Evince Magazine May 2016

Evince Magazine Page  1

The Wine Spot An Organic Toast to Mother Nature Page 27

Meet Anna Pickeral

The Festival in the Park’s Biggest Fan Page 3

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May 2016

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Editor’s Note

Mother Nature is working overtime this month to make our world a more beautiful place.

Just look at the daffodils in the picture above. Anna Pickeral and Recreation Rex, who are pictured on the cover, are out in nature enjoying Danville’s Ballou Park while looking at plans for the 2016 Festival in the Park—a three-day open-air community event. See page 3, Anna Pickeral: The Festival in the Park’s Biggest Fan to learn about this year’s event. Next read page 13, Get Connected on a Treasure Hunt because it should be one of your first stops when you go to the Festival.

An Organic Toast to Mother Nature is proposed by Evince’s wine sommelier, Dave Slayton on page 27. Look closely at the picture accompanying his article for a unique picnic idea. In Emerging from a Cocoon on page 14, Mack Williams compares the house in Renovation Reality (page 14) to the miraculous metamorphosis of caterpillars into colorful butterflies. Linda Lemery answered The Call of the Wild recently with predictable humorous results. See page 26.

Then, be sure to Spring into Action—Ciji Moore’s recommendation for staying fit on page 7.

Casey Molloy reminds you to remember how special your mom is in Meditation Moment (page 11) and Robert Roberts repeats that message in a poem, Grandmother Mom, on page 23.

Whether it’s raining or shining when you read this, step outside and enjoy a moment with Mother Nature. Then say thanks to her and your mother for their many gifts to you.

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.

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May Contents

Editor’s Note Meet Anna Pickeral / The Festival in the Park’s Biggest Fan

by Joyce Wilburn She Said He Said / Joining QBS? (Quit Buying Stuff)

by Dena Hill & Larry Oldham The Voice of Readers ArtQuest/ It’s Not Just for Youngsters

by Joyce Wilburn Spring into Action by Ciji Moore Second Thoughts / A Slap on the Wrist by Kim Clifton Shortcut through Persephone’s Field / Fiction

by Telisha Moore Leigg Meditation Moment by Casey Molloy A Good Tree Can Lodge 10,000 Birds

by Carollyn Peerman Get Connected on a Treasure Hunt

by Rachel Covington Food for Thought / Frank’s Italian Restaurant

by Stephanie Ferrugia Renovation Reality / Part 2 by Carla Minosh Emerging from a Cocoon by Mack Williams Calendar Clips Calendar Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Courtney Dodson Magic Tree House Space Mission a review by Deb Henderson Meet Poet Robert Roberts, The Rose Sender

by Trena Taylor Grandmother Mom / Poem by Robert Roberts Where Can I Find an Evince?

Book Clubbing / My Brilliant Friend a review by Diane Adkins What’s Happening in the Public Libraries Reflecting Forward Levels of Disaster: The Call of the Wild

by Linda Lemery Wine Spot / An Organic Toast to Mother Nature

by Dave Slayton Around the Table / Mother Nature Brings Food to the Table

by Annelle Williams Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Cover Photo of Anna Pickeral by Michelle Dalton Photography.

The Wine Spot photo by Dave Slayton

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

Meet Some of Our Contributors

THE

OICE OF MOTHER NATURE

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 Contributing Writers

Diane Adkins, Mary Lee Black, Kim Clifton, Cathy Cole, Dave Corp, Rachel Covington, Courtney Dodson, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Franklin, Adam Goebel, Karen Harris, Deb Henderson, Dena Hill, Nicole Kypraios, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Karen Maute, Carla Minosh, Casey Molloy, Bernadette Moore, Ciji Moore, Karen Myers, Larry Oldham, Carollyn Lee Peerman, Robert Roberts, Dave Slayton, Trena Taylor, Melanie Vaughan, Dianne Whittle, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle 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 Misty Brooks (434.728.2905) misty@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 June stories, articles, calendar items and ads is Friday, May 20, 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.

Editorial Policies:

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.

EVINCE MAGAZINE 753 Main St. Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541 www.evincemagazine.com © 2016 All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use in whole or in part in any medium without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Karen Myers has served on the board of the Danville Speech and Hearing Center for 11 years and has been involved with the Center for 25+ years.

Karen Maute believes the mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga can only be experienced through practice.

Dave Slayton is a member of the Master Court of Sommeliers.

See The Wine Spot on page 27.

We now accept Visa, MC, and Discover for ad payments

For subscriptions to Evince, email cindy@showcasemagazine.com

Evince Magazine Page 3

W

hen Anna Pickeral

was growing up in

Danville, she playfully enjoyed the annual Festival in the Park for many years without worry or concern. The pleasure is still there for the 2010 James Madison University graduate, but now it’s coupled with huge responsibilities and a few worries about uncontrollable things like the weather. That’s part of the unwritten job description for the volunteer president of a non-profit organization that works yearround to plan the familyfriendly community event.

Eager to give credit to their biggest supporter she says, “Our 11-member board has a very good partnership with Danville Parks & Recreation.

They help a lot.” Thinking of others who deserve a pat on the back, she continues, “We also have multiple committees whose members are not on the board and 75 to100 volunteers who help on the weekend of the Festival.”

That’s a lot of people and details to organize, but Anna can do it. As the Assistant Vice President, Assistant Risk Management Officer at American National Bank & Trust Company, the economics major has the skills, but more importantly, the passion to do a job well. “We want to see good things happen in Danville,” she says. That probably wasn’t on the top of her to-do list, when she returned to her native city after college. She explains, “In fact, my plan was to not come back to Danville. Then the economy took a downturn and I thought working here would be a great experience. I planned to stay in Danville for two years and use it as a stepping stone.”

Thoughts of leaving slowly dissipated, however, when Anna began her new job two days after graduation and later joined the Danville After Hours Rotary Club. Then, three years ago, someone in the Rotary Club suggested she become a member of the Festival in the Park Board. Her story continues: “I wanted to become involved and meet new people in the area, people I wouldn’t

bring in one of the companies that specializes in paint races. “We joined with Parks & Rec and created our own,” she says, adding that the run will happen again this year.

Taking a deep breath, she continues to list the activities of the 2016 weekend: “Using 75 tons of sand, we’ll have the sand sculpture and a beach area. The children’s area and the sand sculpture will have a pirate theme with an interactive play including scavenger hunts for kids and adults three times on Saturday and once on Sunday. Adults can look forward to Sip & Stroll (craft beers and art demonstrations) on Saturday in the Ballou Recreation Center and Wine & Design with a Danville theme on Sunday. Also, we’ll have Southside’s largest outdoor slip-n-slide stretching over 250 feet through the front of the park!” Of course, there’s more: crafters, food, concerts

by North Carolina party band, Spazmatics, on Friday, and country singer, Drew Baldridge, on Saturday, commercial exhibits, and an interactive map for phones. It’s all free (except the Wine & Design, food, and souvenirs) even though it costs between $75,000 and $80,000 to make it happen. Sponsors and the fund-raiser, Racin’ & Tastin’, defray the costs.

Rex, the Danville Parks & Recreation mascot, waits for Anna Pickeral, Festival in the Park Board President.

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography.

Meet Anna Pickeral

The Festival in the Park’s Biggest Fan

by Joyce Wilburn normally have the chance to interact with on a daily basis. The first year on the Festival Board, I hit the ground running and was the secretary; this is my second year as president.” Anna knew intuitively how to maintain the success of the 41-year old Festival and make it grow. “I didn’t want to change a stable event but at the same time, we needed to

breathe a little bit of new life into it to make sure it would stay around,” she notes. That’s when new activities were added.

Anna counts among the many 2015 successes, the Color Me Danville 5K Color Run. “I had seen them in other communities,” she says and then explains Danville wasn’t large enough to

After a year of planning and working, the 2016 Festival in the Park will become reality, rain or shine, on May 13-15.

When you go, look for Anna Pickeral. She’ll be there before Ballou Park opens until after it closes making sure you have the best experience possible.

Give her a pat on the back. She deserves it.

• The Festival will be open on Friday, May 13, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 15, from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at 760 West Main Street. For more information, visit www. danvillefestivalinthepark.com.

• If you’d like to volunteer to work during the Festival weekend, email info@danville festivalinthepark.com.

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May 2016

SHE SAID

by Dena Hill

Joining QBS? (Quit Buying Stuff)

fix everything and manage a family of four children while doing it could have been there to make you even happier.

Some men sneak around on their wives and have affairs, buy expensive Last month, you surprised me by tools and hide the price, or go fishing taking me to Raleigh to see the 2016 and hunting with their buddies for a HGTV Smart Home that was being week. All I do is try to please you and given away. At first, I thought, “How for that simple little effort I am raked thoughtful, first you take me to lunch, over the coals because I bought a then you casually suggest driving to few trinkets. I do remember that on Raleigh to see the Smart Home.” You the way to Raleigh, we talked about suggested that if we were going to getting rid of all my stuff and what win it, we might as well see the type we were going to do with it. Well, I of neighborhood we’d be living in got scared. Is that why, in the middle when we retire. I thought you were of the store, you came up to me so sweet to take a Sunday afternoon and softly drive to look at mentioned a house that I that you had admired thought I and hoped to was going win. I know to get rid you’re going of my toys, to say that not buy this is the lazy new ones? person’s way Habits are of getting rich, hard to driving a nice break and car, and living in like any a million-dollar addiction house. For once you have I believe that to wean you and I can yourself both agree on slowly so something. you don’t But, you had get a brain an ulterior freeze or motive. After withdrawal looking at the symptoms beautiful house that come and having a with the great lunch, onslaught of you asked if sudden loss we could stop of freedoms, by a certain Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography. like department shopping. store so you I promise I am going to stop buying could look for just one little thing that things and I have even looked into you needed. Instead of asking what joining QBS (Quit Buying Stuff). it was, I went along with your little scheme without saying anything. You My thinking was to stop buying things proceeded to shop at that store along when we retire instead of doing it with a few more and by the time you now. I mean I am still working and stopped, there wasn’t room to put earning the right to purchase things anything else in the car. Not only did that I really do need. I just haven’t this short excursion last all day and been able to convince you that this into the night, but you just gathered stuff needs me. up more stuff to put into storage and eventually move when we do find the home of our dreams. This wasn’t a thoughtful trip for me at all! Ugh!

She said He Said

HE SAID

by Larry Oldham

It doesn’t matter what I do to bring joy into your life, I am still always wrong. You should be hugging my neck for buying you lunch and taking you on a field trip to see one of your HGTV sites. I just wish one of the hunk brothers or the couples who

HGTV Smart Home 2016

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

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The Voice of Readers To the editor:

I’m looking forward to another trip.

Another Spring to Green has come and gone; we again are planning for 2017. Thank you so much for your continued publicity of our annual event in Evince (January 2016). Each year our attendance increases, for which the Danville Master Gardeners are thankful.

Your publication played a role in creating the success we enjoy.

Thanks again, Adrienne Sheets Averett University’s contributions to our community are significant.

Thanks for the note and the picture from Ina Dodson.

Janet Aponte Danville Master Gardener The Master Gardeners are making our world a more beautiful place.

It’s a pleasure to be a part of your plans.

To the editor: I would like to thank Averett University for introducing me to the joy of river travel (February 2016 page 27) on the AU Alumni & Friends Tour in April. I must admit I was both surprised and delighted at all aspects of the accommodations, unbelievably wonderful food, and professionally guided tours. My European history is admittedly quite deficient.

I’m interested in learning more about that area and the culture after seeing the results of the determination and hard work that has made the Netherlands such a beautiful place.

The AU Alumni & Friends Tour group pose aboard a river boat in The Netherlands. Front Row: Larry Wilburn, Loren Hoffman; Second Row: Niki Fallis, Adrienne Sheets, Darnell Cockram; Third Row: Bob Weir, Tess Hoffman; Top Row: Joyce Wilburn, Linda Weir, Ina Dodson.

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 2016

Faithful readers will remember I received a brochure from the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History with my membership card that promised free admission to over 800 arts, cultural, and historical institutions nationwide.

Always skeptical that nothing is really free, I decided to test that pledge by visiting a few of the museums listed in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) brochure. The first stop was the George C. Marshall Museum in Lexington, Virginia (May 2015); next was Wilton House Museum in Richmond (November 2015); then the Museum of Contemporary Art in Virginia Beach (January 2016) followed by the Weatherspoon Art Museum in Greensboro, North Carolina (February 2016).The most recent trip was to Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art in Greensboro. Here is what happened: If you want to have uninhibited fun, I recommend hanging out in an art studio with someone whose age is in the single digits. Not only was I welcomed into ArtQuest, (four studios for exploring art-making materials at Green Hill Center for NC Art), my twin four-year-old friends and all young visitors were required to have an adventurous adult with them.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, I gladly accepted the challenge.

Once inside ArtQuest, we were greeted by 12 stools in front of a long row of paint pots shelved below unlimited paper hanging by clothespins from a string on large easels. Quickly, a facilitator guided us to a stack of aprons for protection against accidental splatters and spills.

There must have been some magic in those aprons because as soon as they were donned, inspiration struck and painting began. It didn’t matter what the subject was; the goal was to create colors and shapes in an experiential hands-on environment aided by a friendly college intern.

While the kids were painting, I observed a Girl Scout troop across the room making sculptures with clay while their moms socialized at an adjacent table. My girls and I would eventually work our way around the room to that point, but for now, we were having

ArtQuest It’s Not Just for Youngsters

by Joyce Wilburn too much fun with the paint to leave. The ArtQuest organizers suggest two or more hours for a full experience and I agree. After painting for awhile, my charges walked over to the KAPLA building area. KAPLA is an acronym for Kabouter Plankjes which means gnome planks in Dutch. With the KAPLA planks, kids and adults can build all kinds of architectural constructions, animals, and other extraordinary creations. They can create with the precision of artwork and the stability of stones. What fun!

Next, the Scrap Lab called our names. It was full of fabric, fibers, and found objects to be used in making whatever comes to mind. The Stamp Table, filled with rubber stamps of all shapes

and sizes and copious amounts of paper, was a favorite in my group.

Sadly, there was more to do than we had time. Empty bellies demanded attention so we had to leave, but not before visiting the exhibition of contemporary art by North Carolina artists and walking through the gift shop displaying beautiful art items. We exited the building with big smiles and our still-wet paintings inside a makeshift protective box.

I highly recommend having fun like a kid and being an adventurous adult artist.

• Admission is free to the Green Hill Center and $6 per person to the ArtQuest Studios for children and adults.

• The Green Hill Center for NC Art, 200 North Davie Street,

in Greensboro, North Carolina, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• ArtQuest Studios are closed on Sunday and Monday, open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• The current exhibit at Green Hill is Last Remaining Cathedral: Illuminations of Nature, a retrospective of paintings and works on paper inspired by man’s relationship to the natural world.

• For more information, call 336.333.7460 or visit greenhillnc.org.

Evince Magazine Page 7

Enjoy Mother Nature this spring and head outside for your next workout. Pictured is Brenda McLaughlin using resistance bands for her workout with Ciji Moore. Photo by mantillaphotography.com.

Spring into Action

by Ciji Moore, CFIT Trainer Brenda McLaughlin decided to take a different approach to staying fit this spring. She wanted to try something new, but needed that extra push to get started.

She found her motivation by exercising with a personal trainer three times a week—outside.

Brenda has never been this active before, but enjoys the challenge of the workout and how much better it makes her feel.

Are you ready to spring into action with your fitness and health goals? If you haven’t thought about it, take a few minutes and set some goals for yourself.

Maybe you want to move more by incorporating more walking and jogging into your day-today routine. Or maybe there is an aerobic class you would like to experience with a group of friends. Some people need encouragement to start and follow through with physical activity. And

that’s totally fine. Wherever you can find that extra push (trainer, best friend, spouse, co-worker), go for it!

Remember it’s not always about the number on the scale.

Becoming and staying active has a number of affects on your health. For example, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you should see a difference after exercising for awhile. If you don’t have a chronic disease, staying active is one sure way to help prevent it. Think about how much better you’ll feel, how your stamina will improve, and most importantly, the increased energy you will have to keep moving forward with your fitness efforts.

Whatever you choose to do, have fun and enjoy getting healthier.

For tips on how to spring into action this season, visit www.cyourbodyfit.com.

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May 2016

Evince Magazine Page 9 call people, a camera to take pictures, but mainly a watch to tell time. The last thing I want is one that mocks me and tells me I’m out of shape. My tight pants already send me a clearer message than any illuminated display.

So, happy birthday to me. I’ve said my peace. I’ve exercised my right to free speech. And with the absence of one of those bands strapped to my wrist... my right to bare arms.

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton ©2016

A Slap on the Wrist Technology has gotten out of hand. Technology’s gotten so out of hand that it’s jumped out of our palms and wrapped itself around our wrists. That’s an area usually reserved for a watch, not a communication device. The only person to wear one of these things before now was Dick Tracy... except he used his to fight crime, not fat. Before I go any further, I’m going to issue a disclaimer.

I’m celebrating a birthday this month. I’m not mentioning it because it’s the milestone kind that lets me draw from Social Security rather than pay into it.

I’m mentioning it because there are some entitlements better than the financial kind or even monogrammed tote bags from AARP. Getting older means you can get away with saying what you think.

So, here’s what I think. I think the world needs to make sense again. Relax. I’m not talking about which bathroom door people should push open or which candidate people should elect as president. I have neither the stamina nor

the intellect to discuss either, although these debates may have similar threads. One is about deciding whose toilet to use and the other is about deciding who’s less likely to send this country down one.

I think advancement doesn’t always mean progress, especially when it comes to photography. I know the camera doesn’t lie, but I wouldn’t mind if it blurred the truth a little. I never seek out high-resolution displays if I’m on a screen instead of watching it. Craters look better on the surface of the moon than they do on my face.

Sometimes I feel like Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner’s Daughter when she said, “Thangs is moving too fast.” Innovations have gotten so crazy that contraptions are being asked to do stuff they were never invented to do. Take the case of the LG washing machine. It doesn’t just wash your clothes; it also dries them. I remember a day when the only fabric capable of coming out of a washer already dry was double knit.

Every gadget does more than it should. That means there’s too much to learn, to download, to program, and to process. It’s as if there’s a spice rack of technology with a mad developer adding pinches to every thingamajig whether it belongs in them or not. Which brings me back to those wristbands that keep a tighter track of your comings and goings than Santa Claus.

They don’t just see you when you’re sleeping and know when you’re awake; they record your pace and your pulse along the way. It seems everyone, except me, is having a fit over these Fitbits. They’re functional and fashionable, but I think they’re just plain funny. Never have I seen so many people with their arms shackled to their feet. The only real difference between them and prisoners is the absence of chains and a criminal record.

I’ve watched a grown woman clap when she heard the chimes for meeting her walking goal.

That hardly seems sufficient.

At least Pavlov’s pups got fed when they heard their bells ring.

I’ve seen a man park his car, on purpose, in an adjacent lot so that he was actually farther away from his destination rather than closer to it. That’s just pure lunacy. If I ever say, “I need the steps,” it can only mean one thing. An elevator must be broken. I miss simpler times when I used a phone to

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Page 10

May 2016

M

ean Keisha likes the old

myth stories I tell. She

likes Persephone best of all, wants me to tell the part over and over of how Persephone got dragged dirt down in the deep but came up a queen. I try to tell her there’s more than that, that she was tricked. Mean Keisha looks at me like I’m stupid, says who ain’t?

I tell Mean Keisha I know more stories, more of those gods she likes; I know them mostly from an Elements of Literature book I never gave back to my old school when I left. Why not Athena or Aphrodite, I ask her? Why not wisdom or love?

All Persephone ever did was get taken and get us winter six months out the year. When you’re cold, I tell Mean Keisha, you think of your Persephone.

Mean Keisha just laughs and say, “Tell me ‘gain what she eat down there in hell? Them pom-gran-tits.” Then she asks me if I ever seen a real chariot like Persephone’s man stole her in, like it was high romance Persephone getting taken by

Shortcut through Persephone’s Field fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg her uncle into marriage, like that was right. I at 15 don’t know much— just that nothing ever stays pretty.

Sometimes I get tired of telling it, you know, about Persephone, as we sit on the front porch eating salt-and-pepper pistachios that Mean Keisha charmed

out of 50-something-year-old cashier Mark from the 5th Street convenience store. Sometimes, I realize that I have told all I know of Persephone as we walk down the now warm May streets.

Tarnished street lamps compete with the early lightning bugs and late-night gnats pulled to the artificial light.

But Mean Keisha doesn’t never get tired of her Persephone even though it makes me mad how they took that girl, makes me sad how Persephone’s mother begged and grieved. Sometimes, I try to tell Mean Keisha about Demeter; after all, it’s eight days before Mother’s Day and Mean Keisha, 20, is a mother. Mean Keisha changes the subject. She don’t want nothing to do with mothers.

I guess she’s thinking about her boy Kwon and how Mandy Blue Eyes has taken him for hers when Mean Keisha abandoned him to us.

I think life is cruel and wrong for pretty girls. And I say to myself I won’t go along with Mean Keisha anymore about her Persephone, who was just some stupid girl who got beat and bedded, until she gave in and smiled at her attacker probably to stop the pain and sorrow.

Today, I walk a little ahead of Mean Keisha. We are taking a shortcut home through a field where kids used to play ball, where now it’s just weeds overgrown, with old cans and their faded labels, where broke glass reflect parts of light and rough flowers seem the only thing

of beauty that can make it. I’m back to talking about the story she likes again. I go on and on about a love that maybe never was, about gods that we won’t meet and who if we did, probably wouldn’t help us.

Mean Keisha asks me if the field that Hades took Persephone from looked like this. I can tell she don’t see nothing but the flowers, that she’s walking around the sharp glass and dirt.

There’s no use in telling her how you can drown in dirt and shame when a hell opens up and you find heaven helped do it because I think Mean Keisha already knows.

I think Mean Keisha is a pretty girl and looks like something fire struck and burned in this field of glinting glass and goldfading sun. I say it’s probably just like you thinking, Keisha.

Because fairness just a myth.

And they ain’t even real gods that hear us. I don’t tell her none of this because she might just cry. I don’t want Mean Keisha to cry because I think that Mean Keisha got her own myths, her own grave of streetlamp love, something pure that was ripped and sealed while she screamed.

I’m a coward because I don’t want to know, so I guess it’s always okay to talk when Mean Keisha asks me about her Persephone. Mean Keisha likes the old stories I tell. She likes Persephone best of all, wants me to tell the part over and over how Persephone got dragged dirt down in the deep but came up a queen.

Evince Magazine Page 11

A Good Tree Can Lodge 10,000 Birds

by Carollyn Peerman

Photo by Clark Davis

Meditation Moment

by Casey Molloy, RYT Those who have been blessed with the presence and guidance of a mother are truly fortunate. I feel as though I may have arrived at this realization later than most.

Although it is difficult to admit, I spent the first half of my life taking my mother for granted.

Often, we fail to appreciate that which we cherish most. At one time we were all teenagers, and our parents were at the mercy of our soul searching and uncertainties. Eventually though, it becomes undeniable that who we are, each and every element of us, is a direct byproduct of our up-bringing. Whether or not the experience was entirely positive is irrelevant. What holds importance are the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Consider the magnitude of sacrifice made by mothers.

Committing to grow, nourish, and raise a fully functioning human being is nearly the most admirable accomplishment in life.

The “motherly instinct” to protect, support, and provide for a life

beyond their own, is an example of dedication in endless effort. In closely examining the role of a mother, we begin to understand that it is a position not to be taken lightly.

Over the past year, my mom has been forging a battle with cancer for the second time. Although we are confident in her recovery and resilience, the looming shadow of illness lingers. Sometimes it seems as though our comfort zone must be threatened to recognize that which we value most in life.

As I channel healing thoughts and positive vibrations toward my mother, I just hope that I will have time to repay her with the unconditional love and appreciation that she so generously has shared with me. Through the cultivation of mindfulness, I now know that my mother’s impact has been immeasurable. Please, take time today to pay homage to any “mother” out there who has bestowed incredible gifts of love and wisdom upon you or your family.

“My whole day is a feast of doing good!” exclaimed German writer Rachel Levin Varnhagen. Does that describe your day? Does that describe your life? “Each of us was put here to help dilute the misery of the world,” noted psychologist Dr. Karl Menninger.

Measure your day, not by what you harvest, but by what you plant in laughter.

What is the funniest thing that happened to you today? Why not start looking for more of the ridiculous, incongruous events that go on around you all of the time? Multiply your mirth. “He who does something good and expects a reward is serving not God but his own will,” stated St. Mark the Ascetic. Are you waiting for applause and the admiration of men? Listen to the words of John of the Cross: “God is more pleased by one work, however small, done secretly, without desire that it be known, than a thousand done with the desire that people know of them.” If you are waiting to do a great deal of good at once, you will never do anything. Do it now. After all, it is not the greatness of the work that is so important but the love with which it is performed. “The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth and to have it found out by accident,” noted English writer Charles Lamb. Remember the best way to keep good acts in memory is

to refresh them with new good acts. Be rich in good works. Pay special regard to those who by the accidents of time, place or circumstances are brought into closer connection with you.

A good tree can lodge ten thousand birds is a Burmese saying. Can 10,000 good deeds be lodged in your tree of life? Why not? An unknown author wrote the following words: People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.

If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway.

Got the picture? “Whoever loves much, does much,” noted Thomas a Kempis. May your tree of life lodge 10,000 good deeds.

Page 12

May 2016

Get Connected on a Treasure Hunt

by Rachel Covington Ahoy, Matey! Festival in the Park and Averett University’s Center for Community Engagement & Career Competitiveness (CCECC) invite you to the Get Connected Treasure Hunt on Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The treasure hunt will serve as the Festival’s community resource fair, so we encourage you to come and discover what our region has to offer. There will be 20 local organizations providing information you need, whether you are looking for educational opportunities for your family, wanting to learn more about an illness that has affected someone you love, or searching for ways to make a difference in your community.

Not only will you have access to resources, but the CCECC will show you how you can Get

Connected. Get Connected is a volunteer software platform that connects you with community agencies, needs, and events. Ye wonder what all ‘tis be ‘bout?

Then visit www.engage.averett. edu to start exploring.

The Get Connected Treasure Hunt will be located beside the Ballou Park Senior Center, so we woe to spy wit’ ye eye ye thar (or simply, we hope to see you there). Everyone who stops by the fair will be entered into a drawing for a $50 VISA gift card. The more tables you visit, the more treasure you will discover and the more likely you are to win. So grab your pirate hats, strap on your boots and join us for the easiest, yet most rewarding, treasure hunt around.

Arrrrr, a fair wind to ye, matey!

Evince Magazine Page 13 For those of you with children who are cheese-pizza purists, you can compromise and go half-and-half with your Frank’s pizza. There is an upcharge for this, but I paid $17 for a medium 1/2 veggie, 1/2 cheese pizza, and two adults and one older child had more than our fill and enough for lunch the next day. Also, in hopes that my child will one day embrace the veggie option, she takes a bite of the veggie side before getting back to her favorite cheese-only choice. In my take-out book, that’s a bargain and a huge victory in childhood nutrition. Ordering for one? Frank’s veggie slices are $4 each and you can count on a hefty helping for yourself.

Convenience, health and affordability: In keeping with Derby season, Frank’s wins the Triple Crown of take-out!

Grant Strange provides service with a smile and made-to-order pizza at Franks

Food for Thought Fresh Take on Take-Out

Frank’s Italian Restaurant

by Stephanie Ferrugia, Southern Dinner Belle Evince wants you to think about whether or not what you eat when you dine out is healthy. Each month, Stephanie is going to report on local menu selections that are delicious and good for you.

Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed recently, I scanned a post questioning why healthy options are so limited in our local fast-food lineup. I immediately ran a mental scan of the restaurants I have added to my speed dial contacts over the years. Several have bailed me out of the arduous chore of coming home and fixing dinner after a long day’s work. While many of my choice take-out eateries are not technically fast food joints, I can make a quick call, place my order, and swing

by to pick up the goods within 15-20 minutes. Admittedly, some establishments are healthier than others, but Frank’s Italian Restaurant,1959 Memorial Drive, Danville, tops the charts every time on both convenience and doing a body good. Price isn’t too shabby either. My favorite option? The veggie pizza and here’s why.

Frank’s makes veggie pizza like they mean it and packs on the veggies. You can count on one full serving of your three-to-five daily recommended fruits and veggies in one slice of Frank’s herbivore option. And it’s very clear that the veggies are the headline act with spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, green peppers and onions piled on high and proud, not just as

Frank’s patio is a spring and summer favorite that overlooks the Dan River. Up the healthy lifestyle ante even more by planning a kayaking trip (www.playdanvilleva.com) at Abreu-Grogan Park across the street and then head to Frank’s patio for an alfresco dining experience. You can’t go wrong!

a sprinkled afterthought. The crust is thin but not skimpy, the sauce is just right, and the cheese serves as a complementary topping, but does not overpower the nutrient-packed slice of pie.

• Frank’s Italian Restaurant is open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to10:00 p.m. Of course, I highly recommend putting them in your phone contacts: 434.792.6157.

Page 14

May 2016

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 explores the truth of home renewal from someone who has been there and done that. Part One appeared in the April 2016 Evince. If you missed it, visit www.evincemagazine.com.

board paneling on top. Its removal remains a perplexing mystery and a great loss to the historic fabric of this home.

I

still wasn’t sure what we had been thinking as I felt the sweat trickle down my back. We had been through the entire house from top to bottom and had explored every room, each closet, all of the eight bathrooms, and had poked around in the attic. The auction advertisement had promised 20 rooms, but it felt as though they had grossly understated the expanse of the home.

Climbing the stairs three flights from basement to attic was exhausting and I had lost my bearings in the basement twice.

As doubt began to creep into my awareness, I quickly pushed it away. It was too late for that; this house was 126 years old, had not been updated since the 1960s, was going to require an extensive restoration, and it was now ours.

We hadn’t been allowed to have a home inspection and were not terribly surprised by the defects we found once we had full access to the home.

We were somewhat surprised that all of the later-constructed closets on the first floor had each been built around the only radiator in each room. Clearly the closets would have to go in order to free the heat. We had anticipated, however, that some beautiful original wainscoting was behind the 1960s pressedboard paneling lining the main hallway, and couldn’t wait to peel back a panel for a peek. It was a disappointment, however, that the kitchen sink would not drain and the swimming pool out back was a half-filled bog.

Our first purchase at the local home-improvement store had been work gloves and crowbars, because we expected that there would be plenty of demolition to do before any restoration could commence. I started making a to-do list, but quickly abandoned my efforts after it grew to two legal-sized pages within the first hour of our explorations. I started a fresh

Renovation Reality part two in a series

by Carla Minosh page, a to-do-today list instead.

Desperately wanting a win, we tackled the paneling in the hallway first. Our disappointment was mingled with disbelief. Not only was there no expected wainscoting behind the cheap paneling, but the installer had taken the trouble to scrape off

the low-profile material that had once lined the walls. When we saw the ghost of the pattern, we looked for and found remnants of an intricate Lincrusta pattern.

(Lincrusta is a deeply embossed wallcovering.) Had it been left in place, it would have easily accommodated the pressed-

Disheartened, we took a break and sat ourselves on the church steps across the street to contemplate our new purchase. As we admired the elaborate architectural details, we remarked on the curious presence of a flock of excited chimney swifts circling the building. Looking up and down the street, we noticed that none of the other big houses were getting the same attention.

It was with a sudden panic that a childhood memory of another swarm of birds came back to me and I sprinted to the house with my husband on my heels bewildered by my sudden panic. As we hit the top of the attic steps, my worst fears were realized. In the heat of the afternoon, the temperatures had reached just the correct point for a termite exodus flight. The attic that had appeared normal that morning was now aflutter with thousands upon thousands of silvery wings. Yes, we were now the proud owners of an enormous house with an enormous termite problem.

Welcome to the world of oldhouse ownership.

(to be continued)

Emerging from a Cocoon

by Mack Williams

W

hen my brother, Joseph

Howe Williams, visited

Danville several years ago, one of the sight-seeing items included in his trip was the Sublett-Miller House on Main Street’s Millionaire’s Row. At one time that was the residence and medical office of Dr. E. Howe Miller III, my brother’s delivering doctor and the person who was the inspiration for my brother’s middle name. We rode by the house where the present owners have put a great deal of time and energy into its meticulous restoration.

While walking past the house on another day, I noticed what appeared to be a string of decorative lights hung at the top of the intricate metal framework of the front

porch. I’ve never seen those bulbs lit and when I first noticed them, their somewhat weatherworn look gave the appearance of butterfly chrysalises or moth cocoons strung together. At other times, while driving by in the evening, I sometimes see a solitary light in only one room. I always assume that somewhere within the reach of that light, someone is working with steady dedication toward the proper resurrection of the Sublett-Miller House.

Seeing that light one night, I thought back to when I was the director of the Womack Museum on the campus of Danville Community College.

I raised both Polyphemus and Luna Moth caterpillars in order to give the public a little something

extra and alive at which to look.

Inside a clear plastic caterpillar container that was sitting on my desk one day, I noticed a moth caterpillar beginning to construct his cocoon. Before the completion of its cocoon, I could still see the caterpillar working inside his solitary room. I was reminded of the work being done in each of the solitary rooms of the SublettMiller House, sometimes on different levels of the house, but always seeming to be limited to no more than one lit room per time. Like the caterpillar’s metamorphosis, at the proper time the former home of Dr. E. Howe Miller III will re-emerge from its cocoon in beauty both within and without.

Evince Magazine Page  15

Page 16

May 2016

Calendar Clips Clip it. Post it. Do it.

For more activities, see the calendar on page 18.

Tuesday, May 3

Eat Out to Help Out

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 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Look for announcements and signs at the participating businesses that bear the logo depicted here. For more information, visit www.godsstorehouse.org or call 434.793.3663. (submitted by Karen Harris)

Wednesday, May 11

Conversations with Health Researchers

Did you know that genes can contribute to the development of habitual smoking? Nicotine Receptor Genes and Nicotine Dependence Risk will be presented by Nancy Saccone, PhD, Washington University, Saint Louis, and broadcast from the Cancer Research and Resource Center via videoconference from noon until 1:00 p.m. at 103 South Main Street, Danville (lower level). Bring lunch if desired. For more information, call 434.421.3060 or email cllitzenberg@vcu.edu. The Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia is funded by VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. (submitted

by Melanie Vaughan)

Thursday, May 12

Procession of Confederate President Jefferson Davis

Join the Danville Historical Society to watch the DVD of the re-creation of the Confederate President’s carriage ride with cavalry guards from the Richmond & Danville Railroad station to the Sutherlin Mansion 151 years ago. See civilian and military re-enactors and hear Davis’ last proclamation read from the steps of the Last Capitol of the Confederacy. This free event starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main Street. Copies of the DVD will be available for purchase. For more information, call 434.709.4869. (submitted by Dave Corp)

Saturday, May 14

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

The National Association of Letter Carriers, Rural Letter Carriers and the U.S. Post Office are sponsoring this annual food drive. Leave non-perishable food items (no glass please) at your mailbox before the carrier arrives. Volunteers or postal workers will collect your donations or they may be dropped off at God’s Storehouse 750 Memorial Drive. Food collected in and around Danville benefit God’s Storehouse; food collected in the Chatham area benefits the Northern Pittsylvania

County Food Pantry. Call 434.793.3663 for more information. (submitted by Karen Harris)

Sunday, May 15

Opening of the Cassie Ott Art Exhibit

Parsons-Bruce Art Association will feature the art work of Mecklenburg County native, Cassie Ott, in the Robert F. Cage Gallery at the Prizery, 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, during May and June.

Cassie is a 2013 graduate of the North Carolina State University Art and Design Program and is a full-time professional painter, a teacher for the Wine and Design Corporation and director of the Art Buzz Kids program. Her works include watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, and fabric design. The public is invited to attend the opening at 3:00 p.m. (submitted by Cathy Cole)

Thursday, May 19

Pace & Taste at VIR

This new event at VIRginia International Raceway, 1245 Pine Tree Road, Alton, Virginia, welcomes the public to take a lap around the world-famous racetrack, free of charge. Bring your running shoes, bicycle, tricycle, baby stroller or little red wagon to VIR and workout from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Check out www.virnow.com for more information or call 434.822.7700. (submitted by Nicole Kypraios)

Friday, May 20

Greenberg/Overcash/Heard Memorial Golf Tournament

Golfers can help the Danville Speech & Hearing Center by teeing off at Southern Hills Golf Course at 1:00 p.m.

The Center is a non-profit, outpatient clinic that provides the highest quality speech/ language pathology services The Danville Dental Team won first place in the 2015 tournament: at the lowest possible cost to Chris Payne, Barry Sides, Steve Oakes those in need of communication and John Walker. services. Entry fee is $300 for this captain’s choice, four-person team, shotgun-start tournament featuring cash prizes, door prizes, complementary beverages and lunch served from 11:30a.m.to1:00p.m. by Golden Leaf Bistro. For a registration form or more information call 434.793.8255, email danvillespeech@yahoo.com, or visit danvillespeechandhearing.org. (submitted by Karen Myers)

Friday, May 20

Main Street Beat Festival

From 5:30 until 9:00 p.m., Main Street in Chatham (and a part of Pruden Street) will be closed for this Chatham First Festival. The First Citizen Bank’s parking lot will feature children’s activities from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Jennifer Mills and The River City Rowsers will take the main stage on Main Street at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy locally prepared items from ChathaMooCa, El Cazador, Pino’s Mediterranean, and Kim’s Kitchen.

Homeplace Vineyard and Tomahawk Mill Winery will provide local wines.

Evince Magazine Page 17 The 2 Witches Brewery will serve locally crafted beers. Admission is free but all are asked to contribute to the donation boxes along Main Street for future festivals. Rain venue is the Reid Street Gallery.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com, Chatham First. (submitted by Mary Lee Black)

Saturday, May 21

DSO Spring Pops

The Danville Symphony Orchestra presents a spring pops concert, The Great American Song Book, starting at 8:00 p.m. at George Washington High School Auditorium, 701 Broad Street. This concert features the songs of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and Duke Ellington. Music major and cornet virtuoso, Michael Chafatelli, will be the guest soloist performing “Bride of the Waves” composed by Herbert L. Clarke. Michael performed with the DSO as a youth before heading to college to major in music. There is no admission charge, but the orchestra would appreciate your bringing a donation of cans or cash for God’s Storehouse. For more information, visit www.danvillesymphony.net. (submitted by Mary Franklin)

Sunday, May 22

Pranayama and Moving Meditation

Danville Yoga and Meditation Center, 2000 Westover Drive, will host a workshop from 2:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. led by Greensboro-based yoga teachers Richard Bakker and Steve Willis. Steve Richard Bakker (yellow shirt) is a Danville native and Steve Willis (dark shirt) an Averett graduate. The practice of pranayama is sometimes called the art of breathing. The workshop will begin with a brief seated meditation, then participants will be lead through several pranayama practices. That will be followed by a moving mediation practice, guiding participants through a series of simple, flowing yoga postures that connect movement with the breath. The workshop will conclude with a restorative practice. This is open to all and no previous experience is necessary. Cost is $25. To register, call 434.429.4672. (submitted by Karen Maute)

Monday, May 23

Team Up! Explore Science & Sports Exhibit Opening

Do you know the proper trajectory it takes to make a three-point basket? How should the face of a tennis racquet be angled to achieve the shot you want? The answers to these questions and many more are waiting at the Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street. This exciting hands-on exhibition will give visitors an in-depth look at the many scientific principles of athletics. For more information, visit www.dsc. smv.org or call 434.791.5160. (submitted by Adam Goebel)

Wednesday, May 25 – Saturday, May 28

History of Negro Leagues Baseball Era & Players Exhibit Danville Public Library hosts this exhibition featuring memorabilia highlighting the history of Negro Leagues baseball including

team jerseys, baseball mitts, trading cards, autographs, photos, figurines, collectibles and artifacts. Also, Derrick C. Jones, retired educator and Negro Leagues researcher, will share stories that celebrate the memories of Negro Leagues athletes and honor the contribution that the Negro Leagues era (1920-1960) made to the history of our nation. Jones will relate some of what he has discovered about the players from our area and the integration of the minor league teams in Danville.

His presentation is Thursday, May 26, 7:00pm-8:00pm in the DPL Auditorium, 511 Patton Street. (submitted by Trena Taylor)

Tuesday, May 31 Step by Step

This group created by the Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia promotes cancer prevention and survivorship by living healthier lifestyles. Meet at Brewed Awakening, 610 Craghead Street, at 10:00 am. Enjoy beverages and other goodies while receiving information about nutrition, exercise and relaxation. Then continue talking while walking on the Riverwalk rain or shine. This is an open group for all ages, men and women, and all fitness levels. Call 434.421.3060 or email dwhittle@vcu.edu for more information. Step by Step is an outreach initiative of the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia. Funding provided by VCU Massey Cancer Center and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. (submitted by Dianne Whittle)

Page 18

May 2016

May Calendar Ongoing

Guided Walking Tour – Millionaires Row & Holbrook Street. $8; free for children 12 & younger. www.danvillehistory.org.

434.770.1974.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH) self-guided audio-visual tours.

Public Library Events. Page 25.

Tai-Chi Day Classes - Increase strength, balance, flexibility and progress at your own pace.

M 11:15am-12:15pm or 5:456:45pm; W 3:30-4:30pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.

Let’s Dance – Learn new dances, make new friends and have loads of fun. Veteran dance instructor, 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 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/TH 5:30pm; Adults M 67:30pm. 434.797.8848.

Prime Time Fitness - Low-impact aerobics workout with a mix of various fun dance steps. Tu/Th 9:30-11am. 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.

434.797.8848.

Art with Flo – Wet on wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. W 9:30-11:30am, Glenwood Community Center; 6-8pm, Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

African Cardio Blast - A unique workout that includes dance movements from various regions of the African continent. W 6-7pm.

City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

African Rhythms by Nguzo Saba – Learn West African dance to live drumming. W 6-7pm. City Auditorium. 434.797.8848.

Cardio Step Class – Uptempo, high energy class. M/W 8:15-9:15am. 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.

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.

May 3

Virginia-North Carolina Piedmont Genealogical Society Meeting. Public invited.

5:30-7:00pm. Genealogy Room.

Danville Public Library, 511 Patton St. 434.799.5195 Eat Out to Help Out. See page 16.

Stranger Than Fiction: Great Art Heists in History - Lecture

by Anne Kenny-Urban, Executive Director of Agecroft Hall in Richmond. Learn why museums from Amsterdam to Zimbabwe have been targets for thieves and what tools they used to elude detection. $15. 6:30pm.

Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

May 5

Throw Paint at Cancer - free support program for cancer patients and survivors to express themselves through art 4-6pm Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St. No previous art experience required. Danville Regional Medical Center; Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia/Danville 434.421.3060 cllitzenberg@vcu. edu.

May 6, 7 & 8

13th Annual Halifax County Heritage & Antique Machinery Festival - Friday noon to 9pm; Saturday 9am-9pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm www.halifaxcountyhe ritagefestival.org. Halifax County Fairgrounds, South Boston.

May 6

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon A musical that portrays a feisty young girl who refuses to let her problems get the better of her. Suitable for grades K-5. $5 for students and adults.

10:00 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. Caswell County Civic Center, 536 Main Street East, Yanceyville, North Carolina. 336.694.4474 or caswellarts@gmail.com.

Family STEM Night - STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Enjoy crafts, educational activities, meet real scientists, play video games and more. 5-8PM. IALR. 434.7666745.

May 7

The Deep-Enders Art Show – Show/sale. 10am- 3pm. River District Artisans, 411 Main St. Spring River Clean Up. 9:30am11:30am Ages 12+ Danville Science Center & Danville Parks & Rec. Meet in front of the train station on Craghead St. 434.799.5150 Derby Day at the DMFAH. See ad page 17.

The Crooked Road Tour Celebrate the traditional music of Southwest Virginia.7:30pm. The Prizery. 434.572.8339.

May 11

Conversations with Health Researchers. See page 16.

May 12 & 13

Painting Workshop with Ed Gowen - Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 10.

Subject:”Mabry Mill” Bring a roll of paper towels and a bagged lunch. Register at PiedmontArts. org or 276.632.3221. $105 Members; $115 Non-members.

9 am-3:30pm. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville.

May 13, 14 & 15

Festival in the Park. See page 3.

May 13

May 2016 S M T 1 2 3 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31

May 19

Pace & Taste at VIR. See page 16.

Music on Main - Les Moore Trio (jazz & blues) 6:30pm 111 Main St. Free. Bring a chair or blanket.

In case of rain: Carrington Pavilion.

May 20

Greenberg/Overcash/Heard Memorial Golf Tournament.

See page 16.

Main Street Beat Festival.

Chatham. See page 16.

May 21 (thru July 22)

Expressions 2016 - Presented

by Lynwood Artists and Piedmont Arts, this open-entry judged art exhibit features work by local and regional artists. www. piedmontarts.org. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville.

May 21 & 22

National Velvet – presented

by Langhorne House. Movie starring Elizabeth Taylor & Mickey Rooney based on the novel by Enid Bagnold, grandmother of the current Lady Astor. 7pm Saturday; 2pm Sunday. Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 107 West Main Street. popcorn, lemonade. Donation admission.

434.791.2256.

May 21

Dog Wash - Danville Area Humane Society 9am-noon.

Danville Community Market, Craghead St. All proceeds benefit the animals at the shelter. large dogs:$14; medium dogs: $12; small dogs: $10; nail trim: $5 Rain cancels. 434. 799.0843.

Danville Symphony Orchestra Spring Pops Concert.

See page 17.

Boys & Girls Club Benefit Laps – Experience laps with pro drivers or drive your car. Music, food, 50/50 raffle VIR www.virnow.com Solofest – Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644 www.danvillemuseum.com

May 22

May 14

May 24

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

See page 16.

May 15

Opening of the Cassie Ott Art Exhibit. See page 16.

W T F S 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28

Pranayama and Moving Meditation. See page 17.

May 23

Team Up! Explore Science & Sports Exhibit Opening.

See page 17.

Reading and Book Discussion with Kristen-Paige Madonia author of Invisible Fault Lines.

6pm Piedmont Arts, Martinsville.

Register at 276.632.3221.

Admission free.

The deadline for submitting information for the June calendar is Friday, May 20, 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 May 25 (thru 28)

History of Negro Leagues Baseball Era & Players Exhibit.

See page 17.

340 Whitehead Street, Chatham. dsadkins@gmail.com.

Step by Step. See page 17.

May 26

Upcoming

May 27

Painting + Pinot. 6-9pm.

Registration Deadline: June 1 Instructor: Pepper Martin. Bring snacks or dinner to enjoy during the class. Painting supplies and light refreshments provided. All experience levels welcomed.

Register at PiedmontArts.org or 276.632.3221. Piedmont Arts, Martinsville.

Danville By Choice Meet & Greet – Whether you’re newly arrived or you are a long-time Danville-by-choicer, come meet others who love this place! No cover charge. www.facebook.com.

6-8pm. The Backdoor Bar & Grill.

Derrick Jones - Negro Leagues researcher presentation. See page 17.

Canvas & Cabernet – DMFAH www.danvillemuseum.com, 434.793.5644.

May 28

Hometown Tour - Food. History United and Danville Parks & Rec - tour some of the area’s agricultural highlights including an insider’s tour of the 616 Farm to Table Restaurant. $8 per person (lunch not included), 434.799.5216

May 31

Our Civil Rights: A Local and National Story - Pittsylvania County Public Library System and History United: summer film and discussion series 6:30pm Pittsylvania County History Research Center and Library,

June 3

June 17

God’s Storehouse Golf Tournament - Goodyear Golf Club in memory of Ben Toler.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. Shotgun start at 1pm. Cost $75 per person;$300 per team.

Registration deadline is Friday, June 3. cewalker06@gmail. com, www.godsstorehouse.org 434.793.3663

Beginning Monday, June 20

DSC Summer Camp Science Series – Do you have a budding scientist in the house? With topics ranging from kitchen chemistry to engineering, there is a little something to excite and engage children ages 4-12. Space is limited. 434.791.5160 x203.

Your therapy shouldn’t take the day off.

Call us for a tour and to discuss a plan of care to fit your individual needs.

®

We Offer 7 Days a Week of Rehab!

Piney Forest Health & Rehabilitation Center

450 Piney Forest Road • Danville, VA 24540 • 434-799-1565 • PineyForestRehab.com Piney Forest HRC Seven Day Rehab_3_12_12.indd 1

3/16/2016 3:31:21 PM

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May 2016

Evince Magazine Page  21

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May 2016

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

From left to right: JoAnne Evans, Billie Jones and Teresa Webb

by Courtney Dodson I recently had an opportunity to stay at the Holiday Inn Express at 2121 Riverside Drive. I was impressed with the staff members, the cleanliness of the hotel, the selection of bikes to use on the Riverwalk, the hot breakfast and also the cookies in the lobby in the evenings.

The team at the Holiday Inn Express notably Teresa Webb, Billie Jones and JoAnne Evans really has a great system in place and do their utmost to ensure that their customers feel at home, away from home. I would highly recommend the Holiday Inn Express!

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.

A Faithful Friend to Fetch Your Balance Piedmont Credit Union’s Mobile App!

We’re Your Community Credit Union www.piedmontcu.org | (434) 797-1954

Magic Tree House Space Mission

Now showing at the Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater a review by Deb Henderson OK, folks, a show of hands, please. How many of you read the Magic Tree House books as a youngster? Or, perhaps you’ve read them to your children? Let me guess, some of you bought these books at the Scholastic Book Fair in your elementary school, didn’t you?

Hugely popular, this series of children’s books features a sister and brother, Annie and Jack, who find a magic tree house that contains books and each book takes them to a different place and time. This is great children’s literature that stimulates a child’s imagination and interest in learning about all kinds of topics including dinosaurs, mummies, volcanoes and American history. And now, you can watch a short movie about one of their adventures at the Danville Science Center’s Digital Dome. In Magic Tree House Space Mission, Annie and Jack visit an observatory, meet an astronomer and an astronaut, and learn about the sun, moon and more.

Challenged to find the answers to a list of questions, they have an out-of-this-world experience learning the basics of the solar system and astronomy. Geared

for young learners – I’d say maybe kindergarteners through fourth or fifth graders – this show beautifully portrays the galaxy and views of earth from space. It is very engaging for both young children and folks my age. I encourage you to take the whole family. And who knows? This time of year, gardeners have planted seeds in their garden, and they are starting to see new growth sprouting out of the soil.

Maybe by taking a youngster to see Magic Tree House Space Mission, you will plant a seed of interest in astronomy and from that will sprout a future scientist, astronomer, astronaut, mathematician, engineer or a skilled and knowledgeable technician!

• Magic Tree House plays Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.dsc. smv.org, call 434.791.5160, or visit 677 Craghead Street.

• Admission to the movie is $6 for adults 13-59; $5 for youth ages 4-12 and seniors 60+. You do not have to be a DSC member to attend the movies.

Evince Magazine Page 23

Meet Poet Robert Roberts

Evince

e Page

Magazin

Evince Mag

azine Page 1

1

The Rose Sender

by Trena Taylor

When Robert F. Roberts courted Alice McCullor, he sent roses to convey his feelings for the woman who would later become his wife and the mother of their two children, Juanita and Melanie. Now 35 years later, Robert writes poetry under the pen name The Rose Sender and has published his first anthology, The Rose Sender’s Collection: The Poetic Jewel. What had once been a hobby of poetry writing has developed into a passion.

Robert’s interest in publishing his poetry was re-kindled while taking a creative writing workshop at Danville Public Library last year. After posting some of his work to a blog, Robert then spent weeks at the library working on publishing selected pieces in The Poetic Jewel through Amazon’s CreateSpace print-ondemand platform.

Robert is inspired by talking to people and hearing their stories and then retells their stories through poetry. In The Poetic Jewel, Robert recognizes the contributions of mothers with two poems: Mother in Action and Grandmother Mom. Mother in Action recalls the strength that women possess to take on innumerable responsibilities to sustain their families while remaining

The Wine Spot An Organic Toas to Mother Natu t re Page 27

n Vaugha Kevin stic a Fanta nville ucing Introd rce for Da e 14 Pag Resou

Meet Anna Pickera

l

The Festival in the Park’s Biggest Fan Page

s and Tom BelMleinosh Carla ation Reality

3

Renov Page

3

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: loving, positive role models for their children.

Grandmother Mom focuses on the grandmother who raises her grandchildren because their parents, for whatever reasons, do not.

At one time Robert dreamed of writing for Hallmark Cards. These days he thinks about competing with them.

The Poetic Jewel can be found in the Danville Public Library, at amazon. com, and at Karen’s Hallmark in Danville Mall.

Grandmother Mom

by Robert Roberts To you my grandmother this tribute I will pay For being here to guide me on my way A mother I have and a father too Who didn’t take time to do what parents oft do Grandmother, you stepped in at great sacrifice to yourself And the role as my mom you did graciously accept Like children with a mom or a dad, even both, I wanted to be Still grandmother it was you who was always there for me I disobeyed and lashed out at you in my pain from within But you stood by, preparing me for my race in life to win In reflecting back I regret that my life my parents didn’t share But now I see grandmother it was you who really did care Grandma, you are my mom no matter what other people say You wiped my tears to soothe my pain and kept me from going astray My love and appreciation is heartfelt reflecting what you required I will always think of you as the mom I love and admire!

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 @ Danville Mall Los Tres Magueyes Ruben’s URW Credit Union Western Sizzlin YMCA

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

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

Piney Forest Road Area

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

Memorial Drive

Frank’s Pizza Ginger Bread House

Other

Danville Welcome Center at River Park Drive

In Chatham Area

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

In South Boston

3 Women Consignment Bistro 1888 Halifax County Public Library O’ Sole Mio on Bill Tuck Hwy. South Boston Halifax County Museum of Fine Arts & History Southern Virginia Higher Education The Prizery Toots Creek Antiques Mall

In Gretna

American National Bank Carter Bank & Trust Crossroads Family Restaurant

In Martinsville

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

In Yanceyville, NC

Gunn Memorial Public Library The Drug Store The Venice Restaurant

Page 24

May 2016

Book Clubbing A Review by Diane Adkins

My Brilliant Friend

by Elena Ferrante

Elena Ferrante is a mysterious writer. By that, I do not mean that she writes mysteries. She herself is the mystery. Her intensely personal, confessional novels do all the talking for her, and in fact, the literary world does not even know who she is.

Ferrante believes that once a work is written, it no longer needs its writer. She has refused to appear at public events or to be interviewed, although on rare occasions she has answered letters.

Ferrante has written four works that together are referred to as the Neapolitan Novels. My Brilliant Friend is the first in the series. Set in a poor neighborhood in Naples right after World War II, it focuses on two young girls, Lila and Elena, from their early childhood through the wedding of Lila at age sixteen.

Naples suffered greatly during the war, having been bombed over 100 times. The Germans destroyed the port when the war was coming to an end. After the war, the socioeconomic situation in Naples was dire, and it is this wrenching poverty in which the books are set. In many ways, Naples is another character in the book; the setting is such an integral part of the book itself. It’s a violent neighborhood, where women in particular must be careful, but no one is complacent or feels safe.

The girls are both brilliant students, but as they age, they begin to go separate ways. Lila is unconventional in her thinking, brave in ways that other children are not, and supremely intelligent in a way that astonishes her teachers. Elena, in whose voice the book is written, is often more compliant and readily acknowledges comparing herself constantly to Lila. As they grow into middle-school age, it is Elena who continues her education, while Lila seems to pull back. Elena eventually chooses the world outside the neighborhood for her sphere of influence; Lila, who has always refused to be the good girl and to behave according to societal expectations, chooses the more conventional way. Expectations are confounded in this book.

There is a complete lack of sentimentality in the narrative. The girls compete; there is tension always between them, but at the same time, there is a core of love, and the competition drives them to be their best selves. At one point, Elena talks about getting her diploma and being done with school, and Lila protests, “…you should keep studying….you’re my brilliant friend, you have to be the best of all, boys and girls.”

All women have mothers, and May is the month where we draw special attention to that fact. But not all women are mothers; and whether we are or not, most of us have other women as friends. Often, those friendships with our girlfriends are as complicated as our relationships with our mothers. Ferrante’s work draws attention to the ambivalent character of some of our friendships, the depth and layers of meaning, without sentimentality. There’s no sepia-toned glow to this book, but the honesty shines through. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Evince Magazine Page 25

Pittsylvania County

What’s Happening in Pittsylvania Co., and Danville Public Libraries

Special Events:

• Gretna Friends of the Library Book Sale: May 3, 11am-7pm; May 4, 11am-5pm; May 5, 11am7pm; May 6, 11am-5pm.

• Chatham Friends of the Library Book Sale: May 13, 9am-5pm; May 14, 10am – 2pm, Ennis Building (next to the old train depot), 340 Whitehead Street.

• Brosville Friends of the Library Book Sale: May 16-27. During library hours.

• Chatham Library Block Party: May 19, 2pm-4pm • National Readathon Day: May 21, 10am-2pm, Chatham.

• Heritage Young Authors Event: May 17, 2pm-4pm, Chatham. First grade authors/illustrators will read their stories. Light refreshments • Our Civil Rights Film Series: May 31, 6:45pm, History Research Center and Library (old train depot), Chatham. Focus is on the desegregation period.

STEM/STEAM:

• STEAM: May 6, 10am, Brosville.

Use your math skills and create a picture with string. All ages.

• STEAM Saturday: May 21, 11am1pm, Chatham. Make and fire slingshot rockets.

Computer Classes:

• Computer One-on-One: Chatham.

Individual help available Tuesdays 11am –noon; Wednesdays 6pm7pm; Thursdays 2pm-3pm. Learn the basics or set up your tablet for e-books.

Book Discussions & Writing:

• Second Thursday Discussion Group: May 12, 4pm-5:45pm, Chatham. Various topics. Adults.

Danville Public Libraries • May 2, 9, 23, 30 – Afternoon Book Club. Whether you are an avid reader and/or author, come share your thoughts on your favorite literature. 4-5pm Genealogy Room. Adults.

• May 3, 7 – Introduction to Genealogical Research. This class introduces websites and databases to aid in family history research. May 3 (11am-2pm) and May 7 (10am-1pm) in Computer Lab. • May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Crafters Corner. Do you enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, quilting or other crafts? Bring your supplies and learn techniques and designs, or share your skills. Work on individual, group, and service projects. Light refreshments.

4-6pm Genealogy Room. All ages.

• May 5 – Navigating Ancestry.com.

Use the free library edition of Ancestry.com. 11am-2pm in Computer Lab. • May 10 – Yack & Snack Book Club. Talk about what you’re reading and enjoy a snack. 11am12pm Genealogy Room.

Finding Your African American Ancestors. 11am-2pm in Computer Lab. • May 12 – Introduction to FindAGrave.com. This class introduces an online database with thousands of cemetery records.

Bring in obituaries and expand the FindAGrave.com database by submitting your entries. 11am-2pm in Computer Lab. • Senior Movie Day – Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (PG-13).

11am-1pm in auditorium.

• May 16 – African-American Voices Author Talk Series: LaSheera and Jackie Lee. Come hear local African-American authors talk about their published works.

Light refreshments. 4-5pm in auditorium. All ages.

• May 17 – Utilizing Court Records to Guide Genealogical

Research. This class introduces databases and resources at the local office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. Learn how to obtain public records to guide research. 11am1pm in Computer Lab. • May 18 – Crazy for Coloring.

Enjoy the latest trend in relaxation and stress reduction for adults and teens. Supplies provided. 4-5pm Genealogy Room.

• May 19 – Intermediate Genealogy: Creating a Family History Website. Broaden your genealogical research by making it available to everyone online.

Prerequisite: Must have completed previous Introduction to Genealogy course and must have intermediate computer and Internet skills.

11am-2pm in Computer Lab. • Bingo for Adults. Light refreshments. 11am-12pm in Auditorium. Ages 18+.

• May 21 – Writers’ Group. Whether you’re looking for ideas, already working on a piece, or putting the final touches on a finished work, come to the library to develop and explore your craft. Join in a writing exercise or share your work in a critique session. Danville Public Library’s writers’ group meets on the third Saturday of each month in the Genealogy Room from 10am to 12pm. Light refreshments.

• May 25-28 – Exhibit: History of Negro Leagues Baseball Era and Players. See page 17.

• May 26 – Presentation: Negro Leagues Baseball Era and Players. See page 17.

• Afternoon Tea. 3-4pm Genealogy Room. Ages 18+.

For more information call 434.799.5195 x2769. For information and to register for genealogy classes contact Danielle ext 2764. All programs are free at the Danville Public Library, 511 Patton Street.

Food, Nutrition, Fitness and Health Programs:

• Group Fitness: May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 10am Gretna. Exercise using exercise/walking DVDs from the library. Ages 18+.

• Second Tuesday Recipe Club: May 10, 5:30pm, Gretna. “Spring Tea Party.” Check out a recipe book, make a dish from that book, bring your dish and recipe to share. Signup required.

Art & Craft Programs:

• Knitting: May 2 & 16, 6:30pm, Mt. Hermon. All skill levels welcomed.

• Upcycle Craft: May 3, 5pm, Gretna.

Make a Dream Catcher using found items like feathers, ribbon charms.

Bring your own or use some of ours. Free. Sign-up required.

• Open Needlework: May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 10:00am, Brosville.

Knitting, embroidery, crochet.

• Loom Knitting: May 4, 11, 18, and 25, 11:30am, Brosville.

• 2nd Saturday Quilt Club: May 14, 10am-noon, History Research Center and Library, Chatham. Hand or machine quilt. Bring sewing machine.

• Paper Quilt Craft: May 24, 4pm-6pm, Chatham. Make “Quilt Squares” from scrapbook paper.

• Hooks & Books: May 26, 6pm7:30pm. Make cute arumigurumi!

Previous crochet experience recommended. Bring crochet hooks and yarn.

• Barn Quilt Painting: May 26, 5pm-7pm Chatham. Design and paint a small “Barn Quilt” painting.

Ages 16+. Signup required.

Game Programs & Activities:

• Back to Basics: May 14, 10:30am-1:30pm. Board games and coloring for all ages.

• Book Bingo: May 19, 6pm7:30pm, Brosville. All ages.

• Minecraft @ Mt. Hermon: May 21, 11am-1pm. Minecraft-oriented activities, ages 8-14. Light snacks.

• Bingo for Books: May 24, 5pm, Gretna. All ages.

Movies:

• Family Movie: April 2, 10:30am, Mt. Hermon. Jungle Book • Teen Matinee: April 23, 2:30pm, Mt. Hermon. Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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.

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Page 26

May 2016

Reflecting Forward Levels of Disaster: The Call of the Wild

by Linda Lemery

W

hen Mother Nature trumpets

the call of the wild, my

husband, Steve, and I have learned that we can only handle the more manageable levels of “wild.” For example, take another disastrous weekend in the Aliner camper.

Though we’d crammed enough gear into the van for the Continental Army, once again we forgot the directions for how to put up the camper. We left late because Steve had to reattach the star-shaped electrical connector thingy that had been attached so low that backing up onto a driveway that slanted upward had snapped the zip ties. Therefore, we barely made it through the campground gate before the park ranger locked it up like Fort Knox.

We narrowly missed taking out a pine tree while trying to back up in the pitch-black night. At least we didn’t have to cook, because when the tough leave late, the tough buy Chinese takeout. Consequently, the first night involved three rushed trips to bathrooms situated several acres away. In the morning, we staggered down to the shower annex, which was unpopulated because of the ice-cold shower.

Steve wanted to play disk golf that afternoon, but there was a problem. He’d started hacking and coughing and choking as soon as he woke up. “The pollen,” he gasped. We were camping amongst many pine trees that chose that weekend to let loose.

What’s ebullient celebration to Mother Nature is raging allergies to us, so we stopped for an emergency purchase and ended up disk golfing in white respirator masks. After that, we went to see Star Wars at the Raleighwood dinner cinema. When we came out of the theater, some unidentified slime-bucket person had bashed in the front passenger fender on our van and then fled the scene. Although the passenger door wouldn’t open, the van was drivable, which made this an example of a lower-level disaster.

We didn’t call the police – there was no one to charge with reckless parking. And we had to get back to the campground before they locked up.

The pollen was so heavy during our nocturnal, respirator-clad bathroom commutes that we could see a gazillion grains per second drifting down in the light of Steve’s headlamp. Fortunately, the next night it rained. That cleared the air but meant the bathroom commutes in the downpour were quite invigorating. During the next morning’s short dry spell, we weren’t fast enough to pop the camper down before another deluge arrived. Then Steve couldn’t lock the skylight vent cover. He gave it an extra strong twist and shattered the latch, which meant we had to find a way to tie down the cover so that the highway wind wouldn’t snap it off. Plus now we couldn’t use the venting fan until the shattered latch parts were removed from the unit.

Arriving home, we unsuccessfully tried backing the camper into the driveway four times. The neighbors poured out to help.

Thank goodness our new neighbor has already closed the deal on the house next door because having to bail us out of these situations might be incentive enough to move. When I zoomed off to the vet’s to pick up the dog, I almost had a heart attack when, for the first time ever, I saw the gas tank empty light illuminated in bright orange. Luckily I had a credit card with me.

The camper is now parked. We’ll take that baby out after we develop amnesia and only remember the good parts of camping (like the silence, the rain on the roof, and not having to live life in the fast lane). Once everything is repaired and it’s not pollen season and there’s no rain in the forecast, we might heed the call of the wild and go camping again. Tonight I’m looking forward to a nocturnal commute of five steps to the bathroom and I’m happy about that.

About the author: When she’s not recounting the Lemery travel disasters, Linda (llemery@averett.edu) works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She welcomes your comments.

Evince Magazine Page 27 Have you seen the words organic, biodynamic or sustainable on a wine label and wondered what it meant? Here’s what I’ve learned:

certified by one of two governing bodies, Demeter International or Biodyvin.

Sustainable: Sustainable practices are based on farming that is not only good for the environment, but also makes economic sense. This means that a farmer may use organic practices, but if some of those practices don’t make economic sense because they’re too expensive, the grower might skip them. There are several associations that winemakers can join to formally list themselves as a sustainable vineyard.

Organic: This wine is made from grapes grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. The definition of organic wine varies from country to country and the differences are usually based on the use or non-use of preservatives. A wine made in the United States that is organic should have a USDA organic seal.

Biodynamic: A biodynamic wine goes beyond organic and seeks to balance the vineyard with nature and the moon cycles.

It’s based on the writings of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Critics acknowledge the high quality of biodynamic wines but question the cause.

They ask if the improvements in vineyard health and wine taste would have happened anyway if organic farming were used in the vineyards. As I understand it, biodynamic wines must be

No whining for this kind of dining, at least not over spilled vintage. Simple yet brilliant, Picnic Stix keeps the wine bottle and glasses safe and sound while stuck into nature’s less-than-perfect terrain.

The Wine Spot

An Organic Toast to Mother Nature

by Dave Slayton

a member of the Master Court of Sommeliers

Just because a wine is organic, biodynamic or sustainable doesn’t automatically mean the wine will taste better. The truth is always in the bottle. But knowing that the wine was made in an environmentally friendly way may be the most important factor to the person drinking the wine. Wherever your hiking boots take you, keep Mother Nature’s generosity in mind and enjoy her responsibly. Cheers!

Page 28

May 2016

Evince Magazine Page 29

Mother Nature Brings Food to the Table

by Annelle Williams

Mother Nature does indeed have a voice, sometimes gentle and nurturing, providing us with life-sustaining fresh air, water, and the fertile soil to grow our food. We have a direct responsibility to protect all the good things Mother Nature sends our way. It’s easy to see that we’ve taken these things for granted, but every day we become more aware of the need to protect and preserve these gifts.

Nature is hard to ignore as spring brings such beauty to our area. The trees are turning many shades of green and flowers are popping up everywhere. That means the garden treasures can’t be far away. I look forward to the fresh fruits and vegetables every year and can hardly wait to bring them to the table. This recipe is a conglomeration of things you might find in your refrigerator after a trip to the local farmers’ market, plus a few extras. To me, the sweet taste of the roasted corn and the tang of lime juice is what really makes this full-meal salad so delicious. You can also add anything else from the vegetable category. For protein, I include chicken, but you could easily use tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef or pork, so don’t limit yourself. Enjoy this time of year; bring the fresh fruits and vegetables to your table every day!

Southwest Chicken Salad (4 servings) 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces 2 T extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 tsp. Southwest seasoning 1 tsp. cumin 2 ears fresh corn salt and pepper 1 cup diced fresh tomato

1 avocado, diced zest of one lime juice of 1/2 lime ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 cups chopped cabbage ¼ cup shredded Manchego cheese (or your favorite cheese) tortilla strips

Dressing 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1-2 small shallots, peeled and minced (1-2 tablespoons)

1 tsp. sea salt 1 tsp. cumin 6 T extra virgin olive oil

Mix chicken pieces with Southwest seasoning and cumin. Add one tablespoon olive oil to sauté pan over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and stir about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

Mix tomato, avocado, lime zest and juice. Set aside.

Place corn cobs on pan covered with foil. Drizzle with remaining oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in preheated 450 degree oven and roast for 20 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

When cooled, cut corn from cobs and add to tomato, avocado and lime juice.

Whisk together dressing ingredients. Mix 1/3 dressing with cabbage. Add dressed cabbage to salad bowl. Top with tomato, corn, avocado mix. Put chicken around outer edge. Top with cilantro, cheese and tortilla strips. Serve with remaining dressing.

Questions or comments?

Email me: AnnelleWilliams@comcast.net I look forward to hearing from you!

Page  30

May 2016

Photo Finish On Saturday, April 16, a group of locals spent the day checking out the history of a few churches on a Hometown Tour with Danville Parks & Recreation and History United.

Of course, photographer Von Wellington took his camera to capture the event. The group toured Bible Way Cathedral, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Epiphany Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Sholom.

These beautiful sacred spaces are reminders that every place has a story. The next tour on Saturday, May 28, will focus on local foods past and present. Register with Parks & Recreation 434 799 5216. Cost is $8 per person for the fivehour tour.

First stop was Temple Beth Sholom on Sutherlin Avenue, the only Jewish temple in Danville The building was constructed in 1900

by German immigrants who started arriving in Danville shortly after the end of the Civil War.

As the tourtakers enter Temple Beth Sholom, they notice the Star of David over the front doors.

The group listens and learns as Jo Ann Howard explains Jewish traditions and rituals.

Unless indicated, all photos

by Von Wellington. For more info visit www.vonwellington photography.com or call 434.770.3553. See more pictures on Facebook.

Rev. Becky Crites welcomes the group to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany at the corner of Main and Jefferson Streets.

The Church of the Epiphany was constructed between 1879 and 1881. It replaced the original wooden church that had been erected at this site in 1844. Photo by Joyce Wilburn.

Jo Ann Howard, Para-Rabbinic, takes the Torah from the Ark. The Torah scroll contains the five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

A circular stained glass window at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany depicts the birth of Christ.

Evince Magazine Page  31

The Catholics in Danville organized in 1875 and built this weatherboarded church at the intersection of Holbrook and Ross Streets in 1879.

They have relocated twice since then. Photo by Joyce Wilburn.

Mary Foley, Director of Administration & Finance at Sacred Heart Church (second from right), talks to the group.

A large stained glass window of Jesus is the focal point inside Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church relocated to Central Boulevard in 2001. Photo by Joyce Wilburn.

It was a beautiful, sunny day for walking in Danville’s historic district.

Justin Ferrell, a member of Bible Way Cathedral, welcomes the Hometown Tour.

This picture of Martin Luther King Jr. is featured prominently near the executive offices of Bible Way Cathedral. MLK Jr., who spoke in Danville in 1963, had a strong relationship with Apostle Campbell during the 1960s, when Campbell consulted with him about civil rights demonstrations in the city and across the country. In 1961, Apostle Campbell and Gloria Campbell fought for integration of the Danville Public Library and public accommodations.

The Campbells were also involved with the 1963 demonstrations.

Bishop Lawrence Campbell, who began Bible Way Cathedral in 1953, gives a brief background of the church and its role during the civil rights efforts in Danville in the 1960s.

Bible Way Cathedral is located on Grant Street near Industrial Avenue. Photo by Joyce Wilburn.

Page 32

May 2016