Evince Magazine May 2015 by Andrew Brooks Media Group

Evince Magazine Page 1

Mimi Grubb

Are you pictured in Photo Finish? Page 38

Losing Herself in Live Theatre Page 3

May 2015

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

Page 2

Editor’s Note

Have you ever thought, “What if I won the lottery, what would I do?” or “What if I ruled the world? How would it be different?” Evince writers had a little fun this month thinking about what if. In this spirit, we offer the following: For yourself: What if your paying job and your passion in life aren’t the same? Read Mimi Grubb: Losing Herself in Live Theatre on page 3. She found a way to balance it all. For your signiﬁcant other: What if he eliminated all those irritating habits? She Said on page 4 is suggesting that. Of course, He Said has a rebuttal. For your good health: What if a Meal Could Be Delicious and Healthy? Try the recipe on page 37 to see if it’s possible. For fun: What if Decorating in Zero Gravity were a choice? Reading page 36 will help you escape reality for a few minutes. What if circuses no longer had performing elephants? The Elephant in the Room on page 9 is Kim Clifton’s funny reaction to that scenario. What if you want to go on an overnight get-away and can’t decide where to go? Admission Is Free on page 6 is a good place to start. For the world: What if Changing Dinner Could Change the World? Read page 13 to learn more about that theory. For enlightenment: What if you like to read but don’t have a book handy? Read Telisha Moore Leigg’s Takeaway on page 10 or the book suggested by Diane Adkins on page 32, Save My Place. It’s the perfect book for Memorial Day weekend.

May Contents

Editor’s Note

Mimi Grubb / Losing Herself in Live Theatre by Joyce Wilburn

She Said He Said / What if? by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham

The Voice of Readers

Admission Is Free by Joyce Wilburn

Who Loves You More Than Your Mother? by Carollyn Peerman

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service by Jeanne Pearson

THE

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks 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

Second Thoughts / The Elephant in the Room by Kim Clifton

Contributing Writers

Diane Adkins, Brenda Brokaw, Cara Burton, Russell Carter, Kim Clifton, Cathy Cole, Patsi Compton, Lee Fowlkes, Mary Franklin, Adam Goebel, Karen Harris, Dena Hill, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Frannie McBride, Marie Mitchell, Ciji Moore, Larry Oldham, Jeanne Pearson, Carollyn Peerman, Joanie Schwarz, Dianne Whittle, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams, Mack Williams

10 Takeaway / Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg 11 Where Can I Find an Evince? 12 You Just Got Rev’ed... Again by Ciji Moore 13 Ellen Gustafson / Can Changing Dinner Change the World? by Frannie McBride 15 Spirit Awards 28 Calendar Clips

Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com

30 Calendar

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

32 Book Clubbing / Save My Place a review by Diane Adkins

evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly: reveal syn see SHOW

34 Dash, Dash, Dot, Dash by Mack Williams 36 Reﬂecting Forward / Decorating in Zero Gravity by Linda Lemery 37 Around the Table What if a Meal Could Be Delicious & Healthy? by Annelle Williams 38 Photo Finish

Photo of Mimi Grubb by Michelle Dalton Photography

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

VISITING THE FUTURE THROUGH WORDS See page 14

See page 14

Meet Some of Our Contributors

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

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When you ﬁnish reading Evince, create your own top ten What if? list. Hope you have fun!

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© 2015 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any medium without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Cathy Cole is Secretary for Parsons-Bruce Art Association Board of Directors and serves on the publicity committee.

Frannie McBride is a Telisha Moore Leigg freshman at Chatham is a wife, a mother of twin boys, and teacher Hall. of magazine journalism, English, and Japanese. She is anthologized in Long Story Short: Flash Fiction by 65 of North Carolina’s Finest Writers and is working on a collection of interconnected short stories, The Fire for Lucky Horseshoes.

Mary Franklin works for the Virginia House of Delegates as Chief of Staff for Delegate Danny Marshall. She volunteers for the Danville Symphony Orchestra and Danville Art League. One of her greatest delights is playing with her young grandchildren, Alexandra and Hudson.

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Evince Magazine Page 3 Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. After daughter Suzannah was born in 1989 and daughter Rebecca arrived in 1995, Mimi decided to work from home. Although her career path had changed and the family had grown, being involved in live theatre was a constant. “I volunteered for church productions, primarily at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church,” she says. In 2009, a chance encounter brought together Mimi and the manager of the North Theatre, Alice Saunders, who invited Mimi to start the youth theatre. Four years later, Wayne Alan purchased the historic building and asked her to develop the North Star Theatre Project, giving area youth an opportunity to learn about theatre and perform.

Mimi Grubb prepares for The Lion King, Jr. at the North Theatre. Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.

Mimi Grubb

Losing Herself in Live Theatre by Joyce Wilburn

hree days before the ﬁnal presentation of Godspell, Mimi Grubb, Founder and Director of the North Star Theatre Project, catches her breath between phone calls and excitedly talks about Lion King Jr., an upcoming summer camp experience and production. “Only a few community youth theatres were selected by Disney to do this. The North Star Theatre Project was chosen because we competed in the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta last January,” she explains, holding up a 3-inch thick, 3-ring binder of information that Disney sent to her with DVDs, scripts, production notes and plans for 18 workshop sessions. The staggering amount of work that it represents doesn’t faze her at all. She loves it. Since January 2013, the California native who grew up in North Carolina has directed local youth in ﬁve major productions earning rave reviews from the sizeable crowds in attendance at The Historic North Theatre. ”Over 1,400 people saw Beauty and the Beast during its

two-week run,” she says, referring to the February 2014 production. Mimi and live theatre have enjoyed a long, solid relationship going back to her college days at Appalachian State. The 1978 graduate in theatre management and communications continues her story: “A pivotal part of my school experience was working with the Appalachian Young People’s Theatre in Boone, North Carolina. We travelled into the mountains and took theatre to elementary and junior high schools. I acted in the plays and was the troupe manager for a crew of eight.” Reﬂecting back on the experience, Mimi continues, “It was absolutely intoxicating watching the faces of children as they saw something they had never seen before. We took them away from where they were and put them into a magical place.” After graduation, Mimi found a job in Lexington, Kentucky, as an actress and salesperson for Diners Playhouse. “We built plays for sister theatres in Florida,

Maryland, and Kentucky,” she elaborates. Wanting to learn more about marketing and advertising, Mimi moved to Danville on the encouragement of her former college roommate who worked at WAKG. Mimi became part of the WAKG sales team for 18 months during the radio station’s transition from beautiful music to country, but kept the acting bug alive in her spare time. “Chatham had a very active community theatre and they hired me to direct a few plays,” she says and smiles at the memory. Her future husband, Jerry, was in the first play. “I directed him,” she laughs and adds after a pause, “to the altar in 1981!” Settling in Chatham, Mimi and Jerry opened Real Estate Consultants of Virginia, Inc., an appraising business, in 1987. Always searching for a new challenge, Mimi became a financial planner for IDS (later Ameriprise), becoming the first female New York Stock Exchange licensed stockbroker in Danville and Pittsylvania County. At about the same time, she became the first female member of the

“I love sharing my passion for theatre with young people— seeing the spark in their eyes when they experience it. When we are working on a play, nothing exists outside this world,” she says while glancing around the lobby and the 500-seat theater. “I’m passionate about teaching the art and skills of theatre. When I direct and work with these young people, I lose myself,” she adds, her blue eyes sparkling with sincerity. Fortunately, every time Mimi Grubb loses herself, aspiring actors and actresses ﬁnd a talented mentor and director. (Cue loud applause.) • Disney Presents The Lion King, Jr. Experience introduces theatre to young people ages 8 to18. There are 18 workshops divided by age group that cover everything from the fundamentals of musical theatre to presenting a play. A staff of ten will assist Mimi working with the 40 camp attendees. Cost is $300 for the 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. twoweek camp followed by evening play rehearsals and weekend performances. • Performance dates for Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. are: June 19, 20, 21 and June 26, 27, 28. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and children. • For more information, contact Mimi Johnson Grubb at mjgrubb@comcast.net or call 434.203.2870. Also, visit www.northstartheatreproject. com. For more information about The Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main Street, visit www.TheNorthTheatre.com or call 434.793.7469.

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May 2015

SHE SAID

HE SAID

by Dena Hill

by Larry Oldham

What if?

The What if game is not something that I have ever liked to play. I would hate to think that I would have never ever had you in my life. What if I didn’t have you? Who would tell the world about my faults? It surely would not be me and what if I had not married you? I would have someone else in my life telling me to hang up my clothes, empty the garbage, what to buy and what not to buy. Hopefully, I would have been astute enough to ﬁnd out where you moved and l could have located you in Burlington and either moved there myself or found you, hit you over the head, and dragged you back to my Man Cave in Danville.

The editor said the theme of the magazine this month was What if? This started me thinking, which of course, means for you.... danger. I wondered about all of the what ifs in my life, your life, our families lives, and so on.

What if I went a whole year without mentioning some of your faults in this column? What if you actually hung your clothes up when you took them off? What if you learned how to empty the garbage instead of jumping on the can with both feet to mash it down? What if you drank the soft drinks you’ve collected instead of buying more just because It’s for certain they’re on that my life sale? What if would be Photo by I could clean Michelle Dalton Photography. different the house without you, without just as it was listening to before we got together. Instead you complaining about the noise of concentrating on the what if that the vacuum cleaner makes? question, how about instead we What if you ate leftovers once a concentrate on Thank God I met week? you. This is a more positive aspect of our life and because of it, we On the other hand, what ifs when both found true love, compassion, pertaining to me might include: understanding, and soul mates-- a What if I hadn’t invited you to term people like to throw around attend a wedding with me in North when they ﬁnally end up with their Carolina? What if I had moved to ideal partner. Burlington, North Carolina, like I had planned instead of moving to Just so you know, I really like to Danville? What if my parents hadn’t hang up my clothes and empty the moved to Greensboro when I was garbage, and I hate buying drinks in middle school and we had never when they are on sale, but if I didn’t met? So I guess that looking at do these things what would you the what if concept brings up a lot complain about? I do all of these of unanswered questions for us. It things for you because I love you does make us think about the past, and want you to be happy. What the present, and the future. What if if I became the perfect husband I had gone on forever without you in and did everything just the way my life? you wanted? What a boring life we would share, plus we would have nothing to write about each month. No, that would not work. I am sure He Said / She Said no one would ever buy into that can be found in Showcase Magazine. reasoning. But, WHAT IF?

She said He Said

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Evince Magazine Page 5

The Voice of Readers To the Editor: Thank you so very much for the wonderful article in your February edition (Sarita Gusler & River District Artisans: Bringing Talented People Together page 3). It was such an honor to be featured in your magazine! The article was very informative and complimentary and it has brought many people into our place of business. We’ve had nothing but positive comments from everyone who read the article and our independent artists and artisans were most pleased to be recognized as well. As a new business in Danville, your article has greatly helped to spread the word about what we do and

how we operate. Again, many thanks from all us at The Arc of Southside for the wonderful article, your kindness and professionalism. Sincerely, Sarita G. Gusler, Manager River District Artisans 411 Main Street, Danville, Virginia Thanks for the note. It’s always good to hear positive results.

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

Tell us what you think.

Email your comments to joycewilburn@gmail.com or send mail to Evince Editor, 753 Main Sreet, Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541. If you missed any of the stories mentioned above, they are still available at www.evincemagazine.com.

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May 2015

isit as often as you like without worrying about admission fees. I visually scanned the brochure that came with my Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History membership card, looking for the fine print that would explain all the hidden charges. When I became a member of the DMFAH, it seems I also joined 700 other arts, cultural, and historical institutions and now there was no charge to visit any of them! Always skeptical that nothing is really free, I decided to put my membership to the test by visiting the 16 Virginia museums listed in the North American Reciprocal Museum Program (NARM) brochure. First stop: Lexington, Virginia, and the George C. Marshall Museum on the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) campus. I showed my special NARM card to the greeter at the desk and she said, “Oh, I’ve never done this before. Let me see...” That didn’t sound encouraging and I waited to be rejected. Less than a minute later she announced with a smile, “OK, you’re all set. Enjoy your visit.” George C. Marshall What a treat was in Museum on the VMI campus. store. The first thing I saw was an Oscar—the 24-carat gold statuette given by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1970 and accepted by VMI graduate, Frank McCarthy, the producer of Patton. The movie won seven Oscars and told the story of a former VMI student, General George Patton, during WWII. I questioned the connection between McCarthy and the Museum and was told that during WWII, General Frank McCarthy was secretary to George C. Marshall, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and the Museum’s namesake. After retiring from the army, McCarthy became a Hollywood producer. Walking into the next room, I saw a Nobel Peace Prize medallion encased in glass. It had been given to George C. Marshall in 1953 for overseeing the implementation of the Marshall Plan, a policy that helped Western Europe recover from WW II. After listening to a talking map designed by the National Geographic Society that recounts the course of WWII as Marshall might have explained it and watching a short film, I took a self-guided tour of the three main areas of the building. It is

All the points of interest in Lexington are within walking distance of downtown and VMI (pictured in the background).

Admission Is Free by Joyce Wilburn

chocked full of pictures, artifacts and information about Marshall—a VMI graduate, military leader, WWII ﬁgure, Secretary of State (1947-49), and Secretary of Defense (1950-51).

visited Lee Chapel where General Robert E. Lee is buried. That was enough history for one day, so I let the sidewalk lead me a few blocks to the historic downtown, where I found several quaint locally-owned boutiques and small, friendly restaurants that served healthy, homemade food.

After leaving the Marshall Museum, I toured the VMI Museum and then walked to the adjoining campus of Washington & Lee University and

After a little shopping and a delicious lunch, it was time to return home. This two-hour road trip from Danville was a success

and just like the brochure promised--admission was free. I’m already packing my bags to visit the next museum on my list. I hope to see you there. • To learn more about joining the DMFAH at the sponsor level and receiving membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum program, visit www.danvillemuseum.org or www.narmassociation.org, call 434.793.5644, or go to 975 Main Street in Danville.

When you visit Lexington... you’ll ﬁnd exceptional customer service everywhere. Here are the names of a few people who made my visit pleasant. Take them a copy of Evince on your visit. Martha at the Visitors Center, 106 East Washington Street: After answering her question of where I was from and before I could ask a question about Lexington, she said, “Oh, I have a question for you! Is the Tank Museum in Danville still open? I want to see and stand beside a Sherman tank, but heard the Museum was closed.” I assured her it was open. Ask if she’s made the trip to Danville. Tina at The Georges Boutique Inn, 11 North Main Street:

If you leave something behind after checking out, she’ll call you and have it in a bag at the front desk when you return. She’ll also recommend a great place to eat lunch. Tell her I enjoyed the chicken salad at Sweet Treats. Chef Higgins Stewart at The Georges: She has a passion for making delicious food from scratch for breakfast. Order the toasted homemade bread with homemade raspberry jam to accompany your meal. Ask her to explain how she makes the yogurt that is served. Shane at Sweet Treats Bakery – Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant, 19 West Washington Street: Expect a friendly welcome and wonderful food here. Owner Shane

(or maybe it was a co-worker) promised to visit Danville on a Wednesday, his day off. Ask if he has. ernestine (small “e” is correct) at the Victorian Parlour, 23 South Main Street: Ask if she has seen Downton Abbey yet. She promised to watch it instead of going dancing. Sip on the special apple cider that she serves customers while they browse. It’s delicious. When you are ready to leave, she’ll send you to her husband’s store, Shenandoah Attic, 17 South Main Street, a few doors away where you’ll be offered another cup of cider.

Evince Magazine Page 7

Who Loves You More Than Your Mother? by Carollyn Lee Peerman

ay 10th is Mother’s Day. If you are lucky enough to still have your mother with you, give her a big hug and kiss. Remember that she won’t live forever and when she is gone you will more fully appreciate all that she meant to you. Who on earth loves you more than your mother? Who on earth is more loyal to you than your mother? Who understands you better? Who is always on your side cheering you on whether you fail or succeed? Your mother cares when nobody else does. That is what you will miss the most when she is gone. In giving birth to you, your mother put her own life on the line. She suffered to give you life. Maybe that is why the tie between mother and child is so strong; maybe that is why her devotion to your well-being never fades as years go by. My paternal grandmother died in childbirth. When I look at her photograph, I see my face reﬂected in hers. She is someone I have always wanted to meet but never had the opportunity. Even when you are an adult, your mother won’t hesitate to correct you. Who else is honest enough to tell you that the outﬁt you are wearing is totally wrong for you?

Who else will offer advice even when you didn’t ask for it? Who else will stand behind you even when you know you might be wrong? The material things of earth will dim and lose their value. It is your relationship with your mother that is priceless. When she passes on, it will be her memory that will sustain you. After all, she is the one who gave you the courage to go on when everything around you looked hopeless. She is the one who sees you through a difﬁcult pregnancy; she is the ﬁrst one you call when your newborn arrives. Could it be that a mother’s love is closest to God’s love? Mother’s love is much like God’s love in that it is unconditional and eternal. My mother was willing to give me her last dollar if she thought it would help me. She was the one who rejoiced when I wore a new dress that was particularly attractive. My happiness was her happiness. Whatever hurt me hurt her. Other people in life will come and go, but no one will ever be able to replace her love for me. Wherever I go, whatever I do, the thought of her is with me; she asked for nothing except to continue to love and comfort me.

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May 2015

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

I just wanted you to know that the employees at Office Plus Business Centre, 840 Memorial Drive, are the best! A few days before Christmas, I walked into the store using two canes. Rhonda Ray invited me to sit while she ran all over the store helping me finish my Christmas shopping. I go to Dominion Eye Center next door once a month and stop in Office Plus then. Rhonda always is so helpful. On occasion, I’ve called in my order and she’s brought it to my car! Such exceptional customer service deserves recognition. Rhonda Ray truly goes above and beyond. I am very grateful to her and I’m devoted to Office Plus.

Evince Magazine Page 9

The Elephant in the Room Ringling Brothers has told the elephants to pack their trunks. Because Evince has the theme of What if this month, I wondered what if I went to a circus that no longer had elephants...assuming you could get me to go in the ﬁrst place, that is. I’m not a big fan of circuses. They make me too nervous. I can’t enjoy what’s under the big top for worrying about what’s over it. The last time I went to a show, the mother of all thunderstorms hit. This was decades before The Weather Channel had been conceived, so no one saw it coming. When we realized that the swaying tent poles weren’t part of the act, we disappeared quicker than an abandoned Twinkie at a Weight Watchers meeting.

I especially disliked it when manufacturers started packaging songs with toys. Not only did I stress about a weasel being chased ‘round and ‘round the mulberry bush, I dreaded the point when the music stopped and that blasted clown head popped out of the box.

Even if the weather outside hadn’t been frightful, I still wouldn’t have had any fun. I wasn’t like other kids, so it wasn’t only circuses that unsettled me. I didn’t care for nursery rhymes either since they always had an element of danger in them. There were so many instructions telling Jack how to safely jump over a candlestick when all he needed to do was blow it out. Going outside worried me when I heard about Humpty Dumpty falling to pieces and Little Miss Muffet’s surprise encounter with a member of the arachnid family.

None of that matters, really. This time it’s all about the elephants, although I’m not certain I understand it completely. Besides, I wonder if we also need to clip the wings of the Flying Wallendas, the group that teaches its offspring to be daredevils. What they get away with is both disturbing and unfair. Someone needs to explain why it’s permissible for them to walk a tightrope without a net, but I’ll get a ticket if I drive without a seat belt. These high wire acts frighten me more than elephants. I can’t bear to watch them like the other spectators around me do. They sit back mesmerized

Which brings me back to what else I dislike about circuses...the clowns. They’re supposed to be funny but they aren’t. They look more sad than happy. Maybe their necks itch from those rufﬂed collars. Maybe their huge shoes rub blisters. Or maybe they’re frustrated that while they earn diddly-squat riding tiny cars, Ronald is ﬂipping burgers for billions under the golden arches.

with popcorn clutched while I’m on the edge of my seat with my fists clenched. I’m so unnerved that my knuckles are as white as they are when I fly. This isn’t fun. This is work. I’m the only one who can keep these people from falling from the sky and the only one who can get an airplane into it. Since I don’t go to the circus, I honestly don’t have a dog in this fight, but I am sympathetic to preserving the safety and dignity of the elephants. I imagine it’s humiliating to be paraded around when you’re the biggest thing in the room and have hideous front teeth that are orthodontically-challenged. Besides, it also doesn’t help that the most famous of all these performers was disrespectfully named Dumbo. By 2018, the what if becomes what is for circuses without elephants. By then, they’re all supposed to be retired in Orlando. That’s actually a good fit considering the move from California really escalated the career of a mouse named Mickey. And we all certainly know that Shamu had a whale of a time at Sea World. Soon the circus will pack up its pachyderms. No more three rings for them. No more riding the rails. And mostly, no more working for peanuts.

Page 10

May 2015 propped up on an extra pillow, looking wan and wilted. She never really told me the sad stories. Now I think she will. Now I think I will hear about ﬁre, and death, and how much growing up hurts—like broke bones set right and mending. Only hope tells me, like an old woman rambling in her purse, that she got a happy ending for me, somewhere in there.

Takeaway ﬁction by Telisha Moore Leigg

ama says, “I never been nowhere I had to stay at but with you, baby.” She says this to me stroking my hair, smoothing its deep set waves. I want to dye it red, but she won’t let me. And I pretend at 14, that she has the strength or ability to stop me. I could do it, but I won’t because she said no, and it feels good and safe in her boundaries. Today, it’s Saturday about 3 p.m. and quiet; it’s raining gently against the windowpane. We are almost alone. Mean Keisha is asleep and snoring in the room across the hall while Kwon snuggles in sucking his thumb. Some of the women have gone out together for a walk, to a movie, anywhere outside the shelter, trying to see what hope and pleasure there is to ﬁnd in this world without money, or security, or a home of their own. They’ll be back soon. But for now, Mama and I are almost alone, and Mama is

resting on the twin bed with me beside her, and she grabs my fingers in hers and we wrestle thumbs like we used to do when I was little, and she doesn’t win as much as hold my hand and I allow it. I could tell her Raleigh Mills, almost 40, says he likes me and that he could give me nice things, that I’m fine. I could tell Mama and she would scold me and tell me, “You worth what you let others pay.” But I don’t because she would worry and that would make us both weary. Instead, Mama says, “Fallon, look at me; we need to talk about who will take care of you if I go.” Mama looks at me straight, her fingers suddenly roughly gripping mine. Her lips are chapped and peeled and there seems fever in her eyes and on her tongue. Cancer. I snuggle with her on the edge of her bed not to jostle her after this latest round of chemo. And I know Mama’s getting sicker, and sometimes I cry, but not in front of her. And on the twin bed, there is no real room; I cannot turn away and cannot get any

closer. I tremble. I cannot escape. “Okay, baby, okay....” Mama says, as I calm. “When I was little,” she began...” And I know she will tell me the story about the British man at the American convenience store selling Chinese lo mein, how he said, “You want some takeaway, then?” How takeaway meant takeout here for us. And how she thought he was cute and it was his accent that had her practicing “speaking British” and watching the sometimes naughty reruns of Are You Being Served on PBS television late at night in her parents’ small apartment upstate. Maybe she will tell me the story about the time she climbed a tree in a park on a bet when she was ten and hit the ground so hard she tasted dirt for a week, and her father held her every night until her scrapes healed. All Mama’s stories have happy endings. And it has been implied that I could have a happy ending if I just willed and wanted it enough. But now Mama is

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Evince Magazine Page 11

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Mimi Grubb

Losing Herse lf in Live The atre ��

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

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

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

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May 2015

You Just Got Rev’ed.... Again! by Ciji Moore Education & Outreach Coordinator, Get Fit Dan River Region Yes! We are Rev’ing Your Bev the entire month of May. If you’ve been hiding under a rock and don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, let me break it down for you. Rev Your Bev means drink more water. Drinking water is as important to your health as good nutrition and physical activity. Here are a few reasons why:

Hydration during exercise helps increase your performance. Do you ﬁnd yourself becoming too tired or sluggish during your workout? Me too. But I take a swig of water, rest for 45-60 seconds and ﬁnish my workout strong.

Water consumption throughout the day helps aid weight loss (paired with eating healthy and an active lifestyle). Drinking water makes you ﬁll fuller reducing overeating and excess calories.

Join us as we Rev the Region on Wednesday, May 13. With the help of friends at the Danville Fire Department, we will be out and about giving away water. If you would like us to come to your organization/company, post on Get Fit Dan River Region Facebook wall, I Want to Get Rev’ed and we’ll come visit you with some ice-cold bottled water.

Water helps our bodies stay hydrated. Before, during, and after exercise, drink water. Fluids are lost when we sweat, so it’s important to replenish the body with the good stuff, H2O.

Last but not least... it’s good for you!

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Ellen Gustafson

Photos by Maisie Deely

Can Changing Dinner Change the World?

group of fresh-faced Chatham Hall ninth graders sit eagerly in front of an energetic, yet calm-looking young woman. She eyes the students proudly, and exclaims, “You guys just ﬁgured out in 30 minutes what it took me over a year to ﬁgure out!” Ellen Gustafson, Chatham Hall’s latest Freshman Leader in Residence, makes that comment during an informal conversation with the students about food. Earlier in the week, Gustafson’s school-wide presentation focused on food, her relationship with food, the world’s perception of food and food’s correlation with violence around the world. She discovered the relationship between food and violence while working for ABC News researching and reporting on terrorism. During her investigation, she found that the United Nation’s Violence Map was almost identical to the UN’s World Hunger Map. She decided if hunger and violence

Frances C. McBride were related, then stopping the hunger would stop the violence. This belief drives her as a sustainable food system activist, author, innovator, and social entrepreneur. During her ﬁve-day stay, Gustafson charmed the entirety

of Chatham Hall with her lively and easygoing spirit. Reﬂecting on that, Maisie Deely, Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy, says, “Ellen Gustafson is a force of nature. During her time on campus she not only educated our school community, she energized it.” While at the all-girls

college-prep school, Gustafson assisted the ninth graders in forming a sustainable action plan – one that will beneﬁt the Pittsylvania County community and Chatham Hall. • Ellen Gustafson is the author of We the Eaters: If We Change Dinner, We Can Change the World. She is the Co-Founder of Food Tank: the Food Think Tank, with Danielle Nierenberg. She is also founder of a small sustainable home goods company called the Apron Project. Before the launch of Food Tank, Ellen founded the 30 Project, a campaign that has helped to change the conversation about the global food system by connecting hunger and obesity. She is also the creator of the Change Dinner campaign and HealthClass 2.0, which are helping individuals change the food system at dinner tables and in schools. • For more information, visit www.ellengustafson.com and www.chathamhall.org.

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434-797-1954 www.piedmontcu.org

Have you heard? We were recognized for Exceptional Customer Service! Thank you to everyone who voted! For those who are not yet account holders we encourage you to experience our service for yourselves! Mention this ad when you open your Piedmont Credit Union account, and we will add an extra $10.00 into your new account.

Dates to Remember: May 1 - Vacation Loans Begin May 2 - Shred Day at the Franklin Turnpike Branch May 9 - Birthday Bash at the 58 West Branch For more information go to www.piedmontcu.org

NMLS #402961

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May 2015

Thank you for voting

American National � Spirit of Customer Service – Winner! � Community Spirit – Winner! � Community Involvement – Nominee Congratulations to our fellow award recipients and nominees.

amnb.com

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

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WINNERS Exceptional Customer Service

Exceptional Products

Exceptional Community Involvement

American National Bank Beacon Credit Union Jarrod Brown, DDS DWS Danville Toyota Golden Leaf Bistro Mount Hermon Animal Clinic Rippe’s Sam’s Club URW Community Federal Credit Union Woodson Marathon

A-1 Economy Glass Buffalo Wild Wings Checkered Pig EA Vapes Leggett Town and Country O’Kelly’s Oakes Auto Parts Ofﬁce Plus Shhh...Intimacy on a New Level Two Witches Brewery

American National Bank Averett Danville Regional Medical Center Hot Asana Yoga Studio Ofﬁce Plus PATHS Sam’s Club Stratford House Venture Church Wilkins & Co. Realtors

Exceptional Community Spirit

Exceptional Service

BB&T Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Danville Science Center Danville Toyota Epiphany Episcopal School First State Bank Karen’s Hallmark The Tabernacle URW Community Federal Credit Union Wilkins & Co. Realtors

Abercrombie Oil Computer Bookkeeping and Tax Service Danville Orthopedic and Rehab Docusystems Goldstar Mortgage Grifﬁth Vacuum Superstore Mount Hermon Animal Clinic Planet Fitness Piedmont Credit Union Zinc Total Salon

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What’s Happening in the Pittsylvania County Public Libraries Reading/Learning Programs :

• Preschool Early Literacy Programs: Mother Goose on the Loose: Monday, May 11, 10:00 a.m., Brosville. Books, music, poems, nursery rhymes, and rhythm instruments. Open to children ages birth to 3 with their parents or caregivers. • Wednesdays for Wees: Wednesday morning, May 6, 10:00 a.m., Brosville. For ages 0-5. Presented in partnership with Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania County.

School-Aged Children - Tweens and Teens:

• PJ Story Time: Monday, May 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Gretna. Wear your jammies and bring your favorite stuffed animal— we provide the bedtime stories. • Spoken Word Poetry Workshop: Thursdays, May 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Gretna. Led by Josephus Thompson III of Greensboro, director of The Poetry Project and host of 90.1 FM’s The Poetry Café. Learn how words change lives, build character, and shape your future. Learn to create and perform your own work as you put your life on the page and take your words from “the page to the stage.” Offered in partnership with the Center for Community Engagement at Averett University. Open to ages 12-18. • Homeschoolers: Friday, May 1, 1:00 p.m., Brosville. Join the fun with Mr. Pilato as we delve into outer space. • Homeschool Connection: Tuesday, May 5, 11:00 a.m., Gretna. Crafts and activities, special presentations, and networking for parents. Register. 434.656.2579 . • Writers Group: Thursday, May 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Chatham. Open to teens and adults.

Book Discussions for Adults:

• Teen Book Club: Thursday, May 7, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Chatham. • Book Talk: Friday, May 8, noon, Brosville. Read a book in a series. Bring something for a picnic. Open to adults.

STEM Programs for Students:

• STEM Saturday: May 2, 11:00-1:00 p.m., Chatham. Take on our LEGO engineering challenge. Who can build the longest, strongest bridge? Who can construct the tallest tower? Who can make a comic book character out of LEGOs? Open to ages 8-14.

Job Search Tips:

Wednesdays, noon until 2:00 p.m., Brosville. Resumé, email, job search, basic Internet. Registration required. Register.

Food, Nutrition, Fitness, Health:

• Group Fitness: Mondays and Thursdays (except for May 25), at 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Gretna. Second Tuesday Recipe Club: Tuesday, May 12, 5:00 p.m., Gretna. Call to register, 656-2579. • Aromatherapy: Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m., Brosville. Learn about essential oils.

Computer Classes:

• One-on-One Tutorials with Luther: Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 21, and 27, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Chatham. Low stress, lots of friendly help. • Internet and Job Skills Help: Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 12:00 noon-2:00 p.m., Brosville. Resume, email, job search, and basic Internet help. Space is limited, sign up at the front desk. • Digital Downloads Demystiﬁed: Wednesday, May 6, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Brosville. Learn about ebooks, magazines, and audio, how to download them, and how to get them for free from the library.

Art & Craft:

• Knitting & Amigurumi Crochet Groups: Mondays, May 4 and 18, 6:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. All skill levels are welcome • Re-Use It Tuesday Craft Night: Tuesday, May 5, 5:00 p.m., Gretna. Lavender or Rose Sugar Scrub. Supplies needed: a glass container about the size of a large baby food jar; one cup of sugar. Registration is required.

• Needlework: Tuesdays, May 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:00 a.m., Brosville. Knitting, embroidery, crochet. • Make and Take Craft: Thursday, May 7, 3:00-4:45 p.m. Chatham. Make a special treasure box for Mother’s Day • Drop-in Craft: Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8, all day, Mt. Hermon. Mother’s Day craft. • Abi’s Finger Knitting: Friday, May 14, 4:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. Learn to ﬁnger knit for our Share a Skill series. Each month we invite our patrons to share a hobby or other skill with their neighbors here at the library. If you are interested in holding a class or have an idea for a skill, call 434.835.0326. • Second Saturday Quilt Club: Saturday, May 16 (changed to third Saturday this month only), 10:00 a.m. until noon, History Research Center and Library, Chatham. • Art and Drawing Club: Tuesday, May 19, 4:00 p.m., Gretna. All skill levels. Bring your own artwork in progress or use one of our step-by-step worksheets for inspiration.

Game Programs & Activities:

• Bingo: Thursday, May 7, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. Fun for kids of all ages. • Learning with LEGOs: Saturday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Mt. Hermon. • LEGO Play Day: Thursday, May 14, 4:00-4:45 p.m., Chatham. • Book Bingo: Tuesday, May 26, 5:00 p.m., Gretna. Family fun and prizes. 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 visit www.pcplib.org..

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Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 30.

Friday, May 1 – Wednesday, May 27

Caswell Arts Council Student Art Show

Open to Caswell students in Grades K-12 working in both two and three dimensions, this 36th annual event recognizes and rewards the work of student artists from throughout the county, with professional judging, certiﬁcates, ribbons, cash awards, and exhibit in the LobbyGallery of the Caswell County Civic Center. The CCCC, 536 Main Street East in Yanceyville, North Carolina, is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 336.694.4591, email ccarts@caswell.k12.nc.us, or visit www.ccfta.org. (submitted by Lee Fowlkes)

Friday, May 1 – Thursday, December 31 Wildest Weather in the Solar System

Witness the most powerful, mysterious and beautiful weather phenomena in our solar system. Take a wild ride through the thick atmosphere of Venus into the magnetic storms on the Sun and anticyclones whirling on Jupiter. Brace yourself for 1,000 mph winds, methane rain, a 400-year-old hurricane and planet-wide dust storms – you’ll be glad you live on Earth. Be sure to check out this amazing adventure, now showing daily at 1:00 p.m. at the Digital Dome in the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. Also, the Butterﬂy Station and Garden is open and free to the public during normal business hours. Visit www.dsc.smv.org for more information. (submitted by Adam Goebel)

Tuesday, May 5

Eat Out to Help Out

This fun event will be held all day. Local restaurants donate 10% of their total proceeds for one day to God’s Storehouse. As the need for help with food increases among many of our neighbors, this is an opportunity for the rest of the community to help the less fortunate by eating at the participating restaurants. Look for the logo depicted here on signs at participating restaurants. For more information, visit www.godsstorehouse.org or call 434.493.3663. (submitted by Karen Harris)

Saturday, May 9 Food Drive

The National Association of Letter Carriers, Rural Letter Carriers and the U.S. Post Office are sponsoring this annual food drive. Leave nonperishable food items (no glass please) at your mailbox before your carrier arrives. Volunteers or postal workers will collect them. Donations can be dropped off at God’s Storehouse, 750 Memorial Drive. Food collected in and around Danville benefits God’s Storehouse and food collected in Chatham and points north benefits the Northern Pittsylvania County Food Pantry. This food helps to stock the shelves for the summer months when donations are typically low. (submitted by Karen Harris)

Thursday, May 14

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Starting at 7:30 a.m., the ﬁrst 500 customers will receive a free tomato plant. The market has been a long-standing tradition downtown and is the home to an array of fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, coffee, crafts, meats, honey, herbs and more. Throughout the season, the Chef at the Market series will highlight some of the local produce with delicious recipes prepared on site with local ingredients. The Market is open every Saturday through October from 7:30 a.m. to noon and Wednesdays in July and August from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 434.797.8961 or email porziks@danville.va.gov. SNAP/ EBT cards are accepted. (submitted by Russell Carter)

The world premiere production of this delightfully funny retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson favorite will be presented at 10:00 a.m. at the Caswell County Civic Center in Yanceyville, North Carolina. The hour-long production from Charlotte Children’s Theatre is recommended for Grades K-5 and the young at heart of all ages. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults. The CCCC is located at 536 Main Street East in Yanceyville, North Carolina. For tickets or more information, call 336. 694.4591, email ccarts@caswell.k12.nc.us or visit www.ccfta.org. (submitted by Lee Fowlkes)

Sunday, May 3

Friday, May 15 Paws & Claws Gala

Saturday, May 2 Opening Day for Danville Farmers’ Market

Opening Reception – Diana Thorpe Exhibit

Parsons-Bruce Art Association of South Boston is sponsoring this reception from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and the two-month exhibit in the R. F. Cage Gallery at the Prizery, 700 Bruce Street in South Boston. Drawing and painting have been lifelong interests for Diana Thorpe who began painting at the age of 14. “I cannot remember a time I did not draw the things I see around me,” she says. Thorpe took numerous courses in college and studied with professional artists. Her paintings of acrylic, watercolor and oil engage viewers to see things around them that they may not otherwise notice. “My goal is to engage viewers so they hear the birdsong and distant thunder, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun, and see the clouds moving. I try to capture a moment in time to be experienced whenever the painting is viewed,” she explains. Thorpe’s art is available for viewing and purchasing during the Prizery’s regular operating hours. For more information, visit www.prizery.com or call 434.572.8339. (submitted by Cathy Cole)

This Night for the Animals celebrates the Danville Area Humane Society’s 40 years of service to lost, abandoned and homeless animals and giving them a second chance. Join the fun at the Stratford Conference Center, 149 Piney Forest Road, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Enjoy music by The Pizazz Band, vegetarian hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, dancing, photo corner, silent auction, and more. Cost is $30 per person; $300 reserves a table for eight. For more information, call 434.799.0843. (submitted by Joanie Schwarz)

Friday, May 15 Youth Solo Competition

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History and BB&T will present a middle school and high school solo festival at the DMFAH, 975 Main Street, starting at 6:00 p.m. This event will feature students from Danville, Pittsylvania and Caswell Counties who will compete for cash prizes in the categories of instrumental and vocal music. Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for students at the door. It includes museum admission and supports future programs that enable the museum to meet its vision to be the Dan River Region’s leader for integrated awareness of history, culture, and community. For more information, call 434.203.1735 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Evince Magazine Page 29 Saturday, May 16 – Sunday, May 17

Sweet Evelina: Women During the Civil War Vignettes

A forgotten Civil War ballad lends its title to a choreopoem vignette written and directed by Fred Motley especially for the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, in recognition of the Sesquicentennial. The 55-minute production blends drama, poetry, music, and song, making this a “choreopoem” for a black box style performance. Actresses will portray the experiences of several women, including a slave, a widow, and a belle in denial of the changes to the Southern way of life the war wrought. Shows are at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm each day. Cost is $8 and includes museum admission. The creation of the drama is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Saturday, May 16

Sutherlin Art and Wine Show

Enjoy fine wines and fine art on the grounds of the beautiful Sutherlin Mansion, 975 Main Street. Wine tastings will represent Virginia vineyards and a special selection of domestic and international vintages. The art show is free from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The wine tastings start at 1:00 p.m. At that time, admission to the show is $15. A $5 non-tasting admission is available. Advanced sale tickets for $10 can be purchased from the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History and at Vintages by the Dan. The Museum, including the historic Sutherlin Mansion, will be open with no admission. There will be food for sale, a silent auction of artwork and music by Small Town Orchestra. The Virginia wineries are Stanburn Winery of Stuart and American Way Country Wines of Chase City. The domestic and international wines are personally selected by Linda Lawrence Dalton and are unique brands not found regularly in stores. This community art show will feature some of the region’s finest artists whose works will be for sale. Mediums displayed can include painting, printmaking, stained glass, pottery, jewelry, photography, and mixed media. The show will include both professional and budding artists with a wide range of pricing. Artwork is also available for sale in the museum’s gift shop. (submitted by Cara Burton)

Saturday, May 16

Danville Symphony Orchestra Concert

Under the direction of Peter Perret, the DSO will present its foottapping spring pops concert, Comin’ ‘Round the Mountain, in the George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street. The theme is Celebrating Appalachia and will feature music from and about the mountains. Selections will include Appalachian Spring and Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland along with Pops Hoedown by Hayman. There is no charge for admission, but attendees are encouraged to bring at least two cans of food or cash donations for God’s Storehouse. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the ﬁrst note at 8:00 p.m (submitted by Mary Franklin)

Friday, May 22

Opening Reception DMFAH Exhibits

As a follow-up to the commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street, opens an informative exhibition on the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. Often referred to as the Civil War Amendments, they were designed to ensure the equality for recently emancipated slaves. Accompanying this exhibit is To Be Sold, Virginia and the American Slave

Trade, on loan from the Library of Virginia. This panel exhibition explores Virginia’s role in the domestic trade of enslaved people before the Civil War. Three Artists, opening in the Schoolﬁeld Gallery, features the work of Shirley Cadmus, Linda Gourley, and Sam Lasris. Cadmus is an accomplished artist, potter, and owner of the Milton Studio Art Gallery. Linda Gourley is wellknown for her whimsical colorgraphs. Sam Lasris creates colorful collages reminiscent of the work of Dick Morrill. The free reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is open to the public. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. An admission fee is charged. Residents of Danville, Pittsylvania County and Caswell County are admitted free the Ruth Bader Ginsberg. ﬁrst weekend of each month. For more information, call 434.793.5644 or visit www.danvillemuseum.org. (submitted by Patsi Compton)

Saturday, May 23 Dog Wash

This event, sponsored by Danville Area Humane Society, will be held at the Community Market, 629 Craghead Street, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Cost is $10 for small dogs; $12 for medium dogs; $14 for large dogs; $5 for a nail trim. Rain cancels. For more information, call 434.799.0843. (submitted by Joanie Schwarz)

Sunday May 24

Student Music Recital

The voice and piano students of Brenda Brokaw will perform for family, friends, and the public at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History, 975 Main Street. This free program will begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by a reception. The public is invited to enjoy Danville’s talent. For more information, call 434.797.3780 or email brendajbrokaw@gmail.com. (submitted by Brenda Brokaw)

Upcoming

Friday, June 5 & Saturday, June 6 66th Annual Uncle Billy’s Day Festival, Altavista

Uncle Billy’s Day is a festival that offers something for the entire family. Two funﬁlled days of live music, crafts, carnival rides, art and photography show, food, car show, pony rides, mechanical bull, trade lot, beer and wine garden, and ﬁreworks on Saturday night. Free admission and shuttle bus service from parking areas. Friday 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The festival is located in English Park along the Staunton River, Pittsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street, Altavista. Visit our website for the music line-up and other event information: www.unclebillysdayfestival.com. Or call the Altavista Chamber of Commerce, 434.369.6665. (submitted by Marie Mitchell)

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May Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row & Holbrook Street. $8; free for children 12 & younger. www.danvillehistory.org. 434.770.1974. See ad page 14. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audiovisual tours. Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater. See page 28. Estlow’s Trains Exhibit - John “Jack” Estlow, Jr. originally constructed this “N” Scale Train layout which was donated by his daughters and grandson so visitors can enjoy trains running in the train station. DSC. 434.791.5160. Bingo – Bring a gift to exchange and have blood pressure and body index checked. Location/times vary. 434.799.5216. Pittsylvania County Public Library Events. See page 27. Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, ﬂexibility and progress at your own pace. M 11:15am-12:15pm; W 3:30-4:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Let’s Dance – Formerly Boogie Mondays. Learn new dances, make new friends and have loads of fun. 7-8:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Art with Judie – Learn how to paint with acrylic, oil or watercolor. M/TU - Times vary. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216. Ladies, It’s Time to Work It Out. MW 8:30-10am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Kuumba African Dance – Providing a great workout and cultural awareness with live drumming and energetic dancing. Kids M 6-6:30pm; Adults M 6-7:30pm. Stonewall Youth Center. 434.797.8848. Prime Time Fitness - Low-impact aerobics workout with a mix of various fun dance steps. Tu/Th 9:3011am or 5:30-7pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Get Moving with Chair Exercises – Low-impact class ideal for adults 50+. Tu/Th 11:30am-12:30pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Zumba Classes - Hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves create a one-of-a-kind interval training ﬁtness program with fun routines that tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. W 5:15-6pm/ TH 5:30-6:30pm Pepsi Building. TH 7-8pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.797.8848. Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:3011:30am, Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

African Cardio Blast - A unique workout that includes dance movements from various regions of the African continent. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Cardio Step Class – Up-tempo, high energy class. Tu/Th 8:30-9:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Baby Boomer Style Work Out – Walking, cardio activity & weight training designed for older adults. Tu/Th 9-10:30am. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848. Ballou Jammers - Acoustic musical jamboree. Bring a stringed instrument or just listen. TH 3-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Ballou Book Swap - Take a book or two to read and leave a book or two to share. F 9am-5pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Friday Night Fun and Dance – Enjoy a night of dancing with live music by City Limits Band or Country Pride Band. Ages 50+. F 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

May 2

May 1

May 3

Stonewall’s Spring Prom - Live music by City Limits Band on the ﬁrst, third and ﬁfth Friday. The Country Pride Band plays on the second and fourth Fridays. Ages 50+. 7:30-10:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. First Friday Art Walk - Over 20 galleries, restaurants and shops are open with live music, art, food and other events. 5-7pm. Uptown Martinsville

May 1 & 2

14th Annual NASA HypeFest Drive your own car on a racetrack or watch from the sidelines. 2pm. VIR. 434.822.7700 x117.

May 1, 2 & 3

Halifax County Heritage & Antique Machinery Festival Times vary. Halifax County Fairgrounds. 434.572.2543.

May 1 (thru May 27)

Caswell Arts Council Student Art Show. See page 28.

May 1 (thru December 31)

Wildest Weather in the Solar System. See page 28.

May 2 & 3

Lake Sugar Tree Motorsport Park District 13 MX Race - Axton. 276.650.1158.

May 2 (thru 30)

Danville’ Farmers’ Market. See page 28.

Ballou Spring Yard Sale – Sell your gently used items at this multi-family yard sale. Outdoor parking spaces are available for $5. 7am-12pm/ Ballou Park. 434.799.5216. Free Comic Book Day - Pick up a free comic. All ages. 10am-7pm. Danville Public Library 434.799.5195. Dan River History Harvest: Find Your Roots Genealogy Event. 434.799.2176. Spring River Clean Up - Gloves, litter-getters and trash bags provided. Cosponsored by the Danville Science Center and Danville Parks and Recreation Ages 12+. 11am-1pm. The Crossing. 434.799.5215. Cinco de Mayo Festival – Music by local Latino band Ruta 58, authentic Mexican food, street vendors, jumpy castles and inﬂatables salsa music and dancers, a beer garden and more. Uptown Martinsville. 2-6pm. Covers at the Crossing Concert Series – Slippery When Wet; the Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band will headline the ﬁrst show with special guest Dirt Road Scholars. 6:30-11pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.793.4636. Opening Reception – Diana Thorpe Exhibit. See page 28. HALIHEATH - Health Fair located at the Farmers Market in the Town of Halifax. 12pm. 434.572.2543.

May 4, 11 & 18

Step by Step Through Life Club Connect with others touched by cancer on the Stratford campus. Fun, fellowship and ﬁtness with a focus on lifestyle changes that can aide in the prevention or recurrence of cancer. Light refreshments. Cancer Research and Resource Center, Kennedy Hall 103 South Main Street. 434.421.3060, dwhittle@vcu.edu.

May 4

Deco Mesh Wreath Making 3-5pm, 6-8pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Longwood University Jazz Ensemble - free concert, including music from the libraries of Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Miles Davis, and others. 7:30pm. The Prizery, South Boston. 434.572.8339.

May 5

God’s Storehouse Eat Out to Help Out. See page 28.

May 5 (thru 26)

Toastmasters – Tues. Improve

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communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. 6-7:15pm. National University. 434.793.1431.

May 6

Mother’s Day Craft - Make a special card and gift. Ages 6-12. 3:30-4:30pm. Danville Public Library Westover. 434.799.5152.

May 7

Kayaking - Beginners - Ages 10+ Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 6-8pm. Abreu-Grogan Park. 434.799.5215. Job Corps Information Session - Young adults can learn a career, earn a high school diploma, and gain real world skills needed to succeed. 10:30am-12:30pm. Workforce Development Center. 434.455.2521.

May 8

Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds - Also performing - Major & the Monbacks. 8:30pm. Rives Theatre, Martinsville. 276.403.0872. A Night with Legacy - From Kernersville, NC, this band plays hits from artists like The Drifters, The Coasters, Earth, Wind & Fire and others. 6:30-9:30pm. Danville Community Market. 434.799.5216. Danville Comedy Club Show Don’t miss a fun evening of professional clean comedy. Our monthly comedy night features an opening act plus a feature act and a headliner. Our star comedians have performed all over the US and on TV. Come join the fun and laugh the night away. 8pm. Historic North Theatre – 434.793.7469.

May 9

Letter Carrier Food Drive. See page 26. Science Saturdays: Bug Bash! Dr. Kal Ivanov, Curator of Invertebrate Zoology. 10am-3pm. VMNH, Martinsville. 276.634.4141. Family Fun Magic Show - World famous celebrity magician Wayne Alan (owner of the Historic North Theatre) presents his fun filled magic show in such a friendly and down to earth manner that is sure to leave a smile on the faces of both children as well as adults. The show captures the real wonder in Wayne’s World of Magic. The combination of baffling magic with lots of humor makes this program a sure-fire winner. 8pm. Historic North Theatre – 434.793.7469.

If you’d like to submit an item for the Evince calendar, visit www.showcasemagazine.com. The deadline for the June issue is Friday, May 15, at 5:00 p.m. Please send just the basic information following the format on these pages.

Evince Magazine Page 31 May 10

Mother’s Day Tea - light refreshments and self-guided tours of Avoca’s Victorian garden, arboretum and house. All mothers admitted free. 1:30-4:30pm. Avoca Museum, Altavista. www.avocamuseum.or. Dreamgirls - Fundraiser for Person County Safe Haven - Donations welcome. 3-5pm. Kirby Cultural Arts Complex, Roxboro.

May 13

Rev Your Bev Day. See page 12.

May 14

Senior Movie Day - The Pursuit of Happiness. Ages 50+. 11am-1pm. Danville Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195 x4. Teen Movie Night - Guardians of the Galaxy. 4-6pm. Danville Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195 x4. Welcome to Medicare Seminar Make smarter choices about the most cost-effective and best Medicare health plan and options for you. 5:30-7pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Science Talks - Dr. Nancy Moncrief, VMNH Curator of Mammalogy. 6-7pm. VMNH, Martinsville. 276.634.4141. The Emperor’s New Clothes. See page 28. The Richmond Symphony Concert. 7:30pm. The Prizery, South Boston. 434.572.8339.

May 15

Paws & Claws Gala. See page 28. Youth Solo Competition. See page 28. Paint a Picture in one evening – taught by artist Pepper Martin 6pm; must pre-register 276.692.5049 or pepper_martin@hotmail.com. Rox ‘N Roll Cruise In. Roxboro, NC. See ad page 36.

experience. The only requirement for this race is to wear white. Once the race is completed, stick around for the best color party in the state of Virginia.5:30-10pm. Ballou Park. 434.799.5150.

May 16 & 17

Sweet Evelina: Women During the Civil War” Vignettes. See page 29.

May 19

Danville Memory Café - A place for relaxed conversation and interaction for persons who are diagnosed with early stage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or another related memory disorder. Care partners/family are invited to this social opportunity, too. 11am12pm. Ballou Recreation Center. 434.799.5216. The Big Launch Challenge Live Final Pitch - The Launch Place, an established entrepreneurial development organization headquartered in Danville and First Flight Venture Center, the largest technology incubator in the Research Triangle, are hosting a contest with two awards totaling up to $20,000 for ﬁrst place and up to $10,000 for second. 1-7pm. Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Ave. Elder Law Series - Informational presentation by Robert Haley. Free seminar and lunch provided by the Stratford House.12-1:30pm. 434.799.5216.

May 21

Festival in the Park – This annual festival includes arts and crafts, children’s activities and entertainment, a children’s area, daily entertainment, a Color Run, concessions, Nestle 5K race and more. Hours vary. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636. MotoAmerica Mid-Atlantic Superbike AMA/FIM Road Racing Championship. VIR. 434.822.7700 x117.

Music on Main - Les Moore Trio - Bring a chair, blanket and picnic basket. In the event of rain, concerts will be held at the Community Market. 6:30-8:30pm. 434.793.4636. Kayaking - Race Preparation Increase speed, build endurance and perfect your strokes in preparation for Danville’s upcoming boat race or get in shape for summer. Ages 12+ 6-8pm. Abreu-Grogan Park. 434.799.5215. Garden Basics - Perennial Plants Stuart Sutphin, Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, shares information and answers questions about landscape design. No fee; registration required. 12-1:30pm. Pepsi Building. 434.797.8848.

May 16

May 21 (thru 24)

May 15 (thru 17)

Sutherlin Art and Wine Show. See page 29. Danville Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Pops Concert. See page 29. Nestle 5K Run/Walk/Wheelchair Race. 8:30-10:30am. Ballou Park. 434.793.4636. Zip Line - Saturday Soar - Ride solo or tandem. Ages 8+ Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 1-2:30pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park (Skate Park). 434.799.5215. Boating Demo Clinic - Try kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddle boarding. 2-5pm. Abreu-Grogan Park. 434.799.5215. Color Me Danville 5K Run/Walk will be the start of a night of fun at Festival in the Park with a party of color. This run is less about speed and more about the color

Rooster Walk - Musical genres include funk, rock, bluegrass, country, blues, reggae, jazz, Americana and more. Also, food, children activities, arts & crafts. Hobson Road Festival Grounds, Axton. 919.606.5815.

May 22

DMFAH Opening Reception for new exhibit. See page 29.

May 23

Dog Wash. See page 29.

May 27

Doodle Bugs! - Engineering: Technology. 3-4pm. VMNH, Martinsville. 276.634.4141.

May 30

Senior Prom - Ever wanted to relive

your high school senior prom? Well, here is your opportunity from couple photos to a sit-down meal. Music by the Bullet Band of Eden.6:3011:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216. Splash and Cache Boat Race Racers will choose from canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board categories and race one mile up river and back to the start. All participants will receive ﬁnisher medals; awards will be given to the top male and female paddlers in each category. 10am-12:30pm. Abreu-Grogan Park. 434.799.5215. Comfort Foods Made Light Learn how to make your favorite comfort foods with less than half the fat and calories and all the ﬂavor. 10am-12pm. Stonewall Recreation Center. 434.797.8848.

May 30 & 31

Intensive Teen Safe Driving Course - Classes provide teens with behind-the-wheel and mental training to improve vehicle control in a structured and safe setting. It goes beyond traditional drivers’ ed curriculum with a more in-depth, safety-focused approach. 10am-6pm. VIR – 434.822.7700.

Upcoming June 2 (thru 23)

Toastmasters – Tues. Improve communication, public speaking, and

leadership skills. 6-7:15 pm. National University. 434.793.1431.

June 5 & 6

Uncle Billy’s Day. See page 29.

June 5, 6 & 7

North American Road Racing Association - The US GT Championship is focused on the faster GT sports cars made worldwide, and offers a true national championship accessible to amateur, club, regional, semi-pro and professional drivers alike. VIR – 434.822.7700.

June 12 & 26

Movies in the Park - Enjoy watching family movies underneath the trees in Ballou Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Movies are suitable for all ages. 6/12 - Frozen; 6/26 - Mary Poppins. 9-11pm. Ballou Park Stage. 434.799.5215.

June 13 & 14

Virginia Festival of Speed Sportsman level motorcycle road racing offering unrivalled competition. VIR – 434.822.7700.

June 18

Music on Main - Lawyers, Guns & Money (R&B, Blues and Rock and Roll) - Bring a chair, blanket and picnic basket. In the event of rain, concerts will be held at the Community Market. 6:30-8:30pm. 434.793.4636.

Page 32

May 2015

Book Clubbing A review by Diane Adkins

Save My Place What is Professionalism? Business etiquette used to be synonymous with “professionalism”. However, today’s business world is finding more and more “professionals” who don’t seem to know the meaning of the word. I recently presented a program to Administrative Professionals in honor of Administrative Professionals’ Day. My first question to them was “What makes you a professional?” The answer is not about the job you do, it’s about how you do your job. There are doctors and lawyers who are unprofessional. There are grocery store cashiers who are very professional. It’s not about what you do, it’s all about how you do it! Everyone can be professional, regardless of the job they perform. The technical definition of “professionalism” is: The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well. However, very few employers actual train on professionalism. The professionalism of an organization has a big impact as most people more readily recognize the lack of professionalism than its presence. Here are just a few of the things that exhibit professionalism: Attitude: Be willing to help, seek and share knowledge, take ownership of mistakes and portray a “beneficial” attitude. If you have

an attitude that is helpful to others, to the situation, and to yourself, that’s a “beneficial” attitude. Appearance: Most people think of attire when they think of professionalism, but professional appearance doesn’t have to involve suits! There is one thing everyone should wear and it never goes out of style. It’s called a smile! Pair that with clean, neat and appropriate attire for the job and you can project professionalism without saying a word. Over the phone: The first thing to remember about phones is that they need answering! A ringing phone should not go unanswered. Work as a team to ensure phones are answered within three rings. When the phone is answered, be sure you’re prepared with an appropriate greeting and an offer to help. In writing: Be responsive and accurate. Written communication can be easily misunderstood, so be clear, friendly and efficient in business correspondence, paying close attention to spelling and grammar. Remember that professionalism is a reflection on your organization, your community, your family and yourself. No matter what you do for a living, be worthy of the title “professional.” Kristina R. Barkhouser, CPLP Direct: 434.797.6770 • Mobile: 434.489.1309 kbarkhouser@ExcelenPerformance.com Kristina R. Barkhouser is the founder and President of Excelen Performance, Inc. She has over 20 years of experience in technical and interpersonal skills development.

by Olivia deBelle Byrd

It’s almost summer and before long, we’ll all be looking for what we call beach reads— books that require no heavy lifting. They just tell a good story and we can lose ourselves in them. Olivia deBelle Byrd’s Save My Place is such a book. Set in the South during the time of the Vietnam War, this ﬁrst novel tells the story of Elisabeth Belle Sterling, a girl who grew up with an idyllic Southern childhood, what she calls “a magical time.” Her father was a lawyer, her mother a homemaker involved in the Junior League, the garden club, and a book club. Her strong grandmother, an impish brother, and a live-in cook round out the family. Elisabeth meets her ideal mate, Kincaid Patterson, a handsome military man, on a blind date. His childhood, however, was in many ways the polar opposite of hers. His father, to whom he was very close, died when he was young. Kincaid’s mother, an alcoholic who makes an unexpected appearance, is no longer part of his life. There are other ways Elisabeth and Kincaid are opposites. Elisabeth is full of faith and optimism; Kincaid is more of a realist and a skeptic. He’s seen too much in his life to believe in any God. The story, which grew out of a dream that the author had one night, tells us how Elisabeth “saves Kincaid’s place” while he is in Vietnam, and continues to save him once he returns. Those of us who remember the late sixties and early seventies will recognize the upheaval of that time, when the accepted conventions of post-war America were being questioned at every turn. But Elisabeth’s character is a throwback to an earlier era when foundations were ﬁrmer and what was proper was not often questioned. But it’s Elisabeth’s optimism and positivity, oldfashioned or not, as well as her strength of character that carry them both through one of life’s darkest experiences. As all good beach reads are, the book is a mixture of great and romantic happiness as well as deep sadness. Ending as it does on an uplifting note, it is just the ticket for a sunny afternoon by the ocean. Diane S. Adkins is the Director of the Pittsylvania County Public Library System. The library is a proud partner with History United and other libraries in the region for the Find Your Roots event on May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Caswell Civic Center featuring keynote speaker Henry Wiencek. Admission is free. Send information about what you or your book club is reading to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

Evince Magazine Page 33

2015 Speaker Series Joshua DuBois

Presented by the Danville Regional Foundation and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

�� The President’s Devotional: The Daily Readings that Inspired President Obama��

Peter Kageyama ��

�� expert on community development and grassroots ��

Daniel H. Pink

�� 50 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional ��

�� place is one of the most powerful inﬂuences in our �� begin to consider our emotional connections with our �� social and economic development by including the most powerful of motivators—the human heart—in our �� Peter explores what makes cities lovable and what �� people who are truly in love with their cities and how they are key to the future development of our ��

and stick motivators have been oversold and that high performance depends much more on the deeply human ��

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