized kids’ programs, more craft programs, and a quieter computer space.” Laughing, she adds, “It’s hard to prepare tax returns online while Mother Goose on the Loose (a reading program for toddlers) is happening!” Unfortunately, this can lead to a decrease in library use. “When patron use increases, the library becomes crowded and uncomfortable. When there isn’t enough room, people are scared away. It shouldn’t be that way because libraries are like community centers,” she comments, while preparing for another eventful day of helping people use computers, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, books and more to learn about the world. It’s a top priority for Rachel because she knows the world is a classroom and your library card is a passport.
Rachel works with her children Abe, Anna, and Abby at the Mt. Hermon Library.
Rachel Timm
Making the World a Classroom by Joyce Wilburn and drama are unified by an historical time period. Rachel explains, “This year we’re studying ancient history and every class is designed around that period in time and taught on a level appropriate for a child’s age. For example, I will teach drama using the Greek theatre style and Aesop’s fables.” After a moment of
reflection, she adds, “Artios is like a hybrid program—a combination of homeschool and traditional school.” One thing both programs have in common is the library. Homeschoolers and others take advantage of special library programs and other services
• Hoping to alleviate the space problem, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors is studying the relocation of the Mt. Hermon Library to a site in the Tuscarora Village Shopping Center on Route 41. For updates on the move, contact County Administrator Clarence Monday, Assistant County Administrators Otis Hawker and Greg Sides 434.432.7710, Library Director Lisa Tuite 434.432.3271, and the Board of Supervisors: Chairman Jessie Barksdale, 434.432.2124; Tim Barber 434.685.1680; Elton Blackstock 434.335.5544; Joe Davis 434.770.7553; Jerry Hagerman 434.656.8246; Ronald Scearce 434.685.1843; Bob Warren 434.770.7607. • To learn more about Pittsylvania County Library activities, see page 25. • To learn more about Artios, visit www.artiosacademies.com. • For homeschooling information in Virginia, visit www.vahomeschoolers.org.
Page 4 September 2016
SHE SAID
smooth, young, handsome, wrinklefree face but until then, mea culpa.
Hair Today Gone Tomorrow
HE SAID
Oops! I’ve really done it this time. I am usually fairly observant, but one of your escapades slipped by me and I’ll never hear the end of it. You’ve had a goatee and mustache for years and you grew it just for me. I told you that you look more distinguished with graying facial hair to go along with the hair on your head. (I’m glad you still have quite a bit of hair...do I get any points for that statement?) Anyway, without any warning one Saturday morning, you shaved it off and I didn’t notice that it was gone! I heard you in the next room coercing the dog to kiss you and she wouldn’t do it. You kept on and on. Usually, she kisses you a lot more than she kisses me because you have whiskers like she does.... either that or you forget to wipe your face after eating. Anyway, your feelings were hurt so you told the dog that you would go see if Mommy would kiss you. Well, I did and I still didn’t notice anything different. So you pointed it out to me and I must say that I was disappointed. You should have given me a heads up. Later, I thought it odd when we walked into your mother’s house and she didn’t act surprised. That’s because you had told her ahead of time.
You don’t have to apologize for not recognizing your own husband. I mean, if our dog doesn’t recognize me, then surely I can forgive you for overlooking small details like a goatee and mustache. I will just take it as a sign that you love me for me and not just my facial hairs. You asked me to grow it, but I never knew that the request came with the caveat, “When you shave it, make sure you come to me and ask my permission.” Those words may have been spoken and passed through one ear and out the other. That has happened before.
by Dena Hill
by Larry Oldham
I just wanted to let my face breathe after having it smothered for many years with whiskers. My mother mentioned that she hadn’t seen her little boy in awhile. I’m glad she didn’t ask me to wear my beanie hat, short shorts, or my Roy Rogers outfit like when I was a kid. You don’t apologize or make amends too often so I would like to wallow in this minute for a day or two. I’ll come to you when I start growing it back so you’ll know I’m only doing it to please you. I can win the dog over easily. All I have to do is give her a treat. Of course, I could buy you an ice cream cone to gain your favor; that usually works for you. I definitely will make you aware or ask your permission to cut it off next time. The only thing I ask in return is that when you go to the beauty shop, I want to choose the color for your hair. That’s not too much to ask is it?
She said He Said
I mentioned that since you shaved, your double chin is more noticeable and you’ve reminded me of that at least 100 times since then. So, I apologize for hurting your feelings. I’ve tried to swing our affectionate dog back in your direction, but she feels cheated because you two used to look alike and now you’ve insulted her. I’ll try to get accustomed to your
He Said / She Said can be found in Showcase Magazine.
Evince Magazine Page  5
Page  6 September 2016
Evince Magazine Page 7 I recently spent a night in a homeless shelter. This is not a tear-jerking story about overcoming great personal hardship or a tale about travel plans gone terribly awry. It’s certainly not a claim that Sacred Heart Church (SHC) in Danville provides insufficient housing for its pastor—the opposite is true. It’s more about my journey in solidarity with others and a journey with God into my own heart. Last year I accepted a position on the Board of Directors of House of Hope, the homeless shelter in Danville. Even so, I wasn’t sure what qualifications I was bringing to assist this local ministry. What special perspective could I offer? Could it be possible for me to have first-hand experience of this ministry? As soon as the idea occurred to me, I felt two immediate reactions. First, I knew God wanted me to do it. Second, I knew I didn’t want to do it. I talked it over with Charles Crumpler, a SHC parishioner and Chairman of the Board of House of Hope and he liked the idea. Charles informed the Board that some pastor, at some point, would spend a night at the shelter. So there was no turning back.
Living Without a Home by Father Jonathan Goertz
had where he discussed the options for local faith-based education with his charge.
As I was getting ready, I kept thinking it over. How could I pull this off? What would be my cover story? How would I pass myself off as an uneducated slob coping with either substance abuse or mental illness? I dismissed the idea of trying to spend the whole night pretending to be schizophrenic. Mostly, I was horrified at my own prejudice. If I didn’t think I was “the type” to be homeless, what exactly did I think “the type” was? I put on the most worn, faded clothes and packed a change of clothes and basic toiletries in a backpack. I checked my driver’s license and realized it still showed the address of my previous parish; at least I knew where I was coming from. I decided that if anybody asked, I’d just sigh and say, “I don’t want to talk about it,” and hope they would change the subject.
At the door of House of Hope, he turned me over to Steve Anderson, the director, with a terse, “Good night.” Steve welcomed me into his office and parked his massive, gentle dog under his desk. To Steve’s credit, he had only met me twice, in large crowds at busy events, when I was in my clerical context. The nervous 33-year-old clutching a grimy ball cap in front of him now could have reasonably left his home in Tappahannock a couple days earlier with no plans and nowhere to go. We went over the rules. Pages and pages of rules. I tried to remember them all but they ran together. I tried to imagine how somebody who had just arrived after a truly rough day would be able to process them all. To be fair, they all made sense and they were clearly designed to keep everybody healthy and safe. I inquired whether these were all developed because of incidents. “Oh, yes,” Steve replied, explaining that after an ugly fight over a bag of pretzels or a late night cellphone conversation, a new rule would be added. I shuddered to imagine the day that it became a rule that all guests were to shower daily. I couldn’t keep the times straight, when I was supposed to come, go, be showered, be in bed, be out for the day, etc., but Steve knew I was getting used to it all and helped me along. Then Steve emphasized it’s really about attitude.
A person can’t just show up at House of Hope; the individual must be referred and escorted by the police. While driving to the police station, I turned it all over to God. “Lord,” I thought, “if you want this to work, it’s up to you.” Facing the officer on duty, I realized I couldn’t lie to him so I explained my plans. He grinned at learning that he could be part of an undercover operation. I don’t know what other folks who are legitimately homeless go through at that point, but my initial evaluation was cursory. Our one-block walk to the shelter was probably one of the few he’s ever
People can stay at House of Hope for 30 days, provided they follow the rules and have good attitudes. Another 30 days can be added, but this is designed to give folks just enough time to land on their feet and make other arrangements. I was comfortable knowing that Steve would take everything into consideration and make his own best judgment. I felt like a person, not a statistic. We retrieved my handful of earthly belongings from a heated canvas box designed to kill bedbugs and went to a dormitory room. I was allotted a bottom bunk and two dresser drawers. I could arrange my stuff however I wanted, but Steve
suggested I put cash in my sock and sleep with my socks on. We went to a well-stocked closet of toiletries where he handed me full-size shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste. I’m not sure if he knows that I ultimately left them behind in one of my dresser drawers for somebody who might need them. I met the other guests. It was fairly sparse. The shelter accommodates several dozen folks, but this night there were five of us. They were kind, articulate and —in short, not the kind of folks I’d expect to be homeless. Here I was again. What kind of folks do I expect to be homeless? When the housing bubble burst, lots of folks became homeless for reasons that weren’t their fault. Renters were suddenly evicted because a landlord hadn’t paid the mortgage. In truth, we’re all just a few bad decisions (ours or somebody else’s) from being destitute. Whatever extra stigma we choose to attach to homelessness is really a reflection of our own eagerness to pass judgment. I was surprised how easy it was to keep my cover. Nobody asked. I expected to be interrogated, but folks generally kept to themselves. Steve and the others exchanged some good-natured ribbing, but they were consumed with their various personal tasks. Once I overcame my selfish obsession with my fake identity, I finished my lasagna and offered to help clean up. They insisted that I relax on my first night and they would work me into the rotation of chores eventually. They tidied up the dining area with a great sense of stewardship for their living space and before long the curfew arrived. I felt vulnerable. Presumably, I was carrying practically everything that a man might need in a single backpack that at times was out of sight. A man whose name I didn’t know was tossing in his bed at the far end of the room with all his possessions likewise in two dresser drawers. When I sat in Steve’s office and he typed information about me into the computer, I didn’t know what it all meant, or could mean. We talked about food stamps. Was I eligible? He wasn’t sure about the particulars, but
he directed me to the appropriate office. (In fact, he gave me a letter of reference on letterhead with the names of the entire Board of Directors, but my name hadn’t been added yet.) A bureaucrat in some office would decide whether or not I would be permitted to feed myself. Above all, I felt uneasy with who I wasn’t. For the experience, I had to adopt a non-priest persona. But at my ordination, I had experienced an ontological change. The Catholic priesthood doesn’t just describe what I do, it describes who I am. My very being was altered by the Holy Spirit that day and now I had to pretend otherwise. That was tough. After breakfast, one fellow headed off to look for roofing jobs and the others vanished at some point. I made up a story about hoping to meet a friend who lives in North Carolina, collected my bagged lunch and headed back in the light rain to my car. I doubt most folks leave the shelter and find their cars in the next block. I’ve seldom been so grateful to walk through a door as I was when I returned to the rectory. We take so much for granted and we often aspire to live with less. But with nothing? Without the stability of a permanent home? I continue to search myself to see if I’m able to trust God that radically. At the shelter I learned about God because I met brothers and sisters there, children of the same Father who are trying to cope with a crazy world and succeed in life. Aren’t we all? I’m grateful that House of Hope is here to help good folks build a new foundation in life, and I’m grateful that I let the Lord challenge my prejudices and overcome my fears. I hope this will make me a better priest as I strive to reach out to all people, regardless of housing situation, and assist them as we journey in faith toward the Father’s house. • To schedule a tour of House of Hope, 206 South Ridge Street, or arrange for someone to speak to a group or church, call Director Steve Anderson 434.549.1459. • Steve says that the shelter is blessed with food and supplies given by local churches and others. The House always needs financial gifts to help pay monthly bills. Checks can be mailed to House of Hope, P.O. Box 1197, Danville, VA 24543. • The House of Hope Board of Directors includes: Charles Crumpler, President; Jerry Fischer, Vice President; Drew Cousins, Treasurer; Sandra Strange, Secretary; Cam McIntire, John Moody, Deborah Morton, Joshua Hearne, David Hudson, Shannon Hair, Barbara Hyler, Harry Kolendrianos, Kirby Wright, Tom Meadows. • This story originally appeared in the July 18, 2016 The Catholic Virginian.
Page 8 September 2016
Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Kathleen Harris
I would like to recognize Lamont Miller of Superior Heating and Air Conditioning Company, 223 Riverview Drive Suite K, for his great service when my air conditioner stopped working after a bad storm in July. I heard the air conditioner turn off and waited for the storm to stop before checking outside to see if it was running. It wasn’t. I immediately called Superior Heating & Air and Lamont responded to the emergency message. He was at my house within 20 minutes. Lamont performed several checks and it was the compressor. Then he tried one more thing to bring it back to life. My house was very warm that afternoon and I was in distress to say the least. Lamont was friendly and happy to be of service. It was his week to answer emergency calls and I am so glad he was there. Thank you, Lamont. I will be forever grateful for your diligence in cooling my house. You were my angel that day. 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 chamber@dpchamber.org. It’s a nice way to show appreciation for a job well done. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Evince Magazine Page 9 people in front of the camera. It’s about someone behind it. I’m certain he has an official title, but I can’t remember if it’s assistant camera operator or second assistant camera. No disrespect to his work, but to me he’s the “duct-tape guy.” To the cast, he’s literally the goto guy. Let me explain a little better with a visual. This fellow wore a leather utility belt much like you’d see on a construction worker except his was missing the usual tools of hammers, screwdrivers or pliers. Instead, his belt had fasteners with rolls of duct tape attached. He was so encircled with them that he reminded me of a human Christmas tree decorated with ornamental colored loops.
Second Thoughts This place had more stars in it than the cosmos. Tony award winners Patina Miller and Bebe Neuwirth nodded to us as they passed. Jersey Boys celebrity, Erich Bergen, stopped for a photo and to chat. Hollywood legend and director-producer, Eric Stoltz, invited us to sit with him during filming. Best of all, leading lady Téa Leoni came over for hugs and a picture.
At first, I was a little envious. I imagined how much easier my life would be if I had a duct-tape guy in it. No more guessing where I should go. No more hoping I’d make the right moves. I’d be seen in the best light and heard in the strongest voice. Then I realized there was no need for envy. I’m a person of faith so I already have Someone like that to guide me. It’s just that He uses words rather than adhesives. The paths I should take may not be as clear as tape on a carpet, but I know there’s a plan…and I also know that He’ll steer me back when I go in the wrong direction.
Lord knows I’ve celebrated this experience every way I know. I’ve written about it. I’ve put Madam Secretary on my Christmas card. I’ve framed souvenirs. Almost a year later, however, I find myself telling a different tale than I did at first. It’s no longer about the
Thank you for indulging me as I revisit this amazing experience yet again. There was still one more story to tell and I hope you agree that it was. Even though I can’t rely on actual duct tape strips to mark my way, going where He leads makes daily situations a lot less sticky.
by Kim Clifton ©2016
A Lot of Red Tape Duct tape fixes everything. Originally invented during WWII to keep moisture from getting into ammunition cases, this sticky stuff keeps reinventing itself over seven decades later. Of all the things it can do, I saw the coolest idea while visiting the set of the hit TV show, Madam Secretary. Some of you just groaned, I’m sure, because I’ve talked about it too much already. But in case you missed it, here’s a brief recap. Last October, our cousin Barbara Hall, the show’s creator and executive producer, arranged for my sister and me to watch an episode being recorded. I’ve never been more fascinated. One minute we were outdoors walking the bowels of Brooklyn and the next we were indoors strolling
We watched as teams scurried about moving furniture, cameras and people. This guy was always the last one to leave the room. I’m greatly oversimplifying, but it turns out his job was to place strips of tape on the floor with unique colors for the actors. Not only does it take the guesswork where each should stand, it means the camera will be properly focused during filming. Without him, all the fancy decorations, expensive wardrobes, and repeated rehearsals are for naught.
the wonders of the West Wing. Or at least an exact replica.
Page 10 September 2016
Consignment
fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg
“I
’m going to leave you tomorrow,” Mandy Blue Eyes said out loud to me and Mean Keisha and Kwon over spaghetti and a side of applesauce. The applesauce was for Kwon. The message was for me. Nobody even pretended she was talking to anyone but me. I swallowed. I was right after all. We went back to Boris town, starting on a first Sunday in September at the end of my 15th year. She, Mandy Blue Eyes, did leave me there, for hours. She left me long enough until I was grateful for that hated old Buick that came back for me, belching oil and clanking into the parking lot. I was right, but sometimes being right is just the chewcrunch of broken bones. “Did she do all right?” Mandy Blue Eyes said and Marva of Marva’s Consignment Boutique nodded. “Mandy,” Miss Marva began, “reconsider, please…” She touched her paisley scarf absently. But Mandy Blue Eyes didn’t please. I got in the Buick and we drove off. Something bad is here and I’m gonna be in the middle of it. Tell me I ain’t right. I don’t mind the work: the sweeping floors, the wiping of the big picture window, the folding and hanging of blouses and the pants Miss Marva calls slacks. I don’t mind even though I don’t get paid. I don’t say I mind that Mandy Blue Eyes gave over all my Sundays from noon to 7 pm to Marva’s Boutique on Lawson Avenue (which was really just a fancy, upscale thrift store). I could have said no, I guess. But since Mama died…. Well, Mandy Blue Eyes, I stay with her, eat her food; it seemed easier to just go along.
Here’s what I mind. Mandy Blue Eyes never tells me she’s coming back. I have to wait every time. When Mandy Blue Eyes leaves me at Marva’s Boutique, she says the same thing every time—which is nothing, not even a goodbye; she just looks at me with those perpetually morose blue eyes and sad smiles as she handpulls up the automatic window of the Buick and eases away, taking the first corner and into the right-of-way. I mind how silent Mean Keisha never gets out of the car, just sits beside her baby boy, Kwon. Mean Keisha sits in the backseat looking at me silent and confused. Marva, unsmiling, fingers her necklace under a silk neck scarf, stares hard, even as they go away. I always turn to Marva for direction. I need some direction, but Miss Marva, she just goes into the boutique, lets the open-signed door close without waiting. As usual, I could come in or not, doesn’t matter to her. Big chunks of alone crush me, bone-break me. I think crazylike thoughts that maybe, someday, Mandy Blue Eyes won’t come back; she won’t be able to or won’t want to. Either is the same loss to me. I see Miss Marva and her scarf and her indifference, and I know that Mandy Blue Eyes thinks I’ll be stronger after being broken. I don’t say but I know why I keep coming. I know I’m right that Mandy Blue Eyes is making something rigidly right here; she has my presence saying something; only I don’t know what. And I keep coming because I think she wouldn’t like it if I stopped, and inside I know I can’t be left one more time by one more person.
Evince Magazine Page 11
The legs of the sink island hide the water and drain lines.
Unlike shows on HGTV where home renovations are completed within 30-60 minutes, the Victorian house at the corner of Chestnut and Main Streets in Danville has been under a transformation for 15 years. This series that began in April explores the truth of home renewal from someone who has been there and done that. If you missed any of the installments, visit www.evincemagazine.com.
A
s we continued to refine the sketches of our Furness/ Pabst kitchen (see August Evince page 7), the seed of the idea that had sprouted into this ambitious project needed just the right fertile soil to keep it alive. We talked to a number of cabinet makers but were not comfortable that they could make the vision come to fruition until we talked to Robert Hudson. Robert is a softspoken Southern gentleman with a deliberate, yet gentle attitude. He expressed no concerns about building such a variation on the normal kitchen and simply set about transforming our idea from paper into physical form. Using pine as a material for mockups, he took his measurements and our drawings to his workshop and set to work trying to interpret the angles and oddities that were on the paper. After many trials and errors, the forms began to take shape. Once the idea took root in Robert’s mind, he was able to see the walnut
The copper/silver/gold colors of the tin panels on the kitchen walls compliment the mixed-color travertine wainscot.
Renovation Reality Part 6
by Carla Minosh shapes as Tom’s inexperienced hand had drawn them on the graph paper and the parts and pieces of the whole began to grow in his workshop. Alongside the crude drawings were pasted enlarged photos of specific Furness buildings or parts of Pabst furniture to help guide his hand toward the odd angles and unusual shapes we were trying to achieve. The refrigerators were a particular challenge because they would be placed high off the floor on legs. An internal metal frame hidden within the woodwork became the platform they would perch upon. The sink island, as well, would be on legs, which created a particular challenge for water and drain lines hidden ingeniously inside the legs of the furniture. As the kitchen began to take form inside Robert’s workshop, we prepared the kitchen for its functional elements by installing the decorative ones in the background. A lucky break came when we were wandering the grounds of a marble warehouse and found an entire pallet of mixedcolored travertine tile for less than $1 per square foot. The 16x16 pieces were just right for the space. Returning home, Tom counted the pieces for each color, came up with a design, and started up the wet
saw. My gift to my husband during my Master’s studies was a contractorgrade wet saw for marble. It was perfect. I could spend hours studying with headphones cranking classical, while he spent hours cutting marble, tile, and travertine in the basement to loud rock music. A win-win situation if I ever saw (or heard) one. The kitchen floor and wainscot went in like a dream. We spent less than six weekends installing it all on a cement mud base and another weekend grouting. In all, with materials and our free labor, we have a fabulous kitchen floor and wainscot for about $1 per square foot. Not bad for weekend warrior work! However, the tin tiles for the walls and ceiling would be another story. We found a company that still made the 1880s tin we wanted. They used their original dies to produce it, sent us the appropriate amount of each section and the painting began. We hired an inexpensive laborer to produce the copper/ silver/gold color scheme we desired, using metallic paints. It quickly became clear, however, that at the speed of a cheap worker, we would be finished in approximately 10 years. His tiny brush strokes were immaculate, precise, sharp, and slower than an icicle melting at the
North Pole. Tom took over and with brush in hand, slapped paint furiously on the highlights to create the effects we wanted. The final top coat was what we have labeled a “tobacco-spit finish” to give it age. Impressed with the result, a talented effects artist once asked us what glazes and techniques we used for the effect. He was aghast to learn that it was only a little black paint, thinned, brushed on, and then quickly wiped off. Apparently no one does that. Thank goodness we weren’t aware of it at the time. As the tin panels went up, a problem was encountered. The ridges of the upper panels were not matching up with the ridges of the lower panels. No matter what our carpenter tried, they simply would not meet in the middle. Perplexed, we called the manufacturer. They have been aware of the problem since that pattern was first cast in the 1880s. No, they never bothered to fix it, but they were aware of it. In the end, each ripple on each lower piece had to be handtapped in place to meet up with the ripples of the upper piece. A time-consuming effort, but not immediately visible to the untrained eye in the end. With a copper nail here and there, the imperfections are not noticeable. With the travertine and the tin in place, all that was missing from the grand space were the kitchen cabinets….
(to be continued)
Page 12 September 2016
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Food for Thought A Fowl Foul
by Stephanie Ferrugia, Southern Dinner Belle With summer vacation ending, many children will be “dining out” in school cafeterias. Instead of reviewing a restaurant this month, Stephanie presents a healthy alternative for students who want to eat a to-go lunch from home. I don’t know about y’all, but like most Southerners, I love traditions. That is exactly why every back-toschool eve since my daughter (now in the 6th grade) matriculated in kindergarten, I have lovingly and excitedly prepared her favorite homemade chicken- salad sandwich for her first day. However, I am ashamed to admit that this year, we broke from our annual academic fowl festivities and went for convenience. And the Southern culinary gods took revenge on my nouveau riche act of going with turkey-and-Swiss sandwiches instead. At least, that’s what I’m blaming for my daughter’s terrible respiratory infection that has made her miss more days of school than what she has attended (third day and counting)! Needless to say, I learned my lesson, and with God as my witness, we are going back to chicken salad next year. Y’all may want to add this recipe to your DIY list for good luck and safe keeping too. I’ll let you in on a little secret: This recipe stands on its own at any social or academic affair. While it is delicious on a croissant, I prefer the healthier route with a nice big leaf of dark green lettuce, a slice of a homegrown tomato and the chicken salad between two slices of whole wheat bread. It doesn’t get much better
than that. Add some red or green grapes to your plate and you have a lunch extravaganza of nutrients and taste! P.S. Make two sandwiches and share a picnic with a friend or head over to your child’s school for a little impromptu lunch. That’s the good stuff life is made of. P.P.S. Speaking of the good stuff, use local honey!
The General’s Chicken Salad
(named after a dear friend who relished every bite of this dish and life in general)
2 large (or 3 small-medium sized) cooked chicken breasts (~3 cups shredded) 3 T olive oil 3/4 cup-1 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup honey 1/3 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup craisins 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss chicken breasts in 3 tbsp. olive oil and lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Place in pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes. Shred chicken in a food processor or with a fork. Bake nuts at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely. Whisk together mayonnaise and honey, then add celery, craisins and nuts. Fold in shredded chicken. Going easy on the carbs and gluten? Ditch the bread and make a chicken-salad salad instead!
Evince Magazine Page 13
DIY: Do or Don’t? by Kristi Hall
Do-It-Yourself projects always look easy when someone else is doing it. Kristi Hall will test them for you and give her opinion about whether it’s worth your time and effort. Wine lovers! Have you ever wondered what could be done with wine corks instead of trashing them? Here are a couple of inexpensive DIY projects that will give your corks a new life. use too much glue; it will show through the cracks. • I made a set of coasters for a friend. I stacked the coasters and tied them together with twine and a bow.
Wine Cork Wreath
Wine Coasters
Supplies: • paper coasters (optional but give a template for structuring the coasters) • wine corks (I used 32 corks-enough for 4 sets of coasters) • hot-glue gun and glue sticks • ribbon or twine (optional for gift wrapping) Directions: • Follow the design of corks in the picture. If you choose to use paper coasters, glue corks on top of the coasters starting on the outside and working in. If you use only corks, start on the outside working toward the center. Don’t
Supplies: • a wreath of any shape or size. This could be a great opportunity to recycle an old wreath. I used a small foam wreath from a local craft store. • a ton of wine corks! The size of your wreath will determine how many corks but the more the better. I used 55-65 corks. • glue gun and gun sticks • ribbon or twine • nail or Command strips for hanging Directions: • Glue the corks onto the wreath. The starting position doesn’t matter. The main goal is to cover the entire front and sides of the wreath. I overlapped to add some texture. • When completed, top the wreath with ribbon or twine to make the hanging process easier. I would rate both projects 4 out of 5 stars – only because they took time to create and time to collect all of the corks. Ask friends and family to start collecting or ask local restaurants or Vintages by the Dan to save them for you.
Make a larger wreath and use artificial grapes for color.
Page  14 September 2016
Evince Magazine Page 15 I hope everyone read and has taken to heart the article written by Carolyn Peerman in the August Evince (page 23). “Bloom Where You Are Planted” was a wonderful reminder that happiness is a choice and needs to be cultivated. I am reminded of another wise saying and urge you to joyfully Play the Hand You’re Dealt. After spending 35 years on active duty in the Air Force and living all over the world, I have learned to make the best of every situation and every location. When we moved to Danville in 2003, we had never lived in any place for more than four years and had never before lived in a shady location. What were we thinking when we chose a house almost obscured by a dense forest of mature trees with lots of deep shade! The gourds that I had dreamed of growing would require full sun, as would vegetable gardens and colorful annuals. The house was in illrepair; the soil was mostly red clay; the terrain was hilly and irregular; there was little grass and ivy had taken over the entire front yard. We faced a steep learning curve and some real challenges. I wish I had counted the number of times we muttered the line, “What were we thinking?” That was 14 years ago and we have learned to bloom where we were planted. Since then, we have come to grips with being shade gardeners and we’re playing the hand we’ve been dealt. I’ve learned four important lessons from this experience: 1. Choose plants wisely. Not everything thrives in the shade. The right plant for the right location is so important and requires study and planning. Shade exists because of trees (except the shade cast by structures such as buildings and fences). Trees have lots of roots, they use up the surrounding soil and they continually hog available water. In 2004, we began developing a shade garden walkway leading from the front side yard to the back. We named it Glen McIntire and now we affectionately refer to it as, The Glen. It meanders down the hill wandering through our woods. An early task was installing three bridges over low spots and difficult terrain. As we dug bedding areas, we
Play the Hand You’re Dealt by Archer McIntire
discovered how shallow the soil really was and how fibrous the roots were. Each year we supplement the soil, adding peat, topsoil and fertilizer, and we water, water, water. Remember, the trees hog the water and nutrients. That’s the price of shade. We have created an enchanting environment for hosta, helleborus, fern, astilbe, impatiens, begonias and caladiums. Interspersed throughout the area are dozens
of azaleas, hydrangeas and other shade lovers. We’ve learned that white flowers seem to light up the far reaches of The Glen. They glow in the shade and twinkle in the dark. We’ve learned to be excited over the monochromatic pallet of shade - green, green and more green. 2. Use accessories and hardscaping for vivid color and excitement. We were the recipients of 20 old windows from a Virginia
Avenue home. We drew plans for a stylized conservatory - a tall focal point in The Glen, to visually connect the forest floor with the surrounding tall trees. The repurposed windows made it possible for us to create magic. I use the rhetorical us. Actually my amazing husband, CAM, was the architect and builder. I only provided lots of sweet tea and recorded his progress by taking pictures. Numerous bottle trees “grow” throughout the gardens and add color and humor and they “bloom” during every season. Influenced by the barn quilts of Ohio and North Carolina, I painted quilts on three fences creating color and interest in deeply shaded areas. Stone pathways lead from garden to garden. The Turquoise Garden is a shady area decorated with beautiful containers - all in shades of turquoise and containing a variety of fern, hosta and white impatiens. The turquoise pillows and seat cushions create a splash of color, and welcome visitors to sit and contemplate. We love sharing our Place of Peace. 3. Connect with experts and find answers to your questions. My most important decision upon coming to Danville was to take the Master Gardener Training Class in 2003. Stuart Sutphin, the Environmental Horticulture Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, administers the program and is our go-to man. All information that he imparts is research- based and appropriate for our area in South-Central Virginia. The Master Gardener program has provided me with pertinent horticulture information, a leader who is both a mentor and friend, and a peer group of supportive gardeners. 4. Seek joy and happiness from the simple things in life - the beauty of nature all around us: the hosta shoots appearing in the early spring, the common sections of fence wood painted with quilt patterns, and the beautiful blooms of the blue hydrangeas. I could have become mired in misery, living on rocky clay soil, waiting and wishing for another place where it would all be better. Instead I chose joy--to Bloom Where I’m Planted and to Play the Hand I’m Dealt.
Page 16 September 2016
Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.
For more activities, see the calendar on page 18.
Thursday, September 1 – Friday, September 30 Inspired by Cancer - Hope and a Plan
This month-long event will be held at the libraries in Chatham, Danville, South Boston, and Martinsville. Art from participants in Throw Paint at Cancer, a peer-to-peer art group for those touched by cancer, will be on display. Artists will be at each location periodically to speak about their art and journey. Michele Ryan, best-selling author of What I Wish I Had Known When I Was First Diagnosed: Tips & Advice From a Survivor, will be at each library for a reception at 5:00 p.m. and a presentation at 6:00 p.m. during the week of September 12. She will talk about her book and have an open discussion with attendees. Books will be given to the first 25 people who register. During the month there will also be programs and panel discussions with members of the Regional Cancer Task Force. For specific dates, locations and more information, contact the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia/Danville, an outreach of VCU Massey Cancer Center, 434.421.3060 or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)
Thursday, September 1-Sunday, October 9 Living Hive: A Consideration of Bees
The Living Hive exhibit in the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History Jennings Gallery is a collaboration of science, art and agriculture that traces and maps the activity of bees on a modular sculpture resembling microscopic images of pollen. It calls attention to bees as objects of artistic inspiration and, in some cases, quiet signifiers of environmental breakdown. Elsabe Dixon’s drawings that detail the microscopic structures of pollen surfaces were used as inspiration for a 12-part 3-D sculpture. Each part fit inside the top drawer or super of a working beehive in apiaries from Fairfax to Danville along the Route 29 corridor. After a month, they were reassembled to comprise a totem-like object. The structure is now covered in beeswax created and left behind by the bees. Dixon, an instructor at the George Mason University School of Art, partnered with German Perilla’s GMU Bee Initiatives Program and 12 local beekeepers. In the Schoolfield Gallery is a group exhibition by eight regional artists whose work calls attention to bees as the subject of artistic inspiration. For more information, visit 975 Main Street or www.danvillemuseum. org or call 434.793.5644. (submitted by C.B. Maddox)
Thursday, September 8 Edgar Allan Poe Speaker
Richard Kopley, Distinguished Professor of English, Emeritus, from Penn State DuBois, author of Edgar Allan Poe and the Dupin Mysteries, and former president of the Poe Studies Association, will discuss stories about Poe written by Danvillian Flora Lapham Mack. Flora Mack was the step-daughter of Poe’s closest friend, John Mackenzie, and was privy to many tales of Poe’s life that she later wrote in letters to her distant cousin. Many of Flora’s letters are in Kopley’s possession and remain some of the richest sources on Poe’s life. The Danville Historical Society and the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History are hosting this event at the DMFAH, 975 Main Street, starting at 7:00 p.m. (submitted by Sonja Ingram)
Saturday, September 10
Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk
This free and open-to-the-public annual walk is held as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration begins at 11:00 a.m. at the
Carrington Pavilion, 629 Craghead Street. The walk begins at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Also, the memorial program will allow families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide to remember the life, not the death, of the one who died. Memorials will be on display and presented to families. For more information, call 434.688.1636. (submitted by LeAnne Hardy)
Sunday, September 11
Opening of Cardwell Art Exhibit
Parsons-Bruce Art Association announces the opening of Brenda Cardwell’s art exhibition in the Robert F. Cage Gallery at the Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, in South Boston. Cardwell, a resident of Whitsett, North Carolina, describes her artistic ability as an evolving talent beginning in the mid-1980s. “As I studied and practiced the works of artists such as Dave Millard, Backyard at Chesney Tom Lynch, Milind Mulick and others, the by Brenda Cardwell artist within me slowly began to emerge and I developed my own style of colorful, loose images,” she says. The public is invited to attend the opening reception from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be on display for viewing and purchasing until mid-October during the Prizery’s regular operating hours. For more information, visit www.prizery.com. (submitted by Cathy Cole)
Tuesday, September 13
Fall Prevention Awareness Seminar
This event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be preceded by bone density and balance tests and senior IDs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Julian Bobe, PhD, MBA, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Tyton BioSciences, will present The Effect of Lifestyle Pre-and-Post Cancer: Increasing Quality of Life from 11:00 a.m. until noon. His presentation will also have a nutrition component and be pertinent to all whether diagnosed with cancer or not. Other speakers are: Carrie Hendrick, PhD, ATC, Program Director of Athletic Training at Averett University; Kurtise Wilkes, DPT, Centra Rehabilitation; and Wyona Witcher, Tai Chi Master. They will focus on how to retain bone strength and minimize the risk of falling. To attend the entire seminar and have lunch, the cost is $5 and must be paid in advance. Seating is limited to 80. Register at Ballou Recreation Center, 760 West Main Street, at the corner of West Main and Park Avenue, Danville. Questions? Call 434.799.5216. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)
Thursday, September 15 – Friday, September 16
Fantastic Rummage Sale
Temple Beth Sholom Sisterhood has sponsored this event for over 70 years. Antiques, clothes, collectibles, holiday items, linens, housewares, table top and kitchen items and more will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit preservation and restoration projects for the historic 1900 house of worship that is in need of repairs. Hours on Thursday are from 5:00 p.m. until
Evince Magazine Page 17 9:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 129 Sutherlin Avenue, Danville. Be a part of maintaining one of Danville’s historic landmarks! Questions? Call 434.792.3489. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)
Friday, September 16 Dine on the Dan
From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. enjoy an enchanting culinary experience at one of Danville’s most unique and iconic spots, the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge (pedestrian lane) to benefit the Danville Free Clinic. Wine and dine as you enjoy a gourmet meal of seafood & Cornish hen while overlooking the picturesque Dan River. $50 ticket includes one alcoholic beverage, either beer or wine. Cash bar available. Seating is limited and advance payment reservations are required. Visit www.danvillefreeclinic.com/Events Page to make reservations and for more details. (submitted by Stephanie Ferrugia)
Thursday, September 22
Throw Paint at Cancer!
This free support program helps cancer patients and survivors express themselves through art and is brought to the community by The Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia, an outreach of VCU Massey Cancer Center. The eight- week session led by Cynthia Hubbard, MFA, is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street. No previous art experience is required. There is no cost and all supplies are provided. Work by former Throw Paint at Cancer artists is on exhibit at four regional library systems throughout the month of September. Call 434.421.3060 or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)
Thursday, September 22
Danville By Choice Meetup
Feeling lonely? No worries--you can find your “choice” Danvillian at our next event! Join DBC for card games, drinks and great conversation at 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Company, 209 Trade Street, from 5:30 p.m. until 7ish. DBC will be raffling off good books for the single or the couple-curious: How to Be Alone by Susan Quilliam and How to Choose a Partner by Sara Maitland. This event is free and open to singles and couples, but drinks are on you! For more details visit facebook.com/DanvilleByChoice. (submitted by Ina Dixon)
Saturday, September 24 Ducks on the Dan
Riverview Rotary’s Ducks on the Dan Duck Race will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge and end at the pedestrian bridge near the Carrington Pavilion at the Crossing at the Dan on Craghead Street. The first duck to cross the finish line wins $500. Second place receives $300 and third wins $200. Proceeds support the expansion of the Riverwalk. Only 1,500 ducks will compete. A book of five tickets can be purchased for $25 at 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Company, 209 Trade Street. For more info, visit facebook.com Riverview Rotary. (submitted by Russell Carter)
Saturday, September 24-Sunday, September 25 Old 97 Rail Days
Enjoy N-scale model trains as they travel through tiny towns and rural areas courtesy of numerous N-scale clubs. Trains run and weave along multi-layer tracks crossing artistic landscapes of mountains, valleys and rivers. Visit the Danville Science Center’s fully restored 1948 Norfolk & Western caboose; check out a miniature version of the Old 97 wreck scene in the historic train station and visit the model train gallery featuring the Jack Estlow train
layout on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. DSC members are admitted free, others 50% off gallery admission Saturday only. For more information call 434.791.5160 or visit www.dsc.smv.org. (submitted by Adam Goebel)
Tuesday, September 27 Step by Step
This program focuses on information Keegan Hudson enjoys the about flax seeds. A sampler crispbread trains at the DSC. prepared by Gingy Blakely will be served. Blakely studied with Paula Diana at the Diet for Living School of Natural Nutrition and is a certified Reformer Pilates/Yoga instructor. She will also demonstrate a stressrelieving exercise. After the discussion, participants will walk on the Riverwalk. Program starts at 10:00 a.m. at Brewed Awakening, 610 Craghead Street. It is for men and women and Ann Marie Taylor, appropriate for all fitness Nadine Downs and Betty Martin levels. For more information, sample a nutritious treat. call 434.421.3060 or email dwhittle@vcu.edu. (submitted by Melanie Vaughan)
Upcoming
Saturday, October 8
Jeanette Williams Concert
This benefit for the Bachelors Hall Volunteer Fire Department, 1301 Berry Hill Road, begins at 5:00 p.m. with a $7 meal of pinto beans, fixings, cornbread, dessert, tea or lemonade. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m. There is no admission charge, but donations for the Fire Department are appreciated. The performance is inside; there are a limited number of chairs so bring a lawn chair. For more information, call 434.489.8080 or 434.685.3394 or visit www.evincemagazine.com (October 2015 page 3). (submitted by Jeanette Williams)
Saturday, October 8
Second Annual River Ride
This Riverview Rotary Club fun ride for bicyclists of all abilities is a fundraiser for Danville-Pittsylvania Habitat for Humanity. This is not a bike race. The River Ride offers cyclists from beginners to the very experienced a chance to ride in fellowship while raising money for a great cause. Routes are from 10 miles along the Riverwalk to 65-mile routes through scenic countryside around Danville. There will also be a progressive raffle, a children’s bike program to be held during the Children’s Festival, and a postride meal and gathering featuring local musician and cyclist Jay Shelton. For more information and to register, visit www.danriverride.com. (submitted by James Turner)
Page 18 September 2016
September Calendar Ongoing
Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row or Holbrook Street. $8; free for children 12 & younger. www.danvillehistory.org. 434.770.1974. See ad page 26. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audiovisual tours. 434.793.5644 Public Library Events. See page 25. Tai-Chi Day Classes – Increase strength, balance, flexibility. M 11:15am-12:15pm or 5:45-6:45pm; W 3:30-4:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Let’s Dance – Learn new dances, make new friends. Donna Robbins teaches a variety of dances in a fun atmosphere. A partner is not necessary. Adults 18+. Tues 7-8:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil, or water color. M/ TU – Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. Kuumba African Dance – a great workout with live drumming and energetic dancing. Kids M/W 5:30pm; Adults M 6-7:30pm. 434.799.5150. Prime Time Fitness – Lowimpact aerobics workout with a mix of various dance steps. Tu/Th 9:30-11am. Coates Rec. Center. 434.799.5150. 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. 434.797.8848. Art with Flo – Wet-on-wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:3011:30am. Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848. Ballou Jammers – Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or listen. TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Friday Night Fun and Dance – Live music provided by the City Limits Band on the first, third, and fifth Friday. The Country Pride Band plays on the second and fourth Friday of the month. Ages 50+. F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.
September 1 (thru 30)
Inspired by Cancer – Hope and a Plan. See page 16.
September 1 (thru October 9) Living Hive. See page 16.
September 2
River District Fridays – Josh Philips. 5:30pm. $5. Happy Hour
5:30-6:30pm. Community Market. www.DanvilleHarvestJubilee.org.
September 3
Flamethrower Day – Feel the heat produced by the WWII M2A1 Flamethrower and learn about its history and use. $12 for adults and $10 for children under 12. 11:30am. Tank Museum, 3401 Hwy 29.
September 6
VA/NC Piedmont Genealogical Society Meeting – Monthly meeting. 5:30-7pm. Upper Floor at Danville Public Library. 2nd Thursday Science Talk – Dr. James S. Beard, Director of Research & Collections, will discuss the purpose and importance of scientific museum collections, while highlighting the variety of natural history treasures in the vaults and on display at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville.
September 8
Kayaking for Beginners – Learn basic kayaking strokes or use existing skills to paddle the peaceful Dan River. 6-8pm. Memorial Dr. Ages 8+. $12. Register by September 3. 434.799.5150. Edgar Allan Poe Speaker. See page 16.
September 9
Savory September: India – Celebrate the flavors of India at Savory September. This tasty fundraiser for the arts features Indian-themed dishes by over a dozen local chefs and a cash bar with beer, wine and mango mojitos. 7-10pm. Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville. $25. 276.632.3221. Danville Comedy Club – Monthly professional Comedy Club Show with good clean award-winning fun. You may have seen our performers on TV and at comedy clubs around the nation. Alcohol is sold in the club setting. Headliner for August is master comedian Quincy Carr. 7:30pm. Historic North Theatre – 434.793.7469.
September 10
Breakfast with the Farmers – Sign up to have a breakfast made from locally grown foods and prepared by a local chef. The menu will be composed almost entirely from local ingredients available at the Farmers’ Market. 9-11am. Danville Community Market, 629 Craghead St. $8 per ticket. 434.797.8961. Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. See page 16. Tubing on the Dan – Enjoy a relaxing float trip from Main Street to Dan Daniel Park on a comfortable tube. 1-4pm. $18/person. Life jackets are provided. Ages 12+. Register by September 1. 434.799.5150. GWHS Class of 1969-1974 Reunion – Jerry Wilson & his band
featuring Reggie Rhodes will play. $40. If you attended GWHS during these years and want to attend, email benesch1980@aol.com. 6-11pm. VFW Post 647. Now You See It – See Celebrity Magician Wayne Alan and his award-winning slight of hand magic. The magic happens right before your eyes. You’ll be stunned and thrilled. 7:30pm. Historic North Theatre – 434.793.7469.
September 11
Opening Reception for Brenda Cardwell Art Exhibit. See page 16.
September 11 (thru 18)
Halifax County Restaurant Week – Participating restaurants offer $10 lunch and/or $20 dinner menus. Bistro 1888, Darby’s Tavern, Italian Delight, Molasses Grill, Oak Tree Tavern, The Packhouse, Southern Plenty Café, and Spare Times Grill. Reservations are encouraged. 434.572.2543. www. halifaxcountyrestaurantweek.com
September 12
Quizzo and Meet Up Monday – Compete in four rounds of invigorating trivia with your team of up to four people. 5:30pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewery Co, 209 Trade St.
September 13
Fall Prevention Awareness Seminar. See page 16.
September 15 & 16
Fantastic Rummage Sale. See page 16.
Septeber 15 (thru 17)
“Miss Nelson is Missing” – The Averett Theatre Department presents its Theatre for Young People Show, 7pm show on Sept 15 & 16. 2:30pm show on the 17. Pritchett Auditorium. $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens. 434.791.5867.
September 15
Science After Dark – Discover the mysteries of the universe and tour the night sky. Enjoy an astronomy feature in the digital dome followed by an educator-led journey through the night sky in the Cosmic Expeditions planetarium show. 5:309pm. Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead St. $5 general admission. Free for members and college students with college ID.
September 16
Tender Loving Christian Sisters of Danville – Rachel Dudley will speak and provide special music. Tracy Dawson will have handmade jewelry for sale. Reservations required. 11am-1pm. Mary’s Diner
September 2016 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 Banquet Room. Chair lift available. All ladies invited. 434.793.8140. Full Moon Teen Zip Night – Zip line underneath the full moon. 6-9pm. Skate Park at Dan Daniel Memorial Park. $18. Ages 12 -18. Pizza dinner provided. Register by September 9. 434.799.5150. Dine on the Dan. See page 17.
September 17
Autumn Yard Sale – Make room for fall by selling your gently used items at this multi-family yard sale.7am12pm. Ballou Park. $10 for a space. Pre-register by Sept. 15 at 5pm. 434.799.5216. Fall Festival & Health Fair. Fairview UMC. See ad page 14. 2nd Year Birthday Bash – Join the YMCA in celebrating the facility’s 2nd birthday. 10am-2pm. Danville YMCA. Radio Control Tank Battles – Watch the battles on the Tank Museum’s 6,000 square foot indoor battle field. 10am-4pm. 3401 U S Hwy 29. Continuous battles all day. $12 adults, $10 children under 12. Blairs Fire Department 40th Anniversery – Fun for the whole family. Music by the Molly Rose Band. 10am-8pm. Blairs Fire and Rescue – 434.836.3065.
September 18
Love Letters. The Prizery. See page 10.
September 20
Faking It: A Look at the History of Art Forgery – Donald Schrader, PhD, adjunct professor of art history at the University of Mary Washington, will share some of the most interesting and outrageous episodes in the history of collecting art and investigate forgery from ancient Rome to modern day. 6:30pm. Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Avenue, Martinsville. $15. 276.632.3221.
September 22
Throw Paint at Cancer! See page 17. Danville By Choice Meetup. See page17.
September 23
Canvas & Cabernet – A local artist instructor will help participants to paint either a sample painting or help them do a painting from a photograph of their choosing. 6:30-9pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main St. Refreshments will be available or you can bring your own. $30 for museum members; $35 for non-members. 434.793.5644.
September 24
Ducks on the Dan. See page 17. Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Registration 8am; opening ceremony
The deadline for submitting information for the October calendar is Monday, September 19, at 5:00 p.m. Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages to joycewilburn@gmail.com.
Evince Magazine Page 19 9am; walk 9:30am Ballou Park. 800.272.3900 or 434.792.3700 x 224. alz.org/walk. Fall Book Festival – featuring local and regional authors. 10am-2pm. Brewed Awakening, 610 Craghead St. Danville. 434.483.2138. South Boston Harvest Festival – Enjoy attractions, entertainment, activities, and food that are fun for all ages. 9am-5pm. 432 Main St, South Boston. 434.575.4208 . Celtibillies. The Prizery. See page 10.
September 24 & 25
highest jump competitions. 5:308:30pm. Crossing at the Dan. Free. 434.799. 5150. Exhibit Opening Reception – The 1963 Danville Civil Rights Movement: The Protests, the People, the Stories. A compelling look through pictures and text at that searing time in the city’s history. 5-7:30pm. Danvillian Gallery, 210 N. Union St. Year-long exhibit sponsored by The Danville Historical Society – 434.799.2323. www.danvillehistory.org. Havana Cuba All-Stars. Danville Concert Association. See page 13.
September 25
Upcoming
September 27
Healing with Raw Plant-based Food - Learn and prepare 6 recipes to heal the body from chronic illnesses. Taught by Gingy Blakely, Certified Holistic Nutrition Coach at Nature’s Essential at 413 Mt. Cross Rd., #205. 11am-2:30pm. $45 includes workbook and food. 910.528.5538
Old 97 Rail Days. See page 17. Couples Canoe Trip – Fall in love with nature on a peaceful canoe trip at Abreu-Grogan Park. Bring a guest and paddle upstream past an island while breathing in the fall air. 3-5pm. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Register by September 15. $20 per couple. 434.799.5150. Step By Step. See page 17.
September 30
VMNH Foundation Golf Tournament – Proceeds benefit some of the museum’s most vital programs in research, education, and exhibits. 8am. Westlake Golf & Country Club. Sponsorship and team sign-up forms can be found at www.vmnh.net. 276.634.4162. Yappy Hour – Grab your leash and your pup for an after work Yappy Hour. Live music, activities, dog and pet product vendors. Enter your dog into best outfit, loudest bark and
Paula Deen’s
DOGWOOD C
olleCtion
October 1
October 6
VA/NC Piedmont Genealogical Society Meeting – Monthly meeting. 5:30-7pm. Upper Floor Danville Public Library. 434.799.5195
October 8
2nd Annual River Ride. See page 17. Bourbon Tasting & Cigar Salon. See ad below.
The Dogwood Collection features bedroom, dining room, living room and occasional pieces. This lovely collection is sold locally, and exclusively, at M & M Furniture and discounted 45% off of retail list prices every day.
October 17
Last day to register to vote or update your voter registration address. See story page 22.
“Much More For Your Money!”
M&M FURNITURE
530 Monroe Street Downtown Danville • 434.793.2911 www.mandmfurnitureco.com www.facebook.com/MMFurnitureCo
Bourbon Tasting & cigar salon Saturday, October 8, 6 pm-9 pm
Sommelier Dave Slayton will present a selection of fine bourbons for your pleasure, complimented by refreshments and your choice of relaxing cigars.
To Celebrate our Fall Show “This is a Man’s World” and all the things our favorite men enjoy- hunting, fishing, cars, sports... local wildlife photographer, Ricky Simpson will be available to sign the 2017 Virginia Wildlife Calendar featuring his artwork on the cover. Also, local artist Terry Keatts will be debuting his wildlife series. A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit Southside Virginia Wildlife Center
$40 Limited seating - call today to reserve your seat, or visit our webpage www.reidstreetgallery.com to reserve through eventbrite
reidstreetgallery.com
24 Reid Chatham, VA Reid Street Street Gallery 434.203.8062
Page 20 September 2016
Calendar Clips Special Edition
Let the Seasons Begin!
September is the traditional beginning of the season for plays, concerts, lectures and special events. Here are the highlights for now through December. All events are open to the public.
Averett University
434.791.5600 • www.averett.edu • September 15-17 Theatre for Young People Show Miss Nelson Is Missing. 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 2:30 p.m. on Saturday • October 4 Coffeehouse Lecture Series Chef Michael Moroni presents Home Economics 101 • October 23 Acrobats of CirqueTacular Spooktacular Arts@ Averett Series • October 24-November 23 student art show Jut’s Café and Blount Library • November 17-20 Anything Goes presented by the theatre & music departments 7pm on Thursday and Friday; 2:30pm on Saturday • December 1 AU Celebrates Christmas 7:30pm • December 13 The Dr. Betty Heard Christmas Readings (ages 4-9) presented by Linda Lemery 7pm
Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia
434.421.3060 • Kennedy Hall • 103 South Main Street, Danville • Ongoing in September – Inspired by Cancer/Throw Paint at Cancer! exhibit in libraries • September 12-15 – Inspired by Cancer programs in libraries at 5pm with author, Michele Ryan • September 13 Fall Prevention Awareness Seminar – The Effect of Lifestyle Pre- and Post-Cancer: Increasing Quality of Life • September 22 Throw Paint at Cancer! 8-week session begins • September 24 Act Today for More Tomorrows – a 4.5 CEU Program • September 27 Step by Step with Gingy Blakely – Nutritional Topic-Grains • October 18 What’s New in Nutrition Part II • October 25 Step by Step with Gingy Blakely – Nutritional Topic – Nuts • November 29 Step by Step with Gingy Blakely – Nutritional Topic – Processed Food • December 1 Throw Paint at Cancer! – 8-week session begins • December 27 Step by Step with Gingy Blakely – Nutritional Topic - Sugars
Chatham Concert Series
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 North Main Street, Chatham. Admission is by donation for the performing artists. • September 30 Johannes Brahms & Cesar Frank with pianist Harold Brown and The Classic Strings Duo of Kevin Matheson on violin and Brian Matheson on viola. 7:00 p.m. • December 4 Holiday Favorites with soprano Leslie Mabe and The Rainier Trio of Kevin Matheson, violin; Brian Matheson, viola; Brenda Wittwer, piano. 3:00p.m.
Danville Area Veterans’ Council
• November 6 Veterans Parade This annual parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets and end at the intersection of Main and Craghead Streets. For information about being in the parade, call 434.836.0745 (submitted by Janet Roberson, Commander DAVC)
Danville Art League
facebook.com/DAL • P.O. Box 10202, Danville, VA 24541 • October 14-15 Amateur and professional artists are invited to submit up to three entries for the 2016 Juried Exhibition at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History 975 Main Street. • October 23 Public reception and presentation of awards 2:30pm • October 23- December 24 Hues & Views Juried Show
Danville Concert Association
434.792.9242 • www.danvilleconcert.org Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 adults; $10 students or $75/30 for a season ticket. • September 30 The Havana Cuba All-Stars Averett University Frith Fine Arts Center • November 19 Anderson & Roe Piano Duo George Washington High School
Danville Historical Society
www.danvillehistory.org • September 8 Edgar Allan Poe Speaker See page 16. • September 18 Membership Meeting 2:30 p.m. Danville Museum, 975 Main Street • December 10-11 Holiday Tour 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Danville Parks & Recreation
434.793.4636 • www.playdanvilleva.com • October 8 Danville Children’s Festival Carrington Pavilion Craghead Street 10:00am-4:00pm • November 12 Bright Leaf Brew Fest Community Market 3:00pm-8:30pm • November 19 Holiday Bazaar Community Market Craghead Street 8am-2pm • December 4 Riverview Rotary Christmas Parade Main Street 4:00pm • December 10-December 25 Community Holiday Light Show Ballou Park
Danville Symphony Orchestra
GW High School Auditorium • 701 Broad Street 434.797.2666 • www.danvillesymphony.net Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Concerts start at 8 p.m. and are free. • October 29 Fall Classical Concert - 25th Season Celebration • December 10 Holiday Celebration Concert ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Patrick Henry Community College Patriot Players
276.638.8777 ext. 0460 • www.phccpatriotplayers.com Walker Fine Arts/Student Center Theatre • Martinsville Ticket prices vary from $10-$20 • September 22-25 & September 29 –October 2 Growing Up Gospel: The Revival Revue • November 25-27 & December 1-4 Mary Poppins
River District Association
442 Main Street • 434.791.0210 • October 28 Creepy Candy Crawl – 3:00-5:00 p.m. Main, Craghead, and North Union Streets • December 3 Christmas on the Plaza – Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday music and hot chocolate 4:00-6:00p.m. • December 31 TBA
The Historic North Theatre
629 North Main Street • 434.793.SHOW (7469) • www.TheNorthTheatre.com • October 8 – October 29 – Halloween Spooktacular Magic and Illusion Show. October 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 7:30pm; October 19 at 2pm. • November 11 – November 20 – Mulan Jr. • November 26 – December 28 – Magic of Christmas Stage Illusion Spectacular. November 26, December 3, 10, 17 & 23 at 7:30pm; December 7, 14 & 28 at 2pm. (submitted by Wayne Alan)
The Prizery
700 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA • 434.572.8339 • www.prizery.com • September 18 - A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters. Wendy & Allen Fuller. 3:00pm. • September 24 - Celtibillies. 7:30pm. • October 14-16 - The Diary of Anne Frank. October 14 & 15, 7:30pm; October 16, 3:00pm. • November 5 - Daniel Cullen. A night of Mind-Reading & Mystery! 7:30pm. • December 11 & 12 - Christmas Celebration. Decemeber 11, 7:30pm; December 12, 3:00pm.
Evince Magazine Page 21
Book Clubbing A Review by Diane Adkins
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
There have been many books based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, for example, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Bridget Jones’ Diary, Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife, and hundreds of others in the last 20 years. This 1813 classic has timeless appeal due to Austen’s insight into the characters and their motivations. Now enters an initiative by the British division of the publishing company HarperCollins called The Austen Project. The publisher has asked contemporary writers to update six of Austen’s most well-known novels. Eligible is one of the Austen Project books. In Sittenfeld’s update, the Bennets live in Cincinnati except for Liz and Jane, who are both in New York, where Liz is a successful journalist. When Mr. Bennet has a health crisis, the two older girls move home to help. They discover their lovely family home in a state of disrepair and two of their younger sisters too involved in CrossFit and yoga to hold jobs. Mary, the third sister, is a perpetual student, in the midst of earning her third online master’s degree and thus is too busy to help. Mrs. Bennet wrangles an invitation to a party for her eligible daughters where they meet Dr. Chip Bingley and his neurosurgeon friend Fitzwilliam Darcy. It turns out that Bingley has recently been on Eligible, a reality TV show similar to The Bachelor. The book’s retelling of the Bennet saga is hilarious and astute. Sittenfeld’s other books reveal an author with a sense of irony and wit. The Austen Project overseers picked the right author. Some will not like this book, based as it is on a beloved classic. The voice and the spirit of our day is not that of Austen’s. Characters may behave badly in either era; the difference is that we tell all the details. But consider for a minute what we, as readers, often do with novels of manners---we put ourselves in the character’s shoes. So is it really so different to put those characters in ours? Sittenfeld shows that the result of that type of imagining can reveal and reflect back to us our vanity as well as our goodness, our universal truths.
Diane S. Adkins is a retired library director and, as such, actually has time to read.
Page 22 September 2016
Are You Ready to Vote? by Alexis Ehrhardt Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared in a 1967 speech, “And so we shall have to do more than register and more than vote; we shall have to create leaders who embody virtues we can respect, who have moral and ethical principles we can applaud with enthusiasm”. At Averett University, a popular topic this month is our Averett Votes initiative. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 45% of those ages 18-29 voted in the 2012 general election, which was significantly lower than the overall voting rate of 62%. Averett Votes utilizes faculty, staff, and students to raise the level of civic participation among our students by showing them how to register, supporting them as they educate themselves about the issues, and encouraging them to vote on Election Day. In preparing our students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change, we believe that civic engagement is a critical part of their education. Through a voter registration campaign, service-learning courses, a mock election, and speakers on campus, we encourage our students to exercise their right to vote, and help them educate themselves about the candidates and the issues. It is our civic responsibility to do so.
As we prepare our community for the upcoming presidential and state elections, we invite the community to join us. If you are not yet registered, the deadline for the November 8th election is Monday, October 17. To verify that you are registered, to register online or in person, or to find your polling place, visit www. vote.elections.virginia.gov. You also can register in person at the locations listed below. See you at the polls! • Danville City General Registrar, 515 Main Street, 434.799.6560 • Halifax County Voter Registrar, 1030 Cowford Road, 434.476.3322 • Henry County Voter Registration, Henry County Administration Building, Room 103, 3300 Kings Mountain Road, Martinsville, 276.638.5108 • Martinsville City, 55 West Church Street, Room 122, 276.403.5122 • Pittsylvania County Voter Registration, 110 Old Chatham Elementary Lane, Chatham, 434.432.7971 • Caswell County NC Board of Election, 140 Main Street, Yanceyville, NC, 336.694.4010
Evince Magazine Page 23
80% of Success Is Showing Up by Carollyn Peerman How important it is just to be present! You don’t have to say anything at all. Being there means everything, whether it is your attendance at a significant business meeting or standing by the side of a grieving widow at a funeral home. The fact that you came makes a statement. In fact, it makes the biggest statement of all. Showing up means achieving what is really important. You took the initiative to do the right thing without being told. President Teddy Roosevelt set an example of this when he said, “I took the canal zone and let Congress debate, and while the debate goes on so does the work on the canal.” He had the courage to move when Congress was stalling. The goal was visualized and then it was accomplished through step-by-step plans and organization. Showing up when you are frightened and emotionally frenzied takes courage whether it is performing your lines on a theatrical stage or getting out of a foxhole. “Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death,” said General Omar Bradley who commanded and participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II. Being situated on
a stage and looking into the eyes of the audience can instill in you a capacity that you never knew you had. When you jump into the deep end of a pool, it is either sink or swim. You swim. Acting as if you were courageous makes you a little bit braver. Forget emotions. Act. It is easy to show up for work that you truly like to do with people who you truly like to be around. Positive associations produce creative mental stimulation. They make you see things you never saw before. Without enjoyable work and pleasant companions, you die a little instead of living a lot. Without gratifying work you find it harder to show up to all that is truly meaningful in life. On the flip side, with enjoyable work you find the time to do the things that you truly want to do. You make the moments count. Nothing can take the place of putting in an appearance. Showing your face is what is most wanted and appreciated. People want that eyeball-to-eyeball contact. Showing up on time makes a statement like nothing else. It demonstrates sincerity. Your actions speak louder than words. To be successful, start by showing up.
Page 24 September 2016 Wine aroma and wine bouquet are not exactly scientific terms, but they can be useful to classify the origin of where the wine fragrances originated. Wine aroma is derived from the grape variety and wine bouquet is a result of the winemaking process of fermentation and aging. In professional wine tasting, there is a distinction between the two terms. In casual wine tasting, the two words are used interchangeably.
hand, if your Sauvignon Blanc has the smell of canned green beans, it was probably poorly made. The smell of gasoline does not appeal to me but is said to be present in very high quality German Rieslings and collectors love it. Raw meat aroma may be present in some powerful red wines and is considered desirable. Another smell of fullbodied reds is wet dirt or earth like in a forest floor. That is considered good.
You can create a DIY kit to use when trying to discover a wine’s bouquet? I’m collecting and putting spices in small glasses for my aroma kit that includes anise, oregano, black peppercorn, vanilla, nutmeg, dill, white pepper, black cardamom and dried mushrooms. There are some bad aromas, however, that I won’t collect. For example, when a wine is corked, it doesn’t mean it has cork bits floating in it. It means the wine has been contaminated by chemical compounds from the cork causing it to smell like a wet dog! If you smell a moldy sponge, that’s a good indicator that your glassware isn’t very clean. Burnt rubber is a smell that can occur in young red wines caused by sulfur compounds. The smell of rotten eggs is another sulfur problem. Sometimes the winemaker tries to protect and
There are a couple of ways to use the DIY kit. One is to blend a single aroma kit ingredient into a small portion of wine in a glass. Then smell it to understand how an aroma smells when mixed with the wine. Another is to smell an aroma in its jar and then smell a wine. This overloads your senses with the selected aroma and opens up your ability to smell the wine in a different context. By smelling the aroma from the kit first, you desensitize or block your ability to smell that aroma for a short period of time allowing you to smell other scents not obvious before.
The Wine Spot
Making Sense of Wine Scents
(the good, the bad and the unusual (wine is never ugly) by Dave Slayton
a member of the Master Court of Sommeliers
preserve the primary fruit flavors and aromas by using sulfur dioxide to prevent oxidation but if too much is used, the result is a rotten-egg smell.
One aroma I won’t collect is cat’s pee. This is an aroma many people believe helps to identify a highquality Sauvignon Blanc. On the other
Remember, your choice of wine is yours to make based on your nose and palate. So go ahead and make your day, wine enthusiast. Salute!
Residential and Commercial Art Placement and Interior Design Services Available Let us assist you in completing your home or office decor with local, investment quality artwork We also have several artists available for commissions.
Original art shown by Phil Ramsey, Elizabeth Sauder, Norma Martin, Ivan Pesic and Susan Rosen
View our always changing selection in person Tuesday - Friday 10-6 or Saturday 10-2.
24 Reid Street, Chatham, VA l 434.203.8062
reidstreetgallery.com
Reid Street Gallery
Evince Magazine Page 25
Pittsylvania County
What’s Happening in the Public Libraries
Submitted by Lisa Tuite
• Throw Paint at Cancer! Exhibit; Chatham Library. • September 1 Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics ages 18+ • September 2 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/Cascade. Preschool Pals, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 3-5. • September 6 Needlework, 10am, Brosville/Cascade. Computer One-on-One help, 11noon, Chatham. beginners. DIY/ Upcycle Craft, 5pm, Gretna. Make Fairy Lanterns. $2. 434.656.2579 to register. • September 7 Wednesdays for Wees, 10-10:30am, Brosville/ Cascade, Chatham & Gretna. Stories and crafts for ages 3-5. Mother Goose on the Loose, 10am, Mt. Hermon. Interactive learning for ages 0-3. Computer One-on-One help, 6-7pm, Chatham. • September 8 2nd Thursday Discussion Group, 4-5:45 pm, Chatham. Books & Games Day, 6-7:30pm, Brosville/Cascade. Play board games with Ms. Kim. • September 9 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/ Cascade. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Preschool Pals, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 3-5. • September 10 Quilt Club, 10-
noon, History Research Center & Library. Bring your machine and project. Saturday Morning Cartoons, 10-11am, Mt. Hermon. • September 12 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/Cascade. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Mother Goose on the Loose, 11-11:30am, Chatham. ages 0-3. Video Game Day, 4:30pm, Brosville/Cascade. Mario Kart race on the Wii! • September 13 Celebrate Roald Dahl’s Birthday all day, Chatham and Mt. Hermon. Needlework, 10am, Brosville/Cascade. Computer One-on-One Help, 11-noon, Chatham. Make & Take Craft, 3-4:45 pm, Chatham. Author Talk & Art Reception, 5pm, History
Gunn Memorial Public Library
Submitted by Rhonda Griffin • Teens: Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30 September 1: Teen Advisory Board Meeting September 8: Batman v Superman – popcorn & movie September 15: water relay game September 22: Adulting 101 – Finances with State Employees Credit Union • Children: Beginning after Labor Day, September 5 Story Time - (Ages 0 -5) Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:00 Book Baggers – (Ages 5 – 12) Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:15 • Adults: Computer Classes – Saturdays 10:00 – 12:00
Quiz Night – September 26 – Groups compete to win prizes Book Club – 2nd Monday of each month Color My World -Adult coloring – Mondays & Fridays at 10am beginning September 12 September 19 Writer’s Groups meeting 5:30pm For more information, visit Gunn Memorial Public Library, 161 Main Street East Yanceyville, NC or www.caswellcounty.gov/library or call 336.694.6241.
Halifax County Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens
• Ongoing • Itsy Bitsy PALS, up to age 2, Wednesdays, 12:30-1:30 • PALS, ages 2-7, Wednesdays, 2:30-4:30 • Tweens, ages 8-12, Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 • Art @ the Library, second and fourth Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 • Art for Adults, third Thursday, 10:00-12:00, Bring a magazine. • September 7: Computer Class, Tablets, at 10:30 • September 19: Using the New Evergreen Catalog, 6:30
• September 23: Using the New Evergreen Catalog, 3:30 • Tea & Book Discussion, third Tuesday, 2:30-3:30, At the Edge of the Orchard • Adult Crafts, second Wednesday, 1:00-2:00 • September 29: National Coffee Day, free coffee from 9:30-11:30 For more information, visit Halifax Public Library, 177 South Main Street in Halifax or www.halifaxlibrary.org or call 434.476.3357.
Research Center & Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham. See page xx. 2nd Tuesday Recipe Club, 5:30pm, Gretna. Make and share a Mexican dish and recipe. Call 434.656.2579 to register. • September 14 Wednesdays for Wees, 10-10:30am, Brosville/ Cascade, Chatham, Gretna. Visit with a game warden in Brosville. Mother Goose on the Loose, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 0-3.Computer One-on-One help, 6-7pm, Chatham. • September 15 Make a Hat Day, 6pm, Brosville/Cascade. • September 16 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/Cascade. STEAM Fun, 10am, Brosville/ Cascade. Make and sculpt edible play dough. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Preschool Pals, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 3-5. • September 17 Batman Day, all day, Chatham. • September 19 Talk Like a Pirate Day, all day, Chatham. Check out pirate books and movies. Foam Owl Cardholder, all day, Brosville/ Cascade. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Mother Goose on the Loose, 1111:30 am, Chatham. • September 20 Crochet, 10am, Brosville/Cascade. Learn to crochet a headband with a crisscross center. Bring an H hook and yarn. Computer One-on-One help, 11noon, Chatham. DIY/Upcycle Craft, 5pm, Gretna. Make napkin rings. Free. Call 434.656.2579 to register. • September 21 Wednesdays for Wees, 10-10:30am, Brosville/ Cascade, Chatham & Gretna. Mother Goose on the Loose, 10am, Mt. Hermon. Computer One-on-One help, 6-7pm, Chatham.
• September 22 Book Bingo, 6-7:30pm, Brosville/Cascade. Hooks & Books, 6-7:30pm, Mt. Hermon. Make witch legs for Halloween décor. Should be able to chain, slip stitch, and double crochet. • September 23 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/Cascade. Checkers Day, all day, Brosville/ Cascade. Giant checkers against Ms. Kim. Group Fitness, 10am Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Preschool Pals, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 3-5. Fourth Friday Fandom, 4-5:00 pm, Mt. Hermon. Celebrate your favorite fandoms. kids and teens. • September 26 Banned Books Week: Support Freedom to Read by reading a banned book. Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/Cascade. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Mother Goose on the Loose, 11-11:30am, Chatham. Birth to age 3. • September 27 Needlework, 10am, Brosville/Cascade. Computer One-on-One help, 11-noon, Chatham. Book Bingo, 2pm, Brosville/Cascade. Bingo for Books, 5pm, Gretna. • Our Civil Rights: A National and Local Story film and discussion series, 6:30pm, History Research Center & Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham. • September 28 Wednesdays for Wees, 10-10:30am, Brosville/ Cascade, Chatham & Gretna. ages 3-5. Mother Goose on the Loose, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 0-3. Computer One-on-One help, 6-7pm, Chatham. • September 29 LEGO Play, 3-4:45pm, Chatham. Ages 4+ • September 30 Foam Owl Card Holder, all day, Brosville/ Cascade. Group Fitness, 10am, Gretna. Walking aerobics for adults. Preschool Pals, 10am, Mt. Hermon. ages 3-5. 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; History Research Center and Library, 340 Whitehead Street, Chatham; 434.432.8931; PCP Main Library, 24 Military Drive, Chatham, 434.432.3271; Brosville Library, 11948 Martinsville Highway 434.685.1285 or www.pcplib.org.
South Boston Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens
• Ongoing • Itsy Bitsy PALS, up to age 2, Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 • PALS, ages 2-7, Tuesdays, 2:30-4:30 • Tweens, ages 8-12, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 • Adult Crafts, second Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 • September 1: Computer Class, Tablets, at 6
• September 12: Inspired By Cancer, 5:00-8:00 • September 29: National Coffee Day, free coffee from 11:30-1:30 For more information, visit South Boston Public Library, 509 Broad Street, or www.halifaxlibrary.org, or call 434.575.4228.
Page 26 September 2016
D
o it yourself. If they’ve learned from experience, even strong people quail when they hear that phrase. I’ll never forget the carpet-tile visit to my friend Shelby in Chicago. Steve, our sons, and I had been visiting Shelby, a former art teacher with exquisite taste, for many years. We always set aside a day of service for her because she lived alone and didn’t know how to do home repair. She would list the projects and Steve would tell her what to purchase ahead of time. Then the four of us would give her a day of work. It was a way to teach the boys about service and for us to give back to a friend. One year I shared with Shelby that I’d be coming alone. She said she wanted to put carpet squares in the master bathroom. Shelby thinks big picture. I think details. I’d never carpeted a bathroom before, but she’d discovered that one installs underlayment, cuts it to size, and sticks the carpet tiles to the underlayment. She just needed help with the measuring. It sounded easy. After I settled in at Shelby’s, we looked over the carpet-tile situation and decided we’d start in the morning. The line of the tub
Reflecting Forward Do It Yourself (accent on self) by Linda Lemery
against the floor was curved at both ends, the base of the commode was oval, there was baseboard heat supported by small pipes going into the floor, the bathroom was L-shaped, and the room was not square. I asked Shelby if she had newspapers. “What for?” she asked. “I need to cut a pattern of floor sections and tape it together so I can use it to cut out the underlayment and the carpet tiles.” “Oh.” She was gone a long time because she had to get newspapers from all the neighbors. “I’m also going to need masking tape, duct tape, and good scissors,” I said. She took off again. The next morning, we got started. Shelby didn’t understand why I was working so slowly. “The guy on This Old House only measures twice and cuts once,” she said. I measured a lot more because I’d never done this before, there was no Steve to fall back on and if I made a wrong cut, we had to throw away a carpet tile. The decision to start around the
commode was good because fitting carpet and pattern around oval was the hardest part. Shelby’s carpet tiles were all one color, but they were ribbed, and the artist in her wanted each tile rotated 90 degrees to create a cross-hatched pattern, which required more planning and slower execution. I couldn’t waste any carpet tiles because I was directionally limited in how I could use the scraps. Not only did the cross-hatch have to come out right, but each set of four corners had to meet dead-on in order to avoid vertical and horizontal seamline drift. “They told me at the store this would only take a couple of hours,” said Shelby. It had taken me a mere three hours to do the pattern and fit to the oval base of the commode. “I probably work a little slower than the store does,” I said, biting my tongue. “Can I help?” “Why don’t you fix lunch and I’ll keep working.” I work better alone when I don’t know what I’m doing. Shelby eventually brought
We’re
me lunch. After eating it on the bathroom floor, I excused myself briefly. When I returned, she’d cleaned up. “Where are all my scrap pieces?” I asked. “I threw them out. There was too much clutter.” “I need them for the specialty cuts along the walls.” “Oh.” I got back to work. The sun was lower in the sky when she came back with the scraps and said, “Can I help?” “Sure,” I said, indicating an area that needed whole tiles with no cuts. She plunked down and ripped the back off a tile and slapped it into place. “I should’ve known this would take forever,” she began, but I interrupted her. “Slow down! The corners have to line up!” I could just see a future Shelby sitting on the commode and cursing me for misaligned corners and seamline drifts. “Maybe you could make supper.” “We’re going out!” She continued the rip-and-slap technique. By the time I finished fixing her misalignments and fitting the tricky wall, pipe, and tub cuts, it was pitch black outside, plus all the restaurants had closed. “… It’s perfect,” said Shelby the artist, standing in her bathroom, head swiveling, arms akimbo. “I knew I would screw this up if I tried it alone. I’m not good with this level of detail.” Did I tell you Shelby’s planning to sell her place and move into an apartment next year? She’d better be taking her bathroom floor with her. One of the nice things about do-ityourselfer projects is you learn what you’re good at and what you never, ever want to repeat. I wouldn’t try this again … unless I could help fix lunch and let Steve do the project.
on Danville! Janet Donna • Holley Gibson Owner 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.eraholleyandgibson.com WE’RE SELLING HOUSESSM
About the author: When she’s not embroiled in projects for which she’s completely unprepared, Linda Lemery, llemery@averett.edu works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.
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I
recently watched a 1967 film They Came from Beyond Space. The movie reeked of the 1960s, even from the opening credits’ background that looked like globs of dye floating in water, just ripe for making a 1960s tie-dyed t-shirt. The soundtrack recalled Henry Mancini’s music from the 1960s Pink Panther films. One actor resembled Peter Sellers, but because he only played one role instead of most of them, he wasn’t Sellers. The plot concerned invisible outer space aliens landing in meteorites and taking over people’s minds. The hero was a scientist, whose lady-love had one of those beehivehairdos reminiscent of almost every high-school girl in the 1960s. Her beehive was enormous-- perhaps too much volumizing shampoo, if they had that back then. After alien takeover, the beehive-hairdo lady acted in a very aloof manner toward the scientist with whom she was previously in love. Back in high
school, some of the beehivehairdo girls behaved aloofly towards me, but probably not because their minds were taken over by aliens from outer space (excuse me, beyond space). In one scene, 1960s cars were being driven, except by the hero, who was driving something evocative of the old racing car from the 1968 movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The hero-scientist invented special goggles for the wearer to detect those whose minds had been taken over (these looked like driving goggles from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang). He also invented a metal helmet to protect one’s mind from alien takeover. It resembled an inverted metal salad strainer still hanging in my mother-in-law’s kitchen.
They Came from 1967 by Mack Williams
In the end, everyone got their minds back and no one was killed. As the movie’s ending credits rolled, I felt my mind being released again (rereleased?) from the 1960s and returning to the present.
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Page 30 September 2016
Photo Finish
Jerry Wilson, formerly of the Soulmasters, sang all the old favorites for the crowd. www.cdbaby.com. Search Jerry Langston-Wilson. Kim Demont, Deana Lacks, and Amy Eanes enjoyed a fun night out.
On August 13, Evince photographer Von Wellington had the pleasure of listening to Jerry Wilson and his band play while snapping these photos at the Return to the Coke Plant Dance, a fundraiser for the Danville Cancer Association. DCA Board President Vic Ingram explains why he helped organize this event: “As a young boy I remember riding with my mama when she dropped off my older sisters and brother at the Coke plant dances. Although I was too young to attend, I vividly remember the excitement that filled the air. Last year I used the same concept to help relive those wonderful moments. I named the event Return to the Coke Plant--a mental and not literal journey back in time. This event was designed to present a wonderful evening of fun and to raise money for the Danville Cancer Association. At the beginning of the evening, we focused on the great music of the 1960s with pre-recorded music and videos of the artists of that era. Then, Jerry Wilson, formerly with the Soulmasters, and his band performed. It was such a blessing to see the ones who attended the dances in the 1960s come to be with us this year. Some brought their children and grandchildren so they might learn about the music and good times of that era. And for just a moment they were able to put aside the cares of the world as they returned to the Coke plant and a much simpler time.”
J.W. & Dolly Nunn shared a table with Dianne and Ron McMahon.
Sue Hardie Crump, Vickie Pritchett, and Margaret Logan moved to the music.
Classic cars were parked at the entrance to the party site at Averett University’s North Campus.
Greeters at the door were: Danville Cancer Association Board Member Anita Davis, Executive Director Kim Baldridge (standing); Treasurer Barbara Fowler and volunteer Chris Miller (seated).
All photos by Von Wellington. For more info visit www.vonwellington photography.com or call 434.770.3553. See more pictures on Facebook.
Jack Garrett and Vic Ingram made sure the sound was just right.
Brandy Reagan wanted to hear one more song before the night ended. Linda Hudson agreed.
Evince Magazine Page 31 Many hours went into turning the AU gym into a well-decorated dance floor.
Olivia and Samuel Dickerson enjoyed the nostalgic meal of hot dogs and Coke. Pat Jackson gave the camera her best smile. Cheryl Ashworth seemed amused.
DCA Secretary Karen Stadler and DCA Vice President Charlene Harris made sure everyone had a ticket for dinner.
Venessa and Wayne Toomer listened to the good music from the 1960s.
Rick Tate liked being seen with women wearing poodle skirts— Gaye Tate and Marie Marlowe.
Faye and DCA Board Member, H.F. Haymore, cutup with the cutout.
Trophies were presented to the best dancers and the best dressed in 1960s attire. Ronnie G. Jones looked over the memorabilia from the original Coke’s Teen Hop. Note the picture on the 1959 poster of David Luther “President of the Senior Class GWHS and Danville’s Most Popular Teen D.J.”
The band received loud applause and numerous thanks for a great evening of dancing and listening to the oldies. Chuck Adams (guitar); Barry Parker (keyboards); Reggie Rhodes (vocals); Steve Moore (drums); Jerry Wilson (vocals); Wayne Adams (bass, not visible); Juni Walton (keyboards, not visible).
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September 2016