Evince Magazine June 2024

Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life

Content June 2024

Paul Seiple

CEO / Publisher / Andrew Scott Brooks

Editorial Director / Paul Seiple editor@evincemagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Barry Koplen, Linda Lemery, Val-Rae Lindenau, Josh Lucia, Paul Seiple, Mack Williams, Emily Wilkerson

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

Finance Manager Cindy Yeatts (1.434.709.7349) cindy@showcasemagazine.com

Advertising For ad information contact a marketing consultant listed below.

Lee Vogler Director of Sales and Marketing (434.548.5335) lee@showcasemagazine.com

Kim Demont Graphic Design, Marketing (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net

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

On the Cover: Anna Timm. Photo by Finn Holbrook.

By January 1st of each year, each Virginia releasing agency (public animal shelter, private animal shelter, and homebased rescue group) must submit an annual summary of the animals received and what happened to them (returned to owner, adopted, transferred, died in shelter, euthanized, still in shelter) to the State Veterinarian. We were in favor of the bill that made this report into law about 20 years ago. Beginning in 2006, the summary reports are required to be posted on the State Veterinarian’s website.

What no one could foresee was how those reports would become weapons to vilify the work of shelters, especially public shelters. There are some that would reduce the work of a shelter to one number – the “live release rate.”

The simple numbers on a report can never be taken at face value because each number represents a voiceless animal who has an unknown story.

We are their voice and this is their story.

Under contract with the City, we operate the city public animal shelter. We remain one of the few truly open admission shelters in the country. We could choose the easier path that other shelters have taken to become limited admission.

Some people will tell you that because of our euthanasia rate, we are among the lowest performing shelters in Virginia.

We disagree. We believe we are among the highest performing shelters in Virginia because:

• We never turn away an animal, no matter the behavioral issues, medical issues, age, adoptability, or locality.

• When considering a potential home for our animals, we do everything in our power to ensure that animal will never again be hungry, cold, thirsty, hot, stray, abandoned, or mistreated. We treat every animal as if he were our own beloved companion we can no longer take care of and must find a home for.

In the early 2000s, we attended an annual statewide conference. A woman conducting one of the workshops asked if we ever worried about an animal once we found a home for them. Almost everyone in the room raised a hand. The woman then said, “Don’t. It’s your job to get them out of the door. Forget about what happens to them in their new home.”

A couple of years later, again at an annual statewide conference, we were told that the only way to decrease euthanasia was to decrease the number of animals

received. This would be achieved by not accepting unadoptable animals or animals from owners. Possible methods to discourage people from bringing an animal to a shelter included waiting lists, charging a fee, or simply not returning telephone calls.

We rejected both of those workshop presentations then and we reject them now.

We have seen the consequences of those actions. Our minds and eyes cannot erase the suffering. The animals, as always, are the victims. We cannot and will not turn them away. Animals will never be numbers to us.

We will explain our policies and programs and invite you to follow us on dahsinc.com or on Facebook Danville Area Humane Society Virginia or on Instagram dahsvirginia.

OUR HOURS OF OPERATION

The shelter is open to the public from 12:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays. The adoption areas are closed on Wednesdays. The shelter telephone number is 434.799.0843.

Drop-off cages are available afterhours, but we request that you call the phone numbers on the cages. An employee will be dispatched to take the animal inside. The cages are supplied with blankets, food, and water for the animal’s temporary comfort.

For after-hour emergencies, please call 434.799.5111 for the City and 434.432.7937 for the County. Officers will be dispatched to help the injured animal.

In a world where technology dominates and digital entertainment reigns, Anna Timm is pulling the strings to keep the ancient art of puppetry alive.

Growing up on a steady diet of Jim Henson’s creations, such as The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, Timm’s love for puppets was ignited at an early age. These shows deeply affected her education and sense of humor, and as she matured, her appreciation for the craft deepened. Timm became enamored with the intricate engineering and practical effects that brought these characters to life, as well as the beautiful stories and elaborate attention to detail in Henson’s more grown-up works, such as Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal

Timm’s talent for puppetry first became apparent during high school, thanks to the encouragement of her theatre teacher, who shared an interest in the art form. Her original play, Plantsitting, showcased her skills in puppet design, building, and

operation, and even included pyrotechnics. The success of this production, which was put on for the school’s annual charity event, propelled Timm to continue pursuing her passion.

In her freshman year at Averett University, she had the opportunity to work with Justin Hall on constructing puppets for the children’s show Lily Plants a Garden. Witnessing the curious interactions between the audience and the puppets, particularly the ballerina rose plant “Rosey,” reaffirmed Timm’s belief in the power of puppetry to connect with people on a profound level. She realized the gentleness we show towards puppets is a reflection of our innate capacity for compassion, and that the human nerves, veins, and wisps of soul stretch out into the things we create, no matter the medium.

Apart from puppet-making, Timm is a multi-talented artist who excels in various mediums, including drawing, painting, collaging, knitting, crocheting, sewing, music, and filmmaking.

She is also a skilled ventriloquist, adding yet another dimension to her performances. For her, creating art in all forms has always been the one thing that makes her feel like herself, and it serves to regulate her emotions in the face of an overactive imagination that can sometimes lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Inspired by the work of Paperhand Puppet Intervention, a Saxapahaw-based group that focuses on environmentalism through upcycling materials, organizing protests, and weaving important messages into their storytelling, and the legendary Jim Henson, Timm dreams of adapting her favorite book, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, into a stage production that transforms the theater into an interactive aquarium experience.

When asked what she wishes more people knew about puppets and puppet-making, Timm said, “Everyone is a puppeteer. Did you play with Barbies or G.I. Joes or anything else as a kid? Congratulations! You’re a

Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life

by Paul Seiple

by Finn Holbrook

puppeteer!” She encourages audiences to view performances as a collective experience, where both the performers and the audience receive the story in realtime, making the total experience more engaging and memorable.

As for her future, Timm sees herself working as a resident puppet designer at a theatre company or joining the ranks of Paperhand Puppet Intervention within the next five years. The decision to attend Averett University, where her older brother Abe flourished, has provided Timm with a challenging yet safe and familial environment that encourages growth and selfdiscovery.

With her boundless creativity, passion, and talent, Timm will continue to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of puppeteers for years to come. As she continues to explore new mediums and push the boundaries of her craft, she remains committed to keeping the magic of puppetry alive and relevant in an ever-changing world.

photo

Ongoing

June

Calendar of Evince

Danville Science Center. Exhibits - Thomas & Friends, Butterfly Station & Garden, Go!, Water, Cresent Crossing. Various Dome Shows, Creativity Labs. www.dsc.smv.org.

Ruby B. Archie Public Library Programs - Don’t miss the programs offered at the Library. We Dig Science- Paleontology, Get More from Google, Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Artist’s Studio, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Storytellers: Creative Writing 101, Little Explorers Storytime, Book Babies, Preschool Picassos, Code Challengers, Pop Culture Geek Out Hour, Forest Findings, I’m a Star! Summer Solstice Celebration, Genealogy 101, Riddle Me This, Books & Beans Social Hour, Summer Reading Kickoff, Books & Brews Social Hour, Ozobot Adventures, LEGO Brick Engineers. 434.799.5195.

Through August 2

DMFAH Attic Sale Donations. Drop offs Tu-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 12-4pm, and Sun 2-4pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644.

Through September Pittsylvania Co. Farmers Market. Sat 8am-12pm. Olde Dominion Ag Complex. 434.432.8026. www.theodac.com.

Through October

Danville Farmers Market. Sat 7:30am-12pm. Community Market. 434.797.8961.

Summer Camps

June 1 (thru 27)

Averett Camps. (6/1, 19 & 22) Cougar Football Prospect Camp, 9th-12th grade, twills@averett. edu; (6/3) Lacrosse Future Cougar Prospect Camp, bryan.habick@averett.edu; (6/10-13 & 17-21) Summer Soccer Camp, Ages 3-18, pawilson@averett.edu. Frank R. Campbell Stadium. (6/24-27) Youth Baseball Camp, Ages 4-12, Owen Fulton Field, khfleming@averett. edu. (6/24-27) Youth Basketball Camp, Ages 5-17, AU North Campus, kmlewis@averett.edu.

June 3 (thru 21) Owen Farm Tours Camp. 6/3-7 & 6/17-21. Ages 6-12. 434.728.3410.

June 3 (thru 27) Camp Carlisle. Ages 4-6, 9am-2pm - (6/3-6) Around the World, (6/10-13) Under the Sea, (6/17-20) Stars & Stripes, (6/24-27) All About Animals; Ages 7-10, 9am-2pm - (6/10-13) ARRRG Matey, (6/17-20) Zookeeper Camp, (6/24-27) Cake Boss Camp; Ages 11+, 9am12pm - (6/17-20) Girls & Boys Soccer Camp, (6/24-27) Baseball Camp, (6/24-27) Girls Field Hockey Camp. Carlisle School - 276.632.7288.

June 3 (thru 28)

IALR Summer Camps. (6/3-6) GCAPS & Go Tec, Grades 9-10; (6/10-14) Racing Games with Unity, Grades 3-8; (6/17-21) Beats & Jams: Music Creators, Grades 3-8. (6/24) Healthcare STEM Camp, Grades 8-10, Bridge Street; (6/24-28) Escape Room/Challenge Accepted, Grades 3-8; Institute for Advanced Learning & Research. 434.766.6700.

June 10 (thru 14)

Softball Camps. Youth Camp (6/10-13)Learn basics of softball from fielding, catching, throwing, and hitting. 9am-12m; (6/14) Youth Softball Pitching Clinic. 5:30-7:30pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park. 434.799.5214.

June 10 (thru 14)

Smokestack Theatre Co. Summer Camps

See ad page 13.

June 10 (thru 28)

P&R Adventure Camps. Outdoor day-camp consisting of hiking, kayaking, ziplining, high ropes adventures, climbing wall challenges, as well as arts and crafts, environmental education, and outdoor games. 6/10-14 camp includes trip to Fairy Stone State Park; 6/24-28 camp includes trip to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Ages 8-11. 7:30am - 5:30pm. Ballou Park Shelter 6. 434.799.5150.

Coates Day Camps. Engaging games,

educational activities, creative arts and crafts, sports and outdoor play, gardening for handson learning, field trips, special visits from local guests, and more. Lunch and snacks provided. 6/10-14 Week 1 - The Great Outdoors. Field trip hike at Anglers Park; 6/17-21 Week 2 - S.T.E.A.M. Field trip Danville Science Center. 6/24-28 Week 3 - Art Week. Field trip to Marble’s Kids Museum in Raleigh, NC. Ages 5-12. 7:30am - 6pm. Coates Rec Center. 434.799.5150. YMCA Summer Camps. (6/10-14, 17-21 & 24-28) Camp Sunshine, Ages 5-12; (6/10-14) Basketball Camp, Ages 9-15. Danville Family YMCA. 434.792.0621.

June 10 (thru July 5)

Jump into Summer. Ages 9-15. Camp Grove Rec Center. 434.799.5199.

June 11 (thru 14)

Super Sounds. Ages 4-7. Danville Science Center. 434.791.5160.

June 16 (thru 21)

Chatham Hall Summer Camps. (6/1621) Science Camp, Ages 10-14; (6/16-21) Summer Riding Camp, Ages 10-14; (6/30–7/3) Show Like a Pro, Ages 12-16. Chatham Hall. summerprograms@chathamhall.org.

June 1

Community Day. Food, bounce houses, open house, equipment displays, fire & rescue displays, touch-a-helicopter, and more. 10am2pm. Blairs Fire & Rescue. 434.836.3065.

DAHS Adoption Event. Pet adoptions, reduced adoption fees, free microchipping. 2-4pm. Danville Area Humane Society. 434.799.0843. Danville Harvest Jubilee Concert - Chris Young. A multi-platinum, global entertainer. 6-11pm., Carrington Pavilion. 434.799.5200.

June 1 (thru 26)

Expressions 2024. Work by artists from southern Virginia and the surrounding regions. This showcase of regional talent features an eclectic mix of work from hundreds of artists working in watercolor, oil and acrylic, mixed media, drawing, photography and sculpture. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.

June 1 (thru 29)

Danville Dairy Daddies. 6/1 vs PNV. 6/7 vs WLK. 6/8 vs BUR. 6/20 vs RDV. 6/21 vs. PNV. 6/29 vs. BUR. 7pm. Legion Field, Dan Daniel Park. 434.554.4487.

Live Music. 6/1 The Shoaldiggers; 6/8 Virginia Sweet; 6/14 Will Woodford & Doubleshot; 6/22

MaMa BriBri & The Stranger; 6/28 Slaughter Avenue; 6/29 Stomping Ground. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

June 2 (thru 30)

Live Music. Hosted by Matt Crowder. Sundays 2-6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

June 4

Danville Otterbots Opening Night 6-7pm. Dan Daniel Memorial Park.

June 4 & 6

Legal Aid Workshop. Questions and answers workshop. 6/4 Wills and Advance Directives, 1-2pm; 6/6 Protective Orders 5:30-6:30pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

June 4 (thru 21)

Parks & Rec Outdoors. Junior Naturalists (6/4 & 18) 5:30-6:30pm; Thursday Paddle (6/6 & 20)

6-8pm; Free Fish Friday (6/7) 5-9pm; River Trips: Main Street to Anglers Park (6/8) 8am-4pm; Moonlight Paddle (6/21) 8-9:30pm; River Trips: Anglers Park to Milton, NC (6/22) 8am-4pm. Various Locations. 434.799.5150. Lake Country Artisans Guild Exhibit. Prizery. 434.572.8339.

June 4 (thru 25)

Art with Louise. Wet-on-wet technique of oil painting. Ages 18+. Tuesdays 10am-12pm. Ballou Annex. 434.799.5216.

June 4 (thru 28)

Danville Otterbots. 6/4 & 5 vs Kingsport. 6/11 & 12 vs Bristol. 6/13 & 14 vs Elizabethton. 6/15 &

16 vs Pulaski. 6/22 & 23 vs. Pulaski. 6/27 & 28 vs. Bluefield. 7pm. Legion Field, Dan Daniel Park. 434.554.4487.

June 5

Diabetes Support Group. Learn tips and tricks to help better manage diabetes. Topics will vary. 11am-12pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.

June 6

VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society Presents: Bill Guerrant . Learn helpful tips and hear interesting stories related to genealogy topics. Ages 18+. Registration required. 2-3pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.

June 7

God’s Storehouse Golf Tournament. 10am. Goodyear Golf Club. 434.822.6919. Schoolfield First Fridays - Sock Hop theme. Yoga on the lawn, DJ, bouncy house, food truck, and plenty of free family fun. 5-8pm. Schoolfield Village.

June 7 (thru 22)

MSAC Classes. 6/7 Kids Beach Painting, 2-4pm; 6/8 Barn Quilt Painting, 2-4pm, 6/19 Kids Class TBA, 2-4pm; 6/22 Health Hacks, 2-4pm. $. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017. See ad page 6.

June 8

Kickball Family Event. Concessions, fire and rescue vehicles, bounce houses, Sunset slush cool bus, and more. 10am. Blairs Baptist Church. Car Show. Live music, bake sale, 50/50, silent auction. 1-6pm. American Legion Post 1097. Barnyard Pull - VA Draft Horse & Mule Pull. 3pm. Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex. 434.432.8026. www.theodac.com.

Cruise In. 4pm. Walker’s Roadside Grill. Cruise In. Food, music, 50/50. 4-8pm. Tickles Table. 434.250.1405 or 434.728.0617. Museums Meets Margaritaville. DMFAH. See ad page 11.

Smokestack Improv Night. Stand-Up Comedy and Improvisational Sketch Comedy. 7:30pm. www.thesmokestack.org.

June 8, 28 & 29

Racing. 6/8 - Late Model Stock Cars, Limited Sportsman, Pure Stocks, Hornets, 7pm; 6/28Practice Night and Fan Fest with autographs and more; 6/29 - Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200, 7pm. South Boston Speedway. 434.572.4947. www.southbostonspeedway.com.

June 10

Let’s Make a Scene! Reader’s Theatre Series. Join us, along with Smokestack Theatre Company, to read a role or just read along “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory. Ages 18+. Registration required. Ruby B. Archie Public Library. 434.799.5195.

June 12

Lip Sync Battle. Prizes awarded. Cover Charge. 5:30pm. 2 Witches. 434.793.8255.

June 13

Music at the Market Concert Series. Papa Thump Band. Bring a chair, blanket, and picnic basket for a relaxing evening listening to music. 7-9pm. Community Market-Outdoor Stage. 434.857.3384.

Tossing at the Crossing - Cornhole Tournaments. Coincide with the Music at the Market concert series. Blind draw for partners, players can bring their own bags, prizes awarded. Registration required. 7-9:30pm. Community Market. 434.857.3384.

June 14

Project Imagine Summer Kickoff. Food, music,

games, bouncy house, activities. 4-8pm. Pumpkin Creek Park. Flip Flop Friday. Music by Karlee Ray Band. 6-10pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.

June 15

Children’s Festival. The theme is bubbles. Includes educational activities include inflatables, toddler play zone, sensory tent, caricatures, vendors and concessionaires. 10am- 3pm. Carrington Pavilion. 434.857.3384. Market Square Summer Concert Series. Music by Gump Fiction, food, fun. 7-9pm. Market Square, Reidsville.

June 16

Juneteenth Celebration. Live music, guest speakers, food trucks, craft vendors. 12-6pm. Sharswood Manor Estate.

June 17

The Spirit of Frederick Douglass. Juneteenth performance by poet and author, Nathan M. Richardson, as he portrays the great writer, orator, and abolitionist. Registration required. 6:30-7:30pm. Union Street Pocket Park. 434.799.5195.

June 19

True North Speaker Series - Juneteenth. Local art, black women owned vendors and community services, speaker panel, reception. 4-8:30pm. Thee Arc Family Life Center.

June 20

Coates Lego Lab. Build a scene from your favorite movie. Ages 5-12. 5:30-6:15pm. Coates Rec. Center. 434.799.5150.

June 21, 22 & 23

Danville Kennel Club Agility Trials. 8am-6pm. 434.432.8026. Olde Dominion Agricultural Center.

June 22

Jimmy Buffet Tribute Night. Wine, beer, music, food trucks, and Margarita slushie. 3-8pm. Homeplace Vineyard Amphitheater. 434.432.9463.

VAVibe Pop 2000 Tour. Concert featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town, BBMak, LFO, and Ryan Cabrera. Music begins 4pm. Main performance 8pm. 434.572.8339. Halifax County Fairgrounds, South Boston. Summer Solstice Silent Disco. Music, dancing, brews, wine, and food. 8:30-11:30pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.

June 24

Nonprofit Trivia Night. Test your general trivia knowledge and support local nonprofits. Registration $10/person or $50/team. 6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. Dan River Nonprofit Network - 434.285.2100.

June 28

Fourth Fridays on the Veranda. DMFAH. See ad page 9.

June 29

Art Crawl. Community gathering showcasing local and traveling artists. Featuring works for sale and for appreciation in a variety of mediums including painting, sculpture, and fiber arts. 1-6pm. Old West End Historic District. Greater Vision Concert. 3pm. Grace Fellowship Church, Reidsville. 336.932.8542.

Upcoming

July 5

Schoolfield First Fridays - Free yoga on the lawn, DJ, bouncy house, food vendors, and plenty of free family fun. 5-8pm. Schoolfield Village.

AJessica Driver grew up surrounded by creative and outside-of-the-box thinkers. Her parents were both avid “scrappers” who regularly sought out and found unwanted items and, seeing the potential in them, turned them into something new and loved. Her cousins, too, with whom she was raised, were and are, all of them, artists in their own way and are actively engaged in sharing and supporting their work and their creative processes with each other. Amidst this atmosphere, Jessica was bound to be a creative herself and has found herself constantly in the position to learn new skills and to develop her own talents.

Collage

Inside OWE Arts & Culture

Exhibit: Jessica Driver

by Val-Rae Lindenau

Jessica is a Virginia Master Naturalist and Master Gardener with experience as a zookeeper at an animal refuge. She is also a regular volunteer for the Dan River Basin Association and Camp Selah. Conservation and naturalism are in her blood; they advise the way she lives, how she works, and how she creates, and all three are intricately interlinked. Jessica is often involved with park cleanups, where she not only collects trash but also educates others on the importance of caring for our natural resources. And it is in the process of these cleanups that Jessica collects the resources for her creative works.

“My inspiration is breathing new life into things discarded and found during my trash cleanups,” she tells us. During her cleanups, Jessica collects bits of plastic and glass, aluminum from cans,

Her own artistic pursuits took a more invested turn when her friend, Sonya, began digging up old and unusual bottles. Jessica took an interest in these and began to think about what might be done with them. Sonya challenged her to find some creative purpose for them, and so Jessica, accepting the challenge, turned them into a wall hanging, and the creative ideas just kept coming after that.

and anything else that catches her imagination. Once her items are separated from that which she throws away and recycles, a long process of cleaning begins. She first bleaches the items, then hand washes them thoroughly. Once they are clean and dry, she cuts them into useable sizes and desirable shapes and then she designs jewelry and art pieces from the items, often inspired by things she sees posted on Pinterest where she herself has an account under The Nonstop Naturalist. Jessica sells the items she creates at River District Artisans, Main Street Art Collective, and Kirby Gallery in Roxboro. This spring she will begin offering her items at the South Boston Farmers Market. With the money she earns from her creations, she purchases outreach materials, things like trash grabbers, gloves, and other items she needs while volunteering for the Dan River Basin Association and Camp Selah.

“The need to create is in all of us, and the need for beauty is eternal,” Jessica says. She sees art as an integral part of Danville’s revitalization. She would like to see more opportunities for community involvement in the arts and hopes her work inspires people to reduce their waste, to recycle, upcycle, and to find creative

and practical ways to be better stewards of our community.

If you wish to learn more about Jessica and her mission to encourage all to embrace Virginia’s wild beauty, you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at the Nonstop Naturalist, or at her website nonstopnaturalist.wixsite.com/ my-site. Be sure to visit Main Street Art Collective and River District Artisans to check out her work.

OWE Arts & Culture exists to highlight the diverse range of talent among Danville’s creative community and to provide opportunities for that community to come together.

photos courtesy of Jessica Driver

Bluets

by Mack Williams

Now that we’ve reached the month in which spring departs and summer debuts, let me tell you my thoughts of a little flower which began this spring season. This flower is an annual, but giving lasting, perennial pleasure in its sighting.

In contrast to the slow, green rise of the daffodil stalks above the ground, taking time to reach blooming height, after which follows the equally slow, teasing time of the bud’s opening into flower, a variety of tiny flower seems to be: ALL-OF-A-SUDDEN, THERE!

Though I can think of many present places in which this yearly “tiny flower phenomenon” is presented, I can think of no better place (probably, because I frequently walk there) than Danville’s Ballou Park.

As a child, I asked my mother of that little flower’s name; and after thinking a minute, she said,

“Johnny Jump-Ups!”

I know now that their real name is “bluets,” but in some walledoff section of my mind, in my mother’s memory, I still refer to them as “Johnny Jump-Ups,” but never in speech.

A church friend told me she used to call them “Forget-MeNots.” To me, this emphasizes just how many varieties of “little blue flowers” there are, lending confusion as to which is which.

Instead of a five-pointed star pattern, like many flowers, the “bluet” flower consists of four petals in a cross-like arrangement. Starting at the outer edge, its petals are pale blue, trailing into white, and becoming yellow at flower’s center. The bluets’ center looks dark like a sunspot, in adjacent comparison to that “sunyellow.”

The name “bluets” reminds me of the name of those tiny blue butterflies I would tell the school children about when I worked at the Danville Science Center. Those butterflies have wings not much bigger than the diminutive bluets’ petals. The common name of those butterflies is “blues.”

“Bluets” and “blues” are suitable, simple names for such delicate, “elemental” things of the plant and insect world. They seem so elemental they should be honored with places on the Periodic Table (of elements). Those one-syllable names are surely simpler than their defining Latin names in the journals of botany and entomology.

Whenever I first see them, the bluets seem to have sprung straight from the soil already in full bloom! I’ve never yet seen a single one of their unopened flower buds atop one of their spindly little stalks. To have appeared so suddenly, I get the feeling their blooms must have been hurried on, via the moon by night, and, of course, via the sun by day. It’s as if the bluet flower, fully open and pristine below the ground, rose from the earth, its petals un-smudged by the soil through which it dug itself out of the earth.

The article, which I googled, said, “Bluets grow in small clumps in open woods, with somewhat moist, usually acidic soils.”

Also, “Their habitat can be rocky, but moist soil, some moss with them, or semi-forest shade.”

These descriptions of the bluets’ habitat are familiar to me, not through prior reading, but through prior experience, long ago.

They describe the yard in which a little boy grew up, a yard with “rocky, but moist soil, some moss with them, or semi-forest shade.”

The little bluets’ growth conditions were my “growth conditions” as well!

Google said, “Bluets are an early source of nectar and pollen for tiny worker and sweat bees.”

So, just as early in “my season,” the bluets “nourished” me.

PAIN? KNEE

Jamie Gilbert has not always been the bold and outgoing human being she is today. She was quite shy in her youth. It was her mother who encouraged her to step out of her shell and try something new when signing up for her middle school electives. Her mom told her she should sign up for drama class and though she was reluctant, Gilbert took the plunge and went for it, having no idea that her seemingly small choice would have a grand impact on the rest of her life. She continued drama classes throughout middle and high school, as well as joining the drama club. Her high school theatre teacher inspired Gilbert to go to college for theatre and even teach theatre herself, and that she did. In 2020, Gilbert graduated with a BFA in musical theatre from Ferrum College and became the drama teacher at O.T. Bonner Middle School in Danville, VA.

Being a part of the theatre world for so long, Gilbert has performed and directed many shows. When asked what her favorite part of putting on a production was, she shared that “As a director, it is seeing it all come together. There is something so satisfying about seeing my students’ faces and

Action! Inside the Method of Acting Jamie Gilbert

by Emily Wilkerson photos courtesy of Jaime Gilbert

energy when they know they have done an amazing job. All the blood, sweat, and tears are worth it to see them proud of what they have done.” As an actor, Gilbert gets the most satisfaction out of hearing from the complete strangers in the audience about how her performance moved them to tears or made them laugh so hard their sides hurt. She says, “It is the highest compliment I can ever be paid.”

Whether comic or tragic, there is a lot of work that goes behind creating a character. Gilbert has a rather extensive process for this. She says, “I do a lot of research. I watch other actors in the role. I read any articles or interviews with playwrights/directors/actors I can find. I like creating a vision or mood board for the character. I also make sure I can answer any question about my character... creating as much detail as possible about a character that isn’t always specified in the text. I do this for lead roles and ensemble roles. It definitely helps bring characters to life.” The hardest thing for Gilbert is making sure all the thought and work she has done behind the scenes shows through in her performance and that the audience clearly understands the character’s intentions and motivations.

For Gilbert, there is one show in particular that was a special experience. SpongeBob the Musical. Silly as it sounds, it was for good reason. Gilbert got to share the stage with one of her students for the first time. “I taught Kloe Marshall my first two years of teaching (this is year three now). I took her to audition with me. She and I ended up playing the Electric Skates. It was wonderful to see Kloe in her first “adult production.” I was happy to share that experience with her.”

Gilbert always knew she wanted to be a teacher. But it wasn’t until high school when teaching theatre specifically became the clear vision. Now she cannot imagine teaching anything else.

“My favorite part is watching them grow. Not just grow on stage, but in their social and personal lives as well. I have had students who barely talk to me in the beginning of the year become more confident in themselves and more social and make friends on and off the stage.” Gilbert spends all day inspiring her students and hopes the inspiration translates to others to try acting as well. Whether speaking to her students or a potential thespian, her advice is the same. “Fully commit to whatever you are doing! Show up to rehearsal, go for that role you want, don’t be afraid to look silly and step outside of your comfort zone, and always ask for help when you need it.”

THE POET’S CORNER Uneven

by Barry Koplen

photo by Barry Koplen

She didn’t know the Doobie Brothers’ anthem, Long Train Runnin’. Its gut-punching question, Without love, where would you be now? captures the reality of our love, as if caring were a necklace she dons on occasion. I grit my teeth as I hear the song’s refrain.

About Barry’s Writing:

I spent years finding my style and improving it. That will always remain a challenge. Language must be pertinent, cohesive, and energetic in order to captivate readers. Simple sentences are just as important as longer complex sentences. A well-functioning vocabulary is

essential. So is honesty.

As for poetry, that will always be one of the most challenging of the verbal arts. Poetry writing can humble any writer; knowing that has made me measure myself as a poet by this thought: a poet is only as good as the next poem he or she writes.

Thanks to Eric Chou, an amazing Chinese author (and ‘second’ father to me), I learned the most important lesson about becoming a bona fide writer: writing has to be done every day That has been my golden rule.

Send Barry a note at barry@ evincemagazine.com

Scene: Late on a dark night, a blue minivan hauling a closed, rented trailer pulls in to get gas, coffee, and snacks under the bright lights of a truck stop just off the interstate highway in mountainous western Virginia.

Cleo (turning off the car, unsnapping her seat belt, opening the door): Thank goodness. Time to stop and stretch. Hard to believe we’ve driven from Indiana today. Cold out here.

Joe (looking around): Pretty run down. Pavement crumbling. Store lights extend just to the truck stop edge. Inky blackness swallows everything beyond that.

C: You’re still my favorite husband with your graying hair and cute smile. Want to fill up the tank or wash the windows?

J: Don’t care, you choose. And, I’m your only husband for the last 43 years. We both look the same as we did when we met: tall, athletic, happy. Though you’ve acquired more hobbies.

C: You trained all of us when our boys were little. Whoever’s driving fills up the car. The others get window and oil duty. And “yes” to the hobbies, most notably, writing.

J: I’ll wash windows. …There, front one’s done.

C: (putting the gas nozzle in the tank): Good to reaffirm the duty roster. I’ll fill up the car.

J: Good to know you’ve got a car plan. Oil needs to be checked. We’re dragging a heavy load, physical and emotional, in that trailer. Speaking of which, that writing hobby is a drag on our time when we’re home.

C: Regarding the trailer, yes, a heavy load. We brought back too many of dead Janet’s things. I quit making so many hard donation decisions when we rented the trailer. I thought I could eventually give stuff away to her friends.

J: I can’t believe she’s gone and that we’re bringing back an oldlady-scented bed to remember her by.

C: You wanted it. Make your bed and lie in it. But only after I sanitize it.

J: Just finished the back windshield. I’ll check the oil next.

C: “Oil” right. Onward to the restroom.

J: Cinnamon rolls smell enticing. I got that and my drink.

C: I got decaf coffee for the road. Ready?

J: Let’s get in the check-out line.

C: Look at the counter attendant. Shhh…

J: Stocky woman. Nose ring. Gender neutral look.

C: Black hair, shaved in a buzz cut on one side, bright pink chinlength sweep on the other.

J: Nametag says … Tammy.

Tammy (speaking loudly): Welcome to Dark Nights Top of the World Truck Stop!

C: (looking around): There are other customers ahead of us. Were you talking to me?

T: Yes. The good lighting in here helps me see better. The aura shines in a different color.

J: The aura?

T: (nodding in Cleo’s direction): Coming out of her.

J: (blankly): Her…Who?

J: (pointing at Cleo): Her. Your female companion. Tall, light, happy lines.

C: … Me? I’m Cleo.

T: I’m Tammy.

J: Pleased to meet you.

T: I’ll bet you do something in the Arts, Cleo. Do you paint? Sketch? Draw?

C: No.

T: But you do something in the Arts. Let’s see … writer?

C: Yes. How do you know?

T: Besides your aura? It’s how you look. Your style.

C: Flannel shirt and sweat pants?

T: Not the clothes. It’s what you project.

C: You know this how?

T: I’m an empath. I look into people. See their light.

C: Their light?

T: Your aura. I see it. You wrap him in it: The guy who’s with you … and others.

C: I do?

T: People read what you write. You wrap them in it. They feel better.

C: Who are you, again?

T: Name tag says Tammy, but you can call me anything except Done.

C: “Done?”

T: Now, why did I say “Done?” … Wait. That’s on your mind. You have a good aura. You’re not done. Don’t think you’re done.

C: Not done?

T: You’re not done. Don’t stop. Keep going.

C: …What?

T: You have more to do. The customers ahead of you are parting like a zipper. Unzipping what’s next. That doesn’t happen often. Come to the counter.

C: Uh …

T: That’ll be $11.54. The reading is free.

J: Reading?

T: Should’ve said, the reading is on the Dark Nights Top of the World Truck Stop. See? Nice

The Encounter

by Linda Lemery

C: It’s bright inside this truck stop.

things can happen in the dark.

*

J: Since we’re now outside, I have to ask. What was that?

C: (shrugging): No idea. Can’t make this stuff up. But whatever it was, I don’t think I’m giving up writing. Not yet.

J: Nope. Not after witnessing that. Wouldn’t ask it for the world.

About the author: Linda Lemery llemery@ gmail.com welcomes reader comments. The names in this piece have been changed for anonymity.

Movies You Missed from 20 years ago

by Josh Lucia

Spider-Man 2 (7/10 Rating)

Released June 30, 2004

Streaming on Disney+

For rent/purchase on all major platforms.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi PG-13: Stylized action violence 2h 7m

Spider-Man 2 is probably not a Movie You Missed, but given the rise of superhero movies over the last 20 years and the return of Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man: No Way Home, I wanted to revisit

this one. When these films were released, there was nothing like them. We had the X-Men movies and a handful of other comic book movies, but nothing as visually stunning as watching this iconic character swing through New York. Having rewatched Spider-Man before this sequel, one thing that stands out the most is how similar the plots are. Scientist lets his experiment go too far, accidentally alters his mind and body to become the villain, captures Mary Jane, has a big fight with Spider-man where his

own creation causes his demise, the end. That said, Doc Ock is really cool to see come to life and the train sequence is one of the best action sequences ever made, in my opinion. We also get some nice tributes to Director Sam Raimi’s own The Evil Dead series. Danny Elfman’s score is much of the same from the first film, but as with most of this movie, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. We get a little more story development between Mary Jane, Peter Parker, Harry Osbourne, and Aunt May. Most of the non-action plot revolves around Peter dealing with balancing his two personalities and how it affects those closest to him. They do set up for the third film, particularly with Harry Osbourne becoming a villain, but then there are a few things that never paid off in future films like astronaut John Jameson’s shuttle bringing Venom to Earth or the introduction of Dr. Conners who becomes The Lizard. Unfortunately, each sequel made less at the box office than the original and this series ended and has been rebooted twice.

However, the nostalgia of this film series made it back to the big screen when all three versions of Spider-Man came together thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was quite a moment for those of us that have grown up with these films. Looking back on Spider-Man 2 reminds me how much these movies were made for kids of all ages. There is a bit of cheesiness and innocence, even in the darker moments and it is a much easier movie to show to young children than Tim Burton’s Batman, Bryan Singer’s X-Men, or even some of the more recent comic book movies. Maybe this is not a Movie You Missed, but show your kids these movies along with the Andrew Garfield series and it is sure to pay off when they watch the latest Tom Holland movies.

Also released in June 2004: Napoleon Dynamite, White Chicks, The Notebook, The Terminal, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, Garfield: The Movie, The Chronicles of Riddick (follow @jlucia85 for these reviews and more)

No Sugar Added?

by Dave Slayton

Once, while working in a wine shop, I was told that one regular customer had an adverse reaction in their GI tract after consuming a wellknown domestic Pinot Noir. The same customer reacted differently after consuming a European brand of Pinot Noir. I tried to find the sugar content in the national brand. Still, after seeing something online, I called the corporate office but was told they keep that information private.

Recently, I came across an enlightening article by Tim Edison on the blog, Wine Turtle. “Sugar in Wine: Just How Much Sugar is in Wine?” delved into the topic of sugar in wine. Edison explains, “In wine, sugar refers to the natural sugars found in grapes, which are converted into alcohol during fermentation.” This natural sugar content, a key element of wine, can vary significantly due to various factors, such as the grape variety, the climate, and the winemaking techniques employed.

In the most traditional scenario, yeast is added to the grape juice in a process known as fermentation. The yeast consumes the sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

But not all of these sugars are fermented. Those that remain after fermentation are usually called residual sugar.

In winemaking, sugar can also be added artificially during fermentation, a practice known as chaptalization. This doesn’t necessarily make the wine sweet. Instead, it increases the potential alcohol content in the final product, as the added sugar is typically fully converted to alcohol during fermentation. Chaptalization usually is not used in areas with a comparatively long growing season. I have heard this process is illegal in California and in the southern European countries of Spain, Italy, and Greece. In areas further north, like Germany, regulators may allow chaptalization occasionally but for tiny amounts of sugar.

It’s worth noting that there is no legal requirement for winemakers to disclose the amount of residual sugar in their wines. However, I believe that those who choose to do so voluntarily are champions of transparency in the industry. To these winemakers, I raise a glass and applaud their openness.

Cheers!

photo by Dave Slayton