Evince Magazine May 2018

Michael Hudson

Losing Sleep & Loving It Page 3

Avoca Museum Debra Dockery Photo Finish Page 22

Altavista, Virginia

Is Open for the Season!

Page 2 May 2018

May Contents

The

Photo by Michelle Dalton Photography

2 Editor’s Note

Editor’s Note

Evince doesn’t have a dedication page, we have twenty-four pages dedicated to you, our readers. Committed writers and contributors volunteer their time and talent to create this monthly publication for the community; advertisers pay the bills for layout, printing, and distribution. This team of writers and advertisers believes that positive news and worthy role models need a platform and they are dedicated to providing it. That’s why Michael Hudson and his workplace, Avoca Museum, are on the cover.

Read the story on page 3 about how his passion for history is transforming a landmark.

Learn about dedication to customer service (page 9), renovation (page 6), making friends (page 4), living well (page 18), dining out (page 6), creating wine (page 18), and cooking (page 21). For more inspiration on living a passionate life, read “Meditation Moment” on page 7 and “A Different Slant on Dedication” on page 20. To see pictures of someone in action who is dedicated to her community, look at “Photo Finish” on pages 22-23.

Your comments in “The Voice of Readers” on page 4 let us know we are on the right track.

Together we can nurture an optimistic outlook and highlight good role models for the future.

Thanks for being a part of this collaboration.

CEO / Publisher Andrew Scott Brooks

3 Michael Hudson / Losing Sleep and Loving It

by Joyce Wilburn 4 Dedicate Yourself to Making Friends

by Carollyn Peerman

Editor Joyce Wilburn (434.799.3160) joycewilburn@gmail.com

Associate Editors Jeanette Taylor • Larry Wilburn

The Voice of Readers

5 Flying Monsters

a review by Deb Henderson

Contributing Writers

Diane Adkins, Brenda Brokaw, Ethan Brown, Kim Clifton, Stephanie Ferrugia, Mary Frankliln, Mimi Grubb, Karen Harris, Deb Henderson, Kathy Hurt, Telisha Moore Leigg, Linda Lemery, Charlotte Litzenburg, Celeste Lynn, Erica Lowdermilk, Kathy Milam, Carla Minosh, Casey Molloy, Carollyn Peerman,bCarrie Petrick, Danielle Pritchett, Dave Slayton,bJay Stephens, Carolyn Strange, Lisa Tuite,bLiz Whittaker, Joyce Wilburn, Annelle Williams

6 Food for Thought / The Schoolfield Restaurant

by Stephanie Ferrugia

Renovation Reality / Part 23

by Carla Minosh

7 Meditation Moment

by Casey Molloy

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

9 Second Thoughts / Uneasy Riders

by Kim Clifton

Finance Manager Cindy Yeatts (1.434.709.7349)

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Celeste Lynn

Marketing Consultants Kim Demont (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net

10 Kindred / Part Two

Fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg 11 Living Well / Make Diseases Disappear

by Kathy Hurt 12 Calendar Clips 14 Calendar

Lee Vogler (434.548.5335) lee@evincemagazine.com

16 Tap Lessons / Sour Beer?

by Ethan Brown

Book Clubbing / The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah a review by Diane Adkins

18 The Wine Spot / Here’s a Toast to Dedication

by Dave Slayton Sly Strader Milam (434.728.1291) sly@evincemagazine.com

19 What’s Happening in the Public Libraries 20 Reflecting Forward / A Different Slant on Dedication

by Linda Lemery

For ad information contact a marketing consultant listed above.

21 Around the Table

Lasagna Primavera - Spring Lasagna

by Annelle Williams

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

22 Photo Finish

On the Cover:

Photo of Avoca Museum by Adam Mullins Photography, Lynchburg, Virginia.

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

Deadline for submission of June stories, articles, and ads is Monday, May 21, at 5:00 p.m.

Submit stories, articles, and calendar items to joycewilburn@gmail.com.

www.showcasemagazine.com

| May 2018 | ShowcaSe Magazine 1

Meet Some of Our Contributors

For ad information contact a marketing consultant or the Director of Sales & Marketing listed above.

Editorial Policies:

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

EVINCE MAGAZINE 753 Main St. Suite 3, Danville, VA 24541 www.evincemagazine.com

Sincerely, 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. Clothes and accessories: Rippe’s100 Years of Fashion, 559 Main St. Danville.

oice of Dedication

For subscriptions to Evince, email info@evincemagazine.com.

Cost is $24 a year.

Celeste Lynn is the owner of NSolutions.

Liz Whittaker is the Recreation Program Supervisor at the Danville Farmers’ Market.

Stephanie Ferrugia works in marketing and communications by day and moonlights as a Southern Dinner Belle during her free time.

Lisa Tuite is the Director of Pittsylvania County Public Library.

She loves bringing info, entertainment, learning and services to Evince readers.

© 2018 All rights reserved.

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

Evince Magazine Page 3

F

mansion built in 1901, there are five outbuildings: a post-Colonial wood-frame smokehouse, a one-and-a-half story brick kitchen, and a spring house, an antebellum plantation office (now a gift shop and exhibit gallery of Altavista history), and an 1880’s cabin. A tourist could visit for an hour or all day depending on the level of curiosity. If someone needs a break from touring, Michael has a refreshing recommendation.

“The arboretum is like a beautiful park—a very relaxing place with a fountain and fish pond,” he says pointing to the area in front of the mansion.

ive years ago, Michael Hudson began the “the best job in the world” in the small town of Altavista, just forty miles north of Danville. Standing beneath the tall oak trees that once marked a path to the front door of a large two-and-a-half story Queen Anne mansion, the Executive Director of the Avoca Museum explains, “I can honestly say that I have never found myself waking up and dreading going to work. In fact, sometimes I’m so excited about what I’m going to do the next day, I don’t go to sleep.”

That passion and enthusiasm radiates from the young professional’s face as he walks from the museum-house into his workplace in a former plantation office building and talks about the journey he took to land the coveted position.

“For nine years, I taught every subject except science on every level: elementary, middle, and high schools,” says the Liberty University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in American history and a graduate degree in education. During summer breaks, the Lynchburg native worked at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park portraying someone from 1865—sometimes a former Confederate or Union soldier or a civilian. It’s a part-time job he continues to hold. “I usually work six days a week here and on the seventh day I don’t know what to do, so I go play in the Park,” he says while laughing.

Although Michael’s personal history is interesting, he’d rather talk about his home-away- fromhome—the Avoca Museum that opened in 1992. “We interpret over 11,000 years of human history here. The Smithsonian makes a trip to Avoca every few months because we have one of the largest Native American collections in the country. We also tell the Civil War history at this site and the people who were enslaved here,” he continues. During the years of the Revolutionary War, Avoca was the home of patriot Col. Charles Lynch. Its name was changed from Green Level to Avoca when Mary Anna Dearing Fauntleroy inherited the property in 1877. “She thought the old name was a little bland and she wanted something more elegant,” Michael recounts. Maybe she chose Avoca because it was a reminder

In 2017, guests from twentyfive states and eight foreign countries were welcomed at Avoca Museum and experienced firsthand their motto Southern Hospitality Meets Victorian Charm. Thinking about comments he has received from visitors, Michael jokes, “If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say, ‘This is so amazing. I had no idea this was here,’ not only would I be making money in a very strange way, but I would be very wealthy.” On that note, Michael walks back to his office to prepare for the next big event. Even if it means long hours of preparation and losing sleep because of the excitement, he doesn’t care. That’s to be expected when one has the best job in the world.

Michael Hudson stands in front of Avoca Museum. Photo by Joyce Wilburn.

Michael Hudson Losing Sleep and Loving It

by Joyce Wilburn of her ancestors who came from Galway, Ireland. Avoca, Ireland, is at the confluence of two rivers; Altavista is at the convergence of two rivers: the Staunton and Roanoke.

Michael elaborates on the Museum’s uniqueness: “Avoca is not here because of one event or person. We have that and more. There are so many layers of history.” In addition to the

• Avoca Museum, 1514 Main Street, Altavista, is open now for the season through the last weekend in October from Thursday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for seniors; $3 for ages 6-18; free for ages 5 and under. It is closed for tours on days of special or private events.

Check the website or call for those dates.

• The Annual Mothers’ Day Tea will be held on Sunday, May 13, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes tea, light refreshments, piano entertainment, and selfguided tours. All mothers are admitted free.

• TGIF will be held on Friday, May 25, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. It features live music, adult beverages, and a food truck.

• For more information, visit www.avocamuseum.org or www.facebook.com/avoca1901 or call 434.369.1076.

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Evince Magaz

Evince Magaz

Dedicate Yourself to Making Friends

“Tell me your friends, accomplishment that and I’ll tell you who you you will never forget. are,” say the Assyrians.

How delightful it is Two things influence you to make friends with as you travel through someone you formerly life: the books you read disliked. A former and the people you enemy is now your meet. At least some of dearest friend. An the people you meet will enemy will destroy eventually become your you with his beak but closest friends. They will a friend will cover you begin as acquaintances with his wings. The and as time goes by the worse kind of enemy relationship deepens is one who is close and they become to you. “Better a your lifelong friends.

by Carollyn Lee Peerman thousand enemies Friendship is a slowoutside the tent than ripening fruit that time brings to one within,” say the Arabs. For perfection. Make sure to establish example, Judas, one of the twelve these lifelong friendships before you disciples, betrayed Jesus with a kiss. really need them “You never really know your friends from your enemies until the ice Keep a tested old friend because a breaks,” is an Eskimo saying. new friend cannot compare with the old. “A new broom sweeps clean, but Can you discern your enemies from an old broom knows the corners,” say your friends? Sometimes it takes the Virgin Islanders. An old friend adverse circumstances to tell the has known you for so long that he or difference. Your friends will be loyal she has discovered your strengths and stay with you. A true friend loves and weaknesses. A true friend will you come rain or shine, fair weather appreciate your strengths and help or foul. Moreover, there is a steadfast you overcome your weaknesses. quality to genuine friendship. A Friends of this caliber are few and far stable, reliable persevering friend is between. I would rather have one a gem. “My best friend is the one true friend than a hundred relatives. who brings out the best in me,” I can bear cold tea and cold rice but noted Henry Ford. Do you bring out not cold looks or cold words. Harsh the best in your friends? Do you demanding insensitive words can cut tell them their faults and follies in me like a knife. What about you? prosperity and assist them with your heart and hand in adversity? Do you Have you ever turned an enemy go the second mile for your friends? into a friend? “Who is mighty?

One who makes an enemy into a From one old friend to another, friend,” is a Hebrew saying. It is an thanks for reading this.

ine Page 1

Calendar Clips

The Courtship Thomas Day of & Aquilla

Page 13

Book Clubbing for Kids

Page 17

Calendar Clipsss

Barking Bluegra

Wilson

Page 12

Barbara Seamster

Putting Her Heart into the Community See Page 3

William Tell Fritzler

ial Events Directing Spec Photo FinishReid Street Gallery Cooking at Page 22

The Voice of Readers To the editor: The article in the April edition of Evince was great! Thanks, Joyce, for putting this together for us.

Especially love the beautiful front cover, very eye-catching.

Thanks again, Denise Barksdale Assistant Manager, Town of Halifax Thank you, Denise. I enjoyed writing the story and arranging the photo. The cover picture shows one of many barn quilts in the area. If anyone is interested in painting a barn quilt for personal use, the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History is offering a Saturday class in the near future. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Call 434.793.5644.

To the editor: Thank you again so much for the Evince cover story (“Barbara Seamster Putting Her Heart into the Community” February page 3) and support for the Riverview Rotary Valentine Dance for polio eradication. If all monies come in that were promised we will have raised a little over $8,000 profit.

Your support, attendance and involvement were important to the cause. Thanks again so much!

Sincerely, Barbara Seamster To the editor: Many thanks again for including The Wednesday Club announcements in Evince (“Calendar Clips” March page 12 and February page 13.)

We appreciate the quality of your publication and know it generates interest in our community.

Gratefully, Karan Johnson To the editor: Congratulations to Casey Molloy for her article in the April Evince on “Listening to a Small Voice of Encouragement” (page xx). Her article spoke to my heart and her words were right on target.

Carollyn Lee Peerman

See Page 3

Photo Finish

Danville Community College

Page 22

Denise Hudson

Farming, Touring, and Giving Directions See Page 3

To the editor: I truly loved the article (“William Tell Fritzler Directing Special Events” March page 3). Your words are so thoughtful and touched my heart.

You clearly have an art that warms the soul. Thank you for writing this about me and the Boys & Girls Clubs. I have always believed when people see passion in great needs, they feel empowered to join and take part themselves. I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.

Thank you in advance for inspiring people to become family in the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Danville Area.

Tell Fritzler, Director of Annual Fund & Special Events To the editor: Thank you kindly for the great publicity Evince magazine gave recently to programs The Wednesday Club sponsored. Our events are open to the public and we enjoy sharing. The opportunity to see us in Evince is greatly appreciated.

Yours sincerely, Jean Harper Vernon Program Chairman To the editor: Living Well looks just great (“Tweaking Your Lifestyle” March page 18). Thanks so much for giving this a chance and for such nice placement within Evince.

Charlotte Litzenberg Cancer Research & Resource Center of Southern Virginia To all who write these notes of encouragement, we say thank you.

Please continue to support Evince writers who volunteer their time and talent and to our advertisers who pay our bills. This is a team effort and we need all of you.

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, they are still available at www.evincemagazine.com.

Evince Magazine Page 5

Flying Monsters now showing at the Danville Science Center Digital Dome Theater a review by Deb Henderson Looking for an exciting family outing?

How about visiting an amusement park filled with live dinosaurs?

Wouldn’t that be amazing? You could drive around in your Jeep, peering at prehistoric animals grazing, sleeping, and eating. In the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park, visitors could do that-see dinosaurs that had been created from ancient dinosaur DNA found trapped in fossils. What an adventure!

What could possibly go wrong?

Check out that old movie for a real thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you prefer a more child-friendly dinosaur movie, however, go see Flying Monsters at the DSC Digital Dome Theater.

Narrated by the well-known and award-winning naturalist, David Attenborough, this is an amazing short film portraying pterosaurs – flying creatures – from more than 200 million years ago. These dinosaurs were part-reptile and part-bird, the first vertebrates to fly. They ranged from small creatures to some that were as tall as giraffes or as wide as airplanes. Attenborough explains that these huge creatures could fly because their bones were hollow, making them very light for their size.

Scientists believe that unlike some

modern-day birds, pterosaurs could spring up into the air, rather than getting a running start. They were graceful in the air soaring over beautiful terrain but very wobblylooking on ground. Kids will get a kick out of seeing these huge “birds”.

Once airborne, they could fly for days, flapping, gliding and gobbling up insects that filled the sky. Back then, the earth was a much wetter environment and even more buggy than July in Danville.

Continued research into dinosaurs combined with computer graphics really make these creatures come to life. Of course, seeing this in the Digital Dome Theater surrounds and immerses you in this prehistoric environment, making it a very realistic and impressive experience. Think about pterosaurs next time you see pelicans at the beach, but imagine the pelicans are much, much bigger.

And these flying monsters are circling overhead. That’s close enough to Jurassic Park for me.

• For more information and show times, visit the DSC, 677 Craghead Street, www.dsc.smv.org, or call 434.791.5160. Cost for the movie is $5-6. You do not need to be a DSC member to attend a movie.

Page 6 May 2018

Renovation Reality Part 23

by Carla Minosh

John Shutts stands outside ready to greet customers. Right: Cocktail menu (with that adorable logo and the names of the drinks are too much fun).

Photos by Stephanie Ferrugia.

The Schoolfield Restaurant The More the Merrier

by Stephanie Ferrugia, Southern Dinner Belle You’ll thank me for this advice later. When you venture to The Schoolfield Restaurant, take friends and/or family. Sure, the bonding is great but there’s another reason: to taste several dishes at the table!

Thankfully, some dear friends own a clothing boutique next door to The Schoolfield Restaurant located in the historic Schoolfield district of Danville at1009 West Main Street. So, after I did a bit of shopping, they accompanied my daughter and me on this culinary adventure. While I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure of their company, the real treat was sampling their scrumptious entrees.

What can possibly go wrong with salmon bruschetta on a fresh bed of greens waiting at your table when you arrive, along with a Gone with the Gin cocktail?

Fiddle-dee-dee, not a blame thing. And when everyone orders four different specialties—the famous crab cakes, hand-cut filet mignon, seafood pasta, and beef stroganoff—you know you’re in for something special.

Quick recap • crab cake entrée with quinoa, asparagus and fresh greens. Co-owner, John Shutts, puts his signature but classic spin on the well-known Maryland-style recipe and the first bite will leave you thinking you’ve died and gone straight to heaven.

• hand-cut filet with mashed potatoes and asparagus. The hand-cut beef makes all the difference. The only word that

describes it is velvety.

• seafood pasta with crab, shrimp, scallops. This dish is chock full of goodness from the sea.

• beef stroganoff. This is going off the menu soon. Trust me – you don’t want to miss it.

Small group? Do not let that hold you back. John is the host with the most and is not only great company, but he’ll also keep you in stitches about how some dishes came to be. For example, ask him about the ohso-unique cold quinoa served with the crab cakes.

For dessert, John kept the roundrobin theme going. Like the main course, we couldn’t decide on just one, so John and server Holly surprised us with one of each. If you’re a chocolate fan, I highly recommend the chocolate lava cake and load up that spoon because it might not make it around your table twice. The key lime pie is a strong, sweet finish as well.

Let me know if you decide to roll over to see John, Holly, and the rest of the crew at The Schoolfield Restaurant. I’ll come with a fork and spoon in hand just in case you have an extra seat at the table.

• The Schoolfield Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9: 00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

For more information visit Facebook and www. theschoolfieldrestaurant.com or call 434.799.9300.

Unlike HGTV shows where home renovations are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, the Victorian house at the corner of Chestnut Place and Main Street in Danville has been under a transformation for 17 years.

This series that began in April 2016 explores the truth of home renewal from someone who has been there and done that. If you missed any of the installments, visit www. evincemagazine.com. This installment is a continuation from last month’s. Carla visits Gladys, who lives in a 1960’s New England Saltbox house in Connecticut surrounded by a cast-iron fence from the 1800s.

Carla wants to buy that fence for her Danville home.

I

nside this simple New England saltbox-style home, Gladys had installed the entire interior of a grand Victorian mansion, from the coffered ceiling to the rich wood paneling, the chunky window trim and the marble fireplace. A built-in buffet stood in a recessed niche, with the woodwork surrounding it just as fancy as the piece itself as it undulated above the buffet’s upper section, matching the contours of the high-style cabinet’s tall crest and finials.

On the walls, paintings from the period stood in proud rows. The furniture was also high-style, and I immediately recognized some well-known turn-of-the-century New York City manufacturers among the pieces. The enormous bronze chandelier hanging above the grand dining room table was above and beyond elaborate, with each of the six arms supporting a little putti sitting cross-legged, a journal draped over his knee, an inkwell in one hand and a delicate bronze feather pen in the other. Its stem was layered with delicate flowers and vines, north wind faces, and delicate nymphs. The ornamentation

became larger the further up on the piece it was placed, and the very top grew large flowers and leaves where it reached the ceiling.

The illusion continued as we passed through another doorway into a Victorian parlor and stepped onto the velvety antique wall-towall carpeting.

A parlor table in the corner took my breath away as the mother-of-pearl inlay and delicate form spoke of a high-end manufacturer. As we settled into a settee, Gladys’ black Lab at her feet, I forgot that I was not in a Victorian mansion as she showed me the scrapbook of the WilcoxParker mansion in Meriden, Connecticut, the original home of these treasures. The mansion was demolished for a gas station that never materialized, but she was able to salvage some items.

The rest had been bought by museums and universities for re-installation elsewhere. The parlor table, she explained, was being sent off to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was the only piece from the parlor that the MET had not acquired when they purchased the entire interior of the parlor from that grand mansion. It is currently on display in their American Wing as the Renaissance Revival Room.

Not only was the fence for sale, but so was everything else in the house. She was moving in with her daughter, and the house was being sold. In the end, not only did we negotiate successfully for the cast iron fence that now gracefully embraces the front of our property, but also the bronze chandelier which now resides in our dining room. In addition, that velvety 1870’s wall-to-wall carpeting is now in its third installation in one of the bedrooms of our house, a room that originally never had hardwood, but always had wallto-wall carpeting.

(to be continued)

Evince Magazine Page  7

Meditation Moment W

by Casey Molloy, RYT

be challenging e all want to to maintain. If be successful we experience and we all setbacks in our want to be loved. educational or These two crucial professional elements of our endeavors, our experience on drive may become this earth will only temporarily be achieved if we deflated. are grounded in However, if we dedication. Some have already show dedication cultivated true through a drive The poses and breathing practiced in yoga dedication at to accomplish, were created to prepare the body and mind our core, those achieve, and to sit for extended periods of time in medisetbacks will be succeed. For tation. Photo by Clark Davis stepping stones others, dedication to stronger and wiser versions of is shown in the form of unconditional ourselves. It is difficult to accept love and trust in society, friends obstacles openly, but if we have and family. Dedication requires the committed fully, there is no other decision to be unwavering in the option. pursuit of an intention, or completely committed to being a friend, family For example, if we experience member, or companion. a conflict within a personal or professional relationship, it is If we are truly committed to our important to reflect with rationality pursuits, we will not fail. Dedication rather than reacting out of anger. If requires that we dig deep into our we are dedicated to the preservation souls and identify what is most of that relationship, growth will valuable to us at our core. Once inevitably emerge from difficulty. we establish our focal points of Through cultivating such loyalty, our importance, we can then begin to relationships and life will be enriched. Â incorporate our efforts and action.

The art of constant dedication can

Page  8 May 2018

Evince Magazine Page 9

Second Thoughts

by Kim Clifton ©2018

Uneasy Riders “I don’t see a meter,” my sister texted me from the front seat. “I don’t see a license,” I sent back. The silly “don’t talk to strangers” warning our mother issued as we’d left Danville didn’t seem so silly any longer. By our own doing, Diane and I were cruising across the Queensboro Bridge in an unmarked car with a strange man seemingly masquerading as a bona fide taxi driver.

“We’re not paying $100 for a limousine,” our husbands had grumbled back at the airport.

Granted two suitcases and a carry-on per person may have been excessive but the baggage claim department at LaGuardia wasn’t the place to debate it. We were going to be lucky to find anything that Easter weekend.

Each time the exit doors opened, stampeding passengers grabbed every available vehicle faster than a Black Friday sale on iPads at Walmart. “You really need a taxi-bus,” an airport attendant observed as she pointed us down a corridor.

“Taxi, miss?” said a man stepping up beside her. “I’m all out of buses, but I do have two sedans,” he said swiping his finger across his phone app to check. Grateful for the rides, we scrambled to get ourselves and our belongings inside and on our way. Which brings me back to my sister’s text. It had all happened so fast.

Robert and Kent jumped in the car behind us and as we rode along we all began to wonder if this was a real taxi, Uber or any other regulated conveyance.

There was no picture of the driver displaying his credentials. There was no name of a company, no advertisements, and no payment device. There wasn’t even a GPS displaying our route nor a meter showing the charges incurred.

All we had were two foreign men wearing earbuds, laughing, and talking to each other back and forth…seemingly about us.

“Rob, I’m scared,” I texted to my husband with what I hoped

wouldn’t be shown on the evening news as my last act in this life. “I’ve just taken a picture of his license tag,” he sent back intending to bring me comfort but instead causing me greater anxiety.

We should be passing the Chelsea Piers. We should be seeing the Empire State Building. I don’t know my way around all of the boroughs of New York City, but after a while something should have looked familiar. Instead all I saw were perfect locations to film CSI or Law and Order. There were storefronts with broken glass and crowds of young people on street corners looking more like gang members than tourists.

My mind was racing faster than any Earnhardt at Daytona. This is it. I’m going to die. I’m going to be sold for human trafficking. I’m going, at best, to be beaten and robbed. I can’t believe we jumped in these cars without checking.

I am such an idiot. While I was imagining horrific scenarios in the backseat, my sister was crafting useful ones in the front. “Well, I just got a text that Debbie is in the lobby expecting us. I had forgotten her husband was a cop here. Anyway, he gets off work soon and will meet us for dinner,” Diane announced. “Oh, that’s right,” I answered. “You know, I’m surprised he’d want to do that kind of work after just retiring from the FBI. I guess he likes that kind of excitement,” I added. I don’t know if this man believed our little charade, was amused by it, or even understood it. Even so, as we rode along we continued to lavishly build this one-act play about our imaginary friends who’d be out in full force if we didn’t show up soon.

There are lots of beautiful places in Manhattan but nothing more wonderful than finally seeing that Hampton Inn sign glowing red in Times Square. I offered prayers of thanks to the Lord for this valuable lesson safely learned and requests that my weak knees would hold me when I got out.

Spotting Exceptional Customer Service

by Celeste Lynn

I would like to nominate Victoria “Tori” Smith for the Spotting Exceptional Customer Service Award. Victoria is a barista at Starbucks, 450 Mall Drive in Danville. She always has a warm smile accompanied with a bubbly attitude. One particular day, I was feeling extremely tired.

Victoria greeted me with a beautiful bright smile and said,”Hello Ms. CeCe, how are you today?” She never fails to acknowledge me. Our short chats always seem to brighten my day. Thanks, Victoria, for your strong customer service skills. Keep up the great work!

Evince and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce want to encourage and recognize exceptional customer service. When someone gives you exceptional service, please let us know. In 300 words or less, tell us what happened. Email your story to joycewilburn@ gmail.com or chamber@dpchamber.org.

We never knew who those guys were especially since our transactions were handled with cash. They could have been up to no good until our little performance changed their minds. Or they could have been enterprising entrepreneurs who were just looking to make a quick buck. Either way, our husbands didn’t have to pay the $100 dollars they dreaded. They had to pay $200. So wherever you travel this summer, please be careful who you ask to give you a lift. You may end up being taken for a ride.

We’re

on Danville!

Janet Donna • Holley Gibson Owner Owner

HOLLEY & GibsOn REALTY COMPANY

339 Piney Forest Rd., Danville, VA 24540

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

www.holleyandgibsonrealty.com

Page 10 May 2018

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Reid Street Gallery is a great place to gather with friends!

Bring a group for a fun day of shopping or sign up for a cooking or art class!

Check online for calendar updates!

Follow us on Facebook and check out our website for more events and information... www.ReidStreetGallery.com

MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 1 6.00 p.m. or May 2 11:00 a.m.

Lite and Easy with Clara Gutierrez- Mini-Meals

May 3 7:00 p.m.

Monthly Chatham First meeting

Clara will share various recipes that can be adapted to prepare as individual servings, including heuvos rancheros, meatloaf, mac and cheese, and bread pudding. Perfect for breakfast on the go, lunch, or snack, and so much healthier than fast food! $35 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

May 5 Chatham De Mayo - a special Arts program from Chatham 10:00 a.m. - Arts/ Chatham First- Bring your budding artists, aged 5-10 to 12:00 p.m. participate in our first Arts Festival, Chatham de Mayo. Participants will be able to paint, sing, and more, as we introduce Chatham First’s ALL NEW Chatham Arts program. This event is free and open to the public.

May 7, 14, Women in Art Series (Mondays in May) continues at noon 21 and 28 each Monday. Bring your lunch, and enjoy learning about various women who have impacted the art world. See website for featured artists, and complete details.

May 12, Mommy and Me Tea Party - Celebrate Mother’s Day with 11:00 a.m. a special class, demonstrating special spring treats! Mothers and children of all kinds welcome! Some allergies may be accommodatedplease let us know of special needs. $25 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

May 22, Picnic Essentials with Clara Gutierrez - With summer 6:00 p.m. finally arriving, we will help you pack an impressive lunch for the lake, beach, or ball game! We will also offer complementary wine selections for tasting, with bottles available for purchase! $45 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

May 22, Fused Glass with Aleen Wilson - This popular class yields 11:00 a.m. a beautiful bowl or shallow dish! Perfect for Mother- DaughterGrandmother activity, or just great friends! $45 per person includes all supplies and instruction. Minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

May 25, 6:00 p.m.

Passport Series: India - Explore the favors of India with Clara Gutierrez in this class featuring classic Indian recipes. See website for full menu and details. $45 per person, minimum and maximum requirements to hold the class, reservations required 2 days before event.

PP

Featured Artist

Mathew Stafford

In addition to Mat’s outstanding art pieces, we have a wonderful selection of functional and beautiful mixing bowls in several gorgeous colors!

I fled my L.A. childhood to study, and then to teach, science in the beautiful mountains and coastal redwoods of Northern California. I couldn’t stop dabbling more and more in clay and paint. I walked around Asia for a year or so, but it didn’t help, so I returned to Humboldt State to study art. In the middle of a subsequent Masters program in San Diego I was called to found the art department at The Carlbrook School. I bought an old farm, got hitched, built a studio and made two ridiculously lovely sons. I’m addicted to making things. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about circles, echoes, ripples and birds and always in search of the holy grail of crystalline glazes.

Our Gift Shop has Everying you Need!

Jewelry • Bags • Cards • Giftware • Cups Local Honey • Candies and Nuts...and More!

24 Reid Street • Chatham, VA • 434.433.2264 reidstreetgallery.com • FB Reid Street Gallery

on’t get to call her, doesn’t

attached, know how to act

Fallon. around her. Now, I don’t think Fallon stands in she will let you the moss and keep it,” I say to dirt of their front her. The girl’s yard and holds up light-brown skin the boxed kitten grows ruddy and who goes wild her lips flatten at the sudden and grow firm. movement, Doesn’t matter yowling even more what I said and knocking from though. I know side to side. My Fallon and Mean head is throbbing, Keisha’s “Mandy and I want to tell Part Two Blue Eyes” (who I the girl to take the fiction by Telisha Moore Leigg know as Annathing in. AnnaMargaret), will Margaret, Mandy let her keep it. I know this just as I Blue Eyes, whoever and whatever she know that the kitten yowling from her now answers to, will let her keep it, corrugated container as she scratches keep anything. When Anna-Margaret any edge to find comfort will give me is in these moods, she allows a lot. I a headache. But I still drive Fallon the turn to get into my car and away from thirty-five or forty minutes to Sustain, the yowling kitten and particularly this Virginia, and to Anna-Margaret. situation. Because this will not end well.

Fallon works part-time for me as a favor to Anna-Margaret. Still, I Before I can get to my Volvo, I hear try again. “How will you feed it, Fallon’s shaky voice. “It won’t make a Fallon, and when you get tired of the mess, I swear,” Fallon begins, her lips responsibility, who will watch it?” I alternating between a quick tremble ask. But the sixteen-year-old, the and a putting up of her chin like she’s little almost-homeless, half-black going to fight for this. Anna-Margaret girl just clutches the box tighter and only comes forward down the porch the kitten in the box, still yowling, steps, sober and soberly looking at pokes a paw partially through an air Fallon until she reaches her in the hole, mourning the trapped life as yard. She smooths Fallon’s springy she knows it. At my latest question, curls down her shoulders. Mean Fallon just hunches her head into Keisha (I wish they would stop calling dainty shoulders, doesn’t say a word. her that), comes out, skinny, and in She’s going to do this. She has found too-tight jeans with a grey t-shirt tied something of hers to love. I touch the in the front. Kwon, Keisha’s child, scarf at my neck and sigh. Could be about two or three (I forget his age) worse. Could be some fool boy. comes too. Cute little boy. I look at Anna-Margaret as she now carefully When we get to the small, warped, peels back a corner of the box to see weatherboard house they call home, the little calico. And they are smiling, I find it sad. Anna-Margaret stands even Mean Keisha who initially came on the porch holding a coffee cup. out slamming the front screen door She’s wears an old, blue-flower dress saying, “What’s in the box, something and worn shoes, her blond hair down to eat? (then pulling back) A cat? Who and not particularly well-combed, but wants a damn cat?” And then looking she’s smiling. I can tell she has told at Fallon’s fallen face, says, “Aw, hell them a bit of her past, although it still ...what you gone name it?” hasn’t occurred to Keisha or Fallon that Anna-Margaret has means and It also hasn’t occurred to them that they don’t have to live like this. Mean Anna-Margaret, even though smiling, Keisha and Fallon are just happy to is still just a ghost—just older, but still have an anchor in this world, and sick-broken in her disquiet. It never a structure over their heads, and occurs to them that one day she could Anna-Margaret, their Mandy Blue just walk away, might leave them, but Eyes (God knows, other than her blue it does to me. Because that’s what eyes, where they came up with that she does, Anna-Margaret, she leaves name or why the child answers to it) always looking for more pulled-tooth is happy to be solid again, firm in loss, the kind with no numbing. She something other than grief. Who am I always wants something she can to tell them any different? heal. But she can’t heal anybody else because she and I both know that if Fallon gets out of my car and looks you hurt enough, you supply your own to Anna-Margaret with a combination numbness, that once held, all things of hope and sorrow, like she knows crave the warmth. But I don’t say any she is cared for now, but suspects of this. How to tell a broken bird that it might not be for long because all kindness is cruelty if you can’t keep somehow, maybe she’s not good it up? I get back in my car and drive enough. Smart girl because since home wishing that cat had drowned Anna-Margaret told them about some for all the sadness it’s going to have of her past, Fallon hasn’t known what after all the kindness it received.

Kindred

Evince Magazine Page 11 We are also hearing more about visceral fat, located in and around vital organs at our mid-section, so watch your waistline. It should be less than half your height.

Visceral fat and even worse, liver fat, is more dangerous to your well-being than fat located elsewhere. Unlike other fat, you can reduce these fats quickly and easily by making a few lifestyle modifications, like cutting sugarsweetened beverages and foods with added sugar.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee gives a great TED Talk entitled How to Make Diseases Disappear. In it he says, “I can make chronic diseases disappear” and then asks, “What if diseases at their core share common root causes?” As he points out, so many chronic diseases do not just happen to us, they develop over time as a result of our behaviors.

When patients go to Dr. Chatterjee in the early stages of disease, he asks them questions about their lifestyle so he can figure out how they arrived at the point of needing him. For every illness, he looks at stress levels, sleep habits, physical activity, gut health, infections, environmental toxins, sunlight (a natural source of Vitamin D) and diet. With that information, he then works to change key behaviors-- not medicate symptoms – and helps his patients work their way along the health continuum out of disease and back into good health. This is why Dr. Chatterjee says that diseases don’t really exist-- “at least not in the way that we think they do.”

Ponder this. Did you know: • too much sugar in the diet increases insulin resistance?

Living Well

Make Diseases Disappear

by Kathy Hurt • chronic stress increases insulin resistance?

• sleep deprivation increases insulin resistance?

• losing muscle mass increases insulin resistance?

• the gut microbiome being out of balance increases insulin resistance?

Insulin is a hormone that processes sugar into energy. Insulin resistance

means that sugar is building up in your blood, which opens the door to chronic disease including diabetes.

In addition to the importance of a nutritious diet to overall health, more and more physicians and researchers are emphasizing the benefits of physical activity, a good night’s sleep, sunshine and managing stress in constructive ways.

• To learn more about visceral fat levels and other health-related subjects, attend Living Well at the Y, 215 Riverside Drive, on Tuesday, May 8, at noon.

Chad Pickeral, YMCA Wellness Coordinator, will talk about the Y’s InBody scale. After the talk, attendees are encouraged to walk on the Riverwalk. You do not have to be a YMCA member to attend.

• For more information and a schedule of Living Well programs in Danville, visit VCU Massey Cancer Research & Resource Center’s page at www.facebook.com.

Page  12 May 2018

Madison Syvanthong

Evince Magazine Page  13

Page 14 May 2018 Abbreviation Key

• 2 Witches Winery & Brewing= 209 Trade St. Danville 434.549.2739 • AU=Averett University, 434.791.5600 www.averett.edu • Ballad Brewing=600 Craghead St. 434.799.4677 • DMFAH=Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St. 434.793.5644 www.danvillemuseum.org • DSC=Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead St. 434.791.5160 www.dsc.smv.org • HNT=Historic North Theatre, 629 North Main St. Danville 434.793.7469 www.TheNorthTheatre.com • PA=Piedmont Arts, 215 Starling Ave, Martinsville 276.632.3221 www.PiedmontArts.org • RSG=Reid Street Gallery, 24 Reid St. Chatham 434.203.8062 reidstreetgallery.com • The Prizery=700 Bruce St., South Boston, 434.572.8339, www.prizery.com

Ongoing

DSC Exhibit – From Here to There! explores how things move by land, sea, air.

Guided Walking Tours – Millionaires Row, Holbrook Street and Tobacco Warehouse District. Danville Historical Society. www.danvillehistory.org.

434.770.1974. See page 7.

DMFAH self-guided audio-visual tours. 434.793.5644.

Public Library Events. See page 19.

Cascade Express Variety Band – Every Friday and every first & third Saturday; Cascade Community Center 3561 Huntington Trail 7pm 336.552.3703

May 1

Eat Out to Help Out: Local restaurants donate 10% of their total proceeds all day to help God’s Storehouse. www. godsstorehouse.org 434.793.3663.

Throw Paint at Cancer! for Families: eight-week session peer-topeer support program is open to children

May Calendar ages 10+, accompanied by an adult. DMFAH 4-6pm free Registration is required 434.421.3060 cllitzenberg@vcu.edu

May 2

Musical Potpourri--An Evening of Entertainment: See page 12.

May 3

Painting with Ed Gowen: Learn to paint an original oil painting of budding trees and white pines. All supplies provided. Registration required. PA 9am-3:30pm $75 for members $85 for nonmembers Register at www. piedmontarts.org or 276.632.3221.

Throw Paint at Cancer!: eight-week session of this peer-to-peer support program for cancer survivors and caregivers.

DMFAH 3-5pm free Registration required.

434.421.3060. cllitzenberg@vcu.edu.

May 4

Label Release Party of Fast Mail: Ballad Brewing. 4-10pm Fast Mail is named for the Southern Railway fast mail train that derailed in Danville in 1903 and led to the writing of a popular country ballad, The Wreck of the Old 97. Ballad Brewing’s name commemorates the event that inspired the song. Food truck for the night TBA Jay Shelton Live: 2 Witches Winery & Brewing. 8pm

May 5

Danville Farmers Market Opening Day: See page 12.

Classical Guitar @ Crema & Vine: 1009 Main St. Danville 10am-noon Derby Day: See page 12.

DSO Concert: See page 12.

May 6

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Service: all graduating seniors of the Danville Public Schools are encouraged to attend with their friends and family. The GWHS Gospel and Concert Choirs will sing.

Rev. Bill Motley, Pastor of Abundant Life World Outreach Church will be the keynote speaker. Open to the public. Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 538 Central Blvd. 7pm 434.792.9456

May 7

Quizzo & Meet Up Monday: 2 Witches 5:30pm Forms in Clay: a 6-week pottery class on Mondays. Payment & registration required. DMFAH 6:30-9pm.

May 8

Living Well @ the Y: See page 12.

May 11

Middle and High School Solo Festival: Registration required. Open to students of Caswell & Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville. Regular admission to attend. DMFAH 6pm Call Cedric Hairston 434.203.1735 to register.

Bob & the Regrets: live music 2 Witches 8pm Flip Flop Friday: Homeplace Vineyard, 568 Rigney Circle, Chatham. 6pm $6 Music by Jerry Wilson & The Soulmasters 434.432.9463

May 2018

S M T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

May 18-20

44th Annual Festival in the Park: Ballou Park 760 West Main St Danville free 4-8pm Friday; 10am-8pm Saturday; 1-6pm Sunday. www.playdanvilleva.com

May 19

K of C Antique Car & Motorcycle Cruise-in: 3777 Westover Drive Danville 4pm Donations for local charity accepted

May 19-July 20

Expressions 2018 at PA: an openentry judged art exhibit featuring work by local and regional artists.

May 20

Brenda Brokaw’s Music Studio annual recital: See page 12.

May 22

Our Civil Rights: Our Common Table: A discussion series facilitated by Ina Dixon exploring the history of food and race in the South, as well as in our local community. Meetings are on the second-to-last Tuesdays of the month.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish to this first session. The last session (September 18) will be spent digitizing recipes from residents in the Dan River Region. Attendees for all sessions are encouraged to bring their favorite recipes for digitization. Danville Public Library 511 Patton St 5:30-7:30pm

May 24

Kayak Raptor Search: Abreu-Grogan Park 2020 Memorial Dr Danville 6-8pm $12 434.799.5150

May 12 & 13

May 25

May 12

May 26

Free admission to DMFAH Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: See page 12.

Kayak Trip: Main Street to Anglers Park Danville. Must have prior paddling experience. 2-4pm $12 Register by May 7. 434.799.5150

May 13

Mothers Day Tea: Avoca Museum.

See page 3.

May 15

Shrimp Fest Tickets: go on sale Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce 9am 434.836.6990

May 18

McAdams Strawberry Farm Trip: Pick strawberries and lunch at Cracker Barrel. $12 does not include the cost of lunch nor strawberries. 9am-2:30pm Departs from Ballou Rec Center Danville 434.799.5216 Tender Loving Christian Sisters luncheon: Christian fellowship, door prizes, 50/50 Secret Sisters, prayer ministry, make a new friend. All ladies are welcome. Mary’s Diner Banquet Room 1203 Piney Forest Rd Danville 11am-1pm $12 reservations are necessary at 540.422.9378 International Museum Day: Piedmont Arts is celebrating the day with the opening of Expressions 2018. 6-8pm free.

Turkey Scratch: live music at 2 Witches 4th Anniversary Bash 8 PM, food vendor Hudson Heritage Farms (see April 2018 Evince page 3)

W T F S 2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30 31

TGIF: Avoca Museum See page 3.

Spring Yard Sale: Danville Community Market 629 Craghead St Reserve a booth $10 434.797.8961 Boating Demo Day: Abreu-Grogan Park 2020 Memorial Dr Danville any time between 11am-5pm Watch on-water demo by staff or $5 to take a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on the water 434.799.5150

Upcoming June 1

Laurie S. Moran Chamber Classic golf tournament: 434.836.6990 chamber@dpchamber.org

June 1-3, 6, 8-10

The Hunchback of Notre Dame: North Star Theatre Project Production.

HNT. See page 4 and 12.

June 2

Food Truck Rodeo: Bridge Street Danville. noon-6pm

June 8

DMFAH exhibit opening: A reception to celebrate the opening of “The Light in Fog: Glenn Scarboro Photographs a Retrospective” 5-7:30pm. The exhibit closes July 29.

June 9

Art on the Lawn: See page 12.

For more events see Calendar Clips on pages 12.

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

Evince Magazine Page  15

Page 16 May 2018

Tap Lessons Sour Beer…?

by Ethan Brown, 2 Witches Brewery

The word sour typically indicates something is bad or has gone wrong, i.e. “That milk has soured” or “That experience has left a sour taste in my mouth.” If you’ve visited a brewery lately (and I hope you have) you’ve probably noticed an increase in the number of sour beers that are available. They come in all flavors and sizes. Some examples are Berlinerweisse, Gose, Flanders Red, Oud Bruin, Gueze, and Lambic.

The history of sour beers is a long one. It’s estimated that during

the 1500s, brewers in Europe were encountering some beers with a tart taste instead of their expected malty or bitter flavor.

The brewers made the connection that when beers were exposed to the grain dust created by the milling process, those beers tended to be sour. Eventually, someone decided that they liked the tart taste and began throwing grain dust into their brews before fermentation–thus the birth of sour beer. Of course, this was way before the discovery of the microorganisms responsible for the effect, the top three being Lactobacillus, Brettanomyces, and Pediococcus.

Modern day production of sour beers includes techniques such as kettle-souring, inoculating with purified strains of the bacteria then barrel aging, or adding lactic acid by artificial means. (This is cheating!) The current trend in sour beers is fruited sours that include products like Cranberry Gose or Peach Lambic. The slight sweetness of the fruit balances the tartness of the beer to yield a tasty refreshment. So, the next time you’re visiting a brewery be sure to seek out and try a sour beer. You might be surprised!

Book Clubbing a review by Diane Adkins

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

I have always wanted to go to Alaska. Perhaps, that is why Kristin Hannah’s latest book drew my interest. That combined with the fact that I had read her previous book, The Nightingale, and was impressed with her well-drawn characters.

The Great Alone is the story of the Allbright family—Ernt, the father, Cora, the mother, and Leni, their thirteen-year-old daughter. Ernt has recently returned from a tour in Vietnam where he was a prisoner of war. He is suffering from what we now call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Leni barely remembers him from before the war. Their previously happy family life has changed to one of sadness and abuse. Ernt is a mechanic but can no longer keep a job for any length of time. He learns that an army buddy has left a tract of land in Alaska to him. He loads the family in their VW bus and heads for Alaska.

Ernt copes with a world he increasingly does not recognize by exerting control, but trying to control the Alaska wilderness is a fool’s errand.

Neighbors sense the Allbrights are woefully unprepared for the hardship of an Alaskan winter and want to help, but Ernt sees their offers as an affront. It is not long before he reverts to the pattern of abuse he had inflicted primarily on Cora; she believes the only way to survive is to placate and forgive. As time goes on, Ernt, as many abusers do, tries to separate his family from the rest of the community--the only friends they have. He even builds a wall between his land and the people he fears will take what he has. He is a divisive and disliked character in a community that has learned to live and let live, helping each other survive.

The story is told through Leni’s eyes. She is an extraordinarily perceptive and bright teen who is protective of her mother and confused and frightened by her father’s violence. This is a coming-of-age story in a place fraught with danger. Alaska is unforgiving. As Large Marge, one of the memorable characters, says, “In Alaska you can make one mistake. One. The second one will kill you.” But Leni discovers the worst danger is inside her own home. Inevitably, Leni falls in love with the son of the person Ernt despises the most. When Ernt finds out, the plot comes to a climax, but the ending is more nuanced than I expected.

Though not strictly an autobiographical story, Hannah’s dad also packed his family into a VW bus and took them to Alaska when she was young. They partnered with some homesteaders to found the Great Alaska Adventure Lodge, now a well-known business on the Kenai River. Just like in The Nightingale, this is a story of women in difficult circumstances who find a way to survive and to overcome. Though it is set in an earlier time, the parallels to our own day are hard to ignore.

For those who loved Hannah’s previous books, this one was worth the wait.

Diane S. Adkins is a retired library director.

Evince Magazine Page  17

3D mammograms reveal more life-saving detail.

Breast imaging that offers better accuracy and fewer callbacks can be life-saving, especially for women with dense breast tissue. A 3D mammogram at Sovah Danville Imaging Center can improve cancer detection by 40%.*

Schedule your 3D mammogram by calling 434.793.1043

*breastcancer.org

Page 18 May 2018

I

recently watched a movie American Wine Story, a documentary about wine enthusiasts who are dedicated to wine. Please understand, obsession is in the eye of the beholder.

One person’s obsession is another person’s fulfillment of an unrelenting desire to immerse themselves in an activity, subject, or pastime.

In this case it’s mostly about winemaking.

The Wine Spot

a bottle of 1991 Flora Springs Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. For Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville, Virginia, a taste of nebbiolo wine at age fifteen in his hometown in Italy convinced him that winemaking was what he had to do. For Al and Cindy Schornberg of Keswick Vineyards in Keswick, Virginia, a near-death experience in a private plane convinced them to sell their high-tech company and seek a familyoriented life as winery owners.

The narrator begins by saying, “Wine in America is young. We don’t have families who have been making wines for dozens of generations or Director/writer David Baker Here’s a Toast vineyards first planted by says wine in America is to Dedication the Romans… We have about the absence of rules pioneers that discovered and the freedom to imagine.

by Dave Slayton a member of the Master wine in the unexplored It’s the understanding that Court of Sommeliers parts of themselves.” the American dream is The individuals who appear in this not an abstract idea, but something you documentary are diverse and come from write for yourself with a faith that if you California, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, choose to really pursue it you just might and Virginia. That’s right, Virginia. have a shot at achieving it. I toast the winemakers of America. May your passion For most of these individuals, their and dedication continue to inspire all of us passion for wine began with an epiphany, to strive and realize our dreams. Cheers! a moment when they experienced an intuitive grasp of reality through • Meet Dave on most Saturday afternoon something as simple as the taste of a wine tastings at Vintages by the Dan, particular wine. For one person it was 312 Main Street, Danville.

Evince Magazine Page 19

Pittsylvania County Submitted by Lisa Tuite

All branches of the library will be closed on Saturday, May 26 and Monday May 28, for Memorial Day. Brosville/Cascade • Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: Activate. Easy exercises to motivate and energize you. 9am.

• Tuesdays: Needlework, 10am.

Work on your projects with others.

• May 2: Wednesdays for Wees, 10am. Story fun for ages 0-5.

Nutrition Program, 12noon.

Learn about healthy eating.

• May 10: Mother’s Day Craft, 6pm. Decorate a card and make a special craft. Limit of 10 participants.

• May 11: Cup & Crochet, 10am.

Bring your favorite beverage and learn basic crochet stitches.

• May 14-18: Take a selfie with the LOVE sign.

• May 17: Book Bingo, 6pm. Play bingo to win books and prizes.

• May 24: Quilting Fun, 6pm.

Learn the basics of making a quilt. Call for supply list.

Chatham Library Events • May 3: Bingo, 3:30-5pm. Play bingo and win prizes.

• May 4: Star Wars Day, all day.

Friends of the Library Book Sale 9am-5pm, 340 Whitehead St., Chatham.

Crochet, 3-4:30pm. Learn or work on your own project.

• May 5: Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-2pm, 340 Whitehead St., Chatham • May 7: Mothers’ Day Cards and Craft, 3-5pm. Make a card and a fun present.

• May 10: Discussion Group,

What’s Happening in the Public Libraries 4-4:45pm. Thoughtful discussion of big topics.

• May 21: Fairy Jar craft, 4-5pm • May 22: The Great American READ airs on PBS at 8pm.

• May 24: Movie matinee, 2pm • May 29: Critique Book Group, 4-5pm. Read and review soon-tobe-published books.

Gretna Library Events • Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Group Fitness, 10am. Get fit with library DVDs. Ages 18+ • Thursdays: Learn to Crochet, 5pm. All ages and levels welcome to learn or work.

• May 8: Homeschool Connection, 2pm. Take a virtual trip around the world through stories and crafts.

2nd Tuesday Recipe Club, 5:30pm.

This month’s theme is “Pasta Bar.” Bring a dish and recipe to share.

Register at the front desk.

• May 10: Embroidery Hoop Wreath craft, 6pm. $3/person for materials. Register at front desk.

• May 11: Makerspace Craft, all day.

Make a Mother’s Day card.

Mt. Hermon Library Events • May 2: Shake, Rattle and Roll, 10am. Music and movement for ages 0-3.

• May 4: Shake, Rattle and Roll, 10am. Music and movement for ages 3-5.

• May 5: Star Wars LEGO Day, 11am. Revenge of the 5th.

• May 7: Knitting Group, 6-7:30pm.

Danville Public Library

Submitted by Danielle Pritchett

• Mondays: Game Geeks for grades 5-12; 4:30-6:30pm • Tuesdays: Little Explorers Storytime for preschoolers 11-11:30am Genealogy Open Lab 11am-1pm Crafter’s Club: 4-6pm • Wednesdays: Family Storytime @ Westover 11-11:30am • Fridays: Game Geeks for ages 17 and younger; 2:30-4:30pm • May 3: It’s Elementary, STEAM activities for grades 1-5; 6pm • May 7: Computer Basics: Meet the Computer 11am; Read It...See It Movie Matinee: Justice League (PG-13) 11am; LEGO Engineers 4pm; Game Geeks for ages 17 and younger; 4:30pm; Coding Club 5pm • May 8: Westover Branch Book Club 11am • May 9: Computer Basics: Introduction to the Internet 11am; Stroke Awareness Tea 3pm; DeStress Wednesday 4:30pm • May 10: Spring into Financial Wellness 6pm

• May 12: Mad Hatter Tea Party 11am • May 14: Computer Basics: Introduction to Email 11am; Game Geeks for ages 17 and younger; 4:30pm; Maker Monday 5pm; Early registration begins for the summer reading program, “Reading Takes You Everywhere.” Contact: Chrislyn • May 16: Computer Basics: Microsoft Word 2016; 11am; Crafternoon @ Westover Branch 4pm • May 17: Book Prom 6pm • May 21: Computer Basics: Review 11am; Game Geeks for ages 17 and younger 4:30pm; Coding Club 5pm • May 24: Escape Room 4pm & 6pm • May 31: Pajama Storytime 5:30pm All programs are free but require registration at ww.playdanvilleva. com. For more information visit DPL, 511 Patton Street, www. readdanvilleva.org or call 434.799.5195. For the Westover Branch, visit 94 Clifton Street or 434.799.5152.

Beginners are welcome or work on your project.

• May 8: Fairy Garden, 4pm. craft accessories for a fairy garden.

• May 12: Saturday Stories, 10:30am.

Special story time for ages 4-8.

• May 21: Knitting Group, 6-7:30pm.

Beginners are welcome, or work on your project.

• May 24: Hooks and Books, 4:30-6pm. Make an amigurumi mermaid. Supply list at front desk.

Crochet experience required.

• May 25: Towel Day, 2pm. Celebrate Douglas Adams by watching Hitchhiker’s Guide.

• May 29-June 2: Summer Reading Sign Up • June 1-2: Friends of the Library

Book Sale 10am-6pm on June 1, 10am-2pm on June 2.

History Research Center & Library • Saturdays: Movie matinee, 11am.

War movies to honor heroes in uniform.

• May 29: Our Civil Rights: A Local and National Story, 6:30pm.

View and discuss clips from The Abolitionists while enjoying a potluck supper. Bring a dish and make some friends.

Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free. For more information, contact Gretna Library, 207 A Coffey Street, 434.656.2579; Mt. Hermon Library, 4058 Franklin Turnpike, Tuscarora Shopping Center, 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.

Gunn Memorial, Caswell County

Submitted by Erica Lowdermilk

Lambs & Lions Storytime (ages 0-5) • Wednesdays 10-11am • May 30: Farmer Lake Storytime @ 3268 Badgett Sisters Pkwy Bookbaggers (ages 6 -12) 3:30-4:15pm • May 1: Journey North: Monarch Migration • May 8: Mother’s Day Projects • May 15: Nature Discovery • May 22: LEGO Builder’s Challenge • May 29: Beach Day at the Library!

Teens (ages 12-18) 3:30-4:30pm • May 3: Teen’s Choice • May 10: DIY: Mother’s Day Cards • May 17: DIY Retro Gum Holder • May 26: Vision Boards!

• May 31: Optical Illusions Adults • May 14: Book Club 5:30-7pm For more information, visit the temporary location at 118 Main Street West, Yanceyville, North Carolina, or www.caswellcounty.gov/library or call 336.694.6241.

South Boston Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens

• Mondays: 1-5pm ages 8-adult • Tuesdays: Itsy Bitsy PALS: 12:301:30pm ages birth-2 years PALS: 2:30-4:30pm ages 2-7 Tweens and Teens: 4:30-5:30pm ages 8-17 • Second and fourth Fridays: Art @ the Library 4-5pm ages 5-17 • Second Tuesday: Adult Crafts 1 pm • Third Friday: Art for Adults 3-5pm ages 18+

• Community Read Discussion: Come discuss Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. Copies are for sale at both libraries for $9.00. May 22 at 7pm.

For more information, visit South Boston Public Library, 509 Broad Street, or www.halifaxlibrary.org, or call 434.575.4228

Halifax County Public Library Submitted by Jay Stephens

• Wednesdays: Itsy Bitsy PALS: 12:30-1:30pm ages birth-2 years PALS: 2:30-4:30pm ages 2-7 Tweens and Teens: 4:30-5:30pm ages 8-17 • Thursdays: Art @ the Library: 4-5 pm ages 5 -17 • Second and fourth Fridays: Easy Exercise for Adults 10am • Second Wednesday: Adult Crafts: 1pm

• Third Thursday: Art for Adults: 4-5pm ages 18+ • Third Tuesday: Tea & Book Discussion 2:30-3:30pm For more information, visit Halifax Public Library, 177 South Main St. in Halifax or www.halifaxlibrary. org or call 434.476.3357.

Page 20 May 2018

Reflecting Forward A Different Slant on Dedication

by Linda Lemery

C

hickens are flock animals.

In some ways, they’re not so

different from humans.

Before Yeller and Xena came to us, these birds experienced difficult living conditions that gradually reduced their flock size to two. As senior chicken, Yeller dedicated herself to teaching life skills to the younger Xena.

Recently Yeller passed away of old age. We were worried about Xena becoming depressed at the loss of her long-time companion and at becoming a flock of one.

But Xena the warrior chicken has soldiered on, perhaps in hopes of finding a brighter tomorrow.

Perhaps that tomorrow is coming but not because of Daisy, our adopted rescue dog.

At first Daisy was too weak to pay attention to Xena, but when she grew stronger, Daisy surprised us by rushing at the chicken coop. One-pound Xena assumed the battle stance, her feathers ruffled up and her eyes filled with fire as she squared off against the fifty-pound Daisy. I dragged Daisy inside. Xena resumed scratching for bugs and worms in the coop. Understanding Xena and Daisy’s difficult backgrounds increased my husband Steve’s and my dedication to providing a good home for these dissimilar animals.

When the population of a pack, flock, or family is reduced to just one member, the question for

a caregiver is how to help that single remaining member find reasons for living. Daisy joining our family has resolved her need to belong to a larger pack. Things are more difficult for Xena. An adult chicken being introduced to an existing adult flock may not work because the pecking order is already established and the other adults may exclude or fight with the new member.

However standoffish Xena is, she’s also a family pet. We want her to live her life as comfortably and with as much fulfillment as possible. This suggests the idea of Xena mentoring other younger chickens just as Yeller mentored her, which could re-engage Xena as the de facto mentor leader of a new, blended flock.

And this is exactly why we have purchased some pullet (female) chicks. They will be introduced to Xena at the appropriate time so Xena can teach them what she knows in the hope that they will all live a more fulfilled life building their community with bugs and worms for all. It takes dedication and thought to attempt to understand and find the right path. Sometimes it’s even harder to figure out how to do the right thing. We can only try.

About the author: When she’s not struggling with chicken psychology and human time constraints, Linda Lemery llemery@averett. edu works as Circulation Manager at Averett University’s Mary B. Blount Library in Danville. She thanks the Danville Museum Attic Sale for the puppy pen now adapted to raising chicks. She welcomes reader comments.

Evince Magazine Page 21

Lasagna Primavera (Spring Lasagna)

by Annelle Williams

I smile when people encourage me about my cooking. The truth is I like to cook and I really like to eat. It’s very fortunate when something I love turns into something I do often. I don’t have any special talent, just a lot of practice, but the encouragement always makes me want to do better and gives me the self-confidence to try.

I’ve had wonderful cooking lessons over the years and brought home special recipes from each of them. One of my favorites is for Arugula Lasagna. It’s very light and incredibly delicious. I learned to make this in the Chianti region of Tuscany. We sat on the terrace and ate while gazing at beautiful vineyards and Sienna in the far distance. A peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich would have seemed special under these conditions, but this was really over the top. I shared this recipe several years ago. Today, I’m using more vegetables, but the same technique. It’s a wonderful recipe to use when transitioning from winter to spring.

Give encouraging words to someone about their cooking and maybe they’ll cook dinner for you. It works with me.

Lasagna Primavera 12 packaged lasagna noodles, prepared as directed and drained 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 1 sweet onion, quartered so that pieces will fall apart 24 small spears of asparagus, cut into thirds 1 medium sized zucchini, cut in half, seeds removed with spoon, cut into half circles 2 T olive oil 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper for veggies 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese 1/4 cup milk 2/3 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese (or Parmesan) 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper for cheese sauce 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 5 or 6 oz. fresh baby spinach 2 T butter, plus extra butter to prepare baking dish 1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup milk, plus more if lasagna begins to look too dry while cooking 1 cup grated pecorino cheese (or Parmesan) 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts fresh basil leaves for garnish 2 shallots, sliced thinly and sautéed in 1 T butter

Prepare 13 x 9 inch casserole dish with butter. Preheat oven to 400°. Line a sheet pan with foil. Put tomatoes, asparagus, onion and zucchini into bowl, add olive oil, salt and pepper and toss with tongs to coat. Pour on to sheet pan, spread evenly and roast for 30 minutes. Turn about half way through. When roasted, remove pan from oven, sprinkle basil over vegetables and set aside.

Mix gorgonzola and 1/4 cup milk. Add ricotta, heavy cream, 1/2 cup pecorino, salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Sauté spinach in 2 T butter just until wilted, turning with tongs. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one more minute. Add spinach mixture to cheese mixture.

Add 1/4 cup milk to buttered casserole dish. Cover bottom of casserole with 3 of the prepared lasagna noodles. Top with 1/3 roasted vegetables, then with a quarter of the cheese and mixture. Continue layers, finishing with cheese and spinach mixture.

Top with remaining 1 cup of pecorino, pine nuts, and shallots.

Reduce oven to 325°. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Remove foil. If corners look dry, add a little milk to each corner. Scatter a few basil leaves over top. Let lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Questions or comments?

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

Page 22 May 2018

Photo Finish Debra Dockery is the perfect example of someone who is totally dedicated to our community. When she isn’t working at one of the two businesses that she either owns or coowns, Debra’s days and evenings are filled with volunteer duties. Evince photographer, Von Wellington, was able to follow her around the city and snap a few pictures that tell the story of this energetic woman.

Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service is located at 2380 Riverside Drive in Danville across from Burger King. The staff assists individuals and local businesses with accounting, bookkeeping, corporate tax, individual tax, and payroll. For more information call 434.793.8976.

All photos by Von Wellington.

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

Denise Smart always welcomes visitors to Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service with a warm smile and a helping attitude.

Julian Bryant, President of Barbee Fabrics, looks over a report prepared by Debra. He has been a client of Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service for twenty years.

Curves is a fitness and weightloss facility designed especially for women. It is located at 104 Trade Street in Danville. For more information, visit www.curves.com.

Accountants Christina Smart, Debra, and Carolyn Jones work together to assist taxpayers and small businesses.

Curves Manager and Trainer Jennifer Robertson encourages Gladys Conway on the leg extension/leg curl machine while Effie Harden, her workout buddy, jogs in place. Gladys has recorded 2,000 workouts since 1995. Effie has completed 1,870 workouts since 2009.

Debra helps Barbara Davis pack boxes of food that have been collected for God’s Storehouse.

Barbara works for Computer Bookkeeping & Tax Service and volunteers at God’s Storehouse.

Evince Magazine Page 23 Debra, a member of the Festival in the Park Board, and volunteer L. C. Moore mark vendor spaces for the annual community event on May 18-20 in Ballou Park, 760 West Main Street.

Good food and conversation preceded the dancing music provided by Funky Bones at Racin’ & Tastin’

Volunteers Barbara Seamster, Debra, and Jessica Goolsby pose before starting to work at a Harvest Jubilee summer concert.

Debra Dockery and Jason Bookheimer, Danville Parks & Recreation Division Director, welcome attendees to Racin’ & Tastin’, a fundraiser for the Festival in the Park.

Long-time friends, Patsy Terry Hall and Debra, meet up at Racin’ & Tastin’.

The buffet line was steady for BBQ at the 17th Annual Racin’ & Tastin’ inside the Danville Community Market.

Myron and Donna Amos sit at the Racin’ & Tastin’ table sponsored by Curves and wait for the music to begin.

Racin’ & Tastin’ volunteers serve guests a selection of beverages.

Page  24 May 2018